Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross rental income increased by 11% and net rental income rose by 10% [2][3] - Portfolio valuation grew by 11%, marking the first valuation gain since H1 2017 [3][21] - Earnings per share remained flat at 9.9p, with EPRA earnings reported at £48 million [3][21] - The interim dividend was increased by 5%, reflecting the Board's confidence in future earnings growth [4][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Like-for-like gross rental income increased by 54%, with like-for-like net rental income up 54% as well [4] - Like-for-like leasing volume rose by 13%, with leasing value up by 3% [5][37] - Strong leasing performance in Ireland was noted, with expectations for further growth in the second half [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company welcomed 79 million visitors in the first half, an increase of 1 million from the previous year [6] - Group like-for-like sales were up 1%, with Q2 showing a 2% increase [7][11] - Footfall in Birmingham increased by 5% in H1, strengthening to 8% in Q2 [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on active asset management and repositioning, with a strategy termed "lease up to rent up" [5][36] - Recent acquisitions, including Bullring and Grand Central, are expected to enhance income streams and support growth [8][17] - The company has a clear capital allocation strategy aimed at maximizing opportunities to unlock value [8][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued strong earnings growth, supported by high demand for retail space [4][19] - The outlook for 2026 and 2027 remains positive, with expected GRI growth of around 15% in 2026 [17][30] - The company is leveraging AI analytics to enhance customer and occupier understanding, which is expected to drive future growth [35] Other Important Information - The company reported a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 7.8 times, with a loan-to-value ratio of 35% [22][28] - The acquisition of Bullring and Grand Central is expected to be immediately 4% earnings accretive [14] - The company has significant potential for future developments, with a GDV potential of around £5.2 billion from various projects [43] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the impact of the recent acquisitions on earnings? - The acquisition of Bullring and Grand Central is expected to be immediately 4% earnings accretive, with a minimal dilution effect [14] Question: How does the company plan to manage its capital allocation? - The company has a disciplined approach to capital allocation, focusing on high-yielding assets and strategic land monetization [8][40] Question: What are the expectations for future growth in GRI and NRI? - The company has raised its guidance for GRI growth to around 17% for the year, up from a previous estimate of 10% [30]

Financial Performance - Gross rental income (GRI) increased by 11% to £105 million, compared to £94 million in the previous year[38] - Net rental income (NRI) increased by 10% to £80 million, compared to £73 million in the previous year[38] - The company's property valuation increased by 11% to £2,956 million, compared to £2,659 million at the end of the previous year[38] - Like-for-like (LfL) GRI increased by 5% and LfL NRI increased by 4%[13] - EPRA earnings per share were flat at 9.9p, but the dividend per share increased by 5% to 7.94p[38] Acquisition and Redeployment - The company acquired Bullring and Grand Central for a net cash consideration of £319 million, expecting an additional annualised NRI of £22 million[15] - The acquisition is expected to result in a 4% EPS accretion[15] - £321 million was deployed at an average destination yield of 8.5%[13] Portfolio and Leasing - The company has a development portfolio of £293 million, with a gross development value (GDV) of approximately £5.5 billion[13] - Leasing activity shows positive spreads, with deals signed 45% higher than previous passing rent and 13% higher than estimated rental value (ERV)[13] - Occupancy increased from 94% to 95% year-over-year[13] Outlook and Strategy - The company upgraded its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting total GRI growth of approximately 17% and EPRA earnings of approximately £102 million[27] - The company is focused on a clear capital allocation strategy, including redevelopment, repositioning, and capital recycling[13] - The company aims for GRI growth of 4-6% CAGR, EPRA EPS growth of 6-8% CAGR, and DPS growth of 6-8% CAGR[87]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross rental income increased by 11% and net rental income rose by 10% [3][4] - Portfolio valuation grew by 11%, marking the first valuation gain since H1 2017 [3][20] - Earnings per share remained flat, but the acquisition of Bullring and Grand Central is expected to replace the loss from the disposal of Value Retail [3][4] - EPRA earnings were GBP 48 million, with earnings per share at 9.9p, consistent with the previous year [20][21] - The total property return was 4%, with an income return of 3% and a capital return of 1% [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Like-for-like gross rental income and net rental income increased by 54% respectively [4] - UK gross rental income rose by 9% and net rental income by 8% [4] - Like-for-like leasing volume was up 13% and leasing value increased by 3% [5][36] - Like-for-like net rental income in Cabot Circus grew by 24% in the first half [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Footfall increased to 79 million visitors in the first half, up by 1 million from last year [6] - Group like-for-like sales were up 1%, with Q2 showing a 2% increase [7] - UK like-for-like values increased by 1%, while Ireland saw a 2% increase [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on active asset management and leasing, shifting from merely filling space to driving rents up [5][33] - A clear capital allocation strategy is in place to maximize opportunities and unlock value [8][40] - The company is investing in AI analytics to enhance customer and occupier understanding, which strengthens its negotiating position [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued strong earnings growth, with demand for space at an all-time high [4][15] - The guidance for 2025 has been raised, expecting total gross rental income growth of around 17% [15][28] - The outlook for 2026 and 2027 remains positive, with expected GRI and NRI growth in line with the medium-term financial framework [16][28] Other Important Information - The acquisition of Bullring and Grand Central is expected to be immediately 4% earnings accretive [12][13] - The company has a strong balance sheet with net debt to EBITDA at 7.8 times and LTV at 35% [21][26] - The company has realized €26 million from Leeds Eastgate land at a 23% premium to book value [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the impact of the acquisition of Bullring and Grand Central on earnings? - The acquisition is expected to be immediately 4% earnings accretive with minimal dilution [12][13] Question: How does the company plan to drive future growth? - The company plans to drive growth through active asset management, targeting leasing, repositioning, and asset enhancement [44]

VANCOUVER, BC, July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lithium South Development Corporation (the "Company" or "Lithium South") (TSX-V: LIS) (OTCQB: LISMF) (Frankfurt: OGPQ) is announcing that on July 22, 2025, in Salta, Argentina, it entered into a Letter of Intent ("LOI"), for the purchase of the 100 % owned Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project, the 100% owned Sophia 1, 2 and 3 concessions and the Hydra X and Hydra XI concessions which are under a Purchase Option (July 23, 2025 news release). The combined concession ...

Company Overview - Horace Mann (HMN) is headquartered in Springfield and has experienced a price change of 3.44% this year [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.35 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.45%, which is significantly higher than the Insurance - Multi line industry's yield of 1.8% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.52% [3] Dividend Performance - The current annualized dividend of Horace Mann is $1.40, reflecting a 2.9% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past 5 years, the company has increased its dividend 5 times, achieving an average annual increase of 3.20% [4] - The current payout ratio is 38%, indicating that the company paid out 38% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts earnings of $3.99 per share, representing a 25.47% increase from the previous year [5] - The company is positioned as a strong dividend play, appealing to income investors due to its solid earnings growth expectations [6] Investment Considerations - Established firms with secure profits are typically viewed as the best dividend options, while high-growth businesses often do not offer dividends [6] - Horace Mann is considered a compelling investment opportunity, not only for its strong dividend yield but also due to its current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6]

Core Insights - The Zacks Insurance industry is positioned for growth due to improved pricing, prudent underwriting, and exposure growth [1] - The insurance industry has outperformed the Finance sector and the S&P 500 composite in year-to-date returns [2] Industry Performance - The insurance industry has returned 5.9% year-to-date, surpassing the Finance sector's growth of 4.6% and the S&P 500's appreciation of 0.8% [2] Market Trends - Global commercial insurance rates decreased by 3% in Q1 2025, marking the third consecutive quarterly decline after seven years of increases [3][8] - Despite recent pricing pressures, gross premiums are projected to grow sixfold to exceed $722 billion by 2030 [3][5][8] Catastrophe Losses - Catastrophe losses are driving policy renewal rates, with a reported 3% rise in commercial insurance rates and a 4.9% increase in personal lines in Q1 2025 [5] - Estimated insurance market losses from recent fires in Los Angeles range between $35 billion and $45 billion [4] Technological Investments - Insurers are heavily investing in technology to enhance margins, efficiency, and operational scale, with a projected $4.7 billion in annual global premiums from AI-related insurance by 2032 [11] - The use of advanced technologies like blockchain and AI is expected to significantly reduce costs and improve operational efficiencies [11] Mergers and Acquisitions - A solid capital level supports insurers in pursuing strategic mergers and acquisitions, with the insurance deals market expected to be active in 2025 [10] - Companies engaging in M&A deals valued over $100 million have outperformed the wider market by 1.5 percentage points [10] Growth Stocks - Companies like EverQuote, Horace Mann Educators, Root, and HCI Group are identified as potential growth stocks due to their solid fundamentals and growth prospects [12][14] - EverQuote is leveraging exclusive data assets and technology for long-term growth, with earnings estimates suggesting significant year-over-year growth [15][16] - Horace Mann Educators is expected to benefit from niche focus and improved product offerings, with strong earnings growth projected [17][18] - Root is positioned for growth through its direct-to-consumer model and mobile applications, with substantial revenue and earnings growth estimates [20][21] - HCI Group is engaged in diverse business activities, with strong growth projections for revenues and earnings [22][23]

Core Viewpoint - Horace Mann (HMN) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][2]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Movement - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [3][5]. - Institutional investors utilize earnings estimates to determine the fair value of stocks, leading to buying or selling actions that affect stock prices [3]. Company Performance and Outlook - The upgrade for Horace Mann indicates an improvement in the company's underlying business, which is expected to positively influence its stock price [4]. - Analysts project that Horace Mann will earn $4.01 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 26.1% [7]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [6]. - Only the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks receive a 'Strong Buy' rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions [8][9].

Summary of Horace Mann Educators (HMN) 2025 Investor Day Company Overview - **Company**: Horace Mann Educators (HMN) - **Industry**: Financial services focused on educators, including insurance and retirement solutions - **Event**: 2025 Investor Day held on May 13, 2025 Key Points and Arguments 1. **Company History and Future Outlook**: Horace Mann has a rich history of 80 years serving educators, which positions the company well for future growth. The company aims to leverage its experience to drive sustainable, profitable growth in the coming years [6][7][8] 2. **Target Market**: The company currently services approximately 1 million out of 8 million public K-12 educators in the U.S., with a broader potential market of around 14 million educators. This indicates significant growth opportunities [17][18] 3. **Growth Strategy**: The growth strategy is centered around three levers: - **Do More of What Works**: Increase penetration in existing markets where the company already has a presence [18] - **Expand Geographically**: Enter new districts and scale operations quickly [18] - **Test and Learn**: Explore new segments and refine approaches based on market feedback [18] 4. **Financial Performance**: The company reported strong earnings in 2024, with a return on equity (ROE) exceeding 10%. The first quarter of 2025 also set records for the company, indicating robust financial health [19][20] 5. **Product Diversification**: The multi-line model of Horace Mann provides earnings diversification, reducing volatility and enhancing overall financial stability. The company offers tailored products for educators, including auto and homeowner's insurance, life insurance, and retirement plans [11][20] 6. **Customer Engagement**: The company emphasizes understanding educators' unique needs, such as student loan debt, and provides solutions that go beyond traditional product offerings. This includes access to state and federal programs for debt reduction [14][15] 7. **Innovative Marketing Strategies**: Horace Mann utilizes integrated omnichannel marketing strategies, allowing educators to engage through various platforms, including local agents, call centers, and digital channels. This flexibility enhances customer experience and satisfaction [63][64] 8. **Payroll Integration**: The company has established over 45,000 payroll integrations with schools, facilitating automatic payments for policies. This system increases retention and participation rates among educators [72][76] 9. **Technological Advancements**: The launch of the in-house CRM system, Catalyst, enhances lead generation and agent efficiency, contributing to overall growth [77][78] 10. **Market Positioning**: Horace Mann positions itself as a leading financial service provider for educators, focusing on delivering value through tailored products and exceptional service [44][92] Additional Important Content - **Economic Resilience**: The company has navigated various economic cycles successfully, indicating a strong foundation and adaptability in changing market conditions [23] - **Regulatory Preparedness**: Horace Mann is well-prepared to work with educators regardless of regulatory changes, leveraging strong state and local relationships [25][26] - **Commitment to Educators**: The company emphasizes its dedication to supporting educators, which is reflected in its product offerings and community engagement initiatives [45][46] This summary encapsulates the key insights and strategic directions discussed during the Horace Mann Educators 2025 Investor Day, highlighting the company's commitment to growth and service excellence in the education sector.

Financial Performance & Goals - Horace Mann achieved a core earnings per share of $3.40 and a core return on equity of 9.4% in 2024 [34] - The company is on track to deliver record full-year core earnings in 2025, with Q1 core earnings per share at $1.07 and a core return on equity of 10.6% [36] - Horace Mann aims for a 10%+ core ROE in 2025 and a 12%-13% core ROE as a 3-year goal [149, 162] - The company anticipates strong free cash flow generation of +75% [149] - Horace Mann projects core earnings per share guidance of $3.85 to $4.15 [149] Market Position & Strategy - Horace Mann is the largest multiline financial services company focused on America's educators [9, 14] - The company has $14.4 billion in assets and $1.6 billion in net premium and contract deposits for 2024 [13] - Horace Mann currently serves almost half of K-12 school locations in the United States [13] - The company estimates it should capture ~2-4% of HHs, with HM's annual share of P&C switchers between 45,000 – 90,000 [62] Growth Initiatives - Horace Mann aims to improve penetration of educator households they currently access, gain access to educator households where they have no local agent footprint, and explore adjacent markets [31, 96] - The company plans to leverage a company-led entry model (B2B2C) to accelerate growth in new territories [64, 122] - Horace Mann intends to double the number of local agents to better meet client needs [103]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a core EPS of $1.70 for Q1 2025, a significant increase compared to the prior year, marking a record first quarter [6] - Core earnings reached $45 million or $1.07 per share, reflecting a 73% increase over the prior year [19] - Total net written premiums and contract deposits increased by 7%, with total revenues up by 8% [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Property and Casualty segment showed strong performance with a combined ratio of 89.4%, improving by 10.5 points over the prior year [7] - In Life and Retirement, earnings were below the prior year primarily due to higher mortality, which was within expected actuarial ranges [8] - Individual Supplemental and Group Benefits segment earnings slightly increased, with net written premiums of $67.6 million, a 5% increase over the prior year [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Individual supplemental sales surged by 61%, while auto sales increased by 8% and annuity net contract deposits rose by 6% [10] - The company experienced a 40% increase in website visitors, contributing to strong new business sales [11] - The auto rate increase of 14.5% in California went into effect in mid-April, with a property increase of nearly 20% set for July 1 [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve a shareholder return on equity above 10% for 2025, focusing on sustained profitable growth [6][16] - Investments in omnichannel distribution capabilities are expected to drive continued growth and profitability [10] - The company is committed to supporting educators and local communities, as highlighted by their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong financial foundation and ability to navigate macroeconomic uncertainties [15] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in the second quarter, despite historical trends indicating it is typically the highest quarter for catastrophe costs [38] - Management emphasized the importance of their multiline business model in delivering consistent earnings across various economic environments [29] Other Important Information - The company reported a total net investment income of $116 million, a 10% increase over the prior year [9] - The annualized pretax investment yield on the portfolio was 5.09%, with core new money yields at 5.51% [27] - The company has returned $7 million to shareholders through share repurchases year-to-date [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you talk about the run rate earnings power of the Life and the Supplemental Group Benefits segments? - Management indicated that the Life and Retirement business experienced a mortality blip, but overall performance is expected to normalize [33] Question: Could you talk about the cat activity in Q2 2025 year to date and also remind us how we should account for seasonality going into the second quarter? - Management noted that Q1 saw California wildfires with an ultimate loss of $3.7 million, and they expect the second quarter to be their heaviest for catastrophe costs historically [36][38] Question: Were there any new school districts added that drove the growth in individual supplemental distribution? - Management confirmed that there were no new districts added, attributing growth to strong activity from benefit specialists [41] Question: Is there any consideration for increasing reserves for supplemental group benefits products due to macro deterioration? - Management stated that current utilization trends do not indicate a need for increased reserves, and they remain confident in their expectations for group benefits [49][50]