Figure 1 JB Eeyou Istchee-Mines-projects Figure 2 Caniapisc Au Project Figure 3 Gold Anomalies (Rocks) 2025 Figure 4 Caniapisc Au Area new Projects MONTREAL, Sept. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Midland Exploration Inc. (“Midland”) (TSX-V: MD) is pleased to announce the start of a follow-up exploration program on its new discovery of gold, zinc, and silver on its Caniapisc Au project, in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay and Caniapiscau regions. Midland is also pleased to announce map designation ...

Core Insights - Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. (MD) has achieved a year-to-date gain of 29.6%, significantly outperforming the industry average decline of 3% [1][8] - The company has a market capitalization of $1.5 billion and a forward P/E ratio of 9.46, which is lower than the industry average of 14.90 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Pediatrix Medical's 2025 earnings is $1.78 per share, reflecting a 17.9% year-over-year increase, with revenues estimated at $1.9 billion [3] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, same-unit revenues rose by 6.4% year-over-year, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.4% [5] - The company has increased its adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2025 to a range of $245 million to $255 million, up from the previous range of $220 million to $240 million [6] - Total operating expenses decreased by 38.2% year-over-year to $409 million in Q2 2025, with expectations of a nearly 19.2% decline in 2025 [6] Growth Drivers - Growth is driven by strong same-unit revenue gains, improved neonatology patient volumes, stable payor mix, and higher hospital contract administrative fees [4] - The company is focusing on core hospital-based services, particularly in maternal-fetal medicine, neonatology, obstetrics, and pediatric subspecialties [7] Share Repurchase Program - In the first half of 2025, Pediatrix Medical repurchased common shares worth $1.8 million, with an additional $1.1 million remaining authorized for repurchase [7] - A new share repurchase program of $250 million was authorized in August 2025 [7] Debt and Financial Ratios - As of June 30, 2025, the company had a net debt of $607.5 million, significantly higher than its cash balance of $224.7 million [8][9] - The long-term debt-to-capital ratio stands at 41.2%, above the industry average of 39.9% [9]

Figure 1 James Bay Eeyou Istchee-Mines-Projects Figure 2 2025 Gold Values Location (Rocks) Figure 3 Location of 2025 Au+Metals (Rocks) Values Figure 4 Location of 2025 Au+Metals (Rocks) Values Figure 5 Manganese in Rocks Figure 6 Au and Metals in Soils Figure 7 Zinc in Soils Figure 8 2025 Gold Anomalies (Rocks) Figure 9 2025 Gold Anomalie ...

Market Overview - The market received a boost from Fed Chair Jerome Powell's Jackson Hole speech, indicating potential rate cuts as early as September, leading to a 1.5% rally in the S&P 500 [1][10] - Powell's acknowledgment of persistent inflation, coupled with a focus on job growth, reassured investors about the Fed's readiness to intervene if economic momentum slows [1][10] - By the end of the week, traders raised their bets on a September rate cut, with odds exceeding 90% [1] Investor Sentiment - Investors interpreted Powell's remarks as a sign that tariff-related inflation is viewed as temporary, not a long-term concern, which has fueled optimism in equities [2][10] - With falling treasury yields and a returning risk appetite, equities are expected to continue gaining in the upcoming weeks [2] Stock Recommendations - Recommended stocks based on relative price strength include Pediatrix Medical Group (MD), Enova International (ENVA), Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM), SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW), and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM) [3][10] Stock Analysis Strategy - Investors should assess stocks based on earnings growth and valuation multiples, while also considering their performance relative to industry peers or benchmarks [4] - Underperforming stocks should be avoided, while those outperforming their sectors in price should be prioritized for potential returns [5] - Stocks that have outperformed the S&P 500 over the past 1 to 3 months and have solid fundamentals are ideal candidates for investment [6] Earnings Estimates - Positive estimate revisions for upcoming earnings are crucial; upward revisions typically lead to additional price gains [7] - Screening parameters include relative price changes over various time frames and positive current-quarter estimate revisions [8] Zacks Rank and Stock Performance - Only Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks, which have historically outperformed the S&P 500, are considered for investment [9] - Specific stocks highlighted include: - **Pediatrix Medical Group (MD)**: Market cap of $1.5 billion, 51.8% share price increase over the past year, and a 9.3% upward revision in earnings estimates [11][12] - **Enova International (ENVA)**: Market cap of $2.9 billion, 37.4% share price increase, and a 32.4% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [13][14] - **Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM)**: Market cap not specified, 107.7% share price increase, and a 20.7% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [15] - **SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW)**: Market cap of $4.8 billion, 60.4% share price increase, and a 28.1% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [16] - **Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM)**: Market cap of $69 billion, 66% share price increase, and a 62.2% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [17][18]

Core Insights - Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. has authorized a $250 million share repurchase program, supported by strong cash generation with $245 million in operating cash flow over the past 12 months, reflecting an 18.4% year-over-year increase [1][10] Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Pediatrix repurchased $1.8 million in common stock and had $1.1 million remaining under its previous buyback program initiated in 2018, providing management with increased flexibility to enhance shareholder value [2] - As of the end of Q2 2025, Pediatrix had $224.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, a slight decrease of 2.3% from the end of 2024, while total debt was $607.5 million, down 1.6% from December levels, with a long-term debt-to-capital ratio of 42.2%, below the industry average of 43.7% [3] - Profitability improved due to the divestiture of lower-margin, non-core assets, resulting in a return on capital of 10.6%, significantly above the industry average of 7.4% [4] Operational Momentum - The company is experiencing operational momentum with higher patient volumes, improved acuity, favorable collections, and reduced operating expenses, leading to an increased adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2025 to a range of $245-$255 million from the previous $220-$240 million [5] Market Position and Valuation - Pediatrix Medical's shares have increased by 21.9% year-to-date, outperforming the broader industry [9] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 9.54X, which is below the industry average of 15.08X, and holds a Value Score of A [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Pediatrix Medical's 2025 earnings indicates a 14.6% year-over-year increase, followed by a 3.2% growth in the subsequent year [12]

Core Insights - Midland Exploration Inc. has initiated an exploration program to investigate copper-gold-molybdenum-silver occurrences at its Saruman project, located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec [4][6] - The Saruman project consists of 121 claims covering an area of 64 square kilometers and was acquired in November 2023 [4][8] - Strong copper anomalies were identified in a high-density lake sediment geochemistry survey, with significant concentrations found in a 5 by 3-kilometer area [6][10] Exploration Details - Reconnaissance work in summer 2024 revealed anomalous values of 0.32% Cu, 0.35 g/t Au, 0.39% Mo, and 13.8 g/t Ag in grab sample L880271 [6][10] - The mineralization observed includes disseminated, veinlet, and fracture-filling chalcopyrite, pyrite, and molybdenite in tonalites [6][10] - The current mineralization does not fully explain the extent of the lake sediment copper anomalies, suggesting a potentially larger Cu-Au-Mo-Ag system may be present [7][10] Geological Context - The Saruman project is situated in the Opatica geological Subprovince, specifically within the Theodat Complex, which remains poorly understood [8] - No previous exploration has been reported in the project area, indicating a relatively unexplored region with significant potential [8][10] Quality Control and Methodology - Exploration programs are designed and interpreted by Qualified Persons following industry best practices, including quality assurance and control measures [10][11] - Statistical processing of lake sediment data was conducted by the Ministère des Ressources Naturelles et des Forêts du Québec (MRNF), identifying multiple copper anomalies above the 97th and 99.5th percentiles [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the momentum investing strategy, highlighting the potential of Pediatrix Medical Group (MD) as a strong momentum pick based on its recent performance and earnings outlook. Company Performance - Pediatrix Medical Group has a Momentum Style Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [3][4] - Over the past week, MD shares increased by 11.93%, while the Zacks Medical Services industry rose by 1.6% [6] - In the last month, MD's price change was 27.6%, significantly outperforming the industry's 1.42% [6] - Over the past quarter, MD shares have risen by 18.29%, and over the last year, they have gained 54.08%, compared to the S&P 500's increases of 9.33% and 17.71% respectively [7] Trading Volume - The average 20-day trading volume for MD is 848,917 shares, indicating a bullish sign as the stock is rising with above-average volume [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, four earnings estimates for MD have been revised upwards, with no downward revisions, boosting the consensus estimate from $1.61 to $1.73 [10] - For the next fiscal year, three estimates have also moved upwards without any downward revisions [10] Conclusion - Given the strong performance metrics and positive earnings outlook, Pediatrix Medical Group is positioned as a promising investment opportunity [12]

Core Insights - Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. (MD) shares increased by 12.1% following the release of its second-quarter 2025 results, driven by higher patient volumes, improved patient acuity, favorable collections, and a significant reduction in operating expenses, although net revenues declined due to practice dispositions [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2025 were reported at 53 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 26.2% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 55.9% [2][9]. - Net revenues fell by 7% year over year to $468.8 million, but still surpassed the consensus estimate by 0.4% [2]. - Same-unit revenues grew by 6.4% year over year, significantly above the growth estimate of 1.1%, with patient volume contributing a 2.9% increase [3]. - Total operating expenses decreased by 38.2% year over year to $409 million, lower than the estimated $414.9 million, primarily due to reductions in practice salaries, benefits, and other operating costs [4]. Cost Management - Practice salaries and benefits amounted to $323.5 million, down 9.6% year over year, influenced by practice dispositions [5]. - Interest expenses decreased by 11.4% year over year to $9.1 million, also below the estimate of $9.5 million [5]. Profitability Metrics - Net income for the quarter was $39.3 million, a significant recovery from a loss of $153 million in the prior-year quarter [5]. - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 26.6% year over year to $73.2 million, exceeding the estimate of $59.4 million [5][9]. Balance Sheet Overview - As of June 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $224.7 million, a slight decrease of 2.3% from the end of 2024 [6]. - Total assets were reported at $2.1 billion, down 2.4% from the previous year-end [6]. - Total debt, including finance leases, was $607.5 million, a reduction of 1.6% from December 31, 2024 [6]. Shareholder Returns - The company repurchased common shares worth $1.8 million in the first half of 2025, with a remaining capacity of $1.1 million under its $500 million repurchase program [10]. Future Guidance - Management revised the 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance to a range of $245-$255 million, up from the previous estimate of $220-$240 million [11]. - Net income is now projected to be between $126.02 million and $133.32 million, an increase from the earlier guidance of $106.21-$120.81 million [11].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA of over $73 million for Q2 2025, exceeding expectations, driven by same unit revenue growth of over 6% [4][5] - Consolidated revenue decreased by just over 7%, primarily due to non-same unit activity declining by about $63 million, offset by strong same unit growth [6][7] - The full year adjusted EBITDA range has been raised and narrowed to $245 million to $255 million, reflecting improved cash position and balance sheet [5][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same unit pricing increased by 3.5%, driven by increased patient acuity, strong RCM cash collections, and an increase in contract administrative fees [6][7] - Same unit patient service volumes increased by approximately 3%, with NICU days up over 6% and modest increases in maternal fetal medicine services [7][8] - G&A expenses decreased to $5.3 million from $8.8 million in the prior year, reflecting staffing reductions and decreases in other expense categories [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Payer mix remained stable compared to the prior year and on a consecutive quarter basis [6] - Accounts receivable DSO improved to 46.4 days, down over three days year over year, indicating better cash collections [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the best partner to hospitals and the employer of choice for clinicians, focusing on quality of care and operational excellence [11][12] - The addition of a new team member is expected to enhance quality efforts and identify financial and operational opportunities [14] - The company is prepared to manage through legislative changes affecting Medicaid, particularly in non-expansion states where 60% of its volume resides [15][30] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating headwinds in the healthcare environment, emphasizing the importance of a strong balance sheet [11][17] - The company is optimistic about its ability to manage through the impacts of the Neonatal Care Transparency Act and other legislative changes [15][30] - Future guidance reflects a cautious view on hospital landscape but expects stable margins moving forward [50][51] Other Important Information - The company generated $138 million in operating cash flow in Q2, up from $109 million in the prior year, driven by higher earnings [8] - The company ended the quarter with cash of $225 million and net debt of just over $380 million, reflecting a net leverage of just above 1.5 times [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the hospital admin fees and their growth? - Hospital admin fees contributed about a third of the pricing growth in Q2, with negotiations showing success despite challenges [20][21] Question: What is the flow-through of admin fee increases to doctor compensation versus corporate? - The flow-through is estimated to be in the 30% to 40% range and is expected to be immediate [23][24] Question: What is driving the strong NICU growth this quarter? - The growth is attributed to multiple factors, including increased acuity and overall strong performance across services [27] Question: How will the Medicaid impact from the big beautiful bill affect the company? - The impact is unclear, but management is hopeful that the focus on pregnant women and children will shield them from cuts [30][33] Question: Can you elaborate on the buyback strategy and its pace? - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet and is open to share buybacks if deemed beneficial [38][41] Question: What is the update on IDR and arbitration with payers? - The process has been favorable, with the company remaining predominantly in-network and successfully negotiating with payers [44] Question: What is the outlook on revenue and margins for the rest of the year? - The company expects stable margins but acknowledges tougher comps as the year progresses [50][51]

Core Viewpoint - Pediatrix Medical Group reported quarterly earnings of $0.53 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.42 per share, and showing an increase from $0.34 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +26.19% [1][2] Financial Performance - The company posted revenues of $468.84 million for the quarter ended June 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.43%, but down from $504.3 million year-over-year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Pediatrix Medical Group has consistently surpassed consensus EPS estimates [2] Stock Performance - Shares of Pediatrix Medical Group have declined approximately 6.3% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 7.6% [3] - The current Zacks Rank for the stock is 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [6] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.43 on revenues of $478.3 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $1.65 on revenues of $1.88 billion [7] - The trend of estimate revisions for Pediatrix Medical Group was mixed ahead of the earnings release, which may change following the recent report [6] Industry Context - The Medical Services industry, to which Pediatrix Medical Group belongs, is currently ranked in the top 35% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to lower-ranked industries [8]