Core Insights - Jackpot Digital Inc. has successfully installed two additional Jackpot Blitz® electronic table games at Northern Waters Casino Resort, enhancing its poker offerings [1][2][3] - The response to the Jackpot Blitz® games has been highly favorable, leading to the expansion of the poker room from two to four tables [2][3] - The company aims to strengthen its presence in the land-based casino gaming industry by providing innovative and engaging poker ETGs [4][6] Company Overview - Jackpot Digital Inc. specializes in dealerless electronic poker table games, offering solutions that are efficient and cost-effective for casino operators [8] - The company is committed to enhancing player experiences and optimizing gaming offerings for operators [8] - Jackpot Digital has established a presence in various jurisdictions, including multiple states in the U.S. and international markets [7]

Summary of Waters (WAT) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Waters Corporation (WAT) - **Date of Conference**: June 04, 2025 - **Industry**: Life Science Tools and Diagnostics Key Points and Arguments Innovation and Product Development - Waters has revitalized its product portfolio, focusing on innovation in equipment, instruments, consumables, and software [3][4] - The **Alliance IS** HPLC system has achieved a **40% reduction in errors**, setting a new standard in the category [4] - The **TQ Absolute mass spectrometer** is leading in sensitivity for PFAS testing, becoming the largest selling quantitative mass spec instrument [4] - Approximately **70% of R&D spending** is now directed towards biologics innovation, significantly impacting product development [4] - The **MaxPeak Premier columns** have seen a growth of nearly **30%** since their launch four years ago [5] - Introduction of **charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS)** technology allows for the analysis of large molecules intact, marking a significant advancement in mass spectrometry [6] Market Dynamics and Growth - The company reported **mid-teens growth** in LCMS in Q1, indicating strong demand without pull-forwards affecting the results [13] - Pharma companies are rethinking supply chains, leading to increased production in regions like Ireland, which has affected chemistry consumption [14][15] - The overall market for LCMS instruments is projected to see an additional **$50 million** in support over the next five years due to incremental CapEx [17] Replacement Cycle and Long-term Growth - The replacement cycle for instruments is expected to be independent of new CapEx, with **70% of business** coming from replacements [21] - The growth rate from trough to peak in the replacement cycle is typically **2-3 years**, with a long-term average growth of **5%** for instruments [22] - The company anticipates a longer cycle this time due to pressures in China and the biotech sector [22] Regional Insights - In China, Waters experienced **5% growth** in Q1, driven by academic and industrial segments, but branded generics are declining [24] - The innovative biotech segment in China is expected to expand, with many large pharma companies licensing products from Chinese firms [40][41] - India has shown strong growth, with a **20% increase** in Q1, and the company expects continued growth in the low to mid-teens [46] PFAS Market and Regulatory Changes - Waters anticipates continued growth in the PFAS testing market, with a **90% increase** in Q1, driven by new EPA regulations demanding more sensitive detection methods [47] - The TQ Absolute can detect PFAS at **one part per quadrillion**, significantly exceeding EPA requirements [50] Capital Deployment and M&A Strategy - The acquisition of **Halo Labs** aligns with Waters' strategy to enhance its portfolio in biologics and bioanalytical characterization [51][52] - The company is focused on capital allocation towards high-growth areas, including clinical diagnostics and battery testing [53] - Discussions around share buybacks and M&A will continue as the company evaluates trade-offs [54] Software and Service Enhancements - Waters is transitioning its **Empower software** to a subscription model, enhancing cash flow and customer satisfaction [36] - The service team has improved attachment rates, with a target of **10%** over five years, reflecting strong customer reliance during challenging times [31][32] Additional Important Insights - The company is cautious about the long-term impact of CapEx on overall medicine production volumes, indicating potential short-term growth followed by a catch-up period [19][20] - The dynamics of the market are influenced by geopolitical factors, particularly in China and India, which may affect future growth trajectories [38][46] This summary encapsulates the key insights and developments discussed during the Waters conference call, highlighting the company's focus on innovation, market dynamics, and strategic growth initiatives.

Core Viewpoint - Waters Corporation launched the Xevo TQ Absolute XR mass spectrometer at ASMS 2025, featuring StepWave XR technology that enhances sensitivity and contamination resistance, aiding in PFAS detection and compliance with environmental regulations while optimizing energy consumption and space utilization [1][2]. Innovation Technology Highlights - StepWave XR ion guide technology offers 6 times the performance robustness compared to the previous Xevo TQ Absolute, with a continuous analysis duration increase of 6 times, successfully validated through 12,000 pesticide samples in fish feed, and improved contamination resistance [4][5]. - The instrument significantly reduces downtime, with customer evidence showing over 20,000 plasma sample injections maintaining reproducibility [5]. - Designed specifically for PFAS and genotoxic impurities, the quantification capability for negatively ionized compounds has been enhanced [5]. Environmental/Green Efficient Laboratory Solutions - Energy consumption and nitrogen usage have been reduced by 50%, with heat emissions also decreased by 50% [6]. - The compact design reduces the footprint by 50% [6]. Core Application Scenarios - PFAS Detection: The system is ready for quantitative analysis, meeting the latest EPA regulatory requirements [7]. - Pharmaceutical Quantitative Analysis: Achieves ultra-high sensitivity analysis of trace drug molecules in complex matrices, accelerating new drug development [7]. - High-Throughput Scenarios: Supports pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and government laboratories, with a 30% increase in daily sample throughput, validated by Synexa with over 20,000 injections [7]. - User Feedback: The Scientific Director of Synexa Life Sciences highlighted the Xevo TQ Absolute XR's reproducibility and accuracy in addressing emerging bioanalytical challenges, having completed over 20,000 plasma sample analyses in conjunction with the ACQUITY™ Premier UPLC™ system [7].

Core Insights - Waters Corporation has launched the Xevo™ TQ Absolute XR Mass Spectrometer, which is positioned as the most sensitive and reliable benchtop tandem quadrupole in the market, surpassing the previous Xevo TQ Absolute model [2][4][10] Product Performance - The Xevo TQ Absolute XR offers up to a six-fold increase in performance robustness and unmatched sensitivity, significantly reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency [3][5][9] - The system is designed for high-throughput applications, particularly in pharmaceutical companies and contract testing organizations, addressing the complex needs of these sectors [2][6] Environmental Efficiency - The new mass spectrometer uses up to 50% less power and nitrogen gas, produces 50% less heat, and occupies up to 50% less bench space compared to other high-performing tandem or triple quadrupoles, making it environmentally friendly [6][9] Technological Innovations - The introduction of the StepWave XR Ion Guide minimizes the risk of unplanned downtime while maintaining high sensitivity and precision for complex sample types [7][10] - The design allows for industry-leading quantitation of negatively ionizing compounds, such as PFAS, benefiting bioanalytical, food safety, and environmental testing laboratories [10] Market Availability - The Xevo TQ Absolute XR Mass Spectrometer is currently available for order [11]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools to help investors make informed decisions and enhance their confidence in the stock market [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are indicators that rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, helping investors identify stocks likely to outperform the market in the next 30 days [2][3] - Each stock is rated from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] Value Score - The Value Style Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow [3] Growth Score - The Growth Style Score assesses a company's financial strength and future outlook, considering projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Style Score evaluates trends in stock prices and earnings estimates, helping investors identify optimal times to invest in high-momentum stocks [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for selecting stocks with attractive value, growth forecasts, and promising momentum [6] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to assist investors in building successful portfolios [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically produced an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8] Stock to Watch: Waters Corp (WAT) - Waters Corp is an analytical instrument manufacturer with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of B [12] - The company is appealing to growth investors, with a Growth Style Score of A and a forecasted year-over-year earnings growth of 8.7% for the current fiscal year [13] - Recent earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.01 to $12.89 per share, alongside an average earnings surprise of 4% [13]

Core Insights - Waters Corporation has acquired Halo Labs, a company specializing in imaging technologies for detecting and analyzing particles in therapeutic products, enhancing Waters' capabilities in large molecule development and quality assurance [1][2][3] Company Overview - Waters Corporation is a global leader in analytical instruments and technologies, serving various sectors including life sciences, materials, food, and environmental sciences for over 65 years [5] - Halo Labs is a venture-backed company that provides high throughput biopharmaceutical formulation and quality control tools, focusing on particle analysis [4] Technology and Innovation - The Aura platform from Halo Labs offers full spectrum particle analysis, complementing Waters' existing light scattering detection solutions, particularly beneficial for CAR T-cell therapies [2][3] - The acquisition allows Waters to integrate Halo's technology into its product offerings, providing added value to customers and supporting growth in analytical and bioprocessing testing [2][3] Strategic Impact - The acquisition is expected to have a negligible impact on Waters' income statement over the next 12 months, indicating a strategic long-term investment rather than an immediate financial burden [3]

Group 1 - Waters Corporation will participate in a fireside chat at the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference on June 4th, 2025, at 8:45 AM Eastern Time [1] - A live webcast of the event will be available on the Waters Investor Relations website, with a replay accessible for 90 days [1] Group 2 - Waters Corporation is a global leader in analytical instruments, separations technologies, and software, serving various sectors including life sciences, materials, food, and environmental sciences for over 65 years [2] - The company employs over 7,600 individuals across more than 100 countries, collaborating with customers in laboratories, manufacturing sites, and hospitals [2] - Waters Corporation focuses on ensuring the efficacy of medicines, the safety of food, the purity of water, and the quality and sustainability of everyday products [2]

Core Viewpoint - Waters Corporation reported strong first-quarter 2025 results, with non-GAAP earnings and net sales exceeding expectations, driven by robust demand across key sectors and regions [1][2][10]. Financial Performance - Non-GAAP earnings for Q1 2025 were $2.25 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.35% and increasing 1.8% year over year [1]. - Net sales reached $662 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.08%, with a reported increase of 4% and a 7% increase on a constant currency basis year over year [1][11]. Segment Performance - The Waters segment accounted for 88.8% of net sales, generating $587.3 million, up 4.5% year over year and 8% at constant currency [3]. - The TA segment contributed $74.4 million (11.2% of net sales), reflecting a slight decline of 0.7% year over year but a 1% increase at constant currency [3]. Product and Service Breakdown - Instruments sales (39.7% of net sales) were $262.9 million, increasing 8.7% year over year and 11% at constant currency [4]. - Services sales (39.5% of net sales) totaled $261.2 million, with a modest increase of 0.2% year over year and 3% at constant currency [4]. - Chemistry sales (20.8% of net sales) reached $137.6 million, growing 2.6% year over year and 5% at constant currency [4]. Market Analysis - The Pharmaceutical market (59.1% of net sales) generated $391.1 million, up 4.5% year over year and 8% at constant currency [5]. - The Industrial market (27.5% of net sales) saw sales of $203.4 million, increasing 4.1% year over year and 6% at constant currency [5]. - The Government & Academic market (10.2% of net sales) generated $67.3 million, remaining flat year over year but increasing 3% at constant currency [6]. Geographic Performance - Asia (33.4% of net sales) generated $220.8 million, up 6.4% year over year and 13% at constant currency [6]. - Sales in the Americas (38.6% of net sales) were $255.5 million, increasing 6% year over year and at constant currency [6]. - Europe (28% of net sales) generated $185.4 million, decreasing 1.4% year over year but increasing 1% at constant currency [7]. Operating Details - Non-GAAP selling and administrative expenses were $170.1 million, up 6% year over year, expanding 50 basis points as a percentage of net sales [8]. - Research and development spending was $46 million, increasing 7.7% year over year, with a 20 basis point expansion as a percentage of net sales [8]. - The adjusted operating margin was 25.5%, contracting 150 basis points year over year [8]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of March 29, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $382.9 million, up from $325.4 million as of December 31, 2024 [9]. - Cash generated from operations was $259.6 million, down from $262.9 million in the year-ago quarter [9]. - Free cash flow for Q1 2025 was $233.8 million [9]. Guidance - For Q2 2025, Waters expects non-GAAP earnings of $2.88-$2.98 per share, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.93 per share, indicating 11.4% growth year over year [10]. - Total sales growth is anticipated to be in the range of 4-6% on a reported basis, with constant currency sales growth expected to be between 5% and 7% [11][12].

About a year ago, I published my last article about Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT ), and in the article I was rather cautious about the company and the stock as an investment and rated the stock as a "Hold." In theMy analysis is focused on high-quality companies, that can outperform the market over the long-run due to a competitive advantage (economic moat) and high levels of defensibility. Focused on European and North American companies, but without constraints regarding market capitalization (from large ...

Core Insights - Waters (WAT) reported revenue of $661.71 million for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.9% and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $654.63 million by 1.08% [1] - The company's EPS for the quarter was $2.25, up from $2.21 in the same quarter last year, also surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.22 by 1.35% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Net Sales from the Water Division reached $587.30 million, exceeding the average estimate of $578.15 million by analysts, with a year-over-year increase of 4.5% [4] - Net Sales from the TA Division were $74.41 million, slightly below the estimated $77.60 million, representing a year-over-year decrease of 0.7% [4] - Product sales amounted to $400.53 million, surpassing the average estimate of $379.44 million, with a year-over-year increase of 6.5% [4] - Service net sales from TA service were $23.91 million, slightly above the average estimate of $23.34 million, showing a year-over-year decline of 1.4% [4] - Chemistry consumables generated $137.64 million in sales, close to the estimated $138.45 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.6% [4] - TA instrument systems sales were $50.50 million, below the estimated $52.82 million, with a year-over-year decrease of 0.4% [4] - Waters service net sales were $237.27 million, below the average estimate of $249.33 million, with a year-over-year increase of 0.4% [4] - Waters instrument systems sales reached $212.40 million, exceeding the average estimate of $188.18 million, with a year-over-year increase of 11.1% [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, Waters' shares have returned +6.9%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +11.5% change, indicating a performance that may align with the broader market in the near term [3]