NOT FOR PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE REPURCHASE INVITATION OF THE SECURITIES WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW Worldline announces the results of the repurchase of its outstanding OCEANEs due July 2026 via a reverse bookbuilding process Paris La Défense, June 4, 2025 – Worldline [Euronext: WLN], a global leader in payment services, announces the results of the repurch ...

Core Viewpoint - Carnival's stock has shown significant recovery, jumping 27% in May after a period of volatility and concerns regarding debt and regulatory pressures [1][8]. Financial Performance - For the fiscal first quarter of 2025, Carnival reported a revenue increase of 7% year-over-year to $5.8 billion, with operating income nearly doubling to $543 million [3]. - Advanced booking positions matched last year's record highs, and bookings for 2026 exceeded previous records, with total deposits reaching a first-quarter record of $7.3 billion [3]. Business Strategy - Management is focused on driving demand and improving cost efficiency through a robust digital advertising campaign and the promotion of its exclusive resort, Celebration Key [5]. - The company is also ordering new ships to meet growing demand and enhance sales growth over the coming years [5]. Debt Management - Carnival has made significant strides in debt reduction, refinancing $5.5 billion of debt with lower-interest notes, which is expected to save $145 million in annual interest expenses [6]. - Despite these efforts, total debt remains high at $27 billion, which is above historical levels [6]. Market Sentiment - The stock's decline in February was attributed to concerns over tax compliance, but it has since become attractive to bargain hunters, trading at 11 times forward one-year earnings [8]. - An analyst upgrade from HSBC, changing the rating from reduce to hold, contributed to the stock's recent positive momentum [8].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter, net sales increased by 4.5% to $2.8 billion, with operating profit at 14.1% of sales and diluted earnings per share at $6.70 [6][25][29] - Comparable sales rose by 2.9%, driven by a 2.3% increase in average ticket and a 0.6% increase in transactions [25] - Gross margin decreased by 10 basis points to 39.1%, primarily due to deleverage of store and supply chain fixed costs [27] - SG&A expenses increased by 6.7% to $711 million, with SG&A as a percentage of sales rising to 24.9% [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fragrance was the strongest performing category, delivering double-digit growth, while skincare and wellness saw high single-digit growth [10] - Hair care was roughly flat, with growth in hair color and accessories offset by declines in hair care tools [11] - Makeup category experienced a slight decrease in comp sales, driven by mass makeup, while prestige makeup remained flat [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer engagement with beauty remains strong, with beauty and wellness prioritized by consumers despite economic pressures [7] - The beauty category is expected to normalize growth rates, projected at 2% to 5% over the next few years [56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan to accelerate performance and maintain leadership [7][19] - Strategic priorities include scaling new businesses, enhancing digital capabilities, and optimizing cost structures [17][19] - The company plans to open stores in Mexico City, Kuwait City, and Dubai later this year, alongside launching an online marketplace [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the operating environment, acknowledging ongoing consumer pressures and macroeconomic uncertainties [31][32] - The company updated its sales expectations for the year, projecting net sales between $11.5 billion and $11.7 billion, with comp sales growth expected to be flat to up 1.5% [31][32] Other Important Information - The company launched 19 new brands during the quarter, many of which are exclusive to Ulta Beauty [15] - The active loyalty member base reached a record 45 million, up 3% year over year [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan - Management highlighted improved in-store execution and marketing efforts as key contributors to the success of the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan [36][40] Question: Full year outlook and promotional strategies - Management discussed expectations for comp sales growth and the rationality of promotions, emphasizing a cautious approach due to market dynamics [42][45] Question: Newness and innovation pipeline - Management expressed confidence in a balanced pipeline of new products across categories, with a focus on exclusivity [48][50] Question: Demand improvements and competitive intensity - Management noted that competitive intensity remains high, but the company is well-positioned to drive market share through its initiatives [51][54] Question: E-commerce growth drivers - Management attributed the 10% growth in e-commerce to enhancements in digital capabilities and a focus on app engagement [92][93]

Core Insights - Progyny, Inc. has appointed Elizabeth Bierbower to its Board of Directors, enhancing its leadership team with her extensive healthcare experience [1][2] - Bierbower has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, having held significant roles in major health plans and provider services [2][3] - The company aims to expand its women's health and family building solutions, focusing on delivering value to members, clients, and shareholders [2][4] Company Overview - Progyny is recognized as a global leader in women's health and family building solutions, serving leading employers and health plans [5][7] - The company provides comprehensive benefits solutions that include concierge support, education, and access to a network of specialists, driving optimal clinical outcomes and reducing healthcare costs [6][5] - Progyny has received multiple accolades for its growth and influence, including being named a TIME100 Most Influential Company and a CNBC Disruptor 50 [7] Leadership and Strategy - Elizabeth Bierbower's leadership experience includes roles at Friday Health Plans and Humana, where she held various senior positions [2][3] - Her appointment is expected to support Progyny's strategy to innovate and expand its product offerings in women's health [2][4] - Bierbower expressed enthusiasm about joining Progyny at a pivotal time for the company's growth and commitment to high-quality care [4]

Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL ) is set to report earnings on May 29, 2025, after the market close. Despite waning expectations by analysts, lowering revenue and earnings forecasts going into the start of FY 2026, investments in building out data center capacity remain strong. I believe DELLMichael Del Monte is a buy-side equity analyst with over 5 years of industry experience. Prior to working in the investment management industry, Michael spent over a decade in professional services working across industri ...

Core Viewpoint - Prestige Consumer (PBH) has shown strong momentum with a 35.7% increase in share price over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 7.9% and the S&P 500's 9.3% increase, indicating solid fundamentals and growth opportunities for investors [1] Company Overview - Prestige Consumer develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and distributes over-the-counter (OTC) healthcare and household cleaning products across the United States, Canada, Australia, and other international markets, including e-commerce channels [2] - The company operates through two segments: North American OTC Healthcare and International OTC Healthcare, with major brands including BC, Goody's, Chloraseptic, and Dramamine [3] Factors Favoring Share Price Growth - The upward trend in PBH's share price is supported by a diverse portfolio of well-recognized consumer brands, with significant contributions from the Gastrointestinal (GI) and Women's Health categories in fiscal 2025 [4] - The company is experiencing impressive growth in the e-commerce channel, reflecting a long-term trend of increasing online purchases [4] - Strategic acquisitions, including TheraTears and Hydralyte, are viewed positively by investors, enhancing PBH's product offerings in the VMS and Cough & Cold categories [5] - PBH's focus on brand building and product innovation has allowed its brands to maintain a leading market share, with Hydralyte's expansion into international markets exemplifying this strategy [6] Market Position and Brand Strength - The Fleet brand, a leader in the rectal laxative category, holds over 50% market share and is expanding into adjacent categories [7] - The women's health franchise is represented by leading brands Monistat and Summer's Eve, contributing to PBH's strong market position [7] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PBH's fiscal 2026 EPS has increased by 0.2% to $4.77, with an earnings yield of 5.6% compared to the industry's 0.6% [11]

INDIANAPOLIS, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the running of the 109th Indianapolis 500, Louis Foster delivered a headline-grabbing performance as Top Rookie finisher, proudly representing Sports.com and Lottery.com Inc. (Nasdaq: LTRY; LTRYW) (“Lottery.com” or “the Company”) in what marked a milestone weekend for the brands' growing presence in global motorsport. Callum Ilott (red) and Louis Foster (black) stand next to the Borg-Warner Trophy prior to the start of the 2025 Indy 500. Driving the #45 De ...

Core Perspective - Berkshire Hathaway has delivered exceptional returns under Warren Buffett's leadership, but its ability to generate outsized returns is limited at its current valuation of over $1 trillion [1] Group 1: Berkshire Hathaway's Historical Performance - An investment of $10,000 in Berkshire Hathaway in 1985 would have grown to nearly $4.1 million today, highlighting the company's long-term success [2] Group 2: Potential Investment Opportunities - Markel Corporation is identified as a potential "early Berkshire Hathaway," with a similar business model and a focus on specialty insurance, which could lead to superior profitability [5][7] - Markel's intrinsic value has increased by nearly 130% over the past five years, while its stock price has risen by less than half that amount, suggesting it may be undervalued [9] - Howard Hughes Holdings, under the influence of Bill Ackman, is exploring a direction to build a conglomerate similar to Berkshire Hathaway, with plans to incorporate an insurance business [10][11] - Kinsale Capital Group focuses on specialty insurance for smaller clients and has demonstrated best-in-class profitability, with a combined ratio of 76.4% in 2024, indicating a nearly 24% underwriting profit [13][15] Group 3: Future Outlook - While it is unlikely that another company will replicate Berkshire Hathaway's extraordinary returns, the conglomerate-building method used by Berkshire can still yield significant returns over time [18][19]

Core Points - Meritage Homes has extended its partnership with Operation Homefront's Permanent Homes for Veterans Program, donating two new, mortgage-free homes for veteran families in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Raleigh, North Carolina, marking the 12th year of collaboration and a total of 22 donations to date [1][2] Company Overview - Meritage Homes is the fifth-largest public homebuilder in the United States based on homes closed in 2024, offering energy-efficient and affordable entry-level and first move-up homes across multiple states including Arizona, California, Colorado, and others [5] - The company has delivered nearly 200,000 homes in its 40-year history, known for distinctive style, quality construction, and award-winning customer experience [6] - Meritage Homes is recognized as an industry leader in energy-efficient homebuilding, having received multiple awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its commitment to sustainability [6] Partnership Details - The new homes will feature open-concept floorplans, designer-curated interiors, and energy-efficient features such as ENERGY STAR® appliances and smart home technology [2] - The recipients of this year's homes will be announced in September, with key presentations scheduled for November around Veterans Day [3] Operation Homefront Overview - Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization focused on building strong, stable, and secure military families, with 83% of its expenditures directed towards programs supporting military families [8] - The organization provides critical financial assistance, housing, and family support services to help prevent short-term needs from becoming long-term struggles [8]

Thailand Research | | 6.31M | 4.89M | 77.5% | 845 .- | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | SUPPLY | OCCUPIED SPACE | OCCUPANCY RATE | ASKING RENT | | | (sq m) | (sq m) | | (THB / sq m / month) | | % Change | | | | | | Q-0-Q | A 0.1% | A 0.7% | A 0.5% pts. | A 0.3% | | Y-o-Y | A 3.1% | A 2.9% | V 0.2% pts. | A 3.9% | The Thai economy is expected to slow in 2025 amid heightened global uncertainty driven by evolving U.S. trade policies and potential retaliatory measures, which are reshaping global trade, reduc ...