Financial Performance - Adjusted diluted EPS for the third quarter of 2025 was $2.17, compared to $1.87 in 2024[10] - Adjusted diluted EPS for the first nine months of 2025 was $4.25, compared to $3.86 in 2024[10] - The company expects 2025 diluted adjusted EPS to be in the range of $4.90 to $5.10[52], raised from the original guidance of $4.85 to $5.05[22] - The company expects 2026 diluted EPS to be in the range of $5.25 to $5.45[22], representing approximately 8.1% EPS growth compared to the 2025 original EPS guidance midpoint of $4.95[20, 22] Capital Investments and Growth - The company invested over $3 billion in capital YTD in electric, natural gas, and transmission infrastructure[13] - The company anticipates approximately 5.5% sales CAGR from 2025-2029 driven by data centers in Ameren Missouri[24, 26] - The company plans to invest $26.3 billion in infrastructure from 2025-2029[37, 43] - The company has a strong long-term infrastructure pipeline of over $68 billion from 2025-2034[38, 69] Regulatory and Strategic Initiatives - The company achieved constructive regulatory and legislative outcomes in Missouri, including MoPSC approval of settlements in electric and natural gas rate reviews and the enactment of SB 4 legislation[18] - MISO-approved Tranche 2.1 projects are estimated to cost $21.8 billion, with $1.3 billion assigned to Ameren[35] - The company expects to issue approximately 5.8 million common shares by year-end 2025 upon settlement of at-the-market (ATM) forward sale agreements[53, 61]

Financial Performance - J Sainsbury plc reported a significant increase in profit after tax, rising to 165 million pounds from 76 million pounds in the previous year [1] - Earnings per share improved to 7.1 pence compared to 3.2 pence last year [1] - Total underlying operating profit reached 506 million pounds, reflecting a growth of 6.8% [1] - Underlying earnings per share increased to 10.2 pence from 9.1 pence [1] - Retail underlying operating profit was reported at 504 million pounds, showing a slight increase of 0.2% [1] Sales Performance - For the 28 weeks ended 13 September 2025, underlying group sales, excluding VAT, amounted to 17.58 billion pounds, marking a 2.8% increase from the prior year [2] - Retail sales, excluding VAT and fuel, totaled 15.58 billion pounds, which is an increase of 4.8% [2]

Market Outlook - The market is still considered a buy, with earnings coming in better than expectations and a projected 13% year-over-year EPS growth for 2026 [1][5]. Investment Focus - There is a recommendation to focus on midcaps and small caps, especially as government reopens consumer plays, rather than solely on large-cap tech stocks [2][3]. - The earnings growth potential of companies outside the concentrated mega-cap tech space is highlighted, suggesting a diversification strategy [4][5]. Economic Conditions - The current economic environment is described as bending but not breaking, with expectations of higher earnings growth participation from sectors outside of tech over the next 12 months [5][6]. - The potential for seasonal earnings growth is noted, particularly as the year-end approaches and considering the midterm election year [6]. Government Shutdown - There is optimism regarding the resolution of the government shutdown, with indications of increasing friction and economic loss prompting discussions for a resolution [7].

Carol, there there's been a lot going on the past few weeks. A lot of talk of a market bubble, whether we've hit the peak in the bull market. How concerned should investors be with this latest off.Because a lot of strategists have also been telling us that a pullback was coming sooner than later, >> right. Well, a pullback would be normal, especially when you look at the energy that's been deployed coming off of those April lows. So, some sort of a pullback in here would be natural.It's important though and ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated $1.86 of diluted earnings per share in Q3, an 8% decrease from the same time last year, primarily due to declining sales prices in the plastics segment [5][18] - The midpoint of the 2025 earnings guidance was increased to $6.47 from $6.26 per share, driven by better-than-expected financial results in the plastics segment [6][23] - The balance sheet remains strong with $325 million in cash on hand and a leading return on equity of 16% [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric segment earnings decreased by $0.03 per share due to unfavorable weather and seasonal rate differences, although higher sales volumes partially offset this [18] - Manufacturing segment earnings increased by $0.04 per share, driven by a lower cost structure and enhanced production efficiencies [19] - Plastic segment earnings decreased by $0.26 per share, with a 17% decline in average sales prices of PVC pipe, partially offset by lower input material costs and a 4% increase in sales volumes [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lawn and garden and agricultural end markets continue to face demand-related headwinds, while recreational vehicle and construction markets show signs of improvement [14] - The company expects the current low-demand environment to persist through most of 2026 [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The updated five-year capital spending plan totals $1.9 billion, with a targeted long-term earnings per share growth rate increased to 7%-9% [5][27] - The company aims to convert rate-based growth into earnings per share growth at an approximate one-to-one ratio [28] - The long-term earnings mix target has been updated to expect 70% of earnings from the electric platform and 30% from the manufacturing platform by 2028 [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth plan despite dynamic market conditions and emphasized the importance of affordability for customers [4][12] - The company is focused on identifying cost-effective investment projects and managing costs prudently [13] - Management anticipates that plastic segment earnings will normalize by 2028, contributing positively to the overall strategy [26] Other Important Information - The company filed a request for a net revenue increase of $44.8 million with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, driven by infrastructure investments and inflation impacts [7][8] - The South Dakota rate case is progressing, with interim rates expected to commence on December 1, 2025 [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about the updated EPS long-term growth rate - Management expects utility earnings to grow in line with the rate base, with year-to-year fluctuations anticipated [31] Question: Update on the antitrust case - Management provided an update on ongoing civil litigation and the involvement of the Department of Justice, indicating a timeline for potential decisions in 2026 [33] Question: Discussion on cash usage and M&A opportunities - Management indicated that cash will primarily be used for utility growth and dividends, with potential for opportunistic M&A in the future [38][39]

Core Insights - ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS) reported third-quarter 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) of 44 cents, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate and representing a 29.4% increase from the previous year's earnings of 34 cents [1][9] OGS' Revenues - OGS recorded revenues of $379.1 million, which fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $383 million by 0.9% but showed an 11.4% increase from $340.4 million in the prior-year quarter [2][9] Highlights of OGS' Earnings Release - Total natural gas volumes delivered were 58.4 billion cubic feet, a decrease of 2.3% year-over-year - OGS served 2,284,000 customers, reflecting a 0.5% year-over-year increase - Total operating expenses rose to $237.1 million, up 7.1% year-over-year, driven by increases in operations and maintenance, depreciation and amortization, and general taxes - Operating income increased by 9.9% year-over-year to $65.4 million [3] Financial Performance - OGS incurred net interest expenses of $35.4 million, down 9.5% year-over-year [4] - As of September 30, 2025, OGS had cash and cash equivalents of $9.05 million, a decrease from $58 million as of December 31, 2024 - Total long-term debt (excluding current maturities) was $2.36 billion, down from $2.39 billion as of December 31, 2024 - Cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2025 was $535.8 million, compared to $305.8 million in the same period last year [5] Capital Expenditures - During the first nine months of 2025, capital expenditures were $539.4 million, an increase from $523.6 million in the year-ago period [6] OGS' 2025 Guidance - OGS narrowed its 2025 financial guidance, now expecting net income in the range of $262-$266 million, compared to the previous range of $261-$267 million - Earnings per diluted share are now expected to be in the range of $4.34-$4.40, revised from $4.32-$4.42 - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at $4.36, which is below the midpoint of the company's revised guidance [7][9] OGS' Zacks Rank - Currently, ONE Gas carries a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [8]

Company Overview - The Kroger Co. operates as one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States with a market cap of $42 billion, offering various store formats and products both in-store and online [1] Stock Performance - Kroger's shares have underperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks, rising 12.1% compared to the S&P 500 Index's 19.6% increase, and are up 3.7% year-to-date versus the S&P 500's 16.5% gain [2] - However, Kroger's shares have outperformed the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund, which declined by 5.6% over the past 52 weeks and 3.7% year-to-date [3] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, Kroger reported revenue of $33.94 billion, which was weaker than expected, but its adjusted EPS of $1.04 beat estimates. The company raised its full-year sales forecast to 2.7% - 3.4% and adjusted EPS outlook to $4.70 - $4.80, supported by strong identical sales growth of 3.4% [4] - For the fiscal year ending in January 2026, analysts expect Kroger's adjusted EPS to grow 7.2% year-over-year to $4.79, with a strong earnings surprise history [5] Analyst Ratings - Among the 21 analysts covering Kroger, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," consisting of 11 "Strong Buy" ratings and 10 "Holds" [5] - Guggenheim analyst John Heinbockel maintained a "Buy" rating on Kroger with a price target of $78, while the mean price target of $77.60 suggests a 22.3% premium to current price levels, and the Street-high price target of $85 indicates a nearly 34% potential upside [6]

Core Insights - The company reports a decline in vet visits, but an increase in revenue per visit is compensating for this drop [1] Group 1 - The company indicates that while the number of vet visits has decreased, the revenue generated from each visit has increased significantly [1]

Core Insights - Reddit's Q3 earnings demonstrated a significant 68% revenue growth, indicating strong financial performance [1] - The user base increased by 25%, reflecting enhanced user engagement and platform popularity [1] - Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) rose by 52%, showcasing improved monetization strategies [1] Financial Performance - Revenue growth of 68% in Q3 highlights the effectiveness of Reddit's business model and market positioning [1] - The increase in user count by 25% suggests successful user acquisition strategies and potential for future growth [1] - A 52% rise in ARPU indicates that Reddit is successfully capitalizing on its user base to drive revenue [1] User Engagement - The 25% increase in users points to a growing community and enhanced platform engagement [1] - Concerns regarding Reddit's ad business and user engagement have been addressed with these positive metrics [1]

Economic Outlook - Morgan Stanley 认为 2025 年至 2026 年经济衰退已经过去，这与市场普遍观点不同 [1] - 经济正试图减少消费，增加投资，这将带来更高的经济增速 [2] - 经济已在经历滚动复苏，但并非所有行业都会同时复苏 [4] - 预计盈利增长将超过预期，经济周期将更短 [19] Monetary Policy - 如果联邦基金利率高于两年期美国国债收益率，则美联储的政策将滞后于市场 [6] - 美联储需要降息 50 个基点才能达到中性，降息 150 个基点以上才能刺激消费 [6] - 只有在美联储的政策低于两年期美国国债收益率时，小盘股和低质量股票的表现才会相对较好 [9] Investment Strategy - 第三季度财报季提供了一个强大的选股环境 [1] - 市场对自由现金流增长放缓和资产负债表变重的公司开始质疑 [13] - 税收法案鼓励企业投资基础设施、工厂、自动化生产和机器人技术 [17][18] - 大公司正在更多地依赖债务市场进行融资，这可能影响资本回报计划 [12][16]