Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported a pre-provision net revenue (PP&R) of $323 million and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.47, resulting in a full-year PP&R of $1.27 billion and EPS of $9.50 [9][10] - The return on tangible common equity for the year was approximately 20% [9] - The company experienced an 8% growth in loans and deposits during Q4 [6][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest income for Q4 was $106 million, up $7 million from the previous quarter, driven by performance in the correspondent capital markets division [11] - The company achieved double-digit growth in tangible book value per share, despite the day-one dilution from the merger [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan production in Texas and Colorado for Q4 was $888 million, which is 15% higher than Q3's $775 million [58] - The overall loan production for the year in Texas and Colorado was up 10% compared to 2024 [58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue funding growth while being active in share repurchases, particularly when there is a disconnect between fundamentals and share price [14] - The strategic focus includes expanding revenue producers and investing in technology platforms, including AI and commercial loan servicing [51][52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the integration of the Independent Financial deal and noted that the risk profile of the company has been reduced [7][8] - The company anticipates mid to upper single-digit loan growth for 2026, supported by a growing pipeline [20][21] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 2 million shares in Q4, representing approximately 2% of the company, and authorized an additional 5 million shares for repurchase [7][13] - The efficiency ratio remained below 50% for both the quarter and the year [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on net interest margin and deposit costs - Management indicated that the net interest margin (NIM) was 3.86%, in line with guidance, and deposit costs were down 9 basis points [16][17] Question: Loan growth expectations - The company expects mid to upper single-digit loan growth for 2026, with a strong pipeline supporting this outlook [20][21] Question: Hiring activity and expense guidance - Management noted a focus on opportunistic hiring, particularly in commercial relationship managers, with a potential increase of 10%-15% in the next year or two [24][25] Question: Correspondent banking strength sustainability - Management believes the strength in correspondent capital markets is sustainable, driven by recent rate changes [26][28] Question: Increase in substandard loans - The increase in substandard loans was attributed to a few multifamily properties in lease-up, with the credit team not concerned due to strong equity positions [55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, operating pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) increased by 27% from Q3 2025, while operating net income rose by 19% compared to the prior quarter [9][10] - Full year 2025 results showed a 22% increase in operating PPNR and a 31% increase in operating net income compared to 2024 [9] - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q4 2025 was $0.72, with operating EPS at $0.82, reflecting increases of 6% and 15% respectively from Q4 2024 [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New loan origination volume reached $1.4 billion in Q4 2025, up 23% from the year-ago quarter, contributing to a 6% annualized increase in the commercial loan portfolio [19] - Non-interest income for Q4 was $90 million on a GAAP basis, with a sequential increase of $16 million driven by the acquisition of Pac Premier and higher customer fee income [11][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits decreased to $54.2 billion as of December 31, 2025, down from $55.8 billion as of September 30, 2025, due to intentional reductions in brokered and select public deposits [14] - The net interest margin for Q4 2025 was 4.06%, up from 3.84% in Q3 2025 and 3.64% in Q4 2024, driven by improved funding performance and earning asset optimization [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to prioritize profitability over growth for its own sake, focusing on optimizing performance and supporting existing customers while delivering superior financial results [7][8] - The acquisition of Pacific Premier Bank is seen as a strategic move to enhance the company's competitive position in key Western markets, particularly in Southern California [4][5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to drive strong profitability into 2026, supported by healthy customer pipelines and ongoing balance sheet management strategies [7][18] - The company anticipates continued net interest margin improvement throughout 2026, with expectations to surpass 4% in the second or third quarter [16] Other Important Information - The company achieved $63 million in annualized deal-related cost savings from the acquisition, representing approximately 50% of the targeted $127 million [11] - The common dividend was increased to $0.37 per share from $0.36 per share, and 3.7 million common shares were repurchased at an average price of $27.07 [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Pac Premier's integration and contributions - Management highlighted the excitement and enthusiasm from Pac Premier employees, noting their ability to grow existing customer relationships and call on larger clients [30][33] Question: Clarification on loan balance expectations - Management indicated that the loan portfolio is expected to remain relatively flat, with core relationship-based lending activities offsetting transactional runoff [62] Question: Future capital allocation strategies - Management confirmed a continued focus on share buybacks, with no immediate interest in M&A, while also considering investments in talent and business expansion [65][68]

Group 1 - Companies may choose to buy back their own stock as an alternative to dividends to return capital to shareholders [1] - Share repurchase activity can help boost stock prices [1] Group 2 - The financial market is viewed as efficient, with most stocks reflecting their real current value [1] - The best profit opportunities in individual stocks often arise from those that are less widely followed or do not accurately reflect market opportunities [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EPS for 2025 was $3.81, up 62% year-over-year [4] - Core ROTCE increased to 10.4%, up more than 300 basis points compared to 2024 [4] - Adjusted net revenue reached $8.5 billion, a 3% increase year-over-year, and a 6% increase when excluding the sale of the card business [5] - CET1 ended the year at 10.2%, with a fully phased-in CET1 of 8.3%, up 120 basis points in 2025 [5][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail auto and corporate finance loans grew by 5% in 2025, driven by strong performance in core franchises [6] - Dealer Financial Services originated $43.7 billion in consumer loans, an 11% increase year-over-year [8] - Insurance written premiums exceeded $1.5 billion, marking a record for the company [9] - Corporate finance achieved a 28% ROE with strong growth in the loan portfolio [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail deposit balances reached $144 billion, reinforcing the company's position as the largest all-digital direct bank in the U.S. [10] - The company served 3.5 million customers, marking the 17th consecutive year of customer growth [10] - Retail auto net charge-offs for the year were 1.97%, below the 2% mark, indicating strong credit performance [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company undertook a strategic refresh in 2025, focusing on areas with clear competitive advantages [3] - A $2 billion open-ended share repurchase authorization was announced, indicating confidence in future growth [7] - The company aims to maintain expense discipline while investing in core businesses and technology [15][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, emphasizing the importance of bridging strategy to execution [46] - The company is focused on building strong volumes with appropriate margins and pricing in the auto franchise [47] - Management acknowledged macroeconomic uncertainties, particularly regarding the labor market and used vehicle prices [50][54] Other Important Information - The company executed two credit risk transfer transactions totaling $10 billion in notional retail auto loans [6] - Adjusted tangible book value per share increased by nearly 20% over the past year [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: NIM progression and drivers - Management confirmed expectations for NIM to be down quarter-over-quarter in Q1 but expressed confidence in a strong exit trajectory for the year [37][39] Question: Retail auto coverage ratio - Management indicated that reserve releases are not factored into return expectations, focusing instead on prudent credit management [41][44] Question: 2026 outlook and risks - Management highlighted optimism for 2026, with a focus on maintaining strong fundamentals and managing macroeconomic risks [46][50] Question: NIM upper bound and ROE expectations - Management clarified that achieving mid-teens ROE requires high threes NIM, sub-2% retail auto NCO rate, and disciplined capital and expense management [60]

Core Insights - Longleaf Partners Fund reported a return of 3.35% in Q4 2025, outperforming the S&P 500's 2.66% but underperforming the Russell 1000 Value Index's 3.81% return, indicating a challenging year without standout performers [1] - The firm emphasizes strengthening portfolio outcomes over chasing short-term winners, suggesting a strategy focused on real companies during periods of excessive speculation [1] Company Highlights - IAC Inc. (NASDAQ:IAC) is highlighted as a leading media and internet company, with a one-month return of -3.167% and a 52-week gain of 13.37%, closing at $39.51 per share with a market capitalization of $3.167 billion on January 16, 2026 [2] - IAC's strategy includes disposing of all assets except for People Inc. and a 25% stake in MGM Resorts, with plans for share repurchase and increasing its stake in MGM to address valuation disconnects [3] - The spinoff of Angi, a home services marketplace, was a significant move for IAC, with the firm purchasing more shares post-spin at a depressed price, indicating confidence in Angi's turnaround [3] Industry Context - MGM Resorts faced a weaker performance in Las Vegas in 2025 due to tough comparisons from previous years, but strong results from BetMGM and regional properties helped stabilize the business [3] - The market narrative suggests that Las Vegas has peaked, but both IAC and MGM believe that the unique appeal of Las Vegas cannot be replicated, positioning MGM as a market leader [3] - MGM's management has made strategic corrections, including selling lower-quality properties at higher multiples and withdrawing from a New York City casino bid, which has allowed for significant share repurchases over the past five years [3]

Valuation and Performance - United Parcel Service (UPS) shares are trading at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 1.03X, which is a discount compared to the Zacks Transportation—Air Freight and Cargo industry [1][3] - UPS has experienced a stock price decline of over 17% in the past year, while the industry has seen a decline of 5.6% [4] - The company has a Value Score of B, while rival FedEx has a Value Score of A [1] Revenue and Volume Challenges - UPS is facing significant challenges due to low shipment volumes, which have been attributed to a reduction in Amazon shipments and weak e-commerce traffic [6][8] - U.S. average daily volumes have declined year over year, with a forecasted drop of 10.6% in consolidated volumes for the fourth quarter of 2025 [10][9] - The expiration of the De Minimis exemption on August 29, 2025, is expected to negatively impact international markets and divert volumes away from the China-U.S. trade lane [13] International Segment Performance - In the third quarter of 2025, UPS's operating profit in the International segment fell by 12.8% to $691 million, with margins narrowing to 14.8% from 18% in the prior year [11] - Trade headwinds have particularly affected shipment volumes in Asia, with a 27.1% decline in trade volumes on the China-U.S. route [11][12] Strategic Acquisitions and Dividends - UPS completed the acquisition of Andlauer Healthcare Group for $1.6 billion, enhancing its capabilities in healthcare logistics [14][15] - The company maintains a strong dividend yield of 6.1%, above the industry average of 4.1%, reflecting management's confidence in cash flow generation [16] - UPS has raised its dividend five times over the past five years, indicating a strong record of annual dividend growth [17] Share Repurchase and Financial Strength - UPS has authorized a $5 billion buyback program, with $500 million worth of shares repurchased in 2024 and a target of $1 billion for 2025 already fulfilled [18] - The company generated $6.3 billion in free cash flow in 2024, demonstrating financial strength and the ability to return value to investors [19] Investment Outlook - UPS presents a mixed risk-reward scenario, with valuation discounts making it an appealing long-term opportunity, but near-term challenges such as revenue softness and rising labor costs may pressure investor sentiment [20] - Current shareholders may benefit from holding the stock, while prospective investors might wait for clearer signs of operational improvement before investing [21]

Summary of The Cooper Companies FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: The Cooper Companies (NasdaqGS: COO) - **Founded**: 1958 - **S&P 500 Inclusion**: Since 2016 - **Business Units**: - **CooperVision**: Leading contact lens company, number one in wearers and number two in revenue - **CooperSurgical**: Focused on fertility and women's healthcare, leading in non-pharma medical devices [1][2] Key Financial Metrics - **Employees**: Over 15,000 globally - **Product Users**: Over 50 million, with 42 million annual contact lens wearers - **Revenue Composition**: CooperVision accounts for about two-thirds of consolidated revenues - **Historical Revenue Growth**: 10-year growth rate of 8.6% [2][3] Growth Insights - **CooperVision Growth**: Primarily organic growth at 6.3%, with the contact lens market growing mid-single digits annually - **CooperSurgical Growth**: Approximately 16%, driven by acquisitions [3][4] - **Market Trends**: - Contact lens market growth projected at 4%-6% annually - Fertility market growth in mid-single digits, with potential for double-digit growth in the past [4][13] Financial Guidance - **Non-GAAP EPS Guidance**: $1.02-$1.04 for Q1 and $4.45-$4.60 for the full year - **Free Cash Flow Guidance**: $5.75-$6.25 billion, with expectations of $2.2 billion in free cash flow over the next fiscal year [5][6] Strategic Priorities - **Focus on Organic Growth**: Transitioning from heavy investment to driving organic growth and operational efficiency - **Cost Management**: Significant reorganization to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency [7][9] - **AI Integration**: Utilizing AI for inventory optimization and management [10] Market Dynamics - **Contact Lens Market**: - 35% of the global population is myopic, projected to reach 50% by 2050 - Major competitors: J&J (36% market share), CooperVision (27%), Alcon (25%) [13][14] - Shift towards daily lenses driving revenue growth, with daily wearers generating 2.5 times more revenue than monthly wearers [15][16] - **Fertility Market**: - Global market valued at approximately $3 billion, with one in six experiencing infertility - Growth driven by delayed childbirth and increasing insurance support for fertility treatments [26][27] Product Innovations - **New Product Launches**: - MiSight: FDA-approved contact lens for myopia management - MyDay MiSight: Daily silicone hydrogel lens with myopia control technology [21][22][24] - **Expansion Plans**: Launching new products in Europe and Asia, including MyDay Energys and MyDay Multifocal [24][25] Capital Allocation Strategy - **Share Repurchase Program**: Increased from $1 billion to $2 billion, with plans to consistently allocate a portion of free cash flow to buybacks [11][33] - **Investment Focus**: Transitioning from acquisitions to leveraging past investments for growth and shareholder value [11][33] Market Outlook - **2026 Guidance**: Expectation of improved performance in both CooperVision and CooperSurgical, with a focus on regaining traditional growth rates in the fertility market [45][46] - **Regional Performance**: Strong consumer behavior in the Americas, with challenges in Asia-Pac but expected improvements [47][48] Strategic Review - **Ongoing Evaluation**: Conducting a strategic review to assess the potential separation of CooperVision and CooperSurgical, considering synergies and market positioning [36][38][39] Conclusion - **Overall Sentiment**: Positive outlook on growth opportunities in both contact lens and fertility markets, with a strong focus on operational efficiency and shareholder value creation [30][33]

Core Viewpoint - Alamos Gold Inc. (NYSE:AGI) is recognized as one of the best precious metal stocks to buy following the U.S. Venezuela Mission, with a recent share repurchase program and positive analyst outlooks indicating strong potential for growth in the gold sector [1][3]. Group 1: Share Repurchase Program - The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) has accepted Alamos Gold's notice to renew a Normal Course Issue Bid, allowing the company to repurchase 18.58 million Class A common shares over the next 12 months [1]. - This share repurchase program represents nearly 5% of Alamos Gold's public float and approximately 4.4% of its total shares outstanding [2]. - The repurchase will occur through the TSX, other Canadian trading networks, and the NYSE at prevailing market prices, with a daily limit of 296,678 shares on the TSX [2]. Group 2: Analyst Outlook - Jefferies has raised the price target for Alamos Gold from $44 to $49 while maintaining a Buy rating, reflecting a bullish sentiment towards gold equities due to attractive valuations [3]. - The analyst projects that gold companies, including Alamos Gold, will see increased margins and generate more free cash flow (FCF) in 2026 compared to 2025, especially if gold prices remain elevated [3]. - Jefferies views Alamos Gold as a catch-up opportunity, highlighting its high-quality portfolio among mid-cap gold miners [4].

Core Insights - Simply Good Foods Company (SMPL) reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results with both revenue and earnings exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates, although both metrics declined year over year [1][9] - Management maintained its full-year outlook, indicating a path toward margin improvement in the second half of the fiscal year [1][15] Quarterly Performance - Adjusted earnings were 39 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 36 cents, but down from 49 cents in the same quarter last year [2] - Net sales reached $340.2 million, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $337 million, but decreased by 0.3% from $341.3 million year-over-year [3] - North America revenues were $331.8 million, reflecting a modest decline of 0.2% year-over-year, while international sales were $8.4 million, down 5.7% [4] Brand Performance - Quest brand grew by 9.6%, while Atkins and OWYN experienced declines of 16.5% and 3.3%, respectively, with OWYN's performance affected by product quality issues and high retailer inventory levels [3][4] Margins and Expenses - Gross profit was $109.9 million, down 15.8% year-over-year, with a gross margin of 32.3%, a decrease of 590 basis points [5] - Operating expenses decreased by 4.7% to $72.3 million, with selling and marketing expenses down 10.1% to $29.7 million [6] - Adjusted EBITDA was $55.6 million, down 20.6% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.4%, a decline of 410 basis points [7] Financial Position - At the end of Q1, the company reported cash of $194.1 million and a term loan balance of $400 million, resulting in a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 0.8x [8] - Operating cash flow improved to $50.1 million from $32 million last year, driven by working capital improvements [8] Future Expectations - The second quarter is expected to be the weakest for fiscal 2026, with net sales anticipated to decline between 3.5% and 4.5% year-over-year [11] - Gross margin for Q2 is expected to decline approximately 300 basis points year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA anticipated to decline by double digits [12] - For the full fiscal year 2026, net sales growth is projected to range from negative 2% to positive 2%, with expectations for margin recovery in the second half [15][17]

Core Viewpoint - Gorilla Technology Group Inc. has initiated a share repurchase program authorized by the Board for $20 million, with approximately $10.4 million repurchased to date, and plans to pause further repurchases until after the release of its Full Year 2025 financial results in mid-March 2026 [1][2][5]. Share Repurchase Program - The company has repurchased approximately $5.0 million worth of shares, equating to about 354,000 shares, since the Board's increase of the repurchase program in Q4 2025 [2]. - Total repurchases under the program amount to approximately $10.4 million, leaving a remaining capacity of about $9.6 million [2]. Financial Position and Strategy - Gorilla maintains a strong cash position, ensuring that funding for committed projects and growth initiatives is not compromised by the share repurchase activities [3]. - The company has experienced reduced liquidity in its shares, attributed to a long-term oriented shareholder base that prefers to hold rather than sell at current levels [4]. - The company plans to resume share repurchases if the share price does not reflect its intrinsic value after the financial results are released [5]. Future Outlook - The Board will dynamically evaluate capital allocation, including potential additional share repurchases and growth investments, as market conditions evolve [7]. - Gorilla enters 2026 with a strong position, supported by contracted projects, a resilient capital structure, and a robust pipeline [7].