SECOND QUARTER 2025 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL Interpublic Group July 22, 2025 Overview — Second Quarter 2025 (1) Pre-tax restructuring charges of $118.0 million and deal costs in SG&A of $10.9 million. Organic change of Net Revenue, adjusted EBITA before restructuring charges and deal costs and adjusted diluted EPS are non-GAAP measures. Management believes these metrics provide useful supplemental data that, while not a substitute for GAAP measures, allow for greater transparency in the review of our financ ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 fiscal 2026 revenue reached a record $76.7 million, a 20.7% increase from $63.5 million in the prior year [25][16] - Subscription revenue grew by 44% year over year, with organic subscription revenue increasing by 24% [17][27] - Recurring revenue, including subscription and annual maintenance, reached $48.6 million, 28% higher than the prior year, representing 63.4% of total revenue [17][27] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $12.5 million, slightly higher than $12.1 million in the previous year [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subscription software sales were up 79% year over year, marking the fourth consecutive record sales quarter for subscription sales [26][17] - Professional services revenue increased by 16% year over year, reaching a record $18.1 million [27][16] - Foodservice Management (FSM) vertical saw a significant turnaround, achieving the best sales quarter in two and a half years [6][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International sales were the second highest on record, indicating strong momentum in the international market [8][9] - The casino gaming sales vertical had its best Q1 period on record, 15% higher than the previous best [8][9] - The company added 24 new customers in Q1, with an average of six products purchased per customer [11][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its integrated ecosystem of hospitality software solutions, which is seen as a competitive advantage [12][44] - There is a strong emphasis on AI integration within product offerings to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [13][80] - The company plans to maintain a disciplined approach to M&A, focusing on opportunities that complement its product set or expand market share [90][92] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the annual revenue guidance of $308 million to $312 million for fiscal 2026 [21][32] - The company anticipates continued growth in subscription revenue, raising its guidance from 25% to 27% for the fiscal year [19][32] - Management noted that operational challenges from the previous fiscal year have been largely resolved, leading to improved sales visibility [72][26] Other Important Information - The company remains debt-free after paying off its credit revolver [31] - The user conference in Q1 was a significant cost driver, impacting sales and marketing expenses [47][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sales capacity and productivity trends - Management indicated that sales capacity has increased by 45% year over year, with a focus on hotel and resort verticals [36][38] Question: International market momentum - Management noted that the product ecosystem is strong, and the focus is on installing new projects to create reference customers [42][46] Question: Cost impact of the user conference - The user conference significantly impacted sales and marketing expenses, accounting for most of the increase in that line item [47][50] Question: Sales organization improvements - Management confirmed that the sales structure is in a good place, with ongoing investments in marketing to enhance presence [56][57] Question: Subscription revenue visibility - Management expressed strong visibility into subscription revenue backlog and ongoing sales momentum [85][86] Question: M&A strategy - Management remains patient and conservative regarding M&A, focusing on opportunities that complement existing products or expand market share [90][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 fiscal 2026 revenue reached a record $76.7 million, a 20.7% increase from $63.5 million in the prior year [15][24] - Subscription revenue grew by 44% year over year, with organic subscription revenue increasing by 24% [16][26] - Recurring revenue, including subscription and annual maintenance, reached $48.6 million, up 28% from the prior year [16][26] - Adjusted net income for Q1 was $9.3 million, compared to $8.3 million in the prior year [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subscription software sales were up 79% year over year, marking a record quarter [25][26] - Professional services revenue increased by 16% year over year, reaching a record $18.1 million [26] - Food Service Management (FSM) vertical saw a significant turnaround, achieving the best sales quarter in two and a half years [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International sales were the second highest for Q1, indicating strong momentum in the international market [8][9] - Casino gaming sales vertical had its best Q1 period on record, up 15% from the previous best [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its integrated ecosystem of hospitality software solutions, which is seen as a competitive advantage [12][44] - There is a strong emphasis on AI integration into products to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [13][80] - The company plans to maintain a disciplined approach to M&A, focusing on opportunities that complement its product set or expand market share [92][95] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the annual revenue guidance of $308 million to $312 million for fiscal 2026 [20][32] - The company anticipates continued growth in subscription revenue, raising its guidance from 25% to 27% for the fiscal year [18][32] - Management noted that operational challenges from the previous fiscal year are largely behind them, contributing to improved sales visibility [73][88] Other Important Information - The company remains debt-free after paying off its credit revolver [30] - The user conference in Q1 significantly impacted sales and marketing expenses, which are expected to normalize throughout the year [28][47] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sales capacity and productivity trends - Management indicated that sales capacity has increased by 45% year over year, with a focus on hotel resorts and the establishment of an inside sales team [36][38] Question: International market momentum - Management noted that the international business is gaining traction, primarily through larger deals, and emphasized the importance of creating reference customers [42][46] Question: User conference costs impact on profit margins - The user conference was a significant contributor to increased sales and marketing expenses, with costs estimated to be around $3 million [47][49] Question: Subscription revenue visibility and growth potential - Management confirmed strong visibility in subscription revenue backlog and highlighted the potential for growth from faster go-lives and better cross-sales [85][88] Question: M&A strategy - Management remains patient and conservative regarding M&A opportunities, focusing on complementary products or market share gains [92][95]

Financial Position - Energy Transfer has improved its balance sheet significantly after reducing leverage by cutting its distribution in 2020 and funding growth through free cash flow [2][3] - The current leverage is at the low end of the company's target range, with management stating that the balance sheet is the strongest it has ever been, allowing for investment in growth projects and capital returns [3] Cash Flow Stability - Approximately 90% of Energy Transfer's EBITDA comes from fee-based services, providing stability as there is no exposure to commodity prices [4] - The company has a high percentage of take-or-pay contracts, which enhances cash flow visibility and supports distribution and growth projects [5] Distribution and Yield - The stock offers a forward yield of 7.5%, generating twice the cash needed to support its distribution, with a coverage multiple of 2.1 [6] - Energy Transfer has raised its distribution for 13 consecutive quarters and plans to increase it by 3% to 5% annually, supported by a strong balance sheet and contract structure [7] Growth Catalysts - The company plans $5 billion in capital expenditures this year, focusing on projects tied to real demand, including the Hugh Brinson pipeline and the Lake Charles LNG project [9][10] - There is increasing demand for natural gas, with expectations of a 60% rise in LNG exports by 2040, and new opportunities arising from AI data centers [10][11] Valuation - Energy Transfer trades at a forward enterprise-value-to-EBITDA multiple of just 8, significantly below its historical average of around 13.7 from 2011 to 2016 [12] - The market has not fully recognized the improvements in Energy Transfer's business, which includes a cleaned-up balance sheet and disciplined growth strategy [13]

Core Insights - Nvidia has become the world's first $4 trillion company, driven by significant investments in AI infrastructure and its GPUs [1][2] - Nvidia faces challenges from competitors improving their price performance and its major customers developing custom silicon for AI applications [2][6] - Microsoft is positioned to potentially reach a $4.5 trillion market cap, with strong growth in Azure cloud computing and AI tools [3][12] Nvidia's Market Position - Nvidia is the leader in AI chip development, supported by advanced technology and proprietary software like CUDA [5] - Major customers like Meta and Microsoft are reducing reliance on Nvidia by developing their own chips for AI training [6][7] - Despite challenges, Nvidia's position is currently secure, especially with the U.S. reversing its ban on certain chip sales to China, which is expected to boost earnings [9][10] Microsoft as a Competitor - Microsoft is the closest competitor to Nvidia, with a market cap of approximately $3.8 trillion and potential for growth [12] - Analysts are optimistic about Microsoft's Azure revenue growth, driven by demand for AI computing power [13][14] - The potential of Microsoft's Copilot Studio could enhance its enterprise software offerings and increase cash flow for further investments [15][16] Valuation Perspectives - Nvidia's stock trades at a premium, nearing 40 times forward earnings estimates, which may limit its growth compared to other AI companies [10] - Microsoft shares are also considered expensive at about 33 times forward earnings, but this is justified by its leadership in AI and cloud computing [16] - Oppenheimer analysts have updated Nvidia's price target to $200 per share, suggesting a market cap of $4.9 trillion, but Microsoft is viewed as a more attractive investment at current prices [17]

Core Viewpoint - Midstream energy stocks are currently attractive for investment due to their stable cash flows, high yields, and growth opportunities, trading below historical valuations despite improved financial conditions [1]. Group 1: Energy Transfer - Energy Transfer is highlighted as a compelling investment with a high yield, improving financial profile, and solid growth opportunities, trading at low valuations [2][6]. - The company has improved its balance sheet over recent years, reducing debt and increasing free cash flow, allowing it to enter a growth phase [3]. - Approximately 90% of Energy Transfer's EBITDA is fee-based, providing a stable revenue stream insulated from commodity price fluctuations, with a distributable cash flow covering distributions by over 2x [4]. - The company plans to spend $5 billion on growth projects this year, focusing on natural gas supply for AI data centers and LNG exports [5]. - The stock trades at a forward enterprise value-to-EBITDA multiple of 8, indicating it is undervalued given its financial strength and 7.5% yield [6]. Group 2: Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners is characterized as a stable investment with a long history of distribution growth and a conservative balance sheet [7]. - The company has increased its distribution for 26 consecutive years, currently yielding around 6.9%, with expectations for continued growth [8]. - About 85% of Enterprise's cash flow is derived from fee-based contracts, ensuring consistent revenue even in volatile markets [9]. - The company is a major player in natural gas liquids, operating across the entire value chain, with growing global demand [10]. - Enterprise maintains a conservative leverage ratio of just over 3x, with a distribution coverage ratio of 1.7x, allowing it to self-fund growth [11]. Group 3: Genesis Energy - Genesis Energy is undergoing a strategic shift that could unlock significant value, appealing to investors willing to accept higher risk [13]. - The company sold its soda ash business for $1.4 billion, using the proceeds to reduce high-cost debt, which is expected to save $84 million annually in interest expenses [14]. - Focus is shifting to offshore pipeline assets, with two large deepwater projects expected to generate up to $150 million in annual operating profit [15]. - The stock currently yields around 3.9%, with potential for significant distribution increases as new projects come online [16].

TSMC (2330.TW) Earnings Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) - **Ticker**: 2330.TW - **Market Cap**: NT$29.3 trillion / $997.4 billion - **Enterprise Value**: NT$27.4 trillion / $932.3 billion - **12-Month Price Target**: NT$1,370.00 - **Current Price**: NT$1,130.00 - **Upside Potential**: 21.2% Key Industry Insights - **Advanced Node Demand**: TSMC's outlook on advanced node demand is increasingly positive, particularly driven by AI customers showing no signs of demand slowdown [2][20] - **Revenue Contribution**: Expected revenue contribution from N2 is anticipated to be significantly higher than N3 during the initial ramp-up stage, especially in the first two years, driven by both smartphone and HPC applications [2][21] - **Capacity Management**: TSMC plans to improve productivity through node conversions (e.g., N7 to N5, N5 to N3) to meet the strong demand for N5/N3 nodes [3][20] Financial Performance Highlights - **2Q25 Results**: - Revenue: NT$933.8 billion, up 11.3% QoQ and 38.6% YoY [18][39] - Gross Profit: NT$547.4 billion, with a gross margin of 58.6% [18][39] - Net Income: NT$398.3 billion, EPS of NT$15.36, up 10.1% QoQ and 60.6% YoY [18][39] - **2025 Revenue Guidance**: Raised to 30% YoY growth from mid-20% previously, supported by strong demand from AI and HPC applications [19][40] Pricing and Profitability - **Pricing Strategy**: TSMC is negotiating pricing for 2026, with expectations of a higher magnitude of price hikes due to strong demand for advanced nodes [4][23] - **Gross Margin Target**: Management maintains a long-term gross margin target of 53% and higher, with expectations for gross margin to reach 57.9% by 2026 [4][17][23] Future Projections - **Revenue Forecasts**: - 2025 Revenue: NT$3,667.9 billion (up from NT$3,581.1 billion) [6][42] - 2026 Revenue: NT$4,211.2 billion (up from NT$4,073.7 billion) [6][42] - **EPS Growth**: EPS estimates for 2025 have been raised to NT$60.36 from NT$56.38, reflecting a 7.1% increase [40][42] Capacity and Demand Dynamics - **CoWoS Demand**: Continued strong demand for CoWoS (chip on wafer on substrate) amid AI growth, with management focused on narrowing the supply-demand gap [24] - **Tight Capacity Outlook**: Anticipated tightness in N5 and N3 capacity over the next several years, with ongoing conversions from N7 to N5 and N5 to N3 to alleviate this [20][24] Conclusion - TSMC's strong performance in 2Q25 and positive outlook for advanced nodes, particularly driven by AI demand, positions the company favorably for future growth. The raised revenue guidance and pricing strategies indicate robust demand and operational efficiency, reinforcing the investment thesis for TSMC.

Core Insights - The research paper presented by Toyota at the 2025 JSAE Annual Spring Congress discusses the potential of vehicle-to-network (V2N) technology to enhance Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) by overcoming limitations of in-vehicle sensors [1][2][3] Group 1: V2N Technology and ADAS - The study explores how V2N technology can improve ADAS by addressing the inability of in-vehicle sensors to detect hazards in non-line-of-sight scenarios [2][3] - Smartphones are proposed as external sensors to enhance hazard detection through V2N communication, focusing on factors like communication latency, tracking accuracy, and positioning precision in urban environments [2][3] Group 2: Safety and Market Opportunities - The research highlights the strong potential of V2N technology to enhance vehicle safety and unlock new market opportunities, while emphasizing the need for advancements in positioning accuracy and viable business models for commercial adoption [3][4] - Eye-Net's V2X technology is crucial in this study, allowing smartphones to communicate hazard information to vehicles, thereby extending detection capabilities beyond in-vehicle sensors [4][5] Group 3: Company Background - Eye-Net develops next-generation V2X collision prevention solutions and smart automotive systems aimed at enhancing road safety and situational awareness for all road users [5][7] - Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. focuses on advanced 3D perception systems and cellular-based applications, developing both in-line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight accident-prevention solutions [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - The consumer sector presents attractive growth stock opportunities, particularly as many stocks remain undervalued due to ongoing tariff concerns. Initial investments in these stocks can be beneficial for investors. Group 1: Amazon - Amazon's stock is currently attractively valued despite a rally from its lows, with a record Prime Day generating $24.1 billion in sales, more than double last year's Black Friday sales [3][4] - The company has made significant investments in logistics, automation, and AI, leading to improved operational efficiency and cost savings [4][5] - Amazon Web Services (AWS) continues to lead in cloud computing, with customers utilizing its services for AI model development, supported by custom chips for enhanced performance [5] Group 2: Alibaba - Alibaba's stock trades at a forward P/E of 11, with over 30% of its market cap in cash and investments, indicating it is undervalued [6][8] - The company's cloud business has seen AI-related revenue double for seven consecutive quarters, and partnerships with major companies like Apple could drive growth [6][7] - Alibaba is enhancing its e-commerce platforms and expanding international operations, with expectations of profitability in its international segment soon [7][8] Group 3: E.l.f. Beauty - E.l.f. Beauty's stock has faced a slowdown but is poised for transformation through its acquisition of Rhode, a fast-growing premium brand [9][10] - Rhode generated $212 million in sales with minimal marketing, indicating strong potential for growth as it enters retail partnerships [10][11] - The strategy to integrate premium brands is expected to yield better margins compared to mass-market products, presenting a long-term opportunity [12] Group 4: JAKKS Pacific - JAKKS Pacific has improved operations and profitability under new leadership, with shares up over 200% in five years despite a recent 30% decline due to tariff concerns [13][15] - The company reported a 26% sales increase in Q1, driven by popular licensed products, and is expected to maintain momentum with upcoming launches [14][15] - JAKKS is diversifying revenue through partnerships to create seasonal products, enhancing its market position [15] Group 5: Cava Group - Cava Group's stock is down nearly 50% from its highs, providing a favorable entry point for investors [16][18] - The company has achieved double-digit same-store sales growth for four consecutive quarters, driven by increased customer traffic [16][17] - Cava aims to expand its locations from under 400 to 1,000 by 2032, indicating significant growth potential in the fast-casual dining sector [18]

Acquisition Highlights - doValue will acquire 100% of coeo Group from Waterland Private Equity for €350 million upfront cash consideration (including repayment of coeo’s debt) plus up to €40 million earnout in 2028[14, 15] - The acquisition is expected to be financed with a c €325 million bridge-to-bond facility[15] - The acquisition is expected to close by January 2026[14, 55] Strategic Rationale - The acquisition accelerates doValue's growth, diversification, and digital transformation, enabling it to evolve into a long-term high-growth company[15] - coeo's digital capabilities will accelerate the development of doValue's digital platform and its ability to compete in the non-financial receivables space[27] - The acquisition provides access to the high-growth BNPL and e-commerce markets, which are de-correlated from the macro cycle and NPE volumes[27, 29] - The acquisition diversifies doValue's business into the non-financial receivables segment, with non-NPL revenues expected to reach approximately 55% of Group revenues by 2026[11, 50] Financial Impact - The acquisition is expected to result in superior earnings accretion, exceeding 30% in 2027, excluding synergies[15, 45] - coeo's revenue contribution in 2024 was €182 million, with a growth of 38%[44, 47] - coeo's EBITDA contribution in 2024 was €75 million, with a growth of 45%[47] - Post-transaction, leverage is expected to increase to approximately 2.5x in 2025, with deleveraging down to approximately 2.2x in 2026 and 1.7x in 2027[15, 46]