Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - PCCW reported a revenue increase of 7% to over US$2.4 billion and EBITDA growth of 6% to US$771 million [3] - HKT achieved a 4% revenue growth and a 3% increase in EBITDA, with adjusted fund flow also rising by 3% [3][12] - The overall EBITDA margin for HKT remained stable at 37% [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The OTT regional service recorded a 10% revenue growth and a 51% improvement in EBITDA [3][13] - View TV's revenue retreated in the first half due to event timing, but margins remained stable, with expectations for a rebound in the second half [3][4] - The talent management business saw increased international exposure for artists, contributing to overall business performance [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The OTT business experienced a 27% growth in subscription and advertising revenue, despite softer syndication and event revenue in the Middle East [13] - Digital membership for View TV grew by over 4% to reach 3,300,000, reflecting a younger audience segment [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - PCCW is focused on leveraging digital infrastructure and AI to enhance customer service and drive digital transformation for enterprises [3] - The company aims to maintain its market leadership in the OTT space by optimizing content offerings and expanding partnerships [4][5] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging macro environment but emphasized a commitment to delivering high-quality services and achieving profitable growth [2] - There are strong expectations for content performance in the second half, particularly with popular shows and concerts scheduled [3][8] Other Important Information - An interim dividend of HKD9.77 per share was declared, reflecting a prudent dividend policy aimed at sustainable growth [4] - HKT's gross debt decreased to US$5.57 billion, indicating successful deleveraging efforts [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for View TV's performance in the second half? - Management expects View TV's performance to rebound in the second half due to a lineup of popular shows and concerts scheduled [3][4] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in advertising revenue? - The company is expanding monetization opportunities through AVOD tiers and optimizing content offerings to attract advertisers [6][14] Question: What is the outlook for HKT's digital transformation solutions? - HKT is experiencing strong demand for its digital transformation solutions, which is driving revenue growth [11]

Core Insights - NowVertical Group Inc. is expanding its geographic reach through significant engagements with major clients, demonstrating the effectiveness of its integrated operating framework [1][4] - The company has deepened its collaboration with a leading global insurer, transitioning from a single-country project to a comprehensive Latin-American data modernization and AI initiative [2] - A similar growth pattern is observed with a global media and telecommunications group, where NowVertical's solutions are being adopted as the enterprise standard for managing legacy data assets [3] Group 1: Client Engagements - The engagement with the global insurer has already generated revenue in the first half of 2025 that exceeds the client's total spending for the entire year of 2024, indicating rapid growth potential [2] - NowVertical's solution for the media and telecommunications group has expanded from the UK & Ireland to eight projects, including new implementations in Italy and Germany, with more planned for the second half of 2025 [3] Group 2: Strategic Approach - The company's strategy of providing a unified architecture and governance model is proving effective, as clients are opting to scale their operations with NowVertical [4] - The integration of legacy and modern data through standardized processes not only results in cost savings but also enhances strategic value, supporting compliance and innovation objectives [3] Group 3: Company Overview - NowVertical is positioned as a global data and analytics company that helps clients leverage AI to transform data into business value, focusing on rapid implementation and measurable outcomes [5] - The company is pursuing growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the data and AI sectors [5]

Core Insights - NowVertical Group Inc. is expanding its geographic reach through significant engagements with major clients, demonstrating the effectiveness of its integrated operating framework [1][4] - The company has deepened its collaboration with a leading global insurer, transitioning from a single-country project to a comprehensive Latin-American data modernization and AI initiative [2] - A similar growth pattern is observed with a global media and telecommunications group, where NowVertical's solutions are being standardized across multiple projects to modernize legacy data assets [3] Group 1: Client Engagements - The engagement with the global insurer has already generated revenue in the first half of 2025 that exceeds the client's total spending for the entire year of 2024, indicating rapid growth potential [2] - NowVertical's solution for the media and telecommunications group has expanded from the UK & Ireland to eight projects, including new implementations in Italy and Germany, with more planned for the second half of 2025 [3] Group 2: Strategic Approach - The company's strategy of providing a unified architecture and governance model is proving effective, as clients are opting to scale their operations with NowVertical [4] - The repeatability of NowVertical's delivery model allows for effective scaling across complex enterprise environments, aligning with clients' data modernization and AI readiness goals [3][4] Group 3: Company Overview - NowVertical is positioned as a global data and analytics company that transforms data into business value through AI, enabling clients to optimize decision-making and improve operational efficiency [5] - The company is pursuing growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions, enhancing its capabilities in the data and AI sectors [5]

AI Race & Adoption - The US AI action plan aims to compete with China, focusing on both innovation and adoption of AI [1] - Winning the AI race depends on which countries can best utilize AI for economic benefit [2] - The US has an advantage in AI adoption, but the race is still open [3] - AI adoption requires focus on talent, infrastructure, data, and governance frameworks [5][6] US AI Exportation - The US aims to be a net exporter of AI technology, including hardware and software [7] - AI adoption relies on cutting-edge cloud services and software, much of which originates in the US [9] Copyright & Training Data - Access to training data is crucial for the US to stay ahead in the AI race [11][12] - The US government acknowledges the importance of training data for AI development [11] EU Competitiveness - The EU has significant potential to benefit from AI if it focuses on adoption [13] - Addressing digital sovereignty barriers and streamlining regulations are important for the EU to effectively adopt and use AI [13][14]

Core Viewpoint - Freshworks Inc. (NASDAQ: FRSH) has experienced a significant decline of 72% from its all-time high (ATH) in 2021, with a year-to-date return of negative 7.6% [1] Company Performance - The stock's poor performance may lead many investors to dismiss it, but a focus on fundamentals is essential for a comprehensive analysis [1] Investment Strategy - The analysis emphasizes the importance of identifying strong businesses at reasonable prices for long-term investment, with a particular interest in technology companies and a global investment perspective [1]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry and Company Overview - The report focuses on the thematic and sustainability investment landscape in Asia, particularly in China and Japan, highlighting investor interests and regulatory changes impacting these markets [1][2][7]. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Investor Interest in Thematic and Sustainability Topics**: There is a strong interest among investors in China and Japan regarding thematic and sustainability investments, with discussions held with over 15 investors in Shanghai and Tokyo [1][7]. 2. **Impact of AMAC Guidance**: The new guidance from the Asset Management Association of China (AMAC) mandates shareholders with over 5% ownership to actively exercise their voting rights, which is seen as a long-term positive for corporate governance in China [7][8]. 3. **Governance Trends in Asia**: The governance theme is gaining traction in China, with lessons from Japan and Korea suggesting that increased global investor engagement could lead to higher valuations [7][9][17]. 4. **US-China Tensions and Sustainability**: Investors are keenly interested in the implications of US-China tensions, particularly regarding carbon markets and regulatory changes in Europe that may affect sustainability investments [7][8]. 5. **Sustainability and Thematic Investing Overlap**: The convergence of sustainability and thematic investing is significant, with a focus on diverse Asia-centric themes, including AI, energy transition, and health care [24][29]. Additional Important Insights 1. **Corporate Governance in China**: The AMAC's guidance outlines 13 matters where voting rights should be actively exercised, which includes issues related to shareholder rights, director elections, and environmental responsibilities [11][12][13]. 2. **Reform Momentum in Korea**: There is a noted reform momentum in Korea, with political commitment to governance reform, which is expected to be an inflection point for the market [23]. 3. **US Tariffs and Clean Tech**: The impact of US tariffs on sustainability and clean technology is under scrutiny, with potential implications for the pace of the US energy transition due to reliance on China for critical minerals [29][35]. 4. **EU Regulations and CBAM**: The incoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is set to start in 2026, which will drive interest in carbon capture technologies, particularly in the cement industry [39][42]. 5. **Defense Sector Exclusions**: There is a trend of easing defense sector exclusions among sustainability funds, indicating a shift in investment strategies in response to changing geopolitical dynamics [39][40]. This summary encapsulates the key themes and insights from the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the current landscape in thematic and sustainability investments in Asia, particularly focusing on China and Japan.

Investment Rating - The report assigns a Neutral rating to Infratil (IFT.NZ) [1][4][15] Core Insights - The FY25 results were softer than expected, with Proportionate EBITDAF declining by 4% compared to Goldman Sachs estimates, leading to a downgrade in FY26 guidance to NZ$1,000-1,050 million, which is 3%-5% lower than previous estimates [1][4] - Infratil plans to monetize NZ$1 billion of assets that are unlikely to scale under the current ownership model, with the capital reinvested in businesses that can provide more meaningful returns [2] - The healthcare portfolio is performing strongly, with RHCNZ and Qscan expecting accelerating EBITDAF growth into FY26 [2] - Longroad Energy is targeting an OpCo run-rate EBITDA of US$370 million by March 2026, driven by contributions from projects that are operational or under construction [2] Financial Performance - FY26-28 EBITDAF estimates have been revised down by 3% to 4% due to CDC deferrals and increased costs for One NZ [4][13] - The 12-month target price is set at NZ$10.70, reflecting a 3% decrease from previous estimates [4][14] - Key financial metrics include projected revenue growth of 22.7% for FY25, with a decline in EPS for FY26 expected at NZ$0.13, compared to a previous estimate of NZ$0.09 [10][11] Investment Thesis - Infratil is positioned to benefit from increased digital consumption and AI adoption, particularly through its investments in digital infrastructure and renewable energy [15] - Despite positive long-term themes, the current market valuation appears to have already factored in these growth prospects, leading to a Neutral rating [15]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that Atlassian Corporation (NASDAQ: TEAM) has strong enterprise momentum and AI adoption, leading to an increased FY25 revenue guidance and a long-term revenue target of $10 billion for FY29 [1] Group 2 - The management of Atlassian has raised its FY25 guidance, indicating positive growth prospects [1] - The company is focusing on enterprise solutions and leveraging AI technology to enhance its offerings [1]

Core Insights - Western Digital's stock has increased by over 5% in a single trading day and nearly 40% over the past month, driven by positive developments in the company's financial performance and strategic initiatives [1] Group 1: Share Buyback Program - Western Digital announced a $2 billion share buyback program, reflecting strong confidence in its long-term prospects and reinforcing its shareholder-oriented capital allocation strategy [2] Group 2: Q3 Earnings Performance - In Q3 FY25, Western Digital reported $2.3 billion in revenue, a 31% year-over-year growth despite a 5% quarterly decrease. Non-GAAP EPS rose by 15% to $1.36, with gross margin increasing to 40.1% [3] - The Cloud division generated $2.0 billion, accounting for 87% of total revenue, and experienced a 38% year-over-year growth, driven by increased data demands from hyperscale cloud providers and AI adoption [3] Group 3: Positive Guidance - For the fiscal fourth quarter ending June 27, 2025, Western Digital provided a positive revenue forecast of $2.45 billion ± $150 million and non-GAAP EPS of $1.45 ± $0.20, both exceeding analyst expectations [4] - The company expects to maintain gross margins between 40.0% and 41.0%, with non-GAAP operating expenses managed between $330 million and $340 million, positioning itself favorably to benefit from the growing demand for high-capacity storage due to AI adoption [4] Group 4: Stock Volatility - Over the past four years, Western Digital's stock has shown significant volatility compared to the S&P 500, with annual returns of 18% in 2021, -52% in 2022, 66% in 2023, and 14% in 2024 [5] Group 5: Valuation Insights - Current assessment places Western Digital's stock value around $49 per share, aligning closely with its market value, indicating a balanced valuation perspective [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, the company reported signings growth of 48% in constant currency, totaling over $18 billion [6] - Adjusted pretax income increased by $317 million to $482 million, with adjusted free cash flow rising by 53% to $446 million [6][27] - The fourth quarter revenue reached $3.8 billion, reflecting a 1.3% year-over-year increase in constant currency [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kindrel Consult's revenue grew by 45% in the fourth quarter and 50% in signings for fiscal year 2025, accounting for 22% of total signings [23][15] - Hyperscaler-related revenue more than doubled to $1.2 billion for the year, significantly exceeding the target of $1 billion [25][7] - The company achieved $900 million in annualized savings from its accounts initiative, surpassing its target for the year [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company secured 55 contracts valued over $50 million in fiscal year 2025, with nearly half exceeding $100 million [10] - The signings growth was broad-based across various geographies and vertical markets, indicating strong demand for services [9] - The revenue book-to-bill ratio remained above one, suggesting future revenue growth from committed contracts [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging its capabilities, partnerships, and innovation to drive sustainable growth [5] - The 3A initiatives have transitioned from turnaround drivers to pillars of profitable growth [7] - The company aims to address secular IT trends such as cloud migration, hybrid IT environments, and cybersecurity risks [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate macroeconomic uncertainties, citing the essential nature of its services [20][19] - The outlook for fiscal year 2026 includes expectations for substantial earnings and cash flow growth, with a target of at least $725 million in adjusted pretax income [18][33] - Management highlighted the importance of continued investment in innovation and capabilities to maintain growth momentum [45] Other Important Information - The company plans to balance capital allocation between organic growth investments and share repurchase programs [73] - The fiscal year 2026 outlook anticipates a 1% revenue growth in constant currency, with hyperscaler-related revenue expected to reach $1.8 billion [32][33] - The company maintains a strong liquidity position with nearly $5 billion available at quarter-end [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Accomplishments in 2025 and positioning for 2026 - Management reflected on the successful execution of their strategy and expressed confidence in their ability to control their own destiny moving forward [42][45] Question: Progress with focus accounts - Management indicated they are approximately 75% through their focus accounts, having achieved 90% of targeted savings [50][48] Question: Book-to-bill ratio maintenance - Management confirmed expectations to maintain a book-to-bill ratio above one, driven by strong performance in consult and hyperscaler-related services [55] Question: Revenue growth guidance - Management explained that while signings growth was strong, they are not relying solely on revenue growth to achieve profit improvement, emphasizing the importance of backlog [66][69] Question: Impact of macro uncertainties on strategic accounts - Management noted that their services are essential for productivity, which tends to be a tailwind during uncertain macro conditions [81][84] Question: Role of Kindle Bridge in macro conditions - Management affirmed that Kindle Bridge can help uncover unused resources and provide leverage in uncertain macro conditions [86]