Acacia Research FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company Name**: Acacia Research (Ticker: ACTG) - **Market Cap**: $313 million - **Book Value**: Approximately $577 million - **Common Shares Outstanding**: 96 million - **Business Model**: Focuses on acquiring under-managed and under-loved businesses, particularly in the B and C quartile asset categories [3][4] Core Business Strategy - **Investment Focus**: Acacia Research aims to buy businesses at a price that provides a significant margin of safety, allowing for potential operational improvements and value creation [4][5] - **Operational Improvements**: The company emphasizes operational enhancements post-acquisition, aiming to generate free cash flow and earnings growth [4][10] - **Acquisition Strategy**: The company has shifted from being a patent troll to a value investor, focusing on small-cap and micro-cap companies [5][21] Recent Acquisitions - **Benchmark Energy**: Acquired a 51% stake in 2023, followed by a larger acquisition in 2024. The acquisition was made during a period when oil and gas prices were low, allowing for a favorable purchase price [6][7] - **Deflecto**: Acquired over a year ago at approximately 5.5 times mid-cycle EBITDA. The business has faced tariff-related demand issues but is expected to perform well post-cycle [10][11] - **Printroducts**: Undergoing a turnaround with operational improvements [14] Financial Performance - **EBITDA Growth**: The company has seen EBITDA growth that exceeds parent costs, indicating operational efficiency [17] - **Cash Returns**: Benchmark is generating high teens cash returns, while Deflecto and Printroducts are also yielding significant cash returns [15][24] - **Cash Management**: The company has maintained a stable cash position, starting with $350 million and ending with approximately $330 million after acquisitions and buybacks [13][14] Market Position and Competitive Advantage - **Talent Acquisition**: Acacia Research leverages a network of operating partners to enhance operational performance in acquired businesses, which individual businesses may struggle to attract [26][27] - **Focus on Microcap Opportunities**: The company identifies value traps in small and micro-cap companies that larger funds may overlook [22][23] Risk Management and Future Outlook - **Leverage Strategy**: The company maintains a conservative approach to leverage, focusing on unlevered and levered cash flow returns [24] - **Long-term Vision**: Acacia Research aims for a turnaround period of 12 to 18 months for its acquisitions to show significant results [20] - **Market Engagement**: The company plans to increase its visibility in the investment community as it continues to demonstrate operational improvements and financial performance [20] Additional Insights - **Partnership with Unchain**: Engaged in a partnership to underwrite commercial loans secured by Bitcoin, providing a cash management option with attractive returns [12][13] - **Cost Structure Management**: The company has rationalized its corporate cost structure to enhance profitability [17] This summary encapsulates the key points from the Acacia Research FY Conference, highlighting the company's strategic focus, recent acquisitions, financial performance, and future outlook.

Core Viewpoint - Krispy Kreme is undergoing a turnaround focused on profitability, closing underperforming stores, refranchising operations, and improving cash flow, but challenges remain in achieving sustainable growth and profitability [1][5][13] Group 1: Business Model Challenges - Krispy Kreme's capital-intensive business model, which involves owning and operating a significant number of its stores, presents a major obstacle to sustainable profits [3][4] - The company struggles to deliver operating profits compared to larger peers like McDonald's, which benefit from asset-light, franchise-heavy models [4][5] - Efforts to refranchise and outsource logistics are underway, but these changes carry execution risks and may not lead to improved margins [5][9] Group 2: Operational Execution Risks - The recent closure of 960 underperforming locations may enhance profitability but could also limit the company's market reach and consumer visibility [6][9] - There is a risk of overcorrection if the company cuts too deeply or grows too cautiously, potentially undermining brand momentum [7][9] - The hub-and-spoke logistics model, while scalable, faces challenges from rising costs in fuel, labor, and distribution, which could impact margins [8][9] Group 3: Market Trends and Competition - Increasing health consciousness among consumers, particularly younger demographics, poses a challenge for Krispy Kreme's indulgent product offerings [10][12] - Competition in the affordable indulgence sector is intensifying, with peers like Tim Hortons and Starbucks expanding their dessert offerings, alongside local shops with innovative products [11][12] - Krispy Kreme's recent menu expansion to 16 flavors indicates an attempt to adapt, but flavor innovation alone may not suffice to counteract shifting consumer preferences [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Free cash flow for the quarter was almost $1 billion, up 141% year-on-year, and close to the total free cash flow generated for all of 2024 [4][6] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 109%, and headline earnings increased by 185% [6] - The adjusted net cash position improved to $450 million, marking the strongest balance sheet ever for the company [4][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Production benefited from higher contributions from Obuasi, Kibali, Geita, and Cuiabá, while lower tonnes and grades were reported at Iduapriem and Sunrise Dam [5] - Total cash cost for managed operations year-to-date was only up 3%, despite macro factors indicating a 9% increase due to inflation and rising royalties [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The realized inflation rate was around 4.7%, exerting upward pressure on the cost base [19] - Production was reported to be 17% higher year-on-year [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on lifting performance from core assets and driving margin growth through cost discipline [9][10] - Investments in exploration are expected to grow reserves significantly, particularly at Geita, with a total of $50 million allocated for exploration [12][14] - The company is also laying a foundation for growth in Nevada, with the Arthur complex anticipated to become a long-life, multi-million ounce producer [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the importance of discipline and execution, highlighting the contributions of the workforce in achieving reliable and predictable results [27] - The company is committed to maintaining strong cash flow and managing costs effectively despite inflationary pressures [4][19] Other Important Information - The dividend policy includes a quarterly payout of $12.50 per share, with a total dividend declaration of $460 million for Q3, matching the amount declared in the first half of the year [7][8] - The sale of Sierra Grande is expected to be finalized before the end of the year, allowing the company to sharpen its focus on core business [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can we expect to see a big CapEx number in Q4 or will some of this be rolled over into 2026? - The company anticipates relatively stable capital spending and will manage it within the guidance range for the full year [21][23] Question: What is the outstanding dividend payment from CVSA, and is it likely that you receive an amount this quarter? - The company has made significant progress on cash lock-ups in Argentina and has no restrictions on how much can be flowed back to the parent company [24][25] Question: Have any bonds been paid back over the quarter? - The answer was no, not very much has been paid back [26]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved net income of $3.6 million in Q3 2025, marking its first net income since going public in 2021, compared to a net loss of $12 million in the prior year [23] - Adjusted EBITDA was $9.5 million, up from $4.6 million in the prior quarter and down from $10.1 million in the prior year [23] - Total revenues were $59.9 million, a decline of 6.3% sequentially and 41.4% year over year, aligning with expectations due to the strategic transition [18] - Gross margins improved to 74.6%, an increase of 230 basis points from the prior quarter and 730 basis points year over year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital revenue decreased 8.3% from the prior quarter to $36.4 million and decreased 32.2% year over year, impacted by a decline in digital subscription counts [19] - Nutrition and other revenue decreased 2.8% from the prior quarter to $23.5 million and fell 50.4% year over year, with nutrition subscriptions remaining flat sequentially at approximately 70,000 [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is transitioning from a multi-level marketing (MLM) model to an omnichannel approach, which has impacted revenue streams and customer acquisition strategies [18][19] - The shift has opened new growth channels that were previously inaccessible, with expectations for a stronger balance sheet and long-term business model [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to launch a comprehensive retail initiative in 2026, introducing products like Shakeology and new nutritional supplements to retail for the first time [5][6] - A new P90X fitness program will be launched, creating cross-marketing opportunities between digital content and retail nutrition products [6] - The focus will be on expanding the total addressable market (TAM) by targeting the 185 million overweight Americans who do not currently engage in regular fitness routines [6][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed satisfaction with the turnaround progress, achieving eight consecutive quarters of positive adjusted EBITDA and a significant reduction in the revenue break-even point from $900 million to $180 million [4][7] - The company anticipates that 2026 will mark the transition from financial restructuring to capitalizing on new revenue opportunities [5][15] - Management highlighted the importance of leveraging AI and technology to enhance customer experience and drive acquisition [15][16] Other Important Information - The company has generated $13.1 million in free cash flow year-to-date, with $9 million generated in Q3 alone [4] - The cash position stands at $33.9 million, exceeding outstanding debt of $25 million, providing financial flexibility [4] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in Customer Base with New Business Model - Management noted that the customer demographic remains similar, focusing on individuals seeking convenience and shorter workout durations [32] Question: New Product Pipeline and Rollout Timing - The company is excited about launching numerous new products in 2026, including affordable nutrition products and fitness programs [38][39] Question: Marketing Spend and Cost Management - Management confirmed that marketing spend is aligned with the new business model, maintaining operational leverage while managing costs effectively [41][62] Question: Retail Launch Visibility - The company is currently coordinating sell-in meetings with major retailers, expecting to appear on shelves by late Q1 to Q2 2026 [59] Question: Nutrition Margin Expectations - Management anticipates a steady state for nutrition margins between 46-52%, with a focus on generating revenue and subscriber growth [74]

Core Insights - Solo Brands is focusing on structural cost reductions to align with current demand levels, achieving $11 million in operating cash flow for Q3 2025, marking the second consecutive quarter of positive cash flow [1][2][4] Financial Performance - Q3 2025 net sales were $53.0 million, a decrease of 43.7% from $94.1 million in Q3 2024, primarily due to reduced sales in the Solo Stove segment as retail partners worked through excess inventory [7] - Gross profit for Q3 2025 was $31.8 million, or 60.0% of net sales, down 19.0% year-over-year, while adjusted gross profit was $32.2 million, or 60.6% of net sales, reflecting a 44.9% decrease due to inventory write-downs [7] - Operating expenses decreased to $48.0 million, down 68.9% year-over-year, largely due to significant reductions in restructuring and marketing costs [7] - The net loss for Q3 2025 was $22.9 million, improving from a net loss of $111.5 million in Q3 2024, with an adjusted net loss of $11.9 million [7] Segment Performance - Solo Stove segment net sales were $30.8 million, a decline of 48.1%, while Chubbies segment net sales were $16.5 million, down 16.0% [11][26] - Chubbies segment EBITDA improved to $21.5 million, or 20.8% of net sales, compared to $12.2 million, or 13.8% of net sales in the prior year [11][26] Strategic Initiatives - The company is committed to stabilizing its business and strengthening its balance sheet while focusing on sustainable, profitable growth [4][2] - Recent product launches, such as the Summit 24" and Infinity Flame firepits, have received positive initial responses, improving sales trends in October [4] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of September 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $16.3 million, up from $12.0 million at the end of 2024, while inventory decreased to $84.8 million from $108.6 million [9][10] - Outstanding borrowings under the 2025 Term Loan were $247.1 million, with no balance under the 2025 Revolving Credit Facility [10][12]

Core Insights - Puma is facing significant challenges in returning to profitability and desirability after a difficult third quarter [1] Financial Performance - Organic sales at Puma decreased by 10.4% in the third quarter, amounting to 1.96 billion euros [2] - Earnings before income tax (EBIT) fell by over 80% for both adjusted and reported figures [2] - Inventory levels rose to 2.12 billion euros, with expectations that normal levels will not be reached until the end of next year [6] Strategic Changes - New CEO Arthur Hoeld, who took over in July, is implementing a strategy to reduce reliance on wholesale and enhance direct-to-consumer channels [3][5] - The company plans to decrease the number of new product releases and reduce purchases from suppliers [5] - Hoeld indicated that Puma's return to healthy growth may not occur until 2027, with the upcoming year focused on transition [6] Market Positioning - Hoeld criticized the previous over-reliance on wholesale, stating it harmed the brand's image due to excessive discounting by larger retailers [4] - The company is currently navigating several challenges, including muted brand momentum and elevated inventory levels [2][6]

Core Insights - Kering's third-quarter revenue for 2025 was €3,415 million, reflecting a 10% decline as reported and a 5% decrease on a comparable basis [2][3][28] - The company is focused on a turnaround strategy to enhance the performance of its brands and regain market prominence [2][3] Revenue Performance - The third-quarter revenue decline of 5% on a comparable basis shows a significant improvement from a 15% drop in the second quarter of 2025 [3] - For the first nine months of 2025, Kering generated revenue of €11.0 billion, down 14% as reported and down 12% on a comparable basis [3][28] Brand-Specific Performance - **Gucci**: Revenue was €1,343 million, down 18% as reported and down 14% on a comparable basis. Retail sales decreased by 13% on a comparable basis, but there was improved momentum in North America and Western Europe [4][5] - **Yves Saint Laurent**: Revenue reached €620 million, down 7% as reported and down 4% on a comparable basis. The brand saw a return to growth in North America and a slight decline in Western Europe [7] - **Bottega Veneta**: Revenue totaled €393 million, down 1% as reported but up 3% on a comparable basis, with strong growth in the retail network driven by North America [8] - **Other Houses**: Revenue was €652 million, down 5% as reported but up 1% on a comparable basis, with stable retail sales and improved wholesale revenue [10] Segment Performance - **Kering Eyewear and Corporate**: Revenue was €448 million, up 2% as reported and up 6% on a comparable basis, with solid growth across key regions [12][13] - **Jewelry Houses**: Experienced double-digit revenue growth, particularly in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific markets [11] Strategic Developments - Kering and L'Oréal announced a strategic partnership in luxury beauty and wellness, valued at €4 billion, expected to close in the first half of 2026 [20] - Luca de Meo officially began his role as CEO on September 15, 2025, with a focus on enhancing the company's performance [17]

Core Insights - Nestlé is undergoing significant operational changes to enhance efficiency and agility, with a focus on automation for faster decision-making [3][4] - The company plans to cut 16,000 jobs, representing about 6% of its global workforce of 277,000, as part of its cost-reduction strategy [7] - Newly appointed CEO Philipp Navratil aims to continue the restructuring efforts initiated by his predecessor, increasing the cost savings target to 3 billion Swiss francs ($3.8 billion) by the end of 2027 [7] Job Cuts and Workforce Changes - The job cuts will include 12,000 corporate positions and 4,000 from manufacturing and supply chain staffing reductions [4] - Navratil emphasized the need for a performance-driven culture, stating that talent assessment will be ruthless, focusing on key performance indicators [5] Leadership and Strategic Direction - Navratil, who became CEO in September, is the third CEO in just over a year, following the dismissal of Laurent Freixe due to personal misconduct [6] - Freixe's strategy focused on increasing advertising and marketing to boost sales, but the company is now shifting towards a more streamlined approach under Navratil [6]

Core Viewpoint - Starbucks is facing significant challenges under CEO Brian Niccol, including increased competition and declining stock performance since his appointment, prompting a major turnaround initiative [1][3][8]. Group 1: Business Challenges - Upon taking over, Niccol inherited issues such as growing competition and a shift in consumer preferences towards cheaper beverages, resulting in a 25% decline in stock value since the previous CEO [1]. - The company's stock has underperformed compared to broader market trends, indicating ongoing investor skepticism about the effectiveness of the turnaround strategy [3][8]. Group 2: Turnaround Initiatives - The "Back to Starbucks" initiative aims to enhance customer experience and restore the brand's status as a preferred social space, involving significant policy changes, layoffs, and store closures [2]. - Key components of the initiative include the introduction of protein add-on options and the "Green Apron Service" to improve customer service, which have shown promising early results [4]. Group 3: Market Performance and Future Outlook - Starbucks' China operations, which account for approximately $3 billion in annual sales (8% of total sales), are under pressure from local competitors like Luckin Coffee, leading to stalled growth despite having over 7,500 stores in the region [6][7]. - Since Niccol's appointment, shares have decreased by about 9%, with a year-to-date decline exceeding 10%, as investors await evidence of a successful turnaround similar to his previous role at Chipotle [8]. - The company is set to report fiscal fourth-quarter earnings on October 29, with analysts projecting earnings per share of 57 cents on revenue of $9.37 billion [9].

Core Insights - Fossil Group, Inc. (FOSL) shares have increased by 62.3% year to date, significantly outperforming the industry, which has seen a decline of 12.5% [1] - The company has outperformed competitors such as Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN) and Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (BOOT), which recorded increases of 25.8% and 17% respectively [1] - Key factors contributing to Fossil's performance include improved liquidity through debt refinancing, operational efficiencies, cost controls, product innovation, and brand revitalization [1] Business Operations - Fossil is a global design and distribution company specializing in fashion accessories, including watches, jewelry, and handbags [3] - The company owns brands such as FOSSIL, SKAGEN, MICHELE, RELIC, and ZODIAC, and has licensed brands like MICHAEL KORS and ARMANI EXCHANGE [3] - In 2023, Fossil launched the Transform and Grow plan aimed at cutting costs and improving margins, targeting $280 million in annualized operating income benefits by 2024 [3] - The Turnaround Plan introduced in 2025 focuses on core product refocus, cost restructuring, and balance sheet strengthening [3] - Fossil operates across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, utilizing a multi-channel model that includes e-commerce, retail, and wholesale [3] Key Tailwinds - Fossil's strategic turnaround is built on three pillars: refocusing on the core business, tightening cost structures, and strengthening the balance sheet [4] - The company has implemented a comprehensive debt refinancing plan, enhancing liquidity and supporting long-term growth [4] - Fossil has secured a new $150 million revolving credit facility, increasing financial flexibility and reducing refinancing risks [4] Marketing and Consumer Engagement - The brand's marketing strategy has shifted towards high-impact campaigns featuring global icons, resulting in stronger consumer engagement [5] - Investments in influencer collaborations and pop-up events have increased product visibility and sales [5] - Traditional watches are experiencing a strong rebound in markets like India and the Americas, contributing to higher average unit retail prices [6] Operational Efficiencies - Fossil's cost control initiatives, including supply chain optimization and automation, are leading to margin improvements [7] - Strategic partnerships with suppliers and platform upgrades have significantly improved gross margins [7] - A renewed focus on channel profitability, particularly through e-commerce and European distribution, has yielded better returns [7] Product Innovation - The relaunch of traditional watch collections and new product lines like Neutra and Raquel is resonating well with consumers [8] - Management aims to reinvigorate core offerings while leveraging global license partners to drive growth [8] Challenges - Fossil faces sales weakness in key markets such as Europe and China, exposing the brand to macro volatility [9] - Heightened tariff risks and trade policy shifts threaten supply chain stability and margin resilience [9] - Competitive pressures from larger e-commerce players may force margin-diluting strategies [9] Valuation - Fossil is currently trading at 0.19X trailing 12-month EV/sales value, significantly below the industry average of 1.85X [10] - This valuation is lower than peers like Urban Outfitters (0.95X) and Boot Barn (2.68X), indicating a potential investment opportunity [10] Conclusion - The company's focus on strengthening its balance sheet, streamlining operations, and revitalizing its core watch business enhances financial flexibility [11] - With improving liquidity and strong brand momentum, Fossil is positioned to deliver operational resilience and improved shareholder value [11] - Strong fundamentals and undervaluation present a lucrative opportunity for investors [13]