Summary of Endeavour Silver (NYSE:EXK) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - Endeavour Silver is positioned as a mid-tier silver mining company with a focus on growth, particularly in the context of rising silver prices, currently at $41 [1][2]. Key Projects and Production Goals - The company produced approximately 8 million silver equivalent ounces in 2024 and aims to increase production to 20 million ounces by 2026, with a long-term goal of over 30 million ounces by 2030 [4][9]. - The Terronera project is expected to significantly enhance production, with an annualized output of about 7 million silver equivalent ounces, contributing to a cash flow of approximately $150 million [22][28]. - The Copa mine, acquired recently, is projected to produce 5 million silver equivalent ounces in 2024 and 3 million ounces in 2025, with potential to increase output to 6.5 million ounces if production capacity is expanded [9][19]. Financial Insights - The acquisition of Copa was valued at $145 million, considered a fair price given the market conditions and potential for growth [20]. - The company anticipates free cash flow of $40 million to $45 million at current silver prices, with a payback period of approximately 2.5 to 3 years [21]. Exploration and Growth Potential - Endeavour Silver has significant exploration potential, with control over 30,000 hectares and multiple veins that could extend the mine life from 10 years to potentially 25 years [23][26]. - The Pithoria project is being advanced with a budget of $27 million for feasibility studies and infrastructure development, aiming for a production capacity of 3,500 to 4,000 tonnes per day [11][31]. Market Position and Future Outlook - The company has seen an increase in institutional investment, reflecting a growing market cap and interest in silver assets [35]. - With a revenue mix of over 50% silver and 30% gold, Endeavour Silver is well-positioned to capitalize on the current silver market dynamics [35][36]. Additional Considerations - The company is focused on transitioning from high-cost, short mine life assets to more sustainable, long-term projects like Terronera and Copa [3][33]. - The historical resource at Copa is estimated at 118 million silver equivalent ounces, with ongoing exploration expected to enhance this figure [18][19]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting Endeavour Silver's strategic direction, production goals, financial outlook, and exploration potential in the silver mining industry.

Core Insights - Transcontinental Inc. reported improved adjusted net earnings per share for the third consecutive quarter, reflecting the positive impact of a two-year profitability improvement program [3][5][21] - The company experienced a revenue decrease in the Packaging Sector due to the sale of industrial packaging operations and weaker demand, but adjusted operating earnings margin improved [4][10] - The Retail Services and Printing Sector showed a 4.5% revenue increase, driven by growth in book printing activities and successful acquisitions [5][10] Financial Performance - Revenues for Q3 2025 were $684.4 million, down 2.2% from $700.0 million in Q3 2024 [6][10] - Operating earnings before depreciation and amortization decreased by 10.3% to $109.0 million from $121.5 million year-over-year [11][53] - Adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders increased by 14.6% to $58.9 million, with adjusted net earnings per share rising 16.7% to $0.70 [14][39] Sector Performance - The Packaging Sector faced revenue declines due to the sale of operations and lower demand, but cost discipline led to improved margins [4][10] - The Retail Services and Printing Sector reported a strong quarter with a 4.5% revenue increase, attributed to growth in book printing and successful acquisitions [5][10] Acquisitions and Growth Strategy - The company made strategic acquisitions, including Middleton Group Inc. for $4.6 million and two additional companies for up to $72.7 million, aimed at enhancing in-store marketing activities [9][10] - Investments in flexible packaging and in-store marketing are expected to drive long-term growth [21][22] Outlook - The company anticipates organic growth in adjusted operating earnings for the Packaging Sector in fiscal 2025, despite weaker demand in Q3 [22][23] - Continued focus on reducing net indebtedness while investing in growth and returning capital to shareholders is part of the strategy moving forward [23][40]

Summary of Great-West Lifeco (GRWF.F) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - Great-West Lifeco operates in the retirement, wealth, and insurance sectors, with a strong presence in Canada, the U.S., Europe, and global reinsurance markets [6][7][8] Key Points and Arguments Leadership and Strategy - The new leadership emphasizes continuity and organic growth, with a target of 8% to 10% earnings per share growth and a return on equity (ROE) exceeding 19% [7][8] - The company aims for over 80% capital generation and maintains a dividend payout ratio of 45% to 55% [8][8] Market Position and Growth - Great-West is positioned well in its markets, with no current plans for significant changes [12] - The company has shifted its portfolio towards capital-light businesses, expecting these to grow from 62% to 72% of base earnings by 2024 [13][13] Empower Business - Empower, the U.S. business, has shown strong organic growth, achieving a 13% year-over-year growth rate [14][14] - The company has secured €135 billion in net plan sales over the last three years, with total assets under administration at €1.8 trillion [18][18] - The workplace segment (401(k) plans) constitutes over 80% of Empower's earnings, with expectations for mid-single-digit growth [16][19] Wealth Business Dynamics - The wealth business is expected to grow significantly as more participants transition from workplace plans to retirement accounts [20][24] - The current rollover rate for retiring members is 15%, with aspirations to reach 20% and beyond [29][31] European Operations - The European segment is balanced, with significant operations in Ireland (over 30% market share) and a focus on the UK and Germany [33][34] - The company does not plan to expand into new European markets, focusing instead on strengthening existing positions [40][40] Canadian Market Insights - Canada remains a crucial market, with ambitions for growth in wealth and retirement solutions [46][48] - The defined contribution market in Canada is expected to benefit from reforms, with the company aiming to improve its position from third to first in this segment [49][50] Capital Management - The company has a strong capital position, with a target cash ratio of 125% and current levels at 130% [63][63] - The decision to increase the Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) reflects the strong capital generation and the absence of immediate M&A opportunities [62][62] Efficiency and Technology - The company targets an efficiency ratio below 50%, currently at just under 57% [65][66] - Investments in AI and digital tools are expected to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience [69][72] Additional Important Insights - The reinsurance business is a significant part of the portfolio, contributing to diversification and strong returns [56][58] - The company is focused on maintaining strong relationships in the reinsurance market to capitalize on growth opportunities [58][58] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting Great-West Lifeco's strategic focus, market dynamics, and growth potential across its various business segments.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported high single-digit growth in the first half of the year and generated cash in the second quarter, indicating progress towards set goals [20][21] - EBITDA margins are targeted to exceed 20% for sustainable positioning as a med tech company, with current margins at 17% to 18% [16][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company aims for high single-digit growth in the recon segment and stable low single-digit growth in the PNR segment, with potential for double-digit growth in recon in 2025 [22][28] - New product launches, including the ARG system and MANIFUSE, are expected to drive growth in both recon and PNR segments [27][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market trends show a stable environment with a pickup in the U.S. and a slight slowdown in Europe due to seasonal factors, but overall conditions are expected to stabilize [21] - The company has seen a shift in international sales from 22% to over 50% in the recon segment following the Lima acquisition [50] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on organic growth, operational excellence, and capital allocation, with a priority on debt reduction and free cash flow improvement [6][8][42] - The management emphasizes a robust product pipeline and innovation, aiming for a mix of singles and doubles rather than home runs [11][75] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges macroeconomic uncertainties as a wildcard affecting growth, particularly in Europe and Asia [33][28] - The company expects to be free cash flow positive in 2025, with a clear path to achieving 70% to 80% free cash conversion by 2026 [29][30] Other Important Information - The company plans to mitigate tariff impacts by shifting sourcing from China and increasing prices on the PNR side [37][39] - The ARVIS platform launch has been delayed by six months, but it is expected to enhance growth in the recon segment once fully operational [48][63] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the business trends in July and August? - The company experienced high single-digit growth in the first half and anticipates stable market conditions for the third quarter [20][21] Question: Is there a pathway to double-digit recon growth in 2025? - The company believes it can achieve double-digit growth in recon, depending on new product launches and market conditions [22][23] Question: What are the key metrics for driving shareholder value? - The focus will be on meeting growth commitments, expanding EBITDA, and improving free cash flow [19] Question: What are the trends in the PNR market? - The PNR segment has shown resilience with stable growth of 3% to 4%, contributing significantly to cash generation [67] Question: What is the company's approach to capital allocation? - The immediate focus is on debt reduction, with M&A activities being deprioritized for the time being [42][46] Question: How will ARVIS contribute to revenue? - ARVIS is expected to start contributing meaningfully to revenues within a year, with initial contributions already noted [63] Question: What are the expectations for growth in 2026? - The company anticipates stable growth in recon and PNR, with potential headwinds from macroeconomic factors [31][33]

Summary of American Tower (AMT) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: American Tower Corporation (AMT) - **Date**: September 03, 2025 - **Speaker**: Steve Vondrin, President and CEO Key Industry Insights - **Industry**: Telecommunications Infrastructure - **Market Growth**: Mobile data growth in developed markets is projected to be in the range of 15% to 20%, with emerging markets potentially exceeding this range [6][7] - **Investment Horizon**: Carrier customers are expected to continue investing heavily in infrastructure, driving long-term growth for American Tower [7] Core Strategic Priorities 1. **Maximizing Organic Growth**: Focus on organic growth as the primary driver of shareholder value [3][4] 2. **Selective Capital Deployment**: Capital will be deployed primarily in developed markets to enhance the portfolio and create more sellable assets [4] 3. **Cost Management**: A disciplined approach to cost management aims to keep costs growing slower than revenue, even in an inflationary environment [5][69] 4. **Balance Sheet Optimization**: The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet to withstand market volatility and have available capital for investment opportunities [5][6] Portfolio Optimization - **Emerging Markets Challenges**: The company has faced challenges in emerging markets due to carrier consolidation, one-off events, and foreign exchange (FX) volatility [10][14][15] - **Divestitures**: American Tower has divested from India and other non-core markets, reducing the share of AFFO from emerging markets from 40% to 25% [15][16] - **Operational Excellence**: The company claims to be the best operator in every continent it operates, allowing it to charge a premium for its services [9] Financial Performance and Guidance - **Leasing Activity**: The company is experiencing robust leasing activity, with a strong pipeline expected to grow towards the end of the year [30][32] - **Organic Growth Projections**: Long-term growth in developed markets is expected to be mid-single digits, with low single-digit growth anticipated in Latin America for the next couple of years [56][61] - **AFFO Growth**: The company aims for mid to upper single-digit AFFO per share growth over time, despite current headwinds from FX and refinancing [76][77] Capital Allocation Strategy - **Dividend Priority**: The first obligation is to pay dividends, with an expected allocation of approximately $3.2 billion [88] - **Opportunistic Buybacks**: The company is open to opportunistic share buybacks but does not plan for programmatic buybacks [89] Emerging Trends and Future Outlook - **Technological Drivers**: The growth of AI and fixed wireless technology is expected to create new demand for infrastructure, potentially accelerating densification needs [72][74] - **Long-term Investment Perspective**: The company emphasizes that the tower business is a long-term investment, driven by increasing mobile connectivity and new growth drivers [91][92] Conclusion - **Business Model Strength**: American Tower believes that the tower business model remains one of the best, with numerous growth drivers expected to sustain demand for decades [91][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has adjusted its sales growth guidance to around 3.5%, while profit guidance has been raised to high single digits on an organic basis, driven by a strong productivity program [4][5][6] - In the first half of the year, the company achieved a growth rate of 3.2% [4] - Gross margin increased by 160 basis points in the first half of the year [55] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market showed a slight decline, with consumption up by approximately half a point in Q3, while the overall market was down by half a point [4][5] - The company experienced mid-single-digit growth in EMEA, LATAM, and Asia-Pacific regions, with expectations for acceleration in these areas [6] - Oral health performance continued to grow, with a consistent growth rate around 3% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market faced muted overall growth and continued inventory pressure, leading to a cautious outlook for the remainder of the year [5][6] - The company noted that the cold and flu season significantly impacted consumption dynamics, with a high season in Q1 followed by a lower allergy season in Q2 [15][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to reach a billion more consumers, particularly focusing on low-income consumers in emerging markets [10] - There is a strong emphasis on managing inventory proactively with retailers to avoid out-of-stock situations [5][13] - The company is optimistic about the potential of its brands in emerging markets, particularly in India and China, where it has launched products tailored for low-income consumers [33][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the 3.5% growth target, despite challenges in the U.S. market [6][63] - The company is focused on maximizing portfolio performance and improving market share, particularly in oral health and therapeutic categories [26][27] - Management acknowledged the cyclical nature of the market and expressed optimism about returning to growth in the U.S. [63] Other Important Information - The company is implementing a productivity program expected to deliver £800 million in savings by 2030, with a target of 50 to 80 basis points of gross margin improvement annually [52][55] - The company is focused on capital allocation towards automation and building additional plants in strategic locations [60][61] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the company's outlook on cash flow and working capital? - Management acknowledged the importance of cash flow and indicated that improvements in inventory reduction and working capital could fund capital investments [69][79] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the U.S. market? - Management noted that the U.S. market has been challenging but expressed confidence in the potential for recovery and growth [63][80] Question: What is the vision for the new therapeutic skin health category? - Management indicated that the decision to break out therapeutic skin health as a new category was strategic and aimed at capturing growth opportunities [74]

Summary of Distribution Solutions Group (DSGR) FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company Name**: Distribution Solutions Group (DSGR) - **Ticker**: DSGR - **CFO**: Ron Knudson - **Key Shareholder**: LKCM, owning 78% of shares - **Formation**: Merged from Lawson Products, Gexpro Services, and TestEquity Financial Performance - **Revenue**: Approximately $2 billion, up from less than $1 billion three and a half years ago [5] - **EBITDA**: Adjusted EBITDA running around 10%, with a trailing 12-month EBITDA of about $195 million [5][13] - **Customer Base**: Servicing over 200,000 customers, with 85% of revenue from North America [6] - **Revenue Retention**: Upwards of 92%, with 98% retention on Jexpro services [19][20] Business Model and Value Proposition - **Specialty Distribution**: DSG positions itself as a high-touch, high-value distributor, providing not just products but also labor and services [4][5] - **Product Sourcing**: Works with over 10,000 suppliers and offers more than 500,000 SKUs [7] - **Labor Support**: Addresses labor shortages by providing on-site labor solutions [9][10] - **IoT Integration**: Emphasizes technology integration in all services [11] Growth Strategy - **Acquisition Strategy**: Completed nine acquisitions since formation, deploying about $550 million in capital [12][36] - **Market Positioning**: Focused on GDP plus growth, leveraging macro changes for expansion [23][24] - **Diversification**: No significant customer or end-market concentration, providing resilience through business cycles [6][15] Segment Performance 1. **Lawson Products**: - Revenue includes Canadian operations, with a focus on vendor-managed inventory (VMI) [25][29] - High gross margin of around 70% due to service value [8] 2. **Jexpro Services**: - Accounts for about 25% of DSG's revenue, focusing on Class C parts for manufacturing [29] - Strong performance across diverse end markets, including renewables and aerospace [31][32] 3. **Test Equity Group**: - Represents about 40% of DSG's revenue, with a recent acquisition doubling its size [33] - Offers test and measurement equipment alongside electronic production supplies [34] Financial Health and Capital Allocation - **Free Cash Flow**: CapEx is only about 1% of revenue, allowing for strong free cash flow generation [13] - **Leverage**: Maintains a leverage ratio of about 3.5, comfortable within a range of 3 to 4 times [41] - **Share Buybacks**: Approximately $20 million worth of shares repurchased in the first half of the year [35] Market Challenges and Opportunities - **Tariffs and Inflation**: DSG has strong pricing capabilities and does not see tariffs as a significant margin compression issue [48][50] - **Private Label Products**: 40% of Lawson's sales are private label, providing a competitive edge in response to tariffs [50] Conclusion - DSG is well-positioned for growth through its diversified business model, strong customer relationships, and strategic acquisitions, while effectively managing market challenges and leveraging opportunities in the industrial distribution space.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company comparable net sales increased by 2%, and when excluding contract manufacturing sales related to divested pet food brands, net sales increased by 3% compared to the prior year [6][31] - Adjusted gross profit decreased by $89 million or 11% compared to the prior year, reflecting higher commodity costs and unfavorable volume mix [33] - Adjusted earnings per share was $1.90, a decrease of 22% versus the prior year, driven by reduced gross profit and increased marketing investments [35][48] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Uncrustables brand grew net sales in double digits, driven by national advertising and distribution gains [7][11] - Cafe Bustelo brand net sales increased by 36%, with a 17% increase in volume mix [11] - Milk Bone brand experienced a decline in net sales due to lapping prior year distribution gains, while Meow Mix brand saw an increase in volume mix [12][13] - Sweet Baked Snacks segment net sales decreased by 24%, primarily driven by a decrease in snack cakes [38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S. retail coffee segment, net sales increased by 15%, with net price realization contributing an 18 percentage point increase [35] - Pet foods segment net sales decreased by 8%, reflecting declines in dog snacks and contract manufacturing sales related to divested brands [37] - International and away from home segment net sales grew by 7%, driven by strong performance in the away from home business [27][39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic priorities: accelerating organic growth, embedding transformation, and fostering a bold mindset [5][18] - Actions include prioritizing resources towards key growth platforms and optimizing SKU counts to improve operational efficiencies [14][15] - The company aims to generate over $1 billion in free cash flow annually and has achieved $100 million in total run rate synergies from the Hostess Brands acquisition [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the external environment remains dynamic, with ongoing input inflation and changes in consumer behavior impacting outlook [42] - The company anticipates net sales to increase by 3% to 5% for the fiscal year, reflecting improved price elasticity of demand assumptions [42][43] - Management remains confident in the long-term growth outlook and the ability to deliver shareholder value despite external challenges [29][49] Other Important Information - The company plans to prioritize debt reduction, aiming to pay down approximately $500 million of debt in each of the next two fiscal years [41] - Free cash flow projection has been increased by $100 million to approximately $975 million, driven by accelerated R&D and tax deductions [47] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for the coffee segment given the current inflationary pressures? - Management indicated that the coffee category remains resilient despite inflation, with approximately 70% of coffee drinking occasions occurring at home, providing an affordable alternative to coffee shops [22][29] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the Sweet Baked Snacks segment? - The company is taking decisive actions to stabilize the Hostess brand, including SKU optimization and closing a manufacturing facility to improve margins and operational efficiencies [14][15] Question: What is the outlook for the pet food segment? - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth outlook for the pet portfolio, driven by positive pet population trends and premiumization opportunities [25][29]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 1% decrease in net sales for the first quarter, while comparable net sales increased by 2%, excluding prior year sales related to divested businesses and foreign currency exchange [31] - Adjusted gross profit decreased by $89 million or 11% compared to the prior year, primarily due to higher commodity costs and unfavorable volume mix [33] - Adjusted earnings per share was $1.90, a decrease of 22% versus the prior year, but exceeded expectations due to better-than-anticipated net sales [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the US retail coffee segment, net sales increased by 15%, driven by an 18 percentage point increase from net price realization [34] - The US retail pet foods segment saw a decrease in net sales by 8%, primarily due to a decline in dog snacks and lower contract manufacturing sales related to divested pet food brands [36] - The Sweet Baked Snacks segment experienced a 24% decrease in net sales, with a 54% decrease in segment profit reflecting unfavorable volume mix and higher costs [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The away from home business grew net sales by 14% on a comparable basis, driven by coffee and Uncrustables sandwiches [39] - International net sales decreased by 6% on a comparable basis, primarily reflecting a decrease in the coffee portfolio [39] - The company anticipates a higher US tariff impact on green coffee costs, which is expected to be a 50¢ headwind for the fiscal year [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic priorities: accelerating organic growth, embedding transformation in everyday operations, and fostering a bold mindset [5] - The Uncrustables brand is projected to generate over $1 billion in net sales by the end of the fiscal year, continuing strong double-digit growth [11] - The company is reducing SKU count by 25% for the Hostess brand to improve operational efficiencies and drive margin expansion [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the external environment remains dynamic, with ongoing input inflation and changes in consumer behavior impacting the fiscal year outlook [41] - The company is revising its full-year net sales expectations to increase by 3% to 5%, primarily due to the strength of the coffee portfolio [28] - Management remains confident in the long-term growth outlook and the ability to deliver shareholder value despite external challenges [30] Other Important Information - The company achieved $100 million in total run rate synergies from the Hostess Brands acquisition [16] - Free cash flow for the first quarter was negative $94.9 million, reflecting a decrease in cash provided by operating activities [39] - The company plans to prioritize debt reduction, aiming to pay down approximately $500 million of debt in each of the next two fiscal years [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for the coffee segment? - The coffee segment is expected to remain resilient despite inflationary pressures, with approximately 70% of coffee drinking occasions occurring at home [21] Question: How is the company addressing the impact of tariffs? - The company is working to mitigate cost increases through alternative sourcing strategies and responsible pricing [45] Question: What is the outlook for the Sweet Baked Snacks segment? - The Sweet Baked Snacks segment is anticipated to improve sequentially, with increased dollar sales and volume growth noted in the Hostess brand [25]

Core Viewpoint - Hancock Whitney Corp. (HWC) shares are performing well, trading near a 52-week high of $63.82, with a 12.3% increase over the past three months, outperforming the industry and Zacks Finance sector, but underperforming close peers [1][9]. Financial Performance - HWC's net interest income (NII) has a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% over five years ending in 2024, driven by higher rates and loan growth [6]. - The net interest margin (NIM) expanded to 3.37% in 2024 from 3.34% in 2023 and 3.26% in 2022, with continued growth in the first half of 2025 [6][10]. - Total revenues (TE) experienced a CAGR of 3.5% from 2019 to 2024, while total loans saw a CAGR of 1.9% during the same period [9]. Growth Initiatives - The company has launched a multi-year organic growth plan, focusing on hiring revenue-generating associates and expanding its presence in Florida and Texas, which is expected to enhance fee revenues [8]. - HWC's bond restructuring, asset repricing, and balance sheet deleveraging strategies are anticipated to support NIM [7]. Balance Sheet Strength - As of June 30, 2025, HWC had total debt of $1.26 billion and cash and cash equivalents of $1.12 billion, indicating a strong liquidity position [10]. - The common equity tier 1 ratio and total capital ratio were 14.03% and 15.87%, respectively, well above regulatory requirements, reflecting a robust capital position [12]. Dividend and Share Repurchase - In January 2025, HWC announced a 12.5% increase in its quarterly dividend to 45 cents per share, with an annualized dividend growth rate of 11.6% over the past five years [12]. - The company has a share repurchase plan authorizing the buyback of 4.3 million shares through December 31, 2026, with approximately 3.21 million shares remaining available as of June 30, 2025 [15]. Analyst Sentiment - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is $5.60 per share for 2025 and $5.90 for 2026, indicating growth of 5.3% and 5.4%, respectively [17][20]. - HWC's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 10.82X, below the industry average, suggesting potential for upside [20]. Competitive Position - HWC's return on equity (ROE) stands at 11.21%, slightly below the industry's 11.64%, indicating room for improvement in capital allocation efficiency [23]. - Compared to peers, Bank OZK has a higher ROE of 13.24%, while F.N.B. Corp has a lower ROE of 7.94% [25]. Future Outlook - The anticipated rate cut by the Federal Reserve is expected to bolster HWC's NII and NIM, supporting loan growth and profitability [5][26]. - Overall, HWC's strategic initiatives and strong financial metrics position it favorably for potential investment opportunities [27].