Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net revenue for Q1 2025 reached CAD 205 million, a 3.6% increase compared to Q1 2024, driven by a combined cannabis business growth of 16.8% [12][16] - Gross profit increased by CAD 6.2 million or 12.4% year over year, resulting in a gross margin improvement to 27.6% [12][13] - Free cash flow was marginally negative at CAD -1.1 million, representing a CAD 5.3 million improvement compared to the same period in 2024 [13][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Liquor Retail segment recorded net revenue of CAD 109.5 million, reflecting a 5.7% decline year over year, impacted by one less day in February and Easter timing [16][17] - Cannabis Retail achieved net revenue of CAD 77.5 million, an 8.7% increase compared to the prior year, driven by a 5.2% increase in same-store sales [17][18] - Cannabis Operations segment reported net revenue of CAD 34.3 million, a 53% growth compared to the prior year, including CAD 10.2 million from the Indiva acquisition [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cannabis segments continued to show strong momentum, achieving steady year-on-year revenue gains for the thirteenth consecutive quarter [4][5] - The company gained 0.3 percentage points of year-on-year market share in the cannabis retail segment [21][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic pillars: growth, profitability, and people, with a commitment to expanding its cannabis retail footprint [21][25] - A formal strategic review has been initiated to evaluate the company's exposure to U.S. multistate licensed cannabis enterprises and current exchange listing status [6][9] - The acquisition of One Centimeters is expected to close by the end of Q3 2025, enhancing the company's retail presence [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding potential excise tax reforms in Canada but does not expect material changes in the near term [46][47] - The company is not experiencing material disruptions from trade disputes, with only 5% of liquor sales coming from U.S. products [49][50] Other Important Information - The restructuring program is on track, delivering CAD 4 million in savings during Q1, corresponding to an annualized run rate of CAD 17 million [24][25] - The company is committed to investing in employee development and enhancing engagement through various initiatives [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strategy for entering the U.S. market - Management clarified that no decision has been made regarding entering the U.S. market, but existing capital exposure could facilitate entry [31][32] Question: M&A outlook for cannabis retail - Management confirmed active evaluation of both organic and inorganic growth opportunities in the Canadian retail network [35][36] Question: Rollout of loyalty program in retail - The loyalty program aims to enhance communication with consumers and provide value, with potential expansion across different product lines [40][41] Question: Insights on regulatory recommendations post-elections - Management expressed cautious optimism about regulatory reforms but does not expect significant changes in excise tax rates soon [46][47]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 2025 were $1.05, an increase of nearly 11% compared to $0.95 in Q1 2024, affirming the company's full-year EPS guidance of 8% growth [7][12] - Consolidated reported earnings were $1.50 per share, up $0.10 per share versus the same period in 2024, with revenues higher by $0.44 per share due to authorized rate increases and acquisitions [13][14] - Operating costs increased by $0.15 per share, primarily due to employee-related costs and acquisition-related expenses [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a constructive settlement in the general rate case in Missouri, with an annualized revenue increase of $63 million expected [15] - In Virginia, a settlement approved a $15 million annualized increase in water and wastewater revenues [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to expect to grow its dividend at 7% to 9% per year, in line with its EPS growth target [11] - The total debt to capital ratio was 58%, within the target of less than 60%, with strong credit ratings affirmed by S&P and Moody's [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for long-term earnings and dividend growth of 7% to 9%, driven by a capital investment program targeting approximately $3.3 billion in 2025 [10][22] - The company is focused on infrastructure investments, particularly in PFAS remediation and lead service line replacement, while maintaining a strong regulatory and operational execution [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to execute financial and operational plans, with no expected material impact from recent tariff-related announcements [20] - The company highlighted the need for significant investments in U.S. water infrastructure, estimating a total of $625 billion over the next twenty years [29] Other Important Information - The Board approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend from $0.765 to $0.825 per share, marking an 8.2% increase [11] - The company is well-positioned for growth through acquisitions, with approximately 37,000 customer connections under agreement [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on pulling forward 2026 equity issuance - Management stated there are no plans to pull forward equity issuance and will evaluate the market as needed [37] Question: Acquisition outlook under potential recession - Management expects a continuous flow of acquisition opportunities, potentially driven by recession or reduced federal funding [38] Question: Update on California rate case - Management did not disclose the percentage increase for the California rate case and confirmed a separate proceeding for cost of capital [43][44] Question: Update on California desalination project - Management confirmed that the last major permit approval was received, and they expect to break ground on the desalination project this year [49] Question: Legislative progress and opportunities - Management did not quantify the opportunities from legislative changes but noted they would help earned returns in each state [56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total revenue for the first quarter was $6.7 billion, an increase of 3% year over year, and 4% on a same-store basis [16] - Adjusted EPS grew by 4% from the previous year to $4.68, marking the first year-over-year increase in eight quarters [10][20] - Total gross profit, including wholesale, increased by 12% from the first quarter of 2024 [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New vehicle unit sales increased by 7% year over year on a same-store basis, with premium luxury units up 14%, domestic units up 6%, and import units up 2% [7][20] - Used vehicle unit profitability rose by 13% to $16.62, reflecting a focus on margin and inventory management [7][22] - Customer financial services (CFS) profitability per unit increased by 3% year over year, with a finance penetration rate above 70% [24][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store gross profit for used vehicles grew by 12%, while aftersales gross profit increased by 4% year over year [17][28] - The light vehicle market is projected to see a decline from over 17 million units to between 31 million units for the year, with expectations of cross-shopping mitigating some declines [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase store density in existing markets, as evidenced by the acquisition of two stores in Colorado [11][31] - Focus on controlling costs, cash flow, and capital deployment to enhance shareholder returns [15][35] - Continued emphasis on technician workforce development and internal promotions to improve service efficiency [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the impact of tariffs will vary across OEMs and models, with expectations of competitive pricing strategies to maintain market share [53][56] - The company anticipates that the momentum seen in vehicle sales will continue, albeit at a moderating pace [12][34] - Management expressed confidence in the ability to generate cash flow and navigate the evolving market landscape [100] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $225 million of shares at an average price of $165 per share during the quarter, reducing the share count by 4% [10][32] - Adjusted free cash flow for the quarter totaled $237 million, with a cash flow conversion rate of 129% of adjusted net income [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of AutoNation Finance on PVR - Management acknowledged that the ramp-up of AutoNation Finance had a short-term impact on CFS PVR, estimating it at around $150 for the quarter [40][42] Question: Future Demand and Payback Period - Management indicated that while there may be some pull-forward demand, they do not expect a significant payback in the latter half of the year due to pent-up demand [46][48] Question: OEM Pricing Strategies - Management stated that OEMs will likely absorb some inflation and that the last lever pulled will be net transaction price appreciation [54][96] Question: After Sales Growth Contribution - Management confirmed that aftersales growth was driven by both price and volume increases, with mobile service initiatives contributing at a gross level [104] Question: Used Vehicle Supply and Demand - Management noted strong demand for lower-priced vehicles and emphasized efforts to increase used vehicle inventory [88][90]

Core Viewpoint - SPX Technologies, Inc. has completed the acquisition of Sigma Heating and Cooling and Omega Heat Pump for approximately $144 million (CAD 200 million), aligning with its typical acquisition multiple of 8x-12x Adjusted EBITDA [1][3]. Company Overview - Sigma & Omega, founded in 1997, is a Toronto-based manufacturer specializing in hydronic heating and cooling equipment, with expected annual revenues of approximately $65 million in 2025 and a workforce of around 220 employees [2][3]. Strategic Integration - Sigma & Omega will be integrated into SPX's hydronics business, enhancing its HVAC segment alongside Weil-McLain and Patterson-Kelley. The majority of Sigma & Omega's sales are from Canadian customers, but SPX aims to expand its U.S. customer base through increased domestic production [3][4]. Synergies and Growth Potential - The acquisition is expected to create significant synergies with SPX's existing HVAC businesses, leveraging Sigma & Omega's differentiated product offerings, such as vertical stack water-sourced heat pumps and fan coils, to enhance customer value and production efficiency [4][5]. Future Guidance - SPX Technologies plans to update its full-year 2025 guidance to reflect the impact of Sigma & Omega on May 1, 2025, coinciding with the Q1 2025 results announcement [3].

Core Viewpoint - SPX Technologies has acquired Sigma Heating and Cooling and Omega Heat Pump for approximately $144 million (CAD 200 million), which aligns with its typical acquisition multiple of 8x-12x Adjusted EBITDA [1][6]. Company Overview - Sigma & Omega, founded in 1997, is a Toronto-based manufacturer specializing in hydronic heating and cooling equipment, including vertical stack heat pumps and fan coils, with anticipated annual revenues of approximately $65 million in 2025 [2][3]. - The company employs around 220 people and primarily serves domestic Canadian customers [2][3]. Strategic Integration - Sigma & Omega will be integrated into SPX's hydronics business, enhancing the HVAC segment alongside Weil-McLain and Patterson-Kelley [3]. - SPX aims to increase Sigma & Omega's sales to U.S. customers through expanded U.S.-based production [3]. Synergies and Growth Potential - The acquisition is expected to create significant synergies with SPX's existing HVAC businesses, enhancing the value provided to customers [4]. - Sigma & Omega's product offerings, including vertical stack water-sourced heat pumps and commercial self-contained units, are complementary to SPX's current portfolio, targeting growth in high-rise residential buildings, hotels, schools, hospitals, and commercial properties across North America [4]. Management Statements - SPX's President and CEO expressed excitement about the acquisition, highlighting the strategic fit and potential for continued growth in attractive end markets [4]. - Founders of Sigma & Omega noted that the partnership will create new opportunities for employees, customers, and shareholders, enhancing the overall value of the platform [4].

Core Insights - VEON Ltd. announced the acquisition of 97% of Uklon, a leading Ukrainian ride-hailing and delivery platform, by JSC Kyivstar [1][2] - Uklon reported a revenue of USD 65 million for FY 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% from FY 2021 to FY 2024 [2] - The business combination agreement between VEON and Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. I aims to list Kyivstar on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol KYIV, expected to close in Q3 2025 [3] Company Overview - VEON is a global digital operator serving nearly 160 million customers across six countries, focusing on technology-driven services [5] - Kyivstar, Ukraine's largest digital operator, serves over 23 million mobile subscribers and has committed to invest USD 1 billion in telecom technologies from 2023 to 2027 [5] - Uklon, founded 15 years ago, is the largest ride-hailing player in Ukraine, with over 100,000 drivers and operations in 27 cities [6] Financial Metrics - Uklon achieved over 100 million rides and over 3 million deliveries in 2024 [2] - The company has a team of over 700 experts, including 250 software engineers, enhancing its technology platform [6]

Core Viewpoint - Pfizer is currently undervalued and presents a potential investment opportunity due to its low earnings multiple, attractive dividend yield, and ongoing acquisition strategy [1]. Group 1: Valuation and Financials - Pfizer is trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of less than 9, significantly lower than the average P/E of nearly 18 for the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund, indicating it is a deeply discounted stock [4]. - The company is guiding for revenue between $61 billion and $64 billion for 2025, comparable to the $63.6 billion reported in the previous year, suggesting a modest decline but ongoing investment in growth opportunities [3][4]. Group 2: Dividend Yield - Pfizer's current dividend yield is 6.7%, well above the S&P 500's average yield of 1.4%, making it an attractive option for income investors amid market uncertainties [5]. - In 2024, Pfizer generated free cash flow of $9.8 billion, exceeding the $9.5 billion paid out in dividends, indicating the sustainability of its dividend payments [6]. Group 3: Acquisition Strategy - Pfizer aims to add $25 billion to its top line by 2030 through acquisitions and its pipeline, having already added about $20 billion, with the acquisition of Seagen in 2023 being a significant contributor [7][8]. - The company is exploring more strategic opportunities for modestly sized acquisitions that could enhance its pipeline and help meet revenue targets, potentially alleviating concerns about its business [8]. Group 4: Market Outlook - Despite being a cheap stock for some time, Pfizer's stable financials and potential for meaningful acquisitions suggest significant upside potential, although a rally may take time [9]. - Investors willing to buy shares of Pfizer could see substantial payoffs from both potential share price gains and accumulated dividend income over the years [10].