Core Viewpoint - dsm-firmenich has announced an increase in its share repurchase program to a total of €1.08 billion, following the completion of the sale of its stake in the Feed Enzymes Alliance [1][2]. Group 1: Share Repurchase Program Details - The initial share repurchase program was set at €500 million, which has now been increased to €1.08 billion [1][2]. - The program commenced on April 1, 2025, with an initial amount of €580 million allocated for repurchase, including €80 million for share-based compensation plans [2]. - The increased share repurchase program will be completed no later than January 30, 2026 [2]. Group 2: Execution and Compliance - The share repurchase will be executed in accordance with the Market Abuse Regulation and Swiss law [3]. - dsm-firmenich has engaged a bank to manage the execution of the share repurchase program independently [3]. Group 3: Current Status of Share Repurchase - As of the press release date, approximately 3.6 million ordinary shares have been repurchased, leaving around 8.1 million shares, or 3.0% of ordinary shares issued, still to be repurchased [4]. Group 4: Communication and Reporting - The company will provide weekly updates to the market regarding the progress of the share repurchase program [5].

Financial Performance & Capital Allocation - Denny's allocated approximately $162 million to share repurchases in Q4 2023[12], and $521 million for the full year[12] - Since late 2010, Denny's has allocated over $700 million towards share repurchases[51] - Denny's has approximately $100 million remaining under existing repurchase authorization[54] - Approximately $50 million in Adjusted Free Cash Flow was generated in the last 12 fiscal years[64] Sales & Restaurant Performance - Denny's domestic system-wide same-restaurant sales increased by 13% in Q4 2023 compared to 2022[12], and 35% for the full year[12] - Denny's Q4 2023 domestic average weekly sales outperformed Q4 2022 by 32%[17] - Denny's domestic footprint includes 1407 restaurants in the US[27], with 42% of the domestic system located in the top 10 US markets[29] - Keke's average unit volume (AUV) is $18 million for franchised restaurants[47] Franchise & International Presence - Denny's has a strong partnership with 208 franchisees[35], operating 1508 franchisee restaurants[35] - Denny's has an international presence of 166 restaurants in 14 countries and US territories, grown by approximately 91% since year end 2010[30]

Core Viewpoint - Mattr Corp. has received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange to renew its normal course issuer bid (NCIB) for common shares, aiming to enhance shareholder value through share repurchases [1][2]. Group 1: NCIB Details - The company may purchase up to 4,991,584 common shares, which is approximately 10% of its public float as of June 16, 2025 [2]. - The NCIB will commence on June 30, 2025, and will last for one year unless the maximum number of shares is reached or the NCIB is terminated earlier [2]. - The NCIB will be funded using existing cash resources, and repurchased shares will be cancelled [3][4]. Group 2: Purchase Mechanism - Purchases will be made through the TSX and other permitted trading systems at prevailing market prices, with daily purchases limited to 68,375 common shares, representing about 25% of the average daily trading volume [3]. - The company has established an automatic share purchase plan with a designated broker to facilitate share repurchases during black-out periods [5][6]. Group 3: Previous NCIB Performance - Under the previous NCIB that started on June 28, 2024, the company repurchased 4,982,824 common shares for a total cost of approximately $65.16 million, at an average price of $13.07 per share [7]. Group 4: Company Overview - Mattr is a growth-oriented global materials technology company serving critical infrastructure markets, including transportation, communication, water management, energy, and electrification [8].

Core Viewpoint - FedEx Corporation's shares fell 5.96% in after-market trading due to concerns over volatile global demand and uncertainty regarding U.S. trade policies, particularly with China, despite reporting strong fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results [1][9]. Financial Performance - FedEx's quarterly earnings of $6.07 per share exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.93, marking a 12.2% year-over-year improvement [2]. - Revenues reached $22.2 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $21.7 billion and reflecting a 0.5% increase from the previous year [2]. - Operating income increased by 15% to $1.79 billion, with operating margin rising to 8.1% from 7% year-over-year [3]. Cost Management - The quarterly results benefited from cost reductions due to the DRIVE program, increased volume at Federal Express, and higher base yield across transportation segments [3]. - Operating expenses decreased by 1% to $20.4 billion [4]. Segment Performance - FedEx Express segment revenues grew 1% year-over-year to $18.9 billion, supported by cost reductions and increased export volume [7]. - FedEx Freight revenues fell 4% year-over-year to $2.29 billion, impacted by lower fuel surcharges and increased costs [8]. Shareholder Returns - FedEx returned approximately $4.3 billion to shareholders in fiscal 2025, including $3 billion in share repurchases and $1.3 billion in dividends [12]. - The company plans to continue its robust share repurchase program and has announced a 5% dividend increase [15]. Future Outlook - For the first quarter of fiscal 2026, FedEx anticipates revenue growth of flat to 2% year-over-year, with diluted EPS expected between $2.90 and $3.50 [13]. - For the full year, FedEx expects permanent cost reductions of $1 billion from transformation programs and plans capital spending of $4.5 billion focused on efficiency improvements [14].

Core Insights - Hologic's consistent profitability has resulted in strong annual cash flow generation of approximately $1 billion, which supports a robust balance sheet and capital deployment strategy focused on tuck-in acquisitions and share repurchases [1][8] - Recent acquisitions, including Biotheranostics, Endomagnetics, and Gynesonics, are expected to enhance revenue growth and improve operating margins, as these businesses are growing faster than Hologic's legacy units [2][3][4] - Hologic maintains a strong financial position with $1.6 billion in cash and investments and a leverage ratio below 1X, allowing for continued investments in acquisitions and share buybacks [2][8] Acquisition Strategy - Hologic has allocated approximately $3.6 billion for share repurchases and $2 billion for mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on high-growth adjacent markets [1] - The integration of Biotheranostics is expected to benefit from increased lab testing volumes, while Endomagnetics is positioned to capture significant market opportunities in wireless localization [3] - Gynesonics' Sonata System is anticipated to strengthen Hologic's International Surgical business by providing a minimally invasive treatment option for uterine fibroids [4] Competitive Landscape - Hologic's rivals, such as Becton, Dickinson and Company and Thermo Fisher Scientific, are also engaging in share repurchases and acquisitions, with BDX reporting $625 million in free cash flow and TMO returning $2.1 billion to shareholders [5][6] - Hologic's stock has performed relatively well, rising 5.3% over the past three months, while the industry has seen an 8.6% decline [7] Financial Performance and Estimates - Hologic's forward two-year earnings multiple stands at 14.66X, indicating a favorable position relative to the industry [9] - Consensus estimates for Hologic's fiscal 2025 and 2026 earnings remain stable, with projected earnings of $4.19 for the current year and $4.50 for the next year [10][11]

Core Viewpoint - Citizens Financial Group (CFG) is enhancing its shareholder-focused strategy, demonstrating confidence in its long-term performance through an increased share repurchase authorization of $1.5 billion, up from $300 million previously approved in June 2024 [1][8]. Financial Performance - CFG's quarterly dividend has been increased twice in the last five years, with a current payout ratio of 53% and a dividend yield of 4.15% based on a closing price of $40.45 [2]. - CFG's total revenues experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% from 2020 to 2024, with net interest income (NII) growing at a CAGR of 5.3% during the same period [12]. - For 2025, management anticipates NII growth of 3-5% and non-interest income growth of 8-10% [14]. Capital Position - As of March 31, 2025, CFG reported total long-term borrowed funds of $12.3 billion and total available liquidity of $12.2 billion, indicating a strong balance sheet [5]. - The Common Equity Tier 1 ratio was 10.6%, and the total capital ratio was 13.9% as of the same date, reflecting a solid capital position [5]. Growth Strategy - CFG is pursuing growth through acquisitions, cost-cutting programs, and private banking expansion, with notable acquisitions including Investors Bancorp and HSBC's East Coast branches [9][8]. - The "Tapping Our Potential" (TOP) program has delivered consistent cost savings, with TOP 9 achieving $150 million in pre-tax run-rate benefits in 2024, and TOP 10 targeting an additional $100 million in savings by year-end 2025 [10]. Loan and Deposit Trends - CFG's loans and leases and total deposits recorded CAGRs of 3.1% and 4.4%, respectively, from 2020 to 2024, with expectations of continued growth through 2027 [11]. - Despite a dip in loan balances in early 2025, management remains optimistic about sustaining a healthy loan pipeline through a relationship-driven lending model [11]. Expense Management - Non-interest expenses have seen a CAGR of 18.4% from 2020 to 2024, with management projecting a 4% increase in adjusted non-interest expenses for 2025 [15]. - The company is facing elevated expense levels due to investments in private banking and digital infrastructure [15]. Market Performance - CFG shares have increased by 16.3% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 11.1% [17]. - CFG trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 10.76X, slightly above the industry average of 10.1X [20]. Investment Considerations - CFG's ongoing efficiency initiatives and strategic growth moves provide a solid foundation for future financial growth, despite near-term challenges related to elevated expenses and reliance on commercial lending [24].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year, net sales were $5.5 billion, a marginal increase compared to the prior year, driven by contributions from recent acquisitions [6] - Organic sales for the year were $5.2 billion, down 5.4% on a same-day basis compared to the prior year [7] - Net income for the full year was $115.5 million, including a $42.5 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge [7] - Adjusted EBITDA was $500.9 million, and free cash flow for the year was $336.1 million, representing 67% of adjusted EBITDA [7] - In the fourth quarter, net sales were $1.3 billion, with organic sales declining 8.3% per day [8][15] - Net income for the fourth quarter was $26.1 million, and adjusted EBITDA was $109.8 million, at the high end of the outlook [8][29] - Free cash flow generated during the quarter was $183.4 million, or 167% of adjusted EBITDA, marking the highest level of quarterly free cash flow conversion in the company's history [8][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ceilings saw volume improvement during the quarter, with sales up 6.4% compared to the prior year [8][22] - Wallboard sales for the quarter were $526.6 million, down 10.1% year-over-year, with a 12.1% decrease in volume partially offset by a 1% increase in price and mix [20][21] - Steel framing sales were $189.2 million, down 14.2% for the quarter, with volumes down 2.6% and price and mix down 10.2% [23] - Complementary product sales were nearly flat year-over-year, up 1.4% on a per-day basis, representing the twentieth consecutive quarter of per-day growth [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wallboard industry volumes were down 10% in the first calendar quarter, with high interest rates and policy uncertainty as primary impediments to growth [10] - U.S. residential revenues declined 6% per day compared to the prior year, with single-family volumes down 1.9% per day [18][19] - Multifamily revenues fell 32.4% and commercial revenues fell 10.1% on a per-day basis [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four strategic pillars: expanding share in core products, growing complementary products, expanding the platform, and driving improved productivity and profitability [13] - A significant cost savings program has been executed, achieving $25 million in annualized cost savings in the fourth quarter, totaling $55 million for the fiscal year [14] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation, balancing stock buybacks with debt reduction while pursuing attractive M&A opportunities [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about nearing the bottom of the cycle, with expectations for demand recovery as economic conditions improve [10][12] - The company anticipates that the near term will remain challenging, but expects to capitalize on long-term growth opportunities [13][39] - Management highlighted the importance of servicing customers and executing strategic priorities despite macroeconomic difficulties [33] Other Important Information - The company reduced net debt by more than 10% during the quarter, maintaining a target debt leverage range of 1.5 to 2.5 times [14] - Cash on hand was $55.6 million, with $631.3 million of available liquidity under the revolving credit facility [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sequential organic trends and expectations - Management noted improvements in the single-family market and share gains with larger customers, contributing to expectations of better performance [41][42] Question: Technology and efficiency optimization efforts - Management confirmed ongoing investments in digital initiatives and automation, which have contributed to cost reductions and improved service delivery [44][45][47] Question: Single-family dynamics and share gains - Management discussed leveraging scale to support builder partners and highlighted regional strengths contributing to share gains [52][56] Question: Margin dynamics and market dependency - Management indicated that half of the expected margin improvement is volume-related, while the other half is due to operational efficiencies [58][60] Question: Visibility into the single-family market - Management provided insights on lead times for orders and expressed confidence in a potential uptick in starts moving into the next selling season [66][68] Question: Impact of large homebuilders on distribution - Management emphasized gaining share with large builders due to service quality and efficiency, which positions the company well for future growth [77][80] Question: Return to office trends - Management expressed cautious optimism about future opportunities in tenant improvement work and office-to-residential conversions [82][84] Question: Wallboard pricing and industry dynamics - Management discussed the ability to pass through limited price increases and the resilience of pricing in the current environment [87][89]

Core Viewpoint - Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) has approved a new share repurchase authorization of up to 100 million shares, replacing the previous authorization of 11.8 million shares, providing flexibility for stock buybacks without a set expiration or price limit [1][2][7] Group 1: Share Repurchase Program - The new repurchase authorization allows for buybacks through open-market transactions or privately negotiated transactions, including Rule 10b5-1 programs [2] - The repurchase program can be modified, suspended, or discontinued based on market conditions and legal requirements [2] Group 2: Dividend Actions - In September 2024, FITB announced a 5.7% increase in its quarterly dividend to 37 cents per share, marking the fourth increase in the last five years [3] - The company has a payout ratio of 44%, and with a closing price of $38.32, the annualized dividend yield stands at 3.86% [3] Group 3: Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, FITB had cash and due from banks totaling $17.9 billion, with total debt at $19.9 billion and short-term borrowings of $5.5 billion [4] - The common equity tier (CET) 1 ratio was reported at 10.45%, indicating room for enhancing capital distribution plans [4][5] Group 4: Market Performance - Over the past year, FITB shares have gained 6.2%, while the industry has seen a growth of 17.8% [6] - Currently, FITB holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [8]

Core Insights - FedEx Corporation has announced a 5.1% increase in its quarterly dividend, raising it to $1.45 per share, marking the fifth consecutive year of dividend hikes [1][9] - The company has executed $2.52 billion in share repurchases in the first nine months of fiscal 2025, surpassing the total for the entire fiscal year 2024 [5][9] - FedEx's stock is currently trading at a low price/sales ratio of 0.6, indicating potential undervaluation compared to the sector average of 0.96 [7][8] Dividend and Shareholder Returns - The quarterly dividend will be paid on July 8, 2025, to shareholders of record as of June 23, 2025 [2] - Dividends have increased significantly from $793 million in 2022 to $1.26 billion in 2024, with $1.01 billion already distributed in the first three quarters of fiscal 2025 [3] Capital Allocation Strategy - FedEx's aggressive capital allocation strategy aims to enhance shareholder returns through both dividends and share repurchases [3][5] - The company’s buyback program suggests management views its stock as undervalued and aims to improve per-share metrics [5] Market Position and Performance - The recent multi-year delivery deal with Amazon is expected to provide a significant boost to FedEx's domestic market presence and operational efficiency [10][11] - Despite the positive impact of the Amazon deal, FedEx shares have faced declines, although they have outperformed rival UPS over the past year [12] Financial Outlook and Challenges - FedEx is experiencing weak EPS forecasts and rising costs due to macroeconomic pressures, which are affecting its Freight segment [9][15] - The company has issued a lackluster revenue forecast for fiscal 2025, projecting flat or slightly declining revenues year over year [16] - Operating expenses increased by 2% year-over-year in Q3 fiscal 2025, driven by a 57% rise in business optimization costs [17] Investor Sentiment - Analysts have revised earnings estimates downward due to ongoing challenges, leading to negative sentiment surrounding FedEx stock [19][20] - The combination of weak current performance and uncertain future prospects raises concerns for potential investors [20]

Core Viewpoint - Johnson Controls International plc has approved a $9 billion share repurchase authorization, which adds to the existing $1.1 billion remaining from a previous authorization [1][2]. Company Overview - Johnson Controls is a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, focusing on transforming environments for living, working, learning, and playing [3][4]. - The company has a history of nearly 140 years of innovation and offers a comprehensive digital offering called OpenBlue, which serves various industries including healthcare, schools, data centers, and manufacturing [4]. Share Repurchase Details - The share repurchase may be executed through various methods such as open market purchases, Rule 10b5-1 plans, tender offers, or accelerated share repurchase programs [2]. - There is no obligation to repurchase a specific amount of shares within a set timeframe, and the timing and amount will depend on market conditions and share price evaluations [2]. - The share repurchase authorization does not have a set expiration date and can be amended or terminated at the company's discretion [2].