Core Viewpoint - Nestlé is executing its strategy to enhance performance and transform for future growth, focusing on category growth and market share improvement through increased investment and efficiency [2][3]. Financial Performance - Reported sales decreased by 1.8% to CHF 44.2 billion, with organic growth at 2.9% and pricing contribution at 2.7% [20][29]. - Underlying trading operating profit was CHF 7.3 billion, down 7.1%, with a margin of 16.5%, reflecting inflationary pressures and increased investments [26][29]. - Net profit decreased by 10.3% to CHF 5.1 billion, with basic earnings per share down 9.0% to CHF 1.97 [29][30]. Growth and Investment - Organic growth in the first half of 2025 was 2.9%, with a real internal growth (RIG) of 0.2% and pricing of 2.7% [8][20]. - The company is investing in six global innovation 'big bets' that achieved sales of over CHF 200 million in the first half [12][15]. - Marketing investment increased to 8.6% of sales, up from 8.1% in the previous year, to support growth initiatives [10][11]. Operational and Strategic Progress - The aggregate growth gap to market for 18 key underperforming business cells improved by a third [11][12]. - The Fuel for Growth program aims for CHF 0.7 billion in savings for 2025, with CHF 150 million recognized in the first half [15][16]. - Steps are being taken to strengthen performance in Greater China, with a focus on premium brands in the Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements (VMS) business [17][18]. Market Dynamics - Organic growth in developed markets was 1.8%, while emerging markets saw 4.5% growth, driven by pricing [22]. - The out-of-home channel grew by 5.8%, and e-commerce sales increased by 12.3%, reaching 20.2% of total Group sales [23][24]. - The confectionery and coffee categories were the largest contributors to organic growth, with pricing increases of 10.6% and 6.0%, respectively [21][22]. Segment Performance - Zone Americas showed resilient performance with positive organic growth across key markets, particularly in out-of-home and e-commerce channels [34]. - Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa experienced broad-based growth, except for Greater China, where sales declined [37]. - Zone Europe continued to be pricing-led, with improvements in RIG in Q2 after a decline in Q1 [42].

Summary of Conference Call Company and Industry - The discussion revolves around a company operating in the wholesale and retail segments, specifically mentioning changes in distribution and promotional strategies. The company is undergoing a turnaround process and addressing operational challenges. Core Points and Arguments - **Future Prospects**: The company believes its future prospects are improving, although current challenges are more core-specific rather than industry-wide [2][3][5] - **Cost Savings**: The company is nearing the top end of its projected cost savings of $20 to $30 million, with plans to reinvest in core processes and systems for future performance [7][9] - **Promotional Strategy Change**: A shift from broad store sales to category-specific promotions has impacted sales but positively affected gross margins [11][12] - **Trade Segment Performance**: The trade segment initially showed a 3.7% increase but experienced underperformance in May and June, which affected overall results [16][18] - **Site Consolidation**: The company is closing 45 sites primarily in the wholesale segment to improve profitability and operational efficiency, despite short-term disruptions to customer relationships [19][20][24] - **Operational Changes**: Significant changes in operational management have been made, particularly in retail, to improve performance, although benefits are yet to be fully realized [50][51] - **Store Impairment Charges**: The company is actively testing for impairment across its network of stores, focusing on profitability indicators to determine which stores may need to close [56][59] Other Important Content - **Balance Sheet Review**: An extensive review of the balance sheet has been conducted, revealing some disappointing findings, but the company is confident in the thoroughness of the review [28][29] - **NPS Implementation**: The company has not previously collected Net Promoter Score (NPS) data but plans to implement a program to start collecting this information by August [36] - **Long-Term Turnaround**: The turnaround process is expected to be significant but not longer than initially anticipated, with a five-year horizon set for strategic financial goals [40][41] - **Store Openings**: The company plans to open 12 new trade stores in the upcoming fiscal year, while no new retail stores are planned at this time [49][50] This summary captures the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, operational changes, and financial outlook.

Government Finance - Tariff revenue quadrupled year-over-year, indicating a 300% increase [1] - Cost savings increased sharply in June [1] - The federal government's revenue exceeded its spending in June [1]

Company Performance - Nutrien Ltd.'s shares have increased by 35.9% year to date, outperforming the industry's 34% rise and the S&P 500's approximately 6.8% increase during the same period [1][8]. Market Demand - The company is well-positioned to benefit from growing fertilizer demand, driven by strong global agricultural markets and high crop commodity prices, which are expected to remain elevated through 2025 due to limited inventory levels [3][4]. - Potash demand is projected to rise globally due to better farm economics, increased affordability, and low stock levels, while the phosphate market is experiencing growth from strong global demand and low inventories [4]. - Nitrogen fertilizer demand remains solid in major markets such as North America, India, and Brazil, with a rebound in industrial nitrogen use contributing to growth [4]. Strategic Initiatives - Nutrien is expected to benefit from its acquisition strategy and the growing adoption of its digital platform, with targeted acquisitions in Brazil and plans for growth investments in 2025 [5]. - The company is focused on enhancing efficiency and cutting costs, with initiatives projected to generate nearly $200 million in savings by 2025 [6][8]. Earnings Estimates - Nutrien's earnings estimates have improved, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings increasing by 6.2% and estimates for the second quarter raised by 3% [9].

Core Viewpoint - ExxonMobil anticipates a profit decline of $1.5 billion in the second quarter due to weaker oil and gas prices, raising questions about its future investment potential [1][3] Financial Performance - Exxon expects a more than $1 billion hit from lower oil prices and nearly $1 billion from weaker gas prices, but higher refining margins may boost earnings by about $300 million [3] - Despite the expected decline, Exxon reported $6.8 billion in upstream earnings and $7.7 billion in total profit in the first quarter, leading all international oil companies [4] - Exxon also led in cash flow from operations at $13 billion and shareholder distributions at $9.1 billion, including $4.8 billion in share repurchases [4] Cost Management - Since 2019, Exxon has achieved $12.7 billion in cost savings, more than all other international oil companies combined, with $600 million cut in the first quarter alone [5] - The company focuses on investing in advantaged assets like the Permian and Guyana, which have low costs and high profit margins [5] Growth Strategy - Exxon anticipates a reacceleration in profits over the coming years, targeting $20 billion in earnings and $30 billion in cash flow by 2030, assuming crude oil averages around $65 per barrel [6][7] - The company plans to invest around $140 billion in major capital projects and its Permian Basin development program, expecting returns of over 30% [8] - Exxon aims to achieve a total of $18 billion in structural cost savings by 2030 through various strategies [9] Shareholder Value - The company's growth strategy should enable continued dividend increases and stock repurchases, having raised its payout for 42 consecutive years [10] - Despite quarterly earnings fluctuations, Exxon is positioned for significant long-term growth, making it an attractive stock for investors [11]

Cost Savings & Synergies - The merger of the two banks will result in a lower cost base due to the elimination of redundant projects, particularly those related to digital investments at TSB [1] - Savings are expected to enable the merged entity to offer better products at lower costs to customers [1] - Cost reductions will not solely rely on job cuts or branch closures [2] Digital Transformation & Customer Behavior - Customers are increasingly adopting digital channels for banking, necessitating adjustments in the bank's operations [2] - The bank needs to adapt to the changing customer preferences for digital banking [2]

Investor Presentation V e r s i o n 8 . 9 . 2 0 2 4 Contents | SWK Overview | Pages 4 – | 13 | | --- | --- | --- | | Tools & Outdoor | Pages 14 – | 23 | | Industrial | Pages 24 – | 28 | | Appendix | Pages 29 – | 36 | Contacts Dennis Lange Vice President, Investor Relations 860-827-3833 dennis.lange@sbdinc.com Christina Francis Director, Investor Relations 860-438-3470 christina.francis@sbdinc.com Christopher Capela Director, Investor Relations 860-827-5556 christopher.capela@sbdinc.com 1000 Stanley Drive Ne ...

Core Viewpoint - The Gap, Inc. is anticipated to report growth in both revenue and earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, with revenues expected to reach $3.4 billion, reflecting a 0.9% increase year-over-year, and earnings estimated at 44 cents per share, indicating a 7.3% rise from the previous year [1][2]. Revenue and Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter revenues is $3.4 billion, marking a 0.9% increase from the same quarter last year [1]. - The earnings estimate for the first quarter is 44 cents per share, which is a 7.3% increase compared to the prior year [2]. Performance Trends - The company has shown a positive trend in earnings surprises over the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 77.5% [2]. - The last reported quarter saw earnings exceed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 50% [2]. Strategic Initiatives - Gap is focusing on enhancing its merchandise assortment, improving customer relations through marketing, and advancing its digital commerce strategy [4]. - The company aims to achieve $150 million in cost savings for fiscal 2025, which will be partially reinvested in growth initiatives [8]. Market Position and Brand Performance - Gap's diverse brand portfolio, including Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta, positions it well in the apparel industry [5]. - The company expects sales growth to be driven primarily by the Old Navy and Gap brands, with Banana Republic stabilizing and Athleta recovering [6]. Supply Chain and Cost Management - Gap has improved supply-chain efficiency and diversified sourcing to mitigate tariff impacts, with less than 10% of products sourced from China [9]. - The gross margin is expected to rise slightly from 41.2% in the prior year, with adjusted operating margins projected to increase by 30 basis points to 6.4% [10][11]. Stock Performance and Valuation - Over the past year, Gap's shares have increased by 35.7%, outperforming the industry and the S&P 500 [12]. - The stock is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 12.01X, below the industry average of 17.68X, indicating attractive valuation [18]. Long-term Growth Outlook - The company is positioned for long-term growth through strategic marketing, digital initiatives, and operational efficiency [21]. - Despite macroeconomic challenges, Gap's disciplined cost management and brand diversification are expected to yield positive results [22].

Core Viewpoint - Dow Inc.'s shares have declined by 22% over the past three months due to soft end-market demand and pricing pressures in a challenging macroeconomic environment [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - Dow has underperformed compared to the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry's decline of 16.6% and the S&P 500's fall of 4.3% in the same period [2] - The stock has been trading below the 200-day simple moving average (SMA) since October 7, 2024, indicating a bearish trend [5][7] Group 2: Demand Challenges - Demand softness in Europe and China is impacting Dow, with lower consumer spending and weak construction and manufacturing activities [9] - The infrastructure end market, including residential construction, remains weak, and inflationary pressures are affecting demand in consumer durables [10] Group 3: Pricing Pressures - Dow's Performance Materials & Coatings unit is facing weak siloxane prices due to supply additions in Asia, which have negatively impacted sales [11] Group 4: Growth and Cost Management - Dow is focused on high-return growth projects and cost actions, expecting to deliver approximately $6 billion in cash support through infrastructure asset sales and cost savings [13] - The company plans to cut costs by $1 billion, including a workforce reduction of around 1,500 roles globally [13] Group 5: Financial Health - Dow has a strong balance sheet with over $11 billion in liquidity and has returned $2.5 billion to shareholders in 2024 [14] - The company offers a healthy dividend yield of 9.1%, which is perceived as safe and reliable despite a high payout ratio of 239% [15] Group 6: Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dow's 2025 earnings has been revised downward over the past 60 days, indicating declining earnings prospects [16] Group 7: Valuation - Dow is currently trading at a forward P/E of 43X, representing a 138% premium compared to the industry average of 18.07X [17]

Ride-hail and delivery giant Uber is introducing cheap, fixed-route rides along busy corridors during weekday commute hours in major U.S. cities – one solution to a world that feels, for most people, more expensive everyday. Starting Wednesday, riders in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco will be able to save 50% off the price of an UberX trip by booking with Uber’s new “Route Share” feature.  The company announced Route Share and other new features and disco ...