Star Group (SGU) Q2 2025 Earnings Call May 08, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Chris Witty - Managing DirectorJeff Woosnam - President and CEORichard Ambury - CFO, Executive VP, Treasurer & Secretary of Kestrel Heat, LLCTimothy Mullen - Founder Conference Call Participants Michael Prouting - Equity Analyst Operator Good day, and welcome to the Star Group Fiscal twenty twenty five Second Quarter Results Conference Call. All participants will be in a listen only mode. Please note this event is being rec ...

Core Points - Artesian Resources Corporation has approved a 2% increase in the quarterly dividend per share, raising the annualized dividend to $1.2296 per share [1][2] - The quarterly dividend rate is now $0.3074 per share, payable on May 27, 2025, to shareholders of record as of May 16, 2025 [1] - This marks the 130th consecutive dividend paid to shareholders, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to investors [2] Company Overview - Artesian Resources Corporation operates as a holding company for wholly-owned subsidiaries that provide water and wastewater services on the Delmarva Peninsula [3] - The principal subsidiary, Artesian Water Company, is the oldest and largest regulated water utility in the region, supplying 9.5 billion gallons of water annually through 1,491 miles of water main to over a third of Delaware's population [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company announced a $25 million share buyback plan, indicating a strong position to enhance shareholder value after addressing $500 million of maturing debt [6][7] - The quarterly common dividend was increased by 29% to $0.09 per share, reflecting a yield of over 5% [7] - Q1 2025 hotel EBITDA was $20.8 million, adjusted EBITDA was $17.9 million, and adjusted FFO was $0.14 per share [24][25] - GOP margin was 38.9%, with a hotel EBITDA margin of 30.5%, showing a 30 basis point increase from Q1 2024 [24][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR growth was noted across the portfolio, with significant increases in technology-dependent markets, particularly an 8% growth in Silicon Valley hotels [14][15] - The average age of sold hotels was 25 years, with proceeds of approximately $83 million from the sale of five hotels [8][25] - RevPAR at leisure hotels declined only 1%, indicating resilience in that segment [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in LA increased by 14%, with specific hotels benefiting from fire-related demand [16] - New York, Dallas, and DC markets saw at least a 6% increase in RevPAR [17] - Government-related room revenue constituted approximately 5% of the overall portfolio, with a shift towards leisure travelers noted [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is actively seeking external growth acquisitions, focusing on high-quality premium branded targets to diversify its portfolio [9] - The strategy includes opportunistically recycling assets to enhance shareholder value through either hotel acquisitions or share repurchases [8][9] - The company aims to reduce volatility in cash flow by diversifying its asset base beyond tech-heavy markets [59] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future RevPAR growth despite current economic uncertainties, projecting flat RevPAR for the year [12][13] - The company noted that the current environment has resulted in lower new supply, which could support future growth [13] - Management highlighted strong demand trends and the ability to pivot sales efforts to capture leisure travel [11][12] Other Important Information - The company completed renovations at several hotels, with a CapEx budget of approximately $26 million for 2025 [22][23] - The company has successfully reduced leverage, with a net debt to LTM EBITDA ratio of 3.6x, significantly below historical levels [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on capital allocation initiatives regarding buybacks and acquisitions - Management is looking at both buybacks and acquisitions opportunistically, with a focus on achieving yields over 9% for acquisitions [29][30] Question: Update on potential development in Portland, Maine - The development process is ongoing, with careful consideration of costs and approvals due to tariff uncertainties [34][35] Question: Performance drivers for the Phoenix hotel - The Phoenix hotel has outperformed expectations due to strong management and market conditions, contributing to its top RevPAR ranking [36][39] Question: Impact of government demand and international travel exposure - Government demand is minimal, constituting less than 5% of the portfolio, and international travel exposure is also limited [54][55] Question: Guidance on RevPAR expectations for 2025 - The company anticipates flat RevPAR growth, with potential ADR growth offsetting occupancy changes [56][58] Question: Potential acquisition markets and asset types - The company is considering diversifying its asset base beyond current tech-heavy markets to reduce cash flow volatility [59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company announced a share buyback plan of $25 million, indicating a strong position to enhance shareholder value after addressing $500 million of maturing debt [6][7] - The quarterly common dividend was increased by 29% to $0.09 per share, reflecting a yield of over 5% [7] - Q1 2025 hotel EBITDA was $20.8 million, adjusted EBITDA was $17.9 million, and adjusted FFO was $0.14 per share [24][25] - GOP margin for Q1 was 38.9%, up 30 basis points from Q1 2024, driven by 3.8% RevPAR growth and effective expense control [24][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR growth was strong in six of the top seven markets, with Silicon Valley hotels seeing an 8% increase [14] - The average age of the five sold hotels was 25 years, sold at an approximate 6% capitalization rate on 2024 NOI levels [8] - RevPAR at leisure hotels declined only 1%, while tech hotels showed significant growth [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in LA increased by 14%, with specific hotels benefiting from fire-related demand [15] - New York, Dallas, and DC markets saw at least 6% growth in RevPAR [16] - Government-related room revenue accounted for approximately 5% of the overall portfolio, indicating limited impact from government travel [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on high-quality premium branded targets for acquisitions to diversify its portfolio [9] - The share repurchase plan and potential acquisitions are viewed as tools to enhance shareholder value [6][9] - The company aims to reduce volatility in cash flow by diversifying its asset base beyond tech-heavy markets [57] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future demand despite current economic uncertainties, projecting flat RevPAR growth for the year [12][13] - The company noted that the current environment has resulted in lower new supply, which could support future RevPAR growth [13] - Management highlighted the importance of adjusting sales efforts to attract leisure travelers in response to declining government-related demand [11][12] Other Important Information - The company completed renovations at several hotels, with a CapEx budget of approximately $26 million for 2025 [22][23] - The company has successfully reduced leverage through the sale of older hotels, with a net debt to LTM EBITDA ratio of 3.6x [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on capital allocation initiatives regarding buybacks and acquisitions - Management is looking at both buybacks and acquisitions opportunistically, with a focus on enhancing shareholder value [29][30] Question: Update on potential development in Portland, Maine - The development process is ongoing, with careful consideration of costs and approvals before proceeding [32][34] Question: Performance drivers for the Phoenix hotel - The Phoenix hotel has outperformed expectations due to strong management and market conditions [35][36] Question: Impact of government demand and international travel exposure - Government demand is minimal, and international travel exposure is light, with strong overall performance in key markets [52][53] Question: Guidance on RevPAR expectations for 2025 - The company expects flat RevPAR growth, with potential ADR growth offsetting occupancy changes [54][56] Question: Potential acquisition opportunities and market targeting - The company aims to diversify its asset base and is open to acquisitions in new markets to reduce cash flow volatility [57]

BOSTON, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Monday, May 5, 2025, the Board of Directors of Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.45 per share, an increase of 5% compared to the current quarterly dividend of $0.43 per share, on all outstanding shares of the Corporation’s common stock. The dividend is payable on June 13, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 30, 2025. "Today's announcement reflects the Board’s confidence in our consistent earnings performa ...

Markets have become especially accustomed to tech buybacks in recent years. According to S&P Dow Jones Indices, companies in the S&P 500 tech sector spent a whopping $253 billion on buybacks in 2024. This represents by far the highest level of buyback spending by any sector, accounting for nearly 27% of the total. Following suit with the tech sector’s buyback dominance, three huge tech names have announced large increases to their share buyback programs.Get Alphabet alerts:Together, these buyback programs e ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company's full year revenue increased by 32%, reaching $45 billion, with fourth quarter revenue growing by 45% [19] - The company invested nearly $11 billion in R&D, representing about 24% of its revenue, with an 18% year-over-year increase [19] - A new $15 billion share repurchase program was announced, marking the seventh consecutive year of a 15% increase in quarterly dividends [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The performance of Monjaro, Zepbound, and Verzenio significantly contributed to revenue growth [16] - The company launched five new medicines since 2022, including Evolus, Jaypirca, Kisunla, Monjaro, Zepbound, and Omvoh, enhancing patient reach [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expanded its manufacturing capacity to meet increasing demand and opened new facilities, including the Lilly Seaport Innovation Center in Boston and a Lilly Gateway Lab in the UK [20][21] - A major investment in the United States was announced, bringing total manufacturing commitments since 2020 to over $50 billion [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on solving serious healthcare problems and aims to deliver life-changing medicines to millions [16] - The long-term balanced growth strategy includes advancements in obesity, diabetes, oncology, neuroscience, and immunology [16] - The company is complementing its pipeline through acquisitions and collaborations, such as acquiring Morphic Therapeutics and partnering with OpenAI [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for significant growth from late-stage readouts in 2025 [17] - The company is committed to enhancing supply chain resilience and creating high-paying jobs through its investments [21] - Management emphasized the importance of their workforce and collaborations in achieving their goals [22] Other Important Information - The proposals to amend the articles of incorporation regarding the board structure and voting provisions did not receive the required votes [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Does the compensation committee use the compensation actually paid total in setting the CEO target total compensation award for the coming year? - Management clarified that the compensation actually paid is not used to set the target compensation, as it reflects a mark-to-market value rather than actual compensation [26][28] Question: How much training is provided to employees to prevent clicking on links resulting in malware or breaks in cybersecurity? - Management confirmed that a comprehensive cybersecurity program is in place, including training to prevent incidents related to malware [29]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net premium earned was relatively flat compared to 2024, driven by higher renewal premiums offset by lower new business and audit premiums [6][10] - Gross premiums written increased by 1% to $212 million, while net premiums earned decreased by 1% to $183 million [9][10] - The current accident year loss and LAE ratio on voluntary business increased to 66% from 64% in 2024 [7][10] - Net investment income rose by 20% to $32 million, the highest in the company's history as a publicly traded entity [7][12] - Quarterly net income was $12.8 million, impacted by $9 million of net after-tax unrealized investment losses [12] - Adjusted net income increased by 24% to $21.3 million from $17.2 million a year ago [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The underwriting expense ratio improved to 23.4% from 25% a year ago, attributed to reductions in bad debt and compensation-related expenses [8][11] - Commission expense decreased to $23 million from $25 million, with a commission expense ratio of 12.6% compared to 13.6% [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the period with a record number of policies in force, achieving a year-over-year growth rate of 4% [7] - The overall selection of the current accident year loss ratio of 66% is below the industry average, which has been in the range of 69% to 70% in recent years [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to prioritize profitability over growth, refining its underwriting and pricing approach to maintain discipline while returning to moderate new business growth levels [15] - The appetite expansion effort is ongoing, identifying areas for profitable growth [15] - The company is monitoring potential impacts from tariff discussions and the cost of prescription drugs and medical services [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the ability to maintain a strong customer base amid potential recessionary headwinds, citing deep relationships with customers and agents [15] - The company has not experienced negative impacts from macroeconomic conditions but is closely monitoring the situation [15] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program for up to $125 million over a 20-month period [13] - A 7% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.32 per share was declared, payable on May 28 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss specifics regarding loss trends and the competitive rate environment? - Management noted the increase in the accident year GLOF and LAE ratio from 64% to 66% is due to competitive rate pressures and a rise in cumulative trauma claims in California [22][24] Question: What about underlying medical inflation and treatment costs? - Management indicated that lost time claim frequencies are generally trending downward, with some variations by state, and overall severity values have held steady [26] Question: Are there macroeconomic contributions to cumulative trauma claims? - Management stated that there is no identifiable macroeconomic cause for the increase in cumulative trauma claims, which are primarily a California phenomenon [30] Question: What are the expectations for the NCCI's state of the line report? - Management anticipates that reserve redundancies in the industry are still significant but may be reducing less, with internal rates showing flat year-over-year results [35]

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR; www.timken.com), a global technology leader in engineered bearings and industrial motion, today approved a 3 percent increase in the company's quarterly cash dividend, raising it to 35 cents per share. The dividend is payable on May 23, 2025, to shareholders of record as of May 13, 2025."Timken is proud to deliver 12 straight years of annual dividend increases," said Richard G. Kyle, president and chief ...

ARLINGTON, Va., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RTX (NYSE: RTX) announced today that its Board of Directors declared a dividend of 68 cents per outstanding share of RTX common stock, which represents an increase of 7.9 percent over the prior quarter's dividend amount. The dividend will be payable on June 12, 2025 to shareowners of record at the close of business on May 23, 2025."Today's dividend increase reflects our confidence in executing on RTX's robust backlog, the long-term cash generation power of our com ...