Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley has updated its forecast for Galaxy Entertainment, raising the dividend payout ratio prediction for 2025 to 2027 from 50% to 60%, with a 19% increase in the per-share dividend forecast [1] Financial Projections - EBITDA forecasts for 2025 to 2027 have been reduced by 1% due to higher operating expense expectations [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) forecasts have been adjusted from HKD 2.39, 2.58, and 2.73 to HKD 2.36, 2.56, and 2.72 for the respective years [1] - The target price for Galaxy Entertainment has been raised from HKD 40 to HKD 44 [1] Market Position and Outlook - The opening of the Capella Hotel is expected to help Galaxy Entertainment increase its market share [1] - Morgan Stanley has assigned a "market perform" rating, but cautions that if competitors resume dividends while Galaxy's market share remains weak, some potential premium may reverse [1]

Core Viewpoint - MPLX LP has completed a $2.375 billion acquisition of Northwind Delaware Holdings LLC, enhancing its natural gas and NGL value chains in the Permian Basin [1][2]. Financial Summary - The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to distributable cash flow and involves an estimated incremental capital of $500 million, representing a 7x multiple on forecast 2027 EBITDA and an estimated mid-teen unlevered return [2]. - The acquisition was financed through net proceeds from MPLX's $4.5 billion senior notes issued in August 2025 [2]. Operational Details - The acquired business complements MPLX's existing Delaware basin natural gas system, consisting of over 200,000 dedicated acres, 200+ miles of gathering pipelines, and two in-service acid gas injection wells with a capacity of 20 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d), with a third well permitted to increase total capacity to 37 MMcf/d [3]. - The system currently has a sour gas treating capacity of 150 MMcf/d, with expansion projects expected to increase this capacity to 440 MMcf/d by the second half of 2026 [3]. - The system is supported by minimum volume commitments from top regional producers [3]. Company Overview - MPLX is a diversified, large-cap master limited partnership that owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure and logistics assets, including crude oil and refined product pipelines, storage caverns, and natural gas processing facilities [4].

Core Insights - Post Holdings, Inc. has agreed to divest its pasta business from the recently acquired 8th Avenue Food & Provisions to Richardson (US) Holdings Limited for $375 million in cash, with Richardson assuming approximately $80 million in leaseback financial liabilities, expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 [1][9] Divestiture Details - Post Holdings acquired 8th Avenue on July 1, 2025, and will retain its nut butters, fruit and nut products, and granola businesses, which will be integrated into the Post Consumer Brands segment [2] - The retained businesses are expected to generate $45-$50 million in adjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2026, with an additional $15 million in annual cost synergies anticipated by year-end [3] Capital Allocation Strategy - Management has approved a new $500 million share repurchase authorization effective August 29, 2025, replacing the previous $500 million authorization that was canceled after repurchasing $304.8 million in shares [4][9] Stock Performance - Post Holdings has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and its shares have gained 2.7% over the past three months, contrasting with a 1.9% decline in the industry and a 9.6% increase in the S&P 500 index during the same period [5] Valuation Metrics - The company currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 14.13X, which is below the industry average of 15.9X and the sector's 17.18X, indicating a modest discount relative to peers and the broader consumer staples sector [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recorded normalized EBITDA of $11.2 million, a $13 million improvement compared to the previous corresponding period (PCP) [10] - Group revenue increased by 6% to $261.4 million, with gross profit rising to $137 million, up from $126 million, resulting in a gross profit margin of 52.4% [18][19] - The gross profit margin decreased by 0.4 percentage points compared to the PCP [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Australia, revenue reached a record $218.5 million, up 3% from the PCP, with gross profit also at a record $114.5 million, up 2% [11] - The Australian gross win margin improved by 1.8 percentage points to 13.6%, while the net win margin increased by 1 percentage point to 10.4% [12] - In Canada, net win grew by 26% to $43 million, with sports betting net win at $17 million, up 11%, and iGaming net win at $26 million, up 39% [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Australian wagering market experienced a material decline, estimated at around 7% for the year, despite PointsBet gaining market share [26] - The Canadian market showed strong turnover growth, maintaining PointsBet's net win market share [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - PointsBet aims to diversify its revenue base by focusing on mass market recreational segments in both Australia and Canada [10] - The company is actively encouraging reforms in the wagering industry regarding advertising to leverage digital and social media platforms [14] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the Australian market has not grown at a net win level, but there are signs of improvement in the last quarter [26] - The company expects continued market growth tailwinds in the regulated Canadian market [17] Other Important Information - PointsBet paid $115.3 million in taxes and fees to Australian governments and racing bodies, representing 47.9% of its net win for the year [14] - The company had $22.7 million in corporate cash and net assets of $6 million as of June 30, 2025 [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the estimated decline in the Australian wagering market for FY 2025? - Management agreed with estimates of around 7% decline, noting that the last quarter showed some positive margins for operators [26] Question: What are the next steps if MiXi increases above 50.1%? - If MiXi goes through 50.1% before the offer closes, it would trigger a two-week extension for the offer [28][29]

Core Viewpoint - Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. reported strong second-quarter earnings and revenues that surpassed estimates, indicating resilience in its business model despite facing some temporary headwinds [2][3]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2025 were $2.20, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.04, and up from $1.91 in the same quarter last year [4]. - Total revenues reached $3.14 billion, beating the consensus mark of $3.08 billion, and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 6.3% [4]. - System-wide comparable Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) declined by 0.5% year over year on a currency-neutral basis due to occupancy declines [6]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $1 billion, representing a 9.9% increase year over year, surpassing the estimate of $958.7 million [6]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of June 30, 2025, total cash and cash equivalents were $448 million, down from $807 million as of March 31, 2025 [7]. - Long-term debt outstanding was $10.9 billion, a decrease from $11.15 billion as of December 31, 2024 [7]. - The company repurchased 3.2 million shares at $235.36 per share and paid dividends totaling $36 million during the quarter [7][8]. Business Expansion - Hilton added 221 hotels, comprising 26,100 rooms, achieving a net room growth of 22,600 in Q2 2025 [9]. - The company expanded its luxury and lifestyle brand portfolio with key openings and new signings, including the debut of LXR Hotels & Resorts in central Paris [9][10]. - As of June 30, 2025, Hilton's development pipeline included 3,636 hotels representing 510,600 rooms across 128 countries, with an expected net unit growth of 6-7% for 2025 [11]. Future Outlook - For Q3 2025, Hilton anticipates net income between $453 million and $467 million, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be between $935 million and $955 million [12]. - The company predicts adjusted EPS for Q3 to be between $1.98 and $2.04, and expects system-wide RevPAR to remain flat year over year [12]. - For the full year 2025, net income is estimated to be in the range of $1.64 billion to $1.68 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected between $3.65 billion and $3.71 billion [13].

Core Viewpoint - Genuine Parts reported a mixed performance in its latest earnings report, with adjusted earnings per share beating estimates but declining year over year, while net sales exceeded expectations and showed year-over-year growth [2][5]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings for Q2 2025 were $2.10 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.08 but down from $2.44 in the same quarter last year [2]. - Net sales reached $6.16 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.11 billion, reflecting a 3.4% year-over-year increase driven by acquisitions, favorable currency exchange, and comparable sales growth [2]. - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $458 million from $480 million as of December 31, 2024, while long-term debt slightly increased to $3,744 million [5]. Segmental Performance - The Automotive segment reported net sales of $3.9 billion, a 5% increase year over year, driven by acquisitions, although EBITDA decreased by 6.9% to $338 million [3]. - The Industrial Parts segment's net sales rose 0.7% year over year to $2.3 billion, with EBITDA growing 1.1% to $288 million [4]. 2025 Guidance - The company revised its overall sales growth expectation for 2025 to 1-3%, down from the previous 2-4% forecast, with automotive sales now expected to grow 1.5-3.5% [6]. - Adjusted earnings per share guidance was narrowed to a range of $7.50 to $8, compared to the prior range of $7.75 to $8.25 [7]. Market Reaction - Following the earnings release, there has been a downward trend in fresh estimates for the company [8]. - The stock currently holds a poor Growth Score of F and a Momentum Score of D, but a better Value Score of B [9]. Outlook - The overall trend in estimates has been downward, leading to a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), indicating expectations of below-average returns in the coming months [11].

Financial Performance - Navios Maritime Partners reported revenue of $327.6 million for Q2 2025, a decrease of 4.3% from $342.2 million in Q2 2024 [5][23] - EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $178.2 million, down from $197.0 million in Q2 2024 [5][24] - Net income for Q2 2025 was $69.9 million, compared to $101.5 million in Q2 2024 [5][25] - Earnings per common unit were $2.34 for Q2 2025, down from $3.30 in Q2 2024 [5][47] Operational Highlights - The fleet consists of 68 dry bulk vessels, 47 containerships, and 58 tankers, including 18 newbuilding tankers expected to be delivered through the first half of 2028 [15] - The average Time Charter Equivalent (TCE) rate decreased by 1.5% to $23,040 per day in Q2 2025 [23] - Fleet utilization was 99.3% for both Q2 2025 and Q2 2024 [31] Cash Distribution and Share Repurchase - The Board declared a cash distribution of $0.05 per unit for Q2 2025, with an annualized rate of $0.20 per unit [4] - As of August 13, 2025, Navios Partners repurchased 716,575 common units in 2025 for approximately $27.8 million [3] Acquisition and Sale of Vessels - Navios Partners agreed to acquire two scrubber-fitted newbuilding aframax/LR2 tankers for $133.0 million, expected to be delivered in the first half of 2027 [6] - The company sold three vessels with an average age of 16.5 years for gross proceeds of $95.5 million [7][8] Financing Activities - In June 2025, Navios Partners entered into a new reducing revolving credit facility for up to $100.0 million, with $40.0 million drawn as of June 30, 2025 [11] - The company also secured a new credit facility for $62.5 million, fully drawn to refinance existing vessel indebtedness [12] Market Environment - The global shipping market remains healthy, influenced by changing trade patterns due to geopolitical events, including the war between Ukraine and Russia [2]

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley maintains an "overweight" rating on BHP with a target price of 44 AUD, despite the stock rising 18% since June, outperforming the ASX200 index which increased by 5% [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - For the fiscal year 2025, BHP's EBITDA is projected to be 26 billion USD and net profit at 10.2 billion USD, aligning with Morgan Stanley's and consensus expectations [1] - The final dividend per share is set at 0.60 AUD, exceeding Morgan Stanley's forecast of 0.49 AUD and consensus estimate of 0.51 AUD, with a payout ratio of 60% [1] Group 2: Cost Guidance - The new cost guidance for Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) for fiscal year 2026 is approximately 19 USD per ton, lower than Morgan Stanley's expectations and closer to consensus [1] - Cost guidance for copper and coking coal remains largely in line with Morgan Stanley's expectations [1] Group 3: Capital Expenditure and Debt - Mid-term capital expenditure has been reduced from 11 billion USD to 10 billion USD due to project rescheduling and a decrease in low-carbon spending [1] - BHP has adjusted its net debt target range from 5 billion to 15 billion USD to 10 billion to 20 billion USD, leading to a 4% increase in earnings expectations for 2026 due to lower costs [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted EBITDA of BRL 2.2 billion for the quarter, reflecting a 15% increase compared to the previous year [14][21] - Total investments for the first half of the year reached BRL 2.7 billion, with a full-year investment plan of BRL 2.8 billion [4][11] - The net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 1.59, indicating a strong leverage position [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The distribution segment saw significant investments, with nine substations energized and over 2,600 kilometers of low and medium voltage networks constructed [12] - The energy market for semi-distribution experienced a 3.3% drop, attributed to the migration of industrial clients to the free market [21][22] - The gas segment, GASMIG, reported improved EBITDA and net profit due to efficient cost management [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a gross effect of BRL 76 million related to price differences in energy submarkets, which is expected to normalize in the future [6][17] - The distributed generation market showed a significant growth of around 20% compared to the previous year [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a BRL 59 billion investment plan from 2019 to 2029, primarily targeting distribution to meet unmet load and support distributed generation [36][42] - Future investments will also aim to enhance resilience and automation in operations, responding to regulatory requests [38] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the second half of the year, anticipating positive scenarios regarding tariff adjustments and energy market conditions [5][7] - The company is closely monitoring regulatory changes and their potential impacts on profitability, especially concerning tariff reviews and pension fund expenses [50][54] Other Important Information - The company successfully participated in the GSF auction, securing extensions for three power plants, which is expected to add value in the long term [8][28] - The Supreme Court's recent ruling on tax deductions is viewed positively, although the final impacts are still being assessed [44][45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on capital allocation and future focus - Management highlighted a strategic focus on distribution investments to address unmet load and support distributed generation, with a strict rule to invest only in Minas Gerais [34][36][42] Question: Impact of recent Supreme Court ruling on taxes - Management acknowledged the positive implications of the ruling but emphasized the need to wait for final details to assess the full impact [44][45] Question: Rationale behind increasing short positions for 2027-2028 - Management clarified that the increase in short positions was a result of market conditions and ongoing efforts to close positions and reduce exposure [47][48] Question: Regulatory environment's effect on profitability and pension fund expenses - Management stated that efficiency improvements are a priority, and discussions on tariff adjustments are ongoing, with a focus on reducing costs in pension plans [50][51][54]

Core Insights - KORE Group Holdings, Inc. reported growth in revenue, total connections, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, indicating positive momentum in its value creation plan [3][5]. Financial Performance - Revenue for the second quarter of 2025 reached $71.3 million, an increase of $3.4 million or 5% compared to the same period last year [5]. - Adjusted EBITDA rose to $16.7 million, up $5.3 million or 46% year-over-year [5]. - The net loss decreased significantly to $16.9 million, improving by $66.8 million or 80% from the previous year [5]. - Free cash flow increased to $1.6 million, up $1.7 million from the same period last year [5]. Operational Metrics - Total connections at the end of the period reached 20.1 million, an increase of 8% from 18.6 million in the same period last year [5]. - The company added over 1.5 million new connections in the last year, reflecting healthy growth from existing customers and new business signed [3][5]. - For the six months ended June 30, 2025, total revenue was $143.4 million, slightly down from $143.8 million in the same period of 2024 [4]. Revenue Breakdown - IoT Connectivity revenue for the second quarter was $56.1 million, up from $55.8 million, while IoT Solutions revenue increased to $15.2 million from $12.1 million [4]. - For the six months ended June 30, 2025, IoT Connectivity revenue was $110.0 million, down from $113.7 million, and IoT Solutions revenue was $33.4 million, up from $30.2 million [4]. Future Outlook - The company reiterated its financial outlook for the twelve months ending December 31, 2025, projecting revenue in the range of $288 million to $298 million, adjusted EBITDA between $62 million and $67 million, and free cash flow between $10 million and $14 million [6].