Industry Overview - Gold has gained approximately 26% year to date, currently trading near $3,030 per ounce, driven by geopolitical risks and a weaker U.S. dollar [1] - The Zacks Mining - Gold industry has increased by 39.1% year to date, outperforming the Zacks Basic Materials sector's 6.4% and the S&P 500's 0.7% [2] - Robust gold demand is anticipated to continue, with central banks expected to maintain a buying streak of over 1,000 tons [8] Demand and Supply Dynamics - Gold demand reached 1,206 tons in Q1 2025, the highest quarterly total since 2016, with central banks acquiring around 244 tons [4] - Investment demand surged 170% year over year to 552 tons, marking the strongest quarter since Q1 2022, driven largely by China [5] - Global gold ETFs saw inflows of 226.5 tons, with April marking the fifth consecutive monthly increase [6] Company Highlights Newmont - Newmont solidified its position as the world's largest gold producer after integrating Newcrest assets and is focusing on Tier 1 assets [10] - The company has a strong liquidity position and is pursuing several growth projects, including Tanami Expansion 2 and Ahafo North [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Newmont's 2025 earnings indicates a year-over-year growth of 12.6% [12] Agnico Eagle Mines - Agnico Eagle maintains a strong liquidity position and is advancing several projects expected to enhance production and cash flows [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Agnico Eagle's 2025 earnings suggests a year-over-year growth of 42.2% [14] Barrick Mining - Barrick Mining is well-positioned to benefit from key growth projects, including Goldrush and Pueblo Viejo plant expansion [15] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Barrick Mining's 2025 earnings indicates a year-over-year growth of 34.7% [17] Kinross Gold - Kinross Gold has a strong production profile and is advancing key development projects, including Great Bear and Round Mountain Phase X [19] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Kinross Gold's 2025 earnings suggests a year-over-year growth of 52.2% [21] New Gold - New Gold consolidated its interest in the New Afton mine to 100%, projecting a 37% increase in gold production between 2024 and 2027 [22] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for New Gold's 2025 earnings indicates a year-over-year growth of 91.25% [24]

Core Insights - Cabot Corporation (CBT) reported second-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings of $1.69 per share, an increase from $1.49 in the same quarter last year, with adjusted earnings at $1.90 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.86 [1] - The company's net sales for the quarter were $936 million, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,038.1 million, representing an 8.2% decrease year-over-year [1] Segment Highlights - Sales in the Reinforcement Materials segment decreased by 12.1% year-over-year to $594 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $678.5 million, with EBIT down 12.1% to $131 million due to lower tire demand and contract outcomes in South America [2] - Performance Chemicals unit sales remained flat at $311 million, below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $328.9 million, while EBIT increased by 61.2% to $50 million, driven by higher volumes in fumed metal oxides for construction and semiconductor applications [3] Financials - At the end of the second quarter, the company had a cash balance of $213 million, with cash flows from operating activities generating $73 million [4] - Capital expenditures totaled $72 million, with $23 million used for dividends and $47 million for share repurchases during the quarter [4] Outlook - The company revised its adjusted EPS guidance for fiscal 2025 to a range of $7.15 to $7.50, reflecting expectations of softer demand due to the uncertain impact of recently implemented tariff policies [5][6] - The revised guidance assumes the company will maintain profit margins consistent with those achieved in the second fiscal quarter [6] Price Performance - Cabot's shares have declined by 27% over the past year, compared to a 30.4% decline in the industry [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable store sales decreased by 4% during the first quarter, attributed to lower store traffic and the absence of an extra day in 2025 compared to the leap year in 2024, which resulted in an estimated sales loss of approximately $1,000,000 [6][12] - Gross margin rate improved to 66%, representing a 20 basis point increase compared to the first quarter of 2024, driven by a decrease in inventory write-offs [13] - Operating cash flow generated was $10,000,000, with cash balance increasing to $27,100,000 at the end of the quarter [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - An increase in tile volume sold was noted, driven by the introduction of competitively priced entry-level products and the Arbor collection of luxury vinyl tile products [6][7] - The assortment of products has been enhanced with the addition of engineered hardwood and laminate products, contributing to improved sales volume [8][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to face challenges from lower housing turnover, market volatility, and consumer confidence concerns, which are impacting overall sales [6] - The company has diversified its supplier base across over 25 countries to mitigate risks associated with evolving tariff policies [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on providing an exceptional customer experience and effectively managing expenses amidst external challenges [6] - Partnerships with leading designers and brands are being leveraged to create unique and exclusive tile products, enhancing the product offering [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the changes made to the product assortment contributing to increased tile volume sold, despite ongoing industry challenges [11] - The company believes it is well-positioned to navigate the current environment with a strong assortment, balance sheet, and talented team [15] Other Important Information - The company anticipates receiving $2,000,000 in sublease income from the distribution space in New Jersey, which will help reduce SG&A expenses [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: No questions were raised during the session - There were no questions from participants during the Q&A session [17]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, lift truck revenues declined by 14% year over year, primarily due to lower sales volumes in The Americas and EMEA [19] - Operating cash outflows totaled $36 million, compared to inflows of $22 million in the prior year, driven by lower net income and unfavorable working capital changes [27] - The company's leverage, measured by net debt to EBITDA, was 1.6 times at the end of Q1 [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lift Truck adjusted operating profit declined significantly compared to the prior year due to lower volumes and loss of manufacturing absorption [20] - JPIC revenues increased year over year due to increased volumes and a favorable product mix shift toward big trucks [19] - Bolzoni's revenues declined primarily due to the planned phase-out of lower-margin legacy products, but gross profit margins improved due to better pricing and lower material costs [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lift truck booking market showed encouraging signs of recovery in The Americas and particularly in EMEA, with bookings of $590 million reflecting year-over-year growth and a nearly 50% sequential increase [12][30] - The company's backlog remains solid at $1.9 billion, with production rates expected to increase in Q2 [13][31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on producing and selling products in the same region to avoid excess shipping costs and enhance delivery time [9] - A strategic business realignment related to Nuvera aims to enhance near-term profitability and create an integrated energy solutions program [14] - The long-term strategic focus is on driving profitable growth through innovation and operating efficiency [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged significant uncertainty created by shifting tariff levels and their effects on market demand and cost structures [7] - The company remains cautiously optimistic about its 2025 outlook, despite anticipating that operating profit will be below 2024's exceptionally strong results [18][35] - Management emphasized the importance of financial discipline and proactive pricing strategies to counter inflation and tariff-related costs [32][36] Other Important Information - The company expects to incur $15 million to $18 million in severance and impairment costs during Q2 due to the business realignment [16] - The effective tax rate increased due to the ongoing capitalization of research and development costs for U.S. tax purposes [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: No questions were raised during the Q&A session - The operator indicated that there were no questions from participants [43]

Core Insights - Mattel, Inc. reported first-quarter 2025 results with both revenue and earnings exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates, showing year-over-year improvement [1][3] - The company plans to increase prices on select toys in the U.S. due to rising costs from new tariffs, despite efforts to shift production away from China [1][2] Financial Performance - Adjusted loss per share was 3 cents, better than the expected loss of 11 cents, compared to a loss of 5 cents in the same quarter last year [3] - Net sales reached $826.6 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of $800 million by 3.4%, with a 2% increase year-over-year and a 4% increase in constant currency [3] Segment Performance - North America segment net sales increased by 3% year-over-year, while the International segment saw a 1% increase [4] - Gross billings in North America rose by 4%, driven by growth in Dolls, Action Figures, Building Sets, Games, and Other [4] - International gross billings increased by 1%, primarily due to growth in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions [5] Category Performance - Worldwide gross billings from Mattel Power Brands increased by 3% year-over-year to $924.2 million [6] - Gross billings for Hot Wheels grew by 4%, while Fisher-Price saw a decline of 3% [7] Operating Results - Adjusted gross margin improved to 49.6%, up 130 basis points year-over-year, attributed to better inventory management and efficiencies from the Optimizing for Profitable Growth initiative [8] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $57.2 million, compared to $53.5 million in the prior-year quarter [9] Balance Sheet - As of March 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $1.24 billion, up from $1.13 billion at the end of 2024 [11] - Total inventories decreased to $658.4 million from $669.3 million at the end of 2024, while long-term debt remained stable at $2.33 billion [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Xpro's Q1 2025 revenue was $391 million with an adjusted EBITDA of $76 million, representing 20% of revenue, marking the highest first quarter performance since merging with Frank's in October 2021 [6][32] - Revenue decreased by $46 million or about 11% compared to Q4 2024, but increased by $7 million or approximately 2% year-over-year [30][31] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by approximately $24 million or 24% sequentially but increased by $9 million or 13% year-over-year [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North and Latin America (NLA), Q1 revenue was $134 million, down $5 million quarter-over-quarter, with an EBITDA margin improvement to 23% [33] - Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (ESA) saw Q1 revenue of $112 million, a sequential decrease of $30 million, with an EBITDA margin at 26%, down 11 percentage points [34] - The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) reported Q1 revenue of $94 million, up 1% sequentially, with an EBITDA margin of 37%, up 1% quarter-over-quarter [35] - Asia Pacific (APAC) revenue was $51 million, a decrease of $12 million, with an EBITDA margin at 21%, down from the prior quarter [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macro outlook indicates significant near-term uncertainty and volatility in global oil markets due to tariff announcements and OPEC+ production increases [8][9] - Global oil consumption is forecasted to increase by 900,000 barrels per day in 2025, with demand reaching an average of 103.6 million barrels per day [13] - The EIA projects global liquids production to grow by 1.3 million barrels per day in 2025, reaching 104.1 million barrels per day [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Xpro's strategy focuses on organic investment and M&A to enable margin expansion and improve customer relevance [7][21] - The company aims to maintain cost and capital discipline while adjusting CapEx based on awarded projects [21][29] - Xpro is positioned to benefit from long-term offshore project sanctioning, with about two-thirds of greenfield CapEx expected to be allocated to offshore developments [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a positive multiyear outlook for energy services despite expected near-term moderation in upstream investment [5][9] - The company anticipates that 2025 will be a transition year, with a return to healthy sanctioning activity in 2026 and beyond [16][45] - Management noted that current macro conditions are influenced more by global trade issues than energy fundamentals, which remain strong [12] Other Important Information - Xpro's backlog at the end of Q1 was approximately $2.2 billion, in line with expectations [8] - The company has a zero net debt balance sheet, providing strategic and financial flexibility [21] - Xpro's Drive 25 efficiency campaign aims to achieve significant cost savings and improve operating leverage [36][37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on MENA segment growth and margin sustainability - Management highlighted strong anchor contracts in Saudi Arabia and Algeria, indicating stability and growth potential in the MENA region [50][51] Question: Thoughts on equity valuation and buyback strategy - Management acknowledged the depressed equity valuation and indicated a willingness to utilize share repurchase authorization while considering other capital allocation opportunities [54][56] Question: Factors influencing full-year guidance and sensitivity - Management noted cautious customer sentiment and ongoing engagement to assess project timelines, indicating a wait-and-see approach [60][61] Question: Impact of tariffs on business - Management clarified that while tariffs may affect activity, the overall impact on financial results is expected to be minimal, with preliminary estimates suggesting less than a $5 million impact [78][82] Question: Automation and safety technology impact - Management emphasized that technologies like Centrify enhance safety and operational efficiency, allowing for reduced personnel on rig floors [87][90] Question: M&A market dynamics - Management indicated ongoing efforts to identify suitable M&A opportunities, emphasizing patience and strategic alignment with Xpro's goals [93]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated $4.1 billion in revenue, with a gross profit of $724 million and a gross profit margin of 17.5% [13] - Adjusted operating margin was 5.8%, and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $6.82 [13] - Adjusted SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 63.9% [13] - Adjusted net income for the first quarter was $134 million, excluding certain non-cash items [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store revenue for new vehicles increased by 6% year over year, with units up 4% [15] - New average gross profit per vehicle was $3,449 [15] - Used vehicle unit volume decreased by 8% year over year, with retail gross profit per unit at $15.87 [16] - Parts and service gross profit increased by 5%, with a gross profit margin of 58.3%, an expansion of 170 basis points [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company estimates that approximately 56% of new vehicle units in Q1 were produced in America, insulating them from tariff impacts [8] - The Stellantis headwind to the company's performance was estimated at $125 per vehicle [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a disciplined growth strategy, including the pending acquisition of the Herb Chambers Automotive Group, valued at $1.34 billion [26] - The company plans to reduce leverage over the next 18 to 24 months following the acquisition [12] - The implementation of the Techeon system is expected to improve productivity and guest experience [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the first quarter was impacted by weather-related disruptions and tariff uncertainties [41][44] - The company remains optimistic about long-term growth, particularly in parts and service due to an aging vehicle fleet [20] - Management emphasized the importance of focusing on gross profit rather than volume in the current market conditions [42] Other Important Information - The company generated $187 million of adjusted operating cash flow for the first quarter [24] - Free cash flow was $166 million for the first quarter [25] - The company ended Q1 with $964 million of liquidity [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about TCA and tariff impacts - Management indicated that tariffs could slow down deferral impacts, affecting future earnings [31] Question: Integration of Techeon and SG&A savings - Management reported that the rollout of Techeon is progressing well and is expected to lead to significant SG&A savings [34] Question: Gross profit performance compared to peers - Management acknowledged weather impacts and emphasized a focus on maximizing returns rather than chasing volume [42] Question: Impact of tariffs on acquisition agreements - Management confirmed that there is no breakup fee for the company in the acquisition agreement, and they do not foresee reasons to back out of the deal [48] Question: Front end gross outlook - Management noted that the company is different post-COVID and emphasized focusing on gross profit rather than volume [56] Question: Parts and service growth outlook - Management maintained a mid-single-digit growth outlook for parts and service, despite weather-related impacts [60] Question: Price versus car count in parts and service - Management indicated that revenue increases were primarily due to dollar increases rather than traffic increases [89] Question: Supply issues with luxury brands - Management expressed concerns about potential supply issues with luxury brands due to tariff-related shipment holds [90]

Core Viewpoint - Intel is unlikely to benefit significantly from the current trade policies and economic uncertainty may negatively impact demand for its products, particularly in the PC and data center markets [1][2]. Financial Guidance - Intel's revenue guidance for Q2 is projected between $11.2 billion and $12.4 billion, a decrease from $12.7 billion in Q1, reflecting high uncertainty in demand [2]. Demand Shifts - There has been an unexpected shift in the laptop market towards older Intel products, with increased demand for Raptor Lake systems and decreased demand for newer Meteor Lake and Lunar Lake systems due to their higher price points [3][4]. Gross Margin Impact - The shift to older laptop CPUs is positively affecting gross margins as Raptor Lake chips are produced in-house on a mature process, while newer chips have higher production costs and are partially outsourced [4][5]. Production Capacity Constraints - Intel faces production capacity constraints for its Intel 7 process, limiting the ability to meet demand for Raptor Lake chips, which may persist in the foreseeable future [5]. Commercial vs Consumer Market - Newer chips are performing better in the commercial PC market due to the end of Windows 10 support, with expectations that this demand will eventually extend to the consumer market, although economic conditions remain uncertain [5]. Upcoming Product Launch - The launch of Panther Lake is on track, with plans to introduce some SKUs by the end of the year, utilizing the new Intel 18A process node, which is expected to enhance performance and efficiency [6][7]. Importance of Panther Lake - The success of Panther Lake is crucial for Intel's product turnaround and the success of its foundry business, with significant reliance on the Intel 18A process node amidst challenging economic conditions [8].

Industry Overview - The Retail – Discount Stores industry is facing challenges from shifting consumer behaviors, intense competition, and evolving tariff policies, which are expected to impact the sector's trajectory [1] - Inflation is affecting household budgets, leading to more cautious spending even in traditionally resilient discount categories [1] - Rising labor and sourcing costs are significant hurdles for retailers operating on thin margins [1] - To regain momentum, discount retailers need to rebuild consumer confidence and spending capacity through strategic pricing, inventory optimization, and operational efficiencies [1] Key Industry Trends - **Muted Consumer Demand Raises Revenue Concerns**: Inflation and geopolitical issues are straining consumer purchasing power, with the consumer sentiment index dropping to 50.8 from 57.0, marking the fourth consecutive month of decline [4] - **Cost Overhang Likely to Keep Margins Under Pressure**: The competitive landscape, particularly from e-commerce, is pressuring margins due to high costs associated with digital enhancements and marketing [5] - **Consumers Seek Better Bargains**: There is a growing demand for discounted prices among low- to middle-income groups, prompting retailers to innovate and enhance their digital capabilities [6] - **Digitization Key to Sector's Resilient Growth**: Retailers are investing in digital platforms and improving supply chains to adapt to changing consumer shopping patterns, including curbside pickup and contactless payment solutions [7] Industry Performance - The Zacks Retail - Discount Stores industry currently ranks 167, placing it in the bottom 32% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating bleak near-term prospects [8][9] - The industry's earnings estimate has declined by 5.6% since the beginning of 2025, reflecting a negative earnings outlook [10] Market Comparison - Over the past year, the Zacks Retail – Discount Stores industry has outperformed the broader Retail – Wholesale sector and the S&P 500, with a collective stock advance of 15.8% compared to 11.5% and 5.5% respectively [11] Current Valuation - The industry is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 31.47, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 19.94 and the sector's 22.09 [14] Notable Companies - **Costco**: The company is benefiting from growth strategies, better price management, and strong membership trends, with a projected revenue growth of 7.8% and EPS growth of 11.6% [17][18] - **Target**: Target is evolving its business model with a focus on omnichannel capabilities and advanced technologies, expecting sales growth of 0.9% and EPS growth of 1.4% [21][22] - **Dollar General**: The company is leveraging its value-creating initiatives and defensive product mix, with a projected sales growth of 3.7% [25][26] - **Burlington Stores**: The company is adapting to consumer trends and enhancing its merchandising capabilities, with expected revenue growth of 7.8% and EPS growth of 12.6% [29][30]

Group 1: Q1 Earnings Overview - The Q1 reporting cycle is not fully underway, with major banks set to report on April 11, but early results from companies with fiscal quarters ending in February show mixed outcomes [1][2] - As of March 21, 14 S&P 500 members have reported February-quarter results, with another five expected to report soon, leading to nearly two dozen results by the time major banks report [2] - Current expectations for Q1 earnings indicate a year-over-year increase of +5.9% on +3.8% higher revenues, following a previous period of +13.8% earnings growth [8][18] Group 2: Company-Specific Performance - Nike's quarterly results initially led to a stock price increase, but investors later realized ongoing recovery challenges, resulting in a loss of gains [3][4] - FedEx reported disappointing results, missing both top and bottom-line expectations, and provided a lower guidance for the third consecutive quarter, indicating ongoing company-specific issues [4] - Lululemon's stock performance has been closely tied to consumer spending trends, with its shares down -15.6% year-to-date, compared to a -4.2% decline for the S&P 500 [12] Group 3: Market Sentiment and Economic Outlook - The market has shown a lack of enthusiasm for early Q1 results, with the percentage of companies beating EPS estimates at the lowest level in the past 20 quarters [13][17] - There has been a significant number of negative revisions to Q1 earnings estimates across various sectors, with the most notable declines in Conglomerates, Autos, and Consumer Discretionary [21][22] - Despite near-term risks, the overall corporate earnings picture has been improving, with expectations for continued growth momentum through 2027 [27][29]