RT Robert Sterling (@RobertMSterling)Jeff Bezos is worth $238 billion, even though Amazon has a $2.6 trillion market cap. In other words, he’s created $2.4 trillion of value for other shareholders—plus trillions more for employees, customers, suppliers, governments, and other stakeholders.Jensen Huang is worth $164 billion, while NVIDIA’s market cap is $5 trillion. That’s $4.8 trillion of value for other people (not to mention the immeasurable value created for non-equity stakeholders).Larry Page and Sergey ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 was down 2% year-over-year, reflecting a decline in WSE volume but supported by prudent benefit repricing and higher interest income [19][20] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share was $1.11, with GAAP earnings per share at $0.70, supported by improved cash flow [25][26] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $100 million, representing an adjusted EBITDA margin of 8.2% [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total WSEs decreased by 7% year-over-year to approximately 332,000, with co-employed WSEs down 9% to 302,000 [20] - Professional services revenue declined by 8% year-over-year, primarily due to lower WSE volumes and the discontinuation of a specific client-level technology fee [21] - ASO conversion rates exceeded initial forecasts, indicating ongoing demand for services despite reduced PEO volume [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced elevated attrition rates due to repricing efforts, with health plan pricing cited as the primary reason for client terminations [12][24] - CIE (customer hiring) was flat compared to last year, with a slight year-to-date improvement driven mainly by the tech vertical [20][11] - The insurance cost ratio was slightly over 90%, which was flat compared to last year and better than embedded guidance [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The medium-term strategy aims for total revenue growth of 4 to 6% CAGR and adjusted EBITDA margins of 10 to 11%, targeting annualized value creation of 13 to 15% [8][17] - The company is focusing on building a high-quality client base and enhancing service delivery through AI-powered HR capabilities [12][13] - Simplified benefit offerings are seen as a crucial part of the growth strategy, with new benefit bundles launched to streamline the sales process [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to return to a targeted insurance cost ratio by 2026, despite challenging market conditions [16][28] - The outlook for Q4 is optimistic, with expectations for improved year-over-year performance in sales execution and a strong January pipeline [21][28] - Management acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the SMB hiring environment but noted a resilient client base [45][46] Other Important Information - The company repurchased stock and paid dividends totaling $45 million in the quarter, with a 10% increase in dividends year-over-year [26][17] - A leadership transition is underway, with a new CFO set to join the company, which is expected to support continued growth [5][6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on insurance cost ratio and assumptions for FY2026 - Management confirmed no notable one-time impacts in Q3 and indicated conservative assumptions for healthcare trends in FY2026 [31][36] Question: Update on sales headcount expectations for FY2025 - The company expects to grow sales headcount in FY2026, with a focus on experienced hires and improved productivity [37][38] Question: Rate increases and pricing relative to competition - Management noted that pricing is becoming more aligned with market trends, with evidence suggesting a tightening gap with competitors [41][43] Question: Client decision-making and business optimism - There has been a settling in among clients, with healthcare costs central to PEO buy decisions, and a slight improvement in CIE year-over-year [44][46] Question: Update on ASO offering and competitive landscape - The ASO offering is tracking better than expected, with a competitive advantage in combining strong technology and support [61][62] Question: Guidance and unknowns affecting revenue and EPS - Management does not expect unusual impacts in Q4, with a focus on maintaining guidance within the established range [64][65] Question: CIE growth and WSE outlook for 2026 - CIE is expected to show low single-digit positive growth, with management feeling bullish about revenue growth prospects in 2026 [68][70]

Core Insights - Ennismore operates 192 hotels under various brands, including Delano, Mondrian, and The Hoxton, and has announced new Delano hotels in New York and London, appointing Ben Pundole as chief brand officer [3] - In 2024, Ennismore achieved a net unit growth of 17.6% and an EBITDA of €170 million, with Accor adding 17 hotels in the Americas, contributing 3,200 keys [3] - Accor opened 77 hotels in Q3 2025, adding 11,200 rooms, and reported a total portfolio of 5,760 hotels with 859,830 rooms and a pipeline of 1,453 hotels, equating to over 250,000 rooms [5][6] Financial Performance - Accor reported Q3 revenue of approximately €1.4 million (around $1.6 million), reflecting a 0.1% year-over-year increase, driven by a 1.1% decline in the Premium, Midscale, and Economy division and a 0.2% increase in the Luxury & Lifestyle division [7] - The overall RevPAR for Accor rose by 0.8% year-over-year in Q3, with the Premium, Midscale, and Economy division experiencing a 1.1% decrease, while the Americas region saw a 7.1% increase, particularly strong in Brazil [7] - The Luxury & Lifestyle division's RevPAR increased by 5% during the same period [7] Strategic Developments - Accor's Chairman and CEO indicated ongoing growth and development, emphasizing the appeal of its brands and geographical diversity, which have sustained momentum despite a mixed macroeconomic environment [6] - The company is exploring a potential IPO for Ennismore, which could enhance liquidity and flexibility for growth, while Accor would remain the controlling shareholder post-IPO [4][7]

[Music] We live in times where so many people want to stand out. Trying to stand out in your careers, in your relationships, even on social media where the young girls want to be baddies, they want to trend and our young boys want to be bad, you know. Uh but the truth is that the more you try harder to stand out, the more you look like everyone else, you know.Um standing out or standing out um goes beyond the trend and the moment. You have to have trust. You need to create impact and also you need to add va ...

Group 1 - The article discusses the willingness to take riskier bets in REITs for greater long-term total return prospects [1] - The author emphasizes a focus on equity valuation, market trends, and portfolio optimization to identify high-growth investment opportunities [1] - There is a mention of a collaborative approach in investment research, combining strengths to deliver data-driven insights [1] Group 2 - The article does not contain any specific company or industry-related content that requires summarization [2][3]

Financial Performance & Highlights - FY25 revenue reached $737 billion, a 05% increase from the previous year[7] - FY25 adjusted EBIT was $976 million, up 37% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBIT margin of 132%, a 40 bps improvement[7] - FY25 adjusted EPS was $530, representing a 73% increase from the prior year[7] - Q1 2026 sales reached a record $211 billion, a 74% increase year-over-year, with adjusted EBIT at $3378 million, up 29%[56,58] Strategic Initiatives & Growth Drivers - The company is focused on system selling, turnkey solutions, and maintenance & repair to drive growth[10] - MAP 2025 initiatives have led to consistent improvements, including record sales, adjusted EBIT, and adjusted EPS[11,12] - The company is focusing on efficiency initiatives, capital allocation, and collaboration to accelerate organic growth[18] Market Position & Segmentation - The company operates in a ~$102 billion Serviceable Addressable Market (SAM)[29] - The company's sales are divided into North America ($58 billion, 78%), Europe ($11 billion, 14%), Latin America ($290 million, 4%), Asia/Pacific ($159 million, 2%), and Africa/Middle East/Other Foreign ($109 million, 2%)[34] Shareholder Value - The company's stock has shown a 2795% cumulative total return over the past 10 years, compared to 3354% for the S&P 500 and 2251% for its peer group[20] - The company has increased its annual cash dividend by 6% to $216 per share, marking 52 consecutive years of dividend increases[72,73]

Core Viewpoint - Lanson-BCC has successfully acquired Heidsieck & Co. Monopole from Vranken-Pommery Monopole for €50 million ($58 million), with the deal set to take effect in January next year [1][2][3]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition includes 100% of the shares of Heidsieck & Co. Monopole and an undisclosed additional amount for the brand's historic vintages [2]. - Vranken-Pommery Monopole stated that Lanson-BCC's offer was "more attractive" than that from Compagnie Vranken, which will not acquire Heidsieck & Co. but will purchase Champagne stocks to reduce debt [3]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The deal is part of Vranken-Pommery's strategy to refocus on its international brand Champagne Pommery & Greno [2]. - Lanson-BCC aims to give the Maison Burtin Champagne house its own identity, leveraging existing assets and contracts with 650 Champagne winegrowers [5]. Group 3: Leadership Statements - Nathalie Vranken, CEO of Vranken-Pommery Monopole, expressed satisfaction with the transaction, highlighting its importance for debt reduction [3]. - Bruno Paillard, chairman and CEO of Lanson-BCC, emphasized the importance of maintaining each house's specific style and identity within the group [5][6].

Summary of KBR's Special Investor Webcast Company Overview - **Company**: KBR, Inc. - **Segments**: KBR is planning to spin off its Mission Technology Solutions (MTS) segment, creating two independent public companies: New KBR (Sustainable Technology Solutions segment) and SpinCo (Mission Technology Solutions segment) [2][4][10]. Key Points and Arguments 1. **Strategic Spin-off Announcement**: KBR announced its intent to spin off the MTS segment to unlock shareholder value, resulting in two independent companies with focused management and financial flexibility [4][5]. 2. **Tax-Free Transaction**: The spin-off is expected to be tax-free for KBR and its shareholders, with completion anticipated in mid to late 2026 [5][18]. 3. **Historical Transformation**: KBR has undergone a decade-long transformation, increasing revenue from approximately $5 billion to $8 billion, and margins nearly doubling from over 6% to under 12% [6][7]. 4. **Financial Performance**: Adjusted EBITDA has grown by over 180% during the transformation, with significant increases in adjusted EPS and operating cash flow [7]. 5. **Independent Business Models**: Post-spin, New KBR will focus on sustainable technology solutions, while SpinCo will concentrate on government solutions, both benefiting from dedicated management and strategic focus [8][10]. 6. **Market Positioning**: New KBR is expected to lead in IP-protected technologies, while SpinCo will focus on national security and space priorities, with a backlog of $17.8 billion [11][15]. 7. **Financial Metrics**: For the trailing 12 months ending July 4, 2025, New KBR reported revenue of $2.2 billion with adjusted EBITDA margins around 22%, while SpinCo reported revenue of $5.8 billion with adjusted EBITDA margins around 10% [11][12]. 8. **Leadership Changes**: Mark Sopp will oversee the spin-off of MTS, while Shad Evans will become the CFO of New KBR post-spin [16][17]. Additional Important Content 1. **Organizational Agility**: The spin-off is expected to enhance organizational agility, streamline decision-making, and improve accountability [9]. 2. **Customer Focus**: Each company will have the flexibility to optimize its capital structure and align its capabilities with customer needs, enhancing customer intimacy [9][10]. 3. **Cost Structure Management**: KBR aims to minimize stranded costs post-spin, with a focus on maintaining cost-competitiveness and attractive financial profiles for both companies [36][37]. 4. **Market Diversification**: Both businesses have been designed to mitigate cycle risk through diversification across multiple market streams and geographical areas [43][44]. 5. **Future Investor Days**: Dedicated investor days will be held for both New KBR and SpinCo to provide deeper insights into their operations and growth strategies [12][55]. This summary encapsulates the key aspects of KBR's strategic direction, financial performance, and future outlook as discussed in the investor webcast.

Demand Environment for IT Services - The overall demand for IT services has been evolving over the last 12 to 18 months, with a focus on value creation rather than just cost productivity [1][2] - Clients are increasingly discussing the importance of value creation in their conversations, indicating a shift in priorities [2]

Group 1 - The Alger Concentrated Equity ETF (CNEQ) is a growth-focused ETF that employs a high conviction strategy with concentrated bets, aiming for higher risk-reward outcomes [1] - CNEQ is classified as an active ETF, which differentiates it from passive investment strategies [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of rigorous risk management and a long-term perspective on value creation in investment strategies [1] - The authors have a strong background in quantitative research, financial modeling, and risk management, enhancing their ability to analyze market trends and corporate earnings [1]