Zeta Global (ZETA) FY Conference June 03, 2025 01:40 PM ET Speaker0 All right. Perfect. We'll go ahead and get started. Thanks, for being here. My name is Arjun Bhatia, and I am the research analyst here at William Blair who covers Zeta Global. For a full list of disclosures, please go to williamblair.com. And it's a pleasure to have Nizh Gore from Zeta Global, who is the Chief Data Officer, and Chris Greiner, who's the CFO. Thank you both for being here. Appreciate it. Speaker1 Thank you, Art. Speaker0 So ...

Core Insights - AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) has experienced a significant decline of 15.6% in stock price over the past three months, underperforming the industry growth of 2.8% and rivals like Aviat Networks, Inc. (AVNW) and Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (CMTL) [1][5] - The company's disappointing first-quarter 2025 results, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for both adjusted earnings and revenues, have contributed to its poor performance [3][5] - Macroeconomic challenges such as rising inflation, higher interest rates, and geopolitical conflicts are negatively impacting ASTS's operations and financial performance [3][5] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ASTS has widened significantly, with projected losses of 87 cents and 78 cents per share for 2025 and 2026, respectively, reflecting a 10.1% and 116.7% increase in loss estimates over the past 60 days [6] - The estimate revision trend shows a negative outlook, with revisions of -11.76% for Q1 and -116.67% for F2, indicating growing skepticism about the company's growth potential [7][6] Technological Advancements - ASTS is pioneering a space-based cellular broadband network with its direct-to-cell technology, supported by a portfolio of over 3,650 patent and patent-pending claims [8][9] - The company has launched five Bluebird satellites, which feature the largest commercial communications arrays, aimed at providing non-continuous service across the U.S. [9][10] Strategic Partnerships - ASTS has formed partnerships with major carriers like AT&T and Verizon to enhance its satellite network and customer reach [11][12] - The collaboration with AT&T includes a commercial agreement extending until 2030, aimed at integrating space-based technology with AT&T's mobile network [11] - Verizon's $100 million commitment for satellite direct-to-cell service further strengthens ASTS's market position and enhances cellular coverage in the U.S. [12][13] Future Outlook - The successful deployment of Bluebird satellites is expected to transform network connectivity and bridge the digital divide, enhancing ASTS's capabilities in providing widespread connectivity [14] - Despite the potential, ASTS currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating a cautious approach for new investors due to the recent downtrend in estimate revisions and underperformance compared to peers [15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for Q1 2025 increased by $15.4 million or 8.3% compared to Q1 2024, reaching $201.7 million [23] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $5.4 million, an increase of $6.2 million compared to Q1 2024, with a sales to EBITDA flow through of 40% [26] - Gross margin expanded by 90 basis points to 39.6%, driven by higher initial markup and lower freight costs [25] - Adjusted SG&A expenses totaled $74.4 million, or 36.9% of revenue, down from 39.1% in the prior period [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable store sales grew by 9.9%, marking the third consecutive quarter of sequential improvement, with a two-year stack of 13% [24] - The plus-size business showed meaningful improvement, and the footwear category also experienced consistent top-line growth [9][10] - The accessory business was slightly below plan, prompting adjustments to better meet customer needs [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong performance was noted across all apparel and home categories, with many experiencing double-digit growth [8] - Increased traffic and mid-single-digit transaction count growth were observed, alongside improved conversion rates [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is in a three-phase strategic transformation: repair, execute, and optimize, aimed at building a high-performance company for sustainable profit growth [5][7] - Focus on enhancing product offerings, particularly in plus sizes and big men's apparel, while also improving trend relevancy in juniors and young men's categories [10][54] - Plans to open up to five new stores and remodel approximately 50 locations in the year, with a disciplined approach to fleet optimization [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the turnaround plan, expecting full-year comparable store sales growth in the mid-single digits and gross margin expansion of approximately 200 basis points [28][29] - The current tariff environment presents both challenges and opportunities, with the company well-positioned to capitalize on market disruptions [20] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with no debt, $42 million in cash, and liquidity of approximately $117 million [27] - A new AI-based allocation system is being tested, with plans for a full rollout following the back-to-school season [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide context on the change in closeout strategy? - The company is focusing on in-season closeouts and extreme value products, aiming for a long-term goal of making this segment incremental to top-line growth by about 10% [41][43] Question: Why is the full-year guidance below current comp trends? - The company is facing tougher comparisons in the back half of the year and is being cautious due to uncertainties in the macro environment [46][48] Question: Can you share insights on specific category performance? - All categories performed well in Q1, with particular strength in plus sizes and footwear, while the accessory business was slightly off plan [52][54] Question: What performance uplift has been seen from remodeled units? - Early performance from remodeled stores is promising and consistent with prior remodel classes, although it is still early to quantify [61]

Summary of Phillips Edison & Company (PECO) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Phillips Edison & Company (PECO) - **Industry**: Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), specifically focused on necessity-based retail properties Key Points and Arguments Market Environment - The market has experienced significant volatility, particularly influenced by tariff updates [3][4] - PECO emphasizes a long-term business approach, focusing on stability rather than short-term fluctuations [5][6] Portfolio and Business Strategy - PECO operates in the necessity-based retail sector, which is less volatile compared to discretionary retail [6][7] - The company has a strong position due to its focus on essential services, such as grocery stores and health and beauty retailers [6][14] - PECO's strategy includes maintaining relationships with top grocers to drive foot traffic and support tenant success [14][20] Retailer Sentiment and Demand - At the recent ICSC conference, 85% of PECO's retailers reported low to minimal impact from tariffs, leading to a generally positive outlook [11][12] - The company had over 400 meetings at ICSC, indicating strong engagement with retailers and a positive sentiment towards expansion [9][10] Leasing Environment - New leasing spreads were reported at 28.1%, with renewal spreads at 20% and retention rates around 90% [16][17] - The occupancy rate is at its highest level, driven by strong demand and a lack of new construction in the sector [20][21] - PECO anticipates continued growth in occupancy and leasing activity, with a strong pipeline for the remainder of the year [17][22] Financial Metrics - Foot traffic in April increased by 6% year-over-year, indicating strong consumer engagement [28] - Renewal spreads are among the highest in the industry, with potential for further growth in rental rates [29][31] Challenges and Opportunities - PECO has limited exposure to larger box retailers, focusing instead on necessity-based retail [33][34] - The company is actively managing its portfolio to address potential headwinds from specific retailers like Party City and Big Lots, with plans for replacement and reopening [32][35] Acquisition Strategy - PECO aims for $350 million to $450 million in acquisitions, targeting properties with a 9% unlevered IRR [51][53] - The company has already closed on approximately $267 million in acquisitions this year, with a focus on grocery-anchored projects [53][54] Redevelopment Initiatives - PECO invests $40 million to $50 million annually in redevelopment, focusing on smaller buildings in existing shopping centers [60][61] - The company has a strong partnership with Publix for store rebuilds, enhancing its portfolio's value [62] Financial Health and Future Outlook - PECO maintains a strong balance sheet and flexibility in accessing debt and equity markets [57][58] - The company is optimistic about achieving 3% to 4% same-center NOI growth in the coming years [55] Conclusion - PECO is well-positioned to navigate market uncertainties due to its focus on necessity-based retail, strong tenant relationships, and strategic acquisition and redevelopment plans [65][66]

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced a significant rally in May, driven by expectations of a U.S.-China trade deal and delays in tariff imposition by the Trump administration on the European Union, which boosted confidence in equities [1] - The market rally is expected to continue in June, supported by declining inflation rates, with the personal consumption expenditures price index rising only 0.1% month-over-month and 2.1% year-over-year, marking its lowest level since 2025 [4] Recommended Growth Stocks - Five growth stocks are recommended for June, all of which have shown double-digit returns in the last month and possess a favorable Zacks Rank [2][3] - The recommended stocks are AppLovin Corp. (APP), Amphenol Corp. (APH), Intuit Inc. (INTU), Carvana Co. (CVNA), and Stantec Inc. (STN), each with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and a Growth Score of A or B [3] AppLovin Corp. (APP) - AppLovin is focused on enhancing marketing and monetization for mobile app developers through its software-based platform [7] - The company reported strong fundamentals, with an expected revenue growth rate of 24.3% and earnings growth of 85.2% for the current year, driven by its AI-powered AXON 2.0 technology [10][9] Amphenol Corp. (APH) - Amphenol provides connectivity solutions utilizing AI and machine learning technologies, with a diversified business model that supports growth across various sectors [11][12] - The company anticipates a revenue growth rate of 32.3% and earnings growth of 40.7% for the current year, bolstered by increased defense spending and the Andrew acquisition [13] Intuit Inc. (INTU) - Intuit benefits from steady revenues across its Online Ecosystem and Desktop business segments, with strong performance in its Credit Karma and cloud-based services [14][15] - The expected revenue growth rate for Intuit is 14.8%, with earnings growth projected at 18% for the current year [17] Carvana Co. (CVNA) - Carvana's acquisition of ADESA's U.S. operations has enhanced its logistics and auction capabilities, positioning it for significant growth in the used car market [18] - The company expects a revenue growth rate of 31.4% and more than 100% earnings growth for the current year, with a focus on improving operational efficiency [20] Stantec Inc. (STN) - Stantec provides a range of professional consulting services in planning, engineering, and environmental sciences, focusing on infrastructure and facilities projects [22][23] - The expected revenue growth rate for Stantec is 11.1%, with earnings growth projected at 18.6% for the current year [24]

OSE Immunotherapeutics Provides Clinical Updates on Neo-Epitope Based Cancer Vaccine Tedopi® in Pancreatic Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Two presentations at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025: TEDOPaM - Phase 2 first positive results in advanced pancreatic cancer: Oral communication presented by the French GERCOR Oncology Group, trial sponsor.ARTEMIA - International pivotal Phase 3 study in Non-Small Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Trial in Progress. NANTES, France – June 2, 2025, 6:00pm C ...

Core Insights - Guidewire Software, Inc (GWRE) is expected to report third-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with management projecting revenues between $283 million and $289 million, and a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $285.7 million, reflecting an 18.7% year-over-year increase [1][3] - The consensus estimate for earnings per share is 46 cents, unchanged over the past 60 days, compared to 26 cents per share in the same quarter last year [1][3] Revenue and Earnings Expectations - GWRE anticipates subscription and support revenues of $178 million and services revenues of $52 million, with modest sequential growth in subscription revenues due to three fewer calendar days in the quarter [5][7] - Non-GAAP operating income is projected to be between $36 million and $42 million, with subscription gross margin expected to be 68-69% [7][8] Market Performance and Growth Drivers - GWRE has experienced a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 40.2% on average, and its shares have increased by 96.1% over the past year, outperforming the Internet-Software industry's growth of 35% [3][4] - The company's performance is likely supported by strong demand for cloud-based solutions and a robust deal volume, particularly among Tier 1 insurers, as well as increasing international momentum in regions like Asia Pacific and Europe [3][4][6] Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and Margins - For Q3 fiscal 2025, ARR is expected to be between $942 million and $947 million, with an estimate of $944.6 million [8] - The non-GAAP gross margin for subscription and support is anticipated to be 68.7%, with operating income estimated at $39 million, representing an 87.8% year-over-year increase [9] Challenges and Considerations - The company faces challenges from increasing investments in product enhancements and potential impacts from global macroeconomic conditions and inflation, which may affect license revenues due to the migration of on-premise customers to the cloud [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PBA) is a significant player in North America's energy infrastructure, managing extensive pipeline systems and gas processing facilities, which are crucial for hydrocarbon logistics across the continent [1][2]. Financial Performance - Pembina reported a strong first-quarter 2025 with adjusted EBITDA of C$1.2 billion, a 12% increase year over year, and earnings of C$502 million, up 15% [4][10]. - The company raised its quarterly dividend by 3% to C$0.71 per share, indicating confidence in cash flow stability [4][10]. - Pembina is trending toward the midpoint of its 2025 EBITDA guidance range of C$4.2 billion to C$4.5 billion, showcasing resilience amid macroeconomic volatility [4]. Strategic Positioning - Pembina secured long-term, take-or-pay agreements with a leading Montney producer, enhancing utilization across its pipeline systems and providing revenue visibility [5]. - The company is advancing a C$4+ billion portfolio of growth projects, including the Taylor-to-Gordondale expansion and Cedar LNG, aimed at capitalizing on rising volumes in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) [6]. - Pembina is diversifying its NGL marketing beyond U.S. markets, leveraging West Coast export capacity to access premium global markets, which enhances long-term resilience [7]. Financial Health - Pembina's debt-to-EBITDA ratio was 3.4x, below its target range, supporting a BBB credit rating [8]. - The company generated meaningful free cash flow in the first quarter, which was allocated to debt reduction and shareholder returns, positioning it for potential acquisitions or share buybacks [8]. Risks and Challenges - Pembina's marketing segment is exposed to commodity price volatility, with management cautioning that lower prices could offset gains later in 2025 [11]. - Regulatory uncertainty regarding Alliance Pipeline tolls could pressure EBITDA, with ongoing reviews adding to the uncertainty [12]. - Delays in partner projects, such as Dow's ethylene cracker, introduce execution risk that could affect cash flows and long-term demand for ethane infrastructure [13]. - The capital-intensive nature of Pembina's growth projects could strain free cash flow if execution challenges arise [15]. - Recent stock performance has shown a decline of 7%, contrasting with a 36.3% gain in its sub-industry, which may reflect investor concerns [16].

Core Viewpoint - Zealand Pharma has submitted a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for glepaglutide, a long-acting GLP-2 analog aimed at treating short bowel syndrome (SBS) in adults [1][2]. Company Overview - Zealand Pharma A/S is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative peptide-based medicines, with more than 10 drug candidates in clinical development, including two that have reached the market [12][13]. Product Development - Glepaglutide is designed as a liquid product for subcutaneous administration, intended to reduce or eliminate the need for parenteral support in SBS patients [4]. - The MAA submission is based on results from the pivotal Phase 3 trial (EASE-1) and interim results from ongoing long-term extension trials (EASE-2 and EASE-3) [2][3]. Clinical Trial Results - EASE-1 trial involved 106 SBS patients, showing that glepaglutide administered twice weekly significantly reduced weekly parenteral support volume by 5.13 liters compared to 2.85 liters in the placebo group [6]. - In EASE-1, 9 patients treated with glepaglutide achieved enteral autonomy, while no patients in the placebo group were able to discontinue parenteral support [6]. - EASE-2 continues to evaluate the efficacy of glepaglutide, with interim analyses indicating maintained or improved clinical responses [8]. Future Plans - Zealand Pharma plans to initiate the EASE-5 Phase 3 trial in the second half of 2025 to gather further confirmatory safety and efficacy data for regulatory submission in the U.S. [3][11].

Core Insights - A new arms race is emerging in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and space-based defense, with the U.S. developing a next-generation missile shield called the "Golden Dome" [1][4] - The Golden Dome initiative is backed by a coalition of public and private companies, including SpaceX, Anduril Industries, and Palantir Technologies, highlighting a shift in defense innovation outside traditional public markets [1][14] - The initiative is expected to command over $175 billion in long-term defense spending, emphasizing rapid procurement and modernization [4] Group 1: Golden Dome Initiative - The Golden Dome is designed for mobility, scale, and rapid response, utilizing hundreds of low-Earth orbit satellites and AI systems for real-time threat neutralization [3] - The initiative represents a significant shift from legacy missile defense systems, which relied on ground-based radars and static platforms [3] Group 2: Key Companies Involved - Anduril Industries, founded by Palmer Luckey, is a major player in defense tech, utilizing its Lattice OS platform for real-time sensor data integration [5] - Palantir Technologies has become critical in providing AI models for defense initiatives, with its platforms embedded across various military and intelligence agencies [9] - SpaceX is positioned to deliver the orbital backbone of the Golden Dome, transforming from a private aerospace firm to a core U.S. defense asset [11][12] Group 3: Market Dynamics - Retail investors have historically been excluded from private companies driving defense innovation, but new investment vehicles like the XOVR ETF are emerging to bridge this gap [2][15] - The convergence of public and private firms in defense reflects a broader shift in U.S. industrial policy, with innovation now running through a hybrid pipeline of startups and growth-stage firms [14]