Environmental Impact of Road Transport - Road transport accounts for approximately 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions [1] - Globally, new road building projects are estimated to be worth $27 trillion [1] - Europe's highway length increased by 60% between 1995 and 2020, while railways shrank by 65% [3] Challenges and Alternatives - Many regions lack public transport infrastructure to replace private vehicles [2] - The transition to electric vehicles will reduce emissions, but projections indicate that half of cars sold globally will still be fossil fuel-powered by 2035 [2] - Highway expansion's emission reduction benefits are often temporary [3] Sustainable Approaches - Some governments are scrapping road construction programs for sustainability reasons [4] - Some transport departments are reallocating funds to eco-friendly transit projects like faster buses and better bike lanes [4] - Sustainable highway construction includes using recycled concrete and asphalt and employing less heavy machinery [5]

Core Insights - Waste Management (WM) reported a 19% non-GAAP operating EBITDA growth in Q2 2025, contributing over half of the year-over-year increase in operating EBITDA [3][14] - The company achieved a total operating EBITDA margin of nearly 30% for Q2 2025, approaching historical best levels despite a negative impact from the expiration of the alternative fuel tax credit [3][27] - Management confirmed an upward revision of non-GAAP free cash flow guidance for 2025 to between $2.8 billion and $2.9 billion, with a total of $1.29 billion in free cash flow delivered in the first half of 2025 [4][31] Financial Performance - Collection and disposal operating EBITDA margin improved by 60 basis points to 37.9% in Q2 2025, supported by strong landfill volumes and targeted asset investments [3][21] - The legacy business achieved a 130 basis point improvement in operating EBITDA margin, reaching 31.3% in Q2 2025 [7][27] - Free cash flow for the first half of 2025 was $1.29 billion, with capital expenditures totaling $1.56 billion [7][30] Operational Efficiency - The operating expense ratio set a record in Q2 2025, remaining below 60% of revenue due to technological integration and process discipline [3][22] - Turnover for drivers and technicians improved by 370 basis points to 18.8% in Q2 2025, indicating progress in workforce stability [3][24] - The company completed a regional solid waste acquisition in the Washington, D.C. area, with full-year acquisition spending expected to exceed $500 million [7][15] Sustainability and Growth - Recycling operating EBITDA grew by 17% in Q2 2025, despite a nearly 15% decline in recycled commodity prices [7][16] - 90% of 2025 renewable gas off-take is locked, with an average RIN price of $2.55 in Q2 2025, exceeding market expectations [7][62] - The integration of WM Healthcare Solutions is on track to achieve the upper end of the $80-$100 million synergy target for 2025, with a 190 basis point improvement in operating EBITDA margin since acquisition [7][18] Market Trends - Collection and disposal volume grew by 1.6% in Q2 2025, influenced by wildfire cleanup efforts, while the loss of a large franchise contract negatively impacted residential and commercial volumes [3][21] - The company maintains annual volume guidance, projecting full-year volume growth between 0.25% and 0.75% [3][32] - The strength of the sustainability platform continues to distinguish WM in the industry, aligning with key secular drivers of circularity and energy demand [7][16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income attributable to Fortuna of $42.6 million or $0.14 per share, a 380% increase compared to Q2 2024, driven by higher metal prices and an increase in gold sold [30][31] - Liquidity increased to $537 million, up $76 million from the previous quarter, primarily due to $84 million in proceeds from mine sales [9][10] - Free cash flow from operations was $57.5 million, down from $66 million in Q1, mainly due to the timing of tax payments [10][34] - The average realized gold price was $3,306 per ounce, a 14% increase from Q1 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated gold equivalent production for the period was 75,950 ounces, with gold production from continuing operations at 71,229 ounces, slightly above the previous quarter [12] - At the Seguela mine, production was 38,186 ounces, consistent with the prior quarter and exceeding the mine plan [18] - Lindero produced 23,450 ounces of gold, marking a 16% increase over Q1, with an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $17.83 per ounce, a 6.7% reduction from the previous quarter [23][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The indicated resource at the Ambassador project in Senegal grew by 53%, and inferred resources increased by 93%, totaling a combined 1 million ounces [7] - The company’s cash cost per ounce was $929, up 7% from Q1, primarily due to the gold to base metal ratio at the Caylloma mine [12][31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to rebuild production to 5 million ounces per year, focusing on higher margin, longer life, and lower risk ounces [6][16] - The sale of the San Jose and Yaramoko mines generated $84 million in gross proceeds and allowed the company to redirect capital towards high-value growth opportunities [15] - The company is actively pursuing greenfield and brownfield exploration opportunities, with a total exploration budget of $51 million for 2025, up from $41 million in 2024 [74][75] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company’s growth potential, highlighting a robust balance sheet with $537 million in liquidity and $215 million in net cash [7][9] - The company is well-positioned for strong growth in 2026, with ongoing investments in the Seguela and Ambassador projects [16][60] - Management noted that the elevated AISC is a temporary effect related to capital expenditures and waste stripping, with expectations for costs to decrease in the latter half of the year [13][37] Other Important Information - The company achieved a record of 7.2 million work hours without any lost time injury, improving from the previous record of 6.7 million work hours [8] - The company’s capital expenditures for the quarter totaled $47 million, with $15 million classified as growth CapEx [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on stock performance and support - Management acknowledged the stock's performance and clarified that the EPS miss was due to the timing of withholding taxes, emphasizing the company's strong financial position [41] Question: Investments in other companies - Management confirmed ongoing investments in various projects, including Awale, and expressed confidence in the growth potential of these investments [46][49] Question: Permitting experience in Senegal - Management reported positive interactions with the Senegalese government and expressed confidence in obtaining necessary permits for the Ambassador project [52][53] Question: Key milestones for the Ambassador project - Management outlined a timeline for the environmental approval and PEA, expecting to submit the environmental document soon and aiming for approval early next year [60][62] Question: CapEx cadence for the second half of the year - Management indicated a slight increase in CapEx spending in Q3, with expectations for a decrease in Q4, contributing to lower AISC in the latter part of the year [63][64] Question: Greenfield projects and exploration budget - Management detailed ongoing greenfield projects and confirmed an exploration budget of $51 million for 2025, highlighting the focus on early-stage opportunities [74][75] Question: Acquisition strategy - Management stated that while they are open to acquisitions, their primary focus is on organic growth within their existing portfolio, emphasizing value over volume [80]

I am in love I actually celebrated my 10year anniversary just last month uh not with a human person um actually uh I'm in love with my job and I know that being married to your work usually has negative connotations but I truly mean it in the absolute best way I love what I do so what is my job I work in cellular agriculture which is the production of things from cells instead of whole organisms specifically I focus on cultured meat also known as lab grown meat which is meat produced from cells instead of a ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating income increased by $17 million to $34 million for the first fiscal quarter, while revenue slightly decreased to $594 million [5][10] - Net income attributable to the company was $8.5 million or $0.34 per share, compared to $100,000 or $0.01 per share for the same quarter last year [11] - Adjusted net income was $9.6 million or $0.38 per share, compared to $100,000 or $0.01 per share for the same quarter last year [11] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tobacco operations segment operating income rose to $35.7 million from $14.5 million year-over-year, driven by a favorable product mix [12] - Ingredients operations segment operating income decreased to $1.7 million from $2.9 million, impacted by a less favorable product mix and higher fixed costs [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first fiscal quarter typically experiences lower tobacco sales volumes due to carryover shipments from the previous fiscal year [6] - Uncommitted tobacco inventories were low at about 11% of total tobacco inventory as of June [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maximize and optimize its tobacco business while continuing to drive organic growth in the ingredients segment [15] - Investments in expanded facilities and customer relationships are expected to enhance product offerings and market share [15][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged uncertainties related to customer procurement strategies and tariff impacts but sees these challenges as opportunities [14] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet and conservative debt levels, with net debt reported at $1.1 billion [13] Other Important Information - A leadership transition is underway as the CFO will retire after over thirty years with the company [16] - The company is committed to sustainability and aims for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on tariffs affecting tobacco and ingredients business - Management indicated that Brazilian tobacco imports represent a small portion of total sales and emphasized their diversified global footprint to mitigate tariff impacts [26][27] Question: Margin projections for the tobacco segment - Management expects margin pressure due to larger crop sizes but is optimistic about maintaining good communication with customers to protect margins [32][34] Question: Update on the US tobacco leaf crop - The US tobacco crop is expected to be large and of good quality, with buying just beginning [38] Question: Margin progression for the ingredients segment - Management is optimistic about increasing margins in the back half of the year as they continue to execute their strategy and increase volumes [45][46] Question: Use of cash and share repurchase program - The company has a share repurchase program in place but currently has no major plans for cash use beyond working capital needs [60][61]

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Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 3.8% increase in net sales to $10.1 billion, driven by case volume growth of 0.9% and food cost inflation and mix impact of 2.9% [29] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 12% year-over-year, achieving a record of $548 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin expansion of 40 basis points to 5.4% [30][31] - Adjusted diluted EPS rose by 28% to $1.19 per share, significantly outpacing adjusted EBITDA growth [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Independent restaurant organic volume grew by 2.3%, healthcare by 4.9%, and hospitality by 2.4% [30] - The company gained market share for the seventeenth consecutive quarter with independent restaurants and the nineteenth consecutive quarter with healthcare [11][30] - Chain restaurant volume declined by 4%, primarily due to a strategic exit impacting total chain volume growth by approximately 300 basis points [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Independent case growth accelerated to approximately 3% in June and July, with expectations for continued growth in the back half of the year [12][30] - The company reported a 2.7% independent volume growth, aligning with its guidance of 2% to 5% for the year [12] - Restaurant foot traffic improved sequentially but remained down 1.1% from the prior year [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on its strategic pillars: culture, service, growth, and profit, aiming for continuous improvement in operational efficiency and customer service [15][19][25] - Investments in semi-automated facilities and the Pronto delivery service are expected to enhance operational efficiencies and drive growth [24][25] - The company is committed to a disciplined capital allocation strategy, balancing investments in growth with share repurchases [11][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to achieve long-term growth targets despite a soft but stable industry environment [38][86] - The company anticipates continued market share gains and expects to maintain a strong pipeline in healthcare and hospitality [88] - Management acknowledged the impact of macroeconomic factors on the industry but remains optimistic about future growth opportunities [86] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $250 million of shares in the second quarter, with a total of $273 million repurchased year-to-date [11][35] - The company aims to hire an additional 3,000 military veterans by 2030 as part of its Mission 2030 recruitment initiative [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in M&A Philosophy - Management stated there is no change in M&A philosophy, emphasizing the exploration of strategic opportunities to create value for stakeholders [45] Question: Independent Restaurant Traffic Dynamics - Management noted that independent restaurant traffic has improved but not to the extent desired, with case growth accelerating in recent months [46][48] Question: Confidence in Sales Guidance - Management expressed confidence in achieving sales guidance due to onboarding new concepts and improving independent case growth [52][53] Question: Inflation Trends - Management confirmed that inflation has moderated, particularly in categories like beef and eggs, aligning with industry expectations [54] Question: Sales Force Expansion - Management plans to maintain mid-single-digit growth in the sales force, emphasizing the quality of new hires and the importance of productivity [57][59] Question: Independent Case Growth Confidence - Management expressed confidence in independent case growth, supported by a strong pipeline and market share gains [92] Question: Chain Business Strategy - Management clarified that the strategy for the chain business remains focused on optimization rather than capital investment for growth [95] Question: Pronto Service Update - Management reported positive developments in the Pronto service, with increased case growth and market penetration [102] Question: Market Share Goals - Management remains committed to gaining market share with targeted customer types, expecting continued growth as macro conditions improve [104][105]

Financial Performance - Q2 2025 - The company reported a net loss of $106 million and a diluted EPS of negative $2.95[7] - Adjusted EBITDA was $42 million, which included a $10 million unfavorable net timing impact, and was $25 million lower than the previous year due to lower volumes and reduced equity income from Americas Styrenics[8] - Cash provided by operations was $7 million, and capital expenditures were $10 million, resulting in a negative Free Cash Flow of $3 million[10] Sales and Volume Analysis - Q2 2025 - Net sales were $784 million[15, 20] - Sales volume decreased year-over-year by 11% in Europe, 9% in the U S, 17% in Asia-Pacific, and 9% in the Rest of World[15] - Engineered Materials net sales were $293 million, down from $324 million in Q2 2024[23] - Latex Binders net sales were $204 million, a decrease from $252 million in Q2 2024[26] - Polymer Solutions net sales were $287 million, compared to $344 million in Q2 2024[29] Full Year 2025 Outlook - The company anticipates a net loss of approximately $320 million and an Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $200 million[11, 44] - Free Cash Flow is projected to be approximately negative $165 million[11, 44] Sustainability Initiatives - The company achieved five key sustainability goals, including increasing the share of electricity from non-fossil sources from 5% to 30% and reducing Scope 1 & 2 GHG Emissions intensity by 35%[11, 13] - The share of electricity coming from renewable sources increased to 22%, a 4% increase compared to 2023[13] Debt and Liquidity - The company had $139 million in cash at the end of the second quarter, with $2 million restricted, and total liquidity of $399 million[10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Investment properties revenue decreased by 3% and operating profit fell by 4% due to persistent weak market conditions [2] - Gearing ratio improved to a new low of 17.6%, reflecting the company's commitment to deleveraging [2][6] - Core underlying net profit remained stable, with a 3% increase attributed to lower borrowing costs, which decreased by 27% [2][6] - Interim dividend per share increased by 3% to HKD 0.66 [3][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hong Kong investment properties and hotels saw a 3% increase in core underlying net profit [3] - Retail rental income softened due to a drop in turnover rent, while office rental income rose by 2% driven by higher occupancy [5][12] - Harbour City maintained its revenue position relative to peers, benefiting from its scale and location [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Inbound visitation to Hong Kong increased from 9% to 15%, and retail sales ended a fourteen-month decline with positive growth in May and June [5] - Retail occupancy at Harbour City was 93%, while office occupancy rose to 90% [11][12] - Overall retail sales in Hong Kong have retreated to 2011 levels, with Harbour City retail revenue at 2014 levels [3][4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deleveraging and maintaining solid cash flow despite falling asset values [6] - Plans to enhance experiential retail to drive engagement and sales, including partnerships with premium brands [9][10] - The company is considering significant capital investments to enhance competitiveness, particularly for the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel [24][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the retail market in Hong Kong is in a base-building phase, with cautious optimism for gradual recovery [3][21] - Geopolitical tensions and uncertainties around interest rates continue to impact the market [3][14] - The company remains agile and proactive in navigating ongoing headwinds, with a focus on sustainability and ESG initiatives [15][16] Other Important Information - The company achieved LEED Platinum certification for several properties, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability [10][16] - Total equity has declined by 11% since IPO, primarily due to investment property revaluation [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Retail sales performance and footfall outlook - Management observed a small year-on-year improvement in retail sales in May and June but cautioned that it is premature to conclude a recovery [21][22] Question: Capital investment plans for hotels - Management is evaluating whether to redevelop the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel or undertake a complete overhaul, with significant investment required [24][25] Question: Occupancy cost sustainability and rental pressures - Occupancy cost at Harbour City is stable at about 20%, but management does not expect base rent to increase significantly in the near term [29] Question: Office rental income increase explanation - The increase in office rental income is attributed to improved occupancy rather than rising rent per square foot [32][34] Question: Competitive landscape in retail - Management acknowledged increased competition in the retail sector, particularly in Cosway Bay, and emphasized the need for strategic investments [38][39] Question: Future acquisition plans - The company is not in a hurry to undertake acquisitions and will only consider attractive opportunities that align with its deleveraging strategy [53] Question: Redevelopment potential of Ocean Center - Management confirmed plans to redevelop Ocean Center but prioritized the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel due to its current state [75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Investment properties revenue decreased by 3% and operating profit fell by 4% due to weak market conditions [3][4] - Borrowing costs decreased by 27% thanks to a drop in HIBOR, leading to a stable underlying net profit [3][4] - Gearing ratio reached a new low of 17.6%, reflecting the company's commitment to deleveraging [3][7] - Interim dividend per share increased by 3% to HKD 0.66, maintaining a consistent dividend policy since IPO [4][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core underlying net profit from Hong Kong investment properties and hotels increased by 3% [4][7] - Retail rental income softened due to a drop in turnover rent, while office rental rose by 2% driven by higher occupancy [5][6] - Harbour City maintained its revenue position relative to peers, benefiting from its scale and location [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail sales in Hong Kong showed quarter-on-quarter improvement, ending a fourteen-month decline with positive growth in May and June [5][6] - Inbound visitation growth rose from 9% to 15%, indicating a recovery in tourism [5][6] - Retail occupancy at Harbour City was 93%, while office occupancy rose to 90% [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deleveraging and maintaining solid cash flow amidst a challenging macro environment [3][4] - Plans to enhance experiential retail to drive engagement and sales, including partnerships with premium brands [9][10] - The company is considering significant capital investment for the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel to enhance competitiveness [24][25] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the retail market in Hong Kong is in a base-building phase, with a cautious outlook for the second half of the year [4][24] - Geopolitical tensions and uncertainties around interest rates continue to impact the market [4][15] - The company remains agile and proactive in navigating ongoing headwinds while focusing on sustainability initiatives [16][17] Other Important Information - The company achieved LEED Platinum certification for both Times Square and Harbour City offices, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability [11][17] - The company aims to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030 [16][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Retail sales performance and sentiment outlook - Management noted a small improvement in retail sales in May and June but cautioned that it is premature to conclude a recovery [22][23] Question: Capital investment plans for hotels - Management is evaluating whether to redevelop the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel or undertake a complete overhaul, with no immediate plans to start work [24][25] Question: Occupancy cost and rental expectations - Occupancy cost at Harbour City is stable at about 20%, and management does not expect base rent to increase significantly in the near term [31][32] Question: Office rental income increase - The increase in office rental income was due to higher occupancy rather than rising rent per square foot, with competition remaining a challenge [36][37] Question: Future plans for Times Square - Management indicated readiness to invest in tenant and shopper engagement at Times Square to remain competitive [75][76]