Core Insights - AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU) is effectively managing inflationary pressures in the industry while maintaining resilient cost performance through its Full Asset Potential (FAP) program and increased cost vigilance at the site level [1] Cost Performance - Group total cash costs increased by 4% year-over-year to $1,223 per ounce in Q1 2025, driven by a 5% rise in inflation and a 5% increase in royalty costs due to higher gold prices, resulting in a 7% overall increase in market-driven costs [2][11] - Managed operations experienced a 2% year-over-year decline in total cash costs per ounce, aided by the inclusion of Sukari and steady performance at Siguiri, although operational challenges and a temporary plant stoppage at Iduapriem partially offset these gains [3] - Non-managed joint ventures faced significant cost pressures, with total cash costs soaring 59% year-over-year to $1,325 per ounce, attributed to lower gold production, higher royalties, and increased operating costs at Kibali [4] All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) - AISC for the group rose 1% year-over-year to $1,640 per ounce, while managed operations saw a 2% decrease in AISC per ounce due to Sukari's inclusion; in contrast, AISC at non-managed joint ventures increased by 37% due to weaker performance at Kibali [5] Future Projections - For 2025, AngloGold projects group total cash costs to be between $1,125 and $1,225 per ounce, and AISC to range from $1,580 to $1,705 per ounce, indicating a 2% increase at the midpoint compared to the previous year [6][11] - The company aims to improve its cost position by leveraging the FAP program to enhance operational efficiency and productivity, mitigating inflationary impacts [6] Market Performance - AngloGold Ashanti's stock has surged 104% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry, which grew by 53% during the same period [10] - The company is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 9.51X, which is below the industry average of 12.62X, and holds a Value Score of B [12] Sales and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AngloGold Ashanti's 2025 sales is projected at $8.85 billion, reflecting a 52.8% year-over-year growth, with earnings estimated at $4.99 per share, indicating a 125.8% increase year-over-year [13] - For 2026, sales are expected to grow by 2.3% year-over-year, while earnings are projected to decline by 1.3% [13]

Core Insights - Chevron Corporation (CVX) and ConocoPhillips (COP) are major players in the U.S. energy sector, each with distinct strategies in dividend policies, capital discipline, and project exposure [1][2] Chevron Corporation (CVX) - **Dividend Yield and Defensive Appeal**: Chevron offers a 4.6% dividend yield, supported by 38 consecutive years of dividend growth. In Q1 2025, Chevron returned $6.9 billion to shareholders, balancing $3 billion in dividends with $3.9 billion in buybacks [4] - **Production Growth**: Chevron aims for 6-8% production growth in 2025, driven by projects in Kazakhstan, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Permian Basin. The Tengiz project has recently achieved a significant production milestone [5] - **Cost Discipline and Efficiency Focus**: Chevron anticipates $2 billion in structural cost savings in 2025, with an additional $2-3 billion in efficiencies expected in 2026, enhancing capital efficiency and free cash flow [6] - **Global Asset Upside**: The acquisition of Hess will provide Chevron access to the Stabroek Block in Guyana, which contains over 11 billion barrels of recoverable reserves, potentially boosting cash flow by $10 billion by 2026 [7] ConocoPhillips (COP) - **Marathon Deal Unlocks Scale and Efficiency**: ConocoPhillips' $22.5 billion acquisition of Marathon Oil has increased its scale and diversification, with Q1 2025 production reaching 2.389 million BOE/D and earnings rising despite lower commodity prices [8] - **Global LNG and Alaska Investments**: Strategic investments in LNG and Alaska are expected to generate multi-billion-dollar free cash flows post-2027, providing stable earnings streams [10] - **Cash Flow Strength and Shareholder Returns**: In Q1 2025, ConocoPhillips reported $5.5 billion in cash from operations, a 23% year-over-year increase, returning $2.5 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks [11] - **Diversified Asset Base**: ConocoPhillips has a diversified portfolio across short-cycle and long-cycle assets, reducing dependence on any single basin or commodity trend [12] Price Performance and Valuation - **Price Performance**: Over the past year, Chevron's stock declined approximately 3%, while ConocoPhillips fell around 13%, with Chevron's defensive income profile helping it withstand sector volatility [13] - **Valuation Comparison**: Chevron trades at a forward P/E of over 19X, while ConocoPhillips trades at 16X, suggesting potential upside for COP if operational momentum continues [15] - **EPS Estimates**: Chevron's earnings are expected to fall 32% this year but rebound by 27% in 2026, while ConocoPhillips is projected to see a smaller 20% decline this year [16][19] Conclusion - Both Chevron and ConocoPhillips are rated a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), with Chevron excelling in income generation and operational efficiency, while ConocoPhillips offers stronger valuation upside and long-term growth potential through LNG and Alaska [20]

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) has demonstrated strong fiscal 2025 performance, emphasizing disciplined cost control as a key theme appreciated by investors [1] - The company reported robust revenue growth, record bookings, and solid net yield gains, with effective management of operating costs driving margin expansion [1] Financial Performance - In Q1 fiscal 2025, adjusted cruise costs per available lower berth day (ALBD) decreased by 1.9% year-over-year to $133.50, while adjusted cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD declined by 0.3% to $113.76 [2] - CCL achieved $1.2 billion in EBITDA, reflecting a 38% year-over-year increase, with operating and EBITDA margins exceeding 2019 levels [3] - The minimal rise in unit costs, alongside a robust net yield growth of 7.3%, contributed to a near-doubling of operating income to $543 million compared to $267 million in the prior year [3] Future Projections - CCL projects EBITDA for fiscal 2025 to reach $6.7 billion, indicating a nearly 10% increase over 2024 levels, supported by strong forward bookings and limited capacity additions [4] - The company's focus on cost efficiency is expected to bolster its margin profile and sustain profit growth in the coming years [4] Industry Comparison - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) also reported a 0.3% year-over-year decline in net cruise costs excluding fuel per Available Passenger Cruise Days (APCD) to $129.54, attributing this to timing benefits and efficiency focus [5] - Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) reported gross cruise costs per capacity day of approximately $297, slightly down from $300 in the prior year, with adjusted EBITDA surpassing prior guidance [7][8] Stock Performance and Valuation - CCL shares have gained 11.4% over the past three months, outperforming the industry growth of 6.9% [10] - CCL trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 11.21X, significantly below the industry average of 17.58X [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CCL's fiscal 2025 and 2026 earnings indicates a year-over-year increase of 31.7% and 13.1%, respectively, with EPS estimates having risen in the past 30 days [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales from continuing operations totaled $24.7 million, down from $28 million in Q1 2024, reflecting broader market softness [4] - Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations improved significantly, swinging from a loss of $2.7 million in the prior year to a positive $843,000 this quarter, a $3.5 million turnaround [5][21] - Gross profit nearly doubled to $4.8 million, or 19.3% of sales, compared to $2.3 million, or 8.3% last year, an expansion of over 1,100 basis points [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tubular Segments generated $6.9 million in revenue, down slightly year over year, but gross margin increased from 12.3% to 24.8%, with adjusted EBITDA rising nearly five times to $1.3 million [6] - Specialty Chemicals segment revenue declined year over year to $17.8 million, but gross profit increased by $2.1 million, rising from $1.6 million to $3.7 million, a 131% improvement, with gross margin expanding from 7.6% to 21% [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 95% of revenue is supported by domestically sourced raw materials, providing a competitive advantage as tariffs loom [7] - Average daily trading volume increased to roughly 63,000 shares in Q1 2025, a 60% lift compared to Q1 2024, indicating growing market interest [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic repositioning, actively choosing to exit low-margin business in favor of higher value, technically demanding business [16] - The goal for the Specialty Chemicals segment is to grow from $80 million a year to $120 million by 2030, with growth expected to start in the second half of 2025 [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there has been some improvement in Q1, demand remains soft, and stabilization activities are still ongoing [30] - The company is committed to capital preservation and disciplined execution while evaluating capital deployment options post-divestiture [22] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $14.3 million in cash and no debt before the divestiture of Bristol assets for $45 million, providing significant flexibility [22] - The company repurchased approximately 17,000 shares at an average price of $12.73, reinforcing confidence in intrinsic value and long-term fundamentals [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the ornamental stainless domestic manufacturer a more attractive target now? - Management indicated that while there are additional looks due to tariffs, demand remains incredibly soft and has not materially changed [30] Question: Will guidance be provided for 2025? - Management stated that it is too premature to provide guidance as stabilization activities are still ongoing [32][33] Question: Is the growth plan for chemicals to reach $120 million by 2030? - Management confirmed that growth is expected to start in the second half of the year, leading to a more compelling top line in 2026 [34] Question: Can this growth be achieved with existing capacity and minimal CapEx? - Management affirmed that organic growth can be achieved with current capacity and a reasonable CapEx assumption of $1 to $3 million per year [37] Question: Is the stock still considered undervalued? - Management expressed a personal opinion that the stock is indeed undervalued at current levels [39]

Core Insights - Castellum, Inc. reported its first year-over-year organic revenue growth as a listed company, with Q1 2025 revenue reaching $11.7 million, up from $11.3 million in Q1 2024 and $10.3 million in Q4 2024, indicating a significant operational turnaround [2][4]. Financial Performance - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $11.7 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.54% from $11.3 million in Q1 2024 and a quarter-over-quarter increase of 13.59% from $10.3 million in Q4 2024 [2][4]. - The company reported a reduced operating loss of $(1.1) million in Q1 2025, an improvement from $(4.0) million in Q1 2024 and $(1.6) million in Q4 2024, showcasing better cost management and operational efficiency [3]. - Castellum ended the quarter with a cash balance of $13.3 million, an increase from $12.3 million at the end of Q4 2024, highlighting its financial strength [3]. Strategic Developments - During the quarter, Castellum began executing a $103 million contract with the U.S. Navy for the PMA-290 program, which is expected to contribute positively to its 2025 performance [5][6]. - The contract win is seen as a strategic achievement that reinforces the company's business foundation and reflects its capabilities and customer trust [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income from continuing operations increased by 67% to $107 million in the third quarter compared to the prior year, while revenues were $2 billion, up 1% year over year despite currency headwinds [6][24] - Total segment EBITDA rose 12%, with overall margin expanding from 13% to 14.4% [6][24] - Adjusted revenues increased by 2%, and adjusted total segment EBITDA grew by 15% [7][24] - Reported EPS from continuing operations doubled to $0.14, while adjusted EPS was $0.17 compared to $0.13 a year ago [7][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Dow Jones**: Revenue grew by 6% to $575 million, with digital revenue accounting for 82% of total segment revenues [25][26] - **Digital Real Estate**: Revenues increased by 5% to $406 million, with segment EBITDA up 19% [28] - **Book Publishing**: Revenue rose by 2% to $514 million, with EBITDA increasing by 3% [33] - **News Media**: Revenue decreased by 8% to $514 million, but EBITDA grew by 22% due to cost-saving initiatives [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Dow Jones digital circulation revenue expanded by 14%, marking the fastest growth rate in almost three years, with total consumer subscriptions surpassing 6 million [11][25] - REA maintained a significant audience lead with nearly four times as many average monthly visits as Domain [14] - News Corp Australia's digital subscriptions reached 1.1 million, with news.com.au achieving 292 million page views per month [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on three core pillars for growth: Dow Jones, digital real estate, and book publishing, following the sale of Foxtel [7][22] - Continuous exploration of structural options to maximize shareholder returns is emphasized, with a commitment to quality journalism amid political challenges [9][62] - The company aims to enhance its digital offerings and capitalize on the growth of AI while protecting its intellectual property [10][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes the current political turbulence is temporary and anticipates robust growth potential in the U.S. economy [5][6] - The company is monitoring economic trends closely and expects the direct impact of tariffs to be immaterial [22] - Future growth is expected to be driven by the professional information business and ongoing cost discipline [35][36] Other Important Information - The sale of Foxtel resulted in a significant reduction of debt on the balance sheet and provided cash for shareholder returns [7][8] - The company has been upgraded to investment grade by Moody's and S&P, enhancing its financial flexibility [8][53] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Dow Jones business investment for the fourth quarter - Management indicated no significant increase in investment, focusing on both consumer and professional information business growth [40][41] Question: Impact of Factiva dispute on margins and future expectations - A smaller impact from the Factiva dispute is expected in the fourth quarter, with ongoing margin expansion anticipated as the professional information business grows [45][48] Question: Capital allocation strategy and potential M&A opportunities - The company is focused on its three core pillars for potential acquisitions and will not overpay for businesses, emphasizing shareholder value [52][53] Question: Simplification of the company structure - Management highlighted the Foxtel deal as an example of their willingness to make significant structural decisions to enhance shareholder value [61][62] Question: Progress on Dow Jones subscriber pricing strategy - The strategy to convert promotional pricing to higher-paying plans is proceeding well, with a 7% increase in total subscriptions driven by digital growth [65][66] Question: Churn impact from moving customers to non-promotional plans - Management is learning about price elasticity and aims to reduce churn while maximizing revenue through advanced AI tools [70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group-wide adjusted property EBITDA for Q1 2025 was approximately $341 million, with VIP hold adjustments bringing it to approximately $313 million [10] - Operating expenses (OpEx) were reduced to $3.1 million per day in Q1 2025, down from $3.2 million in Q4 2024, with a target to exit Q2 2025 at $3 million per day [10][11] - Available liquidity stood at $3.3 billion, with consolidated cash on hand of approximately $1.2 billion at the end of Q1 2025 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mass drop in Macau grew each month during the quarter, reaching record highs at City of Dreams and Studio City, with market share increasing from 14.7% in Q4 2024 to 15.7% in Q1 2025 [5][6] - Studio City property EBITDA increased by 20% quarter-over-quarter, demonstrating the positive impact of recent renovations [7] - City of Dreams Mediterranean and Cyprus achieved a 10% year-over-year growth in property EBITDA for Q1 2025 [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Property visitation in Macau grew by 30% year-on-year during the May Golden Week [5] - Golden Week visitation was up 40% year-over-year, indicating strong demand and recovery in the market [57] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving business momentum through high-quality product offerings and strategic marketing [8] - There is an ongoing strategic review of City of Dreams Manila, with potential buyers currently engaged in the process [22] - The company aims to balance capital allocation between share buybacks and debt reduction, with a focus on maximizing shareholder value [12][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the business momentum, citing strong performance in April and May, and the successful reopening of House of Dancing Water [5][29] - The management noted that the competitive environment in the Philippines has impacted performance, prompting adjustments in cost structure and marketing [8] - Chinese policy is viewed as a critical factor, with current policies supporting domestic consumption and travel, which are favorable for the company's operations [29] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased approximately $165 million in MLCO ADSs in 2025, taking advantage of low valuations in the equity markets [12] - Full-year CapEx guidance remains unchanged at $415 million, with the completion of Sri Lanka highlighted as a major project [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of London Legrand opening on City of Dreams - Management reported no significant impact on market share or business from the opening of London Legrand, with strong performance maintained [15][19] Question: Update on strategic review of City of Dreams Manila - The strategic review is ongoing, with potential buyers signing NDAs and working through questions [22] Question: Signs of weakness on the gaming floor - Management indicated no signs of weakness post-Golden Week, with continued strong performance observed [26][32] Question: CapEx guidance for the year - Full-year CapEx guidance remains at $415 million, with the completion of Sri Lanka noted as a key project [34] Question: Clarification on OpEx and its components - OpEx guidance excludes costs related to House of Dancing Water and residency concerts, with a target to reduce to $3 million per day [36][37] Question: Non-gaming spend insights during Golden Week - Retail performance varied, with Studio City performing better in the current environment compared to City of Dreams, which continues to face challenges in high-end luxury retail [59][60]

Core Viewpoint - Chevron Corporation is focusing on operational updates, growth prospects, cost reduction initiatives, and aims to generate approximately $10 billion in additional free cash flow by 2026 [1] Group 1: Operational Updates - In Kazakhstan, Chevron plans to ramp up Tengiz to full production of approximately 1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (MBOE/d) within three months, with key milestones including first oil at the Future Growth Project (FGP) which will add 260,000 barrels per day (bpd) to capacity [2] - The Tengiz project is expected to generate around $5 billion to $6 billion in free cash flow in 2025/2026 at a Brent price of $70 per barrel, including dividends and loan repayments [2] Group 2: Growth Prospects - Chevron highlighted strong performance in the Permian Basin and reaffirmed its target of approximately 1 MBOE/d production in 2025, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 6% through 2026 [3] - The company anticipates approximately $2 billion in free cash flow growth from the Permian by 2026, with long-term production expected to remain around 1 MBOE/d [3] Group 3: Cost Reduction Initiatives - Chevron is focused on cost discipline, aiming for structural savings of $2 billion to $3 billion by the end of 2026, with approximately $1.5 billion to $2 billion targeted by the end of 2025 [4] Group 4: Low-Carbon Initiatives - Investor discussions included Chevron's collaboration with Engine No. 1 and GE Vernova to develop low-carbon power solutions, targeting up to four gigawatts for U.S. data centers, with seven GE turbines scheduled for delivery in late 2026 to 2027 [5] Group 5: Financial Outlook - The analyst reaffirms a Buy rating on Chevron, projecting a volume and free cash flow inflection in 2025/2026 driven by strategic projects including TCO, Permian, and the Gulf of America [6] - The company is expected to have an estimated capital returns yield of around 12% in 2026, focusing on shareholder returns [6]