All right, let me just talk to you about the broader market. I mean, you know, it's very important to note out the NASDAQ and the S&P, they're both at record highs, double digit record highs this year so far. So, is the the concern about tariffs in the market, has it maybe been overblown.>> I don't think so. Uh, if you take out technology and communication uh sectors out of the S&P, earnings are only up less than 1% so far with revenue growth at about 3%, which is in line with nominal GDP, give or take. So ...

As companies across the aerospace and defense industry continue to display their substantial earnings growth power, it is still the right time to initiate or hold existing stakes in investment vehicles, such as the iSharesKomal is passionate about finance and the stock market. She enjoys forecasting future market trends using a fundamental and technical approach with a focus on both short- and long-term horizons. She intends to provide unbiased analysis to assist investors in selecting the best investment s ...

Well, let's start with these markets. As we just heard Brian mention, the S&P and NASDAQ record highs again. Some of the blue chips though, like United Health, Honeywell, IBM, those are dragging the Dow down half a percent.Our next guest says it is time to take some profits. She likes tech, but is also getting defensive with these healthcare and utilities plays. Joining us now is Emily Roland.She's the co-chief investment strategist at Manulife, John Hancock. Emily, it's good to see you. So, um, is it time ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-GAAP earnings per share increased by 41% year over year to $1.11, driven by better-than-expected volume growth [8][9] - Consolidated non-GAAP gross margin expanded by 90 basis points year on year to 42.9% [9] - Non-GAAP operating margin expanded by 200 basis points year over year to 11%, marking the highest EBIT margin on record for the second quarter [9][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Workplace Furnishings segment, organic net sales increased by more than 8% year over year, with contract brands revenue up nearly 15% [9][10] - Residential Building Products revenue increased by more than 5% year over year, with new construction channel revenue up over 4% and remodel retrofit sales growing over 7% [11][12] - Workplace Furnishings non-GAAP EBIT margin expanded by 120 basis points year over year to 13.1% [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orders in the Workplace Furnishings segment grew across all major office brands, with a 3% increase in SMB orders [13][14] - Residential Building Products orders decreased approximately 2% year over year, but showed improvement in May and June [15][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on investing in growth initiatives across both segments, with a strong emphasis on market connectivity and product development [22][50] - The company is optimistic about long-term opportunities in the housing market despite current challenges, and is enhancing its product offerings to increase market share [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a fourth consecutive year of double-digit non-GAAP earnings improvement, supported by margin expansion and revenue growth [6][24] - The company remains focused on operational efficiencies and has high visibility for significant profit growth driven by ongoing initiatives [24][30] Other Important Information - The company has recognized approximately $0.24 of EPS benefit from its initiatives, with an expected additional benefit of $0.50 to $0.60 over the next eighteen months [24] - The company continues to maintain a strong balance sheet, with gross debt leverage at 1.4 times [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the increased earnings outlook? - Management indicated that confidence in network optimization and synergy work has led to a modest increase in the full-year EPS outlook [34] Question: Is the SMB business showing signs of improvement? - Management noted that the SMB business is rebounding from a temporary lull due to tariff impacts, indicating a return to growth [36][37] Question: How is the residential segment performing despite market challenges? - Management highlighted strong competition and growth initiatives as key factors contributing to outperformance in the residential segment [39][40] Question: Where is the company investing in the workplace furnishings segment? - Investments are focused on increasing people capacity, streamlining dealer experiences, and accelerating product cycles [50] Question: What is the expected margin range for the workplace business? - Management indicated a target margin range of 12% for the workplace business, with room for expansion due to ongoing initiatives [52] Question: How is the company managing cash flow and capital expenditures? - Management expects free cash flow growth to align with earnings per share growth, projecting an increase in cash flow generation [68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.30 on a GAAP basis and $0.29 on a non-GAAP basis for Q2 2025, compared to $0.36 in Q2 2024, indicating a decline in non-GAAP EPS year-over-year [23][6][41] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 non-GAAP EPS guidance range of $1.74 to $1.76, representing an 8% growth at the midpoint from the 2024 non-GAAP EPS of $1.62 [7][41] - The company is approximately 46% of the way to the midpoint of its full-year earnings guidance range for 2025 [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Houston Electric Service territory is experiencing strong load growth, with a forecasted peak load increase of 10 gigawatts by 2031, representing nearly a 50% increase in peak demand [8][10] - Year-over-year sales trends show an 8% increase in weather-normalized commercial and industrial sales for the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The load interconnection queue has grown by 6 gigawatts, or more than 12%, since the first quarter call, driven by diverse economic activities including data centers and advanced manufacturing [9][10] - The company anticipates that the sale of its Ohio gas business will allow for the reprioritization of nearly $1 billion in capital expenditures to support Texas jurisdictions [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a $500 million increase to its capital investment plan for 2025, bringing the total capital investment plan to $5.5 billion for the year, which will be funded without issuing additional common equity [6][15] - The strategic focus is shifting more towards Texas, with the expectation that Texas will constitute over 70% of the company's portfolio after the sale of the Ohio gas business [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth prospects, citing strong economic drivers in the Houston Electric Service territory and the need for significant investments in the electric transmission system [11][20] - The company expects to see a 5% improvement in operating cash flow beginning next year, which will help fund capital investments [39] Other Important Information - The company has identified approximately 200 projects to execute over the next ten years to support the anticipated load growth [16] - The proposed settlement in the Ohio gas rate case includes a revenue requirement increase of $59.6 million [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline and expectations for the Barrow cost recovery proceeding - Management is on track and had mediated sessions to seek a potential settlement framework, with hearings scheduled for next Thursday [50] Question: Details on the six gigawatts load growth - Approximately two-thirds of the increase relates to data center activity, with demand expected for interconnections in late 2026 to 2028 [52] Question: Duration of drag from mobile generation assets - The drag in earnings is expected to last until late 2026 or early 2027, after which these assets will become a tailwind for the company [55] Question: Capital investment plan and equity funding - Management indicated an upward bias towards capital expenditures through the remainder of the decade, with potential for funding without additional common equity [61][65] Question: Update on the Ohio gas LDC sale process - The company aims to announce progress towards the end of the calendar year, with a closing expected about a year later [91] Question: Impact of SB six on interconnection interest - There has been no change in the velocity of interconnection requests despite questions around cost allocation [74] Question: Houston revitalization project alignment with city efforts - The project involves burying the interstate system around downtown Houston, allowing for significant redevelopment opportunities [76] Question: Magnitude of future capital increases without equity - Management indicated flexibility in capital spending, with potential for increases beyond the $500 million announced [86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating earnings per share for Q2 2025 was $0.66, representing a 14% year-over-year increase [3] - Net interest margin expanded to 3.50%, an improvement of 14 basis points from the previous quarter [3] - Customer deposits, excluding merger activity, grew by 1.3% annualized [4] - Loan growth was 4.2% annualized, with strong pipelines heading into Q3 [4] - Efficiency ratio improved to 54.8%, a decrease of 222 basis points compared to the previous year [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits increased by $205 million, benefiting from the American National acquisition [6] - Public funds deposits outflows were $233 million, but excluding this, deposits grew by $64 million or 1.2% annualized [7] - The loan portfolio continued to grow at a 4.2% annualized pace, excluding the American National acquisition [8] - The cost of deposits decreased to 2.01%, achieving a 34% total deposit beta [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The CET1 ratio remained stable at 13.3%, indicating strong capital position [10] - The TCE ratio increased by 27 basis points, with all capital ratios above peers [10] - The company repurchased 507,000 shares for approximately $14 million [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue looking for small, high-performing institutions for potential acquisitions [22] - Focus remains on organic growth, M&A, dividends, and buybacks, with a strong emphasis on recruiting top talent [62][64] - The management is optimistic about the economic environment and expects continued loan growth and margin expansion [16][19] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges uncertainties in the environment, particularly regarding tariffs and yield curve direction, but remains optimistic about the outlook for the rest of the year [16] - The sentiment among commercial borrowers has improved, with clients feeling more comfortable about economic conditions [43] Other Important Information - The company has been active in managing capital, having paid down $100 million in senior debt and repurchased $14 million in common shares [10][11] - The allowance for credit losses remained flat at 1.21%, with a loan loss provision of $11.8 million covering net charge-offs of $8.2 million [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about loan growth and hiring initiatives - Management confirmed there were some pay downs but expressed confidence in loan growth for Q3, expecting it to be around 6% [19] - The company is focused on recruiting top talent and has ongoing discussions to add additional lenders [19][20] Question: Core margin and future expectations - Management anticipates margin expansion of about five basis points in Q3, driven by lower deposit costs and a shift towards loans [25][26] Question: Buyback strategy and Navitas growth - Currently, the company is not active in buybacks but retains authorization for future opportunities [34] - Navitas is expected to continue strong growth, with sales of loans anticipated to remain at or above current levels [37] Question: Capital management and securities restructuring - The company has significant excess capital and is evaluating options for securities restructuring but has not made a decision yet [46][48] Question: Hiring focus and market opportunities - The company is targeting both markets with lower deposit shares and major metro areas for growth, emphasizing the importance of talent acquisition [62][64]

Summary of the Conference Call Transcript Industry Overview - **Industry**: China Property Management & Services - **Earnings Growth**: Expected average earnings growth of 6% year-on-year (y-y) in 1H25, with revenue growth of 5% and improved operating efficiencies [1][3] - **Cash Collection**: Cash collection has weakened further, with a focus on this issue during the results briefing [1][3] Key Points Earnings and Revenue Expectations - **Earnings Growth**: PMCs (Property Management Companies) are expected to report an average earnings growth of 6% y-y, with notable divergence among companies [3] - **Top Performers**: GTS and Mixc are projected to achieve the highest earnings growth of 15-20% y-y, followed by Onewo (10-15% y-y) [3] - **Decliners**: CGS and Sunac Services are expected to see a decline of 5-10% in earnings [3] Cash Collection and Financial Health - **Cash Collection Ratio**: The cash collection ratio is anticipated to weaken by 1-2 percentage points y-y on average, attributed to less advanced payment from residential owners amid ongoing macroeconomic challenges [3][9] - **Operating Cash Flow**: Many PMCs may report negative operating cash flow in 1H due to seasonality, making the full-year operating cash flow/net profit coverage ratio critical for long-term dividend sustainability [3][9] - **Impairment Ratio**: There is a concern regarding the impairment ratio for third-party accounts receivables due to aging trade receivables and continued weak cash collection [3] Dividend Outlook - **Potential Dividend Increases**: There is potential for further dividend raises given PMCs' decent cash flow and strong cash balances [3] - **Dividend Policies**: Companies like Onewo are expected to maintain a regular payout ratio of 55%, with expectations for special dividends [11] Market Dynamics - **Third-Party Expansion**: Despite rising competition, third-party expansion is on track, indicating market share gains [1][3] - **SSSG Guidance**: The outlook for same-store sales growth (SSSG) and rental reversion for mall operators, particularly CR Mixc, is a key area to watch [3] Stock Recommendations - **Preferred Stocks**: Companies with good earnings visibility and strong dividend outlooks are recommended, including: - **Resilient Growth**: CR Mixc (1209.HK) and GTS (2869.HK) - **High Dividend Yield**: Onewo (1908.HK) and GTM (9979.HK) [4] Additional Insights - **Revenue Growth Drivers**: Revenue growth is primarily driven by basic property management services, while value-added services (VAS) remain muted due to weak macro conditions [15] - **Margin Stability**: Gross margins are expected to remain stable, although there may be pressure from newly expanded external projects amid heightened competition [16] - **Core Profit Growth**: Core profit growth is expected to average 6% y-y, with double-digit growth for GTS (20% y-y), Mixc (15% y-y), and Onewo (11% y-y) [17] Conclusion The China Property Management & Services industry is facing challenges with cash collection and competition, but there are opportunities for growth and dividend increases among select companies. The focus on earnings visibility and financial health will be crucial for investors in the upcoming reporting period.

I go to you first about the optimism already baked in the market. We're at record highs again. How high is the bar for earnings this week.They are having me on the bars pretty high as we come in the queue, too. It seems like a lot of companies are really posting some or are expected to post some results that are relatively resilient, especially compared to where people thought tariffs were going to be in early April, that the thought that that was going to hit margins pretty materially. We're looking at Q2 ...

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly seeking growth stocks that demonstrate above-average growth potential, particularly in the financial sector, to achieve exceptional returns, although identifying such stocks can be challenging due to their inherent risks and volatility [1]. Company Summary: CareTrust REIT (CTRE) - CareTrust REIT is currently highlighted as a promising growth stock, supported by a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2]. - The stock has shown a historical EPS growth rate of 1.1%, but projected EPS growth for the current year is expected to be 21.2%, significantly outperforming the industry average of 1% [4]. - The company has a year-over-year cash flow growth rate of 67.6%, which is substantially higher than the industry average of 2.7% [5]. - Over the past 3-5 years, CareTrust REIT has maintained an annualized cash flow growth rate of 12.5%, compared to the industry average of 3.1% [6]. - The current-year earnings estimates for CareTrust REIT have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 0.6% over the past month [8]. - CareTrust REIT has achieved a Growth Score of B and holds a Zacks Rank 2, indicating positive earnings estimate revisions and positioning it well for potential outperformance [9].

Market Outlook - Goldman Sachs Research anticipates tariff rates to continue climbing throughout the year [2] - The market is pricing in a gradual increase in tariffs, with companies managing margins and sustaining earnings growth [3] - Continued earnings growth is considered the most important factor for the market [3] - There's a possibility of companies passing on tariff costs, potentially leading to a slight increase in inflation [3][4] - The S&P 500 target is 6,600 by year-end, representing approximately 5% upside [5] Risk Assessment - The biggest risk to the market is interest rates, with uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve's actions [5] - Elevated uncertainty means the distribution of risks for asset prices is still pretty wide [6] Sector Performance - AI software basket is up more than 30% year-to-date, with a continued strong outlook [6] - Market breadth is narrow, with the median S&P 500 company still more than 10% below its high [7][8] - A catch-up in market performance is more likely than a continuation of the current outperformance [8]