Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for fiscal 2025 was $562 million, with 53% derived from digital sources, indicating a significant shift towards digital reliance over legacy print business [4][11] - Digital-only subscription revenue reached $94 million, with a year-over-year growth of 16% on a same-store basis, despite challenges from a cyber incident [4][11] - Adjusted EBITDA showed growth for the second consecutive quarter, reflecting effective cost management and operational execution [6][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The digital marketing services business, Amplified Digital Agency, surpassed $100 million in revenue with a 5% growth on a same-store basis [5][10] - Digital subscription revenue growth was 32% annually over the last three years, significantly outpacing industry peers [8][11] - Digital advertising revenue contributed $184 million, with Amplified Digital Agency accounting for $103 million of this total [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital revenue constituted 53% of total company revenue, a notable increase from 21% in 2020, marking a critical revenue inflection point [12][21] - The company aims for $450 million in digital revenue by fiscal 2030, with a long-term goal of achieving 90% digital revenue [12][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a three-pillar digital growth strategy, which is expected to drive sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value [5][12] - Investments in local journalism, branding, and consumer marketing are anticipated to enhance digital subscription revenue, targeting $175 million by fiscal 2030 [18][19] - The company plans to leverage advanced data-driven advertising technology and expand its digital audience to boost high-margin digital advertising revenue [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving mid-single-digit adjusted EBITDA growth in fiscal 2026, despite challenges faced in 2025 [17] - The company anticipates a positive lift in digital revenue and margins in 2026 as transformational projects come to fruition [14][17] - The upcoming $50 million common stock rights offering is expected to support digital transformation and deleveraging efforts [21][22] Other Important Information - The company executed $40 million in annualized cost reductions and an additional $10 million entering fiscal 2026, focusing on non-core print operations [16][17] - A strategic termination of the fully funded defined benefit pension plan was announced, enhancing balance sheet flexibility [17] - The company is identifying opportunities to monetize non-core assets, with $9 million in asset sales completed in fiscal 2025 and an additional $25 million identified for future monetization [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What was the total debt reduction in the fourth fiscal quarter and the full fiscal year? - Since the credit agreement was launched in 2020, the company has reduced debt by $121 million. In fiscal 2025, excluding increases due to the cyber incident, debt was reduced by approximately $3.5 million through operations and asset sales [26]

Core Insights - The holiday sales season for 2025-26 in the U.S. is crucial, with Thanksgiving and Black Friday being key days for consumer spending [2] - Despite a challenging economic environment, holiday sales are expected to grow, albeit at a muted rate, leading to recommendations for five apparel and shoe stocks with strong short-term upside potential [3][10] Industry Overview - Consumer spending is the largest component of U.S. GDP, and the holiday season represents the peak period for this spending [3] - The apparel and footwear industry is facing challenges as consumers shift towards value-driven purchases, impacting demand [6] - The Zacks Retail – Apparel and Shoes industry ranks in the top 26% of Zacks Industry Rank, indicating potential for outperformance in the next three to six months [7] Company Highlights Crocs Inc. (CROX) - Crocs has a Zacks Rank of 1 and is experiencing significant growth in brand awareness through collaborations and product innovations [11] - The company is refreshing its product lines and has an expected revenue growth rate of 0.4% and earnings growth rate of 3.9% for the next year [14] - The short-term average price target for CROX indicates an 11.2% increase from its last closing price of $83.07 [14] On Holding AG (ONON) - On Holding also holds a Zacks Rank of 1, focusing on ultralight footwear and sports apparel [15] - The expected revenue growth rate is 21.2% and earnings growth rate is 79.8% for the next year [16] - The short-term average price target suggests a 45.3% increase from the last closing price of $41.78 [16] Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL) - Ralph Lauren has a Zacks Rank of 2 and has outperformed the industry due to its strategic "Next Great Chapter: Accelerate Plan" [17] - The company is investing in digital transformation, with expected revenue growth of 9.5% and earnings growth of 25% for the current year [20] - The short-term average price target indicates a 3.3% increase from the last closing price of $364.50 [20] Kontoor Brands Inc. (KTB) - Kontoor Brands, with a Zacks Rank of 2, operates lifestyle apparel brands like Wrangler and Lee [22] - The expected revenue growth rate is 11.3% and earnings growth rate is 5.3% for the next year [23] - The short-term average price target suggests a 31% increase from the last closing price of $73.69 [23] Boot Barn Holdings Inc. (BOOT) - Boot Barn Holdings has a Zacks Rank of 2 and focuses on western and work-related footwear and apparel [24] - The expected revenue growth rate is 16.2% and earnings growth rate is 20.5% for the current year [25] - The short-term average price target indicates a 15% increase from the last closing price of $195.76 [25]

Financial Performance - Total revenue for FY25 was $562 million[3], impacted by a cyber incident that reduced revenue by approximately $12 million[4] - Digital revenue accounted for 53% of total revenue in FY25[3] - Adjusted EBITDA for FY25 was $45 million[3], also impacted by the cyber incident which reduced Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $8 million[4] - Q4 2025 total operating revenue was $139 million, a 12% year-over-year decrease, or a 5% decrease on a same-store basis[6] - Q4 2025 total digital revenue was $74 million, a 3% year-over-year decrease[6] - Q4 2025 total print revenue was $65 million, an 8% decrease[6] - Q4 2025 Adjusted EBITDA was $15 million, a 14% increase on a comparable basis[9] - The company has reduced gross debt by $121 million since refinancing in March 2020[40] Digital Growth - Digital subscription revenue grew 16%[3, 11, 22] - The company aims to achieve over $450 million in digital revenue by 2030 through its Three Pillar Digital Growth Strategy[13] - The company expects to surpass 12 million subscribers in 2030[43, 51] - The company is targeting $250 million of digital advertising[46, 51]

Financial Performance - Net Income decreased by 40% YoY and 46% QoQ[3] - Net Interest Income decreased by 33.6% YoY and 25.3% QoQ[8] - Financial Margin increased by 286.3% YoY and 37.1% QoQ[8] - Efficiency Ratio was 57.6% in 3Q25[8] Loan Portfolio & Asset Quality - Private Loans increased by 13.4% YoY[18] - Private Loans increased by 6% QoQ[18] Digital Transformation - Digital & Mobile Active Clients increased by 7% and 6% YoY respectively[37, 38] - Total liquid assets/ total deposits increased by 10%[28] Deposits & Capital - Private Deposits Market Share reached 10.09%[28] - Capital ratio declined[29] - Public sector exposure increased[31]

Core Insights - Truist Financial Corporation has appointed Lo Li as the chief divisional technology, data and operations officer for Consumer and Small Business Banking, effective December 1, 2025, to enhance innovation and client service [1][2] - Lo Li has extensive experience in technology leadership, having previously served as chief technology officer at Capital One, where she oversaw digital transformation and operational improvements [2] - Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company with total assets of $544 billion as of September 30, 2025, and offers a wide range of banking and financial services [3] Company Overview - Truist Financial Corporation is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and has a strong market presence in high-growth areas across the U.S. [3] - The company provides various services, including consumer and small business banking, commercial banking, investment banking, wealth management, and specialized lending [3] - Truist is recognized as a top-10 commercial bank in the United States [3]

Core Insights - Swvl Holdings Corp has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 100,000 bookings in collaboration with Bank AlJazira since the beginning of 2025, highlighting a commitment to redefining daily commuting through technology-driven solutions [1][3][4] Group 1: Collaboration and Impact - The partnership between Swvl and Bank AlJazira aims to transform employee transportation into a greener and smarter journey, focusing on optimizing routes, reducing emissions, and enhancing commuting experiences in Saudi Arabia [2][3] - This collaboration has successfully transported thousands of employees, contributing to a reduction in the environmental footprint of corporate mobility and aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 sustainability goals [3][4] Group 2: Future Commitment - Swvl emphasizes the importance of partnerships with forward-thinking institutions to redefine urban mobility and remains dedicated to building collaborations that deliver measurable impacts [4]

Core Insights - Lee Enterprises reported a fourth quarter fiscal 2025 Adjusted EBITDA growth of $2 million year-over-year on a comparable basis, indicating a positive trend in profitability [1][2] - Total Digital Revenue accounted for 53% of total revenue in the quarter, amounting to $74 million, showcasing the company's strong digital presence [1][5] - Digital-only subscription revenue increased by 16% year-over-year, reflecting the effectiveness of the company's digital growth strategy [2][5] Financial Performance - For the fourth quarter ended September 28, 2025, total operating revenue was $139 million, with digital revenue contributing $74 million [5][15] - Operating expenses totaled $142 million, with cash costs at $126 million, both showing a decrease of 13% and 12% respectively compared to the prior year [5][16] - The net loss for the quarter was $6 million, while Adjusted EBITDA was reported at $15 million [5][16] Digital Strategy - Digital-only subscribers reached 633,000 by the end of the quarter, with digital-only subscription revenue totaling $25 million, a 6% increase year-over-year [5][15] - Digital advertising and marketing services revenue represented 74% of total advertising revenue, totaling $44 million [5][15] - The company has seen a 32% annual increase in digital-only subscription revenue over the past three years, indicating strong growth in this segment [5][15] Debt and Cash Flow - The company has $455 million of debt outstanding under a credit agreement with favorable terms, including a fixed annual interest rate of 9.0% [6][9] - Cash on the balance sheet totaled $10 million, resulting in net debt of $445 million after accounting for cash [9][19] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $1 million, with expectations of up to $10 million in FY26 [9][19] Operational Highlights - The company is executing a strategic termination of its fully funded benefit pension plan, which is expected to improve balance sheet flexibility [9][19] - The fiscal year 2025 results were materially impacted by a cyber incident in February 2025, affecting revenue and Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $12 million and $8 million respectively [19][20]

Core Insights - Hexaware Technologies has made a strong debut in the Whitelane Research German IT Sourcing Study 2025, being recognized as one of the leading providers in the German market based on direct customer feedback [1][2]. Company Performance - In the study, Hexaware ranked second in the category of Innovation and fourth in Transformation KPIs, indicating strong customer recognition for its ability to support change and integrate new ideas and technologies [3][6]. - The company also achieved a fourth-place ranking in pricing, suggesting that customers view Hexaware's services as competitive and aligned with market standards [3]. Customer Feedback - The study involved feedback from over 300 large organizations regarding more than 1000 IT sourcing relationships and nearly 1000 cloud platform relationships, focusing solely on customer experience and performance across various IT service areas [2]. - Hexaware's performance reflects a balanced value proposition, change capability, and service experience for its German customers [6]. Market Position - The strong placements in multiple categories highlight Hexaware's competitive performance in the German IT services landscape, showcasing its commitment to delivering effective changes and fair commercial terms [4][5]. - The company is perceived as a partner for modernization, effectively managing costs and risks while providing specialized expertise and scalable delivery [5].

Core Insights - The Zacks Beverages – Soft Drinks industry is under pressure from rising input costs and tariff uncertainties, which are straining margins and complicating production planning [1][4] - Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities arising from shifting consumer preferences towards healthier and functional beverages, as well as advancements in digital growth and innovation [2][6] Industry Overview - The industry includes companies that manufacture and sell non-alcoholic beverages, such as soft drinks, juices, and ready-to-drink beverages, often through a network of wholesalers and retailers [3] - Companies are facing challenges from rising costs of key inputs like sugar and packaging materials, alongside tariff volatility, which complicates pricing and supply-chain strategies [4][5] Consumer Trends - There is a notable shift in consumer preferences towards healthier, natural, and functional beverages, leading to increased demand for plant-based and botanical drinks [5] - Companies that innovate and adapt to these trends are better positioned to capture market share and drive growth [2][5] Digital Transformation - The industry is experiencing rapid digital growth, with brands leveraging technology for consumer engagement and operational efficiency [6] - Advanced data analytics and AI are being utilized to understand consumer preferences and optimize marketing strategies [6] Market Performance - The Zacks Beverages – Soft Drinks industry has outperformed the Consumer Staples sector but underperformed the S&P 500 Index over the past year, with a collective gain of 3.1% compared to the sector's decline of 5.7% [10] - The industry's current forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 18.07X, lower than the S&P 500's 22.8X and the sector's 16.44X [13] Company Highlights - **Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST)**: The company is experiencing growth in its energy drinks category and has seen a 33.3% increase in shares over the past year, with positive sales and earnings estimates for 2025 [17][18] - **Vita Coco (COCO)**: This company has benefited from strong growth in the coconut water category, with shares rising 42.4% in the past year and positive sales and earnings projections for 2025 [21][22] - **Coca-Cola Company (KO)**: The company is focusing on digital transformation and has seen a 12.4% increase in shares over the past year, with modest growth expectations for 2025 [24][25] - **PepsiCo Inc. (PEP)**: Despite a 10.3% decline in shares over the past year, the company is expected to benefit from its diverse product offerings and cost-management initiatives [28][29] - **Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP)**: The company is focusing on consumer-centric innovation and has seen a 16.2% decline in shares over the past year, with growth expectations for 2025 [32][33]

AI Impact & Challenges - Arc Investment predicts AI will have the biggest impact on the economy, comparable to the steam engine, electricity, and the internet combined [3] - MIT study reveals that 95% of enterprise AI solutions are failing, resulting in millions of dollars in AI project investments with zero return [3] - MIT study indicates brain activity systematically decreased with increased use of external AI support, with large language models like GPT showing the weakest overall engagement [5][6] - 83% of ChatGPT users couldn't recall essays they wrote minutes earlier, suggesting disconnection rather than distraction [6] Human Superpowers - Humans possess contextual intelligence, enabling them to experience emotional, social, and cultural nuances that AI struggles with [13][14] - Humans demonstrate adaptive resilience, excelling in pattern recognition with incomplete information and adapting in real-time using past experiences and intuition [15][16] - Humans exhibit creative problem-solving abilities, with studies showing stronger brain connectivity linked to creativity and memory processing in individuals who start writing independently [16][17] AI Utilization & Future - The industry emphasizes the importance of using AI to amplify human intelligence rather than replacing it [12] - The industry believes individuals, organizations, and countries that embrace AI will shape and dominate the coming decades [18] - The industry challenges individuals to develop human skills that AI cannot replicate and contribute to a future where AI amplifies humanity [19]