Investment Rating - The report indicates a stable investment outlook for IT budgets, with the US expected to grow by 2.7% and Europe by 2.3% over the next twelve months, despite some downward revisions due to tariff impacts [2][29]. Core Insights - Data modernization and Generative AI (GenAI) have surpassed cybersecurity as the top investment priority for CIOs, reflecting a shift in focus towards analytics and digital transformation projects [3][36]. - The overall macroeconomic sentiment has worsened slightly, with 49% of US respondents expecting a decline in macro conditions, which may impact business services budgeting [10][40]. - CIOs have revised their IT budgets down by an average of 3% due to tariff impacts, with 42% expecting no impact from tariffs on their budgets [24][46]. Sector Summaries Software - Data analytics/GenAI is now the top investment priority, followed by digital transformation projects and customer-facing applications [36][8]. - Spending on public cloud infrastructure is expected to grow by 6.6% over the next twelve months, indicating strong demand driven by GenAI workloads [24][62]. Cybersecurity - Cybersecurity has dropped to the second investment priority, with a projected growth rate of approximately 5.3%, which is still higher than the overall IT budget growth [3][10]. - The emphasis on data analytics/GenAI is expected to benefit cybersecurity vendors that can secure GenAI deployments [11][19]. Communication Services and Infrastructure - Despite tariff uncertainties, the US budget for communication services remains resilient at 2.7%, with opportunities for digital transformation and GenAI adoption [10][23]. - Network infrastructure is expected to be negatively impacted by tariffs, ranking second among categories affected [10][49]. Hardware - Spending on PC storage and networking infrastructure is trending positively, while server spending is declining [27][28]. - A mixed recovery in IT hardware spending is noted, with 53% of respondents not expecting GenAI to impact their hardware budgets [28][91]. European Technology - European CIOs have shown increased caution, with a 3% negative impact on IT budgets due to tariffs, although growth expectations remain stable [24][33]. - Financial software and ERP applications are gaining prioritization, indicating resilience for companies like SAP [24][10]. GenAI Trends - Microsoft is the preferred vendor for GenAI investments, followed by Amazon, OpenAI, and Google, with a notable shift in budget allocation towards these technologies [4][67]. - 54% of CIOs expect GenAI investments to lead to a reduction in overall headcount within the next 1-2 years [26][75].

HCA Healthcare (HCA) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 25, 2025 04:54 PM ET Company Participants Frank Morgan - VP, Investor RelationsSam Hazen - CEOMike Marks - CFO & Executive Vice PresidentA.J. Rice - Managing DirectorWhit Mayo - Senior Managing DirectorBen Hendrix - Equity Research - Healthcare Services and Managed CareAndrew Mok - DirectorJoshua Raskin - Partner - Managed Care & ProvidersJohn Ransom - Managing Director, Director of Healthcare ResearchLance Wilkes - Managing DirectorBenjamin Rossi - Equity Re ...

Choice Hotels geht mit einer kühnen digitalen Transformationsstrategie voran, die darauf abzielt,das Gästeerlebnis zu verbessern, Franchisenehmer zu unterstützen und Abläufe zu rationalisieren  AMSTERDAM, 25. April 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International führt Mews als Option für ein Property Management System (PMS) für internationale Franchisenehmer ein. Die Plattform ist so gestaltet, dass sie mit den firmeneigenen Tools und Systemen von Choice Hotels verbunden werden kann. Sie nutzt das PMS von ...

Choice Hotels continues to lead the way with a bold digital transformation strategy designed to enhance guest experiences, empower franchisees and streamline operations AMSTERDAM, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International is introducing Mews as a property management system (PMS) option for international franchisees. The platform is designed to connect with Choice Hotels' proprietary tools and systems using Mews' PMS for enterprise-scale hospitality brands and offers robust integrations, int ...

HONG KONG, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GPTBots.ai, a leading enterprise AI agent platform provider under Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ:JG), is showcasing its cutting-edge AI solutions at the inaugural GITEX Asia 2025 in Singapore (April 23-25). As Asia's premier technology and innovation event and the Asian debut of GITEX GLOBAL, the summit themed "AI Everything Singapore," attracts senior executives seeking innovative technologies. GPTBots stands out by offering tailored AI applications that empower enterpr ...

ServiceNow (NOW) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 23, 2025 05:00 PM ET Company Participants Darren Yip - Vice President-Investor RelationsBill McDermott - Chairman and CEOGina Mastantuono - President & CFOKash Rangan - Managing DirectorAmit Zavery - President, CPO & COOMark Murphy - Executive DirectorKylie Towbin - Senior Equity Research AssociateKarl Keirstead - Managing Director - Software Equity ResearchMichael Tulin - Private Mortgage BankerSamad Samana - Managing DirectorRaimo Lenschow - Managing DirectorKi ...

Core Viewpoint - LivePerson, Inc. is set to release its first quarter financial results on May 7, 2025, with a conference call scheduled for the same day to discuss the results [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The planned release of the first quarter financial results will occur after market close on May 7, 2025 [1]. - CEO John Sabino and CFO & COO John Collins will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the same day [1]. Group 2: Conference Call Details - The conference call will be available via live simulcast on the investor relations section of LivePerson's website [2]. - Participants can join the call by dialing in five to ten minutes before the start time, with specific numbers provided for domestic and international callers [2]. - A replay of the teleconference will be available approximately three hours after the call until May 21, 2025, with access details provided [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - LivePerson is recognized as a leader in enterprise conversational AI and digital transformation, serving major brands like HSBC, Chipotle, and Virgin Media [3]. - The company facilitates nearly a billion conversational interactions monthly, offering data analytics and safety tools to enhance business outcomes [3]. - LivePerson has been named the 1 Most Innovative AI Company in the world by Fast Company [3].

Core Insights - OPENLANE, Inc. has appointed Brad Herring as EVP and Chief Financial Officer effective May 27, 2025, to enhance its financial management and investor relations capabilities [1][2] Company Overview - OPENLANE operates digital marketplaces for wholesale used vehicles, providing innovative, technology-driven remarketing solutions [4] - The company aims to build the world's greatest digital marketplace for used vehicles, focusing on growth and operational performance [2] Leadership and Experience - Brad Herring brings over 30 years of experience in financial operations, investor relations, and business development, having previously served as CFO for several digitally-forward companies [2][3] - His past roles include CFO positions at Enfusion, Shift4 Payments, and Elavon, as well as progressive financial leadership roles at Equifax, Delta Air Lines, and ING North America [2] Strategic Vision - The appointment of Herring is expected to reinforce OPENLANE's culture of innovation and disciplined financial management, aligning with the company's growth strategy [2][3] - Herring expressed confidence in OPENLANE's ability to deliver growth and value through its technology solutions and scalable financial profile [3]

Core Viewpoint - Walmart and Kroger are positioned as reliable players in the retail industry, with Walmart being the largest global retailer and Kroger leading in traditional supermarkets in the U.S. [1][2] Walmart Overview - Walmart's business model is diversified, generating revenues from physical stores, digital platforms, advertising, and memberships, enhancing customer engagement and higher-margin revenue streams [6][7] - In Q4 of fiscal 2025, Walmart's global e-commerce sales increased by 16%, supported by strong store-fulfilled pickup and delivery services [7] - Nearly 60% of Walmart's U.S. sales come from groceries, highlighting its leadership in food retail, with Walmart International projected to reach $200 billion in gross merchandise value [8][9] - Walmart faces challenges such as cost pressures from tariffs and economic uncertainty, but its strategic adaptability and operational scale position it well for long-term success [10] Kroger Overview - Kroger focuses on customer-centric strategies, high-quality fresh food, and an expanding private-label portfolio, achieving a 2.4% increase in identical sales in Q4 of fiscal 2024 [11] - Digital sales surged by 11% in the fiscal fourth quarter, driven by initiatives like the Boost membership program and customer fulfillment centers [12] - Kroger generated $1.35 billion in operating profit from alternative profit streams in fiscal 2024, with Kroger Precision Marketing becoming a vital growth engine [13] - Despite facing high inflation and cautious consumer spending, Kroger's focus on groceries and digital presence positions it favorably [14] Earnings Estimates and Valuation - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Walmart's fiscal 2026 EPS indicates a projected year-over-year increase of 3.6%, while Kroger's estimate points to growth of 6% for fiscal 2025 [15] - Kroger's stock trades at a forward P/E ratio of 14.96x, significantly lower than Walmart's 34.67x, indicating a more attractive valuation [16] - Kroger's stock has gained 25.5% over the past six months, outperforming Walmart's 10.9% drop, making it a compelling investment opportunity [18] Conclusion - Kroger emerges as a smarter buy for value-focused investors due to its lower valuation, stronger recent performance, and optimistic earnings growth outlook, while Walmart offers long-term stability but faces short-term challenges [19]

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Creative Realities, Inc. (NASDAQ:CREX) (the "Company" or "CRI), a leading provider of digital signage and media solutions for the food and beverage industry, has been selected by a well-known, upscale Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) chain, with over 1,000 locations across more than 25 U.S. states, to lead the transformation of its indoor and outdoor menu boards. The restaurant chain is nationally recognized by its cooked-to-order food, farm-fresh ingredient ...