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I Predicted This ETF Would Soar in 2025 -- It Didn't, But Here's Why I'm Still a Buyer in 2026
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 16:44
Core Viewpoint - The Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF was initially expected to outperform the S&P 500 in 2025, but the S&P 500 delivered a higher return due to the AI surge [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Thesis - Small-cap stocks were trading at their greatest valuation gap relative to large caps in over 25 years, with a price-to-book ratio of 2.1 for Russell 2000 components compared to 5.0 for S&P 500 companies [3]. - Falling interest rates generally favor smaller companies, as they are more reliant on borrowed money, leading to increased investment in riskier assets like small-cap stocks [4]. Group 2: Current Outlook - Despite the S&P 500's outperformance, a 13% return for the Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF is considered solid historically, and the ETF is viewed as a long-term investment [5]. - The valuation gap between small caps and large caps has widened further, suggesting potential for small caps to outperform in the coming decade, similar to trends observed during the dot-com boom [6]. - Experts anticipate that interest rates will continue to trend lower, and regulatory support from the Trump administration may benefit small-cap companies [7].
Royal Caribbean Cruises .(RCL) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-29 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company achieved nearly $18 billion in total revenue, with a 33% year-over-year earnings growth and a record 9.4 million vacations delivered [5][9] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter was $2.80, exceeding guidance, while full-year adjusted EPS grew 33% to $15.64 [9][22] - Operating cash flow reached nearly $6.5 billion, with $2 billion returned to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks [5][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter saw net yields grow by 2.5% on a constant currency basis, driven by both new and existing hardware [21][22] - Total revenue growth in the fourth quarter was 13%, with adjusted EBITDA growing by 17.6% to just over $7 billion [22][23] - The company announced a commitment for 10 additional ships for Celebrity River Cruises, expanding its fleet to 20 vessels by 2031 [7][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Caribbean represents 57% of the company's capacity, with yields growing 35% since 2019, and continued yield growth is expected in 2026 [25][26] - European sailings are performing well, with strong demand from both American and European consumers, despite a decrease in capacity in the first half of the year due to dry dock timing [27] - Alaska is expected to account for 5% of total capacity, with a 3% increase compared to last year [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on creating a lifetime of vacations for guests by strengthening its ecosystem, which includes differentiated experiences, world-class brands, and exclusive destinations [15][16] - Investments in technology and AI are aimed at enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency, with a 25% year-over-year increase in active users on the app in the fourth quarter [17][18] - The company aims for moderate capacity growth of 6.7% in 2026, with revenue expected to increase by double digits year-over-year [14][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in strong consumer demand and loyalty, with a significant percentage of guests planning to increase leisure travel spending [12][13] - The company anticipates achieving its Perfecta financial targets by 2027, with adjusted EPS expected to be in the range of $17.70-$18.10 for 2026, representing a 14% year-over-year increase [15][31] - The management highlighted the importance of maintaining price integrity in the Caribbean market despite increased capacity [88] Other Important Information - The company is expanding its private destination portfolio, with Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opening in December and receiving positive guest feedback [16][63] - The introduction of Discovery Class ships is expected to redefine guest experiences, although specific details are yet to be disclosed [76][77] - The company plans to invest $5 billion in strategic growth initiatives while maintaining an investment-grade balance sheet [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the further acceleration and momentum into 2026? - Management noted strong consumer demand and loyalty, with capacity growing 6.7% and an increase in high-quality demand due to loyalty programs [40][41] Question: What is the current state of the Caribbean market regarding pricing and capacity? - Management indicated strong demand trends in the Caribbean across all brands, with pricing higher than last year despite concerns about capacity increases [53][55] Question: How does the company view organic versus inorganic growth? - Management stated that about half of the yield growth will come from new hardware, with the other half from like-for-like improvements [60] Question: Can you discuss the net yield cadence for the year? - Management highlighted that dry dock timing and the ramp-up of Royal Beach Club will impact yield cadence throughout the year [71] Question: What is the outlook for net cruise costs? - Management expects net cruise costs to remain low due to economies of scale and effective cost management strategies [80]
Royal Caribbean Cruises .(RCL) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-29 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company achieved nearly $18 billion in total revenue, with a 33% year-over-year earnings growth and a record 9.4 million vacations delivered [5][9] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter was $2.80, exceeding guidance, while full-year adjusted EPS grew 33% to $15.64 [9][21] - Operating cash flow for the year was approximately $6.5 billion, with $2 billion returned to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks [5][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter saw net yields grow by 2.5% on a constant currency basis, driven by a 10% capacity growth [20][21] - Total revenue growth in the fourth quarter was 13%, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 17.6% to just over $7 billion [21][22] - The company is expanding its Celebrity River Cruises fleet with a commitment for 10 additional ships, increasing the fleet to 20 vessels by 2031 [7][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Caribbean represents 57% of the company's capacity, with yields growing 35% since 2019, and continued yield growth is expected in 2026 [24][26] - European sailings are performing well, with strong demand from both American and European consumers, accounting for 15% of capacity [25] - Alaska is expected to account for 5% of total capacity, with a 3% increase compared to last year [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on creating a lifetime of vacations for guests by enhancing its vacation ecosystem through differentiated experiences, exclusive destinations, and technological investments [14][15] - The introduction of the new Discovery Class ships aims to redefine guest experiences and expand the company's market presence [8][75] - Investments in AI and disruptive technologies are seen as foundational advantages that improve guest experiences and operational efficiency [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2027 financial targets, with a strong start to 2026 and record booking rates [10][11] - The company anticipates double-digit revenue growth in 2026, with adjusted EPS expected to be in the range of $17.70-$18.10, representing a 14% year-over-year increase [14][29] - Management noted that consumer demand remains strong, with 40% of consumers planning to increase leisure travel spending in the next year [12] Other Important Information - The company is committed to investing $5 billion in strategic growth initiatives while maintaining an investment-grade balance sheet [30] - The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opened in December and has received positive guest feedback, reinforcing the importance of exclusive destination experiences [15][61] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the further acceleration and momentum into 2026? - Management noted strong consumer demand and loyalty program enhancements, leading to increased bookings and a positive outlook for market share growth in the $2 trillion vacation market [37][39] Question: What is the current state of the Caribbean market regarding pricing and capacity? - Management indicated strong demand trends in the Caribbean, with pricing higher than the previous year, despite concerns about increased capacity [48][52] Question: How does the company view the balance between organic and inorganic growth? - Management stated that half of the yield growth will come from new hardware, with the other half from like-for-like improvements, emphasizing the importance of both growth strategies [56][58] Question: Can you provide insights on the new Discovery Class ships? - Management expressed excitement about the Discovery Class, indicating it will be a game changer, but refrained from providing specific details at this time [74][75] Question: What is the outlook for net cruise costs? - Management expects net cruise costs to remain low due to operational efficiencies and the scale of the business, while also leveraging disruptive technologies for cost management [77][78]
Royal Caribbean Cruises .(RCL) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-29 16:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company achieved nearly $18 billion in total revenue, with a 33% year-over-year earnings growth and a record 9.4 million vacations delivered [4][19] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter was $2.80, exceeding guidance, while full-year adjusted EPS grew 33% to $15.64 [8][19] - Operating cash flow for the year was approximately $6.5 billion, with $2 billion returned to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks [4][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter saw net yields grow by 2.5% on a constant currency basis, driven by both new and existing hardware [18] - Total revenue growth in the fourth quarter was 13%, with adjusted EBITDA growing by 17.6% to just over $7 billion [18][19] - The company is expanding its Celebrity River Cruises fleet with a commitment for 10 additional ships, increasing the fleet to 20 vessels by 2031 [5][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Caribbean represents 57% of the company's capacity, with an 8% growth compared to last year, and Caribbean yields have increased by 35% since 2019 [21] - European capacity is growing by 5% year-over-year, with strong demand from both American and European consumers [22] - Alaska is expected to account for 5% of total capacity, up 3% from last year, with premium hardware deployed in the region [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on creating a lifetime of vacations for guests by strengthening its ecosystem, which includes differentiated experiences, exclusive destinations, and an industry-leading loyalty program [13][14] - Investments in technology and AI are aimed at enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency, with a 25% year-over-year increase in active users on the app [15][16] - The launch of the new Discovery Class ships is part of the company's innovation roadmap to enhance guest experiences and maintain leadership in the vacation space [6][53] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2027 financial targets, with a strong start to 2026 and record booking rates [10][12] - The company anticipates double-digit revenue growth for 2026, with adjusted EPS expected to be in the range of $17.70-$18.10, representing a 14% year-over-year increase [13][25] - Management noted that consumer demand remains strong, with 40% of consumers planning to increase leisure travel spending in the next year [11] Other Important Information - The company is committed to investing $5 billion in strategic growth initiatives while maintaining an investment-grade balance sheet [25][26] - Fuel efficiency is improving, with a projected fuel expense of approximately $1.17 billion for the year, and 60% of fuel consumption is hedged [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the further acceleration and momentum into 2026? - Management noted strong consumer demand and an increase in loyalty program participation, which is driving high-quality demand [30][31] Question: What is the current state of the Caribbean market regarding pricing and capacity? - Management indicated strong demand trends in the Caribbean, with pricing higher than last year, despite concerns about increased capacity [36][39] Question: How does the company view its organic versus inorganic growth? - Management stated that half of the yield growth will come from new hardware, with the other half from like-for-like improvements [42][44] Question: Can you discuss the new Discovery Class ship order? - Management expressed excitement about the Discovery Class ships, indicating they will be a game changer, but provided limited details at this time [51][53] Question: What is the outlook for net cruise costs? - Management expects net cruise costs to follow their established formula, with a focus on maintaining a spread between yield growth and cost growth [54][55]
Keysight and Point2 Technology Collaborate to Advance Next-Generation AI Scale-Up Interconnects
Businesswire· 2026-01-29 16:00
Core Insights - Keysight Technologies and Point2 Technology have formed a strategic collaboration to validate next-generation multi-terabit interconnects aimed at addressing connectivity bottlenecks in AI and ML data centers [1][2] Group 1: Technology and Performance - Point2's e-Tube™ technology utilizes RF data transmission over plastic waveguide, offering up to 10x longer reach than traditional copper at a comparable cost, while being 3x lower in power and cost, and 1,000x lower in latency compared to optical solutions [2] - The collaboration focuses on validating interconnects that meet the stringent reliability and performance requirements of hyperscalers, with Keysight providing a comprehensive validation framework [3][4] Group 2: Tools and Capabilities - Keysight's high-speed digital test solutions, including the M8050A High-Performance Bit Error Ratio Tester (BERT) and DCA-X Sampling Oscilloscopes, are essential for generating and analyzing complex 120 GBaud PAM4 signals necessary for achieving 1.6 Terabit speeds [4] - The partnership enables early research and development on 3.2T interfaces by leveraging Keysight's unique 448 Gbps electrical signal generation capabilities [3] Group 3: Industry Impact - The collaboration is expected to accelerate Point2's e-Tube product development cycles, providing confidence in the technology's validation as it engages with leading hyperscaler customers globally [5] - Keysight emphasizes the need for disruptive innovation in physical interconnects to meet the demands of AI scale-up architectures, positioning itself as a trusted source for measurement truth in the industry [5]
Oshkosh (OSK) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-29 15:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company reported revenue of $10.4 billion, adjusted operating income of just over $1 billion, and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $10.79 [8][9] - In Q4 2025, consolidated sales were nearly $2.7 billion, an increase of $91 million, or 3.5% from the same quarter last year [18] - Adjusted operating income for Q4 was $226 million, down about $20 million from the prior year, leading to an adjusted operating margin of 8.4%, down 100 basis points from last year [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The access segment achieved Q4 revenue of $1.2 billion, roughly equal to last year, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.5 [11] - The vocational segment delivered full-year revenue of more than $3.7 billion, up nearly 13%, with an adjusted operating income margin of 15.8% [13] - The transport segment saw sales increase to $567 million in Q4, with delivery vehicle revenue growing by 13% sequentially compared to Q3 2025 [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that while there is underlying strength in data centers and infrastructure, many other construction sectors remain soft, leading to expectations of revenue decline in the first half of 2026 compared to 2025 [12] - The backlog for the access segment is $1.3 billion, which is considered reasonable in the current environment [11] - The vocational segment backlog exceeds $6.6 billion, providing excellent visibility for future revenue [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company showcased its vision for the future at CES, focusing on robotics, autonomy, AI, connectivity, and electrification [4][5] - The strategy includes shifting from providing equipment that enables jobs at height to offering equipment that executes jobs autonomously [5] - The company plans to continue investing in innovation and expanding U.S. manufacturing while maintaining a strong focus on long-term profitable growth [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates a continuation of recent economic conditions, with expected lower capital investments from industrial customers, particularly in access equipment and refuse businesses [10] - The outlook for 2026 includes an estimated adjusted EPS in the range of $11.50, reflecting strong performance in the vocational segment but weaker market conditions in the access segment [10][24] - Management expressed confidence in long-term growth opportunities driven by innovative products and strong business fundamentals [27] Other Important Information - The company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.57 per share, reflecting confidence in long-term cash flow generation [26] - Share repurchases in 2025 totaled $278 million, more than double the prior year, benefiting adjusted EPS in Q4 by $0.06 compared to Q4 2024 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Access guidance and disconnect with competitors - Management acknowledged a balanced approach to 2026, noting strong demand from mega projects but pressure in private non-residential construction [31][32] Question: Transport margins and pricing - Management indicated that transport margins are expected to improve as new pricing contracts are implemented and production increases [33] Question: Telematics data and equipment health - Management reported healthy utilization rates for equipment in both the U.S. and European markets, with a strong used market [34] Question: First Quarter versus Fourth Quarter earnings - Management expects Q1 adjusted EPS to be about half of last year, primarily due to lower sales in the access segment [36] Question: Pricing and cost dynamics - Management discussed ongoing cost reduction initiatives and the impact of tariffs on pricing strategies for 2026 [48][49] Question: Vocational segment backlog and revenue expectations - Management confirmed a healthy backlog in the vocational segment, particularly in fire and airport products, despite some pressure in refuse and recycling [50][51]
Here’s What Lifted Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) in Q4
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-29 14:44
Group 1: Greenlight Capital Overview - Greenlight Capital's investment strategy focuses on a bottom-up portfolio of undervalued long positions and overvalued short positions, along with a macro book for risk hedging [1] - The Partnership achieved a net return of 9.0% in 2025, compared to 17.9% for the S&P 500 index, and an 8.5% return in Q4 against 2.7% for the index [1] - Since its inception in May 1996, the Partnership has returned $6.1 billion net of fees and expenses to its investors [1] Group 2: Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD) Analysis - Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ:WBD) is a global media and entertainment company with a one-month return of -2.91% and a 52-week gain of 163.47% [2] - As of January 28, 2026, WBD's stock closed at $27.98 per share, with a market capitalization of $69.35 billion [2] - Greenlight Capital acquired WBD shares at an average price of $22.66, anticipating additional bidders after a competing bid of $23.50 from Paramount Skydance [3] - Following a bid from Netflix at $27.75 for WBD's streaming and studio assets, Paramount Skydance raised its offer to $30 per share, with expectations of a sale in the low- to mid-$30s range [3] - WBD shares ended the quarter at $28.82 [3] Group 3: Hedge Fund Interest and Market Position - WBD is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 70 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q3, up from 67 in the previous quarter [4] - While WBD shows investment potential, certain AI stocks are considered to offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [4]
Oshkosh (OSK) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Presentation
2026-01-29 14:30
Q4 2025 EARNINGS UPDATE | JANUARY 29, 2026 FOURTH QUARTER 2025 EARNINGS CALL | 2 CES highlights FOURTH QUARTER 2025 EARNINGS CALL | 1 Forward-looking statements This presentation contains statements that the Company believes to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's future financial position, business strategy, growth ...
Celestica(CLS) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-29 14:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company achieved revenue of $3.65 billion, a 44% increase year-over-year, exceeding guidance [10] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $1.89, a 70% increase compared to the previous year [10] - Full-year revenue for 2025 was $12.4 billion, representing a 28% growth year-over-year, while adjusted EPS was $6.05, up 56% [7][8] - Adjusted operating margin for Q4 was 7.7%, marking the strongest performance in company history [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in the ATS segment for Q4 was $795 million, a 1% decline year-over-year, while the CCS segment revenue was $2.86 billion, up 64% [11][12] - The CCS segment accounted for 78% of total company revenue in Q4, with communications end market revenue increasing by 79% [12] - The ATS segment margin improved to 5.3%, while the CCS segment margin was 8.4% [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates revenue growth in the communications end market to be in the low sixties percentage range, driven by ongoing ramps in 800G programs [23] - The enterprise end market is expected to see very strong growth in the high teens percentage range, supported by AI/ML compute program ramps [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is significantly increasing capital investment plans for 2026 and 2027 to support long-term capacity planning and growth opportunities [16][17] - Investments will focus on expanding manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. and Thailand, aligning with customer demand for data center infrastructure and AI capabilities [18][19] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet while funding increased capital expenditures through operating cash flow [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the 2026 outlook, raising revenue guidance to $17 billion and adjusted EPS to $8.75, reflecting a 37% and 45% growth year-over-year, respectively [25] - The company is focused on securing supply and managing macro uncertainties while anticipating strong demand from hyperscalers and digital native customers [37][41] - Management highlighted the unprecedented level of demand and the strategic importance of investments in new capacity to support future growth [30][31] Other Important Information - The company generated $156 million in free cash flow in Q4, with total annual adjusted free cash flow of $458 million for 2025 [15] - The company has a healthy cash balance of $596 million and a net debt position of $128 million, indicating strong liquidity [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about potential slowdown in fiscal second half - Management reassured that customer forecasts for 2026 are higher than the guidance, indicating a pragmatic approach to outlook [36][37] Question: Risk management regarding funding for AI-related projects - Management stated that the build-out is based on booked business with minimal risk of programs not materializing, emphasizing strong demand [40][41] Question: CapEx investment and its impact on revenue - Management clarified that current CapEx investments are tied to booked business and will support revenue growth in 2027 and beyond [49] Question: Updates on digital native customer relationship - Management confirmed a solid relationship with the digital native customer, with preparations for ramping production in early 2027 [88] Question: Expected returns on new programs compared to existing ones - Management indicated that new programs are becoming more complex, with a focus on strong profitability and disciplined investment [95][96]
Cimpress(CMPR) - 2026 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-29 14:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cimpress achieved a milestone by exceeding $1 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time, with organic constant currency growth of 4% for the first half of the year, surpassing the previous guidance of 2%-3% [9][16] - Revenue for Q2 grew 11% on a reported basis and 4% on an organic constant currency basis, with growth across all segments [9][10] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by $6.6 million year-over-year, with profit dollars up 8% on a consolidated basis [11][12] - Adjusted free cash flow declined by $9.2 million to an inflow of $124 million, attributed to lower net working capital inflows [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Vista segment, organic constant currency growth was 5%, up from 3% in the prior year quarter, driven by double-digit growth in promotional products, apparel, gifts, and packaging [10][12] - The PrintBrothers segment reported a 26% revenue growth, with a contribution of $18 million from a tuck-in acquisition [11][12] - The Upload and Print segment saw a 6% organic constant currency revenue growth, with increased customer and order counts [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong performance in North America was the main driver of growth acceleration compared to the prior year quarter [11] - In Europe, consumer performance was weaker, with a decline year-over-year in Q2, attributed to tough comparisons from the previous year [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Cimpress is focusing on elevated products to improve customer lifetime value and wallet share, with variable gross profit per customer growing 9% year-over-year [4][10] - The company is investing in manufacturing efficiencies and new product introductions through Cross-Cimpress Fulfillment (XCF) [5][8] - Shared technology initiatives are aimed at reducing operating expenses and enhancing customer value [6][39] - The company remains confident in achieving fiscal 2028 targets, including an adjusted EBITDA of at least $600 million [7][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the financial future, highlighting a strong path to fiscal 2028 with significant deleveraging of the balance sheet [7][17] - The impact of tariffs is expected to lessen in future quarters as supply chain remediation continues [14] - Management noted that the hurricane in Jamaica posed challenges but was mitigated through operational adjustments [6][12] Other Important Information - The company completed a tuck-in acquisition for $10.4 million, expected to yield significant synergies [49][51] - Net leverage at the end of Q2 was 2.97 times trailing twelve months EBITDA, down from the previous quarter [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: How would you characterize the holiday season that just concluded for Vista? - Management reported a strong quarter for Vista, particularly in North America, with a balanced approach to holiday messaging [18] Question: Can you talk about the biggest areas of outperformance versus your initial FY 2026 guidance? - Management indicated solid execution across the board, with no significant areas of outperformance but some help from currency [24] Question: What are the underlying trends for customer cohorts in promotional products? - Strong growth in elevated products demonstrates increased wallet share among small business customers [30][31] Question: How has the North American business for the Print Group trended? - The Print Group is on track with revenues growing quarter-over-quarter, though still small in scale [34] Question: What is the company's view on Cross-Cimpress Fulfillment? - Management sees significant growth potential in Cross-Cimpress Fulfillment, which has doubled in revenue within a year [42][45] Question: Can you provide details on the tuck-in acquisition made this quarter? - The acquisition was for an Austrian printing group with significant synergy opportunities, expected to exceed a 15% hurdle rate [49][51]