Corporate Strategy - Nittetsu Mining is facing pressure from a key investor to divest real estate and non-core assets [1] - The investor is urging Nittetsu Mining to utilize the proceeds from asset sales for share buybacks [1]

Core Insights - Kroger Co. reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 results with adjusted earnings of $1.05 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.04 and improving from $0.98 in the prior-year quarter [2]. - Total sales for the quarter were $33.9 billion, slightly up from $33.6 billion year-over-year but below the consensus estimate of $34.3 billion [3]. - E-commerce sales increased by 17% year-over-year, indicating strong performance in this segment [3]. Financial Performance - The gross margin improved to 22.8%, up from 22.4% in the previous year, driven by the sale of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy and reduced supply chain costs [4]. - Adjusted FIFO operating profit reached $1,089 million, an increase from $1,017 million in the year-ago period, while GAAP operating loss was $1,541 million compared to an operating profit of $828 million last year [6]. - Kroger ended the quarter with cash and temporary cash investments of $3,956 million and total debt of $18,010 million, resulting in a net total debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio of 1.73, up from 1.21 a year ago [7]. Share Buyback and Guidance - The company completed a $5 billion accelerated share buyback as part of a $7.5 billion buyback plan and is now buying back an additional $2.5 billion worth of shares in the open market [8]. - Kroger narrowed its guidance for fiscal 2025, expecting identical sales without fuel to grow by 2.8%-3.0% and adjusted EPS between $4.75 and $4.80 [11]. - The company continues to project FIFO operating profit in the range of $4.8-$4.9 billion [11].

Core Viewpoint - The company aims for annual dividend per share growth of 7% or more over the next two years and plans to initiate an annual share buyback program starting in 2026 [1] Group 1 - The company targets a 7% or more increase in annual dividend per share over the next two years [1] - An annual share buyback program is set to commence in 2026 [1]

Core Insights - Partners Group Private Equity (LSE: PEY) is preparing for a significant shareholder-return program due to successful exits generating fresh capital [1] Financial Performance - PEY recorded €65.4 million (approximately $76.4 million) in distributions during the first nine months of 2025, with a strong outlook for continued performance [2] - The firm is on track to achieve around €200 million ($233 million) in exit proceeds for both 2025 and 2026, which could facilitate substantial buybacks [3] Portfolio Strength - The underlying portfolio has seen valuations increase by over 10% year-on-year, driven by double-digit EBITDA growth and improved multiples across key holdings [4] - Recent public listings, such as those of Vishal Mega Mart and Galderma, have contributed positively to PEY's valuation gains [4] Buyback Strategy - Buybacks are considered an effective use of excess capital for listed private-equity vehicles, especially when shares are trading below NAV [5] - PEY may initiate a buyback program in early 2026, contingent on the completion of sales and capital allocation decisions [6] Shareholder Impact - If buybacks occur at the higher end of expectations, shareholders could experience an increase in NAV per share and a reduction in the current discount to NAV [7]

Core Insights - Investor Michael Burry shared a 2019 email from Keith Gill, highlighting early convictions regarding GameStop Corp.'s potential before its significant rise during the 2021 meme stock rally [1] Group 1: Burry's Advocacy - Burry urged GameStop's management to complete the remaining $237.6 million of its buyback authorization, which would retire over 80% of the company's outstanding shares, significantly increasing earnings per share [2] - He noted that GameStop had over $480 million in cash, sufficient to complete the share repurchase and still invest in the business and pay down debt, while the market capitalization was only $290 million [3] Group 2: Gill's Support - Keith Gill expressed support for Burry's analysis, agreeing that the board's inaction was concerning given the "absurdly low share price" [4] - Gill described GameStop's stock chart as "one of the ugliest" he had seen, indicating a strong belief in the stock's undervaluation despite market pessimism [4] Group 3: Stock Performance Context - The email exchange occurred nearly two years before GameStop's stock surged 1,294% in less than a month during the 2021 short-squeeze [5] - Currently, GameStop's shares are down 2,133% from their all-time high of $483 per share on January 28, 2021, and have decreased by 29.45% year-to-date [5]

Core Insights - NB Private Equity Partners (NBPE) reported a monthly NAV estimate as of 31 October 2025, with a total NAV of $1.3 billion [1] - The company maintains its existing dividend policy targeting an annualized yield on NAV of 3.0% or greater [4] NAV Performance - NAV total return (TR) for the year-to-date is 3.4%, with a one-year return of 4.3% and a ten-year return of 163.3% [4] - The MSCI World TR outperformed NBPE with a year-to-date return of 20.2% and a ten-year return of 220.9% [4] - Share price TR showed a slight decline of 0.2% for the month, but a significant ten-year return of 215.9% [4] Portfolio Update - NAV per share was reported at $27.52, with a total return of 0.3% for the month [7] - Approximately 50% of valuation information was based on Q3 private company data, with private investments appreciating by 0.8% on a constant currency basis [6][8] - The company repurchased approximately 658,000 shares in October 2025, resulting in an NAV per share accretion of ~$0.11 [7][14] Liquidity and Capital Allocation - As of 31 October 2025, NBPE had $277 million in available liquidity, including $67 million in cash and liquid investments [11] - The company plans to increase allocation to new investments by at least $100 million over the next three to six months [7] - An acceleration of the $120 million three-year share buyback program reflects the Board's confidence in the portfolio [7] Realisations and Investment Activity - Year-to-date, the company announced $165 million in realisations with an aggregate uplift of 17% to carrying value [7] - In October alone, $64 million of realisations were reported [9] - The company has deployed $23 million year-to-date into new and follow-on investments, with a strong pipeline of opportunities [10][13] Portfolio Composition - As of 31 October 2025, 79% of the portfolio is in North America and 21% in Europe [16] - The portfolio is diversified across various industries, with 21% in Tech, Media & Telecom, 20% in Consumer/E-commerce, and 19% in Industrials [16] - The majority of investments are in private direct investments, with 78.1% of the total portfolio value attributed to the top 30 investments [15]

Core Insights - Ross Stores Inc. reported better-than-expected third-quarter results, leading to a 5% increase in share price intra-day [1] - The company raised its full-year outlook, supported by strong comparable sales and disciplined cost control ahead of the holiday season [1] Financial Performance - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter were $1.58, exceeding analyst expectations of $1.41 and up from $1.48 a year earlier [2] - Revenue increased by 10% year-over-year to $5.6 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $5.42 billion, driven by a 7% rise in comparable store sales [2] - Operating margin expanded to 11.6%, aided by revenue strength and tighter expense management, despite a $0.05 per share negative impact from tariff-related costs [2] - Net income rose to $512 million, compared to $489 million in the previous year [2] Store Expansion and Share Buyback - The company ended the quarter with 2,273 stores, an increase from 2,192 stores last year [3] - Ross repurchased 1.7 million shares for $262 million during the quarter and is on track to complete a $2.1 billion buyback program by year-end [3] Future Outlook - For the fourth quarter, Ross projected EPS of $1.77–$1.85, above analyst expectations at the midpoint [4] - The company raised its holiday comparable sales outlook to 3%–4% [4] - Full-year EPS is now expected to range between $6.38 and $6.46, compared to $6.32 last year, despite a projected $0.16 per share tariff impact [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter consolidated net sales were $2.2 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $425 million, representing a 12% increase in sales driven by the acquisition of Eighth Avenue [13][14] - Excluding the acquisition, net sales declined due to lower pet food and cereal volumes, partially offset by avian influenza-driven pricing and egg volume growth [14] - Adjusted EBITDA for the consumer brands segment decreased 8% versus the prior year, while adjusted EBITDA for foodservice increased 50% [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer brands net sales, excluding Eighth Avenue, decreased 13%, with cereal volumes down 8% and pet volumes down 13% [14][15] - Foodservice net sales increased 20%, driven by an 11% volume increase and avian influenza-driven pricing [15] - Refrigerated retail net sales were flat, with volumes, excluding PPI impact, falling 4% [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.K. cereal category showed improvement, with Weetabix's net sales increasing 4% year-over-year, although overall volumes decreased by 3% [16] - The pet food category faced challenges, with Nutrich brand adjustments expected to improve performance by mid-fiscal year [9][48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on cost reduction and profitable brand investments in retail while expecting volume growth in foodservice [7][10] - Management is reviewing M&A opportunities while also considering share buybacks as a capital allocation strategy [8][22] - The company plans to make targeted investments in innovation across various categories, including cereal and refrigerated retail [39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating regulatory changes and consumer sentiment challenges, highlighting the resilience of their diversified portfolio [5][6] - The outlook for FY 2026 includes expectations for increased free cash flow and continued volume growth in foodservice [8][17] - Management anticipates a more normalized environment in cold chain businesses and targeted investments to support volume growth [12] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 6.4 million shares in fiscal 2025, with an additional 1 million shares bought back post-quarter [16][17] - Net leverage at the end of the fiscal year was 4.4 times, remaining flat compared to the beginning of the year [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Industry volume challenges and capital allocation decisions - Management acknowledged industry volume challenges and indicated a more thoughtful approach to M&A versus share buybacks, focusing on risk-return perspectives [20][22] Question: Cost reduction actions in cereal category - Management noted that while larger cost reduction actions have been taken, there are still opportunities for line optimization [23][24] Question: Normalized growth outlook for segments - Management indicated that the PCB legacy business is expected to be flat, while other segments align with growth algorithms [28] Question: Performance in refrigerated retail - Management expects high teens EBITDA margins in refrigerated retail, with seasonal fluctuations impacting performance [33] Question: Innovation investments in 2026 - Management plans to invest in brand innovation across categories, including new product lines in cereal and pet food [39] Question: Demand for value-added products in foodservice - Management expressed confidence in sustained demand for value-added products due to operational efficiencies and customer stickiness [41][42] Question: Key moving parts in pet segment - Management highlighted the impact of private label losses and expected recovery in the pet segment by mid-fiscal year [48] Question: Pricing rationality in cereal category - Management noted competitive pressure and promotional activities affecting pricing dynamics in the cereal category [49] Question: M&A environment and opportunities - Management remains optimistic about M&A opportunities but noted reluctance from counterparties due to current multiples [68]

Siemens Energy plans to buy back as much as €6 billion of its own shares https://t.co/XWonxRc178 ...

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley's Q3 2025 earnings report showed strong performance, with earnings per share significantly exceeding estimates and a notable year-over-year increase in net income and revenues [2][6][7]. Financial Performance - Q3 2025 earnings were $2.80 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.08, and increased by 49% from the prior year [2]. - Net income applicable to common shareholders reached $4.45 billion, a 47% increase from the previous year, exceeding the estimate of $3.12 billion [6]. - Quarterly net revenues were $18.22 billion, an 18% increase year-over-year, and also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $16.4 billion [7]. Revenue Breakdown - Institutional Securities segment saw pre-tax income rise to $3.18 billion, a 67% increase year-over-year, with net revenues of $8.52 billion, up 25% [9]. - Wealth Management segment reported pre-tax income of $2.5 billion, a 21% increase, with net revenues of $8.23 billion, up 13% [10]. - Investment Management segment's pre-tax income climbed to $364 million, a 40% increase, with net revenues of $1.65 billion, growing 13% [11]. Trading and Investment Banking - Investment banking fees increased by 44% to $2.11 billion, driven by a surge in advisory fees and capital-raising activities [4]. - Equity trading revenues rose 35% to $4.12 billion, while fixed-income trading income increased by 8% to $2.17 billion [5]. Capital Position - As of September 30, 2025, book value per share was $62.98, up from $58.25 a year ago, and the Tier 1 capital ratio improved to 17.6% from 16.9% [12]. Share Buyback - In the reported quarter, Morgan Stanley repurchased 7 billion shares for $1.1 billion [13]. Future Outlook - The company anticipates a modest sequential gain in net interest income for Q4 2025 and expects an effective tax rate of 24% for the same period [14]. - Estimates for the stock have been trending upward, with a consensus shift of 8.99% recently, indicating a positive outlook [15][17].