First Quarter 2025 ResultsAll amounts expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated TORONTO , May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:GOLD1)(TSX:ABX) (“Barrick” or the “Company”) today reported a solid start to the financial year, making significant headway on its long-term strategy and advancing its global portfolio of Tier One2 gold and copper assets. Net earnings per share increased 59% year-on-year to $0.27 with adjusted net earnings per share3 growing by 84% year-on-yea ...

Core Insights - CommScope Holdings Company, Inc. (COMM) has experienced a significant stock price increase of 378.2% over the past year, outperforming the Communication Infrastructure industry growth of 29.2% and the S&P 500's growth of 9% [1][12] - The company has also outperformed competitors such as Corning Incorporated (GLW) and Amphenol Corporation (APH), which saw stock increases of 34.4% and 27.6%, respectively [2] Company Strategy - CommScope is focused on portfolio optimization and product innovation, aiming to enhance transparency, reduce manufacturing costs, and improve working capital for better profitability [3] - The company has divested its Outdoor Wireless Networks segment and Distributed Antenna Systems business unit, as well as the Home Networks business, to improve liquidity and concentrate on core products [3] - Investment in capacity expansion and efforts to grow its Enterprise business in underpenetrated metropolitan areas are driving growth [4] Product Development - CommScope is expanding its portfolio in various verticals, including fiber optic connectivity, Wi-Fi 7, DOCSIS 4.0, and small cell wireless solutions [4] - The launch of the Propel XFrame, a floor-mounted fiber frame solution, aims to streamline management of high-density data centers [4] Market Position - The company has a comprehensive portfolio and a global salesforce, allowing it to serve a broad customer base across 100 countries, with no single customer accounting for more than 10% of total revenues [5] Competitive Landscape - CommScope faces intense competition in its markets, particularly from companies like Harmonic, ATX Networks, Cisco, Corning, Amphenol, Belden, and Clearfield, which is impacting margins [6] - Corning's innovative products for generative AI applications and Amphenol's high-speed interconnect solutions are gaining traction, posing a challenge for CommScope [6] Financial Outlook - Earnings estimates for 2025 have increased by 9.88% to $0.89, while estimates for 2026 have risen by 4.39% to $1.19, indicating positive sentiment regarding the stock's growth potential [10] - The trend of estimate revisions shows a general upward movement, reflecting growing investor confidence [10] Challenges - The success of 5G technology requires substantial investments in infrastructure, which may erode short-term profitability despite long-term benefits [8] - Sino-U.S. trade tensions are also identified as a significant headwind for the company [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong core FFO growth of 4.8% in Q1 compared to the previous year, exceeding prior Q1 guidance by $0.03 [11][12] - The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 outlook, which includes sequential internal and external growth in the second half of the year [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has 19 projects currently under construction with a total capital cost of $3 billion, which are match funded and expected to drive outsized earnings growth as they lease up [19][20] - The company is projecting a drop in deliveries in established regions to 80 basis points of existing stock in 2026, equating to just 45,000 units, which is the lowest level of new deliveries seen in 20 years [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - 47% of the company's portfolio is in established regions on the East Coast, 40% on the West Coast, and 12% in expansion regions, with a significant rotation of capital to suburban areas [9][10] - The company noted that rental affordability has improved in established regions due to solid income growth, resulting in rent-to-income ratios below pre-COVID levels [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reshaping its portfolio to optimize future returns and is well-positioned to execute strategic initiatives across various macroeconomic scenarios [6][8] - The company aims to increase its allocation to expansion regions to 25% of its portfolio, primarily through trading older assets from established regions [33][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong balance sheet and liquidity position, which supports planned development starts and the ability to respond to market challenges [26][28] - The company is closely monitoring job market uncertainties but has not seen significant impacts on leasing velocity or pricing in key markets [15][56] Other Important Information - The company raised $890 million of equity at an average gross price of $226 per share, which is expected to be deployed into accretive development [8][26] - The company has renewed and increased its unsecured credit facility to $2.5 billion, enhancing liquidity and access to cost-effective capital [27][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Effective rent growth has been lower than last year; what is the reason? - Management indicated that the lower rent growth is due to a combination of factors, including a stronger focus on occupancy and differences in year-over-year comparisons [30][32] Question: Will economic or policy changes affect the plan to grow expansion markets? - Management stated that the movement towards the 25% target in expansion regions is primarily through trading and is somewhat agnostic to capital market conditions [33][34] Question: What factors are monitored for development starts? - Management mentioned that each project is evaluated individually based on costs, NOI, and market conditions, with a focus on profitability [38][40] Question: What is the outlook for renewal rates and rent growth? - Management expects renewal rates to strengthen in the second half of the year, with current renewal offers in the low to mid 5% range [61][85] Question: What is driving the strong performance in Northern California? - Management highlighted return-to-office mandates, job growth, and limited supply as key factors driving performance in Northern California [98][100]

Q2 FY25 Performance - Sales decreased by 17% to $479 million compared to Q2 FY24, but decreased by 5% compared to Q2 FY24 reset[10, 19] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 14% to $108 million compared to Q2 FY24, but decreased by 4% to $113 million compared to Q2 FY24 reset[10, 19] - Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 60 bps to 22.5% compared to Q2 FY24, and increased by 30 bps to 22.2% compared to Q2 FY24 reset[10, 19] - Adjusted EPS decreased by 22% to $0.99 compared to Q2 FY24[10] Business Unit Performance (Sales Change vs Prior Year) - Life Sciences sales decreased by 23% to $172 million, but decreased by 4% to $180 million compared to Q2 FY24 reset[14, 20] - Personal Care sales decreased by 14% to $146 million, but decreased by 5% to $154 million compared to Q2 FY24 reset[14, 27] - Specialty Additives sales decreased by 15% to $134 million, but decreased by 9% to $147 million compared to Q2 FY24 reset[14, 30] - Intermediates sales decreased by 8% to $37 million[23] Strategic Priorities and Outlook - The company is executing initiatives to deliver approximately $90 million in savings through FY27[34, 35] - The company anticipates a $3 to $5 million headwind in 2H from tariffs, and $5 to $7 million annually[44] - FY25 sales outlook is revised to $1.825 - $1.9 billion, and adjusted EBITDA outlook is $400 - $420 million[49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported normalized FFO of 84¢ per share, representing nearly 8% year-over-year growth [28] - Total same store cash NOI grew by 7%, led by SHOP increasing approximately 14% [29] - The company expects 7% normalized FFO per share growth for 2025 [6][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Senior Housing Operating Portfolio (SHOP) delivered 84¢ of normalized FFO per share in Q1, an increase of approximately 8% [7] - SHOP's same store cash NOI growth was 13.6%, with revenue growth of 7.4% driven by occupancy and rate increases [15] - Outpatient medical and research business reported same store cash NOI growth of 1.3% year-over-year [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The 80+ population is experiencing its highest growth, with an increase of about half a million people this year and 900,000 annually between 2027 and 2030 [8] - The number of new senior housing units started in Q1 2025 was the lowest on record at only 1,287 units [8] - The company is positioned in markets with over a thousand basis points of expected net absorption in the coming years [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering superior multiyear growth through internal and external expansion in senior housing [5] - The investment strategy has been increased from $1 billion to $1.5 billion for the year, reflecting a growing pipeline of opportunities [31][26] - The company aims to enhance its portfolio composition through acquisitions, dispositions, and operational improvements [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges a high degree of macroeconomic uncertainty but believes senior housing remains a top asset class within real estate [87] - The company expects strong demand and occupancy growth, particularly during the key selling season [88] - Management is optimistic about the extended multiyear NOI growth opportunity in senior housing due to favorable demand and supply dynamics [11][88] Other Important Information - The company has improved its credit profile, with a net debt to EBITDA of 5.7 times, representing a 30 basis point improvement from the previous year [32] - The liquidity position is robust, with available liquidity of $3.6 billion as of April 2025 [33] - The company has completed over 250 community redevelopment projects in the past two and a half years [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the dynamics of occupancy and margin expansion? - Management indicated that reaching higher occupancy levels leads to significant margin expansion, with around 50% incremental margin from 80% to 90% occupancy [39] Question: How is the Canadian portfolio performing at high occupancy? - The Canadian portfolio continues to deliver strong NOI growth even at high occupancy levels, demonstrating that occupancy is not the only driver of growth [42] Question: What is the impact of the recent investments on cost per bed? - The cost per bed has increased due to acquiring newer communities in better markets, but the company is still buying below replacement costs [56][60] Question: How are the Brookdale assets expected to perform during the transition? - The Brookdale communities transitioning to new operators are outperforming those remaining in the lease model, and management is optimistic about their future performance [66][71] Question: What are the expectations for pricing power in the upcoming months? - Management expects pricing power to remain strong, with good rent increases anticipated during the key selling season [80] Question: How does the company view the potential changes in NIH funding? - Management believes that any potential changes in NIH funding would have a manageable impact on the research budget due to the strong financial position of their university tenants [113]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for the first quarter was $147.7 million, up from $133.4 million in the prior year, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 10.1% [16] - Organic revenue increased by 5.6% year-over-year to $139.2 million, driven by strong growth in the connections business, which improved by 6.6% [16] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $53.6 million, compared to $39.8 million in the prior year, marking an increase of 34.7% [16][17] - Adjusted EBITDA margin for the quarter was approximately 36.3% [17] - Free cash flow generated was $10.8 million, up from $3.8 million in the prior year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The connections business showed strong organic revenue growth, contributing to the overall increase in total revenue [16] - The acquisition of InsurTech Insights positively impacted adjusted EBITDA and revenue recognition for the quarter [16][42] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has sold over 90% of its full-year revenue target from international exhibitors, with notable strength from Turkey, Brazil, and the UAE, despite pressures from China and Canada [9][10] - Approximately 10% of total revenue is generated from international exhibitors, with China and Canada each contributing about 2% [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on portfolio optimization, reducing reliance on slower growth verticals, and enhancing resilience across market cycles [6][12] - A strategic focus on face-to-face engagement aligns with ongoing portfolio optimization efforts, positioning the company for stable performance across cycles [12] - The company received regulatory approval for the acquisition of This Is Beyond, which is expected to complement its portfolio and align with consumer trends [12][13] - The M&A strategy is centered on expanding into high-growth sectors while diversifying the portfolio to drive long-term shareholder value [14] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in achieving full-year 2025 guidance of $450 million to $460 million in revenue and $120 million to $125 million in adjusted EBITDA [24] - The company is proactively monitoring external factors, including trade tensions and consumer sentiment, to adapt to market dynamics [8][24] - Management emphasized the importance of face-to-face events in the current economic environment, highlighting their role in decision-making and commerce [11] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with $276.8 million in cash as of March 31, 2025, and total liquidity of $386.8 million [19][20] - The Board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share and reauthorized a share buyback program with an additional $25 million allocated [21][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on international attendance and guidance - Management reiterated guidance based on current observations, noting declines in international attendance from China and Canada, but increased sales from other countries [27][32] Question: Impact of InsurTech on EBITDA and future events - InsurTech contributed to EBITDA in the first quarter, with two more events scheduled for June and the fourth quarter [41][43] Question: Seasonal differences in revenue across quarters - The first quarter is expected to contribute about one-third of the annual revenue, with Q2 and Q3 being smaller quarters [49] Question: Expense discipline and efficiency improvements - The company is focusing on consolidating operations onto a single platform and utilizing AI to enhance efficiency [54][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $147.7 million, up from $133.4 million in the prior year, reflecting a year-over-year increase of approximately 10.3% [16] - Organic revenue increased by 5.6% year-over-year to $139.2 million, driven by strong growth in the connections business, which improved by 6.6% [16] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $53.6 million, compared to $39.8 million in the prior year, marking an increase of 34.7% [16] - The adjusted EBITDA margin for the quarter was approximately 36.3% [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The connections business showed strong organic revenue growth, contributing significantly to the overall revenue increase [16] - The InsurTech Insights acquisition positively impacted adjusted EBITDA and revenue recognition for the quarter [16][42] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 10% of total revenue is generated from international exhibitors, with China and Canada each contributing about 2% and Mexico less than 1% [10] - Sales efforts in China and Canada faced pressure, while countries like Turkey, Brazil, and the UAE showed strength in sales growth [8][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on portfolio optimization, reducing reliance on slower growth verticals, and enhancing resilience across market cycles [6] - A strategic emphasis on face-to-face engagement aligns with ongoing portfolio optimization efforts, targeting high-growth sectors such as design and construction, food, technology, and luxury travel [12] - The company plans to close the acquisition of This Is Beyond, which aligns with consumer trends for premium experiences [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in achieving full-year 2025 guidance of $450 million to $460 million in revenue and $120 million to $125 million in adjusted EBITDA [23] - The company is proactively monitoring external factors, including trade tensions and consumer sentiment, to adapt its strategies accordingly [7][23] Other Important Information - The company had $276.8 million in cash as of March 31, 2025, up from $194.8 million at the end of 2024, supporting future acquisitions and investments [19] - A share buyback program was reauthorized with an additional $25 million allocated, reflecting management's confidence in the long-term value of the stock [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on guidance considering trade war impacts - Management reiterated guidance based on current observations, noting that international revenues from China and Canada are expected to decline, but sales from other countries are increasing [26][28][31] Question: Impact of InsurTech on EBITDA - InsurTech contributed positively to EBITDA in Q1, with revenue recognized from the event held during the quarter [41][42] Question: Seasonality of revenue across quarters - Q1 is expected to contribute about one-third of annual revenue, with Q2 and Q3 being smaller quarters due to the mix of events [48][49] Question: Future expense discipline - The company is focusing on consolidating operations onto a single platform to find efficiencies and is testing AI applications to improve operational effectiveness [55][56]

Core Viewpoint - Allied Properties Real Estate Investment Trust reported strong operational performance in Q1 2025, with stable occupancy and leasing metrics, although global trade disruptions are affecting long-term lease decisions [1][16]. Operations - Allied's portfolio includes three urban workspace formats: Allied Heritage, Allied Modern, and Allied Flex, with strong demand observed in Montréal and Vancouver [2]. - The company conducted 280 lease tours in Q1, achieving an occupied area of 85.9% and a leased area of 86.9% [3]. - A total of 507,410 square feet of GLA was leased in Q1, with 407,071 square feet from the rental portfolio and 100,339 square feet from the development portfolio [4]. Financial Performance - Rental revenue for Q1 2025 was $150.636 million, a 4.9% increase from $143.577 million in Q1 2024 [17]. - Operating income rose to $81.235 million, up 3.5% from $78.471 million year-over-year [17]. - The average in-place net rent per occupied square foot increased by 5.0% to $25.30 [5]. Portfolio Optimization and Non-Core Property Sales - The company plans to sell non-core properties for at least $300 million in 2025, having already sold properties for $229 million last year [10][11]. - Allied has made progress in leasing residential units at 19 Duncan, with 149 of 464 units leased [7]. Balance-Sheet Management - As of the end of Q1, Allied had $85.6 million drawn on its $800 million unsecured revolving operating facility, with a total debt ratio of 42.9% [12]. - The company raised $850 million in replacement debt financing, which had a negligible impact on annual interest expense [13]. Outlook - Management expects a Same Asset NOI growth of approximately 2% in 2025, despite anticipated contractions in FFO and AFFO per unit by about 4% [14]. - Specific operational goals for year-end 2025 include achieving at least 90% occupied and leased area and selling non-core properties at or above IFRS value [15].

Core Insights - Ashland Inc. reported a mixed performance in Q2 FY2025, with sales of $479 million, a 17% decrease from $575 million in the prior year, primarily due to portfolio optimization initiatives [4][21][23] - The company revised its full-year fiscal 2025 outlook, anticipating flattish organic sales volume growth and adjusted EBITDA in the range of $400 million to $420 million [21][23] Financial Performance - Net income for Q2 was $31 million, down from $120 million in the prior year, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $0.63 compared to $2.40 [4][5] - Adjusted EBITDA was $108 million, a 14% decrease from $126 million in the prior year, primarily due to the impact of portfolio optimization and lower organic sales [5][10] - Cash flows from operating activities were $9 million, a decrease from $54 million in the prior-year quarter, with ongoing free cash flow totaling negative $6 million [7][32] Segment Performance - Life Sciences sales totaled $172 million, a 23% decrease year-over-year, primarily due to the divestiture of the Nutraceuticals segment [9][10] - Personal Care sales were $146 million, a 14% decrease, attributed to portfolio optimization and specific customer challenges [11][12] - Specialty Additives reported sales of $134 million, a 15% decrease, driven by portfolio optimization and competitive intensity in export markets [13][14] Cost Management and Optimization - The company has completed its portfolio optimization, which included the sale of Avoca and identified a $30 million cost reduction plan [3][4] - Ashland is focusing on accelerating cost savings from its $60 million manufacturing optimization plans, with early benefits evident in robust EBITDA margins above 30% in Life Sciences and Personal Care [3][4] Tariff and Trade Impact - Ashland is closely monitoring tariff policies and has estimated a tariff impact of $3 to $5 million for the second half of FY2025, increasing to $5 to $7 million annually after mitigation actions [19][20] - The company is implementing strategies to mitigate risks associated with tariffs and global trade policies while focusing on maintaining flexible operations [18][19] Market Outlook - The company anticipates a positive inflection in organic sales volumes in the second half of FY2025, led by Life Sciences, to offset declines experienced in the first half [21][24] - Ashland's strategic priorities include enhancing business mix and improving profitability in response to the evolving demand landscape [22][24]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported FFO per diluted share of $0.52 for Q1 2025, a decrease of approximately $0.03 compared to Q4 2024, primarily due to the impact of the Del Monte Center disposition [16] - Same store cash NOI increased by 3.1% year over year in Q1 2025, with all sectors reporting positive growth except for the mixed-use sector [16][17] - The company ended Q1 with liquidity of approximately $544 million, including $144 million in cash and cash equivalents [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The office portfolio's same store NOI increased by 5.4% in Q1 2025, driven by the expiration of a rent abatement [17] - The retail portfolio's same store NOI also increased by 5.4%, supported by new leases and contractual rent escalations [17] - The multifamily portfolio's NOI was flat year over year, primarily due to lower rental income in Portland, while San Diego properties showed growth [17][12] - The mixed-use portfolio's NOI declined by approximately 11.6%, mainly due to lower occupancy at the Embassy Suites Waikiki [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The office portfolio ended Q1 at 85.5% leased, with an increase in average base rents and an 8% increase in cash basis spreads [8] - The retail portfolio ended the quarter 97% leased, with strong collections and an all-time high average base rent [10] - The San Diego multifamily properties ended the quarter approximately 95% leased, with a blended rent increase of 2% [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on thoughtful capital allocation, operational discipline, and enhancing asset quality to ensure long-term stability [5][6] - The strategy includes pursuing organic growth through leasing and value-add improvements while maintaining strong liquidity [6][14] - Recent capital recycling includes the sale of Del Monte Center and the acquisition of Genesee Parks Apartments, aligning with the strategy to concentrate on core markets [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the complex operating environment, including inflation, interest rate volatility, and geopolitical uncertainty, but sees opportunities for growth [4][5] - The company remains cautiously optimistic about the office sector's recovery, particularly in high barrier coastal markets [9] - Management reaffirms full-year 2025 guidance of $1.87 to $2.10 per FFO share, reflecting confidence in the portfolio's strength [21][22] Other Important Information - The Board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.34 per share for Q2, reflecting confidence in the company's outlook [14][15] - The company is closely monitoring economic conditions and tenant performance, particularly in the multifamily and retail segments [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Bellevue assets and occupancy outlook - Management highlighted recent leasing activity, including a 29,000 square foot lease at Timber Ridge, bringing it to 97% leased, and ongoing negotiations for additional leases [27][28] Question: Impact of Proposition 1A on tenant interest in Downtown Seattle - Management noted increased inbound tenant inquiries in Bellevue, partly due to the proposition, indicating a positive trend [30] Question: Plans for redeploying proceeds from Del Monte Center sale - Management confirmed they are actively looking for additional acquisitions but are also comfortable holding cash for liquidity during economic uncertainty [32][33] Question: Update on leasing pipeline and market conditions in La Jolla - Management reported a tight submarket with a direct vacancy of 7.4%, and ongoing efforts to enhance leasing activity through new amenities and spec suites [34][38]