Core Insights - Levi Strauss & Co. raised its full-year revenue and profit forecast after a stronger-than-expected quarterly performance driven by robust denim demand and growth in direct-to-consumer sales [1] - Despite the positive outlook, shares fell over 11% following Morgan Stanley's analysis indicating disappointing profitability flow-through from the upgraded guidance [1] Financial Performance - For Q3, Levi reported earnings of $0.34 per share, exceeding Wall Street's consensus estimate of $0.30 [1] - Revenue increased to $1.54 billion from $1.50 billion year-over-year, surpassing analyst expectations of $1.50 billion [1] Future Guidance - The company now forecasts fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings of $1.27 to $1.32 per share, up from the previous range of $1.25 to $1.30 [2] - Levi raised its reported net revenue growth outlook to around 3%, an increase from the prior estimate of 1% to 2% [2] - Projected organic growth is now roughly 6%, compared to the earlier estimate of 4.5% to 5.5% [2] Margin Expectations - Gross margin is expected to expand by 100 basis points this year, an increase from the prior forecast of 80 basis points [2] - Adjusted EBIT margin is anticipated to remain between 11.4% and 11.6% [2]

宏观研究 证 券 研 究 报 告 【宏观快评】 两类行业利润改善——8 月工业企业利润点评 主要观点 ❖ 8 月工业企业利润数据：利润增速回升 8 月，根据统计局数据，规模以上工业企业利润同比由上月下降 1.5%转为增 长 20.4%。若考虑基数影响，今年和去年两年合计的增速，则 2025 年 8 月利 润相比 2023 年 8 月同比为-1.4%，前值为 3.0%。库存方面，截止至今年 8 月， 库存同比 2.3%，前值为 2.4%。 量、价、利润率拆分来看，量弱价升，收入增速小幅改善。PPI 同比，8 月同 比为-2.9%，7 月为-3.6%。工业增加值 8 月增速为 5.2%，7 月为 5.7%；收入端 8 月增速为 2.3%，7 月为 1.13%。利润率方面，8 月为 5.8%，去年同期（可比 口径）为 4.97%。利润率拆分来看（改善主要来自其他损益收入和毛利率）， 8 月毛利率为 14.38%，去年同期为 14.2%；费用率 8.30%，去年同期为 8.41%； 其他损益收入比为 0.25%，去年同期为 0.83%。从行业情况看，8 月，采矿业 增速为-23%，前值为-39.24%；制造业增速为 ...

Core Viewpoint - Concentrix Corporation's stock dropped over 16% in pre-market trading following third-quarter earnings that fell short of expectations, despite revenue exceeding guidance and an upward revision of the full-year outlook [1]. Financial Performance - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.78 for the quarter ending August 31, which was below analyst expectations of $2.86 [2]. - Revenue for the quarter was $2.48 billion, surpassing expectations of $2.46 billion and reflecting a 4% year-on-year increase. On a constant currency basis, revenue grew by 2.6%, exceeding guidance [2]. - Profitability metrics showed a decline, with the adjusted operating margin falling to 12.3% from 13.9% a year ago, and the adjusted EBITDA margin decreasing to 14.5% from 16.3% [2]. Future Outlook - For the fourth quarter, Concentrix projected revenue between $2.525 billion and $2.550 billion, indicating a constant currency growth of 1.5% to 2.5% [3]. - The full-year revenue guidance was raised to a range of $9.798 billion to $9.823 billion, which corresponds to a constant currency growth of 1.75% to 2.0% [3].

Core Insights - CarMax, Inc. (KMX) is set to release its second-quarter fiscal 2026 results on September 25, with consensus estimates for earnings per share (EPS) at $1.03 and revenues at $7.05 billion, indicating year-over-year growth [1][8] - The consensus estimate for KMX's quarterly revenues suggests a year-over-year growth of 0.6%, while earnings estimates imply a 21.2% increase from the previous year [1][2] Financial Performance - In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, CarMax reported an adjusted EPS of $1.38, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.18, and net sales of $7.55 billion, exceeding the estimate of $7.52 billion, reflecting a 6% year-over-year increase [2] - The service gross margin improved by $30 million year-over-year in Q1, driven by new fees and efficiency initiatives, which are expected to continue positively impacting margins in Q2 [3] Market Conditions - The average age of light vehicles in the U.S. has increased to 12.8 years, which may reduce demand in the wholesale channel and soften prices; the average selling price of KMX's wholesale vehicles declined to $7,959 from $8,094 year-over-year [4] - The decline in wholesale vehicle gross profit per unit to $1,047 from $1,064 may pressure CarMax's margin performance in the upcoming quarter [4] Earnings Expectations - CarMax has an Earnings ESP of -6.67%, indicating a lower Most Accurate Estimate compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, which suggests a lower likelihood of an earnings beat for the upcoming quarter [5][6] - The current Zacks Rank for KMX is 3 (Hold), which does not favor a strong earnings performance [6]

Core Viewpoint - Arista Networks' stock has seen a significant increase of 72% since May, but analysts warn that its valuation is now well above historical averages, indicating potential growth slowdown risks by 2027 [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - On Friday, Arista Networks (ANET.US) experienced a decline of over 7%, currently trading at $141.93 [1] - The stock has risen 72% since May, reflecting strong market performance [1] Group 2: Analyst Insights - Some analysts highlight that the current market risk/reward profile is tilted downward, suggesting that cautious decision-making is essential for investors [1] - Wall Street remains optimistic about Arista's profit margins over the next two years, particularly due to Broadcom's outlook indicating a potential acceleration in capital expenditure growth starting in 2026 [1] Group 3: Future Growth Concerns - Despite the optimistic short-term outlook, the potential for growth slowdown in 2027 must be factored into evaluations [1]

Core Viewpoint - Goldman Sachs anticipates that Haidilao's revenue growth will return to normal in the second half of the year due to a low base and effective operational optimization measures, although the consumer environment remains a challenge for table turnover recovery [1] Revenue and Profitability - The company is expected to face pressure on profit margins in the second half of the year due to last year's high base and ongoing investments in customer experience and employee benefits [1] Shareholder Returns and Stock Performance - Shareholder returns are expected to support the stock price despite a slowdown in store count and sales growth, along with short-term profit margin headwinds [1] Earnings Forecast Adjustment - Goldman Sachs has lowered its earnings forecasts for 2025 to 2027 by 7% to 14% and maintains a "Neutral" rating, with the target price adjusted from HKD 15.3 to HKD 14.7 [1]

Core Viewpoint - Smoore International (06969) experienced a significant stock price fluctuation, initially rising over 8% before closing up 6.25%, but later falling 5.88% to HKD 22.08, with a trading volume of HKD 683 million [1] Financial Performance - For the first half of 2025, Smoore International reported revenue of RMB 6.013 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 18.3% [1] - Adjusted profit for the period was RMB 737 million, a decrease of 2.1% year-on-year [1] - Net profit for the period was RMB 492 million, reflecting a significant year-on-year decline of 27.96% [1] Dividend Announcement - In celebration of its fifth anniversary since listing, the board declared an interim dividend of HKD 0.20 per share for the six months ending June 30, 2025, compared to HKD 0.05 per share in the same period last year [1] Analyst Insights - According to a report from Bank of America Securities, the company is expected to see slight improvement in annual revenue growth, but profit margins are anticipated to remain under pressure [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales and revenues decreased by 1% year-over-year to $16.6 billion, primarily due to unfavorable price realization, partially offset by higher sales volume and financial products revenue growth [28][30] - Adjusted operating profit was $2.9 billion, with an adjusted operating profit margin of 17.6%, both exceeding expectations [29][32] - Adjusted profit per share was $4.72, down from $5.99 in the previous year [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Construction Industries**: Sales decreased by 7% to $6.2 billion, with a profit of $1.2 billion, a 29% decrease year-over-year [33][35] - **Resource Industries**: Sales decreased by 4% to $3.1 billion, with a profit of $537 million, a 25% decrease year-over-year [37] - **Energy and Transportation**: Sales increased by 7% to $7.8 billion, with a profit of $1.6 billion, a 4% increase year-over-year [39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, sales to users increased by 3%, driven by growth in residential and nonresidential construction [11] - EAME region saw sales growth primarily due to Africa and the Middle East, while Europe experienced weakness [11] - Asia Pacific sales slightly declined, with China being flat compared to the previous year [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is optimistic about top-line expectations, driven by strong order rates and backlog growth across all segments [15][24] - The company plans to implement longer-term actions to mitigate tariff impacts once there is sufficient certainty [15][19] - Focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet and liquidity while deploying capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [43][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the operating environment remains dynamic, with tariffs expected to be a significant headwind to profitability in 2025 [8][15] - The company anticipates moderate sales growth in the third quarter, driven by higher volumes across all segments [50] - Full-year sales and revenues are expected to increase slightly compared to 2024, with adjusted operating profit margins anticipated to be in the bottom half of the target range due to tariffs [19][47] Other Important Information - The backlog increased by $2.5 billion to a record level of $37.5 billion, driven by strong order rates across all segments [8][14] - Free cash flow for the quarter was approximately $2.4 billion, with expectations for full-year free cash flow to be around the middle of the $5 billion to $10 billion target range [42][48] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company planning to mitigate tariff headwinds in the medium to long term? - Management indicated that all options are on the table, including changing sourcing and pricing strategies, but more clarity is needed before making decisions [59][63] Question: Can the backlog be repriced to improve margins? - Management confirmed that there is flexibility on pricing in the backlog, and they will evaluate pricing strategies as they move into the second half of the year [70][72] Question: What is the impact of capacity additions on sales and margins in the Energy and Transportation segment? - Management noted that capacity investments are improving throughput, and they expect to see incremental sales and margin improvements as capacity comes online [80][82] Question: What are the key tariff-related uncertainties to watch for? - Management highlighted that ongoing negotiations and investigations could impact tariffs, and the situation remains fluid [96] Question: How does the company view inventory levels and dealer decisions? - Management explained that dealer inventory decisions are independent, and they expect machines to be flat for the year based on order rates [100][101]

Core Insights - SOFI Technologies, Inc. reported strong second-quarter 2025 results with earnings and revenues exceeding expectations, yet the stock declined by 2.4% post-earnings release [1][9]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share were 8 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 33.3% and more than doubling from the previous year [2][9]. - Revenues reached $858.2 million, beating the consensus estimate by 6.6% and increasing by 43.4% year-over-year [2][9]. Segment Performance - The Financial Services segment generated net revenues of $362.5 million, more than doubling year-over-year [3]. - Revenues from the Technology Platform segment and Lending segment were $109.8 million and $443.5 million, reflecting year-over-year increases of 15% and 30%, respectively [3][9]. - The Loan Platform Business contributed $130.6 million to consolidated adjusted net revenues, with $127.4 million coming from $2.4 billion in personal loans originated for third parties [4]. Profitability Metrics - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $249.1 million, an increase of 80.6% from the prior year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 29%, improving by 600 basis points year-over-year [5]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - At the end of Q2 2025, SOFI had cash and cash equivalents of $2.1 billion, down from $2.5 billion at the end of Q4 2024 [6]. Future Guidance - For full-year 2025, SOFI anticipates revenues of approximately $3.375 billion, exceeding previous guidance by $65 million, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.28 billion [7]. - Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be around $960 million, above prior guidance, representing an EBITDA margin of 28% [7]. - The company now projects EPS of approximately 31 cents, higher than previous guidance and the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 28 cents [8]. - GAAP net income is expected to be around $370 million, surpassing prior guidance [8].

Core Insights - The 2025 Fortune Global 500 list was released, with Walmart retaining the top position for the twelfth consecutive year, followed by Amazon and China's State Grid Corporation [1] - Total revenue of the listed companies reached $41.7 trillion, accounting for over one-third of global GDP, with a year-on-year growth of 1.8% [1] - The profit margin of the listed companies increased to approximately $2.98 trillion, reflecting a 0.4% year-on-year growth [1] Company Performance - China had 130 companies on the list, with a total revenue of about $10.7 trillion and an average sales revenue of $82 billion [1] - Notable growth was observed in the Chinese automotive sector, with companies like Chery, BYD, and Geely showing significant revenue increases and improved rankings [1] - Pinduoduo saw the largest ranking increase among Chinese companies, rising 176 places to rank 266 [2] Financial Metrics - The top companies by revenue included State Grid Corporation ($548.4 billion), China National Petroleum Corporation ($412.6 billion), and Sinopec Group ($407.5 billion) [4][5] - Cencora topped the return on equity (ROE) list with over 233%, while Pinduoduo ranked 25th with over 36% ROE [2] - Nvidia led the profit margin rankings with over 55%, followed by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and SK Hynix [3]