Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the importance of understanding value investing and critiques common Wall Street theories, particularly focusing on the misleading nature of terms like EBITDA, EMH, and Beta, as emphasized by investment legends like Buffett, Graham, and Fisher [1][3][9]. Summary by Sections Investment Philosophy - The article begins by highlighting the insights of Yang Yuebin, a fund manager who recently attended the Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting, emphasizing the essence of value investing through the "duck-rabbit illusion" [1][6]. - It references Graham's warnings about the dangers of superficial knowledge in investing and the misleading theories that can arise from it [2][3]. Critique of Wall Street Theories - The author critiques the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH), Beta, and EBITDA, arguing that these concepts mislead investors and undermine the foundations of modern portfolio theory [3][4]. - Buffett's repeated criticisms of these theories are noted, suggesting they challenge the prevailing investment philosophies in both Western and emerging markets [4][7]. Risk and Return Analysis - The article stresses that investment decisions should be based solely on risk and return analysis, without unnecessary complications [4][5]. - It discusses the psychological aspect of investing, using the "duck-rabbit illusion" to illustrate how different perspectives can lead to varying interpretations of risk and return [5][6]. Misinterpretation of EBITDA - The article delves into the pitfalls of using EBITDA as a measure of profitability, arguing that it ignores essential costs like depreciation, which can lead to significant misjudgments about a company's financial health [11][12]. - Buffett's disdain for EBITDA is highlighted, with examples illustrating how it can mislead investors regarding a company's true earnings potential [11][12][19]. Conclusion and Future Outlook - The article concludes by emphasizing the need for investors to be wary of misleading financial jargon and to maintain a clear understanding of risk and return to avoid falling into the "duck-rabbit illusion" [23][24]. - It reflects on Buffett's legacy and the importance of his teachings in guiding future investors [26][27].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total organic growth of 6% in Q1, at the top end of previous guidance [6] - Adjusted EBITDA was $215 million with a margin of 17.2%, exceeding the high end of Q1 guidance due to strong execution [7] - Earnings per share (EPS) was $1.62, reflecting benefits from share repurchases and a planned increase in the tax rate [7] - Free cash flow conversion was 40%, highlighting progress on accounts receivable collections [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - ATM Managed Services and Digital Retail Solutions (AMS DRS) grew over 20% for the fourth consecutive quarter, now representing a quarter of total business [6][8] - Cash and Valuables Management (CVM) grew 1% organically, with strong performance in Global Services contributing to overall growth [18] - The Global Services business saw elevated precious metal movement, leading to improved year-over-year growth [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America experienced constant currency growth of 4% and organic growth of 2%, with DRS growth highlighted by new customer onboarding [13] - Latin America reported 7% organic growth, but this was offset by currency devaluation, particularly in Mexico and Argentina [14] - Europe grew revenue by 5% organically, with AMS DRS mix increasing to 42% of total revenue [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maximizing growth potential in AMS DRS, expanding margins, and executing a capital allocation framework [7][10] - The strategy includes increasing network density and improving routing flexibility to support profit margin expansion [25] - The company is exploring accretive M&A opportunities that align with its capital allocation framework [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's resilience amid economic uncertainty, citing a diversified global footprint and strong customer relationships [24][25] - The outlook for the second quarter includes expectations for continued mid-single-digit organic growth and EBITDA between $200 million and $225 million [10][34] - Management remains cautious about the Global Services business due to slowing growth trends observed in early Q2 [19] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 1.3 million shares at an average price of $87.62, representing about 3% of outstanding shares [9] - A third consecutive annual increase in the quarterly dividend was announced, reflecting a commitment to shareholder returns [9][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about your tariff exposure? - Management indicated no significant direct exposure to tariffs, as most costs and revenues are in the same currency and services are not heavily imported [39][40] Question: Can you discuss pricing trends in Latin America? - Management confirmed that pricing strategies are in place to offset currency devaluations, particularly in highly inflationary markets like Argentina [42][43] Question: What are the drivers for the second quarter margin guidance? - Key drivers include FX impacts, interest income from Argentina, and restructuring actions, with expectations for improved margins in the second half of the year [50][51][55] Question: What is the expected impact of interest income on EBITDA for the full year? - Management expects a headwind of approximately $4 million to $5 million per quarter from reduced interest income [56] Question: What are the growth expectations excluding last year's equipment sales? - Management anticipates continued growth trajectory in DRS AMS, despite a couple of points of headwind from last year's equipment sales [62][63] Question: Why is AMS DRS expected to be more resilient to macro softness? - The larger white space and subscription-based revenue model of AMS DRS provide more consistent revenues compared to traditional CIT business [70][71]

Group 1 - AppLovin reported strong Q1 performance with revenue of $1.48 billion, a 40% year-over-year increase, exceeding market expectations [1] - The adjusted earnings per share for Q1 were $1.67, also surpassing market forecasts [1] - The company agreed to sell its mobile gaming division to Tripledot Studios to focus on its advertising technology business [1] Group 2 - Morgan Stanley raised its target price for AppLovin from $350 to $420, maintaining an "overweight" rating due to optimism about future growth [1] - Morgan Stanley is more optimistic about AppLovin's execution in core advertising products, estimating non-gaming products contributed approximately $150 million in revenue in Q2 [1] - UBS also raised its target price for AppLovin from $450 to $475, maintaining a "buy" rating based on profit growth outlook [1] Group 3 - UBS increased its EBITDA forecast for AppLovin for FY2026 by 7.4% to $6.1 billion, reflecting faster growth in web-based advertising revenue [2] - The faster transition to self-service advertising platforms is expected to stimulate new advertiser demand, although it may not guarantee sustained revenue acceleration [2] - UBS noted the willingness to meet advertiser needs, which should help further stimulate demand from new advertisers [2]