Summary of CRA International Conference Call - December 10, 2025 Company Overview - **Company Name**: Charles River Associates (CRA) - **Ticker**: CRAI - **Industry**: Economic consulting and management consulting - **Anniversary**: Celebrated 60th anniversary in 2025 and over 27 years as a publicly traded company [2][3] Core Business Segments - **Revenue Composition**: - Legal and Regulatory: Approximately 80% of total revenue - Management Consulting: Remaining 20% [4] - **Key Practices**: - Antitrust and Competition Economics: 40%-45% of total revenue - Life Sciences, Energy, Auctions and Competitive Bidding, Maritime Practices: Contribute to management consulting [8][9] Financial Performance - **Revenue Growth**: Over 50% growth in the past five years; year-to-date 2025 shows continued growth [11] - **Headcount Growth**: Increased by 20% over the past five years [11] - **Earnings Per Share (EPS)**: Grew by 142% over the past five years [11] - **Shareholder Returns**: Nearly $200 million returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [12] - **Share Repurchase**: Average repurchase price over the past five years was $88, with current trading above $190 [12] Talent and Workforce - **Employee Qualifications**: - Approximately 75% of senior colleagues have advanced degrees; over 40% hold PhDs [5][6] - Less than 10% voluntary turnover among top revenue-generating employees over the past five years [7] - **Diversity**: Employees from over 70 countries, speaking more than 35 languages [6] Market Position and Clientele - **Client Base**: Worked with 85 of the Fortune 100 companies and 98 of the Am Law 100 law firms in the past two years [10] - **Project-Based Business Model**: Trust built on a project-by-project basis rather than subscription-based [10] Investment Thesis - **Long-Term Value Maximization**: Focus on earning returns above the cost of capital and returning excess capital to shareholders [13] - **Organic Growth**: Approximately two-thirds of growth is organic, with a focus on talent acquisition and retention [17] Current Market Dynamics - **M&A Activity**: Increasing momentum in mergers and acquisitions, with CRA involved in significant deals [24] - **Litigation Activity**: Notable increase in litigation filings, indicating a robust demand for consulting services [26] Conclusion - **Outlook**: CRA anticipates continued success and record performance in 2025, with a strong pipeline of new business opportunities and talent acquisition [19][23]

Core Viewpoint - Gold Royalty Corp. reported a second consecutive quarter of positive free cash flow, along with record revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and operating cash flow, indicating strong financial performance and growth potential [5]. Financial Performance - The company achieved record revenue and adjusted EBITDA, reflecting the successful curation of its asset portfolio over the past five years [5]. - Positive free cash flow for the second consecutive quarter demonstrates the company's effective capital management and operational efficiency [5]. Capital Allocation Strategy - The company emphasized its approach to capital allocation, indicating a focus on maximizing growth and value creation from its assets [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Acacia reported total revenue of $59.4 million, up 16% sequentially and up 155% year-over-year, primarily driven by the third full quarter of Deflecto [5][17] - Adjusted EBITDA for the company was $8 million, with segment-adjusted EBITDA at $12.6 million [5][17] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $7.7 million, with a GAAP loss of $0.03 per share [5][22] - Book value per share at the end of Q3 was $5.98, essentially flat from the last quarter [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Energy operations generated $14.2 million in revenue, down from $15.8 million year-over-year due to a softer oil price environment [17] - Manufacturing operations, including Deflecto, generated $30.8 million, marking a third consecutive sequential increase [17] - Industrial operations reported $6.7 million in revenue, down from $7 million in the same quarter last year [17] - Intellectual property operations generated $7.8 million in revenue, a significant increase from $0.5 million in the prior year [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Class 8 truck market faced demand headwinds, with September net orders being the weakest since 2019 [13] - Despite tariff pressures, Deflecto's essential non-discretionary products position the business well for future growth [14] - Benchmark's hedging strategy protects a significant amount of cash flow from downside price risk, with over 70% of operated oil and gas production hedged [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Acacia is focused on identifying and acquiring under-loved, under-managed, and under-valued businesses to drive long-term growth [6] - The company is implementing pricing strategies, cost savings initiatives, and operational efficiencies to mitigate tariff pressures [4] - There is a strong emphasis on pursuing accretive, organic, and inorganic growth opportunities, with a cash position of approximately $332 million [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged persistent macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds but emphasized strong execution against their operationally focused strategy [4] - The company remains focused on driving revenue, EBITDA, and free cash flow growth while expanding its M&A pipeline [8] - Management expressed confidence in the inherent value of their assets and the ability to build momentum through year-end and into next year [25] Other Important Information - Total consolidated G&A expenses were $16 million, up from $11.2 million year-over-year, primarily due to the addition of Deflecto [18] - The company recorded a GAAP operating loss of $6.4 million, an improvement from a loss of $10.3 million in the prior year [19] - Acacia's total indebtedness was $94 million as of September 30, 2025, with zero debt at the parent company level [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Focus on Deflecto's performance - Management noted that Deflecto performed better than expected in a challenging environment and discussed future free cash flow allocation towards debt repayment [26][27] Question: Update on Benchmark and Cherokee properties - Management confirmed that Benchmark's production is performing well and discussed ongoing strategic acquisitions in the Cherokee area [30] Question: Interest in AMO Pharma - Management stated that while AMO Pharma has made positive advancements, they have not changed their estimated valuation [44] Question: Impact of geopolitical tensions on patent portfolio - Management indicated that the U.S. appears to be more IP-friendly under the new administration, which is a positive for their patent portfolio [32] Question: Outreach to investors and analysts - Management acknowledged the need for increased investor outreach and discussed ongoing efforts to raise Acacia's profile among potential investors [39][41]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, net operating revenues were $5.3 billion, with consolidated adjusted EBITDA growing 12% year-over-year to $1.1 billion, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 20.8%, a 170 basis points improvement from the previous year [4][11] - The company raised its full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance to a range of $4.47 to $4.57 billion, reflecting an increase of $445 million, or 11% at the midpoint from initial guidance [6][14] - Free cash flow for 2025 is now expected to be in the range of $2.275 to $2.525 billion, with free cash flow after non-controlling interest projected at $1.495 to $1.695 billion, an increase of $250 million at the midpoint from previous guidance [7][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - USPI's adjusted EBITDA grew 12% year-over-year to $492 million, with same-facility revenues increasing by 8.3% and total joint replacements in ASCs growing by 11% [4][11] - The hospital segment's adjusted EBITDA increased 13% to $607 million, with same-store hospital admissions up 1.4% and revenue per adjusted admission rising 5.9% [5][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The exchange business represented 8.4% of total admissions and 7% of total consolidated revenues in Q3, with a slight increase in total as a percent of admissions from Q2 [24][68] - The company noted healthy patient demand supporting same-store volume growth and a stable operating environment for 2026 [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on higher acuity services, which has led to improved margins and strong earnings growth [9][10] - There is a robust M&A and de novo activity, with 11 centers acquired and two new centers opened in Q3, emphasizing high-acuity procedures [5][6] - Capital expenditures for 2025 are expected to be between $875 million and $975 million, reflecting a $150 million increase at the midpoint over prior expectations [6][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business's performance, citing strong same-store revenue growth, high patient acuity, and effective cost controls [11][14] - There is uncertainty regarding enhanced premium tax subsidies and their impact on reimbursement and enrollment in exchanges for 2026, but management remains optimistic about patient demand [8][9] Other Important Information - The company recognized a $38 million pre-tax impact for Medicaid supplemental revenues related to prior years in Q3 2025, totaling $148 million year-to-date [12][54] - The leverage ratio as of September 30 was 2.3 times EBITDA, indicating strong operational performance and financial discipline [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Q4 guidance and utilization expectations - Management has not built in expectations for higher utilization due to exchange subsidies expiring, but they are prepared for typical demand increases in Q4 [19][20] Question: CapEx inputs and allocation - The increased CapEx is focused on clinical program infrastructure and growth strategies, particularly in high-acuity services [25][26] Question: Free cash flow sustainability - The company highlighted improved cash collections and operational efficiencies as key drivers for sustainable free cash flow [28][29] Question: ASC volumes and service line performance - Growth in ASC volumes was driven by higher acuity services, with healthy GI recovery noted in Q3 [46][48] Question: Contribution from DPP in provider taxes - The company recorded approximately $346 million in supplemental Medicaid programs in Q3, with $148 million being out-of-period [52][54] Question: M&A environment for ASCs - The company remains a partner of choice in the ASC market, focusing on high-end specialties and multi-specialty centers [64][66] Question: Impact of CMS WISER model - The company is prepared for changes in pre-authorization requirements and is confident in managing operational adjustments [69][70] Question: Inpatient-only list removal impact - The potential removal of the inpatient-only list could benefit the USPI segment, but quantification of the impact is still under discussion [73][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Transaction value for Q2 was $481 million, up 49% year over year, driven by a 71% increase in the P and C vertical, while the Health vertical saw a 32% decline [9][11] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $24.5 million, increasing 31% year over year, representing 62% of contribution, up from 56% in the prior year [10][12] - The company expects Q3 transaction value to be between $545 million and $570 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 23% at the midpoint [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The P and C vertical experienced significant growth, with transaction value increasing by 71% year over year, primarily from existing carriers [9][30] - The Health vertical's transaction value declined by 32% year over year, with expectations of continued declines in the near term [9][11] - The company anticipates a Q3 transaction value of approximately $18 million for the under-65 business, reflecting a 54% year-over-year decline [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that automotive tariffs are becoming more manageable, and the slowing rate increases are prompting carriers to focus on acquiring new customers [7][23] - The competitive landscape in the auto insurance market remains strong, with healthy advertising spend expected to continue [7][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capture multi-year growth opportunities, particularly in the P and C insurance vertical, while also focusing on compliance measures following the FTC settlement [5][8] - There is a strategic shift towards optimizing for market share and transaction value, with plans to focus more on gross profit as market conditions evolve [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the trajectory for the rest of the year, particularly in the P and C vertical, despite challenges in the Health vertical [8][11] - The company anticipates increased consumer shopping behavior in the Medicare Advantage market, although carrier budgets may be lighter than in previous years [49][50] Other Important Information - The company reached a settlement with the FTC involving $45 million in payments, which will be funded from cash on hand [6][14] - The company ended the quarter with $85 million in cash and a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 0.6x, indicating strong financial flexibility [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: How will the FTC settlement enhance competitive positioning in the under-65 vertical? - Management indicated that the settlement will create a new baseline for the under-65 business, allowing for better navigation of consumer choices and potential growth opportunities [18][19] Question: What is the outlook for carrier budgets in the second half of the year? - Management expressed optimism about continued strong carrier budgets, citing robust underlying profitability in the personal auto space [21][22] Question: Can you provide more details on the mix of existing carrier spend versus new carrier additions? - The majority of the increase in spend was from existing carriers, with new carriers typically starting small [30] Question: What is the strategy to balance volume growth and profitability? - The current focus is on optimizing for market share and transaction value, with plans to shift towards gross profit optimization as market conditions change [32] Question: What are the expectations for the upcoming AEP and its impact on shopping behavior? - Increased shopping behavior is anticipated, but carrier budgets may be lighter than previous years due to market churn and uncertainty [50][51]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net gaming revenue was $55 million, roughly flat compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the devaluation of the Mexican peso [6][9] - On a constant currency basis, net gaming revenue would have been nearly $61 million, representing a 12% increase year-over-year [6][9] - Adjusted EBITDA was positive $2.3 million in the second quarter, with a contribution of $6.3 million from the Spanish business, which is 5% above the prior year [10][11] - The company ended the quarter with €45 million in total cash, of which approximately €41 million was available [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The casino segment contributed 61% of total net gaming revenue, indicating a stabilization around this mix [6] - In Colombia, net gaming revenue decreased by $1.6 million, partially offset by an $800,000 increase in Panama, which reflects a doubling of net gaming revenue in that market [9][10] - In Mexico, net gaming revenue was $29 million, a 3% increase from the prior year, despite a 19% devaluation of the peso impacting overall revenue [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average monthly active customers increased by 7%, while the average monthly spend per active customer decreased by 5% due to the weaker peso [6][12] - The company acquired 78,000 first-time depositors, a 7% increase from the prior year [7][12] - The Mexican peso devaluation had a $5.7 million negative impact on net gaming revenue, but on a constant currency basis, revenue would have grown by 23% [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has regained compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements, alleviating concerns about its status as a publicly traded entity [5] - Marketing investments are expected to decrease in the second half of the year, which, along with a positive outlook for net gaming revenue, is anticipated to lead to higher EBITDA generation [11][39] - The company is focusing on the Mexican market, especially with the upcoming World Cup in 2026, which is expected to drive business growth [13][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the competitive landscape in Spain remains challenging, with no immediate changes expected in regulations [24][25] - The company is optimistic about the back half of the year, citing strong returns from existing and new players in Mexico [39] - The VAT imposed in Colombia has significantly impacted revenue, leading to a focus on maintaining breakeven operations in that market [54][55] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased approximately 106,000 shares under its buyback plan, investing around $7.7 million [7] - The company is exploring opportunities for future investments as cash flow improves, although no specific plans have been announced [58][59] Q&A Session Summary Question: Performance in Spain and Competitive Environment - Management indicated that the competitive landscape in Spain remains tough, with no expected changes in the near future [24][25] - The impact of sports seasonality was noted, with expectations for stronger performance in the upcoming quarter [26][27] Question: Marketing Initiatives in Mexico - The marketing strategy is focused on lower LTV players, with ongoing testing of various channels [30][32] - Management clarified that the strategy is not a direct response to peso devaluation but part of ongoing user acquisition efforts [31] Question: Profitability Improvement in the Back Half - Factors contributing to expected profitability include the rolling off of certain sponsorships and improved unit economics in Mexico [36][39] Question: Growth Opportunities in Other Latin American Markets - Management expressed concerns about Colombia due to the VAT impact but noted success in Panama [54][55] - The company believes its successful strategies in Mexico can be replicated in other markets, albeit with higher costs [44][46] Question: GGR and VAT Impact in Colombia - Management acknowledged significant top-line impacts due to VAT, estimating a 40% reduction in expected revenue [68] - The viability of the Colombian market under current conditions remains uncertain and would require further analysis [70] Question: Share Repurchase Strategy - Discussions regarding share repurchases are ongoing at the board level, with a focus on opportunistic buying [75]

Core Viewpoint - Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (BKD) reported a first-quarter loss and experienced a decline in share price despite some revenue growth, primarily due to rising operational costs and decreased interest income [1][2]. Financial Performance - BKD incurred a first-quarter loss of 11 cents per share, which is an improvement from a loss of 13 cents in the prior year [2]. - Total revenues increased by 4% year over year to $813.9 million, driven by higher resident and management fee revenues, but fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.8% [2]. - Resident fees reached $777.5 million, up 4.5% year over year, but were below the consensus estimate of $781.3 million [3]. - Management fees rose slightly by 0.1% year over year to $2.6 million, missing the consensus mark of $2.7 million [3]. Operational Metrics - Revenue per occupied unit (RevPOR) increased by 3% year over year, attributed to annual rate increases [4]. - Weighted average occupancy improved by 140 basis points year over year to 79.3% [4]. - Revenue per available unit (RevPAR) saw a 4.9% year-over-year increase [4]. Cost Structure - Facility operating expenses totaled $557 million, reflecting a 2.7% year-over-year increase due to higher wage rates and utility costs [4]. - General and administrative costs rose by 4.7% year over year to $47.9 million [4]. - Interest income decreased by 23.7% year over year to $3.6 million [5]. Net Loss and Cash Flow - The net loss for the quarter was $65 million, wider than the previous year's loss of $29.6 million, primarily due to increased operating and interest expenses [5]. - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 27.2% year over year to $124.1 million [5]. - BKD generated $23.4 million of net cash from operations, a significant improvement from a net cash usage of $1.1 million in the prior year [7]. - Adjusted free cash inflow was $3.8 million, compared to an outflow of $26.3 million in the previous year [7]. Balance Sheet Overview - As of March 31, 2025, BKD had cash and cash equivalents of $239.7 million, down from $308.9 million at the end of 2024 [5]. - Total assets decreased to $6.2 billion from $6.3 billion at the end of 2024 [6]. - Long-term debt increased to $4.2 billion from $4 billion as of December 31, 2024 [6]. - Total equity dropped to $148.1 million from $213.9 million at the end of 2024 [6]. Future Outlook - Management now estimates RevPAR growth for 2025 in the range of 5%-5.75%, an increase from the previous estimate of 4.75%-5.75% [8]. - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $440-$450 million, up from the earlier range of $430-$445 million [8]. - Non-development capital expenditures are expected to remain within $175-$180 million for 2025 [8].