Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core rental business saw a decline of 3%, which was anticipated at the beginning of the year, with hopes for improvement in the second half [7][8] - Overall revenue contribution from property sales and hotel business accounted for 33% of total revenue, down 6% [8] - The Mainland China rental revenue decreased by 1% in renminbi terms, but due to RMB depreciation, it was down by 2% in Hong Kong dollars [9][10] - Hong Kong rental revenue decreased by 4%, with the core rental business representing 94% of total operations [10][11] - Net gearing stood at 33.5%, with a slight increase of 0.1% compared to December [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rental revenue in Mainland China improved from a decline of 4% in 2024 to a decline of 1% in 2025 [11] - Retail business remained flat compared to a decline of 3% in 2024, with seven out of ten projects showing positive growth [12] - The hotel business was reclassified under property, contributing to the overall revenue decline [10] - New letting increased by 36%, indicating strong demand despite market challenges [17] - The occupancy rate improved from 83% to 88% in certain properties, reflecting effective management strategies [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail landscape in Mainland China has evolved, with athleisure brands performing better than luxury brands [16] - The company is focusing on enhancing customer experience through events and tenant management to adapt to changing consumer behavior [16] - The luxury retail segment saw a decline of 12%, while other segments showed resilience [90] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its strengths and adapt to market changes, focusing on customer-centric strategies and enhancing tenant offerings [16][18] - Plans to launch a national program to improve operational efficiency and attract foot traffic in second-tier cities [16] - The company is exploring hybrid models for expansion, particularly in cities where it already has a presence [61] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the stability and potential uplift in the market, with expectations for mild growth in the second half of the year [6][62] - The sentiment in the property sector has stabilized, contributing to improved occupancy and traffic [66] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by competition and the need for differentiation in the retail space [76] Other Important Information - The company is committed to sustainability, with 80% of projects in Mainland China powered by renewable energy [39] - The company is focusing on maintaining a strong balance sheet and managing finance costs effectively [36][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future expansion using high room property models - Management indicated that expansion will only occur when there is demand and synergy with existing projects [60] Question: Tenant sales trend in the next twelve months - Management anticipates a potential improvement from negative sales to mild growth in the second half of the year [62] Question: Reasons for improvement in the second quarter - Factors included improved occupancy, traffic, and external market conditions stabilizing [66] Question: Dividend guidance for the full year - Management intends to maintain a flat dividend, with discussions ongoing regarding future cash dividends [83][84] Question: Potential issuance of convertible bonds - Management is cautious about dilutive instruments and is monitoring the market but does not plan to issue convertible bonds at this time [72][73] Question: Transition progress in specific projects - Management reported improvements in occupancy and traffic, with a focus on enhancing the tenant mix and customer experience [74][75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a positive adjusted EBITDA of $2.4 million for Q1 2025, marking its first positive EBITDA quarter since 2023 [21][22] - There were $1 million in personnel-related costs in Q1 that have been eliminated, which would have resulted in a positive adjusted EBITDA of $3.4 million [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Licensing revenue increased significantly by 175% year-over-year, and even without the ByBorg deal, it was still up over 50% [33] - The ByBorg deal, effective January 1, contributes $5 million per quarter, with the first two payments already made [33][34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing improvements in its China licensing business despite a challenging environment due to tariffs, indicating potential for continued growth [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on an asset-light model and aims to reduce overhead while increasing EBITDA [21][28] - There are plans to develop new licensing deals in gaming and hospitality, with potential projects like a Playboy Club expected to take one to two years for physical build-out [23][28] - The company is also exploring opportunities in mainstream content, including TV shows and paid voting campaigns, which could generate additional revenue streams [25][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth opportunities in the next few years, particularly in gaming and content licensing [28] - The company is preparing for potential revenue recognition from multi-year deals in the second half of the year [24][28] Other Important Information - The company plans to release an additional magazine issue this year, with hopes to ramp up to four issues next year, which could create ancillary revenue streams [25][28] - A second equity investment vote has been moved to the annual meeting scheduled for June 16 [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Honeybird debt and gross margin changes - Management indicated that they are ahead of plan for the second quarter and expect an easy comparable from last year [8] - The near-term gross margin is expected to remain stable, with a $1 million impact from tariffs, which has been mitigated by a 10% price increase [9][11] Question: Plans for new product development with ByBorg - Management confirmed ongoing collaboration with ByBorg and a minimum guarantee of $20 million per year, with a $5 million payment scheduled for July 1 [14][15] Question: Potential in other licensing categories - Management highlighted enthusiasm for new licensing opportunities in clubs and hospitality, with a focus on an asset-light model and positive EBITDA [21][28]

Summary of The Andersons (ANDE) Conference Call Company Overview - The Andersons is a diversified agribusiness operating in grain trading, ethanol production, and plant nutrients, with a strong presence in the Eastern Corn Belt and recent expansion into the Western Corn Belt through the Skylin grain investment [2][6] Key Points and Arguments Leadership Transition - CEO Bill Krueger has been in the role since October, succeeding Pat Bo, and has been with the company since the Lansing acquisition [3] - The company has tripled in size since January 1, 2019, indicating significant growth and transformation [3] Business Segments and Strategy - The Andersons has combined its nutrient business with its trade group to enhance operational efficiency [5] - The company has adopted a more asset-light model since 2019, allowing for greater flexibility and nimbleness in operations [7][8] - The Skylin investment has filled gaps in the company's asset footprint, particularly in Southwest Kansas and the Texas Panhandle [6][21] Market Dynamics - The wheat market is currently balanced, with the U.S. showing a slight oversupply at a carryout of 1.6 million bushels [10][11] - Global corn demand is well-structured, but competition from Milo and wheat is affecting corn demand in the U.S. [11][12] - Fertilizer demand remains high despite a weaker financial position for some farmers, attributed to precision agriculture practices [14][15] Tariffs and Trade - Recent changes to tariffs and port fees have reduced risks for The Andersons, particularly regarding exports from the Great Lakes [18][20] - The company is well-positioned to navigate the current tariff environment, especially concerning fertilizer and wheat imports [18] Financial Performance and Outlook - The Skylin investment is expected to contribute $30 million to $40 million in EBITDA on a run-rate basis [25] - Ethanol margins are expected to improve through Q2 and Q3, driven by increased gasoline demand and potential E15 mandates [31][32] - The company anticipates a stable inventory level for ethanol, similar to the previous year, with a positive outlook on exports [36] Renewable Diesel and Feedstock Opportunities - The Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) is expected to drive demand for feedstocks, positively impacting The Andersons' renewable diesel feedstock business [40][41] - The company has a target to increase its renewable diesel feedstock trading from 1.5 billion pounds to 2 billion pounds [42] Capital Expenditure and Growth Strategy - The company plans to invest approximately $200 million in CapEx for 2025, focusing on efficiency improvements and potential acquisitions [52] - The current environment is seen as favorable for acquisitions, with a preference for larger deals (doubles and triples) rather than smaller ones [53][54] Key Milestones and Monitoring - Investors should monitor the growing season, proposed legislation, and the company's carbon sequestration permit filing in Indiana [63][64] - The company is focused on optimizing its portfolio and addressing underperforming profit centers [66][67] Additional Important Insights - The Andersons has a robust internal growth project pipeline, with significant investments planned for the Port of Houston and other projects [51] - The company is considering share repurchase options, balancing this with potential acquisition opportunities [59][60] This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from The Andersons' conference call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, market dynamics, and financial outlook.