I’m an equity analyst and founder of Goulart’s Restaurant Stocks, a research firm focused on the U.S. restaurant industry — from quick-service and fast casual to fine dining and niche concepts. I lead all thematic research and valuation efforts, applying advanced financial modeling, sector-specific KPIs, and strategic insights to uncover hidden value across public equities. In addition to restaurants, I cover consumer discretionary, food & beverage, casinos & gaming, and IPOs, with a particular focus on mic ...

Core Insights - The Coca-Cola Company is entering a more favorable margin environment as supply-chain pressures ease, allowing for a shift from cost inflation to a more sustainable profit model [1][8] - The company is focusing on operational efficiency and cost discipline, leveraging productivity initiatives supported by digitalization and data-driven decision-making [2] - Coca-Cola is reinvesting savings into marketing and innovation to sustain volume growth and long-term competitiveness, indicating a structurally improved operating model [3] Margin Improvement - A key driver of margin improvement is Coca-Cola's renewed focus on operational efficiency and cost discipline, with productivity initiatives across manufacturing, procurement, and marketing [2] - As transportation and packaging costs stabilize, efficiency gains are positively impacting the bottom line [2] - The company is fine-tuning its revenue growth management through targeted pricing and smarter package architecture to protect margins [2] Brand Investment - Margin recovery is not at the expense of brand investment, as Coca-Cola is reinvesting savings into marketing and innovation [3] - The company is well-positioned to expand margins while balancing affordability and premiumization due to moderating inflation and easing supply-chain costs [3] Competitive Landscape - In the beverage market, PepsiCo and Keurig Dr Pepper are also leveraging easing cost pressures and operational efficiencies to drive sustainable margin expansion [4] - PepsiCo is shifting from heavy reliance on pricing to a balanced mix of productivity and revenue growth management [5] - Keurig Dr Pepper is benefiting from a normalized supply-chain environment, focusing on disciplined cost control and efficient manufacturing [6] Financial Performance - Coca-Cola's shares have risen 5.9% over the past three months, compared to the industry's growth of 7.8% [7] - The company is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 21.73X, higher than the industry's 18.22X [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Coca-Cola's earnings implies year-over-year growth of 3.5% for 2025 and 8% for 2026, with estimates unchanged in the past 30 days [10]

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The Google logo appears on a smartphone screen in this illustration photo in Reno, United States, on December 15, 2025. (Photo Illustration by Jaque Silva/NurPhoto via Getty Images)NurPhoto via Getty ImagesOver the past ten years, Google stock (NASDAQ: GOOGL) has delivered a staggering $357 billion back to its investors through cash, in the form of dividends and stock buybacks. Separately, see –What’s Happening With Oracle Stock?This massive capital return was fueled by explosive revenue growth—Google’s ann ...

Joining us now is truest securities analyst David Smith. David, welcome. Okay, all all of this betting feels like a bit much to me.Sort of reminds me of the online poker boom, what was it, 15 years ago. What's the risk if consumers culturally pull back on risk or if there are some regulatory issues down the line. >> Thanks, John.um that is certainly a risk but all the trends lately have really pointed to you know uh increased risk seeking and volatility from retail investors. You can see that with um you kn ...

Let's get to the broader markets. Our next guest is bullish about the new year. Says worries about tech's high valuations are misplaced.Joining us here this morning at Post9 is Tally Leisure, chief market strategist at the Wealth Consulting Group. Nice to have you in T. Welcome.>> Thank you. Good to be here. At least to have you, Dad.>> You're uh you're pretty constructive on next year. >> Yes. And I'm glad we're sitting down for that conversation because we see the S&P 500 achieving 85 8500 >> 8500 driven ...

Let's get to the broader markets. Our next guest is bullish about the new year. Says worries about tech's high valuations are misplaced.Joining us here this morning at Post9 is Tally Leisure, chief market strategist at the Wealth Consulting Group. Nice to have you in T. Welcome.>> Thank you. Good to be here. At least to have you, Dad.>> You're uh you're pretty constructive on next year. >> Yes. And I'm glad we're sitting down for that conversation because we see the S&P 500 achieving 85 8500 >> 8500 driven ...

Core Viewpoint - Elanco Animal Health is entering a new phase focused on sustainable growth, margin expansion, and a stronger balance sheet, as outlined during its first Investor Day in five years [1] Financial Outlook - Elanco projects mid-single-digit organic revenue growth, high-single-digit adjusted EBITDA growth, and low-double-digit adjusted EPS growth starting in 2026 [2] - The company anticipates free cash flow of at least $1 billion from 2026 to 2028, with net leverage expected to fall below 3x in 2027, targeting a long-term range of 2.0x to 2.5x [2] R&D Investments - Elanco plans to expand R&D operations in Indianapolis and increase its U.S.-based manufacturing footprint, including investments in its Kansas monoclonal antibody facility [3] - The company expects approximately $1.1 billion in revenue from its innovation portfolio in 2026, an increase from prior expectations for 2025 [4] - Elanco has expanded its focus to eight innovation areas and added two new internal development platforms in monoclonal antibodies and immunotherapy [4] - More than 10 major pipeline programs are in place, with approvals expected for five to six differentiated assets between 2026 and 2031 [5] Cost Initiatives - Elanco detailed its Ascend productivity initiative, expecting $25 million in savings in 2026 and $60 million in 2027, affecting 600 roles through reductions or shifts [6] - A related charge of approximately $175 million is anticipated, with the Ascend program expected to deliver $200 to $250 million in adjusted EBITDA savings by 2030, achieving about 30% of this in 2026 [6] Analyst Insights - Analysts noted initial details on over 15 projects in key areas, including five to six blockbusters, positioning Elanco for three waves of innovation over the next decade [9] - If Elanco successfully executes its pipeline, it is expected to deliver upside to its long-term financial targets [9] - Elanco shares were trading at 21 times the 2026 EPS estimate, with an Outperform rating maintained by analysts [10]

Paylocity FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Paylocity (NasdaqGS:PCTY) - **Event**: FY Conference held on December 10, 2025 - **Speakers**: Sheldon McMeans (Barclays) and Ryan Glenn (CFO of Paylocity) Key Highlights Financial Performance - **Q1 FY26 Results**: - Recurring revenue growth of **14%** - Total revenue growth of **12%** - Raised guidance for revenue and profitability due to strong performance [3][4][8] - **Long-term Targets**: - Increased targets based on significant progress in EBITDA and free cash flow leverage, and strong gross margin leverage [8][9] Market and Demand Environment - **Macro Environment**: - Stable macro and demand environment with slight year-over-year increase in client workforce levels [3][10] - **Client Base**: - Average client has about **150 employees**; successful in moving upmarket to larger clients [17][29] Product and Service Offerings - **HCM Market Growth**: - HCM market continues to grow with mid-to-high single-digit unit growth and increasing average revenue per client [29][30] - **AI and Automation**: - AI embedded in all products; significant year-over-year increase in adoption of AI assistant [46][57] - AI expected to enhance client experience and retention [57][61] Sales and Marketing Strategy - **Sales Headcount**: - Sales headcount increased by **8%** over the last two years; revenue per rep continues to climb [31][34] - **Client Engagement**: - Strong engagement at the Elevate conference with both existing clients and prospects [24][25] Competitive Landscape - **Market Position**: - Continued to take market share in the HCM payroll space; stable win rates against competitors [26][38] - **Defensibility Against AI**: - Complexities in payroll compliance and high-touch service model provide a competitive moat against new entrants [46][49] Future Outlook - **Margin Expansion**: - Optimistic about expanding gross margins through AI efficiencies and maintaining high client satisfaction [92][93] - **Capital Allocation**: - Active share repurchase program with **$500 million** repurchased since May 2024; plans to continue buybacks [109][110] - **International Strategy**: - Focus on serving multinational corporations and adapting to trends of smaller businesses hiring internationally [125][126] Additional Insights - **Integration of Acquisitions**: - Successful integration of Airbase acquisition, with expectations of high adoption rates for new finance products [63][64] - **Client Retention**: - High levels of client retention noted, with a focus on maintaining service quality while leveraging AI for efficiency [91][92] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Paylocity FY Conference, highlighting the company's financial performance, market dynamics, product offerings, and strategic outlook.

Core Insights - Chewy has experienced significant stock underperformance, down approximately 54% over the last five years, while the S&P 500 has returned 87% since November 2020 [1][2] - Despite challenges, Chewy is a profitable online retailer focusing on high-margin services, positioning itself for potential growth [2][8] Revenue Growth and Customer Loyalty - Chewy's revenue growth was previously in double-digit percentages until 2023, facing increased competition from major retailers like Walmart and Amazon [4] - The company benefits from strong customer loyalty, with over 80% of sales driven by its Autoship program, leading to a recent 9% year-over-year revenue increase [5][4] Market Position and Industry Potential - Chewy operates in a $157 billion pet industry, which has shown steady growth, indicating room for multiple companies to succeed [7] - The company’s exclusive focus on pet products differentiates it from larger retailers, enhancing its competitive position [4][7] Margin Expansion and Future Growth - Chewy is expanding into high-margin services such as Chewy+ membership, pet healthcare, and private label products, which could drive higher earnings [8] - Analysts project Chewy's operating margin to increase from 0.9% to 4.6% by fiscal 2030, potentially leading to annualized earnings growth of 18% [9] Stock Valuation and Investment Potential - The stock is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings multiple of 22, suggesting attractive upside potential [10] - If Chewy meets analysts' earnings expectations, the stock could potentially double in value over the next five years [10]