Group 1: Nvidia's Market Impact - Nvidia added $2.8 trillion to its market capitalization since the start of 2023 due to soaring demand for its data center chips for AI development [1] - Nvidia sold its entire stake in SoundHound AI toward the end of last year, as noted in its 13-F filing with the SEC [2][17] Group 2: SoundHound's Business and Technology - SoundHound specializes in conversational AI and has a strong customer base across various industries, including hospitality and automotive [2][5] - SoundHound's technology is deployed in approximately 13,000 quick-service restaurants, enabling autonomous order taking and employee assistance [6] - In the automotive sector, SoundHound's Chat AI is utilized by major brands like Hyundai and Kia, and it recently launched a Voice Commerce platform [7] Group 3: Financial Performance - SoundHound reported $29.1 million in total revenue for Q1 2025, a 151% increase year-over-year, boosted by the acquisition of Amelia [9] - The company has a growing order backlog, which was $1.2 billion three months prior, and expects to convert this backlog into revenue over six years [10] - SoundHound reaffirmed its full-year guidance for 2025, projecting a 97% year-over-year revenue increase to $167 million [11] Group 4: Valuation and Risks - SoundHound's current price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 40.8, significantly higher than Nvidia's, raising concerns about its valuation [12] - When considering future revenue potential, SoundHound's forward P/S ratio is 27.1, still higher than Nvidia's [14] - Despite reporting a profit of $129 million in Q1, this was largely due to a one-time benefit, and on a non-GAAP basis, the company lost $22.3 million [15] - SoundHound had $246 million in cash at the end of the quarter, allowing it to sustain losses for a couple of years, but future cash needs could lead to stock dilution [16]

Core Insights - Las Vegas Sands and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund have selected 15 students from 13 historically Black colleges and universities to participate in the Sands Hospitality Immersion Program, aimed at inspiring career exploration in the hospitality industry [1][2][7] Group 1: Program Overview - The Sands Hospitality Immersion Program will take place from June 2-6, 2025, in Las Vegas, providing students with a behind-the-scenes look at the hospitality industry [1][2] - The program includes on-campus learning sessions, industry speaker interactions, and hands-on activities such as a cooking competition led by executive chefs [5][6] - Students will receive insider tours of integrated resorts, convention spaces, and sports venues, enhancing their understanding of the hospitality sector [5][6] Group 2: Student Participation - The selected students are rising juniors and seniors studying various majors, including accounting, business administration, hospitality management, and supply chain management [3][4] - The program aims to expose students to a wide range of professional careers within the hospitality industry, which is one of the fastest-growing employment fields globally [4][8] Group 3: Industry Impact - The hospitality industry continues to experience significant job growth, with opportunities in hospitality operations, event management, and professional services [8] - Las Vegas Sands emphasizes its commitment to workforce development and attracting diverse candidates to the hospitality sector through initiatives like this immersion program [7][8] Group 4: Organizational Background - Las Vegas Sands is a leading global developer and operator of integrated resorts, contributing to leisure and business tourism while providing economic benefits and job creation in host regions [10][11] - The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is the largest organization representing the Black college community, supporting students through scholarships and partnerships with employers [13]

Core Viewpoint - Target Hospitality Corp. is expected to report a loss in Q1 2025, with significant declines in both earnings and revenues compared to the previous year, reflecting ongoing challenges in its business segments [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - The adjusted earnings for Q1 2025 are estimated to be a loss of $0.02 per share, a deterioration of 110% from the EPS of $0.20 reported in the same quarter last year [2]. - Revenue estimates for Q1 2025 are pegged at $65.4 million, indicating a decline of 38.7% from $106.7 million in the prior-year quarter [3]. Segment Performance - The Government segment's revenues are expected to be $23.7 million, down from $67.6 million in the prior-year quarter [4]. - Revenues from the Hospitality & Facilities Services – South segment are estimated at $35.8 million, a slight decrease from $36.9 million reported in the previous year [4]. Cost and Operational Challenges - The company's bottom line is anticipated to be negatively impacted by increased selling, general, and administrative expenses, alongside a declining top line [5]. - The adjusted gross profit for the Government and Hospitality & Facilities Services – South segments is projected to be $16.2 million and $11.5 million, respectively, both showing year-over-year declines [6]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for Target Hospitality, as the Earnings ESP stands at 0.00% and the company holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [7][8].

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Caliber (NASDAQ: CWD), a real estate investor, developer, and manager, today announced the launch of Caliber Hospitality Development, LLC (“CHD”), a joint venture between Caliber and GIA Hospitality, LLC (“GIA”). CHD will serve as the exclusive development platform for Caliber’s opportunistic hospitality investments, with a focus on acquiring distressed hotel assets and developing extended stay hotels in high-demand markets. The joint venture was seeded wi ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated total revenue of $1.7 billion in Q1 2025, reflecting a 9% decline compared to the same quarter last year, but showing improvement in year-over-year trends compared to prior quarters [19] - Adjusted EBITDA was $76 million, down from $91 million in the previous year, while adjusted free cash flow increased significantly to $45 million, more than double the $17 million generated in the same period last year [21][23] - GAAP operating loss was $32 million, compared to a GAAP operating income of $41 million in the prior year, primarily due to restructuring expenses and asset impairments [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer division, Office Depot, reported sales of $838 million, down 11% year-over-year, but showed a 500 basis point improvement in same-store sales compared to the previous year [23][24] - ODP Business Solutions reported revenue of $852 million, down 8% year-over-year, impacted by cautious business conditions and a large customer loss from the previous year [26] - The supply chain business, VARE, achieved over 85% year-over-year revenue growth from third-party customers, highlighting strong demand for its services [12][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding into the hospitality market, which is valued at $16 billion, and has established partnerships with major suppliers to support this initiative [14][15] - The onboarding of new business contracts, including a significant contract with CoreTrust, is ongoing, with expectations for these to contribute more meaningfully in the second half of the year [11][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "Optimize for Growth" plan, which aims to realign its organizational structure and reduce fixed costs while enhancing its B2B pivot and expanding into higher growth segments [7][16] - The strategy includes reducing reliance on retail and increasing operational flexibility, with a focus on capitalizing on core strengths in supply chain and distribution [7][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in improving trends within the consumer business and anticipates better performance in the B2B segment as new customers are onboarded and the hospitality sector gains traction [36][39] - The company is actively monitoring the evolving tariff situation and has taken proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts, including diversifying sourcing strategies [35][66] Other Important Information - The company closed nine retail stores as part of its restructuring plan and eliminated areas of corporate support to reduce costs [17] - Total liquidity at the end of the quarter was $653 million, consisting of $185 million in cash and $468 million in available credit [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights into retail momentum and sales strategies - Management highlighted four key strategies driving improved performance: enhanced customer engagement, a revised merchandising strategy, a daily management system, and targeted sales promotions [42][44][46] Question: Future pace of store closures - The company will evaluate store closures based on optimizing cash flow and margin dollars, with ongoing assessments of store performance [49][50] Question: Onboarding delays for new contracts - Delays are attributed to longer lead times in the hospitality sector and the complexity of onboarding large contracts like CoreTrust [52][54] Question: Categories strengthening in retail - Management noted success in non-tariff categories and a shift to a more value-oriented merchandising strategy, which has improved sales [61][62] Question: Impact of tariffs on business - The company believes it has mitigated most tariff impacts through strategic sourcing and pricing adjustments, with ongoing monitoring of the situation [64][66] Question: Converting new business pipeline into revenue - New leadership and a rigorous management system are being implemented to enhance the conversion of the business pipeline into revenue [88][90] Question: Update on stock buyback - Management reassured that they continually evaluate stock repurchase opportunities, reflecting confidence in the company's future [93]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Market optimism is increasing due to anticipated trade deals, despite a modest contraction in real GDP of 0.3% in Q1, driven by strong imports and a robust private domestic demand growth of 3.0% [1] - Employment data shows an increase of 177k jobs in April, with the unemployment rate stable at 4.2%, although future labor market data may weaken due to tariff impacts [1][29] - The report anticipates three stages of tariff impacts: front-loading of demand, increased uncertainty, and eventual supply/demand reduction [15] Summary by Sections Economic Activity - Real GDP contracted by 0.3% in Q1, primarily due to surging imports, while private domestic demand rose by 3.0% [16] - Strong consumption and investment in Q1 may be partially attributed to tariffs, with unit auto sales remaining high at 17.27 million in April [17][19] - The report forecasts a 1.4% increase in GDP for Q2, supported by front-loading activity and a decline in imports [19][73] Labor Market - The hiring rate was stable at 3.4% in March, but job openings fell, indicating potential future weakness in the labor market [26] - Continuing jobless claims reached their highest post-pandemic level, suggesting a possible rise in the unemployment rate to 4.4-4.5% in May [31] - April employment data reflects conditions prior to the April 2 tariff announcement, and subsequent data may show the effects of weak hiring [29] Tariff Impacts - The report outlines that the immediate impact of tariffs has increased uncertainty, leading to a pause in investment and hiring plans [25] - Tariffs on many goods from China are significantly high, which is expected to reduce imports and impact related sectors like manufacturing and transportation [34][40] - Planned layoffs due to tariffs have started to rise, indicating potential future job losses in manufacturing and other sectors [41] Inflation and Price Trends - Core PCE inflation was stronger than expected in Q1, with a slowdown to 2.6% YoY in March, and the report anticipates that inflation will largely be concentrated in goods prices [46][47] - The report suggests that the timing and magnitude of tariff-related impacts on the economy are difficult to estimate, with inflation likely to rise as tariffs remain high [49][78] Federal Reserve Outlook - The report expects the Federal Reserve to cut rates by a total of 125 basis points this year, starting in June, contingent on labor market data weakening [49][50] - The Fed is likely to maintain policy rates in the upcoming meeting, focusing on inflation and labor market conditions [50][51]

Core Viewpoint - Wynn Resorts is expected to report a decline in earnings and revenues for the first quarter of 2025, with earnings per share estimated at $1.22, down 23.3% from the previous year, and revenues projected at nearly $1.73 billion, reflecting a 7.3% decrease from the prior-year quarter [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings and Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter earnings per share is $1.22, indicating a 23.3% decline from $1.59 reported in the same quarter last year [1]. - The consensus revenue estimate is approximately $1.73 billion, suggesting a 7.3% decrease from the previous year's figure [2]. Group 2: Factors Influencing Performance - Wynn Resorts' first-quarter performance is likely to benefit from strong domestic demand, recovery in Macau, and disciplined capital spending [3]. - In Las Vegas, the company is expected to see gains from a strong slot handle, elevated table drop, and high-margin non-gaming revenues, with room revenues predicted to rise 9% year over year to $244.3 million [4]. - Progress on capital expenditures related to concessions, including new developments at Wynn Palace, is anticipated to support performance [5]. Group 3: Operating Expenses and Economic Factors - Total operating expenses for the first quarter are projected to increase by 3.6% year over year to $1.55 billion [5]. - Macroeconomic challenges such as inflation and labor cost pressures may negatively impact margins during the quarter [5]. Group 4: Earnings Prediction and Stock Rank - The model predicts an earnings beat for Wynn Resorts, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +0.15% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - Caesars Entertainment, Inc. is expected to report its first-quarter 2025 results on April 29, with a consensus estimate indicating a loss per share of 19 cents, widening from 18 cents in the past week, compared to a loss of 55 cents per share in the same quarter last year [1][2]. Group 1: Revenue Expectations - The consensus estimate for total revenues is set at $2.78 billion, reflecting a 1.4% increase from the previous year [2]. - Regional revenues are estimated at $1.38 billion, indicating a 0.7% year-over-year gain [6]. - Total Las Vegas revenues are projected at $1.03 billion, showing a slight decrease of 0.2% from the prior year [7]. - Caesars Digital revenues are expected to reach $336 million, representing a significant 19.1% increase year-over-year [7]. Group 2: Performance Influencers - The company's revenue growth is anticipated to be driven by new openings, strong performance in the digital segment, and an expansion in sports betting and strategic partnerships [4]. - Improving occupancy rates, average daily rates (ADR), and renovations are likely to contribute positively to performance [5]. - The focus on digital initiatives and technological enhancements is expected to enhance product offerings and customer engagement [5]. Group 3: Profitability Factors - Profitability may be pressured by inflation in food, beverage, and hotel expenses, along with increased property openings and ongoing investments [8]. - However, efforts to drive efficiencies by reducing same-store operating expenses are likely to support the bottom line [8]. Group 4: Earnings Prediction - The Zacks model indicates a potential earnings beat for Caesars Entertainment, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +23.98% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [9][10].

Core Insights - Inspirato Incorporated has renewed and expanded its strategic partnerships with Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort and Fairmont Kea Lani, enhancing exclusive member access to newly renovated oceanfront private residences [1][5] - Fairmont Kea Lani has undergone an extensive transformation, offering redesigned suites and villas, along with elevated guest experiences that reflect the spirit of Aloha [2][3] - Inspirato's partnership with Andaz Maui has deepened due to strong demand, providing members with access to exclusive accommodations, including a notable 4-bedroom, 4,700-square-foot oceanfront villa [3][4] Company Overview - Inspirato is a members-only luxury vacation club that offers exclusive access to a curated portfolio of vacation options, ensuring service, certainty, and value for discerning customers [6] - The company is committed to supporting Maui's recovery and rebuilding efforts, emphasizing responsible tourism [5] Partner Insights - Andaz, part of the Hyatt portfolio, is known for its immersive hospitality experiences that blend contemporary luxury with cultural authenticity [7] - Fairmont, under Accor, is recognized for its iconic properties and exceptional hospitality, offering timeless elegance and unforgettable experiences [8]

Core Viewpoint - Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Inc. has appointed Brian Quinn to its Board of Directors, enhancing its leadership with expertise in franchising and brand development [1][2][3]. Company Overview - Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. is a leading franchiser of premium chocolate and confectionary retail stores, known as America's Chocolatier™. The company has been producing a wide range of premium chocolates and confectionery products since 1981 [5]. - The company operates nearly 260 stores across the United States and has several international locations. It is recognized in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 for 2025 and Franchise Times' Franchise 400 for 2024 [5]. Leadership Appointment - Brian Quinn, the new board member, has extensive experience in brand development, franchise expansion, and operational strategy. He is currently the Chief Development Officer at Sonesta International Hotels, where he significantly contributed to the company's growth from fewer than 100 locations to over 1,000 [2]. - Quinn's previous roles include leadership positions at major hospitality and franchising companies, where he was involved in revenue growth and franchise network development [3]. Strategic Alignment - Quinn's expertise in franchising and market expansion aligns with Rocky Mountain Chocolate's long-term vision to enhance brand presence and stimulate franchise store growth through strategic expansion [2][3].