Core Insights - IBM reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 results, with adjusted earnings and revenues exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate [1] Financial Performance - Net income for Q4 2025 was $5.6 billion or $5.88 per share, a significant increase from $2.91 billion or $3.09 per share in the same quarter last year, driven by top-line growth and an income tax benefit [3] - For the full year 2025, net income was $10.6 billion or $11.17 per share, compared to $6.02 billion or $6.43 per share in 2024 [4] - Total revenues for Q4 2025 increased to $19.69 billion from $17.55 billion, with a constant currency revenue growth of 9% year over year, surpassing the consensus estimate of $19.2 billion [5] Segment Performance - Software segment revenues rose to $9.03 billion from $7.92 billion, with notable growth in Hybrid Cloud (up 10%), Automation (18%), Data (22%), and Transaction Processing (8%) [7] - Consulting segment revenues increased to $5.35 billion from $5.17 billion, driven by demand for AI services and application modernization [8] - Infrastructure segment revenues grew to $5.13 billion from $4.26 billion, reflecting higher demand for hybrid and distributed infrastructure [10] Cash Flow and Liquidity - IBM generated $4.04 billion in cash from operations during the quarter, with free cash flow reaching $7.55 billion, up from $6.16 billion in the prior-year period [12] - As of December 31, 2025, the company had $13.59 billion in cash and cash equivalents, with long-term debt of $54.84 billion [12] Outlook - For 2026, IBM expects revenues to grow more than 5% on a constant currency basis, with free cash flow projected at $15.73 billion [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a revenue growth of 6% in 2025, the highest level in many years, and generated $14.7 billion in free cash flow, the highest cash generation in over a decade [4][16] - Operating pre-tax margin expanded by 100 basis points, and adjusted EBITDA grew by 17%, reflecting strong execution and operational leverage [16][24] - The company reported a 12% growth in operating diluted earnings per share, marking a significant improvement in profitability [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Software revenue grew by 9% in 2025, with three out of four software sub-segments delivering double-digit growth rates [5][17] - Infrastructure revenue increased by 10%, driven by the successful launch of the z17 mainframe, achieving the highest annual revenue for IBM Z in about 20 years [17] - Consulting revenue grew by 1%, with a notable increase in demand for AI services [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The data segment grew by 19%, fueled by demand for GenAI products and strong performance with strategic partners [19] - Automation revenue increased by 14%, reflecting strong momentum in the market [20] - Hybrid infrastructure revenue grew by 24%, while infrastructure support revenue decreased by 2% [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing as a software-led hybrid cloud and AI platform company, investing in innovation and productivity initiatives [4][10] - Strategic acquisitions, such as Confluent and HashiCorp, are aimed at enhancing the company's capabilities in hybrid cloud and automation solutions [10][11] - The company aims to sustain revenue growth of 5%+ in 2026, with a focus on organic growth and leveraging its strong software portfolio [29][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that client demand remains resilient, particularly in hybrid cloud, AI, and mission-critical infrastructure [6][7] - The company expects to achieve $2 billion in productivity savings by the end of 2024, exceeding initial targets [11] - Management expressed confidence in sustaining revenue growth and free cash flow, driven by a diversified portfolio and disciplined execution [15][29] Other Important Information - The cumulative GenAI book of business reached over $12.5 billion, with significant contributions from both software and consulting segments [9][31] - The company is advancing its quantum computing initiatives, with plans to deliver a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on software growth acceleration - Management highlighted strong organic growth in software, driven by increased demand for automation and data management solutions [40][41] Question: Factors driving free cash flow performance - Management attributed the strong free cash flow performance to revenue growth acceleration and operational leverage, with a focus on disciplined capital allocation [50][54] Question: Clarification on Red Hat's growth trajectory - Management acknowledged the challenges in Red Hat's growth but emphasized the overall positive trajectory of the software portfolio and the strategic importance of Red Hat [58][59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - IBM achieved a revenue growth of 6% in 2025, the highest level in many years, and generated $14.7 billion in free cash flow, the highest in over a decade [4][17] - The company reported a 12% growth in operating diluted earnings per share and a 17% growth in Adjusted EBITDA [17][24] - Operating pre-tax margin expanded by 100 basis points, reflecting strong execution and a favorable portfolio mix [17][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Software revenue grew 9% in 2025, with three of four sub-segments delivering double-digit growth rates [5][18] - Infrastructure revenue increased by 10%, driven by the successful launch of the z17 mainframe [18] - Consulting revenue grew 1%, reflecting increased demand for AI services [8][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Data solutions grew by 19%, driven by demand for GenAI products [20] - Automation solutions saw a growth of 14%, with record bookings for HashiCorp [20] - Red Hat's revenue growth decelerated to 8%, impacted by delays in U.S. federal business deal activity [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - IBM is focused on becoming a software-led hybrid cloud and AI platform company, with significant investments in innovation and productivity initiatives [4][10] - The company aims to sustain revenue growth of 5%+ in 2026, with a strong emphasis on its software business, expected to grow by 10% [28][34] - Strategic acquisitions, such as Confluent, are seen as key to enhancing IBM's hybrid cloud and automation solutions [10][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that client demand remains resilient, particularly in hybrid cloud, AI, and mission-critical infrastructure [6][16] - The company expressed confidence in sustaining growth momentum, with expectations for free cash flow to increase by about $1 billion in 2026 [28][34] - Management highlighted the importance of productivity initiatives, which have already exceeded initial targets [11][33] Other Important Information - IBM's cumulative GenAI book of business reached over $12.5 billion, with significant contributions from both software and consulting [9][31] - The company is advancing its quantum computing initiatives, with plans to deliver a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029 [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on software growth acceleration - Management expressed confidence in organic growth within the software segment, driven by increased demand for automation and data solutions [40][46] Question: Free cash flow performance and guidance - Management attributed the strong free cash flow performance in 2025 to revenue growth and operating leverage, with a guidance of $15.7 billion for 2026 [49][52] Question: Red Hat's growth trajectory - Management acknowledged the challenges in Red Hat's growth but emphasized the strategic value and ongoing demand for its offerings [57][60]

Core Viewpoint - Legato Merger Corp. IV successfully closed its initial public offering, raising $230 million through the sale of 23 million units at $10.00 per unit, including an over-allotment option [1][4]. Group 1: IPO Details - The offering consisted of 23,000,000 units, with gross proceeds amounting to $230,000,000 [1]. - Each unit includes one ordinary share and one-third of a redeemable warrant, with the whole warrant allowing the purchase of one ordinary share for $11.50 [2]. - The units are listed on the NYSE American under the ticker symbol "LEGO U" [2]. Group 2: Company Purpose and Focus - Legato Merger Corp. IV is incorporated in the Cayman Islands and aims to engage in mergers, acquisitions, and similar business combinations [3]. - The company plans to focus on target businesses in the infrastructure, industrial, artificial intelligence, and technology sectors [3]. Group 3: Use of Proceeds - The entire gross proceeds of $230,000,000 from the IPO and a simultaneous private placement will be placed in trust and used for the company's initial business combination [4].

Core Viewpoint - Power & Infrastructure Split Corp. has demonstrated strong performance with a one-year return of 23.5% and a 13.8% annual return since inception in May 2021, leading to an increase in the monthly distribution rate for Class A Shares from $0.085 to $0.10 [1][2] Performance Summary - The Class A Shares have outperformed both the S&P Global Infrastructure Total Return Index and the MSCI World Total Return Index over 1-year, 3-year, and since inception [3] - Annual compound returns for the Fund are as follows: - 1-Year: 23.5% - 3-Year: 31.9% - Since Inception: 13.8% - For comparison, the S&P Global Infrastructure Total Return Index and MSCI World Total Return Index returns are: - S&P Global Infrastructure: 1-Year: 22.6%, 3-Year: 14.6%, Since Inception: 10.1% - MSCI World: 1-Year: 21.6%, 3-Year: 21.7%, Since Inception: 11.4% [4][6] Investment Strategy - The Fund invests in a globally diversified and actively managed portfolio primarily consisting of dividend-paying securities from power and infrastructure companies [2] - Key investment areas include: - Infrastructure (data centers, public works) - Renewable power (wind, solar, hydroelectric) - Green transportation (electric vehicles, energy transportation and storage, railroads, carbon capture) - Energy efficiency (smart grids, smart meters, building efficiency) - Communications (communication networks, 5G wireless technology) [2]

Company Overview - Legato Merger Corp. IV is a Cayman Islands exempted company established for the purpose of engaging in mergers, share exchanges, asset acquisitions, share purchases, recapitalizations, reorganizations, or similar business combinations with one or more businesses or entities [2] Initial Public Offering (IPO) Details - The company has priced its initial public offering of 20,000,000 units at $10.00 per unit, which will be listed on the NYSE American Market under the ticker symbol "LEGO U" starting January 23, 2026 [1] - Each unit consists of one ordinary share and one-third of one redeemable warrant, with each whole warrant allowing the holder to purchase one ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share [1] - The underwriters have been granted a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 3,000,000 units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments [3] Target Business Focus - The company intends to initially focus on target businesses in the infrastructure, industrial, artificial intelligence, and technology industries, without limiting its efforts to a specific industry or geographic region [2]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Economics** sector, particularly analyzing the economic indicators and trends in the Asia Pacific region [1] Core Insights and Arguments - **Economic Performance**: In 4Q25, real GDP softened to **4.5% YoY**, attributed to weaker consumption and capital expenditure (capex) offsetting improved exports [9] - **Industrial Production**: Year-on-year industrial production increased by **5.2%**, driven by export strength and quarter-end window dressing [2] - **Retail Sales**: Retail sales hit a post-COVID low, declining further by **0.9% YoY**, reflecting a high base and negative wealth effects from the ongoing housing downturn [2] - **Fixed Asset Investment (FAI)**: There was a significant decline in FAI, down **3.8% YoY**, which may have exaggerated the perception of investment weakness [6][9] - **Infrastructure Push**: Despite the decline in FAI, there is evidence of an accelerated infrastructure push since December, indicated by stabilized upstream production and stronger-than-seasonal cement shipments [3][9] - **GDP Deflator**: The GDP deflator remained subdued at **-0.7% YoY** in 4Q, compared to **-1%** in 3Q, contributing to a nominal GDP growth of **3.8% YoY** [2] Outlook - The outlook suggests that real GDP could be pulled towards **5% YoY** in 1Q26 due to front-loaded infrastructure spending. However, this momentum is expected to be unsustainable due to ongoing weaknesses in consumption and the property sector [4][9] Additional Important Points - **Government Bond Issuance**: There has been strong government bond issuance year-to-date, indicating a push for infrastructure investment [9] - **Sector-Specific Performance**: The manufacturing sector saw a decline in FAI by **10.6% YoY**, while infrastructure investment dropped by **16.0% YoY** [6] - **Property Sector**: The property sector continues to be a weak link, with property sales down **17.6% YoY** and new starts declining by **18.7%** [6] This summary encapsulates the key findings and insights from the conference call, highlighting the current state and outlook of the Chinese economy and its sectors.

Core Insights - The declining Federal Reserve interest rates and favorable public spending are positively impacting U.S. infrastructure companies, particularly Comfort Systems USA and Quanta Services, driven by trends in AI-related products and services [1][22]. Group 1: Federal Reserve and Market Environment - On December 10, 2025, the Federal Reserve reduced interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, establishing a benchmark between 3.5% and 3.75%, which is expected to stimulate project initiations and market trends [2]. Group 2: Company Profiles - Comfort Systems specializes in HVAC installation and contracting services, focusing on large-scale projects and inorganic growth initiatives [3]. - Quanta Services is involved in large-scale electrical and utility infrastructure projects, emphasizing margin improvement and a self-perform model [3]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Growth - Comfort Systems has seen a significant increase in demand from the Technology sector, contributing 42% of total revenues in 2025, up from 32% the previous year, with a record backlog of $9.38 billion, reflecting year-over-year increases of 65.1% [5][6]. - Quanta Services reported a record backlog of $39.2 billion as of Q3 2025, up from $33.96 billion a year ago, indicating strong demand visibility [10]. Group 4: Shareholder Returns and Capital Management - Comfort Systems repurchased 0.3 million shares for approximately $125.4 million in the first nine months of 2025 and increased its quarterly dividend by 20% to 60 cents per share [7]. - Quanta Services repurchased 538,559 shares for $134.6 million during the same period, with $365.1 million remaining under its buyback program, indicating disciplined capital management [12]. Group 5: Risk Factors - Comfort Systems faces risks related to its exposure to hyperscale data centers, including potential slowdowns in AI-driven capital expenditures and project delays [8]. - Quanta Services encounters execution risks due to the increasing complexity of infrastructure projects, which may lead to permitting delays and regulatory challenges [13]. Group 6: Valuation and Investment Comparison - Comfort Systems has been trading at a lower forward P/E ratio compared to Quanta over the past five years, indicating a potential growth opportunity at a discounted valuation [15]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Comfort Systems' 2025 EPS indicates an 80.2% year-over-year growth, while Quanta's estimate implies an 18.1% improvement [18][19][20]. Group 7: Conclusion - Given the current market conditions, Comfort Systems is viewed as a better investment option due to its growth potential and superior profitability compared to Quanta Services, which offers stability at a premium valuation [24].

Core Insights - The ProShares DJ Brookfield Global Infrastructure ETF (TOLZ US) is designed to provide exposure to global developed-market infrastructure assets, focusing on companies that derive at least 70% of their cash flows from eligible infrastructure lines [1] Group 1: Portfolio Construction Methodology - The underlying index includes owners/operators of pure-play infrastructure assets such as airports, toll roads, ports, communications, electricity transmission and distribution, oil and gas storage/transport, and water [1] - Companies must meet investability and liquidity standards on developed-market exchanges, with ongoing inclusion subject to customary buffer tests [1] - Constituents are weighted based on float-adjusted market capitalization, with explicit concentration controls: no single stock can exceed 10%, any one country is capped at 50%, and any infrastructure sector is also limited to 50% [1] - The design allows for partnerships and Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) while applying the same capping and liquidity discipline [1] - The index undergoes quarterly reconstitution and rebalancing, effective after the third Friday of March, June, September, and December, where cash-flow purity screens, investability filters, and caps are reapplied [1]

Core Insights - Carl Icahn's investment strategy focuses on value extraction through control stakes, activism, and opportunistic accumulation in companies undergoing strategic transitions [1] Portfolio Changes - **Icahn Enterprises (IEP)**: Increased by 24,149,325 shares, totaling 518.9 million shares and a $4.37 billion position, representing 47.8% of the portfolio. This increase indicates a strong commitment to IEP amidst scrutiny and volatility [3][4] - **EchoStar (SATS)**: Newly disclosed holding with an addition of 4,354,542 shares, totaling 4.35 million shares and a $332.5 million position, accounting for 3.64% of the portfolio. The strategic combination with DISH suggests potential for spectrum monetization and consolidation [5][6] - **Centuri Holdings (CTRI)**: Increased stake by 4,443,795 shares, totaling 10.85 million shares and a $229.6 million position, representing 2.51% of the portfolio. The increase of approximately 69% quarter-over-quarter reflects confidence in utility investment cycles [7][8] - **International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF)**: Increased by 1,000,000 shares, totaling 4.75 million shares and a $292.3 million position, representing 3.29% of the portfolio. The 26.7% increase indicates progress in restructuring and operational cleanup [9][10] - **Monro Inc. (MNRO)**: New position with 1,465,000 shares, totaling $26.3 million, representing 0.29% of the portfolio. This entry reflects a micro-cap restructuring thesis [11][12] - **Southwest Gas (SWX)**: Reduced by 1,500,000 shares, totaling 6.03 million shares and a $472.6 million position, representing 5.17% of the portfolio. The nearly 20% reduction indicates normalization following governance wins [13] - **Bausch Health (BHC)**: Full exit from 34.7 million shares to zero, indicating a completed restructuring cycle and a shift of capital to newer opportunities [14] Macro Positioning Themes - **Activism Remains Central**: High-concentration stakes in controlled entities highlight Icahn's preference for governance and outcome influence [15] - **Restructuring Over Growth**: New investments are focused on companies undergoing balance sheet repair rather than those with secular growth [16] - **Energy & Industrial Bias**: Portfolio exposure is tilted towards utilities, energy services, and infrastructure, emphasizing tangible assets and regulatory catalysts [17] - **Selective De-Risking After Catalysts**: The reduction in SWX and exit from BHC follow periods of successful activism, indicating a strategy of capital harvesting post-activism [18] Big Picture Takeaways - Icahn's approach remains focused on activism and influence rather than traditional asset allocation, with a portfolio designed for idiosyncratic alpha rather than beta exposure. Recent moves reflect a commitment to controllable entities and a strategic retreat from those no longer deemed necessary [19][20]