Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for selected stocks within the industry, indicating a positive outlook for potential price appreciation over the next 12 months [39]. Core Insights - The report emphasizes that higher volatility in the market is likely to persist, primarily driven by tariff news and external shocks, with MSCI China experiencing an increase in daily share price volatility from 1.8% to 2.4% [2][4]. - Historical data suggests that during periods of rising volatility, the MSCI China index typically sees negative returns, averaging a decline of 6%, but often rebounds with an average return of 5% as volatility decreases [4]. - The report identifies that sectors such as banks and utilities perform well during rising volatility, while growth stocks like internet and tech tend to underperform [5]. - A "Low volatility" investment strategy has consistently yielded positive results during both rising and declining volatility environments [5]. Sector Performance Analysis - During rising volatility, defensive sectors such as utilities and banks have shown resilience, while property stocks have also outperformed as investors seek domestic policy support [5]. - Growth sectors, including internet and technology, generally underperform in high volatility scenarios due to increased discounting of future earnings [5]. - The report highlights that value factors like Price-to-Book (P/B) and Free Cash Flow Yield (FCFY) perform well in rising volatility, whereas Return on Equity (ROE) and Earnings Per Share (EPS) growth are more favorable in declining volatility [5]. Volatility Indicators - The HSI Volatility index has recently decreased from a peak of over 45 to around 25, indicating mixed return profiles for investors entering the market at this level [6]. - The report suggests that a spike in volatility could present a more favorable entry point for investors, while current levels warrant a cautious approach due to fundamental concerns such as potential tariff impacts and EPS forecast revisions [6]. Quantitative Factor Analysis - The report includes a quantitative analysis showing that stocks with low volatility have consistently outperformed during periods of rising volatility [12][14]. - It also identifies large-cap stocks that score highly on various factors, including low volatility and high quality, which are recommended for investment [18][21]. Top Stock Picks - The report lists several "Buy" rated stocks that have historically performed well during periods of rising volatility, including Qinghai Salt Lake Industry Co., Bank of Chengdu, and China Railway Group [15]. - Additionally, it highlights stocks that are expected to perform well after volatility peaks, suggesting a strategic focus on these selections for potential gains [16].

·近半数新三板挂牌公司去年净利润增长 全国股转公司近日发布2024年业绩总结，截至2025年4月30日，共有5844家挂牌公司披露去年年报，共 实现营业收入1.71万亿元，同比增长0.88%，净利润655.81亿元。近半数挂牌公司净利润增长，超两成 增速50%以上。总体来看，挂牌公司业绩表现韧性较足，专精特新特点鲜明。据统计，截至目前，78家 挂牌公司披露2025年一季度报告，共实现营业收入89.39亿元，其中45家公司实现营收增长；共实现净 利润10.03亿元，其中44家公司实现净利润增长。 ·深圳印发建设产业金融中心行动方案推动长期资本精准服务"硬科技"发展 日前，深圳市地方金融管理局、深圳证监局联合印发《深圳市关于发挥资本市场作用建设产业金融中心 行动方案(2025-2026年)》。《行动方案》明确，"十五五"期间，深圳力争构建形成适配经济社会高质量 发展需求、优质创新资本集聚的高质量资本市场，以一流的创新资本形成机制、一流的标杆企业、一流 的行业机构、一流的市场发展生态、一流的风险防控体系，助力推进中国式现代化深圳新样本、新实 践，并推出20项具体举措。 ·大厂各显神通 AI人才争夺战打响 新华财经北 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 grew by 95% year over year to $6,750,000 compared to $3,470,000 in Q1 2024 [5][27] - Operating expenses decreased by 10% year over year from $16,100,000 in Q1 2024 to $14,400,000 in Q1 2025 [6][29] - Gross margin expanded to 58% in Q1 2025 from 43% in Q1 2024 [8][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The FinTech division contributed $3,050,000 to revenue, while the brand segment contributed $3,270,000 [5] - The Public Square marketplace added just over $400,000 in revenue [5] - Subscription orders in the EveryLife brand accounted for 68% or $2,200,000 of Q1 revenue, indicating strong repeat customer strength [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The buy now pay later segment saw a slight dip in originations volume due to seasonal shifts post-Christmas [12] - The database of prequalified applicants for the buy now pay later services grew by 198,196 in Q1 [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on integrating synergies between its payments and marketplace segments, emphasizing a Made in America product assortment [17][20] - The strategy includes leveraging AI tools to enhance underwriting and mitigate risks, which is seen as critical for future growth [16] - The company aims to turn operating cash flow positive by the end of 2025 while maintaining a focus on reducing operating expenses [62] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the demand for their payment processing services, particularly from merchants facing cancellations from other providers [33] - The company anticipates significant revenue growth in the latter half of 2025 as it ramps up its marketplace and payment services [24] - Management highlighted the importance of grassroots marketing and community engagement as key drivers for growth [19] Other Important Information - The company has made strategic decisions to purchase leases and retain high-quality consumer receivables, totaling $1,100,000 in cash outflows [28] - A new line of credit is expected to reduce the cost of capital by approximately 50% by the end of Q3 2025 [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the surprises, both favorable and unfavorable, on your payments rollout? - Management noted overwhelming demand for payment services, driven by merchants seeking reliable solutions after being dropped by other providers [32][33] - A challenge mentioned was the need for merchants to prioritize their technology replacements, which could slow down onboarding [36] Question: How should we think about your product pipeline and plans to move beyond baby and feminine hygiene? - Future product development is driven by customer feedback, with a focus on expanding into home essentials [40][42] Question: Could you talk about some of the cross-selling you've been working on? - Currently, 90% of synergies are from buy now pay later to payments, with plans to shift focus to marketplace merchants in the second half of the year [46][49] Question: What specific milestones or developments does Public Square anticipate could drive profitability? - Key milestones include onboarding signed GMV and the organic growth of the Public Square marketplace [62][63] Question: Will you ever accept Bitcoin as a form of payment on your platform? - Management expressed strong interest in exploring nontraditional payment methods, including Bitcoin and stable coins, as part of their future strategy [76][78]

Core Viewpoint - U.S. corporate share buybacks have surged significantly, indicating a strong preference for repurchasing shares over dividend payments, with a total of $262 billion in buyback announcements since April 1 [2][9]. Group 1: Buyback Trends - April marked the strongest monthly pace for corporate share buybacks in years, acting as a stabilizing force in volatile markets [1][3]. - The trend of increasing buybacks following market corrections was observed during the Silicon Valley Bank crisis and the early stages of the Ukraine war [3]. - Companies are utilizing buybacks to boost earnings per share (EPS), signal confidence, and fend off activist investors, leading to a notable increase in share prices [9]. Group 2: Major Corporate Buybacks - Apple Inc. announced a staggering $100 billion buyback, reinforcing its long-standing practice of repurchasing shares [4]. - Alphabet Inc. followed with a $70 billion share repurchase, while Wells Fargo & Co. committed $40 billion to its own stock [5]. - Other notable buybacks include KLA Corp at $5 billion, Dick's Sporting Goods at $3 billion, and Shell PLC at $3.5 billion, showcasing a broad interest across various sectors [6]. Group 3: Sector-Specific Buybacks - The technology sector is particularly active, with Broadcom Inc. and Applied Materials Inc. each announcing $10 billion buyback plans [7]. - Consumer and industrial companies are also participating, with Graphic Packaging Holding Co., Ingersoll Rand Inc., and Cirrus Logic Inc. committing between $500 million and $1.5 billion, and MGM Resorts International announcing a $2 billion buyback [8].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net loss for the first quarter of 2025 was $4.2 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $6.3 million, or $0.29 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2024 [20] - Adjusted net loss was $5.3 million for Q1 2025, or $0.25 per diluted share, compared to $3.2 million, or $0.15 per diluted share in 2024 [20] - Consolidated sales declined by 1.5% to $140.1 million, with US segment sales also decreasing by 1.5% to $128.5 million [21][22] - Gross margin decreased to 36.1% from 40.5%, driven by customer and product mix [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The major product line decrease was in kitchenware, offset by increases in tableware and home solution products, particularly in warehouse clubs, e-commerce, and the dollar channel [21] - Revenue in the food service segment showed growth despite macro-driven delays in product launches and capital projects [13] - International segment sales were flat year over year, with operating results improving due to implemented actions [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Asia Pacific region saw an increase in sales, which was offset by a small decrease from UK national accounts [22] - The mass retail channel experienced a significant sales decline, estimated at around $15 million, while e-commerce, club, and dollar store channels saw increases [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning to a geographically distributed sourcing and manufacturing model to mitigate risks from US trade policy changes, aiming to relocate 80% of manufacturing out of China by the end of 2025 [10][19] - Cost management measures have been tightened, with over $10 million in annual costs identified for elimination [15] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities but is being conservative in its approach due to the current economic environment [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted ongoing economic headwinds and a volatile tariff policy affecting the retail environment, leading to slower purchasing and cautious reordering [6][18] - The decision to withhold formal guidance for the full year 2025 was made due to a lack of visibility in the current environment [19][41] - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning and resilience, stating that they are well-prepared to absorb near-term pressures [18] Other Important Information - The company has taken early actions to build import inventory from China ahead of tariff increases, which has helped mitigate some risks [12] - The transition to a new distribution facility in Maryland is on track, expected to generate long-term efficiencies despite short-term financial impacts [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide additional numbers regarding the sales decline at mass retail and the increase in e-commerce? - The sales decline in the mass retail channel was approximately $15 million [30] Question: Can you give an update on the Dolly Parton shipments? - Shipments occurred as expected, and the program remains strong with anticipated year-over-year growth [32] Question: What is the magnitude of the planned price increases? - Price increases are expected to be between 6-16%, with some items subject to higher increases due to tariffs [34] Question: Why did the company decide not to provide guidance? - The decision was based on a lack of visibility in the current environment, making it difficult to provide accurate guidance [41][42] Question: What is the company's strategy for moving out of China? - The company is actively ramping up production in Mexico and other regions, with positive feedback from retail customers regarding the transition [46] Question: How does the company expect demand to react to significant price increases? - Historically, the company's products have shown resilience in high-cost environments, with minimal impact on demand [47] Question: What message does the company have for shareholders regarding stock performance? - The company believes there is a significant intrinsic value gap and is focused on realizing this value in the stock price [50]

Group 1: Visa - Visa reported a 9% increase in revenue and a 10% increase in non-GAAP EPS for its fiscal second quarter of 2025, with payment volumes up 8% and processed transactions rising 9% [3][7] - Year-to-date, Visa's stock is up over 8%, significantly outperforming the financial sector and the S&P 500 [4] - The company generated $9.42 billion in free cash flow in the first half of fiscal 2025, supporting stock repurchases of $8.41 billion and dividends of $2.33 billion [6] - Visa is guiding for low-double-digit net revenue growth and a low teens increase in diluted EPS for the full fiscal year [7] - The stock has a P/E ratio of 34.4, above its 10-year median of 33.1, which is considered justified given the company's performance [8] Group 2: Kenvue - Kenvue's stock currently yields 3.5% and presents a value opportunity in a relatively safe industry, with management focused on turning around its underperforming skin health and beauty segment [9][10] - The skin health segment's recovery is slower than expected, with organic sales declining by 1.9% in 2024, although Neutrogena regained its No. 1 position in the U.S. face care group [11] - Other segments, including self-care and essential health, grew organic sales by 1.9% and 4.1% respectively in 2024 [12] - Kenvue is collaborating with activist investor Starboard Value to appoint new board members, indicating a commitment to improving performance [12][13] Group 3: Essential Utilities - Essential Utilities offers a 3.2% forward yielding dividend, making it an attractive option for conservative investors during market volatility [14] - The company provides water and wastewater services to 1.1 million customers, with 99% of its earnings attributed to these services, which are less likely to be affected by economic downturns [15] - Operating in regulated markets allows Essential Utilities to guarantee certain rates of return, aiding in future cash flow management [16] - The company has increased its dividend payout for 30 consecutive years, with a 7% compound annual growth rate over the past decade [17][18]

Core Insights - Newell Brands Inc. (NWL) reported a narrower-than-expected loss per share of one cent for Q1 2025, compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of seven cents per share, although both metrics declined year over year [1][2] - Net sales decreased by 5.3% year over year to $1.6 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.5 billion, with core sales falling by 2.1% [2][3] - The normalized gross margin improved by 150 basis points to 32.5%, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth, while the normalized operating margin decreased by 30 basis points to 4.5% [3] Financial Performance - Normalized EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $136 million, down from $152 million in the same quarter last year, with a model prediction of a 33.6% decline in adjusted EBITDA [3] - NWL's shares fell by 3.3% during trading hours due to disappointing Q1 results and tariff concerns, with a significant 47.5% decline over the past three months compared to a 1% growth in the industry [4] Segment Performance - The Home & Commercial Solutions segment reported net sales of $812 million, a 9.1% decrease year over year, with core sales down 5% due to declines in various business areas [5] - The Learning and Development segment saw net sales increase by 2.3% to $572 million, with core sales growing by 4.2%, offsetting foreign exchange impacts [6] - The Outdoor and Recreation segment's net sales fell by 9.5% to $182 million, with core sales down 7.1%, although it exceeded the estimate of $176.5 million [7] Financial Position - At the end of Q1 2025, NWL had cash and cash equivalents of $233 million, long-term debt of $4.5 billion, and total outstanding debt of $4.9 billion, with shareholders' equity at $2.7 billion [8] - The company utilized $213 million in cash from operating activities during the quarter [8] Outlook - Management revised the core sales and operating cash flow outlook for 2025, factoring in various tariffs, including a 20% IEEPA tariff on China and other global tariffs [9] - If the 125% tariff on China remains in effect, it could reduce 2025 normalized EPS by nearly 20 cents, although mitigating efforts may halve this impact [10] - The company anticipates a sales decline of 2-4% year over year, with core sales expected to decrease by 1-3% [11] - For Q2 2025, net sales are projected to decline by 3-5%, with normalized EPS expected to be in the range of 21-24 cents, down from 36 cents in the previous year [12]

Core Viewpoint - 3M Co. has demonstrated solid performance in Q1 2025, showcasing its reliability as an asset during market uncertainties, with a focus on its diverse product offerings and growth potential [1]. Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, 3M reported earnings-per-share (EPS) of $1.88, exceeding consensus estimates by $0.11, and revenues grew 1.1% year-over-year to $5.8 billion, surpassing expectations of $5.76 billion [4]. - The operating margin improved by 220 basis points to 23.5%, with organic growth at 1.5% [4]. - The company launched 62 new products in Q1, a 60% increase year-over-year, with plans for 215 new products in 2025 and over 1,000 in the next three years [5]. Market Position and Technical Analysis - 3M stock remains above key moving averages, maintaining a bullish trend since the 50-day moving average crossed above the 200-day moving average a year ago [2]. - A bullish Golden Cross pattern was triggered on April 18, 2024, indicating strong support levels [9]. - The stock has shown resilience at the $124.65 support level, bouncing back multiple times during market selloffs [10]. Diversification and Economic Resilience - 3M's diversified portfolio includes over 100,000 products across various industries, which helps mitigate risks associated with economic downturns [6]. - The company benefits from a mix of cyclical and stable product lines, allowing it to adapt to changing consumer demands [7]. International Sales and Currency Impact - Approximately 45% of 3M's revenue, around $4 billion, comes from international markets, making it sensitive to currency fluctuations [12]. - A weaker US dollar can enhance international sales volumes, potentially turning currency headwinds into tailwinds in Q2 2025 [13]. Risks and Challenges - Trade wars and tariffs are anticipated to impact operating profits, particularly in the consumer products division, with management forecasting potential losses of $25 million to $50 million [14][15]. - The company has 90 days of inventory to manage tariff impacts, but challenges may arise once this inventory is depleted [14].

Core Viewpoint - Charter Communications' CEO Chris Winfrey presents a positive perspective on tariffs, contrasting with other CEOs who express concerns about their impact on business forecasts and consumer behavior [1][3]. Company Overview - Charter Communications serves over 57 million U.S. families and businesses, with a 100% U.S.-based workforce, emphasizing a preference for American-made products when competitively priced [2]. Financial Outlook - CFO Jessica Fischer states that tariffs are not expected to significantly impact Charter's capital expenditures, maintaining a guidance of $12 billion in spending despite anticipated tariff effects [3]. - Charter reported total revenue of $13.74 billion, exceeding expectations, although earnings per share were $8.42, below the consensus estimate of $8.69 [5][6]. Customer Trends - The company lost 60,000 internet customers and 181,000 video customers in the first quarter, an improvement from a loss of 405,000 video customers in the same quarter the previous year [5]. - The integration of streaming services like Max, Disney+, and Peacock into Spectrum plans is seen as beneficial, with a net value to customers estimated at over $80 per month [5]. Industry Context - Other media companies, including Comcast and Netflix, report minimal concerns regarding tariffs, indicating resilience in their business operations [3][7]. - The upcoming earnings reports from tech companies, particularly Apple, are highly anticipated as they may provide further insights into the impact of trade tensions with China [7].

Financial Performance - Q4 Fiscal Year 2025 consolidated net sales were $485.9 million, a decrease of 0.7% year-over-year[27] - The gross margin for Q4 Fiscal Year 2025 was 48.6%, a decrease of 40 basis points year-over-year[27] - Adjusted diluted EPS for Q4 Fiscal Year 2025 was $2.33, compared to $2.45 in the prior year[27] - Fiscal Year 2025 net sales were $1.908 billion, a decrease of 4.9% year-over-year[29] - The gross margin for Fiscal Year 2025 was 47.9%, an increase of 60 basis points year-over-year[29] - Adjusted diluted EPS for Fiscal Year 2025 was $7.17, compared to $8.91 in the prior year[29] - Free cash flow for Fiscal Year 2025 was $83.1 million, compared to $269.4 million in the prior year[29] Business Segment Performance - Beauty & Wellness net sales for Fiscal Year 2025 were $1,001.3 million[17] - Home & Outdoor net sales for Fiscal Year 2025 were $906.3 million[17] - International net sales increased by 5.3% in Fiscal Year 2025[21, 29] Strategic Initiatives and Outlook - The company plans to offset 70% to 80% of the tariff impact in fiscal year 2026, based on tariffs currently in place, through supplier diversification[21] - The company estimates that less than 20% of the consolidated cost of goods sold will be exposed to China by the end of fiscal year 2026[23]