Core Viewpoint - Manchester United's fourth-quarter results fell short of market expectations, leading to a decline in share prices despite an increase in net sales compared to the previous year [1] Financial Performance - Quarterly net sales reached 164.1 million pounds ($219.04 million), up from 142.2 million pounds a year earlier, but below the expected $225.80 million [1] - Total revenue increased by 15.4%, driven by stronger commercial and matchday income, although broadcasting revenue saw a decline [1][3] - Commercial revenue grew by 10% year-on-year, while matchday revenue surged by 16.9%, attributed to five additional home matches and high demand for hospitality services [2] - Broadcasting revenue fell by 22%, as the men's first team participated in the UEFA Europa League instead of the more lucrative UEFA Champions League [3] - Operating loss narrowed to 15.2 million pounds from 32.4 million pounds in the same period last year, with adjusted EBITDA nearly doubling to 37.5 million pounds, a 94.3% increase [4] - The company reported a quarterly net loss of 4 cents per share, which was narrower than the projected loss of 6 cents [4] Strategic Initiatives - The CEO indicated that the club has strengthened both the men's and women's first-team squads over the summer for long-term development [4] - Significant investments were made in infrastructure, including the completion of a 50 million pounds redevelopment of the men's first-team building at Carrington [4] - Ongoing planning aims to develop a new stadium at Old Trafford [4] Future Outlook - For fiscal 2026, Manchester United forecasts revenue between 640 million pounds and 660 million pounds, which is below analysts' expectations of 681.9 million pounds [6] - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be in the range of 180 million pounds to 200 million pounds [6]

Core Insights - Steady earnings growth is attractive to executives and analysts, but earnings acceleration is more impactful in driving stock prices higher [1] - Successful stocks typically experience earnings acceleration prior to stock price increases [1] - QuantumScape Corporation, Civeo Corporation, and Entergy Corporation are currently demonstrating strong earnings acceleration [1][8] Earnings Acceleration Definition - Earnings acceleration refers to the incremental growth in a company's earnings per share (EPS), specifically when quarter-over-quarter growth rates increase over time [2] Importance of Earnings Acceleration - Unlike earnings growth, which may already be priced into stocks, earnings acceleration can identify undervalued stocks that are likely to see price rallies [3] - An increasing percentage of earnings growth indicates a fundamentally sound company, while stagnant or declining growth can negatively impact stock prices [4] Screening Parameters - Stocks should be screened for the last two quarter-over-quarter EPS growth rates exceeding previous periods' growth rates [5] - Additional criteria include projected EPS growth rates for the upcoming quarter being higher than prior periods, current price being at least $5, and average 20-day volume being at least 50,000 [6][7] Highlighted Companies - QuantumScape is developing solid-state lithium-metal batteries for electric vehicles, with an expected earnings growth rate of 19.2% for the current year [9] - Civeo provides hospitality services to the global natural resource industry, projecting an earnings growth rate of 45.4% for the current year [10] - Entergy produces and distributes electricity in the U.S., with an anticipated earnings growth rate of 6.6% for the current year [11]

Core Insights - Top executives and analysts emphasize the importance of consistent earnings growth as a reflection of a company's profitability, with earnings acceleration having a more significant impact on stock prices [1][3] - Successful stocks typically experience a speed-up in earnings before their stock prices rise, indicating potential investment opportunities [1][3] Earnings Acceleration - Earnings acceleration refers to the incremental growth in a company's earnings per share (EPS), specifically when the quarter-over-quarter earnings growth rate increases over time [2] - This metric helps identify stocks that have not yet attracted investor attention, which can lead to a subsequent rally in share prices [3] Screening Parameters - The screening process involves identifying stocks where the last two quarter-over-quarter EPS growth rates exceed previous periods' growth rates, with projected EPS growth rates for the upcoming quarter expected to surpass prior periods [5][6] - Additional criteria include a current price of at least $5 and an average 20-day trading volume of 50,000 or more to ensure adequate liquidity [7] Highlighted Stocks - QuantumScape Corporation (QS) is focused on developing solid-state lithium-metal batteries for electric vehicles, with an expected earnings growth rate of 17% for the current year [9] - Civeo Corporation (CVEO) provides hospitality services for the natural resource industry, projecting an earnings growth rate of 69.8% for the current year [10] - Agenus Inc. (AGEN) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing cancer therapies, with a leading projected earnings growth rate of 114.7% for the current year [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q1 2025 were $144 million, with a net loss of $9.8 million or $0.72 per diluted share, and adjusted EBITDA of $12.7 million, reflecting a decrease compared to the previous year [11][12] - The company reported negative operating cash flow of $8.4 million, primarily due to seasonal impacts on working capital [11] - Civeo's net debt increased by $21 million to $59 million as of March 31, 2025, with a net leverage ratio of 0.8 times [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Australian segment revenues increased by 13% year-over-year to $103.6 million, with adjusted EBITDA remaining relatively flat at $20.5 million due to rising power and staffing costs [12][13] - Canadian segment revenues decreased significantly to $40.4 million from $67.2 million in the previous year, with adjusted EBITDA at negative $200,000, driven by reduced customer spending and the wind down of LNG-related activities [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Australia, strong occupancy levels were reported, with 625,000 build rooms, a modest increase from the previous year [13] - In Canada, billed rooms totaled 359,000, down from 610,000 in the first quarter of 2024, reflecting ongoing economic and political uncertainties [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has revised its capital allocation strategy, increasing share repurchase authorization from 10% to 20% of total shares outstanding and suspending the quarterly dividend to enhance long-term shareholder value [4][19] - Civeo plans to allocate 100% of its annual free cash flow to share repurchases until the expanded authorization is completed [4][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to generate free cash flow, despite macroeconomic challenges, and emphasized a focus on operational efficiency and cost structure optimization [8][24] - The company lowered its full-year 2025 revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance to $620 million to $650 million and $75 million to $85 million, respectively, reflecting a conservative outlook primarily influenced by Canadian market conditions [21][41] Other Important Information - Civeo is in the process of acquiring DeBoer Villages in the Australian Bowen Basin, expected to close in Q2 2025, which is anticipated to be immediately accretive to operating cash flow [6][21] - The company has engaged a consulting firm to review its North American cost structure as part of its commitment to enhance shareholder value [8][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the rationale behind the change in the capital allocation framework? - Management indicated that the decision to shift from dividends to share repurchases was based on extensive shareholder engagement and the realization that the dividend was not being valued by the market [27] Question: What are the benefits of the joint venture with the Six Nations in Canada? - The joint venture is crucial for winning work in Canada, as First Nation relationships are often necessary for bidding on projects, enhancing Civeo's competitive position [29] Question: Are there any larger infrastructure projects expected to generate revenue in the next few years? - Management mentioned potential pipeline projects and carbon sequestration initiatives in Alberta as opportunities for revenue generation [34] Question: How is the company addressing cost-cutting measures? - The consulting firm is helping to address the cost structure primarily in Canada, but the review will encompass all North American operations [36] Question: What is the outlook for free cash flow in 2025? - Management views the $20 million to $30 million free cash flow guidance as potentially low due to market conditions, with expectations for improvement in future years [51][56]