The technology sector in the United States is a breeding ground for some of the most innovative companies in the world, especially now that advances in artificial intelligence have lowered the barrier of entry for new companies and delivered potential double-digit upside opportunities in the coming months and quarters. For this reason, a look at the smaller players is warranted. Unity Software TodayUUnity Software$25.12 -0.02 (-0.06%) 52-Week Range$13.90▼$30.88Price Target$25.14Add to WatchlistBy consideri ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $193 million, with EBITDA of $20 million, meeting expectations [16] - Orders increased by 6% to $201 million, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 104% [16] - Free cash flow generated in Q1 was $7 million, three times higher than the same quarter last year, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of positive free cash flow [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Drilling and Completion segment saw a revenue increase of $5 million, driven by a rebound in sales of completions-related consumables and capital equipment [17] - The artificial lift and downhole segment experienced a revenue decline due to unfavorable product mix and softer demand for Veraperm products [18] - The Valve Solutions product line faced negative headwinds due to tariffs impacting demand, leading to a buyer strike and reduced orders [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oil prices have declined significantly, hovering near four-year lows, which may lead to a reduction in global rig count in the second half of the year [8] - The company anticipates a modest 2% to 5% decline in global drilling and completions activity for the full year [13] - Despite market uncertainty, operators have not materially deviated from their plans, with expectations for flat quarter-over-quarter results in Q2 [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on mitigating tariff impacts, optimizing the supply chain, and reducing costs and inventory [9] - Plans include increasing assembly activities in Saudi Arabia and Canada to efficiently serve global markets [10] - The company aims to utilize 50% of free cash flow for debt reduction and the remaining for strategic investments, including share repurchases [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about the economic uncertainty due to U.S. trade policies and OPEC's supply growth, which could pressure commodity prices [7] - The company remains confident in its ability to generate free cash flow and maintain a strong balance sheet, with no debt maturities until 2028 [23] - Long-term growth potential is viewed positively, driven by increasing energy demand due to population growth and economic expansion [28] Other Important Information - The company has strategically de-risked its supply chain to minimize dependence on specific countries [11] - A focus on expense and inventory management has led to the highest level of free cash flow in nearly a decade in 2024 [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Subsea bookings and product adoption - Management highlighted a 60% quarter-over-quarter increase in subsea bookings due to customer adoption of new products, with strong demand for remote-operated vehicles [34][35] Question: Strength in drilling completion orders - The increase in orders for stimulation-related equipment was attributed to a rebound from low purchase levels at the end of the previous year, with crews working more efficiently [36][38] Question: Share repurchases and leverage ratio - Management clarified that share repurchases were executed despite ending the quarter slightly above the 1.5 leverage ratio, with plans to continue as cash flows allow [44][45] Question: Cost reduction efforts - The company is targeting $10 million in annualized cost reductions, with some benefits expected in Q2 and more in Q3 [46][47] Question: Customer behavior regarding pricing and tariffs - Management noted that customers are currently hesitant to purchase due to high prices and tariff uncertainty, leading to a buyer strike [51][52] Question: Seasonal impacts in Canada for Veraperm - Management indicated that the challenges faced by Veraperm in Canada are temporary and linked to customer and product mix, with expectations for improvement in the second half of the year [60][61] Question: Geographical diversification benefits - The company is leveraging its geographical diversification to mitigate tariff impacts and optimize manufacturing processes [74][75]

Market Overview - The S&P 500 index is down approximately 9.5% from its high, while the Nasdaq Composite index has fallen 13.5% [1] - The stock market has experienced significant volatility, which may present investment opportunities in companies with strong long-term potential [2] Unity Software - Unity Software provides tools for developers to create video games and digital content, along with digital advertising tools [3] - Despite being a leader in the game-engine services space, Unity's stock has underperformed, down about 89% from its all-time high shortly after its IPO in 2020 [4][5] - In Q4, Unity's sales declined 25% year over year to approximately $457 million, with a net loss of $127 million [6] - However, revenue from Unity's core strategic portfolio increased 4% year over year to $442 million, indicating potential for recovery [7] - The company is undergoing restructuring and strategic shifts, including changes to its digital advertising network and the rollout of a new AI platform [7] - Unity's shares are considered a worthwhile buy ahead of its first-quarter earnings release on May 7 [8] Kenvue - Kenvue, a spinoff from Johnson & Johnson, has not performed as expected, down more than 15% from its all-time high [9] - The company reported 1.9% organic sales growth in its self-care segment and 4.1% growth in essential health, but a decline of 1.9% in the skin health and beauty segment [11] - Kenvue increased its marketing budget to 10.6% of sales in 2024, but recovery is slower than anticipated [12] - There are signs of improvement in the skin health and beauty segment, with organic sales rising 2.6% in Q4 2024 [13] - Kenvue trades at just below 21 times estimated free cash flow for 2025, close to fair value for a mature consumer staple [14] - The stock offers a 3.6% dividend yield, making it attractive for value investors despite low growth prospects [14]