Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current market outlook, emphasizing that earnings are driving the market, with expectations for the S&P 500 to end the year around 7,000, supported by strong earnings growth [1][2]. Earnings Performance - Analysts are raising their 2026 earnings expectations, with Q1 and Q2 of 2025 showing better-than-expected results, moving from low to mid single-digit growth to low double-digit increases year-over-year [3]. - The Q3 earnings reporting season for the S&P 500 is projected to show a 14% increase, significantly higher than the initial expectation of 6.5%, indicating strong performance despite market volatility [4]. Investment Opportunities - The article presents a list of 13 cheap stocks under $10, selected based on a forward P/E ratio below 15 and the number of hedge fund holders, indicating strong hedge fund interest [6][7]. Company Highlights - **Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (NASDAQ:MLCO)**: - Stock Price: $9.07, Forward P/E: 15, Hedge Fund Holders: 18 - Reported Q3 2025 revenues of $1.31 billion, up 11% from $1.18 billion year-over-year, attributed to improved gaming and non-gaming operations [9][10]. - EBITDA for Macau properties increased by 21% year-over-year, with strong growth in the Philippines and Cyprus [11][12][13]. - **Lloyds Banking Group plc (NYSE:LYG)**: - Stock Price: $5.03, Forward P/E: 11.57, Hedge Fund Holders: 19 - Announced the launch of the UK's first agentic AI financial assistant, aimed at providing personalized financial guidance to 21 million mobile app customers [14][15]. - Analysts have raised the price target for Lloyds, with RBC Capital increasing it to 110 GBP and Kepler Capital setting it at 97 GBP, both maintaining positive ratings [16][17].

Core Viewpoint - Jefferies maintains a "Hold" rating for Expedia while raising its price target from $210 to $220, reflecting confidence in the company's ability to navigate industry challenges and capitalize on emerging travel trends [1][2]. Company Developments - Expedia's report "Unpack '26: The Trends in Travel" highlights significant changes in traveler behavior and introduces the Smart Travel Health Check to address overcrowding in tourism, aligning with Jefferies' rating decision [2]. - The company has enhanced its B2B offerings with an AI-powered trip planner and multiple APIs, aimed at boosting partner growth and improving customer experiences, which supports the current stock price [4]. Market Performance - The stock is currently priced at $214.65, with fluctuations between $212.61 and $216.05 during the day, and a market capitalization of approximately $25.48 billion [1][5]. - Over the past year, Expedia's stock has seen a high of $240.98 and a low of $130.01, indicating significant volatility and active investor interest with a trading volume of 759,499 shares on NASDAQ [5]. Emerging Trends - Innovative travel trends for 2026 include unique experiences such as sports events, book club retreats, salvaged hotels, and farm stays, which could attract new segments of travelers and impact Expedia's future growth [3].

Summary of Shift4's Earnings Call Company Overview - **Company**: Shift4 Payments, Inc. - **Recent Acquisition**: Global Blue, closed in early July 2023 Key Themes and Insights 1. **Investor Focus**: Investors are particularly interested in payment volumes and the profile of Shift4's average customer compared to previous years. The success of various initiatives and the impact of the Global Blue acquisition on financials are also key discussion points [5][6] 2. **Business Segments**: Shift4 has a unique position in both enterprise and small-to-medium business (SMB) markets, which contributes to different growth rates in payment volumes and revenue [5][6] 3. **International Expansion**: The company has been focusing on international growth for several years, with significant execution progress noted. The contribution from different countries is a major theme in investor discussions [6] 4. **CFO Transition**: The transition from Nancy to Chris Cruz as CFO was discussed, emphasizing continuity and the importance of Chris's long-standing relationship with the company. Nancy will remain involved as a board member [11][12][15] 5. **Guidance Philosophy**: The company will maintain its guidance philosophy despite the CFO transition, with ongoing refinements as the business evolves [16][17] Financial Projections 1. **Growth Scenarios**: Shift4 outlined three growth scenarios: - **Sit on Hands**: High teens CAGR if no new initiatives are pursued. - **Global Blue Impact**: Mid-twenties CAGR by incorporating Global Blue's forecasts. - **Active Growth**: 30% CAGR by reinvesting capital and pursuing new opportunities [18][22][23] 2. **Capital Deployment**: The company plans to deploy approximately $200 million annually for M&A opportunities, with a disciplined approach to acquisitions [26][28] Global Blue Integration 1. **Performance**: Global Blue is performing well as an independent business, with strong client acquisition in its VAT refund and currency conversion services. The company anticipates meaningful synergies within a year [30][31] 2. **Leadership**: Jacques Stern, CEO of Global Blue, has been appointed head of Shift4 International, bringing valuable international experience to the organization [36] 3. **Digitization Opportunities**: Shift4 aims to enhance the digitization of Global Blue's processes, making refunds easier and more accessible for consumers [51][54] Currency Impact 1. **Currency Fluctuations**: The impact of currency strength on Global Blue's tax refund business is complex, with both positive and negative effects noted. The diversified nature of Global Blue's business helps mitigate risks associated with currency fluctuations [56][58] Strategic Priorities 1. **Market Leadership**: Shift4 aims to maintain its leadership in key verticals such as hotels, restaurants, and sports entertainment while expanding internationally [63][64] 2. **Differentiation**: The company emphasizes the importance of having a unique value proposition rather than expanding for the sake of growth [65] 3. **Capital Allocation**: Prudent capital allocation is crucial for sustaining growth and achieving returns for investors [66] Competitive Landscape 1. **Stadium and Ticketing Opportunities**: Shift4 is well-positioned in the stadium market, providing comprehensive solutions that enhance the fan experience. The integration of ticketing technology is also a focus area, expanding revenue opportunities [67][72] Leadership Involvement 1. **Jared's Role**: Jared's involvement has shifted to focus on high-level strategic priorities, including capital allocation and international expansion, while maintaining regular communication with the management team [75][78] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the earnings call, highlighting Shift4's strategic direction, financial outlook, and integration efforts following the Global Blue acquisition.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 2025 recorded adjusted EBITDA of $5.6 million, marking the strongest performance in the company's history, indicating successful operational discipline [19][20] - Total revenue for Q1 was approximately $66 million, down 18% year over year, with subscription revenue at $21 million, down 26% [20][21] - Travel revenue decreased to $42 million, down 16%, attributed to a lower member count and timing impacts related to curated experiences [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company had over 11,000 members at the end of Q1, with approximately 10,200 active club members and 1,300 active Pass members, reflecting a strategic shift towards club growth [20][21] - Cost of revenue declined by $8 million year over year due to ongoing portfolio optimization efforts [20] - Operating expenses were reduced by approximately $8 million, benefiting from streamlined operations [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintained a strong occupancy level of 74% in controlled residence accommodations, with an average daily rate (ADR) increase of 8% to over $2,100 [22] - The strategic partnerships with renowned hotels like Hondas and Fairmont were renewed, providing exclusive access to accommodations for members [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four key pillars: operational efficiency, brand elevation, member experience, and a robust technology and digital marketing platform [8][10] - A significant emphasis is placed on building a digital marketing platform to connect with luxury travelers and expand the total addressable market [17][44] - The company aims to achieve sustained profitability and operational efficiency as core competencies [42][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged expected near-term revenue headwinds but expressed confidence in the strategic decisions made over the past year translating to stronger financial results [25] - The outlook for 2025 includes adjusted EBITDA guidance between breakeven and $5 million, with total revenue expected between $235 million and $255 million [24] Other Important Information - Q1 free cash flow was negative $8 million, including one-time cash outflows related to underperforming lease terminations [22] - The company is committed to enhancing service quality and member experience through new initiatives and partnerships [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on marketing efforts to drive and retain members - The company is growing its sales force to reach a curated target audience, relying on direct connections rather than traditional marketing [29][30] Question: When and where do club memberships see stabilization? - Management expects continued headwinds on member count through the first half of the year, with stabilization anticipated in the second half of 2025 and into 2026 [32][33] Question: Status of expense cutting efforts - The company is now focused on fine-tuning expenses and improving service quality, with significant opportunities for operational efficiency still ahead [37][39] Question: Major milestones targeted for 2025 - Key goals include achieving sustained profitability, establishing operational efficiency as a core competency, and launching a digital marketing platform [42][44]

Core Viewpoint - Vici Properties is a leading real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in gaming real estate, with a strong portfolio and growth potential despite a challenging interest rate environment [1][3]. Group 1: Company Overview - Vici Properties owns 54 gaming properties, including iconic locations on the Las Vegas Strip such as Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, and The Venetian [1]. - The portfolio includes over 60,000 hotel rooms, 4.2 million square feet of gaming space, 6.7 million square feet of meeting space, and more than 1,000 food, beverage, and retail outlets [2]. Group 2: Business Strategy and Growth Potential - Vici has a solid lease quality, with an average lease term of 41 years and 90% of leases protected from inflation [4]. - The company is expanding into non-gaming experiential real estate, having made its first major non-gaming acquisition in 2023 with Bowlero bowling centers [5]. - Vici has the right of first refusal to acquire additional Las Vegas Strip properties and regional assets from Caesars [6]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Capital Allocation - Vici has a strong track record of adding value through acquisitions, including its purchase of MGM Growth Properties and The Venetian, which has increased per-share funds from operations [7]. - The company has consistently raised its dividend since its IPO, supported by excellent capital allocation [8]. Group 4: Adaptation to Market Conditions - Despite a high-interest environment, Vici has continued to grow by leveraging elevated interest rates to make financing investments [9]. - The company issued debt at a 4.75% interest rate and has financed new property constructions, such as a Margaritaville resort, at higher yields [10][11]. - Vici's financing deals often include the right to acquire the financed properties, creating a growth pipeline for future opportunities [12]. Group 5: Conclusion - Vici Properties boasts a high-quality asset portfolio, a strong balance sheet, and a management team with a proven record of smart capital allocation, positioning it well for future growth and benefiting from potential falling interest rates [13].