Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for Q1 2025 was $2.7 million, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.42, representing a 27% increase compared to the prior year quarter [5] - Tangible book value per share increased to $15.79, up from $14.93 last year, reflecting a 5.8% increase [5] - Net interest income totaled $11.3 million, a 23% increase from $9.2 million in Q1 2024 [5][19] - Operating expenses rose approximately 3.5% from the linked quarter, totaling $12.4 million, which includes $726,000 in acquisition-related costs [7][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was $97 million, up 9.8% from the prior year, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of sequential loan growth [6][13] - Mortgage originations for the quarter were $40 million, down from the prior year and linked quarters, but the current pipeline is approximately $50 million [6][41] - Noninterest income increased by 3.9% from the prior year quarter to $4.1 million, driven by gains on mortgage loans and commercial loan swap revenue [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits grew over 10%, including $56 million from the Marblehead acquisition, while excluding Marblehead, growth was 5.4% [6][12] - The core deposit base grew just under 5% this year, with an annualized growth rate of 15% when excluding public funds and the Marblehead book [13] - Total loans ended the quarter at $1.09 billion, including $19 million from the Marblehead acquisition [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on five key initiatives: growing and diversifying revenue, expanding footprint, operational excellence, and maintaining asset quality [7] - The Marblehead acquisition, completed on January 17, 2025, is expected to enhance market presence and client relationships in Ottawa County, Ohio [11] - The company is committed to digital innovation and enhancing client care initiatives, including appointing a digital banking officer [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in loan growth despite economic uncertainties, with a budgeted growth of 8% to 10% for the year [39] - The company anticipates a strong performance in the second half of the year, driven by the integration of Marblehead and a robust loan pipeline [28] - Management expects funding costs to decrease further, which will positively impact net interest margin [23][54] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 26,500 shares at an average price of just under $21, representing approximately 130% of tangible book value [25] - The allowance for credit losses remained robust at 1.41% of total loans, providing 254% coverage of nonperforming loans [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about loan growth and tariffs - Management expressed confidence in the loan pipeline, indicating no significant concerns regarding tariffs affecting client decisions [36][38] Question: Outlook for loan growth this year - The company maintains a budgeted growth of 8% to 10%, including contributions from the Marblehead acquisition [39] Question: Mortgage pipeline and full-year expectations - The current mortgage pipeline is healthy, and management is optimistic about achieving budgeted production levels for 2025 [41] Question: Trends in deposits and liquidity - Management anticipates some seasonal fluctuations in deposits but expects core deposits to continue growing [45][47] Question: Credit quality and reserve levels - Management is bullish on credit quality and plans to provision for anticipated loan growth while maintaining a strong reserve level [56][59] Question: Capital management and buyback plans - The company plans to resume share buybacks when opportunities arise, while also focusing on integrating the Marblehead acquisition [64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported FFO per share of $0.64, which was a penny above the high end of guidance [6][10] - Same store revenue growth decreased by 0.4% year over year, an improvement from a decline of 1.6% in the previous quarter [8][10] - Average occupancy for the same store portfolio was down 50 basis points to 89.5%, narrowing from a decline of 120 basis points in the fourth quarter [9][10] - Same store operating expenses grew by only 0.6% year over year, better than expectations [10][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed on the acquisition of the remaining 80% interest in a joint venture, acquiring a portfolio of 28 early-stage lease-up stores [11] - The third-party management platform added 33 stores, ending the quarter with 869 third-party stores under management [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong markets such as New York City boroughs, Chicago, and Washington D.C. continue to show strength, while supply-impacted markets like Northern New Jersey, Phoenix, and Atlanta are stabilizing [7][12] - In Texas markets, Dallas is facing challenges due to supply and pricing decisions, while Austin shows signs of recovery [34][35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on optimizing its platform while maintaining high customer service standards [6][10] - The management expressed confidence in the long-term health of the self-storage industry due to the quality and geographic diversity of its portfolio [7][12] - The company is cautious about the economic environment, maintaining a conservative outlook for gradual improvement in operational metrics in 2025 [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted uncertainty in the economy affecting consumer decisions, which could impact storage demand [13] - The company does not foresee improvement in the housing market and expects a gradual recovery without sharp reacceleration [13] - Management highlighted the resilience of the self-storage business, noting that demand drivers include everyday life events and business needs [18][19] Other Important Information - The balance sheet remains strong with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 4.8 times [12] - The company is monitoring the impact of macroeconomic factors on its operations and is prepared to adjust strategies accordingly [13][54] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the drivers of demand in the current environment? - Management indicated that demand is driven by everyday life events and business needs, despite a slow housing market [18] Question: What was occupancy in April? - Occupancy ended at 89.9% in April, showing a slight improvement [21] Question: How does the company view the leasing season? - Management expects a muted leasing season compared to pre-pandemic levels, with no significant growth anticipated [30] Question: What is the outlook for Texas markets? - Management noted that while Austin is recovering, Dallas faces challenges due to supply and competitive pricing [34][35] Question: How is the company managing expenses? - The company has been proactive in managing staffing and operational expenses, leading to better-than-expected results [50] Question: What is the strategy for acquisitions? - The company is open to acquisitions but faces challenges due to market volatility and seller expectations [53][54] Question: How does the company view potential recession impacts? - Management believes the self-storage business is resilient during economic downturns, with demand potentially increasing due to life changes [88][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable RevPAR increased by 2% over 2024, while total RevPAR increased by 1.6% [4] - Hotel adjusted EBITDA margins increased by 54 basis points, with hotel adjusted EBITDA in Q1 at $61.3 million, reflecting a 2.2% growth over 2024 [9] - Adjusted FFO was $0.19 per share, an increase of $0.01 or 5.6% over 2024 [10] - Free cash flow per share increased by 10% to $0.63 per share over the prior four-quarter period [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Urban portfolio RevPAR grew by 5%, driven by group and business transient segments, with room revenues up 3.1% in January, 2.6% in February, and 5.4% in March [4] - Food and beverage revenue at urban hotels declined by 3.3% year over year, but excluding the Chicago Marriott, it increased by 5.5% [5] - Resort portfolio comparable RevPAR declined by 2.1% over 2024, with total revenues slightly up in January and February but down 4.3% in March [6][7] - Group room revenues increased by 10.4% over last year on a 5.2% increase in room nights [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Florida assets saw mid-single-digit revenue declines, with RevPAR down 5.9% and total RevPAR down 4% [7] - Outside of Florida, RevPAR increased by 1.7% and total RevPAR increased by 2.9% [7] - Preliminary April RevPAR showed better than 2% growth [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on adding groups to resorts to preserve pricing and improve profitability [8] - Plans to refinance maturing loans through a combination of corporate debt issuance and recasting the corporate credit facility [12] - The company is pursuing opportunities to dispose of non-strategic assets while recycling proceeds into attractive investment alternatives [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the unsettled macroeconomic environment has led to softer closure rates for group bookings [9] - The long-term secular drivers for US resorts remain strong, but near-term performance could be soft [20] - The company expects economic anxiety to settle as 2025 progresses, with a focus on increasing earnings per share [27] - Revised full-year 2025 RevPAR outlook to a range of -1% to +1% growth, reflecting a cautious stance on group bookings [23] Other Important Information - The company intends to continue paying a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share in 2025 [10] - Share repurchases totaled approximately $16 million or 2.1 million shares at an average price of $7.85 [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Preliminary portfolio-wide RevPAR for April - Preliminary April is showing a little better than 2% growth [30] Question: Renovation project costs and tariffs - Costs depend on the type of renovations; efforts are being made to secure materials before tariffs are reinstated [31][32] Question: Group conversion profile and average group size - The average hotel is about 200 to 250 rooms, with groups running the gamut from associations to corporate [36][37] Question: Group pacing in specific markets - Denver and Salt Lake are showing significant strength in group bookings [41] Question: Holes in group bookings for the rest of the year - The biggest holes are due to difficult comps in Chicago and Boston [48] Question: Average booking window for groups - Smaller groups tend to book 4 to 6 months out, while larger groups book 8 to 12 months out [53] Question: Competitive supply growth and developer behavior - Approximately 40% to 50% of markets have little to no supply growth due to anti-development stances [82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Chevron reported earnings of $3.5 billion or $2 per share for Q1 2025, with adjusted earnings of $3.8 billion or $2.18 per share, reflecting a $200 million increase in adjusted earnings compared to the previous quarter [9][12] - Cash returned to shareholders reached $6.9 billion through dividends and buybacks, marking twelve consecutive quarters of over $5 billion returned [5][6] - Organic CapEx was $3.5 billion, the lowest quarterly total in two years, while inorganic CapEx was approximately $400 million [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted upstream earnings remained flat compared to the last quarter, with higher realizations offset by lower liftings and affiliate earnings [12] - Adjusted downstream earnings increased due to improved refining margins and lower maintenance costs [12] - First quarter oil equivalent production was flat compared to the previous quarter, with growth expected to resume in the Permian in Q2 2025 [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Chevron achieved first oil at Ballymore in the Gulf of America, contributing to expected production growth to 300,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2026 [7][46] - The expansion of the Pasadena refinery has strengthened the Gulf Coast value chain, allowing for increased capacity and integration with Pascagoula [8][109] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Chevron's strategy focuses on execution to unlock industry-leading cash flow growth, with a capital program directed towards short-cycle assets and deepwater projects [6][14] - The company aims for structural cost savings of $2 billion to $3 billion by the end of next year, alongside a $2 billion reduction in CapEx budgets [6][14] - Chevron is expanding its pipeline of future opportunities, adding over 11 million net exploration acres since the start of last year [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating macroeconomic uncertainties and commodity cycles, emphasizing cost and capital discipline [6][14] - The company remains well-positioned to generate cash flow growth, even in lower price environments, with a strong balance sheet and a net debt ratio of 14% [14][104] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining flexibility in capital spending to adapt to market conditions [101][104] Other Important Information - Chevron's guidance for annual buybacks remains unchanged at $10 billion to $20 billion, with expected buybacks of $2.5 billion to $3 billion in Q2 2025 [14][15] - The company is actively engaging in power ventures, with plans for a floating production unit in Cyprus expected to produce 800 million cubic feet of gas per day [60][94] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on TCO and production levels - Management expressed satisfaction with the startup performance at TCO, achieving nameplate capacity in less than 30 days and positive discussions regarding concession extensions [18][20] Question: Position in California refining market - Management noted a strong position with two refineries and highlighted challenges posed by state policies affecting investment [23][24] Question: Financial framework and buyback decisions - Management reiterated the importance of maintaining a balance between buybacks and capital discipline, with a focus on long-term financial priorities [30][32] Question: Impact of macroeconomic factors on production - Management discussed the implications of potential production losses in Venezuela and Kazakhstan, emphasizing the value of TCO production to the government [41][43] Question: Future prospects in the Gulf of Mexico - Management provided insights on Ballymore's production ramp-up and the potential for significant output from the project [46][47] Question: Update on power ventures - Management confirmed strong demand for power projects and ongoing discussions with prospective customers, aiming for a final investment decision by year-end [92][94] Question: Tariff impacts on CapEx - Management indicated limited direct exposure to tariffs, with most costs being service-related and local sourcing mitigating potential impacts [121][123]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for Q1 2025 were $417 million, a decrease of 2.4% compared to $427 million in the same period last year, primarily due to unfavorable foreign exchange and lower volumes [15][24] - Adjusted EBITDA was $82 million, or 19.6%, compared to $80 million, or 18.8% in the prior period, reflecting improved operational efficiency [16][25] - Adjusted earnings per share increased to $0.63 from $0.60 last year, while adjusted free cash flow improved to $20 million from an outflow of $13 million in the prior year [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to focus on aftermarket sales, which account for over 80% of revenue, demonstrating resilience despite market challenges [9] - The first fit market is expected to decline, with heavy-duty market projections down 5% to 15% and medium-duty down 10% to 20% [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall market outlook remains uncertain, with expectations for total company revenue in 2025 to be flat to up 4% compared to the prior year, with global sales projected between $1.67 billion and $1.735 billion [22] - The impact of tariffs is estimated to contribute approximately 1.5% to pricing, with additional pricing actions expected to offset input costs [19][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing a four-pillar growth strategy focused on growing share in first fit, accelerating aftermarket growth, transforming the supply chain, and expanding into industrial filtration through acquisitions [10][12][14] - The operational separation from Cummins is progressing, with expectations to complete remaining activities in 2025 [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the evolving tariff environment, although the overall impact on end markets remains unclear [16][17] - The company anticipates a flat year-over-year performance in aftermarket revenue, with pricing expected to provide a 3.2% increase [19][20] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased $10 million of stock in Q1 2025, totaling $30 million since the program's announcement, with $120 million remaining under board authorization [5] - The effective tax rate for Q1 2025 was 21.3%, a decrease from 22% in the previous year, driven by a change in the mix of earnings among tax jurisdictions [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potential manufacturing transitions due to tariffs - Management indicated that while they are monitoring the tariff situation closely, no long-term manufacturing changes are currently planned [33][34] Question: M&A opportunities in the industrial filtration market - Management acknowledged that while the market is challenging, they remain focused on evaluating M&A targets as part of their growth strategy [36] Question: Revenue outlook amidst market changes - Management confirmed that the revenue outlook remains near the midpoint of their guidance, despite softening market conditions [41][42] Question: Pricing expectations for the year - Management expects pricing to ramp up throughout the year, with a gradual increase leading to the anticipated 3.2% for the full year [48] Question: Impact of potential regulatory changes on emissions - Management is closely monitoring EPA reviews and believes they are well-positioned to support customers regardless of regulatory outcomes [70][71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Normalized FFO per share for Q1 2025 was $0.39, aligning with expectations and marking a strong start to the year [22] - Same store cash NOI growth was 2.3%, impacted by higher operating expenses and weather volatility, with expectations for acceleration in growth for the remainder of the year [22][23] - Net debt to adjusted EBITDA remained unchanged at 6.4 times, with expectations to decrease to a range of 6 to 6.25 times as the year progresses [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store occupancy at the end of Q1 was 89.3%, with expectations for sequential growth throughout 2025 [11] - The company commenced nearly 1,500,000 square feet of new and renewal leases during the quarter, with a solid signed non-occupied pipeline of over 630,000 square feet [17][20] - Tenant retention improved by over 300 basis points to almost 85%, contributing to the slight uptick in occupancy [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The demand for outpatient medical space remains robust, with health systems experiencing improving revenue and margin trends, driving further growth and space needs [20] - The company’s on-campus portfolio received an A+ score in a recent industry research piece, indicating a resilient outpatient portfolio compared to peers [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The new CEO emphasized a focus on leasing, portfolio optimization, balance sheet improvement, organizational efficiency, and financial discipline as initial strategic priorities [11][14] - The company plans to exit markets with limited scale and focus on selling assets rather than contributing them to joint ventures [13][31] - The dividend will be an output of the strategic plan, with discussions ongoing at the Board level regarding its future [16][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong fundamentals of outpatient medical real estate, with muted new supply and steadily increasing demand [7] - The company anticipates occupancy growth throughout 2025, with a target of 75 to 125 basis points of absorption by year-end [21] - Management is cautious about potential federal healthcare budget cuts but noted that outpatient medical assets may benefit indirectly from such changes [45] Other Important Information - The company maintained its dividend at $0.31 per share for the quarter, with discussions ongoing regarding its future based on earnings clarity [16] - The company sold four buildings for $28 million in Q1, with plans for further dispositions as part of its strategy [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Did the areas of focus listed by the new CEO represent a priority order? - The CEO indicated that while not in perfect order of priority, portfolio optimization and deleveraging are immediate focuses, while leasing improvements may take two to three years [30] Question: How does the company view the joint venture model? - The CEO expressed a preference for maintaining existing joint ventures but emphasized the need to sell assets rather than contribute more to these ventures [31] Question: Is the current guidance for 2025 confirmed? - The CEO reaffirmed the guidance after reviewing the 2025 forecast, indicating comfort with the numbers presented [35] Question: How will dispositions impact earnings and dividend coverage? - The CEO acknowledged that while there may be a negative impact from asset sales, efforts are being made to offset dilution through efficiencies and leasing upside [104][105] Question: What is the outlook for rent collection from tenants? - The CFO reported full rent collection from a key tenant for February, March, and April, indicating stability despite ongoing bankruptcy processes [62] Question: How does the company plan to utilize retained cash flow? - The CEO highlighted redevelopment opportunities as a priority for retained cash flow, aiming for higher returns on reinvested capital [115]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's net operating income (NOI) for the first quarter was $26 million, which is $500,000 higher than the previous quarter, driven by higher revenue and lower operating expenses [15] - Core funds from operations (FFO) were reported at $12.3 million or $0.30 per share, an increase of $600,000 from the previous quarter [15] - Adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) were $6.5 million or $0.16 per share, with no significant impacts from tenant improvements or leasing commissions [16] - Same store cash NOI increased by 4.4% or $1.1 million compared to the first quarter of 2024 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed 144,000 square feet of new and renewal leasing in the first quarter, with the largest lease being a 34,000 square foot new lease at the Papago Tech property in Phoenix [11] - The Greenwood Boulevard property in Orlando was fully leased to a single tenant, with a new 66,000 square foot tenant set to take occupancy later this year [12] - The overall portfolio occupancy ended the quarter at 84.9%, slightly lower than the previous quarter, with expectations of a decrease in the second quarter due to tenant downsizing [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nationally, office leasing volume was 15% higher than a year ago, with JLL estimating that it has returned to approximately 89% of pre-pandemic levels [10] - Higher quality office spaces in Sunbelt markets continue to outperform, with significant leasing activity noted in Phoenix [10][41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on the redevelopment of its City Center property in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, into a luxury residential condominium and mixed-use tower [5] - An agreement was made with Property Markets Group to lead the development, with expectations of significant long-term value creation [7] - The company is strategically investing in Sunbelt markets, where it sees the most value, while avoiding capital investments in underperforming markets like Portland [40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the overall office real estate fundamentals and the positive trends in leasing activity [10] - The company anticipates occupancy will dip in the short term but expects to recover by year-end as signed leases take occupancy [31] - Management is confident in achieving year-end occupancy within the original guidance range of 85% to 87% [18] Other Important Information - Total debt as of March 31 was $646 million, with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 6.7 times [18] - The company has approximately $42 million undrawn on its credit facility, which matures in November 2025 [19] - Two property debt maturities are scheduled for 2025, with ongoing discussions for extensions [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: How did the new development project come about? - The project was initiated two years ago, recognizing the strong market in Downtown St. Petersburg, leading to a well-structured agreement with PMG [23][24] Question: What is the timing for the project? - Presales are expected to commence soon, with a projected timeline of about one year for presales and three years for construction, totaling approximately four years for the full project [26] Question: Will there be any disruption to existing tenants during the redevelopment? - Alternative parking arrangements are being made for tenants, and they have been kept informed about the changes [27] Question: What is the pace of occupancy expected this year? - The company has 143,000 square feet of leases that have yet to take occupancy, which will contribute to occupancy levels in the coming quarters [30] Question: Will there be any vacancy at Greenwood Boulevard? - There will be a temporary dip in occupancy due to tenant downsizing, but it is expected to return to 100% occupancy before the end of the year [36] Question: How are the top Sunbelt markets performing, particularly Phoenix? - The company is seeing strong performance in Phoenix, with significant leasing activity contributing to overall positive cash spreads [40][41]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the quarter with record assets under management (AUM) of $115.8 billion, up 5.5% from the prior quarter [4] - Net inflows totaled $3 billion, reflecting an annualized organic growth rate of 11% [4] - Revenue for the quarter was $108 million, down slightly from the previous quarter due to two fewer trading days and lower average fee capture, but 11.6% higher than the same period last year [6][7] - Adjusted net income for the quarter was $23 million, or $0.16 per share, impacted by seasonal compensation [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Inflows in the U.S. exceeded $1.8 billion, with significant contributions from fixed income and U.S. equity products [5] - The European market generated over $1.1 billion in inflows, primarily into the USITS ETF suite, including $770 million into the newly launched European Defense Fund [5][11] - The model portfolios business reached $4 billion in assets under administration (AUA), up 4% year-to-date, reflecting a nearly 20% annualized organic growth rate [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced positive market movement in commodities, which helped offset headwinds in the U.S. market [6] - The European Defense Fund has been a standout, bringing in $1.4 billion in net inflows year-to-date, making it one of the most successful launches in the company's history [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on adapting to evolving market dynamics and has introduced unique investment ideas, such as the geopolitical risk-aware model portfolios [12] - There is a strategic emphasis on deepening client relationships, with a target to grow the total number of clients using WisdomTree products by 4% this year [13] - The company is also expanding its digital assets offerings, with plans to enable on-chain transfers and broaden functionality in the coming months [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the company is well-positioned in a more volatile market, with a balanced AUM and strong client momentum [9][10] - The future outlook is positive, with expectations for continued organic growth and a focus on efficiency improvements through AI deployment [23][24] Other Important Information - The company has positioned itself as a leader in tokenized products, with over $100 million in inflows year-to-date [21] - The management highlighted the diversification of AUM across geographies, asset classes, and client types as a significant strength [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Opportunity for WisdomTree Prime - Management discussed the importance of on and off ramps for interacting with stable coins and other crypto assets, with a measured rollout planned for the summer and expanded marketing in September [26][27] Question: AI Deployment - Management explained that AI is being implemented across various functions to enhance customer experience, growth, and decision-making [31][33] Question: Update on Crypto Funds - The company has focused on Bitcoin in the U.S. and launched a broad 20-coin basket product in Europe, with over $100 million in inflows [38][39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net premium earned was relatively flat compared to 2024, driven by higher renewal premiums offset by lower new business and audit premiums [6][10] - Gross premiums written increased by 1% to $212 million, while net premiums earned decreased by 1% to $183 million [9][10] - The current accident year loss and LAE ratio on voluntary business increased to 66% from 64% in 2024 [7][10] - Net investment income rose by 20% to $32 million, the highest in the company's history as a publicly traded entity [7][12] - Quarterly net income was $12.8 million, impacted by $9 million of net after-tax unrealized investment losses [12] - Adjusted net income increased by 24% to $21.3 million from $17.2 million a year ago [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The underwriting expense ratio improved to 23.4% from 25% a year ago, attributed to reductions in bad debt and compensation-related expenses [8][11] - Commission expense decreased to $23 million from $25 million, with a commission expense ratio of 12.6% compared to 13.6% [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the period with a record number of policies in force, achieving a year-over-year growth rate of 4% [7] - The overall selection of the current accident year loss ratio of 66% is below the industry average, which has been in the range of 69% to 70% in recent years [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to prioritize profitability over growth, refining its underwriting and pricing approach to maintain discipline while returning to moderate new business growth levels [15] - The appetite expansion effort is ongoing, identifying areas for profitable growth [15] - The company is monitoring potential impacts from tariff discussions and the cost of prescription drugs and medical services [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the ability to maintain a strong customer base amid potential recessionary headwinds, citing deep relationships with customers and agents [15] - The company has not experienced negative impacts from macroeconomic conditions but is closely monitoring the situation [15] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program for up to $125 million over a 20-month period [13] - A 7% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.32 per share was declared, payable on May 28 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss specifics regarding loss trends and the competitive rate environment? - Management noted the increase in the accident year GLOF and LAE ratio from 64% to 66% is due to competitive rate pressures and a rise in cumulative trauma claims in California [22][24] Question: What about underlying medical inflation and treatment costs? - Management indicated that lost time claim frequencies are generally trending downward, with some variations by state, and overall severity values have held steady [26] Question: Are there macroeconomic contributions to cumulative trauma claims? - Management stated that there is no identifiable macroeconomic cause for the increase in cumulative trauma claims, which are primarily a California phenomenon [30] Question: What are the expectations for the NCCI's state of the line report? - Management anticipates that reserve redundancies in the industry are still significant but may be reducing less, with internal rates showing flat year-over-year results [35]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Entergy reported strong financial performance in 2024, achieving adjusted earnings per share growth in the top half of their guidance range and a quarterly dividend per share increase of approximately 6% [15][16] - The company effectuated a two-for-one stock split, which reflects confidence in its financial health and future growth prospects [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Entergy experienced significant industrial customer growth, particularly from hyperscale data centers, with agreements signed in Mississippi and Louisiana [11][28] - The company brought more than 700 megawatts of solar resources online in 2024, enhancing its renewable energy portfolio [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Entergy's industrial sales growth guidance is projected at 12% to 13% compound annual growth through 2028, indicating strong demand in the industrial sector [30] - The company is actively engaged in discussions for additional data center projects, with a pipeline of 5 to 10 gigawatts not currently forecasted [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Entergy is focused on enhancing resilience and storm responses, with over $2 billion approved for resilience investments in Louisiana, Texas, and New Orleans [13][32] - The company aims to foster growth in its service territory while investing in cleaner, more reliable, and resilient energy solutions [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to manage tariff impacts, estimating a manageable effect of approximately 1% on their $37 billion four-year capital plan [33] - The outlook remains positive, with expected double-digit industrial sales growth and an adjusted earnings per share compound annual growth rate above 8% through 2028 [16] Other Important Information - Entergy's commitment to corporate social responsibility resulted in an economic impact of over $153 million for customers and communities in 2024 [13] - The company played a significant role in community engagement, particularly through its partnership in the Super Bowl 59 host committee, contributing over $3.5 million in grants to local nonprofits [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: How much opportunity do data centers present to Entergy over the next few years? - Data centers represent a major growth opportunity, with agreements already in place and a project pipeline of 5 to 10 gigawatts [28] Question: Where do you see the most growth coming from over the next couple of years? - Growth is expected primarily from the industrial customer segment, particularly data centers and traditional industrial segments [30] Question: How is infrastructure hardening for hurricanes going? - Progress is being made with an accelerated resilience program and over $2 billion approved for upgrades [32] Question: What is the range of impact that you see tariffs having on Entergy's operations? - Tariff impacts are estimated to be manageable, primarily affecting the capital plan with an estimated impact of about 1% [33] Question: How is the use of artificial intelligence changing how Entergy operates? - Entergy is implementing AI solutions to improve customer service and field operations, enhancing responsiveness and reliability [36]