NatWest Group (NYSE:NWG) Conference November 19, 2025 06:15 AM ET Company ParticipantsKatie Murray - CFOModeratorWith the AV guys in the room, and they just go through everything with me, so I'm just about to join that just now from a different device. Yeah, it's quite—yeah, it's just audio only, so we just keep up the slides through. Thank you. Yeah, the preview all looks good to me. Thank you. Okay, perfect. Yeah, yeah, yeah. With the AV guys in the room, and they just go through everything with—yeah, per ...

Core Insights - Espey Mfg. & Electronics Corp. (ESP) reported a net income of 76 cents per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase from 61 cents per share in the prior-year period, despite a decline in net sales [1][2] Financial Performance - Net sales for the quarter were $9.1 million, reflecting a 12.9% decline from $10.4 million in the same quarter a year earlier [2] - Gross profit increased by 14.9% to $3.2 million, resulting in a gross margin improvement to 35.4% from 26.8% in the year-ago quarter [3] - Operating income rose to $2.1 million from $1.7 million in the prior-year quarter, despite a 6.4% increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses to $1.2 million [4] - Cash flow from operations was robust at $5.7 million, significantly up from $1.4 million in the prior-year quarter [5] Business Dynamics - The decline in sales was attributed to fewer deliveries and milestone completions, particularly due to the wind-down of a significant build-to-print program [6] - The company emphasized that the sales decrease was not indicative of a long-term trend but rather due to the timing of shipments [6] - Espey's revenue model is heavily influenced by milestone-based and delivery-based billing, with $7.3 million recognized from units delivered and $1.8 million from milestone achievements [8] Customer Concentration - The top five customers accounted for nearly 80% of total sales, up from 52% in the year-ago period, indicating increased customer concentration [8] Tax and Guidance - The effective tax rate was 15.2%, down from 20% in the prior year, reflecting tax benefits from various deductions [9] - Management anticipates higher revenues for fiscal 2026 compared to fiscal 2025, supported by a backlog of $141.1 million as of Sept. 30, 2025 [10] - New orders for fiscal 2026 totaled $10.5 million, up from $7.8 million in the same quarter last year, with approximately $161.5 million in outstanding opportunities [12] Capital Improvement Initiatives - The company is progressing on a $3.4 million Navy-funded capital improvement initiative aimed at enhancing test and qualification infrastructure, with $1 million in milestone reimbursements received [13]

Shares of Armanino Foods of Distinction, Inc. (AMNF) have declined 3.6% since the company reported third-quarter 2025 results, lagging the S&P 500 Index’s 1.6% decrease over the same period. Over the past month, the stock has slipped 2%, while the broader index has gained 0.2%, underscoring a period of relative underperformance for the specialty food producer.Armanino Food posted solid year-over-year growth during the quarter. Net sales rose 11% to $19.65 million from $17.67 million a year earlier, reflecti ...

Core Insights - Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. reported a strategic transformation in Q3 2025, focusing on operational improvements and product innovation to enhance performance in 2026 [2][4][21] - The company has launched a Scientific Advisory Board to support its medical channel strategy and reinforce its commitment to science-backed innovation [5][6] - A restructuring of the B2B retail operations was implemented to adapt to regulatory changes, prioritizing high-margin channels and reducing lower-margin sales [7][19] Financial Performance - Q3 2025 revenue was $11.5 million, an 8.6% decrease from $12.6 million in Q3 2024, primarily due to a strategic shift in the B2B business model [17][20] - Gross profit for Q3 2025 was $4.5 million, representing a gross margin of 38.9%, down from 53.0% in Q3 2024, affected by a one-time chargeback reserve and higher costs during the transition to in-house manufacturing [18][20] - SG&A expenses decreased by 23.3% year-over-year to $9.7 million, reflecting effective cost management strategies [19] Operational Improvements - The company achieved full internalization of Brightside™ gummy production, enhancing manufacturing capacity and cost absorption [3][4] - Additional expense reductions are expected to yield approximately $9 million in annualized savings in 2026, supporting a path toward positive cash flow [4][21] - The transition to in-house manufacturing is anticipated to improve gross margins as production scales, targeting approximately 75% of total gummy sales volume over time [18] Product Innovation - Charlotte's Web expanded its sleep product portfolio, with the CBN Stay Sleep Gummies becoming the second-best-selling gummy product [2][9] - The introduction of Brightside™ hemp-derived delta-9 products has shown promising early performance, indicating strong market demand [2][11] - The company is entering the nootropics segment with CBG Focus & Attention Gummies, diversifying its product offerings beyond traditional CBD [9] Regulatory and Industry Context - Recent federal legislative developments have introduced uncertainty, but the company remains optimistic about achieving a balanced regulatory framework for CBD wellness products [10][11] - The company is actively engaging with bipartisan Congressional champions and industry coalitions to support favorable regulatory outcomes [11][12] - State-level restrictions have prompted a restructuring of the B2B distribution strategy, focusing on high-margin accounts to improve long-term profitability [11][12] Strategic Partnerships - Charlotte's Web is collaborating with DeFloria, Inc. for FDA Phase 2 clinical trials of a botanical drug aimed at treating irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder, representing a potential long-term revenue opportunity [12][15] - The partnership with Ajna BioSciences and British American Tobacco highlights the company's leadership in advancing hemp-derived compounds into FDA-regulated pharmaceutical development [12][15]

Core Insights - Huntsman Corporation reported a narrower loss of 14 cents per share in Q3 2025, compared to a loss of 19 cents per share in the same quarter last year, and adjusted loss per share was 3 cents, better than the expected loss of 13 cents [1][9] Revenue Performance - Revenues for Huntsman Corporation were $1,460 million, reflecting a 5% year-over-year decline, but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,443.4 million [2][9] - The Polyurethanes segment saw revenues decrease by 5% to $956 million, missing the estimate of $971 million due to lower average selling prices despite higher sales volumes [3] - Performance Products revenues fell 12% to $246 million, below the estimate of $256 million, primarily due to lower sales volumes and prices [4] - Advanced Materials revenues increased by 2% to $265 million, surpassing the estimate of $261 million, driven by higher average selling prices [4] Financial Highlights - Free cash flow from continuing operations was $157 million, up from $93 million in the prior-year quarter [5] - The company had approximately $1.4 billion in combined cash and unused borrowing capacity as of September 30, 2025 [5] - Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $200 million in the reported quarter [5] Strategic Outlook - Huntsman Corporation emphasized cost management and cash generation as top priorities, with restructuring programs expected to yield over $100 million in savings [6] - The company reduced its annual dividend to 35 cents per share, a 65% decrease, to maintain financial flexibility amid challenging economic conditions [7] Stock Performance - Huntsman shares have declined by 58.5% over the past year, compared to a 37% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 52% to $71 million, driven by a 40% rise in gold prices to just over $3,400 per ounce [4][19] - EBITDA surged by 162% to $33 million, reflecting strong operational performance [4] - Gold sold rose by 9% to 20,000 ounces, while gold produced was just over 19,000 ounces [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Production at Blanket Mine was just over 19,000 ounces, with sales exceeding 20,000 ounces [3][4] - On-mine costs increased by 27% quarter on quarter, primarily due to higher electricity, labor, and consumables costs [17][18] - All-in sustaining costs rose by 40%, influenced by increased on-mine costs and higher gold prices impacting royalties [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gold prices reached $3,434 per ounce, significantly benefiting the company's operations and financial results [19] - The company reported a net cash inflow from operating activities of just under $14 million for the quarter [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving productivity through technology implementation and operational efficiency [14][15] - A significant capital investment program is planned for the Bilboes project, with an emphasis on increasing cash generation to support future dividends [43][44] - The company aims to maintain its dividend while managing costs and investing in growth projects [43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges faced during the quarter, including a fatality incident, but emphasized the overall solid operational performance [3][6] - The outlook for 2025 remains positive, with production guidance expected to be met despite some headwinds [36] - Management is committed to cost management and improving operational flexibility to enhance productivity [36][55] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share [5] - A maiden resource declaration for Matapa is expected in H1 2026, following ongoing drilling campaigns [28][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Explanation for more broken ore than hoisted - Management explained that the discrepancy was due to hoisting constraints and stoppages related to the fatality incident, which will correct in the upcoming quarter [37][38] Question: Expected dividends from Blanket this year - Management indicated that total distributions from Blanket could reach between $60 million and $70 million for the year, with loans expected to be paid off by early next year [40][41] Question: Plans for cash retention versus dividend increases - Management stated that while they aim to maintain dividends, they do not foresee increases until after the Bilboes project is completed [43][44] Question: Timing for reserve upgrade at Blanket - A new technical report with revised resources and reserves is expected by late Q1 2026 [49][50] Question: Pressure on production costs - Management confirmed that the pressure on production costs was broad-based, influenced by labor, electricity, and consumables [55][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings per share for Q3 2025 was $1.81, up from $1.62 in the previous year, representing over 11% growth [3][11] - The company narrowed its full-year guidance range to $6.25-$6.35 [3][20] - Long-term EPS growth rate is reaffirmed at 5-7% through 2029, with confidence to earn in the top half of the range beginning in 2028 [4][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric utilities and infrastructure segment increased by $0.24, driven by higher retail sales volumes and new rates [11] - Gas utilities and infrastructure results remained largely flat compared to last year [11] - The other segment decreased by $0.04, primarily due to higher interest expenses [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects a new five-year capital plan between $95 billion and $105 billion, marking the largest investment plan in the industry [4][20] - The updated Carolinas resource plan anticipates annual customer bill impacts of approximately 2% over the coming decade, below inflation [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on an ambitious generation build, adding over 13 gigawatts of capacity in the next five years [3][4] - The strategy includes leveraging AI for cost management and pursuing technology-enabled cost structures [5] - The company aims to solidify its late-stage economic development pipeline, converting prospects into firm projects, with significant commitments from data centers and other commercial customers [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the narrowed EPS guidance range and highlighted strong year-to-date results [12][20] - The company is optimistic about regulatory outcomes and expects continued growth from multi-year rate plans in various states [13][15] - Management emphasized the importance of affordability and customer value, noting that average rate changes have been below inflation over the last decade [5][6] Other Important Information - The company has secured all major permit approvals and contracts for new generation projects, with construction already underway [7][8] - The 10-year capital plan is projected to generate over $370 billion in economic output and support nearly 170,000 jobs annually [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you speak to the incremental capital you are looking at? - Management indicated that the capital plan will see investments every year, with a focus on large load customers and energy modernization [25][29] Question: What does the advanced pipeline for large load look like? - Management confirmed a large and diverse pipeline of projects, focusing on credible hyperscalers and third-party developers [58] Question: How does the high end of the 5-7% growth range reflect incremental capital? - Management clarified that the top half of the growth range is included within the provided capital range and is not dependent on being at the high end [55]

Core Insights - CNH Industrial reported third quarter consolidated revenues of $4.4 billion, a decrease of 5% compared to Q3 2024, driven by decreased industry demand and ongoing channel destocking [1][4] - The company’s net income for the quarter was $67 million, down 78% from $310 million in the same period last year, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) falling to $0.06 from $0.24 [1][4] - Despite the challenging market conditions, CNH is focused on cost management and operational excellence, while also increasing net sales guidance but lowering profit guidance due to tariff headwinds and an unfavorable geographic sales mix [1][2] Financial Performance - Consolidated revenues for Q3 2025 were $4.4 billion, down from $4.65 billion in Q3 2024 [4] - Net sales from Industrial Activities were $3.7 billion, a decrease of 7% year-over-year [4] - Adjusted EBIT for Industrial Activities fell to $104 million, down 69% from $336 million in Q3 2024, with an adjusted EBIT margin of 2.8% compared to 8.4% in the previous year [4][5] - The gross profit margin for Industrial Activities decreased to 19.1%, down 260 basis points from 21.7% in Q3 2024 [4] Segment Performance Agriculture - Agriculture net sales decreased by 10% to $2.96 billion, primarily due to lower shipment volumes and decreased industry demand in North America [7][8] - Adjusted EBIT for the Agriculture segment dropped to $137 million, down 59% from $336 million in Q3 2024, with an adjusted EBIT margin of 4.6% [9] Construction - Construction net sales increased by 8% to $739 million, reflecting higher shipment volumes in North America and EMEA [10][11] - Adjusted EBIT for the Construction segment decreased to $14 million, down 65% from $40 million in Q3 2024, with an adjusted EBIT margin of 1.9% [11] Financial Services - Financial Services revenues increased by 4% to $684 million, driven by higher yields in Brazil [12] - Net income for Financial Services was $47 million, a decrease of 40% compared to Q3 2024, primarily due to increased risk costs and lower volumes [13] Outlook - The company updated its 2025 outlook, projecting Agriculture segment net sales to decline between 11% and 13% year-over-year, and Construction segment net sales to decrease between 3% and 5% [17] - Adjusted diluted EPS is expected to be between $0.44 and $0.50 [18] - CNH is focusing on reducing operating costs and managing SG&A and R&D expenses to mitigate margin erosion [15][16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue decreased by 4% to $81.6 million compared to $85.1 million in the prior year period [4][11] - Adjusted EBITDA remained flat year-over-year at $1.4 million [4][11] - Gross margins were approximately 39.7%, a decline of about 400 basis points from the previous year [12] - Operating expenses decreased by $4.5 million to $35.6 million, representing 43.6% of net sales compared to 47.2% in the prior year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on reenergizing its Direct Store Delivery (DSD) network through sales and operational initiatives [5] - There is a renewed focus on growing the white label customer portfolio, leveraging the Portland roasting and manufacturing facility [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average price of a cup of coffee has increased by 20% compared to the previous year, impacting consumer spending [7] - The National Restaurant Association reported a decline in restaurant foot traffic for the seventh consecutive month, indicating a shift in consumer dining habits due to economic uncertainty [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive top-line revenue and address customer and coffee pound degradation in fiscal 2026 [4] - There is a commitment to leveraging core coffee capabilities and enhancing customer service while managing costs [14] - The company is working with industry organizations to seek exemptions from tariffs on coffee imports [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges significant challenges due to unprecedented green coffee market conditions and inflation impacting costs [11] - The company expects continued pressure on gross margins and revenue performance throughout fiscal 2026 [10][12] - Despite these challenges, management remains optimistic about creating shareholder value once market conditions improve [10][14] Other Important Information - The company recorded a net loss of $4 million for the quarter, an improvement from a $5 million net loss in the prior year [12] - As of September 30, 2025, the company had $3.8 million in unrestricted cash and $31.2 million available under its revolving credit facility [12] Q&A Session Summary - There were no questions during the Q&A session, and the call concluded without any inquiries [16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company reported net revenue of $33 million, at the low end of guidance, reflecting strong customer response to new products but mixed performance from original icons [14] - Gross margin decreased to 43.2% from 44.4% in Q3 2024, primarily due to a higher mix of digital and international distributor sales and increased duties [14] - Q3 adjusted EBITDA loss was $15.7 million, slightly improved from a loss of $16.2 million a year ago [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New product launches, including the Wool Cruiser and Waterproof Collection, performed well, contributing to positive momentum [5][14] - Core franchises like the Original Runner have been slower to rebuild, indicating a need for sustained execution across multiple product cycles [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates Q4 net revenue to range from $56 million to $61 million, reflecting flat to high single-digit growth compared to the previous year [17] - The impact of international distributor transitions and retail store closures is expected to decrease in Q4, contributing to improved sales [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on revitalizing the brand through comfort, style, and sustainability, aiming for growth and profitability [4] - A renewed wholesale strategy is set to launch in spring 2026, with plans to expand presence in approximately 150 specialty retail stores across the U.S. [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that macroeconomic factors are distracting consumers, impacting sales, but expressed optimism about product momentum and upcoming launches [21][25] - The company is taking steps to enhance liquidity and reduce costs, including potential capital raising [12][16] Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 with $24 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $12 million in outstanding borrowings [16] - Inventory was reported at $43 million, down 25% year-over-year, reflecting strong inventory management [16][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Focus on third-quarter sales results and future growth - Management acknowledged that while new products are performing well, core franchises like the Runner have not yet rebounded, and macro distractions are affecting consumer behavior [20][23] Question: Comments on inventory and Black Friday strategy - Management indicated that inventory is lean and well-managed, with a competitive strategy planned for Black Friday and Cyber Monday to maintain market share [30][32]