Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 13, 2026 11:00 AM ET Speaker12Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Vanessa, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Agnico Eagle Mines Limited Q4 2025 conference call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press star ...

On overhead, Scott said the company has achieved a $10 million run-rate reduction in general and administrative expense, bringing total G&A to $45 million, and noted a 60-basis-point improvement in property NOI margins with what he described as additional margin expansion potential ahead.Scott said Healthcare Realty has completed several major initiatives laid out in its July strategic plan. He reported that the revamp of the asset management platform is complete, with a new leadership team and a leasing mo ...

Core Insights - Flowers Foods is focusing on revitalizing demand for its largest brand, Nature's Own, particularly in the traditional loaf category, which has been identified as a central challenge for the company [1][4] - The company is undergoing a comprehensive review of its operations, including brand portfolio optimization, supply chain efficiency, and financial strategy, to restore top-line growth and expand margins [4][11] - Management expects continued pressure in the bread category for 2026, with an anticipated decline of 4% in the category and additional challenges from inflationary costs and increased brand spending [5][8] Brand and Portfolio Strategy - The company is evaluating its brand portfolio comprehensively, considering options such as additional investments, SKU rationalization, and potential divestitures, although no concrete plans are currently in place [2][3] - Management described the brand optimization effort as a multi-year process, indicating that updates will be provided as progress is made [2] Market Dynamics - The market is shifting towards premium and differentiated offerings, with consumers gravitating towards lower-priced branded products rather than private labels [6] - Small loaves are seen as a structural opportunity due to demographic shifts, such as smaller households and a desire to reduce food waste [7] Financial Outlook - The company finished fiscal 2025 at the high end of its guidance range but anticipates ongoing challenges in 2026, including a one-week headwind and inflationary pressures [5][8] - Management is reviewing capital allocation and dividend commitments in light of the 2026 outlook, emphasizing the need for a strategic evaluation before making changes [11][12] Operational Efficiency - The company is focused on enhancing supply chain efficiency and evaluating brand support to identify areas for additional investment [3][4] - Management has strategically reduced promotions in the fourth quarter, planning to return to a more normalized promotional cadence in the new year [10] Simple Mills Performance - Despite fourth-quarter sales timing disruptions, the company remains optimistic about Simple Mills, expecting double-digit top-line growth in 2026 driven by innovation [15][16] - Margin pressure for Simple Mills is attributed to rising almond flour costs and tariffs, alongside ongoing brand investments [16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record financial results for Q4 2025, with adjusted EBITDA up CAD 83 million compared to Q4 2024, DCF up CAD 0.06, and EPS increased CAD 0.13 [23][24] - The debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio stands at 4.8, maintaining the leverage range of 4.5-5 times, which supports a strong investment-grade credit profile [26][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the liquids segment, strong mainline volumes and lower power costs contributed to year-over-year increases in earnings [23] - The gas transmission business experienced a strong fourth quarter, with contributions from the acquisition of an interest in Matterhorn and favorable spreads at Aitken Creek [24] - The gas distribution segment saw growth driven by rate escalations, customer growth, and favorable weather conditions [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mainline transported approximately 3.1 million barrels per day on average, with significant demand leading to apportionment for all but three of the last 12 months [13][23] - The Texas Eastern pipeline hit new peak records, transporting over 15 BCF per day in January, indicating strong demand for gas transmission [7][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company sanctioned CAD 14 billion of capital across all businesses in 2025, with a growth backlog that has increased by 35% since the last Investor Day [5][11] - Future growth is expected to be driven by CAD 10-20 billion of growth projects over the next 24 months, enhancing energy security and affordability [11][30] - The company aims for 5% growth through the end of the decade, supported by a secured growth capital of CAD 39 billion [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the 5% growth target, citing positive developments in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and increasing production [36][37] - The company is optimistic about the demand for natural gas and the potential for further expansions in gas transmission and renewable power projects [12][19] Other Important Information - The company has increased its dividend for 31 consecutive years, highlighting its commitment to returning capital to shareholders [5][26] - The current backlog of projects is valued at CAD 39 billion, extending through 2033, showcasing the company's ability to execute on growth opportunities [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Investment capacity increase and growth trajectory - The investment capacity increased by CAD 1 billion, and management is confident in achieving the 5% growth target, reconciling capacity growth with EBITDA growth [33][34] Question: Venezuelan geopolitical impact on projects - Management indicated that while Venezuelan production may impact the market, Canadian crude will continue to find demand, supporting ongoing projects like MLO 2 and MLO 3 [39][40] Question: Project backlog and funding sources - Management expressed confidence in managing the CAD 10-20 billion project backlog, noting that capacity will grow as EBITDA increases [45][46] Question: Expansion capabilities and tariffs - Management confirmed that existing infrastructure allows for significant expansion capabilities at Ingleside, and tariffs for expansions are expected to remain competitive [56][61] Question: Gas transmission growth sustainability - The gas transmission segment is expected to continue growing due to high demand for natural gas and ongoing projects, with a strong pipeline capacity across the country [70][75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, Vale's pro forma EBITDA reached $4.8 billion, a 17% increase year-on-year and a 10% increase quarter-on-quarter, primarily driven by strong performance in Vale Base Metals and favorable pricing conditions for copper and by-products [13][14] - The all-in cost for iron ore reached $54.3 per ton in Q4, averaging $54.2 per ton for 2025, reflecting a downward trajectory in C1 cash costs and gains from long-term affreightment strategy [16][20] - Recurring free cash flow generation reached approximately $1.7 billion in Q4, more than double compared to the previous year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Iron ore production reached 336 million tons in 2025, a 3% increase year-on-year, driven by low capital-intensive projects and solid performance in Brucutu and S11D [7][9] - Vale Base Metals achieved double-digit production growth in both copper and nickel, with copper production reaching 382,000 tons (10% increase year-on-year) and nickel production reaching 177,000 tons (11% increase year-on-year) [9][10] - Cost reductions were noted across all commodities, with copper all-in costs decreasing to -$900 per ton, the lowest in the business's history, and nickel all-in costs declining by 35% year-on-year to $9,000 per ton [17][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates crude steel production in China for 2026 to remain at the same level as the previous year, supported by infrastructure and manufacturing [81] - The market is seeing a decline in premiums for iron ore fines, primarily due to lower market premiums and mix optimization, but the flagship products maintained resilient premiums [40][42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Vale's strategy focuses on operational excellence and adding high-quality growth projects, particularly in copper and iron ore, with the Novo Carajás program aimed at doubling copper output [4][6] - The company emphasizes a disciplined approach to capital allocation, with a long-term CapEx guidance below $6 billion, while also ensuring attractive shareholder returns [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, highlighting strong operational performance and the ability to deliver on guidance [7][22] - The company is focused on unlocking value from existing assets while positioning for growth opportunities, particularly in the context of energy transition and AI [23][24] Other Important Information - Vale achieved a 21% reduction in high potential incidents, reflecting improvements in safety culture [5] - The company has made significant progress on reparation efforts, reaching 81% execution of the Brumadinho agreement and disbursing BRL 73 billion under the Mariana agreement [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the strong results from Vale Base Metals and cost performance - Management acknowledged the strong by-product credits influencing costs and highlighted ongoing bottom-up initiatives to improve cost performance [30][31] Question: On the strategic value of copper assets and potential IPO discussions - Management noted the market's growing appreciation for the base metals business and emphasized the importance of demonstrating growth potential before considering any capital market transactions [34][36] Question: About the dynamics of iron ore pricing and realized prices - Management explained that the decline in realized prices was due to lower market premiums and emphasized the importance of optimizing contribution margin across the supply chain [40][42] Question: On nickel cash costs and operational goals - Management detailed ongoing initiatives to reduce costs in the nickel business, focusing on asset integrity and reliability to achieve cash flow breakeven [45][50] Question: Regarding developments at Fábrica and Vega operations - Management reported limited impact from sediment overflow incidents and ongoing efforts to enhance resilience against climate change [59][61] Question: On the status of restricted AUM and ESG improvements - Management indicated that approximately $1.5 trillion of assets have been unlocked since the incidents, with ongoing efforts to improve ESG ratings and investor relations [63][64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company produced results at the high end of its 2025 guidance range, but guidance for 2026 reflects ongoing category challenges and inflationary pressures [4] - The expected category decline is around 4%, with an additional 150 basis points of pressure from an extra week in the previous year [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The traditional loaf segment, particularly the Nature's Own brand, has been underperforming, which is a key focus area for revitalization [9][22] - The company is conducting a comprehensive review of its brand portfolio and supply chain to enhance efficiency and growth [8][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The competitive environment remains stable, with no significant changes in production capabilities among competitors [72] - Price per unit in the category increased slightly, likely due to a shift towards premium products [73] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on navigating near-term challenges while laying the foundation for sustainable long-term growth [4] - A comprehensive review of operations, including brand portfolio and supply chain, is underway to strengthen execution and expand margins [4][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges posed by inflation and category performance but remains optimistic about the potential for growth in the traditional loaf segment [4][25] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and evaluating capital allocation, including the dividend policy [12][33] Other Important Information - Maintenance CapEx is estimated at around $2 million per bakery per year, with additional investments planned for growth initiatives [56] - The company is optimistic about Simple Mills, expecting double-digit growth in the upcoming year despite some disruptions in Q4 [59] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the comprehensive review of brands and operations - Management is in the early stages of a thorough review, focusing on brand support and investment needs, particularly for the Nature's Own brand [8][9] Question: Capital allocation and dividend policy - The company is reviewing its capital structure and dividend policy in light of its overall strategy and financial health [12][33] Question: Stabilizing the traditional loaf market - Management believes there is potential for stabilization and growth in the traditional loaf segment through strategic investments and innovation [22][25] Question: Impact of SNAP budget reductions and debt refinancing - The company is monitoring the effects of reduced SNAP budgets and is confident in its ability to refinance upcoming debt maturities [38][40] Question: Supply chain review and potential bakery consolidation - The review includes evaluating bakery operations and leveraging technology for efficiency, with ongoing assessments of production capabilities [48] Question: Changes in competition and promotional strategies - The competitive landscape remains stable, and the company is cautious with promotional activities, focusing on trial and repurchase rather than volume gains [75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global system-wide sales declined by 8.3% in Q4 2025, primarily due to a decrease in U.S. sales and lower marketing spend [5][28] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $113.3 million, down $24.2 million compared to the prior year [6][31] - Adjusted EPS was $0.16 in Q4 2025, reflecting the challenges faced during the year [6][31] - For the full year 2025, global system-wide sales decreased by 3.5%, indicating a need for operational and marketing improvements [6][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. same-restaurant sales fell by 11.3% in Q4 2025, driven by reduced traffic and lower marketing effectiveness [28] - U.S. company-operated restaurant margins were 12.7%, a decline attributed to traffic decreases and inflation [31] - International business saw system-wide sales growth of 6.2% in Q4 2025, marking its 21st consecutive quarter of growth [5][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The international segment achieved an 8.1% increase in system-wide sales for the full year, with significant growth in regions like Asia Pacific and Latin America [9][30] - The company opened 59 new international locations in Q4 2025, contributing to a total of 159 new openings for the year [6][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on Project Fresh, a turnaround strategy centered on brand revitalization, operational excellence, system optimization, and disciplined capital allocation [12][25] - The strategy aims to improve customer experience and franchisee economics while enhancing the quality of food offerings [12][25] - The company plans to prioritize everyday value offerings and innovate its menu, particularly in hamburgers and chicken products [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that 2025 was a challenging year but emphasized the importance of laying a foundation for future growth [6][11] - The outlook for 2026 anticipates flat global system-wide sales, with expectations for U.S. same-restaurant sales to improve as Project Fresh initiatives take effect [25][26] - Management expressed confidence in the brand's potential and the effectiveness of the turnaround plan, highlighting the importance of operational execution [40] Other Important Information - The company generated $205 million in free cash flow for the full year 2025 and returned $330 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [10][32] - The company expects to close approximately 5%-6% of U.S. restaurants as part of its system optimization efforts, which will impact sales and EBITDA [22][69] Q&A Session Summary Question: How will marketing and menu initiatives evolve in 2026? - Management highlighted the importance of revitalizing the brand and improving operational excellence, with a new menu calendar framework to ensure consistent engagement with customers [44][46] Question: What insights were gained from the customer segmentation study? - The study validated the importance of quality and everyday upgrades, leading to a renewed focus on hamburgers and snacking occasions [55][57] Question: What is the current sentiment among franchisees regarding the turnaround strategy? - Franchisees appreciate the flexibility and communication from management, recognizing the need for collaboration to improve overall economics [74][75]

A complexity about Match Group is that we’re a portfolio of brands; we’re not just one product. So a lot of what I do is help decide, alongside the CEO and the CRO, how to best allocate capital. For example, we have roughly a $600 million marketing budget, and we have to determine which brands get the funds and how that money gets spent.So really, my superpower is that I know the business inside and out. I don’t just know finance, I know how the business operates and runs, and I can bring that perspective t ...

Core Viewpoint - NewMarket reported a decline in net income and earnings per share for both the fourth quarter and full year of 2025, primarily due to a higher effective tax rate impacting profitability [5][8]. Financial Performance - Fourth-quarter 2025 net income was $81 million, or $8.65 per share, down from $111 million, or $11.56 per share, in the same period of 2024 [3][8]. - For the full year 2025, net income totaled $419 million, or $44.44 per share, compared to $462 million, or $48.22 per share, in 2024 [3][8]. - Pre-tax income for Q4 2025 was $113 million, down from $134 million in Q4 2024, while full-year pre-tax income was $561 million, a 4% decline from $584 million in 2024 [4][8]. Segment Performance - The Petroleum Additives segment saw Q4 sales decrease to $585 million from $626 million, with operating profit falling to $107 million from $136 million, attributed to a 6% decline in shipments, lower selling prices, and higher unit costs [7][9]. - Full-year sales for Petroleum Additives were $2.5 billion, down from $2.6 billion in 2024, with operating profit declining to $520 million from $592 million [8][9]. - Specialty Materials segment experienced growth, with Q4 sales rising to $49 million from $27 million in 2024, driven by increased volume at AMPAC and the acquisition of Calca [11][12]. Cash Flow and Capital Allocation - NewMarket generated solid cash flows in 2025, enabling $183 million in shareholder returns through share repurchases and dividends [14][15]. - The company reduced total debt by $88 million compared to 2024, with net debt to EBITDA at 1.1 times as of December 31, 2025 [14]. Strategic Outlook - Looking ahead, NewMarket anticipates continued strength in both Petroleum Additives and Specialty Materials, focusing on long-term value creation for shareholders and customers [16].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a net sales increase of 11% year-over-year, with a price mix increase of 70 basis points, while volume declined by 2.2% [16][17] - Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased by 30 basis points to 48.5%, influenced by increased outside purchases related to the Simple Mills business model [17] - GAAP diluted EPS for the quarter was a loss of $0.32, a decrease of $0.52 from the prior year, primarily due to a $136 million non-cash impairment of intangible assets [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fresh packaged bread category saw Flowers maintain unit share, with Dave's Killer Bread gaining 20 basis points, while traditional loaf unit sales declined by 4% in Q4 [3][4] - The cake business experienced a 5% growth in unit sales, driven by Wonder's brand recognition, despite a 3% decline in category unit sales [11] - Specialty Premium Loaf gained 60 basis points of unit share, largely driven by DKB, which added 50 basis points [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall bread category experienced a 2% decline, while the food category saw a modest increase in unit sales [4] - The competitive environment remained rational but challenging, with a 1.1% increase in average price per unit in the bread category [26] - Consumer behavior is shifting towards value-seeking, with increased sales in club stores and a decline in center store volumes [28][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is conducting a comprehensive review of operations to reignite top-line growth and expand margins, focusing on brand portfolio optimization and supply chain enhancements [4][5] - Investments in marketing and innovation are expected to create near-term margin pressure but are deemed essential for long-term growth [5][22] - The integration of Simple Mills is progressing well, with expectations for significant growth driven by innovation and expanded distribution [12][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for 2026, anticipating continued category headwinds, particularly in traditional loaf, and inflationary pressures [21][22] - The company plans to balance investments in leading brands with the need to manage costs and maintain profitability [22][30] - Management emphasized the importance of adapting to consumer trends by prioritizing better-for-you products and innovative offerings [29][30] Other Important Information - The company generated cash flow from operating activities of $446 million in 2025, an increase of $34 million over the prior year [20] - Capital expenditures decreased to $127 million, while dividends paid increased to $209 million [20] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet, with a net debt to trailing twelve-month Adjusted EBITDA ratio of approximately 3.3 times [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for growth in 2026? - The company expects fiscal 2026 net sales to be between $5.163 billion and $5.267 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $465 million to $495 million, and adjusted diluted EPS of $0.80 to $0.90 [24][25] Question: How is the integration of Simple Mills progressing? - The integration is progressing well, with expectations for double-digit sales growth driven by expanded distribution and innovation [24]