Western Midstream Partners (NYSE:WES) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 19, 2026 10:00 AM ET Speaker6Good morning. My name is Rebecca, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Western Midstream Partners fourth quarter 2025 earnings 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 pres ...

AVITA Medical (NasdaqCM:RCEL) Update / briefing February 18, 2026 05:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsBen Atkins - VP of Investor Relations and Corporate CommunicationsCary Vance - Interim CEODavid O'Toole - CFOCary VanceUnderstanding, trying to understand our business, wanting to become more, predictable, forecastable, credible, to, to understand how we might remove some of the noise and distraction as well around our, our covenants. And, the goal over the fourth quarter was not only to start, understanding ou ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a decline in earnings year-over-year, with Adjusted EBIT for the Acetyl Chain down approximately $400 million and Engineered Materials down about $120 million [19][20] - The focus remains on cash generation, with a strong cash generation performance in 2025 despite the earnings decline [8][9] - The company is targeting free cash flow between $650 million and $750 million for 2026, with confidence in achieving this range through various levers [44][73] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Acetyl Chain, the decline in Adjusted EBIT was primarily driven by volume and price changes, particularly in the acetate tow business [19][20] - Engineered Materials showed a mixed performance, with both volume and price declines impacting EBIT, but cost benefits were also noted [20] - The company is seeing stabilization in the electronics market, driven by AI and data center build-outs, while the automotive sector remains mixed due to uncertainties in China [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that contract pricing for 2026 is expected to remain stable, with more competition in the spot market due to increased capacity [10] - The acetyl margins in the Western Hemisphere are performing better than in the Eastern Hemisphere, where overcapacity remains a challenge [78] - Demand in China is currently low due to the Lunar New Year, but pricing has remained stable leading into the holiday [65][66] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on divesting non-core assets, with a target of $1 billion in divestitures by the end of 2027, and is currently about halfway to that goal [16][75] - The strategy emphasizes cash generation and cost reduction, with a focus on driving growth in Engineered Materials through innovation and customer partnerships [22][81] - The company is adapting to structural changes in the market, particularly the shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles in China [36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate the current operating environment, emphasizing the importance of cash flow and cost management [40][82] - The outlook for 2026 includes expectations for growth in Engineered Materials, while the Acetyl Chain may face challenges [21][22] - Management acknowledged the potential for macroeconomic factors to impact performance but remains focused on executing their strategic plan [72][82] Other Important Information - The company is experiencing a moderate seasonal improvement in demand, particularly in the coatings space, but has not seen substantial changes in the acetate tow market [86] - The company is actively pursuing divestitures and has a robust pipeline of potential deals, with a focus on joint ventures [89] - Management is committed to maintaining service levels while reducing working capital, targeting an additional $100 million in inventory reductions [38][52] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on selling equity to address balance sheet issues - Management emphasized a focus on cash generation and debt management rather than selling equity, indicating confidence in their current strategy [8][9] Question: Pricing expectations for contracts in 2026 - Management noted little change in contract pricing but highlighted increased competition in the spot market [10] Question: Stability in engineering materials and macro assumptions for 2026 - Electronics is a bright spot, while the automotive sector shows mixed signals, particularly in China [13][14] Question: Timing and potential assets for divestiture - Management is optimistic about completing additional deals this year and is focusing on non-core business areas [16] Question: Analysis of EBIT changes in Acetyl Chain and Engineered Materials - The decline was driven by volume and price changes, with specific challenges noted in the acetate tow business [19][20] Question: Expectations for earnings uplift in 2026 - Management is targeting a $1-$2 uplift in EPS, contingent on demand recovery and cost management efforts [26][27] Question: Free cash flow guidance and working capital management - Management remains confident in achieving free cash flow targets despite potential headwinds from working capital changes [40][73] Question: Capacity additions in nylon and POM chains - The company is focused on flexibility in operations and is taking advantage of overcapacity in certain markets [47] Question: Future of acetyl margins in China - Management does not anticipate significant uplifts in acetyl pricing in China, given current overcapacity [66] Question: Consolidation opportunities in acetate tow industry - Management remains open to exploring consolidation opportunities but sees no significant changes in industry fundamentals [99]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a 15% reduction in breakevens in the Haynesville, which positively impacts reinvestment rates and inventory management [5] - The company reported $200 million in gains from its hedging program, which has been effective in managing gas price volatility [7] - The company is focused on reducing debt while also returning capital to shareholders, indicating a balanced approach to financial management [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The marketing business has shifted towards premium markets, with nearly 50% of sales now outside of basin sales, showing significant progress [8] - The company aims to capture new demand and improve realizations across its business, targeting an increase of $0.20 in margins, which could translate to approximately $500 million in EBITDA [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Gulf Coast is experiencing growing demand, with approximately 25 billion cubic feet per day of gas demand expected to come online, half of which is driven by LNG [26] - The company is well-positioned to capture this demand due to its proximity to key assets and pipeline capacity [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is adapting its strategy to address the changing natural gas business, focusing on getting gas to premium markets and managing volatility through hedging and storage [9][10] - The company is committed to operational excellence and maintaining a strong balance sheet while exploring potential M&A opportunities to enhance its position [41][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's operational capabilities and the potential for future growth, emphasizing the importance of execution and competitiveness [12] - The company anticipates continued volatility in gas prices but believes its hedging strategies will mitigate risks [7] Other Important Information - The company has added 3.5 billion cubic feet of storage capacity, which is crucial for managing market volatility [90] - The company is exploring opportunities in the Utica region, indicating potential for future growth and development [92] Q&A Session Summary Question: Characteristics sought in the next CEO - The company is looking for a leader with a broad view of the energy sector who can continue the mission of looking beyond the wellhead and closer to customers [15] Question: Potential uplift in cash flow from marketing optimization - Management believes that moving gas to premium markets will be a near-term catalyst for increasing realizations across the portfolio [17] Question: Changes in supply-demand dynamics in the Gulf Coast - The company is seeing increased demand in the Gulf Coast, particularly from LNG, which is beneficial for its operations [25] Question: Maintenance capital expenditures and production guidance - The company has improved its maintenance CapEx, reflecting a stronger business, and is focused on maintaining flexibility in production based on market conditions [46][47] Question: Integrated operations and midstream ownership - The company is more focused on partnerships with midstream companies rather than outright ownership, aiming to enhance its market access [54] Question: Cash tax visibility and future expectations - The company expects to be a full cash taxpayer by the end of the decade, with a gradual increase in cash tax rates [55] Question: Challenges in expanding volumes to demand growth areas - The company faces challenges in both transaction aggressiveness and physical transportation to customers, necessitating partnerships with midstream companies [66] Question: Potential monetization of inventory - While not actively seeking to monetize inventory, the company remains open to attractive offers that could enhance shareholder value [82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a decline in earnings year-over-year, with a focus on cash generation despite the earnings drop [7][8] - Adjusted EBIT for the Acetyl Chain was down approximately $400 million, while Engineered Materials saw a decrease of about $120 million, primarily driven by volume and price changes [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Acetyl Chain, the decline was largely attributed to volume and price pressures, particularly in the acetate tow business [18][19] - Engineered Materials experienced a mixed performance, with volume and price declines offset by cost benefits [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electronics market is showing positive signs due to global demand from AI and data centers, while the automotive sector remains mixed, particularly in China [12][13] - The company noted that contract pricing for 2026 is expected to remain stable, with more competition in the spot market due to increased capacity [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on cash generation and has plans for divestitures totaling $1 billion by the end of 2027, with a current target of achieving half that amount this year [15][16] - The strategy includes prioritizing parts of the business that align with core operating models and enhancing operational efficiency [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to generate free cash flow between $650 million and $750 million, despite a challenging operating environment [43][74] - The company is prepared for various demand scenarios and is focused on cost reduction and operational efficiency to drive growth [27][73] Other Important Information - The company is experiencing a significant reduction in debt maturities over the next couple of years, which positions it well for recovery [8] - Management indicated that the first half of 2026 is expected to be more challenging, with a focus on the second half for potential growth [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on selling equity to address balance sheet issues - Management emphasized a focus on cash generation and debt management rather than equity sales [7] Question: Pricing expectations for contracts in 2026 - Management indicated little change in contract pricing, with more competition in the spot market [9] Question: Stabilization in engineering materials and macro assumptions for 2026 - Electronics are a bright spot, while automotive remains mixed, particularly in China [12][13] Question: Timing and potential assets for divestiture - Management is optimistic about completing additional deals this year to meet divestiture targets [15][16] Question: Analysis of EBIT changes in Acetyl Chain and Engineered Materials - The decline was primarily driven by volume and price changes, with some margin compression noted [18][19] Question: Expectations for earnings growth in 2026 - Management believes Engineered Materials has more controllable growth opportunities compared to the Acetyl Chain [20][21] Question: Free cash flow guidance and working capital management - Management is confident in achieving free cash flow targets through various levers, including working capital reductions [37][43] Question: Impact of capacity additions in Nylon and POM chains - The company is focused on flexibility in operations and is taking advantage of overcapacity in certain regions [46] Question: Expectations for acetyl pricing in China - Management does not anticipate significant uplifts in pricing, with demand currently low due to the Lunar New Year [65][67]

Q4 Investor Presentation Feb 2026 Disclosures Forward-Looking Statements This presentation may contain "forward-looking statements," which include information concerning Celanese Corporation's (the "Company") plans objectives, goals, strategies, future revenues, cash flow, financial performance, synergies, capital expenditures, deleveraging efforts, planned cost reductions, dividend policy, financing needs and other information that is not historical information. All forward-looking statements are based upo ...

Core Insights - The U.S. parcel volume is projected to grow significantly, reaching 22.37 billion shipments in 2024, a 3.4% increase from 2023, with expectations to hit 30 billion by 2030 [1] - Revenue growth for shipping companies has not kept pace with the increase in parcel volume, with total revenue rising by only 2.7% from $197.9 billion in 2023 to $203.2 billion in 2024 [2] - Major carriers like FedEx and UPS are facing challenges due to rising consumer expectations for faster, cost-free shipping, leading to significant operational cuts [3] Industry Trends - FedEx's Network 2.0 plan aims to streamline operations and reduce delivery costs, involving the closure of over 200 stations [4] - Analysts express skepticism about whether FedEx's Network 2.0 will alleviate pricing pressures, citing competitive rate pressures and freight headwinds [5][7] - Rising parcel volumes outpacing revenue growth, along with increasing labor and energy costs, may lead to higher shipping costs for consumers [6] Company Actions - FedEx plans to close more than 475 stations by the end of 2027, representing about 30% of its facility footprint, in response to competitive pressures [9] - UPS is also implementing significant cuts, including facility closures and workforce reductions, as part of its Network of the Future initiative [10][12] - Both companies are focusing on automation and efficiency to handle higher volumes and improve profitability [13] Competitive Landscape - Smaller independent carriers are gaining market share from FedEx and UPS, with a nearly 40% volume growth in the last five years [15][20] - UPS has reduced its reliance on low-margin business, notably cutting its volume from Amazon by over 50% [16] - The U.S. Postal Service's new low-cost shipping option is contributing to pricing pressures in the market [15] Consumer Impact - Despite efforts to lower operational costs, FedEx and UPS are not expected to reduce prices for consumers, potentially leading to higher shipping costs [17] - A survey indicates that shipping and logistics are likely to see significant price increases, with 22% of procurement professionals reporting cost rises of over 10% by the end of 2025 [19][21]

Core Insights - Rivian's total revenue for 2025 reached $5.38 billion, marking an 8% increase from $4.97 billion in 2024, despite a 15% decline in automotive revenue to $3.8 billion due to lower vehicle deliveries and a drop in regulatory credit sales [2][3] Revenue Breakdown - Automotive revenue fell to $3.8 billion, influenced by a $134 million decrease in regulatory credit sales and reduced vehicle deliveries, although higher average selling prices provided some offset [2] - Software and services revenue surged over threefold to $1.55 billion, primarily driven by a joint venture with Volkswagen Group [3] Joint Venture with Volkswagen - The joint venture with Volkswagen, established in 2024 and valued at up to $5.8 billion, resulted in a $1 billion payout in 2025 after Rivian met certain milestones [4] - Rivian is expected to receive an additional $2 billion from Volkswagen through 2027, contingent on the successful completion of winter testing and other terms [5] Future Product Launches - Rivian plans to launch the R2 SUV by June 2026, which is designed to be cheaper to produce and more affordable for customers, addressing the company's historical losses on vehicle production [8] - The R2 SUV is anticipated to further reduce costs, with Rivian aiming to deliver between 62,000 and 67,000 vehicles in 2026, representing a potential 59% increase from 2025 [11] Financial Performance and Projections - Rivian reported a net loss of $3.6 billion in 2025, with expectations of an adjusted net loss between $1.8 billion and $2.1 billion for 2026 [12] - Capital expenditures for 2026 are projected to be between $1.95 billion and $2.05 billion [12]

Core Insights - Flux Power Holdings, Inc. reported a 7.2% increase in revenue for the second fiscal quarter of 2026, reaching $14.1 million, marking a recovery from previous quarter challenges due to tariffs and pricing [6][9] - The company achieved GAAP profitability for the first time in its history, with a net income of $0.6 million or $0.03 per share, compared to a net loss of $2.6 million or ($0.15) per share in the prior quarter [9][10] - Significant operational improvements were noted, including a 31% reduction in core operating expenses and a 610 basis point increase in gross margin from the prior quarter [3][6] Financial Performance - Revenue for the second fiscal quarter of 2026 rose to $14.1 million from $13.2 million in the prior quarter [6] - Gross profit increased to $4.9 million, representing 34.7% of revenue, compared to $3.8 million or 28.6% of revenue in the prior quarter [6] - Operating expenses decreased to $4.1 million from $5.9 million in the prior quarter, largely due to cost reduction measures [7] - Operating income was $0.8 million, a turnaround from an operating loss of $2.2 million in the previous quarter [8] - Non-GAAP operating income for the second quarter was $1.2 million, compared to a non-GAAP operating loss of $1.7 million in the prior quarter [8][10] Product and Technology Developments - The company introduced the next-generation telematics hardware device, SkyLNK, which features advanced capabilities including four times more sensors and new machine learning functionalities [4][9] - Flux Power received a U.S. patent for its State of Health technology, which utilizes advanced algorithms for predictive diagnostics to enhance battery lifespan [9] - The company enhanced its software offerings with AI-driven Intelligent Alerting in SkyEMS, potentially improving fleet uptime by 10% to 30% [9] Strategic Outlook - Despite the positive results, the company anticipates a sequential decline in revenues for the upcoming fiscal third quarter due to uncertainties related to tariff changes and fluctuating customer order patterns [5] - The focus remains on executing strategic initiatives aimed at driving future growth and operational efficiency [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, natural gas and oil sales increased to $365 million, an 8% growth compared to Q4 2024, despite lower production [6][9] - The company generated $222 million of operating cash flow, or $0.75 per share, with adjusted EBITDAX of $277 million and adjusted net income of $46 million, or $0.16 per share [7][10] - For the full year 2025, production averaged 1.2 Bcfe per day, a 14% decrease from 2024, but oil and gas sales rose by 15% to $1.4 billion due to improved natural gas prices [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The 2025 drilling program replaced 229% of production with 1 TCFE of drilling-related proved reserve additions, achieving a finding cost of $1.02 per MCFE [5][16] - In Q4 2025, the company turned 4 new Western Haynesville wells online, increasing the total to 12 wells for the year, with an average initial production rate of 29 million cubic feet per day [7][27] - The average lateral length of wells in the Legacy Haynesville was 11,738 feet, with an average initial production rate of 25 million cubic feet per day [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average NYMEX settlement price for natural gas in Q4 was $3.55, with the average Henry Hub spot price at $3.69, reflecting a 4% increase [11][12] - Realized gas prices during Q4 averaged $3.29, with a basis differential of $0.26 compared to the NYMEX settlement price [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on building out its assets in the Western Haynesville to benefit from long-term growth in natural gas demand driven by LNG exports and data center power needs [37][39] - A partnership with NextEra for a data center project aims to support hyperscaler development with an initial capacity of 2 gigawatts, potentially expanding to 8 gigawatts [5][38] - The company aims to maintain the lowest producing cost structure in the industry while striving for additional drilling efficiencies [39][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted the volatility in gas prices and the impact of weather on supply and demand dynamics, indicating flexibility in capital spending based on market conditions [51][54] - The company expects natural gas demand to grow by approximately 3 Bcf annually through 2030, driven by LNG facilities and data centers [54][56] Other Important Information - The company completed $445 million in divestitures in 2025, improving its balance sheet and reducing debt [5][6] - Total shareholder return over the last two years was 162%, the highest among public E&P companies [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance and Capital Spending Flexibility - Analyst inquired about the capital budget's alignment with gas price expectations and the potential for adjusting capital spending based on market conditions [47] - Management confirmed the ability to flex drilling budgets and emphasized the importance of investing in production growth while maintaining flexibility [51][53] Question: NextEra Partnership and Data Center Project - Analyst asked about the scaling of the NextEra partnership from 2 GW to 8 GW and the advantages of selling to NextEra [57] - Management highlighted the strategic location and infrastructure advantages, indicating strong demand for the project [60] Question: Pinnacle Gas Services Recapitalization - Analyst questioned the recapitalization plan for Pinnacle Gas Services and its implications for funding and midstream ambitions [63] - Management outlined plans to eliminate preferred equity and establish a new credit facility to support growth [65][69]