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Eversource(ES) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-05 15:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recognized a net after-tax non-recurring charge of $75 million, or $0.20 per share, related to offshore wind liability, which increased the estimated liability for future payments to GIP by approximately $285 million, offset by $210 million of tax benefits [16][17] - GAAP earnings for Q3 were $0.99 per share, compared to a loss of $0.33 per share in the same quarter last year, while non-GAAP recurring earnings were $1.19 per share, up from $1.13 per share year-over-year [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric transmission earnings increased by $0.01 per share due to higher revenues from continued investment in the transmission system [18] - Electric distribution earnings rose by $0.03 per share, reflecting distribution rate increases in New Hampshire and Massachusetts [18] - Natural gas segment earnings improved by $0.04 per share, primarily due to base distribution rate increases [18] - Water distribution earnings decreased by $0.02 per share due to higher O&M and depreciation expenses [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date weather-normalized load growth was 2%, with a peak of over 12 gigawatts recorded this summer, the highest since 2013 [11] - The evolving electric demand landscape necessitates numerous transmission projects to improve regional reliability and address congestion [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing key strategic initiatives to drive sustainable growth and strengthen its balance sheet [4] - There is a strong emphasis on infrastructure investments, with nearly $5 billion planned for the year [9] - The company is pursuing various transmission projects to support future growth, including the Cambridge Underground Substation [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the regulatory environment in Connecticut, highlighting opportunities for collaboration with the new PURA commissioners [5][7] - The company aims to deliver reliable, sustainable energy while maintaining affordability for customers through cost-effective investments and efficient operations [14] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 recurring earnings per share guidance to a range of $4.72-$4.80, with a long-term EPS growth rate of 5%-7% [25] Other Important Information - The company is on track to close the sale of Aquarion Water by the end of the year, with a final decision from PURA expected on November 19 [7][21] - The company has installed over 40,000 AMI meters in Massachusetts and completed the communication network deployment in the western portion of its service territory [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Yankee Gas and alternative resolution - Management indicated that the decision from PURA was better than the draft decision, and they will provide more information later [32] Question: NSTAR Gas PBR proposal denial - Management explained that the denial was due to a roll-in of GSEP and indicated plans to file a general rate case if necessary [35][36] Question: Regulatory updates and credit agency views - Management noted that credit agencies are in a wait-and-see mode regarding regulatory outcomes [42] Question: Land acquisition strategy - Management clarified that land acquisitions are for their own regulated business and strategic energy injection [60][61] Question: Timing for storm cost securitization resolution - Management expects a decision on storm cost securitization in the second or third quarter of the following year [72] Question: Completion of Revolution Wind project - Management reported significant progress, with 52 of 65 turbines installed and an improved project schedule [68] Question: Tax rate expectations - Management anticipates the tax rate to be in the low 20% for the current year, moving towards a more normal level in 2026 [92]
【环球财经】新加坡吉宝收购Cleantech剩余股权 加速可再生能源市场布局
Xin Lang Cai Jing· 2025-11-05 06:39
转自:新华财经 吉宝相关负责人指出,全资持有Cleantech将强化集团作为主要投资者与合伙人的能力,从而推动业绩增 长、加快决策,并推进吉宝在可再生能源、清洁能源和脱碳领域的战略重点。 新华财经新加坡11月5日电(记者刘春涛)新加坡吉宝公司(Keppel)4日宣布,已联合吉宝亚洲基础设 施基金(Keppel Asia Infrastructure Fund)及一名联合投资者,从壳牌新加坡公司(Shell Singapore)手 中收购了Cleantech Renewable Assets(Cleantech)公司剩余49%的股权。 吉宝公司是一家在新加坡上市的全球资产管理及运营商。此次交易完成后,吉宝及其合作伙伴实现对 Cleantech的100%全资控股。吉宝在文告中并未透露具体收购金额,但预计该交易不会对本财年净有形 资产或每股收益产生重大影响。此次收购是吉宝在2022年10月首次收购Cleantech 51%股权后的延续性 战略布局,彰显了公司推动能源转型和脱碳进程的努力。 Cleantech总部位于新加坡,是一家专注于工商业(C&I)领域的领先太阳能解决方案提供商,业务资产 遍布东南亚和印度。 自2 ...
【环球财经】阿布扎比国际石油展聚焦可持续发展
Xin Hua She· 2025-11-04 07:07
本届展会设置17个展厅,包括人工智能与数字化转型、脱碳、海运与物流以及新设的化工与低碳解决方 案四大特色展区。 (文章来源:新华社) 新华财经阿布扎比11月4日电 为期4天的第41届阿布扎比国际石油展览会3日在阿联酋阿布扎比国家会展 中心开幕,吸引来自全球超过2250家企业参会,共同探讨能源未来与可持续发展路径。 阿联酋副总统兼副总理曼苏尔·阿勒纳哈扬在开幕致辞中表示,阿布扎比主办国际石油展彰显了阿联酋 在引领全球能源对话、推动能源安全与可持续发展合作方面的重要地位。阿联酋通过在先进技术、清洁 能源与创新领域的持续投资,探索实现经济增长与环境保护的平衡发展模式,并将继续通过国际合作推 动能源转型。 中国石油、中国海油、中船集团等约330家中资企业和机构参加了本届展会。作为本届展会的核心战略 伙伴之一,中国石油重点展示了在深地能源开发、人工智能赋能及绿色低碳转型等领域的最新成果。 ...
阿布扎比国际石油展聚焦可持续发展
Xin Hua Wang· 2025-11-04 06:50
Core Insights - The 41st Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference opened on November 3, attracting over 2,250 companies globally to discuss the future of energy and sustainable development [1] Group 1: Event Overview - The event is hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and spans four days [1] - The exhibition highlights the UAE's significant role in leading global energy dialogue and promoting energy security and sustainable development cooperation [1] Group 2: UAE's Commitment - UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the country's ongoing investment in advanced technology, clean energy, and innovation to balance economic growth with environmental protection [1] - The UAE aims to continue driving energy transition through international cooperation [1] Group 3: Participation and Focus Areas - Approximately 330 Chinese enterprises and institutions, including China National Petroleum Corporation and China National Offshore Oil Corporation, are participating as core strategic partners [1] - The exhibition features 17 halls, with four key thematic areas: artificial intelligence and digital transformation, decarbonization, shipping and logistics, and a new section on chemicals and low-carbon solutions [1]
CEMEX(CX) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-28 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated EBITDA rose sharply, increasing at a double-digit rate, with a margin expansion of 2.5 percentage points, reaching its highest level for a third quarter since 2020 [6][9][12] - Free cash flow from operations was close to $540 million, an improvement of more than $350 million versus the third quarter of last year, with a conversion rate reaching 41% on a trailing 12-month basis [27][29] - Net income performance in the quarter grew by 8% when adjusting for discontinued operations, with record net income of $1.3 billion for the first nine months of the year [9][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Mexico, EBITDA grew 11%, driven by a leaner cost base and higher prices, despite lower volumes [18] - The U.S. operations reached record third-quarter EBITDA and EBITDA margin, driven by increased cost efficiencies and higher prices [20] - The South Central America and Caribbean region posted impressive results, with EBITDA rising by 54% and margin expanding by 6.8 percentage points [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand conditions in Mexico are showing signs of improvement, while Europe continues with its volume growth trend [8][10] - In the EMEA region, cement volumes grew high single digits, driven by infrastructure throughout Eastern Europe, with ready-mix and aggregate volumes expanding by 13% and 1% respectively in the Middle East and Africa [24][25] - The U.S. market continues to reflect strengths in infrastructure, offset by persistent softness in the residential sector [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence, free cash flow conversion, and return on capital, with a strategic shift towards small to mid-size acquisitions [15][31] - Project Cutting Edge aims for annualized recurring EBITDA savings of $400 million by 2027, with significant progress already made [12][14] - The company is prioritizing growth in the U.S., Mexico, and Europe, while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation [15][86] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery in demand conditions, particularly in Mexico, with expectations of 2.5% to 3% growth in demand volumes next year [41] - The company anticipates continued improvements in free cash flow generation and conversion rates as strategic priorities are advanced [9][31] - Management highlighted the importance of infrastructure spending and potential benefits from the upcoming renegotiation of the USMCA trade agreement [20] Other Important Information - The company completed the divestment of its operations in Panama at an attractive multiple and reinvested in Couch Aggregates to strengthen its position in the U.S. [16] - The company is advancing its decarbonization agenda, having already surpassed the European Cement Association's 2030 consolidated net CO2 emissions target [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Cash conversion expectations for next year and 2027 - Management targets around 45% free cash flow conversion from operations in 2026, with further improvements expected beyond that [34] Question: Outlook for Mexico's demand recovery - Management expects demand volumes in Mexico to grow by no less than 2.5% to 3% next year, supported by infrastructure projects [41] Question: Breakdown of EBITDA margin expansion in Mexico - The 500 basis points improvement in EBITDA margin was driven by prices, SG&A reductions, and lower variable costs, including a significant decrease in unitary fuel costs [47] Question: Urbanization solutions business performance - The decline in revenue and EBITDA is mainly due to weakness in residential and infrastructure activity, not project completions [67] Question: Debt profile and maturities - Management is considering extending maturities and is comfortable with a leverage range between 1.5 to 2 times, focusing on maintaining an investment-grade rating [75][79]
CEMEX(CX) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-28 16:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated EBITDA rose sharply, increasing at a double-digit rate, with significant margin gains driven by cost savings and higher prices [5][6][8] - EBITDA margin expanded by 2.5 percentage points, reaching its highest level for a third quarter since 2020 [7][11] - Free cash flow from operations improved significantly, reaching approximately $540 million, an increase of over $350 million year-over-year [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Mexico, EBITDA grew by 11%, driven by a leaner cost base and higher prices despite lower volumes [16] - The U.S. operations achieved record third-quarter EBITDA and margins, supported by increased cost efficiencies and higher prices [18][19] - The EMEA region saw strong performance, with new records in EBITDA and margins, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East [22][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand conditions in Mexico are showing signs of improvement, with average daily cement sales volume outperforming historical patterns [16] - In the U.S., infrastructure demand remains strong, while residential sector weakness persists [19][52] - The South Central America and Caribbean region posted impressive results, with EBITDA rising by 54% [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence and delivering industry-leading shareholder returns, with a strategic plan aimed at enhancing profitability and free cash flow conversion [4][13] - Project Cutting Edge aims for annualized recurring EBITDA savings of $400 million by 2027, with significant progress already made [11][12] - The company is prioritizing small to mid-size acquisitions in the U.S. and divesting non-core markets to strengthen its position [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery in demand conditions, particularly in Mexico and the U.S., with expectations for volume growth in 2026 [18][39] - The company anticipates continued improvements in free cash flow conversion and operational efficiency as it progresses with its strategic initiatives [26][29] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation while pursuing growth opportunities [13][66] Other Important Information - The company completed the divestment of its operations in Panama and consolidated Couch Aggregates into its U.S. business [2][3][14] - The company is committed to decarbonization efforts, having surpassed the European Cement Association's 2030 CO2 emissions target [6][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What should we expect for cash conversion next year and 2027? - Management targets around 45% free cash flow conversion from operations in 2026, with further improvements expected beyond that [32] Question: Can we expect a recovery in Mexico's demand volumes? - Management is confident that demand volumes in Mexico should grow by at least 2.5% to 3% next year, driven by infrastructure projects [38] Question: What contributed to the EBITDA margin expansion in Mexico? - The 500 basis points improvement was driven by price increases, reductions in SG&A, and lower variable costs, including energy [42] Question: How does the company view CCUS initiatives? - Management emphasized that CCUS remains a mid-term priority, but will only be pursued if it is accretive to value creation [45][46] Question: What is the outlook for U.S. M&A? - The company is actively looking at family-owned aggregate targets in the U.S. and is strengthening its team for bolt-on acquisitions [73]
挪威船级社DNV:全球能源转型展望2025—全球和区域预测至2060
Sou Hu Cai Jing· 2025-10-25 10:03
Core Insights - The global energy transition is progressing but is not on track to meet the Paris Agreement goals, with net-zero emissions by 2050 deemed unrealistic, leading to an expected temperature rise of 2.2°C by the end of the century [1][3][8] - Renewable energy is becoming the primary driver of the energy structure, with solar and wind expected to dominate global electricity generation by 2060 [1][10] - Fossil fuel consumption is projected to decline significantly, with coal demand experiencing the most substantial drop [2][10] Energy Structure - By 2060, the energy mix is expected to shift to a 50:50 ratio between fossil and non-fossil energy sources, with fossil fuels decreasing from 79% to 36% [2][10] - Renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, will account for 47% and 32% of global electricity, respectively, by 2060, with electricity demand increasing by 140% from current levels [1][2] - Nuclear energy is anticipated to grow by 150% in installed capacity by 2060, contributing 9% to electricity supply [1][2] Regional Transition Paths - China is leading in renewable energy installations and clean technology exports, while Europe is focusing on balancing climate action with industrial competitiveness [2][10] - North America is experiencing a delay in emissions reduction due to policy shifts, with a projected five-year setback in the transition [2][10] - Developing regions, such as the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, are seeing rapid growth in energy demand and renewable installations, although fossil fuels will still play a role in energy security for some time [2][10] Decarbonization Challenges - Hard-to-decarbonize sectors like heavy industry, aviation, and shipping are progressing slowly, relying on hydrogen and carbon capture technologies, which are currently expensive and policy-dependent [2][10] - The deployment of these technologies is not expected to scale significantly until after 2040, with hydrogen projected to account for 6% of energy demand by 2060 and CCS capturing 16% of global CO2 emissions [2][10] Electricity System Constraints - The electricity system is facing challenges due to lagging grid infrastructure, which could hinder the growth of renewable energy sources [2][10] - In Europe, resolving grid bottlenecks could enhance solar and wind capacity significantly by 2035 [2][10] - The demand for electricity from AI data centers is expected to grow rapidly, potentially accounting for 3% of global electricity by 2040, although efficiency improvements may moderate this growth over time [2][10]
Expro(XPRO) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-23 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Expro reported quarterly revenue of $411 million and EBITDA of $94 million, representing a 22.8% margin, with adjusted free cash flow of $46 million, or 11% of revenue, marking the highest recorded by the company to date [4][24] - EBITDA margin increased by approximately 50 basis points from the previous quarter and 270 basis points year-over-year [23] - The company raised its 2025 annual guidance for EBITDA and free cash flow, expecting adjusted EBITDA between $350 million and $360 million and adjusted free cash flow between $110 million and $120 million [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North and Latin America (NLA) revenue was $151 million, up $8 million quarter-over-quarter, driven by higher well construction and flow management revenue [27] - Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (ESA) revenue decreased by $7 million to $126 million, primarily due to lower well flow management and subsea well access revenue [28] - Middle East and North Africa (MENA) revenue was $86 million, slightly lower than Q2, with an EBITDA margin of 35%, down about 100 basis points [28] - Asia-Pacific (APAC) revenue decreased by $8 million to $49 million, with an EBITDA margin of 21%, down about 500 basis points from the prior quarter [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a $2.3 billion backlog, providing solid revenue visibility and demonstrating a diverse portfolio across regions [6] - Despite a softer commodity price environment, the outlook for Expro's core markets remains constructive, with expected recovery in upstream investments in 2026 and beyond, particularly in offshore projects in Latin America, the Middle East, and West Africa [8][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Expro's strategy focuses on maximizing and sustainably generating free cash flow through industry cycles, with a commitment to operational excellence and disciplined capital allocation [20][22] - The company aims to expand its wallet share with existing customers and enhance service offerings while leveraging technology to drive profitability [12][13] - Expro is committed to investing in technology leadership and digital capabilities to deliver innovative solutions and enhance competitive positioning [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in Expro's ability to deliver resilient performance despite softer market conditions, emphasizing a diversified business mix and strong customer relationships [33][35] - The company anticipates continued growth in free cash flow generation in 2026, supported by ongoing cost efficiencies and margin-accretive growth [35] - Management highlighted the cautious sentiment among customers due to geopolitical factors and commodity pricing, which may impact activity levels in the first half of 2026 [51][52] Other Important Information - Expro repurchased around 2 million shares for approximately $25 million, achieving its annual target of $40 million ahead of schedule [5][24] - The company received several industry awards for safety and technology innovation, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Drivers of margin expansion for 2026 - Management indicated that the full-year effect of the Drive25 initiative, internationalization of recent acquisitions, and rollout of new technologies will contribute to margin expansion [37][38] Question: Offshore activity outlook - Management noted that Asia-Pacific may lag, while West Africa and the Gulf of Mexico are expected to see increased activity in the second half of 2026 [39][40] Question: Share repurchase plans for the rest of the year - Management confirmed that they will continue to evaluate opportunities for share repurchases in line with their capital allocation framework [42][43] Question: Activity levels in 2026 - Management acknowledged potential softness in the first half of 2026 due to customer caution but expects a ramp-up in activity later in the year [48][52] Question: Production solutions services and regions - Management described production solutions as focusing on existing infrastructure and brownfield activities, with strong opportunities in the Middle East and West Africa [60][61] Question: Margin uplift drivers - Management emphasized that margin uplift will depend on geographic and product mix, particularly the contribution from the Middle East [70][72] Question: Scalability of new technologies - Management expressed optimism about the scalability of the remote clamp installation system, expecting increased market uptake in 2026 and 2027 [74][76]
Expro(XPRO) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-23 16:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Expro reported quarterly revenue of $411 million and EBITDA of $94 million, representing a 22.8% margin, with adjusted free cash flow of $46 million, or 11% of revenue, marking the highest in the company's history [4][23][24] - The EBITDA margin increased by approximately 50 basis points from the previous quarter and 270 basis points year-over-year [23] - The company raised its annual guidance for EBITDA and free cash flow for 2025, expecting adjusted EBITDA between $350 million and $360 million and adjusted free cash flow between $110 million and $120 million [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North and Latin America (NLA) revenue was $151 million, up $8 million quarter-over-quarter, driven by higher well construction and flow management revenue [26] - Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (ESA) revenue decreased by $7 million to $126 million, primarily due to lower well flow management and subsea well access revenue [27] - Middle East and North Africa (MENA) revenue was $86 million, slightly lower than Q2, with an EBITDA margin of 35% [28] - Asia-Pacific (APAC) revenue decreased by $8 million to $49 million, with an EBITDA margin of 21%, reflecting decreased activity [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a $2.3 billion backlog, providing solid revenue visibility and demonstrating a diverse portfolio across regions [5][6] - Despite a softer commodity price environment, the outlook for Expro's core markets remains constructive, with expected recovery in upstream investments in 2026 and beyond, particularly in offshore projects in Latin America, the Middle East, and West Africa [8][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Expro's strategy focuses on maximizing free cash flow through operational efficiency, disciplined capital allocation, and targeted acquisitions [19][20] - The company aims to expand its wallet share with existing customers and enhance service offerings, leveraging technology to drive profitability [12][21] - Expro is committed to technology leadership, investing in digitalization and artificial intelligence to deliver innovative solutions [12][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in Expro's ability to deliver resilient performance despite softer market conditions, emphasizing a diversified business mix and strong customer relationships [33][34] - The company anticipates continued growth in free cash flow generation in 2026, supported by ongoing cost efficiencies and margin accretive growth [34] Other Important Information - Expro repurchased around 2 million shares for approximately $25 million, achieving its annual target of $40 million ahead of schedule [5][24] - The company received several industry awards for safety and technology innovation, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the drivers for margin expansion in 2026 despite flat to slightly lower revenue? - Management highlighted the full-year effect of the Drive25 initiative, internationalization of recent acquisitions, and rollout of new technologies as key drivers for margin expansion [36] Question: What regions are expected to see activity increase in the second half of 2026? - Management indicated that West Africa and the Gulf of Mexico are expected to see increased activity, while Asia-Pacific may lag behind [38][39] Question: What does the share repurchase achievement mean for future repurchases? - Management stated that they will continue to evaluate opportunities for share repurchases in line with their capital allocation framework [40][41] Question: What is driving the expected softness in the first half of 2026? - Management noted cautious sentiment among customers due to commodity pricing and geopolitical factors, along with typical seasonal slowdowns in the northern hemisphere [46][48] Question: How will the production solutions business contribute to cash generation? - Management explained that projects transitioning from construction to operational phases will generate predictable cash flows, enhancing free cash flow generation [55][58] Question: What impact will the geographic mix have on margins in 2026? - Management emphasized that the mix of regions, particularly growth in the Middle East, will significantly influence margin expansion [66]
Expro(XPRO) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-23 16:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - EXPAREL reported quarterly revenue of $411 million and EBITDA of $94 million, representing a 22.8% margin, which is an increase of about 50 basis points from the previous quarter and 270 basis points year-over-year [6][28] - Adjusted free cash flow reached $46 million, marking the highest quarterly free cash flow in the company's history, which is 11% of revenue [6][29] - The company has raised its annual guidance for EBITDA and free cash flow for 2025, reflecting anticipated performance [7][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North and Latin America (NLA) revenue was $151 million, up $8 million quarter-over-quarter, driven by higher well construction and flow management revenue [34] - Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (ESA) revenue decreased by $7 million to $126 million, primarily due to lower well flow management and subsea well access revenue [34] - Middle East and North Africa (MENA) revenue was $86 million, slightly lower than Q2, with an EBITDA margin of 35%, down 100 basis points from the prior quarter [34] - Asia Pacific (APAC) revenue decreased by $8 million to $49 million, with an EBITDA margin of 21%, down 500 basis points from the prior quarter [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a backlog of $2.3 billion, providing solid revenue visibility and demonstrating a diverse portfolio across regions [8] - Despite a softer commodity price environment, the outlook for EXPAREL's core markets remains constructive, with expected recovery in upstream investments in 2026 and beyond [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maximize and sustainably generate free cash flow through industry cycles, focusing on margin expansion and robust free cash flow generation [25][26] - EXPAREL is committed to investing in technology and digital capabilities, ensuring innovation remains at the core of its value proposition [26][27] - The company is pursuing selective, highly accretive mergers and acquisitions to complement existing capabilities and expand market presence [36][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver resilient performance despite a softer market backdrop, with expectations for a strong fourth quarter [40][41] - The company anticipates continued growth in free cash flow generation in 2026, supported by a balanced approach to capital allocation [41] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 2 million shares for about $25 million, achieving its annual target of $40 million ahead of schedule [7][30] - EXPAREL received several industry awards for safety and technology, highlighting its commitment to operational excellence [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the drivers for margin expansion in 2026 despite flat to slightly lower revenue? - Management indicated that the full-year effect of the Drive 25 initiative, internationalization of recent acquisitions, and rollout of new technologies will contribute to margin expansion [44][45] Question: What regional activity levels are expected in 2026? - Management noted that Asia Pacific is expected to lag, while activity in the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, and Saudi Arabia is anticipated to improve [48][49] Question: Will share repurchases continue for the rest of the year? - Management confirmed that they will evaluate opportunities to return more capital to shareholders, with the current repurchase plan still having headroom [51][53] Question: What is driving the expected softness in the first half of 2026? - Management attributed the softness to cautious sentiment among customers due to commodity pricing and geopolitical factors, along with typical seasonal effects in the Northern Hemisphere [60][61] Question: How will the mix of regions and products impact margins in 2026? - Management emphasized that the geographic mix and the rollout of new technologies will significantly influence margin expansion [84][86]