Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated full-year Adjusted EBITDA of $2.4 billion, a decrease from $2.6 billion in 2024, reflecting lower ownership in three businesses following partial sales [17] - Adjusted EFO for the year was $1.2 billion, including $161 million of net gains during the year [17] - Excluding tax credits and the impact of acquisitions and dispositions, Adjusted EBITDA was $2.1 billion, compared to $2 billion in the prior year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The industrial segment generated full-year Adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 billion, up from $1.2 billion last year, with a 10% increase excluding acquisitions and dispositions [17][18] - The business services segment generated full-year Adjusted EBITDA of $823 million, down from $832 million last year, but increased approximately 5% on a same-store basis [18][19] - The infrastructure services segment generated full-year Adjusted EBITDA of $436 million, down from $606 million last year, impacted by the sale of operations and lower terminal deliveries [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America is benefiting from easing rates, steady consumer spending, and resilient labor markets, although growth remains challenging in certain end markets [10][11] - In Europe, conditions are more challenging with slower activity in cyclical and industrial end markets, but there are early signs of improvement supported by fiscal spending and stabilizing energy prices [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is close to completing a corporate reorganization to become a single, newly listed corporation, which is expected to improve trading liquidity and increase index-driven demand for shares [5][6] - The strategy focuses on operational excellence and capital recycling, with significant investments in growth acquisitions and stock repurchases [4][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the market backdrop, highlighting that the trading price is 50% higher than a year ago but still at a discount to NAV [8] - The company is well-positioned with capital and capabilities to continue building value in 2026, with a strong focus on operational improvements and cash generation [9][15] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with approximately $2.6 billion of pro forma liquidity at the corporate level, providing significant flexibility for growth and capital allocation [20][21] - The company has repurchased approximately $235 million of its units and shares, remaining committed to completing its $250 million buyback program [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarios performance and monetization - Management indicated that Clarios is generating significant free cash flow and the 45X tax credits will enhance cash for reinvestment, with various options for returning cash to shareholders [23][24] Question: Scientific Games earnings trajectory - Management noted that while there is a strong pipeline for Scientific Games, it takes time for earnings to materialize, and they remain cautiously optimistic about the business [26][27] Question: Balance between reducing leverage and pursuing growth - Management emphasized that growing EBITDA will naturally reduce leverage, and they are focused on growth while managing debt levels [28][29] Question: Update on CDK operations - Management reported strong renewal activity and a focus on stabilizing churn through modernization and customer relationship solidification [42][43] Question: Deployment of capital and acquisitions - Management expressed confidence in continuing the momentum of acquisitions into 2026, with several opportunities being explored [45]

Exon Mobile beating on both the top and the bottom lines. Joining us right now for an exclusive interview is Exxon Mobile's chairman and CEO, Darren Woods. Darren, welcome.Um, it's great to see you this morning. We know oil prices have been down, but how has Exxon been mo operating under those uh lower oil prices. >> Well, I think we had a, as you saw in the quarter, really strong quarter which topped off a really strong year as you said, oil prices down, commodity prices down across the year.That took abou ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $3.8 billion in 2025, a slight increase over the previous year, with earnings per share (EPS) rising 6% to a record $3.85 [10][6] - Free cash flow for 2025 was $546 million, a 15% increase compared to 2024, with a free cash flow conversion rate of 100% [13][14] - The company returned $597 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [6][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America segment sales were $3 billion, slightly up from 2024, with a segment margin of 24.4%, an increase of 20 basis points year-over-year [10][11] - North America water heater sales increased by 1%, while boiler sales grew by 8% due to higher commercial and residential volumes [7][10] - Water treatment sales in North America decreased by 2%, but sales in priority channels grew by 10% [8][9] - Rest of the World segment sales decreased by 4% to $880 million, primarily due to lower sales in China [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In China, third-party sales decreased by 12% in local currency due to economic weakness and soft consumer demand [9][11] - The company expects China sales to decrease mid-single digits in 2026 due to ongoing market challenges [20][21] - The India business, including Pureit, is projected to grow approximately 10% as the company leverages brand synergies [21][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on portfolio management, innovation, and operational excellence as key strategic priorities [22][24] - The acquisition of Leonard Valve is aimed at expanding into the water management market, enhancing digital capabilities and integrated product offerings [26][27] - The company plans to continue investing in gas tankless offerings and other energy-efficient products to maintain market leadership [16][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the U.S. residential market is expected to remain flat to down due to pressures in new home construction [18][19] - The company anticipates a return to growth in China in the second half of 2026, driven by internal actions and market recovery [21][38] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate competitive pressures and maintain profitability through strategic actions [28][29] Other Important Information - The company has increased its dividend for over 30 consecutive years, with a quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share approved [14][15] - The company expects to repurchase approximately $200 million of its stock in 2026 [17][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the persistent downturn in residential volumes? - Management indicated that the downturn is primarily due to pressures in new home construction, with emergency and proactive replacements remaining stable [36][37] Question: What indicators suggest a return to growth in China? - Management highlighted the need to move past the impact of government subsidies and focus on remodeling and refurbishments as key drivers for growth [38] Question: Can you elaborate on the competitive intensity in the wholesale channel? - Management noted that competitive pressure is increasing due to low new home construction and retail gaining market share, but emphasized their strong position in both retail and wholesale channels [42][43] Question: What is the growth outlook for the water treatment business? - Management expressed optimism about continued growth and margin expansion in the water treatment business, driven by strategic focus and integration efforts [70][73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $3.8 billion in 2025, a slight increase over the previous year, with earnings per share (EPS) rising 6% to a record $3.85 [9][5][4] - Free cash flow for 2025 was $546 million, a 15% increase compared to 2024, driven by lower capital investments and higher earnings [12][10] - The company returned $597 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [5][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America segment sales were $3 billion, slightly increasing from 2024, with segment earnings of $728 million, up 2% year-over-year [9][10] - North America water heater sales increased by 1%, while boiler sales grew by 8% due to higher commercial and residential volumes [6][7] - Water treatment sales in North America decreased by 2%, but sales in priority channels grew by 10% [8][6] - Rest of the World segment sales decreased by 4% to $880 million, primarily due to a 12% decline in China [10][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In China, third-party sales decreased by 12% in local currency due to economic weakness and soft consumer demand [8][10] - The company anticipates a mid-single-digit decline in China sales for 2026, with expected challenges in the first half of the year [20][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strengthen its portfolio through acquisitions, such as the recent acquisition of Leonard Valve, which expands its water management market reach [5][26] - Strategic priorities include portfolio management, innovation, and operational excellence to drive long-term growth [21][22] - The company is focusing on expanding its water treatment business and enhancing profitability through targeted investments [23][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a dynamic environment, citing strong performance in commercial markets despite challenges in residential channels [4][5] - The outlook for 2026 includes an expected EPS range of $3.85-$4.15, reflecting a 4% growth over 2025 [14][15] - Management noted that the first half of 2026 may be particularly challenging due to subdued consumer demand in China [20][19] Other Important Information - The company has increased its dividend for over 30 consecutive years, with a quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share approved [14][13] - The company plans to repurchase approximately $200 million of its stock in 2026 [16][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the persistent downturn in residential volumes? - Management indicated that the downturn is primarily due to pressures in new home construction, with emergency and proactive replacements remaining stable [35][36] Question: What indicators suggest a return to growth in China? - Management noted that the return to growth will be driven by moving past the phase of government subsidies and focusing on remodel and refurbishment needs [37][36] Question: Can you elaborate on the competitive intensity in the wholesale channel? - Management explained that competitive pressure is increasing due to low new home construction and retail gaining market share, but they maintain a strong position in both retail and wholesale channels [41][42] Question: How do you expect price costs to trend through the year? - Management expects to protect the price-cost relationship but acknowledges potential challenges due to rising input costs [55][54] Question: What are the growth prospects for Leonard Valve? - Management indicated that Leonard Valve has been growing at double digits, and they expect it to contribute approximately $70 million in sales in 2026 [54][53]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $3.8 billion in 2025, a slight increase from the previous year [9] - Earnings per share (EPS) increased by 6% to a record $3.85, compared to adjusted earnings of $3.73 per share in 2024 [5][9] - Free cash flow reached $546 million in 2025, a 15% increase over 2024, with a conversion rate of 100% [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America segment sales were $3 billion, slightly up from 2024, with a segment margin of 24.4%, an increase of 20 basis points year-over-year [9][10] - North America water heater sales increased by 1%, while boiler sales grew by 8% [6][9] - Water treatment sales in North America decreased by 2%, but sales in priority channels grew by 10% [7][8] - Rest of the World segment sales decreased by 4% to $880 million, primarily due to a 12% decline in China [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In China, third-party sales decreased by 12% in local currency due to economic weakness and soft consumer demand [8] - The company anticipates a mid-single-digit decline in China sales for 2026, with expected challenges in the first half of the year [19][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on portfolio management, innovation, and operational excellence as key strategic priorities [22] - The acquisition of Leonard Valve is aimed at expanding into the water management market and enhancing digital capabilities [25][26] - The company plans to continue investing in gas tankless offerings and expects to generate strong free cash flow in 2026 [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the softness in new home construction is expected to persist into 2026, impacting residential industry volumes [18][35] - The company is optimistic about returning to growth in China in the second half of 2026, driven by internal actions and market recovery [20][36] - The outlook for 2026 includes an expected EPS range of $3.85-$4.15, representing a 4% growth over 2025 [15] Other Important Information - The company returned $597 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2025 [5][14] - The board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share, marking over 30 consecutive years of dividend increases [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is causing the persistent downturn in residential volumes? - Management indicated that the downturn is primarily due to pressures in new home construction, which is expected to continue without stimulus or lower interest rates [34][35] Question: What indicators suggest a return to growth in China? - Management highlighted the need to move past the phase of government subsidies and focus on remodel and refurbishment demand as key drivers for growth [36] Question: Can you elaborate on the competitive intensity in the wholesale channel? - Management noted that competitive pressure is increasing due to low new home construction and retail gaining market share, but they maintain a strong position in both retail and wholesale channels [41][42] Question: How will earnings and revenue cadence look in 2026? - Management expects a more normalized year in 2026, with a potential 50/50 split between the first and second halves, contrasting with previous years where the front half was stronger [44][45] Question: What are the growth prospects for Leonard Valve? - Leonard Valve is expected to contribute approximately $70 million in sales in 2026, with a growth rate in the double digits driven by digital market expansion [52][53]

Core Perspective - JULIE, Inc. has appointed Amy Lear-Chmura as its first Chief Operating Officer (COO), emphasizing the organization's commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth in damage-free excavation across Illinois [1][2]. Company Overview - JULIE has been operational since 1974, focusing on protecting Illinois residents and preserving underground infrastructure in collaboration with over 2,000 member utility companies [7]. Leadership Appointment - Amy Lear-Chmura will oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring effective execution of strategic priorities and resource efficiency, while reporting to CEO Mark Frost [2][4]. - Chmura has a strong background in nonprofit leadership and damage prevention, with over 25 years of executive experience [4][5]. Experience and Contributions - Chmura joined JULIE in 2019 and has held senior roles, including Director of Education and Strategic Projects, where she enhanced statewide education and outreach initiatives [3][4]. - Under her leadership, JULIE launched a learning management system and developed over 15 online training courses, significantly improving course completion and knowledge retention [3]. Educational Background - Chmura holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Communications and Training and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, along with certifications in project management and nonprofit management [6].

Hecla Mining Company Investor Day Summary Company Overview - **Company Name**: Hecla Mining Company (NYSE: HL) - **Headquarters**: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho - **Market Capitalization**: Over $17 billion as of mid-January 2026 - **Share Ownership**: 22% retail, 78% institutional - **Operations**: Four precious metals mines located in the United States and Canada, positioning Hecla as the lowest geopolitical risk silver miner in the sector [4][5] Key Points from the Investor Day Strategic Transformation - **Leadership Change**: Rob Krcmarov appointed as CEO in November 2024, focusing on fundamental transformation and disciplined capital allocation [7][8] - **Exploration Budget**: The board approved a $55 million exploration budget for 2026, nearly double the previous year, indicating a commitment to future growth [9] - **Operational Excellence**: Emphasis on operational performance, financial frameworks, and exploration strategies to sustain growth through commodity cycles [9][10] Recent Developments - **Sale of Hecla Quebec**: Agreement to sell Hecla Quebec for nearly $600 million, redirecting focus towards silver production [11][12] - **Production Guidance**: Expected silver production for 2026 is between 15.1 million and 16.5 million ounces, with a potential pathway to 20 million ounces in the medium term [35][36] Financial Performance - **Free Cash Flow**: Generated $310 million in free cash flow in 2025, with all operations being free cash flow positive [26][43] - **Debt Reduction**: Gross leverage improved from 1.6x to 0.4x, with a target for complete deleveraging [43][44] - **Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)**: Increased from 4% in 2024 to 12% in 2025, with expectations for continued strong performance [44][46] Market Position and Silver Focus - **Silver Revenue**: Approximately 50% of revenues generated from silver, compared to 20%-30% for peers, highlighting Hecla's commitment to silver over gold [29][61] - **Supply-Demand Dynamics**: The silver market is in a structural deficit, with a cumulative supply deficit of 800 million ounces since 2021, driven by strong industrial demand and constrained supply [58][59] - **Investment in Silver**: Hecla's focus on silver is expected to yield significant returns due to its unique properties and increasing demand in various sectors, including solar energy and electrification [60][61] Operational Excellence - **Safety Improvements**: Achieved a 13% improvement in total reportable injury frequency rate in 2025, with ongoing investments in safety training and hazard reporting [64][65] - **Technology Integration**: Implementation of integrated systems for real-time monitoring and decision-making to enhance operational efficiency [66] Conclusion Hecla Mining Company is positioned for significant growth in the silver market, driven by a strategic focus on operational excellence, disciplined capital allocation, and a strong commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's transformation under new leadership aims to unlock value and capitalize on the growing demand for silver in a favorable geopolitical landscape.

Core Insights - DuPont has appointed D.G. Macpherson to its Board of Directors, effective immediately, enhancing its leadership team with his extensive experience in operational excellence and business transformation [1][2]. Group 1: Appointment Details - D.G. Macpherson's appointment is seen as a strategic move to support DuPont's growth strategy and long-term value delivery to shareholders, customers, and employees [2]. - Macpherson is currently the Chairman and CEO of W.W. Grainger, Inc., where he has been instrumental in shaping the company's global strategic and operational vision [2][3]. Group 2: Professional Background - Prior to his role at Grainger, Macpherson served as Chief Operating Officer and held various senior positions, focusing on corporate strategy and global supply chain management [3]. - He has a background in management consulting as a Partner and Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group, where he gained expertise in production systems and continuous improvement methodologies [4]. Group 3: Educational and Board Affiliations - Macpherson holds a bachelor's degree from Stanford University and an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management [5]. - He has served on the Board of Directors for International Paper Company and is currently involved with the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago [5].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - M&T Bank reported record net income of $2.85 billion and record EPS of $17 for the full year 2025, with a top quartile return on tangible assets exceeding 1.4% [7] - The quarterly dividend was increased by 11%, and 9% of outstanding shares were repurchased, while tangible book value per share grew by 7% [7] - Non-accruals decreased by 26%, with the non-accrual percentage of total loans reaching 90 basis points, the lowest since 2007 [7] - The efficiency ratio improved from 56.9% to 56% [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee income grew by 13%, reaching a record of $2.7 billion, with the fee mix as a percentage of revenue increasing from 26% to over 28% [7] - Average loans and leases increased by $1.1 billion to $137.6 billion, with commercial loans rising by $0.5 billion to $62.2 billion [9][10] - Non-interest income was $696 million, down from $752 million in the linked quarter, with mortgage banking revenues increasing to $155 million [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Investment securities and cash held at the Fed totaled $53.7 billion, representing 25% of total assets [11] - Average total loans rose by $2.4 billion to $165.1 billion, with non-interest-bearing deposits increasing to $44.2 billion [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - M&T Bank's strategy focuses on operational excellence and teaming for growth, aiming to create a unified enterprise approach to enhance customer experience [18][19] - The company is committed to deepening relationships and coordinated planning across business lines to unlock new opportunities [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The economic backdrop remains resilient, with concerns about potential slowdowns due to weakening labor markets [20] - For 2026, M&T expects taxable equivalent net interest income to be between $7.2 billion and $7.35 billion, with average loans projected at $140 billion to $142 billion [21][22] - The company anticipates continued growth in fee income and a focus on managing expenses while investing in enterprise initiatives [22] Other Important Information - M&T's CET1 ratio was estimated at 10.84%, reflecting a decline due to share repurchases and increased risk-weighted assets [17] - The company plans to operate with a CET1 ratio of 10.25% to 10.5% in 2026, maintaining flexibility for lending and capital returns [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital ratios and Basel III Endgame proposal - Management indicated that they are open to adjusting the CET1 ratio if regulatory requirements change, with a current comfort level around 10.25% [30][31] Question: Loan growth expectations in commercial real estate - Management noted strong production levels in commercial real estate, with expectations for growth starting in the second quarter of 2026 [36] Question: Deposit environment and competitive landscape - Management emphasized the importance of growing customer deposits alongside loans, with a focus on net new checking accounts [47][48] Question: Fee and expense growth rates - Management projected a core growth rate of about 4% for fees, driven by various business lines, while expenses are expected to be managed closely [55] Question: Credit quality and charge-offs - Management reassured that the increase in 90-day past dues was due to administrative delays and not indicative of deteriorating credit quality [64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - M&T Bank achieved record net income of $2.85 billion and record EPS of $17, with a top quartile return on tangible assets exceeding 1.4% [7] - The quarterly dividend was increased by 11%, and 9% of outstanding shares were repurchased, while tangible book value per share grew by 7% [7] - Non-accruals decreased by 26%, with the non-accrual percentage of total loans reaching 90 basis points, the lowest since 2007 [7] - The efficiency ratio improved from 56.9% to 56% [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee income grew by 13%, reaching a record of $2.7 billion, with the fee mix as a percentage of revenue increasing from 26% to over 28% [7] - Average loans and leases increased by $1.1 billion to $137.6 billion, with commercial loans rising by $0.5 billion to $62.2 billion [9][10] - Non-interest income for the quarter was $696 million, down from $752 million in the linked quarter, with mortgage banking revenues increasing to $155 million [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Investment securities and cash held at the Fed totaled $53.7 billion, representing 25% of total assets [11] - Average total loans rose by $2.4 billion to $165.1 billion, with non-interest-bearing deposits increasing by $0.1 billion to $44.2 billion [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - M&T Bank's strategy focuses on "Operational Excellence" and "Teaming for Growth," aiming to enhance efficiency and unify operations across regions [18][19] - The company is committed to creating economic opportunities and expanding access to banking services in key markets [5][6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The economy remains resilient despite uncertainties, with expectations for net interest income to be between $7.2 billion and $7.35 billion in 2026 [20][21] - The company anticipates full-year average loans to be $140 billion to $142 billion, with a focus on growing relationship customers [21][22] Other Important Information - M&T Bank's CET1 ratio was estimated at 10.84%, reflecting a decline due to share repurchases and increased risk-weighted assets [17] - The company plans to continue returning excess capital to shareholders while monitoring economic conditions and asset quality trends [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital ratios and Basel III Endgame proposal - Management is open to potentially lowering the CET1 ratio if regulatory requirements decrease, indicating flexibility in capital management [30][31] Question: Loan growth and commercial real estate - Management expects loan growth across all portfolios, with a positive outlook for commercial real estate starting in the second quarter of 2026 [36][37] Question: Deposit environment and competitive landscape - The company aims to grow customer deposits while managing competitive pressures, focusing on net new checking accounts [46][47] Question: Fee and expense growth expectations - Management projects a core growth rate of about 4% for fees, driven by various business lines, while maintaining disciplined expense management [55] Question: Credit quality and delinquency rates - The increase in 90-day past dues is attributed to administrative delays and Ginnie Mae repurchases, with overall credit quality remaining strong [64][65]