Core Insights - Bekaert reported stable sales in Q3 2025 with a slight decline of 1% year-over-year on a like-for-like basis, while volumes increased by 3% primarily due to growth in the energy and utilities sectors [1][3] - The company anticipates FY 2025 sales of approximately €3.7 billion and an underlying EBIT margin of around 8.0% despite ongoing market uncertainties [2] Financial Performance - Q3 2025 consolidated sales amounted to €880 million, reflecting an 8% decrease compared to Q3 2024, with like-for-like sales down by 1% or €9 million [3] - For the first nine months of 2025, consolidated sales totaled €2,833 million, a 6% decline, with like-for-like sales down by 3% or €98 million [3] - The company experienced a net impact from acquisitions, disposals, and discontinued operations of -1% (€26 million) and a currency translation impact of -2% (€60 million) [3] Operational Highlights - Bekaert is focusing on cost management, including overhead savings and optimizing production capacity to protect margins [3] - Strong cash flow generation is being driven by disciplined management of costs, capital expenditure, and working capital, maintaining low financial leverage [3] - The Rubber Reinforcement segment saw volume growth in China, which offset declines in Europe and India, while the Steel Wire Solutions segment experienced strong growth in the energy and utilities sector [3] Strategic Actions - The company is taking proactive measures to improve operational leverage, including the closure of a plant in Coatbridge, Scotland, and a temporary halt of hydrogen production in Wetteren, Belgium [3] - Bekaert is navigating tariff challenges by leveraging its global production footprint [3] - The group is transforming its business portfolio by reducing exposure to commoditized markets and increasing presence in faster-growing markets [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 30% year-over-year increase in adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations to a record $2.32 per share [4][10] - Adjusted EBIT margin improved by 100 basis points to 23.9% [10] - Sales for the quarter were $353 million, representing a 29% growth, with organic growth at 8% [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace and Defense (A&D) segment saw orders grow by 60% on a reported basis and organic growth of 12%, with sales up 72% on a reported basis [11] - Utility Solutions Group experienced 17% growth in orders, while sales growth was muted at 2% [12] - The test business had a 10% revenue growth, ending the year with a backlog up nearly 20% compared to the previous year [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales for the Navy market were up 53% in the quarter and 24% year-over-year [6] - The U.S. and U.K. customer bases are focused on increasing build rates for submarines, positively impacting sales and order rates [6] - The renewables market is currently facing headwinds, but long-term growth drivers remain in place [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Maritime and divestiture of VACO are pivotal steps in the evolution of the company's portfolio, enhancing its presence in the Navy market [4][5] - The company aims to focus on aerospace and Navy end markets, which present durable, long-term growth opportunities [5] - The company is actively looking for M&A opportunities that fit into its aerospace, navy, or utility end markets, which are expected to have long-term growth characteristics [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains positive about the long-term outlook for both aircraft and Navy markets, expecting increasing production rates to drive growth [6] - The company anticipates another strong financial year in 2026, with reported sales growth expected in the range of 16%-20% [17] - Management acknowledges challenges in the renewables market but believes the business is well-managed and positioned for normalized growth in the future [39] Other Important Information - The company achieved record performance in 2025 across all key metrics, with orders finishing in excess of $1.5 billion, a growth of over 56% [15] - Operating cash flow for the year was just over $200 million, significantly up from nearly $122 million in the prior year [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Context on growth rates and margin trends at the segment level - Management provided guidance for A&D business growth at 6%-8%, with similar expectations for Doble and 3%-5% for test [21][22] Question: Update on the integration of SM&T - Integration is on plan, with the Maritime business performing ahead of expectations and positive new order activity noted [23] Question: Details on $200 million in ESCO maritime orders - Orders are associated with U.K. submarine-related programs, expected to generate revenue over two years [28][29] Question: Impact of canceled flights on aerospace - Management did not see significant impact from recent shutdowns and expects continued growth in aircraft manufacturing [30] Question: Thoughts on capital allocation moving forward - The company is focused on disciplined M&A in aerospace, navy, or utility markets, leveraging a strong balance sheet [41]