Amer Sports (NYSE:AS) Q3 2025 Earnings Call November 18, 2025 08:00 AM ET Speaker1Thank you for standing by, and welcome to the Amer Sports Third Quarter Fiscal 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'd like to ask a question during this time, simply press star followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, again, press ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter revenue was $327 million, reflecting a 5% reported revenue decline, while year-to-date revenue was $649 million, also down 5% [4] - Adjusted EPS increased 13% in the quarter to $1.27 and 11% year-to-date to $2.36 [16] - Adjusted gross margin reached 60.5% in the second quarter, up 380 basis points year-over-year [12] - Adjusted operating income increased 5% in the second quarter to $87 million, with adjusted operating margin expanding 250 basis points to 26.7% [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hospital revenue was $146 million in the second quarter, up 5% on a reported basis and 4% organic [5] - Blood management technologies grew 12% in the quarter and 13% year-to-date, driven by hemostasis management [5] - Plasma revenue was $125 million in the quarter, down 10% on a reported basis, but organic revenue grew 19% [8] - Blood center reported revenue declined 18% in the quarter, but organic revenue grew 4% [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. plasma collections grew in the high single digits, while European collections continued to grow in double digits [9] - The company raised its full-year plasma revenue guidance to a decline of 4%-7% or 14%-17% organic growth excluding CSL [9] - Hospital revenue growth guidance was updated to 4%-7%, reflecting sustained growth in blood management technologies [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its portfolio and transformation to sustain momentum beyond its long-range plan [4] - Strategic priorities include meeting debt obligations, returning excess cash to shareholders, and advancing targeted investments in growth products [20] - The company aims to strengthen execution in interventional technologies to accelerate growth and margin expansion beyond FY 2026 [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the sustained robust growth of the plasma therapeutics market, particularly immunoglobulins [9] - The company anticipates continued margin expansion in the second half of the fiscal year [16] - Management highlighted the importance of disciplined execution and a high-performance culture in driving long-term value creation [20] Other Important Information - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance from a reported decline of 3%-6% to a decline of 1%-4% [11] - Free cash flow guidance was raised to $170-$210 million, with a commitment to maintain a free cash flow to adjusted net income ratio in excess of 70% [18] - The company ended the quarter with $296 million in cash and total debt of $1.2 billion [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the assumptions for collections growth in the second half? - Management indicated that the second quarter was driven by share gains, innovation pricing, and collections volume growth, with high single-digit growth in the U.S. and double-digit growth in Europe expected to continue [23][24] Question: Can you provide an update on IVT commercial efforts? - Management noted that hospital business was the largest contributor to margin expansion, with a focus on blood management technologies and actions to regain growth momentum in IVT [26][27] Question: How is the launch of the HN cartridge going in EMEA and Japan? - Management expects the launch to be a significant source of sustainable double-digit growth, although market dynamics differ from the U.S. [54][56] Question: What is the outlook for the Vascade business? - Management expressed confidence in regaining share in the competitive market, with ongoing initiatives to strengthen the sales force and improve market acceptance [40][45] Question: How will share repurchases impact EPS? - Management indicated that share repurchases contributed a few cents to EPS, and they aim to keep dilution in check while being opportunistic with capital deployment [39][71]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for New Oriental-S (09901.HK) [1] Core Insights - The company reported better-than-expected revenue growth in FY26Q1, with a year-on-year increase of 6.1%, surpassing previous guidance of 2%-5% [7] - The overseas business showed significant improvement, with a 25% revenue growth in the low-age study abroad segment, indicating a shift in demand rather than a decline [7] - K12 business is expected to accelerate, with anticipated growth rates of approximately 20% for K9 and double-digit growth for high school, validating the strategy of prioritizing product quality [7] - The company announced a shareholder return plan totaling approximately $490 million, which is over 130% of FY25 net profit, indicating strong profit visibility and cash flow [7] - Non-GAAP operating profit margin improved to 22.0%, with expectations for further expansion in Q2, driven by better resource utilization and cost control [7] Financial Projections - Total revenue is projected to grow from $4.9 billion in FY2025 to $6.3 billion in FY2028, with year-on-year growth rates of 13.6%, 9.96%, 10.00%, and 7.02% respectively [1][9] - Net profit attributable to shareholders is expected to increase from $371.72 million in FY2025 to $591.14 million in FY2028, with growth rates of 20.07%, 32.32%, 10.40%, and 8.87% respectively [1][9] - The current stock price corresponds to a PE ratio of 17, 15, and 14 times for FY2026, FY2027, and FY2028 respectively based on Non-GAAP metrics [1][9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - ITT delivered nearly $1 billion in total orders for the third consecutive quarter, up 3% year-over-year [6] - Revenue grew 13% in total and 6% organically, reaching $999 million [7] - Operating income grew nearly twice the organic sales growth rate, with operating margin expanding over 100 basis points excluding M&A [7] - Adjusted EPS increased by 21%, and free cash flow grew 46% to $368 million year-to-date, with an expected full-year free cash flow of $500 million [7][10] - Free cash flow margin in the quarter was over 15%, surpassing the high end of the 2030 target [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrial Process (IP) grew 11% organically, driven by projects which grew over 50% [8] - Connect and Control Technologies (CCT) delivered 25% total growth, with 6% organic growth, supported by defense momentum and aerospace demand [9] - Motion Technologies (MT) grew 4% organically, outperforming global auto production, particularly in China [9] - Profitability improved across segments, with IP margins expanding to nearly 22% and CCT margins growing 270 basis points excluding Casoria dilution [9][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orders have grown 19% over the last three years, exceeding $3 billion, with strength in Defense, Aero, Rail, and Energy Transition markets [11] - Market share in China increased from 31% to above 34% [11] - CCT orders were up 27%, with a book-to-bill comfortably above 1 [12] - Svanehøj secured over $250 million in orders year-to-date, representing 59% growth versus the prior year [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and margin expansion, compounded with M&A activities [6] - Continued investment in innovations like Vidar and Geopad, with expectations for significant contributions from acquisitions [10][19] - The company aims for a book-to-bill above one for the full year, positioning for growth in 2026 [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the operational performance and the ability to exceed previous guidance for revenue and EPS [21] - The outlook for 2026 is cautiously optimistic, with expectations for low double-digit growth driven by a strong backlog and project wins [46][86] - Management noted that while auto production is expected to grow, challenges remain in Europe and North America due to competitive pressures [82] Other Important Information - The company is raising its full-year adjusted EPS outlook, with the low end of the revised guidance now above the previous high end [10] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining rigorous processes for future M&A opportunities [61] Q&A Session Summary Question: Global auto production outlook - Management noted that global auto production was up 2% year-over-year, with China showing significant growth while Europe and North America are forecasted to decline slightly [35] Question: Industrial Process funnel and order conversion - The funnel for active projects is up 22% year-over-year, indicating strong potential for order conversion [36] Question: Breakdown of EPS guidance raise - The $0.20 EPS guidance raise is attributed to improved profitability, better acquisitions, and a lower tax rate [43] Question: Market dynamics and growth areas - Management highlighted strong growth in aerospace and defense, with expectations for continued growth in these sectors [46] Question: Short cycle orders in Industrial Process - Short cycle orders were up 5%, with strong activity in parts and valves, particularly in the medical sector [50] Question: M&A opportunities and funnel attractiveness - The M&A funnel is rich with opportunities, primarily focused on pumps and valves, with a rigorous process in place to ensure value creation [60] Question: Margin expectations for CCT - CCT margins are expected to benefit from aerospace recovery and pricing power, with a focus on operational efficiencies [97]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 was down 2% year-over-year, reflecting a decline in WSE volume but supported by prudent benefit repricing and higher interest income [19][20] - The company finished the quarter with approximately 332,000 total WSEs, down 7% year-over-year, and 302,000 co-employed WSEs, down 9% [20] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share was $1.11, with GAAP earnings per share at $0.70, supported by improved cash flow [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Professional services revenue declined 8% year-over-year due to lower WSE volumes and the discontinuation of a specific client-level technology fee [22] - ASO revenues continued to exceed initial forecasts, indicating ongoing demand despite a slight decrease in HRIS fees [23] - Insurance revenue and costs each declined by 1%, resulting in an insurance cost ratio just over 90% [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that attrition was elevated compared to last year due to repricing efforts, with health plan pricing cited as the primary reason for client terminations [12][20] - CIE was flat compared to last year, with a slight year-to-date improvement driven mainly by the tech vertical and financial services [21][46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The medium-term strategy aims for total revenues to achieve a compounded annual growth rate of 4%-6% and adjusted EBITDA margins to expand to 10%-11% [8] - The company is focusing on generating sustainable growth and improving service delivery, with a recent launch of an AI-powered HR suite [12][15] - The preferred broker program is generating a growing share of broker-driven RFPs, increasing optimism for Q4 and 2026 [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to return the insurance cost ratio below the top end of the long-term range of 87%-90% by 2026 [16] - Despite challenging market conditions, management noted strong execution in areas they control and an improving outlook [8][28] - The company is optimistic about the January pipeline and expects improvement in year-over-year performance in Q4 [14][28] Other Important Information - The company repurchased stock and paid dividends totaling $45 million in the quarter, with a 10% increase in dividends year-over-year [17][26] - The leadership transition was highlighted, with a new CFO set to join, and the outgoing CFO thanked for her contributions [5][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on insurance cost ratio and assumptions for FY2026 - Management indicated no notable one-time impacts in Q3 performance and plans to remain conservative regarding healthcare trends for next year [30][35] Question: Update on sales headcount expectations for FY2025 - The company expects to see an increase in sales headcount in 2026 as new trainees come on board, with a focus on experienced hires [36][37] Question: Insights on rate increases and pricing relative to competition - Management noted that the pricing gap is tightening, with evidence from the pipeline and channel partners indicating improved conditions [40][41] Question: Client decision-making and business optimism - Management observed a settling in client decision-making, with healthcare costs being central to PEO buy decisions [42][43] Question: Update on ASO offering and competitive landscape - The company has seen better-than-expected interest in ASO offerings, with a competitive advantage in combining strong technology and support [62][64] Question: Guidance and unknowns affecting revenue and EPS - Management does not expect unusual impacts in Q4, with minor fluctuations in the insurance cost ratio being the largest potential swing factor [66] Question: CIE growth and pricing discrepancy - CIE is expected to be low single-digit positive for the year, with less layoffs contributing to the improvement [71][75]

Core Viewpoint - 招银国际's report indicates that 滔搏 (06110) slightly exceeded expectations for the first half of the fiscal year ending August 2025, benefiting from resilient gross margins [1] Financial Performance - The company is expected to experience profit margin expansion due to strong support from core brands and the closure of underperforming stores [1] - The forecast for the second half of fiscal year 2026 sales growth is cautious, reflecting potential challenges [1] Market Outlook - There are positive signs from Nike, which enhances confidence in the company's recovery prospects, although it may take a considerable amount of time [1] - The projected dividend yield for fiscal year 2027 is estimated to reach 8% [1] Investment Rating - 招银国际 maintains a "Buy" rating for 滔搏, with the target price raised from HKD 3.62 to HKD 3.77 [1]

Company Update - Prada Group reported a 3Q25 revenue update with a year-on-year growth of +9% at constant exchange rates (CER), or +4% at reported exchange rates, reaching €1.33 billion, slightly above FactSet consensus estimate of €1.31 billion [1] - Retail revenue for 3Q25 showed a decline in Prada brand revenue (-1%) but improved compared to 2Q25 (-4%), while Miu Miu brand revenue grew by +29% despite a high year-on-year base (3Q24: +105%) [1] - In the Asia-Pacific region excluding Japan, revenue grew by +10%, with improved sales trends in mainland China, while the Americas saw a +20% growth, accelerating from +14% in 2Q25 [1] - For the first nine months of 2025, group revenue increased by +9%, driven by same-store full-price sales, with limited contribution from retail space expansion, impacted by approximately 260 basis points of foreign exchange headwinds [1] Comments - The company has ample room for revenue growth and margin expansion through category expansion, including jewelry and beauty products, which are still in early growth stages for both Prada and Miu Miu [1] - Continuous innovation in leather goods, particularly for Miu Miu, may lead to potential best-selling products [1] - Store network upgrades are focused on creating high-specification, high-efficiency flagship stores while streamlining long-tail stores [1] - Caution is advised regarding changes in the competitive landscape, as new designer products from brands like Dior, Chanel, Gucci, and Celine are set to launch in 1H26 [1] Profit Forecast and Valuation - Due to foreign exchange headwinds, revenue and EBIT forecasts for 2025 have been reduced by 6.1% and 6.9% to €5.731 billion and €1.359 billion, respectively [2] - The net profit forecast for 2025 has been lowered by 7.5% to €880 million, reflecting higher financial costs associated with additional loans from the Versace acquisition [1][2] - For 2026, revenue forecasts have been cut by 9.6% to €6.155 billion, with EBIT and net profit forecasts reduced by 13.2% and 14.1% to €1.492 billion and €976 million, respectively, due to increased competition and rising costs [2] - The valuation has shifted to be based on the 2026 net profit forecast, maintaining an outperform rating and a target price of HKD 75, corresponding to a 21.1x 2026 P/E ratio, with a 62.0% upside potential from the current stock price [2]

智通财经APP获悉，里昂发布研报称，宁德时代(03750)再创亮眼季度表现，2025年第三季度盈利同比增长41%，按季增长12%，符合市场上修后的预期。毛 利率按季再扩张0.2个百分点至25.8%，缓解市场对该季度锂成本飙升带来利润率压力的担忧。里昂将宁德时代H股目标价从670港元，上调至685港元;宁德时 代(300750.SZ)A股目标价由490元人民币升至500元人民币，并重申对宁德时代H股"跑赢大市"评级，A股评级则为"高度确信跑赢大市"。 ...

Group 1 - Goldman Sachs has raised its long-term gold price forecast for 2029 from $2850/oz to $3300/oz, maintaining a positive outlook on gold prices with potential risks pushing prices to $4500-$5000/oz [1] - The revision by Goldman Sachs comes after a sustained increase in gold prices and gold stocks, with Newmont rated as neutral but showing positive prospects in production, free cash flow, and capital management [2] - Goldman Sachs emphasizes that margin expansion is a key driver for the strong performance of mining stocks, expecting the current gold stock cycle to continue, outperforming commodities throughout 2025 [3] Group 2 - UBS has also raised its gold price forecasts, increasing the 2025 year-end prediction by $300 to $3800/oz and the mid-2026 forecast by $200 to $3900/oz, citing expected Fed easing policies and geopolitical risks affecting the dollar [4] - UBS revised its estimate for gold ETF holdings, predicting they will exceed 3900 tons by the end of 2025, close to the record of 3915 tons set in October 2020, maintaining a bullish view on gold [4] - UBS expects central bank gold purchases to remain strong at around 900-950 tons this year, slightly below last year's record levels, while highlighting the key risk of unexpected Fed rate hikes due to inflation [4]

Core Viewpoint - TriMas Corporation has shown strong financial performance in Q2 2025, with significant growth in earnings and revenues, leading to an upward revision of its guidance for the year [3][4][11]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2025 were reported at 61 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 50 cents, marking a 42% increase year-over-year [3]. - Revenues increased by 14% year-over-year to $274.8 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $252 million [4]. - Gross profit rose 29% year-over-year to $69.7 million, with a gross margin improvement to 25.4% from 22.5% in the prior year [5]. Segment Performance - The Packaging segment saw net sales rise 8.4% year-over-year to $143 million, with adjusted operating profit increasing 10.7% to $20.4 million [7]. - The Aerospace segment experienced a 32.5% increase in net sales to $103 million, with adjusted operating profit rising to $20.7 million from $10.5 million in the previous year [7]. - The Specialty Products segment's revenues decreased by 6.8% year-over-year to $28.7 million, but adjusted operating profit improved to $1.3 million from $0.6 million [8]. Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - TriMas generated $39.4 million in cash from operations in the first half of 2025, compared to $14.7 million in the same period of 2024 [9]. - As of June 30, 2025, the company had $30.3 million in cash, up from $23 million at the end of 2024, and a total debt of $424.5 million [10]. Guidance and Estimates - The company raised its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $1.95-$2.10, up from the previous range of $1.70-$1.85, and expects consolidated sales growth of 8%-10% compared to the earlier estimate of 4%-6% [11]. - Following the earnings release, the consensus estimate has shifted upward by 7.05% [12]. Investment Outlook - TriMas has a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating expectations for above-average returns in the coming months [14].