McCormick & Company (NYSE:MKC) 2026 Conference February 17, 2026 05:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsAndrew Lazar - Managing DirectorBrendan Foley - Chairman, President, and CEOMarcos Gabriel - CFONone - Video Narrator 1None - Video Narrator 2ModeratorMcCormick would like to remind you that today's discussion will refer to certain non-GAAP financial measures. The nature of those non-GAAP financial measures and the related reconciliations to the GAAP results are included in the company's materials. Additionally, ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record performance in Q4 2025, achieving a 17% year-over-year growth in revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and AFFO [3] - For the full year, revenue increased 12% to $6.9 billion, adjusted EBITDA grew 15% to $2.6 billion, and AFFO increased 15% to $1.5 billion [3][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Data center revenue increased 30% in 2025, with a 39% increase in Q4 alone, driven by strong demand from hyperscalers [4] - Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM) revenue grew 63% in total for 2025, including 40% organic growth, with a notable 56% organic growth in Q4 [6] - Digital solutions revenue surpassed $500 million in 2025, supported by double-digit growth and a strong pipeline for future projects [7] - The physical storage business achieved record revenue, growing at a mid-single-digit rate, marking 37 consecutive years of organic storage rental revenue growth [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects data center revenue to exceed $1 billion in 2026, representing over 25% year-on-year growth [27] - The ALM business is projected to reach $850 million in revenue for 2026, indicating approximately 35% year-over-year growth [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to sustain industry-leading revenue and earnings growth into 2026 and beyond, capitalizing on robust demand in the data center industry [4] - The growth portfolio, including data center, ALM, and digital solutions, is expected to support double-digit growth in the future [8] - The company is focused on cross-selling opportunities within its existing customer base, which includes 950 of the 1,000 largest global companies [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining strong data center growth, supported by a backlog expected to drive over 25% revenue growth in 2026 [5] - The company anticipates another record year in 2026, with guidance for total revenue between $7.625 billion and $7.775 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 12% at the midpoint [31] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.864 per share, a 10% increase from the previous year [29] - Capital expenditures for 2026 are planned at $2.0 billion for growth and $150 million for recurring CapEx, slightly down from the previous year [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you touch on the data center pipeline? - Management highlighted strong momentum with over 40 MW of leasing in Q4 and significant interest in markets like Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Madrid [36][38] Question: Can you provide more color on the momentum in ALM? - Management noted a 20% increase in the number of Fortune 1000 customers using ALM services, with expectations for continued growth in both existing and new customers [42][46] Question: How much of the ALM growth came from volumes versus pricing? - Management indicated that the growth was balanced between hyperscale and enterprise, with strong pricing trends contributing positively [49][51] Question: Can you dive deeper into gross margin trends in the services business? - Management explained that gross margins were affected by mix, with services margins improving year-over-year due to strong execution and operational leverage [54][56] Question: What is the M&A landscape for ALM and data centers? - Management stated that while they do not foresee significant M&A activity in data centers, they continue to explore opportunities in the ALM space to expand their footprint [60][66] Question: Any meaningful restructuring charges to consider for 2026? - Management confirmed there will be no restructuring charges in 2026, as the previous restructuring plan ended last year [69]

Zebra Technologies Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Results February 12, 2026 February 12, 2026 Safe Harbor Statement Statements made in this presentation which are not statements of historical fact are forward -looking statements and are subject to the safe harbor provisions created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 . Actual results may differ from those expressed or implied in the company's forward -looking statements . Zebra undertakes no obligation, other than as may be r ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - 2025 Same Store NOI results matched initial guidance, but the path to those results was not straightforward [5] - Portfolio occupancy currently over 96%, with significant improvement expected in supply conditions [9] - The company purchased approximately $206 million of its stock during Q4 and a total of $300 million in 2025 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue results for Q4 reflect a physical occupancy of 96.4%, driven by solid demand and strong retention [16] - Blended rate growth of 0.5% in Q4 was driven by a strong renewal rate of 4.5%, offset by negative new lease rates in most markets except San Francisco [16] - Other income growth was slightly below expectations due to less income from bulk internet rollout and bad debt net improvement [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong rental growth was observed in coastal markets during the first half of 2025, followed by a deceleration in revenue momentum in the latter half, except for San Francisco and New York [6] - The D.C. market showed strength in the first half of 2025 but eroded later due to federal job cuts and uncertainty [24] - Atlanta is showing improved pricing power, while Denver is experiencing the worst performance among expansion markets [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to a diversified portfolio strategy, investing in all 12 markets through renovations, acquisitions, and development activities [10] - The focus is on selling properties with lower forward return profiles to buy back stock, improving the growth rate of the existing portfolio [11] - The company plans to start some development projects in 2026, having acquired land parcels at the end of Q4 2025 [88] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges a broad range of possible outcomes for the U.S. economy, particularly regarding job growth [7] - The company expects a significant improvement in the supply picture in the second half of 2026, which could lead to accelerated revenue growth [9] - Management remains optimistic about the forward prospects of the business, citing a decline in competitive new supply in their markets [12] Other Important Information - The company returned over $1.3 billion to shareholders in 2025 through dividends and stock repurchases [12] - The anticipated Same Store expense growth for 2026 is between 3%-4%, with controllable expenses expected to remain stable [28] - The company ended 2025 with a net debt to normalized EBITDAre of 4.3x, reflecting a strong balance sheet [35] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Can you talk about the assets you're selling and the fund that repurchases? - The assets being sold are typically older, non-core properties with higher CapEx loads, which are expected to improve the growth rate of the existing portfolio [38] Question: Can you provide more color on your comment around the renewals at 4.5%? - The renewals are expected to land around 4.5%, with confidence in the stability of the portfolio despite economic conditions [45] Question: On the 2026 supply outlook, can you give us some background on how you come up with your competitive supply set? - The company uses both data from providers and a boots-on-the-ground approach to evaluate competitive supply, confirming a meaningful decline in 2026 [50] Question: Are you factoring in regulatory costs when assessing different markets? - Yes, the company factors in litigation costs and biases its portfolio allocation away from markets with excessive regulatory costs [54] Question: What is the expected cadence of Same Store revenue growth through the year? - The cadence is expected to be steady, with the second half being stronger due to reduced competitive supply [85]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $2.03 billion, an increase of approximately 26% in actual currency and 24% in constant currency, primarily due to the acquisitions of Lexmark and ITsavvy. Pro forma revenue declined 9% [3][4] - For the full year, revenue was $7.02 billion, up roughly 13% in actual currency and 12% in constant currency, but excluding acquisition benefits, revenue declined approximately 8% [4] - Adjusted operating income margin for Q4 was 5%, down 140 basis points year-over-year, while free cash flow decreased to $184 million, down $150 million compared to the prior year [3][4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Print and Other segment, Q4 equipment revenue was $485 million, up 23% as reported, but down approximately 10% on a pro forma basis [22] - Print post-sale revenue was $1.39 billion, up 25% as reported, but down 9% on a pro forma basis [23] - IT Solutions revenue increased 39% year-over-year, reflecting the full quarter inclusion of ITsavvy, with pro forma gross billings up 13% [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that macroeconomic challenges, including tariff impacts and increased product costs, continue to affect performance, particularly in the print equipment sales [3][5] - The company is experiencing a firming of demand in IT solutions, with over $60 million of pipeline creation in 2025 [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic priorities: executing reinvention, realizing acquisition benefits, and maintaining balance sheet strength [8] - The integration of Lexmark and ITsavvy is expected to unlock commercial and operational benefits, with a unified sales organization planned for 2026 [11][12] - The company aims to achieve at least $300 million in gross cost synergies from the Lexmark acquisition and over $1 billion in profit improvement as part of its reinvention program [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about improving business trends despite ongoing macro headwinds, with expectations for a stronger 2026 [3][4] - The company anticipates that many headwinds experienced in 2025 will begin to moderate, with new product launches and a fully integrated IT solutions organization expected to provide tailwinds [8][29] - Management highlighted the importance of leveraging AI capabilities to drive efficiencies and improve customer experience [10][11] Other Important Information - The company announced a special pro rata distribution of warrants to shareholders, which is seen as a balance sheet-friendly way to reward loyalty and provide bondholders with options [31] - The company ended Q4 with $565 million in cash and cash equivalents, and total debt of $4.2 billion, down $160 million sequentially [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are orders returning to normal post-government shutdown? - Management indicated that they are seeing growth opportunities in government sectors and that the strategy of acquiring ITsavvy and Lexmark is working to expand their portfolio [34] Question: What is the impact of rising memory prices on the ITsavvy business? - Management clarified that rising memory prices create uncertainty across all industries, but they are taking steps to help clients navigate these challenges by extending product life and moving to consumption models [36][37] Question: How does the company prioritize various initiatives amidst current challenges? - Management emphasized that the reinvention strategy and acquisitions are progressing well, with a unified management operating system in place to oversee all initiatives [45][46] Question: How is the company protecting against potential challenges in IT services? - Management outlined strategies to help clients navigate increased costs and emphasized the importance of their product portfolio in mitigating risks [52][53] Question: What are the assumptions regarding operating cash flow to free cash flow for 2026? - Management explained that higher EBITDA driven by operating income increases and lower finance receivables are key factors in the expected improvement in free cash flow [57][58] Question: What progress has been made in cross-selling to the large client base? - Management noted that leveraging existing relationships with clients allows for effective cross-selling of IT solutions, enhancing the overall value proposition [61][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a peak equipment inventory of approximately $1.3 billion, with guidance suggesting a reduction of about $550 million by the end of January [24] - Equipment margins improved from 3% in the first half of fiscal 2026 to 7% in the third quarter, indicating a recovery trend [28][29] - The company aims to operate within a tighter inventory range of two and a half times turn, focusing on improving the mix of inventory [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue split is approximately 75% from equipment sales and just under 25% from parts and service, with parts and service contributing about 50% of gross profit dollars [3][4] - The service side has a gross profitability margin in the low 60s%, while parts have a margin in the low 30s%, compared to single-digit margins for equipment [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is navigating a down cycle, with industry volumes expected to be about 50% of the long-term average from 2000 to 2025, potentially marking the lowest point in several decades [18][19] - The agricultural equipment market is under pressure, with large ag equipment expected to decline by 15%-20% in the upcoming year [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on consolidating its dealership footprint to enhance service efficiency and customer care, particularly in rural areas [5][6] - Recent divestitures in Germany were part of a strategy to focus on areas with higher profitability potential and to strengthen the dual-brand dealership model [12][14] - The company is investing in digitization and automation to improve operational efficiency and is currently implementing a new ERP system [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current down cycle but expresses confidence in the company's positioning for future recovery, emphasizing strong relationships and a proactive approach to inventory management [30][38] - The leadership team is focused on adjusting strategies in response to market conditions, including pulling back on purchasing and refining inventory management practices [37][38] Other Important Information - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities within its core footprint, aiming to increase dealership density and improve service delivery [10][11] - Floor plan interest has been a significant constraint on EPS generation, with efforts underway to reduce this burden through improved inventory turnover [32][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company source M&A opportunities? - The company relies on relationships within the industry and proactively engages with neighboring dealers to express interest in potential acquisitions [8][9] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding inventory management? - The company has implemented a plan to reduce inventory levels and improve the mix, focusing on presales and regionalized stock inventory [21][22] Question: How does the company view the current cycle and its impact on operations? - Management believes the current cycle presents challenges but also opportunities for consolidation and efficiency improvements, positioning the company for future growth [30][38]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total first quarter reported revenue was $64 million, down 7% from the prior year, driven by an 8% decline in the enterprise division and a 2% decrease in the education division [28][32] - Adjusted EBITDA was $3.7 million compared to $7.7 million in the previous year, reflecting lower reported revenue and higher SG&A expenses [32] - Cash flows from operating activities were $0.1 million compared to $14.1 million in the previous year, primarily due to timing-related changes in working capital [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The enterprise division generated 74% of the company's overall revenue, with invoiced amounts growing 4% to $45.5 million [33] - North America segment invoiced amounts grew 7% to $34.9 million, and excluding government contracts, it grew 13% [33][34] - Education division revenue was $16.1 million, 2% lower than the prior year, primarily due to decreased material sales [39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International segment revenue was $11.2 million, down slightly from $11.4 million in the prior year, primarily due to challenges in China [38] - Excluding China, international segment revenue increased 4%, and licensee revenue increased 8% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2025 [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company views fiscal 2026 as a year of execution and return to growth, with expectations for strong growth in invoiced amounts and reported revenue in fiscal 2027 [4][46] - Strategic investments in transforming the enterprise North America go-to-market strategy are gaining traction, with a focus on solution selling and bundling content with services [34][46] - The company aims to be the partner of choice for organizations seeking to achieve breakthrough results, emphasizing the importance of human capabilities alongside AI [17][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the strong growth in invoiced amounts, particularly in North America, and expects this momentum to continue [5][26] - The company anticipates that the meaningful growth in invoiced amounts will translate into substantial growth in reported revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow in fiscal 2027 [12][46] - Management acknowledged the impact of macroeconomic conditions and government actions on revenue recognition and deferred revenue [28][32] Other Important Information - The company has a strong liquidity position with $80 million at the end of the first quarter and no drawdowns on its credit facility [41] - The company repurchased approximately 582,000 shares in the open market at a cost of $10.4 million during the first quarter [42] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for the full year and adjusted EBITDA timing - Management reaffirmed guidance for the full year, noting that adjusted EBITDA will be more back-end loaded due to the timing of large education contracts [51][52] Question: Update on North American Enterprise sales force - Management confirmed that invoice growth in Q1 was up 7% in North American Enterprise, with a significant increase in new logo subscription invoiced amounts [57][58] Question: Drivers of growth in new logo sales - Management indicated that growth was driven by a combination of higher attach rates of services and an increase in subscription sales [88][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total first quarter reported revenue was $64 million, down 7% from the prior year, driven by an 8% decline in the enterprise division and a 2% decrease in the education division [27] - Adjusted EBITDA was $3.7 million compared to $7.7 million in the previous year, reflecting lower reported revenue and higher SG&A expenses [31] - Cash flows from operating activities were $0.1 million compared to $14.1 million in the previous year, primarily due to timing-related changes in working capital [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The enterprise division generated 74% of the company's overall revenue, with invoiced amounts growing 4% to $45.5 million [32] - Invoiced amounts in North America grew 7% to $34.9 million, and excluding government contracts, it grew 13% [32][33] - The education division's revenue was $16.1 million, 2% lower than the prior year, primarily due to decreased material sales [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International segment revenue was $11.2 million, down slightly from $11.4 million in the prior year, primarily due to business conditions in China [36] - Excluding China, international segment revenue increased 4%, and licensee revenue increased 8% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2025 [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company views fiscal 2026 as a year of execution and return to growth, with expectations for significant growth in invoiced amounts and reported revenue in fiscal 2027 [4][42] - Strategic investments in transforming the enterprise North America go-to-market strategy are gaining traction, with a focus on solution selling and bundling content with services [33][21] - The company aims to be the partner of choice for organizations seeking to achieve breakthroughs in performance, emphasizing the importance of human capabilities alongside AI [16][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates strong growth in invoiced amounts in fiscal 2026, particularly in Enterprise North America, with a strong pipeline and significant year-over-year increase in advanced bookings [6][12] - The company expects education to achieve strong growth in both invoiced and reported sales in fiscal 2026, despite the seasonality of revenue recognition [11][39] - Management remains optimistic about the company's ability to deliver sustainable growth, supported by strong client retention and expanding demand for leadership development services [44][45] Other Important Information - The company incurred $3.4 million in restructuring expenses during the first quarter, reflecting efforts to streamline operations [30] - The balance of billed deferred subscription revenue in North America increased 8% to $49.1 million, indicating a solid foundation for future growth [36] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Guidance reaffirmation and adjusted EBITDA timing - Management reaffirmed guidance for the full year, noting that adjusted EBITDA will be more back-end loaded due to the timing of large education contracts [46][47] Question: North American Enterprise sales force performance - The invoiced growth in North American Enterprise was up 7% in Q1, with a significant increase in new logo subscription invoiced amounts growing 25% [49][50] Question: Lifecycle of new logos and attachment rates - The company has seen success in transitioning new logos to client partners, maintaining retention rates and expanding revenue through dedicated focus on customer success [65]

Summary of Watsco (NYSE: WSO) 2025 Investor Day Company Overview - **Company**: Watsco, a leading distributor of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) products in North America, with a history dating back to 1972 when it was founded by William Wagner [5][6] - **Current Status**: The company has grown from $4 million in sales to approximately $7.5 billion, with a goal of reaching $10 billion in sales [22] Key Themes and Goals - **Growth Strategy**: The company aims for a new target of $10 billion in sales, 30% gross margins, and five inventory turns, referred to as "10, 30, and 5" [22][23] - **Digital Transformation**: Watsco emphasizes the integration of technology into its operations, evolving into a technology-driven company that sells HVAC products [10][19] Technology and Data Utilization - **Data-Driven Business**: Watsco has transitioned to a data-driven model, utilizing extensive data from various sources to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency [16][19] - **Product Information Management (PIM)**: The company has developed a comprehensive PIM database containing detailed information on approximately 200,000 SKUs, which aids in customer service and sales [17][35] - **E-commerce Growth**: Watsco's digital sales have reached $2.5 billion, with significant portions of sales processed through digital channels, showcasing a shift in customer interaction [31] Customer Engagement and Support - **Customer-Centric Approach**: The company focuses on enhancing customer experience through digital tools, including chat support and mobile applications, allowing for seamless interactions [33][42] - **Training and Development**: Watsco offers training programs for contractors, covering technical skills and business management, to foster growth and operational excellence [50][51] Competitive Advantage - **Stickiness of Relationships**: The integration of digital tools creates a strong bond with customers, making it difficult for them to switch to competitors [66][68] - **Collaborative Ecosystem**: Watsco promotes collaboration among its business units to unlock new value and drive growth [23][57] Future Outlook - **AI Integration**: The company is exploring AI applications to further enhance customer service and operational efficiency, positioning itself at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry [19][56] - **Continuous Improvement**: Watsco is committed to ongoing enhancements in its digital ecosystem, with plans for future developments to improve customer experience and operational capabilities [56] Additional Insights - **Historical Context**: The company has a rich history of growth through acquisitions, having integrated around 70 businesses over the years, which has shaped its current market position [8][9] - **Cultural Tenets**: Watsco emphasizes long-term thinking and a cautious approach to risk, avoiding large-scale ERP conversions that could jeopardize the business [12][13] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Watsco 2025 Investor Day, highlighting the company's growth strategies, technological advancements, customer engagement initiatives, and future outlook.

Core Insights - The Indian startup ecosystem in 2025 experienced significant founder and CEO exits driven by strategic, financial, and personal factors, with a notable shift in company strategies and increased focus on profitability and AI [1][4][6] Leadership Changes - Numerous founders and CEOs stepped down, with some leaving due to company shutdowns while others pursued new ventures [2][5] - The exits were often linked to burnout, especially for solo founders who felt overwhelmed by the scale of their companies [3] - Strategic shifts initiated by boards led to transitions in leadership, as companies adapted to new market realities [4] Notable Exits - Abha Maheshwari resigned as CEO of Allen Digital after two years, planning to take a break before her next role [7] - Ashish Mishra of Clensta stepped down amid a cash crunch, planning to launch a new venture in beauty and personal care [9][10] - Ashok Shastry from DriveU left for personal reasons but remains on the board [12] - Kabeer Biswas exited Dunzo while facing legal challenges, later joining Flipkart Minutes [15][16] - Nishant Pitti of EaseMyTrip resigned amid rumors of involvement in a money laundering case, which the company denied [17][18] - Raheel Shah from Eduvanz stepped down during a restructuring, with plans to start an incubator [20] - Girish Mathrubootham announced his departure from Freshworks to focus on his venture capital firm [26] Market Trends - There was a growing interest in secondary deals, with 41% of Indian investors preferring this route for exiting portfolio companies, allowing founders to de-risk and pursue new opportunities [6] - PharmEasy faced a leadership crash with four cofounders stepping down, while the remaining cofounder took over as CEO [40][41]