Aramark (NYSE:ARMK) Q4 2025 Earnings Call November 17, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsJasper Bibb - Vice PresidentFelise Kissell - SVP of Investor Relations and Corporate DevelopmentShlomo Rosenbaum - Managing DirectorToni Kaplan - Executive DirectorJohn Zillmer - CEOJim Tarangelo - CFOConference Call ParticipantsNone - AnalystNeil Tyler - Research AnalystJaafar Mestari - Leisure AnalystNone - AnalystLeo Carrington - Stock AnalystAndrew Wittmann - Senior Research AnalystJosh Shan - Stock AnalystOperat ...

Allegion Conference Call Summary Company Overview - Allegion is a leading manufacturer of mechanical and electromechanical locks and security products, with a revenue of approximately $3.8 billion in 2024, primarily split 80% Americas and 20% international [2][3] Key Market Segments - The largest segment for Allegion is non-residential in the Americas, which includes institutional verticals such as healthcare and education, as well as commercial verticals like office and retail [3] - Residential business, primarily through the Schlage brand, accounts for about 20%-25% of the Americas business [3] Growth Strategy - Allegion's top growth priority is investment for organic growth, with operating margins expanded by over 200 basis points since 2022 while increasing R&D spending from 2.5% to over 3% of sales [7][8] - The company has completed 14 bolt-on acquisitions in the last two years, focusing on strategic fit and quick integration into existing business units [9][10] Market Conditions - Post-COVID, non-residential markets have shown resilience and continued growth, while residential markets have been flat to declining [12][13] - Institutional markets have experienced stable growth, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth [15][16] Specification Writing Advantage - Allegion has a competitive advantage in specification writing, which is crucial for securing contracts in construction projects [20][21] - The company invests in training and software tools to enhance its specification capabilities, leveraging AI for efficiency [22][25] Technology and Innovation - Allegion is actively investing in AI for spec writing and manufacturing processes, as well as partnerships with major tech companies like Apple and Google for electronic lock integration [29][30] - The company has introduced connected locks that improve installation efficiency and are expected to drive future growth [31][32] M&A Strategy - Allegion's M&A strategy focuses on acquiring companies that fit within its existing business units, generate accretive shareholder returns, and maintain cultural alignment [39][40] - The company prioritizes acquisitions in familiar geographies (Western Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand) and seeks to maintain its margin discipline [41] Conclusion - Allegion is positioned for continued growth through strategic investments in R&D, technology, and acquisitions, while navigating a mixed market landscape post-COVID. The company's strong focus on specification writing and innovation in electronic locks further enhances its competitive edge in the security industry [10][12][30]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record net sales of CHF 794.4 million, growing 24.9% year over year on a reported basis and 34.5% at constant currency [17][30] - Gross profit margin reached 65.7%, an increase of 510 basis points year over year, while adjusted EBITDA margin was 22.6%, up 370 basis points year over year [25][31] - Adjusted EBITDA grew nearly 50% year over year, amounting to CHF 179.9 million [17][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) channel net sales reached CHF 314.7 million, increasing by 27.6% year over year on a reported basis and 37.5% at constant currency [17] - Wholesale channel net sales were CHF 479.6 million, increasing by 23.3% year over year on a reported basis and 32.5% at constant currency [18] - Apparel category net sales reached CHF 50.1 million, an increase of 86.9% year over year on a reported basis and 100.2% at constant currency [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Asia Pacific region delivered net sales of CHF 144.9 million, up 94.2% year over year on a reported basis and 109.2% at constant currency, now approaching 20% of total sales [20] - Americas net sales reached CHF 436.2 million, growing 10.3% year over year on a reported basis and 21% at constant currency [19] - Europe, Middle East, and Africa saw net sales of CHF 213.3 million, up 28.6% year over year on a reported basis and 33% at constant currency [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the most premium global sportswear brand, focusing on brand awareness and premium positioning [11][30] - The strategy includes expanding the apparel business as a standalone growth pillar, with a focus on D2C channels and retail presence [15][47] - The company plans to continue investing in innovation and technology to drive long-term growth and maintain premium pricing [31][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the brand's momentum and the ability to maintain premium pricing despite market challenges [19][70] - The company raised its 2025 guidance, expecting constant currency net sales to grow by 34% year over year, up from a previous estimate of at least 31% [30][31] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a full-price strategy during the holiday season to build long-term brand value [80] Other Important Information - The company opened new flagship stores in key markets, including Tokyo and Zurich, which contributed to record sales [12][18] - The successful launch of new products, including the Cloud Surfer Max and collaborations with celebrities, has enhanced brand visibility and appeal [8][9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the traction in apparel and its performance in different channels? - Management reported strong traction in apparel, accounting for about 8% of total business, with a goal to reach double digits [40][43] - The apparel business is performing well in both D2C and wholesale channels, with a focus on showcasing products in flagship stores [43][47] Question: How does the company balance top-line growth with margin protection? - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a premium business model, which requires disciplined inventory management to protect full-price sales [49][50] - The company has achieved a sustainable gross profit margin through pricing power and operational improvements [51][52] Question: What is the outlook for growth in the U.S. market? - Management indicated that the U.S. market is expected to continue strong growth, supported by brand awareness and premium positioning [67][70] - The company is committed to a full-price strategy and is not chasing growth through discounts [70] Question: Can you elaborate on the growth opportunities in Asia Pacific? - Management noted that Asia Pacific is experiencing significant same-store sales growth, with a disciplined approach to opening new stores [78][79] - The company is focused on building brand awareness and credibility in the region, which has high demand for premium sportswear [79]

Core Insights - The appointment of Alexis Perakis-Valat as CEO of L'Oréal USA and president of North America initiates significant changes within L'Oréal's executive committee, with transitions starting from October 1 to January 1 [1] - Fabrice Megarbane is appointed as president of the Consumer Products Division, having previously served as chief global growth officer, where he drove e-commerce expansion and strategic growth initiatives [2][3] - Vianney Derville succeeds Megarbane as chief growth officer, recognized for his leadership in Europe, where sales exceeded 11.4 billion euros, making it the largest contributor to L'Oréal's growth [6] Leadership Changes - Fabrice Megarbane's leadership in China resulted in record market share and doubled sales, positioning the region as a leader in digital engagement and achieving carbon neutrality by 2022 [3] - Vianney Derville's new role as chief growth officer aims to leverage his market experience and strategic vision to accelerate L'Oréal's growth trajectory [5][7] - Emmanuel Goulin, taking over as president of Europe, has a strong background in key European markets and has driven significant growth and transformation [8][9] Strategic Focus - The company emphasizes a "One L'Oreal" transformation project, leveraging AI to shape future growth [7] - Eva Yu is appointed president of travel retail, bringing extensive experience from her previous role in Hong Kong, where she significantly increased market share [10][11] - The leadership changes reflect L'Oréal's commitment to innovation and growth across various regions and market segments [4][11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sysco reported Q4 sales of $21.1 billion, an increase of 2.8% on a reported basis and 3.7% excluding the divestiture of the Mexican business [6][26] - Adjusted operating income for the quarter was $1.1 billion, up 1.1% year-over-year, with adjusted EPS growth of $1.48, reflecting a 6.5% increase compared to last year [6][25] - The company achieved a gross profit of $4 billion, up 3.9%, with gross margins expanding by 19 basis points to 18.9% [30][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The international segment experienced 3.6% top-line growth on a reported basis and 8.3% growth excluding the divestiture of Mexico, with adjusted operating income increasing by 20.1% [7][29] - The U.S. Foodservice segment saw a 1.3% volume growth, with gross profit growing almost three times faster than volume due to improved profitability efforts [8][25] - Sigma business achieved top-line growth of 8.3% and bottom-line growth of 12.5%, marking a record year [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Restaurant traffic improved throughout the quarter, with a decline of 1.1% overall, which was an improvement of approximately 190 basis points compared to Q3 [5][6] - The company noted that the industry is stabilizing after a challenging start to the year, with traffic trends showing a gradual recovery [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Sysco plans to focus on improving local business performance and enhancing sales colleague productivity through training and retention initiatives [15][41] - The company is implementing strategic sourcing initiatives and expanding its international supply chain capacity, with a new facility set to open outside London [13][14] - Sysco aims to leverage its competitive advantages, including geographic diversity and a wide product assortment, to capture a larger share of the food away from home market [42][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver positive and profitable local case growth in fiscal 2026, driven by stabilized colleague retention and improved productivity [15][41] - The leadership team highlighted the importance of colleague retention in reducing customer loss rates and improving overall business performance [40][41] - Sysco anticipates continued strong performance in the international segment and expects to maintain momentum into fiscal 2026 [7][29] Other Important Information - Sysco repurchased $1.3 billion in shares and paid out $1 billion in dividends during fiscal 2025, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns [26][37] - The company expects reported net sales growth of approximately 3% to 5% for fiscal 2026, with adjusted EPS growth projected at 1% to 3% [34][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: On local case growth momentum and market share - Management noted that while Q4 showed improvement, the stabilization of colleague retention will significantly impact customer loss rates in 2026, leading to positive growth [48][50] Question: Broader industry trends and sustaining momentum - Management attributed recent improvements to a stabilization in consumer confidence and expects to sustain growth through new customer wins and improved retention strategies [60][62] Question: International growth momentum and specific drivers - Management expressed confidence that international growth will continue, driven by increased sales resources and strategic sourcing initiatives [75][79] Question: Sales force growth and local case growth relationship - Management plans to increase sales professional headcount by approximately 4% in fiscal 2026, expecting this to lead to positive local case growth [86][88] Question: Financial implications of price agility initiative - Management clarified that the goal of the price agility initiative is to improve volume profitably without sacrificing margin rates, emphasizing the importance of sales colleague training [94][96]

Financial Performance (FY 2024) - Alma Media's revenue reached 313 million EUR, with 84% from digital business[2] - Adjusted operating profit was 77 million EUR, representing a 25% margin[2] - Return on Equity (ROE) was 23%, and Return on Investment (ROI) was 15%[2] - The equity ratio stood at 49%, and a dividend of 0.46 EUR per share was distributed[2] Financial Performance (Q2 2025) - Revenue grew by 4.5% to 83.7 million EUR[9] - Adjusted operating profit increased by 8.9% to 21.1 million EUR, with a margin of 25.2%[9] - Digital business accounted for 86.2% of total revenue[10] Strategic Transformation - Alma Media is undergoing a digital transformation, with digital revenue reaching 85% of the total[19, 21] - The company has invested over 200 million EUR in digital transformation and growth[15] - The company is actively divesting heavily print-based businesses or businesses with low profitability[17] Segment Performance (Q2 2025) - Alma Career's revenue was 27.0 million EUR, with an EBIT of 11.4 million EUR and an EBIT margin of 42.2%[96] - Alma Marketplaces' revenue was 29.2 million EUR, with an EBIT of 8.4 million EUR and an EBIT margin of 28.8%[96] - Alma News Media's revenue was 27.5 million EUR, with an EBIT of 4.6 million EUR and an EBIT margin of 16.8%[96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal year 2024 marked the second consecutive year and eighth consecutive quarter of market share gains for the company, with a decrease in operating expenses and the highest diluted earnings per share since 2018 [20] - The company ended the year with an increase in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments compared to fiscal year 2023 [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Old Navy, the largest brand, achieved a 3% sales comp for the year, becoming the number one specialty apparel brand and retailer in the US [21] - Gap brand regained market share in all four quarters of fiscal year 2024, reestablishing its presence in cultural conversations [22] - Banana Republic made progress in the premium lifestyle space, while Athleta stabilized revenue and maintained its position in women's active [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported significant market share gains across its brands, particularly in the competitive landscape of specialty apparel [20][21][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four strategic pillars: operational and financial rigor, brand reinvigoration, strengthening its platform, and energizing its culture [5][20] - A new chief technology officer has been hired to enhance capabilities in e-commerce, data, and AI, integrating AI-driven analytics into various business functions [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledged the dynamic environment and emphasized the need for continued focus on executing strategic priorities to create shareholder value [26] - The company aims to navigate uncertain times while building on its strengths and maintaining operational excellence [26] Other Important Information - The board has undergone refreshment with the addition of new directors to align with the evolving needs of the business [6][7] - The company has established a marketing shared services function to improve advertising spend returns and brand relevance [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there any questions? - No questions were submitted during the Q&A session [27]