Standard Motor Products (NYSE:SMP) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 26, 2026 11:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsBret Jordan - Managing DirectorEric Sills - Chairman and CEONathan Iles - CFOTony Cristello - VP of Investor RelationsConference Call ParticipantsScott Stember - Managing Director and Senior Research AnalystOperatorGood day, everyone, and welcome to the Standard Motor Products Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. Later, you will have the opportuni ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's top line grew by over 12% in Q4 and over 22% for the year, with a 4% increase excluding the Nissens acquisition [4][20] - Consolidated sales increased by 12.2% in Q4, and adjusted EBITDA increased to 9.7% of net sales [20] - Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share rose by 19.1% in Q4 and 26.8% for the full year [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Vehicle Control sales were up 3.3% in Q4, with a decline in wire sets impacting overall performance [14][5] - Temperature Control segment saw net sales increase by 5.9% in Q4, with full-year sales up more than 12% [16][6] - Nissens Automotive contributed $64 million in Q4 and $305 million for the year, with mid-single-digit increases in local currency [9][18] - Engineered Solutions segment sales increased by 6.3% in Q4, with adjusted EBITDA up 9.6% [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nissens performed well in Eastern and Southern Europe, outperforming other regions despite a general market softening [9] - The North American aftermarket continues to show stability and resilience, with non-discretionary product categories less impacted by consumer sentiment [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying its business with new product categories and geographic expansion, particularly through the Nissens acquisition [28][29] - There is an emphasis on seeking synergies between Nissens and existing operations, including cross-selling opportunities and cost savings [10][40] - The company aims to maintain a leverage ratio of 2x EBITDA by the end of 2026 [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued momentum despite a challenging economic environment, citing strong performance and structural advantages [28] - The outlook for 2026 anticipates low to mid-single-digit sales growth, driven by stable market conditions [23][24] - Management noted ongoing complexities in the supply chain but believes the company can navigate these challenges effectively [30] Other Important Information - The company identified a material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting at the Nissens segment, but this did not result in errors in financial statements [19] - Cash generated from operations for the full year was $57.4 million, down from the previous year due to increased inventory [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Vehicle Control sell-through performance - Management confirmed that sell-through was consistent throughout the year, with mid-single-digit growth [34] Question: Growth in Vehicle Control outside of wire - Management highlighted growth opportunities in various categories, including conventional engines and safety-related products [36] Question: Synergies from Nissens acquisition - Management discussed ongoing initiatives to identify gaps in product categories and expand offerings, with a focus on cost savings [40] Question: Timing of remediation for internal control issues - Management stated that progress is being made on remediation efforts and will provide updates as necessary [43] Question: Retail inventory in Temperature Control products - Management indicated that retail inventories are up slightly but in line with sales growth, ensuring readiness for the cooling season [49] Question: Private label opportunities in Europe - Management acknowledged existing private label programs and expressed willingness to capitalize on successful partnerships [52] Question: Tariff outcomes and potential rebates - Management noted uncertainty regarding tariff refunds and indicated that they are monitoring the situation closely [53]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a return on equity (ROE) of 19.6%, reflecting strong performance across core businesses and contributions from the innovation portfolio [11][15][35] - Net interest income increased by 2.7%, supported by a contraction in interest expenses and an increase in low-cost deposits, leading to a net interest margin (NIM) of 6.6% [16][31] - The cost of risk fell to 1.7%, indicating improved asset quality and risk management [15][16][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Universal Banking and Insurance and Pensions delivered strong results, while Microfinance progressed towards its profitability target [11][15] - Fee-based and transactional income grew, with Yape contributing significantly to the overall revenue [11][24] - Mibanco's profitability rose to 18.8%, supported by increased loan disbursements and improved credit risk management [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Peru's GDP growth for 2025 is projected at 3.4%, driven by higher export prices and increased domestic consumption [9][18] - Inflation in Peru remains low, forecasted at 1.8% for 2025, which is within the central bank's target range [10][19] - The macroeconomic environment in the region shows signs of recovery, with positive indicators in Chile and Colombia [10][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three key pillars: scaling its digital ecosystem, unlocking growth through business synergies, and maintaining discipline in profitability and capital allocation [5][6][7] - The medium-term targets include an ROE of 19.5% and an efficiency ratio around 42% over the next three to four years [7][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the economic resilience of Peru despite political changes, emphasizing the company's diversified strategy and strong capital position [8][9] - The outlook for 2026 anticipates continued GDP growth, supported by favorable terms of trade and increased private consumption [9][18] Other Important Information - The company aims to expand its digital engagement strategy, with Yape targeting 18 million users by 2028 [24] - The insurance underwriting results showed a year-over-year increase of 23%, driven by improved performance in the life business [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding asset quality and cost of risk - Analyst inquired about the better-than-expected performance in asset quality and whether the guidance for cost of risk is too conservative [41][42] - Management acknowledged the positive results and indicated that the cost of risk is expected to be around the lower end of the guidance [45][46] Question: On operating expenses growth - Analyst asked about the growth of operating expenses and its breakdown between core business and innovation initiatives [47] - Management confirmed that operating expenses growth is within guidance and will likely slow in the core business while remaining stable in innovation [48] Question: Impact of political uncertainty on growth - Analyst questioned the potential deceleration in growth due to upcoming elections [53] - Management noted historical trends of minimal impact on long-term growth but acknowledged a possible slowdown in the first quarter [55][56] Question: Loan growth guidance - Analyst sought clarification on the loan growth guidance and whether it considers FX adjustments [70] - Management confirmed that the guidance is nominal and includes adjustments for Bolivia's restatement [72] Question: Future contributions from Yape - Analyst inquired about the potential for Yape's contribution to reach double digits by 2026 [64] - Management expressed confidence in achieving this target [65] Question: Outlook for Bolivia post-political shift - Analyst asked about the potential positive impacts of the new government in Bolivia [80] - Management indicated optimism regarding the new government's pro-market stance and its potential benefits for operations in Bolivia [82]

Core Viewpoint - Mullen Group Ltd. has successfully closed the acquisition of Cole Group Inc. and its related entities for $190 million, effective June 1, 2025, enhancing its logistics service offerings in North America [1][3]. Company Overview - Mullen Group is a public company with a significant portfolio in the transportation and logistics sectors, providing a variety of services including less-than-truckload, truckload, warehousing, and specialized hauling [5]. - The company operates a network of independently run businesses and offers specialized services related to energy, mining, forestry, and construction industries in western Canada [5]. Acquisition Details - The Cole Group, founded in the 1920s, is a leading logistics services provider specializing in customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and trade consulting, with operations across Canada and the U.S. [2]. - The Cole Group is expected to generate annualized revenues of approximately $300 million and operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) of $20 million [3]. - The acquisition includes $29 million in required working capital and approximately $10 million in real estate, primarily office space [3]. Strategic Rationale - The acquisition aligns with Mullen Group's strategy to expand its non-asset based logistics services, providing enhanced choice and flexibility for customers [7]. - It offers meaningful synergies through cross-selling opportunities within Mullen Group's U.S. & International Logistics segment and other divisions [7]. - The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive, generating free cash flow with minimal capital expenditure requirements [7]. - It establishes a robust platform for future growth in the U.S. and international markets [7].