Neogen (NasdaqGS:NEOG) Q2 2026 Earnings Call January 08, 2026 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsBill Waelke - Head of Investor RelationsBob Labick - PresidentMike Nassif - CEO and PresidentThomas VonDerVellen - Equity Research AssociateBryan Riggsbee - CFOConference Call ParticipantsDavid Westenberg - Senior Research AnalystBrandon Vazquez - Research AnalystThomas DeBourcy - Principal and Senior Equity Research AnalystOperatorGood morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Neogen Corporation Q2 FY 2026 ...

Summary of 3M Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: 3M - **Event**: Goldman Sachs Industrials and Materials Conference Key Points Operational Changes and Transformation - 3M is in the early stages of a transformation journey, focusing on three main priorities: driving growth, improving operational performance, and effective capital deployment [3][4] - Emphasis on a culture of accountability, operational execution, and challenging the status quo [4][5] - Goals include achieving $1 billion in growth, 25% margins by 2027, and returning $10 billion to shareholders over three years [5] Innovation and Product Development - 3M has launched 196 products in the first nine months of the year, a 70% increase from the previous year, with a target of 250 for the year [8][9] - The five-year new product sales are up 16% year-to-date, with a projected increase of 19% for the full year [10] - The company aims to improve its vitality index from 12% by the end of the year to 20% by 2027 [10] Commercial Excellence - 3M is transitioning from a holding company structure to an operating company model, focusing on improving sales force performance and customer loyalty [14][16] - The company has set a three-year goal of $100 million in cross-sell revenue, already tracking ahead with $120 million in opportunities [16] - Customer churn has been reduced, with a focus on delivering products on time and in full, achieving a 91.6% on-time delivery rate [39] Market Demand and Outlook - The automotive sector has been soft, particularly in the U.S., while electronics and aerospace have shown strength [20][21] - 3M anticipates a macro environment similar to 2025, planning to outgrow the market through innovation and operational excellence [23][24] - The consumer market remains weak, with a focus on essential items and promotions [54][55] Financial Performance and Capital Allocation - 3M expects to convert more than 100% of net income into cash flow, with opportunities to improve working capital [38][40] - The company is committed to returning $10 billion to shareholders over three years, with $3.9 billion already returned this year [43] - 3M is strategically shifting its portfolio towards higher growth and margin businesses, considering divestitures of underperforming segments [44][45] China Market Insights - China represents about 12% of 3M's business, with strong growth driven by local development and innovation [50][51] - The company is adapting to the fast-paced requirements of Chinese OEMs, successfully launching products within tight timelines [52][53] Cultural and Organizational Changes - A significant cultural shift is underway at 3M, focusing on performance differentiation and accountability in pay awards [60] Additional Insights - The company is actively managing potential liabilities and legal issues, particularly related to environmental concerns [47][48] - 3M is exploring opportunities for cost reduction and productivity improvements across its operations, including G&A functions [30][31]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is planning for a more cautious consumer environment in the US for fiscal 2026, indicating a focus on managing inventory levels and achieving normalized stock levels [8][9] - Organic sales guidance for fiscal 2026 is expected to be similar to fiscal 2025, with a potential acceleration in the second half of the year [14][30] - The company anticipates a $50 million reduction in starting EBIT due to disposals, with additional impacts from recent sales in Ghana and Seychelles [22][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The spirits segment in Europe has faced pressure, but the company sees this as an opportunity to better control outcomes by focusing on local markets and consumer dynamics [9][10] - The company is focusing on driving growth in key brands such as Don Julio, Guinness, and Johnny Walker, despite organic sales declines [20][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The US market is expected to be cautious, with consumer wallets still stretched, impacting sales performance [28][30] - In Asia Pacific, particularly China, the market has been more challenged outside of the Chinese New Year, but the company is optimistic about future growth opportunities [29][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is reorganizing to capture growth opportunities by being more locally focused and occasion-led, particularly in Southern Europe [10][11] - There is a clear strategy to enhance commercial execution at the point of sale, with a focus on training and upskilling resources [18][47] - The company is committed to premiumization and expanding its portfolio, particularly in the tequila segment [40][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current macroeconomic pressures but believes that moderation trends in consumer behavior present new growth opportunities [62][70] - The company is focused on balancing growth across its portfolio, with an emphasis on both volume and price mix [56][59] Other Important Information - The company is actively managing its portfolio, with ongoing disposals of non-core assets while maintaining a focus on core brands [86] - There is a commitment to reinvest 50% of cost savings into better commercial execution and digitization efforts [70][71] Q&A Session Summary Question: US depletion outlook and inventory message - Management indicated that inventory levels have normalized and they are planning for a cautious consumer environment in the US for fiscal 2026 [8][9] Question: Organic sales guidance for fiscal 2026 - Management expressed confidence in achieving a similar organic sales performance to fiscal 2025, with expectations for acceleration in the second half [14][30] Question: Impact of disposals on EBIT - Management confirmed a $50 million reduction in EBIT due to disposals, with additional impacts from recent sales in Ghana and Seychelles [22][30] Question: Focus on the Astral brand in the US - Management sees significant growth potential for the Astral brand in the super premium segment and is optimistic about its scaling [40][41] Question: Changes in US route to market - Management highlighted the importance of both increasing the number of salespeople and enhancing their effectiveness through training and focused execution [46][47] Question: Structural headwinds and moderation trends - Management acknowledged the ongoing moderation trend but emphasized the company's ability to innovate and adapt to consumer preferences [62][70]

Core Insights - 3M reported a strong second-quarter performance for fiscal 2025, with adjusted EPS of $2.16, a 12% increase year over year, despite macroeconomic challenges and tariff impacts [1] - The company raised its full-year EPS guidance to $7.75-$8.00, indicating expected earnings growth of 6%-10% [9] Financial Performance - The quarter saw 1.5% organic sales growth and a 290 basis points margin expansion year over year, with adjusted operating margins reaching 24.5% [1][4] - Adjusted free cash flow for the quarter was $1.3 billion, with productivity gains of approximately $500 million for the year, split between supply chain and general and administrative expenses [1][5] Innovation and Product Development - In the first half of 2025, 3M launched 126 new products, with five-year new product sales increasing by 9% and projected to exceed 15% growth for the full year [2][3] - The company has expanded its R&D headcount by 150 since the start of 2025, enhancing its product offerings across various segments [2] Commercial Strategy - 3M's commercial excellence initiatives have been extended to multiple sectors, with over 400 sales managers trained, resulting in 48 identified cross-selling pairs and a pipeline value exceeding $60 million [6][7] - The company is experiencing growth in China, with mid-single-digit increases driven by market share gains in adhesives and electronics [6] Market Resilience - The adoption of data-driven commercial practices and geographic diversification is reducing reliance on any single market, enhancing resilience to regional or end-market volatility [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported revenues of $13.7 billion, a decline of 6% operationally, primarily due to lower Paxlovid revenues and changes in the IRA Medicare Part D redesign [26][27] - The diluted EPS for Q1 2025 was $0.52, with adjusted diluted EPS of $0.92, exceeding expectations due to strong gross margin and cost management [27][29] - Adjusted gross margin expanded to approximately 81%, driven by favorable crude royalties, despite an unfavorable product mix [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Vyndaqel family of products showed robust growth, although competition from new market entrants is anticipated [20] - Nurtech revenue grew 40% operationally in the quarter, reflecting strong demand and effective engagement with healthcare professionals [20] - The oncology portfolio also performed well, with TACCEV growing 25% and LOBRENA growing 39% operationally [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International operations returned to growth in Q1 2025 across all divisions, driven by prioritization of key growth drivers [19] - The U.S. market demonstrated continuous improvement in execution, with strong performance from key products [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving R&D productivity and advancing its pipeline with a disciplined approach to portfolio management [8][9] - There is a commitment to building the cardiometabolic pipeline, including obesity treatments, through internal programs and potential partnerships [9] - The company aims to enhance its oncology, vaccines, and inflammation immunology sectors while maintaining a strong focus on internal medicine [10][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the volatile external environment, emphasizing the strength of the business and relationships with government leaders [7] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, expecting revenues between $61 billion and $64 billion and adjusted diluted EPS between $2.8 and $3 [35][36] - Management highlighted ongoing productivity improvement programs aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and margin expansion [32][34] Other Important Information - The company has monetized its Halion investment, contributing to an improved cash position [30][31] - A significant focus on cost management has led to a 12% decline in adjusted operating expenses compared to the previous year [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Dividend Commitment Amid Tariff Uncertainty - The company reiterated its commitment to maintaining and growing the dividend, emphasizing improved operating margin performance to support this [39][43] Question: Stability of COVID Business - Management indicated that Paxlovid utilization trends closely follow infection rates, with expectations of multiple COVID waves throughout the year [45][46] Question: Future Obesity Asset Profile - The company is focused on clinical and commercial differentiation in obesity treatments, emphasizing tolerability and accessibility [52][56] Question: Tariff Impact on Manufacturing Investments - Management expressed that certainty regarding tariffs would encourage significant investments in R&D and manufacturing in the U.S. [99][100] Question: Cost Realignment Program Savings - The company expects to realize additional savings from its cost realignment program, with a focus on strategic cuts rather than across-the-board reductions [103][104]