Key Takeaways WDC posted a 46.1% gross margin in fiscal Q2, up 770 bps year over year and above its 4445% guidance.WDC said a higher-capacity drive mix, stable pricing and 10% lower cost per terabyte drove margin gains.WDC expects fiscal Q3 non-GAAP gross margin of 47-48% and revenue of about $3.2 billion at the midpoint.Western Digital Corporation’s (WDC) gross margin performance has strengthened meaningfully in the first two quarters of fiscal 2026. In the fiscal second quarter, Western Digital reported a ...

Pharma core sales increased 4% in the quarter, with performance varying across end markets. Prescription core sales grew 1% , as growth in systemic nasal drug delivery and higher royalty payments more than offset a steep decline in emergency medicine. Kanu said emergency medicine sales fell 36% ; excluding emergency medicine, prescription core sales increased 10% year-over-year.Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $1.25 , compared with $1.62 in the prior year at comparable exchange rates. Kanu attributed the de ...

Encompass Health (NYSE:EHC) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 06, 2026 10:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAndrew Mok - DirectorDoug Coltharp - EVP and CFOJared Haase - Equity Research AssociateMark Miller - Chief Investor Relations OfficerMark Tarr - President and CEOPatrick Tuer - EVP and COOWhit Mayo - Senior Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsAnn Hynes - Senior Healthcare Services Equity Analyst and Managing DirectorBrian Tanquilut - Senior Analyst in Healthcare Services, and HCIT/Digital Health Equi ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company achieved a 6% increase in sales volume year-over-year, despite a challenging market environment marked by global overcapacity and subdued steel production trends [4][5] - The average selling price for the fourth quarter was approximately $4,000 per metric ton, reflecting a 9% decline year-over-year and a 5% sequential decline from the third quarter [17] - The company reported a net loss of $65 million or $2.50 per share for the fourth quarter, compared to a net loss of $49 million or $1.92 per share in the prior year [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. sales volume grew by 48% for the full year and by 83% in the fourth quarter, indicating a successful shift towards regions with stronger pricing fundamentals [5][17] - The company's production volume for the fourth quarter was approximately 28,000 metric tons, resulting in a capacity utilization rate of 60% [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global steel production outside of China was 843 million tons in 2025, up less than 1% compared to the prior year, with a global utilization rate of approximately 67% [8][9] - In North America, steel production increased by 1% in 2025, driven by a 3% year-over-year growth in the United States [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow sales volume by 5%-10% year-over-year in 2026, with a continued focus on shifting geographic mix towards the U.S. [26][27] - Management is evaluating opportunities for trade or policymaking support and potential strategic partnerships to enhance efficiency and long-term value creation [15] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted the need for structural changes in the supply chain to address the overcapacity issue in the graphite electrode industry, which threatens long-term viability [14][36] - There are indicators of a rebound in the steel market, with projected global steel demand growth of 3.5% year-over-year for 2026 [10][11] Other Important Information - The company ended 2025 with a liquidity position of $340 million, which includes $138 million in cash, enabling it to maintain stability amid industry challenges [7][24] - The total recordable incident rate improved to 0.41 in 2025, representing the best safety performance on record for the company [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has aggressive competitor pricing worsened, particularly in the U.S.? - Management noted that pricing pressure is observed globally, driven by imports and aggressive pricing behaviors from competitors, particularly from China and India [42][45] Question: Is it reasonable to assume that realized pricing will be lower in 2026? - Management refrained from providing specific price guidance but indicated that pricing levels heading into 2026 are not better than those observed in 2025 [46] Question: How does the company plan to win back market share amid aggressive pricing? - The company will focus on enhancing its value proposition through R&D and customer partnerships, while being selective in regions where price competition is fierce [56] Question: What is the company's liquidity position to navigate the downturn? - The company has $340 million in liquidity and has taken decisive actions to preserve and enhance this liquidity amid ongoing market challenges [65] Question: What is the impact of Indian tariffs on the U.S. market? - Management expressed confidence in their position heading into 2026, despite the reduction of tariffs on Indian imports, anticipating overall volume growth [71] Question: What is the current supply picture of graphite electrodes coming out of China? - Management indicated that Chinese exports continue to pressure the global market, with significant overcapacity affecting pricing dynamics [78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, GrafTech International reported a full-year sales volume increase of 6% despite a challenging graphite electrode industry environment marked by global overcapacity and subdued steel production trends [4][5] - The company achieved an 11% reduction in cash cost of goods sold per metric ton for the full year, resulting in a cumulative reduction of 31% since the end of 2023 [6][20] - The liquidity position at year-end 2025 was $340 million, including $138 million in cash, which exceeded expectations [8][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., sales volume grew by 48% for the full year and by 83% in the fourth quarter year-over-year, reflecting a successful shift towards regions with stronger pricing fundamentals [5][18] - The average selling price for the fourth quarter was approximately $4,000 per metric ton, representing a 9% decline year-over-year due to competitive pricing dynamics [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global steel production outside of China was 843 million tons in 2025, with a utilization rate of approximately 67% [9][10] - In North America, steel production increased by 1% in 2025, driven by a 3% growth in the U.S. [10] - The EU experienced a 3% decrease in steel output compared to 2024, with utilization rates averaging just over 60% [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - GrafTech's strategy includes focusing on value-focused growth rather than volume, walking away from low-margin opportunities [5][16] - The company aims to grow sales volume by 5%-10% year-over-year in 2026, with a continued shift towards the U.S. market [27] - Management is evaluating opportunities for optimizing manufacturing and potential strategic partnerships to enhance efficiency and long-term value creation [16][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted ongoing challenges in the graphite electrode industry due to overcapacity and aggressive competitor pricing, which threaten long-term viability [13][14] - There are signs of potential rebound in steel demand, with projections of 3.5% growth globally outside of China in 2026 [11][12] - The company remains committed to maintaining product quality and safety while navigating market challenges [26][36] Other Important Information - GrafTech's total recordable incident rate improved to 0.41 in 2025, marking the best safety performance on record [8] - The company is actively assessing trade policies and their impact on the graphite electrode market, particularly in relation to U.S. tariffs [32][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has aggressive competitor pricing worsened, particularly in the U.S.? - Management noted that pricing pressure is global, driven by imports and aggressive pricing behavior from competitors, particularly from China and India [41][42] Question: Is it reasonable to assume that realized pricing will be lower in 2026? - Management refrained from providing specific price guidance but indicated that pricing levels heading into 2026 are not better than those observed in 2025 [45] Question: How does GrafTech plan to win back market share amidst competitive pricing? - The company will focus on its value proposition, emphasizing quality and service, while being selective in regions where price competition is fierce [53][54] Question: What is GrafTech's ability to pivot its needle coke capacity towards EV battery production? - Management expressed a heightened focus on both graphite electrode production and potential involvement in the supply chain for anode materials for EVs, indicating readiness to partner with others in this space [56][58] Question: What is GrafTech's liquidity position and plans for navigating downturns? - The company has $340 million in liquidity and plans to continue taking decisive actions to preserve and enhance liquidity during downturns [62][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Preliminary consolidated operating revenue for 2025 is expected to be $3.7 billion, a 7% decrease compared to the prior year [17] - Preliminary operating cash flow for 2025 is approximately $194 million [6][19] - Debt at December 31, 2025, totaled approximately $229 million, resulting in net debt of approximately $116 million, a decrease of approximately $50 million compared to December 31, 2024 [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - ITS segment operating revenue for 2025 is expected to be approximately $2.2 billion, reflecting a low single-digit year-over-year decrease during the fourth quarter [18] - Logistics segment operating revenue for 2025 is expected to be approximately $1.6 billion, with a high single-digit year-over-year decrease during the fourth quarter [18] - Brokerage volumes declined 10% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, with revenue per load down 4% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Intermodal volume growth was 1% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, with refrigerated volumes increasing by 150% and Mexico volumes increasing by 33% [7] - Market conditions remain fluid, with tightening capacity conditions later in the quarter due to lower driver supply and weather disruptions [19] - Demand from shippers is cautiously optimistic, with potential benefits from stimulus measures countering lingering inflationary pressure [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on controlling costs, enhancing service levels, and investing in technology and acquisitions [6][14] - Capital allocation plan emphasizes investing in business growth, returning capital to shareholders, and evaluating M&A opportunities [15][22] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet and financial flexibility to support long-term growth [14][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that freight market conditions remain challenging but are seeing positive trends as 2026 begins, with improving ISM New Orders and spot market activity [24] - The company believes it is well-positioned to support customers in an evolving environment and is optimistic about growth opportunities [13][14] - There is uncertainty in the near term, but the company sees drivers creating an exciting backdrop for growth in 2026 and beyond [15][24] Other Important Information - A calculation error was identified that resulted in the understatement of purchased transportation costs and accounts payable, with a total reduction of $77 million recorded during the first nine months of 2025 [4][16] - The company plans to restate quarterly financial information for Q1, Q2, and Q3 2025 in its 2025 Form 10-K [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for intermodal volume growth in 2026? - Management expressed optimism regarding intermodal volume growth in 2026, driven by strong service performance and consolidation with rail partners [9] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the brokerage segment? - Management indicated that while brokerage volumes are under pressure, productivity has improved significantly due to investments in technology and restructuring [12] Question: What are the expectations for capital expenditures in 2026? - The company expects capital expenditures to be between $35 million and $45 million, focusing on technology projects and opportunistic replacements for tractors [21]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a record-breaking top-line growth with a 32% increase in diluted earnings per share for the quarter, driven by strategic initiatives [2] - Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 increased by 4.6% to $314.8 million, compared to $301.1 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2025 [9] - Gross profit increased by $6.9 million, or 13.2%, to $59.2 million, with gross profit margin rising to 18.8% of net sales from 17.4% in the prior year [11][12] - Net income for the second quarter was $18 million, or $1.53 per diluted share, compared to $13.6 million, or $1.16 per diluted share for the same quarter last year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The weighted average sales price per pound increased by 15.8%, while sales volume decreased by 9.7% [9] - Sales volume in the consumer distribution channel decreased by 8.4%, primarily due to a 7.9% decline in private brand sales [10] - The contract manufacturing channel saw a significant decline of 26.5% in sales volume, attributed to reduced granola volume processed [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The snack nut and trail mix category was down 4% in pounds but up 3% in dollars, indicating a price increase of 8% for snack nuts [21] - The recipe nut category experienced a 2% increase in pounds and a 14% increase in dollars, driven by seasonal demand and higher prices [23] - The bar category grew by 6% in pounds and dollars, indicating a rebound in the market [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on accelerating its snack and energy bar business, particularly in the protein-forward segment [4] - Strategic investments are being made to enhance operational efficiency and expand production capacity [4] - The long-range plan emphasizes growth in private brand business and innovation in product offerings [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds from shifting consumer behavior and elevated retail prices impacting overall sales volume [3] - There is cautious optimism for the second half of fiscal 2026, driven by recent commercial momentum and new business secured with important customers [25] - The company remains committed to navigating challenges in the economic environment while focusing on long-term shareholder value [25] Other Important Information - A special dividend of $1 per share was distributed, reflecting the company's strong financial position [4] - The total value of inventories increased by 14.4% year-over-year, primarily due to higher commodity acquisition costs [14][15] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Where do you stand on the equipment delivery and quality assurance? - The company confirmed that 85% of the new equipment is on-site or in transit, with installation and production expected to begin in July 2026 [30][31] Question: How quickly can pricing adjustments be passed through to retailers? - The company typically undergoes a 6-month price review with retailers, followed by a 60-90 day timeline to implement price changes [33]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a record-breaking top-line growth with a 32% increase in diluted earnings per share for the quarter, driven by strategic initiatives [2] - Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 increased by 4.6% to $314.8 million, compared to $301.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2025 [9] - Gross profit increased by $6.9 million, or 13.2%, to $59.2 million, with gross profit margin rising to 18.8% of net sales from 17.4% in the prior year [11][12] - Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was $18 million, or $1.53 per diluted share, compared to $13.6 million, or $1.16 per diluted share for the same quarter last year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer distribution channel saw an 8.4% decline in sales volume, primarily due to a 7.9% decline in private brand sales [10] - Sales volume in the contract manufacturing channel decreased by 26.5%, attributed to reduced granola volume processed [11] - The recipe nut category experienced a 2% increase in pounds and a 14% increase in dollars, driven by seasonal impacts and higher prices [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The snack nut and trail mix category was down 4% in pounds but up 3% in dollars, with snack nut prices rising by 8% [21] - The Orchard Valley Harvest brand saw a 42% decline in pound shipments due to lost distribution at a national specialty retailer [22] - The bar category grew by 6% in pounds and dollars, driven by branded player growth, while private label bar shipments were down 12% [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on accelerating its snack and energy bar business, particularly in the protein-forward segment [4] - Strategic investments are being made to enhance operational efficiency and expand production capacity [4] - The long-range plan emphasizes growth in private brand business and innovation in product offerings [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds from shifting consumer behavior and elevated retail prices impacting overall sales volume [3] - There is cautious optimism for the second half of fiscal 2026, driven by recent commercial momentum and new business secured with important customers [25] - The company remains committed to creating long-term shareholder value through strategic initiatives and operational excellence [25] Other Important Information - A special dividend of $1 per share was distributed, reflecting the company's strong financial position [4] - The total value of inventories increased by 14.4% year-over-year, primarily due to higher commodity acquisition costs [14][15] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Where do you stand on the equipment delivery and quality assurance? - The company confirmed that 85% of the new equipment is on-site or in transit, with installation and production expected to begin in July 2026 [30][31] Question: How quickly can pricing adjustments be passed through due to higher nut costs? - The company typically has a 6-month price review cycle with a 60-90 day timeline to implement price changes [33]

Core Viewpoint - The company exceeded its strong forecast, but there are concerns among investors regarding its ability to manage higher costs [1] Group 1 - The company demonstrated robust performance by surpassing its previously strong forecast [1] - Investors are expressing worries about the potential impact of rising costs on the company's future performance [1]

Core Viewpoint - The company reported a significant increase in both revenue and net profit for the fiscal year 2025, driven by a favorable economic environment and active capital market conditions in China and Hong Kong [1] Financial Performance - The company achieved an operating revenue of 10.863 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year growth of 13.18% [1] - The net profit reached 3.729 billion yuan, with a year-on-year increase of 21.92% [1] Market Conditions - The growth in profit is attributed to the overall improvement in China's economy, with increased trading activity in the capital markets of both mainland China and Hong Kong [1] - Major stock indices showed an upward trend, contributing to the company's performance [1] Business Strategy - The company focused on high-quality development, strengthening its customer base, and seizing opportunities from investment and financing reforms [1] - Revenue growth was noted across wealth management, investment trading, and asset management business segments [1] Cost Management - The company continued to implement intensive and refined cost management practices, enhancing resource utilization efficiency while supporting business development [1]