The Home Depot (NYSE:HD) Q3 2026 Earnings Call November 18, 2025 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsSteven Zaccone - Director and Retail Equity ResearchIsabel Janci - VP and Head of Investor RelationsSteven Forbes - Senior Managing DirectorAnn-Marie Campbell - Senior EVPZack Fadem - Managing DirectorRichard McPhail - EVP and CFOSeth Sigman - Consumer ResearchBilly Bastek - EVP of MerchandisingTed Decker - Chair, President, and CEOConference Call ParticipantsChristopher Horvers - Senior AnalystMichael Lasser - ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Dolphin Entertainment reported a revenue increase of 16.7% year-over-year to $14.8 million in Q3 2025, with operating income turning positive at $300,000 despite $600,000 in non-cash amortization expenses [3][9] - Adjusted operating income reached over $1 million, representing 6.9% of revenue, up from 4.5% in Q2 2025 [4][9] - The net loss for Q3 2025 was $365,494, a significant improvement from a net loss of $8.7 million in Q3 2024 [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The performance was driven by organic growth across the same agencies as the previous year, indicating strong operational consistency [4][14] - 42West, a key subsidiary, showed strong performance with a positive outlook for Q4 due to a good lineup of films and successful festival participation [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that it has been relatively unaffected by external factors such as tariffs and the government shutdown, maintaining strong operational results [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging cross-selling opportunities among its subsidiaries to enhance growth and client acquisition [14][15] - Dolphin Entertainment aims to balance investing in growth while achieving profitability, with expectations of continued strong performance into Q4 and beyond [28][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's trajectory, highlighting the strength of its diversified revenue and client base [39] - The CEO emphasized the importance of operational performance and the positive reception of their recent film, Youngblood, at the Toronto International Film Festival [25][26] Other Important Information - The company has simplified its financial statements, reducing below-the-line expenses to primarily interest expense, which clarifies operational performance [5][6] - The CEO has initiated a stock buying program, indicating confidence in the company's undervalued stock price [31][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: What were the key drivers of organic growth? - Management highlighted that the organic growth of 16.7% was driven by consistent performance across the same agencies without one-time events [12][14] Question: How does the fourth quarter look for 42West? - Management expressed optimism for Q4, citing a strong start and good momentum from 42West's recent performance [16] Question: Can you comment on the impact of recent hires at The Door and Disrupt Agency? - Management noted that strategic hires at The Door are enhancing its client base and revenue, with significant year-over-year growth [17][18] Question: How is Shortfire Media performing? - Management indicated that Shortfire Media has a broad client base and is collaborating effectively with other subsidiaries, contributing to overall growth [20][21] Question: What is the outlook for Youngblood? - Management is optimistic about announcing a distribution partner for Youngblood soon, following its successful premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival [24][26] Question: How is the company balancing investment and growth? - Management discussed the classic balance of investing in growth while achieving profitability, with confidence in continued strong performance [28][30]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q3 2025 revenues of $205.1 million, reflecting a 77% year-on-year growth [4][20] - Annualized recurring revenue (ARR) reached $807.5 million, also up 77% year-over-year [4][20] - Adjusted quarterly EBITDA was $70.7 million, up from $58.3 million in Q2, with an EBITDA margin of 34.5%, an increase from 32.1% in Q2 [4][5][27] - Gross revenue retention (GRR) for the combined company was 98% [5][21] - Gross margin for the integrated business was 78.5%, with core Clearwater's steady-state clients achieving 82% gross margin [5][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core Clearwater business grew approximately 21% year-to-date compared to last year [8] - Infusion is expected to grow 12% for the year, with strong booking execution in Q2 and Q3 [8] - Beacon continues to perform well, contributing to overall growth [8] - The hedge fund market was a key contributor to revenue upside, with significant growth in bookings across various sectors [9][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total addressable market (TAM) has grown to approximately $23 billion, balanced across geographies and markets [6][8] - Growth in Q3 bookings was evenly spread across insurance, asset management, asset owners, and hedge funds [9] - The company signed a global multi-billion hedge fund client, indicating strong market demand [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build an integrated, open, modular, and extensible front-to-back platform, which is expected to disrupt the industry [15][18] - Generative AI is seen as a key technological advancement, with the company leveraging it to improve margins and operational efficiency [16][18] - The company plans to roll out a new pricing model for Infusion starting January 1, 2026, aligning value with pricing for clients [39][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the competitive positioning and growth trajectory, with a strong pipeline for Q4 and beyond [20][29] - The company anticipates continued growth driven by cross-selling opportunities and the integration of new acquisitions [11][28] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining high gross retention rates and the potential for net revenue retention to reach 115% [22][21] Other Important Information - The company has made significant progress in integrating the businesses acquired, with a focus on enhancing product offerings and client solutions [19][29] - Recent board appointments and leadership hires are expected to strengthen the company's strategic direction [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What segments of the market are seeing elevated strength? - Management noted strong growth in alternatives, risk, and insurance sectors, with hedge funds also performing well in Q2 and Q3 [31][32][33] Question: How does the ARR growth of 17% reconcile with core business growth? - Management explained that larger deals create lumpiness in ARR, but overall revenue and organic ARR growth were strong [34][35] Question: What is the expected timing for the new pricing model for Infusion? - The new pricing model will be rolled out for new clients starting January 1, 2026, with existing clients to follow [39][40] Question: How is the international business performing? - The international business metrics remained consistent with previous quarters, contributing positively to overall performance [49][50] Question: What is the adoption rate of combined company assets? - Asset management has become the largest booking industry, with significant traction in risk-related offerings and alternatives [51][52]

Core Insights - Bank of America (BAC) and PNC Financial Services (PNC) are leading U.S. banks with distinct strengths in a changing interest rate and regulatory environment [1][2] Bank of America - BAC is expected to see solid net interest income (NII) growth of 5-7% in 2025 and 2026, driven by Federal Reserve rate cuts, asset repricing, and technological efficiencies [3][10] - The bank is focusing on organic growth by expanding its physical and digital presence, planning to open over 150 financial centers by 2027 [4] - BAC's investment banking business has rebounded, supported by increased deal-making activities and a strong pipeline for mergers and acquisitions [5] - BAC's stock has gained 20.3% this year, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 18.3% increase, and is currently trading at a forward P/E of 12.53X [11][14] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BAC's revenue growth is projected at 6.8% for 2025 and 6% for 2026, with earnings expected to rise by 14.9% and 14.5% respectively [20] PNC Financial Services - PNC anticipates NII growth of approximately 6.5-7% for 2025, supported by loan growth, asset repricing, and branch expansion [6][10] - The bank has entered an agreement to acquire FirstBank Holding Company to enhance its presence in high-growth markets like Colorado and Arizona [7] - PNC plans to invest $1.5 billion to open over 200 new branches and renovate 1,400 existing locations by 2029 [8] - PNC's stock has decreased by 5.1% this year, trading at a forward P/E of 10.54X, indicating it is cheaper compared to BAC [11][14] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PNC's revenue growth is projected at 6.8% for 2025 and 7.6% for 2026, with earnings expected to rise by 13.9% and 11.5% respectively [20] Comparative Analysis - BAC's return on equity (ROE) is 10.76%, while PNC's is higher at 11.47%, indicating PNC's more efficient use of shareholder funds [18] - Both banks have increased their quarterly dividends post-stress test, with BAC raising its dividend by 8% to $0.28 per share and PNC by 6% to $1.70 per share [15] - BAC's dividend yield is 2.12%, lower than PNC's 3.72%, appealing to different investor preferences [15] Investment Outlook - BAC is positioned for long-term capital appreciation due to its scale, digital innovation, and growth trajectory, while PNC appeals to conservative investors with its higher dividend yield and disciplined practices [27][28]

Core Insights - The investment strategy focuses on acquiring strong businesses at undervalued prices, emphasizing the importance of quality and economic fundamentals [1] Investment Focus - The company has diversified its portfolio across various industries, including telecom, banking, payments, and technology, with a current emphasis on high-quality businesses [1] - There is a particular interest in big tech companies that have extensive user bases and content libraries, highlighting the potential for cross-selling opportunities [1] Valuation Approach - The preferred valuation method is at the EBIT plus R&D level, reflecting a belief in the potential of certain R&D investments [1] Performance Metrics - The annual return from February 2019 to October 2024 is reported at 11.4% CAGR, which is below the market's 15.18% CAGR, indicating a need for improved performance [1] - The investment philosophy aims to minimize portfolio turnover, suggesting that most profits will come from holding existing investments rather than frequent trading [1] Investment Philosophy - The company does not endorse traditional "Buy" and "Sell" recommendations, instead advocating for a "Strong Buy" threshold for exceptional businesses, with everything else categorized as "Strong Sell" to free up capital for new opportunities [1] - A "Hold" position may be initiated for high-quality businesses if their pricing is not favorable [1]

Core Insights - The investment strategy focuses on acquiring strong businesses at undervalued prices, emphasizing the importance of quality and economic fundamentals [1] - The portfolio has evolved through various industries, including technology, banking, and emerging markets, with a current emphasis on high-quality businesses and their competitive advantages [1] - The investment philosophy is influenced by notable investors and CEOs, highlighting the significance of learning from successful figures in the industry [1] Investment Strategy - The approach prioritizes large tech companies with extensive user bases and content libraries, recognizing the potential for cross-selling opportunities [1] - Valuation is conducted at the EBIT plus R&D level, reflecting a belief in the potential of certain R&D investments [1] - The investment philosophy rejects traditional "Buy" and "Sell" recommendations, advocating for a focus on exceptional businesses and a "Strong Buy" threshold for capital allocation [1] Performance Metrics - The annual return from February 2019 to October 2024 is reported at 11.4% CAGR, which is below the market's 15.18% CAGR [1] - The belief is that enhanced knowledge and principles learned will enable future outperformance of the market [1] - The strategy aims to minimize portfolio turnover, with a focus on holding existing investments rather than frequent trading [1]

Core Insights - The investment strategy focuses on acquiring strong businesses at undervalued prices [1] - The portfolio has evolved through various industries, including technology, banking, and emerging markets [1] - Emphasis is placed on high-quality businesses with significant user bases and content libraries [1] Investment Strategy - The approach involves valuing companies at the EBIT+R&D level to capture potential in R&D investments [1] - The annual return from February 2019 to October 2024 was 11.4% CAGR, which is below the market's 15.18% CAGR [1] - The belief is that expanded knowledge will enable future outperformance of the market [1] Portfolio Management - The strategy aims to minimize portfolio turnover, focusing on holding existing companies rather than frequent trading [1] - The investment philosophy does not endorse "Buy" and "Sell" recommendations, instead categorizing stocks as "Strong Buy" or "Strong Sell" based on their valuation [1] - A "Hold" position may be initiated for high-quality businesses if pricing is not favorable [1]

Core Insights - Nu Holdings Ltd. is leading the fintech disruption in Latin America through relentless customer growth, reaching 123 million customers in Q2 2025, which represents 60% of Brazil's adult population [1][8] - The company onboarded 18 million new customers in the past 12 months, averaging 1.5 million new sign-ups each month [2][8] - Revenues for Q2 2025 reached $3.7 billion, marking a 29% year-over-year increase, indicating effective scale and monetization strategies [3][8] - The compounding effect of customer growth enhances cross-selling opportunities and strengthens user engagement, positioning Nu as a financial command center for its users [4][5] - Customer growth is the primary driver of Nu Holdings' success in a competitive fintech landscape [5] Competitive Landscape - SoFi Technologies is expanding its member base in the U.S. by integrating student loan refinancing, personal banking, and investing, paralleling Nu's growth strategy [6] - StoneCo is focusing on empowering small and medium-sized businesses in Brazil with digital payment solutions, maintaining relevance as Nu expands its market presence [6] Stock Performance and Valuation - Nu Holdings' stock has increased by 52.4% year-to-date, outperforming the industry's growth of 39.5% [7] - The stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 21.31X, significantly higher than the industry's 10.48X, with a Value Score of C [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Nu's 2025 earnings has been rising over the past 60 days, indicating positive market sentiment [10] Earnings Estimates - Current earnings estimates for Nu Holdings are as follows: Q3 2025 at $0.15, Q4 2025 at $0.16, full year 2025 at $0.56, and full year 2026 at $0.80 [11]

Core Insights - The investment strategy focuses on acquiring strong businesses at undervalued prices, emphasizing the importance of quality and economic fundamentals [1] - The portfolio has evolved through various industries, including technology, banking, and emerging markets, with a current emphasis on high-quality businesses and their competitive advantages [1] - The investment philosophy is influenced by notable investors and CEOs, highlighting the significance of learning from successful figures in the industry [1] Investment Strategy - The approach prioritizes large tech companies with extensive user bases and content libraries, recognizing the potential for cross-selling opportunities [1] - Valuation is conducted at the EBIT plus R&D level, reflecting the belief in the potential of certain R&D investments [1] - The investment philosophy rejects traditional "Buy" and "Sell" recommendations, advocating for a focus on exceptional businesses at fair prices, with a preference for "Strong Buy" and "Strong Sell" classifications [1] Performance Metrics - The annual return from February 2019 to October 2024 is reported at 11.4% CAGR, which is below the market's 15.18% CAGR [1] - The belief is that expanded knowledge and principles learned will enable future outperformance of the market [1] - The strategy aims to minimize portfolio turnover, with the expectation that most profits will come from holding existing investments rather than frequent trading [1]

Core Insights - Manulife Canada and Centum Financial Group Inc. have renewed their partnership to enhance mortgage and financial protection solutions for Canadians [1][9] - The collaboration combines Centum's mortgage expertise with Manulife's wealth management experience, offering comprehensive financial solutions [2] Partnership Details - Centum Financial's agents will continue to provide Manulife's Mortgage Protection Plan, which includes life and disability insurance [3] - A new Group RRSP program will be available to Centum agents starting September 1, allowing them to pursue their financial goals while assisting clients [4] Business Impact - The partnership is expected to increase access to mortgage professionals, driving premium growth and enhancing cross-selling opportunities [5] - Mortgage-linked products are anticipated to generate predictable cash flows, improving operational efficiency and supporting long-term revenue growth [5] Market Performance - Year-to-date, Manulife's shares have decreased by 2.1%, compared to a 1.2% decline in the broader industry, indicating ongoing challenges [6]