Asbury Automotive Group (NYSE:ABG) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 05, 2026 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsChris Reeves - VP Finance and TreasurerDan Clara - COODaniela Haigian - VP of Equity ResearchDavid Hult - President and CEOMichael Welch - SVP and CFORajat Gupta - Equity Derivatives StructuringConference Call ParticipantsGlenn Chin - Senior Equity Analyst of AutomotiveJeff Lick - Managing Director and Research AnalystJohn Babcock - Stock AnalystMatthew Raab - Equity Research AnalystOperatorGreetings a ...

Scotts Miracle-Gro logo Key Points Scotts said it has paid down $1.5 billion of debt, delivered consistent free cash flow, margin and EBITDA improvement, and expects leverage to return to historical norms “in the threes” later this fiscal year. The company is investing in brands, new product innovation and e‑commerce while driving cost and supply‑chain efficiencies through automation and AI to support disciplined growth. Shareholders approved all four proposals at the AGM — electing directors, ratif ...

Core Viewpoint - Ring Energy, Inc. is actively engaging with investors through a fireside chat to discuss its strategies for navigating the volatile global oil market and preparing for 2026 [1][2]. Group 1: Event Details - The fireside chat will take place on December 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM Central Time, led by Jeff Robertson from Water Tower Research [2]. - Interested parties can register for the event via a provided Zoom link [2]. - The presentation will also be accessible on Ring's website under the "Overview" page in the "Investors" section [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Ring Energy, Inc. focuses on oil and gas exploration, development, and production, with current operations centered on its Permian Basin assets [4]. - The company is constructing a 2026 capital budget aimed at reducing leverage across various oil price scenarios [6]. - Ring is also identifying future development inventory within its existing asset base [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 2025 net sales were $439.3 million, a decrease of 4.7% compared to $461.1 million in Q3 2024. Base business net sales, excluding divestitures, were down 2.7% [6][16] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $70.4 million, flat year-over-year, representing 16% of net sales [16][25] - Adjusted net income increased to $11.7 million, or $0.15 per adjusted diluted share, compared to $10.1 million or $0.13 per share in Q3 2024 [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The frozen and vegetables business unit saw a decline in net sales of 6.7% but an increase in adjusted EBITDA of $3 million due to favorable crop pack costs and productivity improvements [20] - The spices and seasonings business unit grew net sales by 2.1%, benefiting from fresh food and protein growth, although adjusted EBITDA was impacted by tariffs [7][18] - The meals business unit experienced a 1.4% decline in net sales, but adjusted EBITDA increased by approximately $0.6 million [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The divestiture of Don Pepino and Sclafani brands removed approximately $10.3 million of net sales and $3.2 million in adjusted EBITDA from Q3 [8][14] - The company expects the fourth quarter to show continued improvement, with net sales projected to be down approximately 2%-3% excluding the impact of the 53rd week [10][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - B&G Foods is focused on reshaping its portfolio through divestitures to create a more focused and efficient company, aiming for adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales to approach 20% [9][30] - The company plans to reduce its consolidated leverage ratio to six times within the next nine months through divestiture proceeds and improved cash flow generation [12][34] - Future growth is expected to come from a simplified portfolio and strategic acquisitions, with a long-term goal of achieving a leverage ratio between 4.5 and 5.5 [35][84] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a challenging consumer environment impacting sales, but expressed optimism for stabilization in base business trends towards a long-term growth objective of 1% [12][35] - The company is closely monitoring inflation and input costs, with expectations of modest inflation in 2025 [22][106] - Management highlighted the importance of cost-saving initiatives and pricing strategies to offset tariff impacts and maintain profitability [10][33] Other Important Information - The consolidated leverage ratio was reported at 6.88 times, with expectations to reduce it to six times by mid-2026 [11][29] - The company has executed targeted pricing to recover incremental tariffs, which will take effect for most customers starting in November [11][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What caused the shift in sales guidance for Q4? - Management narrowed the sales guidance range to reflect the impact of divestitures and consistent base business net sales trends observed in Q3 [39] Question: How is the pricing affecting volume elasticity in the spices segment? - Management noted that pricing changes were implemented recently, and while some elasticity is expected, it is projected to be minimal [43][46] Question: What are the trends in the food service and private label business? - The food service business has shown stable trends with modest growth, while the private label business has experienced mid-single-digit growth [56][58] Question: How does the divestiture of Green Giant impact leverage targets? - The divestiture is expected to contribute to a full turn of deleveraging, with stabilization of EBITDA and improved working capital management also playing a role [65] Question: Have there been any early signs of SNAP cutbacks impacting grocery sales? - Management indicated it is too early to determine the impact, but a temporary effect is expected if the situation persists [67][68] Question: What is the outlook for input cost inflation into 2026? - Management anticipates modest input cost inflation, with strategies in place to recover costs through pricing adjustments [106]

Core Thesis - Molson Coors Beverage Company (TAP) is viewed positively due to its attractive valuation, strong brand portfolio, and strategic initiatives aimed at debt reduction and cash flow generation [1][4][5] Valuation and Financial Metrics - As of September 17th, TAP's share price was $46.86, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 9.24 and 8.04 respectively [1] - The stock recently traded near $47.50, identified as a strategic entry point, with potential gains of approximately 13.7% over four months, including dividends [2] - TAP has an expected near-term GAAP earnings yield of 11%, which increases to over 13% when accounting for $200 million of goodwill amortization [2] Debt Management and Cash Flow - The company successfully reduced leverage to a 2.5x EBITDA target for 2024 and has initiated aggressive share buybacks while committing to increasing dividends [3] - Low operating leverage supports cash flow stability, providing insulation from potential revenue shortfalls [3] Brand Strength and Growth Potential - TAP's brand portfolio includes well-known names such as Coors, Miller Lite, and Blue Moon, and the company is making strategic investments in emerging beverage segments like hard seltzers [3] - The combination of strong brand equity and ongoing strategic initiatives positions TAP for growth [4] Market Position and Risks - While there are potential headwinds such as leverage concerns and declining college demographics affecting the economy beer segment, the current valuation is seen as an attractive entry point [4] - Near-term earnings releases are expected to stabilize market expectations and highlight the resilience of TAP's cash flows [4]

Financial Performance Highlights - Arcosa's Adjusted EBITDA grew by 42%, outpacing revenue growth of 18%[9] - The company achieved a record consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 20.9%, an increase of 360 basis points[9] - Pricing in aggregates increased by 8%, leading to a 15% gain in cash unit profitability[9] - Q2 2025 revenues increased by 18% from $626.6 million to $736.9 million[20] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 37% from $112.7 million to $154.2 million[20] Strategic Initiatives and Outlook - Arcosa is targeting a long-term net leverage ratio of 2.0-2.5x within the next three quarters[9] - The company maintains full-year revenue guidance, anticipating a 17% increase[9] - Adjusted EBITDA is expected to increase by 30%[9] - The company expects Adjusted EBITDA growth to be roughly 40% organic and 60% inorganic[9] Segment Performance - Construction Products' Adjusted Segment EBITDA increased by 44% from $69.7 million to $100.4 million[23] - Engineered Structures' Adjusted Segment EBITDA increased by 31% from $41.7 million to $54.8 million[26] - Transportation Products' revenues increased by 18%[28]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 2025, the company recorded revenue of $124.9 million and a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $35.1 million, with AFFO at $53.1 million or $0.24 per share [16][19] - The gross outstanding debt balance was $3.1 billion at the end of Q2 2025, a reduction of $2 billion from the end of 2024 [17] - The net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 6.6 times, down from 8.1 times at the end of 2024 [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed the $1.8 billion sale of its multi-tenant retail portfolio, increasing occupancy to 98% from 97% as of year-end 2024 [5][6] - The percentage of leases with rent escalators increased to 88% from 81% [6] - The office portfolio maintained 100% rent collection and had the highest percentage of investment-grade tenancy at 77% [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Geographically, 70% of straight-line rent is earned in North America and 30% in Europe, providing diversification across economic cycles [13][14] - The company has reduced its exposure to the gas and convenience store sector, with assets sold amounting to approximately $108 million, decreasing portfolio exposure to 2.1% from 5.3% [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive sustainable long-term growth by optimizing its portfolio, reducing leverage, and lowering its cost of capital [5] - The strategic focus includes reducing exposure to non-core assets, particularly in the office sector, while maintaining a disciplined approach to tenant retention [9][10] - The company plans to use proceeds from asset sales to fund stock buybacks and further deleverage [43][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in performance and raised the lower end of AFFO per share guidance to a range of $0.92 to $0.96 for the remainder of 2025 [19] - The company is focused on completing ongoing initiatives, including dispositions and lease renewals, to maintain earnings within the stated guidance range [27] - Management acknowledged the disappointing share price performance despite improvements in the balance sheet and extended debt maturities [13] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 10.2 million shares at a weighted average price of $7.52, totaling $77 million, capitalizing on an AFFO yield of approximately 12% [12] - The company has no remaining debt maturities in 2025 and $95 million of debt tied to retail assets expiring in 2026 [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the target percentage for office assets and the timeline for reduction? - Management indicated a strategic approach to office portfolio reduction, emphasizing the strong performance and high-quality tenants, without providing specific targets or timelines [25][26] Question: When does management expect earnings to begin growing again? - Management raised the lower end of the earnings guidance to $0.92 to $0.96 per share and indicated that they would provide guidance for 2026 later in the year [27] Question: Can management comment on the recent share sale by the CEO? - The CEO explained that the sale was due to personal obligations and should not be interpreted negatively regarding the company's future [28][29] Question: How does management view the auto manufacturing sector within the portfolio? - Management expressed confidence in the critical assets within the auto manufacturing sector, particularly those tied to US manufacturers, and does not foresee significant issues [33][34] Question: What is the pace of future dispositions? - Management indicated a pipeline of approximately $300 million in future dispositions and emphasized the strategic nature of these sales [42]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter fell well below plan, reflecting a significant decline in attendance due to macro factors and extreme weather conditions [20][24][34] - The company ended the quarter with approximately $107 million in cash and cash equivalents, with total liquidity of $540 million [20] - Gross debt outstanding at the end of the second quarter was approximately $5.3 billion, with net debt to annualized second quarter adjusted EBITDA at approximately 6.2 times, above the target range of sub four times [22][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Attendance at Legacy Cedar Fair parks was up 3% during July, while per capita spending on admissions increased by 4% [25][30] - Per capita spending on in-park products at Legacy Cedar Fair parks was up 3%, driven by higher guest spending on food, beverage, and merchandise [25] - The company introduced a reimagined pass structure for the 2026 season pass program to enhance appeal and attract new customers [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Combined attendance was down 12% over a six-week period due to severe weather, while attendance was flat during the first seven weeks of the quarter when weather was not an issue [24] - Attendance in July was up 1%, with preliminary net revenues down approximately 3% due to pressure on guest spending [29][34] - The company experienced a surge in demand for parks in July, with season pass sales climbing rapidly [11][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing assets and reducing net leverage while executing integration efforts [10][18] - A significant restructuring was completed to flatten leadership layers and improve agility, aiming for annualized labor cost reductions of over $20 million [17] - The company is actively pursuing divestitures of non-core assets to accelerate deleveraging [22][58] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the challenges faced in the first half of the year are largely transient and not indicative of a fundamental change in consumer behavior [49] - The company anticipates stronger second-half results with normalized weather conditions and improved demand trends [37][39] - Management remains committed to reducing leverage and is evaluating opportunities to monetize non-core assets [38][39] Other Important Information - The company incurred $11 million in non-recurring merger-related integration costs and $28 million in adjusted EBITDA add-backs during the quarter [27] - The company expects to reduce full-year operating costs and expenses by 3% compared to last year's combined cost base [18][35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on macro pressures - Management clarified that macro pressures include significant weather impacts and some pressure on lower-income consumers, but overall spending behavior at parks remains strong [44][46] Question: Impact of weather on long-term targets - Management believes the challenges faced are transient and not reflective of long-term potential, with a focus on finishing 2025 strong and building momentum for 2026 [49][50] Question: Details on divestitures - Management is actively pursuing two non-core asset sales and evaluating other potential divestitures to optimize the portfolio [58][59] Question: Cost savings and synergies - Management confirmed that the goal for permanent cost savings remains at $120 million, with a focus on realizing these synergies in the second half of the year [61][62] Question: Guidance on attendance and pricing - Management indicated that attendance is expected to be flat for the second half, with pricing strategies being adjusted based on demand trends observed in recent weeks [34][91]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $824 million, a 16% decline year over year, primarily due to lower core revenues and the divestiture of Towanda operations [12][15] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $39 million, down $46 million from the previous year, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 4.7% [13][16] - Free cash flow was negligible compared to $12 million in Q2 2024, driven by lower EBITDA [13][14] - Net debt leverage ratio increased to 5.7 times, exceeding the targeted range, with a focus on reducing leverage [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America segment reported revenue of $556 million, a 22% decline year over year, with adjusted EBITDA dropping to $35 million from $76 million [17] - Europe segment revenue was $268 million, down 2.7% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA at $17 million, a decline of $3 million [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand remained soft across all product categories and end markets, with a 14% decrease in volume and mix [15][16] - The court-ordered divestiture of Towanda operations negatively impacted year-over-year comparisons [12][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving service levels, optimizing manufacturing and distribution networks, and investing in automation to enhance long-term efficiency [32][34] - Full year revenue guidance is set between $3.2 billion to $3.4 billion, with core revenue expected to decline between 4% to 9% [22][23] - The company is evaluating strategic options to address high leverage, including potential divestitures of non-core assets [27][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing challenges in the macro environment but expressed confidence in long-term housing demand and the company's positioning for recovery [8][35] - The company reinstated full year guidance due to improved visibility, despite the uncertain macroeconomic conditions [8][22] Other Important Information - The company expects approximately $100 million in transformation benefits for the year, with half of that being carryover from previous actions [25][30] - Tariffs are estimated to have an annualized impact of approximately $40 million, with pricing actions in place to recover costs [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Optimization of the network and implications for near-term margins - Management indicated they are over the halfway mark in optimizing the network but are slowing consolidation efforts to preserve capital and limit service disruptions [38][39] Question: Pricing pressures and inflation offset - Management noted a slight negative price-cost relationship due to inflation exceeding price increases, with competitive pricing pressures in select regions [43][44] Question: Actions to address leverage and urgency - Management confirmed that while the leverage ratio is above target, there is no immediate pressure due to ample liquidity and no restrictive covenants [50][52] Question: Volume performance in North America and Europe - Management reported mid single-digit volume declines in North America, with a similar trend in Europe, but noted that the rate of decline is slowing [63][66] Question: EBITDA margin improvement in the second half - Management explained that incremental EBITDA margins are expected to improve due to volume increases and cost mitigation actions already in place [54][56] Question: Performance of windows versus doors - Management stated that there has been no significant change in performance between windows and doors, with minimal mix down observed in 2025 [92][95]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted company FFO for Q2 2025 was $0.16 per diluted common share, totaling approximately $47 million, with guidance for 2025 adjusted company FFO tightened to a range of $0.62 to $0.64 [14][20] - Same store NOI growth for Q2 was 4.7%, with the same store portfolio 98% leased at quarter end [14][15] - Net debt to adjusted EBITDA was 5.8 times at quarter end, down 0.4 turns over the last twelve months [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company leased approximately 2.4 million square feet year to date, with second generation base and cash based rent spreads of approximately 41% and 46% respectively [9] - The company reached a significant milestone by leasing a 1,100,000 square foot facility in Greenville Spartanburg, contributing $3.7 million of base rent in 2025 [14][10] - Portfolio occupancy increased to 94.1% in Q2, up from 93.3% in Q1 [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net absorption in the U.S. was approximately 30 million square feet in Q2, with 20 million square feet occurring in the company's 12 target markets [8] - The construction pipeline in the target markets is approximately 90 million square feet, down nearly 75% from the 2022 peak [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on its investment strategy in 12 target markets, which account for approximately 85% of gross assets, emphasizing positive demographic trends and advanced manufacturing investments [12] - The company is evaluating modest capital recycling opportunities outside of target markets for reinvestment, aiming to be largely earnings neutral [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the core business amid a soft industrial real estate environment and uncertain macroeconomic conditions [7] - The company anticipates lower tenant retention for 2025, with year-end same store occupancy expected to be approximately 97% to 99% [10][15] Other Important Information - The company sold a property in Chillicothe, Ohio for approximately $40 million at a cash capitalization rate of 4.3%, bolstering its cash position [11] - The company has approximately $71 million in cash on the balance sheet at quarter end [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the low cap rate on the sale? - The sale execution was better than if sold into the investor marketplace, as a user wanted to own the property [23] Question: Can you provide a sense of the magnitude of dispositions in the near term? - The company would test the market with about $100 million of dispositions going forward, optimistic about creating liquidity from assets outside of target markets [25] Question: What has traffic been like for leasing up larger empty boxes? - Activity in Indianapolis has picked up significantly, while Central Florida has seen slower activity but renewed interest recently [26][29] Question: Can you provide an update on lease expirations? - The company expects to backfill the 380,000 square foot facility in Indianapolis quickly, with positive activity noted [34][35] Question: What is the outlook for tenant retention in 2026? - Strong retention is expected, with a few tenants potentially moving out, but overall positive outlook for renewals [38] Question: Are there opportunities within the land bank? - There is potential interest in build-to-suit projects, particularly in Columbus, where the market has tightened significantly [40] Question: Will the cold storage or office JV properties be considered for sale? - Those portfolios are considered static, with one potential opportunity in the office JV [46] Question: How does the company view share repurchase versus acquisitions? - The priority is to generate more EBITDA and reduce net debt to EBITDA, with share repurchase being a potential part of the strategy [50]