In accordance with SEC rules, the final slides of our presentation provide reconciliations of certain non-GAAP measures to comparable GAAP financial measures. These reconciliations along with this presentation, earnings press release, our annual report on Form 10-Ks, and a replay of this broadcast will be available under the For the Investors section of our website at www.helixesg.com. Please remember that information on this conference call speaks only as of today, 02/24/2026, and therefore, you are advise ...

Takeover interest from "at least one suitor" is moving this payments giant’s stock higher, today, Feb. 23, 2026.NASDAQ : PYPLPayPalToday's Change( 5.74 %) $ 2.39Current Price$ 44.04Key Data PointsMarket Cap$38BDay's Range$ 40.53 - $ 45.6752wk Range$ 38.46 - $ 79.50Volume3.4MAvg Vol20MGross Margin41.78 %Dividend Yield0.34 %PayPal (PYPL +5.74%), a digital payments platform for merchants and consumers worldwide, closed Monday at $44.05, up 5.76%. The stock climbed after reports of unsolicited takeover interest ...

Core Insights - Wendy's stock has shown exceptional strength despite recent challenges, with shares rallying after a period of decline [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Wendy's shares fell to a new 52-week low due to disappointing 2026 guidance, which included a projected adjusted EPS of 56 to 60 cents, significantly below the Street consensus of 86 cents [2] - The company reported double-digit declines in U.S. same-restaurant sales and shrinking margins, leading to multiple price target cuts from analysts [2] Group 2: Strategic Moves - Trian Partners has indicated the potential for strategic moves, including acquisitions or other extraordinary transactions that could lead to control of the company and possibly a de-listing of shares [3] - Trian has engaged with financing sources and potential partners under confidentiality agreements to explore these options [3] Group 3: Market Reactions - Despite the recent downturn, the language describing the stock as "undervalued" has sparked interest from bargain hunters and likely some short-covering after the stock hit multi-year lows [4] - Analysts have adjusted their price targets, with the average target now at $8.75, and recent actions include a 15.57% increase in Wendy's shares, reaching $8.09 [5]

Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Evelyn Partners for GBP 2.7 billion positions the company as the leading private banking and wealth management firm in the U.K., enhancing its strategy by tapping into a growing market supported by favorable demographic, regulatory, and technological trends [2]. Company Overview - Evelyn Partners is a prominent financial planning and investment management firm with a 180-year history, a loyal client base, and a strong cultural alignment with the acquiring company [3]. - The firm operates a regional network of 21 offices and employs 270 financial planners and 325 specialist investment managers, along with a well-regarded direct-to-consumer investment platform, Bestinvest [3]. Financial Performance - In 2025, Evelyn Partners reported an income of GBP 509 million and an EBITDA of GBP 179 million, achieving a margin of 35% [3]. - The firm has successfully attracted net new inflows of GBP 1.6 billion, indicating strong prospects for future growth [3].

Core Insights - The company reported full-year 2025 revenues of $751 million, a 14% decrease from 2024, but still the third-highest revenue year in its history, indicating resilience despite challenges [2] - Record revenues were achieved in Europe, solidifying the company's position as a leading advisor in active regions, particularly in restructuring, which also saw record revenues [1][27] - The company is optimistic about future growth, with a strong pipeline and positive sentiment among clients, particularly in the healthcare and software sectors [5][20] Financial Performance - Fourth-quarter revenues were $219 million, including $18.5 million from transactions that closed in early 2026 [7] - The adjusted compensation margin for 2025 was 68%, up from 67% in 2024, reflecting strong management of compensation despite record talent investments [7][8] - Non-compensation expenses decreased by 2% to $159 million, with expectations for further reductions in 2026 [8] Talent and Recruitment - The company added 23 new senior bankers in 2025, with a strong pipeline for future hires, indicating a focus on attracting top talent [5][24] - The recruitment environment is expected to normalize after a record year, with a continued emphasis on adding high-quality bankers [25] Market Outlook - The restructuring business is expected to remain strong, with no signs of slowdown, particularly in liability management engagements [21][22] - The company anticipates a positive environment for M&A transactions in 2026, with a record backlog and improved market conditions [11][20] Strategic Focus - The company is committed to managing its share count and returning capital to equity, having returned over $163 million in 2025 through dividends and share repurchases [8][9] - The focus remains on organic growth and strategic investments, with a balanced approach to capital deployment [36][37]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong start to fiscal Q1 2026, with revenue guidance raised by $90 million and EBITDA guidance increased by $60 million, reflecting solid performance [14][15] - EBITDA margin for the quarter was 52.4%, slightly diluted by recent acquisitions, but overall margin performance improved compared to expectations [8][17] - Free cash flow for the quarter was just under $900 million, higher than average due to timing of interest and tax payments, with a full-year guidance of approximately $2.4 billion [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial OEM revenue increased approximately 17% year-over-year, driven by higher build rates from Boeing and Airbus [19][20] - Commercial aftermarket revenue grew by approximately 7%, with all submarkets experiencing positive growth, particularly in commercial transport [23] - Defense market revenue grew by approximately 7%, supported by new business wins and increased defense spending globally [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial OEM market is expected to see revenue growth in the high single digits to mid-teens percentage range, contingent on production rates from Boeing and Airbus [16][22] - Commercial aftermarket growth is anticipated to be in the high single-digit percentage range, with strong bookings supporting this outlook [24] - Defense revenue growth is projected in the mid-single-digit to high single-digit percentage range, with robust bookings indicating a healthy backlog [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a consistent long-term strategy focused on proprietary aerospace businesses with significant aftermarket content, aiming for private equity-like returns [5][6] - Recent acquisitions, including Stellent Systems, Jet Parts Engineering, and Victor Sierra Aviation, align with the company's strategy to enhance its aftermarket revenue and strengthen partnerships with airlines [10][11] - The capital allocation priorities remain focused on reinvesting in businesses, pursuing disciplined M&A, and returning capital to shareholders [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the current fiscal year, noting favorable commercial aerospace trends and stable airline schedules [6][15] - The company is closely monitoring the aerospace and capital markets, with a focus on operational excellence and value drivers [17][28] - Despite potential risks, management believes the company is well-positioned for the remainder of fiscal 2026 [17] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of over $2.5 billion, providing significant liquidity for future capital requirements [31][33] - The net debt to EBITDA ratio improved to 5.7 times, down from 5.8, indicating a stronger financial position [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company thinking about profitability cadence through the year? - Management noted a stronger than expected margin performance in Q1, attributing it to a favorable mix and cost management efforts, with a conservative outlook for the remainder of the year [37][39] Question: Can you comment on distributor POS and aftermarket growth? - Management confirmed that distributor POS growth has been strong, but noted that inventory changes have created some headwinds, which are expected to turn into tailwinds as the year progresses [42][44] Question: What is the expected impact of the Jet Parts Engineering and Victor Sierra acquisitions? - Management emphasized that the acquisitions were made based on their strong business fundamentals and potential for a 20% IRR, rather than as a defensive strategy against competitors [73][74] Question: How does the company view the current M&A environment? - Management acknowledged that while acquisition prices are reflective of broader market trends, they believe the prices paid for recent acquisitions are fair and aligned with their return targets [80][81] Question: What is the outlook for the commercial OEM segment? - Management indicated that they believe they are through the destocking phase and are encouraged by the production rates from Boeing and Airbus, although risks remain in the supply chain [106][107]

Summary of Flowco Holdings Inc. Conference Call on Acquisition of Valiant Artificial Lift Solutions Company and Industry Overview - **Company**: Flowco Holdings Inc. (NYSE:FLOC) - **Acquisition Target**: Valiant Artificial Lift Solutions, a leading provider of Electric Submersible Pumps (ESP) in the Permian Basin - **Industry**: Oil and Gas Production Optimization Core Points and Arguments - **Acquisition Details**: Flowco announced the acquisition of Valiant for a total consideration of $200 million, comprising $170 million in cash and $30 million in newly issued shares [4][5] - **Financial Metrics**: The acquisition implies a purchase price multiple of approximately 3.9x estimated 2026 Adjusted EBITDA, expected to be accretive to earnings and Free Cash Flow [5][7] - **Operational Integration**: Post-acquisition, Valiant will operate within Flowco's production solutions segment, with results reported accordingly [5][6] - **Valiant's Market Position**: Valiant has a strong focus on execution and operational discipline, primarily generating revenue from the Permian Basin but with potential for international expansion [6][7] - **Financial Performance**: Valiant is projected to generate approximately $52 million of Adjusted EBITDA in 2026, with EBITDA margins around 40% [7][8] Strategic Rationale - **Enhanced Product Offering**: The acquisition allows Flowco to offer both High-Pressure Gas Lift (HPGL) and ESP solutions, enhancing customer service throughout the lifecycle of wells [8][9] - **Market Expansion**: The addition of ESPs significantly expands Flowco's addressable market, with the ESP market in the lower 48 states representing approximately $2.5 billion annually [10][11] - **Cross-Selling Opportunities**: The acquisition creates opportunities for cross-selling between Flowco's and Valiant's customer bases, leveraging decades of experience [22][23] Additional Insights - **Customer Engagement**: Flowco aims to provide tailored solutions to customers by utilizing both HPGL and ESP technologies, enhancing their ability to respond to well conditions [19][20] - **International Growth Potential**: Valiant's founding team has experience in international markets, which Flowco plans to leverage for future growth [21][22] - **Capital Intensity**: The capital intensity of the ESP business is expected to be manageable, with maintenance capital projected between $15-$20 million on around $50 million of EBITDA [30][31] - **Technology Differentiation**: Valiant's proprietary technology, including remote monitoring capabilities, positions it well against competitors in the ESP market [33][34] Market Dynamics - **Industry Consolidation**: Ongoing consolidation in the upstream industry is viewed positively by Flowco, as it often leads to larger companies adopting innovative solutions from smaller, acquired firms [46][47] - **Competitive Landscape**: Flowco differentiates itself by focusing exclusively on the production phase of the well's lifecycle, which is expected to help capture additional market share against larger competitors [36][37] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call regarding Flowco's acquisition of Valiant, highlighting the strategic, operational, and financial implications of the transaction.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - High Tide reported record revenue of CAD 164 million for Q4 2025, representing a 19% year-over-year increase and a 10% sequential increase [7][26] - The annual revenue run rate exceeded CAD 650 million, with record Adjusted EBITDA of CAD 12.4 million, up 51% year-over-year [7][28] - Consolidated gross margins were 26% in Q4, consistent with the previous year, while Adjusted EBITDA margins reached a new record of 9.4% [27][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The brick-and-mortar segment led revenue growth, achieving a 15% year-over-year increase, driven by same-store sales growth of 5.5% [7][26] - Cabanalytics, the business data and insight platform, generated CAD 13.1 million in Q4, up 20% year-over-year [26] - The adjusted EBITDA for the brick-and-mortar segment was CAD 14.1 million, highlighting strong cost controls and operational efficiency [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Canna Cabana's market share in the five provinces increased to 12%, up from 11% a year ago, while total industry sales in these provinces grew by only 4% [11][12] - The average Canna Cabana store generated an annual revenue run rate of CAD 2.6 million, significantly higher than the peer average of CAD 1.2 million [11] - The company added 27 stores in 2025, with plans to add another 20-30 stores in 2026, despite increased competition [8][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - High Tide aims to continue organic growth through store expansion and enhancing its brand presence, with a robust pipeline of new store locations [8][24] - The company is exploring M&A opportunities, particularly in light of the retail shakeout in the cannabis industry, with discussions ongoing regarding potential acquisitions [8][56] - High Tide's strategy includes leveraging relationships with licensed producers to enhance procurement and operational efficiencies, particularly in the German medical cannabis market through the acquisition of Remaxion [16][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future growth, particularly in the German market, despite short-term challenges related to inventory and supply chain issues [16][22] - The company remains confident in its ability to outperform competitors and capitalize on market opportunities, especially as weaker operators exit the market [14][54] - Management highlighted the importance of the Cabana Club loyalty program, which has seen significant growth, contributing to customer retention and brand loyalty [10][47] Other Important Information - High Tide generated CAD 12 million in free cash flow for the fiscal year, meeting its goal of remaining positive [9][32] - The company has a strong balance sheet with total debt of CAD 65.5 million and CAD 47.9 million in cash and cash equivalents [32] - An impairment of CAD 23.6 million was recorded for the e-commerce segment, reflecting challenges faced in that area [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of inventory issues in Germany on Q1 results - Management acknowledged that inventory issues in Portugal would impact Q1 results but expressed optimism for recovery in subsequent quarters [36][38] Question: Brick-and-mortar business margins - Management confirmed that brick-and-mortar margins have increased for four consecutive quarters, driven by strong sales and operational efficiencies [41][46] Question: M&A environment and competitor exit - Management noted that smaller competitors are exiting the market, creating opportunities for potential acquisitions, and expressed confidence in High Tide's growth strategy [55][56] Question: Budtender training and engagement - Management emphasized the importance of budtender training and engagement to enhance customer experience and brand loyalty [64][66] Question: Remaxion's performance and future prospects - Management reported improved performance in January and expressed confidence in achieving higher gross margins as new biomass is procured [67][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tetra Tech reported net revenue of $987 million for Q1 2026, an 8% increase from the prior year [5] - Operating income rose to $131 million, up 12% year-over-year [5] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 17% to $0.34, while GAAP EPS was reported at $0.40 [5][6] - Margins expanded by 140 basis points on a GAAP basis [4] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Government Services segment generated $382 million in revenue, a 5% increase, with margins of 18%, up 40 basis points [6] - The Commercial and International Group segment's revenue grew by 10% to $605 million, with margins also up 40 basis points to 13% [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Federal work increased by 7%, primarily driven by projects with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [7] - U.S. state and local markets grew by 10%, particularly in water treatment and digital water modernization [8] - International revenue accounted for 48% of total revenue, growing at a rate of 13%, with significant contributions from the U.K. and Ireland [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Tetra Tech focuses on water supply, treatment, flood control, and environmental stewardship, which remain in high demand [3] - The company aims to enhance its market position through strategic acquisitions and investments in technology and automation [18][25] - Recent acquisitions include Halvik and Providence, aimed at expanding consulting services in defense [25][70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in revenue growth despite challenges such as the U.S. government shutdown [3] - The company anticipates increased federal orders as clarity on budgets improves [10] - Guidance for Q2 2026 is set between $975 million and $1.025 billion, with full-year revenue guidance of $4.15 billion to $4.3 billion [29][30] Other Important Information - Tetra Tech's board approved a 12% increase in the quarterly cash dividend, marking the 47th consecutive quarterly dividend [18] - The company has a strong balance sheet with net debt at approximately $565 million, allowing for significant liquidity for future investments [15][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strength in Federal Business - Management noted a 7% growth in federal business, primarily due to advanced planning and strong relationships with clients like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [37][40] Question: International Business Performance - The U.K. and Ireland have shown strong double-digit growth, while Canada is performing well with upper single-digit growth. Australia is recovering from previous declines [41][46][48] Question: Guidance and Market Conditions - Management discussed the range of potential outcomes in guidance, considering factors like potential government shutdowns and bipartisan support for funding [58][60][64] Question: Focus on M&A - The company is looking to leverage its strong balance sheet for strategic acquisitions, with a focus on larger, transformative opportunities [66][70] Question: Recent Divestitures - Tetra Tech divested its Norway operation, which was deemed non-core, and provided details on the acquisition of Halvik and Providence [82]

Core Insights - The company reported strong financial performance for the third quarter, with total revenues of $1.606 billion, representing a 35.4% increase compared to the same period last year [19] - The adjusted EBITDAC margin improved to 36.6%, up 170 basis points year-over-year, driven by strong underlying margin expansion and increased contingent commissions [19] - The company completed seven acquisitions during the quarter, contributing to significant revenue growth, with the largest acquisition being Accession, which had total revenue of approximately $285 million for the stub period [8][16] Financial Performance - Total revenues for the third quarter reached $1.606 billion, a 35.4% increase year-over-year, with organic growth of 3.5% [8][19] - Adjusted earnings per share grew over 15% to $1.05, while diluted net income per share increased by 15.4% [20] - The company generated $1 billion in cash flow from operations for the first nine months of 2025, a 24% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [24] Segment Performance - The Retail segment achieved total revenue growth of 37.8%, with organic growth of 2.7%, impacted by adjustments related to employee benefits incentives [20] - The Specialty Distribution segment grew total revenues by 30%, with organic growth of 4.6%, driven by the acquisition of Accession and strong brokerage performance [22] - The EBITDAC margin for the Retail segment increased by 150 basis points to 28%, while the Specialty Distribution segment's margin decreased by 110 basis points to 43.9% due to the lower margin of Accession [21][22] Market and Economic Outlook - Economic growth is expected to remain stable, with no significant disruptors anticipated to affect admitted rates [28][29] - The company noted that casualty and auto rates are expected to continue increasing, while admitted property rates will remain competitively priced [29] - The M&A pipeline appears strong, with ongoing efforts to acquire businesses that align culturally and financially [30][31] Strategic Initiatives - The company announced a 10% increase in dividends, marking the 32nd consecutive year of dividend growth [6] - Share repurchase authorization was expanded to $1.5 billion, aimed at managing dilution and driving earnings per share growth [7] - The integration of Accession is progressing well, with expectations for synergies to be realized over a three-year period [70][71]