Core Viewpoint - The executive transition at Walmart marks a shift from an investment phase under Doug McMillan to a focus on innovation and growth under John Ferner, leveraging previous investments to drive profitability [1][2]. Company Strategy - Doug McMillan's tenure is characterized as an investment phase, with significant investments in associates, stores, and supply chain, which initially led to a stock decline but are now yielding benefits [1][2]. - John Ferner's leadership will focus on innovating and accelerating growth, utilizing the groundwork laid by McMillan to enhance profitability [2]. Sales Performance - Walmart has achieved 39 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth, with expectations for the upcoming quarter to show growth of 4% to 5%, driven by low single-digit traffic increases and inflation [3][5]. - The growth in same-store sales is attributed to market share gains, particularly from higher-income consumers shopping for groceries, which is a lower-margin business [6]. Consumer Behavior - Increased traffic to Walmart stores is noted, with consumers drawn by grocery prices but also valuing convenience through services like buy online pickup and delivery options [7][8]. - Walmart aims to deliver to 95% of the U.S. within three hours by the end of the year, enhancing its competitive position against retailers like Costco, Amazon, and Target [8]. Market Outlook - The retail sector is expected to perform well, with a bullish outlook on consumer spending, supported by credit card and foot traffic data indicating a strong holiday season [9][11]. - Concerns exist regarding lower-income consumers' reliance on retailers like Walmart due to recent shakiness in SNAP data, which may affect spending patterns [12].

Core Viewpoint - Floor & Decor Holdings Inc. is expected to capture a larger market share in 2026 as housing conditions improve and industry competition eases [1] Market Outlook - Goldman Sachs upgraded Floor & Decor to Neutral from Sell, with a 12-month price forecast of $71, down from $80, citing expectations for a modestly improved U.S. housing backdrop in 2026 [2] - The bank noted that while housing turnover has not recovered since January, the backdrop appears steady and could strengthen as mortgage rates decline [3] Store Expansion and Performance - Management continues to open stores at a pace of 20 units per year, with flexibility to accelerate in 2026 if conditions improve [4] - New-store performance remains pressured, with average revenue at $11 million versus long-term targets, though improvement is expected as macro conditions normalize [9] Financial Projections - For 2025, management guided sales of $4.66-$4.71 billion, up 5%-6% year over year, with comparable store sales projected to decline by -2% to -1% [8] - Goldman forecasts revenue of $4.68 billion for 2025, $5.08 billion for 2026, and $5.68 billion for 2027, with EPS estimates of $1.87, $2.08, and $2.59 for 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively [11] Market Share and Competitive Position - Floor & Decor is well positioned as smaller rivals struggle with tariffs and tighter economics, with expectations for market-share gains due to bankruptcies and store closures at competitors [5][8] - Competitive pricing analysis shows Floor & Decor maintains prices below industry averages across most comparable products [8] Margin Resilience - Margins remain resilient, supported by disciplined pricing, supply-chain savings, and higher-margin design services, with 2025 gross margin guidance at 43.6%-43.7% [11]

Q2 FY 2026 EARNINGS TARANG AMIN CHAIRMAN & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Q2 RESULTS 2 1 +14% NET SALES Q2 RESULTS $66M ADJUSTED EBITDA FY 2026 OUTLOOK $350M $0 $100M $200M $300M CONSUMER COMPANIES OUT OF 546 THAT HAS GROWN FOR 27 CONSECUTIVE QUARTERS 1 OF Q2 FY 2026 CONSECUTIVE QUARTERS OF NET SALES GROWTH 27 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 FY 22 FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 BARS REPRESENT NET SALES, $ MILLIONS FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 FY 22 FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 6 >20% AVG GROWTH PER QUARTER BARS REPRESENT NET SALES, $ MILLIONS $350M $ ...

Core Insights - The company remains confident in its strategy to navigate a challenging demand environment while positioning itself for future growth as market conditions improve [1][5][21] Segment Performance - Sales in the Paint Stores Group increased by a mid-single-digit percentage, driven by a favorable price mix and volume growth, indicating effective growth investments [1][5] - The Protective and Marine segment saw low double-digit growth, reflecting strong performance despite overall market softness [1][5] - Residential repaint sales grew by mid-single digits, continuing a trend of consistent growth since early 2022, even amid declining existing home sales [6][11] - New residential sales increased by low single digits, while property maintenance and DIY sales also saw low single-digit growth [7][10] Financial Performance - Gross margin and gross profit dollars expanded, with SG&A growth moderating to low single digits, aligning with expectations [4][5] - Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 60 basis points to 21.4%, and adjusted diluted earnings per share grew by 6.5% [4][5] - The company returned $864 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder value [4] Strategic Initiatives - The company closed the acquisition of Suvenil, expected to enhance the Consumer Brands Group's portfolio in Latin America and contribute to sales growth [9][41] - The company is focused on channel optimization, closing underperforming stores while expanding its dealer network [10] - A 7% price increase in the Paint Stores Group is set for January 1, aimed at balancing volume growth with necessary price adjustments [18][24] Outlook - The company updated its full-year 2025 sales guidance to reflect a low single-digit percentage increase compared to 2024, factoring in the Suvenil acquisition [14][15] - The demand environment is expected to remain challenging into 2026, with minimal positive catalysts anticipated [16][20] - Raw material costs are projected to rise by low single digits, with healthcare and wage costs expected to increase as well [17][19] Market Dynamics - The company is experiencing a unique competitive environment, allowing it to outperform the market across all segments served [1][5][21] - There is a focus on differentiated solutions that enhance customer productivity and profitability, particularly in a time of inconsistent competitive offerings [2][21] - The company is committed to disciplined pricing actions and efficiency initiatives to counteract cost pressures while pursuing growth opportunities [17][18][19]

Financial Performance - 3Q25 net sales increased by 117% due to market share gains from key account strategy and new contract signings[6] - Earnings per share (EPS) in 3Q25 improved 123% to $029 from $026 in 3Q24[13] - The company declared a $022 dividend payable in 4Q25 and expects to return over $1 billion in dividends to shareholders in 2025[15] - 3Q25 operating cash flow (OCF) was $3869 million, representing 1153% of net income[34] Sales and Customer Metrics - Daily Sales Rate (DSR) growth for 3Q25 was 117%[6] - Customer sites with sales over $10K/month accounted for 821% of sales in 3Q25, up from 794% in 3Q24[6] - The number of customer sites with sales over $50K/month grew by 154%[6] Technology and Digital Footprint - The installed base of weighted FMI (Fastenal Managed Inventory) devices increased by 87% from 3Q24, reaching 133910 devices[20] - Activity through the FMI technology platform represented 453% of sales in 3Q25, compared to 430% in 3Q24[20] - Sales through the Digital Footprint (FMI technology plus non-FMI-related eBusiness) accounted for 613% of total sales in 3Q25[21] Margins and Expenses - Gross profit margin increased to 453% in 3Q25 from 449% in 3Q24[31] - Operating margin improved to 207% in 3Q25 from 203% in 3Q24, resulting in an incremental margin of 239%[15] - Employee-related expenses increased by 129% in 3Q25 compared to 3Q24[15]

Group 1 - Ferguson Enterprises Inc. (FERG) is a leading distributor of building products, serving both residential and non-residential markets with a wide array of plumbing, HVAC, waterworks, and construction supplies [2] - The company achieved organic growth of 1% in its Residential segment in 2025, outperforming a 3% sector decline, and 6% growth in Non-Residential versus flat sector growth, outperforming peers by approximately 500 basis points [3] - FERG maintains gross margins around 30%, operating margins of 9–10% (adjusted 11.4% in Q4), and an ROIC of 30% in 2023–2024, reflecting efficient operations and strong capital allocation [4] Group 2 - FERG is positioned to benefit from reshoring, data center growth, and ongoing market share gains, with mid-single-digit revenue growth and mid- to high-single-digit free cash flow growth expected over the next five years [5] - Potential upside catalysts include inclusion in the S&P 500, which could re-rate the stock, while the company's scale, expertise, and consistent profitability provide a resilient investment profile [5] - The company’s competitive moat is anchored in distribution volume, broad product offerings, and specialized knowledge in water-related and dual-trade projects, effectively targeting professional customers [4]

Core Viewpoint - The sporting goods sector is experiencing increased demand driven by consumer enthusiasm for active lifestyles, prompting companies to compete for market share. An analyst has raised the outlook for Dick's Sporting Goods, citing confidence in its operating leverage and market share gains [1]. Company Performance - Analyst Joseph Feldman maintained an Outperform rating for Dick's Sporting Goods and increased the price forecast from $220 to $255, reflecting strong demand for athletic apparel, footwear, fitness, and outdoor gear [2][3]. - Dick's is gaining market share through a national brand mix, differentiated private labels, attractive store locations, and an expanding e-commerce platform enhanced by new technologies [3]. Financial Projections - Feldman expects Dick's to deliver solid earnings growth in 2025 and accelerate further in 2026, even before considering the planned acquisition of Foot Locker, which is anticipated to unlock long-term value [4]. - For Q2 2025, EPS is modeled at $4.30, with comparable store sales holding at 3.5%, and operating margin contraction expected to be narrower than previous projections [5]. - For the full year 2025, the EPS estimate is maintained at $14.40, with a comparable store sales growth of 3.0% and an operating margin of 10.9% [5]. Market Dynamics - Tariffs are noted as a headwind, particularly affecting private-label goods sourced from China, but Dick's improved pricing tools and diversified sourcing strategy are expected to mitigate the impact [6]. - The company is expected to outperform the broader sporting goods category and continue gaining market share, indicating confidence in its growth trajectory [6].

Financial Performance - e.l.f. Beauty reported quarterly earnings of 89 cents per share, exceeding the Street estimate of 84 cents [1] - Quarterly revenue reached $353.73 million, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $349.43 million and increasing from $324.47 million in the same period last year [1] - Net sales increased by 9% to $353.7 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA was $87.1 million, representing 25% of net sales, which is a 12% year-over-year increase [4] Market Position - The company gained 210 basis points of market share in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, continuing a trend of consistent, category-leading growth over the past 26 quarters [2] - The CEO highlighted the combination of value proposition, innovation, and marketing as key drivers of the company's results [3] Stock Performance - e.l.f. Beauty's stock was down 3.98% at $106 in extended trading following the earnings report [3] - The gross margin decreased approximately 215 basis points to 69%, primarily due to tariffs [4]

Core Insights - The Sherwin-Williams Company has reduced its adjusted earnings per share guidance for 2025 due to weaker-than-expected architectural sales volumes and ongoing supply chain inefficiencies, indicating a "softer for longer" demand environment [6][13][25] - The company has doubled its restructuring target to $105 million, with expected annualized savings of approximately $80 million from these initiatives, which are anticipated to impact results in the second half of 2025 and into 2026 [6][8][19] - Despite challenges, the Paint Stores Group has outperformed industry volume trends in new residential and commercial segments, suggesting market share gains [6][8][21] Financial Performance - The Paint Stores Group reported low single-digit percentage sales growth, with price mix up mid-single digits and volume down low single digits; 20 net new stores were opened in Q2 2025 [8][21] - Consumer Brands Group experienced sales declines across volume, price mix, and foreign exchange, all down by low single-digit percentages, reflecting ongoing softness in the North American DIY market [6][8][21] - Performance Coatings Group met sales expectations, with volume, acquisitions, and foreign exchange each up low single digits, but faced margin reductions due to increased costs and lack of prior-year asset sale gains [8][24] Cost Management and Capital Expenditures - SG&A expenses increased by 3.8% on an adjusted basis, primarily driven by the Paint Stores Group due to new stores and targeted marketing spend [6][8][43] - Capital expenditure guidance for 2025 was reduced by $170 million (approximately 20%) to $730 million, with a focus on cash preservation amid soft demand [6][8][28] - The company expects raw material costs to remain flat for 2025, with modest deflation in certain materials anticipated in the second half of the year [8][27] Market Outlook - The company anticipates continued turbulence in demand across various segments for the remainder of 2025, leading to a downward revision of full-year sales expectations [6][25][26] - Management believes they are at a major inflection point in the North American architectural coatings industry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a disciplined strategy to achieve long-term growth [6][19][30] - The company is committed to investing in growth initiatives within the Paint Stores Group while controlling general and administrative spending [6][28][30]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated sales were within the guided range, with growth in the Paint Stores Group offset by softness in other segments [6][8] - Gross margin and gross profit dollars expanded for the twelfth consecutive quarter [7] - Adjusted earnings per share decreased due to higher non-operating costs and targeted growth investments [7][8] - The company returned $716 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Paint Stores Group sales increased by a low single-digit percentage, with price mix up by mid-single digits and volume down low single digits [16] - Protective and Marine sales increased by high single digits for the fourth consecutive quarter [16] - Consumer Brands Group sales were below expectations, with volume, price mix, and FX all down by similar low single-digit percentages [18] - Performance Coatings Group sales were in line with expectations, with volume, acquisitions, and FX up by low single-digit percentages [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macroeconomic indicators suggest continued turbulence and a slowdown in demand across various segments and regions for the remainder of 2025 [8][21] - Customer sentiment reflects continued uncertainty and hesitancy to invest, with consumer confidence remaining mixed [21][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to delivering above-market growth despite softening market conditions and is revising its full-year sales expectations downward in the Consumer Brands segment [22][24] - The company plans to continue investing aggressively in the Paint Stores Group while maintaining discipline around SG&A costs [13][25] - A focus on differentiated solutions to help customers become more productive and profitable is emphasized [25][112] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a choppy demand environment and indicated that further deterioration is possible, particularly in new residential, DIY, and coil coatings markets [10][32] - The company expects no help from the market for the remainder of the year but remains focused on market share gains [21][22] - Management expressed confidence in the company's strategy and ability to navigate near-term pressures while expanding its competitive moat [28] Other Important Information - The company is doubling its restructuring initiatives target to approximately $105 million, expecting annual savings of about $80 million [11][117] - Capital expenditures are being reduced by $170 million, moving from $900 million to $730 million [26][80] - The company is focused on opportunistic share repurchases and targeted acquisitions, with the Souvenir acquisition expected to close before the end of the year [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What gives caution regarding potential deterioration in demand? - Management pointed to new residential, coil, and DIY markets as areas of concern due to volatility and uncertainty [31][33] Question: Which sub-segments in TSG will see the most share gains? - Management indicated opportunities in commercial, new residential, and property maintenance segments, with a focus on aggressive market share gains [36][38] Question: How should SG&A spending be viewed? - SG&A spending is primarily driven by targeted headcount additions and new store openings, with expectations for low single-digit increases in the second half of the year [45][49] Question: What is the outlook for the Consumer Brands Group? - The company noted store closures transitioning from company-owned to dedicated dealers, impacting sales and pricing [57][58] Question: How does product pricing impact market share and volume growth? - The company emphasizes value proposition over price alone, focusing on consistent quality and service to drive new account activity [111][112] Question: What is the magnitude of the restructuring program? - The restructuring program is expected to yield about $80 million in annual savings, with benefits anticipated in the second half of the year [117][118]