DNOW (NYSE:DNOW) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 20, 2026 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAlex Rygiel - Managing DirectorBrad Wise - VP of Digital Strategy and Investor RelationsDavid Cherechinsky - President and CEOMark Johnson - SVP and CFOConference Call ParticipantsAdam Farley - Diversified Industrials Associate AnalystChuck Minervino - Equity Research AnalystOperatorGood morning. My name is Jeannie, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the DNOW ...

Safety was also emphasized as a key integration element. Silber said Herc onboarded 2,500 new team members into its health and safety program in the second half of 2025. He noted that, measured branch-by-branch, operations achieved over 97% “perfect days” in 2025, and said the total recordable incident rate remained better than the industry benchmark of 1.0.Productivity and cost efficiencies: The company said employee productivity increased year-over-year on a pro forma basis in 2025, supported by unified s ...

Successfully integrating a transaction of this size while continuing to serve customers at the highest levels requires focus, collaboration, and execution, and our teams have delivered. The integration action taken in the fourth quarter further bolstered the critical work done in the third quarter where we expanded our field operating structure to 10 U.S. regions, adding key leadership roles to ensure operating continuity and scalability, completed a comprehensive sales territory optimization exercise to re ...

Core Viewpoint - Barratt Redrow reported a resilient first-half performance for FY26, with higher completions and progress on integrating Redrow, despite a subdued UK housing market and low consumer confidence [4] Group 1: Performance Metrics - The company delivered 7,444 homes in the first half, representing a 4.7% increase compared to the previous year [3] - Financially adjusted profit before tax (pre-PPA) decreased by 13.6% to £200 million, while revenue increased by 10.5% to £2.6 billion [6][8] - The adjusted gross margin declined by 200 basis points to 15%, with adjusted earnings per share at £0.10 and an interim dividend of £0.05 per share [6][11] Group 2: Market Dynamics - Part exchange reservations rose to 23% of private reservations from 14%, attributed to customers seeking a "stress-free" move amid market uncertainties [2] - PRS reservations fell to 4% of overall reservation volumes from 9% a year earlier, indicating a tougher market environment [2][6] - The private forward order book was down approximately 10% at the half-year stage, influenced by a high opening position, reduced reservation rates, and increased completions [7] Group 3: Integration and Synergies - The integration of Redrow is nearing completion, expected by April, with a £100 million annual cost synergy target largely confirmed [5][12] - Over £30 million in cost synergies were delivered in the first half, with an additional £50 million expected in FY26 [5][13] - The company is targeting 45 incremental sales outlets, with 31 planning applications submitted and 16 approvals received [14] Group 4: Cash Flow and Financial Outlook - The company recorded a net cash outflow of just under £600 million in the first half, driven by construction work and part exchange investments [17] - Management expects a net cash inflow of around £300 million in the second half, guiding for year-end net cash of £400 million to £500 million [18] - For FY26, the company reiterated guidance of 17,200 to 17,800 total completions, with flat underlying pricing and build cost inflation of around 2% [20]

Summary of Huntington Bancshares Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Huntington Bancshares (NasdaqGS: HBAN) - **Date**: February 10, 2026 - **Key Speakers**: Steve Steinour (Chairman and CEO), Zach Wasserman (CFO) Key Messages 1. **Strong Business Model**: Huntington has developed a unique and scalable super-regional bank model that delivers robust revenue and earnings growth across 21 regional markets, supported by locally led teams and a national commercial bank [1][2] 2. **Organic Growth**: Focused execution has resulted in powerful organic growth across all business facets, with a reported 11% revenue growth and 16% EPS growth in 2025 [3][4] 3. **Integration Expertise**: The company has proven expertise in integrating new partners, which creates economic value and supports customer service [2][5] 4. **Value Creation Flywheel**: The combination of these elements creates a compelling flywheel for value creation, which is expected to accelerate as the company expands its footprint and capabilities [2][6] Financial Performance - **2025 Results**: - Revenue growth of 11% - EPS growth of 16% - Return on capital at 16% - Tangible book value per share growth of 19% [3][4] - **2026 Projections**: - Expected revenue of approximately $12.6 billion - Anticipated EPS between $1.90 and $1.93 in 2027 [12][16] Strategic Partnerships - **Cadence Partnership**: The recent partnership with Cadence is expected to enhance the consumer and regional bank franchise, expanding operations into 21 states, particularly Texas [2][6] - **Texas Market**: The combined presence in Texas is a strategic advantage, with projected population growth and economic development in the Texaplex region [7][8] - **Cost Synergies**: Expected cost synergies from the Cadence and Veritex partnerships are projected to reach $435 million annually, with $340 million benefiting operating expenses in 2026 [20][21] Revenue and Expense Management - **Revenue Growth Drivers**: - Net interest income growth projected at 10%-13% - Fee revenue growth expected at 13%-16% [21][22] - **Expense Management**: The company aims to reduce baseline operating costs by at least 1% annually, with cumulative savings of $1.4 billion since 2019 [17][18] Investment Strategy - **Reinvestment Focus**: The company plans to reinvest savings from cost efficiencies into high-value revenue-generating initiatives, with a target to double the investment plowback ratio from 4.5% in 2019 to over 8% [17][19] - **Share Repurchase Plans**: Approximately $200 million in share repurchases is expected, with a cumulative reduction in share count of 2%-3% by 2027 [72] Market Position and Future Outlook - **Competitive Advantage**: The local delivery model and national specialty businesses are expected to drive growth, with a focus on maintaining high returns on tangible common equity (18%-19%) and positive operating leverage [25][85] - **Long-term Growth**: The company is optimistic about its growth trajectory, supported by strong operational results and strategic partnerships [25][86] Conclusion - Huntington Bancshares is positioned for strong growth through its scalable business model, successful integration of partnerships, and disciplined financial management. The company is focused on leveraging its competitive advantages to deliver sustained value to shareholders in the coming years [25][86]

Core Viewpoint - NatWest Group is acquiring Evelyn Partners for GBP 2.7 billion in cash to create the UK's leading private bank and wealth manager, combining their assets under management to reach GBP 127 billion [4][8][5] Financial Performance - Evelyn Partners reported 2025 income of GBP 509 million and EBITDA of GBP 179 million, reflecting a 35% margin, along with net new inflows of GBP 1.6 billion [2][7] - The acquisition is expected to boost NatWest's fee income by approximately 20% before synergies, enhancing non-interest income as a larger part of group revenues [8][7] Strategic Intent - The acquisition aims to accelerate NatWest's strategy by increasing its exposure to wealth management, supported by demographic, regulatory, and technology trends [3][5] - Evelyn brings a regional network of 21 offices, 270 financial planners, and 325 specialist investment managers, along with the direct-to-consumer platform Bestinvest [3][8] Synergies and Cost Management - NatWest anticipates about GBP 100 million in cost synergies, primarily through the elimination of duplication in shared services and technology, with implementation costs estimated at GBP 150 million over three years [6][9] - The integration plan includes technology and platform consolidation, streamlining functions, and optimizing marketing spend [10][9] Capital Impact and Returns - The acquisition is projected to reduce NatWest's CET1 ratio by approximately 130 basis points, driven mainly by goodwill and other intangibles [12][13] - Management expects the deal to be accretive to return on tangible equity in the first year, with returns anticipated to exceed those from share buybacks [13][14] Shareholder Actions - Alongside the acquisition announcement, NatWest is launching a GBP 750 million share buyback while maintaining a dividend payout ratio of around 50% [14][6]

Core Thesis - Compass, Inc. is positioned as a leading tech-enabled real estate services company in the U.S. with a recent acquisition of Anywhere, enhancing its market presence and operational capabilities [2][4]. Company Overview - Compass, Inc. operates as the largest brokerage in the U.S., offering a technology-driven platform complemented by services such as title, escrow, and mortgage [2]. - The company will have approximately 340,000 agents globally, capturing around 18% market share and generating approximately $12.7 billion in revenue with $816 million EBITDA, including synergies from the Anywhere acquisition [3]. Investment Case - The investment thesis is built on three main pillars: thematic exposure to the housing market, platform advantages, and strategic synergies from the Anywhere acquisition [4]. - The housing market is expected to rebound from historical lows in existing home sales, driven by structural demand despite high mortgage rates [4]. - Compass's disciplined cost management and scale advantage justify a premium valuation compared to peers [4]. Synergies and Financial Outlook - The Anywhere acquisition is projected to create cost efficiencies and revenue synergies estimated at $225 million, with manageable pro forma leverage expected to decline towards 1.5x EBITDA as free cash flow is used to reduce debt [4]. - The combination of cyclical tailwinds, long-term platform leadership, and immediate deal synergies presents significant upside potential with limited downside risk [5]. Key Catalysts - Important catalysts for value realization include quarterly earnings reports, updates on the integration of Anywhere, developments in the housing market, and potential policy changes affecting mortgage rates [5].

Summary of Kimberly-Clark's Conference Call Company and Industry - **Company**: Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) - **Industry**: Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), specifically in personal care and health products Key Points and Arguments Kenvue Acquisition - Kimberly-Clark announced a transformational acquisition of Kenvue, aiming to build a leading personal wellness entity [5][6] - The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to enhance their product offerings and market position in health and wellness [6][10] - The company has built a strong operating model and culture over the past two years, leading to industry-leading results [6][7] Strategic Focus - The focus has shifted towards higher margin and higher growth categories, particularly in health and wellness, driven by an aging population [10][11] - The combination with Kenvue is expected to leverage both companies' strengths, including iconic brands and scientific expertise [10][12] Revenue and Cost Synergies - Kimberly-Clark expects to achieve $1.9 billion in cost synergies over three years post-acquisition, with a conservative model validated through due diligence [20][21] - Key areas for cost synergies include G&A overheads (40% of savings), procurement and supply chain, and sales and marketing [24][26] - The integration is expected to be efficient due to the complementary nature of both companies' portfolios and geographic presence [18][20] Market Conditions and Consumer Sentiment - The current consumer environment is challenging, particularly for households with incomes below $100,000, due to inflation and reduced savings [55][56] - Despite these challenges, Kimberly-Clark has maintained strong volume and mix growth, particularly in their diaper segment [59][60] - The company has pivoted its strategy to ensure a superior value proposition across all product tiers, including value tiers [56][57] Brand Revitalization - The leadership team is confident in revitalizing Kenvue's brands, drawing from their own experiences in overcoming past challenges [35][39] - A focus on innovation and accountability is seen as crucial for driving growth and improving brand performance [40][41] Shareholder Value and Future Outlook - The management believes the current share price dislocation presents a buying opportunity, with expectations for top-tier margins and growth rates post-acquisition [61][63] - The combination with Kenvue is anticipated to enhance Kimberly-Clark's overall business performance and shareholder value [63][64] Other Important Insights - The integration process will be closely managed to avoid distractions from ongoing innovation and marketing efforts [45][46] - The company has engaged top experts for due diligence on potential risks associated with Kenvue's portfolio, particularly regarding legal and regulatory issues [46][48] - There is a commitment to optimizing the combined portfolio for long-term shareholder value, with a disciplined approach to managing underperforming brands [51][52]

Core Insights - The company believes the worst impacts from tariffs are behind them, with order patterns from wholesale customers normalizing and strong underlying consumer demand for their brands [1][2] - The third quarter of 2025 was challenging due to new tariffs on Chinese imports, leading to reduced orders and shipment delays, which negatively affected revenue and earnings [2][9] - The company is seeing strong performance in its flagship Steve Madden brand, particularly in boots and dress shoes, supported by effective marketing strategies targeting Gen Z and millennials [4][5] Financial Performance - Consolidated revenue for Q3 2025 was $667.9 million, a 6.9% increase compared to 2024, but a 14.8% decrease when excluding the newly acquired Kurt Geiger [9] - Wholesale revenue decreased by 10.7% to $442.7 million, with footwear revenue down 10.9% and accessories and apparel down 10.3% [9][10] - Direct-to-consumer revenue increased by 76.6% to $221.5 million, with a 1.5% increase when excluding Kurt Geiger [10] Gross Margin and Operating Expenses - Consolidated gross margin improved to 43.4% from 41.6% in the prior year, primarily due to the higher mix of direct-to-consumer sales from Kurt Geiger [11] - Wholesale gross margin decreased to 33.6% from 35.5% due to tariff pressures, while direct-to-consumer gross margin fell to 61.9% from 64% [11] - Operating expenses rose to $243.4 million, or 36.4% of revenue, compared to 27.9% in 2024, leading to operating income of $46.3 million [12] Future Outlook - The company expects revenue growth of 27% to 30% in Q4 2025 compared to 2024, with earnings per share projected between $0.41 and $0.46 [14] - The integration of Kurt Geiger is on track, with mid-teens comp sales growth and plans for expansion in international markets [5][30] - The company aims to recover gross margins over time, with expectations of improved performance in 2026 [49][65] Brand Performance and Marketing - The Steve Madden brand is experiencing strong sell-through rates, particularly in boots and dress shoes, with a focus on fashion-forward products [4][16] - The marketing strategy includes increased investment in social media platforms, driving awareness and conversion among younger consumers [4][60] - The company is seeing improved performance in full-price channels compared to value price channels, which have been more affected by tariff-related disruptions [60] Inventory and Supply Chain - Inventory at the end of Q3 was $476 million, a significant increase from $268.7 million in 2024, with efforts to manage stock levels amid supply chain disruptions [13] - The company is diversifying its sourcing strategy to reduce reliance on any single country, particularly in light of tariff changes [24] - The ability to chase demand has been impacted by supply chain disruptions, but the company has managed to front-load merchandise effectively [22][23]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for Q3 2025 was $667.9 million, a 6.9% increase compared to Q3 2024. Excluding Kurt Geiger, revenue decreased by 14.8% [9] - Net income attributable to Steve Madden Ltd. for the quarter was $30.4 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, compared to $64.8 million, or $0.91 per diluted share in Q3 2024 [13] - Operating income for the quarter was $46.3 million, or 6.9% of revenue, down from $85.4 million, or 13.7% of revenue in the prior year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wholesale revenue was $442.7 million, down 10.7% compared to Q3 2024. Excluding Kurt Geiger, wholesale revenue decreased by 19% [9] - Direct-to-consumer (DTC) revenue increased by 76.6% to $221.5 million. Excluding Kurt Geiger, DTC revenue increased by 1.5% [9] - Wholesale footwear revenue was $266.5 million, a 10.9% decrease from the comparable period in 2024, or down 16.7% excluding Kurt Geiger [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comp sales for the Kurt Geiger brand were up mid-teens in Q3 2025, indicating strong consumer response [6] - The company ended the quarter with 397 company-operated retail stores, including 99 outlets, and 7 e-commerce websites [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deepening consumer connections through compelling products and effective marketing, particularly for the Steve Madden brand [5] - The acquisition integration of Kurt Geiger is on track, with progress on revenue synergies and cost savings opportunities [7] - The company plans to open a handful of stores in the U.S. for Kurt Geiger next year and expects growth in both retail and wholesale channels [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by new tariffs but believes the worst is behind them, with order patterns from wholesale customers normalizing [4] - The company expects revenue to increase by 27%-30% in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024, with earnings per share projected in the range of $0.41-$0.46 [14] - Management expressed confidence in improved financial performance in Q4 and the long-term growth potential of their brands and business model [8] Other Important Information - Consolidated gross margin was 43.4%, up from 41.6% in the comparable period of 2023, primarily due to the higher mix of DTC from Kurt Geiger [10] - The company approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share, payable on December 26, 2025 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the fashion developing this fall and inventory levels in the wholesale channel? - Management noted strong performance in the core Steve Madden women's shoe business, particularly in boots, and expressed confidence in spring prospects [17][18] Question: What is the expected revenue contribution from Kurt Geiger in Q4? - Management expects Kurt Geiger's revenue contribution to be between $182 million and $187 million, with over 70% coming from DTC [20][21] Question: How is the margin structure expected to recover? - Management believes all margin erosion is recoverable over time, with tariffs expected to be reflected in retail prices [64][65] Question: What is the outlook for the wholesale business by type? - Management indicated the strongest performance is in regular price channels, while value price channels have faced more pressure [85] Question: How is Kurt Geiger performing by region? - Kurt Geiger is growing in all core regions, including the U.K., U.S., and Europe [42] Question: What are the expectations for international brand growth? - Management anticipates high single-digit revenue growth for Steve Madden internationally in 2025 and strong double-digit growth for Kurt Geiger [73]