Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR) Q4 2025 Earnings call January 29, 2026 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsCharles Perron - VP of Equity ResearchEric Bosshard - CEO and FounderJuan Carlos Puente - EVP of North America and Global Strategic SourcingLudovic Beaufils - EVP of MDA Latin America and KitchenAid Small AppliancesMarc Bitzer - Chairman and CEOMike Dahl - Managing DirectorRoxanne Warner - CFOSam Darkatsh - Managing Director of Equity ResearchScott Cartwright - Head of Investor RelationsConference Call ParticipantsAn ...

Group 1 - The economy showed a decent start in January 2026, but growth appears to be cooling due to ongoing stress from U.S. tariffs [1] - The services index from S&P Global inched up to 52.8 in January from 52.7 in December, remaining near an eight-month low [1]

Core Viewpoint - United Parcel Service (UPS) has struggled with stock performance in recent years, but recent developments may indicate a potential turnaround for the company [1] Financial Performance - UPS reported a revenue decline of 2.6% year-over-year, but exceeded Wall Street's expectations with actual revenue of $21.4 billion compared to the projected $20.8 billion [2] - The adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 was $1.74, significantly higher than the consensus estimate of $1.30 [2] Workforce Adjustments - The company reduced its operational workforce by 34,000 in the first nine months of the year, surpassing its initial forecast of a 20,000 reduction [3] - Additionally, UPS cut 14,000 management jobs [3] Strategic Developments - CEO Carol Tomé has engaged with the new Postmaster General of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), leading to a preliminary agreement where UPS will manage "middle mile" transportation while USPS will handle "final mile" delivery [4] - This strategic partnership may enhance operational efficiency for UPS [4] Stock Performance - Following the positive Q3 results and strategic developments, UPS's share price has increased by approximately 17% since early October [5] Future Considerations - Despite the positive developments, uncertainties remain, including the impact of tariffs and the company's decision to reduce shipment volumes with Amazon, which is described as a significant strategic shift [8][9]

Core Insights - The performance of legacy auto companies, particularly General Motors (GM), in Q3 2025 has exceeded investor expectations, with GM's stock rising 44% after beating earnings estimates and raising guidance for the full year [3][4][8] - Despite a significant decline in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, GM continues to grow its market share in internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid vehicles, demonstrating resilience in a challenging market [5][12] Company Performance - GM's stock remains undervalued with strong upside potential, driven by its ability to generate profits across different market conditions [4][10] - In Q3 2025, GM achieved a 41% market share in full-size pickups and 60% in full-size SUVs, contributing to a total U.S. market share increase from 14.4% in 2021 to 17.2% in the TTM ended Q3 2025 [7][8] - GM's total U.S. vehicle deliveries reached 710,000 in Q3 2025, marking an 8% year-over-year increase [8] EV Market Dynamics - The EV market has seen a slowdown, with GM managing to grow its EV market share despite scaling back production; GM holds the 2 position in the U.S. EV market [12][13] - Year-to-date EV unit sales for GM's brands (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac) grew significantly, with Chevrolet being the 2 U.S. EV brand [14][15] Financial Health - GM has generated $45 billion in free cash flow from 2014 through Q3 2025, with $7.9 billion in free cash flow over the TTM [22][26] - The company has reinstated and increased its dividend, currently providing a yield of 0.9%, and has repurchased $24.2 billion in shares since 2022 [24][25] Challenges and Outlook - GM recorded a $1.6 billion charge related to EV operations in Q3 2025, but management expects to reduce these losses in 2026 and beyond [29] - Tariffs continue to impact profitability, although GM is taking steps to mitigate these effects by expanding U.S. production [30][31] Valuation Perspective - GM's current stock price implies a pessimistic outlook, expecting a 40% decline in NOPAT, which contrasts with the company's historical growth rates [33][34] - Scenarios suggest that GM's stock could rise over 40% even with a decline in profits, indicating potential for significant upside if the company performs in line with historical trends [36][38]

Core Insights - Gap Inc. reported a net income of $236 million, down from $274 million a year earlier, with a diluted share of 62 cents compared to 72 cents previously, attributed to a slight decline in margin and timing of SG&A expenses [1] - The company’s gross margin was 42.4 percent, a decrease of 30 basis points year-over-year, with merchandise margin down 70 basis points, impacted by an estimated net tariff effect of approximately 190 basis points [1][6] - Gap Inc. raised its annual net sales growth guidance to 1.7 percent to 2 percent, up from the previous forecast of 1 percent to 2 percent, with an expected operating margin rate of 7.2 percent for the year [7] Financial Performance - Gap Inc. reported third-quarter net sales of $3.9 billion, a 3 percent increase from the previous year, with comparable sales rising 5 percent, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales [4][5] - Banana Republic's third-quarter net sales slipped 1 percent to $464 million, while comparable sales increased by 4 percent [2] - Old Navy's third-quarter sales reached $2.3 billion, up 5 percent year-over-year, with comparable sales rising 6 percent [2] Market Position and Strategy - The company experienced growth across all income cohorts, with strong consumer response to its price, value, and style offerings, leading to confidence heading into the holiday season [5] - Gap Inc. reported less discounting compared to the previous year, contributing to better regular price sell-throughs and overall margin performance [6] - The company ended the quarter with nearly 3,500 store locations in 35 countries, with 2,497 being company-operated [10] Online Sales and Future Outlook - Online sales increased by 2 percent year-over-year, representing 40 percent of total net sales [11] - The company is optimistic about the holiday season, with strong product presentations and marketing strategies in place [8]

Core Insights - Sypris Solutions, Inc. reported a decrease in third quarter revenue compared to the prior-year quarter, primarily due to the impact of tariffs affecting demand from transportation-related customers [1] Financial Performance - The third quarter revenue decline was attributed to the near-term effects of tariffs, which necessitated the conversion of certain shipments from the company's facility in Mexico to a value-add only sub-maquiladora [1]

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]

Core Insights - Mattel missed topline expectations in Q3, making the upcoming holiday season crucial for performance [3][4] - Analysts express concerns about the dynamics heading into the holiday season due to Q3's sales decline [4] - The company maintains its guidance for a 1% to 3% increase in net sales for the year, with an adjusted gross margin target of around 50% [4][6] Company Performance - Q3 net sales decreased nearly 6% year-over-year to $1.7 billion, necessitating a strong holiday season for recovery [6] - Net income fell 25% to $278.4 million, with gross margin contracting by 310 basis points to 50% [6] - The margin contraction was attributed to currency exchange, inflation, tariffs, and higher sales adjustments, though partially offset by cost savings [6] Industry Context - The toy industry overall is experiencing high-single-digit growth, indicating stronger momentum compared to traditional low-single-digit growth [5] - Retailers are adjusting their supply chain strategies due to tariffs, shifting from direct importing to domestic shipping, impacting Mattel's operations [5][6] - The company is adapting to a more just-in-time inventory system with smaller, more frequent orders from retailers [6]

Core Insights - Lululemon Athletica Inc. has been re-rated on Wall Street due to a slow turnaround in the U.S. market, concerns over China, and a significant impact from the de minimis switch, resulting in the stock no longer being at its previous industry-leading high [1] Company Performance - Shares of Lululemon hit a five-year low, closing at $168.10, with a market capitalization of $19.9 billion, positioning it between Tapestry Inc. ($21.8 billion) and Ralph Lauren Inc. ($18.7 billion) [2] - Ten years ago, Lululemon, Tapestry, and Ralph Lauren were each valued at less than $10 billion, but Lululemon's market cap surged to over $64 billion in late 2023 under CEO Calvin McDonald [3] Earnings and Growth - Lululemon's previous strong earnings and growth allowed it to maintain investor confidence despite setbacks, such as the failed Mirror acquisition and merchandising adjustments in the U.S. [4] Sales and Analyst Downgrades - U.S. comparable sales fell by 3% in constant dollars in the second quarter, remaining flat or declining for the last six quarters, prompting analysts to seek proof of recovery [5] - Analyst Sharon Zackfia downgraded Lululemon to Market Perform, citing uncertainty regarding U.S. sales recovery, unexpected tariff impacts, and macroeconomic concerns in China [5] Profit Outlook and Tariffs - The company anticipates a $240 million hit to its profit outlook this year due to trade war tariffs and the removal of the de minimis exemption [5] - The de minimis change, which now applies tariffs to shipments valued under $800, has surprised the market, affecting both high-end brands and companies like Shein and Temu [6]

Core Viewpoint - lululemon athletica inc. (LULU) is experiencing a downtrend due to expectations of higher expenses and uncertainty from increased tariffs on imports from China and Mexico, leading to a subdued outlook for fiscal 2025 [1][15] Financial Performance - LULU's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple is 14.88X, which is a premium compared to the Zacks Textile – Apparel industry's average of 11.35X, indicating the stock is expensive from a valuation perspective [2][4] - The price-to-sales (P/S) ratio for lululemon is 2.32X, which is below the industry's 1.6X, contributing to investor expectations [2] - In the past three months, LULU shares have declined by 17.3%, underperforming the broader industry decline of 0.7% and the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector's growth of 16.8% [5][7] Market Dynamics - The current share price of LULU is $223.93, which is 47.1% below its 52-week high of $423.32 and 1.8% above its 52-week low of $219.97, indicating bearish sentiment as it trades below its 50 and 200-day moving averages [9][10] - The decline in stock price is attributed to investor concerns over multiple headwinds, including softness in the U.S. market and cautious consumer behavior, which has impacted sales growth [11][15] Operational Challenges - LULU is facing margin pressures due to increased tariffs and higher import costs, which are affecting near-term profitability [7][14] - The company has lowered its EPS guidance for the second quarter to $2.85-$2.90, with an expected decline in operating margin of nearly 380 basis points [16] - Despite reaffirming fiscal 2025 revenue guidance, the company has seen downward revisions in EPS estimates for fiscal 2025 and 2026, indicating a loss of confidence in growth potential [17][18] Investment Sentiment - The combination of high valuation and subdued fundamentals suggests that investors may remain cautious until there are clearer signs of a rebound in U.S. demand and margin stability [20]