Weatherford International (WFRD) Q2 2025 Earnings Call July 23, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsLuke Lemoine - SVP - Corporate Development & IRGirish Saligram - President and Chief Executive OfficerAnuj Dhruv - EVP & CFOJ. David Anderson - Managing DirectorScott Gruber - Director - Oilfield Services & Equipment ResearchJames West - MD, Head - Energy & Power ResearchAtidrip Modak - Vice President - Energy Services & E&PsJosh Jayne - Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsJim Rollyson - Director & ...

Weatherford International (WFRD) Q2 2025 Earnings Call July 23, 2025 08:30 AM ET Speaker0Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Weatherford International Second Quarter twenty twenty five Results. All participants will be in listen only mode. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star, then one on your telephone keypad.To withdraw your question, please press star, then 2. As a reminder, this event is being recorde ...

J P M O R G A N Asia Pacific Equity Research 18 July 2025 MicroPort (0853) Pre-announced 1H25 sales and adj net profit slightly below expectations, but 2H25 offers potential for recovery. Maintain OW MicroPort (853 HK, OW) pre-announced its 1H2025 results last night, indicating a sales decline of less than 4% (excluding forex effects) and an adjusted net loss limited to US$110mn. The announcement mentioned several challenges in 1H25, such as intensifying domestic competition, policy-induced price adjustment ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The IT services revenue for Q1 was $2,590 million, reflecting a 2% decline in constant currency terms, which is within the guidance range [7][20] - Operating margin for Q1 was 17.3%, an expansion of 80 basis points year on year [21] - Net income grew by 10.9% year on year, with earnings per share (EPS) at INR 3.2, a growth of 10.8% year on year [24][25] - Free cash flow as a percentage of net income was robust at 115% for the quarter [25] - The effective tax rate was 21.6% for Q1, down from 24.5% in Q1 2024 [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - BFSI sector saw a decline of 3.8% sequentially and 3.5% year on year [23] - Healthcare grew by 0.5% sequentially and 3.5% year on year [23] - Consumer sector declined by 4% sequentially and 5% year on year [23] - Technology and communications grew by 0.4% sequentially but declined by 3% year on year [23] - Capco continued to perform well, growing by 6.1% year on year [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas market grew by 1.5% year on year in constant terms, with strong deal momentum [7] - Europe faced a decline of 6.4% sequentially and 11.6% year on year [22] - Digital spending in India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia remained resilient [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on AI, data, and modernization programs, aligning with client priorities [5][6] - Emphasis on vendor consolidation and cost optimization as key drivers for deal wins [12][45] - The company aims to build an AI-first enterprise, integrating AI capabilities into industry solutions [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the macro environment, citing ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and tariff impacts [36][100] - Despite uncertainties, there is strong deal momentum in BFSI and technology sectors, with clients focusing on cost optimization and AI investments [37][102] - The outlook for the second half of the year appears positive due to a strong order book and healthy pipeline [18][71] Other Important Information - The board declared an interim dividend of INR 5 per share, distributing over $1,300 million in the last six months [26] - The company revised its capital allocation policy to pay out a minimum of 70% of net income over three years [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the macro outlook right now? - Management acknowledged ongoing uncertainty in the macro environment, with geopolitical issues and tariffs affecting various industries [36] Question: What powered the Americas One performance despite sector declines? - Strong performance in health and communications sectors contributed to the growth in the Americas market unit [39] Question: Is discretionary demand returning? - Discretionary spending is returning in certain areas, particularly around AI and modernization projects [45] Question: How are large deal wins impacting financials? - Large deal wins will take time to ramp up, typically around six to eight quarters, but are expected to positively impact revenues [70] Question: What is the outlook for margins going forward? - Margins may face pressure due to upfront investments required for large deals, but management remains optimistic about maintaining profitability through operational excellence [98]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - IT services revenue for Q1 was $2.59 billion, reflecting a 2% decline in constant currency terms, within guidance range [6][21] - IT services margin was 17.3%, an expansion of 80 basis points year on year [6][22] - Net income grew 10.9% year on year in Q1, with EPS at INR 3.2, a growth of 10.8% year on year [25][26] - Free cash flow as a percentage of net income was robust at 115% for the quarter [26][119] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - BFSI sector saw a decline of 3.8% sequentially and 3.5% year on year, while healthcare grew 0.5% sequentially and 3.5% year on year [24] - Consumer sector declined 4% sequentially and 5% year on year, with technology and communications growing 0.4% sequentially but declining 3% year on year [24] - Capco continued to perform well, growing 6.1% year on year [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas market grew 1.5% year on year in constant terms, with strong deal momentum [6][23] - Europe faced a decline of 6.4% sequentially and 11.6% year on year [23] - Digital spending in India, Middle East, and Southeast Asia remained resilient [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Company is focusing on AI, data, and modernization programs, aligning with client priorities [4][5] - Emphasis on vendor consolidation and cost optimization as key drivers for deal wins [11][12] - Company aims to build an AI-first enterprise, integrating AI capabilities into industry solutions [16][17] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the macro environment, highlighting ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and tariff impacts [37][39] - Strong order book and healthy pipeline provide confidence for long-term value delivery [18] - Guidance for Q2 indicates a sequential growth range of -1% to +1% in constant currency terms [28] Other Important Information - The board declared an interim dividend of INR 5 per share, distributing over $1.3 billion in cash in the last six months [27][120] - The company revised its capital allocation policy to pay out a minimum of 70% of net income over three years [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the macro outlook right now? - Management acknowledged ongoing uncertainty due to geopolitical factors and tariffs, but noted strong deal momentum in BFSI and technology sectors [37][39] Question: What powered the Americas One performance despite sector declines? - Strong performance in health and communications sectors contributed to the growth in Americas One [40] Question: Is discretionary demand returning? - Discretionary spending is returning in certain pockets, particularly in AI and modernization projects [45] Question: How is AI impacting hiring and headcount changes? - AI efficiency is evolving, and while there is a need for AI-trained talent, the correlation between AI and hiring is not yet strong [48] Question: How are acquired companies contributing to growth? - Capco has performed well, growing 6% year on year, with robust bookings expected to continue [79]

Core Insights - Ericsson reported mixed second-quarter 2025 results, with adjusted earnings exceeding estimates while revenues fell short due to regional weaknesses [1][3][10] Financial Performance - Net income for Ericsson was SEK 4.6 billion ($476 million), a significant recovery from a loss of SEK 11 billion in the prior-year quarter, with adjusted earnings beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate [2][10] - Total revenues amounted to SEK 56.1 billion ($5.8 billion), down 6% year over year, and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.94 billion, although organic sales improved by 2% [3][10] Segment Results - The Networks segment generated SEK 35.7 billion ($3.67 billion), a 5% decline from the previous year, missing revenue estimates of SEK 42 billion, but gross margin improved to 49.5% from 46.1% [4] - Cloud Software and Services revenues decreased by 5% year over year to SEK 14.4 billion ($1.49 billion), slightly below estimates, while gross margin improved to 43.2% from 37.2% [5] - The Enterprise segment reported SEK 5.5 billion ($569 million), down 14% from the prior year, but net sales exceeded estimates [6] Regional Performance - South-East Asia, Oceania, and India revenues fell to SEK 5.5 billion ($569 million) from SEK 7.7 billion, while North East Asia saw a 17% decline to SEK 3.8 billion ($393 million) [7] - Revenues from the Americas remained stable at SEK 19.8 billion ($2.04 billion), and Europe, Middle East, and Africa experienced a 6% decline to SEK 16.2 billion ($1.67 billion) [8] Other Financial Metrics - Gross income, excluding restructuring charges, improved to SEK 27 billion ($2.79 billion) from SEK 26.3 billion, with a gross margin of 48% compared to 43.9% in the previous year [11] - Cash generated from operating activities was SEK 4.2 billion ($434 million), with net cash of SEK 36.04 billion ($3.8 billion) as of June 30, 2025 [12] Outlook - For Q3 2025, revenues from Networks and Cloud Software and Services are expected to align with historical seasonality, with gross margin in the Networks segment projected between 48-50% [13]

Core Insights - Northern Trust Corporation (NTRS) successfully passed the Federal Reserve's 2025 stress test, maintaining a 2.5% Stress Capital Buffer, indicating a strong capital position and resilience against severe economic downturns [1][3] - Analysts have revised earnings growth estimates for NTRS upward for 2024 and 2025, reflecting optimism about the company's financial performance [2] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NTRS's earnings per share (EPS) for 2025 is projected at $8.18, with a year-over-year growth estimate of 6.23% [12] - Over the past three to five years, NTRS's EPS has increased by 3.1%, with a projected growth rate of 6.2% in the near term [8][11] - The company reported a return on equity (ROE) of 13% in the first quarter of 2025, indicating consistent profitability and operational efficiency [16] Dividend and Share Repurchase - Following the stress test, NTRS plans to increase its quarterly dividend by 7% to $0.80 per share starting in Q3 2025, subject to board approval, with a current dividend yield of 2.34% [4] - NTRS has an active share repurchase program, having repurchased $287 million worth of shares in Q1 2025, with $25 million authorized for buybacks [6] Growth Drivers - The company has experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% in total revenues from 2020 to 2024, supported by increases in net interest income (NII) and non-interest income [12][14] - Loan and lease balances grew at a CAGR of 6.7% during the same period, with expectations for a rebound in loan activity as the client base expands [13][14] - The launch of Family Office Solutions in April 2025 aims to attract ultra-high-net-worth clients, enhancing revenue potential [14] Cost Management - Northern Trust is implementing cost optimization measures, including disciplined headcount management and process automation, to enhance productivity and achieve financial objectives [15] - The company has maintained a solid liquidity position, with deposits totaling $52 billion compared to total debt of $12 billion, supporting its financial flexibility [7] Market Performance - Over the past year, NTRS shares have increased by 53.1%, outperforming the industry growth of 28.6% [17] - NTRS currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive market sentiment [20]

Core Insights - Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK) is experiencing significant growth driven by its brands HOKA and UGG, while Under Armour, Inc. (UAA) is transforming into a premium athletic brand [1] - The competitive landscape raises questions about which stock offers better upside potential for investors [1] Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK) - Deckers is focusing on high-margin markets, with fiscal 2025 net sales reaching $4.98 billion, a 16.3% year-over-year increase [2] - Projected first-quarter revenues for fiscal 2026 are between $890 million and $910 million, with HOKA expected to grow in low-double digits and UGG in mid-single digits [2] - Product innovation is key, with strong demand for updated HOKA models and new UGG hybrid products [3] - The company is expanding its omni-channel presence, balancing growth between wholesale and direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels, with international markets outperforming [4] - Despite record results in fiscal 2025, DECK faces challenges from new tariffs potentially adding costs of up to $150 million in fiscal 2026 [5] - Gross margin is expected to decline from 57.9% in fiscal 2025, with a projected contraction of 210 basis points for fiscal 2026 [6] - SG&A costs are anticipated to grow faster than revenues, leading to a decline in earnings per share to 62-67 cents from 75 cents in the prior year [8] - DECK's stock has dropped 13.6% over the past three months due to margin pressures and cautious guidance [20] Under Armour, Inc. (UAA) - Under Armour is enhancing its DTC channel by focusing on premium pricing, resulting in double-digit growth in average unit retail in fiscal 2025 [10] - The brand's loyalty program, with 28 million members, significantly contributes to U.S. DTC revenues [11] - EMEA region is a strong performer, with plans for expansion into France, Spain, and Germany in fiscal 2026 [12] - UAA recorded a 170-basis-point increase in gross margin in fiscal 2025, with expectations for further margin gains in fiscal 2026 [13][14] - The company is targeting $75 million in annualized savings by the end of fiscal 2026 through cost optimization [15] - Despite expected revenue declines of 4-5% in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, UAA is focused on long-term brand elevation and operational discipline [16][17] - UAA's stock has gained 5.5% over the past three months, driven by improving margins and premiumization efforts [20] Comparative Analysis - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DECK suggests a 7.6% growth in sales but a 4.4% decline in earnings per share for fiscal 2026 [18] - UAA's estimates indicate a 2.1% decline in sales but a 9.7% growth in earnings per share for fiscal 2026 [19] - DECK is trading at a forward P/S multiple of 2.77, while UAA's is at 0.57, indicating UAA may offer better value [22] - Under Armour is viewed as a better investment case due to its strategic shift towards premiumization and disciplined cost control [25][26]

Core Insights - Under Armour, Inc. (UAA) reported a gross margin of 46.7% for Q4 fiscal 2025, a year-over-year increase of 170 basis points, driven by lower product and freight costs, reduced discounting, and improved royalty terms [1][2][3] Financial Performance - For fiscal 2025, the gross margin was 47.9%, up 180 basis points from the previous year, attributed to reduced supply-chain costs and strategic discount reductions [3] - The company anticipates a gross margin expansion of 40-60 basis points in Q1 fiscal 2026, supported by favorable product mix and continued supply-chain efficiencies [5] Strategic Initiatives - Under Armour is focusing on "higher quality revenue" and regaining pricing power by reducing reliance on markdowns, which is central to its brand elevation strategy [4] - The ongoing restructuring program has led to $89 million in transformation charges but yielded $35 million in savings for fiscal 2025, with expectations of reaching a $75 million annualized cost-saving run-rate by the end of fiscal 2026 [7][9] Cost Management - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses are projected to decline by 40% from the prior-year quarter, reflecting disciplined spending and enhanced productivity [8][9] - The combination of restructuring-driven savings and tighter cost control positions Under Armour to support gross margin gains and improve overall profitability [9] Market Performance - UAA shares gained 0.8% in the past month, outperforming the Zacks Textile – Apparel industry's decline of 16.5% and the broader Consumer Discretionary sector's performance [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net revenue for Q1 2025 was USD 657 million, a 150% increase year over year and largely in line with Q4 2024 [27] - Cost of goods sold for the quarter was USD 888 million, an increase of 113% year over year and down 25% quarter over quarter [27] - Q1 2025 gross margin was -35%, an improvement from -59% in the same period last year [27] - Net loss for the quarter was USD 712 million, with a net loss margin of -109%, compared to -226% in Q1 2024 [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, VinFast delivered 36,330 electric vehicles, representing a 296% increase year over year and a 32% decline quarter over quarter [7] - Two-wheeler deliveries reached 44,904 units, marking a 473% year over year increase and a 44% rise quarter over quarter [8] - B2C deliveries accounted for over 70% of total sales for three consecutive quarters through Q1 2025 [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Vietnam, VinFast's market share of overall auto sales increased to nearly 40% in Q1 2025 from approximately 20% last year [15] - EV penetration in Vietnam reached nearly 40% in Q1, while BEV adoption in Indonesia was 7% and 3% in The Philippines [11] - Vietnam led Southeast Asia in automotive sales growth with a 24% year over year increase [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - VinFast aims to double vehicle deliveries in 2025 and maintain strong momentum into 2026 [39] - The company is transitioning from a direct-to-consumer model to a dealer-based model to enhance efficiency [28] - New vehicle platforms and EE architecture are expected to drive long-term cost savings and operational efficiency [26][22] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about improved operating leverage driven by economies of scale [6] - The company is focused on scaling operations, accelerating product development, and executing cost optimization to achieve profitability [39] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by global macroeconomic and trade uncertainties but remains committed to growth [7] Other Important Information - CapEx for Q1 2025 was USD 147 million, down 24% year over year and 40% quarter over quarter [30] - As of May 31, liquidity stands at approximately USD 2.4 billion, including various loans and grants [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline on new factories in Vietnam, India, and Indonesia - All facilities in Asia are expected to start operations this year, with the India factory opening in July [36] Question: Key catalysts for investors in 2025 - Growth will be driven by deeper market penetration in key international markets and new product offerings [39] Question: Timing of CapEx and when it might peak - Total CapEx planned for 2025 is USD 800 million, with over 50% allocated to R&D [44] Question: Expansion into the bus market - Deliveries of buses have already started in Vietnam, with plans to expand into other markets [46] Question: Average selling price (ASP) trajectory for the rest of the year - ASP for Q1 2025 was around USD 15,000, expected to remain under USD 20,000 for the full year [49] Question: Variable margin versus fixed costs in production - Variable costs are being optimized, with expectations for improvements in gross margin by 2026 [51] Question: Rationale for closing B2C showrooms in North America and Europe - Transitioning to a dealership model to enhance efficiency and scale globally [61] Question: Liquidity status - Total cash burn for 2025 is expected to be around USD 2 billion to USD 2.5 billion [64]