Core Insights - SCHMID Group N.V. has secured a two-tranche term loan facility of up to €10 million to strengthen its financial structure and working capital [1][2] - The first tranche of €2.5 million is expected to be drawn on December 18, 2025, with the second tranche anticipated in early 2026 [2] - The company appointed Arthur Schuetz as the new Chief Financial Officer, effective January 1, 2026, bringing over 20 years of investment banking experience [3][4] Financial Structure - The term loan includes an optional equity conversion right at a fixed share price of USD 2.15 per share [1] - A related party loan raised an additional €200,000, involving the company's Chairman, Board members, and external investors [1] - The financing aims to convert strong order intake into revenues and optimize the company's capital structure for future opportunities [2] Leadership Changes - Arthur Schuetz will replace Julia Natterer as CFO, who will focus on daily operations at Gebr. Schmid GmbH [3] - Schuetz's background includes leading equity and debt capital fundraisings and managing complex cross-border M&A transactions [3][4] - The board expresses confidence in Schuetz's ability to enhance the company's financial strategy and stakeholder value [4] Company Overview - SCHMID Group is a global leader in high-tech electronics, photovoltaics, glass, and energy systems, headquartered in Freudenstadt, Germany [7] - The company employs over 800 staff and operates technology centers and manufacturing sites in Germany and China [7] - It focuses on customized equipment and process solutions, ensuring high technology levels and sustainability in production processes [7]

FREUDENSTADT, Germany, Dec. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SCHMID Group N.V. (NASDAQ: SHMD), a global leader in providing solutions to the high-tech electronics, photovoltaics, glass, and energy systems industries, reports its unaudited financial results for the first half of 2025, covering the period ended June 30, 2025 and updates its full-year 2025 guidance. Key Highlights Revenues: €16.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to €29.7 million for the same period last year due to lower ord ...

Core Viewpoint - Corning Incorporated reported strong Q3 2025 earnings, surpassing estimates with revenue growth driven by demand in various sectors, particularly in optical communication and Gen-AI applications [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - The company achieved a net income of $430 million or 50 cents per share, a significant improvement from a loss of $117 million or 14 cents in the same quarter last year [3]. - Core earnings for the quarter were $585 million or 67 cents per share, up from $465 million or 54 cents year-over-year, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny [3][12]. - Net sales reached $4.1 billion, a 21.1% increase from $3.39 billion in the previous year, with core sales up 14% to $4.27 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate of $4.21 billion [4][12]. Segment Performance - Optical Communications segment revenues were $1.65 billion, up 33% year-over-year, driven by strong demand for Gen-AI products, with net income improving to $295 million, a 69% increase [5]. - Display Technologies reported revenues of $939 million, down 7% year-over-year, with net income declining 12% to $250 million [6]. - Specialty Materials generated $621 million in revenues, up 13% year-over-year, with net income rising to $113 million from $72 million [6]. - The Automotive segment contributed $454 million in net sales, a 6% increase year-over-year, with net income up 33% to $68 million [7]. - Life Sciences segment revenues were $242 million, slightly down from $244 million year-over-year, with net income increasing 7% to $16 million [7]. - Hemlock and Emerging Growth Businesses reported a 46% increase in net sales to $364 million, but incurred a net loss of $1 million compared to a net income of $12 million in the previous year [8]. Profitability and Cash Flow - Quarterly gross profit rose to $1.52 billion from $1.13 billion, with gross margins improving to 37.1% from 33.5% [9]. - Operating income increased to $589 million from $302 million in the prior-year quarter [9]. - Corning generated $784 million in net cash from operations, up from $699 million in the same quarter last year, and had $1.64 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2025 [11]. Future Outlook - For Q4 2025, core sales are projected at $4.35 billion, with core EPS expected to be in the range of 68-72 cents [12]. - Estimates for the stock have trended upward, with a consensus estimate shift of 6.51% [13]. - Corning holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [15].

Summary of Key Points from Conference Call Industry Overview Basic Materials - China - **Copper Prices**: LME copper rose 1.5% WoW to US$10,856/t, while the China price increased 1.3% WoW to RMB87,200/t [1][31] - **Aluminum Prices**: LME aluminum slipped 0.2% WoW to US$2,830/t, while the China aluminum price increased 1.7% WoW to RMB21,910/t. Domestic aluminum margins improved by RMB395/t WoW to RMB6,094/t due to lower power costs [1][31][52] - **Gold Prices**: COMEX gold climbed 2% WoW to US$4,084/oz [1][11] - **Lithium Prices**: Average price of domestic battery-grade lithium carbonate (99.5%) rose 5.9% WoW to RMB85.2k/t [1][55] - **Uranium Prices**: Uranium U₃O₈ spot prices settled at US$77.7/lb, down 2.7% WoW [1][57] - **Cobalt Prices**: China cobalt spot price edged up 1% WoW to RMB395,000/t [1][63] Steel Industry - **Finished Steel Prices**: Rebar prices edged up 0.2% WoW to RMB3,218/t, and HRC rose 0.2% WoW to RMB3,298/t [2][66] - **Inventory and Consumption**: Finished steel inventory fell 1.7% WoW to 14.8 million tons, while apparent consumption slipped 0.7% WoW to 8.6 million tons [2][66] - **Iron Ore Prices**: Iron ore prices declined 1% WoW to USD104/t [2][66] - **Profit Margins**: Higher coke costs pressured margins, with rebar narrowing by RMB28/t WoW to –RMB392/t and HRC contracting by RMB36/t to –RMB380/t [2][66][75] Cement Industry - **Cement Prices**: Average national cement price traded higher by 0.6% WoW to RMB345/t. Prices in various provinces showed mixed trends [3][88] - **Demand Recovery**: National cement demand slightly recovered amid favorable weather conditions, with producers planning to push prices higher by year-end [3][88] - **Shipment and Inventory Ratios**: Nationwide shipment ratio decreased by 0.3 percentage points WoW to 40.0%, while inventory ratio was at 69.4%, down 0.2 percentage points WoW [3][20] Paper and Glass Industries - **Paper Prices**: Paper price rose by 1.76% WoW to RMB3,669/t, supported by supply shrinkage and low inventory [3][99] - **Glass Prices**: National average float glass price settled lower by 0.16% WoW to RMB1,195/t amid lukewarm demand. Xinyi float glass GPM was down 0.5 percentage points to 10.8% [3][22][98] Solar Materials - **Polysilicon Prices**: N-type polysilicon and granular silicon prices remained stable at RMB53/kg and RMB51/kg, respectively [3][109] - **Solar Glass Capacity**: Solar glass daily capacity climbed 1.43% WoW to 88,590t/day, with inventory days expanding 6.5% WoW to 25.63 [3][122] Additional Insights - **Market Sentiment**: The end of the U.S. government shutdown eased risk-off sentiment, supporting copper prices [1][31] - **Cement Producers' Strategy**: Cement producers are looking to increase prices to secure more profit by year-end [3][88] - **Steel Mill Margins**: Spot cash margins at steel mills indicate a challenging environment with negative margins for both rebar and HRC [2][75][81] This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call, highlighting the performance and trends across various sectors within the basic materials industry in China.

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of value investing as a preferred strategy for identifying strong stocks in various market conditions [2] - OI Glass (OI) is highlighted as a strong value stock, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and an A grade in the Value category [3][6] Valuation Metrics - OI has a Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio of 1.48, which is attractive compared to the industry average of 1.57. The P/B ratio has fluctuated between a high of 1,033.82 and a low of 1.19 over the past 52 weeks, with a median of 1.57 [4] - The Price-to-Cash Flow (P/CF) ratio for OI is 8.87, which is favorable against the industry average of 9.95. The P/CF has ranged from a high of 25.52 to a low of 4.02 in the last 52 weeks, with a median of 8.53 [5] Investment Outlook - The combination of OI's strong valuation metrics and positive earnings outlook suggests that the stock is likely undervalued, making it an impressive value investment opportunity at present [6]

Core Insights - The financial year 2024 was significantly impacted by weak demand in China due to trade conflicts, resulting in sales of approximately €61 million and an adjusted EBITDA of approximately €0 million [2] - The company anticipates a recovery in sales growth for 2026, projecting revenues over €100 million, driven by advanced technology products and a healthy order backlog of over €53 million as of mid-November 2025 [1][8] - The company is undergoing a restructuring process to reduce financial liabilities by over €30 million through various debt-to-equity swaps and waivers from majority shareholders [5][6] Financial Performance - Preliminary financial results for 2024 indicate an unadjusted EBITDA of approximately €-56 million, influenced by special accounting charges and costs related to the Nasdaq listing [2][3] - For 2025, the company expects sales between €72 million and €77 million, with an unadjusted EBITDA projected to be around 15% of sales [4] - The company is negotiating a financing package of at least a double-digit million amount to support R&D, cover IPO costs, and ensure sufficient working capital [6] Market Outlook - The market relevant to the company's products showed significant recovery in Q2 2025, with expectations of higher sales growth in 2026 compared to previous years [1][7] - The company is focusing on technological advancements in AI applications and high-tech sectors, which are expected to drive disproportionate growth [7] - The company aims to achieve an adjusted EBITDA margin of more than 12% on sales for 2026 [8] Strategic Initiatives - The company is actively pursuing cost reduction programs to ensure long-term success while expanding its product portfolio to meet technological challenges [7] - Discussions with investors regarding potential equity or debt investments were initiated, although a planned investment was halted due to regulatory intervention [5] - The company is set to finalize its 2024 financial statements and publish its annual report on Form 20-F following the completion of its financing package [6]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry Focus**: The conference call primarily discusses the metals and materials industry, with a particular emphasis on aluminium, copper, gold, and construction materials [2][3][4][9]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Resilient Metals Demand**: Despite various challenges, metals demand has remained strong, driven by front-loading shipments to the US and increasing demand from sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and AI data centers [2][9]. - **Supply Disruptions Impacting Aluminium**: Aluminium prices have increased by 8% month-on-month due to robust demand and supply disruptions, including partial output disruptions at Century Aluminum's smelter in Iceland and potential power supply issues at South32's Mozal smelter in Mozambique [3][9]. - **China's Production Ceiling**: China's production ceiling of 45 million tonnes for aluminium, combined with low inventories and strong investments in the grid and EV demand, supports a positive outlook for aluminium [3][6]. - **Gold ETF Inflows**: Gold ETFs saw record inflows of USD 8.7 billion in the week ending October 22, leading to a rally in gold prices, although prices have since moderated due to profit booking [5][9]. - **Long-term Outlook for Construction Materials**: While the current demand for construction materials is lukewarm, the long-term outlook remains positive, contingent on the execution of supply-side reforms and earnings improvements [6][9]. Additional Important Insights - **China's 15th Five-Year Plan**: The plan emphasizes upgrading traditional industries and accelerating developments in new sectors, which may lead to policy changes aimed at tackling excess supply and boosting demand [4][9]. - **Price Forecast Adjustments**: Recent adjustments to price forecasts for metals reflect current market fundamentals, with copper and cobalt receiving the most significant upgrades due to supply disruptions [2][9]. - **Commodity Price Trends**: The report includes detailed commodity price trends, showing fluctuations in prices for various metals, including copper, aluminium, and gold, with specific percentage changes over different time frames [10][11]. Conclusion - The conference call highlights a complex landscape for the metals and materials industry, characterized by resilient demand, significant supply disruptions, and evolving policy frameworks in China. The focus on aluminium as a preferred investment reflects the current market dynamics and future potential in the sector [6][9].

Core Insights - Carrier Global (CARR) is set to report its third-quarter 2025 results on October 28, with expectations of adjusted EPS around $0.80 and sales near $6 billion, indicating mid-single-digit organic growth year-over-year [2][9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter earnings is currently at 55 cents per share, reflecting a 14% decrease over the past 30 days and a year-over-year decline of 33.73% [2][3] - Revenue estimates stand at $5.53 billion, suggesting a 7.62% year-over-year decline [3] Performance Influencers - Strong demand in the Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) sector and aftermarket services is anticipated to drive revenue growth in Q3 [4] - The integration of Viessmann Climate Solutions is expected to enhance heat pump volumes and expand sustainable energy solutions [5] - Aftermarket services have been experiencing double-digit growth, likely continuing in the upcoming quarter [5] - Currency movements are projected to provide a $200 million year-over-year benefit from foreign currency translation, alongside another $200 million from tariff-related pricing adjustments [6] Challenges - Declining residential sales in the Americas due to weaker consumer demand and high inventory levels, as well as ongoing softness in residential sales in China, are expected to challenge performance [7] - Unfavorable product and regional mix in Europe, along with tariff-related margin pressures, may further impact quarterly results [7] Earnings Outlook - The current Earnings ESP for Carrier Global is +1.72%, but it holds a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), indicating lower odds of an earnings beat [8]

Summary of China Jushi's 3Q25 Earnings Call Company Overview - **Company**: China Jushi (Ticker: 600176.SS) - **Industry**: Greater China Materials - **Market Cap**: Rmb63,450 million - **Stock Rating**: Overweight - **Price Target**: Rmb19.10, representing a 21% upside from the current price of Rmb15.85 as of October 21, 2025 Key Financial Highlights - **Net Profit**: Increased by 68% YoY to Rmb2.6 billion for the first nine months of 2025 - **3Q25 Earnings**: Reported at Rmb881 million, a 54% increase YoY but down 8% QoQ, exceeding the estimate of Rmb803 million - **Recurring Net Earnings**: Up 73% YoY to Rmb911 million in 3Q25, excluding one-off items - **Sales Volume Growth**: Total sales volume for roving and electronic fabric increased by 10% YoY and 73% YoY to 810kt and 294 million meters, respectively [1][7] - **Gross Margin**: Narrowed to 33% in 3Q25 due to a slight drop in average selling price (ASP) [1] - **Net Gearing**: Increased to 37% in 3Q25 from 29% at the end of June [1] - **Finance Costs**: Rose by 10% YoY in 3Q25 [1] Future Outlook - **4Q25 Expectations**: Anticipated strong sales due to the traditional peak consumption season for glass fiber in the second half of 2025 - **Price Increases**: Electronic fabric prices have risen post-National holiday due to tight supply - **Product Development**: The company is advancing high-end D/E series electronic fabric production, which is expected to optimize the product portfolio [2] Quarterly Earnings Summary (3Q25) | Metric | 3Q25 (Rmb million) | YoY Change | QoQ Change | |-----------------------|---------------------|------------|------------| | Revenue | 4,795 | 23% | 4% | | Gross Profit | 1,574 | 43% | 0% | | EBIT | 1,173 | 67% | 2% | | Net Income | 881 | 54% | -8% | | EPS | 0.22 | 54% | -8% | | Net Margin | 18% | 3.7ppt | -2.3ppt | | EBIT Margin | 24% | 6.5ppt | -0.5ppt | | SG&A % of Revenue | 7% | 1.6ppt | 0.4ppt | [3] Risks and Considerations - **Upside Risks**: Better-than-expected demand and decreasing raw material prices - **Downside Risks**: Global demand slowdown, rising raw material prices, and industry overcapacity [10] Conclusion China Jushi's strong financial performance in 3Q25, driven by significant sales volume growth and effective cost management, positions the company favorably for continued success in the upcoming quarters. The anticipated demand in the glass fiber market and advancements in product offerings further enhance the investment thesis for China Jushi.

Core Insights - Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (APOG) is set to announce its second-quarter fiscal 2026 results on October 9, with earnings estimated at 86 cents per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 40.3% [1][3] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for APOG's second-quarter earnings has remained unchanged over the past 60 days, indicating stability in expectations despite the anticipated decline [1][2] - The Earnings Surprise Prediction (ESP) for Apogee is 0.00%, and it currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [4][3] Performance Factors - The Architectural Services segment is expected to have positively influenced Apogee's fiscal second-quarter performance, driven by improved pricing and a strategic shift towards premium products [5] - The Architectural Glass segment has benefited from a better sales mix and productivity improvements, likely enhancing margins in the second fiscal quarter [6] Challenges and Headwinds - Apogee anticipates ongoing inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions, which may hinder production levels due to labor constraints [7] - The company expects tariffs to negatively impact earnings per share by 45-55 cents in the first half of fiscal 2026, affecting second-quarter margins [8] Stock Performance - Apogee's stock has declined by 42.4% over the past year, significantly underperforming compared to the industry average decline of 20.6% [9]