DALLAS, Dec. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CSW Industrials, Inc. (NYSE: CSW) today announced its Board of Directors approved the expansion of its current share repurchase program authorization to $250 million, increasing the existing $200 million authorization. Since the commencement of CSW’s share repurchase program in 2017 and to date, the Company has repurchased approximately 2.3 million shares for a total of $251.6 million, at an average share price of $107.53. Under the current share repurchase program ...

Core Insights - The earnings report signifies the conclusion of a difficult year for Thyssenkrupp, which is currently undergoing a restructuring initiative [1] Group 1 - Thyssenkrupp is in the midst of a restructuring push, indicating significant changes within the company [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter sales reached $3.1 billion, reflecting a 6% organic growth [5][12] - Operating EBITDA was $840 million, an increase of 6% year-over-year, resulting in an operating EBITDA margin of 27.3% [6][12] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $1.09, flat compared to the previous year, with a higher tax rate impacting results [15][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrials Co. net sales were $1.8 billion, up 5% year-over-year, with organic growth of 4% [15][16] - Electronics Co. net sales increased to $1.3 billion, an 11% rise year-over-year, driven by 10% organic growth [17] - Healthcare and water technologies saw high single-digit organic growth, while diversified industrials experienced low single-digit growth [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America and Asia-Pacific regions reported organic growth of 7%, while Europe saw a 6% increase year-over-year [14] - The construction market remains weak, with expectations of a 4% decline in the shelter business for the year [82] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving above-market organic growth and maintaining a balanced capital allocation model [8][11] - A new quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share was declared, alongside a $2 billion share repurchase authorization [7][20] - The company aims for 3%-4% organic growth from 2026 to 2028, with a focus on healthcare and water technologies [11][92] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving medium-term targets, despite current market challenges [92] - The healthcare and water segments are expected to grow at around 5% organically, while the diversified industrials segment is projected to remain flat [32][92] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities, particularly in the healthcare sector [42][57] Other Important Information - The successful completion of the CUNY separation was highlighted, with $4.2 billion received to reduce debt [18] - The company is implementing enhanced KPIs to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement [9][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about end market trends and timing benefits - Management explained that the timing benefit was customer-driven, with orders accelerated into Q3 due to a planned blackout period [28][30] Question: Thoughts on exit rates and market conditions for 2026 - Management expects healthcare and water to align with medium-term targets, while the construction market is anticipated to stabilize [31][32] Question: Balance sheet plans and potential M&A activity - The company aims to maintain a pro forma debt below 2x EBITDA and is open to both share buybacks and M&A opportunities [39][42] Question: Discussion on operational excellence initiatives - A new Chief Operations Officer has been hired to enhance operational efficiency and implement a continuous improvement culture [44][46] Question: Strategic rationale for the RO acquisition in China - The acquisition was primarily for capacity expansion to meet local demand, without adding new technology [97] Question: Performance in the healthcare business and medical device space - The healthcare segment is expected to grow mid to high single digits, with strong performance in medical packaging and biopharma [79][80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter sales reached $3.1 billion, reflecting a 6% organic growth year-over-year [5][12] - Operating EBITDA was $840 million, an increase of 6% year-over-year, resulting in an operating EBITDA margin of 27.3% [5][12] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $1.09, flat compared to the previous year, primarily due to a higher tax rate [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Industrials Co.**: Net sales of $1.8 billion, up 5% year-over-year, with 4% organic growth [14][16] - **Electronics Co.**: Net sales of $1.3 billion, an increase of 11% year-over-year, driven by 10% organic growth [17] - Organic growth in healthcare and water technologies was in the high single digits, while diversified industrials saw low single-digit growth [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America and Asia-Pacific regions experienced 7% organic growth, while Europe saw a 6% increase year-over-year [13] - The healthcare and water business is expected to grow at about 5% organic growth on average [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving above-market organic growth and building a robust business system [7][11] - A disciplined capital allocation model was emphasized, including a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share and a $2 billion share repurchase authorization [6][11] - The company aims for medium-term targets of 3%-4% organic growth, 150-200 basis points of margin expansion, and 8%-10% EPS growth from 2026 to 2028 [11][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving medium-term targets, with expectations of continued growth in healthcare and water sectors [31][92] - The construction market is anticipated to improve, with expectations of flat performance in the shelter business next year [82][93] Other Important Information - The successful completion of the CUNY separation was highlighted, with $4.2 billion received to reduce debt [18] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities, particularly in healthcare and water sectors [41][53] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insight on the timing benefit in sales? - The timing benefit was customer-driven, as orders were accelerated into Q3 due to a planned blackout period for the separation [29] Question: What are the expectations for 2026? - The company expects healthcare and water to grow at about 5% organic growth, while the diversified industrials segment is projected to be flat [31][92] Question: What is the plan for the balance sheet? - The pro forma debt is expected to be around $3.25 billion, with a target to stay below 2 times net debt to EBITDA [39] Question: Can you elaborate on the RO acquisition in China? - The acquisition was primarily to add capacity and enhance local production capabilities, not to introduce new technology [97] Question: How is the healthcare business performing? - The healthcare business is expected to see mid to high single-digit growth, with strong performance in medical packaging and biopharma [80]

Core Viewpoint - RBC Capital analyst Deane Dray raised the price target for 3M Company from $120 to $130 while maintaining an Underperform rating [1] Recent Earnings Results - 3M reported third-quarter adjusted sales of $6.3 billion, slightly above the consensus estimate of $6.255 billion [2] - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 10% year-over-year to $2.19, surpassing the Street estimate of $2.07 [2] - The company raised its 2025 adjusted EPS outlook to a range of $7.95-$8.05, compared to the prior range of $7.75-$8 and the consensus of $7.92 [2] - 3M now expects organic sales growth of over 2% for 2025, an increase from the previous estimate of approximately 2% [3] Analyst View - The analyst noted that 3M reported modest, broad-based operational results, highlighting stronger organic growth and successful new product launches [4] - The initial outlook for 2026/2027 is encouraging, projecting a macro environment similar to 2025, with core incrementals of 30%-40% and productivity offsetting various costs [4] - However, the analyst emphasized that the multi-billion-dollar PFAS litigation remains a significantly underappreciated risk, particularly concerning unaddressed claims [5] - The next key event will be determining the final number of cancer claimants for personal injury class actions, with estimates varying widely from an initial base of 14,000 claims [5] Price Action and Investment Options - 3M shares are down 0.23% at $166.26 at the time of publication [6] - Investors can gain exposure to 3M stock through ProShares Smart Materials ETF and PGIM Jennison Focused Value ETF [6]

Core Insights - 3M Company (MMM) reported third-quarter 2025 results with revenues and earnings exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate [1][10] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings were $2.19 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.10, and up from $1.98 per share in the same quarter last year [2][10] - Net revenues reached $6.52 billion, reflecting a 3.5% year-over-year increase, with organic sales up 2.6% [2][10] - Adjusted revenues of $6.30 billion also beat the consensus estimate of $6.25 billion, with organic revenues increasing 3.2% year over year [3] Segment Performance - Safety and Industrial segment revenues totaled $2.92 billion, up 5.4% year over year, exceeding the consensus estimate of $2.90 billion [4] - Transportation & Electronics segment revenues were $2.19 billion, reflecting a 2.4% year-over-year increase, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.98 billion [5] - Consumer segment revenues increased 0.9% year over year to $1.31 billion, matching the consensus estimate [6] Margin and Cost Analysis - Cost of sales increased 4% year over year to $3.79 billion, while selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 22.8% to $820 million [7] - Adjusted operating income rose 11.6% year over year to $1.56 billion, with an adjusted operating margin of 24.7% compared to 23% in the previous year [8] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter were $4.7 billion, down from $5.6 billion at the end of December 2024, while long-term debt increased to $11.9 billion [11] - Generated net cash from operating activities was $723 million, significantly higher than $1 million in the year-ago quarter [11] - Adjusted free cash flow was $3.08 billion, up 13% year over year, with a conversion rate of 91% [12] 2025 Guidance - For 2025, 3M expects adjusted earnings in the range of $7.95-$8.05 per share, an increase from the previous guidance of $7.75-$8.00 [13] - Adjusted total revenues are projected to grow more than 2.5%, with adjusted organic revenue growth expected to exceed 2% [14]

Group 1 - Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) is a leading company in the diversified industrials sector, providing solutions across various industries including Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation, and Energy and Sustainability Solutions [4][5]. - The company has a strong brand reputation built over almost 140 years and is well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for warehouse automation due to the e-commerce trend [5][6]. - Honeywell is expected to achieve mid-single-digit organic top-line growth, high segment operating margins, near-double-digit earnings-per-share growth, and mid-teens free cash flow margins over the next five years [7]. Group 2 - The company plans to fully separate its Automation and Aerospace Technologies segments, which will create three distinct publicly listed entities, potentially enhancing valuations for investors [7]. - Historical data indicates that dividend stocks, like those of Honeywell, have outperformed non-dividend paying stocks, making them attractive for investors [8].

Government and Economic Impact - The U.S. government shutdown is set to extend into next week after the Senate failed to advance both Democratic and Republican funding bills, leaving approximately 750,000 federal workers furloughed [2][9] - The ongoing shutdown marks the third under President Trump's administration, stemming from a deadlock over healthcare provisions and spending cuts [2] Energy Sector - A significant fire at Chevron's El Segundo Refinery (CVX) in California has been contained, but analysts predict a potential 35 to 95 cent per gallon increase in California gasoline prices due to concerns over regional fuel supply [3][9] - The El Segundo refinery processes around 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day and is critical for supplying Southern California's motor vehicle and jet fuels [3] Corporate Developments - 3M (MMM) is reportedly exploring a multibillion-dollar carve-out of its industrials arm, indicating a strategic review within the company [5][9] - Meta (META) and Pembina Pipeline Corp. are nearing an agreement to develop a massive AI data center in Alberta, Canada, supporting Alberta's goal to attract $100 billion in AI data center infrastructure over the next five years [5][9] International Affairs - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is engaged in discussions with Russia and Ukraine to restore off-site power to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which has been relying on emergency generators for over a week [4][9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record high adjusted EPS of $1.26 for the fourth quarter, representing a 5.9% increase year-over-year [5][12][17] - Organic sales grew by 2.4% in the fourth quarter, with acquisitions contributing an additional 11.3% to sales growth, resulting in total sales growth of 15.7% [12][14] - The gross profit margin decreased to 50.4% from 51.6% in the same quarter last year, primarily due to incremental expenses related to cost reduction actions [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Printers and consumable products accounted for nearly 40% of total sales, with organic sales growth of 67% annually over the last three years [6][10] - The Americas and Asia region reported organic sales growth of 4.3% in the fourth quarter, while Europe and Australia experienced a decline of 1.3% [5][12][24][26] - R&D investment increased by 31% in the fourth quarter, reaching nearly $80 million, which is 5.3% of sales [6][10][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas and Asia region's sales were $260.8 million, with total sales growth of 14.1%, driven by strong performance in wire identification products [24] - The Europe and Australia region's sales were $136.5 million, with organic sales declining 1.3%, but acquisitions added 14.4% to growth [26] - Organic sales in Asia grew by 12%, with significant growth outside of China, which saw a decline of approximately 3% [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its workplace safety and identification solutions by providing tailored solutions to meet customer needs [8][10] - Strategic acquisitions, such as Gravitec and MECO, are expected to enhance technical capabilities and drive future growth [10][29] - The focus remains on increasing R&D investments to stay ahead of competition and deliver specialized products [10][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging macro environment in Europe and Australia, which has impacted sales and necessitated cost reduction actions [12][13] - The company anticipates organic sales growth in the low single-digit percentages for the year ending July 31, 2026, with projected GAAP EPS ranging from $4.55 to $4.85 [21][22] - Management expressed confidence in mitigating tariff impacts through various strategies, including reshoring and supply chain adjustments [33][50] Other Important Information - The company returned $96 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, marking the 40th consecutive year of annual dividend increases [10][11] - Operating cash flow was $58.3 million in the fourth quarter, down from $84 million in the previous year, primarily due to inventory build [18][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on EPS growth amidst economic challenges - Management indicated that cost reductions and mitigating strategies for tariffs would support EPS growth despite economic challenges [32][34] Question: Impact of lower free cash flow in Q4 - Management explained that inventory build due to facility transitions affected cash flow, but expects to resolve these issues by the end of Q1 [36][39] Question: R&D investment outlook - Management noted that while R&D spending may decrease slightly in the short term, the long-term trend is to continue increasing R&D investments [40][47] Question: Tariff impact on guidance - Management confirmed that the projected tariff impact is included in the guidance and is expected to be more pronounced in the first half of the year [49][51] Question: Growth drivers in the printer and consumables segment - Management highlighted data centers and aerospace and defense as key growth areas for wire markers and related products [54][55]

Core Points - CSW Industrials announced the retirement of Robert Swartz from the Board of Directors effective immediately after the 2025 Annual Meeting, in line with the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines [1] - Linda Livingstone, Ph.D., has been appointed as the Lead Independent Director following Mr. Swartz's retirement, highlighting the Board's commitment to leadership succession planning [1][3] Company Leadership - Robert Swartz was one of the inaugural directors and served as the Lead Independent Director since CSW Industrials became an independent public company in September 2015, significantly contributing to the Company's development [2] - Joseph B. Armes, Chairman and CEO, expressed gratitude for Mr. Swartz's ten years of service and welcomed Dr. Livingstone into her new leadership role, emphasizing her proven leadership qualities [3] Dr. Linda Livingstone's Background - Dr. Livingstone has been on the Board since September 2015 and is involved in the Compensation & Talent Development and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committees [4] - She is the President of Baylor University since June 2017 and has held various leadership roles in educational and athletic organizations, including the NCAA [4] Company Overview - CSW Industrials operates in three segments: Contractor Solutions, Specialized Reliability Solutions, and Engineered Building Solutions, focusing on niche, value-added products known for performance and reliability [5] - The primary end markets served include HVAC/R, plumbing, electrical, general industrial, architecturally-specified building products, energy, mining, and rail transportation [5]