Qiagen (NYSE:QGEN) FY 2025 Conference December 02, 2025 11:15 AM ET Company ParticipantsNone - Company Representative 1Patrick Donnelly - Managing DirectorNone - Company Representative 2Daniel Wendorff - VP of Investor RelationsRoland Sackers - CFOPatrick DonnellyOkay. We can hopefully get started. Thanks for being here. I'm Patrick Donnelly, the Tools and Diagnostics analyst at Citi here. Have a nice day. Happy to continue, including Roland Sackers as CFO. Thank you guys for being here. I guess, Roland, ma ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on the **China A-shares market**, specifically the **CSI300 index** and its outlook for 2026. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **CSI300 Target Projections**: - The base-case target for the CSI300 by the end of 2026 is set at **5,200**, based on a **15.9x** P/E ratio and an estimated EPS of **Rmb328**, reflecting a **15% year-on-year growth** [1][4][5]. - Bear-case and bull-case targets are **4,000** and **6,000**, respectively [1][5]. 2. **Investment Themes for 2026**: - **Pro-equity "anti-involution" policies** are expected to enhance structural upside in net profit margin (NPM) and return on equity (ROE) for the CSI300, with consensus estimates of **12% NPM** and **11% ROE** [4]. - **AI Infrastructure Growth**: Anticipated capital expenditure growth in AI infrastructure globally will benefit Chinese suppliers, particularly those focused on localization and AI monetization [4]. - **Global Macro Support**: Easing fiscal and monetary policies globally will support offshore sales for listed companies [4]. - **K-shaped Recovery in Consumption**: This recovery is expected to benefit both low-end and luxury consumption sectors [4]. 3. **Downside Risks**: - Potential cuts to consensus EPS estimates for Q4 2025, especially in the **IT** and **Healthcare** sectors [4]. - The continuation of a "high-quality development" approach may dampen mid-range aspirational consumption [4]. - Geopolitical tensions, particularly between the US and China, could pose risks, especially with upcoming elections [4]. 4. **Potential Policy Changes**: - The onset of a non-performing loan (NPL) cycle may lead to new policies aimed at supporting physical properties [4]. - Increased efficiency from AI and digitalization may necessitate enhanced social security coverage due to job dislocations [4]. 5. **Thematic Stock Screens**: - Focus on **IT and Healthcare A-shares** that demonstrate innovation potential, with metrics such as market capitalization and overseas revenue [4]. - Screening for top A-share listings across various sectors including **autos, battery materials, lithium, solar, cement, chemicals, coal, steel, dairy, hogs, liquor, and logistics** [4][10]. Additional Important Insights - The **CSI300 index** is projected to have an implied upside of **17%** from the current level to the base-case target, while the bear-case scenario indicates a **10% downside** [5]. - The report highlights a shift from value to growth stocks expected by early 2026, particularly in the context of the **IT** and **Healthcare** sectors [4]. - The **A-share market** has shown robust margin financing, indicating strong investor confidence [14]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the outlook for the China A-shares market and the CSI300 index for 2026.

Group 1: ABN Amro Bank N.V. - ABN Amro Bank N.V. announced a restructuring plan to cut 5,200 full-time equivalent positions by 2028 as part of a cost-cutting strategy [2][8] - The bank has already eliminated over 1,000 jobs in 2025, with the remaining 4,200 positions to be cut in the coming years [2] - CEO Marguerite Bérard is leading the new financial strategy aimed at enhancing profitability and right-sizing the cost base [2] Group 2: Jefferies Price Target Adjustments - Jefferies increased its price target for Agilent Technologies from $130 to $150, reflecting a positive outlook on the life sciences company [3][8] - The firm also raised the price target for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) from C$106 to C$118, indicating optimism about the bank's performance [4][8] - Conversely, Jefferies lowered its price target for EQB Inc from C$107 to C$93, suggesting a more cautious view on the lender's near-term prospects [5][8]

FINANCIAL RESULTS OVERVIEW 4Q FY2025 November 24, 2025 Thank You for Your Attention Safe Harbor This presentation contains forward- looking statements (including, without limitation, information, and future guidance on the company's revenue, revenue growth, earnings per share, operating cash flow, capital expenditures, net interest and other/expense, impact of acquisitions and related financing, share repurchases, dividends, diluted share counts, and currency exchange rates) that involve risks and uncertain ...

In the current session, the stock is trading at $151.46, after a 4.41% increase. Over the past month, Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) stock increased by 2.31%, and in the past year, by 12.61%. With performance like this, long-term shareholders are optimistic but others are more likely to look into the price-to-earnings ratio to see if the stock might be overvalued.Evaluating Agilent Technologies P/E in Comparison to Its PeersThe P/E ratio measures the current share price to the company's EPS. It is used ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, revenue was $159 million, up 6% year-over-year and up 4% organically, with full-year revenue at $594 million, reflecting a 4% increase on a reported basis and 3% organically [12][14] - Non-GAAP EPS for Q4 was $0.21, and for the full year, it was $0.51, with adjusted EBITDA margin at 13% for Q4 and 11.2% for the full year, representing an expansion of approximately 230 basis points in Q4 and 310 basis points for the full year [13][14] - Free cash flow for the full year improved by $26 million year-over-year, totaling $38 million, with $546 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities at year-end [14][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sample Management Solutions (SMS) revenue was $86 million for Q4, up 2% reported and flat organically, with a non-GAAP gross margin of 49.3%, up 180 basis points year-over-year [16] - Multi-Omix segment achieved record revenue of $73 million in Q4, representing 11% growth on a reported basis and 10% organic growth, driven by a 50% year-over-year increase in sequencing volume [17] - Overall, Multi-Omix gross margin for Q4 was 43.7%, down 260 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to product mix and lower volume in certain areas [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macro environment remains volatile, with softer academic and NIH funding impacting growth, particularly in the U.S. market [8][9] - The company anticipates organic revenue growth of 3%-5% for fiscal 2026, with Multi-Omix expected to deliver low single-digit growth and SMS contributing mid-single-digit growth [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has implemented the Azenta Business System (ABS) to enhance operational efficiency and accountability, focusing on driving productivity, organic growth, and targeted M&A [6][7] - The strategic focus includes reinvesting savings into innovation, sales, marketing, and product management, with a commitment to operational excellence and value creation [7][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating macroeconomic uncertainties and highlighted opportunities arising from customer consolidation and outsourcing trends [9][10] - The company is entering fiscal 2026 from a position of strength, with a clear focus on core growth and margin expansion, despite anticipated challenges in the first half of the year [10][21] Other Important Information - The results exclude B Medical Systems, which is treated as discontinued operations, with an additional non-cash loss of $4 million recorded in Q4 [11] - The company plans to host an Investor Day to outline its multi-year growth strategy and capital deployment priorities [10][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on growth expectations and market conditions - Management noted that the macroeconomic slowdown and capital expenditure constraints are impacting growth, particularly in the U.S., with expectations of a 1-2% market growth [24][25] Question: Update on SMS growth and backlog - Confidence in mid-single-digit growth for SMS is supported by a strong backlog and recent commercial investments [29][30] Question: Insights on customer spending trends - Management highlighted strength in pharma spending, with some projects being reactivated post-restructuring [36] Question: Clarification on multi-omics growth expectations - Multi-Omix is expected to normalize to mid-single-digit growth due to price and volume adjustments [38] Question: M&A strategy and focus areas - The company is looking at tuck-in acquisitions to expand its core business, particularly in SRS and automated solutions [63][64]

Core Insights - Danaher Corporation's third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $1.89 per share exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.71, marking a 10.5% year-over-year increase [3] - The company reported net sales of $6.05 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $6.00 billion, with a year-over-year growth of 4.5% [3] - The overall core sales increased by 3% year over year, with foreign-currency translations contributing positively by 1.5% [4] Segment Performance - Life Sciences segment revenues reached $1.79 billion, a 0.5% increase year over year, although core sales decreased by 1% [5] - Diagnostics segment revenues totaled $2.46 billion, up 4% year over year, with core sales increasing by 3.5% [6] - Biotechnology segment revenues were $1.80 billion, reflecting a 9% year-over-year increase, with core sales rising by 6.5% [7] Margin and Profitability - Danaher's cost of sales rose by 5.5% year over year to $2.53 billion, while gross profit increased by 3.6% to $3.52 billion, resulting in a gross margin of 58.2% [8] - Operating profit surged by 20.5% year over year to $1.15 billion, with the operating margin expanding to 19.1% from 16.5% [9] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - At the end of the third quarter, Danaher had cash and equivalents of $1.53 billion, down from $2.08 billion at the end of 2024, while long-term debt increased to $16.8 billion [10] - The company generated net cash of $4.30 billion from operating activities in the first nine months of 2025, a decrease from $4.67 billion in the previous year [11] Future Outlook - For the fourth quarter, Danaher anticipates adjusted core sales from continuing operations to grow in the low single digits year over year, with adjusted earnings expected to be between $7.70 and $7.80 per share [12] - Estimates for the stock have trended downward, with a consensus estimate shift of -9.79% over the past month [13] Investment Scores - Danaher currently holds a subpar Growth Score of D and a Momentum Score of F, with an aggregate VGM Score of F, indicating it is in the bottom 40% for value investors [14]

Core Insights - Morning Star identifies three undervalued stocks to invest in after earnings: Fortinet, LPL Financial, and Danaher [1][2] Group 1: Fortinet - Fortinet is a midsize cybersecurity vendor with a wide economic moat due to high customer switching costs and a network effect from its platform approach [3] - Revenue is forecasted to grow at a 14% annual compound growth rate over the next 5 years [3] - The stock is considered cheap, trading well below Morning Star's fair value estimate of $18 [4] Group 2: LPL Financial - LPL Financial is the largest independent broker-dealer in the US, rated with a wide economic moat due to switching costs and cost advantages over smaller competitors [5] - The recent acquisition of Commonwealth Financial Network is expected to enhance LPL's ability to attract breakaway wirehouse advisors [5] - Revenue is projected to grow at a 12.9% annual rate over the next 10 years, with the stock undervalued compared to Morning Star's $54 fair value estimate [6] Group 3: Danaher - Danaher is a large-cap global life sciences and diagnostics company with a wide economic moat derived from intangible assets and switching costs [6] - The company has become a top five player in the life sciences and diagnostic tool markets through acquisitions [7] - Although profit growth has been strained this year, it is expected to accelerate in 2026, with organic revenue projected to rise 6% compounded annually through 2029 [7] - Morning Star values Danaher stock at $270, with shares trading well below this estimate [8]

Core Insights - Agilent Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of application-focused solutions in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, with a market capitalization of $41.6 billion [1] Stock Performance - Agilent's stock has underperformed the broader market, gaining 9.3% year-to-date and 12.8% over the past 52 weeks, compared to the S&P 500 Index's gains of 14.5% in 2025 and 13.2% over the past year [2] - The stock has outperformed the Healthcare Select Sector SPDR Fund, which gained 10.4% year-to-date and 5.1% over the past 52 weeks [3] Financial Results - Following the release of better-than-expected Q3 results, Agilent's stock rose 5.3% in a single trading session. The company reported a 10.1% year-over-year increase in net revenues to $1.7 billion, exceeding expectations by 4.6% [4] - Adjusted net income increased by 1.3% year-over-year to $390 million, with adjusted EPS of $1.37 surpassing consensus estimates by 74 basis points [4] Future Projections - For fiscal 2025, analysts expect Agilent to deliver an adjusted EPS of $5.58, reflecting a 5.5% year-over-year increase. The company has a strong earnings surprise history, surpassing bottom-line projections in the past four quarters [5] - The consensus rating among 16 analysts covering Agilent is a "Moderate Buy," consisting of nine "Strong Buys" and seven "Holds" [5] Analyst Ratings - TD Cowen analyst Dan Brennan reiterated a "Buy" rating on Agilent and raised the price target from $150 to $162, with a mean price target of $151.92 indicating a 3.5% premium to current price levels [7] - The highest street target of $170 suggests a potential upside of 15.8% [7]

Group 1 - Company is considered oversold following the Chem announcement, trading at 15 times earnings with a 5% yield [1] - Thermo Fisher is identified as a key player driving the healthcare sector, with potential breakout above $600 [1] - Web Tech is recognized as an infrastructure play, with its rail rapid transit trading below market multiples [1] Group 2 - Berkshire Hathaway is experiencing an upswing after positive Wall Street commentary, trading higher despite market challenges [2] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down approximately 500 points, indicating a generally negative trading day [2]