Franklin Electric (NasdaqGS:FELE) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 17, 2026 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsDean Cantrell - Director of Investor RelationsJennifer Wolfenbarger - CFOJoe Ruzynski - CEOConference Call ParticipantsBryan Blair - Managing Director and Research AnalystMatt Summerville - Managing Director and Senior Research AnalystMike Halloran - Senior Research AnalystRyan Connors - Managing Director and Research AnalystWalter Liptak - Industrial AnalystOperatorHello, and welcome to the Franklin El ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full year 2025 sales increased by 5.4% to $2.1 billion, with segment operating income up 10% to $269 million [5][17][18] - Fourth quarter 2025 sales were $506.9 million, a year-over-year increase of 4.4%, with operating income rising 20% to $51.6 million [12][13][15][16] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for 2025 was $4.14, a 6% increase from $3.92 in 2024, while GAAP diluted EPS was $3.22, down from $3.86 due to a pension settlement charge [12][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global Water Systems sales increased by 6% for the full year 2025, driven by strong pricing and acquisitions, while operating income was up 5.2% [22][23] - Energy Systems sales rose by 9% to $299 million for the full year, with operating income increasing by 6% to $99 million [24] - Distribution segment sales increased by 2% to $700.7 million, with operating income up 64% to $39.8 million, reflecting margin enhancement initiatives [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Systems in the U.S. and Canada saw a 4% decline in Q4 due to softer HVAC markets, while international sales increased by 15% [19] - Energy Systems sales outside the U.S. and Canada increased by 19%, indicating strong international demand [20] - Distribution segment's operating income margin improved by 300 basis points to 3.3% in Q4, driven by higher volumes and price realization [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to position itself as an innovation and growth leader, with over 35 new products expected to generate $160 million in revenue by year three [8] - Focus on enhancing margins through a value acceleration office, utilizing AI and process engineering to streamline operations and manage costs [10][31] - The company is committed to strategic acquisitions to fill portfolio gaps and enhance market reach, with a healthy M&A pipeline anticipated for 2026 [60][61] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate a turbulent global market, with a healthy order book and backlog as they move into 2026 [5][6] - The outlook for 2026 includes expected sales growth of 3% to 4% across segments, with adjusted EPS guidance of $4.40 to $4.60 [27][28] - Management noted that the company is well-positioned to capitalize on urbanization and increasing demand for high-quality water and energy solutions [29][30] Other Important Information - The company completed approximately $120 million in acquisitions and $160 million in share buybacks in 2025, maintaining a strong balance sheet [6][26] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.28 was announced, marking the 34th consecutive year of dividend increases [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Organic outlook across segments for revenue guidance - Management indicated a 3%-5% growth outlook for the water business, with a mix of volume and price increases expected [36] Question: Specifics on water business end markets and geographic demand - Management noted stabilization in HVAC markets and expected growth in the U.S. and Europe, with no pronounced weaknesses anticipated [40][41] Question: Impact of HVAC on water segment performance - Management clarified that HVAC weakness was isolated to Q4 and expected normalization in early 2026 [45] Question: Energy segment margin challenges - Management acknowledged tariff impacts and indicated expectations for margin recovery in 2026 [50] Question: Integration progress of recent acquisitions - Management reported smooth integration of PumpEng and Barnes, with positive growth synergies anticipated for 2026 [58][59] Question: Value acceleration office and its impact - Management highlighted the office's focus on process reengineering and growth, with expected benefits in productivity and efficiency [64][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full year 2025 consolidated sales increased by 5.4% to $2.1 billion, driven by favorable pricing, organic volume growth, and recent acquisitions [16][5] - Full year 2025 consolidated operating income rose by 10% to $269 million, with an operating income margin of 12.6%, up 50 basis points from the prior year [17][15] - Fourth quarter 2025 consolidated sales were $506.9 million, a year-over-year increase of 4.4%, with operating income up 20% to $51.6 million [13][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global Water Systems sales increased by 6% for the full year 2025, with U.S. and Canada sales up 3% and international sales up 10% [21][22] - Energy Systems sales for the full year 2025 rose by 9% to $299 million, with operating income increasing by 6% to $99 million [23] - Distribution segment sales increased by 2% to $700.7 million, with operating income up 64% to $39.8 million, reflecting margin enhancement initiatives [24][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Systems in the U.S. and Canada experienced a 4% decline in Q4 2025 due to softer HVAC markets, while international sales increased by 15% [18] - Energy Systems sales outside the U.S. and Canada increased by 19%, indicating strong international demand [19] - Distribution segment sales growth was primarily driven by higher volumes and price realization [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to position itself as an innovation and growth leader, with over 35 new products expected to generate $160 million in revenue by year three [7] - Focus on enhancing margins through the launch of a value acceleration office, utilizing AI and process engineering to streamline operations [10][31] - The company is committed to pursuing M&A opportunities to enhance its market position and expand its portfolio [31][63] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate a turbulent global market, with a healthy order book and backlog as they move into 2026 [5][6] - The outlook for 2026 includes expected sales in the range of $2.17 billion to $2.24 billion, with adjusted EPS projected between $4.40 and $4.60 [27][28] - Management noted that the company does not anticipate pronounced weakness in any markets, with expectations for stable growth across regions [41] Other Important Information - The company completed approximately $120 million in acquisitions and $160 million in share buybacks during 2025, maintaining a strong balance sheet [6][25] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.28 was announced, marking the 34th consecutive year of dividend increases [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the organic outlook across the three segments for the revenue guide? - Management indicated a growth rate of 3%-5% for the water business, with a mix of volume and price contributing to this growth [37] Question: Can you provide insights on the HVAC headwind in Q4? - Management noted that the HVAC weakness was isolated to the end of Q4 and is expected to normalize [47] Question: What is the outlook for large dewatering? - Management expects healthy orders in the dewatering business, despite a slight deceleration in Q4 due to capital spending patterns [49] Question: How is the integration of Barnes and PumpEng progressing? - Integration is ahead of track, with positive growth synergies expected in 2026 [59] Question: What are the opportunities for margin improvement across product lines? - Management highlighted opportunities in the core submersible business and improvements in logistics and customer service efficiency [76][78]

Core Insights - The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) took place from November 5 to 10, showcasing a record scale with participation from 155 countries and regions, featuring 4,108 overseas enterprises and an exhibition area exceeding 430,000 square meters [2] Group 1: Automotive and Smart Mobility - The "Automotive and Smart Mobility Exhibition Area" focused on the theme "Mobility, Infinite Possibilities," highlighting advancements in electrification, intelligence, and low-carbon technologies across the global automotive industry [2] - Major automakers like Volkswagen showcased five electric models tailored for the Chinese market, indicating a strategic shift from planning to full delivery in the electrification sector [3] - Hyundai presented the world's first mass-produced hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck, equipped with an L4 autonomous driving system, emphasizing zero-emission operations and innovative long-haul freight solutions [5] - Toyota highlighted its multi-pathway new energy technology solutions, including hydrogen fuel cell heavy trucks developed in collaboration with Chinese partners, showcasing a commitment to localized R&D [7] - Tesla created a "Future Neighborhood" exhibit, demonstrating a complete energy ecosystem from solar power generation to home energy storage and charging stations [9] Group 2: Intelligent Connectivity and AI - The trend of intelligent and connected vehicles was evident, with Tesla's Cybercab making its Asia-Pacific debut, featuring a fully digital control system and no traditional driving controls [10] - Tesla also showcased its humanoid robot, Optimus, which is expected to start mass production by the end of 2026, aiming for an annual production target of 1 million units by 2030 [12] - Various companies presented low-altitude flying vehicles, with Tianling Technology's eVTOL aircraft attracting attention for its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and a maximum range of 600 kilometers [14] - BMW introduced its new generation technology, collaborating with Chinese tech firms to enhance AI capabilities and create a seamless digital experience for users [16] Group 3: Localization and Global Cooperation - The participation of 12 multinational automotive groups, with 9 being long-term exhibitors, reflects a trend of deepening localization strategies and integrating R&D, production, and innovation into the Chinese market [17] - Volkswagen's local R&D achievements were highlighted, showcasing innovations in intelligent connectivity and electrification, marking a shift from product introduction to deep local innovation [19] - Qualcomm's presence at the expo demonstrated its expanding partnerships in China, showcasing advancements in connectivity, computing, and AI across multiple sectors [21] - The expo also featured a unique international automotive culture experience area, illustrating the evolution of the automotive industry from traditional fuel vehicles to new energy solutions and technological collaboration [23]

Stablecoin Launch - Kazakhstan launched EVO (KZTE), the first Kazakhstani Tenge-backed stablecoin on Solana [1] - The launch of EVO signifies a step towards shaping the future of digital finance in the region [1] - EVO's role in unlocking the onchain future of finance is highlighted [3] Partnerships and Support - The initiative is supported by the National Bank of Kazakhstan, Intebix, Mastercard, SuperteamKZ, and other partners [1] - Acknowledgement of @cryptolgi and his team as innovators and example setters [3] Future Engagement - Participation in Digital Bridge 2025, the largest international tech forum in Central Eurasia, is planned [2] - The forum offers an opportunity to engage with global innovators and policymakers on stablecoins [3]

Summary of Star Surgical Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Star Surgical - **Industry**: Medical Devices, specifically focusing on Intraocular Collamer Lens (ICL) technology Key Points Share Buyback Program - Star Surgical announced a $30 million share repurchase program, which was not included in previous cash guidance [2][4] - Management believes the current stock valuation is not reflective of the company's potential, prompting the buyback decision [4][5] - The board has only authorized this single repurchase, indicating it may not become a regular part of the capital allocation strategy [6][7] Inventory and Revenue Expectations in China - The company expects to reach contractual inventory levels with Chinese distributors by June [11] - Anticipated revenue of $27.5 million from one distributor is expected in Q3, with no changes to this expectation [13] - Revenue guidance for Q2 is cautious, with expectations of minimal revenue but a gradual ramp-up anticipated [15][16] - The company is managing inventory closely with distributors to align with actual demand [18][19] Market Trends in China - Demand for ICLs in China appears to be stabilizing, with Q1 showing flat to slightly up procedural volumes compared to the previous year [22][23] - The company is optimistic about long-term growth in China, despite some softness in Q2 [24][37] - The company is not affected by military refractive demands, which are not part of their business model [26][27] Competition and Product Differentiation - Star Surgical faces competition from Ibrite's FakeCIC IOL, but the company believes its unique collagen-based material offers a significant advantage [39][40] - The market for ICLs is large, with over 1 billion people still using glasses or contacts, indicating room for growth despite competition [47] - The company is focused on understanding pricing strategies of competitors and how they will affect market dynamics [44][45] Financial Guidance and Market Outlook - Star Surgical withdrew its 2025 revenue guidance due to uncertainties, including tariff risks and macroeconomic concerns [50][51] - The management team is committed to transparency and aims to provide clearer insights into market opportunities and risks [49][52] - Long-term growth expectations remain positive, with a focus on disciplined capital allocation and market share growth [61][62] Research and Development Opportunities - The company is exploring the use of its collagen material in other therapeutic areas, particularly within ophthalmology [57][58] - R&D spending is significant, but the company aims to focus on projects that can yield meaningful results in a timely manner [58] U.S. Market Strategy - The U.S. market remains critical for Star Surgical, with a current market share in the low to mid-single digits for EVO [60][61] - The company achieved over 50% market share in Japan, indicating potential for growth in the U.S. when market conditions align [62] Additional Insights - The management acknowledges past challenges in meeting revenue expectations and aims to set more realistic future guidance [61][62] - The company is prepared for the upcoming high season in China with adequate inventory positioned for demand [34][35]

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 28, 2024. Registration No. 333-281081 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S‑1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 EKSO BIONICS HOLDINGS, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) Mark B. Baudler Austin D. March Wilson Sonsini Goodr ...