Core Insights - Orbia Advance Corporation reported third quarter 2025 revenues of $1.97 billion, a 4% increase from the previous year, with EBITDA of $295 million, reflecting a 2% increase [2][5][6] - The company is focused on strengthening market positions, cost reduction, and cash generation despite subdued demand in certain sectors [4][34] Financial Performance - Net sales for Q3 2025 were $1,966 million, up 4% from $1,887 million in Q3 2024 [5][6] - Cost of sales increased by 5% to $1,533 million, while selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by 1% to $303 million [5][9] - Operating income rose to $130 million, a 4% increase year-over-year, while EBITDA margin slightly decreased to 15.0% [5][10] - The company reported a net loss of $120 million for the quarter, compared to a net income of $86 million in the same quarter last year [7][14] Business Group Performance - **Polymer Solutions**: Revenues increased by 2% to $647 million, but EBITDA decreased by 13% to $78 million due to lower resin pricing and higher ethane costs [18][19] - **Building & Infrastructure**: Revenues also rose by 2% to $647 million, with EBITDA decreasing by 3% to $76 million, impacted by restructuring costs [21][22] - **Precision Agriculture**: This segment saw an 11% increase in revenues to $257 million and a 28% increase in EBITDA to $30 million, driven by strong demand in Brazil and the U.S. [24][25] - **Connectivity Solutions**: Revenues grew by 8% to $253 million, with EBITDA increasing by 36% to $42 million, supported by strong volume growth [27][28] - **Fluor & Energy Materials**: Revenues increased by 3% to $227 million, but EBITDA decreased by 3% to $64 million due to higher input costs [30][31] Cash Flow and Debt Management - Operating cash flow for the quarter was $271 million, a decrease of 4% from the previous year, while free cash flow improved by 1% to $144 million [15][32] - Net debt increased to $3,910 million, with a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 3.85x, down from 3.98x in the previous quarter [16][31] Outlook - The company reaffirms its full-year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance in the range of $1,100 million to $1,200 million, likely falling in the lower half of the range [34] - Capital expenditures are projected to be approximately $400 million, focusing on safety and operational integrity [35]

Core Viewpoint - NORMA Group has signed an agreement to sell its Water Management business unit to Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. for an enterprise value of USD 1.0 billion, marking a significant step in the company's transformation into a focused industrial supplier [3][4][8]. Transaction Details - The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals [3]. - NORMA Group anticipates a net cash inflow of approximately EUR 620 million to EUR 640 million from the sale, which will be used to reduce debt by around EUR 300 million and reserve up to EUR 70 million for acquisitions [6][8]. Business Unit Overview - The Water Management business unit includes six plants across the USA, Mexico, India, Malaysia, and Italy, employing around 1,100 people [4]. - In 2024, this unit generated sales of approximately EUR 300 million (around USD 320 million), accounting for about 25% of NORMA Group's total sales of EUR 1.2 billion [4][8]. Strategic Focus - Following the sale, NORMA Group will concentrate on its core business of advanced joining technology, specifically in the Industry Applications and Mobility & New Energy sectors [4][7]. - The company aims to strengthen its core business and position itself for sustainable profitable growth through a transformation program expected to be completed by 2028 [7]. Financial Forecast - Post-transaction, NORMA Group has updated its financial forecast for 2025, projecting sales from continuing operations to be between EUR 810 million and EUR 830 million, down from previous estimates that included the Water Management unit [12]. - The adjusted EBIT margin from continuing operations is now expected to be around 0% to 1%, a decrease from the prior forecast of 6% to 8% [12].

Core Viewpoint - Pool Corp. is facing a challenging economic environment, with its stock down approximately 12% year to date, but this may present a buying opportunity for investors as it is a high-quality industry leader available at a discount [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - Pool Corp. is the world's largest pool supplies distributor, operating 448 sales centers across North America, Europe, and Australia, serving over 125,000 customers [5]. - The company owns the Pinch A Penny retail franchise, which has around 300 locations [5]. - Pool Corp.'s revenue is significantly driven by recurring sales, with 86% coming from consistent upkeep products for installed pools [6]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Over the past five years, Pool Corp. has achieved a 14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in total revenue, reaching $5.3 billion in 2024 [8]. - Despite a slowdown in new pool construction, management remains optimistic about growth from its expanding private-label business and the Pool360 digital platform [9][10]. - For 2025, Pool Corp. anticipates net sales to be "flat to slightly higher" year over year, with an earnings-per-share (EPS) estimate of $11.08 to $11.58, indicating a 3% increase at the midpoint compared to 2024 [10]. Group 3: Capital Allocation and Shareholder Returns - Pool Corp. has a strong free cash flow generation, allowing for a generous capital allocation strategy, including a recent 4% increase in its quarterly dividend to $1.25 per share, yielding about 1.3% [11]. - The company has also increased its share repurchase authorization to $600 million, demonstrating its commitment to shareholders [11]. Group 4: Valuation and Market Position - Pool Corp.'s current forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 27, which is a discount compared to its historical average P/E of around 30 over the past decade, suggesting the stock may be undervalued [12]. - A potential recovery in the housing market and pool construction, aided by subdued inflation and lower interest rates, could enhance company performance [14].