Fuller(US:FUL)2026-01-15 16:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net revenue decreased by 3.1% year-on-year, with organic growth down 1.3% and volume down 2.5%, while pricing increased by 1.2% [5][11] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $170 million, up 15% year-on-year, with an EBITDA margin of 19%, an increase of 290 basis points [6][12] - Adjusted earnings per share rose by 39% to $1.28, driven by higher operating income and share repurchases [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In HHC, organic revenue decreased by 1.8% year-on-year, with EBITDA up almost 30% and EBITDA margin improving to 17.5% [6][7] - Engineering adhesives saw organic revenue growth of 2.2%, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 17% and EBITDA margin rising to 23.5% [7][8] - BAS experienced a 4.8% decline in organic sales, with EBITDA down 7% due to lower volume [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas organic revenue was flat year-on-year, with growth in engineering adhesives offset by weaker results in packaging and construction [9] - EIMEA region saw a 6% decline in organic revenue, driven by lower volume in packaging and construction [9] - Asia-Pacific reported a 3% increase in organic revenue, with significant growth in engineering adhesives and HHC [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve greater than 20% EBITDA margin and is focused on transforming into a higher-growth, higher-margin entity [4][10] - Strategic actions include portfolio repositioning, cost management, and investments in higher-margin markets [10][16] - M&A remains a key part of the strategy, with recent acquisitions in medical adhesives and fastener coating systems expected to drive future growth [16][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The economic environment is expected to remain challenging in 2026, with geopolitical tensions and inflation impacting manufacturing investment [10][14] - Despite these challenges, the company anticipates profit growth and margin expansion in 2026, supported by pricing and raw material cost actions [10][14] - Management expressed confidence in the ability to navigate the current landscape and achieve strategic goals [20] Other Important Information - The company is implementing a manufacturing footprint and warehouse consolidation initiative called Quantum Leap to improve cost structure [9][10] - Adjusted gross profit margin increased to 32.5%, reflecting pricing and cost management efforts [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Q1 guidance and revenue outlook - Management indicated that Q1 revenue is expected to decline low single digits due to the timing of Chinese New Year, which will shift some revenue to Q2 [24][27] Question: Raw materials and pricing outlook for 2026 - The company expects a carryover benefit of around $25 million from pricing and raw materials into 2026, with an overall benefit of about $35 million anticipated [30][31] Question: BAS segment performance and government shutdown impact - Management clarified that the BAS segment faced tough comparisons and that the government shutdown did not significantly impact their performance [40][41] Question: Packaging market dynamics and competitive intensity - The packaging market remains competitive, with management focusing on working with customers where they can add the most value [92] Question: Geographic market demand growth - Management noted that China showed signs of recovery, with double-digit organic growth, while other regions remain challenging [98][100] Question: Free cash flow outlook and working capital - The company expects free cash flow to be impacted by higher working capital due to the Quantum Leap initiative, with a goal to reduce working capital below 15% in the long term [75]