PMI(PM) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-21 14:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record adjusted diluted EPS of $2.24, reflecting a growth of +17% year-over-year [3][8] - Adjusted operating income grew by +7.5% organically and +12.4% in dollar terms to $4.7 billion, with an adjusted operating income margin of over 43% [7][8] - Organic net revenue growth was +7.5%, or around +9% excluding the Indonesia technical impact, driven by strong smoke-free performance and robust pricing [8][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global smoke-free business achieved over $3 billion in quarterly gross profit for the first time, with smoke-free net revenues growing organically by +13.9% [3][10] - IQOS saw a +9% adjusted in-market sales growth and +15.5% growth in tobacco unit shipments, reflecting strong momentum in Europe, Japan, and global markets [4][9] - ZYN can shipments grew by +36% globally, with a notable +39% off-take growth in the U.S. [16][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company’s smoke-free products are now commercialized in 100 markets, with a significant presence in the U.S., Europe, and Japan [4][15] - The overall smoke-free category is estimated to have grown by over +12% year-to-date, compared to less than 10% for the industry [14][15] - In Japan, IQOS continues to grow robustly, with Q3 adjusted IMS growth of +6% [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on geographic expansion and deploying a multi-category strategy to enhance growth, with all smoke-free brands now commercialized together in 25 markets [4][14] - Continued investment in marketing and brand equity for ZYN and IQOS is planned, with expectations for sustained growth in the nicotine pouch category [14][25] - The company aims to maintain a premium positioning for ZYN while expanding its market share in the nicotine pouch category [23][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving another year of double-digit adjusted operating income and EPS growth, despite anticipated challenges in Q4 [28][30] - The company expects a slower quarter in Q4 due to inventory adjustments and a higher tax rate, but maintains a positive long-term growth outlook [31][32] - Management highlighted the resilience of the combustible business and the strong performance of the smoke-free portfolio as key drivers for future growth [34] Other Important Information - The company raised its dividend by +8.9% to $5.88 per share, marking the 18th consecutive year of dividend increases [35] - A planned $2 billion cost-saving objective over 2024-2026 is on track, supported by ongoing cost efficiency measures [14][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on ZYN's growth and October performance - Management confirmed ZYN's leadership in the nicotine pouch market and noted that promotional activities are returning to normal levels, which may impact growth rates [38][41] Question: Insights on IQOS shipments versus IMS - Management acknowledged a discrepancy between HTU shipments and IMS growth, expecting alignment in Q4 while maintaining a positive outlook for IQOS performance [45] Question: Future investment levels in the U.S. market - Management clarified that the recent $100 million investment was a one-off related to promotional activities, with ongoing investments planned for ZYN and IQOS [51][60] Question: Impact of promotional strategies on new consumer acquisition - Management indicated that the recent free can promotion successfully attracted new consumers, although specific metrics on new customer acquisition were not disclosed [66][68]
Flexsteel(FLXS) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-21 14:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2026, net sales were $110.4 million, a growth of 6.2% compared to $104 million in the prior year quarter, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of sales growth [20][21] - Operating margin was 8.1%, up 230 basis points from 5.8% in the prior year quarter, representing the tenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year adjusted operating margin improvement [5][21] - GAAP operating income was $9.0 million, exceeding the top end of the guidance range of 6.0% to 7.3% of sales [21][22] - The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $38.6 million and no bank debt [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth was primarily driven by source soft seating products, partially offset by lower unit volume in made-to-order soft seating products and Home Styles branded ready-to-assemble category [20] - The current quarter included approximately $2.4 million in pricing from tariff surcharges [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Weekly consumer traffic and sales were described as uneven, with significant volatility observed during the quarter [27] - The weak housing market and shaky consumer confidence are expected to be headwinds for the industry in the near term [7][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growth strategies that include investments in consumer research, new product development, innovation, and marketing [5][12] - A total of 26 new product groups and 226 unique SKUs are being introduced, with a long-term goal of 30 to 40% of sales derived from new products [14][33] - The company is pursuing a multipronged response plan to mitigate tariff impacts, including increasing tariff surcharges and evaluating structural cost reduction opportunities [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed confidence in navigating the challenging environment while maintaining a focus on growth investments [24] - The new Section 232 tariffs are expected to have a dramatic impact on the business and the entire U.S. furniture industry, leading to broad price increases and potential demand declines [9][10] - Despite near-term challenges, management remains optimistic about long-term industry growth drivers and Flexsteel's position to gain market share [12][24] Other Important Information - The company is committed to growing its case goods business through its Statements sub-brand, which emphasizes quality, design, and durability [16] - Consumer insights are driving innovation and marketing strategies, enhancing the in-store brand experience [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the uneven demand during the quarter? - Management noted that weekly store traffic and sales were volatile, with weak performance leading up to Labor Day followed by strong sales around the holiday [27][28] Question: What was the level of the tariff surcharges and their impact? - The company implemented an 8.5% surcharge for the previous 20% tariff, which increased to 15% in anticipation of the new 30% tariff [30] Question: What percentage of sales is targeted from new products? - The long-term goal is for 30 to 40% of sales to come from new products, with over 50% of Q1 sales derived from new products [33] Question: What are the dynamics regarding USMCA compliance and tariffs? - The new Section 232 tariffs do not exempt USMCA compliant products, which changes the previous dynamics [41] Question: How are competitors responding to tariff-related price increases? - Competitors are passing through tariff increases, with some implementing surcharges as high as 21% to 25% [42]
Valmont(VMI) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-21 14:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales increased by 2.5% year-over-year to $1.05 billion, with operating margin improving by 120 basis points and diluted earnings per share rising by 21% to $4.98 [4][14][15] - Gross profit margin increased to 30.4%, up 80 basis points from the previous year [14] - Operating income rose to $141 million, with operating margins at 13.5%, reflecting improved infrastructure results [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure sales grew by 6.6% to $808.3 million, driven by a 12.3% increase in utility sales due to pricing and higher volumes [15] - Agriculture sales decreased by 9% year-over-year to $241.3 million, primarily due to lower irrigation equipment volumes and economic pressures in Brazil [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility market is experiencing strong demand driven by data center expansion, manufacturing onshoring, and broader electrification, with transmission CapEx expected to grow at a 9% CAGR through 2029 [8][15] - The Asia-Pacific market for lighting and transportation remains pressured, with operational challenges impacting results [9][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on simplifying its business, directing resources to high-return initiatives, and enhancing performance in attractive markets [5][6] - Valmont aims to lead the North American utility market through capacity expansion and operational improvements, with significant investments in brownfield utility expansions [5][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the business, despite near-term macro pressures, and highlighted the importance of disciplined execution and innovation [12][20] - The company raised its full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share expectations to a range of $18.70-$19.50, indicating positive momentum [22] Other Important Information - The company is investing in technology and aftermarket parts, with aftermarket sales growing by 15% year-over-year [20] - A new Chief Accounting Officer has joined the team, bringing extensive experience in large-scale manufacturing [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Infrastructure margins and improvement initiatives - Management highlighted that margin improvements stem from pricing and cost actions, with utility expansions contributing significantly to operating margins [25][26] Question: Capacity additions in utility - Management confirmed that capacity additions are tracking above expectations, with plans to exceed the benchmark of $100 million in additional revenue for every $100 million of capacity [29][30] Question: Utility segment pricing trends - Management indicated that pricing remains strong due to tariff mitigation plans and a healthy bid market, with expectations for continued strength in pricing [63][64] Question: Agriculture margins and bad debt expense - Management acknowledged challenges in agriculture margins due to lower sales and bad debt expense, but expects improvements in future quarters as issues are resolved [66][67]
Halliburton(HAL) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-21 14:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company revenue for Q3 2025 was $5.6 billion, a 2% increase compared to Q2 2025 [17] - Adjusted operating margin was 13%, with adjusted operating income of $748 million [17] - Cash flow from operations was $488 million, and free cash flow was $276 million [5][17] - Net income per diluted share was $0.02, while adjusted net income per diluted share was $0.58 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Completion and Production division revenue was $3.2 billion, a 2% increase from Q2 2025, with operating income flat at $514 million [17] - Drilling and Evaluation division revenue was $2.4 billion, also a 2% increase from Q2 2025, with operating income rising 12% to $348 million [19] - Increased completion tool sales and higher artificial lift activity in North America were noted, while lower completion tool sales internationally impacted results [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International revenue was $3.2 billion, a decrease of 2% year over year, while North America revenue was flat at $2.4 billion [5] - Europe, Africa revenue was $828 million, flat sequentially, while Middle East Asia revenue decreased by 3% to $1.4 billion [20] - Latin America revenue increased by 2% to $996 million, driven by higher project management activity [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a strong cost structure, with expected savings of approximately $100 million per quarter [5][15] - Capital expenditures for 2026 are expected to decline by almost 30% to around $1 billion [7] - The company is prioritizing technology development and maintaining a competitive position in the market [7][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth of oil and gas demand, despite near-term volatility in commodity prices [6][15] - The company anticipates a cautious posture from customers in North America due to market conditions [6] - Management highlighted the importance of ongoing investment in technology and international growth engines [15] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $250 million of its common stock during the quarter [5][17] - The partnership with VoltaGrid aims to deliver distributed power solutions for data centers internationally, expanding growth opportunities [14][96] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on VoltaGrid's market evolution and strategic collaboration - Management highlighted the significant demand for power and AI, emphasizing the collaboration with VoltaGrid to leverage strengths in project economics and execution [29][31] Question: Drivers of North American revenue outperformance - Management noted less whitespace than expected and strong customer programs as key drivers for the 5% sequential revenue increase in North America [32] Question: Margins and cost reductions impact - Management indicated that half of the margin beat came from earlier-than-expected labor cost reductions, with strong performance in international markets contributing to overall results [42][44] Question: Halliburton's role in the VoltaGrid partnership - Management clarified that Halliburton brings industrial scale, project management, and customer relationships to the partnership, enhancing execution capabilities [46][68] Question: 2026 outlook and customer conversations - Management described 2026 as flattish with some bright spots, emphasizing the importance of OPEC Plus barrels and production levels in North America [38][108] Question: Growth engines and market share - Management expressed confidence in the growth engines, indicating they are on track to outgrow the industry internationally [73][76] Question: Brazil's market outlook - Management remains positive about Brazil, highlighting strong positions with both IOC work and Petrobras [77] Question: Idling equipment and market dynamics - Management confirmed that idling decisions are based on economic viability, with expectations for tightness in pricing as underperforming assets remain idle [100][101]
Crown Holdings(CCK) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-21 14:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings for the quarter were $1.85 per share compared to a loss of $1.47 per share in the prior year quarter, with adjusted earnings per share at $2.24 compared to $1.99 in the prior year quarter [3] - Net sales in the quarter increased by 4.2% compared to the prior year, reflecting a 12% increase in shipments across European beverage [4] - Segment income was $490 million in the quarter compared to $472 million in the prior year, indicating year-on-year improvements in segment income, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow [4][5] - Free cash flow improved to $887 million from $668 million in the prior year [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - European beverage posted a record quarter with income 27% above the prior year on the back of 12% volume growth [9] - North American beverage volumes were down 3% in the quarter, with a 5% decline in Brazil and Mexico contributing to this decrease [9][10] - Transit packaging income remained level to the prior year, with increased shipments offsetting the impact of lower equipment activity [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American volumes were mixed, down 3% after a slow start in July and August, but rebounded in September [9] - Latin American volumes were down 5%, primarily due to a 15% volume decline across Brazil and Mexico [9] - European beverage growth was driven by market share gains and substitution, with strong demand noted in the Gulf states [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company achieved its long-term net leverage target of 2.5x and remains committed to a healthy balance sheet while returning excess cash to shareholders [5] - The company is raising its guidance for full-year adjusted EPS to $7.70-$7.80, projecting fourth quarter adjusted EPS to be in the range of $1.65-$1.75 [5][6] - The company is focused on continuous operational improvements and maintaining a strong balance sheet to support shareholder returns [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted limited direct impact from tariffs but remains attentive to indirect effects on global consumer and industrial demand [5] - The company expects the fourth quarter in Brazil to return to growth, supported by government initiatives to lower interest rates [9] - Management expressed confidence in the European market's growth potential, emphasizing that historical growth rates of 4%-5% are expected to continue [18] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $105 million of common stock in the quarter and $314 million year-to-date, returning over $400 million to shareholders this year [4] - The company is monitoring the impact of the Novelis fire on the industry but does not foresee a significant negative impact on its operations [110] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth in Europe and potential concerns - Management indicated that the 12% growth in Europe is not expected to be sustainable quarter after quarter, with historical growth rates around 4%-5% being more realistic [17][18] Question: Americas EBIT outlook and impact from Mexico and Brazil - Management confirmed that the $1 billion EBIT target is still aspirational but achievable this year, with Brazil and Mexico contributing negatively to the Americas beverage segment [26][27] Question: North American beverage volumes and market dynamics - Management noted that the underperformance in North America was primarily due to pruning a complicated customer account, with overall market growth expected to be positive [32][98] Question: Capital allocation and free cash flow for 2026 - Management stated that they expect to maintain a strong cash flow and will responsibly return cash to shareholders, with potential for share buybacks depending on market conditions [90][92] Question: Impact of Novelis fire on the industry - Management indicated that while there is no direct impact on Crown, they are monitoring the situation as it may affect some customers [110]
Crown Holdings(CCK) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-21 14:02
Crown (NYSE:CCK) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 21, 2025 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsStefan Diaz - VP of Equity ResearchPhilip Ng - Managing DirectorTim Donahue - President and CEOKevin Clothier - SVP and CFOJosh Spector - Executive Director of Chemicals Equity ResearchGeorge Staphos - Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsJeff Zekauskas - Managing Director and Senior Equity Research AnalystMike Roxlan - Managing Director and Senior Equity Research AnalystAnthony Pettinari - Managing Director and ...
Valmont(VMI) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-21 14:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $1.05 billion, reflecting a 2.5% year-over-year increase [14] - Operating margin improved by 120 basis points to 13.5%, with diluted earnings per share increasing by 21% to $4.98 [14][15] - Gross profit margin rose to 30.4%, an increase of 80 basis points from the previous year [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure sales reached $808.3 million, up 6.6% year-over-year, with utility sales increasing by 12.3% driven by pricing and higher volumes [15] - Agriculture sales decreased by 9% year-over-year to $241.3 million, primarily due to lower irrigation equipment volumes in North America and economic pressures in Brazil [16][17] - Telecommunications sales grew by 37%, supported by a quick turnover strategy and alignment with carrier programs [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility market is experiencing strong demand driven by data center expansion, manufacturing onshoring, and broader electrification, with transmission CapEx expected to grow at a 9% CAGR through 2029 [8] - The Asia-Pacific market for lighting and transportation remains pressured, with operational challenges impacting performance [9] - In agriculture, grower sentiment in North America is soft, with the USDA expecting a 2.5% decline in crop receipts for 2025 [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on simplifying its business, directing resources to high-return initiatives, and enhancing performance in attractive markets [5] - Valmont aims to lead the North American utility market through capacity expansion and operational improvements [5][19] - The company is investing in aftermarket parts and technology to build a more resilient agriculture business [7][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the business despite near-term macro pressures [12] - The company is raising its full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share expectations to a range of $18.70 to $19.50 [22] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining flexibility in capacity to respond to customer needs while ensuring operational efficiency [30] Other Important Information - The company recorded $11 million in bad debt expense due to tighter credit conditions in Brazil, impacting agriculture margins [17][67] - The company plans to consolidate solar revenues into another product line for reporting purposes starting in 2026 [15] - The company has a strong backlog in utility projects, with demand expected to remain robust across various product lines [57] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the infrastructure margins and the most impactful margin improvement initiatives? - Management noted that pricing and cost actions have contributed to improved margins, with utility expansions expected to drive significant operating margin contributions [25][26] Question: What is the outlook for utility segment pricing trends? - Management indicated that pricing remains strong due to tariff mitigation plans and a tight demand-supply balance in the bid market [64][66] Question: Are current demand drivers in utility across different product lines? - Management confirmed strong demand across all product lines, driven by electrification, AI, and grid connectivity, with a healthy backlog extending into 2026 [57][58] Question: What is the expectation for agriculture margins moving forward? - Management expects agriculture margins to improve in Q1, with efforts to resolve current bad debt issues and a focus on maintaining double-digit operating margins [67][68]
Flexsteel(FLXS) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-21 14:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2026, net sales were $110.4 million, a growth of 6.2% compared to $104 million in the prior year quarter, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of sales growth [20][21] - Operating margin was 8.1%, up 230 basis points from 5.8% in the prior year quarter, representing the tenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year adjusted operating margin improvement [5][21] - GAAP operating income was $9.0 million, exceeding the top end of the guidance range of 6.0%-7.3% of sales [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth was primarily driven by source soft seating products, partially offset by lower unit volume in made-to-order soft seating products and Home Styles branded ready-to-assemble category [20] - The current quarter included approximately $2.4 million in pricing from tariff surcharges [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Weekly consumer traffic and sales were uneven, with significant volatility observed during the quarter, particularly around Labor Day [27][28] - The company anticipates that the new Section 232 tariffs will lead to broad price increases for furniture in the U.S., dampening consumer demand and compressing industry margins [10][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growth strategies that include investments in consumer research, new product development, innovation, and marketing [5][12] - A total of 26 new product groups and 226 unique SKUs are being introduced, with a long-term goal of 30%-40% of sales derived from new products launched within the last three years [14][33] - The company is pursuing a multipronged response plan to mitigate tariff impacts, including increasing tariff surcharges and evaluating structural cost reduction opportunities [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed confidence in navigating the challenging environment while maintaining a focus on growth investments [24] - Despite near-term challenges from tariffs and macroeconomic conditions, the company remains optimistic about long-term industry growth drivers [12][24] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $38.6 million and no bank debt, indicating a solid balance sheet [22] - The management has decided to pause on providing forward-looking guidance due to uncertainty regarding the impact of tariffs [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the uneven demand during the quarter? - Management noted that weekly store traffic and sales were volatile, with weak performance leading up to Labor Day followed by strong sales around the holiday [27][28] Question: What was the level of the tariff surcharges and their impact? - The company implemented an 8.5% surcharge for the previous 20% tariff, which increased to 15% in anticipation of the new 30% tariff [30] Question: What percentage of sales does the company aim to derive from new products? - The long-term goal is for 30%-40% of sales to come from new products launched within the last three years, with current sales comprising over 50% from new products [33] Question: How does the company view the case goods business moving forward? - The case goods category has been more challenged, but the company is pleased with the quality of new products and believes it will be a critical growth driver [35] Question: What factors contributed to the lower tax rate this quarter? - The lower tax rate was influenced by changes in reserves for uncertain tax positions and higher R&D tax credits, with expectations for a slight increase in the tax rate for the remainder of the year [36]
Pentair(PNR) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-21 14:02
Pentair (NYSE:PNR) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 21, 2025 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsSteve Tusa - Managing DirectorJohn Stauch - President and CEODamian Karas - Executive DirectorJoe Giordano - Managing DirectorNigel Coe - Managing DirectorNick Cash - Global Investment Research AssociateBob Fishman - CFODeane Dray - Managing DirectorAndrew Krill - DirectorJeff Hammond - Managing DirectorShelly Hubbard - VP of Investor RelationsAndy Kaplowitz - Managing DirectorBrian Blair - Managing Director and Equity ...
Halliburton(HAL) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-21 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company revenue for Q3 2025 was $5,600,000,000, representing a 2% increase compared to Q2 2025 [24] - Adjusted operating margin was 13%, with adjusted operating income of $748,000,000 [24] - Cash flow from operations was $488,000,000, and free cash flow was $276,000,000 [24] - The company repurchased approximately $250,000,000 of its common stock during the quarter [5][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Completion and Production division revenue was $3,200,000,000, a 2% increase from Q2 2025, with operating income flat at $514,000,000 and an operating margin of 16% [25] - Drilling and Evaluation division revenue was $2,400,000,000, also a 2% increase from Q2 2025, with operating income rising 12% to $348,000,000 and an operating margin of 15% [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International revenue was flat compared to Q2 2025, with Europe Africa revenue at $828,000,000 and Middle East Asia revenue at $1,400,000,000, a 3% decrease [27][28] - North America revenue was $2,400,000,000, a 5% increase sequentially, driven by improved stimulation activity [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on cost structure improvements, expecting to save approximately $100,000,000 per quarter going forward [5][7] - Capital expenditures for 2026 are expected to decline by almost 30% to around $1,000,000,000 [7] - The company is prioritizing technology development and maintaining a strong competitive position in the market [7][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth of oil and gas demand, despite near-term volatility in commodity prices [6][20] - The company anticipates a cautious posture from customers in North America due to market conditions, while international markets are expected to remain steady [6][20] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining cost and capital discipline while investing in technology [20] Other Important Information - The company has a strategic partnership with Voltigrid, focusing on distributed power solutions for data centers, which is expected to be a long-term growth opportunity [18][19] - The company recorded severance and fixed asset write-offs of $284,000,000 due to market conditions [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the distributed power generation market and strategic collaboration with Voltigrid - Management highlighted the significant demand for power and AI, emphasizing the growth potential in international markets and the collaborative investment in project economics with Voltigrid [35][37] Question: Drivers of North American revenue outperformance - Management noted less white space than expected in Q3, contributing to better-than-anticipated revenues, and expressed confidence in Halliburton's market positioning for 2026 [40][41] Question: Opportunities in the Middle East and scaling AI - Management identified the Middle East as a region with substantial opportunities due to available energy and capital, and discussed strategies to overcome constraints [43][44] Question: Margins and cost savings impact - Management indicated that half of the margin beat came from earlier-than-expected labor cost reductions, alongside strong performance in North America and international markets [52] Question: VoltaGrid partnership details - Management confirmed that the partnership with Voltigrid is exclusive in certain targeted areas, emphasizing the growth potential for both companies [102] Question: CapEx funding and strategic investments - Management clarified that the $1,000,000,000 CapEx budget for next year does not include investments related to Voltigrid, which will be funded on a project-by-project basis [63] Question: Idling equipment and market dynamics - Management discussed the disciplined approach to idling non-economic fleets, indicating that this could lead to tighter pricing in North America as the market recovers [112] Question: Free cash flow expectations for 2026 - Management projected $1,700,000,000 in free cash flow for 2025, with expectations for improved liquidity in 2026 due to cost reductions and lower CapEx [115]