AxoGen (AXGN) Q2 2025 Earnings Call August 05, 2025 08:00 AM ET Speaker0Joining me on today's call is Michael Dale, AxoGen's Chief Executive Officer and Director and Lindsay Hartley, Chief Financial Officer. Michael will discuss second quarter twenty twenty five financial results and corporate highlights. Lindsay will then provide details on financial performance, guidance and overall outlook for the year. This will be followed by a question and answer session. Today's call is being broadcast live via webca ...

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals (RYTM) Q2 2025 Earnings Call August 05, 2025 08:00 AM ET Speaker0Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Q2 twenty twenty five Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen only mode. After the speakers' presentation, there will be a question and answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press 11 on your telephone.You will then hear an automated message advising that your hand is raised. Ple ...

Clear Secure (YOU) Q2 2025 Earnings Call August 05, 2025 08:00 AM ET Speaker0Good morning. Welcome to Clear's Fiscal Second Quarter twenty twenty five Conference Call. We have with us today Karen Seidman Becker, Co Founder, Chair and Chief Executive Officer Michael Barkin, President and Jen Chew, Chief Financial Officer. As a reminder, before we begin, today's discussion contains forward looking statements about the company's future business and financial performance. These are based on management's current ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record performance in NSR, margins, EBITDA, EPS, backlog, and pipeline, leading to a raised annual financial guidance for the third consecutive time this year [7][18]. - Organic NSR growth accelerated to 6%, with an 8% growth in The Americas, the highest margin segment [8][26]. - Adjusted EBITDA and EPS increased by 1016%, with year-to-date figures up 920% [10][30]. - Free cash flow increased by 27% year-to-date, with nearly $240 million returned to shareholders this year [11][29]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In The Americas, NSR grew by 8%, and adjusted operating margin increased by 120 basis points to 20.5% [26]. - The International segment saw NSR growth of 3%, driven by The UK and The Middle East, while Australia experienced a decline [27]. - The adjusted operating margin for the International segment increased by 20 basis points to 11.9%, with backlog growing by 8% [27]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong growth in The UK, The Middle East, and The UAE, while Australia faced near-term budgetary constraints [15][16]. - In the US, only 36% of IIJA funding targeted to the markets has been spent, indicating continued growth opportunities [16]. - The US federal government is prioritizing investments in critical infrastructure, enhancing growth prospects [17]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on returns-based capital allocation, investing in organic growth initiatives, technical capabilities, and building trusted client relationships [9]. - The advisory business is expected to double to $400 million of NSR within three years, positioning it as a significant growth platform [23]. - The company aims to maintain a high level of business development investment to capitalize on a record pipeline [28]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued long-term investment in US infrastructure, supported by government initiatives and funding clarity [36][37]. - The company anticipates further margin expansion driven by critical investments aligned with long-term objectives [10][30]. - Management highlighted the importance of AI in enhancing operational efficiency and client service delivery [50][51]. Other Important Information - The company achieved a segment adjusted operating margin of 17.1%, a 90 basis point improvement over the prior year [25]. - Backlog increased both sequentially and year-over-year, reaching an all-time high [12]. - The company maintains a strong balance sheet with net leverage of 0.6 and no debt maturities until 2029 [29]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the US Market - Management noted stability in the US market, with clarity on funding agendas and increased infrastructure investment expected [35][37]. Question: Drivers of Margin Improvement - Management attributed margin improvement to high-return organic growth investments and operational focus on cost management [41][42]. Question: AI and Automation Initiatives - Management confirmed that AI initiatives are already impacting margins and will have a material effect over the next three years [50][51]. Question: Book to Bill Ratio Sustainability - Management expressed confidence in maintaining a book to burn ratio greater than one, supported by a healthy pipeline and high win rates [67][70]. Question: Advisory Business Growth - The advisory business is expected to grow double digits, capturing more market share and providing additional services to existing clients [94][95].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic net sales decreased by 4.2% in Q3 2025, with North America Sun Care business underperforming expectations by approximately $25 million [42] - Adjusted gross margin rate decreased by 150 basis points, impacted by lower Sun Care sales [42] - GAAP diluted net earnings per share were $0.62 compared to $0.98 in Q3 2024, while adjusted earnings per share were $0.92 compared to $1.22 in the prior year [44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wet Shave organic net sales were down about 2%, while international Wet Shave grew about 3% [33] - Sun and Skin Care organic net sales were down approximately 5%, with mid single-digit growth in Grooming led by 28% organic net sales growth for Cremo [35] - Fem Care organic net sales were down approximately 10%, driven largely by tampons and pads [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International markets delivered 2% organic growth, with double-digit growth in Greater China and mid single-digit growth in Oceania and Europe [32] - In North America, organic sales declined about 8%, with significant declines in Sun Care, Wet Shave, and Fem Care [32] - Market share for Hawaiian Tropic increased by 150 basis points in Q3, while Cremo saw a 40 basis point increase [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to investing in brand campaigns and innovations to strengthen its portfolio for long-term success [20] - A focus on international market growth strategy, which now represents 40% of global sales, is expected to deliver mid-single-digit organic growth [10] - The company is undergoing a transformation in North America to improve commercial effectiveness and operating efficiency [14] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The operating environment remains challenging due to tariffs and foreign exchange volatility, impacting full-year profit headwinds [8] - Management remains confident in the ability to grow international markets and across core categories despite short-term pressures [39] - The company anticipates organic net sales to be down approximately 1.3% for the fiscal year, with adjusted earnings per share expected to be approximately $2.65 [46] Other Important Information - The company returned approximately $32 million to shareholders during the quarter, achieving a target of approximately $90 million in share repurchases for the fiscal year [45] - The company is actively pursuing opportunities to mitigate the potential impact of tariffs through expanded sourcing efforts and vendor negotiations [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you expand on the drivers of the free cash flow cut? - Management indicated that lower earnings and additional FX headwinds were significant drivers of the cash flow change, alongside working capital changes [54][56] Question: Can you speak high level to the puts and takes for fiscal 2026? - Management noted that while they cannot provide specific guidance for 2026, they are confident in their ability to deliver growth in the range of 2% to 3% moving forward [66][72] Question: What drives the organic sales growth expected in Q4? - Management expects growth driven by improved performance in Sun Care, Fem Care, and Wet Ones, with a positive outlook based on recent sales data [82][86] Question: Will elevated levels of brand support continue into fiscal 2026? - Management confirmed that they will continue to invest in brand support and innovation, particularly in international markets and key brands in North America [90][92] Question: How are inventories currently in the channel for Sun Care? - Management stated that they are generally comfortable with inventory levels and are prepared to replenish quickly due to their supply chain advantages [102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter sales reached $3.3 billion, growing 2% on an organic basis [6][15] - Operating EBITDA was $859 million, an increase of 8% year over year, resulting in an operating EBITDA margin of 26.4%, up 120 basis points from the prior year [6][17] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $1.12, up 15% year over year [6][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electronics Co. net sales were $1.2 billion, up 6% year over year, driven by an 8% increase in volume [20] - Industrials Co. second quarter net sales were $2.1 billion, up 1% year over year, with 2% volume growth partially offset by a 1% decline in price [21][22] - Healthcare and Water Technologies saw high single-digit organic sales growth, while diversified industrial sales were down low single digits due to construction market softness [22][46] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Asia Pacific delivered 4% organic sales growth year over year, with Europe up 2% and North America up 1% [16] - The electronics market remains mixed, with growth primarily driven by AI applications, while consumer markets are still relatively weak [56][57] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on the upcoming spin-off of Qunity Electronics, scheduled for November 1, aiming to position both entities for growth [8][10] - The new DuPont will emphasize high-growth healthcare and water markets, with plans for potential acquisitions to bolster these segments [12][71] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong cash flow and operational efficiency while navigating the separation process [8][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about continued strength in electronics driven by AI technology demand, while acknowledging ongoing weakness in the construction sector [7][24] - The company raised its full-year earnings guidance based on strong second-quarter performance, despite anticipated tariff impacts [23][24] - Management highlighted the importance of customer relationships and market positioning in driving future growth [71] Other Important Information - A settlement with the State of New Jersey regarding environmental claims was announced, with the company's portion amounting to $177 million on an NPV basis [8][41] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities to enhance its healthcare and water portfolios [72] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on industrials and pricing impacts - Management clarified that the 1% price decline was primarily due to price adjustments following inflationary pressures, not specific to the healthcare or tieback sectors [30][31] Question: Comments on the recent settlement - Management expressed satisfaction with the settlement, noting that AFFF claims represented only 1% of the total settlement amount, aligning with previous estimates [39][41] Question: Growth in healthcare and water sectors - Both healthcare and water sectors experienced high single-digit growth, with expectations for continued outsized growth in the back half of the year [46][47] Question: Electronics market trends - Management noted that growth is primarily driven by AI applications, with expectations for gradual recovery in the broader electronics market [56][57] Question: Future M&A strategies - The focus remains on completing the spin-off of Qunity, while actively scouting for M&A opportunities in the healthcare and water sectors [72][73] Question: Tariff impacts and mitigation strategies - Over 90% of the tariff impact mitigation is attributed to supply chain movements, with some surcharges implemented to offset costs [132][133]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record highs in revenue, operating profit, and operating profit margin for Q2 2025, with operating profit growing 14% to $304 million [5][29] - Same store sales growth turned positive at 1%, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of same store transaction growth [6][36] - System sales growth reached 4%, showing a sequential improvement of two percentage points [6][26] - Restaurant margin improved by 60 basis points, and operating profit margin increased by 100 basis points year over year [7][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - KFC achieved 5% system sales growth and a healthy restaurant margin in Q2, operating over 12,000 stores in more than 2,400 cities [8][9] - Pizza Hut sustained a 2% same store sales growth, with a 17% increase in same store transactions, operating over 3,800 stores [9][22] - K Coffee Cafe contributed to incremental sales, with average cups sold increasing and a total of 1,300 locations nationwide [20][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Delivery sales accounted for around 45% of total sales mix, up from 38% in the same quarter last year [14][16] - The company opened 336 net new stores in Q2, with a total of 12,238 stores for KFC and 3,864 stores for Pizza Hut [19][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational efficiency and innovation, with a dual strategy targeting both same store sales and system sales growth [5][10] - The introduction of new store formats, such as Pizza Hut Wow! stores, aims to penetrate lower-tier cities and improve profitability [25][66] - The company plans to maintain a balanced approach to delivery, leveraging both third-party platforms and its own channels to enhance visibility and traffic [16][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year targets for 2025, including new store openings and system sales growth [34][44] - The competitive landscape remains challenging, but the company aims to protect margins while driving sales through core competencies [51][112] - The company anticipates a steady same store sales level year over year in the second half, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [36][54] Other Important Information - The company returned a total of $536 million to shareholders in the first half of the year, with plans to return at least $1.2 billion in 2025 [32][33] - Capital expenditure guidance was revised down from $700-800 million to $600-700 million due to lower CapEx per store [39][95] Q&A Session Summary Question: Delivery business growth and margin impact - Management acknowledged intense competition in the delivery space but emphasized a focus on core competencies and maintaining price integrity [50][52] Question: New store format performance and targets - Management confirmed that the Pizza Hut Wow! model is showing promising results, with no specific guidance on store openings yet [61][66] Question: Potential for Pizza Hut's restaurant and operating margins - Management indicated that there is room for improvement in Pizza Hut's margins, with a focus on operational efficiency and cost management [70][76] Question: Impact of delivery platform subsidies on margins - Management stated that larger brands like Yum China enjoy favorable subsidy arrangements, which helps mitigate margin impacts [82][83] Question: Average check trends at KFC - Management noted that while average check may decline due to smaller orders, the focus remains on driving same store transaction growth [88][91] Question: CapEx guidance and future trends - Management explained that the CapEx reduction is primarily due to lower CapEx per store, with expectations for similar trends in the future [94][96] Question: Franchise mix strategy - Management clarified that the decision to open franchise stores is based on strategic alignment and market conditions, particularly in lower-tier cities [102][105] Question: Competitive environment and margin preservation - Management reiterated the importance of maintaining a balance between sales growth and margin protection amidst competitive pressures [110][112]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record highs in revenue, operating profit, and operating profit margin for Q2 2025, with operating profit growing 14% to $304 million [10][31] - Same store sales growth turned positive at 1%, with system sales growth reaching 4%, showing a sequential improvement of two percentage points [9][28] - Restaurant margin improved by 60 basis points, and operating profit margin increased by 100 basis points year over year [10][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - KFC achieved 5% system sales growth and a healthy restaurant margin, operating over 12,000 stores in more than 2,400 cities [10][11] - Pizza Hut sustained 2% same store sales growth, with a 17% increase in same store transactions, and improved margins through operational efficiency [11][24] - K Coffee Cafe contributed to incremental sales, with average cups sold increasing and a total of 1,300 locations nationwide [22][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Delivery sales accounted for around 45% of total sales mix, up from 38% in the previous year, driven by promotions and own channels [16][18] - The company opened 336 net new stores in Q2, with a total of 12,238 KFC stores and 3,864 Pizza Hut stores [21][26] - The franchise store mix for new openings was 41% for KFC and 26% for Pizza Hut, ahead of schedule [37] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational efficiency and innovation, with initiatives like K Coffee Cafe and the Pizza Hut Wow model aimed at expanding market reach [47][68] - The company plans to achieve 1,600 to 1,800 net new store openings in 2025, with a solid pipeline for growth [37][36] - The company is committed to returning $3 billion to shareholders from 2025 through 2026, maintaining a healthy cash position of $2.8 billion [35][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year targets for 2025 despite complex market conditions, with a focus on maintaining margins and protecting price integrity [36][47] - The company anticipates steady same store sales levels year over year in the second half, while facing challenges from delivery platform competition [38][56] - Management highlighted the importance of balancing sales growth with margin protection, learning from past experiences in competitive environments [120][121] Other Important Information - The company is raising its 2025 target for K Coffee Cafe locations from 1,500 to 1,700 due to strong performance [22] - The company is committed to digitization initiatives, including AI, to drive growth and efficiency [44][45] - The average annual capital return is around 8% to 9% of market cap, with flexibility regarding the split of capital returns between years [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on delivery business growth and margin impact - Management acknowledged intense competition in the delivery space but emphasized a balanced approach to drive top-line growth while protecting margins [53][55] Question: New format store opening targets and profitability - Management confirmed over 20 Wow stores opened, with encouraging sales and margin levels, but did not provide specific opening targets for the new model [66][71] Question: Potential ultimate goals for Pizza Hut's margins - Management indicated that mid to long-term improvements in Pizza Hut's margins are expected, with potential to reach levels closer to KFC [80][82] Question: Impact of delivery platform subsidies on margins - Management noted that larger brands like Yum China enjoy favorable subsidy arrangements, minimizing the impact on margins [87][89] Question: Changes in average check trends at KFC - Management explained that the average check at KFC was positively impacted by a higher delivery mix, but a downward trend is expected in the second half due to smaller orders [95][96] Question: CapEx guidance and future trends - Management lowered CapEx guidance due to reduced CapEx per store, indicating a stable trend for future years [100][105] Question: Franchise store opening decisions - Management clarified that franchise stores are incremental and strategically opened in lower-tier cities and high-traffic locations [110][111] Question: Competitive environment and margin preservation - Management reiterated the importance of maintaining price integrity and not sacrificing margins for sales growth amid competitive pressures [120][121]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is planning for a more cautious consumer environment in the US for fiscal 2026, indicating a focus on managing inventory levels and achieving normalized stock levels [10][11] - Organic sales guidance for fiscal 2026 is expected to be similar to fiscal 2025, with a potential acceleration in the second half of the year [15][16] - The company anticipates a $50 million reduction in starting EBIT due to disposals, with additional impacts from the sale of Ghana and Seychelles breweries [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The spirits segment in Europe has faced pressure, but the company views this as an opportunity to better control outcomes by focusing on local markets and consumer dynamics [11][12] - The company is focusing on driving growth in key brands such as Don Julio and Guinness, despite organic sales declines [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The US market is expected to be cautious, with a stretched consumer wallet impacting sales [28][29] - The company is optimistic about the potential for growth in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in China, despite recent challenges [30][31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is reorganizing to capture growth opportunities by being more locally focused and occasion-led in various markets [12][13] - There is a clear strategy to enhance commercial execution at the point of sale, with a focus on training and upskilling resources [17][18] - The company is committed to premiumization and expanding its portfolio, particularly in the tequila segment [40][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current macroeconomic pressures but believes that moderation trends in consumer behavior present new opportunities [65][66] - The company remains confident in the long-term growth potential of the US spirits market despite short-term pressures [79][80] Other Important Information - The company is implementing changes to its currency hedging strategy to reduce volatility and align hedge targets with operating profit exposure [36][37] - The company plans to reinvest 50% of cost savings into better commercial execution and digitization efforts [70][71] Q&A Session Summary Question: US depletion outlook and inventory message - Management indicated that inventory levels have normalized and they are planning for a cautious consumer environment in the US for fiscal 2026 [10][11] Question: Investment in Europe and spirits portfolio - Management acknowledged the pressure on the spirits portfolio in Europe but sees it as an opportunity for better control and growth [11][12] Question: Organic sales guidance for fiscal 2026 - Management expects organic sales guidance for fiscal 2026 to be similar to fiscal 2025, with potential acceleration in the second half [15][16] Question: Impact of disposals on EBIT - Management confirmed a $50 million reduction in starting EBIT due to disposals, with additional impacts from recent sales [21][22] Question: Focus on moderation trends - Management noted that moderation trends are here to stay and the company is looking to tap into this with a broader range of products [65][66] Question: Reinvestment of cost savings - Management stated that 50% of cost savings will be reinvested into commercial execution and digitization efforts [70][71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is planning for a more cautious consumer environment in the US for fiscal 2026, indicating a focus on managing inventory levels and achieving normalized stock levels [8][9] - Organic sales guidance for fiscal 2026 is expected to be similar to fiscal 2025, with a potential acceleration in the second half of the year [14][30] - The company anticipates a $50 million reduction in starting EBIT due to disposals, with additional impacts from recent sales in Ghana and Seychelles [22][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The spirits segment in Europe has faced pressure, but the company sees this as an opportunity to better control outcomes by focusing on local markets and consumer dynamics [9][10] - The company is focusing on driving growth in key brands such as Don Julio, Guinness, and Johnny Walker, despite organic sales declines [20][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The US market is expected to be cautious, with consumer wallets still stretched, impacting sales performance [28][30] - In Asia Pacific, particularly China, the market has been more challenged outside of the Chinese New Year, but the company is optimistic about future growth opportunities [29][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is reorganizing to capture growth opportunities by being more locally focused and occasion-led, particularly in Southern Europe [10][11] - There is a clear strategy to enhance commercial execution at the point of sale, with a focus on training and upskilling resources [18][47] - The company is committed to premiumization and expanding its portfolio, particularly in the tequila segment [40][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current macroeconomic pressures but believes that moderation trends in consumer behavior present new growth opportunities [62][70] - The company is focused on balancing growth across its portfolio, with an emphasis on both volume and price mix [56][59] Other Important Information - The company is actively managing its portfolio, with ongoing disposals of non-core assets while maintaining a focus on core brands [86] - There is a commitment to reinvest 50% of cost savings into better commercial execution and digitization efforts [70][71] Q&A Session Summary Question: US depletion outlook and inventory message - Management indicated that inventory levels have normalized and they are planning for a cautious consumer environment in the US for fiscal 2026 [8][9] Question: Organic sales guidance for fiscal 2026 - Management expressed confidence in achieving a similar organic sales performance to fiscal 2025, with expectations for acceleration in the second half [14][30] Question: Impact of disposals on EBIT - Management confirmed a $50 million reduction in EBIT due to disposals, with additional impacts from recent sales in Ghana and Seychelles [22][30] Question: Focus on the Astral brand in the US - Management sees significant growth potential for the Astral brand in the super premium segment and is optimistic about its scaling [40][41] Question: Changes in US route to market - Management highlighted the importance of both increasing the number of salespeople and enhancing their effectiveness through training and focused execution [46][47] Question: Structural headwinds and moderation trends - Management acknowledged the ongoing moderation trend but emphasized the company's ability to innovate and adapt to consumer preferences [62][70]