Darden Restaurants (NYSE:DRI) Q2 2026 Earnings Call December 18, 2025 08:30 AM ET Speaker6Greetings and welcome to the Darden Restaurants Q2 FY26 earnings conference call and webcast. At this time, all participants are in listen-only mode. A question-and-answer session will follow the formal presentation. You may be placed into the question queue at any time by pressing star 1 on your telephone keypad, and we ask that you please ask one question, one follow-up, and return to the queue. If anyone should requ ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Enerpac's Q1 Fiscal 2026 revenue was $144 million, a decrease of 1% year-over-year [6] - Adjusted EBITDA was $32.4 million, representing a margin of 22.4%, with adjusted earnings per share at $0.36 compared to $0.40 in the previous year [9][10] - Gross profit margin was 50.7%, consistent with previous quarters, but impacted by higher tariff-driven costs [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Industrial Tools and Services (IT&S) segment, product sales grew 4% organically, while IT&S sales declined 3% [4][6] - Standard product revenue increased by low single digits, with heavy-lifting technology business experiencing double-digit growth [6] - Service revenue declined by 26%, primarily in the EMEA region, particularly the U.K. [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in the Americas grew by 5%, driven by an 8% increase in product revenue [7] - EMEA revenue declined by 10%, with product revenue growing 5% but service revenue declining significantly [7][8] - APAC revenue decreased by 8%, affected by a decline in heavy-lifting technology business and political uncertainties in Southeast Asia [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growth through investments in innovation and expanding sales capabilities in key markets like India and Australia [12][13] - Enerpac is enhancing its e-commerce capabilities and implementing a new technology platform to improve user experience and marketing tools [13] - The company is targeting growth in power generation and infrastructure sectors, with significant contract wins in bridge and tunnel projects [14][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the outlook for the year, supported by strong order growth across all geographic regions [12] - The company anticipates organic revenue growth of 1%-4% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 6% at the midpoint for Fiscal 2026 [11] - Management acknowledged challenges in the service business but remains optimistic about future growth and margin expansion [22][24] Other Important Information - The company reported a strong balance sheet with net debt of $49 million and total liquidity of $539 million [10] - Enerpac repurchased $15 million of stock in the first quarter while maintaining capacity for strategic M&A [10][57] - A leadership change in investor relations was announced, with the current CFO becoming the main point of contact until a replacement is found [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What caused the sharp decline in service revenue this quarter? - Management noted disappointment in service revenue performance, primarily due to market contraction in the U.K. and ongoing consolidation in the oil and gas sector [22][24] Question: Can you elaborate on changes being made in services to capture higher value business? - Management discussed transitioning from an agent-based model to a direct model to enhance customer relationships and margins, along with investments in field service capabilities [26][27] Question: What is the pricing strategy heading into 2026? - A small, low single-digit price increase was implemented in December, with ongoing efforts to offset tariff impacts and maintain margins [28][47] Question: How does the backlog look compared to a normalized basis? - Management indicated that while Enerpac is not a backlog-heavy business, there has been an uptick in backlog driven by strong order activity [40] Question: What is the outlook for M&A activity? - Management expressed optimism about increased M&A activity and is actively evaluating several opportunities while maintaining a disciplined approach [57]

Accenture (NYSE:ACN) Q1 2026 Earnings Call December 18, 2025 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsJulie Sweet - Chair and CEOAlexia Quadrani - Executive Director and Head of Investor RelationsAngie Park - CFOConference Call ParticipantsDavid Koning - Senior Equity Research AnalystDarrin Peller - Senior Equity Research AnalystJason Kupferberg - Equity Research AnalystJames Faucette - Equity Research AnalystBryan Keane - Managing Director and Senior Equity Research AnalystTien-tsin Huang - Senior Equity Research A ...

Accenture (NYSE:ACN) Q1 2026 Earnings Call December 18, 2025 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAlexia Quadrani - Head of Investor RelationsAngie Park - CFOJulie Sweet - CEOConference Call ParticipantsDavid Koning - Senior Equity Research AnalystJames Faucette - Equity Research AnalystDarrin Peller - Senior Equity Research AnalystBryan Bergin - Equity Research AnalystKevin McVeigh - Senior Equity Research AnalystTien-tsin Huang - Senior Equity Research AnalystJason Kupferberg - Equity Research AnalystBryan Kea ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail transaction volume reached 14,020 units, representing a 134% year-over-year increase and a 35% quarter-over-quarter increase [4][14] - Retail revenue for the quarter totaled CNY 820 million, up 84% year-over-year and 35% quarter-over-quarter [15] - Gross margin for the quarter was 7.5%, up 0.5 percentage points year-over-year and up 2.3 percentage points quarter-over-quarter, marking the highest level in three years [18] - Adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed significantly to CNY 5.3 million, representing a 43% reduction year-over-year and a 68% reduction quarter-over-quarter [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wholesale transaction volume was 1,884 units, representing an 81% increase year-over-year and a 54% increase quarter-over-quarter [17] - Total revenue combining both retail and wholesale reached CNY 879 million, representing a 77% increase year-over-year and a 34% increase quarter-over-quarter [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Wuhan superstore, which opened in February, is expected to reach nearly 1,800 retail units in December, with local market share approaching 10% [5] - The Zhengzhou superstore, opened in late September, is expected to achieve approximately 900 retail units in December, with market share nearing 5% [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is expanding its superstore network, having completed all three new superstore openings planned for 2025, and plans to open four to six additional superstores in 2026 [8] - The company aims to scale its business model nationwide, driven by precise pricing, higher customer satisfaction, and superior operating efficiency [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustained and rapid growth, expecting retail transaction volume to exceed 18,500 units in Q4 2025, representing year-over-year growth of over 110% [11][20] - For the full year 2025, retail transaction volume is expected to surpass 50,000 units, reflecting year-over-year growth of over 130% [11][20] Other Important Information - The company has established strategic partnerships with local governments in Tianjin, Guangzhou, and Yinchuan to jointly invest in and operate new used car superstores [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does management view the sustainability of the current margin level? - Management indicated that the gross margin of 7.5% is supported by stabilized new car pricing and improved profitability at the Wuhan superstore, with expectations for further margin expansion [22][23][25] Question: What key initiatives drove the outperformance of the Zhengzhou superstore? - Management attributed the outperformance to lessons learned from the Wuhan superstore, improved pricing capabilities, and efficient operations, expecting break-even in about nine months [28][29][30] Question: What are the key similarities and differences between Uxin and Carvana? - Management highlighted that Uxin operates through both offline superstores and an online marketplace, while Carvana primarily sells online, reflecting different market realities [33][34] - Both companies share similarities in operating under an own inventory model and focusing on precise pricing to ensure efficient vehicle turnover [35][36][37]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail transaction volume reached 14,020 units, representing a 134% year-over-year increase and a 35% quarter-over-quarter increase, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of growth above 130% [4][13] - Retail revenue for the quarter totaled RMB 820 million, up 84% year-over-year and 35% quarter-over-quarter [14] - Gross margin improved to 7.5%, the highest level in the past three years, up 0.5 percentage points year-over-year and 2.3 percentage points quarter-over-quarter [16] - Adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed significantly to RMB 5.3 million, a 43% reduction year-over-year and a 68% reduction quarter-over-quarter [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wholesale transaction volume was 1,884 units, representing an 81% year-over-year increase and a 54% quarter-over-quarter increase [15] - Total revenue combining retail and wholesale reached RMB 879 million, representing a 77% increase year-over-year and a 34% increase quarter-over-quarter [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Wuhan superstore, which opened in February, is expected to reach nearly 1,800 retail units in December, with local market share approaching 10% [5] - The Zhengzhou superstore, opened in late September, is expected to achieve approximately 900 retail units in December, with market share nearing 5% [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is expanding its superstore network, having opened three new superstores in 2025, and plans to open four to six additional superstores in 2026 [7] - The company aims to scale its business model nationwide through improved pricing accuracy, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency [8][9] - The long-term target gross margin is around 10%, with existing superstores already approaching this target [25] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustained and rapid growth, expecting retail transaction volume to exceed 18,500 units in Q4 2025, representing over 110% year-over-year growth [10][18] - The company believes that stable market conditions will support continued growth, with expectations for total revenue to exceed RMB 1.15 billion in Q4 2025 [18] Other Important Information - The company has established strategic partnerships with local governments in Tianjin, Guangzhou, and Yinchuan to jointly invest in new used car superstores [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sustainability of the current gross margin level - Management indicated that the gross margin of 7.5% is supported by stabilized new car pricing and improved profitability at the Wuhan superstore, with expectations for further margin expansion due to reduced competition and improved pricing capabilities [21][22][23][25] Question: Performance of the Zhengzhou superstore compared to Wuhan - Management noted that the Zhengzhou superstore has achieved higher sales and profitability in a shorter time frame due to lessons learned from the Wuhan superstore and improved pricing capabilities [28][30][31] Question: Comparison with Carvana's model - Management highlighted differences in sales channels, with Uxin operating through both offline superstores and an online marketplace, while also noting similarities in inventory management and focus on customer satisfaction [32][33][34][36]

Birkenstock (NYSE:BIRK) Q4 2025 Earnings Call December 18, 2025 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsNico Bouyakhf - President of EMEAPaul Lejuez - Managing DirectorDonna Telsey - CEO and Chief Research OfficerJanine Stichter - Managing DirectorLaurent Vasilescu - Managing DirectorMegan Kulick - Director of Investor RelationsOliver Reichert - Director and CEORandy Konik - Managing DirectorIvica Krolo - CFOLorraine Hutchinson - Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsMichael Binetti - Senior Equity AnalystMa ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the first quarter reached $18.7 billion, growing 5% in local currency, with adjusted EPS growth of 10% compared to the same quarter last year [6][17][20] - Adjusted operating margin expanded by 30 basis points year over year, reaching 17% [7][17] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $1.5 billion, with a cash balance of $9.6 billion at the end of the quarter [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New bookings totaled $20.9 billion, representing 12% growth in U.S. dollars and 10% growth in local currency [16][17] - Consulting revenues were $9.4 billion, growing 4% in U.S. dollars and 3% in local currency, while managed services revenues were $9.3 billion, growing 8% in U.S. dollars and 7% in local currency [18] - Advanced AI bookings reached $2.2 billion, nearly doubling from the previous year, with revenue of approximately $1.1 billion [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue growth in the Americas was 4% in local currency, with a 6% growth excluding federal business impacts [18][19] - EMEA saw 4% growth in local currency, driven by banking and capital markets, while Asia-Pacific experienced 9% growth, led by Japan and Australia [19] - The demand for reinvention remains strong, with 60% of revenue in Q1 coming from work with top 10 ecosystem partners [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the most client-focused, AI-enabled workplace, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and strategic acquisitions to enhance capabilities [5][14] - Recent acquisitions include a 65% stake in DLB Associates, expanding capabilities in the AI data center engineering market [14] - The focus is on embedding advanced AI across various solutions, moving beyond standalone projects to integrated end-to-end solutions [10][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that clients are prioritizing large-scale transformational programs, with no significant changes in discretionary spending observed [24][66] - The company expects revenue growth for fiscal 2026 to be in the range of 2-5% in local currency, with an inorganic contribution of about 1.5% from acquisitions [37][39] - The outlook for adjusted diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2026 is projected to be between $13.52 and $13.90, reflecting 5-8% growth over the previous fiscal year [38][39] Other Important Information - The company recorded $308 million in business optimization costs related to employee severance, impacting operating margin and EPS [20] - The company continues to invest significantly in talent and technology, with nearly 80,000 AI and data professionals targeted [7][8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Shift in consulting industry's role in AI - Management acknowledged a shift in perception, emphasizing that enterprise AI adoption requires foundational work around data and processes [42][44] Question: Revenue impact of AI partnerships - Management indicated that partnerships are crucial for enterprise adoption and will contribute to revenue as the market evolves [50][51] Question: Sustainability of revenue per head growth - Management confirmed a 7% growth in revenue per person, driven by talent rotation, but expects moderation as new hires are integrated [52][54] Question: Discretionary spending outlook - Management stated that they are not waiting for discretionary spending to return, focusing instead on delivering results despite current market conditions [65][66] Question: Fixed-price work growth potential - Management expressed confidence in the competitive advantage of fixed-price contracts, which have increased significantly, and noted ongoing evolution in commercial models [67][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail transaction volume reached 14,020 units, representing a 134% year-over-year increase and a 35% quarter-over-quarter increase [5][16] - Retail revenue for the quarter totaled CNY 820 million, up 84% year-over-year and 35% quarter-over-quarter [17] - Gross margin for the quarter was 7.5%, marking the highest level in the past three years, up from 7% a year ago and 5.2% in the prior quarter [19][22] - Adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed significantly to CNY 5.3 million, a 43% reduction year-over-year and a 68% reduction quarter-over-quarter [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wholesale transaction volume was 1,884 units, representing an 81% increase year-over-year and a 54% increase quarter-over-quarter [18] - Total revenue combining retail and wholesale reached CNY 879 million, representing a 77% increase year-over-year and a 34% increase quarter-over-quarter [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Wuhan superstore, which opened in February, is expected to reach nearly 1,800 retail units in December, with local market share approaching 10% [6] - The Zhengzhou superstore, opened in late September, is expected to achieve approximately 900 retail units in December, with market share nearing 5% [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is expanding its superstore network, having opened three new superstores in 2025, and plans to open four to six additional superstores in 2026 [9][10] - The company aims for a gross margin target of around 10% in the long term, with existing superstores already approaching this target [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustained and rapid growth, expecting retail transaction volume to exceed 18,500 units in Q4 2025, representing year-over-year growth of over 110% [12][22] - The company believes that vehicle prices will remain stable or trend upward, supporting margin improvements [28] Other Important Information - The company's Net Promoter Score (NPS) was 67, maintaining an industry-leading level for six consecutive quarters [5] - Strategic partnerships with local governments in Tianjin, Guangzhou, and Yinchuan have been announced to jointly invest in and operate new used car superstores [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sustainability of current margin level - Management indicated that the gross margin of 7.5% is supported by stabilized new car pricing and improved profitability at the Wuhan superstore, with expectations for further margin expansion [25][26][28] Question: Performance of Zhengzhou superstore - Management noted that the Zhengzhou superstore's sales and profitability are outperforming the Wuhan superstore due to lessons learned and improved pricing capabilities [34][36] Question: Comparison with Carvana - Management highlighted differences in sales channels, with Uxin operating through both offline superstores and an online marketplace, while sharing similarities in inventory management and customer satisfaction focus [38][42][45]

Birkenstock (NYSE:BIRK) Q4 2025 Earnings Call December 18, 2025 08:00 AM ET Speaker0Good morning, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Birkenstock Quarter and Fiscal 2025 earnings conference call. At this time, all participants are in listen-only mode. Following the presentation, we will conduct a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please raise your hand. If you have dialed into today's call, please press star nine to raise your hand and star six to unmute. The compan ...