AdvanSix (NYSE:ASIX) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 20, 2026 09:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsAdam Kressel - VP of Investor Relations and TreasurerChris Gramm - Interim CFODavid Silver - Managing Director of Equity ResearchErin Kane - President and CEOConference Call ParticipantsPete Osterland - Senior Equity Research AnalystOperatorGood day, and welcome to the AdvanSix Q4 2025 earnings conference call. All participants will be in listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference speci ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q4 2025 sales of $360 million, an increase of approximately 9% year-over-year, with sales volume up about 11% due to the prior year's extended planned turnaround [8][9] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $25 million, up $15 million from the previous year, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.9% [9][10] - Full-year adjusted EBITDA reached $157 million, with a margin expansion of 90 basis points to 10.3% [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Nylon Solutions, volumes declined sequentially as production rates were moderated to manage inventory in a softer demand environment [10] - Plant nutrients showed strong performance with increased volumes and pricing, particularly in granular ammonium sulfate, supported by resilient sulfur nutrition demand [10][11] - Chemical intermediates pricing remained stable sequentially but was lower year-over-year, consistent with expectations as acetone pricing moderated from previous highs [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agriculture and fertilizer market remains the largest end market for the company, with favorable ammonium sulfate supply-demand fundamentals and sulfur nutrition demand growing approximately 3%-4% [14] - Sulfur prices have increased significantly, settling at nearly $500 per long ton in Q1 2026, compared to $165 per ton in Q1 2025 [14][15] - The building construction market is expected to see a recovery in 2026, with third-party estimates indicating approximately 3% commercial construction growth [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on bolstering sustainable cash flow generation through risk-based prioritization of capital investments, cost productivity, and operational execution [18][19] - A reduction in CapEx is expected for 2026, with planned spending in the range of $75 million-$95 million compared to $116 million in 2025 [20] - The company aims to optimize production output and sales volume mix while managing cash tax rates and maintaining a disciplined approach to capital investment [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The macro environment remains challenging, with anticipated headwinds from higher raw material input costs, particularly sulfur and natural gas prices [6][7] - The company expects to fully offset an estimated $8 million-$10 million unfavorable earnings impact in Q1 2026 as it progresses through the year [7] - Management remains optimistic about the potential for improved supply-demand conditions in the nylon chain due to recent industry announcements regarding capacity rationalization [6][29] Other Important Information - The company successfully executed planned turnarounds at the low end of its target spend range and delivered record annual production across key ammonia and sulfuric acid unit operations [5][13] - The company is actively managing its cash tax rate, anticipating it to be below 10% for the year [22] - The company has a healthy balance sheet with leverage exiting 2025 at approximately 1.2 times net debt to adjusted EBITDA [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Nylon outlook and capacity closure announcements - Management noted that Europe remains structurally long in nylon production, with potential capacity closures from companies like Fibrant and DOMO, which could improve pricing dynamics [29][30] Question: Sulfur market dynamics and pricing drivers - Management indicated that both supply constraints and stronger demand in agriculture and mining are contributing to high sulfur prices, which are expected to moderate in 2026 [33][35] Question: Availability of sulfur supply - Management confirmed that they have contracts with multiple suppliers to ensure ample access to sulfur without concerns about availability [36] Question: Section 45Q carbon credits - Management expressed confidence in claiming Section 45Q credits worth $100 million-$120 million through 2029, with no expected impact from recent regulatory changes [39][40] Question: Record production rates and future capacity - Management highlighted that record production rates are a result of ongoing maintenance and optimization efforts, with potential for permanent increases in production capacity through debottlenecking [48][50] Question: Input cost pressures and pricing power - Management acknowledged significant increases in input costs for sulfur and natural gas, implementing price increases across the portfolio while managing margin compression [58][61] Question: Planned turnaround activities - Management clarified that they are focusing on key compliance and preventative maintenance activities while aligning turnaround schedules with necessary maintenance [64][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q4 2025 sales of $360 million, an increase of approximately 9% year-over-year, with sales volume up about 11% due to the prior year's extended planned turnaround [8][9] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $25 million, up $15 million from the previous year, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.9% [9][11] - Full-year adjusted EBITDA reached $157 million, with a margin expansion of 90 basis points to 10.3% [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Nylon Solutions, volumes declined sequentially as production rates were moderated to manage inventory in a softer demand environment [10] - Plant nutrients showed strong performance with increased volumes and pricing, particularly in granular ammonium sulfate, supported by sulfur nutrition demand [10][11] - Chemical intermediates pricing remained stable sequentially but was lower year-over-year, consistent with expectations as acetone pricing moderated from previous highs [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agriculture and fertilizer market remains the largest end market for the company, with favorable ammonium sulfate supply-demand fundamentals and sulfur nutrition demand growing approximately 3%-4% [14] - Sulfur prices have increased significantly, settling at nearly $500 per long ton in Q1 2026, compared to $165 per ton in Q1 2025 [14][15] - The building construction market is expected to see a recovery in 2026, with third-party estimates indicating approximately 3% growth [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on bolstering sustainable cash flow generation through risk-based prioritization of capital investments and operational execution [18][22] - A reduction in CapEx is expected for 2026, with planned spending in the range of $75 million-$95 million, down from $116 million in 2025 [19] - The company aims to optimize production output and sales volume mix while managing cash tax rates and maintaining a disciplined approach to capital investment [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The macro environment remains challenging, with raw material input costs expected to be a headwind, particularly in the first half of the year due to higher sulfur and natural gas prices [6][7] - Management anticipates continued strength in plant nutrients and expects acetone margins to remain near cycle averages, while nylon remains plateaued in its trough [6][14] - The company is confident in its ability to navigate current market conditions and create long-term shareholder value through its integrated business model and competitive advantages [22][68] Other Important Information - The company successfully executed planned turnarounds at the low end of its target spend range and delivered record annual production across key ammonia and sulfuric acid unit operations [4][5] - The company is actively managing its cash tax rate, which is anticipated to be below 10% for the year [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook on nylon and capacity closures - Management noted that Europe remains structurally long in nylon, with utilization hovering around 50-60%, and mentioned potential capacity closures from companies like Fibrant and DOMO [26][28] Question: Sulfur market dynamics - Management indicated that sulfur prices are at nearly 20-year highs, driven by stronger demand in agriculture and mining, alongside supply constraints [31][33] Question: Section 45Q carbon credits - Management confirmed that the endangerment finding does not impact the ability to claim Section 45Q credits, which are expected to be worth over $100 million through 2029 [36][39] Question: Ammonia and sulfuric acid production records - Management attributed record production to ongoing maintenance and capital investments, indicating potential for permanent increases in production capacity [47][49] Question: Input cost pressures - Management acknowledged significant increases in sulfur and natural gas prices, with expectations of margin challenges in the first quarter [56][58] Question: Planned turnaround activity - Management clarified that they are focusing on key compliance and preventative maintenance while aligning turnaround activities with necessary inspections [63][65]

DNOW (NYSE:DNOW) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 20, 2026 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAlex Rygiel - Managing DirectorBrad Wise - VP of Digital Strategy and Investor RelationsDavid Cherechinsky - President and CEOMark Johnson - SVP and CFOConference Call ParticipantsAdam Farley - Diversified Industrials Associate AnalystChuck Minervino - Equity Research AnalystOperatorGood morning. My name is Jeannie, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the DNOW ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, shipments improved by 14% year-over-year, indicating a commercial recovery after previous market headwinds [4] - Fourth quarter net sales totaled $267.3 million, a sequential decrease of $38.6 million primarily due to seasonality and slower ramp-up post-maintenance shutdown [13] - The fourth quarter GAAP net loss was $14.3 million, or a loss of $0.34 per diluted share, while adjusted net loss was $7.7 million, or a loss of $0.18 per diluted share [14] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $2.4 million, below expectations due to lower volumes and compressed raw material spread [8][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - VAR sales totaled approximately $28 million, almost doubling from 2024, reflecting strong growth in aerospace and defense [4] - The company is increasing hourly staffing levels in areas with accelerated demand, such as seamless mechanical tube production [6][9] - The order book has increased more than 50% year-over-year, indicating strong demand for domestic steel [9][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrial markets remain soft, but the global trade environment is creating new opportunities as customers reevaluate supply chains [10] - Auto sales and production are expected to be slightly down, with pricing pressure persisting as OEMs prioritize margins [10] - Aerospace and defense outlook remains robust, with strong growth expected through 2026 driven by existing program expansions and new platforms [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on safety, outstanding customer service, and product development in aerospace and defense, supporting a strategy for sustainable growth [11] - Significant progress has been made in advancing manufacturing capabilities, including the ramp-up of a new automated grinding line [7] - The company aims to strengthen operational foundations and improve execution in 2026 through targeted organizational changes and operational enhancements [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in a stronger order book entering 2026, with expectations for improved melt utilization and operational performance [20][34] - The company anticipates a sequential increase in average melt utilization rate and expects first quarter shipments to increase by approximately 10% compared to the fourth quarter [20][21] - Management remains cautious about external variables but expects year-over-year adjusted EBITDA growth in each quarter of 2026 [23] Other Important Information - The company received $4.1 million in government funding as part of a nearly $100 million arrangement to support munitions production [16] - Required pension contributions for 2026 are expected to total approximately $27 million, a nearly 60% reduction from 2025 [17] - Total liquidity remains strong at $389 million as of December 31, 2025, with no outstanding borrowings [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about fourth quarter labor negotiation costs - Management indicated no additional costs were incurred from labor negotiations in the fourth quarter as the agreement was settled in early February [27][30] Question: Expectations for melt utilization improvement - Management stated that improvements in melt utilization are based on both volume and expectations from third-party advisory programs [34] Question: Demand expectations for A&D in 2026 - Management noted that A&D demand is expected to continue growing, with several new customers and programs contributing to this growth [40][41] Question: Status of key capital investments - Management confirmed that the bloom reheat furnace and roller hearth furnace are on track for commissioning in the first half of 2026 [50][51] Question: Share count and depreciation and amortization - Management explained that diluted shares would increase slightly due to net loss positions, while depreciation and amortization are expected to remain flat due to consistent capital spend [52][54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company reported an Adjusted EBITDA of $385 million and free cash flow of $321 million, with a year-on-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA of nearly 20% to $1.37 billion and free cash flow rising to $626 million [4][5] - The company retired approximately $1.3 billion in debt during the year, reducing annual interest expense by nearly $90 million and enhancing financial flexibility [5][6] - Total liquidity at the end of Q4 was approximately $1.5 billion, including $620 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record uptime performance just shy of 98% across its fleet, with zero operational integrity events and zero lost time incidents [6] - The company executed five major planned out-of-service projects on time and on budget, and recycled six rigs in 2025 [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The outlook for deepwater offshore drilling is strengthening, with expectations for deepwater utilization to exceed 90% through 2027 [10] - In the US Gulf, long-term demand remains robust, driven by new lease awards and improved fiscal terms [10] - The rig count in Africa is expected to increase from roughly 15 to at least 20 over the next couple of years, with significant multi-year program awards anticipated [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize the value of its differentiated assets and generate industry-leading free cash flow, with a backlog of approximately $6 billion [7][8] - The recent acquisition of Valaris is seen as transformational, expected to create cost synergies exceeding $200 million and enhance shareholder returns [8][9] - The company is focused on establishing a stronger capital structure to weather business cycles and improve operational efficiencies [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the upcoming inflection point for offshore drilling, supported by customer conversations and increasing tender activity [33][34] - The company anticipates a pivot back towards traditional hydrocarbon sources among producers, indicating a shift in focus from renewables to offshore drilling [74][75] Other Important Information - The company has identified opportunities for rig movements to capitalize on demand in various regions, including Africa and Asia [42][46] - The guidance for 2026 reflects some idle time on specific rigs, but management expects free cash flow to be in line with or better than 2025 levels [18][67] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Valaris acquisition on chartering strategy - Management indicated that the acquisition allows for cost efficiencies and improved service provision to customers, enhancing project execution reliability [22][24] Question: Confidence in offshore drilling inflection timing - Management cited customer conversations and increasing tender activity as key indicators of confidence in the timing of the market inflection [33][34] Question: Petrobras blend-and-extend negotiations - Management stated that the guidance reflects their best estimates and does not include significant upside from these negotiations [38] Question: Fleet placement and rig movements - Management noted that opportunities are developing in Africa and Asia, and rigs can be moved to meet demand in various regions [42][46] Question: Customer feedback on Valaris acquisition - Management reported overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers regarding the acquisition and its potential benefits [53][55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, shipments improved by 14% year-over-year, indicating a commercial recovery after previous market headwinds [4] - Fourth quarter net sales totaled $267.3 million, a sequential decrease of $38.6 million primarily due to seasonality and slower ramp-up post-maintenance shutdown [13] - The fourth quarter GAAP net loss was $14.3 million, or a loss of $0.34 per diluted share, while adjusted net loss was $7.7 million, or a loss of $0.18 per diluted share [14] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $2.4 million, below expectations due to lower volumes and increased manufacturing costs [8][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - VAR sales totaled approximately $28 million in 2025, almost doubling from 2024, reflecting strong growth in aerospace and defense [4] - The company is increasing hourly staffing levels in areas with accelerated demand, such as seamless mechanical tube production [6][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The order book has increased by more than 50% year-over-year, indicating strong demand for domestic steel [9][20] - Industrial markets remain soft, but favorable trade conditions are creating new opportunities for reliable domestic suppliers [10] - Aerospace and defense outlook is robust, with strong growth expected through 2026, driven by existing program expansions and new platforms [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on safety, operational enhancements, and strategic investments to support long-term growth [5][7] - A new four-year labor agreement was reached, emphasizing safety, innovation, and long-term competitiveness [6] - The company is investing in new manufacturing capabilities, including a new automated grinding line and other state-of-the-art assets scheduled for commissioning in 2026 [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in a stronger operational foundation and improved execution for 2026, despite fourth quarter performance being below expectations [8][13] - The company anticipates a slight increase in first quarter shipments by approximately 10% compared to the fourth quarter, supported by a solid order book [20] - Management expects year-over-year adjusted EBITDA growth in each quarter of 2026, driven by strong demand and operational improvements [23] Other Important Information - The company generated $16 million of operating cash flow in 2025, with operational cash generation exceeding $80 million for the second consecutive year [15] - Planned capital expenditures for 2026 are expected to be approximately $70 million, including government-related expenditures [16] - The company repurchased approximately 71,000 shares of common stock for $1.2 million in the fourth quarter, reflecting confidence in cash flow generation [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What were the costs incurred from labor negotiations in Q4 and Q1 2026? - Management indicated no additional costs were incurred in Q4 due to the labor agreement being settled in February, but a $2 million payment is due in Q1 [27][30] Question: How does the company expect melt utilization to improve? - Management stated that improvements are expected from both volume increases and third-party advisory programs, with a stronger order book entering 2026 [34] Question: What is the status of A&D sales expectations for 2026? - Management believes they are on target to hit a $250 million run rate in A&D sales, contingent on the ramp-up of munitions manufacturing capacity [48] Question: What is the status of key capital investments? - Management reported that the bloom reheat furnace is expected to be operational in the next month, with both the bloom and roller hearth furnaces ramping up by late Q2 or early Q3 [50][51] Question: What is the outlook for lead times and sales? - Management expects lead times to improve as new assets ramp up, which will also help maintain competitive lead times [63][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, adjusted net earnings were $83 million, or $0.41 per share, benefiting from strong production and elevated metal prices [22] - Full year 2025 adjusted net earnings were $229 million, or $1.12 per share [22] - Consolidated all-in sustaining costs (AISC) on a byproduct basis in Q4 were $1,646 per ounce, while full year AISC was $1,614 per ounce, outperforming guidance [23][24] - Cash balance at the end of 2025 was $529 million, with total liquidity reaching $929 million [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mount Milligan produced over 44,000 ounces of gold and 13 million pounds of copper in Q4 2025, with full year production of over 147,000 ounces of gold and 50 million pounds of copper [13][14] - Öksüt produced over 26,500 ounces of gold in Q4 2025, with full year production exceeding guidance at over 127,700 ounces [15][16] - AISC for Mount Milligan in Q4 was $913 per ounce, significantly lower than the previous quarter [15] - AISC for Öksüt in Q4 was $1,748 per ounce, higher due to lower gold ounces sold and increased sustaining CapEx [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average realized price for gold in Q4 was $3,415 per ounce and for copper was $4.69 per pound [22] - The molybdenum business unit had a free cash flow deficit of $61 million in Q4, mainly due to spending on the Thompson Creek restart [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a self-funded growth strategy, with projects like the Mount Milligan PFS extending mine life to 2045 and the Goldfield Project in Nevada [5][6] - The Kemess project is expected to have an average annual production of 171,000 ounces of gold and 61 million pounds of copper at an AISC of $971 per ounce [7][8] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation while advancing its growth project pipeline [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in generating strong cash flow in 2026, allowing for continued investment in growth projects while returning capital to shareholders [5][30] - The company is focused on maintaining operational performance and cost discipline, particularly at Mount Milligan and Öksüt [51][52] Other Important Information - The company received all required permits for Mount Milligan's operations through 2035, including a 10% increase in plant throughput starting in 2028 [11][12] - Operations at the Langeloth facility were suspended following an explosion, with repairs expected to cost $5-$10 million [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Langeloth suspension and inventory build - Management indicated that concentrate purchases would continue during the shutdown, leading to an inventory build [32][33] Question: Water management projects at Mount Milligan - Management clarified that water management is an ongoing process, with some capital expenditures being slightly higher than in previous years [35][36] Question: PFS and resource updates - The purpose of the PFS is to tighten assumptions and advance engineering, with potential for future resource expansion through additional drilling [41][42] Question: CapEx increase at Thompson Creek - Management explained that the increase was due to various factors, including inflation and maintenance, and that the range provided accounts for variability [46][48] Question: Cost discipline across the portfolio - Management attributed cost performance to strong operational discipline and the benefits from byproducts, particularly copper [50][51] Question: Future of the Endako mill - Management stated that the current strategy is to focus on the Thompson Creek mine before considering the Endako mill, which has substantial resources [58][59]

Hamilton Insurance Group (NYSE:HG) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 20, 2026 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsCraig Howie - CFO and Chief Investment OfficerDaniel Cohen - Equity Research AssociateDarian Niforatos - VP of Investor Relations and FinanceDavid Samar - Equity Research AssociateJustin Lee - Equity Research AssociatePina Albo - CEOConference Call ParticipantsChristian Getzoff - Senior Equity AnalystMatthew Heimerman - Managing Director and Senior Equity Research AnalystThomas McJoynt - Managing Direc ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended Q4 2025 with a diluted AFFO per share of $2.24, an increase of 1.4% from $2.21 in Q4 2024 [10] - Full-year AFFO guidance for 2026 is projected to be between $8.50 and $8.70 per share, indicating a year-over-year growth of 4.1% at the midpoint [5][16] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $288.9 million, up 3.7% from $278.5 million in Q4 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 48.5%, an expansion of 40 basis points year-over-year [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Local revenue increased by 1.7% in Q4, while national programmatic revenue grew by 3.3%, marking the third consecutive quarter of growth for national [6] - Digital revenue on a same-store basis increased by 3.7% in Q4, with digital billboards representing 33.7% of total revenue for the quarter [20][21] - The company added 111 digital units in Q4, ending the year with 5,553 operating units [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Atlantic and Southwest regions showed relative strength in Q4, while the Northeast region exhibited weakness [19] - Political advertising was a headwind in Q4, down approximately $11 million compared to 2024, but is expected to reverse in 2026 [6][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to remain aggressive in digital deployments, targeting a similar number of internal digital deployments as in the previous year [8] - The company is well-positioned for acquisitions, with an investment capacity exceeding $1 billion while maintaining leverage within the target range of 3.5x-4x net debt to EBITDA [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the advertising climate for 2026, citing political tailwinds and increased spending around World Cup venues [29] - The company anticipates a conservative start to Q1 but expects momentum to build throughout the year, particularly in political advertising [42] Other Important Information - The company completed 13 acquisitions in Q4 for approximately $57 million, bringing the total for the year to 50 acquisitions for $191 million [8] - The proposed cash dividend for Q1 2026 is $1.60 per share, with an expected total of $6.40 per share for the year [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the state of the macro in the U.S. ad market? - Management expects to maintain acquisition spending close to $200 million in 2026, with a positive ad spend climate anticipated [28][29] Question: What are the implications of Clear Channel's acquisition? - Management does not foresee significant changes in the industry structure and believes Clear Channel may not need to sell assets [33][34] Question: What are the expectations for acquisition-adjusted growth in Q1? - Management anticipates Q1 growth may be slightly below guidance but expects momentum to increase as the year progresses [40][42] Question: How much benefit is expected from political advertising? - Management estimates around $12 million to $14 million in incremental political advertising revenue compared to the previous year [59]