Hormel Foods (NYSE:HRL) 2026 Conference February 18, 2026 04:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsJeffrey M. Ettinger - Interim CEOJohn F. Ghingo - PresidentNone - Video NarratorJohn F. GhingoTenure as CEO from 2006 to 2016 included many CAGNY presentations. He just can't get enough. Please join me in thanking Jeff and everyone at Hormel for this morning's break. Hormel Foods is a global branded food company, centered on protein, built around a deep understanding of the consumer. They are building on an outstanding ...

Werner Enterprises (NasdaqGS:WERN) FY Conference February 18, 2026 03:35 PM ET Company ParticipantsChris Neal - SVP of Pricing and Strategic PlanningDerek Leathers - Chairman and CEOConference Call ParticipantsEric Morgan - Equity Research AnalystNone - AnalystEric MorganAll right. Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Eric Morgan. The transports team here at Barclays, covering trucking. Very excited to have Werner Enterprises here. I'm joined by Derek Leathers, Chairman and CEO, Chris Neal, Senior Vice President i ...

Parsons (NYSE:PSN) FY Conference February 18, 2026 03:35 PM ET Company ParticipantsCarey Smith - CEOMatt Ofilos - CFOConference Call ParticipantsAdam Seiden - Senior Equity Research AnalystAdam SeidenSo, thanks so much, guys, for joining us for the last session of the day, I believe. So joining us for this session is the Parsons folks. For those guys in the room, my name is Adam Seiden. I'm the U.S. Machinery and Construction Analyst. From Parsons, we have Carey, as well as Matt, joining us on stage, and of ...

VSE Corporation Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: VSE Corporation (NasdaqGS: VSEC) - **Industry**: Aerospace and Defense, specifically focusing on aftermarket services and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) operations Key Points and Arguments Recent Acquisition - VSE has recently acquired PAG, which is expected to significantly expand revenue and enhance service capabilities in the aviation aftermarket [3][5] - PAG's unique repair capabilities and bespoke services align well with VSE's existing business model, which focuses on integrating parts and services [5][11] Business Model and Strategy - VSE is described as an "aerospace compounder" with a strong focus on M&A to drive growth [3] - The company has built a platform that supports large OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and helps them monetize their aftermarket services [4][5] - VSE's business model is 100% aftermarket-focused, contrasting with previous experiences where a significant portion was OEM direct [15] Growth Metrics - VSE has achieved a 30% CAGR over the last three years, with approximately half of that growth being organic [23] - The company anticipates continued organic growth rates of around 15% in the coming years [21][25] Market Segmentation - The commercial engine market is expected to grow in low to mid-double digits, while business and general aviation engines are projected to grow in high single digits to about 10% [18] - VSE's strategy includes targeting both the $50 billion services market and the $100 billion OEM direct market, with a focus on gaining market share from OEMs [20] Margin Expansion - VSE aims to achieve 20% adjusted EBITDA margins by the end of 2027, up from current margins of over 15% [34] - The company has a history of improving margins through strategic acquisitions and operational efficiencies [34][95] Free Cash Flow and Leverage - VSE expects to reach positive free cash flow by 2025, targeting a 30%-35% EBITDA conversion rate [41] - Post-acquisition, leverage is projected to be between 2.5 and 3 times, with plans to de-lever quickly [38][39] Integration Strategy - VSE has a detailed integration playbook for the PAG acquisition, focusing on integrating one business unit at a time to minimize risks [99] - The integration process will begin in early 2027, with synergies expected to exceed initial estimates [95][106] Supply Chain Management - The company acknowledges ongoing supply chain challenges but has improved its management strategies to mitigate risks [63][67] - VSE is utilizing alternative sourcing and repair methods to address supply chain constraints, including PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) parts [70][76] Future Outlook - VSE sees significant growth opportunities in the defense sector, which currently represents only 1% of its business but is expected to increase to about 5% post-acquisition [85] - The company has a pipeline of 35-40 potential M&A targets, indicating a robust strategy for future growth [90][92] Intellectual Property Focus - VSE is increasingly focusing on intellectual property as a growth pillar, with plans to enhance revenue streams through OEM solutions and reverse engineering [16][75] Additional Important Insights - The company emphasizes a unique approach to MRO and distribution, aiming to create a competitive moat through integrated services and customer relationships [46][50] - VSE's leadership has extensive experience in the aerospace sector, which is seen as a critical asset in executing its growth strategy [8][10] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the VSE Corporation conference call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, growth metrics, and future opportunities in the aerospace aftermarket industry.

Gates Industrial (NYSE:GTES) 2026 Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Gates Industrial Corporation - **Ticker**: NYSE:GTES - **Conference Date**: February 18, 2026 Key Industry Insights - **Market Performance**: Four out of seven major markets are experiencing growth, with personal mobility and data centers being significant drivers [1][4] - **Growth Forecast**: The company anticipates organic growth of 1%-4% for 2026, despite a more positive outlook compared to previous years [2][4] - **Industrial OEM Trends**: There is a noted improvement in order trends from industrial OEMs, particularly in commercial construction and agricultural equipment [4][11] Financial Performance - **EBITDA Margin Guidance**: The company expects to exit 2026 with an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 24%, with a target of 24.5% for 2027 [27][28] - **Cash Flow**: Forecasting over 90% free cash flow conversion in 2026, supported by significant investments in CapEx and restructuring [136][139] - **Leverage**: Ended 2025 with a net leverage ratio of 1.85, the lowest since going public, providing flexibility for capital allocation [139] Growth Drivers - **Personal Mobility**: This segment is projected to grow from approximately $140 million to $300 million by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 20%-30% [22][69] - **Data Centers**: Anticipated revenue growth in the data center segment, with a target of $100 million-$200 million by 2028, driven by liquid cooling adoption [97][98] - **Automotive Aftermarket**: The aging car fleet is expected to support continued growth in this segment, with the company aiming to outperform GDP growth [108][111] Regional Performance - **Europe**: Strong growth in personal mobility (75% growth rate) and recovery in industrial businesses, particularly in agriculture and commercial construction [56][60] - **China**: The company has gained significant market share in the automotive aftermarket, with a diversified portfolio contributing to strong performance [62] Strategic Initiatives - **ERP Implementation**: The transition to a new ERP system in Europe is expected to improve operational efficiency, despite initial drag on margins [63][65] - **Cost Optimization Programs**: Initiatives aimed at material cost savings and footprint optimization are expected to contribute positively to margins in the coming years [35][36] Market Outlook - **Industrial Production**: The company is closely monitoring PMI indicators, with expectations of improvement in diversified industrial markets [118][121] - **Auto OEM Participation**: The company plans to maintain selective participation in the auto OEM segment while focusing on industrial growth [126][132] Conclusion - **Long-term Vision**: The company expresses optimism about future growth opportunities, driven by innovation and adaptation of core technologies across various applications [144][155]

Summary of Amgen's Oncology Leadership Summit Company Overview - **Company**: Amgen - **Industry**: Biotechnology, specifically focused on oncology Key Points and Arguments Oncology R&D Priorities - Amgen aims to deliver differentiated and transformative therapies, avoiding marginal benefits [4] - Focus on hard-to-treat solid tumors and selected hematological malignancies [4] - Two main pillars: T cell engagers and precision therapies with small molecules [4] T Cell Engagers - Amgen is the only company with T cell engagers approved for both hematological malignancies and solid tumors [5] - Ongoing efforts to bring T cell engagers to frequent solid tumors [5] - Strong chemistry teams are targeting difficult areas like KRAS and PRMT5 [5] IMDELLTRA Product Portfolio - IMDELLTRA is approved for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, with over 1,600 sites in the U.S. administering it [11] - Full approval received in 2025, with updates to NCCN guidelines reflecting its benefits [11] - Multiple ongoing Phase 3 trials to expand indications beyond current approvals [13] LUMAKRAS Development - Currently available for second-line non-small cell lung cancer and third-line colorectal cancer [17] - Growth expected from moving into earlier treatment lines, with promising results in combination with chemotherapy [17][18] BLINCYTO Pipeline - Ongoing Phase 3 studies, including the Golden Gate study for older patients with leukemia [20] - Advancements in subcutaneous formulations to improve convenience and tolerability [21] Xaluritamig in Prostate Cancer - Xaluritamig leverages a unique mechanism of action with no current approvals in prostate cancer [30] - Focus on overall survival as a key endpoint in clinical trials [31] - Plans to address a broad patient population without the need for biomarker gating [31] AMG 193 for MTAP Null Solid Tumors - Focused on lung and gastrointestinal solid tumors, with ongoing Phase 1 trials [44] - Combining AMG 193 with other standards of care to enhance efficacy [45] Use of AI and Technology - Amgen is leveraging AI for target identification, molecule design, and clinical data analysis [48] - AI is seen as an amplifier of human expertise, enhancing decision-making and speeding up timelines [50] Future Directions - Amgen remains open to exploring cell and gene therapy but is currently focused on T-cell engagers and small molecules [62] - The company is selective in its investments, prioritizing areas where it can leverage its strengths [63] Additional Important Insights - Amgen is exploring the use of BLINCYTO in autoimmune diseases, indicating potential expansion beyond oncology [23] - The company is committed to understanding the biology behind its therapies and adapting based on clinical outcomes [56][59] This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Amgen Oncology Leadership Summit, highlighting the company's strategic focus and ongoing developments in oncology.

Summary of Utz Brands Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Utz Brands (NYSE:UTZ) - **Industry**: Savory Snacking - **Market Position**: Largest pure-play salty snacking company in the U.S. [7] Key Messages and Strategies 1. **Growth Drivers**: - Multiple top-line growth drivers expected to scale brands nationally with multi-year runways [8] - Focus on integrating and modernizing operations for growth [8] - Anticipated free cash flow inflection as capital-intensive phase concludes [9] 2. **Brand Portfolio**: - Power Four Brands (Utz, On The Border, Boulder Canyon, Zapp's) account for 70% of revenue [11] - Branded salty snacks represent 89% of revenue, with potato chips being the largest category at 46% [11] 3. **Market Performance**: - Achieved 2.4% compounded annual growth over the last three years [14] - Retail dollar share at 3% and volume share at 4.2% in expansion geographies, indicating room for growth [14] 4. **Marketing and Consumer Engagement**: - Marketing support increased at a 40% compounded annual growth rate over the past three years [18] - Household penetration for Utz increased to 50%, with millennials' penetration rising to 48% [19] 5. **Long-term Strategy**: - Aim to outgrow the category by 200-300 basis points profitably [19] - Focus on margin expansion through productivity and mix improvement [19] Financial Performance 1. **Revenue and Profitability**: - Adjusted gross margin improved from 28% in 2022 to 32% in 2025 [16] - Adjusted EBITDA growth at an 8% compounded annual growth rate from 2022 to 2025 [17] 2. **Cash Flow Generation**: - Expected adjusted free cash flow to increase to $60 million-$80 million in 2026 [56] - Targeting a reduction in leverage ratio from 3.4 times at the end of 2025 to 2.5 times long-term [57] Expansion Plans 1. **Geographic Expansion**: - California expansion expected to add approximately $125 million in incremental sales [34] - Expansion geographies represent 45% of retail sales, with significant growth potential [29] 2. **Distribution Strategy**: - Hybrid distribution model with a 50/50 split between direct store delivery and direct to warehouse [13] - DSD network serves 125,000 retail outlets weekly, with plans for optimization [50] Innovation and Product Development 1. **Product Innovations**: - New product lines including protein snacks and on-trend flavors [42] - Boulder Canyon brand projected to reach $500 million in sales long-term [25] 2. **Marketing Initiatives**: - Launch of national marketing campaigns to enhance brand awareness and consumer engagement [27] Conclusion - Utz Brands is positioned for sustained growth through strategic brand management, geographic expansion, and innovation, with a focus on improving profitability and cash flow generation [59]

Summary of Mirion Technologies Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Mirion Technologies (NYSE: MIR) - **Industry**: Nuclear Power and Radiation Therapy Key Points Industry and Market Dynamics - **Nuclear Power Segment Growth**: Approximately 47% of Mirion's revenue is derived from the commercial nuclear power industry, with a presence in over 95% of the global operating base [2][3] - **Global Electrical Generating Capacity Shortage**: The company views the current shortage as a generational tailwind for growth in the nuclear sector [3] - **AI Implications**: The integration of AI is expected to significantly impact operational efficiency and productivity within the company and the industry [3] Financial Performance and Guidance - **2026 Guidance**: The company anticipates accelerating organic growth across both segments, despite some crosscurrents such as government funding uncertainties and slower spending in nuclear labs [5][6] - **Record Orders and Backlog**: Mirion ended the previous year with record orders and backlog, indicating strong demand [6][7] - **Radiation Therapy Business Challenges**: The company faced challenges in its radiation therapy segment due to market softness in China and transitional issues in Japan, but remains optimistic about long-term growth [10][12] Growth Drivers - **Installed Base Growth**: The organic growth in the nuclear business was 11% last year, with expectations for continued double-digit growth driven by life extension and modernization of nuclear plants [45][49] - **Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)**: Orders for SMRs increased significantly, indicating a growing market, with $37 million in orders last year and expectations for further growth [52][67] - **Acquisition of Paragon Energy Solutions**: This acquisition is expected to enhance Mirion's capabilities in the nuclear sector, with Paragon projected to grow at 25% this year [78][79] Margin and Cost Management - **Margin Expansion**: The nuclear and safety segment saw a 40 basis point increase in margins to 29.4%, driven by procurement optimization and operational efficiencies [81][84] - **Long-term Margin Target**: The company aims for 30% EBITDA margins by 2028, with a focus on absorption and optimization strategies [84][87] AI and Technological Integration - **AI Initiatives**: Mirion launched 17 internal AI applications last year, with plans for further development, aiming to enhance productivity and operational efficiency [104][106] - **Software Exposure**: The company's software exposure is modest, between 5% and 7%, but is expected to grow as AI applications are integrated into operations [110][111] Future Outlook - **Nuclear Medicine Growth**: The nuclear medicine segment is expected to grow, driven by advancements in theranostics and radiopharmaceutical therapies [133][135] - **Emerging Trends**: Key trends include the increasing demand for electrical generating capacity and the transformative impact of AI on the industry [158][159] M&A Strategy - **M&A Pipeline**: Mirion plans to focus on smaller acquisitions to enhance its nuclear exposure while managing leverage, currently at 3.2 times EBITDA [148][150] Conclusion - Mirion Technologies is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities in the nuclear power and radiation therapy sectors, with a strong focus on AI integration, margin expansion, and strategic acquisitions to drive future growth [159][160]

Lockheed Martin 2026 Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) - **Date**: February 18, 2026 Key Industry Insights Strategic Initiatives 1. **Defense Production System**: - Lockheed Martin is enhancing the resilience and scalability of its defense production system through a $6 billion ERP system initiative, which is 60% complete. This aims to improve efficiency and reduce quality concerns [7][8][9]. - Framework agreements with the U.S. government are being established to transition from short-term contracts to seven-year contracts, allowing for more commercial practices in defense programs [9][10]. 2. **Digital Technology Integration**: - The company is focusing on integrating AI and autonomy into defense missions, exemplified by the development of drone capabilities using F-22 aircraft [11][13]. - A fully autonomous Black Hawk helicopter is being utilized for various missions, enhancing operational safety and efficiency [13]. 3. **International Business Growth**: - Lockheed Martin's international sales are growing faster than domestic sales, with significant co-production initiatives in countries like Australia and Germany [14]. Financial Performance 1. **Quarterly Performance**: - The company anticipates a strong year, despite some peculiarities in the first quarter due to non-recurring events from the previous year and a new billing system causing potential negative cash flow [15][16]. 2. **Munitions Demand**: - There is unprecedented demand for munitions, with a year-over-year growth rate of 18% in the Munitions and Fire Control (MFC) segment. The company expects double-digit growth through the end of the decade [60][61]. 3. **Framework Agreements**: - The framework agreements are expected to provide long-term visibility for revenue growth and allow for significant investments in production capabilities [65][66]. Segment Updates 1. **Aeronautics**: - F-35 production is expected to continue at a rate of about 156 aircraft per year, with sustainment growth potentially approaching double digits [42][43]. - The F-35 program is critical for air dominance and will see continuous improvements over its lifecycle [50][51]. 2. **Munitions and Fire Control (MFC)**: - MFC is positioned for long-term growth with the potential for mid-teens growth in some years due to new framework agreements [60][61]. 3. **Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS)**: - RMS is ramping up production on the CH-53K helicopter and exploring autonomy investments to enhance legacy platforms like the Black Hawk [75][76]. Future Outlook 1. **Golden Dome Initiative**: - Lockheed Martin is heavily involved in the Golden Dome initiative, which focuses on integrated air and missile defense, leveraging advancements in space-based sensing and tracking [30][84]. - The company is adapting to new government demands for performance and accountability while maintaining flexibility in operations [39][40]. 2. **Capital Allocation**: - Lockheed Martin is committed to a disciplined capital allocation strategy, prioritizing investments that offer risk-adjusted returns while also considering shareholder returns [96][97]. 3. **Collaboration with Tech Companies**: - The company is collaborating with tech firms like NVIDIA and IBM to integrate advanced technologies into defense missions, enhancing operational capabilities [91][92]. Conclusion Lockheed Martin is making significant strides in enhancing its defense production capabilities, integrating advanced technologies, and expanding its international presence. The company is well-positioned for future growth, driven by strong demand for its products and strategic initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness in defense operations.

Ryder System (NYSE:R) FY Conference February 18, 2026 02:25 PM ET Company ParticipantsRobert Sanchez - Chairman and CEOConference Call ParticipantsBrandon Oglenski - Director and Senior Equity AnalystDavid Zazula - Equity Research Analyst and Transportation AssociateBrandon OglenskiGood afternoon, everyone, and again, welcome to Day Two of Barclays 43rd Annual Industrial Select Conference. I'm Brandon Oglenski, Airline and Transport Analyst, joined by David Zazula here on our team as well, and very happy, I ...