Financial Performance - Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2024 were 590million,a1598 million in fiscal 2023, impacted by a 23milliondeclineduetothedivestitureoftheCortlandIndustrialbusiness[93].−Operatingprofitforfiscal2024was122 million, an increase of 38millioncomparedto84 million in fiscal 2023, driven by improved gross profit and reduced SG&A expenses[93]. - Gross profit as a percentage of sales was approximately 51% in fiscal 2024, up 2% from fiscal 2023, attributed to operational improvements from the ASCEND program[93]. - Service sales increased by 7% in fiscal 2024, totaling 116million,drivenbystronggrowthintheEMEAregion[93].−TotalnetsalesfortheyearendedAugust31,2024,were589.5 million, a decrease of 1.2% from 598.2millioninthepreviousyear[136].−Netearningsfromcontinuingoperationswere82.2 million for the year ended August 31, 2024, compared to 53.6millionintheprioryear,representinga53.41.51, up from 0.95inthepreviousyear,markinga58.990.6 million for the year, compared to 60.3millioninthepreviousyear[138].StrategicInitiatives−TheASCENDtransformationprogramaimstodriveacceleratedearningsgrowthandefficiency,focusingonorganicgrowthstrategiesandoperationalexcellence[36].−TheCompanyplanstopursuestrategicacquisitionstoenhanceitsglobalmarketpositionandbroadenitsproductofferings,butexecutionmaybeimpactedbyfinancingavailabilityandcompetitionfortargets[44].−TheASCENDtransformationprogramisexpectedtogenerateanincremental40 to 50millioninannualoperatingprofitoncefullyimplemented[155].−TheCompanycompletedthesaleoftheCortlandIndustrialbusinessfornetcashproceedsof20.1 million, recording a net gain of 6.0million[164].RisksandChallenges−Supplychainissues,includingshortagesandincreasedcosts,couldadverselyimpactthecompany′sbusinessandoperatingresults[30].−Thecompanyfacescollectionrisksforreceivablesinforeignjurisdictions,whichmayleadtodelayedpaymentsoruncollectiblebalances[34].−Disruptionsinglobaloilmarkets,suchasthoseduetogeopoliticalconflicts,couldnegativelyaffectthecompany′srevenuesfromtheoilandgasindustry[31].−Thecompanyisexposedtorisksrelatedtointernationaloperations,includingunfavorablecurrencyfluctuationsandpoliticalinstability[39].−Cybersecuritythreatsposeriskstothecompany′ssystemsandoperations,necessitatingsignificantinvestmentsintechnologyinfrastructure[35].−Thecompanymaynotbeabletomaintainoperationalimprovementsfromrestructuringactions,whichcouldadverselyaffectfinancialperformance[36].−Legalandregulatoryproceedings,includingproductliabilityclaims,couldresultinsignificantcoststhatadverselyaffectfinancialresults[55].FinancialPosition−AsofAugust31,2024,goodwillandotherintangibleassetstotaled306 million, representing 39% of the company's total assets[49]. - The company has incurred significant indebtedness, which could harm its operating flexibility and competitive position if additional debt is taken on for acquisitions[56]. - The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2024 and 2023 was both 22.1%, slightly higher than the statutory rate of 21% due to state income taxes and foreign jurisdiction taxes[101]. - Total current assets rose to 372,258millionfrom355,640 million, marking a 4.6% increase year-over-year[140]. - Total liabilities decreased to 385,349millionfrom435,977 million, a reduction of approximately 11.6%[140]. - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period reached 167,094million,comparedto154,415 million at the end of the previous year, a growth of 8.2%[142]. Shareholder Returns - The Company declared a dividend of 0.04pershareofClassAcommonstockforfiscal2024,payableonOctober18,2024[76].−Sincetheinceptionoftheinitialsharerepurchaseprograminfiscal2012,theCompanyhasrepurchased30,082,181sharesfor839 million[77]. - The Company repurchased 1,309,466 shares for 38.4millionintheyearendedAugust31,2024,withatotalof30,082,181sharesrepurchasedsincetheinceptionoftheprogramfor838.9 million[200]. Operational Metrics - The Company operates 1,512 thousand square feet of facilities, with 1,313 thousand square feet for manufacturing and distribution[71]. - The IT&S segment reported net sales of 571millioninfiscal2024,a3555 million in fiscal 2023, primarily driven by service business growth[96]. - Corporate expenses decreased to 36millioninfiscal2024,down27 million from 63millioninfiscal2023,primarilyduetoreducedASCENDtransformationprogramcharges[100].−Cashprovidedbyoperatingactivitieswas81 million for fiscal 2024, an increase of 3millionfrom78 million in fiscal 2023, attributed to higher earnings from continuing operations[103]. Market Conditions - A significant portion of the company's revenues is derived from cyclical industries, which may be adversely affected during economic contractions[31]. - The market price of the company's common stock may be volatile due to various factors, including quarterly revenue fluctuations and external economic conditions[60]. - The company is exposed to geopolitical risks that could adversely impact its business and financial results[64]. Environmental and Regulatory Factors - Climate-related laws and regulations may negatively impact the company's operations, particularly in the oil & gas sector, which constitutes a significant portion of its revenue[42]. - Environmental expenditures over the past three years have not been material, and management believes potential liabilities will not materially affect financial position[216].