Group 1 - The S&P SmallCap 600 and MidCap 400 have underperformed compared to the S&P 500 over the past five years, but opportunities for smaller companies are expected to increase as the market shifts focus [2] - Allspring anticipates a rebalancing in the market, with smaller companies and sector-specific players gaining investor attention as AI technology becomes more prevalent [2][3] - Advisors may need to reconsider their allocations as the S&P 500, while currently strong, may become easier to outperform by small and mid-cap stocks in the next phase of AI development [3] Group 2 - AI and technology will remain central themes in 2026, and managers underweight in tech may face significant challenges [4] - Beyond large tech firms, various sectors are expected to benefit from AI integration into business and daily life [4] - The healthcare sector, despite facing challenges such as rising costs and policy uncertainty, is seeing advancements due to AI, which could lead to improved valuations [6] Group 3 - Allspring identifies industrials and materials as key sectors to watch, particularly for their roles in constructing data centers, highlighting companies like Amrize and Gates Corporation [6] - The healthcare sector is experiencing downward pressure on valuations, but AI advancements in personalized medicine present new investment opportunities [5][6]

Financial Performance - Core sales grew by 1.7% year-over-year, reaching $856 million[19,20] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $196 million, resulting in a 22.9% adjusted EBITDA margin[21,22] - Adjusted earnings per share grew by 18% year-over-year to $0.39[23,24] Segment Performance - Power Transmission core sales increased by 2.3% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA of $122 million and a 22.9% adjusted EBITDA margin, up 90 bps year-over-year[27] - Fluid Power core sales increased by 0.7% year-over-year, with net sales of $322 million, adjusted EBITDA of $74 million and a 22.9% adjusted EBITDA margin, up 100 bps year-over-year[29,31] Regional Performance - Greater China core revenue increased by 6.4%[34] - East Asia & India core revenue increased by 5.3%[34] - South America core revenue decreased by 3.9%[34] Capital Efficiency and Cash Flow - Free cash flow was $73 million for the quarter[45] - Net leverage declined to 2.0x, a reduction of 0.4x compared to Q3 2024[14,47] Guidance and Outlook - The company is updating its full-year guidance, reiterating the adjusted EBITDA midpoint and slightly reducing core sales growth and free cash flow conversion[14] - A new $300 million share repurchase program was announced[14]