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Westlake(WLK) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-02 15:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported EBITDA of $288 million on net sales of $2.8 billion, with a net loss of $40 million or $0.31 per share, reflecting a decrease in net income of $214 million year-over-year [7][13][14] - The year-over-year decline in net income was primarily due to higher North American feedstock and energy costs of approximately $100 million, planned turnarounds, and unplanned outages impacting EBITDA by approximately $80 million [13][14] - The company’s cash and investments as of March 31, 2025, were $2.5 billion, with total debt at $4.6 billion [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Housing and Infrastructure Products (HIP) segment produced EBITDA of $203 million on $1 billion of sales, with a 20% EBITDA margin, reflecting a $61 million decrease year-over-year due to a 2% decline in sales volumes and a 3% decline in average sales prices [17][18] - The Performance and Essential Materials (PEM) segment's EBITDA was $73 million, down from $253 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to a 59% increase in natural gas costs and a 42% increase in ethane costs, alongside a 2% decline in sales volumes [19][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that global demand remains below historical levels, with recent disruptions from tariffs impacting global growth [8] - The PVC industry saw operating rates in the low to mid 80s, with a build in inventory in anticipation of the construction season [35][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on rightsizing operations for current economic realities, optimizing manufacturing footprint, and raising cost reduction targets for 2025 to $150 million to $175 million [9][10] - Capital spending forecast for 2025 has been reduced by 10% to $900 million to support cash generation [10][22] - The company aims to enhance margins, optimize its footprint, and improve cost structure and operational reliability as it navigates the current business cycle [24][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed that while the macroeconomic environment is uncertain, proactive steps are being taken to mitigate impacts from trade tensions and commodity price volatility [24][25] - The company expects positive sales growth for the HIP segment in 2025, despite anticipating revenue and EBITDA margins to be towards the low end of previous guidance ranges [21][22] Other Important Information - The company completed significant operational milestones, including the successful turnaround of the Petra 1 ethylene plant and new VCM tie-ins at the Geismar plant, which are expected to enhance operational reliability [10][11] - The effective tax rate for 2025 is expected to be approximately 23%, with cash interest expense around $160 million [22] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Can you remind us the typical timeline for price realization in the HIP segment? - Management indicated that the HIP market is more stable in pricing dynamics compared to the PIM segment, allowing for more price stability despite input cost changes [31] Question: How did the PVC industry perform in the first quarter? - The industry saw a build in inventory in anticipation of the construction season, with operating rates in the 80s range [35][36] Question: What is the outlook for the HIP segment's EBITDA in Q2? - Management expects a seasonal ramp-up in construction activities, which should positively impact HIP's EBITDA in the second quarter [67] Question: How much of the $80 million outage costs were planned versus unplanned? - Approximately two-thirds of the $80 million outage costs were related to planned turnarounds [74] Question: What is the company's stance on M&A opportunities? - The company remains open to acquisition opportunities and is actively assessing potential value in the current market [80][82]
Why UPS Stock Plunged in April
The Motley Fool· 2025-05-01 19:27
Core Viewpoint - Rising trade tensions and macroeconomic concerns are negatively impacting transportation companies, particularly United Parcel Service (UPS), which has seen a significant decline in its stock value and revenue due to reduced demand for shipping services and strategic business changes [1][4][5]. Group 1: Stock Performance and Market Reaction - UPS shares dropped as much as 18% following the U.S. tariff announcement in early April, finishing down 13.4% for the month [1]. - The stock has lost more than half of its value in less than three years, indicating ongoing challenges for the company [3]. Group 2: Business Strategy and Revenue Impact - UPS is focusing on streamlining operations by targeting more profitable business lines and reducing exposure to lower-margin customers, such as Amazon, which has led to a decline in revenue in the short term [4]. - The company is planning to reduce costs by $3.5 billion by 2025 through network reconfigurations and closing over 100 less productive facilities, with approximately 20,000 positions targeted for reduction this year [6]. Group 3: Future Prospects and Market Position - Despite current challenges, UPS is expanding into higher-margin sectors, such as healthcare shipping, and has announced a $1.6 billion acquisition of Andlauer Healthcare Group to enhance its capabilities in Canada [7]. - The long-term demand for transportation services remains strong, and UPS is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends due to its national scale [8]. Group 4: Investment Considerations - Investors may need to be patient, but UPS offers a nearly 7% dividend yield at current prices, making it an attractive option for those seeking a mix of growth and income [9].
Moderna(MRNA) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-01 12:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 revenues were $100 million, with a net loss of $1 billion, reflecting the seasonal nature of the respiratory vaccine business [6][12] - Cash and investments at the end of the quarter totaled $8.4 billion, down from $9.5 billion at the end of Q4 [16] - R&D expenses decreased by 19% year over year to $856 million, driven by lower clinical development spending [14][19] - SG&A expenses were $212 million, down 23% year over year, reflecting broad-based cost reductions [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net product sales were $86 million, primarily from COVID vaccine sales, with the U.S. accounting for about one-third of total sales [12][13] - Total revenue for the quarter was $108 million, a decrease of 35% year over year [13] - Cost of sales was $90 million, representing 104% of net product sales, up from 58% in the prior year [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lower vaccination rates were observed compared to Q1 last year, indicating a transition of COVID into routine seasonal vaccination patterns [13] - The company expects total revenue in 2025 to be in the range of $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion, with first-half sales of approximately $200 million [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three priorities: expanding markets for commercial products, advancing its pipeline to drive sales growth, and executing with financial discipline [7][39] - The oncology portfolio is being expanded with the Checkpoint Medicine program, and the company aims to drive sales for approved products [8][39] - A commitment to achieve a breakeven target on a cash cost basis by 2028 has been established, with plans for significant cost reductions by 2027 [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing need for COVID vaccination, particularly in the upcoming fall season, despite the competitive market environment [52] - The company remains engaged with the FDA and anticipates continued productive exchanges regarding its product approvals [51] - The management is optimistic about the potential for new product approvals and the impact on sales growth [41][42] Other Important Information - The company plans to reduce annual GAAP expenses by over $6 billion from 2023 to 2027, representing a 55% reduction [22] - The Phase III FRU program has exceeded the required number of case accruals for an interim vaccine efficacy analysis [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on FDA interactions and potential risks to the vaccine business outlook - Management noted that interactions with the FDA have been productive and ongoing, with a focus on providing necessary data for product reviews [51][52] Question: Update on INT Phase III data expectations - Management believes that a 2026 readout for the Phase III melanoma study is still reasonable, pending event accruals [56][58] Question: Concerns about future market share changes in COVID revenue - Management indicated that script data shows a consistent market share of around 38%, and they are focused on managing working capital effectively [100][101] Question: Flu vaccine interim data expectations - Management did not provide specific guidance on total events for the flu vaccine analysis, stating that they will conduct the analysis once the season is over [105]
Moderna(MRNA) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-01 12:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 revenues were $100 million with a net loss of $1 billion, reflecting the seasonal nature of the respiratory vaccine business [7] - Cash and investments at the end of the quarter totaled $8.4 billion, down from $9.5 billion at the end of Q4 [16] - Net product sales were $86 million, primarily driven by COVID vaccine sales, with total revenue for the quarter at $108 million, a 35% decrease year over year [13][16] - R&D expenses were $856 million, a 19% decrease year over year, while SG&A expenses were $212 million, down 23% year over year [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. accounted for about one-third of total sales, with lower vaccination rates compared to Q1 last year due to the transition of COVID into routine seasonal vaccination patterns [12][13] - Cost of sales represented 104% of net product sales this quarter, up from 58% in the prior year, driven by lower volume and revenue mix [14] - The oncology portfolio was expanded with the Checkpoint Medicine program, which is expected to drive future sales growth [10][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company received approvals for its vaccines in multiple international markets, including Australia, Taiwan, the UK, and Switzerland, enhancing its competitive position [9] - The company anticipates a total addressable market of over $30 billion for its upcoming product approvals [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three priorities: driving sales for approved products, advancing its late-stage pipeline, and delivering cost efficiency across the business [39] - The company plans to achieve significant cost reductions, targeting a cash cost of approximately $4.2 billion by 2027 to meet its breakeven target by 2028 [21][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing need for COVID vaccination, particularly in light of recent data showing high efficacy rates for their updated vaccine [53] - The company remains engaged with the FDA and continues to have productive exchanges regarding its ongoing product reviews [52] Other Important Information - The company is planning a total reduction in annual GAAP expenses of over $6 billion from 2023 to 2027, representing a 55% reduction [22] - The company is actively monitoring for additional cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in its trials and has lifted the clinical hold on its norovirus study [92] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on FDA interactions and potential risks to the vaccine business outlook - Management noted that interactions with the FDA have been productive and that they continue to see a need for COVID vaccination, especially among older Americans [52][53] Question: Update on INT Phase III data expectations - Management believes that a 2026 readout for the Phase III melanoma study is still reasonable based on historical event rates [57] Question: COVID strain selection process moving forward - The strain selection process will depend on guidance from regulatory bodies, with updates expected within the next month [75] Question: Concerns about future market share changes in COVID revenue - Management indicated that script data shows a consistent market share of around 38% and that inventory levels are being managed by customers [100] Question: Flu vaccine interim data expectations - Management did not provide specific guidance on total events for the flu vaccine analysis but indicated that a large number of cases are expected [105]
Alm. Brand A/S - Interim Report for Q1 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-05-01 05:28
Core Viewpoint - Alm. Brand Group reported a satisfactory Q1 2025 performance, leading to an upgrade in the full-year insurance service result guidance by DKK 50 million to a range of DKK 1.55-1.75 billion, excluding run-off results for Q2-Q4 2025 [1][4]. Financial Performance - The insurance service result for Q1 2025 was a profit of DKK 337 million, compared to DKK 291 million in Q1 2024, with a combined ratio of 88.2, an improvement from 89.3 in Q1 2024 [4]. - Insurance revenue grew by 5.2% to DKK 2,858 million in Q1 2025, up from DKK 2,717 million in Q1 2024, driven by an 8.2% increase in Personal Lines [4]. - The undiscounted underlying claims experience improved by 0.7 percentage points to 65.2%, reflecting positive developments in both Personal Lines and Commercial Lines [4]. - The expense ratio improved to 18.6 from 20.2 in Q1 2024, aligning with the planned trajectory [4]. - The investment result was DKK 96 million in Q1 2025, down from DKK 167 million in Q1 2024, amid geopolitical turmoil [4]. Strategic Initiatives - The divestment of the Energy & Marine business was completed on March 3, 2025, allowing the company to focus solely on non-life insurance [3][4]. - The implementation of synergy initiatives is progressing as planned, generating a positive accounting effect of DKK 145 million in Q1 2025 [4]. - A share buyback program for a total amount of DKK 1.6 billion was initiated following the divestment [4].
Sleep Number(SNBR) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-30 22:02
Financial Performance - Net sales for Q1 were $393 million, a decrease of 16% compared to the prior year [9] - Gross profit margin expanded to 61.2%, up 250 basis points from last year, driven by operational efficiencies and product mix [9] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $22 million, a decrease of $15 million from the prior year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.6%, down 230 basis points [11] - Operating expenses excluding restructuring costs totaled $237 million, a $23 million or 9% improvement over last year [10] Business Lines and Market Data - Positive consumer response to the Climate Series beds helped expand Average Revenue per Unit (ARU) by approximately 4% versus last year [9] - The company is closely monitoring tariffs and estimates an unmitigated impact of approximately $30 million for 2025, with $17 million potentially offset through supplier partnerships [12][13] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on stabilizing the business and enhancing shareholder returns through operational efficiencies and cost reductions [5][18] - A new executive leadership structure has been implemented to streamline decision-making and improve organizational efficiency [22][24] - The company plans to reduce annualized costs by $80 million to $100 million compared to the 2025 cost structure [14][29] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges challenges in the current consumer environment but is committed to creating a stable business that can perform under various market conditions [8][41] - The company is not providing full guidance due to the rapidly evolving macroeconomic environment, including consumer sentiment [14] - Management emphasizes a customer-centric approach, leveraging data to better understand customer needs and improve product offerings [20][21] Other Important Information - The company is evaluating its supply chain, distribution strategy, and product selection to create a flexible cost structure for future growth [30] - A focus on marketing efficiency is emphasized, with plans to lower marketing spend as a percentage of revenue while increasing productivity [25][37] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the low hanging fruit for improvement? - Management identified opportunities in marketing efficiency, organizational structure changes, and leveraging past innovations to meet current customer needs [34][36] Question: Can you provide any color on quarter to date demand? - Management noted a challenging environment with declining consumer confidence impacting spending, but emphasized efforts to rightsizing the organization [40][41] Question: What are the biggest opportunities to strengthen the brand? - Management sees opportunities in leveraging new technologies for effective marketing and optimizing existing partnerships to maximize benefits [49][50] Question: Is there an increased appetite to explore wholesale distribution? - Management stated that everything is on the table and they are open to exploring various strategic options [54] Question: How do you think about the level of promotion necessary in the short and long term? - Management indicated a well-oiled promotional machine and a focus on balancing pricing strategies while managing tariff impacts [78][80] Question: How are you thinking about store openings versus closures? - Management confirmed maintaining the current strategy of store openings and closures while reviewing the overall strategy and operations [81]
Sleep Number(SNBR) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-30 21:00
Financial Performance - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $393 million, a decrease of 16% compared to the prior year [8] - Gross profit margin expanded to 61.2%, up 250 basis points from last year, driven by operational efficiencies and product mix [8][9] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $22 million, a decrease of $15 million from the prior year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.6%, down 230 basis points [10] - Operating expenses, excluding restructuring and one-time costs, totaled $237 million, a $23 million or 9% improvement over last year [9] Business Lines and Market Performance - Positive consumer response to the Climate Series beds helped expand Average Revenue per Unit (ARU) by approximately 4% versus last year [8] - The company is focusing on marketing efficiency to drive sustainable returns [8] - The impact of tariffs is estimated to be approximately $30 million for 2025, with $17 million potentially offset through supplier partnerships [11] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is undergoing significant changes to stabilize the business and enhance competitive advantages [4][5] - A new executive and senior leadership structure has been created to streamline operations and improve decision-making [20][21] - The focus is on customer obsession, leveraging data to understand customer needs and improve product offerings [19][30] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges challenges in the current consumer environment, with a decline in consumer confidence impacting spending [39] - The company is not providing full guidance due to the rapidly evolving macroeconomic environment [13] - There is an expectation of continued top-line pressure in the near term, but cost management strategies are in place to maintain gross profit margins [14][15] Other Important Information - The company anticipates annualized cost reductions of $80 million to $100 million compared to the 2025 cost structure [13][27] - A focus on optimizing the debt capital structure without diluting current shareholders is underway [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the low-hanging fruit for improvement in 2025? - Management identified opportunities in marketing efficiency, organizational structure changes, and leveraging past innovations to meet current customer needs [33][34][36] Question: Can you provide color on quarter-to-date demand? - Management noted a challenging environment with declining consumer confidence impacting spending, but emphasized a focus on rightsizing the organization [39][40] Question: What are the biggest opportunities to strengthen the brand and messaging? - Management sees opportunities in leveraging new technologies for effective marketing and optimizing existing partnerships for maximum benefit [48][50][52] Question: Is there an increased appetite to explore wholesale distribution? - Management stated that everything is on the table and they are open to exploring various strategic options [53] Question: How does the company view its core value proposition? - Management emphasized the importance of communicating the core benefits of Sleep Number beds, focusing on comfort and quality sleep [58][60] Question: How is the company navigating tariffs and pricing? - Management is evaluating various strategies to manage tariff impacts, including potential pricing adjustments and maintaining core pricing for key products [77][78] Question: What is the strategy regarding store openings and closures? - Management plans to maintain the current strategy of store openings and closures while reviewing the overall distribution strategy [79]
Scorpius Holdings Provides 2024 Year-End Business Update; Implements Strategic Cost Reductions and Operational Streamlining
Globenewswire· 2025-04-30 20:05
Core Viewpoint - Scorpius Holdings, Inc. is navigating a challenging biotech funding environment by streamlining operations and refocusing on core CDMO capabilities to drive shareholder value [2][6]. Financial Performance - For the year ended December 31, 2024, Scorpius reported $6.0 million in contract revenue, a decrease from $6.6 million in 2023, primarily due to a client migrating to a larger CDMO [3]. - The company recognized $0.2 million in NIH grant revenue for 2024, down from $0.3 million in 2023 [3]. - Cost of revenues increased to $3.2 million in 2024 from $2.7 million in 2023, attributed to expanded biomanufacturing capabilities [4]. - Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased to $21.6 million in 2024 from $26.2 million in 2023, driven by reductions in various operational costs [5]. - The net loss for 2024 was approximately $32.8 million, or ($13.04) per share, an improvement from a net loss of $45.2 million, or ($347.50) per share, in 2023 [6]. Operational Updates - The company has completed its Form 10-K filing, which was delayed due to necessary internal realignment for long-term success [2]. - Scorpius is focused on executing its business strategy and enhancing its operational efficiency to better serve clients and shareholders [2][6]. Company Overview - Scorpius Holdings, Inc. operates as an integrated CDMO, providing a range of services including analytical testing, process development, and manufacturing to pharmaceutical and biotech companies [8].
Dana(DAN) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-30 14:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for Q1 2025 were $2.4 billion, a decrease of $83 million compared to the previous year, driven by lower demand across all end markets [19][21] - Adjusted EBITDA was $188 million, with a profit margin of 8%, just 20 basis points lower than last year [19] - Net income attributable to Dana was $25 million, significantly up from $3 million in the previous year, primarily due to the proposed divestiture of a non-core hydraulics business [20] - Operating cash flow was a use of $30 million, an improvement of $65 million year-over-year due to lower working capital requirements [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The integration of the former power technology segment into the aftermarket business is expected to yield operational improvements and contribute $30 to $35 million to the overall cost reduction target of $300 million [10] - Cost savings initiatives added $41 million in profit for Q1 2025, with an expectation to realize an additional $50 million in cost savings this year [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American commercial vehicle customers are experiencing a reduction in schedules, impacting the outlook for the segment [13] - There is a slight increase in pre-buy interest in the Off Highway segment, with some positive signs of order improvements outside North America in the second half of the year [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is accelerating its cost reduction program from $175 million to $225 million for 2025, focusing on operational efficiencies and leveraging best practices across its businesses [10] - The company aims to maintain its market share in light vehicles while being cautious about potential risks in the second half of the year [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management views the tariff situation as manageable, with several mitigation actions already in place [12] - The company expects to recover steel and aluminum tariffs through already negotiated mechanisms with customers, although timing may vary [13] - The overall outlook for 2025 remains unchanged, with expectations for sales to be above the midpoint of the guidance range [26] Other Important Information - The company won its tenth PACE award for a hybrid transmission product, which is expected to grow sales significantly in the coming years [16][17] - The company is focusing on divesting non-core assets, with expectations to generate $50 million in proceeds in the second quarter and potentially another $50 million in the back half of the year [11][100] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance and Market Assumptions - Management indicated that commercial vehicle expectations are lower than previously seen, but this is offset by light vehicle and Off Highway revenue [33] Question: Tariff Exposure and Recovery Timing - The company expects tariff recoveries to take less than a quarter on average, with a structured process already in place for claims [46] Question: Light Vehicle Production Assumptions - Current light vehicle production outlook remains consistent with previous forecasts, with no substantial changes noted [61] Question: Non-Core Asset Divestiture - The company is actively pursuing the sale of non-core assets, including a joint venture in India, to improve capital efficiency [101]
Constellium(CSTM) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-30 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Shipments decreased by 2% to 372,000 tons compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to lower shipments in A and T and AS and I segments [6] - Revenue increased by 5% to $2 billion compared to Q1 2024, driven by higher metal prices [6] - Net income rose to $38 million from $22 million in the same quarter last year [6] - Adjusted EBITDA was $186 million, including a positive noncash impact from metal price lag of $46 million; excluding this, adjusted EBITDA was $140 million, down from $160 million last year [7] - Free cash flow was negative $3 million, with expectations to generate over $120 million in positive free cash flow for the year [9][28] - Leverage at the end of Q1 was 3.3 times, expected to trend down by year-end [9][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - A and T segment adjusted EBITDA decreased by 14% to $75 million, with aerospace shipments down 11% and TID shipments down 7% [18][19] - Park segment adjusted EBITDA increased by 25% to $60 million, with packaging shipments up 9% but automotive shipments down 15% [20] - AS and I segment adjusted EBITDA decreased by 50% to $16 million, with automotive shipments down 14% and industry shipments down 4% [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand in aerospace remains stable, with healthy demand for military aircraft, but supply chain challenges persist [32] - Packaging demand is healthy in North America and Europe, with long-term growth expected [34] - Automotive production remains below pre-COVID levels, with demand softening in North America and Europe, particularly in luxury and electric segments [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strong cost control, free cash flow generation, and capital discipline amid challenging market conditions [10][39] - Accelerated cost reduction efforts under the Vision 25 program to optimize capacity and reduce costs [16][25] - The company is adapting to market conditions by shifting capacity from automotive to packaging markets [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges ongoing demand weakness across most end markets but remains optimistic about long-term fundamentals [32][39] - The tariff situation is seen as both a challenge and an opportunity, with efforts to mitigate impacts through customer pass-throughs [11][16] - The company expects to maintain guidance for 2025, targeting adjusted EBITDA of $600 million to $630 million and free cash flow exceeding $120 million [39] Other Important Information - The company returned $15 million to shareholders through share repurchases during the quarter [9][39] - The impact of tariffs is estimated at $20 million for the remainder of the year, with ongoing efforts to mitigate these costs [13][57] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the better-than-expected performance in Q1? - Management attributed the performance to improvements at the Muscle Shoals plant and progress on the Vision 25 cost reduction program [42][43] Question: Is the inventory issue in aerospace resolved? - Management indicated that while their inventories are controlled, the supply chain still faces challenges [47] Question: What is the outlook for aerospace and automotive markets? - Aerospace is expected to remain choppy, while automotive demand is uncertain due to tariffs and market conditions [53][55] Question: How will tariffs impact costs? - The gross impact of tariffs is estimated at $20 million, with efforts to pass through costs to customers [57] Question: What is the outlook for scrap metal costs? - Management noted that scrap spreads are improving, which is beneficial, but costs remain a headwind relative to historical levels [71] Question: How is the company positioned for future demand in defense applications? - There are positive signs for increased demand in defense, with management ramping up inventories in response [87]