Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $37 million or $0.70 per diluted share for Q3 2025, compared to $42 million or $0.80 per diluted share in Q3 2024, indicating a decrease in profitability year-over-year [25] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $71 million, down from $78 million in the same quarter last year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22% compared to 24% in the prior year [25][26] - Total revenues were $329 million in Q3 2025, slightly up from $328 million in the same quarter last year, primarily driven by a 27% increase in sales volume [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record quarterly sales volume of 2.4 million short tons in Q3 2025, a 27% increase from 1.9 million short tons in the same quarter last year [17] - Production volume in Q3 2025 was 2.2 million short tons, up 17% from 1.9 million short tons in Q3 2024 [18] - The Blue Creek mine produced 175,000 short tons during Q3 2025, contributing to the overall increase in production volume [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The primary index, PLV FOB Australia, averaged $166 per short ton in Q3 2025, while the PLV CFR China index price averaged $162 per short ton, recovering from earlier lows [20] - The Australian LVHCC index price averaged $137 per short ton, and the US East Coast HVA index price averaged $141 per short ton during the same period [21] - The company sold 43% of its coal into Europe, 38% into Asia, and 18% into South America in Q3 2025 [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has raised its full-year 2025 production volume guidance by approximately 10% due to the earlier startup of Blue Creek longwall operations, now expected to produce approximately 1.8 million short tons of high-vol steelmaking coal [5][11] - The acquisition of 58 million short tons of high-quality steelmaking coal reserves is expected to enhance the company's long-term value proposition and extend the life of its core mining operations [6][12] - The company remains focused on operational excellence and strategic investments to drive shareholder value [4][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing weak steelmaking coal market conditions due to increased Chinese steel exports and subdued global demand, but expressed confidence in the company's operational successes driving strong financial performance [6][33] - The company anticipates continued pressure on steelmaking coal markets due to additional supply coming online and trade tensions affecting global market sentiment [33][48] - Despite challenges, management remains optimistic about long-term growth trajectories and the potential for new trade agreements to support market conditions [33] Other Important Information - The company achieved a gross price realization of 83% in Q3 2025, down from 93% in the same quarter last year, primarily due to relative index pricing and product mix [23] - Cash cost of sales per short ton was approximately $101 in Q3 2025, down from $123 in the same quarter last year, reflecting effective cost management [28] - Free cash flow was negative $20 million due to capital expenditures and mine development costs, but the company maintains a strong liquidity position with $525 million available [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: How should we think about production next year with the early Blue Creek startup? - Management indicated that production numbers will be market-driven and are still being evaluated [37] Question: Can you remind us how you are thinking about capital allocation? - The company plans to return excess free cash flow through dividends and possibly stock buybacks [38] Question: Do you still need incremental workers to ramp up production? - Management confirmed that additional hiring will continue over the next year to support operations [39] Question: How will sales shift quarter over quarter? - The company expects a significant increase in sales volume due to Blue Creek production [40] Question: How does the acquisition influence decisions on adding another longwall? - The acquisition enhances efficiency and control over reserves, making future operations more cost-effective [41] Question: What is the outlook for pricing and realizations going forward? - Management expressed cautious optimism about returning to targeted price realizations, depending on market conditions [49][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Northwest Natural Holdings reported a loss of $0.73 per share for Q3 2025, relatively unchanged from a loss of $0.71 per share in Q3 2024 [18] - Adjusted earnings per share increased to $1.52 year-to-date in 2025, compared to $0.88 for the same period in 2024, reflecting strong earnings across all business segments [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The gas utility segment's earnings per share improved slightly, while Sea Energy contributed an additional $0.04 of earnings per share for Q3 2025 compared to the same period last year [18] - The water segment's earnings per share increased by $0.04, driven by new rates at the largest water utility in Arizona and additional revenues from ICH Utilities [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined utility customer growth rate was 10.9% for the 12 months ended September 30, 2025, primarily due to gas utility acquisitions in Texas [6] - Northwest Natural Water's customer base grew at a rate of 4.1%, including three small acquisitions, with organic growth at 2.4% [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its customer base, investing in systems, and achieving operational excellence through cost efficiency [5] - A robust long-term capital plan is in place, reaffirming a long-term earnings growth rate of 4%-6% [6] - The company is prioritizing organic growth while also looking for tuck-in acquisition opportunities, particularly in fragmented markets like Texas [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in executing against the 2025 plan and achieving results above the midpoint of the adjusted earnings range of $2.75 to $2.95 per share [6][20] - The company is well-positioned to meet regional energy needs through investments in long-duration assets like the Mist storage facility [11] Other Important Information - The board approved a dividend increase, marking the 70th consecutive year of annual dividend increases [6] - The company has liquidity of approximately $437 million as of September 30, 2025, with no material debt maturities in 2025 [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Lower equity requirement for 2025 - Management indicated that the lower equity requirement is due to better cash flow generation and reassessment of capital structure throughout the year [24] Question: Additional tuck-in opportunities in Texas - Management noted that while tuck-in opportunities exist, the focus is currently on organic growth, particularly in Texas, Arizona, and Idaho [25] Question: Change in rate case timing in Oregon - Management mentioned that the Oregon commission is exploring multi-year planning, which could be beneficial for future rate cases [27][28] Question: Status of hydrogen pilot projects - Management confirmed that hydrogen blending tests have been successful, but broader hydrogen production projects are uncertain due to funding reallocations [29][30]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $27.1 million, an increase of $9.7 million or 55.7% from Q3 2024 [4] - Adjusted EBITDA margins increased to 7.7%, a gain of 170 basis points [4] - Adjusted earnings per share reached $0.47, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 30.6% [4][16] - Net sales increased by 20.1% in Q3 2025, driven by strong demand for asphalt and concrete plants and the inclusion of PeraSource [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure solutions segment saw a 17.1% increase in net sales compared to Q3 2024, with strong demand for asphalt and concrete plants [16][17] - Material solutions segment, now including PeraSource, reported a net sales increase of $30.5 million or 24.1% [17] - Part sales for the infrastructure solutions segment increased by 14.8% quarter-over-quarter [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Backlog at quarter end was $449.5 million, a sequential increase of $68.7 million, with $64.1 million attributed to PeraSource [5] - Approximately $230 billion, or 66%, of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds have been committed as of August 30, 2025 [9] - Federal transportation leaders remain optimistic about passing a new transportation bill next year, which is promising for the company [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on inorganic growth, as demonstrated by the acquisition of PeraSource [8] - Ongoing infrastructure upgrades are expected to fuel stable, long-term demand for capital equipment, aftermarket parts, and digital solutions [10][22] - The company is actively managing tariff impacts through procurement strategies and pricing measures [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management raised the lower end of full-year guidance from $123 million to $132 million, maintaining the upper range at $142 million [7] - Improved customer sentiment is noted due to recent interest rate movements [6] - The company anticipates growing demand for material solutions products in upcoming quarters [14] Other Important Information - The company maintains a strong balance sheet with $67.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $244.8 million in available credit, totaling $312.1 million in liquidity [18] - Adjusted ROIC for the quarter was reported at 12.3% [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: What led to the raising of the lower end of guidance? - Management noted that gaps in capacity to fill were filled nicely, allowing for confidence in Q4 sales [23] Question: Was there a change in order rates compared to previous years? - Management observed a different booking process from customers, with a reduction in uncertainty around tariffs contributing to decision-making [24] Question: Were PeraSource margins accretive in Q3? - Management confirmed that PeraSource margins were accretive and expressed optimism about future synergy realization [25][26] Question: What is the current percentage of parts revenue per segment? - The parts sales mix increased by 670 basis points, with overall company parts revenue now around 32% [28] Question: How is the company managing tariff uncertainties? - Management stated that proactive pricing and alternative sourcing strategies have positioned the company well to mitigate tariff impacts [29] Question: Can you provide insights on parts growth within the infrastructure segment? - Management highlighted that efforts to drive parts business have started to pay off, contributing significantly to growth [30] Question: What is the status of dealer inventory for the material solutions segment? - Management indicated that dealer inventory levels are healthy, with some dealer stocking observed [32] Question: How are fill rates for PeraSource expected to improve? - Management expects PeraSource fill rates to improve significantly within the next 12 months, aligning closer to core Astec levels [35] Question: Have there been any orders related to rare earth mining? - Management confirmed receiving orders related to rare earth mining, indicating real demand and ongoing investments [37]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q3 2025 were $1.8 billion, down 3% year-over-year, with gross profit dollars decreasing by 5% and gross margins slightly lower at 25.1% [16][18] - Reported and adjusted operating income were $249 million and $254 million, respectively [16] - Year-to-date cash from operations was $539 million, with capital expenditures net of disposals at $298 million [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Texture and Healthful Solutions net sales increased by 1%, driven by a 4% sales volume growth [16][17] - Food and Industrial Ingredients LATAM reported a net sales decrease of 6%, primarily due to weaker brewing demand and macroeconomic conditions [17][18] - Food and Industrial Ingredients U.S./Canada net sales declined by 7%, with a 5% decline in sales volume attributed to production challenges at the Argo plant [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - LATAM market showed signs of weakening demand due to higher inflation and interest rates impacting consumer spending [9][10] - In the U.S., demand for sweeteners decreased in July and August but recovered in September [27][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving profitable growth, particularly in Texture and Healthful Solutions, with an emphasis on clean-label ingredients [11][12] - Innovation remains a key pillar, with ongoing development of cost-effective ingredient solutions to help customers maintain quality while reducing costs [12][13] - Operational excellence initiatives are expected to yield significant savings, with a target of over $55 million in run-rate savings by the end of 2025 [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the diversified business portfolio despite recent challenges, anticipating operating income growth for the full year [4][5] - The outlook for 2025 includes expectations for net sales to be flat to down low single digits, with adjusted operating income expected to increase low to mid-single digits [22][23] Other Important Information - The company has authorized a new share repurchase program of up to eight million shares over the next three years, reflecting confidence in future growth [25][60] - The effective tax rate for 2025 is projected to be between 25.5% and 26.5% [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand environment and stabilization signs - Management noted that inflation and high interest rates in LATAM are impacting consumer spending, with GDP growth forecasts for Mexico and Brazil being low [27][28] Question: Texture and Healthful Solutions segment outlook - The outlook change is driven by a diverse customer base and strong demand in food service and private label sectors [29][30] Question: Volume impacts from macro weakening and company-specific events - Approximately 12 million of the decline in U.S. Canada F&I was attributed to Argo plant issues, with the remainder related to market weakness [31][34] Question: Fourth-quarter contracting season and price-cost dynamics - Management anticipates that contracting will be influenced by inflationary pressures and higher input costs, with a cautious outlook for 2026 [37][38] Question: LATAM market and taxation impacts - The proposed sweetness tax in Mexico is expected to impact consumer behavior, but management believes the company is well-positioned to adapt [41][44] Question: Share repurchase strategy - The company plans to exceed $200 million in share repurchases in 2025, with a healthy cash balance supporting this strategy [60][61]

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) 2025 Investor Day Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Alcoa Corporation - **Event**: Investor Day 2025 - **Date**: October 30, 2025 Key Industry Insights - **Aluminum Market Outlook**: The long-term outlook for aluminum is positive, driven by growth in demand and constrained supply, particularly in North America and Europe [34][41] - **Supply Constraints**: The market is experiencing constrained supply due to Chinese production caps and rising capital costs outside of China, which is a shift from the previous two decades where supply was more abundant [35][41] - **Investment in Growth**: Alcoa has opportunities for disciplined growth, highlighted by the successful acquisition of Alumina Limited in 2024, which has positioned the company favorably within the industry [35][39] Financial Performance - **EBITDA**: Alcoa reported $1.6 billion in EBITDA for 2024, indicating strong financial health [36] - **Debt Management**: The company has monetized $1 billion worth of assets, strengthening its balance sheet, with a net debt target of $1 billion to $1.5 billion [40] - **Shareholder Returns**: Alcoa has returned $1 billion to shareholders over the last five years, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder value [40] Operational Excellence - **Production Capacity**: Alcoa produces approximately 40 million metric tons of bauxite, 10 million metric tons of alumina, and 2 million metric tons of aluminum annually [36] - **Safety Initiatives**: The company has achieved a 75% reduction in serious injuries in North America and a 50% reduction in serious chemical burns across its refining network [62][75] - **Alcoa Business System (ABS)**: The ABS has been modernized to improve operational performance, leading to increased production and efficiency across various sites [61][63] Strategic Vision and Culture - **New Vision**: Alcoa's vision is to "build a legacy of excellence for future generations," which aims to engage employees at all levels [86] - **Cultural Shift**: The company is focused on fostering a high-performance culture, emphasizing accountability, empowerment, and continuous improvement [89][90] - **Employee Engagement**: Initiatives such as "leadership time in field" are designed to enhance engagement and safety by having leaders spend more time with frontline employees [52][53] Technological Innovations - **Investment in Technology**: Alcoa continues to invest in breakthrough technologies, including AI applications and robotics, to enhance operational efficiency and safety [46][65] - **Sustainability Efforts**: The company is committed to green products, with 86% of its energy sourced from renewable sources, positioning itself well for the green transition [45] Regional Operations - **Global Presence**: Alcoa operates in 25 locations across 8 countries, with a focus on North America and Europe, which are expected to face aluminum supply deficits in the future [36][41] - **Operational Improvements**: Incremental improvements in production have been noted across various regions, with specific examples of success in North America and Australia [68][69] Conclusion - **Future Outlook**: Alcoa is well-positioned for future growth with a strong balance sheet, disciplined capital allocation, and a commitment to operational excellence and safety [40][48][75] - **Engagement with Stakeholders**: The company emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and environmental responsibility, particularly in sensitive areas like the Amazon rainforest [78][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated sales decreased by 19% to $131 million compared to the prior year [22] - Adjusted EBITDA declined by 29% to $32 million, primarily due to lower gross profit [24] - Net income decreased to $15 million, with adjusted net income down 36% to $18 million [24] - Basic earnings per share decreased to $0.71, while adjusted basic earnings per share decreased 34% to $0.85 [25] - Year-to-date operating cash flows increased by 26% to $93 million [25] - Full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance raised to $110 to $115 million, and adjusted EPS guidance raised to $2.60 to $2.75 [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Branded spirits segment sales decreased by 3%, with premium plus sales showing growth driven by Penelope Bourbon [22] - Distilling solutions segment sales declined by 43%, with brown goods sales down by 50% [22] - Ingredient solutions segment sales increased by 9%, primarily due to higher specialty and commodity wheat protein sales [23] - Gross profit for the ingredient solutions segment declined by 36% due to operational issues [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total U.S. whiskey production down 19% over the prior 12 months, down 28% over the prior six months, and down 32% over the prior three months [15] - Diageo North America recognized MGP Ingredients as one of its distinguished suppliers, indicating strong partnerships [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Company is conducting a strategic review to improve clarity and focus on high-potential brands while trimming underperformers [5][6] - New appointments in marketing and operations aim to strengthen brand growth and operational efficiency [6][7] - Focus on innovation and new product launches to meet consumer demand, particularly in the ready-to-pour cocktail segment [12] - Emphasis on operational reliability and cost savings to enhance productivity [8][19] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges challenges in the industry but expresses confidence in the company's long-term potential [9] - The company is focused on building a resilient business model that can adapt to industry cycles [29] - Management is optimistic about the alignment and enthusiasm within the organization, which supports future growth [20] Other Important Information - The company is prioritizing strong cash generation and has reduced capital expenditures significantly [25][26] - The operational challenges in the ingredient solutions segment are being addressed through increased staffing and maintenance investments [17][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Industry trends and channel inventory - Management noted that customers are seeking closer relationships due to elevated inventory and reduced production, with a shift towards direct dealings with MGP [31] Question: Gross margin performance - Margins were better than expected due to higher aged whiskey sales and effective cost management [32] Question: Portfolio management of branded spirits - Management is evaluating lower-performing brands while focusing on premium brands that show growth potential [37] Question: Customer purchasing behavior - Large multinationals have paused purchases, but craft customers are increasingly seeking aged whiskey, indicating a shift in demand [41][43] Question: Ingredient solutions segment performance - Management acknowledged operational issues but emphasized strong demand for products, with plans to improve reliability and performance [46][48] Question: Success of Penelope brand - Penelope is experiencing significant growth due to innovative marketing and appealing product offerings, attracting a diverse consumer base [56][58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 7% year-over-year, exceeding $1.1 billion [3][4] - Adjusted EPS was $0.85, $0.10 above the high end of the projected range [3] - Adjusted EBITDA totaled $225 million, with $215 million excluding approximately $10 million related to the sale of oil and gas rights, representing a 19% year-over-year improvement [3][14] - Adjusted EBITDA margin exceeded 20%, the highest since the pandemic and almost double the margin from 2019 [3][4] - Cash generated from operations year-to-date reached $299 million, a $273 million improvement from last year [4][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - High Performance Materials & Components (HPMC) segment margins were above 24% [4][15] - Advanced Alloys & Solutions (AANS) segment margins improved to 17.3% [15] - Aerospace and Defense (A&D) revenue rose 21% year-over-year, accounting for 70% of total revenue [5][6] - Jet engine revenue, which is 39% of total revenue, grew 19% year-over-year [6][8] - Airframe sales grew 9% year-over-year, supported by increased production rates from Boeing and Airbus [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Defense revenue increased 51% year-over-year, reflecting broad-based strength across various defense programs [9][10] - The order book extends into mid-2027, indicating strong demand and supply constraints [7][10] - The company expects Q4 jet engine revenue growth in the high single to low double digits [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on high-value materials and markets, with 70% of revenue now coming from aerospace and defense [12][20] - Investments in nickel and titanium capacities are aimed at expanding differentiated products without negatively impacting pricing [13][20] - The strategy emphasizes operational excellence, productivity improvements, and long-term customer partnerships [10][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued strong demand in core markets, particularly in aerospace and defense [5][20] - The company anticipates robust cash generation and margin expansion through disciplined execution and operational improvements [10][18] - Future growth is expected to be supported by long-term agreements and differentiated materials [12][20] Other Important Information - The company plans to raise full-year guidance for adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow based on strong Q3 performance [4][16] - The CFO, Don Newman, is set to retire after the fourth quarter, with a search for his successor underway [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What changed since Q2 to drive the revised outlook and guidance increase? - Management noted stronger than expected A&D performance, particularly in defense, and operational productivity improvements [26][27] Question: What is being done to manage melt capacity for nickel alloys? - The company is focusing on productivity, reliability, and selective expansion of melt capacity to meet growing demand [29][30] Question: What does being the number one source of flat rolled titanium products to Airbus mean for the P&L? - This status translates to increased revenue and higher margins from premium titanium products, with a significant revenue increase expected next year [34][35] Question: What is the expected growth in airframe sales for 2026? - Management anticipates high single-digit growth in airframe revenues driven by steady production ramps and increased ATI content [59] Question: How is working capital improvement contributing to free cash flow? - Improvement in accounts receivable management and inventory efficiencies contributed to working capital improvements [52][53]

Core Viewpoint - State Street Corporation is expanding its global presence by establishing a MENA regional headquarters in Riyadh, which aligns with its strategy for growth in key markets [1][6] Company Expansion - The new headquarters in Riyadh is expected to enhance State Street's service capabilities in the MENA region, reflecting the company's commitment to global growth and operational excellence [2][5] - Strategic initiatives, including the new headquarters, are anticipated to contribute to the company's long-term success in the financial services sector [5][6] Stock Performance - State Street's stock is currently priced at $117.23, with a recent increase of $1.11, or approximately 0.96%, and has reached a 52-week high of $118.30, indicating strong investor interest [3][4] - The company's market capitalization is approximately $33.08 billion, highlighting its significant presence in the industry [3] - TD Cowen has raised the price target for State Street from $133 to $135, reflecting optimism about the company's future performance [4][6] - The stock's trading volume of 946,569 shares indicates active investor engagement, with a low of $72.81 over the past year showcasing its recovery and growth potential [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue was roughly flat year over year, while operating income improved by 8% and diluted earnings per share improved by 18% compared to the prior year period [10][11] - Despite inflation in insurance, wages, employee benefits, and equipment costs, productivity and cost management efforts offset these headwinds [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Intermodal volumes declined by 1% year over year, but the company outperformed the broader truckload market decline due to customers converting freight to intermodal [15][32] - The final mile business faced challenges with soft demand for furniture, exercise equipment, and appliances, but positive demand was noted in the fulfillment network driven by off-price retail [20][21] - Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS) saw modest sequential improvement in volumes, with rates up low to mid-single digits and winning volume with new customers [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Overall demand trended below normal seasonality for much of the quarter, with truckload capacity continuing to exit the market [14] - Truckload spot rates remained under pressure throughout the quarter, but recent regulatory developments are impacting capacity [14][66] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence, scaling investments, and repairing margins to drive stronger financial performance [5][6] - A significant emphasis is placed on lowering the cost to serve, with a goal of removing $100 million in structural costs from the business [12][13] - The company aims to leverage its reputation for service excellence to drive strategic growth and maximize returns on investments [6][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to adapt to rail consolidation and emphasized the importance of long-term agreements with major rail providers [7][31] - The company expects to continue generating significant cash flow and remains focused on strong returns with deployed capital [12][13] - Management acknowledged the challenges in the current market but remains optimistic about future growth opportunities [10][34] Other Important Information - The company has made progress in its initiative to lower costs, having eliminated over $20 million in the quarter [12] - The company is leveraging technology and automation to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction [81][84] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Can you provide details on the $20 million cost savings and how it played out by segment? - Management indicated progress across all areas of the business, with improvements in efficiency and productivity noted in intermodal and dedicated services [37] Question: What is the outlook for pricing and how does it relate to the cost savings initiative? - Management clarified that while the rate environment has been challenging, the cost savings initiative is expected to enhance performance durability when the market improves [44][46] Question: How do you expect loads and volumes to trend in the upcoming quarter? - Management noted that while the ocean peak season may have ended, domestic demand is expected to remain strong as customers prepare for the holiday season [75]

Core Insights - Wendy's has launched Project Fresh, a strategic plan aimed at revitalizing the brand, driving growth, enhancing profitability, and increasing shareholder value [1][2]. Group 1: Project Fresh Overview - Project Fresh is designed to strengthen Wendy's brand and operational performance through a unified approach called "One Wendy's" [2][5]. - The plan focuses on four core pillars: brand revitalization, system optimization, operational excellence, and capital reallocation to foster profitable growth [2][4]. Group 2: Key Actions and Strategies - Brand revitalization will leverage Wendy's heritage of quality and innovation, utilizing data-driven customer segmentation to enhance marketing effectiveness [5]. - System optimization aims to prioritize Average Unit Volume (AUV) growth in the U.S. by optimizing labor and operating hours, and collaborating closely with franchisees [5]. - Operational excellence will involve increased investments in customer experience, technology, and training to improve restaurant efficiency [5]. - Capital allocation will be optimized, including a reduction of approximately $20 million in capital for the Build to Suit program in 2025, allowing for more investment in technology and marketing [5]. Group 3: Leadership and Future Plans - The Board of Directors is actively engaged in the CEO selection process, targeting completion by the end of the year to ensure strong leadership for the next growth phase [3]. - Further details on Project Fresh initiatives will be provided during the third quarter results announcement on November 7, 2025 [6].