Core Insights - The article highlights the challenges faced by founders in adapting to constantly changing business rules and environments, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in building successful companies [1]. Company Overview - Ryan Petersen, founder and CEO of Flexport, has significantly impacted global logistics since the company's inception in 2013, facilitating the movement of over $175 billion worth of goods for more than 10,000 companies and raising $2.3 billion in funding [2]. Leadership and Strategy - After stepping down as CEO in 2022, Petersen returned to lead Flexport again within a year, focusing on stabilizing the company and planning its future growth trajectory. His insights extend beyond logistics to include critical discussions on tariffs, trade policy, and the influence of AI on global commerce [3]. Learning Opportunities - The upcoming session at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 will provide practical lessons from Petersen on maintaining clarity and resilience under pressure, offering attendees a masterclass in navigating the complexities of modern business [4].

Company Overview - DSG is a leading specialty industrial distribution platform with a focus on MRO, OEM, and Industrial Technologies [12] - The company's TTM Adjusted Revenue as of June 30, 2025, was $1.96 billion [13] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was approximately 9.6% [13] - The company has over 200,000 customers and offers over 740,000 unique SKUs [13] Financial Performance - Q2 2025 revenue reached $502 million, a $63 million or 14.3% increase year-over-year, with organic average sales growing 3.3% [51] - Q2 2025 adjusted EBITDA was $48.6 million, representing 9.7% of sales [51] - The company has authorized a $37.5 million share repurchase program, with $20 million repurchased YTD 2025 and $6.3 million still available under prior authorizations [53] Strategic Focus - The company has a dual-pronged growth strategy, focusing on end markets with long-term strong tailwinds and strategic acquisitions [23] - Since 2022, DSG has completed 11 strategic acquisitions with purchase price range from 4.6x – 9.4x (weighted 8.3x) [23] - The company serves a broad and diverse set of end markets, catering to over 200,000 customers [24]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a positive momentum shift in Q2, with third-quarter positive comps, contrasting with the previous year's eight quarters of negative comps [4][5] - Home prices have appreciated by approximately 50% since the end of 2019, contributing to a healthier consumer base [5] - The company noted a significant amount of untapped equity in homes, which has not yet translated into increased consumer spending on large projects [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2, 13 out of 16 departments in the U.S. experienced positive comps, indicating broad-based growth across various categories [11] - The company is taking market share in both consumer and professional segments, with growth in virtually every category outpacing the marketplace [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The housing market is described as being close to frozen, with housing turnover at forty-year lows, which is impacting consumer engagement in larger projects [6][7] - Despite economic uncertainties, the company believes that consumer engagement in home improvement will eventually increase as people become accustomed to current economic conditions [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its pro capabilities through acquisitions and organic growth strategies, aiming to capture more share of wallet from existing customers [30][36] - The company has made significant investments in supply chain improvements and digital assets to enhance delivery speed and customer service [41][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the second half of the year, anticipating improvements as tax cuts benefit consumers [51] - The company is closely monitoring pricing elasticity and consumer behavior in response to recent price adjustments, indicating a cautious but proactive approach [52] Other Important Information - The company has diversified its supply chain to mitigate tariff impacts, with over 50% of goods manufactured in the U.S. [17][18] - The company is committed to maintaining competitive pricing while protecting project costs, which is crucial for customer retention [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the consumer environment in the second half? - Management expects the environment to improve as tax cut benefits flow through to consumers [51] Question: Have there been any elasticity impacts from recent pricing actions? - Management noted that there is not much elasticity in their product pricing and is closely monitoring pricing tests [52] Question: What are the expectations for inventory growth in the second half? - Management indicated that there will be no significant changes in inventory growth, maintaining a business-as-usual approach [56] Question: What are the expectations for non-tariff margin drivers into 2026? - Management affirmed that operating costs will remain largely unchanged, with further discussions planned for the investor conference [58] Question: What is the outlook for market share consolidation in the retail space? - Management believes that competitive dynamics will remain stable, with some potential for consolidation in the distribution space [60]

Group 1 - RedCloud Holdings plc has signed a Joint Venture with Kayanat to transform Saudi Arabia's estimated $60 billion market for Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) [1][2] - The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, utilizing AI-powered trading technology to enhance the digital exchange of FMCG products [2][4] - RedCloud Arabia will be jointly owned by RedCloud and Kayanat, headquartered in Riyadh, and plans to launch operations in Q4 2025 [3][4] Group 2 - The RedAI platform will facilitate efficient B2B purchases and inventory decisions for retailers, leveraging AI to analyze complex purchasing behaviors [5][6] - The joint venture aims to introduce greater transparency and efficiency to supply chains, empowering local brands to scale and compete globally [4][8] - Kayanat is focused on building local expertise and fostering a self-sustaining economy in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 [7][8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, total revenue was $110.5 million, down from $126.6 million in Q4 2024, primarily due to decreased demand from two large customers [5] - Full fiscal year 2025 revenue was $467.9 million, compared to $566.9 million in fiscal year 2024, reflecting a significant decline [5] - Gross margin for Q4 2025 was 6.2%, and operating margin was negative 2.1%, compared to 7.2% and 1.0% respectively in Q4 2024 [5] - The net loss for Q4 2025 was $3.9 million or $0.36 per share, compared to a net loss of $2.0 million or $0.18 per share in Q4 2024 [8] - For the full fiscal year 2025, the net loss was $8.3 million or $0.77 per share, compared to a net loss of $2.8 million or $0.26 per share in fiscal year 2024 [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company cut approximately 300 jobs in 2025, totaling an 800 headcount reduction for the fiscal year, to align costs with current demand [6] - Despite revenue reduction, gross margins increased year over year due to operational efficiencies and cost-saving initiatives [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reduced inventory by approximately $8 million or 7% year over year, reflecting strategic initiatives to align inventory with current revenue [10] - Total liabilities were reduced by $32.7 million or 14% from the previous year [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its manufacturing footprint in the U.S. and Vietnam, with plans to invest over $28 million in a new facility in Arkansas [17] - The strategy includes enhancing production capabilities and mitigating tariff impacts by diversifying manufacturing locations [19] - The company anticipates that by the end of fiscal 2026, approximately half of its manufacturing will occur in the U.S. and Vietnam [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging year due to reduced demand and tariff uncertainties but expressed optimism about future growth driven by new programs and operational efficiencies [13][26] - The company is not providing forward-looking guidance due to uncertainties in product ramp-up timing [13] Other Important Information - Cash flow from operations was $18.9 million for fiscal year 2025, up from $13.8 million in fiscal year 2024, indicating two consecutive years of positive cash flow [11] - The company is investing selectively in production equipment and automation to prepare for growth [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the range of sizes for the new wins in the quarter? - The new wins were predominantly around $5 million, with potential for a data processing contract to exceed $20 million [29] Question: How is the Vietnam medical device manufacturing capability being developed? - The company is certified to build medical products in Vietnam and expects to start a program in fiscal 2026, anticipating additional opportunities [32] Question: What is driving the increase in new program bids? - Cost reductions and improved global footprint have opened up opportunities, alongside pent-up demand for U.S. manufacturing [36][37] Question: Can you explain the reduction in accounts receivable? - The reduction was primarily due to decreased revenue and improved collection efforts, with no factoring involved [41][42] Question: What is the potential size of the manufacturing services contract with the data processor OEM? - The contract is expected to generate $20 million in revenue, which is significant due to its potential margin improvement [48][49] Question: How do you see Mexico operations growing in fiscal 2026? - Recent program wins are expected to drive growth in Mexico, leveraging the USMCA agreement for tariff mitigation [56] Question: What are the expectations for gross margin in fiscal 2026? - The company aims to improve gross margins and expects incremental gross margins of 15% to 20% as revenue increases [59][61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported third quarter revenues of $635 million, reflecting a 16% growth in constant currency, within the annual guidance range of 15% to 17% [19] - Reported revenue growth was 12%, with B2B growth outpacing D2C, up 18% in constant currency [19][20] - Gross margin increased by 100 basis points to 60.5%, while adjusted EBITDA margin rose by 140 basis points to 34.4%, marking the best third quarter margin ever [8][22] - Adjusted net profit reached €116 million, a 26% increase year over year, with adjusted EPS rising to €0.62 from €0.49, a 27% increase [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas, revenue grew by 16% in constant currency, with both B2B and DTC channels showing double-digit growth [14] - EMEA experienced a 13% revenue increase, with B2B outpacing DTC, driven by strong sell-through at retail partners [15] - The APAC region saw a 24% increase in constant currency, with expectations for accelerated growth in the fourth quarter [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail revenue at the top 10 wholesale partners in the U.S. increased by 25%, while in EMEA, it was up 20% [10][11] - The company noted a shift towards in-person shopping, favoring the B2B channel over DTC, with over 90% of B2B growth coming from existing doors [9][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain relative scarcity and manage distribution growth tightly, with plans to reach around 100 stores by the end of the fiscal year [12] - The strategy includes investing in automation, IT, and infrastructure to enhance production capacity and efficiency [32][70] - The company is focused on both B2B and DTC channels, with a commitment to high-quality distribution and full-price realization [46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting growth and profitability objectives despite currency headwinds and tariff impacts [25][27] - The company anticipates that B2B growth will continue to outpace DTC for the fourth quarter and the full year [20][42] - Management highlighted strong demand across all product categories, particularly in emerging youth markets [13] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of €262 million after a share repurchase of €176 million [23][24] - Capital allocation priorities include investing in the business, reducing debt, and opportunistic share buybacks [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current demand trends and visibility for fourth quarter acceleration - Management noted exceptional demand in Q3, with capacity constraints being the main issue, and aims for continuous margin improvement as the business scales [31][32] Question: Market response to price increases implemented on July 1 - Management reported no negative impact on demand post-price adjustments, with strong sell-through during the back-to-school season [36][38] Question: Impact of increased EU tariffs on revenue and margins - Management indicated that the effective tariff rate is manageable, with pricing flexibility and other levers to offset impacts [42][44] Question: EMEA growth performance and future expectations - Management acknowledged challenges in capturing full demand due to production capacity but expects a return to mid-high teens growth in EMEA [51][53] Question: Insights on closed toe product growth - Management confirmed a 400 basis point increase in closed toe revenue share, with strong performance across various styles [60][62] Question: Factory expansion plans and supply evolution - Management is on track with factory expansion plans, expecting full absorption by 2026, and is investing in capacity to meet growing demand [70][71] Question: Confidence among wholesale partners - Management noted strong demand from wholesale partners, reflecting consumer behavior and a desire for more product breadth [73][74] Question: DTC business performance and customer trends - Management highlighted strong performance in DTC, with new stores delivering higher ASP and increased transaction values [102][105]

Core Insights - Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID) is maintaining positive momentum towards its production targets despite ongoing challenges in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, particularly in the supply chain [1] - The company produced 3,863 vehicles in Q2 2025, an increase from 2,110 units in Q2 2024 [1] - Lucid revised its 2025 production outlook to a range of 18,000-20,000 vehicles, down from the previous guidance of 20,000 [1] Production and Supply Chain Initiatives - Lucid reaffirmed its commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing to mitigate tariff impacts and geopolitical issues [2] - The company announced a preliminary agreement with Graphite One to source natural and synthetic graphite domestically starting in 2028, complementing a nonbinding supply agreement from April 2024 [2] - Partnerships with Alaska Energy Metals, Electric Metals USA, and RecycLiCo aim to enhance the supply chain and reduce dependence on critical metals [3][4] Strategic Collaborations - Nickel from Alaska Energy Metals will improve vehicle range and battery life while reducing reliance on cobalt [3] - Manganese from Electric Metals will support the development of long-range, high-performance EVs [3] - Collaboration with RecycLiCo will aid in energy storage efforts and promote responsible supply chains [4] Market Performance and Valuation - Lucid has underperformed compared to the Zacks Automotive - Domestic industry, with shares down 24.8% year-to-date versus the industry's decline of 14.4% [7] - The company appears overvalued with a forward price/sales ratio of 3.02, compared to the industry's 2.72 [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 EPS has decreased by 4 cents in the past week, while the estimate for 2026 EPS has decreased by 1 cent in the past month [11]

Core Insights - Mission Produce, Inc. (AVO) achieved a strong second quarter in fiscal 2025, driven by effective global sourcing and distribution strategies, particularly in managing Mexico's seasonal volatility and utilizing alternative sources like California and Peru [1][8] - The company is expanding its growth strategy beyond avocados into emerging categories such as mangoes and blueberries, leveraging existing customer relationships and operational flexibility, with mango volumes reaching record highs [2][8] - Future growth for AVO may depend on diversifying product categories, expanding global market reach, and capitalizing on increased production from Peruvian orchards, which are expected to see a 150% volume rebound this year [3][8] Competitive Landscape - AVO faces competition from Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW) and Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (FDP), both of which have distinct strategic advantages in the fresh produce industry [4] - CVGW relies on strong supply chain execution and deep ties to Mexican growers, while also needing to expand into value-added products and international markets for sustained growth [5] - FDP benefits from a vertically integrated global supply chain, but its future growth will depend on diversifying into higher-margin categories and enhancing product innovation [6] Financial Performance - AVO's shares have increased by 16.9% over the last three months, outperforming the industry growth of 6.3% [7] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 24.81X, significantly higher than the industry average of 14.76X [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year earnings decline of 20.3% for both fiscal 2025 and 2026, with estimates remaining unchanged over the past week [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net sales decline of 10.2% in Q3, with organic sales decreasing by 11.1% when excluding foreign currency benefits [20][34] - Adjusted EBITDA was $76.6 million, a decrease of $29.7 million year-over-year, primarily due to lower sales volumes and reduced gross margins [35][36] - Gross margins contracted by 110 basis points to 37.8%, driven by unfavorable mix, tariffs, and inflation [21][35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global Pet Care reported a net sales decrease of 9.6%, with organic sales down 11.4%, primarily due to targeted stop shipments during tariff-related pricing negotiations [38][39] - Home and Garden net sales decreased by 10.3%, negatively impacted by a cold and wet start to the season [46] - Home and Personal Care saw a reported net sales decline of 10.8%, with organic sales also down 11.4%, driven by softness in personal care and home appliance categories [52][53] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall North American Companion Animal category declined in the low single digits, while European consumer sentiment weakened, impacting sales [40][45] - In Latin America, organic net sales grew in the low double digits, predominantly in the chews category [41] - The Home and Garden category experienced lower total sales, but Spectracide gained market share in pest control products [47] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on protecting its balance sheet and maintaining a nimble stance during volatile times, with a target of approximately $160 million in free cash flow for the fiscal year [26][60] - There is an ongoing effort to diversify the supplier base and develop non-Chinese sourcing alternatives to mitigate tariff impacts [16][17] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities to accelerate growth in its pet and home and garden businesses, while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation [29][83] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in overcoming near-term tariff-related volatility and emphasized the importance of making difficult decisions for long-term health [19][66] - There are signs of improving macroeconomic conditions, with expectations for consumer confidence to stabilize as geopolitical tensions subside [65][66] - The company anticipates a strong start to Q4, with improved sales performance and positive momentum in the Home and Garden division [23][66] Other Important Information - The company executed cost reduction activities, expecting to reduce costs by over $50 million in fiscal 2025 [15] - Share repurchases totaled approximately 900,000 shares during Q3, with a total of about 4 million shares repurchased since the HHI transaction [31] - The company is streamlining its global business and reducing fixed costs while diversifying its sourcing footprint [59] Q&A Session Summary Question: How much sales were left on the table by stopping shipments in Q2, and what impact lingers into Q4? - The estimated sales left on the table in Q3 is around $30 million, with a significantly lower impact expected in Q4 [72] Question: Why is guidance still difficult despite improved clarity on tariffs? - The company emphasized the complexity of the situation, noting that Q3 results were distorted due to significant operational changes and tariff impacts, making it challenging to provide accurate guidance [75][76] Question: Can you discuss your capital allocation strategy in a soft consumer environment? - The company believes the market is undervalued and plans to continue share repurchases while pursuing M&A opportunities to grow its pet and home and garden businesses [82][83]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 sales were approximately $250 million, which was below the forecast of $258 million to $260 million, representing a year-over-year decline largely due to supply chain issues in eye care [6][12] - Gross margin expanded by 150 basis points to 56.2%, attributed to ongoing cost savings efforts [8][12] - Diluted EPS was $0.95, up approximately 6% compared to the adjusted prior year, despite the sales miss [9][16] - Free cash flow reached a quarterly record of $78 million, enabling capital deployment to enhance shareholder value [9][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America segment revenues decreased by 8.4%, while International segment revenues increased by 7.1% year-over-year [13] - The International segment experienced organic sales growth of 7%, driven by broad-based sales growth [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates a full-year revenue of $1.1 billion to $1.115 billion, with organic revenue expected to decline approximately 1.5% to 3% [22] - For Q2, revenues are expected to be approximately $256 million to $259 million, down year-over-year due to supply chain timing and lower retail order patterns [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced the acquisition of Pillar Five to secure and expand long-term supply for eye care products, which is expected to improve supply stability in the second half of the year [11][19] - The company maintains confidence in its diverse consumer healthcare portfolio and long-term growth opportunities despite the disappointing start to the year [21] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted heightened business environment uncertainty due to supply chain constraints, high inflation, and geopolitical events [5] - The company expects significant improvement in Clear Eye shipments in the second half of the year, with a focus on recovering lost sales in FY 2027 and beyond [22][29] Other Important Information - The anticipated cost of tariffs for the full year is approximately $5 million, which the company expects to offset through strategic actions [15] - The acquisition of Pillar Five is expected to be funded from cash on hand and will have a minimal impact on the P&L, being approximately neutral to EPS on a normalized basis [19][63] Q&A Session Summary Question: Change in retail order patterns and inventory destocking - Management noted increased order volatility from retailers in July, which is expected to significantly impact Q2 but anticipates a return to normalized order trends in the second half [25][26] Question: Confidence in Clear Eyes supply normalizing - Management expressed confidence in supply normalizing in the back half of the year, with expectations of recovering lost sales in FY 2027 and beyond [29][30] Question: Impact of bringing eye care manufacturing in-house on margins - Management does not expect any meaningful movement in gross margin as a result of the acquisition of Pillar Five, indicating it will be largely neutral to the P&L [37][38] Question: Inventory levels and destocking expectations - Management does not see any meaningful ramp-up of inventory among their largest customers, indicating that inventory levels are not inflated [45][46] Question: Performance of the women's health business - Management remains optimistic about the continued recovery of the Summer's Eve brand, expecting positive performance for the remainder of the year [48] Question: Sustaining international growth - Management is confident in sustaining international growth, expecting a slight softening compared to the first quarter but still in line with long-term growth algorithms [70]