Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter net sales were $203.9 million, an increase of 6.7% year-over-year [30] - Adjusted gross margin increased by 210 basis points to 32.2% [32] - Adjusted EBITDA was up 26.2%, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.5% compared to 11.4% last year [33] - Diluted adjusted earnings per share was $0.19 compared to $0.29 in 2023, primarily due to increased interest expense [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Material Handling segment net sales increased by 20.3%, driven by the Signature acquisition and strong Scepter sales [34] - Distribution segment net sales decreased by 20.2% due to lower volume and pricing [36] - Adjusted EBITDA for Material Handling increased by 22.3% to $34.7 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22.7% [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer end market sales grew by 33%, driven by Scepter fuel cans [31] - Industrial end market sales grew by 13%, driven by military ammunition packaging [31] - E-commerce channel sales reached $36 million, growing 12% [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is launching a "Focused Transformation" program aimed at improving financial performance and accountability [16][18] - Plans include a $20 million annualized cost reduction primarily in SG&A by the end of 2025 [21][46] - A new $10 million share repurchase authorization was announced, reflecting confidence in the business [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is encouraged by the overall sales trajectory and confident in margin improvement for 2025 [27] - The company is temporarily suspending formal annual guidance to complete its action plan [26] - Management acknowledges challenges in certain business lines but sees potential for growth in others [14][61] Other Important Information - The company reduced total debt by $26 million since March 31, 2024 [40] - Cash on hand at the end of 2024 was $32.2 million, providing flexibility for capital allocation [41] - The company is focused on customer engagement and understanding market dynamics to drive performance [56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Overview of the overall portfolio and actions to take - Management is assessing strong performing businesses and understanding underperforming ones, focusing on portfolio optimization [54][56] Question: Organic sales deceleration in Material Handling - The decline is primarily attributed to Buckhorn's seed box sales and Distribution, with some signs of stabilization in other markets [60][62] Question: Impact of tariffs on material costs - The company has limited exposure to tariffs, with around 10% of material costs affected, and has taken steps to mitigate impacts [65] Question: Signature integration progress - Integration has been smooth, with cultural alignment and financial performance on track, exceeding expectations [74] Question: Distribution business challenges - Issues stem from both end market conditions and internal mistakes, with management committed to addressing these challenges [78][79] Question: Competitors' susceptibility to tariffs - The company believes it is in a good position compared to competitors due to its U.S.-based operations and material sourcing [85] Question: RV and marine market outlook - The RV industry is currently in a trough, but there are signs of potential recovery, with opportunities for new designs [88][91]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter sales were $525 million, a decrease of $61 million from the prior year, primarily due to the exit from the bus manufacturing business [23] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was a record $36.8 million, an increase of $6.3 million, or 79%, compared to the prior year quarter [26] - The company reported a strong backlog of $4.5 billion, providing 2 to 2.5 years of demand visibility within the specialty vehicles segment [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specialty vehicle segment sales were $370.2 million, a decrease of $47 million compared to the prior year, but increased by $29.6 million, or 8.7%, when excluding the impact of divested bus businesses [28] - Recreational vehicle segment sales were $155 million, a decrease of $14.4 million, or 8.5%, primarily due to lower unit volumes related to soft market demand [36] - Specialty vehicles adjusted EBITDA margin was 9.5%, a record for the first quarter, improving by 470 basis points year-over-year [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 5% of net sales are outside of the United States, indicating a strong domestic focus [16] - The RV market remains challenged, but positive customer response at events like the Florida RV SuperShow indicates potential for future growth [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to provide attractive returns to shareholders through organic growth, share repurchases, dividends, and selective acquisitions [9] - A disciplined approach to capital allocation is emphasized, with a focus on maintaining flexibility for future investments [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in achieving full-year guidance despite market challenges, citing strong first-quarter performance as a solid foundation [11] - The company is actively monitoring supply chain risks related to tariffs and has implemented a multi-sourcing strategy to mitigate potential impacts [14][15] Other Important Information - The company has resumed share repurchases, returning $19.2 million to shareholders in the first quarter [20] - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per common share, payable on April 11 [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on tariff impacts - Management clarified that direct exposure to tariffs is limited, with only 2% of direct material purchases coming from affected regions, and emphasized improved supply chain resilience [50][52] Question: RV group outlook - Management indicated that while retail sales have improved, they want to see sustained improvement in wholesale sales before increasing guidance for the RV segment [56][58] Question: Pricing strategy and inflation - Management confirmed that they can pass through inflationary cost increases on certain products, but fixed contracts limit their ability to adjust pricing retroactively [60][62] Question: Backlog and new orders - Management acknowledged the importance of maintaining order intake while being cautious about adding to backlog due to potential inflation risks [68][70] Question: Market share and demand - Management noted that while industry demand for fire trucks remains above long-term trends, they do not focus on market share metrics [90][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 125% year-over-year increase in adjusted EBITDA, reaching $19.9 million, while gross profit increased by 1,349% to $20.5 million despite a top-line compression of $15.3 million or 7.9% [14][36] - For the fourth quarter, net sales from continuing operations were $40.7 million, slightly down from $41.2 million in the same quarter of 2023, with gross profit increasing to $7.3 million from a loss of $2.1 million [32][33] - The full-year net sales decreased to $177.9 million from $193.2 million in 2023, but gross profit rose significantly to $22.1 million from $1.5 million [36][37] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the tubular products segment, there was a year-over-year sales decline of $12.4 million, but segment-level gross profit increased by approximately $15 million due to cost management and product line optimization [16] - The specialty chemicals segment achieved its highest quarterly adjusted EBITDA since Q2 2022, driven by a 14% increase in gross margin despite moderate top-line compression [19][20] - Branded product sales in the specialty chemicals segment recorded a double-digit year-over-year increase, primarily driven by efforts in the oil and gas market [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total addressable market for the specialty chemicals segment is over $9 billion, with a specific focus on branded products that offer faster cycle times and predictable demand [20] - The company noted a stronger order backlog in the tubular segment than it has seen in four years, indicating improving market dynamics [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to maximize the value of its assets in the tubular product segment while investing in profitable growth in the specialty chemicals segment [7][8] - There is a focus on organic growth within existing product portfolios and underutilized capabilities, with a commitment to high-potential strategic initiatives [25][24] - The company has expanded its stock repurchase program, allowing for the acquisition of up to an additional one million shares over the next 24 months [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's foundation and its ability to drive growth while maintaining operational excellence [8][10] - The outlook for top-line growth is more optimistic for the second half of 2025, with expectations of market share gains rather than market-driven growth [44] - Management highlighted the importance of domestic sourcing and supply chain optimization as a competitive advantage [57][58] Other Important Information - The company remains debt-free with $16 million in cash and $47 million available on its revolving credit facility, positioning it well for future investments [39] - A total of 101,263 shares were repurchased for approximately $1 million during the year [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Where do you see top-line growth starting? - Management indicated that top-line growth is expected more in the second half of 2025, with any uptick likely due to market share gains rather than market recovery [44] Question: What contributed to the growth in cash from Q3 to Q4? - The increase in cash was primarily driven by optimizing idle inventory and improved cash conversion cycles [48][49] Question: Any updates on underutilized assets? - Management confirmed the sale of a smaller warehouse and mentioned ongoing efforts to find a permanent solution for other underutilized assets [52] Question: How is the new cleaning portfolio being accepted? - The reception was positive, with new opportunities being pursued following the launch at a cleaning conference [55] Question: Is there potential for further margin improvement in chemicals? - Management believes there is potential for ongoing margin improvement as branded product sales increase, although significant price increases are not anticipated for 2025 [61] Question: Is the share repurchase plan feasible? - Management stated that the plan provides optionality and is contingent on market conditions and share price [64] Question: Where do you see the company a year from now? - Management emphasized a pivot to growth, focusing on filling underutilized assets with high-value applications [68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full-year 2024, Excelerate Energy delivered record adjusted EBITDA of $348 million, exceeding the high end of guidance [10] - Net income for 2024 was $153 million, reflecting a 21% increase year-over-year [10][29] - Total debt, including finance leases, was $696 million, with cash and cash equivalents of $538 million, resulting in net debt of $158 million [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The earnings growth was attributed to successful recontracting of FSRUs at elevated market rates and optimization of the core regasification business [11] - The company recorded a reliability of 99.9% across its fleet for the full year, marking the highest reliability in its history [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The supply/demand balance for FSRUs is expected to remain tight due to ongoing geoeconomic uncertainties, particularly in Europe [19][62] - The company delivered 272 cargoes of LNG in 2024, averaging about 2.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Excelerate Energy aims to expand its fleet and invest in core regasification while pursuing strategic initiatives for value creation [18][24] - The company is focused on broadening its market presence through investments in LNG import terminals and complementary downstream infrastructure [24][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of the core business and the ability to capture LNG supply optimization opportunities for 2025 [35] - The anticipated tightness in the supply/demand balance for FSRUs is expected to drive demand for LNG imports, particularly in Europe [62] Other Important Information - The company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share, consistent with previous dividends [33] - A $50 million share repurchase program was fully utilized, with plans to consider new authorizations in the future [32][80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance - Management indicated that the guidance does not include other growth opportunities outside of the FSRU fleet [44] Question: Details on the LNG carrier acquisition - Management is assessing multiple vessels for acquisition, focusing on near-term needs for cargo optimization [47] Question: Financial outlook for 2025 maintenance CapEx - All maintenance CapEx for 2025 is expected to be capitalized, with specific amounts guided [52] Question: Updates on Vietnam and Alaska projects - Management remains optimistic about opportunities in both regions, with ongoing discussions [73][70] Question: Stock repurchase plans - Management is pleased with the previous repurchase program and is considering future options for returning value to shareholders [80] Question: LNG optimization during Q4 - Two LNG optimization deals contributed positively to the fourth-quarter results, with expectations for continued optimization in 2025 [84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for 2024 was $845.5 million, a 22% increase year-over-year [8][25] - Adjusted EBITDA was $340.2 million, up approximately 17% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 40.2% [10][26] - Adjusted EPS was $3.28, reflecting a 16% increase from the previous year [11][27] - Operating cash flows generated were approximately $260 million, with $95 million returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [12][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Merchant Acquiring revenue grew by 11% due to pricing initiatives and increased sales volume [9] - Payments Puerto Rico revenue increased by 6%, driven by higher transaction volumes and strong performance from ATH Movil [9] - Business Solutions revenue grew by 7%, recognized from key projects that went into production [9] - LATAM revenue surged by 62% year-over-year, attributed to the full-year contribution of Sinqia and organic growth [10][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Economic conditions in Puerto Rico remained stable, with total employment at its highest since 2009 [13][14] - Passenger traffic at San Juan Airport grew approximately 9% year-over-year [15] - Puerto Rico received approximately $7 billion in reconstruction funds in 2024, with a similar amount expected for 2025 [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on organic revenue growth, margin optimization, and capital allocation in 2025 [7] - Continued execution of acquisition strategy with two tuck-in deals closed in Q4, Grandata and Nubity [6] - The company is diversifying its revenue mix outside of Puerto Rico, with LATAM contributing approximately 33% of total revenue in 2024 [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about economic conditions in Puerto Rico supporting business growth through 2025 [16] - The company is focused on cost efficiency measures to offset a 10% discount on Popular services starting in Q4 2025 [11][47] - Management expects revenue growth for 2025 to be between $889 million to $899 million, reflecting a growth of 5.1% to 6.3% [42] Other Important Information - The company has a strong liquidity position of approximately $468 million as of December 31, 2024 [12][41] - The net debt position at year-end was $706.8 million, with a weighted average interest rate of approximately 6.45% [40][41] - Capital expenditures for 2024 were $88.4 million, with a target of approximately $85 million for 2025 [39][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on midterm guidance for growth profiles of segments - Management is currently focused on providing guidance for 2025 due to ongoing changes and integration efforts [54][56] Question: Update on Sinqia's growth and performance - Management noted that Sinqia's growth is reaccelerating, with a focus on technology upgrades and customer engagement [58][63] Question: Update on bringing EVERTEC's processing business into Brazil - Management is optimistic about small successes in payment products and is focused on improving existing businesses [68][70] Question: Contribution from pricing in Merchant segment growth - Pricing contributed approximately one-third to the growth, with expectations for a balanced contribution moving into 2025 [90][91] Question: State of the M&A market in Latin America - Management indicated a good M&A pipeline and a focus on smart deals for growth and diversification [92][94]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, Group revenue increased by 6.7% to $8.5 billion, and adjusted EBITDA also increased by 6.7% to $392 million, exceeding adjusted EBITDA guidance by $12 million [11][7][10] - Adjusted net income for the full year was $120.9 million, with adjusted diluted EPS increasing by 2.4% to $1.27 per share [11][27] - Net debt at the end of 2024 was $637 million, with net leverage at 1.6 times, indicating a strong financial position [12][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fresh Fruit segment delivered adjusted EBITDA of $214.8 million for the full year, an increase of $5.9 million compared to 2023, driven by volume growth in bananas and plantains [12][13] - Diversified EMEA segment achieved adjusted EBITDA of $131.5 million for the full year, with a like-for-like revenue growth of 4.4% [16][17] - Diversified Fresh Produce Americas segment reported a like-for-like revenue increase of 16.1%, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 52.3% for the full year [32][33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America saw good volume growth in bananas and plantains, while the European market experienced high volumes in bananas and lower shipping costs [13][14] - The EMEA segment faced headwinds due to supply challenges and weather events, but anticipates continued revenue growth in 2025 [17][16] - The Fresh Vegetables business showed positive cash flow for the full year, indicating a turnaround despite accounting adjustments [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital allocation and managing invested capital, with strategic investments in expanding shipping capacity and improving operational performance [8][10] - There is an ongoing process to determine the best strategic alternative for the vegetables business, which remains a priority [20][21] - The company plans to maintain a baseline level of capital expenditure in line with depreciation expenses, while exploring development opportunities for future growth [41][70] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in 2025, including the impact of Tropical Storm Sara and geopolitical uncertainties affecting sourcing costs and supply chains [40][41] - The company aims for adjusted EBITDA in the range of $370 million to $380 million for 2025, reflecting a more normalized year compared to 2024 [41][38] - Management remains optimistic about the underlying fundamentals of the business and is focused on navigating challenges while capitalizing on growth opportunities [15][38] Other Important Information - The company declared a dividend of $0.08 for the fourth quarter, to be paid on April 3, 2025 [37] - Free cash flow from continuing operations was $180.3 million for the full year, benefiting from strong adjusted EBITDA performance [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack the EBITDA guidance for 2025? - Management indicated that the guidance reflects known headwinds, including the impact from Tropical Storm Sara and macroeconomic uncertainties, with expectations for a slower start to the year [45][49][54] Question: What mitigation strategies are in place regarding potential tariffs? - Management believes that the demand for fresh produce will remain strong, and they are prepared to adjust pricing and sourcing strategies if tariffs are implemented [56][58][60] Question: What is the focus on capital allocation moving forward? - The company is prioritizing leveraging while also considering targeted M&A opportunities, with ongoing internal development projects aimed at enhancing growth [65][70][72] Question: What are the expectations for the Diversified EMEA segment? - Management noted that while there are some profit weaknesses in certain regions, they see more opportunities than challenges and expect continued growth [75][76] Question: Is there a risk of elasticity in pricing for high-value products like avocados? - Management expressed confidence that the U.S. market will continue to demand these products, despite potential tariff impacts, due to limited domestic production capabilities [78][80]

Jack in the Box (JACK) Q1 2025 Earnings Call February 25, 2025 05:00 PM ET Company Participants Chris Brandon - Vice President-Investor RelationsLance Tucker - Interim Principal Executive OfficerLauren Silberman - Director Conference Call Participants Brian Bittner - Senior Equity Analyst - RestaurantsGregory Francfort - Director - Lead Restaurant Analyst Operator Thank you for standing by, and good day, everyone. My name is Arzih, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - PagSeguro Digital reported a total payment volume (TPV) of BRL 518 billion, reflecting a 32% year-over-year growth [6] - Net revenues increased by 18% year-over-year, reaching BRL 18.8 billion [6] - Net income reached an all-time high of BRL 2.3 billion, a 28% increase compared to 2023, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) on a GAAP basis at BRL 6.62, growing 30% year-over-year [6][29] - Return on average equity (ROE) improved to 15.2%, a 198 basis points increase year-over-year [7][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The merchant acquiring business saw TPV reach BRL 146 billion in Q4 2024, growing 28% year-over-year [14] - The banking segment's revenue set a record of BRL 513 million, growing 58% year-over-year, driven by interest income from the credit portfolio [23] - The credit portfolio grew by 36% year-over-year, reaching BRL 3.4 billion, with a focus on secured products [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The banking segment's gross profit margin increased to 69% of revenue, up from 61% a year earlier [25] - Total deposits rose by 31% year-over-year, reaching BRL 36.1 billion, with a reduction in the average cost of funding by 400 basis points [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to explore new growth verticals and improve shareholder value through a buyback program [9] - A disciplined strategy execution is emphasized to achieve long-term growth despite macroeconomic challenges [11] - The focus remains on integrating payments and banking services to enhance customer engagement and transactionality [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the ability to adapt and perform despite external headwinds, with a commitment to balance growth and profitability [10] - For 2025, the company expects to continue exploring initiatives to navigate challenges, with guidance for gross profit growth between 11% and 15% [32] Other Important Information - The company executed 50% of its current buyback program, amounting to BRL 784 million, as part of its strategy to create shareholder value [30] - The company is focused on maintaining a conservative capital structure while navigating market uncertainties [75] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about the credit portfolio and non-collateralized loans - Management indicated a healthy growth in the credit portfolio and plans to continue focusing on secured loans while growing non-collateralized products at an appropriate pace [39] Question: Clarification on transaction activities revenue decrease - Management explained that while transaction activities revenue decreased, financial income increased significantly, leading to overall revenue growth [42] Question: Guidance on EPS growth and net income expectations - Management clarified that the EPS guidance does not factor in buybacks and expects net income to grow similarly [47] Question: Details on TPV growth expectations - Management expressed confidence in continuing to grow TPV faster than the industry, with expectations for strong performance in 2025 [48] Question: Insights on the LMAX segment growth - Management noted that the LMAX segment, including e-commerce and cross-border transactions, is expected to continue growing robustly [58] Question: Discussion on repricing strategies - Management confirmed ongoing repricing efforts and indicated that they are being implemented in a way that minimizes client sensitivity [56] Question: Capital allocation and future buyback programs - Management discussed the cautious approach to capital allocation, emphasizing buybacks over dividends in the current uncertain environment [75][98]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Overall top line performance showed broad-based growth with 4 out of 5 segments posting positive organic growth [6] - Bookings increased by 7% organically in the quarter, validating the demand outlook for 2025 [7] - Adjusted EPS grew by 14% in Q4 and 8% for the full year, excluding prior year tax benefits [8] - Segment margin performance was solid at 22.2%, up 60 basis points year-over-year [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Engineered Products segment grew 2% organically, driven by vehicle service and fluid dispensing [11] - Clean Energy and Fueling segment saw an 8% organic growth, led by strong order rates in cryogenic and clean energy components [11] - Imaging and Identification segment continued solid growth with robust margin performance due to cost controls [12] - Pumps and Process Solutions segment grew 3% organically, with significant bookings growth in biopharma components [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic bookings were up 16% in the quarter, with strong momentum across all operating businesses [14] - North American above-ground fueling business is recovering to peak volumes from previous cycles [11] - The European heat pump market is expected to recover as inventory levels stabilize [60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is optimistic about 2025, expecting double-digit EPS growth through top line growth and margin improvement [10] - Focus on high-growth, high-margin platforms through organic investments and acquisitions [9] - Continued prioritization of investments in clean energy, precision components, and biopharma markets [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the underlying demand strength continuing into January [10] - The company is prepared for potential margin improvements through various operational levers [10] - Management noted that the outlook for 2025 remains intact despite foreign exchange headwinds [24] Other Important Information - The company completed two bolt-on acquisitions in the pumps and process solutions segment [8] - The cash position is strong, allowing for flexibility in capital deployment for growth [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on restructuring benefits and margin drivers - Management confirmed that the $25 million restructuring benefit remains unchanged and is not embedded in forecasts [32] Question: Price-cost assumptions for the year - Management expects a positive price-cost spread, estimating a benefit of about 1 to 1.5 percentage points [34] Question: Outlook for bookings and earnings cadence - Management anticipates hovering around a book-to-bill ratio of 1 for the year, with a ramp-up in Q2 and Q3 [50][52] Question: Insights on the European heat pump market - Management noted that orders are inflecting positively, with expectations for a ramp-up in the second half of the year [60] Question: Details on strong biopharma orders - Management indicated that the orders are broad-based and linked to cleared inventory, with a focus on in-use production [68] Question: Update on M&A activity - Management reported a robust pipeline of acquisition opportunities, with interest in both proprietary deals and market transactions [79] Question: Expectations for the refrigeration segment - Management highlighted that margin performance will be driven by productivity and CO2 offerings, with a cautious approach to growth [116]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record fiscal Q3 revenue of $194 million, an increase of $19 million or 11% compared to the prior year [4][8] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter reached $42 million, reflecting a 14% growth year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 21.7%, up 70 basis points from the previous year [4][9] - Adjusted net income was $25 million, with adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.48, representing a 49% increase from $17 million or $1.07 in the prior year [9][15] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Contractor Solutions segment generated $132 million in revenue, accounting for 67% of consolidated revenue, with total growth of 14.5% year-over-year [10] - The Specialized Reliability segment saw a 3% increase in revenue to $34.6 million, with EBITDA growing 26% to $6.6 million and an EBITDA margin improvement of 360 basis points to 19.1% [11][12] - The Engineered Building Solutions segment's revenue increased by 3% to $28.8 million, with a stable book-to-bill ratio of 1:1 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The HVACR, electrical, and plumbing end markets reported growth, while the architecturally specified building products market experienced a slight decline [10] - The company noted that existing home sales and new home sales have been down, but housing permit numbers have recently increased [58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on sustainable growth and is actively pursuing accretive acquisitions to enhance its product offerings and market share [5][17] - The acquisition of Waterworks is expected to expand the company's distribution network and product offerings in eco-friendly drain management solutions [5][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a favorable outlook for the macro environment, despite challenges such as higher interest rates and geopolitical uncertainties [58][62] - The company anticipates continued organic growth in the mid to high single digits, supported by recent acquisitions and market share gains [32][46] Other Important Information - The company ended fiscal Q3 with $214 million in cash and reported cash flow from operations of $12 million, a decrease from $47 million in the same quarter last year due to a tax payment deferral [13][14] - Inventory levels increased strategically to mitigate risks from potential supply chain disruptions [14][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of freight on margins and gross profit - Management acknowledged freight as a significant headwind, with a 4 to 6 month lag affecting costs, but expects pricing adjustments to help offset these increases [21][24] Question: Organic growth components - Organic growth was reported at 1.8%, with management expecting mid to high single-digit growth moving forward, driven by volume and pricing [32][36] Question: Acquisition pipeline and opportunities - Management indicated optimism regarding the acquisition pipeline, noting both small and larger acquisition opportunities are being evaluated [37][38] Question: Overall macro environment and its impact - Management remains favorably inclined towards the macro environment, expecting normal growth despite challenges, and highlighted the importance of acquisitions in driving growth [58][62]