Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP net income of $3.3 million, or $0.11 per unit, for Q1 2025, significantly impacted by $3.9 million of non-cash unrealized losses on interest rate derivatives [13] - Cash available for distribution (CAD) was reported at $7.1 million, or $0.31 per unit [13] - The book value per unit decreased to $12.59, down $0.56 from December 31 [15] - Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents increased significantly to $51.4 million from $14.7 million as of December 31 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The investment portfolio had no forbearance requests for multifamily mortgage revenue bonds, with all borrowers current on payments as of March 31, 2025 [8] - Physical occupancy for the stabilized mortgage revenue bond portfolio was at 89.5% [8] - The company funded $60.6 million in mortgage revenue bonds and related investments during Q1 [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. Municipal bond market faced challenges, with investment-grade tax-exempt bonds being the worst-performing fixed income asset class in Q1 2025 [28] - The ten-year MMD was at 3.33% and the thirty-year MMD at 4.4% as of the latest close, reflecting an increase from previous months [29] - Total fund flows for Q1 2025 were positive at about $11 billion, but April saw $3.6 billion in outflows [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on deepening relationships with existing sponsors and establishing new ones, particularly in affordable housing construction lending [33] - The partnership with BlackRock is aimed at capitalizing on opportunities in the construction lending space due to a pullback from commercial banks [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that uncertainty in the municipal bond market continues, influenced by tariffs and potential changes in federal funding programs [30][31] - The company expects to monitor the impact of legislative changes on municipal credit ratings and valuations [36] Other Important Information - The company successfully issued $20 million of Series B preferred units in March 2025 [26] - The debt investment portfolio consists of mortgage revenue bonds, governmental issuer loans, and property loans totaling $1.29 billion, representing 84% of total assets [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will proposed shifts from federal to state/local governments affect muni credit ratings and valuations? - Management indicated it is still early in the process and that discussions are ongoing regarding potential changes in funding allocations [36][38] Question: Have tariffs impacted the BlackRock JV business? - Management stated that there have been no significant changes in pro formas from sponsors due to higher tariffs on construction materials [41][42] Question: Are gains from JV sales expected to be lower than in previous years? - Management acknowledged that insurance costs significantly impacted the sale of the Tomball asset, but the Halodis asset did not experience the same increase in expenses [45][46] Question: How is the partner Vantage holding up given lower profitability? - Management noted that Vantage's business model includes developer fees, which helps mitigate the impact of lower gains on sales [50][52] Question: Can you provide an update on gross ROEs in the MRB and GIL business? - Management indicated that the hedging program has stabilized funding costs, leading to relatively constant ROE expectations [54][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $2.9 million, an increase from $2.8 million in Q1 2024, primarily driven by expanded bottle capacity at existing manufacturers [11] - Gross margin for Q1 2025 was 31%, down from 41% in Q1 2024, attributed to temporary production inefficiencies and higher supply chain expenses [11][12] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was a loss of approximately $506,000, compared to a gain of approximately $53,000 in the same period last year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company launched a new product, Pop and Go 100% Juice Freeze Pops, which is gaining traction in the education channel, although it contributed modest revenue in Q1 [8] - The sales network now covers 95% of the U.S., with only 5% market penetration, indicating significant growth potential [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bidding process for the 2025-2026 school year has started, with expectations of repeat orders from existing customers and new additions to the pipeline [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding manufacturing capacity and introducing new products to enhance revenue, particularly in the education channel [5][10] - Full manufacturing capacity is expected to be achieved by the end of Q2 2025, aligning with the back-to-school demand in Q3 [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management reiterated full-year revenue guidance of 35% to 55% growth, with expectations for margin improvement in the second half of 2025 as new co-manufacturers come online [5][17] - The company anticipates achieving positive adjusted EBITDA in the second half of the year [7][10] Other Important Information - As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $3.4 million in cash and accounts receivable, and $1.1 million in inventory [16] - The company secured $3 million in growth financing in February 2025 to support scaling production capacity [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will the co-manufacturing partners be operational by the end of Q2 2025? - Management confirmed that they expect the co-manufacturing partners to be operational by the end of Q2, with initial production runs already taking place [18] Question: Has the bidding process for the 2025-2026 school year started? - Yes, the bidding process has started, and management is providing guidance based on existing customer expectations and pipeline opportunities [19][20] Question: Do you have sufficient inventory to meet demand for the upcoming school year? - Management confirmed that they currently have the necessary inventory to meet demand for the 2025-2026 school year [23] Question: Is the company adequately staffed for logistics and operations? - Management believes they have the right amount of staff for current needs and do not anticipate needing additional personnel [24]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income available to common shareholders of $187 million, or $2.26 per diluted common share, with operating income at $261 million, or $3.17 per diluted common share, resulting in a 19.2% annualized operating return on common equity [20] - The diluted book value per common share increased to $66.48, reflecting a 16.4% rise over the past twelve months [20] - Gross premiums written reached $2.8 billion, up 5.3% year-over-year, with a combined ratio of 90.2% despite significant natural catastrophe losses [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Insurance segment generated gross premiums written of $1.7 billion, a 5% increase compared to the prior year quarter, with an outstanding combined ratio of 86.7% [23][26] - The Reinsurance segment reported gross premiums of $1.1 billion, also up about 5%, with a combined ratio of 92.3% [10][26] - The company achieved a 24% increase in net investment income, totaling $208 million [7][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, the company experienced high single-digit growth at 9%, with a 21% increase in submission flow [9] - The company noted a negative 7% rate change in property across its divisions, indicating a competitive market environment [13][36] - The company reported a 16% rate change in U.S. Excess casualty and a 21% increase in primary casualty rates [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve a combined ratio target of better than 11% by 2026, focusing on profitable growth and maintaining underwriting discipline [7][22] - The strategy includes leveraging specialty underwriting capabilities to address customer needs globally, particularly in a dynamic risk environment [5][12] - The company is investing in technology and operational platforms to enhance underwriting and claims capabilities [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating uncertainties related to trade disruptions and geopolitical tensions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio [11][12] - The company anticipates that sustained tariff impacts could affect loss costs, particularly in property and cargo lines [11][78] - Management remains optimistic about achieving mid to high single-digit net written premium growth for the remainder of 2025 [39] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $440 million in shares during the quarter and declared $36 million in common dividends [31] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 18.6%, with expectations for the full year to be in the high teens [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pricing trends in property lines - Management noted a negative 7% pricing change in property, attributing it to geographic performance and competitive market conditions [34][36] Question: Net written premium growth expectations - Management indicated that mid to high single-digit net written premium growth is reasonable to expect for the remainder of 2025, supported by robust submission growth [38][39] Question: Expense ratio and its progression - The expense ratio of 11.9% is considered normalized, with expectations for it to remain stable as the company continues to improve operational efficiency [52][53] Question: Underlying loss ratio in reinsurance - Management suggested that the underlying loss ratio of 68.4% is a good run rate for the year, with no significant aviation losses impacting the quarter [55] Question: Impact of tariffs on specific lines - Management highlighted that tariffs could impact property and cargo lines, while also presenting growth opportunities in marine and trade credit [78] Question: Dynamics of pet insurance impacting premium ratios - The impact of pet insurance on the net to gross premium ratio is expected to be more pronounced in the first half of the year [81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company recorded a net loss of $8 million or $0.16 per diluted share, compared to a net income of $137 million or $2.62 per diluted share in Q1 2024, primarily due to a 42% decrease in realized average net selling prices [27][28] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $40 million, down from $200 million in the same quarter last year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13% compared to 40% in Q1 2024 [27][28] - Total revenues decreased to $300 million in Q1 2025 from $504 million in Q1 2024, driven by lower average gross selling prices [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales volume increased by 2% to 2.2 million short tons in Q1 2025 from 2.1 million short tons in the same quarter last year, with production volume rising by 10% to 2.3 million short tons [14][15] - The company achieved a gross price realization of 83% for Q1 2025, slightly below the targeted range of 85% to 90% [12][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average premium low vol index prices dropped by 40% to $168 per short ton in Q1 2025 from $280 per short ton in Q1 2024 [8] - The primary index, the POV FOB Australia, ended Q1 2025 at $153 per short ton, down $25 from the end of Q4 2024 [12] - Global pig iron production decreased by 0.2% in Q1 2025 compared to the prior year, with iron production in China growing by 0.8% [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational efficiency and cost management to navigate weak market conditions, while continuing to progress on the Blue Creek project, which is on budget and schedule [6][21] - The Blue Creek project is expected to produce 1 million short tons in 2025, with a long-term capacity of 6 million short tons [23][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing weak market conditions but expressed confidence in operational performance and the ability to manage costs effectively [6][34] - The company anticipates that weak market conditions may persist, impacting steelmaking coal prices, but expects stable demand from contracted customers [34][36] Other Important Information - The company spent $79 million on capital expenditures and mine development in Q1 2025, with $69 million allocated to CapEx [16][21] - Total available liquidity at the end of Q1 2025 was $617 million, providing sufficient funds to complete the Blue Creek project [32][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pricing realization expectations - Management indicated that pricing realization could remain between 80% to 85% in the current market environment [38] Question: Cost sustainability in the near term - Management confirmed that the current cost level of $120 per ton is sustainable if prices remain stable [42] Question: Impact of tariffs on longwall shields - Management clarified that there would be no tariff impacts on the longwall shields being imported [43] Question: Factors driving lower price realizations - Management explained that transportation differentials and market conditions in Asia are significant factors affecting price realizations [48] Question: Production outlook and potential curtailments - Management acknowledged the challenges in the U.S. met coal market and indicated that some production curtailments may occur [52] Question: Capital expenditures for Blue Creek - Management detailed that the remaining CapEx for Blue Creek would primarily cover final construction and labor costs [56] Question: Working capital trends - Management indicated that working capital is expected to build in the second quarter due to production at Blue Creek [60] Question: U.S. pricing reflection of the market - Management expressed confidence that U.S. prices are reflective of current market conditions, with expectations for the discount to tighten over time [65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company recorded a net loss of $8 million or $0.16 per diluted share, compared to a net income of $137 million or $2.62 per diluted share in Q1 2024, primarily due to a 42% decrease in realized average net selling prices [25][27] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $40 million, down from $200 million in the same quarter last year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13% compared to 40% in Q1 2024 [25][26] - Total revenues decreased to $300 million in Q1 2025 from $504 million in Q1 2024, driven by lower average gross selling prices [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales volume increased by 2% to 2.2 million short tons in Q1 2025 from 2.1 million short tons in Q1 2024, with production volume rising by 10% to 2.3 million short tons [14][15] - The company achieved a gross price realization of 83% for Q1 2025, slightly below the targeted range of 85% to 90% [12][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average premium low vol index prices dropped by 40% or $112 per short ton compared to Q1 2024, averaging $168 per short ton in Q1 2025 [7][12] - The primary index, the POV FOB Australia, ended Q1 2025 at $153 per short ton, down $25 from the end of Q4 2024 [12] - Global pig iron production decreased by 0.2% in Q1 2025 compared to the prior year, with iron production in China growing by 0.8% [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on managing costs tightly and operating efficiently in response to weak market conditions, while making progress on the Blue Creek project, which is on budget and schedule [6][17] - The Blue Creek project is expected to produce incremental annualized production of at least 4.8 million short tons after startup, enhancing the company's cost curve positioning [22][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing challenges in the global steel market due to China's overcapacity and trade policy uncertainties, but expects demand from India to increase [34] - The company anticipates weak market conditions may persist, putting downward pressure on steelmaking coal prices, but remains optimistic about operational performance [32][34] Other Important Information - The company spent $79 million on CapEx and mine development in Q1 2025, with $69 million allocated to CapEx and $11 million to Blue Creek project development [16][20] - Total available liquidity at the end of Q1 2025 was $617 million, consisting of cash, investments, and available credit [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pricing assumptions for the current market environment - Management indicated that a price realization of 80% to 85% is reasonable given current market conditions [36] Question: Sustainability of cost levels in Q2 - Management confirmed that current cost levels are expected to be sustainable if prices remain stable [39] Question: Factors driving lower price realizations - Management explained that transportation differentials and market dynamics in Asia are significant factors affecting price realizations [45][46] Question: Production outlook and potential curtailments - Management noted that while there are rumors of production issues, it is difficult to estimate the overall impact on U.S. production [50] Question: Clarification on Blue Creek project CapEx - Management clarified that remaining CapEx will primarily be for final construction and labor, with a significant portion already accounted for [54][56] Question: Impact of shipping Blue Creek coal on costs - Management stated that while there may be some additional costs, they are focused on mitigating any significant impact [66][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue increased from $29.3 million in Q1 2024 to $30.1 million in Q1 2025, representing a 2.5% year-over-year growth [12] - Quarter-over-quarter, total revenue grew by 2.7% from $29.3 million in Q4 2024 to $30.1 million in Q1 2025 [13] - Funds from operations (FFO) decreased slightly by $77,000 quarter-over-quarter, remaining at $12.7 million in Q1 2025 [14] - Adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) totaled $14.7 million in Q1 2025, approximately $100,000 higher than Q4 2024, with a per diluted common share basis remaining at $0.55 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Occupancy and weighted average remaining lease term remained flat at 90.9% and 6.7 years, respectively [6] - The company acquired a behavioral residential treatment facility for approximately $9.7 million, with anticipated tenant improvements of $1.4 million [7] - The company signed definitive purchase and sale agreements for seven properties with an expected investment of $169.5 million, with expected returns ranging from 9.1% to 9.75% [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company sold a building in Ohio for approximately $400,000, receiving net proceeds of approximately $600,000 [9] - The geriatric psychiatric hospital operator, a tenant in six properties, represents an annual base rent of $3.2 million, with incremental operating improvements noted [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to be selective in acquisitions and is evaluating capital recycling opportunities to fund near-term acquisitions [10][22] - The company aims to maintain modest leverage levels while exploring various capital options, including potential asset sales and draws on the revolver [10][22] - The company has a solid pipeline of acquisitions expected to close over the next three years, totaling approximately $169 million [49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of tenants and the overall health care sector, indicating no immediate negative impacts from macroeconomic factors [44] - The company is actively monitoring the geriatric psychiatric hospital operator's sale process and expects more clarity by the end of Q2 or early Q3 [19][40] - Management remains cautious about raising equity at current share prices and is focused on selected capital recycling [22][25] Other Important Information - The company declared a dividend of $0.47 per common share for Q1 2025, marking a continuous increase since its IPO [10] - The company is not currently issuing shares under its ATM program due to low share prices [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the geriatric psychiatric hospital operator's sale process - Management indicated that the operator is in an active sale process with potential buyers, and more clarity is expected by the end of Q2 or early Q3 [18][19] Question: Acquisition outlook and capital allocation - Management confirmed a healthy pipeline of acquisitions but noted a cautious approach to raising equity at current prices, focusing on selected asset sales and revolver draws [20][22] Question: Concerns about smaller tenants - Management reported stability among tenants and no significant issues arising in Q1, with a positive macro outlook for health care providers [44] Question: Conditions for the $169 million pipeline - Management clarified that the pipeline is solid and expected to close over three years, with flexibility in decision-making based on project evaluations [49] Question: Position of notes in the event of asset sales by the psychiatric operator - Management explained the company's second lien position on accounts receivable and first lien on other assets, indicating a structured approach to creditor relationships [51]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported funds from operations (FFO) of approximately $2.7 million or $0.03 per share for Q1 2025 [5] - A GAAP net loss of about $21.4 million or $0.21 per share was recorded for the same period [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The directly owned portfolio was approximately 69.2% leased at the end of Q1 2025, down from 70.3% at the end of Q4 2024 [9] - Economic occupancy for the directly owned portfolio was approximately 67.7% at the end of Q1 2025, compared to 68.6% at the end of 2024 [9] - Approximately 60,000 square feet of total leasing was finalized during Q1 2025, consisting entirely of renewals and expansions [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has tracked approximately 800,000 square feet of prospective new tenants, with about 300,000 square feet of prospects identifying FSP assets on their shortlist [11] - Scheduled lease expirations for the remainder of 2025 total approximately 246,000 square feet, representing about 5.1% of FSP's directly owned portfolio [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on advancing leasing of space in its existing property portfolio and pursuing property dispositions to repay debt [6][7] - The company is actively considering operational adjustments and strategic transactions to unlock the full value of its property portfolio [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted macroeconomic uncertainties, including tariff headlines, that could impact corporate leasing decisions and investment in office properties [7] - The company remains confident in its direction but is open to various strategies to maximize shareholder value [9] Other Important Information - Since initiating its current disposition strategy in late 2020, the company has completed approximately $1.1 billion in property sales, leading to a nearly 75% reduction in corporate indebtedness [13] - National office transaction volumes rose by 22% in 2024 and accelerated in Q1 2025, finishing 31% higher year over year [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insight on why leasing was solely executed for renewals during Q1 - Management indicated that new leases had stalled but they are pursuing renewal transactions and expect positive news in Q2 and Q3 [17][18] Question: Which geographies currently depict greater strength in the portfolio? - Management highlighted strong demand in Texas, particularly in Houston, with Dallas showing some improvement, while Denver and Minneapolis are better than previous years but not as robust as Texas suburbs [19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported investment income of $6 million or $0.89 per share, an increase of $600,000 or $0.08 per share from the prior quarter [13] - Total expenses for the quarter were $2.6 million or $0.38 per share, an increase of $600,000 or $0.08 per share, primarily due to interest expense on term preferred shares [13] - The net investment income was $3.4 million or $0.50 per share, while the net unrealized loss on investments was $9.6 million or $1.41 per share, leading to a net loss of $6.1 million or $0.90 per share [13][14] - As of March 31, 2025, total assets were $173.7 million and total net assets were $124.6 million, resulting in a net asset value per share of $18.33 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio consists of 50 unique CLO positions managed by 33 distinct CLO managers, with approximately 1,700 unique loans across over 30 industry sectors [6] - The weighted average GAAP yield on the portfolio was 15.57% at March 31, an increase of 68 basis points from the prior quarter [7] - The company invested $30.8 million in primary CLOs during Q1 2025, and approximately 9% of the portfolio was refinanced or reset [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, $40.56 billion in new US CLOs were issued, and $96 billion in CLOs were refinanced [9] - The LSTA indexes trailing twelve-month default rate ended the first quarter at 82 basis points, 11 basis points lower than at the end of 2024 [10] - The company noted that CLO portfolios experienced credit stresses at roughly half the default rate of the broader market [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maximize total return while generating high current income through investments primarily in equity and junior debt tranches of CLOs [5] - The investment strategy focuses on maintaining a sustainable distribution policy and protecting net asset value (NAV) [5] - The company plans to utilize leverage opportunistically when attractive investment opportunities arise [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the CLO market's resilience despite tariff uncertainties and believes CLOs provide an efficient way to access senior secured corporate loans [16] - The company anticipates a slowdown in CLO primary issuance and refinancing activity but expects CLOs to capitalize on any loan market volatility [9][10] - Management noted that early signs show CLO managers have proactively reduced exposure to tariff-sensitive issuers [11] Other Important Information - The company distributed dividends of $0.22 per common share in January, February, and March, with plans to continue this distribution in April [14] - The annualized dividend yield based on the share price at the end of March was 13.9% [15] Q&A Session Summary - No specific questions or answers were documented in the provided content, as the Q&A session concluded without detailed interactions [17][18]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported investment income of $6 million or $0.89 per share, an increase of $600,000 or $0.08 per share from the prior quarter [14] - Total expenses for the quarter were $2.6 million or $0.38 per share, an increase of $600,000 or $0.08 per share, primarily due to interest expense on term preferred shares [14] - The net investment income was $3.4 million or $0.50 per share, while the net unrealized loss on investments was $9.6 million or $1.41 per share, leading to a net loss of $6.1 million or $0.90 per share [14][15] - As of March 31, 2025, total assets were $173.7 million and total net assets were $124.6 million, resulting in a net asset value per share of $18.33 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company’s portfolio consists of 50 unique CLO positions managed by 33 distinct CLO managers, with approximately 1,700 unique loans across over 30 industry sectors [6] - The weighted average GAAP yield on the portfolio was 15.57% at March 31, an increase of 68 basis points from the prior quarter [8] - The company invested $30.8 million in primary CLOs during Q1 2025, with approximately 9% of the portfolio refinanced or reset [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, $40.5 billion in new US CLOs were issued, and $96 billion in CLOs were refinanced [10] - The LSTA indexes trailing twelve-month default rate ended the first quarter at 82 basis points, 11 basis points lower than at the end of 2024 [11] - The company noted that CLO portfolios experienced credit stresses at roughly half the level of the overall market [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maximize total return while generating high current income through investments primarily in equity and junior debt tranches of CLOs [5] - The strategy includes maintaining a sustainable distribution policy and protecting net asset value (NAV) while managing risks through diversification [5] - The company is positioned to capitalize on market volatility due to extended reinvestment periods of CLOs [10][12] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the CLO market's resilience despite tariff uncertainties, highlighting strong corporate fundamentals and manageable near-term maturities [11][13] - The company anticipates a slowdown in CLO primary issuance and refinancing activity but expects CLOs to absorb potential loan fund outflows [10][11] - Management believes that CLOs provide an efficient way to access senior secured corporate loans and can offer attractive risk-return profiles across various credit cycles [18] Other Important Information - The company distributed dividends of $0.22 per common share in January, February, and March, with plans for the same distribution in April [16] - The annualized dividend yield based on the share price at the end of March was 13.9% [17] Q&A Session Summary - The Q&A session did not contain specific questions or answers as the call concluded without further inquiries from participants [19][20]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a revenue increase of 4.1% to $362.6 million, driven by volume increases and pricing [5][19] - Gross margin declined to 25.9% from 27.2% year-over-year, reflecting input cost inflation not fully offset by price increases [6][19] - Operating income decreased to $6.2 million from $9.7 million, with adjusted operating income at $8.2 million compared to $13.5 million last year [22][24] - Net earnings fell to $5.1 million from $7.3 million, with earnings per diluted share decreasing to $0.26 from $0.37 [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Foodservice revenue increased by 4.5%, with soft pretzel sales up 4.8% due to convenience store recovery [11] - Frozen novelties saw a significant increase of 9.8%, driven by Zippin' Dots growth [11] - Bakery sales grew by 6.6%, primarily due to price increases [12] - Retail sales increased by 2.2%, with frozen novelty sales rising significantly, while soft pretzel sales declined by 7.4% due to an ordering system issue [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Frozen beverage sales increased by 4%, with a notable 10% volume increase attributed to a 45% growth in theater channels [13] - The North American box office is projected to grow over 10% year-over-year, indicating a strong recovery in the entertainment sector [13][14] - Consumer spending on leisure and entertainment is outpacing traditional retail channels, providing a favorable environment for the company [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving volume growth and mix improvement across its portfolio, with a disciplined approach to capital deployment [10][17] - A new $50 million stock repurchase authorization reflects confidence in long-term value and financial flexibility [10] - The rollout of Dippin' Dots to theaters is progressing well, with plans for further growth in retail channels [16][70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in Q1 but expressed confidence in overcoming them, citing strong underlying business fundamentals [9][17] - The company is optimistic about the recovery trajectory in theater traffic and overall consumer spending trends [14][25] - Management expects gross margins to improve in the second half of the year, targeting a return to low 30% levels [66][67] Other Important Information - The company experienced significant inflation in chocolates, eggs, and proteins, which impacted profitability [7][20] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 27.2%, up from 26.6% in the prior year [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide a gross margin bridge for the decline year over year? - Management indicated that about 80 basis points of the decline were due to pricing gaps relative to input costs, with the remainder attributed to mix changes in the bakery business [30][31] Question: How does the pricing lag occur? - The delay in implementing price increases was primarily due to the time taken to push these through to customers, not a lack of visibility [46][47] Question: What is the impact of the peso on profitability? - The peso's depreciation had a nearly $1 million impact on profitability for the frozen beverage segment [54] Question: What is the outlook for gross margins in the second half of the year? - Management expects gross margins to improve, aiming for low 30% levels, with seasonal factors contributing positively [66][67] Question: Can you elaborate on the Dippin' Dots rollout? - The Dippin' Dots product has been well received, launching with a major nationwide retailer, and is expected to see significant growth [70] Question: Will stock repurchases occur alongside potential acquisitions? - The company plans to be opportunistic with stock repurchases while also actively seeking attractive acquisition opportunities [75]