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Thermon Group Holdings (THR) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-06-10 19:30
Thermon Group Holdings (THR) Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Thermon Group Holdings (THR) - **Market Cap**: $1 billion - **Revenue**: Approximately $500 million - **Industry Focus**: Custom heating solutions for process industries - **Key Markets**: Oil and gas, chemical, petrochemical, power, food and beverage, rail and transit, semiconductor, and general industrial applications [3][5][6] Core Business Insights - **Product Categories**: Engineered heating solutions with a strong engineering team of over 200 engineers globally [5][6] - **Margin Profile**: EBITDA margins at 22% and gross margins at 44.7% for fiscal year 2025 [7] Financial Performance and Guidance - **Backlog Growth**: Organic backlog increased by 20%, overall backlog up by 29% [9] - **Book to Bill Ratio**: 1.08x for FY 2025, indicating strong order intake [8] - **Revenue Guidance for 2026**: Projected revenue between $495 million to $535 million, with EBITDA between $104 million to $114 million [13] Impact of Tariffs and Costs - **Tariff Impact**: Estimated indirect costs due to tariffs between $16 million to $20 million [11] - **Supply Chain Adjustments**: Reconfiguration of supply chains and manufacturing shifts to mitigate tariff impacts [11][14] Strategic Initiatives - **Electrification of Industrial Heat**: Positioned to lead the transition from hydrocarbon-based heating to electrical heating [25] - **Acquisition of Fatih**: Acquired for €12.5 million in revenue with a backlog of $15 million, now increased to $30 million [26][27] - **New Technology Launch**: Medium voltage heating technology launched, with orders of $5 million each for LNG and petrochemical plants [28][30] Market Opportunities - **Decarbonization**: Significant opportunity in converting hydrocarbon-based heating to electrical heating, with 80% of industrial heating potentially convertible [34] - **Onshoring Trends**: Strong demand in general industrial applications, contributing to 25% of revenue [36] - **Data Center Opportunities**: Increased demand for load banks in data centers for startup and commissioning [32] Digital Transformation - **Genesis Platform**: Represents 12% of overall revenues for heat tracing, enhancing operational efficiency and customer engagement [43][44] Capital Allocation Strategy - **Capital Expenditure**: Historically 2% to 3% on capital projects, with a focus on R&D and acquisitions [46] - **Share Repurchase Program**: $24 million repurchased since March 2024, with a refreshed total of $50 million [51][53] Financial Health - **Leverage Ratio**: Under 1x, with $137 million in liquidity and strong cash flows of approximately $53 million [54][55] Conclusion - **Overall Outlook**: Despite tariff uncertainties, Thermon is positioned for growth through strategic acquisitions, technological advancements, and a focus on electrification and decarbonization in industrial heating [12][25][34]
Unusual Machines (UMAC) Conference Transcript
2025-06-10 15:30
Summary of Unusual Machines Incorporated Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Unusual Machines Incorporated - **Industry**: Drone industry, focusing on small to medium-sized drones and drone parts - **Key Focus**: Manufacturing NDA compliant drone parts outside of China [4][5] Core Points and Arguments - **Revenue Growth**: Achieved a 59% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1, marking every quarter as the best revenue quarter to date [5] - **B2B Business Launch**: Launched B2B operations in September, with revenue increasing 3.5 times from the first half to the second half of the previous year [6][15] - **Financial Position**: Holds $40 million in cash with no debt, and a quarterly operational cash burn of approximately $850,000 [6][24] - **Market Drivers**: The U.S. drone market is being driven by legislation and geopolitical factors, particularly the exclusion of Chinese drones and the conflict in Ukraine [7][20] - **Legislative Support**: Recent laws, including the American Securities Drone Act and the National Defense Authorization Act, are pushing for domestic drone production and limiting Chinese imports [21][22] - **Production Facility**: Signed a lease for a 17,000 square foot drone motor facility, with expectations to deliver motors to customers by late December [8][16] Market Opportunities - **Total Addressable Market (TAM)**: The market for backpack-sized drones in the U.S. is estimated at over $10 billion, especially with the exit of DJI [16] - **Government Contracts**: Anticipates significant government orders for drone systems, potentially amounting to several hundred million dollars [17][30] - **Competitive Positioning**: Positioned in the value segment of the market, offering lower-cost components compared to competitors [18][19] Strategic Initiatives - **Onshoring Strategy**: Plans to accelerate the onshoring of drone parts and components, leveraging relationships with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) [11][27] - **Acquisition Strategy**: Open to smart acquisitions as the market consolidates over the next two to three years [12][46] - **Production Capacity**: Aiming to produce 50,000 motors per month, with an estimated run rate of $30 million [37] Financial Outlook - **Break-even Target**: Aiming to reach break-even with an annual revenue of $20 million within four to six quarters [33] - **Revenue Projections**: Expecting a significant ramp-up in revenue following government contract awards, with deliveries anticipated to start in January [32][34] Additional Insights - **Customer Base**: Maintains a diverse customer base with no single customer accounting for more than 5% of revenue [51] - **Community Development**: Observing the formation of drone industry hubs in various U.S. locations, fostering collaboration and innovation [60] - **Supply Chain Resilience**: Emphasizes the importance of a robust domestic supply chain to mitigate risks from geopolitical events and natural disasters [61][62] Conclusion - Unusual Machines Incorporated is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing U.S. drone market, driven by legislative support and a focus on domestic production. The company is well-funded, with a clear path to growth through B2B initiatives and government contracts, while also addressing supply chain challenges and competitive pricing.
Nano Dimension to Host Q1 2025 Financial Results Conference Call
Globenewswire· 2025-06-10 12:00
Core Viewpoint - Nano Dimension Ltd. is set to discuss its Q1 2025 financial results in a conference call and webcast scheduled for June 12, 2025 [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - Nano Dimension is a leader in Digital Manufacturing solutions, focusing on advanced technologies for various industries including defense, aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical devices [3]. - The company is driven by trends in onshoring, national security, and increasing product customization, enabling rapid deployment of high-mix, low-volume production with IP security and sustainable practices [3]. Group 2: Event Details - The conference call will take place on June 12, 2025, at 4:30 pm EST, with participants advised to log in at least 10 minutes prior to the call [2][4]. - A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call [2].
Walmart(WMT) - 2025 FY - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-28 13:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Walmart International generates over $120 billion in net sales with $5.5 billion in EBIT, making it a significant segment for the company [3] - The company aims to reach a $200 billion GMV segment by 2028 and double its profit while increasing e-commerce penetration [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - E-commerce accounts for nearly 25% of international net sales, with over 50% of sales in China being online [20] - The international segment is positioned as a growth driver for the enterprise, contributing positively to both top and bottom lines [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - High growth markets identified include India, Mexico, and China, with a focus on unlocking omnichannel retail opportunities [8] - In India, e-commerce penetration is only about 9%, indicating significant growth potential [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The long-term goal for the international business includes entering new markets and growing profitability in existing ones [7] - The company is exploring marketplace entry strategies rather than traditional brick-and-mortar approaches [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasizes the importance of learning from past divestitures to strengthen the current portfolio [11] - The company is adapting its supply chain to build resiliency and diversify manufacturing bases in response to global challenges [18] Other Important Information - Walmart is focusing on digital inclusion in Mexico through initiatives like the Byte business, which offers digital connectivity at a discount [57] - The company is leveraging learnings from international markets to enhance its offerings and operational strategies [64] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are Walmart's long-term goals for the international business? - The company aims to curate high-growth markets and unlock omnichannel retail opportunities while remaining open to new market entries [8][9] Question: How does Walmart plan to improve profitability in international markets? - Management highlighted ambitions to double profits and increase e-commerce penetration while maintaining a focus on growth [14][15] Question: What challenges is Walmart facing in Mexico? - The company is addressing digital inclusion and competition while focusing on building a rich ecosystem for customer engagement [60][59] Question: How is Walmart adapting its supply chain in the current environment? - The company is building resiliency in its supply chain and diversifying manufacturing locations to mitigate risks [18][66] Question: What can be learned from the success of e-commerce in China? - Management noted the importance of quick delivery models and adapting successful strategies from China to other markets like India [44][45]
Repligen (RGEN) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-05-20 20:35
Summary of Repligen (RGEN) Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Repligen Corporation (RGEN) - **Event**: RBC Capital Markets 2025 Global Healthcare Conference - **Date**: May 20, 2025 Key Points Financial Guidance and Performance - The guidance for Q1 included the acquisition of the nine zero eight devices, contributing approximately $10 million in sales, slightly accretive to gross margin but dilutive to operating margin by 50 basis points [2][3] - Foreign exchange (FX) had a significant impact, initially projected as a 1.5-point headwind but later adjusted to a 0.5-point tailwind, indicating improved conditions [3][5] - Tariffs were not included in the initial guidance, but potential sales increases from surcharges and pricing adjustments were noted, estimated at just under a point of sales increase [5][9] Tariff Impacts - Majority of manufacturing is in the U.S., with 90% of U.S. sales also produced domestically, minimizing tariff impacts [9][10] - Approximately 2% of sales are exposed to China, with less than $5 million in sales exposure anticipated due to tariffs [12][13] - The company is exploring dual manufacturing capabilities in Europe to mitigate potential tariff impacts [16][18] - Customer response to surcharges has been generally positive, with no significant pushback reported [21][22] Market Dynamics and Growth - Repligen reported a 14% growth in Q1, significantly above the high single-digit growth of the bioproduction market, indicating strong performance [29][32] - The company expects organic non-COVID growth to be between 11.5% and 15.5% for the year, aligning with broader market trends [31][32] - The ATF (Alternating Tangential Flow) product line is expected to see growth in the second half of the year, despite tough comparisons in Q1 [34][36] Customer Engagement and Opportunities - Repligen is engaged with nine out of the ten largest Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs), indicating strong market positioning and potential for expansion [35][36] - The company is optimistic about growth opportunities in China, despite current headwinds, and has strengthened its leadership in the region [45][47] Manufacturing and Capital Deployment - The company is considering expanding U.S. manufacturing capabilities in response to industry trends towards onshoring [48][49] - Repligen has a consistent M&A strategy focused on acquiring differentiated products that can enhance their portfolio, particularly in bioprocessing workflows [56][57] - The company aims for a balance between revenue growth and margin improvement in its acquisition strategy [58][59] Conclusion - Repligen is navigating a complex landscape of tariffs, FX fluctuations, and market dynamics while maintaining a strong growth trajectory. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in both domestic and international markets, particularly through strategic acquisitions and enhanced manufacturing capabilities.
Expion360 (XPON) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-15 21:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in Q1 2025 totaled $2,000,000, an increase of 111% from $1,000,000 in the prior year period [20] - Gross profit in Q1 2025 was $500,000, or 24.5% of revenue, compared to $200,000, or 22.9% of revenue in the prior year [20] - Net loss in Q1 2025 totaled $1,200,000, a 47.5% improvement from a net loss of $2,200,000 in the prior year [22] - Cash and cash equivalents were $1,100,000 as of March 31, 2025, compared to $500,000 as of December 31, 2024 [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has made progress in its home energy storage solutions (HESS) vertical, with shipments beginning in January 2025 [9] - The E360 product line has shown sales growth, indicating a preferred conversion solution for lead acid batteries [7] - The RV market is recovering, with total RV shipments increasing by 14% in Q1 2025 [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The home energy storage market is expected to surpass $123 billion globally by 2029 [19] - The company is targeting home and small commercial solar users with its new battery solutions [16] - The industrial applications market is identified as a future growth vertical, driven by demand for electric forklifts and material handling [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to onshore the manufacturing of its components to mitigate tariff impacts and pursue government and defense opportunities [13][26] - A partnership with NeaVolta is being explored to develop a U.S.-based battery manufacturing facility [10][26] - The focus is on expanding the addressable market with E360 home energy storage solutions, which began production in January 2025 [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth trajectory for 2025 and beyond, with substantial purchase orders and new customer interest [23] - Meetings in Washington D.C. were described as encouraging, with support for onshoring efforts [32][33] - The company is actively working to ensure tariffs have minimal impact on its business and growth [25] Other Important Information - The company has secured several new OEM customers, including Scout Campers and KZ Recreational Vehicles [10] - A registered direct offering in January 2025 raised approximately $2,600,000 for working capital and growth initiatives [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: How will the onshoring of a cell plant help financially? - Onshoring will provide access to cells at a cost-plus basis, increasing margins and eliminating tariff threats [30] Question: What would your financial burden be should a domestic cell plant be constructed? - The partner bears the financial burden, while the company provides technology and manages production [31] Question: How did your meetings go in Washington, and can you provide any additional details? - Meetings were very encouraging, with strong support for onshoring efforts and U.S. manufacturing investment [32][33]
Expion360 (XPON) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-15 21:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in the first quarter of 2025 totaled $2,000,000, an increase of 111% from $1,000,000 in the prior year period [20] - Gross profit for the first quarter of 2025 was $500,000, or 24.5% of revenue, compared to $200,000, or 22.9% of revenue in the prior year period [20] - Net loss in the first quarter of 2025 totaled $1,200,000, a 47.5% improvement from a net loss of $2,200,000 in the prior year period [21] - Cash and cash equivalents were $1,100,000 as of March 31, 2025, compared to $500,000 as of December 31, 2024 [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has begun shipments in the home energy storage solutions (HESS) vertical, which is expected to benefit from a fast-growing battery energy storage market [8] - The E360 product line has shown sales growth, indicating a preferred conversion solution for lead-acid batteries [6] - The RV market is recovering, with total RV shipments increasing by 14% in the first quarter of 2025 [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The home energy market is projected to surpass $123 billion globally by 2029, indicating significant growth potential [19] - The company is exploring partnerships to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and mitigate tariff impacts, particularly with NeaVolta [9][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to onshore the manufacturing of its components to mitigate tariff risks and enhance production capabilities [12][26] - A focus on expanding the addressable market with E360 home energy storage solutions began production and shipments in January 2025 [25] - The company is actively working to diversify its supply chain to avoid tariffs and increase margins [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth trajectory for 2025 and beyond, with substantial purchase orders and new customer interest [23] - Meetings in Washington regarding onshoring efforts were described as encouraging, with strong support for increasing U.S. manufacturing investment [31] Other Important Information - The company closed a registered direct offering and concurrent private placement with institutional investors in January 2025, raising approximately $2,600,000 [11] - The company has prepared for growth by building up inventory early in the quarter before new tariffs were introduced [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: How will the onshoring of a cell plant help financially? - Onshoring will provide access to cells at a cost-plus basis, increasing margins without tariff threats, and will also generate royalties from cell sales [29] Question: What would the financial burden be for constructing a domestic cell plant? - The company will provide technology and manage the project, while the partner bears the financial burden and capital requirements [30] Question: How did the meetings in Washington go? - The meetings were very positive, with strong support for onshoring efforts and U.S. manufacturing investment [31]
Gladstone mercial (GOOD) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-08 13:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Funds from Operations (FFO) and Core FFO per share remained stable at $0.34 for both Q1 2025 and Q1 2024 [14] - Total operating revenues increased to $37,500,000 in Q1 2025 from $35,700,000 in Q1 2024, while operating expenses rose to $23,900,000 from $23,300,000 [15] - Net assets increased from $1,090,000,000 to $1,160,000,000 due to acquisitions [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company acquired industrial properties totaling 355,778 square feet for $73,250,000, increasing industrial concentration to 65% of annualized straight-line rent [10] - Same store rents increased by 6.6% compared to the same period in 2024, driven by higher property expense recovery revenue and rental rates [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. Treasury yields remain volatile, impacting inflation and economic growth outlooks [6] - Industrial real estate sector showed resilience with net absorption of 23,100,000 square feet, matching levels from the previous year, while vacancy rates rose slightly to 7% [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase industrial concentration to at least 70% and continues to focus on acquiring high-quality, mission-critical industrial assets [10][12] - The strategy includes selectively disposing of non-core assets and extending lease terms to capture market opportunities [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the second quarter despite macroeconomic uncertainties and noted that the industrial sector continues to perform well [6][10] - The company is well-positioned with over $99,000,000 in availability via its line of credit and cash on hand for future acquisitions [13] Other Important Information - The company sold one office property for a gain of $377,000 and recognized a selling profit of $3,900,000 from a sales-type lease [10][21] - The common stock dividend is set at $0.30 per share per quarter, with a yield of 8.68% at the last closing price [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the current acquisition pipeline and market activity for industrial properties? - Management indicated that they have approximately $70,000,000 under contract and a backlog of about $140,000,000 consisting of 10 assets, with increased competition from family offices and private equity [23][24] Question: Are sellers more willing to negotiate on price? - Management noted a combination of both increased asset availability and seller willingness to negotiate, aided by strong broker relationships [30] Question: What is the status of lease expirations for 2026 and 2027? - Management is actively working on lease expirations for 2026 and 2027, with a good handle on upcoming negotiations [34] Question: What is the situation with the Austin office property? - Management reported positive cash flow from the Austin property and ongoing efforts to increase tenancy [46] Question: Any changes in acquisition parameters due to government policy? - Management confirmed a focus on light manufacturing, which is seen as more attractive compared to warehouse distribution in the current environment [48]
Gladstone Capital (GLAD) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-07 13:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fundings totaled $46 million, with exits and repayments at $81 million, resulting in net originations of negative $35 million [6] - Interest income remained unchanged at $21.3 million, while the weighted average portfolio yield fell to 12.6% due to a decline in SOFR rates [7][12] - Net investment income was $11.2 million, with net realized gains of $7.7 million for the quarter [8][13] - Total assets decreased to $777 million, with net assets declining to $478 million [13][14] - NAV per share fell from $21.51 to $21.41, reflecting unrealized depreciation [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio turnover did not materially impact the investment mix, with senior debt representing 71% of the fair value of the portfolio [8] - Non-earning asset investments remained unchanged at four companies totaling $53.7 million at cost [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a surge in portfolio liquidity events totaling $289 million, representing approximately 36% of the portfolio exited [10] - The current pipeline of expected fundings is healthy, with anticipated growth in the portfolio [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on investing in growth-oriented lower middle market businesses with strong management [18] - The strategy includes supporting midsized private equity funds in buyouts and growth opportunities [18] - The company aims to increase leverage to reach $1 billion in total assets under management [57] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the portfolio's resilience despite market volatility and widening credit spreads [21][22] - The company is optimistic about the performance of its investments in sectors like precision manufacturing and lab testing, expecting improvements over the year [46][51] - Management noted that domestic-focused businesses are benefiting from changes in supply chains due to tariffs [25][26] Other Important Information - Monthly distributions for May and June will be $0.165 per common share, with an annual run rate of $1.98 per share [15] - The company maintains a conservative leverage position with debt at 62.5% of NAV [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: How do you see the portfolio and NAV performing with both broadly syndicated loan and private credit spreads widening in April? - Management indicated that they do not have syndicated loans and expect minimal degradation in value due to their portfolio's leverage profile and yield [21][22] Question: How do you see SeaLink and RPM freight performing as tariffs impact shipping volumes? - Management noted that domestically focused companies are adapting well to changes, with RPM's business actually up due to their responsiveness [25][26] Question: How much direct exposure is there to tariffs within the manufacturing segment? - Management highlighted that their investments in domestic manufacturing are performing well, with some companies expanding capacity despite facing tariff issues [28][30] Question: Is the EG's restructuring going to generate a realized loss? - Management anticipates a very small loss from the restructuring, with a significant equity investment going forward [34] Question: Can you provide an update on the pipeline and its size relative to three months ago? - Management reported a healthy backlog with 8 to 10 deals in advanced stages, potentially totaling $100 million to $150 million [39][40] Question: Do you have any exposure to government contracts given potential cuts? - Management stated they do not have significant exposure to government contracts, focusing instead on defense-oriented suppliers and healthcare [42][45] Question: Where do you see leverage going for the rest of the year? - Management aims to increase leverage towards 90% to 100% over the next few quarters, working to reach $1 billion in total assets [57][58]
Olympic Steel(ZEUS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-02 15:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter sales of $493 million with a net income of $2.5 million, a decrease from $8.7 million in the same period last year [7][17] - EBITDA for the first quarter was $16.1 million compared to $23.3 million in the prior year [17] - Operating expenses increased to $110.6 million from $103.2 million year-over-year, influenced by the acquisition of Metalworks [18][19] - The effective tax rate for the first quarter was 30.1%, up from 27% in the same period last year [20] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Carbon segment reported EBITDA of $10.9 million, driven by increased shipping volumes and growth in coated carbon steel products [13] - The Pipe and Tube segment delivered EBITDA of $6.4 million, experiencing slower OEM orders but maintaining positive results [14] - The Specialty Metals segment reported EBITDA of $3.6 million, with ongoing investments in growth and expansion [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Flat roll shipping volumes increased by 24% sequentially and 6% year-over-year, reaching the highest levels since Q3 2021 [7][12] - Hot roll pricing escalated by more than 30% during the quarter due to the announced tariffs [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building a stronger, more resilient Olympic Steel, diversifying into metal-intensive end markets, and expanding fabrication capabilities [7][8] - The recent acquisition of Metalworks is expected to bolster growth and has already proven accretive to results [8] - The company remains committed to M&A as a source of growth, having completed eight acquisitions over the past seven years [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to drive profitable growth regardless of market conditions [11] - The company is well-positioned to support increased manufacturing in the U.S., with over 90% of metal supply and nearly all sales domestically based [10] - Management noted that tariffs have dominated the macroeconomic conversation but believe they can navigate these challenges effectively [10] Other Important Information - The company announced a five-year extension of its $625 million asset-based revolving credit facility, providing flexible capital for growth [10][19] - Capital expenditures for the first quarter totaled $8.8 million, with an estimated $35 million for the full year [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: How much of the first quarter volume boost is due to pull forward demand? - Management indicated that a significant portion of the increase was due to stronger spot sales, with traditional sales being 65% contract and 35% spot [26][27] Question: What is the outlook for the Pipe and Tube segment? - Management expects a more traditional year for Pipe and Tube, with opportunities in onshoring and data centers driving growth [40] Question: What is the current appetite for M&A? - Management confirmed that M&A remains a key part of the growth strategy, with a return of potential sellers noted in April [30][31] Question: How are operating expenses being managed? - The increase in operating expenses was attributed to the acquisition of Metalworks and higher shipping volumes, but inflation-adjusted expenses are being managed well [52][53] Question: Will tariffs increase competition for acquisitions? - Management believes that tariffs may lead to increased competition for acquisitions as companies look to grow through M&A rather than capital expenditures [57]