Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales grew by 0.1%, exceeding the outlook of -2% to flat [4][23] - Adjusted EPS was $0.94, which was $0.09 higher than the $0.85 outlook [5][23] - Adjusted gross margin decreased by 40 basis points to 45% [4][23] - Reported revenue was down 0.3% [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. Consumer business organic sales declined by 1%, with volume growth offset by negative price mix [11] - ARM and HAMMER liquid laundry detergent consumption grew by 3.2%, while the category grew by 1.3% [12] - TheraBreath consumption grew by 22.5%, maintaining a 21% share in the mouthwash category [14] - International business delivered sales growth of 5.3%, with organic sales increasing by 4.8% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Category consumption for the largest categories finished around 2.5% in Q2 [6] - Online sales as a percentage of global sales reached 23% [7] - The gummy vitamin category grew almost 4%, marking the third consecutive quarter of growth [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a balanced portfolio of value and premium products, emphasizing innovation [6][8] - Strategic actions include exiting the FLAWLESS, Spin Brush, and WATERPIK showerhead businesses [8] - The company is undertaking a strategic review of its vitamin business, exploring divestiture options and potential partnerships [10][122] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer confidence has started to recover after hitting a twelve-year low [6] - The macro environment remains volatile, with uncertainty around the U.S. Consumer and global economy [18] - The full-year organic growth outlook remains at 0% to 2%, reflecting a balanced view of the macro environment [27] Other Important Information - The company closed the acquisition of Touchland, which is the fastest-growing brand in the hand sanitizer category in the U.S. [7] - Cash from operating activities for the first six months was $416.5 million, a decrease of $83 million compared to last year [26] - The company executed a $300 million share repurchase through an accelerated share repurchase program [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide context on the strategic review of the vitamin business? - Management outlined three options: divestiture, joint venture, or shrinking the business for profitability [38][122] Question: What is driving the good consumption trends in the laundry business? - The company highlighted effective pricing strategies and consumer trading up to larger sizes [44] Question: Can you quantify the impact of retailer destocking? - Management estimated a 100 basis point drag in Q2, down from 300 basis points in Q1 [49] Question: What are the priorities for the Touchland business post-acquisition? - Focus on driving category growth, increasing household penetration, and launching new products [52][54] Question: How does the company view the promotional environment? - The promotional landscape is mixed, with litter category promotions spiking above historical averages while laundry promotions remain consistent [88] Question: What is the outlook for gross margins? - Gross margin is expected to contract by 60 basis points due to elevated input costs and tariffs [28][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues in Q2 2025 were $465.3 million, an increase of $88.2 million or 23.4% year over year, with $67.1 million from acquisitions and $21 million from organic growth, representing a 5.6% increase [11] - Adjusted EBITDA was $109.5 million, up $17.9 million or 19.5% year over year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.5%, down approximately 75 basis points year over year [14] - Adjusted net income was $23 million or $0.36 per diluted share, up $1.3 million year over year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Solid waste revenues increased by 27.1% year over year, with pricing up 5% and volume down 0.8% [11] - Resource Solutions revenues were up 10.2% year over year, with recycling and other processing revenue up 9.6% [13] - Landfill volumes were up 9.5% year over year, with internalized volumes growing over 12% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Solid waste pricing increased by 5% year over year, indicating healthy pricing trends [8] - The company experienced improved volume trends in the landfill business, reflecting a stable economy in its markets [12] - The average recycled commodity sales price was down 16% year over year, but the net impact on revenue was minimal due to contract structures [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its footprint through acquisitions, having completed six acquisitions year to date, representing about $90 million in annualized revenues [9] - The pending acquisition of Mountain State Waste is expected to add another $30 million in annualized revenues and expand the company's presence in Pennsylvania and West Virginia [9] - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to a midpoint of $1.83 billion, reflecting continued strength in core pricing and acquisition activity [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth strategy and robust M&A pipeline, with a strong balance sheet enabling continued opportunistic acquisitions [18] - The management noted that persistent market headwinds experienced last year are behind them, and they expect to see margin expansion opportunities in the future [14] - The company anticipates that the operational challenges in the Mid Atlantic region will be resolved, leading to improved performance in 2026 [32] Other Important Information - The company achieved record first-half adjusted free cash flow of over $70 million, which is more than $30 million above the same period last year [8] - Capital expenditures were $121.9 million, up $47 million year over year, including significant upfront investments in recent acquisitions [17] - The consolidated net leverage ratio was 2.39x, with $700 million of revolver remaining undrawn, indicating a strong liquidity position [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the Mid Atlantic performance and the ERP implementation? - Management acknowledged that the Mid Atlantic region is lagging due to issues with the legacy billing system and truck delivery delays, which have impacted pricing visibility and synergy realization [29][32] Question: What is the expected synergy EBITDA benefit from the Mid Atlantic assets in 2026? - Management indicated potential benefits of $5 to $10 million over several years as they automate the fleet and resolve system issues [34] Question: Can you elaborate on the Mountain State acquisition and its market dynamics? - The acquisition will expand the company's footprint into a growing market in West Virginia, with franchise agreements providing a solid customer base [39] Question: Why did the interest expense guidance drop significantly? - Management stated that the guidance was refined as the year progressed, reflecting a more optimistic view [40] Question: What is the outlook for Resource Solutions growth? - Management believes Resource Solutions will continue to grow rapidly, particularly in the Mid Atlantic region, where there are significant opportunities [72] Question: How do you see capital expenditures evolving over time? - Management noted that CapEx will fluctuate based on landfill development schedules and acquisition activity, which often requires significant upfront investments [74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's second quarter revenue for 2025 was $36,500,000, representing a year-over-year improvement of 23% [18] - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $2,200,000, an improvement compared to $900,000 for the same period in 2024 [21] - Net income for the second quarter was $900,000, or diluted earnings per share of $0.34, compared to a net loss of $3,100,000 or a loss per share of $1.21 in the prior year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in Canada for 2025 was $56,000,000, increasing 27% compared to the same period in 2024, driven by strong performance in fracturing systems [7] - U.S. revenues improved by 15%, reflecting an increase in fracturing system sales and higher frac plug sales at Repeat Precision [18] - International revenues decreased by 17%, primarily due to the timing of tracer diagnostic projects in the Middle East [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Canadian rig count was approximately 10% to 15% below the previous year, impacting the company's performance [34] - The company expects continued success in the North Sea, with an increase in customers from two in 2022 to seven in 2025 [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build upon its leading market positions, particularly in Canada, and capitalize on international and offshore opportunities [8][9] - The acquisition of ResMetrics is expected to enhance the company's tracer diagnostics capabilities and expand its market presence in the Middle East [15][16] - The company is focused on commercializing innovative solutions to complex customer challenges, with ongoing field trials for new products [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the second half of 2025 due to deteriorating market conditions, including a decline in U.S. rig counts and potential oversupply in the oil market [24] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet and liquidity position, expecting to generate positive free cash flow in 2025 [27] Other Important Information - The total purchase price for ResMetrics is up to $7,150,000, with an earn-out component of up to $1,250,000 to be paid in 2026 [21] - The company expects third quarter total revenue in the range of $42,000,000 to $46,000,000 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Opportunities for cross-selling post-acquisition - Management indicated that there are distinct customer bases for ResMetrics and the existing tracer diagnostics business, suggesting potential revenue synergy opportunities as they integrate offerings [30] Question: Targeting new geographies - Management expressed excitement about expanding in the North Sea and the Middle East, while also considering other offshore markets [32] Question: Factors to tighten guidance range - Management noted that the Canadian rig count is a key factor, with a need for it to recover to provide more confidence in tightening guidance [34] Question: Margin improvement opportunities - Management highlighted that operational synergies could lead to cost reductions, but refrained from specifying margin percentages [40] Question: Customer mindset in volatile market conditions - Management observed a cautiously optimistic tone among customers, with a wait-and-see approach regarding oil prices and market conditions [44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 16% growth in revenue for the combined brokerage and risk management segments, with 5.4% organic growth and a reported net earnings margin of 17.3% [5] - Adjusted EBITDAC margin increased by 307 basis points year-over-year to 34.5%, with adjusted EBITDAC growth of 26% [5] - GAAP earnings per share were $2.11, while adjusted earnings per share were $2.95 [5] Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Brokerage segment experienced a reported revenue growth of 17% and organic growth of 5.3%, with adjusted EBITDAC margin expanding by 334 basis points to 36.4% [6][24] - The Risk Management segment, Gallagher Bassett, saw a revenue growth of 9% with organic growth of 6.2% and an adjusted EBITDAC margin of 21% [16][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the global property and casualty (PC) insurance market, property renewal premiums decreased by 7%, while casualty lines increased by 8% overall [10][11] - For clients generating less than $100,000 in revenue, renewal premiums were up 3%, while those generating more than $100,000 saw a decrease of 2% [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain its competitive edge through niche expertise, extensive data analytics, and global resources [16] - The full-year 2025 brokerage segment organic growth is projected to be in the range of 6.5% to 7.5% [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning despite market headwinds, noting solid client business activity and no signs of a significant economic downturn [14] - The company anticipates continued job growth in the U.S., albeit at a slower pace than in 2024, and is prepared to guide employers through challenges in health insurance [15] Other Important Information - The company completed nine new mergers in the second quarter, representing approximately $290 million in estimated annualized revenue, with a pipeline of around 40 term sheets signed or being prepared [18][19] - The company has about $14 billion in available cash and no outstanding borrowings, positioning it well for further M&A activities [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing of HSR information submission to DOJ - Management confirmed they have completed responding to the DOJ's second request and are optimistic about closing the transaction in the third quarter [39] Question: Outlook for brokerage growth in the second half - Management indicated that the 5% brokerage outlook assumes continued pricing trends and potential benefits from the benefits business being pushed to the back half of the year [40][41] Question: Property pricing trends and guidance - Management clarified that they did not incorporate a 20-30% decrease in property pricing into their guidance, stating that the reported numbers are not reflective of such declines [46][47] Question: M&A activity and integration planning - Management expressed confidence in the integration of Assured Partners, stating they are ready to proceed with integration planning despite previous suspensions of some work streams [71][73] Question: Casualty line pricing expectations - Management noted that casualty rates are expected to continue increasing, with specific lines such as general liability and commercial auto showing steady growth [81] Question: E&S market trends - Management acknowledged an increase in submissions and growth in the excess and surplus market, indicating a mixed but generally positive outlook [88]

Hub Group Overview - Hub Group is a leading supply chain solutions provider, offering Intermodal transportation and Logistics services[7] - The company's FY 2024 total revenue was $4 billion, with Intermodal & Transportation Solutions contributing 45% and Logistics contributing 55%[14] - In FY 2024, adjusted operating income was $157 million, with Intermodal & Transportation Solutions contributing 62% and Logistics contributing 38%[14] Q2 2025 Performance - Hub Group's Q2 2025 revenue was $906 million[33] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2025 was $0.45[33] - Adjusted operating income for Q2 2025 was $37 million, representing 4.1% of revenue[33] - Intermodal & Transportation Solutions revenue in Q2 2025 was $528 million, with operating income of $14 million (2.7% of revenue)[40, 41] - Logistics revenue in Q2 2025 was $404 million, with adjusted operating income of $23 million (5.6% of revenue)[46, 47] Financial Position - As of June 30, 2025, Hub Group had a cash balance of $164 million[33, 54] - Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA was 0.3x, well below the leverage target of 0.75 to 1.25x[33] 2025 Guidance - Hub Group projects 2025 revenue to be between $3.6 to $3.8 billion[67] - The company anticipates 2025 EPS to be between $1.80 to $2.05 per share[67]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, the company reported $1 billion in orders, a 16% increase overall and a 13% increase organically, driven by strong performance across all businesses and acquisitions [7] - Quarterly revenue exceeded $970 million, up 7% overall and 4% organically, with all segments contributing [7] - Operating income grew more than twice the organic sales growth rate, and operating margin expanded over 100 basis points excluding M&A impacts [7] - Adjusted EPS grew by 10% or 16% when excluding the WorldVerlin divestiture [8] - Free cash flow reached $214 million year-to-date, with a free cash flow margin of 14% in Q2 [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrial Process (IP) orders grew by 22%, with notable strength in Gulps Pumps and Svanohoi, where orders exceeded their full year 2024 revenue in the first half of 2025 [10] - Connect and Control (CCT) saw a 9% organic growth driven by Defense and Commercial Aerospace, with total orders increasing by 36% [11] - Motion Technologies (MT) Friction team won 49 new electrified platform awards, with Friction OE growing 7% organically [12][13] - IP revenue grew 5% organically, while CCT grew 4% organically, and MT Friction OE outperformed global auto production by over 500 basis points [24][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1, resulting in an ending backlog of nearly $2 billion, up 34% year-over-year and 9% sequentially [13] - The automotive market production was up 2.6% in Q2, with expectations for the full year to be flat or slightly positive [42] - The company outperformed in all three regions (Europe, China, North America) and across all powertrain types (internal combustion, hybrid, EV) [43] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on organic growth and margin expansion, complemented by M&A activities [6] - The 2030 financial targets include more than 5% organic revenue growth and approximately 10% total growth annually, with margins expected to reach 23% [22] - The company is actively pursuing acquisition targets, with a disciplined framework for deal selection and integration [21][82] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management raised the full-year adjusted EPS outlook to $6.45, reflecting strong first-half performance and improved visibility for the second half [16][31] - The company expects continued growth in the Project business in IP, firm demand in Aerospace and Defense, and outperformance in Friction OE and Rail [31] - Management noted that the funnel remains healthy, with only minor shifts in order timing, indicating confidence in future performance [40] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $500 million of shares year-to-date, reducing the weighted average share count by 3% [9] - The estimated gross tariff costs for 2025 have been reduced to approximately $25 million, half of the previous estimate, with no material impact expected [32][122] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on capital equipment and project hesitancy - Management noted strong order performance with only minor shifts in timing, indicating no major concerns in the market [39][40] Question: Auto landscape outlook - The automotive production forecast for 2025 is slightly positive, with the company outperforming across all regions and powertrain types [42][43] Question: CCT orders and market growth - CCT orders grew significantly, driven by aerospace and defense, with strong share gains noted [52][54] Question: FX impact on Motion Technologies margins - The depreciation of the dollar against the euro has negatively impacted transaction margins, despite positive translation effects [56] Question: Strength in Svanahoy business - The outperformance is attributed to strong execution and product differentiation, with expectations for continued growth [63][65] Question: Pricing actions and tariff exposure - The company has successfully mitigated tariff impacts through pricing and productivity actions, with no material income impact expected [122]

Financial Performance - VSE achieved record revenue of $272 million in Q2 2025, a 41% increase year-over-year, driven by strong performance in aviation distribution and MRO businesses [16][18] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 52% to $43 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 16%, reflecting a 110 basis point improvement from the prior year [16][18] - Adjusted net income reached $20 million, with adjusted net income per diluted share of $0.97, marking increases of 149% and 106% respectively [16][19] Business Segment Performance - Aviation segment revenue also increased by 41% to $272 million, with distribution revenue up 50% and MRO revenue up 27% [20] - Organic revenue growth in the aviation segment was approximately 13% when excluding recent acquisitions [20] - The company is focusing on higher margin product lines, leading to a reduction in less profitable used serviceable material (USM) revenue by about 20% on a run rate basis [11][20] Market Environment - The aviation aftermarket showed resilience, with a rebound in activity in May and June after initial softness due to tariff uncertainties [15] - Engine-related MRO and distribution revenue now represents over 50% of total aviation revenue, indicating strong demand in this segment [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - VSE completed the sale of its fleet segment, transitioning to a pure play aviation aftermarket company, and is now focused on higher growth and higher margin opportunities [6][25] - The company is prioritizing integration of recent acquisitions, including Turbine Weld and Kaelstrom, to unlock efficiencies and enhance customer value [26] - VSE is also capturing cost synergies from acquisitions, with $4 million in identified cost savings already being realized [12][26] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued strength in the aviation aftermarket, particularly in the engine segment, and anticipates revenue growth of 35% to 40% for the full year 2025 [22][15] - The company is raising its full-year adjusted EBITDA margin guidance to 16.5% to 17%, reflecting a higher margin product mix [22] Other Important Information - VSE secured a new $700 million credit facility, providing financial flexibility to support growth initiatives [7] - The company generated approximately $6 million in free cash flow during the quarter, an improvement of about $28 million compared to the previous year [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss organic growth expectations for the second half of the year? - Management indicated that organic growth is expected to be in the low to mid-teens, with engine markets outperforming component markets [32][34] Question: What are the synergies from recent acquisitions? - Management noted that synergies from Kaelstrom are being realized ahead of schedule, contributing to strong margins [36][62] Question: How sustainable is the free cash flow generation? - Management expects strong improvement in free cash flow in the second half of the year, driven by better working capital management [42] Question: What is the strategy for the USM business? - The company is shifting the USM business to focus on higher margin product lines and integrating it with repair capabilities [45][84] Question: What are the opportunities in the hydraulics market? - Management sees potential in the hydraulics market, emphasizing faster turnaround times and quality in supporting OEM authorized work [73] Question: What is the outlook for engine aftermarket demand? - Management believes that engine aftermarket demand will continue to outpace component demand in the near to mid-term due to supply chain constraints [77]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of approximately $1.5 billion, an increase of 11% from the prior year period, driven primarily by growth in dispensing products and the acquisition of Vayner [11][12] - Adjusted EBIT for the quarter reached a record $193 million, up 17% year over year, attributed to strong growth in dispensing products and improved price-cost dynamics in metal containers [11][12] - Adjusted EPS was $1.01, reflecting a $0.13 or 15% increase from the prior year quarter [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Dispensing and Specialty Closures segment saw a 24% increase in sales compared to the prior year, mainly due to the inclusion of Vayner's sales and higher organic volumes [13] - Metal containers sales increased by 4% year over year, driven by favorable price mix and a 1% benefit from foreign currency translation [14] - Custom containers experienced a 3% decrease in sales, but adjusted EBIT increased by 11% due to favorable price-cost dynamics [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North American beverage specialty closure products experienced a decline of 3.3% in volumes, primarily due to adverse weather conditions affecting consumption patterns [13][14] - Pet food products in metal containers grew by a mid-single-digit percentage, reflecting strong demand in the fastest-growing segments of the pet food market [7][14] - The company expects a mid-single-digit percentage growth in metal containers volumes, driven by pet food and a partial recovery in fruit and vegetable pack volumes [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging the integration of the Vayner acquisition to drive accelerated growth and enhance its product portfolio [6] - Strategic initiatives and cost reduction efforts are expected to continue supporting earnings growth, with a projected 9% increase in adjusted EPS for 2025 [9][16] - The company remains confident in its ability to deliver significant earnings growth in 2025, despite challenges in certain markets [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the impact of adverse weather on beverage consumption and promotional spending, which is expected to affect volumes in the second half of the year [7][8] - The company anticipates that the missed consumption occasions in the first half will not be recovered in the remainder of the year [7] - Management expressed confidence in the recovery of the beverage market in 2026, despite current challenges [96] Other Important Information - The company revised its estimate of adjusted EPS for 2025 to a range of $3.85 to $4.50, reflecting lower volume expectations in specialty closures and the impact of a customer bankruptcy [15][16] - Free cash flow estimates were adjusted from approximately $450 million to $430 million, with a 10% increase from the prior year [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of customer bankruptcy on volumes and EBIT - Management confirmed that the recent bankruptcy of a large customer is expected to impact metal containers adjusted EBIT by approximately $10 million in 2025, but they have mitigated financial risks associated with this [20][22][68] Question: Dispensing business growth expectations - Management clarified that the expected mid-teens percentage increase in dispensing EBIT is primarily affected by the hot fill beverage segment, with no reduction to the balance of the business [33][36] Question: Outlook for soup volumes - Management indicated that soup volumes are expected to remain stable in the second half of the year, with strong relationships with customers supporting consistent demand [55][57] Question: Effects of tariffs on customers - Management stated that the company can pass through tariff-related costs to customers, and the impact on food cans is minimal, with no significant change in consumer purchasing behavior expected [86][90] Question: Working capital outflow concerns - Management explained that the working capital outflow was primarily due to securing additional raw materials ahead of tariffs, and they expect this to normalize by the end of the year [78][81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share of $0.91 when excluding merger-related charges, an increase of 86% year over year [5][13] - Net interest margin improved to 3.59%, reflecting a 64 basis point increase year over year [6][16] - Net income excluding merger and restructuring expenses was $87.3 million, compared to $29.4 million in the prior year period, representing a nearly 200% increase [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee income grew by 40% year over year, totaling $44 million in the second quarter [6][17] - Total portfolio loans increased by 53.6% year over year, with $5.9 billion from the Premier acquisition and $670 million from organic growth [14] - Organic loan growth was 6% year over year, with total commercial loans increasing by 7% year over year [9][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by 58% year over year to $21.2 billion, driven by Premier deposits and organic growth [16] - Organic deposit growth excluding certificates of deposit was more than 5% year over year [8] - The commercial loan pipeline as of June 30 was approximately $1.3 billion, with roughly 30% attributable to new markets [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow fee income as a percentage of total revenue and expand its presence in new markets, including healthcare and commercial lending [8][11] - Strategic investments are being made in new loan production offices in Knoxville and Northern Virginia to enhance growth potential [11][81] - The focus remains on executing the Premier acquisition and leveraging new treasury management products to drive growth [32][93] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future loan growth, citing strong pipelines and a commitment to maintaining credit quality [15][70] - The company anticipates mid to upper single-digit loan growth for the remainder of 2025, despite potential headwinds from commercial real estate payoffs [37][70] - Management expects to fund loan growth with deposit growth for the full year, despite a seasonal decline in deposits [8][16] Other Important Information - The company successfully converted customer data systems from Premier, enhancing operational efficiency [6][7] - The efficiency ratio improved by 10 percentage points year over year to 55.5% [6] - Regulatory capital ratios remain above well-capitalized standards, with Tier one leverage at 8.7% [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Increase in criticized loans and maintaining credit culture - Management noted that the increase in criticized loans is primarily due to regrading of acquired clients, but they expect improvements in the second half of the year [28][30] Question: Capital deployment priorities - The company prioritizes dividends and organic growth, with M&A and buybacks being lower on the list [31][32] Question: Loan growth expectations - Management targets mid to upper single-digit growth, contingent on commercial real estate payoffs [37][70] Question: Branch rationalization - The company will evaluate branch profitability and may close some branches in the second half of the year [40][41] Question: Margin accretion assumptions - Management anticipates a drop in margin accretion in the third quarter but expects a rebound in the fourth quarter [47][60] Question: Integration of Premier - The focus is on driving growth and ensuring new employees are familiar with company processes following the successful systems conversion [49][50] Question: Deposit pipelines and growth - The company plans to launch a new deposit campaign and expects robust growth in the commercial space [78][79] Question: Preferred stock and sub debt refinancing - Management is evaluating options for calling preferred stock and refinancing sub debt that will reset soon [87][88]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved 3% net sales growth and 8% growth in adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025, despite broader economic uncertainty [5][14] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter increased to $226.7 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin improvement of 60 basis points to 15.5% [18][32] - Gross profit increased by 4% to approximately $531 million, with gross margin improving by 30 basis points to 36.4% [16][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic daily sales were flat, with maintenance-related demand remaining steady, while new residential construction and repair markets were down [15][25] - Agronomic products saw a 7% increase in organic daily sales, while landscaping products decreased by 1% [27][28] - The company added two acquisitions in July, contributing approximately $41 million or 3% to net sales growth [14][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The new residential construction market, which represents 21% of sales, is expected to decline due to elevated interest rates and low consumer confidence [42][43] - The new commercial construction market, representing 14% of sales, has remained flat, although customers have smaller backlogs [43][44] - The maintenance end market, which accounts for 35% of sales, is expected to continue growing steadily [44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its scale and resources to drive market share gains and improve operational efficiency [10][11] - The acquisition strategy focuses on filling product lines and expanding geographic reach, with a robust pipeline of potential deals [13][39] - The company is committed to improving customer excellence and sales force productivity through digital initiatives and CRM enhancements [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects end market demand for landscaping products to be slightly down year-over-year in 2025, but anticipates pricing improvements [42][44] - The company is optimistic about achieving low single-digit organic daily sales growth for the remainder of the year, supported by commercial initiatives [45] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining financial strength and flexibility to execute growth strategies in varying market conditions [36] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 466,000 shares for $54.3 million in Q2 2025, marking the largest share repurchase quarter since the program's initiation [32] - Net debt at the end of the quarter was approximately $532 million, with a leverage ratio of 1.3 times trailing twelve-month adjusted EBITDA [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Pioneer integration and SG&A leverage - Management confirmed that the Pioneer integration is fully completed, and synergies are being realized, contributing to SG&A leverage improvements [50][51] Question: Share repurchase authorization and future plans - Approximately $250 million remains in share repurchase authorization, and management indicated that aggressive repurchases could continue if acquisition opportunities remain limited [54][55] Question: Outlook for adjusted EBITDA and risks - Management feels confident in meeting adjusted EBITDA guidance but noted risks related to market demand deterioration [58][59] Question: Drivers of market share gains - Key initiatives driving market share gains include digital engagement, sales force productivity, and competitive private label offerings [70][72] Question: Impact of labor scarcity on operations - Customers have managed to find labor despite challenges, and labor scarcity is not seen as a significant limiter on market demand [76][77] Question: Trends in new residential construction - The new residential construction market is experiencing a decline, particularly in high-growth areas, with expectations of low single-digit decreases [92][94] Question: Pricing and inflation outlook - Management expects pricing to be flat in Q3 and to improve by 1% to 2% in Q4, driven by tariff-related price increases in certain product categories [97][100]