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CryptoJack· 2025-05-14 07:30
#SmartContracts remove intermediaries, but security flaws can destroy billions. Are we underestimating the risks of automation? 🔐 ...
Jabil (JBL) FY Conference Transcript
2025-05-13 19:30
Summary of Jabil (JBL) FY Conference Call - May 13, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Jabil (JBL) - **Industry**: Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Key Points and Arguments Macro Economic Concerns - There is a sense of relief among customers regarding recession fears, with the administration's efforts seen as effective in preventing a significant downturn [3][5][6] - Jabil's diversified portfolio across various end markets, including healthcare and digital commerce, positions the company well to manage through economic fluctuations [4][5] Supply Chain and Tariff Management - Jabil has regionalized its supply chain, producing in-country for local consumption, which mitigates risks associated with tariff volatility [7][8] - The company is not currently seeing significant shifts in business due to tariffs, as customers are cautious about the costs and risks of relocating operations [8] Capacity and Geographic Flexibility - Approximately 35% to 40% of Jabil's capacity is located in the Americas, with current utilization around 75-80%, indicating room for growth [16][18] - The company has recently opened a facility in St. Petersburg, Florida, and has the capability to expand in the U.S. and Mexico as needed [16][18] Margin Improvement Strategies - Jabil aims to increase its margin from 5.4% to 6% or 6.5% in the near future, driven by portfolio diversification, vertical integration, and operational efficiencies [22][23][24] - The company is focusing on higher-margin businesses and has made tuck-in acquisitions to enhance its service offerings [24][25] Growth in Cloud and Data Center Infrastructure - Jabil has increased its revenue guidance for the second half of the fiscal year by $1 billion, driven by strong demand from hyperscale customers and capital equipment business [28] - The company is confident in continued spending from cloud customers, viewing it as an "arms race" among hyperscalers [28][29] Automotive Sector Challenges - The automotive segment faces headwinds from tariffs and reduced demand for electric vehicles (EVs), but Jabil is diversifying its customer base and product offerings to mitigate risks [44][45] - The company has added new OEM customers in China, which is expected to provide growth opportunities in the EV space [46][48] Healthcare Market Opportunities - Jabil is significantly larger than its nearest competitor in the healthcare market and is focused on expanding its share of wallet through organic growth and acquisitions [56][57] - The company recently acquired Pharmaceutical International Incorporated, enhancing its capabilities in pharmaceutical delivery systems [58] Semiconductor Capital Equipment - Jabil's semiconductor capital equipment business is performing well, with strong growth driven by key customers like NVIDIA [62] - The company anticipates a cyclical recovery in the semiconductor industry within the next twelve months [63] Networking and Communications - The networking segment is experiencing slower growth due to exiting low-margin businesses, but there are positive trends in Ethernet and liquid cooling technologies [65][66] Digital Commerce Growth - Jabil is seeing growth in digital commerce, particularly in automation and robotics for retail environments, with expectations for continued expansion in this area [67][68] Future Outlook - Jabil's path to achieving higher margins is not solely dependent on revenue growth but also on optimizing product mix and operational efficiencies [69][70] - The company is well-positioned for future growth across various sectors, including healthcare, cloud infrastructure, and automotive, despite current economic challenges [49][50][56]
Best EV & AV Stocks to Electrify Your Portfolio Now
ZACKS· 2025-05-13 15:45
Industry Overview - The auto industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs) [2][4] - Global EV sales are projected to grow by 19.2% in 2025, reaching 21.3 million units, with China leading the market [2] - By 2030, EVs are expected to account for over 40% of global light vehicle sales, increasing to more than 80% by 2040 [2] Electric Vehicle Market - Tesla was historically the dominant player in the EV market, but competition is intensifying with traditional automakers and new startups entering the space [3] - Companies like General Motors, Rivian, BYD, and NIO are making significant investments and launching ambitious product plans to capture market share [3] Autonomous Vehicle Market - The AV market is anticipated to grow from nearly $48 billion in 2025 to over $133 billion by 2030, driven by advancements in technology [4] - Major tech companies and automakers are investing heavily in AV technology to enhance road safety and reduce traffic congestion [4] Investment Opportunities - The dual transformation of electrification and automation presents substantial investment opportunities in the EV and AV sectors [5] - Investors are encouraged to consider stocks like BYD, Rivian, and NIO for potential growth [5] Rivian Automotive - Rivian is transitioning from high-end models to more affordable vehicles, with the upcoming R2 mid-size SUV expected to start around $45,000 [8] - The company has reported a positive gross profit for two consecutive quarters and aims for sustained profitability [8] - Rivian's partnership with Volkswagen involves an investment of up to $5.8 billion, supporting its next-generation electrical architecture [9] NIO Inc. - NIO has expanded its vehicle lineup and is launching new brands, including ONVO and Firefly, to capture a broader market [12][14] - The company is focusing on battery swap technology, with over 3,200 stations deployed, and aims to break even by Q4 2025 [15][16] BYD Company - BYD has shifted entirely to new energy vehicles, emerging as a global EV leader and outselling Tesla in early 2025 [17][18] - The company benefits from vertical integration, controlling production from batteries to vehicle assembly, which helps maintain low costs [19] - BYD is expanding its global footprint with new plants and aims to double overseas sales to over 800,000 units in 2025 [21]
Knowles (KN) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-05-13 13:45
Summary of Dover's Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Dover Corporation - **Event**: 2025 Conference Call - **Date**: May 13, 2025 Key Points Acquisition of Secora - Dover announced the acquisition of Secora, a global leader in precision measurement solutions based in Germany, with an enterprise value of approximately EUR 550 million [2][3] - Expected revenues from Secora are projected to exceed EUR 100 million this year, with a margin profile consistent with Dover's Pumps and Process Solutions segment [3][4] - The acquisition is seen as complementary to Dover's Polymer Processing platform, enhancing technology and recurring revenue opportunities [4][5] Financial Profile and Growth - Dover has invested over $1 billion in its polymer processing platform over the past decade, including the acquisition of Secora [5] - Secora's customer base includes blue-chip companies, providing opportunities for cross-selling, particularly in the wire and cable market, which benefits from global electrification investments [6][7] Capital Allocation and M&A Strategy - Dover has $1.8 billion in cash, with the Secora acquisition utilizing only a third of that amount, indicating potential for further M&A activity [11][12] - The company is engaged in discussions for various small tuck-in acquisitions, although no imminent deals are expected [12][13] Supply Chain and Production - Dover is assessing the potential shift of production and supply chains to the U.S. due to tariff discussions, but current exposure to China is limited (5% of revenue and 6% of cost) [19][21] - The company maintains a flexible supply chain strategy, allowing for adaptability in response to market conditions [22][32] Biopharma and Medical Segment - The biopharma segment generated mid-200 million in revenue in 2024, with expectations for double-digit growth moving forward [38][39] - The growth is attributed to a recovery in demand rather than merely a comp issue, indicating a fundamental demand increase [41][42] Clean Energy and CO2 Systems - Dover's clean energy segment, particularly in LNG, is expected to grow significantly, driven by favorable market conditions and technology investments [60][61] - The CO2 systems business is also experiencing growth, with global revenues projected in the mid-200 million range for 2024 [50][54] Automation Investments - Dover is focusing on automation across all segments, with significant capital allocated to enhance productivity and efficiency [34][36] - The company has seen substantial benefits from past automation investments, particularly in the capital goods sector [36] Thermal Connectors and Data Centers - The thermal connectors segment for liquid cooling in data centers is projected to exceed $30 million in 2024, with strong growth anticipated due to increased demand for high-performance computing [75][76] - The shift from air to liquid cooling is accelerating demand, driven by higher energy requirements from new chip technologies [79][80] European Heat Pumps - There is a positive outlook for the European heat pump market, with signs of demand recovery after a period of destocking [89][90] - The company is optimistic about growth opportunities in various markets, including HVAC and district energy systems [90] Additional Insights - Dover's management is closely monitoring macroeconomic conditions and their impact on demand, particularly in the context of tariffs and supply chain dynamics [32][33] - The company remains committed to its capital expenditure plans and is not altering its guidance despite market uncertainties [31][32] This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Dover's conference call, highlighting the company's strategic initiatives, financial outlook, and market positioning across various segments.
Walgreens doubles down on prescription-filling robots to cut costs, free up pharmacists amid turnaround
CNBC· 2025-05-11 12:00
Core Insights - Walgreens is focusing on automation to enhance efficiency and improve patient interaction as it navigates challenges in the drugstore industry [1][2][5] Group 1: Automation and Micro-Fulfillment Centers - Walgreens is expanding its micro-fulfillment centers, which utilize robots to fill prescriptions, aiming to serve over 5,000 stores by year-end, up from 4,800 in February 2023 [4] - The micro-fulfillment centers currently handle an average of 40% of prescription volume at supported pharmacies, equating to approximately 16 million prescriptions filled monthly [4][7] - The investment in robotic pharmacy fills has generated around $500 million in savings by reducing excess inventory and increasing efficiency [7] Group 2: Operational Changes and Market Position - The company is transitioning from opening new stores to closing underperforming locations to improve profitability amid competition from CVS Health, Amazon, and others [5][6] - Walgreens aims to alleviate the workload of pharmacy staff, allowing them to focus more on clinical services like vaccinations and testing [2][8] - The automation strategy provides Walgreens with a competitive edge over independent pharmacies and some rivals that lack centralized support [9] Group 3: Industry Context and Challenges - The drugstore industry is facing challenges such as declining pharmacy reimbursement rates, reduced consumer spending, and increased competition from online retailers [5][6] - The shift towards automation is partly a response to staff burnout and chronic understaffing issues highlighted by nationwide walkouts in 2023 [6] - While micro-fulfillment centers offer cost savings and efficiency, they also come with risks related to reliance on advanced robotics [10]
Here's Why You Should Retain Adient Stock in Your Portfolio Now
ZACKS· 2025-05-09 14:30
Core Viewpoint - Adient plc is positioned to benefit from its diverse customer base and international presence, despite facing challenges such as high restructuring costs in Europe and uncertainty regarding year-end customer recoveries [1] Group 1: Market Position and Business Wins - Adient has established a strong market position through a broad range of products and a diverse customer base, which is expected to strengthen further [2] - In fiscal 2024, Adient secured new and renewal contracts totaling approximately $1 billion in annual revenues, with around 90% of these agreements involving local OEMs, many set to launch in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 [3] Group 2: Regional Performance and Strategy - The company is gaining momentum in the EMEA region, driven by restructuring benefits and securing key programs with European customers, while also developing opportunities with China-based OEMs [4] - Adient is focusing on enhancing efficiency by phasing out lower-performing segments and launching higher-margin programs expected to positively impact results in 2026 [4] Group 3: Innovations and Automation - Adient's initiatives in automation and modularity are yielding positive results, with automation reducing labor costs and improving quality, speed, and safety [5] - The implementation of AI-powered welding inspection and partnerships for 3D sewing automation are enhancing precision and reducing labor needs, differentiating Adient in supporting China OEMs expanding internationally [5] Group 4: Challenges and Financial Outlook - Sales in China are lagging, with revenues expected to remain stable or slightly decline in fiscal 2025 due to an unfavorable production mix [6] - Adient anticipates higher European restructuring costs and has revised its free cash flow outlook to $150-$170 million from a previous estimate of $180 million [6]
Allient (ALNT) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-08 15:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $132.8 million, down 9% year-over-year due to demand softness in vehicle and industrial markets, with an unfavorable FX impact of $1.8 million [11] - Sequentially, revenue decreased by $10.8 million or 9%, but adjusted EPS increased nearly 50% from Q4, reaching $0.46 per share [7][20] - Gross margin expanded 70 basis points sequentially to 32.2%, while operating margin rose 130 basis points to 6.6% [7][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace and defense revenue increased by 25%, driven by key program deliverables [12] - Vehicle revenue declined by 34%, reflecting softness in powersports demand and a shift from lower-margin programs [13] - Industrial markets showed mixed results, with power quality solutions for HVAC and data center infrastructure growing, but overall industrial market sales were down due to reduced demand in automation [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales to U.S. customers represented 52% of revenue, down from 58% in Q1 last year, with contributions from Europe, Canada, and Asia Pacific [11] - The industrial sector contributed 47% of trailing twelve-month sales, primarily driven by strong demand for power quality solutions [14] - The medical market was down 2% on a trailing twelve-month basis due to softness in pump-related products [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term growth themes such as electrification, energy efficiency, automation, and infrastructure investment [9] - The "Simplify to Accelerate Now" program is central to improving operational efficiency and aligning resources with demand [7][27] - The company is taking proactive steps to address global trade challenges, particularly regarding tariffs and rare earth magnet sourcing [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted solid order momentum with total orders increasing 17% sequentially and 13% year-over-year, indicating a healthy book-to-bill ratio of 1.04 times [25] - The external environment remains fluid, but the company is built for resilience with a diverse customer base and global manufacturing footprint [26] - Management expressed confidence in achieving sustainable, profitable growth while continuing to invest in capabilities [30] Other Important Information - Operating cash flow was $13.9 million, up 52% from last year, and net debt decreased by $13.6 million to $174.4 million [21][23] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $1.1 million, with an anticipated full-year spend of $10 million to $12 million [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand and Supply Environment - Management observed positive signs in demand at the start of the quarter, with expectations for incremental growth [36] - Tariff impacts are being managed through cost mitigation strategies and localization of supply chains [37] Question: Competitive Positioning - The company believes it is well-positioned to win business due to its existing footprint and localization efforts [39] Question: Vehicle Business Strategy - Management confirmed a strategic shift away from lower-margin automotive applications towards higher-margin opportunities [46][49] Question: Inventory Turn Targets - The company aims to improve inventory turns beyond 3.1, but acknowledges potential short-term challenges due to geopolitical factors [56] Question: Rare Earth Elements Impact - Management provided insights on the cost impact of rare earth elements, indicating a significant portion of costs could be affected [65] Question: Recreational Vehicle Market - The company is not exiting the recreational vehicle market and sees opportunities for competition, particularly in industrial applications [73][75]
QIAGEN(QGEN) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-08 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - QIAGEN reported net sales of $483 million, a 7% increase at constant exchange rates (CER) compared to Q1 2024 [7] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.50 at CER, exceeding the outlook of at least $0.50 [8] - Adjusted operating income margin rose to 29.8% of sales, up more than four percentage points from 24% in Q1 2024 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Diagnostic Solutions sales increased by 11% at CER, driven by QIAstat Dx sales rising 37% and QuantiFERON sales up 16% [17] - PCR technologies delivered 14% CER growth, led by the adoption of the ChiAcuity digital PCR system [17] - Sample Technologies sales decreased by 1% CER, reflecting lower instrument sales amid cautious customer spending [18] - Genomics and next-generation sequencing sales were down 2% at CER, but QIAGEN Digital Insights saw high single-digit CER growth [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas grew by 9% at CER, with strong performance in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America [20] - EMEA region delivered 8% growth at CER, with top-performing countries including Germany and Italy [21] - Asia Pacific experienced a modest decline, primarily due to weak trends in China, which represents about 3% to 4% of total sales [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - QIAGEN reaffirmed its full-year 2025 outlook, expecting around 4% sales growth at CER and about 5% growth in its core portfolio [11] - The company is expanding options to increase returns to shareholders, proposing an annual cash dividend and a synthetic share repurchase of up to $500 million [12] - Upcoming product launches in Sample Technologies are expected to drive growth, including new automation instruments [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the resilience of the business despite a complex macro environment marked by cautious customer spending [6] - The company remains conservative in its revenue growth outlook for the second half of the year due to ongoing volatility [52] - Management expressed confidence in the strategy and execution, aiming for solid profitable growth and stronger shareholder returns [39] Other Important Information - QIAGEN is preparing for a leadership transition in its Supervisory Board, with two members stepping down after the upcoming Annual General Meeting [13] - The company is focused on maintaining strategic flexibility in a volatile environment while investing in targeted areas like R&D [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the acceleration in QuantiFERON in the quarter? - Management attributed the acceleration to a confirmation of their strategy based on constant innovations and strong global performance [44] Question: Why is there an assumption of deceleration in top-line growth for the second half? - Management described this as a realistic ambition due to ongoing volatility in the economic environment, preferring to remain prudent [52] Question: What is the current status of tariff exposure? - Management indicated that they have been well-prepared for tariff impacts and have ramped up inventory levels to mitigate effects [55] Question: What is the outlook for QIAstat after a strong first quarter? - Management confirmed guidance for QIAstat, expecting double-digit growth by the end of the year [98] Question: What is the growth expectation for Sample Technologies? - Management expects growth around 3% per year, focusing on high-value applications like liquid biopsy [81]
GXO Logistics(GXO) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-08 13:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GxO reported revenue of $3 billion for Q1 2025, representing a 21% year-over-year increase, with 3% of this growth being organic [6][14] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $163 million, driven by productivity initiatives and the ramp-up of new facilities [15] - The company recorded a net loss of $95 million due to one-time charges related to regulatory matters and restructuring costs, but adjusted net income was $34 million when excluding these charges [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New business wins in the quarter totaled $228 million, with a sales pipeline of $2.5 billion, the highest in three years [7][10] - The healthcare sector saw significant growth, highlighted by a landmark contract with the UK National Health Service valued at $2.5 billion [8] - Customer satisfaction increased nearly 10% year-over-year, reflecting positive feedback from customer interviews [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - All three regions delivered organic growth, with Continental Europe leading the way [14] - The North American business was the strongest region in Q1, benefiting from a favorable customer mix [42] - The UK business experienced slightly softer volumes than expected, attributed to new employment taxes, but showed signs of recovery moving into Q2 [44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - GxO's strategy focuses on expanding in high-growth verticals such as healthcare, aerospace, and defense, supported by recent acquisitions [9][10] - The company aims to leverage technology and automation to enhance operational efficiency and customer service [20][24] - GxO is not pursuing M&A in the near term, focusing instead on organic growth and integration of Wincanton [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management reaffirmed guidance for organic growth and adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2025, despite macroeconomic volatility [13][47] - The company is confident in its long-term growth due to its diversified customer base and long-term contractual business model [12][25] - Management noted that the complexity of global trade dynamics has increased the demand for GxO's services [11][24] Other Important Information - GxO was named to the Forbes Diamond List in Poland and recognized as a top employer in the UK by the Financial Times [26] - The company authorized a $500 million share buyback program, purchasing 2.4% of shares outstanding during the quarter [18][110] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack the guidance scenario planning in the context of the uncertain macro environment? - Management indicated that the base case for guidance assumes flat volumes year-over-year in 2025, with confidence in maintaining EBITDA guidance even with potential volume declines [30] Question: How should we think about the impact of FX on results in 2025? - FX is expected to be a tailwind in 2026, with the company being fully hedged for Q2 2025 and about three-quarters hedged for Q3 [32] Question: Can you provide details on the NHS deal and its ramp-up? - The NHS deal is a landmark contract, with operations expected to commence in Q3 2025, and no significant startup costs anticipated [36][38] Question: What is the current state of inventory levels and customer feedback? - Elevated inventory levels were noted in North America, particularly in technology, but overall customer demand remains strong [48][49] Question: How do you view the risk of contract renewals as the pandemic's impact fades? - Management does not foresee a significant risk of contract renewals leading to a cliff effect, with typical contract periods around five years [55][56] Question: What are the expected cost savings from automation projects? - Initial cost savings from AI implementations have been recorded, with expectations for these savings to ramp up throughout 2025 [59][60] Question: How are conversations evolving regarding the sales pipeline in light of tariffs? - No material impact on the sales pipeline has been observed due to tariffs, with ongoing discussions leading to new contracts [66][68] Question: What is the timeline for the integration of Wincanton? - Integration is expected to commence in early summer 2025, with preparations already underway [84][86] Question: Can you discuss the dispute with the Italian tax authorities? - The current accrual related to the dispute is $66 million, with expectations for a settlement in 2025 that will not impact adjusted EPS [92][93]
Paycom Software(PAYC) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-07 22:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $531 million, a 6% increase year-over-year, with recurring and other revenue reaching $500 million, up 7% year-over-year [12][16] - GAAP net income was $139 million, or $2.48 per diluted share, while non-GAAP net income was $158 million, or $2.80 per diluted share [13] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $253 million, a 10% increase year-over-year, representing a 48% margin, which is a 180 basis point increase from the prior year [13][14] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q1 2025 were $521 million, with no debt [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The automation solutions, such as "Gone" and "Betty," are driving significant ROI for clients, with "Gone" delivering up to 800% ROI [6][7] - Sales in Q1 2025 saw a meaningful increase in book sales and the number of units sold compared to the same period last year [9][10] - The company successfully onboarded a 2,500-employee restaurant group, showcasing the effectiveness of its integrated software solutions [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average daily balance on funds held for clients was approximately $2.9 billion in Q1 2025 [14] - Interest on funds held for clients declined 10% year-over-year to approximately $31 million due to rate cuts in 2024 [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on full solution automation and enhancing client ROI through product innovations and automation initiatives [6][17] - Paycom aims to expand its international presence, particularly in Europe, following its authorization as a payment institution from the Central Bank of Ireland [45][59] - The company continues to invest in AI and R&D to improve operational efficiencies and client service [14][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that there has been no significant impact from macroeconomic pressures such as tariffs, and they continue to monitor the situation [21][73] - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to between $2.023 billion and $2.038 billion, expecting an 8% year-over-year increase at the midpoint [16] - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong momentum and ability to deliver better results throughout 2025 [11][17] Other Important Information - The company paid approximately $21 million in cash dividends during Q1 2025 and has $1.47 billion remaining under its stock repurchase plan [15] - Paycom was recognized as one of America's best large employers by Forbes and ranked as one of the most trustworthy companies in America by Newsweek [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs and volatility on business - Management indicated limited direct exposure to tariffs and is monitoring the situation closely [21][22] Question: Examples of efficiency gains impacting EBITDA - Management highlighted automation in expense management and reduced service tickets as key areas of efficiency gains [23] Question: Status of new offices and their ramp-up - New offices are expected to mature in about 24 months, but the company is better prepared for quicker ramp-up due to prior experience [27] Question: Sales process improvements - Management noted enhancements in sales training and processes leading to increased sales and new client acquisitions [31] Question: Free cash flow dynamics and mid-market opportunity - Management reported strong traction in the mid-market segment and emphasized ongoing improvements in free cash flow [38][40] Question: International expansion and payment institution authorization - The authorization allows for better operations in Europe, with a focus on U.S.-based companies with international operations [45][59] Question: Gross retention trends - Management reported positive indicators for retention, including increased client satisfaction and utilization of products [63] Question: Competitor pricing strategies - Management noted no significant changes in competitor pricing or discounting strategies [69] Question: Demand trends amid macro pressures - Management stated that they have not seen any negative impact from macro pressures in April [73] Question: Changes in hiring plans due to AI efficiencies - Management confirmed that while hiring plans have been adjusted, they remain focused on maintaining a high-touch service model [78]