Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was reported at $2.4 billion, with distributable cash flow (DCF) of $1.8 billion, providing a coverage ratio of 1.5x [10][18] - Net income attributable to common unitholders was $1.3 billion, or $0.61 per common unit on a fully diluted basis [14] - The partnership declared a distribution of $0.545 per common unit, representing a 3.8% increase over the same period in 2024 [14] - Total capital investments for Q3 2025 were $2 billion, including $1.2 billion for growth capital projects [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - PDH plants showed improvement, with PDH 1 averaging 95% of nameplate capacity, while PDH 2 resumed operations after a turnaround [11] - The company purchased approximately 2.5 million common units under its buyback program for $80 million in Q3 2025 [14] - Total repurchases for the first nine months of 2025 reached $250 million, totaling approximately 8 million common units [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects an inflation inflection point in discretionary free cash flow in 2026, following a four-year period of significant investments [16] - The consolidated leverage ratio was reported at 3.3x on a net basis, above the target range of 2.75x-3.25x due to capital expenditures on large projects [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a $3 billion increase to its buyback program, raising it from $2 billion to $5 billion, indicating a strong commitment to returning capital to unitholders [12] - Strategic investments in pipelines, marine terminals, and key acquisitions are expected to capitalize on long-term growth from the Haynesville and Permian basins [12] - The company is nearing the end of a multi-year capital deployment cycle that began in 2022, with a focus on organic growth capital expenditures returning to a mid-cycle range of approximately $2 billion-$2.5 billion per year [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the upcoming projects, including the Bahia Pipeline and Seminole Pipeline Conversion, which are expected to enhance capacity and flexibility [10] - The management team highlighted that the Permian Basin remains primarily an oil basin, with the addition of more gas pipelines being beneficial for producers [23] - Management noted that the macroeconomic environment is not a concern, as they believe price will create supply and demand [26][46] Other Important Information - The company expects to see growth in cash distributions to partners commensurate with distributable cash flow per unit in the near term [17] - The acquisition of natural gas gathering systems from Occidental is expected to unlock significant revenue opportunities [93] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will the new Permian gas pipelines drive more production? - Management indicated that the Permian Basin is primarily an oil basin, and the new pipelines will enhance NGL transportation, benefiting producers [23] Question: Is there unlimited demand for LPG in Asia? - Management noted that both residential/commercial and petrochemical demand are growing, and the U.S. will export what's needed to balance the market [25][26] Question: What is the capital allocation outlook for the next few years? - Management expects organic growth CapEx in the $2 billion-$2.5 billion range, with a focus on splitting free cash flow between buybacks and debt pay down [36] Question: How is the integration of the Occidental assets going? - The acquisition is strategic, with significant organic growth opportunities expected, including an incremental $200 million in revenue [93] Question: What is the outlook for the Permian sour gas opportunity? - Management remains optimistic about the Permian sour gas opportunity, with additional treating capacity expected to come online [98]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was reported at $2.4 billion, with distributable cash flow (DCF) of $1.8 billion, providing a coverage ratio of 1.5 times [10][18] - Net income attributable to common unitholders was $1.3 billion, or $0.61 per common unit on a fully diluted basis [14] - The partnership declared a distribution of $0.545 per common unit, representing a 3.8% increase over the same period in 2024 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The PDH plants showed improvement, with PDH1 averaging 95% of nameplate capacity, while PDH2 resumed operations after a turnaround [11] - Total capital investments in Q3 2025 were $2 billion, including $1.2 billion for growth capital projects and $583 million for the acquisition of natural gas gathering systems [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects an inflation inflection point in discretionary free cash flow in 2026, following a four-year period of significant investments [16] - The consolidated leverage ratio was reported at 3.3 times on a net basis, above the target range of 2.75 to 3.25 times due to capital expenditures on large projects [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a $3 billion increase to its buyback program, raising it from $2 billion to $5 billion, indicating a strong commitment to returning capital to unitholders [12] - Strategic investments in pipelines, marine terminals, and key acquisitions are expected to capitalize on long-term growth from the Haynesville and Permian basins [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in upcoming projects, including the Bahia Pipeline and Seminole Pipeline Conversion, which are expected to enhance capacity [10] - The management team highlighted that the Permian Basin remains primarily an oil basin, with the addition of more gas pipelines being beneficial for producers [23] Other Important Information - The company has completed a multi-year capital deployment cycle that began in 2022, positioning itself for future growth [12] - The integration of recently acquired assets from Occidental is expected to unlock significant revenue potential, with an incremental $200 million in revenue anticipated by 2027 [92] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will the new Permian gas pipelines drive more production? - Management indicated that while the Permian Basin is primarily an oil basin, the new gas pipelines will enhance NGL transportation and be beneficial for producers [23] Question: Is there unlimited demand for LPG in Asia? - Management noted that demand is growing internationally, and the U.S. will export what is needed to balance the market, with price adjustments expected based on global demand [25][26] Question: What is the capital allocation outlook for the next few years? - The company expects organic growth capital expenditures in the range of $2 billion to $2.5 billion, with a focus on splitting free cash flow between buybacks and debt paydown [36] Question: How is the integration of Occidental's assets progressing? - The acquisition is strategic, with significant organic growth opportunities identified, including over 1,000 drillable locations [92] Question: What is the outlook for the Permian sour gas opportunity? - Management remains optimistic about the Permian sour gas opportunity, with plans for additional treating capacity coming online in the near future [96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales increased by 8% driven by pricing benefits and resilient demand in the Americas Welding and Harris Products Group segments [6][12] - Adjusted EPS performance rose by 15% with record cash flow generation and a cash conversion rate of 149% [6][12] - Gross profit margin expanded by 90 basis points to 36.7% despite lower volumes [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas Welding sales increased by approximately 9% due to higher prices and a contribution from acquisitions, with volume declines narrowing to about 2% [14][15] - International Welding segment sales rose by 1.6%, with a 4% benefit from acquisitions and 2% from favorable foreign exchange, but volumes decreased by 4% [16] - Harris Products Group sales increased by 15%, driven by 2% higher volumes and nearly 12% higher prices [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales in the Americas increased by a high single-digit percentage, while international heavy industries faced challenges [9][10] - The automation portfolio faced deferred capital spending, particularly in the automotive sector, but showed signs of improvement in order rates [8][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is in the final quarter of its five-year Higher Standard 2025 strategy, focusing on long-term growth and balanced capital allocation [10][11] - Strategic investments and operational agility are aimed at offsetting inflation and volume headwinds while maintaining a neutral price-cost position [6][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about demand trends in construction and infrastructure, with expectations for a gradual recovery in capital investment [22][36] - The company anticipates a modest sequential improvement in operating income margin and is maintaining its top-line and margin assumptions for the year [19][20] Other Important Information - The company generated record cash flows from operations, with a year-to-date increase of approximately 13% [18] - A 5.3% increase in the annual dividend payout rate was announced, marking the 30th consecutive increase [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand trends in construction and infrastructure - Management noted continued strength in the Americas welding segment, with challenges in international markets [26] Question: Automation order rates and margin implications - Management indicated that while automation has higher fixed costs, an uptick in orders is expected to improve margins in the future [27][30] Question: Cycle positioning and demand recovery into 2026 - Management is cautiously optimistic about growth, emphasizing the need for consistent order activity before predicting a recovery [36][45] Question: Pricing dynamics and demand elasticity - Management observed that demand has been more resilient than expected, with volume trends starting to improve [42][43] Question: Volume expectations for the fourth quarter - Management expects traditional seasonality in the fourth quarter, with a modest sequential improvement in operating margins [55][56] Question: LIFO charges and accounting dynamics - Management clarified that LIFO accounting resets annually and that temporary cost savings will revert as volumes improve [59] Question: Harris Products Group pricing dynamics - Management explained that pricing is largely driven by commodity prices and market adjustments, with expectations for continued pricing strength [65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter 2025 global sales from continuing operations totaled $2.8 billion, increasing 5% on a reported basis and 2% on an operational basis [17] - Adjusted earnings from continuing operations were $0.69 per share, reflecting a 41% increase versus the prior year [30] - Adjusted operating margin on a continuing operations basis was 14.9%, improving 40 basis points compared to the prior year [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the Medical Products & Therapies (MPT) segment were $1.3 billion, declining 1% due to softness in Infusion Therapies and Technologies [18] - Infusion Therapies and Technologies division sales totaled $1 billion, declining 4% primarily due to lower infusion pump sales [18] - Advanced Surgery sales totaled $306 million, growing 11% globally, driven by strong demand for hemostats and sealants [20] - Pharmaceuticals segment sales totaled $632 million, increasing 7%, with Injectables and Anesthesia division growing 3% [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. demand for IV Solutions remains below pre-Hurricane Helene levels, with expectations for further recovery at a moderate pace [20] - Total U.S. capital orders for Care and Connectivity Solutions increased 30% compared to the prior year, indicating robust demand [23] - The company anticipates continued softness in specialty mix products within Pharmaceuticals, impacting overall growth [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on stabilizing business areas that require increased attention, strengthening the balance sheet, and driving a culture of continuous improvement [11][14] - A reduction in the quarterly dividend to $0.01 per share is planned to free up cash for deleveraging [13][31] - The company plans to launch an Investor Day in 2026 to provide deeper insights into long-term strategy and financial outlook [40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges current performance challenges and emphasizes the need for immediate actions and long-term solutions [9] - The company expects operational sales growth of 1 to 2% for 2025, reflecting updated expectations due to evolving business dynamics [33] - Management remains confident in the strength of the IV Solutions business over the medium and long term despite current challenges [20][76] Other Important Information - The company has undergone significant transformation in recent years, becoming more streamlined and focused [11] - The introduction of Baxter GPS, a new growth and performance system, aims to drive continuous improvement across the organization [14] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Vision for Baxter and future changes - Management emphasizes a focus on stabilizing business areas, strengthening the balance sheet, and driving a culture of continuous improvement [39][40] Question: Potential for positive growth in 2026 - Management anticipates growth but is not providing specific guidance for 2026 at this time [43] Question: Impact of Novum on guidance - The hold on Novum IQ Large Volume Pump is affecting sales, leading to customer evaluations of alternative solutions [57] Question: Free cash flow generation - Management expects continued positive free cash flow, particularly in the fourth quarter, and is focused on improving working capital [63][64] Question: Hospital CapEx and political impacts - There has been no observed slowdown in hospital capital spending despite political uncertainties, with robust order growth reported [78]

October 30, 2025 DISCLAIMER Forward Looking Statements This presentation contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company that are based on beliefs of the Company's management as well as assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events, in particular regarding dividends (including our dividend plans, timing and the amount and growth of any dividends), daily charter rates, vessel utilization, the future number of newbuilding deliveries, oil ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - MGM Resorts reported a consolidated net revenue growth this quarter, despite challenges in Las Vegas, indicating the benefits of geographic and channel diversity [5][6] - The Las Vegas segment reported $601 million in EBITDA, down $130 million year over year, attributed to decreased business interruption proceeds and operational impacts [12][13] - Net revenue in Las Vegas declined by 7%, while expenses were managed down accordingly, including a 7% decrease in full-time employees [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Regional operations achieved record total revenue and EBITDA, with Borgata posting all-time high table games drop and slot win [9][15] - MGM China achieved record Q3 EBITDA despite a $12 million impact from a typhoon, ending the quarter with a market share of 15.5% [15] - MGM Digital reported a revenue growth of 23% during the quarter, although segment EBITDA was a loss of $23 million due to increased investment in Brazil [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Las Vegas is expected to receive over 40 million visitors in 2025, with signs of stabilization in the luxury market segment [7][8] - In Macau, visitation increased by 11% during the Golden Week holiday period, with total win up 20% [15] - The BetMGM North American venture reported outstanding results and is expected to begin distributing cash back to MGM Resorts [15][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on premium, market-leading integrated resort operations and optimizing its portfolio for value opportunities [5][4] - MGM is committed to diversifying its business, with significant investments in Japan and digital channels, aiming for a high teens return upon opening [11][12] - The company is also exploring share buybacks as a means to enhance shareholder value, given the current undervaluation of its stock [18][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the fourth quarter and 2026, citing strong group demand and improvements in room rates [14][23] - The company acknowledged challenges in the Las Vegas market but emphasized proactive measures to enhance customer experience and value [6][42] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards in the gaming industry and the need for continued investment in customer understanding [21][62] Other Important Information - The company announced the sale of Northfield Park for $546 million, reflecting a significant premium to MGM's current share price [5][18] - A $300 million yen-denominated credit facility was entered to support funding commitments for MGM Osaka [12] - The retirement of COO Corey Sanders was acknowledged, marking a significant transition for the company [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Decision to exit New York - Management explained that the decision was influenced by high tax hurdles and competitive pressures, leading to a reassessment of capital allocation [24][25] Question: Return hurdles for investment - Current return thresholds are high due to the share price, with a focus on projects like Japan that have favorable supply-demand dynamics [26] Question: Digital growth and investment balance - Digital investments are currently cash generative, with a focus on growing existing businesses rather than pursuing inorganic growth [31] Question: Las Vegas stabilization outlook - Management indicated sequential improvement in Las Vegas, with expectations for better performance in Q4 driven by group demand [33] Question: Strategy in Macau amidst competition - MGM China focuses on quality products and customer understanding to maintain market share, with ongoing CapEx projects to enhance offerings [36][38] Question: Capital projects in Las Vegas - Management confirmed that the disruption from renovations is expected to ease, leading to improved ADR and occupancy over time [78] Question: Outlook for 2026 group events - The company anticipates a strong convention mix in the first half of 2026, which will support room occupancy and rate increases [70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the third quarter, net sales decreased by 3%, and in local currency, excluding the Kichler divestiture, sales decreased by 2% [6][11] - Operating profit was $312 million, with an operating profit margin of 16.3% [6][12] - Earnings per share for the quarter was $0.97 [6][12] - Gross margin was 34.6%, impacted by higher tariffs and commodity costs [11][12] - The company anticipates adjusted earnings per share for 2025 to be in the range of $3.90 to $3.95, down from a previous expectation of $3.90 to $4.10 [9][10] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Plumbing sales increased by 1% in local currency, driven by favorable pricing, with North American plumbing sales also up by 1% [6][14] - Decorative Architectural segment sales decreased by 12%, or 6% excluding the Kichler divestiture, with operating profit for the segment at $128 million and an operating margin of 19.1% [7][15] - Total paint sales decreased in low single digits, with DIY paint sales down mid-single digits due to soft demand [8][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International plumbing sales were in line with the prior year in local currency, with growth in many European markets but challenges in China [7][14] - The U.S. and international repair and remodel markets are expected to decrease low single digits in 2025 [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to unlock opportunities through strong execution, strategic investments, and innovative product introductions [5][10] - Focus on maintaining agility in response to macroeconomic uncertainties and rising costs [9][10] - The company is committed to capital deployment, returning $188 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [9][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that near-term market conditions remain a headwind, but the company is focused on growing market share and driving long-term shareholder value [6][10] - Structural factors for repair and remodel activity remain strong, including aging housing stock and high home equity levels [10][19] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate dynamic environments and deliver long-term value [10][11] Other Important Information - The company generated strong free cash flow and maintained a solid balance sheet, with gross debt to EBITDA at two times [16] - The total annualized cost impact of tariffs is estimated at approximately $270 million, with ongoing efforts to mitigate these costs [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of competitor price increases on paint pricing outlook - Management indicated that they do not expect significant pricing increases for paint as they maintain a price-cost neutrality relationship with The Home Depot [23][24] Question: Long-term impact of tariffs on plumbing margins - Management discussed ongoing efforts to mitigate tariff impacts through sourcing changes and pricing actions, aiming to offset costs and restore margins over time [25][26] Question: Surprises in plumbing margins for Q3 - Management noted that Q3 results were impacted by tariffs, industry softness, and elevated commodity costs, with adjustments in inventory reserves also affecting margins [29][30] Question: Dynamics in builders' hardware business - Management explained that the builders' hardware business faced softness in sales due to shipping timing changes but does not expect significant impacts for the full year [32][33] Question: Inventory reserves and their impact - Management clarified that adjustments in inventory reserves were larger than typical due to market conditions, impacting plumbing segment margins [84][85]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 billion with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.3% for Q3 2025, reflecting resilience in a challenging environment [4][14] - Operating cash flow was $1.1 billion, and adjusted free cash flow was approximately $850 million, indicating strong cash generation capabilities [7][14] - Net sales for the group reached $8 billion, with North America contributing $4.7 billion, EMEA and APAC $2.8 billion, and Latin America $500 million [14][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America achieved an adjusted EBITDA of $810 million and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 17.2%, driven by higher selling prices and operational improvements despite lower volumes [14][15] - EMEA and APAC reported adjusted EBITDA of $419 million with a margin of 14.8%, demonstrating resilience amid market challenges [16][17] - Latin America maintained a strong performance with an adjusted EBITDA margin exceeding 21%, supported by robust market positions in Brazil and central clusters [6][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, box volumes were down 7.5% year-over-year, while consumer packaging shipments decreased by 5.8% [15] - EMEA and APAC experienced flat corrugated box volumes, with pricing increases offsetting some cost pressures [17] - Latin America saw significant growth in demand, particularly in Colombia (8% growth), Chile (15%), and Peru (25%) during Q3 [11][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing its asset base through facility closures and capacity rationalization, including the closure of a corrugated facility in California and 500,000 tons of capacity in paper grades [5][8] - The owner-operator model has been implemented to enhance local accountability and profitability, with a significant reduction in loss-making units [9][77] - The company plans to maintain a flexible capital allocation framework, with a CapEx target of $2.4 to $2.5 billion for 2026, aimed at supporting growth and efficiency [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging demand backdrop but expressed confidence in the company's positioning for future growth as economic conditions improve [25][26] - The company anticipates additional economic downtime in Q4 to optimize operations, with a revised full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance of $4.9 to $5.1 billion [22][24] - Management highlighted the importance of continuous cost reduction programs to mitigate wage inflation and improve profitability [32][60] Other Important Information - The synergy program is on track to deliver $400 million in full run-rate savings by the end of the year [21] - The company has initiated global and regional leadership programs to enhance management capabilities and drive performance [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you expedite cost takeout in Europe given the market weakness? - Management indicated that they have optimized capacity in Europe and are continuously looking for cost reduction opportunities, although the system is running efficiently [30][32] Question: How did demand trend in North America and Europe in September and October? - Management noted that they expected an uptick in October but did not see it, attributing some of the lost business to previous unprofitable contracts [36][37] Question: What is the expected EBITDA impact from the economic downtime in Q4? - The estimated EBITDA impact from the downtime is between $60 million to $70 million, primarily affecting North America [42][43] Question: How is the company managing inventory levels in North America? - Management stated that inventory levels are improving but are not yet optimal, with ongoing efforts to rationalize supply chains [45][46] Question: What factors are driving the shift from CRB to SBS? - The shift is driven by SBS's competitive pricing and superior qualities such as brightness and printability, making it more appealing to customers [34][75] Question: What is the outlook for pricing in Europe? - Pricing in Europe has seen increases, but future trends will depend on demand recovery, with management optimistic about potential improvements [65][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record after-tax operating income of over $1 billion and net income exceeding $1.3 billion, both up 37% year over year [5] - After-tax operating earnings per share reached $2.77, representing an 18.5% annualized operating return on average common equity [5] - Year-to-date book value per share growth was 17.3%, with a quarterly consolidated combined ratio of 79.8% reflecting excellent underwriting performance [5][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The property and casualty insurance group reported underwriting income of $129 million, up 8% year over year, with a combined ratio of 93.4% [7] - The reinsurance segment achieved a record underwriting income of $482 million, with a combined ratio of 76.1%, showing significant improvement [9][17] - The mortgage segment generated $260 million of underwriting income for the quarter, maintaining a strong performance despite modest mortgage originations [11][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net return premium in North America for liability occurrence grew by 17%, while property and short-tail book increased by 15% [8] - International premium volume remained essentially flat, indicating a stable but challenging market environment [8] - The company noted increasing competition in the market, leading to a focus on underwriting discipline and risk-based pricing [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maximize returns for shareholders over the long term by deploying capital into attractive underwriting opportunities [6][13] - The strategy includes prioritizing profitable growth while maintaining flexibility across insurance, reinsurance, and mortgage segments [7] - The company is actively looking to invest in businesses that generate superior risk-adjusted returns, with a focus on the middle market [9][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate a transitioning market, emphasizing the importance of underwriting discipline and data analytics tools [6][68] - The outlook for the insurance segment remains bullish, with expectations for growth in casualty lines despite some headwinds in professional lines [25][40] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by a competitive environment but remains optimistic about the company's positioning and capital strength [13][20] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $732 million of shares in the quarter, reflecting a strong capital position and commitment to returning capital to shareholders [20] - The delinquency rate for the mortgage insurance business increased to 2.04%, aligning with seasonal expectations [18] - The company maintains a conservative investment portfolio, with net investment income reaching a quarterly record of $408 million [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future Buyback Levels - Management indicated that share buybacks will likely be the preferred method of capital return in the short term, given strong earnings and limited growth opportunities [23][24] Question: Insurance Premium Growth Outlook - Management remains bullish on insurance growth, particularly in casualty lines, despite some non-renewals and market softening [25][26] Question: Impact of Hurricane on Exposure - Management stated it is too early to assess potential exposure from a hurricane affecting the Caribbean [28][30] Question: Reinsurance Growth Normalization - Management estimated that normalized growth in reinsurance, absent one-off items, might have been around a decrease of 3% to 4% [34][35] Question: MGA Marketplace Growth - Management expressed skepticism about the long-term sustainability of the MGA model, citing concerns over incentive alignment and information delays [82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 9.2% increase in consolidated sales year-over-year, with acquisitions contributing 6.3 percentage points to growth, while organic sales growth was 3% [17] - EBITDA increased by 13.4% year-over-year, with EBITDA margins expanding to 12.2%, up 46 basis points from the previous year [21] - Earnings per share (EPS) rose 11.4% to $2.63, benefiting from a reduced share count due to buyback activity [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The service center segment saw organic sales growth of 4.4%, driven by internal initiatives and firming technical MRO demand [22] - The engineered solutions segment experienced a 19.4% increase in sales, primarily due to acquisitions, but organic sales decreased by 0.4% year-over-year [23] - Hydradyne's EBITDA contribution improved by over 20% sequentially, indicating strong progress in integration and synergy initiatives [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-over-year organic sales growth was reported at 3%, the strongest in two years, with 16 out of the top 30 markets showing positive sales growth [6] - Strongest growth was observed in machinery, food and beverage, refining, pulp and paper, metals, oil and gas, and aggregates, while declines were noted in lumber and wood, transportation, chemicals, mining, and utilities [6][7] - The company noted a stable to slightly positive underlying demand backdrop, with positive order momentum across various segments [10][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage ongoing operational initiatives and structural mix tailwinds to achieve mid to high teen incremental annual margin targets [13] - M&A remains a top capital allocation priority, with an active pipeline of mid-sized targets across both segments [15] - The company is focused on enhancing its technical differentiation and value-added service capabilities through strategic acquisitions [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the first quarter performance, highlighting stronger top-line trends and sustained positive order momentum [30] - The company anticipates that industrial activity will remain mixed in the near term, with expectations for order conversion to be more weighted toward the second half of fiscal 2026 [27][28] - Management noted that customer sentiment is gradually improving, with favorable demand signals across traditional and emerging markets [31] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with approximately $419 million in cash and a net leverage ratio of 0.3 times EBITDA, indicating a solid balance sheet position [25] - Free cash flow totaled $112 million, representing a conversion rate of 111% relative to net income [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on holiday shutdowns from customers - Management indicated it is still early to assess customer plans for holiday shutdowns, but some customers are expected to remain active [36] Question: Supplier pricing behavior - Management noted no significant changes in supplier behavior, with price increases being orderly and manageable [39][40] Question: Engineered solutions performance expectations - Management expects engineered solutions to potentially outperform service centers in the second half of fiscal 2026 due to order backlog conversions [44] Question: Order growth dynamics - Management explained that order growth is encouraging, but project conversion times vary based on complexity and scheduling [52] Question: Pricing expectations for the year - Management maintained a cautious outlook on pricing, indicating it may not ramp beyond the current 200 basis points without clearer market activity [55] Question: Capital allocation priorities - Management confirmed that organic growth opportunities and M&A remain top priorities, with a disciplined approach to acquisitions [63]