Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net loss of $8.9 million or $0.29 per share for Q2 2025, compared to a net income of $9 million or $0.29 per share a year ago [20] - Consolidated sales for Q2 2025 were $427.6 million, down from $471.2 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to lower sales in the industrial technology segment [21] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $51.4 million, down from $56.8 million in the prior year, reflecting declines in industrial technologies and memorialization segments [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Memorialization segment sales decreased to $205.6 million from $222.2 million year-over-year, primarily due to lower US casketed deaths and the disposal of unprofitable operations [23] - Industrial Technology segment sales fell to $80.8 million from $116.1 million, driven by lower engineering sales and warehouse automation sales [25] - SGK Brand Solutions segment sales increased to $141.2 million from $132.9 million, reflecting higher merchandising sales in the US and Asia Pacific markets [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has reengaged with multiple battery manufacturers and auto OEMs, issuing quotes exceeding $100 million, indicating significant demand for dry battery electrode technology [6] - The energy solutions business is seeing renewed interest from South Korea, North America, and Europe, particularly in the grid storage market [37] - The memorialization segment is expected to stabilize, while warehouse automation is anticipated to show improved results in the second half of the fiscal year [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its energy solutions business, particularly through dry battery electrode technology, and is building solutions to retrofit existing facilities [7] - The SGK transaction is expected to close soon, with an initial consideration of $350 million, which will primarily be used to reduce debt [9] - The company is committed to unlocking shareholder value and is exploring various strategic initiatives despite current market turbulence [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the sales lead time in the energy solutions industry is long, but demand for innovative engineering solutions remains strong [6] - The company expects another stable year for the memorialization business and improved results in warehouse automation as the market begins to recover [17] - Cost reduction initiatives are on track to exceed initial projections of $50 million, with significant savings expected from engineering and administrative costs [30] Other Important Information - The company’s outstanding debt increased to $822 million as of March 31, 2025, with expectations of significant reduction following the SGK transaction [28] - A quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share was declared, payable on May 26, 2025 [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the $100 million in customer quotes compare to last year? - Management indicated that the current quotes are dramatically higher than the same period last year, as the company was relatively out of the market previously [35][36] Question: What are the expectations for organic growth in the memorialization segment? - Management noted that there was normalization in the market, with expectations for continued growth in the upcoming quarters [39][40] Question: Can you elaborate on the cost reduction actions? - Management confirmed that the cost reduction target is running about $20 million this year and $30 million next year [42] Question: What is the status of customer engagement in battery solutions? - Management stated that most of the $100 million in quotes is for mass production, indicating customers are beyond the testing phase [48][49] Question: How does the retrofit opportunity work? - Management explained that the retrofit process allows existing facilities to utilize their equipment, significantly increasing production efficiency without major changes to the factory [66][70]