Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In FY 2025, the company achieved a total revenue growth of 12% and an organic revenue growth of 8%, excluding a confidential contract [4][22] - Adjusted EBITDA expanded by 60 basis points to a record margin of 9.6%, building on a previous expansion of 50 basis points in 2024 [4][24] - Free cash flow conversion reached 100%, exceeding the high end of FY 2025 cash flow guidance [4][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Critical Infrastructure segment reported 10% organic growth, while Federal Solutions segment achieved 7% organic growth, both excluding the confidential contract [4] - In Q4, Critical Infrastructure revenue increased by 12% year-over-year, driven by organic growth of 9% and contributions from recent acquisitions [25] - Federal Solutions segment saw a 9% increase in revenue for Q4, with a 6% organic growth, but total revenue including the confidential contract decreased by 22% [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong demand in both North America and Middle East markets, with double-digit revenue growth in both regions [16][19] - The backlog at the end of Q4 totaled $8.7 billion, with a funded backlog of $6.4 billion, representing the highest level since the IPO [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve mid-single digit or better annual organic revenue growth supplemented by accretive acquisitions, targeting double-digit margins by 2028 [8][32] - The focus remains on integrated solutions to move up the value chain and win larger, more strategic programs [7][19] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on unprecedented global infrastructure spending and a favorable federal budget environment [18][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future growth, citing a robust pipeline of opportunities and strong total and funded backlog [36][37] - The company anticipates a positive procurement environment in Federal Solutions, with expectations of achieving a book-to-bill ratio over 1.0 in H1 2026 [44][65] Other Important Information - The company completed three acquisitions in FY 2025 and has a strong balance sheet with a net debt leverage ratio of 1.3 times [29][30] - The acquisition of Applied Sciences Consulting and Altamira Technologies Corporation is expected to enhance the company's capabilities and market presence [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Critical Infrastructure margins - Management confirmed that legacy adjustments are behind them and expects continued margin expansion in Critical Infrastructure, with a focus on North America [40] Question: Order activity in Federal Solutions post-government shutdown - Management noted a positive trend in order activity and anticipates achieving a book-to-bill ratio over 1.0 in H1 2026 [44] Question: Addressable market for DroneArmor system - Management highlighted the unique capabilities of the DroneArmor solution and its potential applications across various federal departments [50] Question: Demand for mega projects in the Middle East - Management reported ongoing strong demand for major projects in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on key upcoming global events [54] Question: Federal Solutions revenue guidance adjustments - Management acknowledged previous revenue guidance revisions due to procurement delays and expressed confidence in a positive procurement environment moving forward [64] Question: Margin outlook and potential for upside - Management indicated that while there are headwinds from a confidential program, there are opportunities for margin expansion through product growth and accretive M&A [72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company reported sales of $751 million, with core sales increasing by 10.8% year-over-year, benefiting from foreign exchange (FX) which added nearly 400 basis points [15][19] - Adjusted EBITDA margin for Q4 was 14.8%, a 90 basis point improvement from the previous year, driven by volume, price, and productivity [16][21] - Adjusted EPS for Q4 was $0.38, up more than 50% from Q4 2024, supported by strong operating profits and share repurchases [13][16] - For the full year 2025, sales reached $2.7 billion, with core sales increasing by 6.5% [17][18] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 was up 26%, resulting in a margin of around 14%, a 2-point improvement over 2024 [13][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specialty Products & Technologies revenue grew nearly 16% year-on-year, with core sales up 10.9% [22] - The orthodontics business, Spark, experienced high single-digit growth, aided by a deferral change [22] - The Equipment and Consumables segment saw core sales increase by 10.7%, with diagnostic core sales up double digits globally [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North American diagnostic market returned to growth in the second half of 2025, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive growth across all business lines [31] - The global implant market is estimated to be growing mid-single digits, with the company slightly outperforming this growth in Q4 [70] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a Value Creation Plan aimed at achieving 2%-4% core growth, 4%-7% EBITDA growth, and 7%-10% EPS growth, with a free cash flow conversion target of 100% or better [7][30] - The company is investing in new product development and customer training, with a significant increase in R&D investment in 2025 [8][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the dental market remains slow but stable, with signs of improvement beginning to emerge [31] - The company expects core revenue growth of 2%-4% for 2026, aligning with medium-term financial objectives [14][26] - Management highlighted potential upsides in diagnostics and consumables, while also acknowledging risks related to macroeconomic volatility and the Chinese market [39][40] Other Important Information - The company implemented a $250 million share repurchase program in early 2025, returning over $160 million to shareholders throughout the year [9][25] - The non-GAAP tax rate for Q4 was 30.3%, with expectations for a reduction to approximately 28% in 2026 due to improved profitability [16][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss guidance and potential upsides and risks? - Management indicated that the core guidance for 2026 is 2%-4%, with upsides including momentum in growth and potential improvements in diagnostics and consumables [34][35] - Risks include macroeconomic volatility and uncertainties in the Chinese market [40][41] Question: What are the expectations for the tax rate? - The expected tax rate for 2026 is around 28%, with potential for further reductions depending on U.S. profit improvements and debt management [46][48] Question: What is the status of VBP for ortho and implants? - Management expects a first-round VBP for ortho and a second-round VBP for implants in 2026, but specific timing remains uncertain [51][53] Question: How did the company achieve higher growth in Q4 compared to previous guidance? - Management attributed the growth to a strong performance in the China ortho market and better-than-expected results in implants [59][64] Question: How do new products contribute to growth? - Management noted that while new products are expected to launch in 2026, their impact was not significant in 2025, with growth driven by pricing and market conditions [70][72]

February 5, 2026 2 SAFE HARBOR Forward-looking statements in this presentation, including statements about our strategic plans and initiatives as well as their financial impacts, demand, product development, and capital expenditure plans and timing of those plans, and our expectations with respect to the costs and benefits of those plans and timing of those benefits, future revenue, crop production and farm income, production levels, price levels, margins, earnings, operating income, cash flow, engineering ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter revenue was $339 million, bringing year-to-date revenue to $988 million, with reported revenue reflecting a $153 million impact from last year's portfolio transitions [5][6] - Adjusted earnings per share increased 10% in the quarter to $1.31 and 11% year-to-date to $3.67, indicating strong earnings quality and durability [6][16] - Adjusted gross margin was 60.2% in the third quarter, up 250 basis points year-over-year, and 60.5% year-to-date, up 390 basis points [13][14] - Free cash flow for the third quarter was $74 million, bringing year-to-date free cash flow to $165 million, representing a more than threefold increase compared to the prior year [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hospital revenue was $144 million in the third quarter, down 1% but up 2% year-to-date organically, with strong performance in Blood Management Technologies offsetting softness in Interventional Technologies [6][9] - Blood Management Technologies grew 8% in the quarter and 11% year-to-date, driven by strong sales of TEG 6s disposables and the heparinase neutralization cartridge [6][7] - Interventional Technology revenue declined 12% in the quarter and 8% year-to-date, primarily due to softness in esophageal cooling and OEM-related headwinds [8][9] - Plasma revenue was $139 million, up 3% on a reported basis, with organic growth of 20% in the quarter and 22% year-to-date, driven by share gains and collection volume [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. plasma collections grew in the low double digits in the third quarter, with the company holding approximately 50% global market share [10] - Blood Center revenue was $57 million in the quarter, growing 3% in the quarter and 4% year-to-date organically, driven by international plasma demand [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on returning the Interventional Technologies franchise to sustainable growth in fiscal 2027, with targeted actions underway to strengthen execution [20][21] - The acquisition of Vivasure is expected to enhance the company's leadership in vascular closure, with a $300 million addressable market identified [43][46] - Capital allocation priorities include investing in organic growth, meeting debt obligations, and opportunistically returning cash to shareholders while maintaining balance sheet flexibility [22][46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the plasma business, highlighting strong share gains and favorable market conditions [25][27] - The company anticipates continued margin expansion, although future increments may be smaller than those seen in fiscal 2026 [30][31] - Management remains optimistic about the growth potential in the vascular closure market, particularly with the anticipated MVP XL label expansion [38][59] Other Important Information - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to a decline of 1%-3%, reflecting improved performance across Plasma, Blood Center, and Blood Management Technologies [11] - Adjusted operating income increased 4% year-to-date to $254 million, with adjusted operating margin expanding 200 basis points to 25.7% [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on plasma growth and sustainability - Management highlighted strong share gains and collection volume growth, indicating a favorable outlook for plasma in fiscal 2027 [25][27] Question: Margin expectations and challenges in the hospital business - Management acknowledged a sequential decline in adjusted operating margin but expressed confidence in overall margin expansion moving forward [30][31] Question: Updates on the IVT business and competition - Management noted that a significant portion of the decline in IVT was due to specific market dynamics, but they are confident in their strategy to return to growth [36][38] Question: Details on the Vivasure acquisition and market positioning - Management emphasized the strategic importance of Vivasure in enhancing their vascular closure portfolio and outlined a measured approach to its market launch [43][46] Question: Sustainability of blood center growth - Management indicated that while the blood center business has shown positive growth, it is subject to order timing and market conditions [79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter revenue was $339 million, bringing year-to-date revenue to $988 million, with reported revenue reflecting a $153 million impact from last year's portfolio transitions [5][6] - Adjusted earnings per share increased 10% in the quarter to $1.31 and 11% year-to-date to $3.67, indicating strong earnings quality and durability [6][16] - Adjusted gross margin was 60.2% in the third quarter, up 250 basis points year-over-year, and 60.5% year-to-date, up 390 basis points [13][14] - Free cash flow for the third quarter was $74 million, bringing year-to-date free cash flow to $165 million, representing a more than threefold increase compared to the prior year [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hospital revenue was $144 million in the third quarter, down 1% but up 2% year-to-date organically, with blood management technologies growing 8% in the quarter [6][9] - Plasma revenue was $139 million, up 3% on a reported basis, with organic growth excluding CSL at 20% in the quarter [9][10] - Blood Center revenue was $57 million in the quarter, growing 3% and 4% year-to-date organically, driven by international plasma demand [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. plasma collections grew in the low double digits in the third quarter, with the company holding approximately 50% global market share [10] - The vascular closure market is experiencing headwinds from increasing PFA adoption, which is affecting growth rates in the electrophysiology market [58][60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on returning the interventional technologies franchise to sustainable growth in fiscal 2027, with targeted actions underway to strengthen execution [20][21] - The acquisition of Vivisure is expected to enhance the company's position in vascular closure, with a market potential of approximately $300 million [44][48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the plasma business, citing strong share gains and favorable market conditions [25][27] - The company anticipates continued margin expansion, although future increments may be smaller than those seen in fiscal 2026 [30][32] Other Important Information - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance, expecting a decline of 1%-3% from a previous range of 1%-4% [11] - Cash on hand at the end of the third quarter was $363 million, up 18% since the start of the fiscal year [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on plasma growth and sustainability - Management highlighted strong share gains and collection volume growth, indicating a favorable outlook for plasma in fiscal 2027 [25][27] Question: Margin outlook and hospital business challenges - Management acknowledged a sequential decline in adjusted operating margin but expressed optimism about stabilization in the hospital business [28][30] Question: IVT business recovery and competition - Management noted that a significant portion of the decline in IVT was due to specific product disruptions, but they are confident in returning to growth [36][38] Question: Vivisure acquisition details - Management emphasized the strategic importance of Vivisure and its potential to enhance the vascular closure portfolio [44][48] Question: Capital deployment strategy - Management outlined a disciplined approach to capital deployment, prioritizing organic growth and debt reduction while maintaining flexibility for future investments [47][48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Brink's reported Q3 2025 revenue of over $1.3 billion, a 6% increase, with 5% organic growth and a 1% foreign currency tailwind [18] - Adjusted EBITDA rose 17% to $253 million, with operating profit up 24% [18] - EBITDA margins reached a record 19%, up 180 basis points year-over-year, driven by productivity and AMS/DRS revenue mix [4][18] - Free cash flow for Q3 was $175 million, a year-over-year increase of 30%, with year-to-date free cash flow up 78% [5][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - AMS/DRS accounted for 28% of total revenue in Q3, with organic growth accelerating from 16% in Q2 to 19% in Q3 [4][10] - CVM organic growth remained consistent, driven by pricing discipline and conversion to AMS/DRS, contributing 2-3 points of growth in CVM [11][31] - The revenue mix is shifting towards higher-margin AMS/DRS, with expectations for this segment to reach 27-28% of total revenue by year-end [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing healthy organic growth across all regions, with particular strength in North America and Latin America [30][60] - The penetration rate for ATM outsourcing remains low, indicating significant growth opportunities in both existing and new markets [13][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Brink's is focused on delivering organic growth primarily from higher-margin subscription-based services of AMS and DRS, with a value creation strategy in place [7][8] - The company is making structural changes to improve profitability and cash generation, including reducing capital intensity and enhancing operational efficiency [8][22] - The management is confident in the long-term growth potential of AMS/DRS, with a target of achieving at least 20% EBITDA margin in North America over the midterm [16][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strategy and execution, highlighting strong pipelines and growth in AMS/DRS [16][60] - The outlook for the fourth quarter includes expected revenue of $1.355 billion, reflecting mid-single-digit organic growth [24] - Management noted that bank consolidation could present opportunities for AMS solutions, enhancing cost synergies for consolidating banks [68][70] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased approximately 1.7 million shares year-to-date at an average price of just over $89 per share, with plans to return at least 50% of free cash flow to shareholders [8][23] - The net debt to EBITDA leverage ratio was reduced to 2.9x, within the targeted range of 2x-3x [9][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Increased full-year growth outlook for AMS/DRS - Management noted good visibility into Q4 and the first half of next year, with strong growth in both AMS and DRS across all regions [27][30] Question: Trends in CVM business - Management indicated that the conversion to AMS/DRS accounted for some organic headwind in CVM growth, with Global Services performing in line with expectations [31] Question: Internal strategies for AMS/DRS growth - Management discussed changes in incentive compensation plans to focus on AMS/DRS growth and the evolution of sales channels to include partnerships [41][44] Question: North America margins and long-term potential - Management highlighted that margin improvements are driven by AMS/DRS mix, disciplined pricing, and operational execution, with incremental margins expected to be 20%-30% [45][50] Question: Midterm goals for free cash conversion - Management expressed confidence in maintaining a conversion target of 40%-45%, driven by the favorable DSO profile of AMS/DRS and improved collections [54][57] Question: Impact of bank consolidation - Management believes bank consolidation could create opportunities for AMS solutions, providing unique offerings and cost synergies for consolidating banks [68][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company revenue for the quarter was $2.6 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $531 million, resulting in a margin of 20.1% when excluding foreign exchange impacts [5][11] - Free cash flow generated was $448 million, with total shareholder distributions amounting to $271 million through dividends and share repurchases [5][12] - Total company backlog at the end of the period was $16.8 billion [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subsea revenue was $2.3 billion, a 5% increase from the previous quarter, driven by increased project activity, particularly in iEPCI projects in Africa, Australia, and the Americas [11] - Surface Technologies revenue was $328 million, up 3% sequentially, primarily due to higher activity in the North Sea and Asia-Pacific [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subsea orders for the quarter totaled $2.4 billion, contributing to a strong commercial performance [5][11] - The company expects to secure over $10 billion in subsea orders in 2025, reflecting confidence in the offshore market's growth [7][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing cycle times and improving project returns through innovations like Subsea 2.0 and iEPCI, which enhance project execution certainty [8][9] - The strategy emphasizes a capital-light approach, with a commitment to return at least 70% of free cash flow to shareholders [10][51] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the offshore market's resilience and the company's ability to secure high-quality projects, with expectations for continued strong activity through the end of the decade [9][10] - The company anticipates a decline in revenue for the fourth quarter due to seasonal impacts but maintains a positive long-term outlook for subsea revenue growth [14][16] Other Important Information - The board authorized an additional $2 billion in share repurchases, reflecting confidence in the company's outlook and commitment to maximizing shareholder value [10] - The company reduced debt by $258 million during the quarter, ending with $438 million in gross debt [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Share repurchase authorization and cash return in 2026 - Management confirmed a commitment to return at least 70% of free cash flow to shareholders, with expectations for strong free cash flow generation in 2026 [22][24] Question: Subsea award intake and working capital expectations - Management indicated that there are more awards to be announced, and working capital expectations will be normalized moving forward [30][31] Question: 2026 subsea guidance and backlog conversion - Management expressed confidence in the 2026 subsea guidance, highlighting strong backlog coverage and the potential for accelerated backlog conversion due to cycle time reductions [39][40] Question: Surface Technologies outlook and all-electric subsea infrastructure - Management noted that the outlook for Surface Technologies remains less certain, while progress on all-electric subsea infrastructure is ongoing, with specific applications identified [66][70] Question: Resource levels and execution capacity - Management assured that they do not take on work they cannot execute and are confident in their staffing and resource levels to meet project demands [84][85]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company revenue for the quarter was $2.6 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $531 million, resulting in a margin of 20.1% when excluding foreign exchange impacts [6][14] - Free cash flow generated was $448 million, with total shareholder distributions amounting to $271 million through dividends and share repurchases [7][16] - The company ended the period with a total backlog of $16.8 billion [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Subsea segment, revenue was $2.3 billion, reflecting a 5% increase compared to the previous quarter, driven by increased project activity, particularly in Africa, Australia, and the Americas [14][15] - Surface Technologies reported revenue of $328 million, a 3% increase from the second quarter, primarily due to higher activity in the North Sea and Asia Pacific [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subsea orders for the quarter totaled $2.4 billion, contributing to a strong commercial performance, particularly in South America [7][8] - The company anticipates a continued shift in capital investment towards offshore projects due to improved project economics and execution certainty [9][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing cycle times and improving project returns through innovations like Subsea two point zero and the integrated execution model iEPCI [11][12] - The management believes that offshore projects will increasingly attract capital investment, driven by advancements in technology and project execution [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving over $10 billion of Subsea orders in 2025 and maintaining strong activity levels through the end of the decade [8][12] - The company has increased its share repurchase authorization by $2 billion, reflecting confidence in future performance and commitment to shareholder value [13][21] Other Important Information - The company reduced its debt by $258 million during the quarter, ending with $438 million of gross debt [17] - Full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance has been increased to approximately $1.83 billion, excluding foreign exchange impacts [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Share repurchase authorization and cash return in 2026 - Management confirmed a commitment to return at least 70% of free cash flow to shareholders, maintaining the same level as in 2025 [25][27] Question: Subsea award intake and working capital expectations - Management indicated that there are still more awards to be announced, and the strong inbound order intake reflects the company's differentiated position in the market [32][35] Question: Subsea revenue guidance and backlog conversion - Management expressed confidence in the 2026 revenue guidance, emphasizing strong backlog coverage and the ability to convert backlog into revenue efficiently [40][42] Question: Surface Technologies outlook and margin drivers - Management noted that while the outlook for Surface Technologies is less certain, they are well-positioned with key clients and technology offerings [74][76] Question: Electric subsea infrastructure opportunities - Management highlighted progress in all-electric subsea projects and identified key areas such as carbon capture and storage that will benefit from this technology [78][80]

Financial Performance - Q4 2025 - Net sales increased from $952.3 million in Q4 2024 to $978.2 million in Q4 2025[8], but gross margin decreased by 60 bps year-over-year[6, 16] - Reported operating profit decreased from $90.9 million in Q4 2024 to $84.3 million in Q4 2025, while adjusted operating profit decreased from $94.2 million to $90.3 million[12] - Reported earnings per diluted share increased slightly from $0.99 in Q4 2024 to $1.00 in Q4 2025, and adjusted earnings per diluted share increased from $1.03 to $1.09[14] Financial Performance - FY 2025 - Net sales decreased from $3.821 billion in FY 2024 to $3.7695 billion in FY 2025[22], with a 1.3% decline in average daily sales[6, 29] - Reported operating profit decreased from $390.4 million in FY 2024 to $301.6 million in FY 2025, and adjusted operating profit decreased from $407.2 million to $315.8 million[25] - Reported earnings per diluted share decreased from $4.58 in FY 2024 to $3.57 in FY 2025, and adjusted earnings per diluted share decreased from $4.81 to $3.76[27] - Free cash flow reached $241 million in FY 2025, representing 122% of net income[6] Sales and Customer Segments - Average daily sales grew by 2.7% year-over-year in Q4 2025, driven by growth initiatives and price increases[6, 16] - Average daily sales for Core and Other Customers increased by 4.1% year-over-year in Q4 2025[6] - Sales to customers with an In-Plant program increased by 11% in Q4 2025, representing 20% of total sales[16] - Sales through vending machines increased by 10% in Q4 2025, representing 19% of total sales[16] Capital Allocation - The company repurchased approximately 496,000 shares in FY 2025 and returned approximately $229 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases[6] - Net debt decreased by approximately $50 million, resulting in a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.10x[36] Outlook - The company expects average daily sales to increase by 3.5% to 4.5% year-over-year in Q1 2026[55] - Adjusted operating margin is expected to be between 8.0% and 8.6% in Q1 2026[55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for Q1 2026 was $1,100,000,000, a 2% increase compared to the same quarter last year [35] - Adjusted segment operating income rose 10% to $147,800,000 from $134,200,000 in Q1 2025 [35] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) remained stable at $0.21, consistent with Q1 2025 [35] - Net finance expense increased to $54,600,000 from $49,500,000 due to additional lease financing costs [36] - Free cash flow was negative $36,200,000, worsening from negative $25,300,000 in Q1 2025, primarily due to higher investment in noncash working capital [37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Civil revenue grew 3% year over year to $607,700,000, with adjusted operating income rising 1% to $107,600,000, resulting in a 17.7% margin [39] - Defense revenue remained stable at $490,900,000, while adjusted segment operating income increased 45% to $40,200,000, delivering an 8.2% margin [40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial aviation market is expected to see a recovery in pilot training demand, with a forecast of 300,000 new pilots needed globally over the next decade [16] - Business aviation remains strong, supported by robust aircraft OEM backlogs and a growing population of high net worth individuals [17] - The defense sector is experiencing a generational upcycle driven by rising geopolitical tensions and increased spending across NATO and the EU [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance shareholder value through deleveraging, targeting a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of approximately 2.5x by fiscal year-end [9] - Focus on operational excellence, capital allocation, and improving free cash flow conversion to drive stronger returns on invested capital [8][18] - CAE plans to leverage its defense technologies across its commercial aviation business to create scalable solutions [47] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the second half of the fiscal year, anticipating a rebound in pilot training demand as airlines resume hiring [70][72] - The company is cautiously optimistic about the recovery in commercial training solutions, expecting a positive inflection in the second half of the fiscal year [19][22] - Management highlighted the importance of aligning with national priorities in defense to capitalize on growth opportunities [10][18] Other Important Information - The company opened a new dedicated training center in Central Europe, reflecting its commitment to supporting customers closer to their operations [24] - CAE's defense business is expected to provide a predictable revenue stream, complementing the growth in civil aviation [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on operational efficiency and margin improvement - Management acknowledged significant investments made in capabilities and sees opportunities for optimization in the civil side of the business [55][56] - The focus will be on leveraging investments to drive earnings growth [56] Question: Impact of transient headwinds on near-term CapEx spending - Management confirmed that CapEx is expected to be slightly lower year over year, maintaining a disciplined approach to capital deployment [63][64] Question: Indicators for a rebound in airline pilot training - Management noted that increased hiring activity is expected as airlines resume operations and aircraft deliveries normalize [74] Question: Executive compensation alignment with operational efficiency goals - Management is assessing various metrics for executive compensation, including return on capital and free cash flow [80][81] Question: Defense margin performance and outlook - Management expressed confidence in executing their strategy and maintaining guidance for the defense segment, with a focus on improving margins [86]