Core Concept - The 5S system is a management tool that enhances productivity, efficiency, and workplace organization, originating from Japan and integral to Lean Manufacturing [1][4][5] History of 5S - The 5S system was developed in the 1950s by Toyota Motor Corporation and is closely associated with Kaizen and Total Quality Management (TQM) [1][4] - It has been widely adopted across various industries, including automotive, pharmaceutical, food, and service sectors [1] Definition and Principles of 5S - The five principles of 5S are: 1. **Seiri (Sort)**: Distinguishing necessary items from unnecessary ones to enhance workspace efficiency [1] 2. **Seiton (Set in Order)**: Organizing items logically for quick access, ensuring everything has a designated place [1] 3. **Seiso (Shine)**: Maintaining cleanliness in the workplace to identify potential issues and extend equipment life [1] 4. **Seiketsu (Standardize)**: Establishing uniform procedures and guidelines to sustain the previous steps [1] 5. **Shitsuke (Sustain)**: Integrating 5S into daily habits and organizational culture to promote self-discipline [1] Main Objectives of 5S - The primary goals of implementing 5S include: - Increasing productivity and efficiency [2] - Reducing time spent searching for tools or materials [2] - Improving product and service quality [2] - Enhancing workplace safety and minimizing accidents [2] - Creating an organized and motivating work environment [2] - Minimizing waste and unnecessary costs [2] Benefits of Implementing 5S - Economic benefits include the elimination of excess inventory and reduction of waste and repair costs [2] - Safety improvements arise from maintaining a clean and obstacle-free workspace [2] - Human factors are positively impacted, boosting employee motivation and engagement [2] - Quality enhancements lead to reduced errors and improved final product quality [2] - Organizational benefits lay the groundwork for a culture of discipline and continuous improvement [2] Steps to Implement 5S - Key steps for successful implementation of 5S include: 1. Training employees and raising awareness [3] 2. Assessing the current situation and documenting it [3] 3. Starting with a pilot project in one area [3] 4. Implementing the five principles step by step [3] 5. Standardizing procedures and creating guidelines [3] 6. Auditing, monitoring, and continuously improving [3] Challenges in 5S Implementation - Common challenges faced during implementation include: - Employee resistance to change [4] - Lack of support from top management [4] - Inconsistent execution, particularly in sustaining 5S [4] - Insufficient training and awareness [4] - Superficial application done only for audits [4] Case Studies of Successful 5S Implementation - Notable examples of successful 5S implementation include: - Toyota, which significantly improved productivity [4] - Honda, achieving a 30% increase in efficiency post-implementation [4] - Pharmaceutical companies that reduced human errors and improved safety [4] - Service and administrative sectors that increased service speed and customer satisfaction [4] Conclusion - 5S is not merely a method for workplace organization but a culture that fosters order, productivity, safety, and continuous improvement, serving as a foundation for other management systems [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong Q2 performance with significant revenue beats, indicating stabilization in end markets [5][9] - Operating margins improved due to better tariff conditions and effective expense management, with a 200 basis point increase in operating margin outlook for the year [7][42] - Cash flow was strong, with a focus on free cash flow generation [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Process Chrome segment showed strong performance, with over 50% growth in Q2, contributing positively to the overall revenue [10][14] - Consumables experienced consistent growth year-over-year, while instrument sales faced challenges, particularly in the biopharma sector [6][17] - The Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) portfolio expansion is expected to drive mid-single-digit growth rates in the near term, with long-term goals of reaching high single-digit growth [29][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. academic and government (A and G) market is stabilizing, with expectations of a decline of 0% to -10% rather than the previously anticipated -20% [22] - European markets, particularly France and Germany, are under pressure due to shifts in funding from healthcare to defense [23] - The Chinese market remains challenging, with reimbursement rate changes impacting the diagnostics business, but growth outside of China was reported at 3.7% [50][49] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to invest in growth opportunities and is focusing on strategic acquisitions that can provide near-term accretion, such as the recent Stila acquisition [90] - There is an emphasis on improving working capital efficiency and leveraging procurement to enhance margins [68][70] - The company is also looking to expand its presence in diagnostics, particularly in oncology applications [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the stability of the business, noting improved visibility compared to previous years [13][14] - The resolution of the NIH budget is expected to gradually rebuild trust among researchers, which may positively impact instrument sales in the future [24] - The company is preparing for a potential recovery in the diagnostics market, particularly as it relates to the adoption of new technologies [32] Other Important Information - The company closed the Stila acquisition at the end of Q2, with expectations of revenue contribution in the second half of the year being lower than initially projected [34][38] - The impact of tariffs has been mitigated, with a reduction in the anticipated headwind from 130 basis points to 30-40 basis points [53] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the visibility for Process Chrome compared to previous periods? - Management indicated that visibility has improved significantly due to better partnerships with customers, leading to a more stable business outlook [13][14] Question: What is the outlook for the U.S. A and G market? - The company expects the U.S. A and G market to remain stable, with no significant budget flush anticipated [25][26] Question: What are the growth expectations for ddPCR? - The company anticipates mid-single-digit growth in the near term, with long-term goals of reaching high single-digit growth rates [30][31] Question: How is the company addressing working capital efficiency? - Management acknowledged the need for improvement in working capital efficiency and is implementing initiatives to enhance inventory turnover and procurement leverage [68][70] Question: What is the capital allocation strategy moving forward? - The company plans to invest in growth opportunities, pursue strategic acquisitions, and continue share repurchases opportunistically [90][91]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong Q2 performance with significant revenue beats, indicating stabilization in end markets, particularly in process chromatography, which was driven by customer demand [4][6] - Operating margin improved due to stabilization of tariff situations and effective expense management, with cash flow also being strong during the quarter [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Process chromatography showed strong performance, contributing significantly to revenue growth, with visibility improving compared to previous years [7][8] - The life science business is experiencing challenges in the instrument segment, while consumables are seeing consistent activity [11][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. academic and government (A&G) market is expected to remain stable, with a potential decline of 0% to -10% year-over-year, while Europe faces pressures due to geopolitical issues [14][15] - The Chinese market is experiencing challenges, but Japan and Korea have shown improvement [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its portfolio, particularly in the ddPCR segment, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth rates in the near term and aspirations for high single-digit growth in the long term [21][24] - The acquisition of Stillia is expected to contribute to revenue growth, with a focus on integrating teams and products effectively [25][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the operating environment, noting that while there are challenges, there are also opportunities for growth, particularly in diagnostics and life sciences [24][37] - The company is monitoring the impact of tariffs and reimbursement changes, particularly in China, and is focused on improving working capital efficiency [39][54] Other Important Information - The company is implementing lean manufacturing concepts to improve productivity and efficiency within its supply chain [46][48] - There is a focus on capital allocation towards business investments and strategic acquisitions, with share repurchases being considered opportunistically [72][73] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the U.S. A&G market? - Management indicated that the U.S. A&G market is expected to remain stable, with no significant budget flush anticipated [14][17] Question: How is the ddPCR portfolio expected to grow? - The company expects the ddPCR growth rate to improve from low singles to mid-singles, driven by an expanded portfolio [21][24] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on margins? - Initially, a 130 basis point headwind was expected, but this has been mitigated to about 30 to 40 basis points for the remainder of the year [40][41] Question: What are the plans for capital allocation? - The company plans to invest back into the business, focusing on strategic acquisitions and opportunistic share repurchases [72][73] Question: What is the timeline for the next investor day? - The company aims to hold an investor day in the spring, providing a three-year model from 2026 to 2028 [74]

Company Overview - China Yuchai International Limited (CYD) holds a 76.4% equity interest in Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Company Limited (GYMCL)[9] - Yuchai has a total engine production capacity of 600,000 units per annum[11] - Yuchai has over 3,000 domestic service stations throughout China[11] Market and Sales - China's GDP is targeted to grow approximately 5% for 2025[20] - In 2024, commercial vehicle industry unit sales reached 1 million, a YoY decrease of 9.9%[20] - In 2024, total truck sales increased by 15% YoY, with the HD segment accounting for 43% of total truck sales[24] - In 2024, total bus sales approximated 300,000 units, an increase of 28% YoY[24] - China Yuchai's total unit sales in 2024 (excluding NEV) were 344,486 units[31] Financial Performance - In 2024, the company's revenue reached RMB 19.1 billion[128] - The gross profit percentage in 2024 was 14.7%[136] - The profit after tax in 2024 was RMB 0.5 billion[136] - As of 2024, the company's cash and bank balance was RMB 6.4 billion[137] - In 2024, a share buyback was conducted for approximately US$ 39.8 million[142]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-on-year revenue growth of 7.8% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 15.7% were reported for the second quarter [5][19] - Net sales for the second quarter were $173 million, up from $160 million, reflecting both organic and acquisition-related growth [16] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $39.9 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.1%, a 160 basis point improvement [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In-ground pool sales were $79 million, down 2.9%, impacted by adverse weather conditions [17] - Cover sales increased to $37 million, reflecting a 46% growth due to acquisitions and organic growth [17] - Liner sales grew by 5.8% to $57 million, driven by the adoption of the proprietary AI measuring tool [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiberglass pools are projected to account for approximately 75% of in-ground pool sales for the full year [6] - The company expects fiberglass pools to gain another 1% market penetration in 2025 [7] - The Sand States (Florida, Texas, Arizona, California) represent a substantial growth opportunity, accounting for two-thirds of annual new pool starts in the U.S. [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing awareness and adoption of fiberglass pools and auto covers, particularly in the Sand States [12][14] - Recent acquisitions have strengthened the margin profile and contributed to sales growth [6][22] - Lean manufacturing and value engineering initiatives are expected to drive production efficiencies and margin improvements [6][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for the second half of the year despite challenging market conditions [24] - The company reconfirmed its 2025 guidance of 8% net sales growth and 19% adjusted EBITDA growth at the midpoint [23][24] - Management noted that the current pool market is in a trough period, with expectations of a rebound as conditions improve [26] Other Important Information - The company has integrated recent acquisitions fully and is seeing anticipated benefits in sales and margins [22] - The balance sheet remains strong, with cash of $27 million at the end of the quarter and a net debt leverage ratio of 3.0 [20][21] - The company plans to invest between $27 million to $33 million in capital expenditures for 2025 [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company measuring success in marketing campaigns? - Management indicated that the focus is on driving brand awareness and dealer capacity, with significant increases in website activity and leads generated from marketing efforts [34][36] Question: Update on the Sand State strategy? - Management reported good progress in recruiting new dealers and entering master plan communities, with expectations for increased revenue from these markets [38][41] Question: Were fiberglass pool sales affected by weather? - Management confirmed that fiberglass pool sales were impacted but showed a positive trajectory in June and July as weather improved [46][48] Question: What is the outlook for gross margins? - Management expressed satisfaction with the gross margin performance, attributing improvements to acquisitions and lean manufacturing initiatives [49][50] Question: How is labor availability affecting installation? - Management noted no issues with labor availability for fiberglass pool installations, highlighting the efficiency of fiberglass compared to traditional materials [70][72] Question: What are the capital allocation priorities going forward? - Management outlined priorities as investing in the business, pursuing M&A opportunities, and debt repayment [88][90]

Financial Performance - Latham Group reported net sales of $172.6 million for Q2 2025, an increase of $12.5 million or 7.8% from $160.1 million in Q2 2024, driven by both organic and acquisition-related growth [6][7] - Gross profit for Q2 2025 was $64.0 million, up 20.6% from $53.0 million in the prior year, with a gross margin expansion of 400 basis points to 37.1% [9][10] - Net income for Q2 2025 was $16.0 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, compared to $13.3 million, or $0.11 per diluted share in Q2 2024 [11][12] Product Line Performance - In-ground swimming pools generated $78.6 million in sales for Q2 2025, a slight decrease from $80.9 million in Q2 2024, while covers sales increased by 46% to $37.2 million [9][10] - Liner sales grew by 6% year-over-year, contributing to the overall growth in Q2 [4][9] - Fiberglass pools are projected to represent approximately 75% of the company's full-year 2025 in-ground pool sales, supported by targeted marketing initiatives [3][4] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on increasing awareness and adoption of fiberglass pools and autocovers, particularly in the Sand State markets, which has led to a significant increase in dealer additions [2][3] - Marketing campaigns have successfully driven substantial increases in website traffic and consumer engagement in key target locations [3][4] - The acquisition of Coverstar businesses has contributed to the growth in autocover sales and overall market presence [4][5] Margin and Expense Management - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $39.9 million, reflecting a 15.7% increase from $34.5 million in Q2 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.1% [12][16] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses rose to $31.9 million, primarily due to increased marketing and personnel investments related to the Sand State strategy [10][15] Outlook and Guidance - The company reaffirms its full-year guidance of 8% net sales growth and 19% adjusted EBITDA growth at the midpoints, driven by category share gains in fiberglass pools, autocovers, and liners [19][22] - Latham anticipates approximately 60,000 new U.S. pool starts in 2025, aligning with original estimates despite challenging market conditions [19][20]

Summary of Latham's Conference Call Company Overview - Latham is a leading producer of inground residential pools, specializing in fiberglass pools, vinyl liners, and pool covers [2][4] - The company is the largest manufacturer of inground swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand [4] Industry Insights - Fiberglass pools are gaining market share over concrete pools due to lower costs and faster installation [2][12] - The U.S. market for inground pools is currently at 62,000 pools sold in 2024, with expectations of a flat market in 2025 [15][42] - Fiberglass pools represent 23% of all pools installed in the U.S., a number that has increased from 16% in 2019 [14][48] - The company holds a 50% market share in the fiberglass category and is the market leader in other categories with shares of 30-40% [6][7] Growth Strategies - Focus on expanding market share in the "sand states" (Florida, Texas, Arizona, California) where fiberglass pools are underrepresented [4][8] - Strategic priorities include increasing customer awareness, expanding the dealer base, and tailoring products to regional market needs [9][24][30] - The company aims to increase fiberglass pool adoption in the sand states, leveraging demographic similarities to Australia, where fiberglass pools hold a 70% market share [23][24] Financial Performance - The company has implemented restructuring projects to improve operating efficiencies and reduce costs [5][41] - Guidance for 2025 includes an 8% increase in net sales, driven by organic growth and contributions from recent acquisitions [42][43] - EBITDA is projected to increase by 19% compared to 2024, with a target of $95 million in EBITDA for 2025 [44] Market Dynamics - The company has seen a consistent annual conversion rate of 100 basis points towards fiberglass pools [48] - Tariffs are expected to create a $20 million headwind in 2025, but the company has mitigated some of this impact through supply chain strategies and price increases [50][51] - There are no significant cancellations or delays reported, as current installations are based on long-term decisions made by cash buyers [52] Key Takeaways - Latham is well-positioned for growth in the fiberglass pool market, particularly in underrepresented regions - The company is actively managing costs while pursuing strategic growth initiatives - Financial projections indicate a strong outlook for the coming years, despite market challenges and external pressures like tariffs [41][44]

Market Position and Strategy - Latham is the largest manufacturer of in-ground swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand[6] - The company holds the number one share in every subcategory in which it competes[8] - A key strategic priority is accelerating fiberglass share gain in the Sand States[20] - The company aims to outperform the market and achieve significant long-term growth in Net Sales & Adjusted EBITDA[20] Product Portfolio and Market Share - In-Ground Swimming Pools account for 51% of net sales, Liners 23%, and Covers 26%[8] - Fiberglass constitutes 75% of Latham's fiberglass pool sales, while Packaged Pools make up 25%[10] - Latham holds approximately 50% share of the fiberglass category in North America[9] - Replacement sales account for 51% of Liners & Covers sales[12] Financial Outlook - The company's full year 2025 outlook projects net sales between $535 million and $565 million, representing 8% year-over-year growth at the midpoint[49] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 is projected to be between $90 million and $100 million, a 19% year-over-year increase at the midpoint[49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $111.4 million, slightly above $110.6 million in Q1 2024, reflecting positive momentum in fiberglass pools and auto covers [18] - Gross margin increased by 190 basis points to approximately 30% from 28% in the prior year, driven by lean manufacturing and value engineering initiatives [19][20] - SG&A expenses rose to $31 million, up from $26 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to strategic investments in sales and marketing [20] - Net loss narrowed to $6 million or $0.05 per diluted share from a net loss of $8 million or $0.07 per diluted share in the prior year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Inground pool sales were $58 million, down 4% from Q1 2024, impacted by soft industry conditions and adverse weather [19] - Cover sales increased by 18% to $32 million, benefiting from organic growth and acquisitions [19] - Liner sales decreased by 8% to $22 million compared to Q1 2024 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiberglass pools are expected to gain an additional 1% market share in the in-ground pool sector in 2025, driven by cost advantages and eco-friendly attributes [6][7] - Labor scarcity is seen as a tailwind for fiberglass pools due to lower labor intensity compared to concrete pools [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its presence in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California, which account for about two-thirds of annual new pool starts [13] - Key priorities include expanding the dealer base, targeting master plan communities, aligning product offerings with market demand, and targeted marketing campaigns [13] - The company aims to significantly increase its market share in the Sand States through strategic partnerships and new product launches [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the market, noting a slight improvement in industry conditions compared to the previous year, but still expecting trough market conditions to persist in 2025 [5][23] - The company maintains its revenue growth expectation of 8% for 2025, with approximately 5% organic growth and 3% from acquisitions [23] Other Important Information - The company has implemented targeted price increases to mitigate the impact of tariffs on raw materials, which represent about 15% to 20% of the materials used in manufacturing [22] - The company is confident in its ability to offset raw material cost increases through strategic pre-purchasing and operational adjustments [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for margin expansion and SG&A leverage - Management indicated that SG&A leverage is expected to increase as year-over-year growth sets in, with sales projected to increase by about 8% [27] Question: Reaction to new molds and marketing efforts in Sand States - Management reported positive trends in sales and strong progress in aligning with builders in the Sand States, with expectations for continued improvement [29][30] Question: Risks and opportunities in fiberglass pool demand - Management noted that while fiberglass pools can be installed quickly, the buying decision is a longer process, and they have not seen any slowdown in trends [36][39] Question: Impact of tariffs on pricing and margins - Management quantified the tariff headwind at approximately 350 to 400 basis points, with pricing increases aimed at mitigating the remaining impact [41][42] Question: Strength in auto covers and organic growth - The auto cover business outperformed primarily due to acquisitions, but there was also a positive organic impact [76] Question: Demand environment and potential marketing expense adjustments - Management plans to maintain marketing expenses as part of a long-term strategy, despite potential fluctuations in discretionary spending [78][81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $111.4 million, slightly above $110.6 million in Q1 2024, reflecting positive momentum in fiberglass pools and auto covers [18] - Gross margin increased by 190 basis points to approximately 30% compared to 28% in the prior year, driven by lean manufacturing and value engineering initiatives [19][20] - SG&A expenses rose to $31 million, up from $26 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to strategic investments in sales and marketing [20] - Net loss narrowed to $6 million or $0.05 per diluted share from a net loss of $8 million or $0.07 per diluted share in the prior year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Inground pool sales were $58 million, down 4% from Q1 2024, impacted by soft industry conditions and adverse weather [19] - Cover sales increased by 18% to $32 million, benefiting from organic growth and acquisitions [19] - Liner sales decreased by 8% to $22 million compared to the first quarter of 2024 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiberglass pools are expected to gain an additional 1% market share in the inground pool sector in 2025 due to cost advantages and easier installation compared to concrete pools [6][7] - Labor scarcity is seen as a tailwind for fiberglass pools, with 46% of pool builders citing limited access to qualified labor as a significant issue [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its presence in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California, which account for about two-thirds of annual new pool starts [13] - Key priorities include expanding the dealer base, targeting master plan communities, aligning product offerings with market demand, and targeted marketing campaigns [13] - The company aims to significantly increase its market share in the Sand States through strategic partnerships and new product launches [14][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the market, noting a slight improvement in industry conditions compared to the previous year, but still expecting trough market conditions to persist in 2025 [5][23] - The company maintains its revenue growth expectation of 8% for 2025, with approximately 5% organic growth and 3% from acquisitions [23] - Management highlighted the importance of brand visibility and engagement, noting that Latham is the most searched brand among major fiberglass manufacturers [12] Other Important Information - The company announced the resignation of its Chief Commercial Officer, but emphasized the strength of its commercial team [17] - Capital expenditures are expected to range between $27 million and $33 million in 2025, reflecting investments in new production modes and facility expansions [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for margin expansion and SG&A leverage - Management indicated that SG&A leverage is expected to increase as year-over-year sales grow, with a focus on maintaining flat SG&A expenses in the latter part of the year [27][28] Question: Reaction to new molds and marketing efforts in Sand States - Management reported positive trends in sales and strong progress in aligning with builders in the Sand States, with expectations for continued improvement [30][31] Question: Risks and opportunities in the fiberglass pool market - Management noted that while the decision to purchase a pool is a long-term process, they have not seen any significant slowdown in consumer interest or buying decisions [39][41] Question: Impact of tariffs on costs and pricing strategy - Management quantified the tariff headwind at approximately 350 to 400 basis points, with pricing strategies aimed at mitigating the remaining impact [43][44] Question: Strength of auto cover sales and organic growth - The auto cover business outperformed primarily due to acquisitions, but also saw positive organic growth, with a significant portion of sales coming from existing pools [77] Question: Demand environment and potential adjustments to marketing expenses - Management plans to maintain marketing investments despite potential changes in discretionary spending, emphasizing a long-term growth strategy [80][81]