Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales for Q3 2025 were $644.9 million, up from $579.4 million in Q3 2024, representing a 20.5% increase when excluding the impact of the exited E and C transit bus business [14] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA increased to $64.1 million from $45.2 million in Q3 2024, a year-over-year increase of 66.1% when excluding the $6.6 million impact from the divested bus business [15][16] - Trade working capital decreased to $191.6 million from $248.2 million at the end of fiscal 2024, primarily due to lower inventory balances and increased customer advances [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specialty Vehicles segment sales were $483.3 million, an increase of 11.8% compared to the prior year, with adjusted EBITDA of $64.6 million, up 71.4% year-over-year [17][18] - Fire unit shipments increased by 11% and ambulance unit shipments increased by 7% compared to the previous year, reflecting operational resilience and increased throughput [6][18] - Recreational Vehicle segment sales rose to $161.7 million, a 9.7% increase, but adjusted EBITDA decreased by 13.8% due to increased dealer assistance and tariff impacts [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specialty Vehicles segment backlog at the end of the quarter was $4.3 billion, with a decrease in the number of units in backlog by approximately 4% sequentially and 6% year-over-year [19][22] - Recreational Vehicle segment backlog declined by 7% year-over-year, reflecting soft end market demand and dealer caution [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reinvesting in its businesses to drive long-term growth, pursuing opportunistic share repurchases, and maintaining a sustainable dividend while evaluating M&A opportunities [13] - A significant investment of approximately $20 million is being made to expand the Spartan Emergency Response facility, increasing fire apparatus production capacity by 40% [8][9] - The company aims to improve operational efficiency and quality through targeted capital investments across its fire and ambulance groups [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to manage tariff impacts and maintain strong performance, raising the fiscal 2025 outlook based on year-to-date performance [13][27] - The company anticipates continued demand for fire apparatus and ambulance units, with expectations for low single-digit sequential revenue growth in the Specialty Vehicles segment for Q4 [20] - Management acknowledged the challenges in the Recreational Vehicle segment due to macroeconomic uncertainty but remains optimistic about the long-term outlook [21][23] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of its Lance Camper business, streamlining its RV portfolio to focus on motorized RVs [11] - Year-to-date cash flow has strengthened the balance sheet, allowing for continued investments and enhancing financial flexibility [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Were the record EBITDA margins in line with expectations? - Management confirmed that they are on track with their midterm targets and are pleased with the progression [31][32] Question: Will the first quarter of fiscal 2026 start slow due to tariffs? - Management expects a typical sequential decline in sales of 10-15% in the first quarter, with incrementals aligning with previous guidance [34] Question: How is pricing being managed in light of tariffs and inflation? - Management is actively reviewing pricing strategies to offset inflation costs but has not yet implemented price increases specifically due to tariffs [36][46] Question: Is the company seeing any impact from steel and aluminum tariffs? - Management indicated that they are managing costs through supplier relationships and have not seen a significant change in expected tariff impacts [41][43] Question: What is the outlook for the fire business and delivery timelines? - Management noted that delivery timelines are improving, and they expect to maintain competitive lead times while managing backlog normalization [51][53] Question: How is the company approaching capital deployment with strong cash flow? - Management emphasized the importance of investing in productivity improvements while remaining opportunistic regarding M&A opportunities [76][78]