Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q3 2026 were $47.6 million, a 4% year-over-year increase, driven by a 31% increase in fire services products [4][21] - Adjusted EBITDA, excluding FX, was $200,000, a decrease of $4.5 million, or 95%, compared to $4.7 million for the same period last year [5][24] - Adjusted gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 31.3% from 41.7% in the comparable year-ago period [5][23] - The net loss for the quarter was $16 million, or $1.64 per share, compared to a net income of $100,000, or $0.01 per share, for Q3 2025 [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fire services revenue increased by $6 million year-over-year, driven by $3.4 million in sales from the Veridian acquisition and organic growth of $3 million [22][27] - Adjusted gross profit for the fire services segment decreased due to lower sales, higher product costs, and tariffs [23][25] - Industrial demand softened across several channels, with distributors reducing inventory and certain customers deferring purchases [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic sales were $19.2 million, representing 40% of total revenues, while international sales were $28.4 million, accounting for 60% of total revenues [22] - Sales in Latin America decreased from $5 million to $4.2 million due to political uncertainty affecting purchase decisions [28] - Sales in Asia decreased 19% year-over-year from $3.6 million to $2.9 million [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its market share in the fragmented $2 billion fire protection sector and growing its industrial products business [4][7] - Strategic acquisitions of California PPE and Arizona PPE are expected to enhance the North American service segment of the global fire services market [7][8] - The company plans to navigate macroeconomic challenges while expanding top-line revenue in fire services and industrial verticals [33][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the impact of tariff uncertainty, inflation, and supply chain costs on revenue and gross margin [9][12] - The company remains optimistic about long-term demand signals and expects headwinds to ease as it moves into calendar year 2026 [12][35] - Management has withdrawn formal guidance and is shifting to a more disciplined operating model focused on measurable execution and cash generation [11][13] Other Important Information - The company completed a $6.1 million sale and partial leaseback of its Decatur, Alabama warehouse, resulting in a gain of $4.3 million [8] - Inventory at the end of Q3 was $87.9 million, down from $90.2 million at the end of Q2 [10][31] - The company has suspended its quarterly cash dividend to reinvest profits into growth opportunities [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: What makes the $38 million fire service tenders high probability? - The company believes these tenders are high probability due to existing relationships with fire departments, competitor struggles, and being written into specifications [37] Question: What is the status of certification delays? - Certification delays are due to a backlog at certification agencies, affecting all manufacturers, with no further delays expected [44] Question: How is the company addressing pricing opportunities? - The company is implementing annual pricing increases strategically across fire and industrial segments while managing competitive pressures [46][48]

Core Insights - Jon Jenkins is stepping down as CEO of Hovis after three years, with his departure following the acquisition of Hovis by Associated British Foods (ABF) from private-equity firm Endless [1][2] - The executive board of Hovis will continue to guide the company's strategic direction, focusing on delivering high-quality products and services to retailers and consumers [2] Company Leadership Changes - Jon Jenkins joined Hovis in 2022 from a senior role at ABF and expressed pride in the achievements during his tenure [3] - Aidan Robson, managing partner at Endless, acknowledged Jenkins' leadership during a challenging period marked by raw material inflation [2][3] Acquisition Details - ABF's acquisition of Hovis is aimed at creating a profitable and sustainable UK bakery business, enhancing innovation and growth while providing value for shareholders [4][5] - The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed, and the deal is pending approval from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) [4] Financial Performance - ABF reported a 2% decline in sales to £9.51 billion ($12.94 billion) for the 24 weeks ending March 1, with adjusted operating profit down 12% to £835 million [5] - Profit before tax fell 21% to £692 million, indicating challenges within the overall group performance [5]