Accessibility StatementSkip Navigation CHICAGO, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) reported results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, which ended on August 24, 2025. All comparisons are against the prior year fiscal period, unless otherwise noted. Highlights CEO PerspectiveSean Connolly, president and chief executive officer of Conagra Brands, commented, "I am pleased by the solid progress we made in the first quarter with top line improvement and continued strate ...

Summary of Digi International's Acquisition of Jolt Software Conference Call Company and Industry - **Company**: Digi International (DGII) - **Acquisition Target**: Jolt Software - **Industry**: Technology, specifically focusing on operational intelligence and workflow optimization in sectors like food and beverage and healthcare Core Points and Arguments - **Acquisition Announcement**: Digi International announced the acquisition of Jolt for $145.5 million in cash, net of Jolt's cash and subject to customary adjustments, funded through existing credit lines [6][7] - **Strategic Fit**: Jolt's operational intelligence platform is expected to enhance Digi's SmartSense market leadership by optimizing workflows and adding capabilities in printing, labeling, and labor scheduling [5][6] - **Revenue Generation**: Jolt generated over $20 million in annualized recurring revenue (ARR) as of January 31, 2025, and is growing at a faster rate than Digi's IoT Solutions segment [7][36] - **Synergies**: The combined business plans to achieve $11 million in incremental annualized adjusted EBITDA by the end of 2026, driven by expected synergies from the merger [7][26] - **Customer Overlap**: There is minimal overlap between Jolt's and SmartSense's existing customer bases, allowing for cross-selling opportunities [12][13] Additional Important Content - **Market Positioning**: The acquisition is seen as a game changer, potentially changing the competitive landscape by offering a comprehensive suite of solutions in both healthcare and food and beverage sectors [55][56] - **Sales Integration**: The two sales organizations will be combined to leverage best practices, focusing on vertical markets rather than territory-based approaches [27][28] - **Financial Profile**: Jolt's financial profile is expected to mirror Digi's existing solutions business, with gross margins likely exceeding 80% [40][41] - **Retention Metrics**: While specific retention metrics were not disclosed, it was indicated that Jolt's customer success organization could benefit from SmartSense's more mature practices [43] - **Future M&A Activity**: Digi remains active in pursuing additional M&A opportunities despite the recent acquisition, indicating a strong leverage position and capability to rapidly deleverage [62] Conclusion - The acquisition of Jolt Software is positioned as a strategic move to enhance Digi International's offerings in operational intelligence and workflow optimization, with significant expected synergies and growth potential in the combined business model.

Core Viewpoint - Ultralife Corporation faced challenges in the second quarter of 2025, with flat organic sales in Battery & Energy Products and a significant decline in Communications Systems sales, but anticipates improved results in the second half of the year and into 2026 due to various factors including new product programs and increased demand from key sectors [1][2]. Financial Performance - Revenue for the second quarter was $48.6 million, a 13.0% increase from $43.0 million in the same quarter of 2024 [3][6]. - Battery & Energy Products sales rose by 25.0% to $45.9 million, largely due to the inclusion of Electrochem Solutions, Inc. [3][6]. - Excluding Electrochem, Battery & Energy Products sales were flat year-over-year, with government/defense sales up 61.1% but commercial sales down 20.4% [3][6]. - Communications Systems sales decreased by 57.2% to $2.7 million, primarily due to shipment delays and order timing issues [3][6]. Profitability Metrics - Gross profit was $11.6 million, representing 23.9% of revenue, down from 26.9% in the same quarter last year [4][6]. - Operating income was $2.3 million, a decline from $3.9 million in the prior year, with an operating margin of 4.6% compared to 9.1% [7][6]. - Net income attributable to Ultralife was $0.9 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, down from $3.0 million or $0.18 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2024 [9][6]. Operating Expenses - Operating expenses increased to $9.3 million from $7.6 million in the same quarter last year, reflecting higher costs associated with new product development and the inclusion of Electrochem [5][6]. - Operating expenses accounted for 19.2% of revenue, compared to 17.8% in the previous year [5][6]. Future Outlook - The company expects a rebound in its Communications Systems business and early purchase orders from new product programs in the battery segment, alongside growth in defense spending and opportunities in the oil & gas sector [2][1]. - Priorities include converting long-term product development into revenue and enhancing operational efficiency for sustainable growth [2][1].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2026 increased 18% year over year to $35.3 million, driven primarily by volume gains [19][20] - Gross profit rose 23.1% to $9.2 million, with gross margin improving to 26.1% from 25% in the same quarter last year [20] - Net income surged 123% to $1.2 million, translating to $0.03 per diluted share, compared to $0.01 per diluted share in the prior year [22] - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $12 million from $7.2 million, driven by $6 million in cash flow from operations [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved significant operational efficiency improvements, particularly in chicken operations, with capacity more than doubling year over year [11] - Trade promotion investments increased to a record 6% of gross revenue, up from 2% in the previous quarter, reflecting a strategic focus on brand building [9][15] - The company reported a 71% year-over-year increase in marketing spend, aimed at driving repeatable and profitable brand growth [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is benefiting from a shift towards deli prepared foods, with more than two-thirds of shoppers purchasing deli prepared meals recently, particularly among millennials and Gen Z consumers [10] - CPI data indicates a nearly two-fold disparity between at-home and away-from-home inflation rates, with grocery store inflation notably lower, positioning the company to capture incremental consumer spending [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its foundational four Cs strategy: cost, controls, culture, and catapult, which aims to enhance operational efficiency and market presence [11] - Strategic investments in production capabilities and automation are expected to deliver meaningful returns, positioning the company for sustainable growth [24] - The company is actively evaluating potential M&A opportunities to enhance category leadership and expand capabilities [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining double-digit growth rates despite macroeconomic challenges, citing strong demand from retailers [27][28] - The company is optimistic about gross margin improvements, supported by hedging strategies and operational efficiencies [30][31] - Management highlighted the importance of profitable growth and the need to balance trade promotion investments with margin targets [22][36] Other Important Information - The company has refined its acquisition criteria, focusing on targets that enhance category leadership and operational scale [52] - New distribution wins were secured during the quarter, expanding customer accounts and product placements at major national retailers [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth rate expectations for the rest of the year - Management remains confident in achieving double-digit growth, supported by retailer demand and consumer trends [27][28] Question: Gross margin outlook amidst chicken price volatility - Management believes gross margins can improve due to hedging and operational efficiencies, despite ongoing commodity headwinds [30][31][36] Question: In-house chicken trimming capabilities - The company aims to achieve 100% in-house chicken trimming this year, with operational capabilities already in place [42][44] Question: Future CapEx projects - No major CapEx projects are anticipated this year, with a focus on potential acquisitions instead [46][48] Question: M&A criteria refinement - The company has become more focused in its M&A criteria, seeking deli companies with manufacturing capabilities [52] Question: Costco promotions and opportunities - Management confirmed ongoing discussions for additional promotions with Costco and expressed optimism about the club channel [60][61] Question: Pricing strategy and quantification - Management refrained from providing specific quantification on pricing changes, indicating it varies by item and customer [64] Question: Update on Walmart, Kroger, and Target rollouts - Progress is being made with Walmart, Kroger, and Target, with new items being introduced and expanded [71][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for 2024 was $35.9 million, a slight decline of 1% from $36.2 million in 2023 [7] - Managed Services revenue for 2024 was $35.1 million, down 2% from 2023, but grew 16.3% when excluding a non-recurring customer and divested revenue [8][11] - Net loss for 2024 was $18.9 million, an increase of $11.5 million compared to a net loss of $7.4 million in 2023 [12] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was negative $1.5 million, compared to negative $1.1 million in Q4 2023 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q4 2024 was approximately $11 million, a 23.7% increase year-over-year [13] - Managed Services revenue in Q4 2024 was $10.9 million, growing 24% compared to the prior year quarter [13] - Managed Services bookings grew about 45% to $11 million in Q4 2024 compared to $7.6 million in Q4 2023 [14] - SaaS Services revenue totaled $117,000 in Q4 2024, slightly up from $111,000 in the prior year quarter [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company divested its Australian subsidiary, Hoozu, which accounted for $3.4 million in 2024 revenue but was unprofitable [11] - The focus is shifting to an "America-first" strategy to mitigate geopolitical, tariff, and currency risks [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is simplifying its product offerings to enhance customer experience and focusing on high-growth market segments [25] - A strategic reset was initiated in Q4 2024, emphasizing cost structure improvements and a path to breakeven on a cash basis [26] - The share buyback commitment was increased from $5 million to $10 million, reflecting confidence in the company's value [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's future and the ability to deliver additional value to stakeholders [30] - The strategic actions taken in Q4 are expected to accelerate the path to profitability [29] Other Important Information - The company had $51.1 million in cash and investments as of December 31, 2024, a decrease of $3.3 million from the prior year quarter [19] - There is no debt on the balance sheet, positioning the company well for future growth and acquisition opportunities [21] Q&A Session Summary - No specific questions or answers were documented in the provided content, indicating the end of the Q&A session without notable inquiries or responses [32]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2024, the company delivered $378 million of adjusted EBITDA on $1.4 billion of revenue, with capital expenditures of $118 million [38][39] - The fourth-quarter total operating revenues were $289 million, primarily impacted by fewer operating days due to planned out-of-service time and cold stacking of rigs [40] - The company maintained a strong balance sheet with gross principal debt of $625 million and cash holdings of $505 million, resulting in a net debt position of $120 million [42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company returned over $500 million in capital to shareholders and had a contracted backlog of $1.3 billion, with $400 million from divesting non-core assets [8][9] - The share repurchase program returned a total of $792 million to shareholders, reducing the issued share count by 22% since September 2023 [9][44] - The West Vela secured additional work, adding $20 million to backlog, while the West Jupiter and West Telus were awarded three-year contracts with Petrobras, commencing in 2026, providing $1 billion in incremental backlog [28][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The drillship marketed utilization is currently in the mid-eighties, down from the high nineties in 2023, indicating a softening market [32] - The company has approximately 75% of available rig days contracted across its marketed fleet in 2025, insulating it from market volatility [32] - The market outlook indicates a slow pace of contracting in 2025 due to capital discipline and supply chain constraints, with around 30 floaters available globally without firm contracts [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a pure-play floater company, having executed a strategy to rationalize its fleet and divest non-core assets [49][50] - The focus remains on delivering safe and efficient operations while optimizing the cost base to navigate market volatility [25][140] - The company is positioned to capitalize on future demand increases, particularly in deepwater projects, which are expected to be more profitable with lower carbon emissions intensity [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future demand, although visibility remains unclear due to current market conditions [12] - The company is prepared to navigate regulatory challenges in Brazil and is actively engaging with clients and regulatory bodies to address new expectations [55][90] - The management highlighted the importance of maintaining a low-cost operating structure to remain competitive in the industry [140] Other Important Information - The company reported legal matters involving Petrobras, with claims amounting to approximately $213 million related to delayed penalties from contracts dating back to 2012 [22][21] - The company intends to vigorously defend its position regarding these claims and is evaluating all options, including potential counterclaims [23][58] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide details on the 50 days of downtime for the Telus? - Management confirmed the downtime was due to a protracted regulatory clearance process, not a change in rules [54][55] Question: Is the claim from Petrobras related to the Sete rigs a new claim? - Management indicated surprise at the claim and noted that penalties are capped at 10% of the contract value [57][58] Question: What is the tone of conversations with clients regarding project economics? - Management noted an increase in exploration activity and optimism for future demand, particularly for projects starting in 2026 and 2027 [66][68] Question: How will operating expenses be managed for rigs without clear work? - Management stated that they will be disciplined and may stack rigs if there is no clear line of sight for work [83] Question: What is the company's stance on share buybacks given the current uncertainty? - Management acknowledged the attractive share price but emphasized the need for cash conservation and board consultation before further buybacks [111][112] Question: How does the new leadership at ANP affect regulatory scrutiny? - Management noted that the regulatory focus can shift and emphasized the importance of adapting to new expectations [90][102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ambac reported a consolidated net loss of $548 million or $10.23 per diluted share for Q4 2024, compared to a net loss of $16 million or $0.24 per diluted share in Q4 2023 [28] - The consolidated adjusted net loss was $6 million or $0.12 per diluted share for Q4 2024, compared to adjusted net income of $4 million or $0.10 per diluted share in Q4 2023 [30] - The company recorded a $570 million loss on the sale of its legacy financial guarantee business, now reported as discontinued operations [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The P&C business generated nearly $900 million in premiums, up 74% from 2023, and produced $236 million in revenue, an increase of 89% from the prior year [7] - Cirrata generated nearly $100 million in revenue for 2024, up 93%, and earned approximately $20 million of adjusted EBITDA [15] - Everspan's gross premium written grew to over $380 million, up 40% from the prior year, with a combined ratio of 101.6%, improving nearly 500 basis points over 2023 [20][39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall E&S market continues to perform well, with high-single to double-digit rate increases in U.S. casualty lines [12] - The property market showed some softening in Q4 2024, but terms and conditions have held [13] - Professional and financial lines are experiencing softness, particularly in large account and public market D&O [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on the future growth of its Specialty P&C business and delivering value for shareholders [11] - Ambac aims to achieve strong organic growth and generate $80 million to $90 million of adjusted EBITDA to common shareholders by 2028 [44] - The acquisition of Beat is expected to deliver strong organic growth and enhance the distribution platform [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about stabilization in the Employer Stop Loss and short-term medical segments, despite current challenges [50][51] - The focus remains on profitability for Everspan, with effective loss ratios in the mid-60s aligning with long-term goals [55] - Management is excited about the prospects of Ambac's future and the unique value proposition it offers in the specialty MGA space [43] Other Important Information - The company has committed third-party capacity of more than $1.5 billion for 2025, with over 60% of that support being long-term [19] - The adjusted EBITDA margin for 2024 was 20%, with expectations for meaningful advancements in the future [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Distribution business performance and outlook - Management noted softening in Employer Stop Loss and short-term medical segments, with expectations for stabilization in the near future [50][51] Question: Sustainability of Everspan's combined ratio - Management indicated that while there are variabilities, the performance aligns with long-term objectives, aiming for effective loss ratios in the mid-60s [55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2023 totaled $7 million, a 27% increase compared to $5.5 million for the same period in 2022, slightly exceeding previous guidance of 20% to 24% growth [11] - Fiscal year 2023 revenue reached $20.4 million, up 22% from $16.7 million in 2022 [11] - Gross margin for Q4 2023 was 69.1%, down from 78.1% in Q4 2022, primarily due to non-recurring inventory write-offs [12] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2023 was $700,000, an improvement of $2 million from negative $1.3 million in Q4 2022 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ultramist systems sold increased by 44% from Q3 2023, with total placements for the quarter reaching 98, compared to 55 in Q3 [6] - Applicators revenue grew by 16% sequentially, accounting for 51% of overall revenues in the quarter [7] - The number of active systems in the field rose by 14% sequentially, indicating strong growth in the core business [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on expanding its user base, with 47% of systems sold in Q4 2023 going to new customers [7] - The company is targeting high usage environments and physician practices to increase applicator usage per active system [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to improve operational profitability and manage expenses while expanding its commercial operations and clinical training teams [10] - A merger with SEPA is ongoing, which is expected to simplify the capital structure and eliminate complexities in financial reporting [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2024 as a breakout year, expecting revenue growth of 50% compared to 2023, with revenues projected to exceed $30 million [18] - Gross margins are anticipated to recover to the mid-seventies range in 2024 [17] Other Important Information - Total current assets as of December 31, 2023, were $9.8 million, up from $6.6 million a year earlier [13] - Cash totaled $1.8 million as of December 31, 2023 [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Status of patents and talks with Shockwave - Management confirmed an intellectual property deal was announced earlier in the month, emphasizing the value of its intellectual property portfolio [22] Question: Timeline for the merger and listing - Management indicated that finalizing the exchange listing depends on factors outside their control, but they hope it will not take long [26] Question: Legal matters regarding the merger - Management clarified that there are no legal matters holding up the merger, only the completion of pro forma SEC filings [31] Question: Contact for doctors interested in trials - Interested parties can contact Tim Hendrix, the head of sales, through the company's website for product trials [32]