Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal 2025 Adjusted EBITDA reached $352 million, an increase of $28 million or 8% compared to fiscal 2024, with a margin of 13.2%, representing a 260 basis point improvement from fiscal 2023 [14][15] - Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 150 basis points year-over-year, marking consecutive years of margin expansion [15][20] - SG&A expense as a percentage of revenue improved by 180 basis points since 2023, reflecting operational efficiencies [12][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer retention improved to approximately 83%, a 400 basis point increase since the start of the transformation two years ago [8][4] - The company added about 100 new sellers in fiscal 2025, with plans to continue expanding the sales force by approximately 500 net new hires through 2030 [9][10] - The land maintenance revenue is expected to grow by 1%-2% in fiscal 2026, driven by the growing sales force and improved customer retention [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The development segment is expected to see revenue growth in the range of flat to +2%, supported by a healthy backlog and benefits from cold starts [22] - Snow revenue is anticipated to be between $190 million and $220 million, reflecting a shift to more fixed fee contracts [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering sustainable and profitable top-line growth by investing in frontline employees and expanding the sales force [6][11] - A disciplined approach to capital allocation is emphasized, with an increased share repurchase authorization from $100 million to $150 million [4][19] - The fleet management strategy has been a key focus, with over $300 million invested to refresh aging equipment, leading to improved operational efficiency and employee morale [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the return of discretionary spending in ancillary services and the overall growth potential for the business in 2026 [28][29] - The company is confident in its ability to grow, citing improvements in employee and customer retention as critical factors [84][85] - Management acknowledged potential challenges from seasonal fluctuations but remains focused on leveraging improvements in service delivery and operational efficiencies [28][29] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with net leverage remaining at 2.3x and no long-term maturities until 2029, providing ample liquidity for investments [19][20] - The midpoint of the margin guidance implies a 310 basis point improvement over the last three years, reinforcing the commitment to expanding margins [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: How did performance in discretionary areas of land maintenance trend in Q4? - Management noted optimism in discretionary spending returning, with positive feedback from frontline workers and customers regarding new fleet investments [27][28] Question: What is the expected productivity ramp for new sales hires? - New sellers typically see limited productivity in the first six months, with improved performance expected after a year, targeting $1.5 million in annual sales for seasoned sellers [30][31] Question: How far along is the company in improving employee retention? - Employee retention has improved significantly, with further potential for enhancement, aiming for a more normalized level for the high-turn workforce [41][43] Question: What impact has the new tax bill had on capital investment? - The company benefited from tax savings to accelerate fleet refresh investments, with expectations to normalize capital expenditures in the coming years [45][46] Question: What is the timeline for the rollout of the field service management system? - The rollout is expected to be completed in the first quarter of the new year, aimed at increasing efficiency and capacity rather than cost savings [68][69] Question: How are project delays in the development business being managed? - Management indicated that while there have been delays, they expect to see growth in the development business as new branches open and backlogs are addressed [71][72]