Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the extraordinary craftsmanship of Ming Dynasty artisans from the Wu region, particularly focusing on their unique skills and the cultural significance of their creations, which have transcended time and continue to be celebrated today [1]. Group 1: Baotiancheng and Rhinoceros Horn Carving - Baotiancheng is recognized as the foremost master of rhinoceros horn carving during the late Ming Dynasty, known for his exceptional skills in various materials including ivory and rosewood [2][3]. - His works, such as the rhinoceros horn ewer and the "Immortal Floating on a Raft" cup, showcase a blend of realism and artistic expression, reflecting the cultural ideals of the time [4][5]. Group 2: Zhou Zhu and Inlay Craftsmanship - Zhou Zhu is celebrated for pioneering the "Hundred Treasures Inlay" technique, which combines various precious materials in lacquerware, elevating the art form during the Ming Dynasty [6][8]. - His inlay works often feature intricate designs that merge literary themes with visual artistry, appealing to the aesthetic sensibilities of the literati [9][10]. Group 3: Zhu Bingshan and Silver Craftsmanship - Zhu Bingshan is credited with creating the silver raft cup, a unique design that reflects ancient myths and showcases advanced metalworking techniques [11][12]. - Only four of his silver raft cups are known to exist today, each representing a blend of functionality and artistic expression, embodying the spirit of the era [13][14][17]. Group 4: Other Notable Artisans - Zhao Liangbi, known for his comb-making skills, represents the continuation of traditional craftsmanship in the Wu region, with his work reflecting a deep cultural heritage [18]. - The article also mentions other artisans like Ma Xun and Zhang Jixiu, who contributed to the rich tapestry of Wu craftsmanship through their respective specialties in fan-making and guqin [19][20][22].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue increased approximately 17.2% year on year to $207.8 million, reflecting a 26.3% benefit from recent acquisitions, partially offset by an organic revenue decline of 8.1% [15][16] - Adjusted operating margin increased 280 basis points year on year to a record 19.4% [15][16] - Adjusted earnings per share increased 3.7% year on year to $1.95 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Electronics Segment**: Revenue increased 38.4% year on year to $111.3 million, with a 48.1% benefit from acquisitions, partially offset by an organic decline of 8.9% [17] - **Engraving Segment**: Revenue decreased 15.7% to $30.6 million, driven by an organic decline of 12.6% [19] - **Scientific Segment**: Revenue increased 8.1% to $18.3 million, due to a 16.1% benefit from recent acquisitions, partially offset by an organic decline of 8% [20] - **Engineering Technologies Segment**: Revenue increased 36.2% to $27.4 million, driven by a 26.3% benefit from recent acquisitions and organic growth of 9.9% [21] - **Specialty Solutions Segment**: Revenue decreased 13.9% year on year to $20.2 million, primarily due to general market softness [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales into fast growth markets increased to 29% of total company sales, primarily driven by electrical grid, commercialization of space, defense applications, and renewable energy [7][25] - Electronics organic bookings were up more than 10% year on year, with a book to bill of 0.98 indicating stable markets [5][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to continue investing in key growth priorities and new product developments while navigating tariff impacts through pricing and productivity actions [12][27] - Expansion plans in India, Europe, and the USA are underway, with significant customer commitments extending years into the future [6][12] - The company aims to achieve long-term targets of sales greater than $1.15 billion, adjusted operating margin greater than 23%, and ROIC greater than 15.5% by fiscal 2028 [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's agility and resilience to navigate current economic challenges, emphasizing strong customer relationships and regional operations [10][12] - The company anticipates slightly to moderately higher revenue in the fiscal fourth quarter driven by recent acquisitions and higher sales into fast growth end markets [8][19] - Management remains optimistic about organic growth in fiscal 2026, particularly in the electronics segment, supported by strong order intake rates [35][51] Other Important Information - The company declared its 243rd consecutive quarterly cash dividend of $0.32 per share, reflecting a 6.7% increase year on year [24] - The integration of recent acquisitions, including McStarlight, is progressing well, expanding the addressable market within engineering technologies by over $300 million [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on cost of goods sold - Management confirmed that approximately 6% of COGS is imported from China, split across electronics, specialty, and scientific segments [31] Question: Organic growth expectations for fiscal 2026 - Management indicated that they expect to see organic growth in electronics and engineering technologies, with a strong order book and positive market conditions [35][51] Question: Capacity utilization and margin impact from new plant in Europe - Current capacity utilization is around 60-70%, with no anticipated margin impact from the new plant in Europe [48][50] Question: Plans for new product releases in fiscal 2026 - The company plans to release a similar number of new products in fiscal 2026 as in fiscal 2025, with ongoing adoption expected from products released in 2025 [71] Question: Leverage and debt management strategies - Management emphasized the priority of paying down debt while also focusing on organic growth initiatives [53][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue increased approximately 17.2% year on year to $207.8 million, reflecting a 26.3% benefit from recent acquisitions, partially offset by an organic revenue decline of 8.1% [16][18] - Adjusted operating margin increased 280 basis points year on year to a record 19.4% [16] - Adjusted earnings per share increased 3.7% year on year to $1.95 [17] - Free cash flow for the third quarter was $3.5 million, down from $19.3 million a year ago, impacted by one-time transaction-related payments and longer customer credit terms [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Electronics Segment**: Revenue increased 38.4% year on year to $111.3 million, with a 48.1% benefit from acquisitions, partially offset by an organic decline of 8.9% [19] - **Engraving Segment**: Revenue decreased 15.7% to $30.6 million, driven by an organic decline of 12.6% [21] - **Scientific Segment**: Revenue increased 8.1% to $18.3 million, due to a 16.1% benefit from recent acquisitions, partially offset by an organic decline of 8% [22] - **Engineering Technologies Segment**: Revenue increased 36.2% to $27.4 million, driven by a 26.3% benefit from recent acquisitions and organic growth of 9.9% [23] - **Specialty Solutions Segment**: Revenue decreased 13.9% year on year to $20.2 million, primarily due to general market softness [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales into fast growth markets increased to 29% of total company sales, primarily driven by electrical grid, commercialization of space, defense applications, and renewable energy [7][26] - Electronics organic bookings were up more than 10% year on year, with a book to bill ratio of 0.98, indicating stable markets [5][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to continue investing in new product development and applications across markets with growth potential, with 13 new products released year to date [26][28] - The company is expanding its footprint in Europe and the U.S. to support additional demand, with a greenfield site in Europe expected to be operational within six months [6][20] - The company anticipates achieving long-term targets of sales greater than $1.15 billion, adjusted operating margin greater than 23%, and ROIC greater than 15.5% by fiscal 2028 [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's agility and resilience to navigate through current economic challenges, emphasizing strong customer relationships and a disciplined approach to pricing and productivity actions [11][28] - The company expects slightly to moderately higher revenue and adjusted operating margin in the fiscal fourth quarter, driven by recent acquisitions and higher sales into fast growth end markets [9][21] Other Important Information - The company declared its 243rd consecutive cash dividend of $0.32 per share, representing a 6.7% increase year on year [25] - The company has a current liquidity of approximately $170 million and net debt of $470.4 million, with a leverage ratio of 2.8 [24][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the impact of tariffs on the company's operations? - Approximately 6% of the cost of goods sold is due to imports from China, split across electronics, specialty, and scientific segments [32] - The company believes it can cover about 70% of the incremental tariff with price and productivity actions in the scientific segment, while other segments are expected to manage better [34][35] Question: What are the expectations for organic growth in fiscal 2026? - Management is optimistic about organic growth in electronics, with a robust order book and expected contributions from recent acquisitions [36][38] Question: What are the plans for new product releases in fiscal 2026? - The company plans to release a similar number of new products in fiscal 2026 as in fiscal 2025, with ongoing adoption expected from products released in 2025 [75] Question: How is the company managing its leverage and potential acquisitions? - The company aims to prioritize paying down debt while also focusing on organic growth initiatives, with a current leverage ratio of about 2.8 [56][58]