Scout Investments, Inc., an affiliate of Carillon Tower Advisers, released the “Carillon Scout Mid Cap Fund” second quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Russell Midcap Index posted positive returns in the second quarter despite a sharp sell-off at the beginning of April following the liberation Day tariff announcement. However, the delay in collecting additional tariffs provided more time for trading partners to negotiate better terms.   In addition, please check th ...

Summary of Kimball Electronics (KE) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company Name**: Kimball Electronics (KE) - **Industry**: Global electronics manufacturing and contract manufacturing - **Headquarters**: Jasper, Indiana - **Fiscal Year 2025 Revenue**: Approximately $5 billion - **Employees**: 5,700 worldwide - **Public Trading**: NASDAQ traded, publicly listed for 11 years as a spinout of Kimball International [5][2] Core Business and Strategy - **Business Focus**: Kimball Electronics operates in three distinct verticals: automotive, medical, and industrial, avoiding non-commodity products like computers and consumer electronics [3][4] - **Customer Relationships**: Over 70% of customers have been with the company for more than ten years, enhancing business stability [4] - **Competitive Advantages**: Strong balance sheet with $374 million in liquidity, global consistency through a single SAP system, and Lean Six Sigma practices across facilities [7][8][9] Market Position and Growth Opportunities - **Market Ranking**: Ranked sixth in automotive, seventh in medical, and twenty-second in industrial sectors [19] - **Megatrends**: Focus on the electronification of vehicles and the growing demand for medical devices due to an aging population and better healthcare access [21][23] - **New Product Introduction (NPI)**: Provides end-to-end solutions from design to aftermarket support, positioning as a contract manufacturing partner [13][14] Financial Performance - **Fiscal Year 2025 Highlights**: - Cash generated from operating activities reached nearly $185 million, a record for the company [29] - Revenue growth of 35% in FY 2023 followed by declines in the subsequent two years [31] - Inventory reduced by nearly 20% year-over-year [29] - **Guidance for Fiscal Year 2026**: - Expected net sales between $1.35 billion and $1.45 billion, a decrease of approximately 5% compared to FY 2025 [35] - Adjusted operating income margin expected to remain in line with the prior year [35] Capital Allocation and Investments - **Capital Expenditures**: Planned investments of $50 to $60 million primarily for a new facility in Indianapolis focused on the CMO and medical space [36][41] - **Share Repurchase Strategy**: Active in repurchasing shares to support share price and lower EPS [16] Challenges and Risk Management - **Loss of Programs**: Experienced a loss of two significant programs worth $200 million due to external factors, impacting revenue [30][31] - **Employee Reduction**: Reduced global workforce by 2,000 employees in response to softening demand [32] Future Outlook - **Strategic Focus**: Emphasis on expanding the medical CMO segment, leveraging existing customer relationships, and enhancing manufacturing capabilities [48][49] - **Market Positioning**: Aiming to differentiate from traditional EMS players by focusing on the CMO market, which presents significant growth opportunities [48][49] Additional Insights - **Global Footprint**: Facilities located in North America, Asia, and Europe, with a focus on maintaining high standards of regulatory compliance [10][15] - **Innovation in Automotive**: Significant involvement in steering technologies, including steer-by-wire and advanced driver-assistance systems [25][27] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Kimball Electronics conference call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, financial performance, and market positioning.

Group 1 - The core investment thesis for Celestica (CLS) focuses on the company's shift from traditional contract manufacturing to Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) [1] - The author has a background in engineering and a strong interest in technology stocks, which influences the investment perspective [1] Group 2 - No stock or derivative positions in any mentioned companies are held by the author, and there are no plans to initiate such positions in the near future [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, total revenue was $110.5 million, down from $126.6 million in Q4 2024, primarily due to decreased demand from two large customers [5] - Full fiscal year 2025 revenue was $467.9 million, compared to $566.9 million in fiscal year 2024, reflecting a significant decline [5] - Gross margin for Q4 2025 was 6.2%, and operating margin was negative 2.1%, compared to 7.2% and 1.0% respectively in Q4 2024 [5] - The net loss for Q4 2025 was $3.9 million or $0.36 per share, compared to a net loss of $2.0 million or $0.18 per share in Q4 2024 [8] - For the full fiscal year 2025, the net loss was $8.3 million or $0.77 per share, compared to a net loss of $2.8 million or $0.26 per share in fiscal year 2024 [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company cut approximately 300 jobs in 2025, totaling an 800 headcount reduction for the fiscal year, to align costs with current demand [6] - Despite revenue reduction, gross margins increased year over year due to operational efficiencies and cost-saving initiatives [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reduced inventory by approximately $8 million or 7% year over year, reflecting strategic initiatives to align inventory with current revenue [10] - Total liabilities were reduced by $32.7 million or 14% from the previous year [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its manufacturing footprint in the U.S. and Vietnam, with plans to invest over $28 million in a new facility in Arkansas [17] - The strategy includes enhancing production capabilities and mitigating tariff impacts by diversifying manufacturing locations [19] - The company anticipates that by the end of fiscal 2026, approximately half of its manufacturing will occur in the U.S. and Vietnam [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging year due to reduced demand and tariff uncertainties but expressed optimism about future growth driven by new programs and operational efficiencies [13][26] - The company is not providing forward-looking guidance due to uncertainties in product ramp-up timing [13] Other Important Information - Cash flow from operations was $18.9 million for fiscal year 2025, up from $13.8 million in fiscal year 2024, indicating two consecutive years of positive cash flow [11] - The company is investing selectively in production equipment and automation to prepare for growth [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the range of sizes for the new wins in the quarter? - The new wins were predominantly around $5 million, with potential for a data processing contract to exceed $20 million [29] Question: How is the Vietnam medical device manufacturing capability being developed? - The company is certified to build medical products in Vietnam and expects to start a program in fiscal 2026, anticipating additional opportunities [32] Question: What is driving the increase in new program bids? - Cost reductions and improved global footprint have opened up opportunities, alongside pent-up demand for U.S. manufacturing [36][37] Question: Can you explain the reduction in accounts receivable? - The reduction was primarily due to decreased revenue and improved collection efforts, with no factoring involved [41][42] Question: What is the potential size of the manufacturing services contract with the data processor OEM? - The contract is expected to generate $20 million in revenue, which is significant due to its potential margin improvement [48][49] Question: How do you see Mexico operations growing in fiscal 2026? - Recent program wins are expected to drive growth in Mexico, leveraging the USMCA agreement for tariff mitigation [56] Question: What are the expectations for gross margin in fiscal 2026? - The company aims to improve gross margins and expects incremental gross margins of 15% to 20% as revenue increases [59][61]

Core Viewpoint - Golden Triangle Ventures, Inc. has completed its governance transition and appointed Javier Leal as CEO, aiming for unified leadership and a clear growth strategy [1][6] Company Structure and Strategy - The company is restructuring into three divisions: Construction & Development, Consumer Beverages & Wellness, and Manufacturing & Distribution, each targeting multi-billion-dollar industries for immediate revenue and long-term value [2] Division Summaries Construction & Development - The U.S. construction market exceeded $2.1 trillion in 2024, driven by technology infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrial expansion. This division aims to deliver projects that provide immediate contract revenue and long-term strategic value [3] Consumer Beverages & Wellness - The global functional beverage market is expected to surpass $200 billion by 2030. The division is launching consumer-first brands, starting with the relaunch of Go Fast Energy, to capture market attention and loyalty [4] Manufacturing & Distribution - The U.S. contract manufacturing market for food and beverages is projected to reach $186 billion by 2031. This division will support the company's portfolio and external clients, focusing on cost reduction and capacity expansion [5] Leadership and Operational Focus - Javier Leal emphasized the importance of the three-division strategy for strengthening operations and delivering market-driven products, while also focusing on balance sheet improvement and operational streamlining [6][8] Capital Structure - The company has confirmed that its noteholder will halt conversions, reducing immediate dilution pressure and allowing management to concentrate on operational growth with a stronger balance sheet [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2025 was approximately $2.9 million, a 100% increase year over year and a slight sequential increase [5][17] - Gross margins improved to 43.6%, more than double the 20.3% reported in Q2 2024, and increased from 42.4% sequentially [5][18] - Adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed to negative $420,000 compared to negative $790,000 for the same period last year [6][20] - Net loss attributable to stockholders was $670,000, down from $890,000 in Q2 2024 [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Contract manufacturing revenue increased to $863,000, a 103% year over year increase from approximately $425,000 in 2024 [6] - Consumer products revenue increased by 95% year over year, driven by growth across the brand portfolio [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing increased demand from domestic companies due to tariffs, although the impact on margins has been mild [35][36] - The partnership with Cintas remains strong, with ongoing sales of the SilverSeal product included in their wound care kits [7][75] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue expanding its contract manufacturing and white label business as a major driver of growth [11] - New product launches are planned, including an expanded beauty line and additional skincare solutions, reflecting the commitment to innovative, high-quality products [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving positive EBITDA by the end of the year and maintaining guidance for $13 million in revenue [15][81] - The company is preparing for potential economic downturns by focusing on high-margin consumer products and evaluating cost structures [66] Other Important Information - The company received $1 million in non-dilutive funding from STATA to support upcoming product launches and marketing initiatives [15][21] - The company has sufficient cash on hand, including recent capital raises, to support growth initiatives [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Market opportunities for upcoming launches - Management discussed the potential for new digestive enzyme products, which target larger markets compared to existing products [22][23] Question: Retail strategy and brand consolidation - Management clarified that brands will maintain their unique identities and are currently exploring private label opportunities [25][27] Question: Manufacturing capacity and onboarding new customers - Current manufacturing capacity is underutilized, allowing for onboarding of new customers without immediate expansion [29][30] Question: Impact of tariffs on the business - Management noted a mild negative impact on margins but increased interest from domestic companies [35][36] Question: Status of AbbVie partnership - Management confirmed delays in the AbbVie project but remains optimistic about future developments [40][44] Question: New product details from Silly George - Management highlighted successful new product launches and strong sales performance [48][51] Question: Cash position and recession preparedness - Management is considering strategies for potential economic downturns while maintaining a focus on high-margin products [66] Question: Ranking of partnerships - Management identified key partnerships, including Cintas and AbbVie, as significant opportunities for growth [75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the first quarter was $6.6 billion, an increase of 4% year over year [6][15] - Adjusted operating margin was 6%, with adjusted EPS reaching a record $0.72, reflecting a more than 40% increase [6][15] - Gross profit totaled $596 million, with gross margin improving to 9.1%, up 130 basis points [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reliability Solutions revenue was $2.9 billion, down 2% year over year, impacted by macro-related pressures in Automotive and Renewables [16] - Agility Solutions revenue totaled $3.7 billion, up 10% year over year, driven by strong cloud and AI demand [17] - Operating income for Reliability Solutions improved to $172 million, while Agility Solutions saw operating income of $240 million [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas revenue rose to 49% in fiscal year 2025, up from 38% in fiscal year 2020, while Asia declined to 30%, down from 41% [12] - The company operates over 49 million square feet globally, with significant manufacturing footprints in the U.S. and Mexico [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on high-growth end markets such as data centers and power, positioning itself as a strategic end-to-end partner rather than just a contract manufacturer [14] - Investments are being made in advanced manufacturing capabilities, including AI and automation, to enhance productivity [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning despite market uncertainties, highlighting a strong start to fiscal year 2026 [14] - The updated fiscal year 2026 guidance anticipates revenue between $25.9 billion and $27.1 billion, with adjusted EPS between $2.86 and $3.06 [21] Other Important Information - Free cash flow for the quarter was $268 million, representing a conversion rate of 98% [17] - The company acquired a new manufacturing site in Poland to double its power capacity in Europe [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook for the year - Management maintained a margin guidance range of 6% to 6.1%, citing tariff impacts and investments as factors affecting margins [28][30] Question: Data center revenue trends - Management confirmed a strong outlook for data center growth, with expectations of 35% year-over-year growth, driven by both cloud and power segments [31][33] Question: Market evolution and internal investments by hyperscalers - Management views the trend of hyperscalers investing in their own capabilities as positive, emphasizing the importance of integrated solutions [38][39] Question: Capacity constraints and investments - Management acknowledged capacity constraints but expressed confidence in new investments to meet demand, particularly in AI infrastructure [50][51] Question: End market growth expectations - Management indicated that automotive and consumer markets are expected to remain weak, while healthcare and industrial sectors are projected to grow [67][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the first quarter was $6.6 billion, an increase of 4% year over year [5][14] - Adjusted operating margin was 6%, with adjusted EPS reaching a record $0.72, reflecting a more than 40% increase [5][14] - Gross profit totaled $596 million, with gross margin improving to 9.1%, up 130 basis points [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reliability Solutions revenue was $2.9 billion, down 2% year over year, impacted by macro pressures in Automotive and Renewables, but operating income improved to $172 million [15] - Agility Solutions revenue reached $3.7 billion, up 10% year over year, driven by strong cloud and AI demand, with operating income at $240 million [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas revenue rose to 49% in fiscal year 2025, up from 38% in fiscal year 2020, while Asia declined to 30%, down from 41% [11] - The company operates over 49 million square feet globally, with significant manufacturing footprints in North America [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on high-growth end markets such as data centers and power, aiming to transform from a contract manufacturer to a strategic end-to-end partner [12][13] - Investments are being made in advanced manufacturing capabilities, including AI and automation, to enhance productivity and meet evolving customer needs [12][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning despite market uncertainties, highlighting a strong start to fiscal year 2026 [12][19] - The updated fiscal year 2026 revenue guidance is between $25.9 billion and $27.1 billion, reflecting an increase in the midpoint by approximately $600 million [21] Other Important Information - Free cash flow for the quarter was $268 million, representing a conversion rate of 98% [16] - The company acquired a new manufacturing site in Poland to double its power capacity in Europe [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook for the year - Management maintained a margin guidance of 6% to 6.1%, citing tariff impacts and investments as factors affecting margin performance [27][28] Question: Data center revenue trends - Management confirmed a strong outlook for data center growth, with expectations of 35% year-over-year growth, driven by both cloud and power segments [31][32] Question: Market evolution and internal investments by hyperscalers - Management views the trend of hyperscalers investing in their own capabilities positively, emphasizing the importance of integrated solutions [36][38] Question: Full year guidance context - Management clarified that while Q1 results were strong, the full year guidance reflects a cautious approach and ongoing investments in growth [39][41] Question: Capacity constraints and investments - Management acknowledged capacity constraints but expressed confidence in new investments to meet demand, particularly in AI infrastructure [48][50] Question: Tariff impact on guidance - Management indicated that tariffs are largely pass-through costs and will not materially impact revenue growth rates, though they do affect margin performance [59][61] Question: Segment growth expectations - Management expects automotive and consumer markets to remain weak, while healthcare and industrial sectors are projected to grow [64][66]

Group 1 - Flex will announce its first quarter fiscal 2026 financial results on July 24, 2025, before the market opens [1] - A conference call to discuss the results will take place on the same day at 7:30 AM (CT) / 8:30 AM (ET) [1] - The live webcast presentation will be available on the Flex Investor Relations website [2] Group 2 - Flex is a manufacturing partner that helps a diverse customer base design and build products [3] - The company operates in 30 countries and focuses on responsible, sustainable operations [3] - Flex delivers technology innovation, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions to various industries and end markets [3]

Group 1 - President Trump urged Walmart to absorb the costs of tariffs instead of passing them onto consumers, stating that the retailer should "EAT THE TARIFFS" [1][4] - Walmart's CFO, John David Rainey, expressed concerns that the increase in tariffs is too high for suppliers to absorb, leading to potential price increases for consumers by late May and more significantly in June [2] - Walmart CEO Doug McMillon indicated that tariffs on imports from countries like Colombia, Peru, and Costa Rica are affecting prices of certain products, including bananas, avocados, and coffee, but assured that food prices would not be pressured by tariff-related costs on general merchandise [3] Group 2 - Other companies, such as Foxconn and Toyota, have also warned about the impacts of tariffs, with Foxconn downgrading its growth outlook and Toyota estimating a $1.25 billion profit loss due to U.S. tariffs [4] - Tariffs are essentially taxes on imported goods, which increase costs for importing companies, leading them to raise retail prices to maintain margins [5] - The uncertainty surrounding tariffs has been exacerbated by President Trump's fluctuating tariff policies, which have included rates as high as 145% on Chinese goods, contributing to market volatility and inflation concerns [7]