Group 1: Market Overview - US equities experienced a rally in Q3 2025, driven by the Federal Reserve's initial rate cut, strong corporate earnings growth, and increased market participation [1] - Ariel Small Cap Concentrated Value Composite achieved a return of +15.08% gross of fees, outperforming the Russell 2000 Value Index (+12.60%) and the Russell 2000 Index (+12.39%) [1] Group 2: The Middleby Corporation (NASDAQ:MIDD) - The Middleby Corporation manufactures and services foodservice, food processing, and residential kitchen equipment, with a market capitalization of $5.964 billion as of November 27, 2025 [2] - The stock of The Middleby Corporation saw a one-month return of -4.43% and a 52-week decline of 16.98% [2] - Ariel Small Cap Concentrated Value Strategy initiated a position in The Middleby Corporation, viewing current challenges as transient and highlighting the company's potential for long-term growth due to its focus on innovation and automation in the food service industry [3] - In Q3 2025, The Middleby Corporation reported total revenue of $980 million, exceeding the upper limit of its guidance range [4]

Financial Performance - JBT Marel's Q3 2025 revenue reached $1001 million, compared to $454 million in Q3 2024[6] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $171 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 171%, exceeding expectations[6,7] - The company generated $88 million in cash from operating activities during the quarter[7] - Full year 2025 revenue guidance is $3760 - $3790 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 1575% - 160%[27] - Adjusted EPS guidance for full year 2025 is $610 - $640[27] Segment Results - JBT segment revenue for Q3 2025 was $465 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 153%[9] - Marel segment revenue for Q3 2025 was $537 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 186%[9] Orders and Revenue Breakdown - Quarterly orders totaled $946 million, including approximately $26 million from foreign exchange translation[6,16] - Recurring revenue accounted for 49% of total revenue in Q3 2025[14,16] Capital Structure - The company has approximately $400 million in 2026 Convertible Senior Notes, ~$63 million in Revolving Credit Facility, ~$575 million in 2030 Convertible Senior Notes, and ~$900 million in Term Loan B outstanding[17] - JBT Marel has ample liquidity of ~$19 billion[21] Tariff Mitigation - Estimated total tariff impact before mitigation is ~$90 - $105 million annually, or ~$22 - $25 million per quarter[22]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a modest revenue decline in 2024 to approximately $3.9 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $866 million at a margin of 22.4%, slightly ahead of the previous year [19][20] - Free cash flow reached a record $229 million in Q4, contributing to a total of over $640 million for the year [18][23] - Q4 revenues surpassed $1 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of over $251 million at a margin of 24.8% [20][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food Processing segment achieved 4.7% organic revenue growth in Q4, resulting in revenues exceeding $219 million and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 29.6%, up 200 basis points year-over-year [20][21] - Residential segment reported Q4 revenues of $185 million, a sequential increase from Q3, but down 2.4% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13% [21][22] - Commercial segment's Q4 revenues were over $609 million, with organic revenues down 2.8% year-over-year, maintaining healthy margins over 28% [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted gradual improvement in macro conditions for both commercial and residential businesses, despite challenges persisting [14][15] - The Food Processing business finished the year strongly, with expectations for continued growth driven by favorable long-term market drivers [15][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced plans to separate its Food Processing business into a stand-alone public company, aiming to enhance strategic and operational focus for both entities [5][6] - The remaining Middleby Corporation will focus on commercial and residential kitchen equipment, with an emphasis on innovation and automation [9][10] - The company is positioned to capture market opportunities through strategic acquisitions and investments in new product categories [10][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery of the residential business, anticipating gradual improvement in 2025 [50][110] - The company expects low single-digit organic revenue growth across segments in 2025, with profitability growth rates exceeding organic revenue growth [30][31] - Management highlighted the importance of M&A activities and strategic investments to drive future growth [62][66] Other Important Information - The company added two new Board members, enhancing its governance and strategic direction [11][12] - The separation of the Food Processing business is expected to be executed through a tax-free spinoff by early 2026 [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk us through the decision to separate Food Processing? - Management indicated that the decision was based on a long-term strategic review, believing that separation will accelerate growth for both entities [41][44] Question: What are the expected free cash flow conversions for the separate businesses? - Management suggested that both businesses could achieve 100% or greater free cash flow conversion, although specific long-range guidance for Food Processing is still being developed [46][47] Question: How do you view the recovery in the residential business? - Management noted that the residential business is at a cyclical trough but has significant growth potential, with expectations for gradual recovery in 2025 [49][50] Question: What is the leverage profile expected post-spin? - Management anticipates less leverage on the Food Processing business, allowing for more focus on M&A opportunities [95] Question: Are there any strategic alternatives being considered for the residential business? - Management confirmed that the residential business is continuously reviewed, but currently, it is seen as a strong platform with potential for margin expansion [72][110]