Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the second quarter increased to $1.42, exceeding expectations, while reported EPS was $1.37 compared to $1.38 in the same quarter last year [5][14] - Revenue for the quarter declined 2.3% year over year to $1.3 billion, attributed to weak consumer confidence and unfavorable weather conditions [6][14] - Free cash flow for the second quarter was $84.7 million, a slight decrease year over year, with $100 million allocated for share repurchases [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Professional segment net sales were just over $1 billion, up about 1% year over year, driven by higher shipments of golf and grounds products [15] - Residential segment net sales decreased by 11% year over year to $297 million, primarily due to lower shipments of walk power mowers and zero-turn mowers [17] - Professional segment earnings margin improved to 19.9%, up from 19%, while residential segment earnings margin fell to 5.4% from 10.8% [16][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The golf and grounds market continues to show strong demand, while underground construction is benefiting from infrastructure projects [10][22] - The residential segment is facing challenges due to high interest rates and cautious consumer behavior, impacting sales [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence, product innovation, and mitigating tariff impacts through strategic actions [5][9] - Plans to continue implementing price increases while ensuring competitiveness and protecting profit margins [9][24] - The company aims to leverage its U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities to maintain a competitive edge in the current macroeconomic environment [22][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the impact of macroeconomic factors on consumer confidence and spending, particularly in the residential segment [22][24] - The outlook for the Professional segment remains positive, with expected growth in golf and grounds and underground construction [22][23] - Adjusted guidance for fiscal 2025 reflects anticipated revenue declines in the residential segment due to ongoing economic headwinds [24][26] Other Important Information - The company has reduced its global salaried workforce by an additional 10% and rationalized its operational footprint in the residential segment [8] - The AMP program has generated $70 million in run rate savings and is on track to deliver $100 million by 2027 [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the current status of inventory in the landscape business? - Management indicated that inventory levels have largely returned to desired levels, although a slower start to spring has resulted in slightly higher inventory in some areas [31][32] Question: What factors contributed to the revised guidance for the residential business? - The primary drivers for the guidance revision are macroeconomic conditions affecting consumer confidence and the delayed start of spring [35][36] Question: Can you explain the decline in the underground business despite good demand metrics? - The decline was attributed to the sale of two dealers and SKU rationalization, with management remaining optimistic about long-term demand [39][40] Question: How are tariffs impacting the company's cost structure? - Tariffs are estimated to be approximately 3% of annual cost of goods sold, with management confident in mitigating these costs through various strategies [48][49] Question: What is the company's approach to promotions in the current environment? - Promotions have been slightly lower in the residential segment compared to last year, but the company continues to use them to drive sales [82] Question: How does the company view its competitive position in light of tariffs? - Management believes the company is in a solid competitive position due to its U.S. manufacturing base and strategies implemented since 2018 [126]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total net sales of nearly $1 billion for the first quarter, with a slight decrease from the previous year due to the divestiture of Pope Products [8][26] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased to $0.65, up from $0.64 year-over-year, while reported EPS decreased to $0.52 from $0.62 [10][26] - The professional segment net sales were $768.8 million, up 1.6% year-over-year, while the residential segment net sales were $221 million, down from $240 million [28][30] - The company's reported and adjusted gross margins were 33.7% and 34.1%, respectively, compared to 34.4% in the same period last year [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Professional segment earnings for the first quarter were $127.2 million, up 13% from $112.8 million last year, with a profitability increase to 16.5% from 14.9% [29] - Residential segment earnings decreased to $17.2 million from $23.5 million, with a margin drop to 7.8% from 9.8% [31] - The professional segment's growth was driven by higher shipments of golf and grounds products and increased demand for zero-turn mowers [28][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand in the golf market remains strong, with record rounds played and elevated order backlogs [9] - The residential segment faced challenges due to elevated field inventories of snow products and lower shipments of portable power products [30][31] - The company noted that snowfall activity has improved compared to last year, but year-to-date totals remain below historical averages [46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation to address customer needs and align with market growth trends, launching cutting-edge products equipped with the latest technologies [12][13] - The acquisition of ProKASRO Services USA enhances the company's underground construction product portfolio, capitalizing on synergies with existing products [19][22] - The AMP initiative aims to deliver $100 million in annualized run rate savings by fiscal 2027, with a portion reinvested to accelerate innovation [24][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver positive financial results despite uncertainties in the macro environment, including economic and geopolitical factors [56][57] - The company expects sustained strength in demand for underground construction and golf products, with a normalization of field inventories for lawn care and snow products [43][44] - Guidance for fiscal 2025 includes total company net sales growth in a range of 0% to 1%, with adjusted diluted EPS expected between $4.25 and $4.40 [49][51] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $100 million in shares during the quarter, reflecting confidence in future financial performance [25][41] - The effective tax rate for the first quarter was reported at 20.1%, up from 19% last year, primarily due to lower tax benefits [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on AMP savings and impact on earnings - Management confirmed that $7 million in gross realized savings were achieved in Q1, with a total run rate savings of $64 million to date [72][73] Question: Inquiry about Pro snow and dealer inventories - Management noted that snow levels were down significantly compared to historical averages, impacting sales, but contractor budgets are in good shape [81][84] Question: Expectations for price-cost spread for the year - Management indicated that while costs have risen, they expect to return to a normal price increase of 1% to 2% for the full year, excluding tariffs [87][88] Question: Tariff exposure and manufacturing locations - Management stated that the majority of products are made in the U.S., with minimal exposure to China and Mexico, and they are prepared to mitigate tariff impacts [92][95] Question: Field channel inventory status - Management reported that field inventories for the Pro landscape contractor side are improved compared to last year, with expectations for further normalization in the spring [103][106] Question: Underground business performance - Management confirmed strong demand in the underground space, with ongoing product introductions and positive future outlook [109]