Core Insights - The U.S. stock indices showed positive performance on December 11, 2025, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching new closing records following a quarter-point interest rate cut by the U.S. central bank on December 10, leading investors to favor equities sensitive to rate cuts over tech stocks [1][2]. Investment Recommendations - Investors are advised to consider low-leverage stocks as safe-haven securities amid concerns over overvalued AI-centric tech stocks. Recommended companies include Casey's General Stores (CASY), Hamilton Insurance Group (HG), Northrip Bancorp (NRIM), REV Group (REVG), and Engie (ENGIY), which exhibit low leverage and stability during market volatility [2][10]. Understanding Leverage - Leverage involves borrowing capital for operational and business expansion, typically through debt financing. While debt can facilitate growth, excessive reliance on it poses risks, especially if returns do not exceed interest costs. Therefore, selecting companies with low debt is crucial for minimizing investment risks [4][5][6]. Debt-to-Equity Ratio Analysis - The debt-to-equity ratio is a key metric for assessing a company's financial risk, with lower ratios indicating better solvency. As the third-quarter 2025 earnings season concludes, investors should focus on stocks with solid earnings growth and low debt-to-equity ratios to ensure steady returns [7][9]. Stock Selection Criteria - A comprehensive screening process for selecting low-leverage stocks includes criteria such as: - Debt/Equity ratio lower than the industry median - Current price of at least $10 - Average 20-day trading volume of 50,000 or more - Positive earnings growth compared to the industry median - VGM Score of A or B, combined with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) [11][12][13]. Company Performance Highlights - **Casey's General Stores (CASY)**: Reported a 3.3% increase in same-store sales and a 14% rise in earnings for Q2 fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts a 9.6% revenue increase and an 11.8% earnings improvement for fiscal 2026, with a Zacks Rank of 2 [14][15]. - **Hamilton Insurance Group (HG)**: Achieved a 16.5% increase in net premiums and improved operating earnings to $1.20 per share from $0.16 in Q3 2024. The Zacks Consensus Estimate forecasts a 20.9% revenue increase and an 8.5% earnings rise for 2025, holding a Zacks Rank of 1 [16][17]. - **Northrip Bancorp (NRIM)**: Completed a $60 million private placement to support growth initiatives. The Zacks Consensus Estimate anticipates a 29.6% revenue increase and a 51.5% earnings rise for 2025, with a Zacks Rank of 1 [18][19]. - **REV Group (REVG)**: Reported a 13% increase in net sales and a 62.7% rise in adjusted EPS for Q4 fiscal 2025. The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests a 7.3% revenue increase and a 30.4% earnings rise for fiscal 2026, with a Zacks Rank of 2 [20][21]. - **Engie (ENGIY)**: Announced the financial closure of its first offshore wind farm in Poland, with a total planned capacity of up to 390 MW. The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a 31.8% earnings improvement for 2025, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 [22][23].

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FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER 2025 RESULTS DECEMBER 10, 2025 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT & NON-GAAP MEASURES Disclaimers Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures REV Group reports its financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). However, management believes that the evaluation of REV Group's ongoing operating results may be enhanced by a presentation of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow, and Return on Invested Capital, which are non-GAAP f ...

Fund Performance - The FPA Queens Road Small Cap Value Fund returned 7.46% in Q3 2025, underperforming the Russell 2000 Value Index which returned 12.60% [1] - For the first three quarters of 2025, the Fund achieved a return of 13.77%, compared to 9.04% for the index [1] - The Fund's strategy focuses on a diligent, disciplined, and patient process, expecting to outperform in down markets and underperform in speculative markets [1] Company Highlight: REV Group, Inc. - REV Group, Inc. (NYSE:REVG) is a manufacturer of specialty vehicles, primarily focusing on municipal vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances [3] - The company reported a one-month return of -18.15% but has seen a 57.50% increase in share value over the last 52 weeks, with a closing stock price of $50.32 and a market capitalization of $2.456 billion as of November 21, 2025 [2] - REV Group generated net sales of $644.9 million in Q3 2025, an increase from $579.4 million in Q3 2024 [4] Operational Developments - CEO Mark Skonieczny has implemented significant operational restructuring, divesting from the less profitable bus business and using the proceeds for stock buybacks [3] - The company has reported a significant backlog and pricing growth, particularly in its municipal business, indicating strong demand [3]

Core Insights - Aebi Schmidt Group reports a significant increase in profitability following the acquisition of the Shyft Group, with a focus on integration and realizing expected synergies [1][3][6] Financial Performance - The company achieved net sales of $471 million in Q3 2025, a 3% increase year-over-year, with a strong order backlog exceeding $1.1 billion [3][4] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $42.2 million, reflecting a 25% year-over-year increase and a margin improvement of 160 basis points to 9.0% [3][4] - The order intake surged by 33% year-over-year, with a notable 79.3% increase in legacy Shyft orders due to recovering demand [4][3] Regional Performance - Sales in Europe and the Rest of the World increased by 14.6% to $135.4 million, while North American sales remained flat at $336 million, impacted by a decline in legacy Shyft sales [4][3] Strategic Outlook - The company aims for revenues of $3 billion and a mid-teens Adjusted EBITDA margin, with expectations of continued growth and market share expansion [6][5] - Aebi Schmidt anticipates strong positive cash flow in Q4 2025, with leverage expected to drop below 3.0x by year-end 2025 and below 2.0x by year-end 2026 [5][6] Operational Efficiency - The company is focused on improving working capital efficiency, particularly in collections and inventory management, to support significant sales growth [5][6] - Net working capital improved by 7.3% year-over-year, while net debt increased by 5.0% due to non-recurring transaction expenses and high working capital needs [4][5]

Core Insights - The company reported strong financial results for Q3, with consolidated net sales of $555 million, reflecting a 17% year-over-year increase [3] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $116.2 million, up 25% compared to last year, indicating robust operational performance [3] - The company raised its full-year adjusted EPS outlook to a range of $4.09 to $4.17, up from the previous range of $3.92 to $4.10, driven by healthy demand and strong order intake [30][31] Financial Performance - ESG's net sales for the quarter were $466 million, a 17% increase year-over-year [1] - Operating income for ESG was $85.3 million, up 19% from the previous year [1] - SSG's net sales reached $90 million, an 18% increase compared to last year [5] - Consolidated operating income was $94 million, reflecting a 24% increase year-over-year [3] Order Intake and Backlog - Total orders for ESG were $371 million, a 5% increase year-over-year [1] - Order intake for the company was $467 million, a 10% increase compared to last year, marking the highest third-quarter order intake on record [2][20] - Backlog at the end of the quarter stood at $992 million, down 4% compared to Q3 last year [2] Margins and Earnings - The adjusted EBITDA margin for ESG was 22.5%, up 60 basis points year-over-year [1] - GAAP diluted EPS for the quarter was $1.11 per share, a 28% increase from the previous year [2] - Adjusted EPS was $1.14 per share, reflecting a 30% increase year-over-year [2] Strategic Initiatives and Growth Outlook - The company is focused on multiyear growth initiatives, including investments in productivity-enhancing projects and capacity expansions [15][25] - The acquisition of Hog Technologies is expected to contribute between $60 million and $65 million in net sales in 2025, up from previous estimates [24] - The company plans to continue its "Build More Parts" initiative to vertically integrate parts production, aiming for increased recurring revenue streams [28] Market Conditions and Demand - Demand for products and services remains strong, with particular strength in publicly funded safety and security products [21] - The company expects orders within the Environmental Solutions Group to increase in Q4, consistent with seasonal patterns [21] - The transition from third-party refuse trucks to New Way is anticipated to impact backlog dynamics in the coming quarters [35]

Core Points - Aebi Schmidt Group has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.025 per share, payable on December 18, 2025, to shareholders of record as of November 17, 2025 [2] - The dividend is classified as a return of capital under Swiss law, making it tax-free for Swiss shareholders and categorized as non-U.S. source income for non-Swiss shareholders [3] - The company will announce its third quarter 2025 earnings on November 13, 2025, and will host a conference call and webcast at 8:30 AM Eastern Time on the same day [4] Company Overview - Aebi Schmidt Group is a leader in specialty vehicles, headquartered in Switzerland, and listed on Nasdaq, with pro-forma sales of $1.9 billion in 2024 and over 6,000 employees following its merger with The Shyft Group on July 1, 2025 [5]

Core Points - Aebi Schmidt Group has confirmed its first dividend payout of $0.025 per share following its merger with The Shyft Group and listing on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "AEBI" [1] - The dividend will be paid to shareholders of record as of August 29, 2025, on September 29, 2025 [1] - The source of the dividend payment is from Switzerland, classified as a return of capital and tax-free for Swiss shareholders [2] Company Overview - Aebi Schmidt Group is a leader in specialty vehicles, headquartered in Switzerland, and generated pro-forma sales of $1.9 billion in 2024 [3] - The company employs over 6,000 people and has production facilities and service centers in Europe and North America [3] - The merger with The Shyft Group was completed on July 1, 2025, enhancing the company's growth potential and value [3]

Acquisition Details - Federal Signal Corporation will acquire Scranton Manufacturing Company Inc. (New Way Trucks) for $396 million, plus an additional $30 million for facilities in Iowa and Mississippi, and up to $54 million in performance-based earnouts [1][2][4] - The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approval [2] Company Profile - New Way Trucks is a family-owned business recognized as one of the fastest-growing manufacturers of refuse collection vehicles in the U.S., offering a range of products including rear, front, and automated side loaders [2] Strategic Implications - The acquisition will create a new vertical within Federal Signal's specialty vehicle group, with expectations of capturing synergies and accelerating New Way's growth and margin trajectory [3] - Federal Signal plans to implement its chassis and inventory management practices to enhance New Way's operations [3] Financial Metrics - The acquisition price equates to approximately 11 times New Way's estimated 2026 EBITDA, decreasing to about seven times by 2028 as integration benefits are realized [4] - Federal Signal anticipates the deal to be neutral to earnings in 2026 due to integration costs and interest expenses, but accretive by 2028, with earnings per share projected to rise by $0.40 to $0.45 [5] Cost Synergies - Annual cost synergies are projected to reach between $15 million and $20 million by the end of 2028 [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales for Q3 2025 were $644.9 million, up from $579.4 million in Q3 2024, representing a 20.5% increase when excluding the impact of the exited E and C transit bus business [14] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA increased to $64.1 million from $45.2 million in Q3 2024, a year-over-year increase of 66.1% when excluding the $6.6 million impact from the divested bus business [15][16] - Trade working capital decreased to $191.6 million from $248.2 million at the end of fiscal 2024, primarily due to lower inventory balances and increased customer advances [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specialty Vehicles segment sales were $483.3 million, an increase of 11.8% compared to the prior year, with adjusted EBITDA of $64.6 million, up 71.4% year-over-year [17][18] - Fire unit shipments increased by 11% and ambulance unit shipments increased by 7% compared to the previous year, reflecting operational resilience and increased throughput [6][18] - Recreational Vehicle segment sales rose to $161.7 million, a 9.7% increase, but adjusted EBITDA decreased by 13.8% due to increased dealer assistance and tariff impacts [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specialty Vehicles segment backlog at the end of the quarter was $4.3 billion, with a decrease in the number of units in backlog by approximately 4% sequentially and 6% year-over-year [19][22] - Recreational Vehicle segment backlog declined by 7% year-over-year, reflecting soft end market demand and dealer caution [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reinvesting in its businesses to drive long-term growth, pursuing opportunistic share repurchases, and maintaining a sustainable dividend while evaluating M&A opportunities [13] - A significant investment of approximately $20 million is being made to expand the Spartan Emergency Response facility, increasing fire apparatus production capacity by 40% [8][9] - The company aims to improve operational efficiency and quality through targeted capital investments across its fire and ambulance groups [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to manage tariff impacts and maintain strong performance, raising the fiscal 2025 outlook based on year-to-date performance [13][27] - The company anticipates continued demand for fire apparatus and ambulance units, with expectations for low single-digit sequential revenue growth in the Specialty Vehicles segment for Q4 [20] - Management acknowledged the challenges in the Recreational Vehicle segment due to macroeconomic uncertainty but remains optimistic about the long-term outlook [21][23] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of its Lance Camper business, streamlining its RV portfolio to focus on motorized RVs [11] - Year-to-date cash flow has strengthened the balance sheet, allowing for continued investments and enhancing financial flexibility [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Were the record EBITDA margins in line with expectations? - Management confirmed that they are on track with their midterm targets and are pleased with the progression [31][32] Question: Will the first quarter of fiscal 2026 start slow due to tariffs? - Management expects a typical sequential decline in sales of 10-15% in the first quarter, with incrementals aligning with previous guidance [34] Question: How is pricing being managed in light of tariffs and inflation? - Management is actively reviewing pricing strategies to offset inflation costs but has not yet implemented price increases specifically due to tariffs [36][46] Question: Is the company seeing any impact from steel and aluminum tariffs? - Management indicated that they are managing costs through supplier relationships and have not seen a significant change in expected tariff impacts [41][43] Question: What is the outlook for the fire business and delivery timelines? - Management noted that delivery timelines are improving, and they expect to maintain competitive lead times while managing backlog normalization [51][53] Question: How is the company approaching capital deployment with strong cash flow? - Management emphasized the importance of investing in productivity improvements while remaining opportunistic regarding M&A opportunities [76][78]