Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales increased by 4.6% to $358.2 million, driven by $24.9 million of inorganic sales from the acquisition of UW Solutions [8][10] - Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased to 12.4%, primarily due to lower price and volume, unfavorable mix, and higher material, tariff, and health insurance costs [8][10] - Adjusted diluted EPS declined to $0.98, mainly driven by lower adjusted EBITDA and higher interest expense [8][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Performance Services net sales increased, driven by inorganic sales from UW Solutions and strong organic growth of 18.6% [9][10] - Metals segment net sales declined slightly, reflecting a less favorable mix, partially offset by higher volume and price [9] - Glass segment net sales declined, with adjusted EBITDA margin moderating due to reduced volume and price from lower end-market demand [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The competitive environment for glass has not improved, leading to lowered expectations for glass volume and price [4][10] - Higher aluminum costs are expected to pressure pricing and volume in the Metals segment [4][10] - Bid activity for glass business remains up compared to last year, but price pressures are impacting volume [4][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving year-over-year net sales and adjusted EPS growth, primarily through Performance Services [5][10] - Strategic actions include tariff mitigation efforts and Project Fortify II to enhance organizational agility [7][10] - The company aims to pursue acquisitions that align with strategic and financial objectives, enhancing product offerings and geographic reach [7][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment over changes impacting guidance but remains optimistic about growth in Performance Services [5][10] - The company anticipates challenges in the glass and metals segments due to competitive pressures and rising costs [4][10] - Despite macroeconomic challenges, management is confident in the company's strong cash flow and balance sheet for future success [15][10] Other Important Information - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to provide a cash tax benefit primarily impacting fiscal 2026 [11][10] - The company is updating its outlook for net sales to a range of $1.39 billion - $1.42 billion and adjusted diluted EPS to $3.60 - $3.90 [10][11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you expand on the organic growth in Performance Services? - Management noted strong growth in UW Solutions, particularly due to regained distribution and cross-selling opportunities [21][23] Question: What is driving the increase in services backlog? - The backlog growth was attributed to projects in the Northeast and efforts to expand into new markets [25][26] Question: What are the expectations for glass segment margins in the next two quarters? - Management expects mid-teens EBITDA margins despite top-line challenges, emphasizing a focus on preserving premium product pricing [32][33] Question: How much of the lowered guide for metals is due to cost pressure? - The pressure is mainly from higher aluminum costs, which have increased by approximately 20% during the second quarter [36][39] Question: Have there been shifts towards smaller or non-traditional projects? - There has been a shift towards smaller projects, particularly in the glass business, which has led to increased competition and lower margins [48][51] Question: What could impact the EPS guidance for FY 2026? - Continued upward cost pressure on aluminum and the effectiveness of cost control measures under Project Fortify II could impact EPS [52][53]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales increased by 4.6% to $358.2 million, driven by $24.9 million of inorganic sales from the acquisition of UW Solutions [9][11] - Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased to 12.4%, primarily due to lower price and volume, unfavorable mix, and higher material, tariff, and health insurance costs [9][11] - Adjusted diluted EPS declined to $0.98, primarily driven by lower adjusted EBITDA and higher interest expense [9][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Performance Services net sales increased, driven by inorganic sales from UW Solutions and strong organic growth of 18.6% [10][11] - Architectural Services recorded net sales growth and a sequential backlog increase of over $100 million [4][10] - Glass segment net sales declined, with adjusted EBITDA margin moderating due to reduced volume and price from lower end-market demand [10][11] - Metals segment net sales declined slightly, reflecting a less favorable mix, partially offset by higher volume and price [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The competitive environment for glass has not improved, leading to lowered expectations for glass volume and price [5][12] - Higher aluminum costs are expected to pressure pricing and volume in the Metals segment [5][12] - Bid activity for glass business remains up versus last year, but price pressures are impacting volume [5][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on acquisitions that fit strategic and financial objectives, aiming to add differentiated products and expand geographic reach [7][8] - Project Fortify II actions and tariff mitigation efforts are in place to enhance organizational agility [6][7] - The company aims to drive year-over-year net sales and adjusted EPS growth in the second half of the fiscal year, primarily through Performance Services [6][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment over changes impacting guidance but remains optimistic about year-over-year growth in the second half [5][6] - The company is navigating a challenging macroeconomic environment while building a stronger foundation for future growth [6][17] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining premium product pricing to protect margins despite competitive pressures [34][35] Other Important Information - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to provide a cash tax benefit primarily impacting fiscal 2026 [12] - The company has a consolidated leverage ratio of 1.5 and no near-term debt maturities, providing flexibility for future opportunities [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you expand on the organic growth in Performance Services? - The strongest growth was seen in UW Solutions, regaining distribution and leveraging cross-selling opportunities [22][23] Question: What is driving the growth in the flooring side of the business? - Demand for flooring products is driven by automation in distribution centers, with significant interest from a global e-commerce retailer [24][25] Question: What is the reason for the increase in services backlog? - The backlog growth was driven by projects in the Northeast and efforts to expand into new markets [26][27] Question: What are the expectations for glass margins in the next two quarters? - Management expects mid-teens EBITDA margins despite competitive pressures [32][33] Question: How much of the lowered guide for metals is due to cost pressure? - The pressure is mainly from higher aluminum costs, impacting pricing and volume [36][37] Question: What is the realistic downside for FY2026 if market conditions worsen? - Continued upward cost pressure on aluminum could impact the EPS guidance range of $3.60 to $3.90 [50][51] Question: How sensitive is the surfaces segment to a potential slowdown? - Any significant slowdown is more likely to impact Q1 rather than Q3, with visibility into retail demand remaining stable [52][53]

Summary of Herc Holdings Inc. FY Conference Call (September 11, 2025) Company Overview - Herc Holdings Inc. is the oldest public company in the equipment rental industry, celebrating its 60th anniversary. [1] - The company operates over 625 locations across 46 states and five Canadian provinces, employing over 10,000 people. [1] - The addressable market for Herc is approximately $87 billion and is expected to grow, driven by a shift from ownership to rental in the equipment sector. [1] Core Business Strategies - Herc has achieved above-market growth through fleet investments, new openings, and M&A, completing over 50 transactions in the last four and a half years, adding 113 locations. [2] - The recent acquisition of H&E Equipment Services Inc. added 165 locations, enhancing Herc's scale and capabilities in the mega project market. [2][3] - The company operates primarily in the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in North America, which helps mitigate recession risks. [3] Market Dynamics - Local markets are currently stable but have shown softness, primarily due to commercial activity influenced by interest rates. [5][6] - The mega project segment remains strong, with Herc aiming to participate in 10% to 15% of these projects. [7] - Geographic strength is noted in areas with fewer regulations, such as Texas and the Gulf, while the West Coast faces challenges in securing large projects. [8] Acquisition Insights - The integration of H&E Equipment Services Inc. is progressing well, with all locations expected to be fully operational on the Herc platform shortly. [3][16] - The acquisition is expected to yield $125 million in cost synergies over two years, with a current run rate indicating 50% achievement by year-end. [17] - The combined fleet will focus on increasing the specialty segment from 16% to a long-term target of 25%, enhancing margin profiles. [25] Financial Outlook - The leverage ratio post-acquisition is at 3.8, with expectations to return to a 2-3 times leverage profile by 2027. [19][21] - The company is prioritizing integration and optimizing the newly acquired branches before pursuing further acquisitions. [21] Future Market Trends - The equipment rental industry is expected to continue growing, with a secular trend favoring rental over ownership. [31] - Customers are increasingly seeking comprehensive solutions, including technology and efficiency in fleet management. [31] - The introduction of innovative products, such as battery storage power and load banks for data centers, is anticipated to drive future growth. [29] Conclusion - Herc Holdings Inc. is well-positioned to capitalize on market opportunities through strategic acquisitions, a focus on specialty equipment, and a robust approach to integration and capital efficiency. [1][17][31]