Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $2.3 billion for Q1 2025, a decrease of $231 million or 9% from the same quarter last year, primarily due to softer market conditions for access equipment in North America [21][22] - Adjusted operating income was $192 million, representing an operating margin of 8.3%, down from the prior year due to lower sales volume and higher operating expenses [21][22] - Adjusted EPS was $1.92, in line with expectations of approximately $2 per share [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Access segment achieved an adjusted operating margin of 11.3% despite lower sales, with a backlog of $1.8 billion [12][21] - The Vocational segment saw strong year-over-year revenue growth of 12%, with an adjusted operating income margin of nearly 15% [14][15] - The Defense segment is ramping up production for the NGDV program, with expectations for strong revenue growth in the latter half of 2025 [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog for the Access segment remained strong at $1.8 billion, indicating healthy demand despite market conditions [12][54] - The Vocational segment's backlog is robust at $6.3 billion, providing excellent visibility for future revenue [15] - The company noted that while demand in the access equipment segment is strong, there is weakness in the private non-residential construction markets due to high interest rates [70] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on mitigating tariff impacts through a proactive global supply chain strategy and localizing production where necessary [10][11] - Continued investment in technology and innovation is emphasized, particularly in the refuse and recycling market, to drive productivity and meet customer needs [14][75] - The company is exploring M&A opportunities but prioritizes mitigating tariff impacts and returning capital to shareholders in the current environment [62][64] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the operational performance trajectory across all segments, despite near-term volatility from tariffs [10][26] - The company anticipates that the direct impact of tariffs could be about $1 per share, with efforts to mitigate this impact potentially offsetting up to $0.50 per share [24][88] - Customer sentiment remains balanced, with a healthy backlog and no significant defleeting observed in the market [55] Other Important Information - The company has entered into a new $500 million term loan to provide additional liquidity, which will be used to reduce the balance on its revolving credit facility [22] - Share repurchases totaled nearly 290,000 shares for $29 million during the quarter, benefiting adjusted EPS [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company addressing tariff impacts? - Management aims to minimize the impact on customers and has identified key areas for mitigation, focusing on targeted countries [31][32] Question: What are the cost headwinds related to tariffs? - The Access segment is most affected due to its global supply chain, particularly from China and Europe [40][41] Question: How will the defense segment's revenue ramp up? - The company expects to exit the year at a full production run rate of 16,000 to 20,000 units for the NGDV program, with margins expected to improve sequentially [43][44] Question: What is the sentiment among customers regarding tariffs? - Customers maintain a balanced view, with a healthy backlog indicating continued demand [55] Question: How is the company managing capital deployment? - The focus is on mitigating tariffs while also exploring M&A opportunities in healthy segments [62][64]