Core Viewpoint - U.S. small-cap stocks are experiencing significant performance gains, outperforming large-cap stocks, with expectations for further growth if the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates [1][2][6]. Small-Cap Stock Performance - The S&P Small Cap 600 Index has increased by 10.7% in the last three months and 4.1% over the past 30 days, while the S&P 500 Index has risen by 8.9% and 1.8% respectively [1]. - Small-cap stocks are more sensitive to economic conditions and interest rate changes, making them a focal point for potential investment opportunities [4][6]. Interest Rate Impact - A projected 0.25% cut in the federal funds rate is anticipated to benefit small-cap companies by lowering borrowing costs, which is crucial as these companies often rely on debt financing [2][3]. - Lower interest rates are expected to enhance earnings power for small-cap firms by reducing interest expenses [3]. Economic Growth and Small-Caps - If lower rates stimulate the economy and growth stabilizes or accelerates, small-cap stocks are likely to outperform as they typically do in the early to mid-stages of economic expansion [4][6]. - However, if rate cuts are a response to economic weakness, small-cap stocks may underperform due to their cyclical nature [6]. Notable Small-Cap Stocks - **Patrick Industries**: Year-to-date performance of 37.00%, expected to benefit from lower rates leading to volume growth and a successful M&A strategy [8]. - **Federal Signal**: Year-to-date performance of 38.00%, poised for growth due to lower borrowing rates for industrial customers and benefits from infrastructure spending [9][10]. - **LKQ Corporation**: Year-to-date performance of -10.42%, positioned to gain from increased demand for vehicle parts as consumers extend the life of their vehicles amid high prices [11][12]. Investment Strategies - The small-cap sector presents opportunities for value addition through mutual funds or active ETFs, especially as information asymmetry increases with smaller companies [13]. - Investors are advised to seek quality managers who focus on well-valued companies and maintain close relationships with company management for better monitoring [14].

Financial Performance - Pro-forma revenue reached $19435 million, a decrease of 15% compared to FY24[15] - Pro-forma gross margin was 465%, a slight increase of 3 bps compared to FY24[15] - Pro-forma NPAT was $804 million, down 84% compared to the previous corresponding period[15] - Statutory NPAT was $281 million, including significant items of $523 million post-tax[17] - Net debt stood at $3648 million, an increase of 82% compared to FY24[15] - Cash conversion rate improved to 818%, compared to 769% in the previous corresponding period[15] Strategic Initiatives - The company closed or relocated 70 sites, including consolidating 23 smaller warehouses[17, 18] - The company opened 21 new branches and stores[17, 18] - $47 million of inventory was centralized as part of the supply chain consolidation[28] - The Autobarn loyalty program was strengthened, adding 500,000 new members, bringing the total to 17 million[29, 30]