Core Insights - Weg is set to begin selling made-in-Europe EV battery chargers in the European market next year while increasing investments in Mexico to meet rising demand for electrical parts [1][2] Group 1: Expansion Plans - The company has already initiated EV charge operations in Europe and will have locally manufactured products available next year [2] - Weg is accelerating the expansion of its component manufacturing capacity in Mexico to fulfill strong demand for alternators from Marathon, which was acquired in 2023 [2][3] - Investments originally planned for 2026 to 2028 in Mexico are being expedited due to recent uncertainties in U.S. trade policy [3] Group 2: Market Presence and Services - In Brazil, Weg supplies batteries to 60% of the country's 1,168 electric buses currently in operation [4] - The company has launched a repair and maintenance center for electric vehicles in Sao Paulo state, which will offer battery maintenance, capacity expansion, and recycling services in the medium term [4] - Weg plans to introduce a new battery charger next year with a capacity of around 1 megawatt, surpassing its current best charger capacity of 640 kilowatts [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales increased by 5.5% to a record $757 million for fiscal year 2025, with gross profit rising by 16.1% to a record $154 million [7][20] - Cash flow from operating activities was $45.5 million, and net bank debt was reduced by $32.6 million to $81.4 million [7][27] - For the fourth quarter, net sales increased by 1.9% to $193.1 million, and gross profit increased by 10.6% to $38.5 million [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The hard parts business, particularly in rotating electrical products, continues to perform well, driven by the non-discretionary nature of the products [9][10] - Brake-related applications are the second largest product category, showing strong performance supported by quality and customer service [10][12] - The diagnostic business is experiencing growth, particularly with the JBT-one benchtop tester, which is expected to contribute additional service-related revenue [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average age of U.S. light vehicles has risen to 12.8 years, leading to increased replacement opportunities [10] - Vehicle registrations in 2024 surpassed 16 million for the first time since 2019, indicating a favorable market environment [10] - The company is well-positioned in the Mexican market, with increased demand for aftermarket parts and strong relationships with U.S.-based retailers [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on mitigating tariff impacts through price increases and supply chain initiatives, aiming for strategic competitive advantages [6][8] - There is a strong emphasis on reducing dependency on Chinese suppliers, with less than 25% of products sourced from China [8][32] - The company aims to enhance shareholder value through cash generation, debt reduction, and share repurchases [7][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the outlook for non-discretionary aftermarket parts, expecting continued organic growth supported by favorable industry dynamics [16][17] - Tariffs are seen as a challenge, but management believes they can maintain rational pricing and continue to offer quality products [17][18] - The company anticipates net sales for fiscal year 2026 to be between $780 million and $800 million, representing year-over-year growth of 35.6% [27] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 542,134 shares for $4.8 million at an average price of $8.91 during fiscal year 2025 [7] - Non-cash expenses related to foreign exchange and tariffs have impacted financial results, but management is focused on minimizing these expenses [11][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: How do tariffs potentially help market share? - Management indicated that they have adjusted their supply chain to be less dependent on China, which positions them favorably compared to competitors who rely on U.S. inventory [32][33] Question: Impact of customer price increases on gross margin? - Management acknowledged that while tariffs may slightly negatively impact gross margin, other initiatives are expected to offset this effect [35] Question: Clarification on tariff impacts and price increases? - Management noted that the timing of tariff impacts is unpredictable but expects to see improvements as price increases take effect [41][42] - Almost 100% of the price increases have been accepted by customers [43] Question: Expected margin expansion catalysts? - Management highlighted initiatives focused on reducing costs per unit and increasing sales per unit as key drivers for margin expansion [44][45]