Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 were $63.3 million, a slight decrease from $64.6 million in Q1 2024, representing a 2% decline [5][9] - EBITDA for the quarter was reported at $4.8 million, with earnings per share at $0.31, closely aligning with expectations [5] - Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 22.4% from 23.9% in the prior year, primarily due to higher raw material costs [10] - Net income from continuing operations was $1.9 million or $0.31 per diluted share, down from $2.1 million or $0.34 per diluted share in the previous year [11] - Adjusted net income from continuing operations was $2 million or $0.32 per diluted share, compared to $2.1 million or $0.34 per diluted share for the prior year [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The decline in net sales was attributed to decreased sales of truck mirror assemblies and truck accessories, offset by increased sales of returnable transport packaging products [9] - The backlog as of March 29, 2025, decreased by 9% to $85.9 million compared to $94 million as of March 30, 2024, driven by decreased orders across several product lines [9][10] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased by $800,000 or 8% compared to the previous year, mainly due to lower payroll-related expenses [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The medium and heavy-duty truck markets have experienced significant impacts, with a noted softness in build rates expected to continue [18] - The returnable packaging market, particularly in the automotive segment, has been quiet, with a potential for pent-up demand as production shifts back to the U.S. [28][31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to enhance strategic growth plans, eliminate bureaucracy, and optimize cash flow in 2025 [8] - Key initiatives include a focus on new product development and maintaining a nimble supply chain to adapt to market changes [17][20] - The company is also prioritizing mergers and acquisitions, with a disciplined approach to potential deals in 2025 and beyond [40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in the marketplace but expressed confidence in the company's positioning to capitalize on future demand [5][29] - The leadership team is focused on cost discipline and operational efficiency amid uncertain market conditions [39] - The company is actively managing tariff impacts and has been able to neutralize some of the effects thus far [40] Other Important Information - The company completed a share buyback program of 200,000 shares and has authorized an additional program for 400,000 shares [12] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $800,000, and dividends paid amounted to $700,000 [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for returnable packaging business - Management indicated that the returnable packaging market is currently quiet, particularly in automotive, but believes they are well-positioned to respond to any future demand shifts [28][29] Question: Gross margin expectations - Management noted that the lower gross margin is partly due to sales mix and expects higher-margin products to gain better market velocity, which could support margin improvement [32][33]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for the first quarter of 2025 were $63.3 million, a slight decrease from $64.6 million in Q1 2024, representing a 2% decline [5][10] - EBITDA for the quarter was $4.8 million, with earnings per share at $0.31, close to expectations [5] - Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 22.4% from 23.9% in the prior year, primarily due to higher raw material costs [11] - Net income from continuing operations was $1.9 million or $0.31 per diluted share, down from $2.1 million or $0.34 per diluted share in the previous year [12] - Adjusted net income from continuing operations was $2 million or $0.32 per diluted share, compared to $2.1 million or $0.34 per diluted share for the prior year [12] - Senior net leverage ratio increased to 1.45 from 1.23 at the end of 2024 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The decline in net sales was primarily due to decreased sales of truck mirror assemblies and truck accessories, offset by increased sales of returnable transport packaging products [10] - The backlog decreased by 9% to $85.9 million compared to $94 million in the previous year, driven by decreased orders in several product categories [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The medium and heavy-duty truck markets have experienced significant impacts, with a noted softness in build rates expected to continue [19] - The returnable packaging market, particularly in the automotive segment, has been quiet, with a potential for pent-up demand as production shifts back to the U.S. [29][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to enhance strategic growth plans, eliminate bureaucracy, and optimize cash flow in 2025 [8] - Key initiatives include a focus on new product development and a nimble supply chain to adapt to market changes [18][21] - The company is also prioritizing mergers and acquisitions, with a disciplined approach to potential deals [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in the marketplace but expressed optimism about the company's positioning and future growth opportunities [5][39] - The company is actively managing tariff impacts and has been able to neutralize some of the effects thus far [40] - There is a belief that the company is currently in a trough and expects a recovery as customers begin to move forward with their programs [30] Other Important Information - The company completed a share buyback program of 200,000 shares and has authorized an additional program for 400,000 shares [6][13] - Leadership transitions have been completed, with a new board member joining who has significant industry experience [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for returnable packaging business - Management noted a quiet market in returnable packaging, particularly in automotive, but believes they are well-positioned to capitalize on any future demand as production shifts back to the U.S. [29][30] Question: Gross margin expectations - Management indicated that while gross margins are currently lower, they expect to improve margins through better sales mix and cost management [33][34]