Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Enerpac Tool Group reported fiscal 2025 revenue of $617 million, an increase of 5% year-over-year, with organic growth of 1% after adjusting for foreign exchange and the acquisition of DTA [6][10] - Adjusted EBITDA for the year grew by 4% to $154 million, representing a margin of 24.9% [10][12] - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 5% to $1.81 compared to $1.72 in fiscal 2024 [10][12] - For the fourth quarter, revenue was up 6%, but organic revenue declined approximately 2% [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The IT&S business saw a 1% organic revenue increase for the year, while including DTA, revenue increased by 4% [6] - DTA's full-year revenue reached $20 million, with a strong fourth quarter performance contributing $9 million [6][11] - E-commerce business grew by 32% in fiscal 2025, indicating strong traction with customers [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Growth was observed in two of the three regions, with low single-digit growth in the Americas and strong high single-digit growth in APAC [7] - In APAC, growth was driven by solid performance in standard products and even better growth in heavy lifting technology (HLT) [7] - The EMEA region experienced a mid-single-digit decline, primarily due to ongoing economic weakness in Central and Southern Europe [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is cautiously optimistic about fiscal 2026, with expectations of lower interest rates and healthy activity in the infrastructure sector [4] - Enerpac continues to invest in its Powering Enerpac Performance (PEP) initiatives to drive continuous improvement and operational capabilities [16] - The company is focusing on capturing more differentiated and value-added service opportunities, including transitioning to a direct business model in certain countries [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging and dynamic environment marked by weakness in the industrial sector and economic uncertainty [3] - There is cautious optimism regarding the macroeconomic environment, with potential improvements in tariff policies and infrastructure activity [4][44] - The company expects to maintain price-cost neutrality for the full fiscal year despite anticipated margin pressures in the first quarter [15][47] Other Important Information - The company repurchased a record $40 million in stock during the fourth quarter, totaling $69 million for fiscal 2025 [4][12] - Enerpac's net debt was $38 million at year-end, resulting in a net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio of 0.3x, indicating strong financial flexibility [12][13] - Initial guidance for fiscal 2026 anticipates revenue of $635 million to $655 million, with organic growth of 1% to 4% [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: EMEA market conditions - Management indicated that the EMEA market weakness is primarily in Europe, particularly Central and Southern Europe, with challenges from macroeconomic factors and service business comparisons [27][28] Question: E-commerce performance - E-commerce has been rolled out globally, with strong growth in the U.S. and expansion into European and Australian markets [31] Question: DTA integration and growth opportunities - DTA has shown robust performance, particularly in the U.S. market, with significant cross-selling opportunities to existing Enerpac customers [32][33] Question: Overall pipeline of opportunities - The pipeline is viewed similarly to the previous year, with uncertainty in the macro environment but optimism around infrastructure projects [42][44] Question: M&A outlook - The company remains active in M&A, with a healthy balance sheet and an increasing number of opportunities in the funnel [58][60] Question: Growth in APAC and second brand strategy - APAC growth was driven by strong performance in India and Australia, with continued expectations for growth in the second brand strategy [61][62] Question: Balancing M&A and share repurchases - The company will be opportunistic with share repurchases while continuing to focus on M&A opportunities [70][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reported revenue for the quarter was $4.6 billion, down 2% year-over-year in constant currency, while system-wide revenue was $4.9 billion [7][11] - Reported EBITDA for the quarter was $74 million, with adjusted EBITDA at $96 million, representing a decrease of 22% in constant currency year-over-year [7][8] - Adjusted earnings per share decreased by 39% year-over-year in constant currency, with reported EPS at $0.38 and adjusted EPS at $0.83 [8][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Manpower brand experienced a 3% growth year-over-year on an organic constant currency basis, while Experis declined by 7% and Talent Solutions declined by 8% [14] - Gross profit margin for the quarter was 16.6%, with staffing margin contributing a 40 basis point reduction due to a shift towards enterprise accounts [14][16] - The consolidated gross profit decreased by 4% on an organic constant currency basis year-over-year, with Manpower brand reporting flat gross profit [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in the Americas segment was $1.1 billion, representing a 6% year-over-year increase on a constant currency basis [17] - Southern Europe revenue was $2.2 billion, reflecting a 1% decrease in organic constant currency [20] - The Asia-Pacific Middle East segment saw revenues of $521 million, representing an 8% increase in organic constant currency [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on digitization and standardization across operations, with significant progress in global business services initiatives [28][29] - The implementation of AI, particularly the Sophie AI platform, is expected to enhance operational efficiency and client outcomes [30][56] - The company aims to balance cost containment with strategic investments to strengthen capabilities and expand margins [9][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a cautious hiring environment with stabilization signs, particularly in North America and Europe, despite geopolitical tensions [4][9] - The outlook for the fourth quarter anticipates ongoing stability in most markets, with EPS guidance in the range of $0.78 - $0.88 [26] - There is cautious optimism for improved economic conditions in 2026, particularly in Europe and North America [46] Other Important Information - Free cash flow for the quarter was $45 million, down from $67 million in the prior year, with capital expenditures at $15 million [24][25] - The company ended the quarter with cash of $275 million and total debt of $1.2 billion, reflecting an improvement in net debt [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: When business confidence improves, would there be an early cycle pickup in flexible staffing volumes? - Management indicated that the current labor market is "frozen," with little hiring or workforce reductions, but there are signs of stabilization and potential growth if employer confidence returns [33][34] Question: Can you discuss the trends seen in the quarter and any volatility due to economic conditions? - Management noted improvements in France and Italy, with stable performance in the U.S., although some volatility was observed due to previous large RPO volumes [38][40] Question: Are there any price pressures or mix issues impacting gross profit? - Management confirmed that the primary driver of staffing margin pressure is the mix shift towards enterprise clients, with no significant pricing changes observed [42][43] Question: How is political turmoil in France impacting business sentiment? - Management acknowledged that while political uncertainty is not helpful, clients are navigating the environment pragmatically and focusing on talent investments [71][73] Question: What are the drivers of blue-collar staffing outperforming white-collar staffing? - Management attributed the outperformance of the Manpower brand to improving PMI and employer resilience, while noting that the Experis brand is impacted by slower traditional IT project investments [79][81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Enerpac Tool Group reported record revenue of $617 million for fiscal 2025, representing a 5% increase year-over-year, with organic growth of 1% after adjusting for foreign exchange and the acquisition of DTA [6][10] - Adjusted EBITDA for the year grew by 4% to $154 million, resulting in a margin of 24.9% [10][12] - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 5% to $1.81 compared to $1.72 in fiscal 2024 [10][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The IT&S business saw a 1% organic revenue increase for the year, while including DTA, revenue increased by 4% [6][10] - The e-commerce segment experienced significant growth, posting a 32% increase in fiscal 2025 [4][10] - Cortland Biomedical products continued to show healthy growth, contributing positively to overall performance [10][80] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Growth was observed in two of the three regions, with low single-digit growth in the Americas and strong high single-digit growth in APAC [7][8] - The EMEA region experienced a mid-single-digit decline, primarily due to ongoing economic weakness in Central and Southern Europe [8][9] - In APAC, double-digit growth was driven by enhanced sales coverage in India and improvements in the mining industry in Australia [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on continuous improvement through the Powering Enerpac Performance (PEP) initiatives, which aim to enhance operational capabilities and support growth [16][22] - Enerpac is investing in differentiated and value-added service opportunities, including transitioning to a direct business model in certain countries [16][22] - The company plans to continue its disciplined capital allocation strategy, balancing investments in growth with shareholder returns through stock repurchases [12][70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for fiscal 2026, citing potential improvements in the macroeconomic environment, including lower interest rates and healthy infrastructure activity [4][14] - The company anticipates some pressure on margins in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 due to higher tariff-impacted costs, but expects to offset these through strategic actions [15][47] - Overall, management remains cautiously optimistic about growth opportunities, particularly in the infrastructure sector [44][45] Other Important Information - The company repurchased a record $40 million in stock during the fourth quarter, totaling $69 million for fiscal 2025 [4][12] - Enerpac's net debt was reported at $38 million, with a net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio of 0.3 times, indicating strong financial flexibility [12][13] - The company has a new share repurchase authorization of $200 million, reflecting confidence in its ability to create shareholder value [12][70] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the EMEA market's performance - Management noted that the EMEA region's weakness is primarily due to challenges in Central and Southern Europe, compounded by a tough year-over-year comparison with a large project in the previous year [28][29] Question: E-commerce growth and global rollout - The e-commerce business has been rolled out globally, with significant investments in technology and marketing to drive growth [31] Question: DTA integration and growth opportunities - Management highlighted strong traction in the U.S. market for DTA's solutions, with robust orders and an expanding backlog [32][33] Question: Overall pipeline of opportunities entering fiscal 2026 - The company views the pipeline as similar to the previous year, with cautious optimism depending on macroeconomic conditions [42][44] Question: Outlook for Cortland Biomedical - Management remains bullish on Cortland, expecting continued strong growth and margin accretion from this segment [80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reported revenue for the quarter was $4.6 billion, down 2% year over year in constant currency, while system-wide revenue was $4.9 billion [7][11] - Reported EBITDA for the quarter was $74 million, with adjusted EBITDA at $96 million, representing a decrease of 22% in constant currency year over year [8][11] - Adjusted earnings per share decreased by 39% year over year in constant currency, with reported EPS at $0.38 and adjusted EPS at $0.83 [8][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Manpower brand experienced a 3% growth in organic constant currency, while Experis declined by 7% and Talent Solutions declined by 8% [13] - Gross profit margin for the quarter was 16.6%, with staffing margin contributing to a 40 basis point reduction due to a shift towards enterprise accounts [14][15] - The consolidated gross profit decreased by 4% on an organic constant currency basis year over year, with Manpower brand reporting flat gross profit [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in the Americas segment was $1.1 billion, representing a 6% year-over-year increase on a constant currency basis [17] - Southern Europe revenue was $2.2 billion, reflecting a 1% decrease in organic constant currency [19] - The Asia-Pacific Middle East segment saw revenues of $521 million, representing an 8% increase in organic constant currency [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on digitization and standardization across operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs [28][30] - The implementation of AI, particularly the Sophy AI platform, is expected to enhance client outcomes and drive revenue growth [30][31] - The company aims to balance cost containment with strategic investments to strengthen capabilities and expand margins [9][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a cautious hiring environment with geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty impacting labor markets [4][5] - There are signs of stabilization in demand, particularly in North America and Europe, with expectations for gradual improvement [9][46] - The outlook for 2026 is cautiously optimistic, with expectations for improved economic conditions in Europe and North America [46] Other Important Information - Free cash flow for the quarter was $45 million, down from $67 million in the prior year, with capital expenditures at $15 million [24][25] - The company ended the quarter with cash of $275 million and total debt of $1.2 billion, reflecting an improvement in net debt [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: When business confidence improves, would there be an early cycle pickup in flexible staffing volumes? - Management indicated that if employer confidence returns, it could lead to better growth in the Manpower brand and other segments [34][36] Question: Can you discuss the trends seen in the quarter and any volatility due to economic conditions? - Management noted improvements in France and Italy, with stable performance in the U.S., although some volatility was observed due to prior large RPO volumes [40][42] Question: Are there any price pressures or mix issues impacting gross profit? - Management confirmed that the primary driver of margin pressure is the mix shift towards enterprise clients, with no significant pricing changes observed [43][44] Question: How is political turmoil in France impacting business sentiment? - Management acknowledged that while political uncertainty is not helpful, companies are navigating the environment pragmatically and focusing on talent investments [71][73] Question: What are the drivers of blue-collar staffing outperforming white-collar staffing? - Management attributed the outperformance of the Manpower brand to improving PMI and employer resilience, while noting slower investment in traditional IT projects affecting Experis [80][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Enerpac Tool Group reported record revenue of $617 million for fiscal 2025, representing a 5% increase year-over-year, with organic growth of 1% after adjusting for foreign exchange and the acquisition of DTA [6][11] - Adjusted EBITDA for the year grew by 4% to $154 million, resulting in a margin of 24.9% [11][12] - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 5% to $1.81 compared to $1.72 in fiscal 2024 [11][12] - Gross profit margin was 50.5%, slightly down from the previous year, primarily due to the inclusion of DTA [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The IT&S business saw a 1% organic revenue increase for the year, while including DTA, revenue increased by 4% [6] - Heavy lifting technology (HLT) experienced double-digit growth in the Americas, although overall performance was down compared to a strong fiscal 2024 [9][10] - E-commerce business grew by 32% in fiscal 2025, indicating strong traction with customers [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Growth was observed in two of the three regions, with low single-digit growth in the Americas and strong high single-digit growth in APAC [8] - The EMEA region experienced a mid-single-digit revenue decline, attributed to ongoing economic weakness in Central and Southern Europe [9][10] - Latin America faced softer performance due to macroeconomic issues and tariff-related policies [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on continuous improvement through the Powering Enerpac Performance (PEP) initiatives, which aim to simplify and automate operations [18][20] - Enerpac is investing in differentiated and value-added service opportunities, including transitioning to a direct business model in certain countries [18] - The company plans to expand its presence in the infrastructure market and enhance its digital transformation efforts [10][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for fiscal 2026, citing potential benefits from lower interest rates and healthy infrastructure activity, despite uncertainties in Europe [5][15] - The company anticipates revenue for fiscal 2026 to be between $635 million and $655 million, with organic growth projected at 1% to 4% [15][16] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced capital allocation strategy, focusing on both M&A opportunities and shareholder returns [13][66] Other Important Information - The company repurchased a record $40 million in stock during the fourth quarter, totaling $69 million for fiscal 2025 [5][12] - Enerpac's net debt was $38 million at year-end, resulting in a net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio of 0.3 times, indicating strong financial flexibility [13][14] - The company opened a new service center in Saudi Arabia, expecting it to be a significant growth engine [18][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the EMEA market's performance - Management indicated that the EMEA market's weakness is primarily due to challenges in Central and Southern Europe, compounded by a tough year-over-year comparison due to a large project in the previous year [28][29] Question: E-commerce performance and global rollout - The e-commerce initiative has been rolled out globally, with strong performance in the U.S. and expansion into European and Australian markets [32][33] Question: DTA integration and growth opportunities - Management expressed satisfaction with DTA's integration, noting robust orders and significant growth opportunities, particularly in the U.S. market [34][35] Question: Overall pipeline of opportunities entering fiscal 2026 - The company views the pipeline as similar to the previous year, with ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties but optimism around infrastructure projects [40][42] Question: M&A outlook and potential sellers - Management noted an increase in the quality and pace of M&A opportunities, with a focus on high-quality businesses rather than distressed situations [54][56] Question: Outlook for Cortland Biomedical - Management remains bullish on Cortland Biomedical, expecting continued strong growth and margin accretion from this segment [70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reported revenue for the quarter was $4.6 billion, down 2% year over year in constant currency, while system-wide revenue was $4.9 billion [10] - Reported EBITDA for the quarter was $74 million, with adjusted EBITDA at $96 million, representing a decrease of 22% in constant currency year over year [10][14] - Adjusted earnings per share decreased 39% year over year in constant currency, with reported earnings per diluted share at $0.38 and adjusted earnings per diluted share at $0.83 [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Manpower brand experienced a 3% growth in organic constant currency year over year, while the Experis brand declined by 7% and Talent Solutions declined by 8% [16] - Gross profit margin for the quarter was 16.6%, with staffing margin contributing a 40 basis point reduction due to a shift towards enterprise accounts [17][18] - The consolidated gross profit decreased by 4% on an organic constant currency basis year over year, showing slight improvement from a 5% decline in the second quarter [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in the Americas segment was $1.1 billion, representing a 6% year-over-year increase on a constant currency basis [21] - Southern Europe revenue was $2.2 billion, reflecting a 1% decrease in organic constant currency [26] - The Asia Pacific Middle East segment saw revenues of $521 million, representing an 8% increase in organic constant currency [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on digitization and standardization across operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs [38] - The introduction of the AI platform, SoFi AI, is expected to enhance capabilities and client outcomes, with approximately 30% of new client revenue derived from AI-rated probability [40][41] - The leadership team is committed to managing current challenges while positioning the business for future growth through cost containment and strategic initiatives [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that geopolitical tensions and economic softening continue to impact hiring, but there are signs of stabilization in demand [6][7] - The outlook for the fourth quarter anticipates ongoing stability in most markets, with earnings per share projected to be in the range of $0.78 to $0.88 [35] - Management expressed cautious optimism about future growth, particularly in Europe and North America, as economic conditions are expected to improve [58][59] Other Important Information - Free cash flow for the quarter was $45 million, down from $67 million in the prior year, but positive cash flow is expected to continue [33] - The company ended the quarter with cash of $275 million and total debt of $1.2 billion, reflecting an improvement in net debt [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for flexible staffing volumes with improved business confidence - Management noted that the current labor market is "frozen," with little hiring or workforce reductions, but there are signs of stabilization and potential growth if employer confidence returns [44][46] Question: Trends observed in the quarter and any volatility due to economic conditions - Management indicated that there was an improvement in trends during the third quarter, particularly in France and Italy, while the U.S. market remained stable [49][51] Question: Insights on gross margin pressures and pricing - Management explained that the primary driver of gross margin pressure is a mix shift towards enterprise clients, with no significant pricing changes observed [54][56] Question: Indicators of demand stabilization across regions - Management highlighted that demand is stabilizing in Europe and North America, with growth opportunities emerging in sectors like financial services and logistics [62][63] Question: Impact of political turmoil in France on business sentiment - Management acknowledged that political uncertainty in France is not helpful, but clients are navigating through the environment pragmatically [88][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Enerpac reported record revenue of $617 million for fiscal 2025, an increase of 5% year-over-year, with organic growth of 1% after adjusting for foreign exchange and the acquisition of DTA [8][14] - Adjusted EBITDA for the year was $154 million, representing a growth of 4% and a margin of 24.9% [14][19] - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 5% to $1.81 compared to $1.72 in fiscal 2024 [14][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The IT and S business saw a 1% organic revenue increase for the year, while including DTA, revenue increased by 4% [9] - DTA's full-year revenue reached $20 million, with a strong performance in the fourth quarter contributing significantly to overall growth [9][12] - Product revenue declined by 1% year-over-year on an organic basis, while service revenue declined by 7% [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Growth was observed in two of the three regions, with low single-digit growth in The Americas and strong high single-digit growth in APAC [10] - The EMEA region experienced a mid single-digit decline, primarily due to ongoing economic weakness in Central and Southern Europe [12] - In APAC, double-digit growth was driven by enhanced sales coverage in India and improvements in the mining industry in Australia [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is cautiously optimistic about fiscal 2026, with expectations of lower interest rates and healthy activity in the infrastructure sector [7][19] - Enerpac continues to invest in its Powering Enerpac Performance Program (PEP) to drive continuous improvement and operational capabilities [20] - The company is focusing on capturing more differentiated and value-added service opportunities, including transitioning to a direct business model in certain countries [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging and dynamic environment marked by weakness in the industrial sector and economic uncertainty [5] - There is cautious optimism regarding the macro environment, with expectations of some pressure on margins due to higher tariff costs [19][20] - The company remains focused on infrastructure market opportunities and digital transformation initiatives [13][19] Other Important Information - Enerpac repurchased a record $40 million in stock during the fourth quarter, totaling $69 million for fiscal 2025 [7][16] - The company has a strong balance sheet with net debt of $38 million and total liquidity of $551 million, allowing for continued capital allocation flexibility [17][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the EMEA market's performance - Management indicated that the EMEA market, primarily Europe, has seen softening due to macroeconomic challenges, particularly in Central and Southern Europe [32][34] Question: E-commerce performance and global rollout - E-commerce has been rolled out globally, with strong performance in the U.S. and expansion into Europe and Australia [37][38] Question: DTA integration and growth opportunities - DTA has shown robust performance, particularly in the U.S. market, with significant cross-selling opportunities identified [40][42] Question: Overall pipeline of opportunities entering fiscal 2026 - The pipeline remains uncertain but is similar to the previous year, with cautious optimism depending on macroeconomic conditions [50][52] Question: M&A outlook and potential sellers - The company is seeing a more constructive outlook for M&A, with a healthy balance sheet and increased deal flow opportunities [70][73] Question: Growth outlook for Cortland - Management remains bullish on Cortland, expecting continued strong growth and margin accretion [90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reported revenue for the quarter was $4.6 billion, down 2% year over year in constant currency, while system-wide revenue was $4.9 billion [6][7] - Reported EBITDA for the quarter was $74 million, with adjusted EBITDA at $96 million, representing a decrease of 22% in constant currency year over year [7][8] - Adjusted earnings per share decreased by 39% year over year in constant currency, with reported EPS at $0.38 and adjusted EPS at $0.83 [8][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Manpower brand experienced a 3% growth year over year on an organic constant currency basis, while Experis declined by 7% and Talent Solutions declined by 8% [13][15] - Gross profit margin for the quarter was 16.6%, with the Manpower brand contributing 63% of gross profit, Experis 21%, and Talent Solutions 16% [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in the Americas segment was $1.1 billion, representing a 6% increase year over year on a constant currency basis [17] - Southern Europe revenue was $2.2 billion, down 1% in organic constant currency, with France revenue decreasing by 5% [19][20] - The Asia-Pacific Middle East segment saw revenues of $521 million, an increase of 8% in organic constant currency [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on digitization and standardization across operations, with significant progress in global business services initiatives [28][29] - The implementation of AI, particularly the Sophy AI platform, is expected to enhance operational efficiency and client outcomes [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a cautious yet stable hiring environment, with gradual signs of stabilization in demand across various markets [4][5] - The outlook for 2026 is cautiously optimistic, with expectations for improved economic conditions in Europe and North America [44][46] Other Important Information - Free cash flow for the quarter was $45 million, down from $67 million in the prior year, with capital expenditures at $15 million [24][25] - The company ended the quarter with cash of $275 million and total debt of $1.2 billion, reflecting an improvement in net debt [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: When business confidence improves, will there be an early cycle pickup in flexible staffing volumes? - Management indicated that if employer confidence returns, it could lead to better growth in the Manpower brand and other segments [34][35] Question: Can you discuss the trends seen in the quarter and any volatility due to economic conditions? - Management noted improvements in France and Italy, with stable performance in the U.S., although some volatility was observed due to year-over-year comparisons [38][39] Question: Are there any price pressures or mix issues impacting gross profit margins? - Management confirmed that the primary driver of margin pressure is the mix shift towards enterprise clients, with no significant pricing changes observed [41][42] Question: How is political turmoil in France impacting business sentiment? - Management acknowledged that while political uncertainty is not helpful, clients are navigating the environment pragmatically and focusing on talent investments [64][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Synovus reported GAAP earnings per share of $1.33 and adjusted earnings per share of $1.46, up 19% year over year [5] - Adjusted PPNR growth was up 5% sequentially and 12% year over year, driven by net interest margin expansion and healthy non-interest revenue growth [5][10] - Net interest margin increased to 3.41%, with net interest income growing 8% year over year [10][14] - The capital position remained strong with a preliminary common equity Tier one ratio at 11.24%, the highest in Synovus' history [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted revenue increased 9% year over year, while adjusted non-interest expense rose 6% [9] - Wealth revenue increased by 4% sequentially, and capital markets income rose by 8% [12] - Loan production jumped 43% year over year, with specialty lending and institutional commercial real estate lending as strong contributors [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Period end core deposits declined by $231 million or 1% from the second quarter, primarily due to a strategic decline in public funds [11] - Average loans increased by 1%, while period end loans rose by 0.5% [10] - The company expects core deposit growth of approximately 0.5% for the year, with a strong focus on core deposit production in the fourth quarter [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger with Pinnacle Financial Partners is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, creating a dynamic regional bank [6][19] - The company is focused on talent acquisition and has added 25 new revenue producers in the third quarter, with plans for continued hiring [6][19] - Synovus aims to maintain strong loan production and fee income generation while managing expenses [6][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued momentum into the fourth quarter, with expectations for loan growth and non-interest revenue stability [19] - The credit loss environment remains favorable, with net charge-offs expected to be between 15 and 20 basis points in the fourth quarter [18] - Management noted that clients are generally optimistic about the economic outlook, which supports loan demand [86] Other Important Information - The company plans to issue 2026 pro forma guidance after the merger closes early next year [21] - Non-recurring expenses related to the merger amounted to $24 million, primarily for professional fees [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on capital and stock buybacks post-merger - Management expects to start with a strong capital position post-merger and aims to build capital in the early quarters while focusing on loan growth [27][28] Question: Trends in deposits and expectations for fourth quarter growth - Management reported $2.6 billion in new deposit production, up 18% from the second quarter, and anticipates a seasonal increase in public funds [33][35] Question: Hiring pace and environment - The hiring environment is characterized by excitement, with internal team members positively influencing external hiring prospects [39][40] Question: Credit trends and non-performing loans - Non-performing loans decreased due to payoffs and paydowns, with management noting the lowest net charge-off quarter in almost three years [43][44] Question: Feedback on the merger and internal/external perceptions - Management reported strong engagement and excitement among team members, with progress on key decisions and regulatory applications [48][53] Question: Loan growth and production trends - Loan production remains strong across various sectors, with expectations for continued growth in the fourth quarter [75][98]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company reported a revenue growth of 2.2% sequentially and 2.9% year-on-year in constant currency terms for Q2 FY 2026 [4][8] - Operating margins expanded by 20 basis points sequentially, reaching 21% [10][11] - Free cash flow stood at $1.1 billion, representing 131% of net profit, marking the sixth consecutive quarter above 100% [10][11] - Earnings per share (EPS) in rupee terms grew by 13% year-on-year to INR 17.6 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Financial services and manufacturing verticals grew above 5% year-on-year in constant currency for both Q2 and H1 [9][13] - The company signed 23 large deals during the quarter, with significant contributions from financial services and manufacturing [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Europe experienced growth greater than 5% year-on-year in constant currency terms [9] - The company added 8,000 employees during the quarter, bringing total headcount to 332,000 [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a revenue growth guidance of 2%-3% for the financial year, with operating margin guidance remaining at 20%-22% [7][17] - Strategic focus on AI capabilities has positioned the company as a leading enterprise AI services provider, with over 2,500 generative AI projects [18][20] - The company is pursuing a joint venture with Versant in Australia, which is expected to close later this year [7][78] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted strong client focus on deploying AI for growth and cost-efficiency programs [4][5] - The company anticipates seasonal factors impacting growth in H2, with lower working days and higher furloughs expected [88] - Management expressed confidence in navigating the changing visa landscape through localization and nearshoring strategies [52][54] Other Important Information - The company announced an INR 18,000 crore buyback through a tender route at INR 1,800 per share, expected to be completed in Q3 [12] - The board approved an interim dividend of INR 23, which is 9.5% higher than the previous year's interim dividend [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Partnerships with companies building AI capabilities - Management confirmed ongoing partnerships with companies building AI capabilities, focusing on modernization as a significant growth opportunity [30][34] Question: Large deal margins and comfort level - Management stated that while they do not disclose margins separately, they maintain a disciplined approach to large deals to ensure margin profiles are preserved [36] Question: Changes in smaller deal activity - Management indicated no significant changes in smaller deal activity, with a consistent pipeline [39] Question: Impact of H1B visa changes on business model - Management noted that while there is no immediate change, the long-term model will adapt with increased localization and nearshoring [52][54] Question: AI's impact on revenue growth profile - Management highlighted that AI presents both growth opportunities and efficiency improvements, but the current focus is on cost reduction due to economic conditions [69][70]