Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR) FY Conference Transcript
2026-03-02 14:07
Summary of Broadridge Financial Solutions FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR) - **Industry**: Capital markets technology, wealth management, asset management, public companies - **Unique Position**: Positioned at the intersection of key long-term trends such as the acceleration of trading and democratization of investing, processing approximately $15 trillion in trades daily, with $400 billion tokenized [3][4] Core Financial Metrics - **Revenue Growth**: - Organic revenue growth of 5%-7% - Recurring revenue growth of 7%-9% - Long-term earnings growth of 8%-12%, with a midpoint of 10% [7][8] - **Current Guidance**: Expected growth of 9%-12% for the year, with mid-single-digit growth anticipated in the upcoming quarters [8] AI and Technology Integration - **AI as a Tailwind**: AI is viewed as a positive force for Broadridge, enhancing operational resilience and connectivity rather than posing a disruption risk [10][11] - **AI Implementation**: - Integrating AI into existing platforms for improved efficiency - Developing new services using unique data, such as the Global Demand Model for asset management [14][15] - **Operational Efficiency**: Managed Services business has seen a 20% improvement in productivity, with expectations for further gains [19] Tokenization Insights - **Tokenization's Role**: Seen as an opportunity rather than a threat, with expectations that most tokenized equities will still be purchased through existing broker-dealers [23][25] - **Market Complexity**: Tokenization may introduce complexity, but Broadridge aims to simplify governance aspects for clients [24][26] - **Growth Potential**: Tokenization is expected to draw more investors into U.S. equities, contributing to position growth [24] Governance and Proxy Voting - **Proxy Voting Innovations**: - Growth in pass-through voting, with plans to increase from 400 funds ($2 trillion) to 600 funds ($4 trillion) [55] - Introduction of a custom policy engine to enhance data visibility for asset managers and corporate issuers [55] - **Strategic Positioning**: Innovations in proxy voting are expected to add approximately one point of growth to the governance business annually [56] Digital Communications and Regulatory Changes - **Digital Communication Leadership**: Broadridge has invested significantly in digital communications, achieving nearly 90% digital delivery for regulatory communications [34] - **Impact of SEC Proposals**: Transition to default electronic communications is expected to have a minimal direct revenue impact, but could enhance overall company value and margins [44][46] Key Messages and Future Outlook - **Strong Current Position**: Broadridge is confident in its guidance for 9%-12% earnings growth and is well-positioned to capitalize on long-term trends [58] - **Investment in Future Growth**: Continued investment in technology platforms, tokenization, and shareholder engagement is aimed at driving future growth [59][60] - **Long-term Client Relationships**: The company operates with a long-term view, treating clients as 99-year partners to navigate periods of change [60]
Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR) FY Conference Transcript
2026-03-02 14:07
Summary of Broadridge Financial Solutions FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR) - **Industry**: Financial Services, specifically focusing on market infrastructure and governance solutions Key Points and Arguments Financial Performance and Growth - Broadridge processes approximately **$15 trillion** in trades daily, with **$400 billion** being tokenized, indicating a strong position in the tokenization space [1] - The company has an investment-grade financial model projecting **5%-7% organic revenue growth** and **7%-9% recurring revenue growth**, with long-term earnings growth expected to be between **8%-12%** [4] - Guidance for the current year is set at **9%-12%**, with mid-single-digit growth anticipated in the upcoming quarters [5] AI and Technology Integration - AI is viewed as a tailwind for Broadridge, enhancing its competitive edge rather than posing a threat [6] - The company differentiates itself from pure SaaS players by being a regulated market infrastructure provider, emphasizing connectivity, operational resilience, and compliance [6][7] - Broadridge is embedding AI across its services, including natural language search and predictive models in asset management, which have already attracted around **20 clients** [10][11] Tokenization and Market Dynamics - Tokenization is seen as an opportunity rather than a risk, with the potential to draw more investors into U.S. equities [19] - The SEC has indicated that tokenized securities will have the same protections as traditional securities, and Broadridge believes that broker-dealers will continue to play a critical role in this ecosystem [20] - The company is actively developing its Distributed Ledger Repo platform and plans to enable on-chain governance by the end of the calendar year [25][26] Regulatory Communications and Digital Transition - Broadridge has been a leader in digital communications, with nearly **90%** of regulatory communications already digital [29] - The cost of sending communications has decreased by **75%** since 2010, showcasing the efficiency of digital delivery [30] - The potential shift to default electronic communications is not expected to significantly impact revenue, as Broadridge's value proposition extends beyond mere communication delivery [32][37] Governance and Proxy Voting - Broadridge is addressing frustrations in proxy voting, particularly for passive asset managers, by enhancing pass-through voting and introducing a Custom Policy Engine [48][49] - The company anticipates that these innovations could contribute an additional point of growth to its governance business in the coming years [49] Long-term Strategy and Client Relationships - Broadridge emphasizes a long-term view, treating every client as a **99-year client**, and aims to help clients navigate periods of change [52][53] - The company is focused on investing in growth platforms, including tokenization and AI, to drive future success [52] Additional Important Insights - The company has seen a **20%** increase in new opportunity generation in the first half of the year compared to the previous year, indicating a robust sales pipeline [16] - Broadridge's managed services business, while small at around **$100 million** in revenues, has experienced a **20%** improvement in productivity over the past year [15] - The integration of digital assets and traditional assets is expected to create complexities, but Broadridge is positioning itself to manage these challenges effectively [24] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the Broadridge Financial Solutions FY Conference Call, highlighting the company's strategic positioning, growth prospects, and the evolving landscape of the financial services industry.
Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR) FY Conference Transcript
2026-03-02 14:07
Whirlpool (NYSE: WHR) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - Whirlpool is a leading appliance manufacturer with a strong market presence in North America, Latin America, and Europe. The company has transformed over the past five years and now operates three number one business units globally [1][2]. Key Points Market Position and Product Portfolio - Whirlpool holds the number one market share in North America and Latin America, generating $3.3 billion in revenue in Latin America [1]. - The company offers a diverse product portfolio ranging from mass-market brands like Whirlpool and Maytag to premium brands like KitchenAid and JennAir [2]. Innovation and Awards - Whirlpool has a proven track record of innovation, recently winning 23 awards at the Kitchen and Bath Show, including the best of the best in show [2]. Manufacturing Footprint - 80% of Whirlpool's products sold in America are manufactured domestically, utilizing 96% U.S. steel, which positions the company favorably in the current tariff environment [3]. Housing Market Recovery - The company is preparing for a housing market recovery, with existing home sales at a 30-year low. Whirlpool is focused on being ready to meet discretionary demand when it rebounds [4]. - Whirlpool has a 60% market share in the builder business, positioning it well for growth as new housing supply is expected to increase [4]. Cost Management and Margin Improvement - Whirlpool is focused on cost takeout and organic growth, with a mid-cycle EBIT margin target of approximately 9%. The company aims to improve margins through vertical integration and automation [5][6]. Latin America Growth Potential - The company sees significant growth opportunities in Latin America due to low appliance penetration. Whirlpool is the number one brand in Brazil and Mexico, with strong brand recognition [7]. Capital Allocation and Debt Management - Whirlpool plans to invest approximately $400 million in capital expenditures and aims to pay down over $900 million in debt in 2026 following a successful equity offering that raised $1.1 billion [9][10][15]. - The company aims to reduce its net debt leverage from 5.5 to around 4.7 by the end of 2026, with a long-term target of 2x net debt leverage [10][16]. Market Guidance and Performance - Following the equity offering, Whirlpool updated its EPS guidance from $7 to $6 per share, reflecting the impact of interest expenses and market conditions [23][24]. - The company expects overall industry volume to remain flat, with gains anticipated from new product launches [25]. Pricing and Product Mix - Pricing improvements are expected as the market stabilizes, with strong sell-through rates for new products even during adverse weather conditions [26]. Future Outlook - Whirlpool is optimistic about its long-term shareholder value creation strategy, emphasizing its strong brand portfolio and readiness for the housing market recovery [17][18]. Regulatory Environment - The transition from IEEPA to Section 122 is being monitored for its impact on costs, with Whirlpool maintaining a competitive edge due to its manufacturing footprint [39][41]. Conclusion Whirlpool is strategically positioned for growth with a strong focus on innovation, cost management, and market readiness. The company is actively managing its debt and capital allocation to enhance financial flexibility and shareholder value in the coming years.
Flex (NasdaqGS:FLEX) FY Conference Transcript
2026-03-02 14:07
Summary of Flex (NasdaqGS:FLEX) FY Conference Call - March 02, 2026 Company Overview - **Company Name**: Flex - **Industry**: Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) - **Business Segments**: - EMS - Products (including critical power, embedded power, and liquid cooling) - Services (logistics, repairs, commissioning) [6][7] Key Points Business Transformation - Flex has shifted focus from traditional labor arbitrage to high-growth, high-margin sectors since new leadership took over in 2020 [14][15] - Significant trimming of non-core businesses has occurred to concentrate on sectors requiring unique skill sets [15] Data Center and AI Focus - The data center and AI space is a major growth driver for Flex, with a focus on cash flow predictability and margin expansion [16] - Flex provides comprehensive solutions for data centers, including critical power, embedded power, and IT hardware [25][30] - The data center business has seen revenue growth of over 35% expected for the current fiscal year, following a 50% growth last year [30] Product Offerings - Flex is involved in the entire data center supply chain, from power lines to rack integration, providing over 80% of what goes into a data center [28] - Recent announcements include partnerships with AMD for GPU production in Austin, Texas, indicating strong ties with major tech companies [45][48] Market Position - Flex has a unique global footprint with over 50 million square feet of manufacturing capacity across 100 locations [12] - The company has a diverse customer base, reducing dependency on any single client [33] Industry Trends - The convergence of critical power, embedded power, and cooling solutions is becoming essential for modern data centers, allowing Flex to offer integrated solutions [61][62] - Flex is actively engaged with hyperscalers and chip manufacturers to design next-generation data centers [63] Sustainability and Innovation - Flex emphasizes sustainability and has received multiple awards for its efforts in this area [32] - The company is leveraging unique technologies, such as liquid cooling solutions from its acquisition of JetCool, to meet the demands of modern computing [68] Additional Insights - The upcoming investor conference in May will provide further details on Flex's data center initiatives and financial performance [51] - The company is positioned to capitalize on the rapid advancements in AI and edge computing, indicating a forward-looking strategy [67][69] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting Flex's strategic focus, market position, and growth opportunities in the EMS and data center sectors.
Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR) FY Conference Transcript
2026-03-02 14:07
Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Whirlpool** is a global appliance manufacturer with approximately **$16 billion** in revenue, with **66%** of its business coming from North America and **$3.3 billion** from Latin America [8][10] - The company has undergone a portfolio transformation over the past five years, resulting in three number one business units in their respective markets [8] Core Business Strengths - **Brand Portfolio**: Whirlpool offers a wide range of products from mass-market brands like Whirlpool and Maytag to premium brands like KitchenAid and JennAir [9] - **Innovation**: The company has a proven track record of innovation, recently winning **23 awards** at the Kitchen and Bath Show [9] - **Manufacturing Footprint**: Whirlpool manufactures **80%** of its products sold in America domestically, utilizing **96%** U.S. steel, which positions the company favorably in the current tariff environment [11] Market Position and Growth Catalysts - **Housing Market Recovery**: The company is preparing for a rebound in the housing market, with existing home sales at a **30-year low** and new housing supply being undersupplied for decades [12][13] - **Builder Business**: Whirlpool holds a **60%** market share in the builder business, positioning it well for growth as housing rebounds [13] - **Cost Management**: The company is focused on cost takeout and organic growth, with a mid-cycle EBIT margin target of approximately **9%** [15][26] Capital Allocation Priorities - Whirlpool plans to invest approximately **$400 million** in capital expenditures and aims to pay down over **$900 million** in debt in 2026 following a successful equity offering that raised **$1.1 billion** [16][20] - The long-term net debt leverage target is set at **2 times**, with a focus on deleveraging to enhance financial flexibility [17][19] Equity Offering Insights - The equity offering was executed to strengthen the balance sheet and provide financial flexibility amid market uncertainties [17][40] - The offering was **5 times oversubscribed**, indicating strong investor confidence in Whirlpool's recovery strategy [19][20] Market Dynamics - The company anticipates flat industry growth but expects to gain market share through new product launches, with a **30%** increase in flooring market share attributed to new products [31][36] - Pricing improvements were noted as the company approaches key retail events, with expectations for continued strength in new product sales [32] Future Outlook - Whirlpool aims for **5-5.5 million** existing home sales as a normal target, which aligns with their mid-cycle EBIT margin expectations [34][47] - The company is optimistic about its growth potential in Latin America, where appliance penetration remains low, particularly in Brazil and Mexico [15][16] Regulatory Environment - The transition from IEEPA to Section 122 is being monitored for its impact on costs, with expectations that Whirlpool's manufacturing footprint will keep it competitively positioned [41][44] Conclusion - Whirlpool is strategically positioned for growth with a strong brand portfolio, innovative products, and a focus on cost management and debt reduction, all while preparing for a recovery in the housing market and maintaining a competitive edge in the regulatory landscape [22][23]
Flex (NasdaqGS:FLEX) FY Conference Transcript
2026-03-02 14:07
Summary of Flex (NasdaqGS:FLEX) FY Conference Call - March 02, 2026 Company Overview - Flex is an Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) company that also offers products and services, focusing on design, manufacturing, and logistics [1][2] - The company operates in two main segments: Reliability and Agility, with a diverse portfolio that includes automotive, health solutions, industrial, and consumer lifestyle products [3][5] Key Business Segments Reliability Segment - Comprises automotive, health solutions, and industrial businesses, which are highly regulated [3] - Automotive business is stabilizing after a challenging period, with expectations for growth as the market improves [3] - Health solutions include medical equipment and devices, with strong performance in glucose monitors and hospital equipment [4] - Industrial sector includes critical power, embedded power, and renewables, with significant growth in semiconductor equipment and warehouse automation [4][5] Agility Segment - Focuses on consumer lifestyle devices, which have not performed as strongly as other sectors [5] - The segment includes IT hardware and data center solutions, with Flex being a key player in the data center market [14][15] Data Center Business - Flex has a comprehensive offering in the data center space, providing over 80% of the necessary components, including critical power, embedded power, and cooling solutions [22][24] - The data center business has seen significant growth, with revenue expected to increase by 35% or more this fiscal year, following a 50% growth last year [25] - Flex's unique position allows it to engage with hyperscalers for designing next-generation data centers, integrating all aspects from power supply to rack integration [56] Recent Developments - Flex announced a partnership with AMD to manufacture GPUs in the U.S., specifically in Austin, Texas, which highlights its capabilities in the AI and data center sectors [37][38] - The company is actively involved in projects related to AI at the edge, collaborating with various chip manufacturers to develop cooling solutions for next-generation chips [63] Strategic Focus - Under new leadership since 2020, Flex has shifted its strategy from traditional labor arbitrage to focusing on high-growth, high-margin sectors [10][11] - The company emphasizes cash flow predictability and margin expansion, which are critical for investor confidence [12] - Flex's global manufacturing footprint of over 50 million square feet across 100 locations enhances its ability to adapt to geopolitical changes and customer needs [26] Conclusion - Flex is positioned as a leader in the EMS industry with a strong focus on data centers and AI, leveraging its extensive capabilities and partnerships to drive growth [69] - The upcoming investor conference in May is expected to provide further insights into Flex's performance and strategic direction [43]
Check Point Software Technologies (NasdaqGS:CHKP) FY Conference Transcript
2026-03-02 14:07
Summary of Check Point Software Technologies FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Check Point Software Technologies (NasdaqGS:CHKP) - **Industry**: Cybersecurity - **Conference Date**: March 02, 2026 Key Points Company Evolution and Management - Check Point has evolved over its 32-33 years, starting as the creator of the modern firewall and consolidating with other firewall providers like Fortinet, Palo Alto, and Cisco [21][22] - The new CEO, appointed last year, has focused on building a customer-centric approach and enhancing the go-to-market strategy [23] AI and Cybersecurity Strategy - AI is viewed as a significant game changer for cybersecurity, with both positive and negative implications [24][25] - Check Point's AI strategy includes four pillars: connectivity (hybrid mesh network), Workspace (user-based technologies), CTEM (continuous threat exposure management), and AI integrated across all technologies [25][29] Financial Guidance and Performance - For FY 2026, Check Point provided guidance including cash flow and subscription revenue, aiming for a revenue growth midpoint of around 6% [36] - The company finished the previous year with 6% revenue growth and 9% billings growth [36] Emerging Technologies and Subscription Growth - Subscription revenue is expected to grow, with emerging technologies like SASE and CTEM growing over 40% and making up about 30% of the subscription line [45][46] - The subscription line is divided into two buckets: attached subscriptions (70%) and emerging technologies (30%) [45] SASE Strategy - SASE is seen as complementary to the firewall, providing flexibility for users in various locations [52] - Check Point's acquisition of Perimeter 81 aimed to enhance its SASE platform, which has been retooled for enterprise needs [58] Pricing Strategy and Cost Management - A 5% price increase was implemented at the beginning of the year, with no immediate need for further increases anticipated [66] - The company expects a headwind of about 1% on gross margin due to component inflation in the second half of the year [66] Margin and Growth Trade-offs - Check Point is willing to trade margin for growth, with a current margin guidance of around 39.40% for the year [78] - The company aims for double-digit growth, emphasizing the importance of investing in growth ahead of time [80] Capital Allocation and Acquisitions - Check Point has a $2 billion convertible note for general corporate use and potential M&A, with a focus on acquiring technologies that enhance its platform [84] - The company conducts about $1.3 billion in share buybacks annually, reducing share count by 3%-5% [86] Final Message to Investors - Check Point is positioned for future growth, moving away from being perceived as a predictable company to one that is dynamic and focused on delivering a protective platform [89]
Rallybio (NasdaqGS:RLYB) M&A announcement Transcript
2026-03-02 14:05
Rallybio (NasdaqGS:RLYB) M&A announcement March 02, 2026 08:03 AM ET Company ParticipantsKen Song - Chairman, President, and CEOStephen Uden - Co-Founder and CEOOperatorGood morning, welcome to the Rallybio Corporation Conference Call to discuss the merger of Rallybio and Candid Therapeutics. It is now my pleasure to turn the call over to Dr. Stephen Uden, Co-Founder and CEO of Rallybio.Stephen UdenThank you, and good morning. Before we begin, I'd like to remind you that this discussion will contain forward ...
Ascendis Pharma (NasdaqGS:ASND) FDA announcement Transcript
2026-03-02 14:02
Summary of Ascendis Pharma Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Ascendis Pharma (NasdaqGS:ASND) - **Product**: YUVIWEL, a treatment for achondroplasia - **FDA Approval**: YUVIWEL is the third FDA-approved drug from Ascendis Pharma, with plans for commercial launch in the U.S. in Q2 2026 [5][34] Key Points and Arguments FDA Approval and Product Details - YUVIWEL is the first and only once-weekly treatment for children with achondroplasia, utilizing TransCon technology to extend the half-life of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) from minutes to 5-6 days [6][7] - The FDA approval was based on data from three randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials, including the pivotal ApproaCH Trial [7][8] - A Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher was granted alongside the approval, allowing for priority review of a future drug application [8] Clinical Efficacy - In the pivotal ApproaCH Trial, children treated with YUVIWEL achieved an annualized growth velocity (AGV) of 5.9 cm/year compared to 4.4 cm/year for placebo, with a statistically significant treatment difference of 1.5 cm/year [20] - The treatment demonstrated improvements in height Z-scores across all predefined subgroups, including age, sex, and geographic region [21] Market Opportunity - The U.S. pediatric achondroplasia prevalence is estimated at around 2,600, with approximately 30% currently on pharmacological treatment [26] - There is a significant unmet need in the market, with many patients either not on treatment or having discontinued previous therapies due to tolerability or perceived lack of benefit [27] Commercial Strategy - Ascendis Pharma plans to engage with centers of excellence, thought leaders, and patient advocacy groups to educate stakeholders on YUVIWEL's clinical value proposition [28] - The company aims to optimize the patient experience and ensure affordability through programs that may allow eligible patients to pay as little as $0 a month [30] - Initial uptake is expected to come from both switches from existing therapies and treatment-naive patients [47] Future Plans - Ascendis Pharma has a roadmap to achieve $5 billion in product revenue by 2030, focusing on expanding the label for existing products and developing new therapies [14] - Plans include exploring indications for hypochondroplasia and adult patients with achondroplasia [70] Safety and Administration - YUVIWEL is designed to minimize injection site reactions and does not require food intake before administration, which is seen as a meaningful differentiation from existing therapies [22][55] - The product can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 months, enhancing convenience for patients [24] Additional Important Information - The company has a strong existing infrastructure from previous product launches, which will be leveraged for YUVIWEL [59] - Pricing for YUVIWEL has not yet been disclosed, but a premium pricing strategy is anticipated due to the product's differentiated benefits [45][46] - The company is prepared for potential reimbursement challenges and is engaging with payers to facilitate access [76] This summary encapsulates the critical aspects of the conference call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, product details, market potential, and future plans.
Septerna (NasdaqGM:SEPN) Update / briefing Transcript
2026-03-02 14:02
Summary of Septerna's Conference Call on SEP-631 Phase I Results Company Overview - **Company**: Septerna (NasdaqGM:SEPN) - **Focus**: Development of GPCR (G protein-coupled receptor) drug discovery, specifically targeting mast cell-driven diseases with their lead compound SEP-631 [2][4] Industry Context - **Target Disease**: Mast cell-driven diseases, including chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), atopic dermatitis, interstitial cystitis, migraine, and asthma [10][27][30] - **Market Opportunity**: High unmet medical need for effective treatments in mast cell-related conditions, particularly for patients refractory to current therapies [28][30] Key Points from the Conference Call Phase I Trial Results for SEP-631 - **Trial Design**: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with single ascending doses (10 to 400 mg) and multiple ascending doses (10 to 200 mg) [18][19] - **Safety Profile**: - No severe or serious adverse events reported; treatment emergent adverse events comparable to placebo [19][20] - Mild transaminase elevations observed, not dose-related, and comparable to placebo [19][54] - **Pharmacokinetics**: - Elimination half-life of approximately 24 hours, supporting once-daily dosing [20][25] - No food effect observed, allowing for flexible dosing [20][25] Pharmacodynamics and Mechanism of Action - **Target Engagement**: Robust dose-dependent inhibition of MRGPRX2 signaling demonstrated through skin challenge tests [22][23] - **Efficacy**: Complete inhibition of icatibant-induced skin wheel formation at doses as low as 10 mg once daily [24][25] - **Mechanism**: SEP-631 acts as a negative allosteric modulator (NAM) with sub-nanomolar binding affinity, effectively closing the agonist binding pocket of MRGPRX2 [11][12][16] Future Development Plans - **Phase II Initiatives**: - Initiation of a Phase IIb study in chronic spontaneous urticaria planned for the second half of 2026 [27][29] - Exploration of additional indications including chronic inducible urticaria, atopic dermatitis, interstitial cystitis, migraine, and asthma [27][30] - **Clinical Strategy**: Focus on developing cost-efficient clinical plans to demonstrate proof of concept across various mast cell-driven diseases [31] Financial Position - **Capitalization**: Well-capitalized with a cash runway extending into 2029, allowing for continued investment in innovation and advancement of the pipeline [6][33] Strategic Partnerships - **Collaboration**: Ongoing strategic partnership with Novo Nordisk focused on five metabolic targets, enhancing the company's research capabilities [7][32] Additional Insights - **Market Positioning**: SEP-631 is positioned as a potential best-in-class treatment for mast cell-driven diseases, leveraging its unique pharmacological profile and favorable safety data [25][26] - **Research and Development**: Continuous evaluation of new indications and mechanisms related to mast cell activation, with a focus on understanding patient heterogeneity in response to treatments [81][80] This summary encapsulates the critical aspects of Septerna's conference call regarding SEP-631, highlighting the company's strategic direction, clinical findings, and market opportunities in the context of mast cell-driven diseases.