Encompass Health (EHC) Q2 2025 Earnings Call August 05, 2025 10:00 AM ET Speaker0Good morning, everyone, and welcome to Encompass Health's Second Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Conference Call. At this time, I would like to inform all participants that their lines will be in a listen only mode. After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question and answer session. Today's conference call is being recorded. If you have any objections, you may disconnect at this time.I will now turn the call over to M ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted net investment income for the quarter was $0.32 per share, covering the $0.32 per share dividend paid on June 30 [5] - Net asset value per share declined by $0.24 to $12.21 compared to Q1 [5][16] - Total investment income for the quarter was $83 million, a 12% decrease over the prior year [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio loan-to-value ratio stands at 45%, with nearly 80% exposure to senior-oriented assets [6][25] - The average yield of NMFC's portfolio decreased slightly to 10.6% for Q2 [25] - In Q2, the company originated $122 million of assets, offset by $155 million of repayments and sales [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a stabilization in direct lending spreads, with most unitranche loans pricing at SOFR plus $4.75 to $5.25 [21] - Approximately 78% of investments are senior in nature, up from 75% in the prior year [24] - The weighted average EBITDA of portfolio companies increased slightly to $176 million [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on improving the quality and diversity of its asset base and optimizing liabilities with low-cost floating rate debt [13] - NMFC is committed to its dividend protection program through 2026, which aims to stabilize dividends during tighter market conditions [7][48] - The company is actively working on refinancing its 7.5% convertible notes and 8.25% unsecured notes maturing in Q4 [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for deal flow to normalize as market conditions improve [8][20] - The company is focused on optimizing leverage and enhancing income quality, with expectations for increased portfolio activity in Q3 and Q4 [49] - Management acknowledged challenges in certain sectors, particularly in dental and consumer products, but remains positive about overall portfolio performance [15][60] Other Important Information - NMFC has repurchased approximately $16 million of shares year-to-date, with an additional $31 million of Board authorization remaining [9] - The company has maintained a strong credit performance with only $38 million or 1.2% of the portfolio on non-accrual [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about healthcare names and industry headwinds - Management noted that while the dental downgrade was idiosyncratic, the sector has good secular tailwinds, but operational execution is critical [42][44] Question: Dividend protection program and future outlook - The dividend protection program is designed to provide visibility and support to shareholders, with management committed to maintaining it through 2026 [48][51] Question: Risks related to tariff exposure in consumer products - Management confirmed that the consumer products business had been flagged for tariff exposure, and while it was already underperforming, tariffs exacerbated the situation [56][60] Question: Trends in the education space and Edmentum's performance - Management indicated that Edmentum remains well-positioned to address learning loss post-COVID, despite some capital structure challenges [70][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 was $79.2 million, representing a 10.7% decrease from the same period a year ago [19] - Gross margins were maintained at 18.1%, with adjusted EBITDA margin growing to 12%, up 30 basis points from Q1 [12][20] - Net income for Q2 was $4.1 million, or diluted EPS of $0.47, compared to net income of $6.4 million, or diluted EPS of $0.73 in the comparable year period [22] - Cash flow from operations exceeded $9.6 million for the first half of the year, resulting in free cash flow of $5.2 million after capital expenditures [12][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Towing revenue increased by almost $13 million between Q1 and Q2, with further growth projected from new business wins secured last year [13] - Tooling revenues grew over 3.5 times compared to the prior year due to customer launches primarily from 2024 business development activities [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales declined in the second quarter compared to the prior year period by low double digits, but this represented a sequential improvement from the first quarter [12] - The company expects sales to decline in the second half of the year by 4% to 6% compared to the same period in the prior year [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on an "invest for growth" strategy, successfully winning $47 million of new business in the first half of the year, with 99% being incremental [6][10] - A $25 million investment is planned for expanding the Matamoros plant and establishing a new facility in Monterrey, Mexico, to support new business and anticipated future business [10][22] - The company aims to return to over $300 million in annual product revenues within the next few years, even at current demand levels [11][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth outlook, anticipating a return to $300 million in product revenues despite current market challenges [38] - The company is preparing for eventual revenue rebound and is focused on continuous operational improvements [30][27] - Management noted that tariff uncertainties are causing some delays in the market, but they see signs of stabilization [30] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a strong balance sheet with total liquidity of $93.2 million and a debt to EBITDA ratio of less than one [23] - The company repurchased 151,584 shares at an average price of $14.82, with $2.5 million remaining in the share buyback program [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth outlook and product revenues - Management expects the truck market to start recovering, with a clear line of sight to returning to $300 million in product revenues [38] Question: Incremental wins and pipeline outlook - The company is excited about opportunities in the industrial sector, particularly in EV and municipal buses, and has identified significant leads in the SMC market [41][42] Question: CapEx in Mexico and adjacent opportunities - The $25 million investment will expand the Matamoros facility and relocate DCPD molding to a larger facility in Monterrey, enhancing logistics and growth opportunities with major customers [50][52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for Q2 2025 was $120 million, with adjusted EBITDA at $84.2 million, reflecting a strong financial performance despite slower natural gas production growth [10] - Distributable cash flow for the quarter was $74.8 million, representing a coverage ratio of 1.18 times [10] - The company declared a distribution of $0.30 per unit for the quarter, which translates to an annualized distribution of $1.20 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mineral royalty production averaged 33,200 BOE per day, while total production volumes were 34,600 BOE per day in Q2 2025 [10] - The company expects production for the full year 2025 to average between 33,035 BOE per day, reflecting a revision due to slower natural gas production growth [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has identified a substantial expansion in the Shelby Trough and is actively marketing an additional 180,000 gross acres to well-capitalized operators [6] - The outlook for natural gas remains robust, supported by growing global demand for LNG, which is expected to drive future production growth [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a clean balance sheet and ample liquidity to support its commercial strategy, including targeted grassroots acquisitions [8] - The partnership anticipates more than doubling its drilling obligations over the next five years, which is expected to provide significant natural gas growth [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in production growth in 2026, projecting an incremental increase of 3,000 to 5,000 BOE per day over the revised guidance for 2025 [11] - The management remains optimistic about the outlook for the partnership, citing strong demand and ongoing development agreements as key drivers for future growth [8] Other Important Information - The company has added $172 million in royalty acquisitions since September 2023, indicating a proactive approach to expanding its asset base [7] - The company is monitoring a large project in the Permian Basin, which is expected to add meaningful oil volumes to its production base [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on activity increase in acreage and production trajectory - Management acknowledged subdued activity but highlighted upcoming development agreements and ongoing operator activity as positive indicators for future production [16][17] Question: Comparison of geology in Shelby Trough and Western Haynesville - Management noted analogous subsurface characteristics and expressed excitement about the potential for increased productivity and EURs in the Shelby Trough [19][20] Question: Understanding production guidance amidst increased rig count - Management explained that a restructuring of agreements and strategic decisions led to a slower production growth, emphasizing the long-term development strategy [28][30] Question: Future development obligations and production cadence - Management confirmed plans to significantly ramp up development obligations, aiming for a cadence of 40 to 50 wells per year [33] Question: Production outlook for 2026 and SKU assumptions - Management indicated that oil volumes are expected to be closer to 25% to 26% as they look towards 2026, influenced by ongoing projects [36]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the second quarter of 2025, total revenue was $935 million, exceeding the midpoint of guidance by approximately $35 million, driven by $25 million in higher recurring revenue and $8 million from favorable foreign exchange [9][10] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was 16.7%, outperforming guidance by about 180 basis points, primarily due to a favorable mix of higher recurring revenue and higher margin equipment [10][11] - Adjusted EPS for the second quarter was $1.49, with GAAP EPS at $0.07 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - JBT segment revenue increased by 13% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $82 million and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 18%, up 220 basis points from the prior year [11] - Morell segment revenue was $480 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $75 million, representing a margin of 15.5%, attributed to integration synergies and favorable revenue mix [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Combined orders totaled $938 million, including $22 million from favorable year-over-year foreign exchange translation [5] - EMEA was the strongest region, while North America was relatively soft; Latin America showed strength, and Asia Pacific remained choppy [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capitalizing on the expanded portfolio of offerings and cross-selling opportunities resulting from the integration of JBT and Morell [7][20] - The strategy includes optimizing product flow and increasing efficiency through fully integrated systems, which enhances customer value [17][19] - The company aims to achieve mid-teen margins in both fish and meat businesses by 2027 through project selectivity and improved service quality [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the demand environment, noting healthy orders despite macroeconomic challenges [5] - The company is reestablishing full-year earnings guidance due to expectations for backlog conversion and synergy savings [7][13] - Management highlighted the importance of mitigating tariff impacts through negotiations and sourcing adjustments [10][57] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with a backlog of $1.4 billion, providing significant support for revenue conversion in the latter half of the year [6][13] - Free cash flow for the year was $106 million, with $88 million generated in the second quarter, supporting balance sheet deleveraging [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on poultry investments and customer conversations - Management noted good visibility into the front half of 2026, with poultry companies making significant investments in automation and efficiency [28][29] Question: Margin performance at Morell - Management indicated a 400 basis point improvement in margins, driven by integration synergies, restructuring efforts, and a favorable mix of recurring revenue [41][44] Question: Impact of tariffs on orders - Management acknowledged some episodic delays in orders due to tariffs but emphasized that the impact is not systemic [63][80] Question: Pricing strategies and backlog - Management confirmed ongoing negotiations regarding backlog pricing and the ability to implement price increases on parts and equipment [88][91] Question: Future guidance and margin expectations - Management expects a sequential decline in margins for Q3 due to tariff impacts and a shift in revenue mix, but anticipates a rebound in Q4 [49][54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, Atlas generated $70.5 million of adjusted EBITDA on $288.7 million of sales, resulting in a 24% adjusted EBITDA margin, which was at the low end of the guidance range of $70 million to $80 million [6][23] - The company experienced a slight sequential decline in volumes due to a slowdown in Permian Basin completion activity, primarily driven by customer pauses and delays rather than outright crew reductions [6][7] - Operating cash flow improved significantly to $88.6 million, driven by better working capital intensity and customer collections [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Proppant sales totaled $126.3 million, logistics contributed $146.4 million, and power rentals added $16 million in Q2 2025 [25] - Proppant volumes were 5.4 million tons, down approximately 4% from Q1 levels, with an average revenue per ton of $23.29, boosted by shortfall revenue [25] - The average sales price is expected to decline to approximately $20.5 in Q3 2025, reflecting ongoing market challenges [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Permian frac crew count has declined from approximately 95 crews in Q1 2025 to around 80, the lowest since 2017, excluding the COVID downturn [7][8] - Atlas has expanded its market share from 15% at the time of its IPO to approximately 35% of all sand sold today, bolstered by the Hi Crush acquisition [8][9] - Spot prices for West Texas sand remain in the mid to high teens, insufficient for continued reinvestment by many in the industry [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Atlas aims to be the primary provider of sand and logistics in the Permian Basin, focusing on integration and operational efficiency to outperform competitors [19][20] - The company is strategically positioned to capitalize on pricing recovery when completion activity rebounds, with the Dune Express fully operational [10][11] - The acquisition of Mosier Energy Systems and PropFlo is part of a strategy to enhance market position and earnings potential through innovative solutions [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges ongoing challenges in the West Texas oilfield services market but believes these conditions will create significant opportunities for Atlas [14][31] - The company expects third-quarter volumes to increase sequentially, driven by recent customer wins and new Dune Express trials, despite a forecasted decline in average proppant sales price [24] - Management is optimistic about the growth potential of the Power business, with a focus on longer-term contracts that stabilize cash flows [13][15] Other Important Information - The Dune Express has significantly reduced public road traffic and admissions in the area, enhancing operational efficiencies [11] - The company is maintaining its dividend of $0.25 per share, representing a 7.9% yield as of the last close [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the share gains in the Permian market? - Management attributes share gains to a strong reputation as a reliable sand provider, operational efficiencies, and strategic investments in logistics and technology [35][39] Question: How does the company prioritize capital allocation in a soft market? - The company focuses on maintaining a low-cost structure while continuing to invest in logistics and technology, balancing capital returns to shareholders with necessary investments [45][48] Question: Can you elaborate on the opportunities in the power business outside of oil and gas? - Management highlights the potential for growth in commercial and industrial sectors, with a focus on long-term contracts that provide stable cash flows [53][56] Question: What evidence is there of supply contraction in the sand market? - Management confirms that some major mines have shut down, indicating a tangible reduction in supply capacity [60][63] Question: How is the operator mindset changing in the current market? - Operators are generally more cautious but are beginning to stabilize their strategies as they approach budget season [91]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.93 and total segment operating profit of $830 million for the quarter [4] - The trailing fourth quarter adjusted return on invested capital (ROIC) was 6.9% and cash flow from operations before working capital changes was $1.2 billion for the first half of the year [4][22] - The company expects adjusted earnings per share to be approximately $4 for the full year 2025, tightening its previous guidance [12][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Ag Services and Oilseeds (AS and O) segment operating profit was $379 million, down 17% year-over-year, primarily due to legislative and biofuel policy uncertainties impacting margins [13] - The Carbohydrate Solutions segment operating profit was $337 million, down 6% compared to the prior year quarter, with starches and sweeteners sub-segment operating profit down 6% [18] - The Nutrition segment revenues were $2 billion, up approximately 5% year-over-year, with operating profit at $114 million, up 5% [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American origination results improved due to higher margins and volumes, while South American origination results declined due to lower volumes and margins [14] - Global executed crush margins for soybeans were approximately $7 per ton lower compared to the prior year quarter, and canola margins were approximately $29 per ton lower [16] - The company anticipates improved AS and O margins will primarily benefit fourth quarter results, projecting global soybean crush margins to be in the range of $60 to $70 per metric ton [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on cost management, execution excellence, and strategic growth, aiming for $500 million to $750 million in aggregate cost savings over the next three to five years [9][10] - The company is optimizing its asset base and ceasing operations at facilities that do not align with long-term goals, including several origination sites globally [8] - The company is positioned to benefit from favorable biofuel policies and is ready to lead in advancing innovative solutions for renewable fuels [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate the dynamic environment and achieve operational momentum by the end of 2025 [12] - The company is closely monitoring customer demand and expects lower volumes in certain areas, but anticipates strong crops in North America and a solid export season [25][31] - Management highlighted the importance of clarity in biofuel policy and legislative support for agriculture, which are expected to create favorable market conditions [32] Other Important Information - The company achieved its best performance in limiting unscheduled downtime in over five years and was recognized as one of America's greatest workplaces in manufacturing [6] - The company has remediated a material weakness in internal controls related to segment disclosures, enhancing transparency and compliance processes [27][60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Earnings split between Q3 and Q4 - Management indicated a potential split of approximately 55% for Q3 and 65% for Q4, with expectations for improved earnings in Q4 due to better margins and production [36][40] Question: Outlook for the Nutrition segment - Management noted that the Decatur East plant's shutdown cost approximately $20 million to $25 million per quarter, which should improve as the plant ramps up [50][92] Question: Clarification on material weakness remediation - Management confirmed that the material weakness has been remediated through enhanced internal controls and ongoing engagement with auditors [60][61] Question: Details on network optimization plan - Management discussed ongoing efforts to optimize the network, including shutting down underperforming facilities and improving operational performance [75][78] Question: Impact of RVO on biodiesel and crush business - Management expressed optimism about the RVO's impact on soybean oil demand and the overall crush business, but noted the need for final confirmations on policy details [66][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the first fiscal quarter was $37.2 million, representing a 5% year-over-year improvement on an organic basis and an 8% increase when including acquisitions [12][13] - OIBDA was $12.8 million, an increase of 12% year-over-year, and adjusted EBITDA was up 10% to $13.9 million compared to Q1 in fiscal 2025 [13] - Net loss for the first quarter was approximately $600,000 compared to a net loss of $500,000 in the previous year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Music Publishing revenue increased by 4% to $24.9 million, driven by synchronization revenue and other publishing revenue [14] - Recorded Music segment revenue increased by 8% to $10.4 million, primarily due to growth in digital revenue from music streaming services [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global immersive entertainment industry was valued at $133 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $473 billion by 2030, indicating significant growth potential in this sector [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is advancing a robust pipeline of acquisition opportunities and diversifying its portfolio to enhance long-term value [6] - Recent investments include a partnership with Lightroom, an immersive entertainment company, and the acquisition of independent label Fools Gold Records [6][9] - The company aims to build and strengthen its recorded music platform with commercially relevant assets, focusing on independent music [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about fiscal 2026, indicating that the financial performance in the first quarter is a strong indicator that the company's strategy is working [19] - The company maintains its full-year guidance for revenue and adjusted EBITDA, signaling confidence in achieving its targets [18] Other Important Information - The company amended its senior credit facility to increase its revolving credit commitment from $450 million to $550 million, providing greater flexibility for future transactions [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the Lightroom investment and IP monetization - Management indicated that the investment in Lightroom represents a single-digit equity stake and is seen as synergistic to the company's asset base [22][23] Question: Confirmation on digital revenue timing - Management clarified that the digital revenue fluctuations were due to timing of receipts and not indicative of weakness in certain digital service providers [24][26] Question: Future administrative expenses and inflationary pressures - Management noted that while inflationary pressures exist, the bulk of the increase in administrative expenses is driven by increased management revenue, with efforts to control costs [27] Question: Trends in gross margins and sustainability - Management explained that lower physical revenue contributed to margin benefits, and the mix of assets is driving revenue improvements [31][34] Question: M&A pipeline and geographic focus - Management stated that the M&A pipeline remains strong with an even split between publishing and recording opportunities, focusing on transactions that provide the highest returns [37][38] Question: Sourcing of deals - Management indicated that most substantial deals are sourced off-market, with a smaller portion coming from auction processes [39][40]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated reported sales growth was 3% or flat organic, with adjusted earnings per share at $1.93, exceeding original expectations [5][20] - Gross margins were pressured at 46.6%, down 170 basis points year over year, primarily due to foreign currency headwinds and inflation [21][22] - GAAP operating margin was 18.1%, with adjusted operating margin at 21.4%, down 200 basis points from the previous year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Detection experienced mid single-digit organic growth, driven by fixed and portable gas detection, growing 6% organically [8][20] - Fire Service organic sales declined mid single digits year over year, impacted by market dynamics surrounding NFPA standard changes [8][9] - Industrial PPE organic sales were down low single digits, with growth in fall protection offsetting declines in head protection and ballistic helmets [11][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas segment sales increased 2% year over year, with double-digit growth in detection offset by declines in fire service and industrial PPE [23] - International segment sales increased 4% year over year on a reported basis, but decreased 4% on an organic basis due to declines in fire service and industrial PPE [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on its Accelerate strategy, emphasizing organic growth, M&A, and cash returns to shareholders [12][14] - Investments in R&D and operational capabilities are aimed at achieving profitable organic growth and enhancing product offerings [15][16] - The acquisition of M and C Tech Group is expected to expand the total addressable market by $500 million and enhance fixed gas offerings [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in the resilience of the business and its ability to navigate macro uncertainties, maintaining a low single-digit full-year organic growth outlook [27][29] - The timing of NFPA approval and AFG funding release will significantly impact fire service execution in the second half [28][64] - The company expects interest expense to be approximately $29 million to $32 million, including the acquisition [30] Other Important Information - Free cash flow was $38 million, representing 60% of earnings, with quarterly operating cash flow increasing more than 25% from the previous year [24][25] - The company returned over $50 million to shareholders through stock repurchases and dividends, marking the 55th consecutive year of increased annual dividends [18][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you break out and quantify the growth between fixed gas, non-connected portables, and connected portables in the quarter? - Management indicated strong performance in fixed gas and MSA Plus connected portables, with most growth in the portable space attributed to MSA Plus [35][38] Question: How have customers responded to pricing actions and what was the magnitude of those actions? - Management noted that pricing actions were taken to mitigate inflation and tariff impacts, with customers generally accepting these increases [48][52] Question: What percentage of the current pipeline consists of customers committed to purchasing before the new standard? - Management refrained from disclosing specific percentages but expressed confidence in being well-prepared for both current and future customer needs [54][56] Question: What is the timing and disbursement of AFG funding? - Management confirmed that AFG funding is approved and expected to begin releasing in August [62] Question: How does the company feel about fourth-quarter seasonality? - Management expects the fourth quarter to remain strong, consistent with historical performance [64] Question: Can you elaborate on the timing of the NFPA standard change? - Management explained that the NFPA standard change involves a government approval process, with testing completion being a key milestone [78][80] Question: Is M and C Tech Group accretive to margins? - Management stated that M and C's margins are relatively similar to MSA's overall margins, thus neutral on margins but accretive to EPS [91][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q2 2025 were $1.34 billion, down 1% on a constant currency basis [24] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $293 million, up 3% on a constant currency basis [24] - Adjusted earnings per share increased to $0.89, up 7% as reported and 10% on a constant currency basis [25] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was 22%, up 70 basis points [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food segment net sales were $896 million, flat as favorable pricing offset softer volumes [28] - Protective segment net sales were $439 million, down 3% as reported and 4% in constant currency [31] - Food adjusted EBITDA was $210 million, up 3%, with a margin of 23.4%, up 50 basis points [30] - Protective adjusted EBITDA was $78 million, down 5%, with a margin of 17.8%, up 20 basis points from the first quarter [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. beef cycle saw a decline of 7%, impacting the overall protein markets [20] - EMEA and Asia regions for the food business showed strength with volumes up low single digits [30] - The North American market faced pressures, particularly in the food service sector, leading to a shift in consumer spending [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming its Protective segment and improving customer engagement [12] - A new Chief Financial Officer, Kristin Actis Grande, is expected to drive transformation and shareholder value [6][7] - The company is optimizing its manufacturing footprint and has opened a new facility in Lakeland, Florida [15] - The strategy includes simplifying the organization and moving closer to the markets served [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a stable second quarter despite global trade uncertainties and tariff impacts [9] - The company remains cautious about the second half of the year due to market uncertainties and lower growth expectations [15][23] - The outlook for the food business is impacted by shifting consumer spending patterns, particularly towards value grocery [18] Other Important Information - The company generated $81 million in free cash flow in the first half of 2025 [32] - The net leverage ratio was 3.6 times, with a goal to reduce it to approximately 3.0 times by 2026 [32] - The company is maintaining its sales guidance range of $5.1 billion to $5.5 billion for the year [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of beef headwinds on volume expectations - Management indicated that the cattle cycle is expected to impact volumes, with a forecast of down 3% to 4% for 2025 and flat in 2027 [41][43] Question: Near-term outlook for food margins - Management expressed confidence in maintaining margins despite headwinds, citing ongoing productivity improvements [51][52] Question: Specific cost savings and guidance maintenance - Management highlighted ongoing cost takeout initiatives and network optimization efforts to bolster earnings [57][58] Question: Order activity and market dynamics - Management reported no significant changes in order patterns and remains optimistic about internal initiatives driving growth [66][68] Question: Full year EBITDA range and conservatism - Management clarified that the wide EBITDA range reflects conservatism due to market volatility and uncertainty [74] Question: Specialty resins procurement challenges - Management noted that while procurement is not an issue, tariff impacts have affected certain specialty resins [76][78] Question: Cattle cycle in South America and Australia - Management indicated strong performance in both regions, with expectations for continued strength [94][95]