Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Portfolio purchases in Q2 2025 were $367 million, up 32% compared to Q2 2024 [6][13] - Collections increased by 20% to a record $655 million, with Estimated Remaining Collections (ERC) rising 12% to $9.4 billion [6][14] - Earnings per share for Q2 were $2.49, an increase of 86% compared to the same quarter last year [6][26] - Leverage improved to 2.6 times, compared to 2.7 times a year ago [7][26] - Net income increased by 82% to $59 million [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Midland Credit Management (MCM) in the U.S. had record portfolio purchases of $317 million, a 34% increase year-over-year [8][18] - MCM collections reached $490 million, up 24% compared to Q2 last year [8][18] - Cabot Credit Management in Europe reported collections of $164 million, up 10% year-over-year, and portfolio purchases of $50 million [8][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revolving credit remains near record levels, with elevated charge-off rates driving robust portfolio supply [15][16] - U.S. consumer credit card delinquencies are at multi-year highs, indicating favorable purchasing conditions [16][17] - In Europe, the market is impacted by subdued consumer lending and low delinquencies, leading to lower supply [19][57] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on markets with strong regulatory frameworks and stable long-term returns [12] - The three-pillar strategy emphasizes market focus, operational execution, and cash generation [11][15] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet and flexible funding structure to capitalize on purchasing opportunities [30][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the favorable purchasing environment in the U.S. and expects MCM to surpass its 2024 purchasing record [41][42] - The company raised its guidance for global collections growth to approximately 15.5%, expecting total collections to reach $2.5 billion [34][30] - Management noted stable consumer payment behavior despite macroeconomic uncertainties [23][26] Other Important Information - The company increased its revolving credit facility by $190 million to $1.485 billion, extending its maturity to 2029 [27] - Interest expense is expected to be approximately $285 million for the year, with a corporate tax rate around 25% [25][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any one-timers in the second quarter affecting the $285 million guidance? - Management confirmed that the $285 million is the expected figure for the year without any anticipated one-timers [39] Question: What is the outlook for supply given the recent downtick in charge-off rates and delinquencies? - Management indicated that supply remains elevated and favorable, with confidence in purchasing ability [41][42] Question: Can you provide updated collections multiples for MCM and Cabot? - For 2025 vintage, MCM's multiple is 2.3 and Cabot's is 2.4 [43] Question: What factors contributed to the year-over-year growth in collections? - Management highlighted stable U.S. consumer behavior, increased purchasing, and operational performance improvements [47] Question: Can you break down the outperformance in collections between the U.S. and Cabot? - Approximately $45 million of the $55.6 million outperformance was attributed to MCM [50][51] Question: What is the competitive dynamics and pricing in the purchasing environment? - The U.S. market remains stable with good supply and pricing, while Europe faces lower supply and higher competition [56][57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Realty Income invested $1.2 billion in the second quarter at a 7.2% weighted average initial cash yield, with a spread of 181 basis points over the short-term weighted average cost of capital [6] - The company sourced $43 billion in volumes, matching the total sourced volume for all of 2024 and marking the highest quarterly volume in its history [6] - Year-to-date, the company has sourced approximately $66 billion of investment opportunities, on track to surpass the previous high watermark of $95 billion reached in 2022 [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Europe, Realty Income invested $889 million, accounting for 76% of the investment volume at a 7.3% weighted average initial cash yield [8] - In the U.S., the company invested $282 million at a 7% weighted average initial cash yield, reflecting a selective approach rather than a lack of opportunities [9] - The portfolio occupancy rate was 98.6%, slightly above the historical median of 98.2% from 2010 to 2024 [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - 57% of the year-to-date volume has been sourced domestically, with the remainder in Europe [7] - The company expanded into its eighth European country, Poland, with transactions involving a leading manufacturer and a grocery store operator [9][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Realty Income aims to capitalize on two global megatrends: the growing demand for durable income-oriented investment solutions and the rising interest from corporations in asset-light strategies [5] - The company is focusing on expanding its private capital and credit investments while maintaining its core real estate net lease vertical [5] - The company is increasing its 2025 investment volume guidance to approximately $5 billion, reflecting confidence in its acquisition pipeline [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the structural advantages of the business model, including scale, diversification, and data analytics, to create value across various economic conditions [20] - The company anticipates approximately 75 basis points of potential rent loss in 2025, slightly higher than historical experience, primarily due to certain tenants acquired through public M&A transactions [12] - The credit watch list stands at 4.6% of annualized base rent, indicating a proactive approach to managing tenant health and potential risks [13] Other Important Information - Realty Income raised $632 million of equity through its ATM at a weighted average stock price of $56.39 per share [14] - The company has $5.4 billion of liquidity at quarter-end, including $800 million in cash and $4 billion available under its credit facility [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expansion into Poland - Management highlighted Poland's strong GDP growth and favorable property laws as key factors for expansion, with initial transactions involving distribution centers and industrial assets [24] Question: Acquisition Guidance Changes - The low end of acquisition guidance was raised due to conservatism amid uncertainty in U.S. and European policies, while the high end remained unchanged [26] Question: Selectivity in Acquisitions - Management confirmed a selective approach, stating that $3.7 billion of transactions were declined due to insufficient initial yield, emphasizing the importance of accretive transactions [30] Question: Investment Activity in Europe - The majority of investments in Europe were in the industrial sector, with a focus on retail parks in Ireland, which are seen as a significant growth opportunity [32][34] Question: Tenant Health and Tariffs - The company has minimal exposure to industries most affected by tariffs, with a diversified client base providing confidence in managing potential risks [40] Question: Competitive Landscape and Supply-Demand Dynamics - Management acknowledged increased competition from private capital sources but emphasized the company's established underwriting maturity as a competitive advantage [52][55] Question: Lease Expirations and Bankruptcy Impact - Lease expirations increased slightly, but management noted that the majority were natural expirations rather than driven by bankruptcies, with a strong renewal rate [100][101]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the second quarter reached $31.4 million, representing a 15% increase compared to the previous year, driven by strong Tableau console sales and consistent utilization [6][20] - Recurring revenue from consumables and services was $22.5 million, an 11% increase year-over-year [6][21] - Non-GAAP gross margin expanded to 38.4%, up more than one percentage point from last year [7][22] - Non-GAAP operating loss was $13.4 million, a 36% reduction from the prior year [24] - Net loss for the quarter was $18.5 million, down 46% from the previous year [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Product revenue was $23.1 million, with console revenue at $8.9 million and consumable revenue at $14.2 million, marking a 20% increase from the prior year [21] - Consumable revenue saw a 17% increase, contributing to the overall growth in recurring revenue [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tableau is now utilized in over 900 acute and subacute sites across the United States, indicating strong market penetration [8] - A new enterprise agreement was secured with one of the largest national health systems, potentially placing hundreds of Tableau consoles [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow console revenue, expand gross margin, and drive towards profitability, with a focus on insourcing dialysis services [17][18] - The commercial organization has undergone significant transformation, enhancing sales processes and team capabilities to better target enterprise-level opportunities [11][72] - The company is optimistic about the market opportunity, particularly in the acute care sector, where penetration remains low [56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the pipeline and market demand, despite monitoring potential impacts from federal funding cuts in healthcare [13] - The company is on track to achieve cash flow breakeven and profitability, with a goal to use less than $50 million in cash for the year [15][28] Other Important Information - The company has produced over 1.5 million Tableau disposable treatments since bringing production in-house in 2023, which is crucial for quality and cost reduction [14] - The Chief Nursing Officer's role will focus on facilitating the transition from outsourcing to insourcing dialysis services, emphasizing the importance of nursing leadership in the sales process [50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance and momentum for the second half of the year - Management acknowledged strong performance in the first half and expressed optimism for the second half, citing improvements in commercial transformation and high console utilization [32][36] Question: Status of Salesforce transition and productivity - Management confirmed that the commercial organization has significantly improved, with new tools and processes enhancing sales effectiveness [39][40] Question: Sustainability of deal strength and ASPs - Management indicated that strong ASPs are supported by high uptake of new products and a diversified pipeline, with enterprise agreements expected to drive future growth [45][48] Question: Focus of the new Chief Nursing Officer - The Chief Nursing Officer will work closely with the sales organization to facilitate the transition to insourcing, leveraging her experience to guide potential customers [50] Question: Outlook for cash burn into 2026 - Management provided limited guidance but indicated that cash burn may increase as production ramps up, with more detailed guidance expected later in the year [75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reiterated its 2025 guidance on all metrics and reinstated its wastewater guidance, indicating resilience in its core desalination business despite macroeconomic challenges [4][5] - An additional share repurchase program was announced, totaling $105 million over the past ten months, aiming to repurchase over 10% of outstanding shares while continuing to invest in growth [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The contracted desalination capacity, water reuse capacity, and CO2 refrigeration installations are all experiencing high growth rates, positioning the company to capture upside trends towards its 2029 goals [5][6] - The company reported shipping over $2 million in the quarter due to improved tariff conditions in China, which allowed previously stalled projects to proceed [24][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has broadened its wastewater footprint significantly, focusing on five key verticals: municipal, chemical, textile, manufacturing, and mining, which are expected to yield the largest market share [27][28] - The reduction in tariffs in China has positively impacted project execution, leading to better-than-expected results in that market [24][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term trends driving its business, including increasing water scarcity and the need for water reuse, which are expected to enhance growth opportunities [5][35] - The management emphasized the importance of regulatory drivers and economic factors in the increasing demand for wastewater treatment solutions [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving higher revenue targets for desalination in 2026, citing a strong pipeline of contracted capacity [10][11] - The management noted that the current testing season for new products is progressing well, with ongoing engagement with OEMs and the addition of new testing sites [16][17] Other Important Information - The company is developing a business case for data center markets and heat pumps, with initial assessments indicating limited growth potential in the CO2 segment for data centers [18][19] - The management highlighted the importance of reliability testing for new products, which is crucial for converting testers into dedicated users [30][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in achieving higher desalination revenue targets - Management indicated that while it's too early to tell, recent awards and contracted capacity give them confidence for 2026, with more guidance expected in the next earnings call [10][11][12] Question: Expectations for next-gen PX product pricing - The company expects to maintain or increase selling prices based on capacity, with fewer units needed to fill a plant [14] Question: Update on CO2 work with OEMs - Discussions with Hill Phoenix are ongoing, and the summer testing season is proceeding as expected with new sites being added [16][17] Question: Progress on data center market business case - Initial assessments suggest limited growth potential for CO2 in data centers, but heat pumps show promise [18][19] Question: Better-than-expected results in China - The reduction in tariffs allowed previously stalled projects to move forward, leading to improved results [24][25] Question: Broadened wastewater footprint - The company has successfully expanded its reference case list in key verticals, meeting its expectations [27][28] Question: Drivers for increasing water reuse - The motivations for increased water reuse are both economic and regulatory, driven by water scarcity issues [35]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for Q2 2025 was $37.5 million, down from $41.3 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to lower small scale fabrication revenue and weaker services activity [15] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $1.9 million, a decrease from $2.5 million in Q2 2024, excluding $1.8 million of transaction costs related to the ENGlobal acquisition [15] - Cash and short-term investments at the end of Q2 2025 totaled approximately $62 million, reflecting the impact of capital expenditures and share repurchases [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Services division revenue for Q2 2025 was $22 million, a decrease of 3.5% compared to the previous year, mainly due to lower offshore maintenance activity [15] - Fabrication division revenue for Q2 2025 was $15.8 million, down approximately 15% year-over-year, attributed to lower small scale fabrication activity and delays in new project awards [16] - Corporate division adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $1.2 million for Q2 2025, an improvement from a loss of $2 million in the prior year [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing extended decision cycles for new project awards in certain end markets due to market uncertainty, particularly in the fabrication business [10] - There is a noted pickup in dialogue with customers regarding large projects, particularly in the LNG and petrochemical markets, driven by stabilizing tariff positions [25][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has focused on reducing risk, growing services and small scale fabrication businesses, and strengthening project execution, which has led to more stable core business performance [5] - The acquisition of ENGlobal is expected to broaden product and service offerings, expand the customer base, and diversify into new end markets [6][7] - The company remains committed to a balanced capital allocation framework, prioritizing investments in business growth and potential acquisitions [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about long-term competitive positioning despite near-term challenges, including ongoing trade and macroeconomic uncertainty [20] - The company anticipates that consolidated results will improve significantly in Q4 2025 and into 2026, particularly for the fabrication division [19] Other Important Information - The integration of the ENGlobal acquisition is progressing as expected, with initial positive reception from customers and potential strategic partners [8][9] - The company expects operating losses from the ENGlobal business in the second half of the year, estimated between $1.5 million to $2 million [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you describe the industries and end markets where you're seeing a pickup in dialogue on large projects? - Management noted increased discussions in the LNG and petrochemical markets, with improved frequency and quality of conversations due to stabilizing tariff positions [25] Question: Is the large structural steel project a first of its kind for Gulf Island? - Management confirmed that while it is a new end market, Gulf Island is well-equipped for the project, leveraging their capabilities and experience [26] Question: How is the labor situation affecting the company? - Management indicated that there has not been a dramatic impact on labor availability, and they are confident in their ability to hire quality employees for upcoming projects [30][31]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross billings increased by 10.1% year-over-year to $2.23 billion in Q2 2025, compared to $2.03 billion in Q2 2024 [15] - PEO gross billings rose by 10.3% to $2.22 billion, while staffing revenues declined by 12% to $17 million [15] - Net income per diluted share increased to $0.70 from $0.62 in the prior year quarter, reflecting strong revenue growth and operating leverage [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The staffing business experienced an 11.5% decline year-over-year, attributed to macroeconomic uncertainty and client reluctance to fill staffing orders [6][15] - PEO worksite employees (WSEs) grew by 8%, driven by a record number of new client additions [15] - Average billing per WSE increased by 1.7%, influenced by rising wages but offset by lower average hours worked [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Southern California, the largest region, saw a 12% growth, while the Pacific Northwest declined by 4% [16] - Asset light markets experienced a significant growth of 100% [16] - Client hiring remained modest and below historical levels, impacting overall workforce growth [6][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its product offerings, particularly in health insurance, to capture a broader market, including white-collar businesses [10][40] - Investments in technology and product enhancements are aimed at improving client service and expanding the total addressable market [10][41] - The company plans to open one or two additional branches by the end of the year, following successful entries into Chicago and Dallas [8][62] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted macroeconomic uncertainty has caused clients to pause hiring, but they remain optimistic about future growth driven by new client acquisitions [6][13] - The company has increased its growth outlook for the remainder of the year, expecting gross billings to rise between 9% and 10% [22] - Management emphasized the importance of controllable growth and client retention as key drivers of future performance [45] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with $90 million in unrestricted cash and no debt [20] - A new $100 million stock repurchase program was approved, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders [22] - The workers' compensation program continues to perform well, with favorable adjustments recognized in the quarter [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Status of workers' compensation rate increase - The California regulatory board recommended an over 11% rate increase, but the approved rate was around 9%, expected to push pricing up [27][28] Question: Impact of workers' compensation adjustments - The $8.8 million adjustment was consistent with prior year adjustments, indicating normal performance [32] Question: Profit potential from workers' compensation renewal - The renewal is expected to improve profit potential, especially if claims continue to perform better than expected [36][38] Question: Technology enhancements and market positioning - The company aims to aggressively target the white-collar market with new technology offerings, expanding its total addressable market [40][41] Question: Performance of healthcare policies - The healthcare market is expected to see higher renewal rates, with the company viewing this as an opportunity for growth [42][44] Question: Considerations for raising guidance - Strong year-to-date performance and consistent controllable growth led to the decision to raise guidance for the remainder of the year [45][46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, total billings were $104 million, a 5.7% decrease year over year [25] - Revenue decreased by 9.2% to $63.2 million, driven by a decrease in billings [26] - Adjusted EBITDA was positive $2.7 million, an increase of $5 million year over year [29] - Operating cash flow was positive $1.2 million, while free cash flow was negative $3.4 million, which was $3 million less than the prior year [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue, excluding Bridge, decreased by 13% due to lower billings and pricing pressure [27] - U.K. revenue grew by 29%, driven by higher billings and increased supply [27] - Bridge revenue decreased by 8% due to the loss of a major account in previous quarters [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.K. business showed strong growth with the highest billings quarter in history, driven by categories like everyday spend and subscription services [13] - Advertiser churn was mostly concentrated in mid to small-sized brands, which have been more susceptible to budget reductions [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing and diversifying its supply by growing partnerships with financial institutions and merchants from other verticals [5] - A shift to engagement-based pricing is being implemented, which is expected to help advertisers see the platform as a performance media ad format [10] - The company is committed to ensuring sustainable business and a path to profitability despite challenges [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged significant limitations due to content restrictions imposed by the largest financial institution partner, which could impact user engagement and advertiser effectiveness [9] - The company is optimistic about the potential for growth in the U.K. market and is focused on reinforcing relationships with top advertisers [15][36] - Management emphasized the importance of diversifying supply and demand to mitigate risks associated with the largest FI partner's restrictions [33] Other Important Information - The company ended Q2 with $46.7 million in cash and cash equivalents and drew $50 million on its line of credit [29] - Monthly qualified users (MQUs) increased by 19% to 224.5 million, driven by the ramp-up of new FI partners [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the Q3 outlook regarding the billings decrease and content restrictions? - Management indicated that the content restrictions are broader than anticipated and are impacting billings significantly [42][43] Question: What is the status of the line of credit drawn? - The $50 million drawn from the line of credit is intended to repay notes due in September, maintaining a comfortable cash balance [44][45] Question: How is the company leveraging AI throughout the platform? - The company is exploring AI applications in development, analytics, and customer insights, although some initiatives may slow down due to recent changes [56][57] Question: What traction has been seen with local offers? - The company has invested in geo-targeted offers, leading to increased traction in everyday spend and QSRs [60][61] Question: Can you discuss the impact of MQUs and the nature of the restrictions? - The broader set of bank partners represents over 50% of MQUs, and the restrictions are limiting brands' ability to utilize the platform effectively [68][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for the quarter increased by 6% year-over-year to $236 million, exceeding internal expectations [6][18] - Adjusted EPS rose by 10% compared to the prior year, driven by operating performance and share repurchases [6][20] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $105 million, an increase of approximately 3% year-over-year [19] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial Services revenue grew by 5% year-over-year, with RAC tolling revenue increasing by 4% [21][22] - Government Solutions service revenue increased by 7% year-over-year, with total revenue up by 10% [10][23] - T2 Systems revenue declined by about 4% for the quarter, driven by reduced product sales and professional services revenue [14][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - TSA volume declined by about 1% year-over-year, with year-to-date TSA volume remaining flat compared to last year [9] - The macroeconomic environment is stabilizing, with consumer confidence improving, although travel demand is lower than previous forecasts [9][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its Government Solutions segment, particularly in automated photo enforcement, which has seen legislative support across the U.S. [11][12] - A $100 million stock repurchase program has been authorized, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders [15] - The company is maintaining its full-year 2025 financial guidance, with expectations for growth in Government Solutions and stabilization in the parking business [14][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth prospects in the Commercial Services segment despite anticipated challenges in the third quarter [7][14] - The company is closely monitoring the airline industry as a key indicator for travel demand, which impacts the commercial services business [9][26] - Management highlighted the importance of finalizing the renewal contract with New York City, which is expected to provide clarity on future revenue [11][53] Other Important Information - The company has seen a significant increase in total addressable market (TAM) for automated photo enforcement, with recent legislation adding approximately $225 million [12] - The ongoing ERP implementation is on schedule and within budget, with the most complex portions largely complete [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on travel trends and assumptions for the second half - Management indicated that TSA throughput is expected to remain around 99% to 100% for the second half of the year, aligning with guidance [36][37] Question: Insights on Fleet Management challenges - Management acknowledged a small decline in FMC revenue due to macroeconomic factors and customer churn, expecting further declines in Q3 before stabilization [39] Question: Government Solutions guidance improvement - Management noted broad-based strength in Government Solutions, with higher product sales and accelerated demand for photo enforcement driving the guidance increase [42][43] Question: Margins in Government Solutions - Management explained that margin pressures were due to a mix of increased international sales and ERP implementation costs, with expectations for stabilization as growth continues [48][50] Question: Update on New York City contract renewal - Management confirmed ongoing negotiations for the New York City contract, emphasizing the importance of finalizing the agreement for future revenue clarity [53] Question: CapEx and revenue relationship - Management clarified that increased CapEx is in preparation for future demand, with expectations for significant growth in the Government Solutions business [88] Question: D&A guidance for the back half of the year - Management indicated that the decrease in D&A is due to the amortization of previous deals running off, not a reduction in overall expenses [90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Transaction value for Q2 was $481 million, up 49% year over year, driven by a 71% increase in the P and C vertical, while the Health vertical saw a 32% decline [9][11] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $24.5 million, increasing 31% year over year, representing 62% of contribution, up from 56% in the prior year [10][12] - The company expects Q3 transaction value to be between $545 million and $570 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 23% at the midpoint [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The P and C vertical experienced significant growth, with transaction value increasing by 71% year over year, primarily from existing carriers [9][30] - The Health vertical's transaction value declined by 32% year over year, with expectations of continued declines in the near term [9][11] - The company anticipates a Q3 transaction value of approximately $18 million for the under-65 business, reflecting a 54% year-over-year decline [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that automotive tariffs are becoming more manageable, and the slowing rate increases are prompting carriers to focus on acquiring new customers [7][23] - The competitive landscape in the auto insurance market remains strong, with healthy advertising spend expected to continue [7][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capture multi-year growth opportunities, particularly in the P and C insurance vertical, while also focusing on compliance measures following the FTC settlement [5][8] - There is a strategic shift towards optimizing for market share and transaction value, with plans to focus more on gross profit as market conditions evolve [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the trajectory for the rest of the year, particularly in the P and C vertical, despite challenges in the Health vertical [8][11] - The company anticipates increased consumer shopping behavior in the Medicare Advantage market, although carrier budgets may be lighter than in previous years [49][50] Other Important Information - The company reached a settlement with the FTC involving $45 million in payments, which will be funded from cash on hand [6][14] - The company ended the quarter with $85 million in cash and a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 0.6x, indicating strong financial flexibility [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: How will the FTC settlement enhance competitive positioning in the under-65 vertical? - Management indicated that the settlement will create a new baseline for the under-65 business, allowing for better navigation of consumer choices and potential growth opportunities [18][19] Question: What is the outlook for carrier budgets in the second half of the year? - Management expressed optimism about continued strong carrier budgets, citing robust underlying profitability in the personal auto space [21][22] Question: Can you provide more details on the mix of existing carrier spend versus new carrier additions? - The majority of the increase in spend was from existing carriers, with new carriers typically starting small [30] Question: What is the strategy to balance volume growth and profitability? - The current focus is on optimizing for market share and transaction value, with plans to shift towards gross profit optimization as market conditions change [32] Question: What are the expectations for the upcoming AEP and its impact on shopping behavior? - Increased shopping behavior is anticipated, but carrier budgets may be lighter than previous years due to market churn and uncertainty [50][51]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $500 million in Q3 2025, down 12.2% compared to the prior year, primarily due to weather-related headwinds and reduced traffic [22][5][24] - Gross profit was $197.9 million, compared to $228.8 million in the prior year, with a gross margin decline of 62 basis points year over year [22] - SG&A expenses were $129.6 million, slightly down from $131.1 million in the previous year, primarily due to variable expenses associated with lower sales [22] - Inventory at the end of the quarter was $273.2 million, down approximately $29 million or 9.6% year over year [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Chemical sales, including both core and specialty chemicals, were down nearly 15% due to cooler temperatures affecting demand [8][22] - The Pro segment saw an increase in pro partner contracts by 12% compared to the prior year, indicating growth in this business line despite overall sales challenges [7][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The impact of cooler temperatures was most evident in non-Sunbelt markets, particularly in the North region, where sales were down approximately 30% during the peak season [10][9] - The company noted that aggressive pricing actions by competitors were observed late in the quarter, affecting residential sales and leading to a loss of market share [10][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four strategic pillars: customer centricity, convenience, asset utilization, and cost optimization, to drive transformation and long-term profitable growth [11][12] - Initiatives include launching same-day delivery services and enhancing the loyalty program to improve customer engagement and retention [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging operating environment due to macro pressures and unusual weather patterns but expressed confidence in the company's transformation efforts [4][26] - The company expects to reduce inventory by at least $20 million year over year, which is anticipated to improve cash flow and support debt reduction [24][20] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $42.7 million in cash and has no borrowings under its revolving credit facility, indicating a strong liquidity position [24][22] - The company plans to share more details on its strategic review and cost optimization efforts in the upcoming November earnings call [20][72] Q&A Session Summary Question: What happened when promotions picked up in Q3? - Management noted that aggressive pricing in the marketplace impacted their pricing strategy, and they are working on a strategic pricing approach moving forward [30][31] Question: What are the competitive pressures on the equipment side? - Equipment performance was down in the quarter, particularly in automatic pool cleaners, but not as severely as chemicals due to weather impacts [36][38] Question: What is the outlook for gross margin recovery? - Management indicated that fixed cost deleverage has impacted gross margin, but they are focused on cost optimization and asset utilization to improve margins over time [39][41] Question: Are there plans for store closures? - Management confirmed that there are no plans for store closures this year, focusing instead on optimizing costs and improving performance [66][72] Question: How is the company addressing market share loss? - Management emphasized efforts in the Pro segment and loyalty programs to retain customers, while also addressing challenges in the residential side [54][56] Question: What are the expectations for Q4 sales? - The company expects Q4 sales to decline at a similar rate to Q3 but anticipates improvements in traffic trends [57][86]