PPL(PPL) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-20 17:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved ongoing earnings of $1.81 per share, reflecting a 7.1% growth from the previous year and aligning with the midpoint of the forecast [5][30] - GAAP earnings for 2025 were reported at $1.59 per share, compared to $1.20 per share in 2024, indicating significant year-over-year improvement [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kentucky results increased by $0.09 per share, driven by higher sales volumes and additional capital expenditures [30] - Pennsylvania results increased by $0.04 per share, led by higher transmission revenue and distribution rider recovery [30] - Rhode Island results decreased by $0.02 per share due to higher operating costs, although higher distribution revenue partially offset this decline [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant increase in data center interconnection requests, totaling approximately 25.2 gigawatts, a 23% increase since the last quarterly update [18] - In Kentucky, the current pipeline reflects over 9 gigawatts of potential new load, with data center requests exceeding 8 gigawatts [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The updated business plan extends the company's growth outlook while maintaining a focus on customer affordability and a strong credit profile [7] - The capital investment plan is projected at $23 billion from 2026 to 2029, an increase from the previous $20 billion, aimed at strengthening networks against severe weather impacts [9][10] - The company is committed to a dividend growth rate target of 4%-6% while issuing equity to fund its capital plan [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the need for new, reliable generation resources to meet growing demand, particularly from data centers [42][43] - The company remains focused on minimizing bill increases for customers while ensuring financial strength to support economic growth [44] Other Important Information - The company outperformed its O&M savings target by about $20 million, achieving approximately $170 million in run rate savings from the 2021 baseline [6] - The commission approved an aggregate increase of approximately $233 million in annual electric and gas revenues in Kentucky, which aligns with the company's business plan [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Pennsylvania rate case process - Management indicated that discussions are ongoing and the focus is on the impact of data centers on customer affordability, with a constructive outcome not hinging on a settlement [49][53] Question: Updates on joint venture and potential contracts - Management stated that significant events related to the joint venture could be communicated outside of earnings calls, and they are evaluating participation in upcoming auctions [62][63] Question: Data center backlog and generation sources - Management noted that hyperscalers are focused on speed to connect to the grid and are not overly concerned about the specific sources of generation, as they typically procure energy through market mechanisms [72][73]
Fidelity National Financial(FNF) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-20 17:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth quarter total revenue of $4.1 billion, a slight increase from $4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024 [18] - Adjusted net earnings for the fourth quarter were $382 million, or $1.41 per diluted share, compared to $366 million, or $1.34 per share, for the same period in 2024 [20] - The Title segment generated adjusted pre-tax earnings of $401 million in the fourth quarter, with a margin of 17.5%, compared to 16.6% in the prior year quarter [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Title segment generated $2.3 billion in total revenue in the fourth quarter, excluding net recognized losses, compared to $2.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024 [21] - Direct premiums in the Title segment increased by 21% year-over-year, while agency premiums increased by 7% [21] - F&G's assets under management grew to $73.1 billion at year-end, up 12% over the prior year [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 21% increase in commercial refinance orders opened for the full year 2025 compared to the prior year [9] - National daily orders opened were up 9% over the fourth quarter of 2024, while local market daily orders opened increased by 8% [8] - The National Association of Realtors indicated that 2025 home sales were among the lowest levels since 1995, with expectations for a return to historical averages in the coming years [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its technology capabilities, with a focus on the inHere digital transaction platform, which engaged 80% of residential sale transactions [11] - The strategy includes maintaining a disciplined operating model to manage business trends and deliver industry-leading results [11] - F&G is transitioning to a more fee-based, higher-margin, and less capital-intensive model, which is expected to support long-term shareholder value [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, anticipating an increase in existing home sales and refinance opportunities as mortgage rates remain low [34] - The company is well-positioned to benefit from a potential turn in the housing market, should mortgage rates drop further [10][83] - Management highlighted the importance of technology investments in driving efficiency and maintaining competitive margins [12][14] Other Important Information - The company returned approximately $800 million of capital to shareholders during 2025, including common dividends and share repurchases [27] - F&G's quarterly common stock dividend was increased by 14% in the fourth quarter, reflecting strong cash generation [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook for 2026 - Management is optimistic about margins in 2026, expecting an uptick in purchase volumes and refinance opportunities due to lower mortgage rates [34] Question: Agent split changes - The slight increase in agent split was attributed to geographic mix rather than significant changes in business strategy [35] Question: Commercial revenue growth expectations for 2026 - Management indicated that commercial revenue should continue to grow, supported by increased order volume and strong pipeline activity [40] Question: Home price growth forecasts - Management believes that home prices have stabilized and will likely remain stable in the near future, with affordability driven primarily by interest rates [49] Question: Capital allocation and M&A outlook - The company plans to be active in acquisitions and stock buybacks, with expectations for more opportunities in the Title agent space [70]
PPL(PPL) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-20 17:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved ongoing earnings of $1.81 per share, representing a 7.1% growth from the previous year and aligning with the midpoint of the forecast [5][30] - GAAP earnings for 2025 were $1.59 per share, compared to $1.20 per share in 2024, indicating significant year-over-year improvement [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kentucky results increased by $0.09 per share due to higher sales volumes and additional capital expenditures, while Pennsylvania results increased by $0.04 per share driven by higher transmission revenue and distribution rider recovery [30][31] - Rhode Island results decreased by $0.02 per share due to higher operating costs, but this was partially offset by increased distribution revenue [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant increase in data center interconnection requests, totaling approximately 25.2 GW, which is a 23% increase since the last quarterly update [18] - In Kentucky, the economic development pipeline reflects over 9 GW of potential new load, with data center-related requests exceeding 8 GW [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The updated business plan extends the company's growth outlook while maintaining a focus on customer affordability and a strong credit profile [7] - The company projects capital investment needs of $23 billion from 2026 to 2029, up from $20 billion in the previous plan, to support reliability and resilience against severe weather [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the importance of new generation resources to meet growing demand, particularly from data centers, and highlighted the need for increased capital investments to support this [24][42] - The company remains committed to affordability, having reduced O&M costs by nearly 3% annually, which has helped fund significant capital investments without increasing customer bills [21][22] Other Important Information - The company modified its annual dividend growth rate target to 4%-6% while issuing equity to fund its capital plan [11] - The company has engaged with stakeholders to support economic development, including a $3.5 billion investment by Eli Lilly in Pennsylvania [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Pennsylvania rate case process - Management indicated that discussions are ongoing and that the focus has been on the impact of data centers on customer affordability, with a constructive outcome expected regardless of whether it resolves through settlement or commission decision [49][54] Question: Contracts for GenCo and JV participation in auctions - Management stated that significant events would be communicated outside of earnings calls and that participation in special auctions would be evaluated based on risk profiles [61][63] Question: Data center backlog and generation sources - Management noted that hyperscalers are focused on speed to connect to the grid and are increasingly engaged in discussions about resource adequacy, with no signs of them pulling out of the region [70][75]
Fidelity National Financial(FNF) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-20 17:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth quarter total revenue of $4.1 billion, a 7% increase from $4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024 [16] - Adjusted net earnings for the fourth quarter were $382 million, or $1.41 per diluted share, compared to $366 million, or $1.34 per share, for the same period last year [18] - The title segment generated adjusted pre-tax earnings of $401 million in the fourth quarter, with a margin of 17.5%, up from 16.6% in the prior year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The title segment generated $2.3 billion in total revenue in the fourth quarter, excluding net recognized losses, compared to $2.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024 [19] - Direct premiums in the title segment increased by 21% year-over-year, while agency premiums rose by 7% [19] - F&G's assets under management grew to $73.1 billion at year-end, a 12% increase over the prior year [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 21% increase in commercial refinance orders opened for the full year 2025 compared to the previous year [8] - Total orders opened averaged 5,300 per day in the fourth quarter, with January showing a 29% increase over December [8] - Home sales in the U.S. are projected to trend back toward historical averages, with estimates of 10% more existing home sales in 2026 [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its technology capabilities, with significant investments in digital platforms and AI tools to drive efficiency and customer experience [10][11] - F&G is transitioning to a more fee-based, higher-margin, and less capital-intensive model, which is expected to support long-term shareholder value [14] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined operating model to generate steady free cash flow for investments and acquisitions [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, anticipating improved margins and increased volume in both purchase and refinance transactions due to lower mortgage rates [32] - The company remains bullish on the long-term prospects for the title insurance business, even in a low transactional environment [9] - Management highlighted the importance of technology investments in maintaining industry-leading margins and operational efficiency [12] Other Important Information - The company returned approximately $800 million of capital to shareholders in 2025 through dividends and share repurchases [25] - F&G increased its quarterly common stock dividend by 14% in the fourth quarter, reflecting strong cash generation [14] - The company ended 2025 with $659 million in cash and short-term liquid investments at the holding company [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook for 2026 - Management is optimistic about margins in 2026, expecting an uptick in purchase volume and refinance opportunities due to lower rates [32] Question: Agent split changes - The slight increase in agent split was attributed to geographic mix rather than significant changes in business strategy [33] Question: Commercial revenue growth expectations for 2026 - Management indicated that commercial revenue is expected to grow in 2026, supported by increased order volume and strong pipeline [38] Question: Home price growth forecasts - Management believes home prices have stabilized and expects modest growth, aligning with industry forecasts [48] Question: Capital allocation and M&A outlook - The company plans to be active in acquisitions and share buybacks, with expectations for more opportunities in the title agent space [66][68]
Employers (EIG) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-20 17:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross premiums written decreased to $156.8 million from $176.3 million, an 11% decline primarily due to lower new business writings and lower final audit premiums [8] - Losses and LAE increased to $134.4 million from $113.2 million, an 18.7% increase attributed to a higher accident year 2025 selected loss and LAE ratio [8] - Net investment income rose to $31.4 million from $26.7 million, a 17.6% increase driven by private equity investment returns and a higher book yield on the fixed income portfolio [9] - Adjusted net income was $14.5 million compared to $28.7 million in the previous year [11] - Book value per share increased by 11% to $51.31 [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The small commercial franchise maintained strong retention rates throughout 2025, indicating successful investments in automation and ease of use [4] - The company is experiencing lower new business writings and has exited certain classes of business, particularly in California [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The California market is characterized as hardening, with rate increases being implemented, while the overall environment remains competitive across the country [22][24] - Average renewal rates increased by over 5% for the entire book, driven largely by California [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is expanding its capabilities with a new excess workers' compensation product, leveraging core expertise and AI tools to create new growth avenues [6] - A focus on disciplined underwriting, prudent risk management, and strategic investments is expected to strengthen the company's position in the workers' compensation insurance market [7] - The company aims to improve its expense ratio through AI initiatives and operational excellence, with a target to reduce the expense ratio further [14][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the frequency of cumulative trauma claims in California has flattened, although it remains elevated compared to historical levels [20] - The company anticipates reduced written premiums in 2026 due to the hardening market and cautious risk selection [22][35] - Confidence in financial strength and strategic capital management was emphasized, with ongoing share repurchases and dividends planned [14] Other Important Information - The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.32 per share, payable on March 18 [14] - The company executed a $125 million recapitalization plan in January, reflecting confidence in its financial position [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trajectory of CT claims - Management observed that the acceleration of CT claims frequency has slowed down and flattened, although it remains elevated compared to the past [20] Question: Dynamics of the hardening market - The hardening market is primarily in California, with some competitors exiting certain states or classes of business, while the overall environment remains competitive [22][24] Question: Buybacks for 2026 - Management expects to return to a normal level of share repurchases in 2026, being opportunistic in timing [26] Question: Improvement in expense ratio - Management is optimistic about improving the expense ratio through ongoing AI initiatives and operational enhancements [27][29] Question: Gross written premium in California - Lower new business writings and some non-renewals are contributing to the decline in gross written premium in California [35] Question: Scaling the new excess workers' comp product - The company plans to scale the new product cautiously, with expectations for it to become a meaningful revenue driver over time [36] Question: Competition in the excess workers' comp market - Management believes that efficiency through AI and unique offerings in loss control will help differentiate the company in a competitive market [44] Question: Performance expectations for the new product - The excess comp space is expected to perform with a combined ratio in the mid-80s, with a strong expense ratio due to AI-driven underwriting [48]
Forum Energy Technologies(FET) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-20 17:02
Forum Energy Technologies (NYSE:FET) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 20, 2026 11:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsJeff Robertson - Managing DirectorJohn Daniel - Founder and PresidentKeith Beckmann - VP of Equity ResearchLyle Williams - CFONeal Lux - President and CEORob Kukla - Director of Investor RelationsConference Call ParticipantsEric Carlson - AnalystSteve Ferazani - Senior Equity AnalystOperatorMorning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Forum Energy Technologies' Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 ...
Forum Energy Technologies(FET) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-20 17:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter revenue reached $202 million, exceeding the top end of guidance and increasing 3% sequentially, driven by strength in offshore and international markets [12] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $23 million, at the top end of guidance, with free cash flow generation totaling $80 million for the year [9][12] - Net debt was reduced by 28% to $107 million, with a net leverage ratio of 1.2x, indicating improved financial health [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Drilling and completion revenue increased by 8% to $127 million, while the subsea product line revenue rose by 25% due to strong project execution [13] - Coiled tubing revenue was up 13%, and drilling product line revenue increased by 11%, supported by international demand [13] - The artificial lift and downhole segment saw a book-to-bill of 107%, although revenue decreased by 4% sequentially [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International revenue increased by 8%, while U.S. revenue declined by 2% due to project timing and softer demand [12] - The company reported a full year book-to-bill of 113%, with a particularly strong performance in the subsea product line, achieving a nearly 190% book-to-bill [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its strategic vision, FET 2030, aiming for market share gains through customer engagement, product innovation, and geographic expansion [5] - New product development is central to growth, with 10 new products commercialized in 2025, including innovations like the Secura Series stage collars and DuraCoil 95 [7][8] - The company anticipates a 50% expansion in addressable markets over the next five years, potentially doubling revenue [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in a bullish long-term outlook, expecting oil and natural gas demand to grow significantly [9] - Despite a challenging environment, the company aims to achieve revenue growth of 6% and EBITDA growth of 16% in 2026 [10] - The management highlighted the importance of maintaining margin and cost discipline while executing on strategic initiatives [8][9] Other Important Information - The company completed two real estate sale-leaseback transactions generating $15 million in net cash proceeds [15] - The credit facility was extended to February 2031, providing significant flexibility for funding strategic initiatives [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trajectory in subsea business for 2026 and 2027 - Management expects strong demand in the subsea business, with a focus on converting backlog and expanding into international unconventional markets [26] Question: Acquisition targets and areas of interest - The company is interested in downhole businesses that offer differentiated solutions and are accretive to financial metrics [29] Question: Factors contributing to exceeding guidance in Q4 - Strong execution by teams and no significant end-of-year slowdown contributed to better-than-expected results [33] Question: Guidance for Q1 and revenue growth despite rig count decline - The company anticipates revenue growth due to backlog and structural cost savings, despite a projected decline in global rig count [37] Question: Free cash flow guidance and working capital management - The company expects strong free cash flow driven by effective working capital management and revenue growth [40] Question: Timing of share buybacks in 2026 - Management indicated that share buybacks may be back-end loaded in 2026, similar to the previous year [46] Question: Growth avenues in DNC business and artificial lift - The subsea and artificial lift segments are expected to drive significant growth, particularly in international markets [54] Question: M&A opportunities and seller expectations - The company is seeing an increase in companies for sale, with seller expectations rising due to improved public company stock multiples [63] Question: Impact of tariffs and deferred tax assets - The company is focused on mitigating tariff impacts and optimizing tax strategies as profitability grows [95][100]
PPL(PPL) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-20 17:00
PPL (NYSE:PPL) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 20, 2026 11:00 AM ET Speaker8Good day, and welcome to the PPL Corporation Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Call. All participants will be in a listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by zero. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press Star, then one on a touchtone phone. To withdraw your question, please press S ...
Fidelity National Financial(FNF) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-20 17:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth quarter total revenue of $4.1 billion, a slight increase from $4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024 [16] - Adjusted net earnings for the fourth quarter were $382 million, or $1.41 per diluted share, compared to $366 million, or $1.34 per share, for the same period in 2024 [18] - The Title segment generated adjusted pre-tax earnings of $401 million in the fourth quarter, up from $343 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, resulting in a 17.5% adjusted pre-tax margin compared to 16.6% in the prior year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Title segment generated $2.3 billion in total revenue in the fourth quarter, excluding net recognized losses, compared to $2.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024 [19] - Direct premiums increased by 21% year-over-year, while agency premiums rose by 7% [19] - F&G's assets under management grew to $73.1 billion at year-end, a 12% increase over the prior year [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 21% increase in commercial refinance orders opened for the full year 2025 compared to the prior year [9] - Total orders opened averaged 5,300 per day in the fourth quarter, with January showing a 29% increase over December [9] - The National Association of Realtors indicated that 2025 home sales were among the lowest levels since 1995, with expectations for home sales to trend back toward historical averages in the coming years [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its technology capabilities, with significant investments in digital transaction platforms and AI tools to improve efficiency and customer experience [11][12] - F&G is transitioning to a more fee-based, higher-margin, and less capital-intensive model, which is expected to provide a meaningful source of capital to the company [15] - The company is optimistic about the potential recovery in the housing market, particularly if mortgage rates decrease further in 2026 [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, anticipating increased volume in both purchase and refinance transactions due to lower mortgage rates [32] - The company expects to maintain strong margins and profitability despite a historically low transactional environment [10][66] - Management highlighted the importance of disciplined expense management and technology investments in sustaining competitive advantages [5][11] Other Important Information - The company returned approximately $800 million of capital to shareholders in 2025 through dividends and share repurchases [25] - F&G's quarterly common stock dividend was increased by 14% in the fourth quarter, reflecting strong cash generation [14] - The company ended the year with $659 million in cash and short-term liquid investments at the holding company [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook for 2026 - Management is optimistic about margin trends entering 2026, expecting an uptick in purchase volumes and refinance opportunities due to lower rates [32] Question: Agent split changes - The slight change in agent split was attributed to geographic mix rather than significant shifts in business strategy [33] Question: Commercial revenue growth expectations for 2026 - Management indicated that commercial revenue growth in 2026 is expected to be as good or better than 2025, driven by increased order volume [38] Question: Home sales forecasts - Management believes the forecasts for existing home sales are reasonable, with potential for a 10% increase in 2026 if rates remain stable [40] Question: Capital allocation and M&A outlook - The company plans to be active in acquisitions and share buybacks, with expectations for more opportunities in the title agent space [70]
Comfort Systems USA(FIX) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-20 17:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record earnings with a quarterly EPS of $9.37, up 129% from the previous year, and an annual EPS of $28.88, compared to $14.60 in 2024 [5][12] - Revenue for Q4 2025 increased by 42% year-over-year to $2.6 billion, while full-year revenue exceeded $9 billion, marking a 30% increase compared to 2024 [7][12] - Gross profit for Q4 was $675 million, a $241 million increase from the previous year, with a gross profit margin of 25.5%, up from 23.2% [8][9] - Operating income for Q4 increased by 89% to $427 million, with an operating income percentage of 16.1%, up from 12.1% [11] - Full-year EBITDA was $1.45 billion, with an EBITDA margin of 16% [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mechanical segment revenue increased by 21%, while the electrical segment revenue surged by 62% [7] - Same-store revenue growth for Q4 was 35%, with an overall same-store revenue increase of 26% for the year [5][7] - Service revenue grew by 12%, contributing to a record $1.2 billion in total service revenue for 2025 [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog reached an all-time high of $12 billion, with a 93% increase year-over-year on a same-store basis [5][14] - The industrial sector, including technology, accounted for 67% of total revenue, with technology alone representing 45% of revenue, up from 33% the previous year [15][16] - Institutional markets, including education and healthcare, contributed 21% of revenue [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to increase modular capacity from 3 million sq ft to approximately 4 million sq ft by the end of 2026, with investments in technology and workforce training [6][14] - Recent acquisitions of two electrical companies are expected to enhance operational capabilities [6] - The company is focused on maintaining strong relationships with customers and investing in its workforce to meet growing demand [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for continued strong performance in 2026, supported by unprecedented backlog and project pipelines [17] - The company anticipates same-store revenue growth in the mid-teens to high-teens percentage for 2026, with a focus on maintaining profitability and productivity [11][41] - Management acknowledged challenges such as labor shortages but emphasized their commitment to attracting and retaining talent [24] Other Important Information - The company increased its quarterly dividend by $0.10 to $0.70 per share, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns [7] - Full-year free cash flow reached a record $1 billion, indicating strong cash generation capabilities [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on backlog growth - Management clarified that backlog reflects binding commitments from projects planned 1-2 years prior, indicating they are late-cycle players in the construction process [20][22] Question: Labor shortage situation - Management confirmed they have added over 7,000 employees in the last 24 months and are employing various strategies to attract and retain talent [24] Question: Bookings in Q4 - Management noted that over half of the $2.6 billion in bookings were new modular bookings, with significant activity in data centers and other sectors [32][33] Question: Modular expansion timeline - The company plans a gradual addition of modular capacity throughout 2026, with some space becoming productive earlier in the year [36] Question: Impact of weather on operations - Management acknowledged that weather events, such as ice storms, can impact operations but are considered seasonal and manageable [72][74] Question: M&A pipeline and cash deployment - Management indicated a strong M&A pipeline but emphasized the need for conviction in acquisitions, balancing cash generation with strategic investments [82][86]