Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated revenue of $520 million for Q2 2025, representing a 14.3% increase compared to the same quarter last year, driven by acquisitions and a 3.3% growth in organic daily sales [11][32] - Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 9.7% in Q2, up from 9% in Q1, with all business verticals achieving sequential margin improvements [11][32] - Cash flow from operations improved to $33 million, compared to approximately $21 million in the same quarter last year [12][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Lawson Products**: Q2 sales totaled $124.3 million, a 2.6% increase in average daily sales, with organic average daily sales down 1% due to lower military sales volume [34][35] - **Canadian Segment**: Q2 sales were $55.9 million, with organic sales increasing 0.7% and adjusted EBITDA at 6.5%, expanding 130 basis points from Q1 [36][37] - **Jexpro Services**: Q2 revenue was $127.8 million, up 18.2% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA at 13.4%, an increase from 11.9% a year ago [38][39] - **Test Equity Group**: Q2 sales were $195 million, with average daily sales down 1.2% year-over-year but up 1.7% sequentially from Q1, and adjusted EBITDA at 6.9% [27][39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong demand in end markets such as aerospace, defense, technology, and renewables, while production supplies in Test and Measurement remained soft [12][22] - The Canadian division's revenues increased 2% on a constant currency basis, with EBITDA margins expanding sequentially [22][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to transform its business units into a more profitable and resilient platform for growth, focusing on world-class global supply chain capabilities and services [6][11] - A significant investment in sales transformation is underway, with a focus on talent acquisition and territory planning to enhance productivity [13][17] - The company is committed to a disciplined capital allocation strategy, including share repurchases and investments in organic growth [41][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate uncertain macroeconomic conditions and highlighted the importance of accountability in achieving growth objectives [4][12] - The outlook for the second half of the year remains positive, with expectations for year-over-year sales increases despite tougher comparisons [54][56] Other Important Information - The company has completed five acquisitions in 2024, contributing to revenue growth and operational scale [32][41] - The average compensation for sales representatives has increased by 25% over the past couple of years, reflecting the company's investment in its sales team [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you frame third quarter expectations and any insights on July pacing? - Management indicated that July trends are consistent with Q2, with no major movements expected [51][52] Question: Any updates on the Canadian branch consolidation? - The company is on track with consolidating four locations in 2025, with no major disruptions reported [56][58] Question: What are the longer-term margin goals for Lawson and TestEquity? - Management aims for Lawson to achieve mid to high teen EBITDA margins over time, while TestEquity is expected to reach double-digit margins [68][71]

Financial Performance - The company reported second quarter sales of $3.1 billion and earnings per share of $3.86, with a backlog of $56.9 billion [5][14] - Free cash flow was $730 million, with capital expenditures of $93 million [6][20] - Revenues increased by 3.5% year-over-year, driven by growth across all divisions [14] Business Line Performance - Ingalls revenues were $724 million, up 1.7% year-over-year, primarily due to higher volume on the guided missile destroyer program [15] - Newport News revenues reached $1.6 billion, a 4.4% increase, driven by higher volumes on Columbia and Virginia class submarine programs [15] - Mission Technologies revenues were $791 million, up 3.4%, supported by a favorable resolution related to a C5ISR contract [15] Market Data - The company secured contract awards totaling $11.9 billion, including two Block V submarines and investments in workforce development and technology [5][12] - The reconciliation bill and FY 2026 budget include significant support for shipbuilding programs, reflecting a strong funding environment [13] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on increasing throughput, achieving cost reductions, and capturing new contract awards [13][26] - A technology partnership with C3AI aims to leverage digital technologies and AI to enhance shipbuilding efficiency [8] - The industrial base is expanding with significant outsourcing, which is expected to increase shipbuilding capacity [11] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in transitioning from pre-COVID contracts to new contracts, but expressed confidence in achieving operational initiatives [10][12] - Positive trends in labor pipeline and retention were noted, with expectations for continued stability in the supply chain [11] - The company reiterated its revenue and operating margin guidance for the year, expecting shipbuilding revenue between $8.9 billion and $9.1 billion [21][22] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $343 million and liquidity of approximately $2 billion [21] - A cash dividend of $1.35 per share was paid, totaling $53 million [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: How to reconcile the increase in throughput with the modest revenue guidance? - Management explained that the revenue forecast considers wage increases and improvements in outsourcing, which will contribute to throughput in the latter half of the year [31][32] Question: Is the five-year cumulative free cash flow target back on the table? - Management clarified that they are focused on annual guidance and have not reinstated the five-year target at this time [40][41] Question: What is the impact of the CVN 79 schedule slip to 2027? - Management indicated that the schedule slip was factored into guidance and there was no material financial impact [45][46] Question: How does the reconciliation funding affect the timeline and quantification? - Management stated that all programs are supported by the funding and it is included in the long-term revenue guidance [49][50] Question: What is the expected impact of changes in R&D tax code? - Management noted a positive impact from the tax changes, increasing free cash flow guidance due to the new treatment of R&D expenses [71][72] Question: What is the outlook for the unmanned undersea business? - Management expects outsized growth in the unmanned vehicle segment, with significant opportunities funded within the reconciliation bill [76][78] Question: How does the company view AUKUS and partnerships with international shipbuilders? - Management expressed strong support for AUKUS and highlighted strategic partnerships that could enhance throughput and industrial base capacity [82][85] Question: How many employees were hired in the quarter? - Management reported hiring approximately 2,400 experienced employees, with improvements in retention metrics noted [86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income increased by 56% to $11.1 million, with earnings per share rising to $0.46 [8][20] - Net interest income grew by 7% to $53.4 million, while the net interest margin remained steady at 8.09% [8][15] - Total loans increased to $2.49 billion, up 4% from the previous year [16][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer lending, the largest business line, saw total originations decrease to $197 million from $277.6 million a year ago, but interest income rose by 9% to $71.2 million [9][10] - The recreational loan book grew to $1.55 billion, representing 62% of total loans, while the home improvement loan book reached $803.5 million, accounting for 32% of total loans [9][10] - The commercial segment generated $3.3 million in income this quarter, with equity gains totaling $27.6 million over the past eight quarters [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Delinquencies for recreational loans were at 0.49%, while home improvement loans had a delinquency rate of 0.16% [9][10] - The average interest rate on deposits was 3.81% as of June [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined execution and strategic positioning to drive growth across its lending segments [8] - Medallion Financial is committed to returning capital to shareholders, having repurchased over 48,000 shares and increased dividends by 20% year-over-year [13][20] - The company is expanding its strategic partnership program, which has seen record originations of $168.6 million this quarter [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's pipeline and the potential for continued success, despite challenges in the economic environment [13][14] - The company anticipates growth in originations as it manages capital and maintains underwriting standards [42] Other Important Information - The company raised over $75 million through a public offering of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock [6] - Operating costs increased to $21.5 million, driven by technological initiatives aimed at improving servicing capabilities [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What were the strategic partners that you sold the loans to identified? - The loans sold were typical recreational loans, not from strategic partnerships, with a sale of about $53 million closed in April [24][25] Question: Is that going to be an ongoing thing? - The company expects to continue selling loans, although not on a quarterly basis [27] Question: Were there any non-recurring items in the quarter aside from the gains? - The only non-recurring item was a $1.3 million gain on the loan sale [29] Question: Your reserve ratio is going up. What's the thinking in terms of managing both the reserves and the capital levels going forward? - The capital increased significantly due to a recent offering, providing ample capital for growth [34][35] Question: Is there anything to call out on the delinquency trend for recreational loans? - The increase in delinquency is attributed to older vintages, but newer loans are performing better [40] Question: Can you walk us through unit economics of these strategic partnership loans? - The company charges fees ranging from 20 to 50 basis points for loans funded through FinTech partners, with higher yields compared to typical consumer loans [43][44] Question: Any outlook for loan growth, margin, and credit quality going forward? - The company expects to maintain current credit standards and margins, with potential expansion as interest rates fall [46][48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter sales increased by 1% year-over-year, driven by a volume growth of 6% [9] - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $207 million, a 2% increase compared to the prior year [10] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose to $0.69, up $0.10 from the previous year, primarily due to EBITDA growth and lower interest expenses [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The growth portfolio experienced a high single-digit increase, while the core portfolio remained essentially flat [10] - The second quarter saw a 5% decline in North America sales, attributed to expected destocking in Canada, although the U.S. experienced solid volume growth [12] - EMEA showed strong growth driven by higher volumes of herbicides and branded sales [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Latin America revenues increased slightly as the region concluded the 2024-2025 growing season [11] - Asia faced declines due to lower pricing and volumes, particularly from ongoing destocking in India [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a growth strategy with lower manufacturing costs and new formulations, particularly in Brazil [6] - A divestment of the commercial business in India is planned to regain commercial momentum through a business-to-business model [14][15] - The company aims to shift its India portfolio towards differentiated technologies with less working capital exposure [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2025 targets and maintaining the 2027 outlook, with expectations for strong performance driven by the growth portfolio [32] - The company anticipates challenges in India but believes the divestment will reduce risk and volatility in future periods [15] Other Important Information - The company expects full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA to be 1% higher at the midpoint, with revenue guidance excluding India [18] - Free cash flow for 2025 is projected to be between $200 million and $400 million, a decrease from the previous year [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: What should be expected in terms of volume and pricing moving into 2026? - Management confirmed that the 2026 and 2027 targets remain unchanged, with an expected EBITDA of $1.2 billion in 2027, driven by the growth portfolio and new active ingredients [35][36] Question: Can you deconstruct the cost side for Q2 and the second half? - Cost drivers include lower raw material costs, improved fixed cost absorption, and benefits from restructuring actions, with substantial cost tailwinds expected in Q3 and Q4 [41][43] Question: Can you provide parameters on the India business for 2024? - The company forecasted $70 million in sales for H2 2025 from India, with a need for a 9% growth in the business to meet targets [50][51] Question: How is the order book shaping up in Brazil? - Actual orders for the second half in Brazil are about 35% to 40% of what is needed, indicating a positive outlook [58] Question: What is the expectation for the new direct sales program in Brazil? - The impact of the new sales organization in Brazil is expected to be visible in Q3, with growth anticipated year after year [63] Question: What is the outlook for the pheromones offering? - The first full-scale commercial pilot of pheromones is set for Q4, with results expected to inform future revenue projections [93]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 2025, the company reported net revenues of $4.8 billion, a 4.3% increase compared to the same quarter last year [5] - Adjusted EBITDA was $687 million, up 4.7% versus 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 14.4%, consistent with the previous year [5][32] - U.S. net revenues increased nearly 6% to $2.82 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $482.7 million, reflecting strong profitability improvements [33][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. diversified fresh portfolio benefited from favorable commodity prices and strong customer demand, leading to growth in branded offerings [6][7] - Prepared foods saw significant growth, with net sales increasing by 20% compared to last year, driven by strong performance in the Just Bare brand [18][19] - In Europe, adjusted EBITDA margins improved to 8.2% from 7.4% year-over-year, supported by operational improvements and innovative offerings [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The USDA indicated a 1.9% increase in ready-to-cook chicken production in the U.S. compared to 2024, with expectations of 1.5% growth in 2025 [7][8] - Retail chicken demand is increasing, with both tenders and wings gaining traction, while food service restaurants are seeing a shift towards value offerings [10][11] - In Mexico, net sales increased in double digits, driven by strong demand in the food service rotisserie channel [23][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a $400 million investment to build a new fully cooked prepared food plant in Georgia, expected to enhance long-term growth trends [25][41] - The focus remains on portfolio diversification, operational excellence, and strengthening key customer relationships through innovative product development [20][23] - The company aims to reduce reliance on outside suppliers and leverage fresh production capabilities to drive growth and enhance margins [28][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the operating environment remains favorable, with strong demand for chicken and improvements in supply visibility [56][57] - The company anticipates continued growth in the prepared foods segment, supported by consumer interest in higher attributed differentiated offerings [27][29] - Management expressed confidence in maintaining profitability despite challenges in the pricing environment for certain products [34][36] Other Important Information - The company declared a special dividend of approximately $500 million, reflecting strong cash flow and a commitment to shareholder value [7][40] - Legal settlement expenses of $58 million were incurred during the quarter, primarily related to ongoing litigation [36] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 25.1%, with expectations for the full year to approximate 25% [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the $400 million investment in Georgia - Management indicated that the bulk of the investment will occur in 2026, with a range of $50 million to $70 million expected this year [49] Question: Supply and demand dynamics in the chicken market - Management noted that while supply visibility is improving, hatchability issues persist, impacting overall production [54][56] Question: Update on industry production constraints - Management highlighted that the industry is focusing on improving productivity and addressing hatchery bottlenecks to meet demand [62] Question: Profitability outlook in Mexico - Management acknowledged volatility in the Mexican market but emphasized stable year-over-year performance driven by economic growth [107]

Genworth Financial (GNW) Q2 2025 Earnings Call July 31, 2025 09:00 AM ET Speaker0Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Genworth Financial's second quarter twenty twenty five earnings conference call. My name is Terren, and I will be your coordinator today. At this time, all participants are in a listen only mode. We will facilitate a question and answer session towards the end of this conference call. As a reminder, the conference is being recorded for replay purposes.Also, we ask that you refr ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners generated funds from operations (FFO) of $638 million or $0.81 per unit in Q2 2025, representing a 5% increase year-over-year, which improves to a 9% increase when excluding foreign exchange effects [5] - The increase in FFO was primarily driven by strong organic growth and contributions from tuck-in acquisitions completed in the prior year [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Utilities segment generated FFO of $187 million, slightly ahead of the prior year, benefiting from inflation indexation and approximately $450 million of capital added to the rate base [6] - Transport segment's FFO was $304 million, slightly ahead of the prior year, supported by high asset utilization in global intermodal logistics and increased traffic levels on toll roads [6] - Midstream segment generated FFO of $157 million, a 10% increase year-over-year, driven by strong organic growth, particularly in Canadian diversified midstream operations [7] - Data segment's FFO was $113 million, a significant increase of 45% compared to the prior year, driven by acquisitions and new capacity commissioning [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Canadian energy sector is experiencing strong demand, with a notable increase in power demand from data centers, particularly in Alberta, which has seen requests for approximately 12 gigawatts of power [14] - Improved end market diversification with key Canadian infrastructure projects enhancing global market access, including LNG Canada, which is set to ramp up production [15] - Canadian natural gas gathering and processing business has seen a 15% increase in utilization over the past two years [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital recycling and has secured $2.4 billion in sale proceeds to date, achieving an annual record for BIP [8] - Recent investments include acquiring Hotwire, a leading provider of bulk fiber services, and a railcar leasing platform, indicating a strategy to expand in data transport and midstream segments [22][24] - The company aims to capture opportunities in the AI infrastructure boom, which is driving demand for power transmission and midstream investments [50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the current market conditions and the positive outlook for the Canadian midstream sector, driven by strong demand and investment interest [18] - The company anticipates strong EBITDA growth in its Canadian midstream platforms, with expected growth of CAD 650 million to 750 million between 2024 and 2027 [20] - Management noted that the U.S. remains an attractive investment geography, particularly due to the AI infrastructure boom [50] Other Important Information - The company has completed significant asset sales, including a 23% interest in an Australian export terminal and a 60% stake in a European data center portfolio, generating substantial proceeds [10][12] - The company is focused on integrating new acquisitions and initiating value creation activities post-acquisition [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What has prompted the acceleration in deal velocity? - Management noted that increased market activity is due to investors returning to the market and strong capital availability, leading to more transactions [30] Question: Are there opportunities to monetize partial stakes in Canadian midstream businesses? - Management indicated that while there are opportunities for partial sales, the focus remains on organic growth opportunities in the midstream sector [32] Question: What protections does Brookfield have regarding the Intel JV? - Management clarified that the arrangement with Intel is largely financial and contractual, minimizing commercial risks [39] Question: How does the potential merger of Class I railroads impact Genesee and Wyoming? - Management highlighted that as the largest short line operator, they are well-positioned to maintain a pro-competitive market amidst potential mergers [44] Question: Has the attractiveness of the U.S. as an investment geography expanded? - Management confirmed that the U.S. remains attractive due to the AI infrastructure boom, with significant opportunities for capital deployment [50] Question: What is the outlook for midstream investments in oil versus gas? - Management stated that while they continue to explore both oil and gas opportunities, current focus is on investments within existing portfolio companies [69] Question: What is the approach to data center investments? - Management indicated a focus on both campus-style data centers and bespoke large-scale projects, depending on customer needs [70] Question: Is there interest in energy infrastructure companies with both traditional and renewable assets? - Management noted that such investments would depend on the specific situation, but collaboration across Brookfield's groups is common for sourcing and completing transactions [76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the second quarter was $2.97, exceeding guidance by $0.11 [5][34] - Total net revenues reached $15.4 billion, surpassing expectations by over $400 million, reflecting a 6.5% operational growth [6][34] - Full-year revenue guidance raised to $60.5 billion, an increase of $800 million, with a total increase of $1.5 billion since the start of the year [6][35] - Adjusted EPS guidance for the full year increased by $0.21, now expected between $11.88 and $12.08 [7][35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Immunology revenues exceeded $7.6 billion, with SKYRIZI global sales at $4.4 billion, up 61.8% operationally [10][11] - RINVOQ global sales reached $2 billion, reflecting a 41.2% operational growth [12][13] - Neuroscience revenues were approximately $2.7 billion, up 24% operationally, driven by Vraylar and UBRELVY [19][20] - Oncology revenues were nearly $1.7 billion, with IMBRUVICA sales down 9.5% and VENCLEXTA sales up 8.3% [15][16] - Aesthetics revenues were nearly $1.3 billion, down 8% operationally, impacted by economic challenges [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - SKYRIZI continues to gain market share in psoriatic disease, with leadership in psoriasis therapy lines [10][11] - RINVOQ is capturing significant patient share in IBD, with strong uptake in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease [12][13] - HUMIRA sales declined to over $1.1 billion, down 58.2% due to biosimilar competition [14] - The aesthetics market is underperforming historical levels, with economic challenges affecting consumer sentiment [18][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its pipeline and strategic transactions to support long-term growth [5][9] - Recent acquisitions include Gubra for obesity treatment and KapStan Therapeutics for CAR T platform [8][9] - The company aims to enhance its immunology pipeline with innovative therapies and technologies [25][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong outlook for 2025 and beyond, supported by robust performance across key products [10][38] - The company is well-positioned to navigate economic challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities in various therapeutic areas [19][38] Other Important Information - The company has executed over 30 business development transactions since the beginning of the previous year [8] - Regulatory submissions for new therapies are anticipated, including RINVOQ for alopecia areata and vitiligo [24][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Stellara biosimilar on SKYRIZI and RINVOQ - Management noted that while there may be some impact, the core momentum for SKYRIZI and RINVOQ is driven by strong data and physician connections [41][42] Question: Confidence in SKYRIZI and RINVOQ long-term guidance - Management indicated that they are tracking well against long-term guidance and will update it at the appropriate time [47][48] Question: Leveraging global aesthetics footprint for obesity drugs - The company sees a strong opportunity to integrate obesity treatments into its aesthetics practices, capitalizing on existing patient flow [66][68] Question: Status of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody - The company is evaluating the potential for a registrational trial based on imaging as an endpoint, but specific details were not disclosed [94]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for the second quarter were $16.6 billion, a 5.8% increase compared to 2024 [5] - Net income was $2.1 billion, with adjusted net income at $1.6 billion or $5.94 per diluted share [5] - Adjusted net income return on equity was 28.6% over the trailing twelve months [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total policies in force increased by 2.08 million, or 4.2% year-over-year, led by Allstate Protection Plans [5] - Personal Property Liability policies in force increased by 0.8% [5] - The Property Liability business generated nearly $1.3 billion of underwriting income with a combined ratio of 91.1, a 10-point improvement from the prior year [14] - Homeowners business had a combined ratio of 102% due to $1.6 billion in catastrophe losses, despite strong underlying margins [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Auto insurance policies in force increased by 0.5% year-over-year, while homeowners policies grew by 2.3% [16] - The auto insurance segment saw a combined ratio of 86%, a 9.9-point improvement from 2024 [14] - The Protection Services segment generated $867 million in revenue, reflecting a 16.6% increase year-over-year [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase personal property liability market share and expand customer protection [4] - The Transform and Grow strategy is in Phase four, focusing on new auto insurance products and enhanced distribution channels [6][7] - The company is leveraging advanced technology and large language models to improve customer access and claims processes [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the transformative growth strategy, indicating that it is generating significant new business [28] - The company is optimistic about growth in New York and New Jersey, anticipating regulatory approvals for new products [31] - Management highlighted the importance of retention and customer interaction to sustain growth [21] Other Important Information - The company completed divestitures of the employee voluntary benefits and group health businesses for a combined $3.25 billion [22] - Shareholder returns included $1.1 billion in dividends and $445 million in share repurchases [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss potential tailwinds and headwinds for growth? - Management acknowledged the decline of inactive brands but noted that the impact on overall results will diminish over time [28] Question: How do you view the lifetime profitability of the business across different channels? - Management emphasized confidence in the lifetime value of all written policies, supported by sophisticated analytical systems [32] Question: Can you elaborate on frequency trends and the impact of technology? - Management noted a downward trend in auto frequency, driven by advanced safety features in vehicles [39] Question: What changes have been made to the reinsurance program this year? - The company increased its total catastrophe reinsurance limit to over $11 billion, up $2 billion from last year, with a 10% risk-adjusted decrease in cost [44] Question: How is the competitive environment affecting new business retention? - Management expressed confidence in their competitive positioning, citing broad distribution and improved customer value [72] Question: What is the company's long-term view on the Canadian market? - Management remains optimistic about winning in Canada despite competitors exiting the market [54]

Upbound Group (UPBD) Q2 2025 Earnings Call July 31, 2025 09:00 AM ET Speaker0Good day and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Upbound Group Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen only mode. After the speakers' presentation, there will be a question and answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press 11 on your telephone, and you will then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised.To withdraw your question, pleas ...