Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $1.9 million, a decline from $15.6 million in Q2 2024, reflecting softer demand due to increased competitive pressure [8][9] - Gross loss for Q2 2025 was $100,000 compared to a gross profit of $9 million in the same period last year, resulting in a gross margin of negative 7% versus 58% in the prior year [9] - Net loss for Q2 2025 was $4.2 million or negative $0.36 per diluted share, compared to net income of $3.3 million or $0.29 per diluted share for the prior year [10] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was negative $2.7 million, down from $6.2 million in Q2 2024 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company faced operational challenges that impacted financial performance, but demand has rebounded, outpacing current labor capacity [4][5] - The company has stabilized operations and is focusing on scaling workforce and supply chain to meet demand [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The competitive environment has intensified with the arrival of large market entrants, contributing to lower sales and gross profit [9] - Retail partnerships are expanding, with new product launches and positive feedback from retailers indicating growing enthusiasm [15][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing cost structure, conserving cash, and restoring margins by reducing excess inventory storage costs [13] - Plans include driving product innovation and nurturing relationships with both new and existing retail partners [6][19] - The company is exploring private label, co-manufacturing, and adjacent categories to enhance its product offerings [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term value of the business despite near-term operational challenges [4] - The company believes the worst of the near-term disruptions are behind them, with demand signals remaining encouraging [19] - Management is optimistic about increasing demand in international markets, particularly in the Middle East [16][17] Other Important Information - The company has completed production, packaging, and shipping of its entire holiday inventory, allowing for stabilization of the supply chain [6] - A new CFO, Donna Dye, has joined the leadership team, bringing extensive experience and expertise to the company [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk to your inventory levels as well as your need for future financing? - The company has a significant amount of finished goods from last year, with two SKUs being sold at a discount while the rest continues to perform well at regular retail [22][23] - Currently, the company is fine with its financing needs, but future expansion may require evaluation for additional financing [24] Question: How long until your cash flow breakeven at this point do you think? - Management indicated that they expect to reach cash flow breakeven before the end of the year, with good progress being made [25]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q2 2025 were $1.3 million, down from $3 million in Q2 2024, and year-to-date revenues were $2.7 million compared to $5.1 million in the prior year [10][11] - Direct operating costs decreased by 39% to $1.9 million in Q2 2025 from $3.1 million in Q2 2024, and year-to-date direct operating costs were $4.2 million, down 48% from $7.1 million [10][11] - The company reported a net loss of approximately $4 million or $1.66 per share for Q2 2025, compared to a net income of $200,000 or $0.08 per share in Q2 2024 [13][14] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was negative $300,000, showing a year-over-year improvement of 45% when excluding the contribution from the Lori Goldstein brand [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company launched new creator influencer brands, including those with Cesar Millan, Gemma Stafford, and Jenny Martinez, which are expected to diversify the brand portfolio and reduce tariff volatility [7][8] - The social media reach across the brand portfolio grew from 5 million followers at the start of the year to 43 million [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is approaching Q3 and Q4 with caution due to tariff impacts on QVC and HSN, particularly affecting the Halston brand [9] - Judith Rip's brand at JTV saw an increase of over 65% from Q1 [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a brand portfolio to 100 million social media followers and is focusing on launching new influencer brands [7] - A strategic alliance with United Trademark Group is expected to enhance the company's platform and accelerate the formation of additional creator influencer brands [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the upcoming launches and indicated that they are on target for revenue forecasts [22] - The company is monitoring the impact of changes in wholesale licensees on product delivery and sales [23] Other Important Information - The company closed a public equity offering and private placement for gross proceeds of approximately $2.6 million, enhancing liquidity [6][17] - As of June 30, 2025, the company had stockholders' equity of approximately $22 million and unrestricted cash of about $1 million [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Lori Goldstein divestiture on revenue - The divestiture contributed approximately $1.5 million to revenue and over $500,000 to EBITDA in the prior year [19][20] Question: Revenue and profitability outlook for Q3 and Q4 - Management indicated that they are on target for revenue forecasts and expect sequential improvement in Q3 [22][23] Question: Update on liquidity post-stock offering - The company raised an additional $2.2 million in cash and is stable in terms of liquidity [25][26] Question: Update on the Ormy initiative - The Ormy team is improving user experience and growing the user base, with plans to develop products for influencers [27][28] Question: Updates on Halston brand - Recent meetings with Halston's new president indicated substantial investments and excitement about future plans [32][34] Question: New brands coming in earlier than expected - Brands mentioned include Cesar Millan, Gemma Stafford, and Jenny Martinez, with a focus on launching food products first [35][36] Question: Attractive product categories for influencer partnerships - The company is focusing on influencers in the fashion sector and is excited about a new influencer for the LongeBurger brand [37]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Stantec reported net revenue of CAD 1.6 billion for Q2 2025, an increase of 6.9% year-over-year, driven primarily by 4.8% organic growth [7][13] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 15% with a margin of 17.8%, reflecting a 120 basis point increase compared to the previous year [8][14] - Adjusted EPS increased over 21% to CAD 1.36 compared to Q2 2024 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Energy and Resources business experienced high single-digit organic growth, while the Water segment achieved 12.4% organic growth [7][10] - In the U.S., net revenue increased by 5.7%, supported by 4.4% organic growth, with strong demand in mission-critical, science and technology, and civic sectors [8][10] - Canadian net revenue grew by 6.2%, with over 30% organic growth in the Water segment driven by major wastewater projects [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global business delivered net revenue growth of 10.5% in Q2, with 4.3% organic and 3.6% acquisition growth [10] - The U.S. organic backlog increased by 9.8% year-over-year, indicating strong demand in water, energy, and data centers [20][31] - The UK, Australia, and New Zealand saw double-digit organic growth in the water business due to public sector investments [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Stantec aims to increase net revenue growth guidance for 2025 to 10% to 12%, up from the previous 7% to 10% [23] - The company is focused on strong project execution and operational excellence, with plans to continue pursuing acquisitions [27] - Stantec's strategic plan targets a 17% to 18% adjusted EBITDA margin, expected to be achieved a year early [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about accelerating organic growth in the U.S. for the second half of the year, despite some caution in the private sector [30][56] - The company noted that macro trends such as aging infrastructure and energy security continue to drive demand [26][90] - Management highlighted the importance of recent funding programs and infrastructure investments as supportive of future growth [89] Other Important Information - Stantec's contract backlog stood at CAD 7.9 billion, reflecting approximately twelve months of work, with year-over-year growth of nearly 10% [19] - The company completed several acquisitions, including Page, which is expected to enhance its capabilities in key growth sectors [5][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on U.S. Customers' Sentiment - Management noted some initial caution among U.S. customers but expects organic growth to accelerate in the second half of the year, particularly in water and energy sectors [30][31] Question: Integration of Recent Acquisitions - Integration of Ryan Hanley and Cosgrove is progressing well, with Page's integration planned for completion by the end of the year [34] Question: Margin Guidance and Contributors - Adjusted EBITDA margin guidance was increased to 17% to 17.4%, driven by strong project margins and lower administrative costs [41][42] Question: Water Segment Growth Drivers - Continued strength in the water business is attributed to ongoing projects in water treatment and wastewater treatment, with significant demand expected to persist [48][49] Question: U.S. Market Long-term Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the U.S. market, citing ongoing infrastructure investments and the potential for accelerated growth in the coming years [54][58] Question: Impact of Slower Growth on Pricing - No significant pricing pressure has been observed despite slower growth, with management confident in maintaining project margins [120][122] Question: M&A Landscape Update - The M&A environment is becoming increasingly active, with expectations for more assets to come to market in the near future [98]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the second quarter was CAD1.7 million, a year-over-year decline of 21% [5][13] - Gross margin for the quarter was 55.5%, down from 67.2% in Q2 2024 [14] - Operating loss for Q2 was $2.9 million compared to $2.3 million in Q2 2024 [15] - Net loss attributable to common shareholders was $12.6 million, or a loss of $60.99 per share, compared to a net loss of $7.7 million, or a loss of $791.22 per share for the same period in 2024 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pediatric revenues increased by 23% compared to 2024 [13] - Heart failure and critical care revenues declined by 53% and 35% respectively, significantly impacted by the temporary backorder [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pediatrics business remains strong with ongoing interest from new centers [7] - The outpatient heart failure opportunity is expected to grow due to increased reimbursement rates [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening fundamentals, operational discipline, and strategic investments in high-impact growth areas [5] - Key growth areas identified include cardiac surgery, pediatrics, and outpatient heart failure [11][17] - The transition to KDI precision manufacturing is planned for October, expected to yield operational efficiencies and cost savings [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating temporary setbacks and emphasized a commitment to delivering value to patients and shareholders [16] - The company aims to progress towards being cash flow positive and deepen outpatient engagement with heart failure programs [17] Other Important Information - The company ended the REVERSE HF clinical trial to reallocate approximately $4 million towards higher impact growth areas [10] - The company ended the quarter with $4.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and remains debt-free [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Resolution of sterilization vendor issue and impact on Q3 - The issue was resolved in July, and the company is no longer in backorder, rapidly building finished goods inventory [20][21] Question: Largest opportunity among pediatrics, critical care, and heart failure - Management sees growth opportunities in all three areas, with heart failure expected to grow the fastest due to outpatient opportunities and increased reimbursement [22][23]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter revenue increased by 4.5% to $21.2 million compared to $20.3 million in 2024, with sequential growth of 11.1% from $19.1 million in the previous quarter [7][15] - Gross margin improved significantly to 47.4% from 37.3% in 2024, reflecting better sales mix and cost reduction initiatives [8][15] - Fully diluted GAAP EPS was $0.96 compared to $0.47 in 2024, while non-GAAP adjusted EPS was $1.3 compared to $0.55 in the prior year [8][17] - Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA was $4.4 million, a significant increase from $2.5 million in 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 20.7% [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The BKR product line is performing well, with strong market reception and revenue growth driven by federal orders [7][12] - The launch of Relay One, a portable repeater kit, is expected to enhance interoperability among public safety radios, with initial orders received from Larimer County Sheriff's Office [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Federal order activity increased significantly in July, with total orders from various government agencies amounting to $17.8 million for the month [10][12] - The company anticipates continued strong demand for its VKR series radios, particularly as wildland fire activity intensifies [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to investing in sales and marketing to expand the adoption of the BKR 9,000 multiband radio, which has a higher price point and better margins [24] - Development of the next-generation BKR 9,500 mobile radio is progressing well, with expected revenue recognition in 2027 [25] - The company aims to build R&D and engineering capabilities to strengthen its software offerings and position itself as a leader in public safety communications [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving high single-digit revenue growth for 2025, raising the full-year GAAP EPS target to $3.15 from $2.4 [22][23] - The tariff environment is stabilizing, contributing to improved gross margin expectations [22][44] - Management remains optimistic about the company's growth potential and the opportunities ahead [48] Other Important Information - The company reported cash and cash equivalents of $11.9 million and no debt as of June 30, 2025, with working capital improving to $28.9 million [20] - Shareholders' equity increased to $36.8 million compared to $29.8 million at the end of 2024 [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the lift in gross margin outlook? - Management indicated that the primary driver is improved tariff expectations and a shift to higher-margin products, along with cost savings from outsourcing production [27][28] Question: How is the BKR 9,000 tracking? - The company expects to ship two to three times more radios than last year, indicating strong growth [29] Question: What was the backlog number exiting Q2? - The backlog was approximately $16 million, slightly lower than anticipated due to federal orders received in July [30] Question: What is the progress on the Interop One and the 9,500 development? - The Interop One tethering is still in development, while the 9,500 is on track for revenue recognition in 2027 [34][39] Question: How does the revenue guidance relate to federal orders? - Management noted that federal orders are flowing as expected, contributing to the high-end revenue guidance [41] Question: What is the size of the addressable market for the 9,500? - The US device market for handhelds and mobiles is approximately $2.3 billion, with a significant portion available for the 9,500 mobile radio [71] Question: Will customers likely buy both the 9,000 and 9,500 together? - Customers may buy both, as the devices operate similarly, creating a seamless user experience [75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $24.1 million for Q2 2025, representing a 9% year-over-year increase [22] - The CCaaS (Cybersecurity as a Service) ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) was $6.4 million, up 73% year-over-year, comprising 27% of total revenue [22] - Non-GAAP gross margin improved to 73.4% from 70.6% in the same quarter last year [23] - Non-GAAP operating income was $1.2 million compared to a loss of $1 million in Q2 2024 [24] - Positive operating cash flow of $4.4 million was reported, with cash and equivalents totaling $72 million as of June 30, 2025 [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The CCaaS segment is highlighted as the primary growth engine, with significant contributions from new customer acquisitions and upselling existing services [5][7] - The successful launch of Verizon's MyDisPlan contributed positively to the CCaaS growth, indicating strong market traction [6][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing strong momentum in the cybersecurity services market, particularly among major telecom operators [7] - New contracts with telecom operators in Poland and Panama indicate expanding market presence and service adoption [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on sustainable, profitable growth through its cybersecurity as a service strategy, aiming to increase the number of telecom partners and expand service offerings [10][12] - The launch of the SG Terra 3 platform is expected to enhance service delivery and customer engagement [16][17] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term growth potential, citing improved visibility and a strong backlog of opportunities [20] - The company anticipates a strong year-end CCaaS ARR growth of 55% to 60% for 2025 [19] Other Important Information - A follow-on equity offering raised $46 million, which was used to repay convertible notes and strengthen the balance sheet, leaving the company with no debt [24][25] - The company expects overall revenues for 2025 to be between $98 million and $102 million, positioning itself for profitable growth [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What has been driving the strong ARR growth metrics? - The strong ARR growth is attributed to new customer acquisitions, increased adoption of existing services, and upselling new applications [29] Question: What has been driving the improved gross margin performance? - Improved gross margin is due to a favorable revenue mix, particularly from software expansion deals [31] Question: Can you provide more color on the MyBiz opportunity? - The MyBiz plan is expected to ramp up over the next two to three years, with high attach rates due to its default inclusion in the service [33][35] Question: Can you discuss the large European telecom deal? - The deal involves network intelligence and cybersecurity solutions, expected to generate revenue primarily in 2026 and 2027 [37][39] Question: Are there any macro impacts on sales cycles? - There are no significant macro impacts observed, and the demand is driven by the new Terra 3 platform [63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The headline EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $80 million, with a margin of 21.6%, impacted by higher maintenance costs, unplanned work stoppages, and margin adjustments from project settlements [4][5][10] - Combined revenue reached $371 million, a 12% increase from Q2 2024, with Australia showing significant growth [6][7] - Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter was $0.02, reflecting the challenges faced [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Australia generated $168 million in revenue, up 7% from 2025 and 14% from Q2 2024, with a strong growth trajectory [6][7] - The Oil Sands region saw revenue growth compared to last year but was affected by inconsistent demand [7][9] - Gross profit margin was 10.7%, impacted by subcontractor costs and operational inefficiencies [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The trailing twelve-month total recordable rate for safety was 0.42, better than the industry target of 0.5 [13] - Equipment utilization in Australia was at 76%, slightly hindered by rainy conditions [7][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for organic revenue growth of 5% to 10% annually, driven by ongoing Australian growth and new infrastructure projects [20] - A significant contract was won in Australia, contributing to a record backlog and a 100% renewal rate [16][20] - The company plans to increase infrastructure work to around 25% of overall business by 2028 [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in overcoming Q2 challenges and expects a strong second half of the year [19][22] - The company anticipates more consistent operations in the Oil Sands business moving forward [19][87] - Future free cash flow is projected to normalize between $120 million and $150 million for 2026 [31][64] Other Important Information - The company completed a $225 million offering of senior unsecured notes to enhance liquidity for growth opportunities [16] - New senior team members were added to support growth and diversification strategies [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future free cash flow generation - Management indicated a $20 million working capital improvement in the second half, with expectations for free cash flow to normalize in 2026 [29][31] Question: Australian labor strategy and revenue growth ceiling - Management believes a 5% to 10% growth rate is reasonable, with plans to address skilled trades issues [32][34] Question: Revenue growth impact from shutdowns in Canada - Shutdowns directly impacted revenue and efficiency, but management does not expect similar issues in the future [39][41] Question: Guidance for Q3 vs Q4 - Management expects flat results quarter over quarter, with slight variations in specific projects [43] Question: OEM partnerships and physical network changes - Management confirmed positive developments in partnerships with OEMs, with no significant changes to the physical network [46][49] Question: Infrastructure work prospects and team building - Management highlighted a significant increase in infrastructure projects and ongoing efforts to build project teams [58][61] Question: Future profitability of the Fargo JV - Management expects to maintain and potentially improve margins for the Fargo project moving forward [78][80] Question: Oil Sands margin expectations for 2026 - Management anticipates a return to normal margins in the Oil Sands business, despite some ongoing component issues [87][88] Question: Heavy equipment movement from Canada to Australia - Management is actively moving equipment as needed, with plans to maximize utilization based on contract wins [101][103] Question: Outlook for Nuna revenue - Management expects modest revenue for Nuna this year but sees significant opportunities in the future [109]

Synergy CHC (SNYR) Q2 2025 Earnings Call August 14, 2025 09:00 AM ET Speaker0Good morning, everyone, and thank you for participating in today's conference call to discuss Synergy's CHC Corporation's financial results for the second quarter ended 06/30/2025. Joining us today are Synergy's CEO, Jack Ross CFO, Jamie Thicket and Greg Robles with Investor Relations. Following their remarks, we'll open the call for analyst questions. Before we go further, I would like to turn the call over to Mr. Robles as he rea ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for Q2 2025 totaled $12.5 million, representing a 20% increase compared to the same period last year, maintaining strong momentum from Q1 2025 [5][6] - Gross profit reached $3 million, nearly double the results from the same quarter last year, with gross margin expanding to 24.1% from 15.6% in Q2 2024 [6][13] - Operational income rose to $1.5 million, up from $400,000 in Q2 2024, while net income was $400,000 or $0.05 per fully diluted share [7][14] - EBITDA for the quarter was $2 million, representing 15.6% of revenue, a significant decrease compared to Q2 2024 and Q1 2025 [8][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial sales saw a modest increase, while defense and medical markets continued strong performance [8] - The revenue mix for the quarter included a higher percentage of rigid flex products, accounting for 65% to 70% of total revenues, which typically have higher prices and profits [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company observed strong demand in the defense sector, which constitutes around 65% of total revenues, with expectations for continued demand from both Israeli and foreign markets [19][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding production capacity to support annual revenues of $55 million to $65 million, with significant investments in infrastructure and equipment [6][10] - A new 40-meter coating line is expected to arrive towards the end of 2025, with production ramp-up planned immediately upon arrival [10][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the strong demand in the defense sector and anticipated continued growth in military budgets, particularly from the US and European markets [22] - The company is addressing challenges in recruiting qualified manufacturing personnel by seeking to employ foreign workers through a government program [11] Other Important Information - The company recorded one-time financial expenses of $1 million due to a 9% devaluation of the U.S. Dollar against the Israeli shekel [7] - Cash flow used in operating activities amounted to $2.9 million, primarily due to an increase in trade receivables and inventory [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on capital investment for the rest of 2025 and 2026 - The remaining investment includes the installment of the coating line, with an accelerated investment plan balance of around $6 million [18] Question: Revenue mix percentage for international and defense sectors - The defense sector accounts for approximately 65% of total revenues, with a higher mix of rigid flex products contributing to overall revenue [19] Question: Impact of strong defense demand on business in 2025 and 2026 - Strong demand is expected to continue, with military budgets increasing in both Israeli and foreign markets [22] Question: Backlog or order pipeline quantification - The backlog has increased by about 10% since the beginning of the year, but specific figures are not disclosed [24] Question: Annual revenue capacity after installing the coating line - The annual revenue potential is expected to reach up to $55 million to $60 million once the coating line is fully operational [30] Question: Reasons for negative cash flow from operating activities - Negative cash flow was attributed to delayed payments from a major customer and increased inventory levels due to the current situation in Israel [31] Question: Change in inventory levels - Inventory levels were increased mainly in lamination and aluminum due to the war in Israel, with no anticipated issues [35]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $20 million or $0.18 per diluted common share, with operating net income of $14 million or $0.12 per diluted common share, resulting in an annualized operating return on average equity (ROAE) of 2.3% [20][21] - Gross written premiums increased by 9% year-to-date to $2.9 billion, with a quarterly growth of 2% to $1.2 billion [20][21] - The combined ratio for the quarter was 103.7%, impacted by the English High Court judgment related to Russia-Ukraine litigation [7][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Insurance segment, gross premiums written increased by 7% in the quarter, driven by asset-backed finance and portfolio credit, as well as political risk lines [21][10] - The Reinsurance segment saw gross premiums written of $317 million for the quarter, down from $346 million in the prior year [21] - The attritional loss ratio improved to 24.7% for the quarter, compared to 25.9% in 2024, indicating strong underlying portfolio performance [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintained high retention levels, around 90% for the year, despite competitive pressures in certain markets [66] - The property market is experiencing significant pricing differentials compared to subscription market players, allowing the company to achieve favorable terms [11][10] - The aviation sector remains challenging, with the company not willing to write business that does not meet underwriting standards [12][104] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to balance profitable underwriting with capital returns to shareholders, having delivered a gross written premium growth of 54% since 2022 [5] - A focus on deploying capital to attractive risk-reward opportunities is emphasized, with ongoing expansion of strategic partnerships [6][38] - The company plans to continue share repurchases and has renewed its common share repurchase authorization to $200 million [18][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business's strength and the ability to capitalize on profitable opportunities, particularly as the uncertainty from Russia-Ukraine litigation is resolved [38] - The company expects underwriting growth for the full year to be approximately 6% to 10%, with a strong pipeline in asset-backed finance and portfolio credit [34][35] - Management remains cautious about the aviation market but is hopeful for improvements in pricing [104] Other Important Information - The company announced an increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.15 per share, reflecting a dividend yield of 3.6% [29] - The effective tax rate for the first half of the year was 18.9%, expected to remain around 19% for the full year [27][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of wind season on property pricing - Management indicated that a significant capital event would be necessary to impact overall profit cap pricing, noting that recent losses have not affected the broader market [44][46] Question: Demand for political risk coverage - Management reported an uptick in deal activity in political risk, with new and repeat customers indicating a strong pipeline [48][50] Question: Explanation for discount valuation - Management acknowledged the stock is undervalued and emphasized strong performance excluding Russia-Ukraine impacts, indicating confidence in the portfolio's profitability [54][56] Question: Future expectations for return on equity - Management expressed confidence in achieving through-the-cycle targets, with a reasonable expectation of 15% return on equity in the current environment [59][60] Question: Pricing levels in property D and F - Management noted that while pricing is under pressure, they are maintaining high retention rates and are not willing to write inadequately priced business [66][68] Question: Reserve releases in property - Management indicated that positive prior year development is driven by actual claims experience, with consistent results expected in the reinsurance segment [80][82] Question: Tax rate guidance - Management clarified that the increase in the effective tax rate is due to the geographic distribution of income, with expectations for a similar rate in 2026 [110][112]