Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, net sales increased by 12.9% to $2.9 billion compared to $2.5 billion last year [3][26] - Operating profit was 10.8% of sales, while diluted EPS was $5.14 per share, flat compared to last year [3][32] - Consolidated gross margin increased by 70 basis points to 40.4% of sales, primarily due to lower inventory shrink and higher merchandise margin [28][32] - SG&A expenses increased by 23.3% to $841 million, largely due to higher incentive compensation and investments in the Ulta Beauty Unleashed strategy [30][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable sales growth was 6.3%, driven by a 3.8% increase in average ticket and a 2.4% increase in transactions [27] - Fragrance was the strongest growing category with double-digit comp sales growth, followed by skincare with high single-digit comp growth [8][9] - Makeup and hair care categories delivered mid-single-digit comparable sales growth, while services also saw mid-single-digit comp growth [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mass and prestige beauty markets delivered mid-single-digit growth during Q3, despite a softening in overall consumer confidence [5] - Ulta Beauty gained market share in both mass and prestige beauty categories, with notable gains in e-commerce [4][57] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic priorities: strengthening the core U.S. business, scaling new businesses including international expansion, and realigning the foundation for future growth [5][16] - Investments in digital engagement and personalization are yielding positive results, with app engagement accounting for 65% of online member sales [16][24] - The launch of UB Marketplace aims to expand the product assortment with minimal inventory risk, adding over 120 brands and 3,500 SKUs [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the upcoming holiday season, despite challenges in consumer spending, and emphasized the importance of value for beauty consumers [24][25] - The company is optimistic about its plans and improvements made, with a focus on delivering strong results during the holiday season [25][52] Other Important Information - The company opened seven new stores in Mexico and launched its first store in Kuwait, indicating ongoing international expansion [17][18] - The new Chief Financial Officer, Chris DelOrefice, is expected to contribute to the company's long-term growth strategy [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about what you're hearing from brands about pricing? - Management noted that there are ongoing price increases from brands, but they are being cautious due to consumer wallet pressures [36][38] Question: Can you provide more color on app engagement and consumer purchasing across channels? - Management highlighted that 80% of business still comes from stores, and app engagement has increased significantly, contributing to e-commerce growth [39][40] Question: How much of the comp performance is due to product newness versus better execution? - Management indicated that multiple factors, including merchandising, digital capabilities, and marketing, are contributing to the strong performance [42][43] Question: Can you elaborate on the SG&A growth and future expectations? - Management explained that the SG&A increase was primarily due to higher incentive compensation and investments, with plans to manage SG&A more closely to sales in the future [44][45] Question: How do you see the competitive situation today? - Management acknowledged the competitive landscape but emphasized Ulta's unique position and differentiation strategy to continue gaining market share [53][55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 23% year-over-year growth in total Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), reaching a new record with net new ARR of $54 million in Q3 [24][25] - Revenue for Q3 grew 23% year-over-year to $259 million, with international markets growing 34% and representing 40% of total revenue [24][25] - The gross margin maintained an industry-leading level of 79%, with an operating margin of 7%, reflecting a significant improvement of nearly 1,200 basis points year-over-year [25][26] - The net income margin increased to 10% in Q3, up from break-even in the prior year quarter, marking a significant milestone for the company [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-endpoint solutions accounted for approximately half of quarterly bookings, indicating strong growth and diversification of the platform [8][10] - Purple AI achieved a record attach rate of over 40% of licenses sold in Q3, driven by strong adoption from both new and existing customers [8][9] - Data solutions saw triple-digit year-over-year bookings growth, reflecting increasing demand for the AI SIEM solution [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding its market share in cybersecurity, particularly in AI-driven solutions, as organizations increasingly adopt digital transformations [6][10] - The federal sector showed strong engagement, with a major U.S. federal agency broadening its deployment across the Singularity Platform [12][55] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on sustainable profitability and has achieved sustained quarterly operating profitability, marking a significant milestone [25][26] - The acquisition of Observo AI is expected to enhance the company's data solutions and competitive position, allowing for a more integrated and efficient data pipeline [15][28] - The company aims to lead in both AI for security and security for AI, helping organizations innovate securely [14][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to execute against its Q4 guidance, despite a dynamic macro environment [29][54] - The company anticipates continued strong demand for its Singularity Platform, supported by a healthy pipeline and growing contributions from emerging products [29][30] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong financial profile while pursuing long-term growth opportunities [31] Other Important Information - The company announced a leadership transition, with Barbara Larson stepping down as CFO, and Barry Paget serving as interim CFO [22][23] - The company reaffirmed its commitment to delivering positive free cash flow for the full year, expecting it to be a few points higher than operating margin [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: What products outside of Endpoint are becoming material from a new business perspective? - Management highlighted data solutions and Purple AI as key contributors to growth, with Flex enabling broader consumption of the platform [35] Question: Can you comment on the guidance for Q4 and the factors influencing it? - Management noted that Q4 revenue outlook reflects steady momentum, but deal timing and linearity can influence quarterly revenue [38] Question: What are the drivers of the expected sequential gross margin compression? - Management explained that the Q4 guide includes strategic investments in cloud infrastructure and capacity expansion, reflecting growing global scale [40] Question: How is the company positioned in terms of M&A and platform functionality? - Management stated that the platform is competitive and complete, with no immediate plans for further acquisitions, focusing instead on in-house innovation [41][42] Question: What actions are being taken to accelerate net new ARR performance? - Management indicated that the Flex model is driving efficiency and larger deals, while also integrating acquired assets to enhance platform capabilities [52] Question: How did deal timing and macro sales cycles play out in Q3? - Management acknowledged that the macro environment is unpredictable, but expressed confidence in executing against Q4 guidance [54][55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 Fiscal 2026 reached $106 million, exceeding guidance of $90 million-$100 million, up 7% sequentially and 6% year-on-year [4][12] - Non-GAAP gross margin remained at a record high of 33%, flat sequentially and up 7 percentage points year-on-year [12][15] - Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA loss was $19 million, an improvement from a loss of $22 million in the prior quarter and $29 million in the same quarter last year [15][19] - Cash balance at the end of the quarter was $181 million, down from $195 million in the prior quarter, reflecting cash usage of $14 million [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Network charging systems revenue was $56 million, accounting for 53% of total revenue, up 12% sequentially and 7% year-on-year [12] - Subscription revenue was $42 million, representing 40% of total revenue, up 5% sequentially and 15% year-on-year [13] - Other revenue accounted for $7 million, or 7% of total revenue [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America accounted for 85% of revenue, while Europe made up 15%, consistent with recent quarters [14] - Demand in Europe is accelerating, with significant opportunities emerging across key markets [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a three-year strategic plan built on four pillars: efficient hardware innovation, software innovation, world-class driver experiences, and operational excellence [8][9] - The partnership with Eaton is expected to drive innovation and expand market presence [10][45] - The company aims to leverage favorable regulatory support and infrastructure investments in Europe to drive growth [6][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued revenue growth, particularly in the second half of calendar 2026, driven by new products and partnerships [4][18] - The competitive landscape is consolidating, creating opportunities for the company to expand its market presence [6][19] - Management remains cautious about the broader macroeconomic environment but is optimistic about growth prospects [18] Other Important Information - The company completed a debt exchange transaction that reduced total debt by $172 million and extended maturity to 2030 [5][17] - The company manages approximately 375,000 ports globally, including over 39,000 DC fast chargers [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about product evolution and demand from virtual power plants - Management discussed the new Flex product line that is V2G and V2H-enabled, which will roll out in 2026, and a new DC fast charging product that integrates directly with a DC grid [22][24] Question: Potential for inventory reduction - Management indicated a small decline in inventory is expected in Q4, with a more significant decrease anticipated throughout the next fiscal year [25][26] Question: Expectations for gross margin potential with new products - Management stated that improvements in hardware margin will depend on product mix and expect larger improvements as new products are released in the latter half of next year [29][30] Question: Confidence in projects in Europe - Management expressed confidence in winning significant deals in Europe due to positive customer feedback on new products [35][36] Question: NEVI funding and project financing - Management confirmed that 40 states are active in NEVI and awarding contracts, with projects moving forward [48][49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a strong balance sheet with over $300 million in cash and no debt, allowing for investment during challenging times [4] - Gross margin for the year is guided at approximately 53.5%, with a clear path to reach 55% through optimization and own brand mix [50][68] - The company reported a 350 basis point increase in gross margin and an 11% increase in gross profit dollars in Q3 [47] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Forward segment, which targets higher-end consumers, has shown positive growth and improving margins, indicating market share gains [6][7] - Own brands accounted for about 18% of the Revolve segment in 2024, with plans to increase this mix while maintaining quality [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revolve's sales in mainland China doubled over the last few years, with a 50% year-over-year increase in the latest quarter [36][38] - The company is seeing a stronger performance in the higher-income consumer segment, while the lower-income segment is experiencing softness [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging AI for growth and efficiency, including customer-facing initiatives and back-office optimizations [11][15] - Physical retail expansion is being approached cautiously, with a disciplined rollout strategy based on data from existing stores [26][27] - The company is investing in a preferred customer program to enhance service for high-income consumers [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the resilience of the consumer, particularly among younger demographics [8] - The company is confident in its ability to navigate pricing pressures without significant customer resistance [40][41] - Future growth is expected to come from a combination of gross margin improvements and operational efficiencies [67][70] Other Important Information - The company is exploring opportunistic M&A to fill product gaps and accelerate category expansion [73] - A buyback plan is in place, allowing for capital allocation flexibility alongside organic growth investments [73] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company leveraging AI for growth? - The company has developed its own internal search algorithm that outperforms third-party solutions, driving significant conversion gains [11][15] Question: What is the strategy for physical retail expansion? - The company is taking a disciplined approach, testing performance in existing stores before scaling further [26][27] Question: How is the company managing pricing and customer resistance? - The company has not seen significant resistance to price increases and aims to maintain competitive pricing for own brands [40][41] Question: What are the expectations for gross margin progression? - The company aims to bridge to a 55% gross margin through optimization and an increased mix of own brands [50][68] Question: What is the outlook for return rates? - Return rates have increased slightly due to markdown strategies, but the company expects long-term improvements as product diversification continues [56][57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Clover Health reported a year-to-date membership growth of 33% as of September 30, 2025, with an adjusted EBITDA of $45 million, which is exceptional given the typical loss-making nature of new membership growth [4][8] - The company has improved its selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of revenue by 370 basis points [15] - The normalized year-to-year cost trend, excluding pharmacy, is approximately 4%, while the company is growing membership by 35% [15][47] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company focuses on the PPO side of Medicare Advantage, with nearly 100% of its members enrolled in PPO plans, allowing for greater freedom of choice in healthcare providers [3][5] - The contribution profit per member per month for new members is approximately $110, while returning members generate about $217 PMPM [19][53] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Medicare Advantage market is valued at over $500 billion annually, with over 35 million seniors currently enrolled [3] - Clover Health's primary markets are New Jersey and Georgia, where it has a strong membership base and physician network [4][65] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Clover Health aims to leverage its proprietary AI-powered software platform, Clover Assistant, to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce costs by enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases [2][12] - The company is focusing on priority markets with existing member bases and physician networks to manage growth effectively [4][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving GAAP net income profitability for fiscal 2026, driven by strong voluntary member retention and improved financial performance from returning members [16][74] - The company anticipates a four-star rating for its Medicare Advantage plans in the upcoming year, which would provide a financial boost [42][74] Other Important Information - Clover Health has developed a strong home care business unit that focuses on high-acuity patients, differentiating itself from traditional nurse-led home care models [8] - The company is in a growth phase for its Counterpart Health offering, which targets third-party payers and risk-based providers [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the improvement in medical cost ratio (MCR) relate to the entire population versus Clover Assistant users? - The improvement includes the total population, but the impact for Clover Assistant users is expected to be higher [23] Question: What percentage of members are treated with Clover Assistant after year one? - Approximately two-thirds to 70% of the total membership base receives care under Clover Assistant technology [24] Question: How is Clover Assistant differentiated in its AI scribing capabilities? - The scribing capability is fully integrated into Clover Assistant, reducing administrative loads for physicians [28] Question: What headwinds does the company foresee for the upcoming year? - The company is closely monitoring cost trends, which are currently at 4%, compared to 7.5%-8% for larger managed care organizations [46][47] Question: What initiatives are being taken to improve Part D performance? - The company is working with its PBM to enhance performance and is integrating Part D into Clover Assistant for better medication management [50][52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a gross margin of approximately 53.5% for the year, with expectations to reach 55% in the future due to healthy inventory and optimization strategies [50][67] - Gross profit dollars increased by 11% year-over-year, reflecting a 350 basis point improvement in gross margin [47] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Forward segment, which focuses on higher-end products, has shown positive growth and improving margins, indicating market share gains [6][7] - Own brands accounted for about 18% of the Revolve segment in 2024, with plans to increase this mix, which previously peaked at 36% in 2019 [32][34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revolve's business in mainland China doubled over the past few years, with a 50% year-over-year increase in the latest quarter [37][39] - The company is seeing a stronger performance in the higher-income consumer segment, while the lower-income segment has shown some softness [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on physical retail expansion, having opened stores in Aspen and planning to open another in The Grove, LA, to enhance brand presence and customer experience [26][27] - Investments in AI and technology are being leveraged to improve customer experience and operational efficiencies across various business functions [13][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the resilience of the consumer, particularly among higher-income demographics, despite broader economic challenges [10][11] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to physical retail expansion, ensuring that new stores are strategically evaluated based on performance data [28][29] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with over $300 million in cash and no debt, allowing for continued investment in growth initiatives [73] - The marketing strategy has shifted towards more efficient spending, with successful events like the Revolve Festival driving higher engagement without increased budgets [62] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company adapting to the challenges in the luxury market? - Management noted that they are gaining market share in the luxury segment while others struggle, attributing success to product quality and customer service [6][7] Question: What is the strategy for physical retail expansion? - The company plans to open stores gradually, focusing on data-driven decisions to assess performance before further rollouts [26][28] Question: How is the company leveraging AI? - AI is being used to enhance customer experience through personalized shopping tools and to optimize inventory management and logistics [13][19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 33% year-to-date growth in membership as of September 30, 2025, which is exceptional in the Medicare Advantage (MA) market [4][8] - Adjusted EBITDA for the year-to-date is $45 million, which is notable given the new membership growth typically incurs losses in the first year [4][8] - The company has reduced Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of revenue by 370 basis points [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company focuses on the PPO side of Medicare Advantage, with nearly 100% of members enrolled in PPO plans, allowing freedom of choice for physicians and providers [3][5] - The company has a strong home care business unit that provides care for high-acuity patients, utilizing the same proprietary software for disease management [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Medicare Advantage market is valued at over $500 billion annually, with more than 35 million seniors currently enrolled [3] - The company is primarily focused on its core markets of New Jersey and Georgia, where it has a significant member base and physician network [4][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve GAAP net income profitability for fiscal 2026, driven by high member retention rates and improved financial performance from returning members [16][20] - The company is strategically managing growth by focusing on priority markets with existing member bases and physician networks [17][37] - The company plans to enhance its technology platform, Clover Assistant, to further improve care quality and operational efficiency [20][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued growth, citing a strong voluntary member retention rate of over 90%, which is likely the highest in the industry [16][20] - The company anticipates a favorable macroeconomic environment for 2026 and 2027, with expected improvements in profitability and cash flow [29][30] Other Important Information - The company has developed proprietary technology over the last decade, which is integral to its operations and differentiates it from traditional players in the market [2][6] - The company is experiencing strong interest from third-party payers and risk-based providers for its software platform, indicating a robust pipeline for future growth [14][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the improvement in medical cost ratio (MCR) include the entire population? - The improvement in MCR is based on the total population, but the impact for Clover Assistant members is expected to be higher [23] Question: What percentage of members are treated with Clover Assistant after year one? - Approximately two-thirds to 70% of the total membership base receives care under Clover Assistant technology [24] Question: What differentiates Clover's AI scribing capabilities? - The integration of AI scribing into Clover Assistant reduces administrative burdens for physicians, allowing them to focus on clinical activities [25] Question: What prevents larger managed care plans from replicating Clover's model? - The company's unique vision, culture, and decade-long development of technology create a defensive mode against larger competitors [26] Question: How does Clover balance growth and profitability? - The company focuses on priority markets with existing strong membership bases and uses targeted marketing strategies to manage growth effectively [36][37]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net income per share for Q3 2025 was $0.71, an increase from $0.69 in Q3 2024, reflecting strong performance despite lower prices for ethanol and distillers grains [5][11] - Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled approximately $335 million, maintaining a strong financial position with no bank debt [5][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ethanol sales volumes reached 78.4 million gallons, up from 75.5 million gallons in Q3 2024, while the average selling price decreased to $1.73 per gallon from $1.83 [10] - Dried distillers grains sales volumes were approximately 160,000 tons, with an average selling price of $139.93 per ton, down from 170,000 tons and $147.14 per ton in the prior year [10] - Corn oil sales volumes increased by approximately 17% to 27.4 million pounds, with an average selling price rising by approximately 36%, leading to a 60% increase in sales revenue for corn oil [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. ethanol exports were approximately 10% ahead of the 2024 pace, with exports 14% higher than the first eight months of 2024 [13] - The USDA projects that corn production in South Dakota and Illinois for the 2025-2026 harvest season will be among the highest in recent years, favoring lower input prices [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on solidifying its core business of ethanol production and is progressing on the expansion of the One Earth Energy facility to 200 million gallons per year, expected to be completed in 2026 [4][8] - REX is actively engaged in evaluating potential benefits from the 45Z tax credits and is working on its carbon intensity score to qualify for these credits [5][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's operational excellence and strategic investments, which have led to superior results and a strong balance sheet [5][12] - The company expects the fourth quarter to generate a higher net profit than the previous year's fourth quarter, positioning itself well for growth in 2026 [15] Other Important Information - The company has invested approximately $155.8 million in carbon capture and ethanol expansion projects, remaining within a combined budget range of $220 million to $230 million for both initiatives [8][9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on key hurdles and timing for the 45Z tax credit program - Management is awaiting guidelines from the Treasury and is reviewing calculations with experts, hoping to provide updates in the next quarter [17] Question: Impact of tariffs and crush spreads on the industry - Management noted that tariffs initially impacted exports to Mexico and Canada but have led to increased ethanol exports to Europe and other countries [19][20] Question: Update on the carbon sequestration project and permitting process - Management indicated that the moratorium on pipelines will end on July 1, allowing them to apply for permits thereafter [22] Question: Potential for partnerships regarding carbon capture - Management is focusing on the first well and has been in contact with potential partners but will not negotiate until permits are secured [30]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q2 2026 were $247 million, up 3% sequentially, but down 16% year-over-year from $292.6 million in Q2 2025 [4][11] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2026 was $17.6 million, down $9.1 million from the same period last year, but increased by $1.9 million sequentially [11] - Adjusted net loss for Q2 2026 was $6.7 million, a $11.9 million change from fiscal 2025, with a sequential reduction of $1.1 million [11] - Free cash flow usage was $11.6 million in Q2 2026, an improvement of $46.8 million year-over-year from a usage of $58.4 million in Q2 2025 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The power solutions segment is expected to maintain sales in line with fiscal 2025, with a focus on data centers and vehicle electrification as growth drivers [6][8] - Data center revenue for Q2 2026 was in line with expectations, showing potential for growth as the company transitions to vendor-managed inventory [22][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Automotive sales represented 44% of total sales, with EVs accounting for 41% of that, indicating a significant reliance on the automotive sector [19][52] - EV exposure in North America is limited, with total revenue year-to-date for EVs being less than $12 million [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is undergoing a transformation to improve operational performance, focusing on leadership upgrades and cross-functional teamwork [6][10] - A strategic relocation of the corporate headquarters to Southfield, Michigan, aims to enhance operational efficiency and customer proximity [7] - The company is committed to long-term growth investments aligned with megatrends in data centers and vehicle electrification [6][8] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the second half of fiscal 2026, expecting stronger results compared to the first half [14][15] - The company is focused on improving execution and reliability, which is reflected in the financial results [10][16] - External market volatility, including tariffs and economic turbulence, continues to pose challenges, affecting revenue predictability [36][67] Other Important Information - The company reaffirmed its full-year sales guidance of $900 million to $1 billion and Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $70 million to $80 million [14][15] - The transition to vendor-managed inventory for data center customers involved a $10 million inventory bill [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in the power business regarding EV and data center growth - Management noted that EV headwinds have already impacted revenue, particularly in North America, while data center growth is expected to accelerate [19][22] Question: Guidance comfort level for the lower or upper end - Management indicated that external volatility prevents narrowing guidance, maintaining a cautious outlook [36] Question: Improvement in industrial operating profit - The improvement is attributed to better plant performance rather than solely data center growth [37] Question: Roadmap to returning to profitability - The focus will be on cost-cutting and ramping up new programs, with expectations for revenue growth as market conditions improve [41][42] Question: Cash outflow in the quarter - The cash outflow was attributed to seasonal timing and increased receivables, with some collections occurring after the quarter ended [62][65] Question: Tariff impacts and updates - No new updates on tariffs were provided, with ongoing efforts to manage their impact on operations [67] Question: Outlook for calendar year 2026 in problematic end markets - Management anticipates slight improvements in the automotive sector and commercial vehicles, particularly in the latter half of fiscal 2026 [70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for the fourth quarter reached $818 million, a 17% decline year-over-year, primarily due to a 13% reduction in deliveries and the absence of a significant land sale from the previous year [5][6] - Adjusted gross margin was 16.3%, showing a year-over-year decline driven by higher incentives to support affordability, with incentives accounting for 12.2% of the average sales price [5][7] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $89 million, exceeding guidance, while adjusted pre-tax income was $49 million, close to the midpoint of guidance [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The number of contracts in the fourth quarter fell by 8% compared to last year, reflecting overall market conditions [9] - Sales pace for each month in the fourth quarter was lower than the same months last year, with contracts per community declining 16% compared to the 1997-2002 period [10][12] - Quick-moving homes (QMIs) comprised 73% of total sales, down from 79% in prior quarters, indicating a focus on aligning starts with sales pace [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Traffic per community increased significantly in three of the four months of the fourth quarter compared to last year, indicating a positive trend in buyer interest [9] - Despite higher mortgage rates and a slower sales pace nationwide, net prices increased in 36% of communities during the fourth quarter, particularly in stronger markets [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on sales pace over price, prioritizing the clearance of older vintage lots to make way for new land acquisitions with better margins [8][21] - The strategy includes maintaining a robust inventory of QMIs to enable quick sales and optimize inventory levels [14][15] - The company plans to continue using mortgage rate buy-downs and similar incentives to support sales while managing costs through negotiations with suppliers [39][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging market conditions but expressed optimism about performance bottoming out in the upcoming quarter and gradually improving thereafter [45] - The company expects gross margins to bottom in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and to improve in subsequent quarters if market conditions remain stable [25][36] Other Important Information - The company ended the fourth quarter with $404 million in liquidity, well above the targeted range, and completed a significant refinancing, marking a milestone in reducing debt risk [22][23] - The lot count decreased 14% year-over-year, reflecting disciplined land acquisition strategies [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are you doing anything to offset some of the pressure from gross margins? - The company has successfully controlled costs and reduced expenses in some areas, maintaining flat costs despite increases from tariffs [39] Question: When do you expect gross margin to take higher next year? - The improvement in gross margins is expected to be a mix of working through older properties and bringing on newer land deals identified in 2024 and 2025 [41]