Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company affirmed its full-year beer revenue growth outlook despite industry weakness observed in May and June, indicating confidence in achieving guidance [10][12] - The first quarter was described as normal, with a depletion decline similar to the previous quarter, and the company expects sequential improvement as it moves into easier comparisons [11][12] - The impact of incremental tariffs is projected to be around $20 million, with a 20 basis point hit to margins, but the company believes it can still deliver margins in line with previous guidance [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on maintaining strong brand health metrics and loyalty among consumers, particularly within the Hispanic demographic, which constitutes a significant portion of its business [19][20] - Marketing investments were higher in Q1 due to seasonality, with a focus on high-impact events to strengthen brand presence [27][28] - The introduction of new products like SunBrew and adjustments in pricing strategies are aimed at capturing market share in the high-end light beer segment [33][57] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported high single-digit share gains in the market, indicating a positive trend in brand performance despite overall market challenges [21][52] - The competitive landscape has intensified, with increased marketing activities from competitors, particularly in the high-end light beer category [25][57] - The company is seeing a consistent percentage of alcohol in consumer baskets, despite overall basket sizes shrinking due to economic concerns [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to controlling its controllables, focusing on distribution and price pack architecture to adapt to consumer spending behaviors [52][54] - There is an ongoing emphasis on innovation, with new product introductions expected to contribute significantly to growth [33] - The company is exploring opportunities for diversification in its portfolio, particularly in the non-alcoholic sector, which has gained traction since the last investor day [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged macroeconomic uncertainties, including inflation and unemployment, but expressed confidence in the brand's resilience and consumer loyalty [12][13] - The company anticipates a return to more normal consumer behavior as socioeconomic conditions improve, particularly for its Hispanic consumer base [40][41] - The rebuilding efforts following California wildfires are expected to provide a long-term tailwind, although short-term challenges remain due to macroeconomic factors [61][63] Other Important Information - The company has implemented a robust hedging policy to manage currency and commodity risks, particularly concerning the peso [47][49] - The management highlighted the importance of maintaining strong relationships with consumers and adapting to their changing needs in the current economic climate [20][54] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in beer revenue growth outlook and margin guidance - Management confirmed confidence in the unchanged full-year beer revenue growth outlook, noting that the quarter was as expected despite consumer concerns [10][12] Question: Impact of socioeconomic factors on consumer behavior - Management indicated that while occasions for beer consumption have decreased, interest in beer remains strong among consumers, suggesting a potential return to normalcy [40][41] Question: Marketing strategy and competitive landscape - Management discussed increased marketing investments and the competitive landscape, emphasizing the strength of their brands and loyalty among consumers [25][27] Question: Pricing environment in beer - Management acknowledged additional price promotions in the market and indicated adjustments in their pricing strategy to capture share in the high-end light beer segment [57] Question: Rebuilding after California wildfires - Management noted that rebuilding efforts would create job opportunities and potentially boost beer consumption, with this upside factored into their guidance [61][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant amount of consumer concern that has continued from previous quarters into the current quarter, but the quarter was as expected [11] - The company affirmed its full-year beer revenue growth outlook and margin guidance despite some macroeconomic uncertainties [13][14] - The impact of incremental tariffs is expected to be approximately $20 million, with a 20 basis point hit to margins, but the company believes it can still deliver margins in line with previous guidance [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing high single-digit share gains in the shelf, with strong brand loyalty among both Hispanic and general market consumers [20][21] - The introduction of new products like SunBrew is ahead of expectations, contributing to the growth profile [21][35] - Pacifico continues to be a strong brand, with 50% of its growth coming from outside California, indicating a broader market appeal [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing a decline in consumer occasions for beer consumption due to socioeconomic concerns, but interest in beer remains strong [40] - The pricing environment in the beer category is under pressure, with increased promotional activity observed in the market [58][60] - The company is focused on price pack architecture to address consumer concerns about inflation [56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to invest in marketing, particularly in high-impact areas like sports, to build long-term brand success [27][28] - The focus remains on controlling controllables, including distribution and brand health metrics, to prepare for a return to normal consumer behavior [54][56] - The company is exploring diversification opportunities in its portfolio, particularly in the non-alcoholic sector, which has become a significant growth area [33][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the outlook for the year, despite macroeconomic uncertainties and potential impacts from tariffs and unemployment [13][14] - The company anticipates a tailwind from rebuilding efforts in areas affected by natural disasters, although short-term challenges remain [63][65] - Management noted that consumer behavior may not revert to pre-COVID levels immediately, but interest in beer consumption remains [40] Other Important Information - The company has a robust hedging policy in place to manage currency and commodity risks, particularly regarding the peso [48][50] - The company is actively monitoring the competitive landscape and adjusting its strategies accordingly to maintain brand loyalty and market share [25][60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in unchanged full-year beer revenue growth outlook - Management acknowledged industry weakness but affirmed confidence in the outlook, citing easier comparisons as the summer progresses [12][14] Question: Impact of socioeconomic factors on Hispanic consumers - Management noted strong loyalty among Hispanic consumers and emphasized ongoing investments to support this demographic [19][20] Question: Marketing cadence and competitive landscape - Management highlighted increased marketing investments and strong brand health metrics, indicating a proactive approach to competition [27][28] Question: Portfolio diversification considerations - Management discussed ongoing innovation and the introduction of new products to attract younger consumers, while also considering diversification opportunities [33][35] Question: Pricing environment and promotional activity - Management confirmed increased promotional activity in the market and adjustments to pricing strategies to capture share in the high-end light beer sector [58][60] Question: California wildfires and rebuilding efforts - Management indicated that rebuilding efforts would provide a tailwind for growth, although short-term challenges remain due to macroeconomic factors [63][65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues for Q3 fiscal 2025 were $610.8 million, an increase of 1.2% from $603.3 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2024 [6][12] - Consolidated operating income decreased to $48.2 million from $48.5 million, a decline of 0.6% [12] - Net income increased to $39.7 million or $2.13 per diluted share, up from $38.1 million or $2.03 per diluted share [12] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA increased to $85.8 million from $84.8 million, reflecting a 1.2% increase [12] - Effective tax rate increased to 25.7% compared to 22.9% in the prior year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core Laundry operations revenues were $533.2 million, an increase of 0.9% from the previous year [13] - Core Laundry organic growth was 1.1%, adjusting for acquisitions and currency fluctuations [14] - Specialty Garments segment revenues increased to $47.8 million, a 0.5% rise from the prior year [16] - First Aid segment revenues increased to $29.8 million, a 9% increase driven by growth in van operations [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer retention improved compared to Q3 fiscal 2024, but there was softness in customer wearer levels [9] - Direct sales revenues were lower compared to the same quarter last year, impacting overall growth [10][62] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on investing in people, technology, and infrastructure to enhance growth and profitability [6][10] - The strategy includes improving operational execution, strategic pricing, procurement sourcing, and inventory management [11] - The company is implementing a new ERP system to enable better operational efficiencies [11][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a cautious mood among existing customers regarding investments and employment levels, particularly in manufacturing sectors [21] - The pricing environment remains challenging, with potential impacts from tariffs and vendor cost increases [24][25] - The company maintains its annual revenue guidance between $2.422 billion and $2.432 billion, while increasing diluted earnings per share guidance to $7.60 to $8.00 [18] Other Important Information - The company incurred approximately $5.7 million in advisory and legal costs during the quarter, with some related to prior strategic discussions [15][56] - Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $211.9 million, with no long-term debt [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack organic growth further? - Management noted improvements in new business and customer retention but highlighted softness in wearer levels impacting overall growth [20][21] Question: What insights can you provide on pricing dynamics? - Management indicated a fluid situation with pricing, impacted by inflation recovery and potential tariff effects [24][25] Question: How is the environment for new sales? - Management observed incremental positive momentum in new sales compared to six months ago, but not dramatically different [30] Question: What is the status of key initiatives and cost reductions? - Key initiative costs are primarily related to the ongoing ERP implementation, with costs currently being capitalized [38][41] Question: How are labor costs trending? - Labor costs are stable, with improvements in execution and efficiency noted [52][53] Question: What is the impact of strategic advisory and legal expenses? - The costs were related to prior strategic discussions and ongoing legal matters, with an accrual built for the latter [56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues for Q3 2025 were $610.8 million, an increase of 1.2% from $603.3 million in Q3 2024 [6][12] - Consolidated operating income decreased to $48.2 million from $48.5 million, a decline of 0.6% [12] - Net income increased to $39.7 million or $2.13 per diluted share, up from $38.1 million or $2.03 per diluted share [12] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA increased to $85.8 million from $84.8 million, reflecting a 1.2% growth [12] - Effective tax rate increased to 25.7% compared to 22.9% in the prior year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core Laundry operations revenues were $533.2 million, an increase of 0.9% from the previous year [13] - Core Laundry organic growth was 1.1%, adjusting for acquisitions and currency fluctuations [14] - Specialty Garments segment revenues increased to $47.8 million from $47.6 million, a growth of 0.5% [15] - First Aid segment revenues increased to $29.8 million from $27.3 million, reflecting a 9% growth [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer retention improved compared to Q3 2024, although there was some softness in customer wearer levels [8] - Direct sales revenues were lower compared to the same quarter last year, impacting overall growth [9][66] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing customer experience and operational execution through investments in people, technology, and infrastructure [5][10] - The ongoing ERP project is expected to drive long-term benefits, with current costs being capitalized rather than expensed [41][42] - The company aims to improve strategic pricing, procurement sourcing, and inventory management [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a cautious mood among existing customers regarding investments, particularly in manufacturing sectors [21] - The pricing environment remains challenging, with potential future impacts from tariffs on vendor costs [24][45] - The company maintains its annual revenue guidance between $2.422 billion and $2.432 billion, while increasing diluted earnings per share guidance to $7.6 to $8 [18] Other Important Information - The company incurred approximately $5.7 million in advisory and legal costs during the quarter, with some related to prior strategic discussions [17][58] - Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $211.9 million, with no long-term debt [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack organic growth further? - Management characterized the existing customer base as cautious, with some targeted reductions in employment levels impacting growth [21][22] Question: Can you provide insight into pricing dynamics? - Management noted a fluid situation regarding pricing, with companies recovering from high inflation and potential tariff impacts [24][25] Question: How is the new sales environment today? - Management indicated that new sales have shown incremental positive momentum compared to six months ago, but not dramatically different [31] Question: What is the status of key initiatives and cost reductions? - Key initiative costs are primarily related to the ongoing ERP implementation, which is progressing well [40][41] Question: What impact are tariffs expected to have on costs? - Management explained that tariffs could impact garment sourcing costs, but the situation remains fluid [45][47] Question: How are labor costs currently? - Labor costs are stable, with improvements in execution and efficiency noted [55] Question: Can you clarify the strategic advisory and legal expenses? - The costs were related to prior strategic discussions and an ongoing legal matter, with an increased reserve built for the latter [58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported annual revenue exceeding $6 billion, representing a 33% year-over-year increase [19] - Direct-to-consumer (DTC) profitability improved by $1.2 billion in the last year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The content strategy focused on fewer, larger original series has proven successful, leading to the addition of 10 million incremental subscribers and double-digit growth in watch time [18] - The company achieved significant growth in its streaming service, Paramount Plus, which is expected to reach domestic profitability this year [15][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has not observed any material impact from recent macroeconomic trends, although there is increased pressure in the lower side of the advertising market [21][23] - The company maintains a strong position with a large addressable footprint combining streaming and linear services, which is attractive to advertisers [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to investing in world-class content and fostering a creative culture to drive shareholder value [27] - The strategy emphasizes the importance of hit-driven content rather than volume, which has been validated by recent performance metrics [17][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position, citing a strong slate of hits and a robust lineup of live events and sports [22][23] - The company believes that the current pressures in the advertising market will balance out over time, reinforcing its optimistic outlook [23] Other Important Information - The company settled a lawsuit with the President, which was driven by the desire to avoid the costs and risks associated with prolonged legal battles [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the company's decision to settle the lawsuit with the President? - The company settled to avoid high legal costs, risks of adverse judgments, and disruptions to business operations [13][14] Question: Can you share more about the drivers of improvement in B2C and confidence in reaching domestic profitability? - The content strategy focusing on fewer, bigger original series has driven significant growth, with 10 million new subscribers and improved profitability [15][18][19] Question: What is the update on recent advertising trends? - The company has not seen material impacts from macroeconomic trends, although there is pressure in the lower advertising market [21][22][23] Question: How does content drive value across the company? - Content investments enhance engagement across streaming, linear, and theatrical platforms, benefiting multiple revenue streams [24][25]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 revenues declined by 6% year on year, in line with expectations, with an adjusted EBITDA of $3 million [7][8] - Full year guidance remains unchanged, expecting revenues to be broadly flat year on year and adjusted EBITDA to exceed $85 million [8][12] - Anticipation of a further noncash goodwill impairment due to current depressed market capitalization [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Focus on combining product strategies and rationalizing the portfolio, particularly with the Omnia brand [22][24] - Positive early adoption of the repositioned Netline product targeting cost-conscious customers [43] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The addressable market for the technology sector and B2B marketing is estimated at $20 billion, with significant opportunities in cybersecurity and AI [9][12] - 40% of addressable markets are outside the United States, indicating potential for international expansion [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Emphasis on establishing leadership and reporting lines to enhance operational clarity and efficiency [8] - Strategic focus on key client accounts and investments to uncover new business opportunities [8][9] - AI is viewed as a significant opportunity, with predictions of a $190 billion market by 2028 [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expresses confidence in long-term growth despite current challenges, citing strong customer engagement and market demand [10][11] - Operational improvements and customer conversations are seen as key factors for achieving revenue targets [19][20] Other Important Information - The company is actively investing in AI capabilities to enhance product offerings and improve operational efficiency [12][15] - Continued investment in audience development and engagement strategies to leverage first-party data [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in unchanged revenue guidance - Management cites operational improvements and customer engagement as key factors for confidence in revenue guidance [18][19] Question: Changes to go-to-market strategy for large customer accounts - Positive response noted from large customer accounts, with increased visibility into their needs and budgets [31][32] Question: Focus on cybersecurity market - Management sees significant demand in the cybersecurity sector and aims to leverage existing assets to capture market share [25][26] Question: Profitability tracking through the year - Management indicates that Q1 is expected to be the lowest quarter, with sequential growth anticipated [40][41] Question: AI opportunity and its evolution - AI is becoming a live market with increasing enterprise and government investment, creating opportunities for the company [49][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net earnings for Q3 2025 were $60.1 million or $1.86 per share, showing an increase both sequentially and year-over-year [4] - Revenue reached $843 million, improving by 11% sequentially [21] - Aggregate gross margin remained robust at 18%, marking the seventh consecutive quarter at or above the mid-teens long-term target [4][22] - Return on invested capital (ROIC) was 12.9%, within the target range of 10% to 14% [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The manufacturing gross margin for Q3 was 13.6%, steady from Q2 [11] - Leasing and Fleet Management achieved nearly $165 million in recurring revenue over the last four quarters, representing nearly 50% growth from two years ago [12] - Fleet utilization remained high at 98%, with modest growth in the leased fleet [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Greenbrier secured orders for 3,900 new railcars worth over $500 million in the quarter, with a global new railcar backlog of nearly 19,000 units [15][16] - The average age of the North American railcar fleet exceeds 20 years, driving steady growth in the railcar maintenance market [17] - In Europe, railcar orders are driven by necessity, but overall activity is muted until economic conditions improve [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on doubling recurring revenues by fiscal 2028 and has renewed two bank facilities totaling $850 million [7] - Greenbrier is investing in manufacturing and leasing, with expected investments of around $145 million in manufacturing and $270 million in leasing and fleet management [26] - The company is positioned to navigate various market conditions and capitalize on opportunities as they arise [8][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about a strong finish to the fiscal year and medium to long-term market conditions [10] - The Senate's passage of a budget bill is expected to energize markets for capital goods like railcars [9] - Management is confident in the ability to manage production rates in response to market demand and backlog visibility [38][40] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $22 million in shares during the quarter, reflecting confidence in its long-term strategy [10][25] - Liquidity reached nearly $770 million, the highest level since 2023, consisting of almost $300 million in cash and over $470 million in available borrowing capacity [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on interest and FX line items - Management expects interest expense to be in the 22% to 25% range for the quarter, with FX having a significant impact [31][32] Question: Production rates and order levels - Management has been adjusting production rates based on market demand and has a strong backlog of 19,000 cars, indicating optimism for future orders [38][40] Question: Confidence in backlog and order conversion - Management expressed confidence in the commercial team and anticipates that clarity around tariffs and trade policy will lead to increased orders [50][51] Question: Mix of deliveries and leased cars - Management noted that while leased fleet growth has been modest, they are becoming more active in the used car market to balance fleet growth [59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net earnings for Q3 2025 were $60.1 million or $1.86 per share, showing an increase both sequentially and year-over-year [5] - Revenue reached $843 million, improving by 11% sequentially [22] - Aggregate gross margin remained robust at 18%, marking the seventh consecutive quarter at or above the mid-teens long-term target [5][22] - Return on invested capital (ROIC) was 12.9%, within the target range of 10% to 14% [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company delivered 5,600 new railcars in Q3, with a manufacturing gross margin of 13.6% remaining steady from Q2 [13] - Recurring revenue from leasing and fleet management reached nearly $165 million over the last four quarters, representing nearly 50% growth from two years ago [14] - Fleet utilization remained high at 98%, with modest growth in the leased fleet [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global new railcar backlog stood at nearly 19,000 units, providing strong visibility in new railcar markets [18] - In Europe, railcar orders are driven by necessity, but activity is expected to be muted until economic conditions improve [19] - Demand in Brazil is modestly increasing as customers complete infrastructure investments [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on doubling recurring revenues by fiscal 2028 and has renewed two bank facilities totaling $850 million [8] - Strategic initiatives include European footprint rationalization and North American insourcing projects, expected to yield annual savings of at least $10 million [6][7] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to growing its lease fleet, ensuring predictable revenue and cash flow [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about market conditions in the medium to long term, anticipating a strong finish to the fiscal year [12] - The company is well-positioned to navigate various market conditions and capitalize on opportunities as liquidity is at its highest level since 2023 [9][11] - Management noted that the aging North American railcar fleet is a key driver for steady growth in the railcar maintenance market [18] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $22 million of shares during the quarter, reflecting confidence in its long-term strategy [12] - The tax rate for the quarter was 23%, better than expected due to the strengthening Mexican peso [24] - The company updated its guidance, raising aggregate gross margin percent and operating margin percent for the remainder of fiscal 2025 [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on interest and FX line items - Management expects interest expense to be in the 22% to 25% range for the quarter, with FX having a significant impact [31][32] Question: Production rates and order levels - Management has been adjusting production rates based on market demand and has a strong backlog of 19,000 cars, indicating future demand [38][40] Question: Confidence in order levels given low backlog - Management expressed confidence in converting demand into orders once trade policies stabilize, with several catalysts expected to drive demand [49][51] Question: Mix of deliveries and leased cars - The company is becoming more active in the used car market to balance its leasing business and is committed to growing the leasing fleet [58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 revenues declined by 6% year on year, in line with expectations, with an adjusted EBITDA of $3 million [7][8] - Full year guidance remains unchanged, expecting revenues to be broadly flat year on year and adjusted EBITDA to improve to over $85 million [8][12] - Anticipation of a further noncash goodwill impairment due to the current depressed market capitalization [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on combining its product portfolio, particularly consolidating various products under the Omnia brand to create a tighter product market fit [24][26] - The repositioning of the Netline product to target cost-conscious customers has shown encouraging early adoption [46] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The addressable market is estimated at $20 billion, with half of it concentrated within the top 200 customers [12][27] - The cybersecurity market is identified as a key growth area, with significant demand from enterprise and government sectors [28][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is laying foundations for growth by establishing leadership and reporting lines, focusing on product strategy, and simplifying the go-to-market structure [9][10] - Emphasis on increasing penetration in the enterprise IT market and international expansion, with 40% of addressable markets outside the U.S. [12][13] - AI is viewed as a significant opportunity, with predictions of a $190 billion market by 2028 [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expresses confidence in long-term growth, reinforced by positive customer interactions and market dynamics [10][11] - Operational improvements and customer engagement are expected to drive revenue growth in the second half of the year [21][22] Other Important Information - The company is investing in AI capabilities to enhance product competitiveness and operational efficiency [14][15] - Ongoing investments in audience development and engagement strategies are highlighted as crucial for future growth [16][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in unchanged revenue guidance - Management cites operational improvements and customer demand as key factors for confidence in revenue guidance [20][21] Question: Changes to go-to-market strategy for large customer accounts - Positive response noted from large customer accounts, with increased visibility into their needs and budgets [34][35] Question: Cybersecurity market strategy - The company sees significant opportunities in the cybersecurity market and aims to leverage its audience and brand assets [28][29] Question: Profitability tracking through the year - Management indicates that Q1 is expected to be the lowest quarter, with sequential growth anticipated in subsequent quarters [43][44] Question: AI opportunities and deployment - AI is becoming a live market with increasing enterprise and government investment, creating opportunities for the company [52][53]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average daily sales (ADS) for the fiscal third quarter declined 0.8% year over year but improved 7% quarter over quarter, exceeding historical sequential averages [8][24] - Gross margins were reported at 41%, improving 10 basis points year over year, while adjusted operating margins were at 9%, down 240 basis points compared to the prior year [9][29] - Reported operating margin for the quarter was 8.5%, compared to 10.9% in the prior year quarter [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core customer daily sales were down 0.8% year over year, while public sector sales improved 2.4% year over year [10][25] - The installed base of vending machines increased to over 28,700, with average daily sales through vending up approximately 8% year over year [26] - Sales to customers with an implant program grew 10% year over year, also representing approximately 19% of total company net sales [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Conditions in primary end markets remain subdued, particularly in automotive and fabricated metals, while aerospace continues to show growth [14] - The manufacturing business sentiment has fluctuated, with readings returning to negative numbers in April and May, reflecting customer caution around tariffs [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three critical areas: reenergizing the core customer, maintaining momentum in high-touch solutions, and optimizing cost to serve [7] - The company is implementing a sales optimization initiative and productivity efforts to lower costs, alongside a tariff management plan [6][20] - The company aims to deliver $10 million to $15 million in annualized savings by fiscal year 2026 through network optimization initiatives [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding future production levels, despite current macroeconomic uncertainties [15] - The company remains committed to its strategic initiatives and is confident in the opportunities ahead, despite the subdued manufacturing environment [15][16] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 117,000 shares during the quarter, returning approximately $56 million to shareholders [30] - Free cash flow conversion is expected to be approximately 120% for the full year, an increase from prior expectations of 100% [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Price outlook for Q4 and next year - Management indicated that recent price increases would likely contribute low single digits to revenue, with ongoing inflationary pressures from suppliers [41][42] Question: Q4 margin outlook - Management expects operating margins to be flat to down 50 basis points quarter over quarter, with better gross margin performance anticipated [46][48] Question: Supplier price increases - Discussions with suppliers are ongoing and fluid, with general inflationary pressures being observed across the supply chain [55] Question: Core account growth potential - Management is encouraged by progress in core accounts and aims for growth consistent with company averages, focusing on marketing and web pricing [75][76] Question: Website metrics and marketing effectiveness - The company has seen consistent improvements in website traffic and conversion rates, driven by a combination of digital and personal outreach marketing efforts [90][91] Question: Digital Core initiative - The Digital Core initiative is being reactivated to enhance core order-to-cash systems, aimed at unlocking productivity [97] Question: Trends through June - Sales trends in June were reported as fairly consistent throughout the month [98]