Q1 2026 Aimia Inc Earnings Call

May 13, 2026

Speaker #1: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Aimia Inc.'s first quarter 2026 results conference call. At this time, all participants are in listen-only mode.

Operator: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Aimia Inc. Q1 2026 Results Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in listen-only mode. Following the presentation, we will conduct a question and answer session. If at any time during this call you require immediate assistance, please press star 0 for the operator. This call is being recorded on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. I would now like to turn the conference over to Joe Racanelli. Please go ahead, sir.

Operator: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Aimia Inc. Q1 2026 Results Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in listen-only mode. Following the presentation, we will conduct a question-and-answer session. If at any time during this call you require immediate assistance, please press star zero for the operator. This call is being recorded on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. I would now like to turn the conference over to Joe Racanelli. Please go ahead, sir.

Speaker #1: Following the presentation, we will conduct a question-and-answer session. If at any time during this call you require immediate assistance, please press star 0 for the operator.

Speaker #1: This call is being recorded on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. I would now like to turn the conference over to Joe Racanelli. Please go ahead, sir.

Speaker #2: Thank you, operator, and good morning, everyone. Joining me on today's call are Aimia's executive chairman, Rhys Summerton, as well as our president and CFO, Steven Leonard.

Steven Leonard: Thank you, operator, and good morning, everyone. Joining me on today's call are Aimia's Executive Chairman, Rhys Summerton, as well as our President and CFO, Steven Leonard. Before we begin, I'd like to point out that we issued our financial statements for Q1 earlier this morning, and all of our materials, including the news release, MD&A, and financial statements, are available from our website as well as from SEDAR+. We will be using a presentation today, and for those listening to our discussion by phone, a copy is available from the IR section of our website. Some of the statements made on today's call may constitute forward-looking information and future results may differ materially from what we discuss. Please refer to the risks and uncertainties that may affect our future performance referenced in our presentation as well as our MD&A.

Joe Racanelli: Thank you, operator, and good morning, everyone. Joining me on today's call are Aimia's Executive Chairman, Rhys Summerton, as well as our President and CFO, Steven Leonard. Before we begin, I'd like to point out that we issued our financial statements for Q1 earlier this morning, and all of our materials, including the news release, MD&A, and financial statements, are available from our website as well as from SEDAR+.

Speaker #2: Before we begin, I'd like to point out that we issued our financial statements for the first quarter earlier this morning, and all other materials, including the news release, MD&A, and financial statements, are available from our website as well as from Cedar Plus.

Speaker #2: We will be using a presentation today. And for those listening to our discussion by phone, a copy is available from the IR section of our website.

Joe Racanelli: We will be using a presentation today, and for those listening to our discussion by phone, a copy is available from the IR section of our website. Some of the statements made on today's call may constitute forward-looking information and future results may differ materially from what we discuss. Please refer to the risks and uncertainties that may affect our future performance referenced in our presentation as well as our MD&A.

Speaker #2: Some of the statements made on today's call may constitute forward-looking information, and future results may differ materially from what we discussed. Please refer to the risks and uncertainties that may affect our future performance referenced in our presentation as well as our MD&A.

Speaker #2: In addition, we will be making note of gap and non-gap financial measures, reconciliation is provided in the appendix of our presentation. And following today's presentation, please reach out to me if you have any outstanding questions or require any clarification on matters discussed today.

Steven Leonard: In addition, we will be making note of GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliation is provided in the appendix of our presentation. Following today's presentation, please reach out to me if you have any outstanding questions or require any clarification on matters discussed today. With that, I'd like to turn the call over now to Rhys. Go ahead, please.

Joe Racanelli: In addition, we will be making note of GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliation is provided in the appendix of our presentation. Following today's presentation, please reach out to me if you have any outstanding questions or require any clarification on matters discussed today. With that, I'd like to turn the call over now to Rhys. Go ahead, please.

Speaker #2: With that, I'd like to turn the call over now to Rhys. Go ahead, please.

Speaker #3: Yeah, good morning, everybody. Good afternoon. We had a particularly busy first quarter on multiple fronts. Most notably, we announced the divestiture of the specialty chemicals business, Bizetto, and we invested $1.4 million in share buybacks.

Rhys Summerton: Yeah, good morning, everybody. Good afternoon. We had a particularly busy Q1 on multiple fronts. Most notably, we announced the divestiture of the specialty chemicals business, Bozzetto. We invested CAD 1.4 million in share buybacks. Most importantly, we worked hard on identifying several target companies that meet our investment criteria, which we can start getting active on. Subsequent to the Q1 end, we received all the necessary regulatory approvals for the Bozzetto transaction to be completed, paving the way for the deal to close in the next couple of weeks, certainly by the end of May.

Rhys Summerton: Yeah, good morning, everybody. Good afternoon. We had a particularly busy Q1 on multiple fronts. Most notably, we announced the divestiture of the specialty chemicals business, Bozzetto. We invested CAD 1.4 million in share buybacks. Most importantly, we worked hard on identifying several target companies that meet our investment criteria, which we can start getting active on. Subsequent to the quarter-end, we received all the necessary regulatory approvals for the Bozzetto transaction to be completed, paving the way for the deal to close in the next couple of weeks, certainly by the end of May.

Speaker #3: And most importantly, we worked hard on identifying several target companies that meet our investment criteria. Which we can start getting active on. Subsequent to the quarter end, we received all the necessary regulatory approvals for the Bizetto transaction to be completed.

Speaker #3: Paving the way for the deal to close in the next couple of weeks, certainly by the end of May. Combined with these efforts, we are now in a position to eradicate the whole code debt, in particular reference to the notes, and begin to make investments in undervalued companies.

Rhys Summerton: Combined with these efforts, we are now in a position to eradicate the holdco debt, in particular reference to the notes, and begin to make investments in undervalued companies. We expect to build on the progress in H2, given a number of initiatives that we've planned, such as making an offer for those notes that we referenced earlier. We are also optimistic about Cortland. We think there's a lot of improvement that Cortland will see in H2, subject to obviously the geopolitical situation in the Middle East calming down. But we've worked hard to realign the management team, and we're confident that the new leadership will take Cortland to the next level.

Speaker #3: We expect to build on the progress in the second half of the year, given a number of initiatives that we've planned. Such as making an offer for those notes that we referenced earlier.

Speaker #3: We are also optimistic about Courtland, we think there's a lot of improvement that Courtland will see in the second half of the year. Subject to obviously the geopolitical situation in the Middle East calming down.

Speaker #3: But we've worked hard to realign the management team. And we're confident that the new leadership will take Courtland to the next level. I'll expand on our outlook and priorities later in the presentation.

Rhys Summerton: I'll expand on our outlook and priorities later in the pre-presentation. First, I will ask Steve to review the financial results in more detail. Over to you, Steve.

Speaker #3: But first, I will ask Steve to review the financial results in more detail. Over to you, Steve.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Rhys. Good morning and afternoon to everyone. Before I begin my review of the financial results for Q1, I want to point out that we are presenting Bizetto as discontinued operations, given the pending sale of the business.

Steven Leonard: Thank you, Rhys. Good morning and afternoon to everyone. Before I begin my review of the financial results for Q1, I want to point out that we are presenting Bozzetto as discontinued operations given the pending sale of the business. As such, Bozzetto's contributions are excluded from the financial highlights presented on slide 7, with the exception of cash flow from operations and net earnings. With that out of the way, our Q1 results reflect the impact of geopolitical and macroeconomic developments. Adjusted EBITDA in Q1 2026 was relatively flat when compared to last year, largely due to a decrease in operating profit, offset by a decline in SG&A expenses by CAD 2 million. The decrease in SG&A expenses included the benefits of ongoing efforts to reduce holding company costs for items such as insurance, rent, professional services, as well as some currency gains at Cortland.

Speaker #2: As such, Bizetto's contributions are excluded from the financial highlights presented on slide 7, with the exception of cash flow from operations and net earnings.

Speaker #2: With that out of the way, our Q1 results reflect the impact of geopolitical and macroeconomic developments. Adjusted EBITDA in Q1 26 was relatively flat when compared to last year, largely due to a decrease in operating profit offset by a decline in SG&A expenses.

Steven Leonard: Adjusted EBITDA in Q1 2026 was relatively flat when compared to last year, largely due to a decrease in operating profit, offset by a decline in SG&A expenses by CAD 2 million. The decrease in SG&A expenses included the benefits of ongoing efforts to reduce holding company costs for items such as insurance, rent, professional services, as well as some currency gains at Cortland.

Speaker #2: By 2 million. The decrease in SG&A expenses included the benefits of ongoing efforts to reduce holding company costs, for items such as insurance, rent, professional services, as well as some currency gains at Courtland.

Speaker #2: Net earnings in Q1 26 improved by 3.4 million, benefiting from the reduced SG&A expenses as noted, and earnings contributed from Bizetto. Courtland's results for the first quarter are presented on slide 8.

Steven Leonard: Net earnings in Q1 2026 improved by CAD 3.4 million, benefiting from the reduced SG&A expenses, as noted, and earnings contributed from Bozzetto. Cortland's results for Q1 are presented on slide 8. In Q1 2026, Cortland generated CAD 32.7 million of revenue, down 19.7% from last year. On a constant currency basis, Cortland's revenue declined 16%. The year-over-year variance was due to a combination of factors, including lower sales volume, particularly in the marine and shipping sector, the timing of sales orders, and increased selling pressures caused by geopolitical developments in the Middle East. The decline was partially offset by increased sales in India within the fishing and aquaculture sector. Cortland's adjusted EBITDA in Q1 2026 was CAD 4.5 million, down 16.7% from CAD 5.4 million last year.

Speaker #2: In Q1 26, Courtland generated 32.7 million of revenue, down 19.7% from last year. On a constant currency basis, Courtland's revenue declined 16%. The year-over-year variance was due to a combination of factors, including lower sales volume, particularly in the marine and shipping sector, the timing of sales orders, and increased selling pressures caused by geopolitical developments in the Middle East.

Speaker #2: The decline was partially offset by increased sales in India, within the fishing and aquaculture sector. Courtland's adjusted EBITDA in Q1 26 was 4.5 million, down 16.7% from 5.4 million last year.

Speaker #2: The decline was due to lower sales volume and lower gross profit, already discussed. The decline was partially offset by a $1 million of lower SG&A expenses in Q1 26.

Steven Leonard: The decline was due to lower sales volume and lower gross profit already discussed. The decline was partially offset by CAD 1 million of lower SG&A expenses in Q1 2026. The decrease in SG&A was largely attributable to lower selling expenses due to reduced sales volume and some currency gains on the translation of trade balances. In Q1, Cortland announced a senior leadership change, naming Wolfgang Wandl, a business leader with more than 30 years of international business experience, as CEO. Wolfgang will oversee Cortland's day-to-day operations with a focus on driving global sales and product innovation, deepening customer partnerships, and expanding Cortland's presence in key markets. Given the increased focus on growing sales and building customer relationships, we are optimistic that Cortland is primed for a turnaround in the H2 of the year, pending the easing of tensions in the Middle East.

Speaker #2: The decrease in SG&A was largely attributable to lower selling expenses due to reduced sales volume and some currency gains on the translation of trade balances.

Speaker #2: In Q1, Courtland announced a senior leadership change. Naming Wolfgang Wandl, a business leader with more than 30 years of international business experience, as CEO.

Speaker #2: Wolfgang will oversee Courtland's day-to-day operations, with a focus on driving global sales and product innovation. Deepening customer partnerships and expanding Courtland's presence in key markets.

Steven Leonard: Wolfgang will oversee Cortland's day-to-day operations with a focus on driving global sales and product innovation, deepening customer partnerships, and expanding Cortland's presence in key markets. Given the increased focus on growing sales and building customer relationships, we are optimistic that Cortland is primed for a turnaround in the H2 of the year, pending the easing of tensions in the Middle East.

Speaker #2: Given the increased focus on growing sales and building customer relationships, we are optimistic that Courtland is primed for a turnaround in the second half of the year.

Speaker #2: Pending the easing of tensions in the Middle East, we ended the quarter with $100.3 million of cash on a consolidated basis, down from $109 million at the end of December 25.

Steven Leonard: We ended the quarter with CAD 100.3 million of cash on a consolidated basis, down from CAD 109 million at the end of December 2025. Our consolidated total at the quarter end includes Bozzetto's cash and cash equivalents of CAD 57.7 million, even though its liquidity was considered as cash in the asset held for sale. Slide 9 shows a waterfall of cash movements in the quarter. Key drivers for the decrease in liquidity include CAD 5.9 million in repayments of other borrowings, CAD 2 million in principal repayments on Bozzetto senior credit facilities, CAD 2.2 million of CapEx, CAD 1.4 million of common share buybacks, and CAD 0.7 million in preferred share dividends.

Speaker #2: Our consolidated total at the quarter end includes Bizetto's cash and cash equivalents of $57.7 million. Even though its liquidity was considered as cash in the asset held for sale.

Speaker #2: Slide 9 shows a waterfall of cash movements in the quarter. Key drivers for the decrease in liquidity include $5.9 million in repayments of other borrowings, $2 million in principal repayments on Bizetto's senior credit facilities, $2.2 million of capital CapEx, x, $1.4 million of common share buybacks, and $0.7 million of preferred share dividends.

Speaker #2: This outflow was partially offset by cash flow from operations of $3.8 million, which included a lump sum payment of $5.2 million to a former executive as part of a settlement agreement of a claim initiated in 2020.

Steven Leonard: This outflow was partially offset by cash flow from operations of CAD 3.8 million, which included a lump sum payment of CAD 5.2 million to a former executive as part of a settlement agreement of a claim initiated in 2020. A key development in Q1 was the signing of a definitive agreement to divest Bozzetto. While we have discussed some of the details previously, I think it would be helpful to review the salient aspects of the transaction and provide an update on the recent developments. When we announced the planned divestiture of Bozzetto on 9 February, we noted the regulatory approvals were a necessary condition of the sale. We are delighted to announce that we have received all regulatory approvals and are now on track to close the transaction before the end of May.

Speaker #2: A key development in Q1 was the signing of a definitive agreement to divest Bizetto. While we have discussed some of the details previously, I think it would be helpful to review the salient aspects of the transaction and provide an update on the recent developments.

Speaker #2: When we announced the planned divestiture of Bizetto on February 9th, we noted the regulatory approvals were a necessary condition of the sale. We are delighted to announce that we received all regulatory approvals and are now on track to close the transaction before the end of May.

Speaker #2: As summarized on slide 12, the sale of Bizetto will generate approximately $267 million in net proceeds at close, with more than $500 million of capital tax carry forwards at March 31.

Steven Leonard: As summarized on slide 12, the sale of Bozzetto will generate approximately CAD 267 million in net proceeds at close. With more than CAD 500 million of capital tax carryforwards at 31 March, we do not anticipate paying any taxes on the gain from the transaction. As disclosed previously, we expect to use the net proceeds towards making investments in undervalued companies with the ultimate goal of acquiring controlling interests in these investments. Slide 13 illustrates a cash waterfall of the main transaction components. Although the Bozzetto transaction is denominated in euros, we have presented it in Canadian dollars, our reporting currency. I should point out that we've entered into a hedging strategy in February to mitigate the currency risk exposure of the net proceeds. Subsequent to quarter end, we increased the notional value of our hedge instruments to EUR 128 million.

Speaker #2: We do not anticipate paying any taxes on the gain from the transaction. As this closed previously, we expect to use the net proceeds towards making investments in undervalued companies, with the ultimate goal of acquiring controlling interests in these investments.

Speaker #2: Slide 13 illustrates a cash waterfall of the main transaction components. Although the Bizetto transaction is denominated in euros, we have presented it in Canadian dollars, our reporting currency.

Steven Leonard: Although the Bozzetto transaction is denominated in euros, we have presented it in Canadian dollars, our reporting currency. I should point out that we've entered into a hedging strategy in February to mitigate the currency risk exposure of the net proceeds. Subsequent to quarter-end, we increased the notional value of our hedge instruments to EUR 128 million.

Speaker #2: I should point out that we've entered into a hedging strategy in February, to mitigate the currency risk of exposure of the net proceeds. Subsequent to quarter end, we increased the notional value of our hedge instruments to $128 million euros.

Speaker #2: A large portion of the Canadian dollar proceeds from our hedging instruments will be used towards our planned offer to redeem our senior notes. Slide 14 presents our cash position on a pro forma basis, taking into account the impacts of the Bizetto divestiture on our liquidity as of March 31st.

Steven Leonard: A large portion of the Canadian dollar proceeds from our hedging instruments will be used towards our planned offer to redeem our senior notes. Slide 14 presents our cash position on a pro forma basis, taking into account the impacts of the Bozzetto divestiture on our liquidity as of 31 March. The impacts of the Bozzetto divestiture include the deduction of cash held by Bozzetto, the use of CAD 146.1 million towards the redemption of our senior notes, including unpaid and accrued interest at 31 March. Since we anticipate that some holders will prefer to hang on to their notes until maturity, it is likely that our pro forma cash position could be higher.

Speaker #2: The impacts of the Bizetto divestiture include the deduction of cash held by Bizetto, the use of $146.1 million towards the redemption of our senior notes, including unpaid and accrued interest, at March 31st.

Speaker #2: Since we anticipate that some holders will prefer to hang on to their notes until maturity, it's likely that our pro forma cash position could be higher.

Speaker #2: By way of illustration, our pro forma cash position could be $28.5 million higher if $20% of the noteholders elect to pass on the redemption offer and continue to collect the $9.75% coupon.

Steven Leonard: By way of illustration, our pro forma cash position could be CAD 28.5 million higher if 20% of the noteholders elect to pass on the redemption offer and continue to collect the 9.75% coupon. We will provide updates on the offer to call our senior notes in the coming weeks. That concludes my prepared comments. I'd like to turn the call back to Rhys to review Aimia's near-term priorities and outlook. Rhys?

Speaker #2: We'll provide updates on the offer to all our senior notes in the coming weeks. That concludes my prepared comments. I'd like to turn the call back to Rhys to review Aimia's near-term priorities and outlook.

Speaker #2: Rhys?

Speaker #3: Good. Thanks, Steve. So looking ahead, we already mentioned we anticipate the Bizetto transaction will close at the latest the end of May. Once we've done the closing, we'll make the offer for the senior notes which will be end of May, beginning of June.

Rhys Summerton: Good. Thanks, Steve. Looking ahead, we already mentioned we anticipate the Bozzetto transaction will close at the latest the end of May. Once we've done the closing, we'll make the offer for the senior notes, which will be end of May, beginning of June, with a purchase offer, and that's the requirement of the indenture agreement, which is triggered by the Bozzetto sale. The offer to holders will be made at par value of the notes plus any accrued interest. Also in June, we anticipate renewing our normal course issuer bid. Pending regulatory approval, we anticipate being permitted to buy back approximately 5 million shares over the next 12 months through to June 2027.

Speaker #3: With the purchase offer— and that's the requirement of the indenture agreement, which is triggered by the Bizetto sale. The offer to holders will be made at par value.

Speaker #3: Of the notes plus any accrued interest. Also, in June, we anticipate renewing our normal course issuer bid. Pending regulatory approval, we anticipate being permitted to buy back approximately 5 million shares.

Speaker #3: Over the next 12 months through to June 2027. Just as significant, we will begin to deploy the net proceeds towards making investments in our target companies.

Rhys Summerton: Just as significant, we will begin to deploy the net proceeds towards making investments in our target companies and continuing with our three-step strategy, part of which is narrowing the discount that Aimia trades relative to our view of intrinsic value. Later this summer, we also expect to become listed in the UK, subject to meeting the listing qualifications, and that'll most likely be on the AIM market. As you've heard, Q1, we've been busy. We've made progress towards getting Aimia ready to be a permanent capital vehicle and that should ensure that we put shareholders at first and start to generate returns that shareholders really deserve to have, especially those that have been involved for a long time. Our focus is to keep the momentum going.

Speaker #3: And continuing with our three-step strategy, part of which is narrowing the discount that Aimia trades relative to our view of intrinsic value. Later this summer, we also expect to become listed in the UK.

Speaker #3: Subject to meeting the listing qualifications—and that'll most likely be on the AIM market. As you've heard, Q1, we've been busy. We've made progress towards getting Aimia ready to be a permanent capital vehicle, and that should ensure that we put shareholders first and start to generate returns that shareholders really deserve to have, especially those that have been involved for a long time.

Speaker #3: Our focus is to keep the momentum going. In particular, we want to complete this Bizetto transaction. We don't foresee any issues with that. Our focus on the longer term, though, is really back to the net book value and growth in net book value per share that will benefit all shareholders.

Rhys Summerton: In particular, we want to complete the Bozzetto transaction. We don't foresee any issues with that. Our focus on the longer term though is really back to the net book value and growth in net book value per share that will benefit all shareholders. I won't elaborate much more at this point, but I would remind you that we're hosting the AGM today later this morning, and I'll be expanding on our investment ideas, the types of companies we'll be targeting during the presentation. If you are unable to attend here in Toronto, I will recommend that you can join us on the webcast, and I think the link is on our website. Thank you for your time. We'll open for questions. Thanks, Trevor.

Speaker #3: I won't elaborate much more at this point, but I would remind you that we're hosting the AGM today. Later this morning. And I'll be expanding on our investment ideas, the types of companies we'll be targeting, during the presentation.

Speaker #3: If you are unable to attend year-end Toronto, I will recommend that you can join us on the webcast. And I think the link is on our website.

Speaker #3: Thank you for your time. We'll open for questions. Thanks, Joe.

Speaker #2: Thank you. So before we open up the question to callers, we have received a couple inbounds from some of our shareholders. First question relates to the deployment of capital.

Joe Racanelli: Thank you. Before we open up the question to callers, we have received a couple inbounds from some of our shareholders. First question relates to the deployment of capital. What percentage of the deployable capital will you be making investments, and how much percentage will be kept as dry powder?

Speaker #2: What percentage of the deployable capital will you be making investments in? How much percentage will be kept as dry powder?

Rhys Summerton: Think of it like this. We've got kind of three buckets of value, you know, the way I see it in Aimia. The one is the cash that you'll have after settling the notes. We don't know what the outcome of that will be, but we've given some indication in the presentation of the cash we'll have. We'll also have kind of the second bucket, which is Cortland. That is cash generative, and particularly in H2, we expect that to be able to upstream more cash to the holdco. Then we have the, you know, the tax losses that we always talk about. When it comes to allocating the capital, we'll use all three as a way to allocate capital efficiently.

Speaker #3: Think of it like this. We've got kind of three buckets of value. The way I see it in Aimia. The one is the cash that you'll have after settling the notes.

Speaker #3: We don't know what the outcome of that will be, but we've given some indication in the presentation of the cash we'll have. We'll also have kind of the second bucket, which is Courtland.

Speaker #3: That is cash generative and particularly in the second half of the year, we expect that to be able to upstream more cash to the whole curve.

Speaker #3: And then we have the tax losses that we always talk about. So, when it comes to allocating the capital, we'll use all three as a way to allocate capital efficiently.

Speaker #3: Now, those three things could include Courtland making acquisitions. And we'll talk a bit about that later in the AGM. But our kind of see Courtland as potentially a platform company where you can deploy further capital.

Rhys Summerton: Those three things could include Cortland making acquisitions, and we'll talk a bit about that later in the AGM. I kind of see Cortland as potentially a platform company where you can deploy further capital. We'll also have the cash balance, which we can utilize. The third part is the tax losses, which we see different ideas on how to monetize those, and I think that has to be part of our overall view of how we allocate the capital.

Speaker #3: We'll also have the cash balance, which we can utilize and then the third part is the tax losses, which we see different ideas on how to monetize those.

Speaker #3: And I think that has to be part of our overall view of how we allocate the capital.

Joe Racanelli: A couple of questions related to Cortland. You've appointed a new CEO. What will be his primary mandate?

Speaker #2: A couple of questions related to Courtland. You've appointed a new CEO. What is going to be the—what will be his primary mandate?

Speaker #3: So if you think about I wrote this in the chairman's letter. That Courtland I use the word clumsy. Courtland had a clumsy management structure.

Rhys Summerton: If you think about I wrote this in the chairman's letter, that, you know, Cortland, I use the word clumsy. Cortland had a clumsy management structure. I'm not saying the individuals were clumsy. I'm saying, you know, the actual structure was clumsy. We had an executive chairman, we had a CEO, we had a CFO, and they weren't under one roof. We wanted to bring them together, be based in the US, in one of our operations. I think Wolfgang knows the business well, knows the industry well, and also I think he's now got a clear runway to turn the business around. His key target will be improving free cash flow generation for Cortland.

Speaker #3: Not saying the individuals were clumsy. I'm saying the actual structure was clumsy. We had an executive chairman. We had a CEO. We had a CFO.

Speaker #3: And they weren't under one roof. We wanted to bring them together. Be based in the US. In one of our operations. I think Wolfgang knows the business well.

Speaker #3: Knows the industry well. And also, I think he's now got clear runway. To turn the business around. So he's key target will be improving free cash flow generation.

Speaker #3: For Courtland. And he's second objective will be to grow the footprint of Courtland. Essentially, what we want is manufacturing out of India and then a global distribution business across the rest of the world.

Rhys Summerton: His second objective will be to grow the footprint of Cortland. Essentially what we want is manufacturing out of India and then a global distribution business across the rest of the world. You know, Cortland has some really powerful benefits that the competitors don't have. We're very strong in the US and continue to thrive in some of the Scandinavian countries. I'm fairly optimistic with that. I think we can add to the business as well through some selective acquisitions.

Speaker #3: And Courtland has some really powerful benefits that the competitors don't have. We're very strong in the US. And continue to thrive in some of the Scandinavian countries.

Speaker #3: So, I'm fairly optimistic with that. I think we can add to the business as well through some selective acquisitions.

Speaker #2: Okay. Then one last question on Courtland. What working capital conditions are you seeing there? And how will that impact your free cash flow coming from Courtland over the next 12 to 24 months?

Joe Racanelli: Okay. One last question on Cortland. What working capital conditions are you seeing there, and how will that impact your free cash flow coming from Cortland over the next 12 to 24 months?

Rhys Summerton: Is that to Steve?

Speaker #2: Yeah. I mean, there's a couple of drivers. One of them, I think we mentioned in our prepared remarks, as well as in some of the write-up in the disclosure documents that with the elevation in oil prices, one of the input in raw materials is polymers and those are impacted by the price of oil.

Steven Leonard: I mean, there's a couple of drivers. One of them, I think we mentioned in our prepared remarks, as well as in some of the write-up in the disclosure documents that, with the elevation in oil prices, one of the input in raw materials is polymers, and those are impacted by the price of oil. That's seeing a lift in costs coming in, which also has a little bit of a drag on working capital. We're also trying to manage working capital as efficiently as we can. We had a lift in the quarter, and we're working with the management team to ensure that we have the right levels of working capital going into H2 of the year.

Speaker #2: So that's seeing a lift in costs coming in, which also has a little bit of a drag on working capital. But we're also trying to manage working capital as efficiently as we can.

Speaker #2: We had a lift in the quarter and we're working with the management team. To ensure that we have the right levels of working capital going into the second half of the year as we mentioned, we're looking for some improvements in the results and obviously you have to have some of those raw materials and inventories ahead of the delivery of sales orders.

Steven Leonard: As we mentioned, we're looking for some improvements in the results, and obviously, you have to have some of those raw materials and inventories ahead of the delivery of sales orders. That's what we're seeing.

Speaker #2: So that's what we're seeing. Okay. Operator, would you mind prompting again for questions, please? Those on the phone.

Joe Racanelli: Okay. Operator, would you mind prompting again for questions, please, for those on the phone?

Operator: Yes, sir. Thank you. Thank you, sir. For those on the phone lines, if you wish to ask a question, please press star 1 on your telephone keypad and wait for your name to be announced. Once again, star and 1 if you wish to ask a question.

Speaker #4: Yes, sir. Thank you. Thank you, sir. For those on the phone lines, if you wish to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #4: And wait for your name to be announced. Once again, * and 1 if you wish to ask a question.

Speaker #2: Go ahead with Rob.

Joe Racanelli: Go ahead with Rob.

Speaker #4: Okay, sir. The first question comes from Rob Abide from Zeus Capital. Your line is now open. Please go ahead.

Operator: Okay, sir. The first question comes from Robin Byde from Zeus Capital. Your line is now open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Oh, thanks, Joe. Good morning, all. Just continuing the discussion on Courtland. You mentioned in the outlook statement that you're anticipating the improvement in the second half trading.

Robin Byde: Oh, thanks, Joe. Good morning, all. Just continuing the discussion on Cortland. You mentioned in the outlook statement that you're anticipating improvement in H2 trading. Could you perhaps provide a bit more color on the drivers? For example, is this a normalization of the revenue run rate or perhaps tighter control of costs? Secondly, you have touched on this issue, but are you able to actively manage your commodity price exposure for working cap and the cost lines? Thank you.

Speaker #5: Could you perhaps provide a bit more color on the drivers? For example, is this a normalization of the revenue run rate? Or perhaps tighter controls of costs?

Speaker #5: And then secondly, you have touched on this issue but are you able to actively manage your commodity price exposure? For working cap and the cost lines.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Speaker #2: Yeah. There's a couple of drivers for the second half that we're seeing. One is in the domestic Indian market. Typically, they're fishing season's quite strong going into the third quarter.

Steven Leonard: Yeah, there's a couple of drivers for the H2 that we're seeing. One is, in the domestic Indian market, typically, their fishing season's quite strong going into the Q3. We're expecting orders that are gonna be delivered in the Q2 will drive some of those better results that we're expecting. We're also making good progress, which we'll likely talk about more in our upcoming quarters on aquaculture, particularly in delivering cages in markets, including in Latin America, which was a market that we invested in 2025. We didn't really have any pull-through. It took us some time to get traction in that market, and we're starting to see that come through.

Speaker #2: So we're expecting orders that are going to be delivered in the second quarter will drive some of those better results that we're expecting. And then we're also making good progress, which we'll likely talk about more in our upcoming quarters, on aquaculture, particularly in delivering cages in markets including in Latin America.

Speaker #2: Which was a market that we invested in in '25. But we didn't really have any pull through. It took us some time to get traction in that market and we're starting to see that come through.

Steven Leonard: On the mitigation, we have looked at elements of putting in surcharges on some of the revenue orders and working with our customers to mitigate the impact of the elevated pricing. That's also something that we're working through.

Speaker #2: And then on the mitigation, we have looked at elements of putting in surcharges on some of the revenue orders and working with our customers to mitigate the impacts of the elevated pricing.

Speaker #2: That's also something that we're working through.

Speaker #5: Great. Thanks very much. Here we go again for those.

Robin Byde: Great. Thanks so much.

Operator: Thank you.

Steven Leonard: There we go.

Operator: Once again, for those who want to ask a question over the phone, just press star one on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #4: Want to ask a question over the phone? Just press star one on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #2: And then one question that's also come in with respect to the NCIB: you've completed about 60% of purchases so far for this year's program.

Joe Racanelli: One question that's also come in. With respect to the NCIB, you've completed about 60% of purchases so far for this year's program. Can we anticipate an acceleration before this program ends?

Speaker #2: Can we anticipate an acceleration before this program?

Rhys Summerton: We'll continue to execute on the buyback. We've been a bit hamstrung this year because of being in a blackout period for much of it as we've been working on the Bozzetto transaction. Clearly, we will continue subject to any other transactions we might be involved in. That might result in us being in a blackout again. I think the intention is, when, you know, when we say we wanna buyback 5 million shares next year and complete the NCIB, the intention is to complete it. It's clearly subject to what the, you know, what the level of the share price is.

Speaker #3: We'll continue to execute on the buyback. We've been a bit hands-strung this year because of being in a blackout period for much of it as we've been working on the Bizetta transaction.

Speaker #3: Clearly, we will continue subject to any other transactions we might be involved in. And that might result in us being in a blackout again.

Speaker #3: But I think the intention is when we say we want to buy back 5 million shares next year and complete the NCIB, the intention is to complete it.

Speaker #3: But it's clearly subject to what the level of the share price is. So if the share price is offering a significant discount compared to what we can buy in the market or other acquisition opportunities, then we will continue to buy back the shares.

Rhys Summerton: If the share price is offering significant discount compared to what we can buy in the market, or other acquisition opportunities, then we will continue to buy back the shares.

Operator: Thank you. No further questions that came through over the phone lines. I'll now turn the call over back to Joe Racanelli. Please go ahead, sir.

Speaker #4: Thank you. And no further questions that came through over the phone lines. I'll now turn the call over back to Joe Racanelli. Please go ahead, sir.

Joe Racanelli: Thank you everyone for joining us today. As Rhys noted, we do have our annual general meeting that will begin at 10:30AM Eastern Time. We will be making a more comprehensive presentation at that time, I would encourage you to join us via webcast if you're not able to meet with us in person. Thank you. Have a good day, everyone.

Speaker #2: Thank you, everyone, for joining us today. And as Rhys noted, we do have our annual general meeting that will begin at 10:30 Eastern Time.

Speaker #2: We will be making a more comprehensive presentation at that time. And I would encourage you to join us via webcast if you're not able to meet with us in person.

Speaker #2: So thank you. Have a good day, everyone.

Operator: Thank you. This concludes our conference call for today. Thank you all for participating. You may now disconnect.