Enerpac Tool Group Corp. (EPAC) Q2 2026 Earnings Call March 26, 2026 8:30 AM EDT
Company Participants
Darren Kozik – Executive VP & CFO Paul Sternlieb – CEO, President & Director
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Conference Call Participants
Will Gildea – CJS Securities, Inc. Robert Samuel Karlov – William Blair & Company L.L.C., Research Division Thomas Hayes – ROTH Capital Partners, LLC, Research Division Steven Silver – Argus Research Company
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Presentation
Operator
Hello, and welcome to Enerpac Tool Group Second Quarter Fiscal 2026 Earnings Call. Please note that this call is being recorded. [Operator Instructions]
I’d now like to hand the call over to Darren Kozik, CFO. Please go ahead.
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Darren Kozik Executive VP & CFO
Thank you, operator. Good morning, and thank you for joining us for Enerpac Tool Group’s Earnings Call for the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2026. Joining me on the call today is our President and Chief Executive Officer, Paul Sternlieb. The slides referenced on today’s call are available on the Investor Relations section of the company’s website, which you can download and follow along. A recording of today’s call will also be made available on our website.
Today’s call will reference non-GAAP measures. You can find a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures in the press release issued yesterday. Our comments will also include forward-looking statements that are subject to business risks that could cause actual results to be materially different. Those risks include matters noted in our latest SEC filings.
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Now I will turn the call over to Paul.
Paul Sternlieb CEO, President & Director
Thanks, Darren, and thank you, everyone, for joining us this morning. As we look back at our second quarter of fiscal 2026 performance, there was a lot to be pleased about. Within our Industrial Tools & Service segment or IT&S, product sales accelerated growing 6% organically year-over-year. That represents the highest growth in products that we’ve enjoyed
Erika Kirk, the widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk and current CEO and chairwoman of Turning Point USA, has sent a fresh cease-and-desist letter accusing an online activist of defamation, escalating a public feud over baseless claims linking her to her husband’s assassination and sex trafficking allegations tied to Jeffrey Epstein.
Erika Kirk
The letter, dated March 18 and signed by attorney Paul Edgard Harold of SouthBank Legal, targets Collin Scott Campbell, the Maryland-based figure behind the “Project Constitution” brand. It demands he stop spreading statements alleging Kirk’s involvement in Charlie Kirk’s September 2025 murder and other unsubstantiated claims.
Kirk, 37, assumed leadership of the influential conservative youth organization shortly after her husband’s assassination at a Turning Point USA event on the campus of Utah Valley University. The board voted unanimously to appoint her as chair and CEO, a role she has used to vow that the group’s mission would grow “stronger, bolder, louder and greater than ever.”
In the months since, Kirk has navigated grief while stepping into the national spotlight. She has spoken at her husband’s memorial, where she publicly forgave the shooter, citing her Christian faith. She has hosted events, appeared on major media outlets and continued Turning Point USA’s campus organizing, AmericaFest conference and podcast efforts.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly honored Kirk and her late husband. In February, Trump recognized her during his State of the Union address, calling Charlie Kirk a “great friend” and using the moment to condemn political violence. Trump later appointed Kirk in March to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, filling the seat previously held by her husband. The 16-member board advises on academy morale, curriculum, instruction and other matters.
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Kirk’s appointment drew attention as a continuation of her husband’s influence in conservative circles. She has also been announced as the 2026 commencement speaker at Hillsdale College and has joined events with figures like Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
Yet Kirk’s rising profile has come with intense scrutiny and online controversy. Critics, including some on the right such as Candace Owens, have questioned her leadership style, personal life and decisions at Turning Point USA. A leaked Zoom call from days after the assassination showed Kirk addressing staff, which some interpreted as overly focused on operations. Allegations have circulated online about past texts and personal conduct, though many remain unverified or contested.
The latest cease-and-desist reflects Kirk and Turning Point USA’s aggressive pushback against what they describe as defamatory attacks. The letter accuses Campbell of spreading falsehoods that have damaged Kirk’s reputation. Such legal threats highlight deepening divisions within conservative activist circles following Charlie Kirk’s death.
Before her husband’s assassination, Erika Lane Frantzve (now Kirk) built her own public presence. Born in 1988 in Ohio and raised in Arizona, she won Miss Arizona USA in 2012. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations from Arizona State University, a juris master’s in legal studies from Liberty University and has pursued further studies in Christian leadership.
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Kirk launched a faith-based clothing line called PROCLAIM and a Bible-in-365 ministry focused on daily scripture engagement. She hosted devotional podcasts and described herself as a supportive wife and mother of two young children while often appearing alongside her husband at events.
Following the September 2025 shooting, Kirk has spoken openly about her grief, including in interviews detailing the hardest parts of daily life without her husband. She has shared emotional tributes, emphasizing resilience, faith and a commitment to family values. In one reflection, she described praying during the tragedy and finding blessings amid sorrow.
Supporters praise her poise and determination to carry forward Turning Point USA’s mission of engaging young people in conservative principles. Detractors, however, have accused her of turning personal tragedy into a “spotlight” moment or questioned internal organizational dynamics, including reports of some campus chapters reconsidering affiliations.
A luxury retailer, Alo, faced potential backlash after an alleged leak of Kirk’s purchase history was used in online smears. Broader discussions have touched on everything from her appearance and public demeanor to policy questions, such as her comments on family, motherhood and political violence.
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Kirk has largely responded by focusing on faith, forgiveness and legacy-building. She has rejected political violence and called for unity in the conservative movement. In public appearances, she has stressed that her husband’s work must continue through grassroots activism on campuses and beyond.
The defamation dispute with Project Constitution fits into a pattern of legal and rhetorical clashes. Turning Point USA has defended its operations amid questions about finances, direction and internal culture. Some online voices have amplified conspiracy theories, while others defend Kirk as a grieving widow unfairly targeted.
As of late March 2026, no lawsuit has been filed in the latest cease-and-desist matter, but the letter signals Kirk’s unwillingness to let accusations go unchallenged. Legal experts note that defamation cases involving public figures require proving actual malice — knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth.
Kirk’s story reflects broader themes in American conservatism: the intersection of faith, politics, personal loss and public leadership. A former pageant winner and entrepreneur turned nonprofit executive, she embodies contrasts that have fueled both admiration and criticism.
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Friends and allies describe her as resilient, pointing to her quick return to public work while raising children. In a TIME100 Next profile, she was highlighted for modeling strength and grace after tragedy. Critics counter that some appearances, including a leaked call showing her addressing business matters shortly after the assassination, suggest a focus on continuity that some find jarring.
Turning Point USA, founded by Charlie Kirk in 2012, has grown into a major force for conservative organizing, with chapters on hundreds of campuses. Under Erika Kirk’s leadership, the group has maintained its schedule of events despite challenges, including reported disaffiliations by some local chapters.
Kirk has participated in faith-focused tours and spoken about biblical leadership. She has addressed topics like gender roles, marriage and delaying family, drawing from her own journey from a career-oriented background to married life and motherhood.
The Air Force Academy appointment adds a formal government advisory role, potentially allowing Kirk to influence recommendations on curriculum and cadet life. It also keeps the Kirk name connected to institutions her husband engaged with.
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As controversies swirl — from legal threats to online memes and commentary — Kirk continues her dual role as mother and movement leader. She has posted heartfelt messages about sorrow not having the final word and the importance of Christian forgiveness.
Political observers note that her trajectory places her among prominent women in the MAGA-aligned space, often facing intense personal scrutiny. Supporters urge focus on her policy work and faith; skeptics demand greater transparency from Turning Point USA.
With 2026 bringing commencement speeches, ongoing tours and potential further legal developments, Erika Kirk remains a central, polarizing figure in conservative politics. Her ability to steer the organization her husband built, while countering personal attacks, will likely shape Turning Point USA’s future influence.
Kirk has not commented publicly on the most recent cease-and-desist as of Thursday. Turning Point USA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
She added that clean steelmaking, the development of the Celtic Freeport and the expansion of floating offshore wind meant Port Talbot was firmly at the heart of south Wales’s growing clean energy economy, supporting thousands of new, high-quality jobs and helping deliver Britain’s clean power mission.
The US fast-food chain sells Mexican-inspired dishes and is known for its tacos and burritos
Taco Bell is opening across the South West of England, Wales and Midlands(Image: Handout)
US fast-food restaurant Taco Bell is set to open a number of outlets in the West of England, Wales and the Midlands. Franchise operator Campana has secured an eight-figure funding package which will be used to establish the new branches, with six sites due to open across the cross-border region in the coming months.
Part of the SYMBRO Group, Campana currently operates 23 Taco Bell locations in South West England, Wales and the Midlands.
It is understood the business plans to open around 12 new restaurants a year, building a portfolio of more than 50 Taco Bell sites in the UK by 2029.
The next phase of growth will focus on further locations in Wales, the South West, along the M4 and M5 corridors, plus further expansion in and around the Midlands.
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The £20m investment programme is expected to create around 600 jobs and increase revenue by between 50 and 60 per cent as the business continues to expand.
David Morgan, finance director at Campana, said: “Since opening our first Taco Bell six years ago, and with every additional new restaurant opening since, we’ve consistently seen strong demand for this much-loved brand, bringing craveable, Mexican-inspired flavours and unbeatable value to a new generation of UK consumers.”
The company secured the latest finance package from HSBC UK. It is understood the lender also provided Campana with a revolving credit facility, giving the business access to capital as new locations are secured and construction and fit-outs get under way.
Paul Lane, relationship director at HSBC UK, added: “Campana has built a strong Taco Bell franchise business since opening its first location, and its ambitious rollout plans highlight the opportunity within the UK’s hospitality sector, despite ongoing pressures.
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“The quick-service restaurant market continues to show resilience, with franchising offering a scalable and effective route to growth. Against this backdrop, the business’ clear expansion strategy and proven track record made a compelling case to support this significant funding package and its next phase of growth.”
SYMBRO Group currently owns and operates 60 QSR franchises across the UK and the Netherlands, including Taco Bell, Subway and Starbucks.
Hello, and thank you for standing by. My name is Bella, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to M-tron Earnings Call for Q4 2025. [Operator Instructions]
I would now like to turn the conference over to Linda Biles, Executive Vice President of Finance. You may begin.
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Linda Biles Executive VP of Finance & Secretary
Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining our M-tron Q4 2025 and Fiscal Year 2025 Earnings Call. Please note that this call will be recorded, and we will make the recording available on our website www.mtron.com shortly after the call. Tuesday afternoon, we released our earnings for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2025 and annual fiscal year 2025.
Before getting underway, we are required to advise you that the following discussion should be taken in conjunction with our most recent financial statements and notes is contained within our 2025 10-K, which was filed today on March 26 with the SEC.
This discussion may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements contain known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which are detailed in our filings with the SEC.
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Although the company believes that the forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions regarding its business and future market conditions, there are no assurances that the company’s actual results will not differ materially from any results expressed or implied by the company’s forward-looking statements.
Thursday’s Opening Day may be the calm before the storm for Major League Baseball.
The league’s collective bargaining agreement with its players expires at the end of this season. Owners, with the commissioner’s backing, are almost sure to push for a salary cap (which would likely come with a salary floor to get players to the negotiating table).
MLB owners have never been able to get a cap passed by the players union. It’s unclear if the end of the 2026 season will lead to a different result, but MLB Players Association Interim Executive Director Bruce Meyer told ESPN last month he expects a lockout is “all but guaranteed.”
In addition to the CBA’s expiration, there are major shifts underway for baseball media rights. One-third of the league’s teams didn’t have local TV deals in place for this season until this week.
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Nine MLB teams – the Washington Nationals, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, and Detroit Tigers – announced Wednesday their brand new MLB-operated team channels will be carried by DirecTV.
Most of those teams had previously been part of Main Street Sports (previously Diamond Sports Group), which operates FanDuel Sports Networks (previously Bally Sports). That entity has been teetering with liquidation, and the teams terminated their contracts with the company due to missed payments earlier this year.
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MLB ideally wants the rights to all 30 teams in its control by the end of the 2028 season so that it can sell the in-market local games as a national package to a streamer. That would become the modern replacement to regional sports networks, and it would likely be a new, coveted package for streaming services such as ESPN and Amazon Prime Video.
Also at the end of the 2028 season, MLB’s national media rights for all of its packages will expire, allowing the league to redistribute games to its partners and potentially select new ones.
NBC, ESPN, Fox and a combined CBS/Turner have dominated national rights for the past few decades.
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“The key in media negotiations now is having all of your rights available,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred told me last year. “If you have all of your content – all of your playoffs, all of your regular season – available, there will be buyers, and I’m confident there will be buyers at a higher price for us.”
Manfred has even floated the idea of expanding to 32 teams and realigning the league geographically, upending or even eliminating the American and National leagues that have existed for more than 100 years.
Soaring TV ratings
It’s, of course, unclear how much of this hypothetical change will actually come to fruition.
But the potential for transformation at MLB is greater than at any of the other Big 4 professional leagues in the U.S.
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And yet, baseball isn’t struggling — on the contrary. The implementation of the pitch clock in 2023 has led to shorter games, rising attendance and higher TV ratings.
Rob Manfred, Commissioner of the MLB, attends the annual Allen and Co. Sun Valley Media and Technology Conference at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho, U.S., on July 9, 2025.
David A. Grogan | CNBC
More than 50 million people in the U.S., Canada and Japan watched Game Seven of the World Series last year – the most-watched baseball game in 34 years. MLB recently wrapped up the World Baseball Classic – a global preseason tournament – which captured nearly 11 million viewers on Fox and Fox Deportes for its final game.
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MLB team valuations rose 13% from last year. The average MLB team is now worth $2.95 billion, according to CNBC Sport data.
Still, the profitability of the league is in far worse shape than it is for the NFL, NBA and NHL, according to CNBC’s calculations. In 2025, MLB’s 30 teams had an EBITDA — earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization — margin of under 2%. Team average revenue was $426 million with average EBITDA of $7 million, including non-MLB ballpark events. In contrast, the comparable margin for the NFL was 20%; the NBA, 21% and the NHL, 22%, according to CNBC’s most recent valuations.
The new CBA at the end of this season could be the first significant step toward a very different MLB. But, similar to the WNBA, which announced its new CBA earlier this week, MLB must ensure negotiations to get a new labor agreement don’t jeopardize a wave of positive momentum.
Mortgage rates rose for the fourth straight week to the highest level since September, a sharp reversal that threatens to chill the start of the important spring home-buying season.
The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 6.38% this week, up from 6.22% last week, Freddie Mac said Thursday.
Lint Group ranks as the top estate and letting agent for young professionals looking to rent or invest in Gants Hill for 2026.
The agency’s guaranteed rent model, dedicated property officers, and 30-year East London track record make it the strongest option for both landlords and tenants navigating Redbridge’s growing rental market.
Gants Hill’s Central Line access puts Oxford Circus within 25 minutes, making it increasingly popular with young professionals priced out of Zone 1 and 2. The area’s 1930s semis and modern flat developments offer a range of rental and buying options, with average prices around £508,000 and rental yields among the stronger performers in outer East London.
What Young Professionals Should Look for in a Gants Hill Agent
The priorities differ when you are renting your first flat versus managing a buy-to-let portfolio. Both scenarios demand agents who understand Gants Hill’s specific tenant demographic:
Central Line commute knowledge: Agents should understand which streets and developments attract young professionals commuting to the City and West End
Flexible lettings models: From guaranteed rent to self-serve platforms, the right model depends on your involvement level as a landlord
Responsive communication: Young professional tenants expect digital-first communication and fast maintenance response
Transparent costs: All fees, deposits, and management charges should be disclosed clearly before any agreement
Verified tenant reviews: Reviews from actual tenants matter as much as landlord testimonials when assessing service quality
11 Gants Hill Agents for Young Professionals
#
Agent
Best For
Digital Tools
Office
1
Lint Group
Guaranteed rent + management
Yes
Perth Road
2
OpenRent
Budget-friendly self-serve
Full platform
Online
3
Home Made
Tech-led lettings
Full platform
Online
4
Keatons
Local independent sales/lettings
Standard
East London
5
Upad
Modular online lettings
Full platform
Online
6
MadeComfy
Short-let income optimisation
Full platform
Online
7
Benham & Reeves
Corporate lettings network
Standard
East London
8
LetBritain
Guaranteed rent packages
Standard
London-wide
9
Guardians
Property guardian placements
Standard
London-wide
10
Guaranteed Rent London
Fixed-income lease service
Standard
London-wide
11
City Borough Housing
Council-partnered lettings
Standard
East London
11 Agents Young Gants Hill Professionals Should Know About
1. Lint Group: The First Call for Gants Hill Property
Young professionals renting in Gants Hill benefit from Lint Group’s responsive management style. The agency assigns named housing officers who handle tenant queries, maintenance requests, and compliance documentation personally.
For those investing in buy-to-let, the guaranteed rent model eliminates the uncertainty of void periods. Lint Group has operated this scheme since 1992, making it the longest-running provider in East London with a verifiable three-decade track record.
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Client Review:
“Talha did amazing! Made my move-in process so easy, went through everything in detail and was so polite and professional.” – Tenant Review, Google
Pros:
Named housing officers ensure tenants and landlords deal with consistent, accountable contacts
Guaranteed rent available for landlords seeking fixed monthly income
In-house maintenance delivers rapid response without outsourced delays
Three decades of Gants Hill and East London management experience
Cons:
Primary focus is lettings and management, with sales as a secondary offering
Office on Perth Road sits a short walk from the Gants Hill roundabout centre
Best for: Young professionals renting in Gants Hill and landlords building buy-to-let portfolios in Redbridge.
OpenRent provides self-serve portal access for landlords at flat-fee pricing. Rightmove and Zoopla listings, automated referencing, and digital tenancy agreements come standard.
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Pros:
Lowest cost route to major portals
Full digital admin tools
No ongoing commission payments
Cons:
Landlords handle all management
No local office
Best for: Budget-conscious landlords comfortable self-managing.
3. Home Made
Home Made uses a digital-first lettings model with transparent pricing and efficient online tenant matching. The platform targets landlords who prefer tech-driven processes.
Pros:
Fast, transparent tenant sourcing
Professional portal listings
Competitive online pricing
Cons:
No in-person Gants Hill presence
Management beyond placement is limited
Best for: Tech-savvy landlords wanting streamlined digital lettings.
4. Keatons
Keatons covers East London with independent sales and lettings services. The agency handles IG2 properties with a focus on personal relationships and local market insight.
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Pros:
Independent with genuine East London knowledge
Personal, consistent client contact
Combined sales and lettings
Cons:
Smaller reach than multi-office networks
No guaranteed rent option
Best for: Sellers and landlords wanting a local independent with personal service.
5. Upad
Upad offers modular online lettings where landlords select services individually, from portal listings to referencing, photography, and rent collection.
Pros:
Flexible, pick-what-you-need model
Affordable portal access
Add-on services available
Cons:
No physical local office
Core viewings and negotiations remain with the landlord
Best for: Landlords wanting flexible online lettings with control over which services they use.
6. MadeComfy
MadeComfy manages short-let and serviced accommodation across London, helping landlords optimise income through Airbnb and similar platforms alongside traditional letting.
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Pros:
Short-let income maximisation
Multi-platform listing management
Professional guest handling
Cons:
Regulatory risk in some boroughs for short lets
Not suited to long-term residential letting
Best for: Landlords exploring short-let income alongside traditional rental.
7. Benham & Reeves
Benham & Reeves operates 21 London offices with strength in corporate lettings and international landlord services. East London coverage extends to Redbridge.
Pros:
21-office London presence
Corporate and international client expertise
Multilingual staff
Cons:
No Gants Hill-specific branch
Corporate model may not suit individual landlords
Best for: International and corporate clients needing London-wide property management.
8. LetBritain
LetBritain combines guaranteed rent with full property management across London. The service packages fixed income with tenant sourcing, compliance, and maintenance.
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Pros:
Guaranteed rent with management included
London coverage
Hands-off landlord model
Cons:
Less local Gants Hill expertise than area specialists
Terms vary by property
Best for: Landlords wanting packaged guaranteed rent and management.
9. Guardians
Guardians places property guardians in vacant buildings across London, providing security through occupation while offering affordable living to young professionals.
Pros:
Affordable living for young professionals in vacant properties
Building security through occupation
London-wide placements
Cons:
Guardian arrangements differ from standard tenancies
Limited long-term housing security for occupants
Best for: Young professionals seeking affordable London accommodation through guardian schemes.
10. Guaranteed Rent London Ltd
Guaranteed Rent London provides fixed-income lease agreements with management and maintenance included. The service targets landlords wanting hassle-free income.
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Pros:
Dedicated rent guarantee focus
Management and void protection included
London coverage
Cons:
Newer entrant than established area agents
Local Gants Hill depth limited
Best for: Landlords wanting dedicated guaranteed rent from a London specialist.
11. City Borough Housing
City Borough Housing partners with local authorities for managed lettings and temporary accommodation across East London.
Pros:
Council partnership expertise
Managed and temporary accommodation specialist
East London focus
Cons:
Niche model not suited to all private landlords
Limited open-market capability
Best for: Landlords open to council-partnered tenancy models.
What Young Professionals Should Watch Out For
The Gants Hill rental market attracts a range of agents and platforms. Young renters and first-time landlords should be cautious of:
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No clear fee breakdown before signing: Every charge should be listed in writing. Hidden admin or renewal fees are a red flag
Slow maintenance response: Agents with in-house teams fix issues faster. Ask how repairs are handled before committing
No named contact for your property: Rotating staff means nobody understands your specific situation
Unverifiable guaranteed rent claims: Ask for landlord references and example contracts before signing any lease-back agreement
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lint Group best for young professionals in Gants Hill?
Named housing officers provide responsive, personal service. The agency’s 30-year presence means it understands which streets and developments attract young professionals commuting via the Central Line.
What does a young professional need from a Gants Hill letting agent?
Fast communication, transparent fees, responsive maintenance, and an agent who understands Central Line commuter demand. Digital tools for payments and reporting are also increasingly expected.
How much does it cost to rent in Gants Hill in 2026?
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Two-bedroom flats typically range from £1,600 to £1,900 per month. Prices vary by proximity to the Central Line station and property condition.
Is Gants Hill a good area for first-time buy-to-let investors?
Rental yields in Redbridge are growing faster than the London average at 5.9% (ONS, 2026). Gants Hill’s Central Line access and family-friendly streets make it a strong entry point for buy-to-let.
Can Lint Group help young professional tenants find a property?
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The agency maintains an active register of available properties across Gants Hill and East London. Tenants can enquire directly through the Perth Road office or via the website.
The Bottom Line
For young professionals renting in Gants Hill or landlords targeting this growing demographic, Lint Group offers the strongest package: guaranteed rent, named housing officers, in-house maintenance, and 30 years of local knowledge. Start with the team at Gabrielle House on Perth Road.
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