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    Brian Sponheimer

    Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Gabelli Funds

    Brian Sponheimer is a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Gabelli Funds, specializing in the infrastructure and industrials sector with a focus on automotive and trucking companies. Since joining Gabelli in 2008, he has played a key role in portfolio management for The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust and is recognized as a lead analyst on the firm’s Industrial Research team, overseeing coverage of major firms within these sectors. Sponheimer became a portfolio manager in 2019 and has been instrumental in the fund's performance, leveraging deep sector analysis to enhance returns for institutional and retail clients. He holds senior leadership responsibilities at Gabelli, and his credentials include regulatory registrations associated with his executive roles, although specific securities licenses are not explicitly detailed in public records.

    Brian Sponheimer's questions to STRATTEC SECURITY (STRT) leadership

    Brian Sponheimer's questions to STRATTEC SECURITY (STRT) leadership • Q4 2025

    Question

    Brian Sponheimer questioned the strategy behind holding a substantial cash balance, asking about the appropriate cushion and plans for excess cash. He also inquired about the growth of digital key fobs versus the potential decline of physical fobs, the possibility of subscription revenue, and the repeatability of the quarter's strong earnings performance in fiscal 2026 and 2027.

    Answer

    President and CEO Jennifer Slater explained the large cash position provides stability amid market uncertainty, allowing the team to focus on the transformation before considering shareholder distributions. She noted that market studies show continued demand for physical key fobs alongside digital ones and that OEM customers currently control subscription revenue opportunities. Both Slater and CFO Matthew Pauli emphasized that future performance is highly dependent on North American production volumes, which are projected to soften, making the recent quarter's earnings level a challenge to repeat consistently.

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    Brian Sponheimer's questions to HYSTER-YALE (HY) leadership

    Brian Sponheimer's questions to HYSTER-YALE (HY) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Brian Sponheimer of Gabelli Funds inquired about the potential competitive impact of Toyota taking Toyota Industries private and whether current profitability pressures could hinder Hyster-Yale's ability to invest in technology like autonomous lift trucks.

    Answer

    President & CEO Rajiv Prasad responded that he does not expect the Toyota transaction to create a short-to-medium term market dynamic, viewing it as part of a broader trend in Japan for corporate restructuring. On technology investment, Mr. Prasad affirmed the company's commitment, highlighting the recent launch of automated solutions. CFO Scott Minder added that capital expenditures remain above depreciation and amortization, demonstrating continued investment in technology and efficiency.

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    Brian Sponheimer's questions to HYSTER-YALE (HY) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Brian Sponheimer from Gabelli Funds asked for commentary on Toyota Industries' move to go private and its competitive implications, and whether current profitability challenges hinder investment in autonomous vehicle technology.

    Answer

    President & CEO Rajiv Prasad suggested Toyota's move is part of a broader trend in Japan for corporate restructuring and doesn't anticipate short-term market dynamic changes. On technology investment, Prasad affirmed that development of automated solutions is proceeding. SVP, CFO & Treasurer Scott Minder supported this, noting that capital expenditures continue to exceed depreciation, signaling ongoing investment in the company's future.

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    Brian Sponheimer's questions to MODINE MANUFACTURING (MOD) leadership

    Brian Sponheimer's questions to MODINE MANUFACTURING (MOD) leadership • Q1 2026

    Question

    Brian Sponheimer asked about the long-term strategic vision, questioning at what point of scale for the data center and broader Climate Solutions businesses the company might consider another strategic separation.

    Answer

    President & CEO Neil Brinker acknowledged that as the company's portfolio continues to transform through growth, acquisitions, and divestitures, they will have to re-evaluate the business structure. He confirmed that this strategic review is a normal part of their annual 80/20 process and will be looked at going forward.

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    Brian Sponheimer's questions to PARK OHIO HOLDINGS (PKOH) leadership

    Brian Sponheimer's questions to PARK OHIO HOLDINGS (PKOH) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Brian Sponheimer asked for clarification on the company's exposure to China within its fastener business and any necessary mitigation efforts related to tariffs.

    Answer

    Executive Patrick Fogarty explained that Park-Ohio's direct exposure to China is minimal. He noted that following the implementation of tariffs a few years ago, the company proactively localized its supply chain, moving sourcing to other countries and back to the U.S. The primary Asian sourcing for fasteners now comes from Taiwan, where the company is working with suppliers and customers to manage costs.

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    Brian Sponheimer's questions to ASTEC INDUSTRIES (ASTE) leadership

    Brian Sponheimer's questions to ASTEC INDUSTRIES (ASTE) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Brian Sponheimer of Gabelli Asset Management asked about the potential impact of reinstituting 100% bonus depreciation on orders and queried what level of interest rate change would be needed to shift the market from restrictive to beneficial.

    Answer

    CEO Jaco van der Merwe stated that reinstituting 100% bonus depreciation would be a 'great win,' particularly for the company's smaller customers. On interest rates, he offered a counterpoint, suggesting that customers are adapting to the higher rate environment. He believes the increasing age of equipment is forcing customers to begin replacing machinery regardless of rates, as evidenced by strong sales conversions in December and January.

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    Brian Sponheimer's questions to HERC HOLDINGS (HRI) leadership

    Brian Sponheimer's questions to HERC HOLDINGS (HRI) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Brian Sponheimer inquired about Herc's tax policy 'wish list,' such as the return of bonus depreciation, and asked if the conclusion of the election has changed local market quoting activity.

    Answer

    CFO W. Humphrey identified bonus depreciation as the top item on their tax policy wish list. CEO Lawrence Silber stated that local market activity has not yet picked up and will likely require interest rate cuts from the Fed to stimulate new project investments, regardless of election clarity.

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    Brian Sponheimer's questions to Garrett Motion (GTX) leadership

    Brian Sponheimer's questions to Garrett Motion (GTX) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Brian Sponheimer asked about the sustainability of the strong 17.4% EBITDA margin amid top-line softness, questioning if it represents a new, higher floor for profitability, and also inquired about pricing pressure from automakers.

    Answer

    President and CEO Olivier Rabiller attributed the strong margin to long-term, structural efforts to improve the company's cost position and operational flexibility, rather than a one-time event. He stated that while raw material deflation provided a minor boost, the primary driver was sustained work on efficiency. Regarding pricing, Rabiller acknowledged that pressure from automakers is constant but has not fundamentally changed, and Garrett's ability to deliver performance and support helps navigate this environment.

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    Brian Sponheimer's questions to Garrett Motion (GTX) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Asked about the sustainability of the high EBITDA margin, whether the company is now structurally more profitable, and the outlook on pricing pressure from automotive customers.

    Answer

    The strong profitability is a result of long-term, continuous structural efforts to improve cost position and flexibility, not just a one-quarter effort. This includes making factories more flexible and reducing fixed costs. While deflation pass-through provided a minor boost, the core improvements are sustainable. Regarding pricing, pressure from customers is a constant in the industry and hasn't fundamentally changed. Garrett's ability to bring performance and value helps in these negotiations.

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