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    Robert Smith • Center of Performance Investing

    Robert Smith's questions to Standard Motor Products Inc (SMP) leadership

    Robert Smith's questions to Standard Motor Products Inc (SMP) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Robert Smith of the Center for Performance Investing requested more detail on Nissens' year-over-year performance across its categories. He also asked for clarification on the products included in the 'all other' subcategory of Engineered Solutions and inquired about the potential to refinance debt given the expectation of lower interest rates.

    Answer

    Eric Sills, Chair, CEO & President, reported that Nissens is tracking up mid-to-high single digits year-over-year, with its newer 'engine efficiency' category growing fastest. He identified powersports as the largest component of the 'all other' subcategory, which is currently soft but has long-term potential. CFO Nathan Iles noted that while the company locked in attractive rates via swaps last year, they will continue to monitor the market for refinancing opportunities.

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    Robert Smith's questions to Standard Motor Products Inc (SMP) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Robert Smith asked if it was fair to assume the company would pause on further acquisitions to prioritize paying down debt. He also inquired about the company's approach to examining and implementing efficiencies from artificial intelligence (AI).

    Answer

    COO Jim Burke confirmed that prioritizing debt paydown is a fair assessment, with a goal to reduce leverage to under 2x by the end of 2026, though they remain aware of market opportunities. CEO Eric Sills explained that the company is exploring AI for applications in operational efficiency and product offerings, such as deploying more sophisticated predictive analytics for demand planning, and is working with various third-party providers.

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    Robert Smith's questions to Oil-Dri Corporation of America (ODC) leadership

    Robert Smith's questions to Oil-Dri Corporation of America (ODC) leadership • Q3 2025

    Question

    Robert Smith from the Center for Performance Investing questioned the company's significant outperformance in renewable diesel sales despite a market downturn and asked if artificial intelligence is being used to control expenses or target advertising.

    Answer

    Bruce Patsey, VP of Fluids Purification, explained the sales growth was driven by securing business from new renewable diesel plants that came online during the fiscal year. Susan Kreh, CFO & CIO, stated that Oil-Dri is in the early stages of a five-year AI roadmap, currently using it for efficiency in areas like customer service and accounts payable, with future plans for expense control.

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    Robert Smith's questions to Oil-Dri Corporation of America (ODC) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Robert Smith questioned why Amlan's growth has not been more robust despite successful trials and asked about expectations for continued sales growth in Latin America and North America.

    Answer

    Wade Robey, VP of Agriculture and President of Amlan International, addressed the perceived slow growth by pointing to a recent downturn in agricultural markets due to inflation and commodity costs. He highlighted that growth is now strong in North America and Latin America. Robey also clarified that a change in the go-to-market strategy in China impacted year-over-year comparisons, but underlying growth is solid.

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    Robert Smith's questions to Frequency Electronics Inc (FEIM) leadership

    Robert Smith's questions to Frequency Electronics Inc (FEIM) leadership • Q3 2025

    Question

    Robert Smith from the Center of Performance Investing questioned whether the company has adequate financial resources for required investments in areas like product hardening. He also asked about opportunities for collaboration and the nature of the current bidding environment, specifically regarding new versus familiar competitors.

    Answer

    Executive Thomas McClelland affirmed that the company has adequate financial resources for its investment needs and is taking a cautious, responsible approach given the dynamic environment. He stated that FEI is aggressively pursuing collaborations and teaming agreements with government labs and other companies. He characterized the bidding environment as a mix, with the government seeking non-traditional primes for proliferated satellite programs while legacy space programs involve the usual cast of characters.

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