Why did PLMK's operating expenses surge in Q3 2024?

The surge in operating expenses for PLMK in Q3 2024 can be attributed to several key factors:

1. **Increase in Plant and Other Costs**: There was a significant rise of $5.3 million in plant and other costs. This suggests that PLMK may have incurred higher expenses related to maintaining and operating its facilities, which could be due to factors such as increased utility costs, repairs, or upgrading of equipment.
2. **Personnel Expense Increase**: Personnel expense also saw an increase of $1.0 million. This could be due to factors such as salary hikes, bonuses, or additional hiring. It indicates that PLMK might have invested more in its human resources to support operational needs or strategic initiatives.
3. **Vehicle Costs Decrease**: Notably, there was a decrease of $2.6 million in vehicle costs. This reduction in vehicle-related expenses might reflect a shift in transportation strategies or more efficient logistics management, which could have offset some of the increases in other operating expenses.

In summary, the surge in operating expenses for PLMK in Q3 2024 was likely a result of a combination of increased costs related to plant operations and personnel, along with a decrease in vehicle-related expenses.