Methode Electronics (MEI) 2025 Conference August 12, 2025 12:40 PM ET Speaker0Once again, I'm Ryan Brinkman at JPMorgan and The U. S. Automotive Equity Research Analyst here. Thanks for joining us for the next presentation. We have John DeGaener, Methode Electronics, relatively new President and Chief Executive Officer and Rob Jerry, their Vice President of Investor Relations.I'm going to turn it over to John for some remarks, and then we'll engage in a fireside chat. Thank you. Great.Speaker1Thanks, Ryan, ...

Financial Performance & Guidance - Methode Electronics reported FY25 sales of $1.05 billion[13, 30] and adjusted EBITDA of $43 million[30] - The company's Q4 FY25 free cash flow reached $26 million, the highest since FY23[8, 30] - FY26 guidance projects sales between $900 million and $1 billion[36], with a midpoint of $950 million[34], and EBITDA between $70 million and $80 million[30, 36], with a midpoint of $75 million[34], representing a 100%+ increase in EBITDA despite ~$100 million lower sales[10, 37] - The company anticipates $58 - $63 million in Depreciation and Amortization, $24 - $29 million in CapEx, $21 - $23 million in Interest Expense and $17 - $21 million in Tax Expense for FY26[36] Business Segments & Growth - In FY25, Automotive segment accounted for 45% of sales, Industrial 40%, and Interface 15%[13] - User Interface solutions represented 45% of sales, Lighting 27%, Power 24%, and Sensors 2%[13, 19] - The company achieved record power product sales in data centers exceeding $80 million in FY25, with similar or greater sales expected in FY26[8, 37] Market & Strategic Outlook - A reset of EV sales is expected in FY26 due to a slowdown in the North American market, particularly driven by Stellantis, with a return to growth anticipated in FY27[9] - Awards of $1.0+ billion in annual sales were secured from FY22 to FY25[30] - The company is focused on transformation, prioritizing improved execution before growth, emphasizing "Earning the Right"[8, 26, 37]

CHICAGO, Ill., Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI), a leading global supplier of custom-engineered solutions for user interface, lighting, and power distribution applications, will present at the J.P. Morgan Auto Conference on Tuesday, August 12th at 12:40 p.m. EDT. A simultaneous webcast can be accessed on the company’s website, www.methode.com, by selecting the Investors page. The webcast will also be archived on the same Investors page. About Methode Electronics, Inc.M ...

Core Viewpoint - Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is investigating potential claims against Methode Electronics Inc. due to a class action complaint alleging breaches of fiduciary duties by the board of directors during the specified class period [1][2]. Group 1: Company Performance Issues - Methode Electronics lost highly skilled employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting its transition from a low mix, high volume production model to a high mix, low production model at its Monterrey facility [2]. - The company's efforts to diversify its product offerings, particularly in the electric vehicle sector, faced significant challenges including production planning deficiencies, inventory shortages, and vendor issues [2]. - Manufacturing systems at the Monterrey facility experienced logistical defects such as improper system coding, shipping errors, and quality control failures, leading to delays in launching new electric vehicle programs [2]. - Methode Electronics is not on track to meet its 2023 diluted earnings-per-share guidance or the projected 6% organic sales compound annual growth rate, indicating that these estimates lacked a reasonable factual basis [2]. Group 2: Legal and Investor Relations - Long-term stockholders of Methode Electronics are encouraged to contact Bragar Eagel & Squire for discussions regarding their legal rights and potential claims related to the company's performance issues [1][3]. - The law firm represents both individual and institutional investors in complex litigation, indicating a focus on protecting shareholder rights [4].

Project Overview - Caldeira project has a large ionic clay resource globally at 1.5 billion tonnes @ 2,359 ppm TREO, including 526 ppm MREO[17] - The project's initial mine life is estimated to be 20 years based on the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS)[23] - Drilling has been limited to approximately 15% of the total license area, indicating significant exploration upside[23] Financial Highlights - The project boasts a compelling post-tax NPV8 of US$1.3 billion, indicating strong potential for extending mine life and processing capacity[17,41] - The development capex is estimated at US$443 million, inclusive of contingency[41] - The average annual Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO) production is projected to be 13,584 tonnes, representing approximately 8% of the global REO market[38] - Average annual Neodymium-Praseodymium (NdPr) Oxide production is estimated at 4,228 tonnes, representing about 7% of the global NdPr market[38] Operational Summary - The project plans for a 6Mtpa plant throughput, optimized for greater return on capital[38] - The Maiden Probable Ore Reserve is 103 million tonnes @ 4,091 ppm TREO, based on a minimum 100m x 100m drilling[38] - The Life of Mine (LOM) strip ratio is low at 0.38 (waste:ore)[50]

Group 1 - MEI Pharma, Inc. has entered into a private investment in public equity (PIPE) transaction for the purchase and sale of 29.2 million shares at $3.42 per share, expecting aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $100 million [1][2] - The company will appoint Charlie Lee to its board of directors, while current member Taheer Datoo will resign [2] - GSR will serve as the digital asset and treasury management advisor to oversee the implementation of its Litecoin Treasury Strategy [2] Group 2 - This transaction marks a significant milestone in MEI's long-term strategic plan, establishing it as the first publicly traded company to adopt Litecoin as a treasury reserve asset [3] - Litecoin, created by Charlie Lee in October 2011, is often referred to as the "silver to Bitcoin's gold" and has a proven track record of growth and reliability [3] - By integrating Litecoin into its treasury operations, MEI gains access to a decentralized monetary asset that complements its cash management framework [3] Group 3 - MEI Pharma stock is trading higher, up 31.54% at $5.92 [4]

Company Overview - Methode Electronics, Inc. is an American engineering company specializing in the development and manufacture of mechatronic electronic components for industrial and transportation OEM customers [1] - The main areas of activity for Methode include automotive systems and industrial applications [1] Analyst Background - The analyst has over six years of experience in the investment world, starting as an equity analyst at European banks [1] - The analyst has worked across various sectors, including telecom and industry, focusing on uncovering value in financial statements [1] - The analyst holds a bachelor's degree from Antwerp, a master's from KU Leuven, and an MBA in Finance from Vlerick [1] Investment Focus - The analyst is currently building an investment project focused on the CIS region, applying Western analytical tools to identify hidden value in emerging markets [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter net sales were $257.1 million, a decrease of 7% year-over-year but an increase of 7% sequentially from Q3 [32][42] - Adjusted loss from operations for the fourth quarter was $21.6 million, a decrease of $11.8 million from the previous fiscal year [33] - Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA was a negative $7.1 million, down $12.4 million from the same period last year [35] - Full year net sales were $1.048 billion, a decrease of 6% from the previous fiscal year [42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Record sales for power products in data center applications exceeded $80 million for the full year, almost double that of fiscal 2024 [13][42] - EV sales represented 20% of consolidated total sales, an increase from 14% year-over-year, but sequentially decreased by approximately 10% from Q3 [15] - The company expects a 10% to 15% decline in EV sales for fiscal 2026 due to weaker market demand and program delays [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced significant sales headwinds from the roll-off of major auto programs, particularly the GM center console and EV lighting programs [11][42] - The decline in sales was primarily driven by the impact of these program roll-offs, which had a combined year-over-year impact of $111 million [42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving operational execution and successfully launching a large pipeline of new programs, with 22 new programs launched in fiscal 2025 and another 30 expected in fiscal 2026 [18][19] - The transformation strategy aims to stabilize the organization and position it for future growth, particularly in data centers and EV markets [20][27] - The company plans to optimize its footprint and reevaluate its product portfolio to align with market opportunities [22][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management indicated that fiscal 2026 will be a reset year due to EV program delays, particularly from Stellantis, but expects a return to growth in fiscal 2027 [7][10] - The company anticipates doubling its EBITDA in fiscal 2026 despite projected declining sales of approximately $100 million [10][28] - Management emphasized the importance of operational improvements and cost recovery actions in response to external challenges [16][17] Other Important Information - The company recorded $26 million in free cash flow for the quarter, marking the best quarter since Q4 of fiscal 2023 [8] - The company reduced both debt and net debt levels by $10 million from Q3 [17] - The board reduced the dividend, which was a strategic decision to provide more flexibility from a working capital perspective [92] Q&A Session Summary Question: How to understand the expected sales decline and EBITDA increase? - Management explained that operational improvements and the elimination of one-time expenses will contribute to the expected EBITDA increase despite declining sales [52][54] Question: What percentage of the new launches are EV platforms? - Approximately 50% of the new launches are related to EV platforms, with a significant focus on data center growth as well [56][74] Question: What is the status of Stellantis revenue expectations? - Management confirmed a significant reduction in expected revenue from Stellantis, with a $200 million swing from previous projections due to program delays [44][80] Question: What is the leverage waiver status? - The leverage covenants were relaxed through the next year, starting at 4.25 for Q4 of fiscal 2025 [62][64] Question: How much of the revenue decline is due to pricing? - The revenue decline is primarily due to program delays and cancellations, not pricing issues [100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter net sales were $257.1 million, a decrease of 7% year-over-year but an increase of 7% sequentially from the third quarter [35][36] - The full year fiscal 2025 net sales were $1.048 billion, down 6% from $1.115 billion in fiscal 2024, primarily due to program roll-offs [45] - The fourth quarter adjusted loss from operations was $21.6 million, a decrease of $11.8 million from fiscal 2024 [36] - Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA was a negative $7.1 million, down $12.4 million year-over-year [39] - Free cash flow for the fourth quarter was $26.3 million, an increase of $10.5 million from fiscal 2024 [42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Record sales for power products in data center applications exceeded $80 million for the full year, nearly double that of fiscal 2024 [14][45] - EV sales represented 20% of consolidated total sales, showing a year-over-year increase of 1419%, but a sequential decrease of approximately 10% from Q3 [16] - The automotive segment faced significant challenges, with historical warranty and quality issues contributing to losses [13][41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects a 10% to 15% decline in EV sales for fiscal 2026 due to weaker market demand and program delays [17] - The company anticipates a significant rebound in EV sales in fiscal 2027 based on customer forecasts and industry projections [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving operational execution and successfully launching a large pipeline of new programs, with 30 new program launches expected in fiscal 2026 [20][49] - The transformation strategy aims to enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation, particularly in data centers and EV markets [30][31] - The company plans to optimize its footprint and reevaluate its product portfolio to align with market opportunities [29][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that fiscal 2026 will be a reset year due to EV program delays, particularly from Stellantis, but expects to double EBITDA despite declining sales [11][12] - The leadership team emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and focus on objectives amid external challenges such as tariffs and market volatility [24][25] Other Important Information - The company has successfully remediated three material weaknesses in internal controls identified in fiscal 2024 [51] - The dividend was reduced to $0.07 per share to provide flexibility and align with peers, considering the company's financial situation [104] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key earnings levers given the expected sales decline? - Management highlighted operational improvements and the elimination of one-time expenses as key factors for expected EBITDA growth despite lower sales [54][58] Question: How many of the new launches are EV platforms? - Approximately 50% of the new program launches are related to the EV market, with a significant focus on data center growth as well [79] Question: Can you clarify the leverage waiver and covenant levels? - The leverage covenants were relaxed, starting at 4.25 for Q4 of fiscal 2025, with confidence in meeting these covenants over the next year [66][67]

Group 1: Methode Electronics - Methode Electronics reported a fourth-quarter adjusted EPS loss of 77 cents per share, missing market estimates of earnings of 4 cents per share [1] - The company's sales were $257.10 million, exceeding estimates of $232.87 million [1] - Shares of Methode Electronics fell sharply in pre-market trading following the earnings report [1] Group 2: Other Stocks - Mereo BioPharma Group plc shares tumbled 36.6% to $1.87 in pre-market trading [4] - Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. shares dipped 21.3% to $32.50 in pre-market trading [4] - Wolfspeed, Inc. shares fell 11% to $1.79 in pre-market trading after a 20% drop on Wednesday [4] - Scage Future shares fell 10.5% to $5.89 in pre-market trading after a significant gain of over 56% on Wednesday [4] - Altimmune, Inc. shares dipped 8.4% to $4.34 in pre-market trading following the initiation of a Phase 2 trial [4] - Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc. shares fell 7.7% to $61.60 in pre-market trading after a 40% drop on Wednesday due to a mixed shelf filing [4] - Hotel101 Global Holdings Corp. shares dipped 5.3% to $3.42 in after-hours trading [4] - Metsera, Inc. shares fell 4.3% to $33.80 in pre-market trading after a 17% gain on Wednesday [4]