Leggett's Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenues Decline Y/Y

Core Viewpoint - Leggett & Platt, Incorporated (LEG) reported mixed first-quarter 2025 results, with earnings exceeding expectations while revenues fell short, reflecting ongoing demand softness in key markets [1][2][4]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 2025 were 24 cents, surpassing the consensus estimate of 23 cents by 4.3%, and up from 23 cents in the same quarter last year [4]. - Net trade sales totaled $1.022 billion, missing the consensus mark of $1.028 billion by 0.5%, and representing a 7% decline from $1.097 billion in the prior-year quarter [4]. - Adjusted EBIT increased 4.6% to $66.6 million from $63.7 million year-over-year, driven by restructuring benefits and operational efficiency improvements [5]. - Adjusted EBIT margin expanded 70 basis points to 6.5% from 5.8% in the year-ago quarter, while adjusted EBITDA margin grew 80 basis points to 9.6% [5]. Segment Performance - Bedding Products segment saw a 13% decline in net trade sales to $390.7 million, with a volume drop of 10% attributed to demand softness in U.S. and European markets [6]. - Specialized Products segment's trade sales decreased 5% to $300.1 million, with a volume decline of 4% due to reduced demand in Automotive and Hydraulic Cylinders [8]. - Furniture, Flooring & Textile Products segment reported a 1% decline in trade sales to $331.3 million, with a volume increase of 2% driven by growth in Textiles [10]. Guidance and Outlook - The company maintained its full-year sales guidance of $4-$4.3 billion, indicating a 2-9% decline year-over-year, with updated expectations for volume declines in key segments [14][15]. - Adjusted EPS is anticipated to be between $1 and $1.20, reflecting an increase at the midpoint compared to 2024, driven by restructuring benefits [16]. - The company expects adjusted EBIT margin to be in the range of 6.4-6.8% for the year [16]. Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, the company had $817 million in liquidity, with cash and equivalents of $412.6 million, up from $350.2 million at the end of 2024 [12]. - Long-term debt increased to $1.94 billion from $1.86 billion at the end of 2024, with a trailing 12-month net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio of 3.77x [12].