Kennametal's Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenues Decline Y/Y

Core Viewpoint - Kennametal Inc. reported strong adjusted earnings for Q3 fiscal 2025, significantly exceeding expectations, despite a decline in revenues year-over-year [1][2]. Revenue Performance - Total revenues for Kennametal were $486.4 million, a decrease of 5.7% from the previous year, and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $490 million [2]. - Revenue breakdown by region showed a 3% decline in American operations to $240.4 million, a 4% decrease in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to $151.3 million, and a 1% drop in Asia Pacific to $94.8 million [2]. - The Metal Cutting segment generated revenues of $304.3 million, down 7% year-over-year, with organic revenues declining 4% [3]. - The Infrastructure segment reported revenues of $182.1 million, a 4% decrease year-over-year, with organic revenues down 2% [4]. Margin and Cost Analysis - Cost of goods sold decreased by 9% year-over-year to $330 million, leading to a gross profit increase of 2% to $156.4 million and a gross margin improvement of 250 basis points to 32.2% [5]. - Operating income rose 25.7% year-over-year to $44.1 million, with an operating margin increase of 230 basis points to 9.1% [5]. - Interest expenses were reported at $6.2 million, down 8.3% from the previous year [6]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of the end of Q3, cash and cash equivalents stood at $97.5 million, down from $128 million in the previous quarter, while long-term debt increased slightly to $596.6 million [7]. - In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, net cash generated from operating activities was $129.7 million, compared to $163.5 million in the same period last year [8]. - Free operating cash flow was reported at $63 million, down from $84 million in the previous fiscal year [8]. Dividend and Share Repurchase - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of 20 cents per share, with a total payout of $46.6 million, and repurchased shares worth $55.1 million [9][11]. Guidance - Kennametal updated its fiscal 2025 outlook, projecting sales between $1.97 billion and $1.99 billion, and adjusted earnings per share in the range of $1.30 to $1.45 [12]. - Free operating cash flow is expected to exceed 125% of net income, with capital spending anticipated at approximately $90 million [12].