PLPC Q2 Earnings Grow 35% Y/Y, Stock Falls 10% on Tariff Fears

Core Insights - Preformed Line Products Company (PLPC) reported a strong second quarter for 2025, with significant revenue and earnings growth despite facing macroeconomic challenges and trade-related issues [14] Financial Performance - For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, PLPC achieved net sales of $169.6 million, a 22% increase from $138.7 million in the same quarter of 2024 [2] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose 35% to $2.56 from $1.89 year-over-year, with net income increasing to $12.7 million from $9.4 million [2] - Gross profit increased by 25% year-over-year to $55.4 million, with gross margin expanding by 80 basis points to 32.7% [3] Operational Metrics - Pre-tax income for the quarter surged 55% year-over-year to $17.3 million, reflecting improved operational efficiency and pricing strategies [4] - Regionally, PLP-USA led growth with a 32% increase in sales, while the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions saw gains of 31% and 20%, respectively [4] Segment Performance - Energy products accounted for approximately 70% of total second-quarter sales, with energy revenues climbing 21% to $118.7 million [5] - Communications sales rose 40% to $13.6 million, driven by a 41% increase in PLP-USA, supported by fiber closure product demand and the JAP Telecom acquisition [5] Management Insights - Executive chairman Rob Ruhlman highlighted the company's momentum and broad-based strength in domestic and international markets, particularly in energy and communications [6] - Management acknowledged uncertainties due to newly enacted tariffs affecting international goods sourced by PLP-USA [6] Cost Management - Increased costs related to steel and aluminum were partially offset through cost controls and pricing actions [7] - Selling, general and administrative expenses rose to $31.8 million from $27.2 million a year earlier, but interest expenses declined by 44% to $318,000 [9] Strategic Developments - PLPC completed the acquisition of JAP Telecom to enhance its communications product portfolio [12] - The company secured a $27.4 million loan to finance a new manufacturing facility in Poland, aimed at supporting production capacity in the EMEA region [12] - Capital expenditure increased significantly due to the investment in the Poland facility, with free cash flow returning to normalized levels at $18.6 million [13]