NEW YORK, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds persons or entities that (1) sold or otherwise disposed of the publicly-traded common stock of Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CERE) during the period from October 11, 2023 through August 1, 2024, inclusive (the “Class Period”); (2) held shares of Cerevel as of the January 8, 2024 record date and were entitled to vote on the merger of Cerevel and AbbVie Inc.; and/or (3) sold shares of Cer ...

Core Viewpoint - Hillenbrand, Inc. reported a decline in financial performance for the fiscal second quarter of 2025, primarily due to lower capital equipment volume and increased macroeconomic uncertainty, leading to an adjusted outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year [2][3][7]. Financial Performance Summary - Net revenue for the second quarter was $715.9 million, a decrease of 9% from $785.3 million in the prior year, mainly due to lower capital equipment volume [3][7]. - GAAP net loss attributable to Hillenbrand was $40.9 million, or $(0.58) per share, compared to a profit of $6.1 million, or $0.09 per share, in the prior year [4][7]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $98.8 million, down 19% from $122.6 million year-over-year, primarily due to lower volume and cost inflation [5][7]. - Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.60, a decrease of 21% compared to $0.76 in the prior year [5][7]. Segment Performance - Advanced Process Solutions (APS) segment net revenue was $494 million, down 12% from $559.2 million, primarily due to lower capital equipment volume [6][8]. - Molding Technology Solutions (MTS) segment net revenue was $221.9 million, a decrease of 2% from $226.1 million, driven by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates [10][11]. Backlog and Future Outlook - Total backlog decreased by 15% year-over-year to $1.59 billion, primarily due to lower order intake, although it increased by 1% sequentially [9][12]. - The company updated its fiscal 2025 guidance, expecting total revenue between $2.555 billion and $2.620 billion, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 20% to 18% [17][18]. Cash Flow and Capital Allocation - Cash flow from operating activities was $1.3 million, a decrease of 59% from $3.2 million in the prior year [3][13]. - As of March 31, 2025, net debt was $1.46 billion, with a net debt to pro forma adjusted EBITDA ratio of 3.4x [14][38]. Recent Transactions - The company completed the sale of a majority stake in the Milacron injection molding and extrusion business on March 31, 2025, generating net proceeds of approximately $265 million, which were used for debt reduction [7][16]. - Hillenbrand entered into an agreement to sell the TerraSource business to Astec Industries for $245 million, expected to close in late fiscal third quarter or early fiscal fourth quarter 2025 [15].

Core Viewpoint - Rosen Law Firm is reminding investors who sold or held shares of Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. during a specified period about their potential entitlement to compensation through a class action lawsuit [1][2]. Group 1: Class Action Details - The class period for the lawsuit is from October 11, 2023, to August 1, 2024, and includes those who held shares as of January 8, 2024, and those who sold shares around Bain Capital's purchase on October 16, 2023 [1]. - Investors may join the class action without incurring out-of-pocket fees through a contingency fee arrangement [2]. - A lead plaintiff must be appointed by June 3, 2025, to represent other class members in the litigation [3]. Group 2: Case Allegations - The lawsuit alleges that during the class period, Cerevel's controlling shareholders, Bain Capital and Pfizer, made misleading statements related to a secondary stock offering on October 16, 2023, and a proxy statement on January 18, 2024 [5]. - The secondary stock offering allowed Bain Capital to increase its stake in Cerevel at a discounted price before AbbVie Inc.'s acquisition announcement, which was made 51 days later at $45 per share, nearly double the offering price [5]. - Bain Capital's discounted purchases from the offering resulted in a windfall exceeding $120 million when the acquisition details became public, leading to investor damages [5]. Group 3: Rosen Law Firm's Credentials - Rosen Law Firm has a strong track record in securities class actions, having achieved the largest settlement against a Chinese company at the time and being ranked No. 1 for securities class action settlements in 2017 [4]. - The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors, including over $438 million in 2019 alone [4]. - Many attorneys at the firm have received recognition from Lawdragon and Super Lawyers, emphasizing their expertise in this area [4].

Core Viewpoint - Lincoln National Corporation (LNC) has formed a strategic partnership with Bain Capital, involving an $825 million investment for a 9.9% equity stake, which values LNC shares at $44 each, a 25% premium over the recent average [1][3] Group 1: Partnership Details - Bain Capital will manage a portion of Lincoln's assets under a 10-year, non-exclusive investment management agreement, allowing LNC to collaborate with other firms [2] - The partnership aims to support Lincoln's strategic goals by providing capital and access to high-quality private assets, enhancing LNC's multi-manager platform [3] Group 2: Financial Implications - Lincoln intends to utilize the funds to expand spread-based earnings, improve asset management capabilities, optimize its legacy life insurance portfolio, and reduce financial leverage to a target of 25% [3] - LNC's long-term debt was $5.9 billion at the end of 2024, a 2.8% increase year-over-year, with a long-term debt to capital ratio of 41.5%, significantly above the industry average of 14.3% [4] Group 3: Market Performance - LNC shares increased by 14% following the announcement of the partnership, and have gained 12.6% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 9.4% [1][5]

Core Viewpoint - Hillenbrand, Inc. has completed the sale of its majority interest in the Milacron injection molding and extrusion business to Bain Capital for $287 million, aligning with its strategy to enhance margins by focusing on higher growth opportunities [1][4]. Group 1: Sale Details - The Milacron business was acquired by Hillenbrand in 2019 and contributed $526 million in revenues and $64 million in adjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2024 [2][3]. - Following the sale, Bain Capital owns approximately 51% of Milacron and has full operational control, while Hillenbrand retains a 49% stake [4]. Group 2: Financial Implications - Hillenbrand plans to use the net proceeds of approximately $250 million from the sale to repay its debt [4]. - The fiscal 2025 revenue outlook for Hillenbrand's remaining businesses has been updated to a range of $2.625 - $2.790 billion, down from the previous estimate of $2.925 - $3.090 billion [5]. - Total adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $411 million and $447 million, with adjusted earnings per share anticipated in the range of $2.45 - $2.80 [6]. Group 3: Stock Performance - Hillenbrand's stock has experienced a significant decline, losing 50.5% over the past year, compared to an 11.4% decline in the industry [7].

Core Viewpoint - Hillenbrand, Inc. has completed the sale of its majority interest in the Milacron injection molding and extrusion business to Bain Capital for $287 million, retaining a 49% ownership stake [1][2][3] Group 1: Transaction Details - Bain Capital now holds approximately 51% of Milacron and has full operational control, while Hillenbrand retains a 49% stake [2] - The transaction is expected to yield after-tax net proceeds of approximately $250 million for Hillenbrand, which will be used to pay down debt [4] Group 2: Strategic Implications - This sale reflects Hillenbrand's ongoing transformation into a pure-play industrial company, allowing it to focus on core process and automation equipment for food, pharmaceutical, and polymer markets [3] - The partnership with Bain Capital is anticipated to enhance Milacron's growth potential and operational success, leveraging Bain's resources and focus [4] Group 3: Historical Context - Hillenbrand acquired Milacron Holdings Corp. in 2019, which included Milacron's injection molding and extrusion business, along with Mold-Masters, DME, and Cimcool [3] - Hillenbrand previously sold the Cimcool business in 2020 and continues to own Mold-Masters and DME [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for the quarter was $700 million, down 9% year over year, but in line with expectations [10][19] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.56, down 19% year over year, consistent with expectations due to lower starting backlog [10][20] - Adjusted EBITDA was $97 million, a decrease of 15% year over year, with a consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.7%, down 110 basis points compared to the prior year [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advanced Process Solutions (APS) revenue was $511 million, down 10% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $83 million, a decrease of 14% [21][22] - Molding Technology Solutions (MTS) revenue was $196 million, down 5% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $27 million, a decrease of 15% [23][24] - Backlog for APS was $1.6 billion, down 17% year over year, while MTS backlog increased 1% to $233 million [22][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America and Europe markets remain sluggish, particularly in automotive, while Asia shows stability with growth in India [15][24] - Customer quote pipelines remain healthy, especially in India and Saudi Arabia, despite global macroeconomic uncertainty [12][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming its portfolio towards higher margin, higher growth, and less cyclical industrial leaders [6][8] - The sale of a 51% stake in Milacron for $287 million is part of this transformation, allowing the company to concentrate on core business and enhance shareholder value [6][26] - The company aims to maximize shareholder value by deleveraging and enhancing its margin profile [8][25] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth strategy despite ongoing macroeconomic pressures [17][31] - The company anticipates continued softness in North America and Europe in the near term, with expectations for improved performance as order decision timing normalizes [15][31] - Management remains optimistic about the potential for future returns from the Milacron business under Bain Capital's ownership [9][68] Other Important Information - The company expects to close the Milacron transaction by the end of the fiscal second quarter or early in the third quarter, with net proceeds used for debt pay down [26][27] - Updated fiscal year guidance reflects approximately $2.63 billion to $2.8 billion in revenue and adjusted EBITDA of $411 million to $447 million [28][29] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: What do customers need to see to move from quoting to placing orders? - Management indicated that geopolitical factors and clarity on interest rates are significant concerns for customers before making major investments [36] Question: What percentage of revenue does aftermarket represent and what is the outlook? - Aftermarket orders were close to 40% of total orders for the quarter, with expectations for continued improvement throughout the year [39][40] Question: What drove the decision to sell a majority stake in Milacron rather than a full divestiture? - The decision was based on a regular review of assets to determine the best return for shareholders, allowing Milacron to pursue growth opportunities while focusing on core businesses [54][55] Question: What are the expected EBITDA margins and free cash flow conversion capabilities post-divestiture? - Expected EBITDA margins for MTS are projected to be in the mid-20s, with a target of 100% free cash flow conversion in the medium term [58][73]