Quaker Chemical (KWR) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 02, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company Participants Jeffrey Schnell - Vice President, Investor RelationsJoseph Berquist - President and Chief Executive OfficerTom Coler - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial OfficerKevin Estok - Equity Research Senior AssociateJon Tanwanteng - Managing Director Conference Call Participants Mike Harrison - Managing Director and Senior Chemicals AnalystArun Viswanathan - Senior Equity Analyst Operator As a reminder, this conference ...

Quaker Chemical (KWR) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 02, 2025 08:30 AM ET Speaker0 As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. I would now like to turn the call over to Jeffrey Snell, Vice President, Investor Relations. Mr. Snell, you may begin. Speaker1 Thank you. Good morning, and welcome to our first quarter twenty twenty five earnings conference call. On the call today are Joe Burkwist, our President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Kohler, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Ro ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a revenue growth of 16% in Q1, significantly exceeding expectations, primarily due to favorable timing of material receipts [21][28] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $82 million, representing a 17% increase year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.3%, reflecting a slight margin expansion of 10 basis points [23][24] - Net earnings for Q1 were $50 million, with diluted EPS of $0.19, marking a 7273% increase, while adjusted net earnings were $54 million, with adjusted diluted EPS of $0.20, up 42% [26][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Advanced Sensing and Computing (ASC) segment saw an 18% revenue growth, while the Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) segment's revenue increased by 11% [22][24] - ASC adjusted EBITDA increased by 2%, but the margin declined by 130 basis points due to negative contract adjustments and increased costs from a sole source supplier [24][26] - IMS adjusted EBITDA rose by 38%, with margin expansion of 260 basis points, driven by favorable contract adjustments and increased volume from the Columbia Class program [25][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company secured nearly $1 billion in bookings during the quarter, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2, marking the thirteenth consecutive quarter with a book-to-bill above one [6][7] - The backlog increased to $8.6 billion, reflecting growth on both a year-over-year and sequential basis [7][28] - Domestic growth was highlighted, while international growth faced headwinds due to timing issues related to deliveries supporting Ukraine [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its capabilities in layered air defense, counter UAS, and shipbuilding, aligning with national defense initiatives [10][11] - The company is investing in AI technologies and electric propulsion systems, aiming to capture significant demand in these areas [18][19] - The strategic emphasis is on maintaining a strong position in defense priorities while ensuring efficient program execution and innovation [20][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the durability of demand despite a dynamic operating environment, with expectations for continued growth in defense spending [9][10] - The company anticipates a revenue range of $3.425 billion to $3.525 billion for the full year, implying a 6% to 9% year-over-year growth [28][29] - Management noted that the operating environment is more dynamic compared to the previous year, requiring agility to navigate complexities [20] Other Important Information - The company initiated a dividend payment and stock repurchase program, reflecting a commitment to returning capital to shareholders [8] - The management is actively engaged in M&A opportunities, viewing it as a top priority for capital allocation [76] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the impact of material receipts on revenue? - The material acceleration impacted revenue holistically across the board, with improved supplier deliveries contributing positively [33][34] Question: What are the expectations for ASC margins going forward? - The adjustments made in Q1 are expected to reset the backlog, leading to a lower gross margin prospectively, but a recovery is anticipated [38] Question: How does the company view the potential defense budget increase? - The company is well-positioned to grow ahead of the defense budget, aligning with core markets in shipbuilding and force protection [55] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding international opportunities? - There is a substantial near-term opportunity in Europe, particularly in counter-drone and advanced sensing programs [63] Question: How is the company addressing supply chain challenges? - The company is including economic price adjustment clauses in future contracts to mitigate risks associated with price volatility [78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q3 FY2025 decreased by 4% to $260.9 million compared to $271.9 million in Q3 FY2024, driven by a 7.9% decrease in sales volume, partially offset by a 4.2% increase in the weighted average sales price per pound [12][19] - Gross profit increased by $6.7 million or 13.7% to $55.9 million, with gross profit margin rising to 21.4% from 18.1% in the prior year [15][17] - Net income for Q3 FY2025 was $20.2 million or $1.72 per diluted share, compared to $13.5 million or $1.15 per diluted share in Q3 FY2024 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales volume decreased by 9.2% in the consumer distribution channel, primarily due to an 8.3% decrease in private brand volume, with significant declines in bars volume [13] - Sales volume for branded products decreased by 12.9%, mainly due to a 33.8% reduction in Orchard Valley Harvest sales [14] - Sales volume increased by 6% in the contract manufacturing distribution channel, driven by increased granola volume processed [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The snack, nut, and trail mix category saw a 2% decline in pounds but a 2% increase in dollars, indicating rising prices [24] - Fisher snack and trail mix performed worse than the category with pound shipments down 17%, while Southern Style Nut Brand saw a 10% increase in pound shipments [25][26] - The recipe nut category was down 1% in pounds but up 10% in dollars, reflecting increased prices for walnuts and pecans [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest approximately $90 million in equipment to expand domestic production capabilities and improve infrastructure by the end of FY2026 [5][6] - The focus remains on adapting strategies to meet evolving customer needs and managing costs amid rising commodity prices and tariffs [5][10] - The company is committed to innovation and cost-saving opportunities to mitigate commodity pressures [26] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging macroeconomic environment impacting demand for nuts and snacks, emphasizing the need for strategic adaptations [5][7] - There is confidence in the strategic investments made in production and infrastructure to drive efficiencies and deliver innovation [6][30] - Management anticipates potential decreases in commodity prices due to demand destruction from high retail prices [55] Other Important Information - The total value of inventories increased by $47.1 million or 22.4% year-over-year, primarily due to higher quantities and costs of finished goods and raw materials [18] - The weighted average cost per pound of raw nuts and dried fruit increased by 33.9% year-over-year [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding tariff exposure and passing costs to customers - Management indicated that discussions are ongoing with key customers to pass on tariff-related cost increases, particularly for high-value commodities [33][34] Question: On the profitability of the cashew and mixed nuts segment - Management confirmed that the cashew and mixed nuts segment remains profitable, although higher tariffs could impact consumer demand [36][37] Question: Expectations for gross margin levels in the next quarter - Management suggested that gross profit per pound should be assessed by excluding the impact of inventory valuation adjustments [44] Question: Details on the $90 million capital expenditure - The investment will support growth in the bar category and expand production capacity across various business segments [45][46] Question: Strategy for upcoming quarters and market volatility - Management is focused on promotional programs and pricing strategies to navigate market volatility and ensure the right product mix is available [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Harley-Davidson's consolidated revenue in Q1 2025 decreased by 23%, with operating income at $160 million, a decline of 51% at HDMC, partially offset by a 19% increase in HDFS operating income [20][28] - The consolidated operating income margin for Q1 was 12.1%, down from 15.2% in the previous year, primarily due to lower volume impacting dealer inventory [20][25] - Earnings per share for Q1 was reported at $1.7, reflecting the overall decline in revenue and operating income [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HDMC revenue decreased by 27% in Q1, driven by a 33% decline in motorcycle shipments, totaling 39,000 units compared to 58,000 units in the prior year [22][23] - HDFS revenue was $245 million, a decrease of 2%, while operating income increased by 19% to $64 million due to lower provisions for credit losses [27][28] - LiveWire segment reported an operating loss of $20 million, with revenue decreasing due to lower unit sales of electric motorcycles [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global retail sales were down 21% in Q1, with a 24% decline in North America, attributed to low consumer confidence [5][6] - EMEA region saw a retail decline of just 2%, while APAC experienced a 28% decline, primarily due to softness in China and Japan [7] - LATAM reported a 6% decline in retail sales year-over-year [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a significant marketing development fund to support dealer networks and product launches closer to the riding season [6][10] - Harley-Davidson plans to introduce new entry-level products and expand its cruiser offerings, aiming for affordability and profitability [11][88] - The company is evaluating its investment in LiveWire due to challenges in the EV market, including slower adoption rates and regulatory hurdles [12][97] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns over the uncertain macroeconomic environment and its impact on consumer confidence, leading to the withdrawal of previous 2025 guidance [13][34] - There is cautious optimism regarding potential trade deals that may mitigate tariff impacts, although the situation remains fluid [14][59] - Sequential improvement in retail sales was noted from February to April, indicating a slight recovery in consumer demand [66] Other Important Information - The company achieved $142 million in operating cash flow, an increase of $38 million from the prior period, with total cash and cash equivalents at $1.9 billion [31][32] - Harley-Davidson repurchased 3.4 million shares for $87 million in Q1 2025 as part of its capital allocation strategy [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: What might the economics of a long-term strategic partnership look like for Harley Davidson? - Management emphasized the importance of demonstrating the premium value of HDFS and maintaining attractive offers for customers and dealers [39][40] Question: What has changed regarding the strategic value of HDFS? - The focus is on ensuring a market-based view of HDFS's value while still recognizing its strategic importance to the company [42] Question: Can you provide insight into the tariff impacts and anti-American sentiment? - Management noted that while tariffs pose challenges, the company has a strong U.S.-centric manufacturing base, and there has not been significant negative sentiment affecting sales [56][64] Question: How is the retail environment evolving, especially in April? - Sequential improvement was observed in retail sales from February to April, with management noting that April showed signs of recovery compared to March [66] Question: What led to the decision to bring back entry-level bikes? - The company aims to capitalize on the opportunity to create profitable entry-level models, having previously focused on core business investments [88] Question: How are cost savings being tracked for LiveWire? - LiveWire is projected to reduce operating losses significantly, with ongoing efforts to drive cost savings and achieve a sustainable business model [97]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal second quarter revenue decreased by 1% to $484 million in 2025 from $488 million in 2024 [14] - New boat sales were down 5% to $310 million, while pre-owned boat sales increased by 14% to $90 million [14] - Gross profit declined to $110 million in 2025 compared to $120 million in 2024, driven by lower gross margins [15] - Net loss for the fiscal second quarter totaled $375,000 or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $5 million or $0.27 per diluted share in the prior year [16] - Adjusted income per diluted share was $0.13 compared to $0.67 in the prior year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store sales declined by 2%, primarily due to a decrease in new boat sales [4] - Revenue from service parts and other sales increased by 2% to $69 million, driven by growth in the dealership segment [14] - Financing and insurance revenue increased by 10 basis points as a percentage of sales [15] - Parts and service business revenue was up 2%, partially offset by headwinds in the distribution segment [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total unit sales for the industry were down in excess of 10% for the quarter, while the company continued to outperform the industry [4] - The average unit price of new boats increased, driven by strength in larger boats [11] - The company expects total sales to be in the range of $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion, with same store sales flat to down low single digits [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on inventory and brand rationalization strategies, reducing inventory by 12% year over year [5] - The company plans to exit 15 brands to consolidate its offerings and strengthen its market position [41][45] - The company is monitoring the tariff landscape and does not expect an impact on pricing for current inventory [8] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted considerable macroeconomic uncertainty and a challenging environment but expressed optimism about improving performance over time [4] - The company is taking a cautious view on the demand environment and updating its outlook accordingly [8] - Management emphasized the importance of controlling factors within their operations to weather current challenges [9] Other Important Information - Total liquidity as of March 31, 2025, was in excess of $74 million [18] - Total inventory decreased to $602 million from $687 million year over year, indicating a healthier mix and aging profile [18] - The company aims to reduce leverage in the latter half of 2025 as part of its capital allocation strategy [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the demand trends seen in April post-tariff announcements? - Management indicated that April results were in line with the previous year, with positive signs for May [22] Question: What drove the margin down on used boats? - Management noted that the model mix and aggressive pricing strategies to move inventory contributed to the margin decline [24][26] Question: Where is the company gaining market share? - The company is primarily gaining share in the premium segment, outperforming the industry which is down 10% [32] Question: Is the company discounting heavily to move volume? - Management confirmed that while some discounting is occurring, it is strategic and focused on clearing outdated inventory [34][36] Question: How does the company see the industry evolving post-slowdown? - Management anticipates potential consolidation in the industry due to higher carrying costs and competitive pressures [41][43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal second quarter revenue decreased by 1% to $484 million in 2025 from $488 million in 2024 [14] - New boat sales were down 5% to $310 million, while pre-owned boat sales increased by 14% to $90 million [14] - Gross profit declined to $110 million in 2025 compared to $120 million in 2024, driven by lower gross margins [15] - Net loss for the fiscal second quarter totaled $375,000 or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $5 million or $0.27 per diluted share in the prior year [16] - Adjusted income per diluted share was $0.13 compared to $0.67 in the prior year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store sales declined by 2%, primarily due to a decrease in new boat sales [4] - Revenue from service parts and other sales increased by 2% to $69 million, driven by growth in the dealership segment [14] - Parts and service business revenue was up 2%, partially offset by headwinds in the distribution segment [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total unit sales for the industry were down in excess of 10% for the quarter, while the company continued to outperform the industry and gain market share [4] - The average unit price of new boats increased, driven by continued strength in larger boats [11] - Financing and insurance revenue increased slightly as a percentage of total sales, indicating strong performance in in-store financing programs [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on inventory and brand rationalization strategies, reducing inventory by 12% year over year [5] - The company plans to exit 15 brands to streamline operations and focus on higher-performing brands [46][48] - The company is monitoring the tariff landscape closely and does not expect an immediate impact on pricing for current inventory [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about demand in April, indicating that results were in line with the prior year [22] - The macroeconomic environment remains uncertain, leading to an updated fiscal 2025 guidance with total sales expected to be in the range of $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion [20] - Management emphasized the importance of controlling factors within their operations to navigate current challenges [9] Other Important Information - Total liquidity as of March 31, 2025, was in excess of $74 million [18] - Total inventory decreased to $602 million from $687 million year over year, indicating a healthier mix and aging profile [18] - The company aims to reduce leverage in the latter half of 2025 as part of its capital allocation strategy [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the demand outlook post-tariff announcements? - Management indicated that April results were in line with the previous year, with positive signs for May [22][23] Question: What drove the margin down on used boats? - Management noted that the model mix and aggressive pricing strategies to move inventory contributed to the softer margins [25][26] Question: Where is the company gaining market share? - The majority of market share gains are in the premium segment, with the company performing better than the industry average [32][33] Question: Is the company discounting heavily to gain share? - Management confirmed that while some discounting is occurring, it is strategic and focused on moving dated inventory [36][37] Question: How does the company see the industry evolving post-slowdown? - Management anticipates potential consolidation in the industry due to higher carrying costs and competitive pressures [41][45]

Financial Performance - First quarter sales increased by 2% year-over-year, from $800.5 million to $814.3 million[18, 80] - Organic sales decreased by 1%[19] - Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased by 50 bps, from 26% to 25.5%[18] - Adjusted EPS decreased by 7%, from $1.88 to $1.75[18] - Free cash flow decreased by 33%, from $136.6 million to $91.4 million[18, 82] Segment Results - Health & Science Technologies (HST) sales increased by 10%, with organic sales down by 1%[27] - Fluid & Metering Technologies (FMT) sales decreased by 7%, with organic sales down by 4%[33] - Fire & Safety/Diversified Products (FSDP) sales increased by 4%, with organic sales up by 5%[42] Guidance - The company expects organic revenue to increase by 1% to 3% for the full year 2025[49] - The company expects adjusted EBITDA to be 27.5% to 28.0% for the full year 2025[49] - The company expects adjusted EPS to be $8.10 to $8.45 for the full year 2025[49] Tariff Impact - The total annualized tariff impact is estimated to be approximately $100 million[54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter sales reached $848 million, with core growth of 1.4%, slightly better than initial guidance [11][5] - Adjusted EBITDA was $187 million, representing a margin of 22.1%, a decrease of 60 basis points year-over-year [13] - Gross margin expanded to 40.7%, exceeding the 40% threshold for the fourth consecutive quarter [13] - Adjusted earnings per share increased by approximately 6% to $0.36 [14] - Free cash flow for the first quarter was an outflow of $19 million, consistent with normal seasonal performance [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Power Transmission segment, revenues were $527 million, translating to a core increase of approximately 2% [14] - Automotive replacement channel sales grew mid single digits, while industrial OEM sales experienced a slight decline [15] - Fluid Power segment sales were $320 million, with core sales approximately flat [15][16] - Personal mobility saw over 30% growth, contributing positively to overall performance [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America returned to growth with low single-digit core sales growth, driven by mid-teens growth in automotive replacement [18] - EMEA and South America both experienced year-over-year declines [18] - China core sales expanded by 3.5%, with broad-based growth in industrial end markets [20] - Personal mobility growth was robust, particularly in Europe and Asia, with no observed pre-buy activity [62] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on mitigating tariff impacts through price increases and operational initiatives [8][26] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet and capital deployment capacity [30] - The company is committed to advancing enterprise initiatives aimed at improving cost structures and mitigating tariff headwinds [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing uncertainty in the market due to tariffs but expressed confidence in the team's ability to manage through economic cycles [10][29] - Customer demand in the second quarter has been consistent with initial guidance, though potential risks remain [28] - The company is prepared to implement action plans should demand soften relative to expectations [29] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $13 million of shares during the quarter, with over $100 million remaining under the existing authorization [23] - The net leverage ratio improved to 2.3 times, a slight decrease year-over-year [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the tariff impact and competitive positioning? - Management expects to offset approximately 75% to 80% of the $50 million tariff impact with price increases, with the remainder offset through operational initiatives [36][38] - The company believes it has a competitive advantage due to its in-region, for-region manufacturing strategy [40] Question: What is the status of internal initiatives and their relation to current trends? - Management reported solid execution on internal initiatives, with progress ahead of schedule contributing to gross margin performance [44] Question: How is demand evolving in different end markets? - Management noted that while automotive builds are expected to decline, the automotive replacement market remains robust [56][58] - Personal mobility has shown strong growth, with no pre-buy activity observed [62] Question: What is the company's approach to pricing and tariff mitigation? - Price increases are expected to be implemented in Q2, with realization impacting Q3 [116] - The company plans to manage compressible costs to protect underlying operating margins [46] Question: Can you provide an update on channel partners and inventory? - Management indicated that channel partners have not shown significant changes in buying behavior, maintaining a balance between sales in and sales out [100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $30 million for Q1 2025, at the high end of guidance, driven by strong operational performance and increased production and sales volumes, primarily due to the Augusta acquisition [6][24] - Net sales increased by 46% to $378 million compared to Q1 2024, largely attributed to the Augusta acquisition [6][24] - The company incurred a consolidated net loss of approximately $6 million from continuing operations, equating to $0.36 per diluted share [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Augusta mill integration has been successful, with targeted volume and cost synergies expected by the end of 2026 [7] - Fixed cost structure was reduced by eliminating over 200 positions, representing around 10% of total roles, aiming for $30 to $40 million in savings for 2025 [7][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industry shipments increased by 2% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, with demand projected to grow by 3% to 5% in 2025 [8][9] - Industry utilization rates improved to 88% in Q1 2025 from 84% in Q1 2024, but remain below the cross-cycle average of 90% to 95% [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strengthen its position as a premier independent supplier of paperboard packaging products, investing in product development across three categories: compostable food service products, lightweight folding carton products, and alternative poly-free barrier technologies [13][14][15] - The company is exploring expansion into additional paperboard substrates, which make up approximately 50% of the paperboard market outside of SBS [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about medium to long-term industry prospects, expecting strong margins and cash flows through the cycle [34] - The company anticipates continued demand recovery, with internal utilization projected at around 85% and revenue expectations of approximately $1.5 to $1.6 billion for 2025 [29] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $11 million of its shares in Q1 2025, totaling about $15 million since the new $100 million share buyback authorization [7][26] - The company is targeting a reduction in SG&A as a percentage of sales to 6% to 7% by year-end 2025 [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the sense of what's happening with FPB imports recently? - Management noted that imports were up in 2024, with forecasts for a 5% decrease in imports and a 1% increase in exports for 2025 [38][39] Question: Can you clarify the geographic split of the $20 million to $25 million purchases from outside the US and Canada? - Approximately $80 million of imports are from Canada, with the remaining $20 million from other parts of the world, including potential exposure to China [40][41] Question: What are the criteria for evaluating M&A opportunities for expanding product offerings? - The company seeks strategic fit, quality assets, and a belief in the ability to win in the market when considering M&A [46][47] Question: What kind of costs are associated with the paper machine upgrades for lightweight folding carton products? - Upgrades will be on existing machines, with capital fitting within the previously stated capital range, focusing on mix shift rather than incremental revenue growth [48] Question: What is the expected impact of cost savings in Q2? - Management expects to see roughly double the amount of savings in Q2 compared to Q1, with incremental benefits ramping through the year [51]