Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gates reported third-quarter total sales of $856 million, translating to core growth of 1.7% year-over-year, with total revenues growing by 3% due to favorable foreign currency effects [8][9] - Adjusted EBITDA was $196 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22.9%, representing a record third-quarter margin rate for the company, an increase of 90 basis points year-over-year [9][10] - The net leverage ratio improved to 2.0 turns, a reduction of 0.4 turns compared to the previous year's third quarter [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the power transmission segment, revenues were $533 million with core growth of 2.3%, driven by personal mobility growth exceeding 20% [10][11] - The fluid power segment generated $322 million in sales, with core growth just under 1%, impacted by mid-teens decline in commercial on-highway sales [11] - Automotive replacement sales increased by high single digits, while automotive OEM sales grew low single digits [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America experienced flat core sales, with a low double-digit decline in industrial OEM sales due to demand weakness in agriculture and commercial on-highway [13][14] - EMEA saw core sales grow by 2.6%, with personal mobility growing almost 75% [14] - East Asia and India posted approximately 5% core growth, while South America experienced low to mid-single-digit declines [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on restructuring plans, including closing multiple factories and implementing an ERP system conversion expected to be completed by mid-2026 [18][19] - The board approved a new $300 million share repurchase authorization, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders while maintaining flexibility for potential M&A opportunities [6][24] - The company anticipates achieving an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 24% by the end of 2026, driven by ongoing cost-saving initiatives and operational improvements [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that many end markets are at or near trough levels, with expectations for stabilization and improvement in 2026 [8][39] - The company remains optimistic about growth in personal mobility and data center opportunities, projecting a compound annual growth rate of around 30% for personal mobility from 2025 to 2028 [33][34] - Management acknowledged challenges in the agricultural sector but expressed confidence in a gradual recovery starting in 2026 [39] Other Important Information - The company updated its 2025 guidance, raising the adjusted EPS midpoint to $1.50 per share while slightly lowering the core sales growth outlook [6][17] - Free cash flow was reported at $73 million, representing a 73% conversion to adjusted net income, impacted by increased restructuring cash outflows [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on margin targets and restructuring costs - Management confirmed that the 24% margin target for 2027 serves as a foundational floor, with expectations for growth in 2026 and beyond [27][29] - Additional costs related to restructuring and ERP implementation were discussed, with expectations for improved efficiencies post-implementation [30][31] Question: Growth visibility in structural growth vectors - Management expressed optimism about growth in personal mobility and liquid cooling in data centers, with expectations for significant design activity and adoption [33][34] Question: Details on restructuring dimensions - Management provided insights into the restructuring plan, indicating multiple factory closures and hundreds of affected employees, with a payback period of one to two years [44][46] Question: Tariff impact and volume outlook - Management noted a 30 to 40 basis points EBITDA dilution due to tariffs, with expectations for stabilization in agricultural markets and improved production output in automotive [49][50] Question: Exit rate from 2025 and Q4 expectations - Management indicated that Q4 revenue guidance reflects a cautious outlook, with no significant changes anticipated in demand conditions [54][56]

Core Insights - Ashland Inc. announced the retirement of Karl Bostaph, senior vice president of operations, effective October 1, 2025 [1] - Wayne Muil, global director of operations for specialty additives, will succeed Bostaph in the role of senior vice president of operations [3][4] Leadership Transition - Bostaph has been with the company since 1990, holding various roles in Research and Development, Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing [2] - Muil joined Ashland in 2024 and has over 25 years of experience in the chemical industry, including leadership roles at Sadara Chemical Company [5][6] - Muil is recognized for his strategic vision and expertise in operational excellence, safety, and innovation across global production facilities [7] Company Overview - Ashland Inc. is a global additives and specialty ingredients company focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives [8] - The company serves diverse markets, including architectural coatings, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care, and pharmaceuticals, with a workforce of approximately 2,960 employees [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company reported revenues of $4.3 billion, a 5% improvement over the prior year, significantly outpacing global GDP growth [23] - Adjusted operating profit for 2024 was $267 million, an increase of nearly $60 million from the previous year, with an adjusted operating profit margin of 6%, the strongest in the company's history [24] - Fourth quarter revenues reached $1.1 billion, growing by 4% year-over-year and by 5% sequentially, while adjusted operating profits were $54 million, increasing by 10% year-over-year [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lift truck business saw a 4% increase in sales year-over-year, driven by a favorable sales mix, particularly in the Americas [26] - Adjusted operating profit for the lift truck business in Q4 was $62 million, a 15% increase compared to the prior year and a 55% increase sequentially [27] - Bolzoni reported Q4 revenue of $84 million, which was $4 million lower than the prior year, with an adjusted breakeven operating loss [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global lift truck bookings market continued to decline in Q4 compared to the prior year, influenced by lower demand and order cancellations [10] - The company adjusted its production cadence to align better with market demand, resulting in a backlog that reached near normal levels by year-end [11] - Early 2025 bookings showed encouraging signs, particularly in the EMEA and JEPIC regions, indicating potential market improvement [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on footprint optimization programs to streamline manufacturing and reduce costs, with expected annual savings of $30 million to $40 million starting in 2027 [8][9] - New product introductions, including modular and scalable models, are aimed at enhancing efficiency and meeting customer demand while reducing operational costs [16][18] - The company plans to leverage advancements in electric truck technology to expand its market share in areas traditionally dominated by combustion trucks [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing uncertainty due to potential tariffs and trade wars, which could impact market outlook [13] - Despite a competitive market and expected margin declines in 2025, management remains optimistic about gradual market improvement and increased production rates as demand recovers [12][35] - The company anticipates a significant year-over-year revenue decrease in 2025 due to lower lift truck production levels and increased operating expenses [35] Other Important Information - The company generated $81 million in cash from operations in Q4, contributing to a total of $170 million for the full year [33] - Total inventory decreased by $60 million from prior year levels, reflecting better alignment between production needs and on-hand materials [34] - The effective income tax rate for 2024 was 34%, higher than the previous year's rate of 29%, primarily due to the capitalization of R&D costs [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Market outlook for 2025 - Management expects the first half of 2025 to be lower, with an anticipated increase in the second half as prior orders are consumed [51][52] - There was a noted increase in cancellations towards the end of 2024, but recent months have shown a return to normal cancellation levels [52]