Key Takeaways CENT's Q4 loss narrowed and sales rose as both metrics topped consensus and beat last year.Garden drove revenue gains, helped by favorable weather and an extended selling season.Gross margin expanded on lapping last year's inventory impairment and stronger productivity.Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT) delivered its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results, wherein both the top and bottom lines beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate and improved from the year-ago period. The quarter capped a record fis ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 FY 2025, Carpenter Technology generated $151 million in adjusted operating income, a 21% increase from FY 2024 and a 10% increase from the previous quarter [6][15] - The adjusted operating margin for the SAO segment reached 30.5%, up from 25.2% a year ago [6][42] - The company generated $201.3 million in adjusted free cash flow during the quarter, with a total of $287.5 million for the fiscal year [7][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The SAO segment reported operating income of $167 million, a 19% year-over-year increase [7][17] - PEP segment net sales were $97.1 million, down 5% year-over-year but operating income improved to $11.7 million [18][19] - Sales in the aerospace and defense market increased 3% sequentially and 2% year-over-year, with engine sales up 5% sequentially [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the medical market were up 6% sequentially but down 16% compared to the record prior year [11] - The energy market saw a 27% sequential increase and a 22% year-over-year increase in sales [11] - The aerospace supply chain is experiencing increased activity as build rates ramp up, with strong demand for materials [10][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Carpenter Technology is focused on achieving a zero injury workplace and improving safety performance [5] - The company plans to continue investing in its brownfield capacity expansion project, which is expected to enhance growth starting in FY 2028 [22][39] - The strategic focus remains on increasing productivity, optimizing product mix, and maintaining pricing power in a strong demand environment [26][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing ramp in aerospace demand and the positive outlook for the defense sector [10][34] - The company anticipates a strong start to FY 2026, projecting operating income between $660 million and $700 million, representing a 26% to 33% increase over FY 2025 [29][42] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining operational efficiency through preventive maintenance to support long-term growth [72][74] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for Q4 FY 2025 was 19.7%, lower than anticipated due to discrete tax benefits [16] - The company ended the fiscal year with $664.4 million in total liquidity, including $315.5 million in cash [23][24] - Carpenter Technology executed $101.9 million in share repurchases during FY 2025, reflecting its commitment to returning cash to shareholders [28][42] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss lead times and pricing expectations? - Management indicated that lead times remain extended, particularly in jet engines, and pricing actions are expected to continue as a tailwind due to a significant supply-demand gap [48][50][52] Question: Is the initial FY 2026 EBIT guidance conservative? - Management confirmed that the guidance is based on internal assessments and is designed to be achievable without overexposing the company [57][58] Question: Are there orders supporting a reacceleration in aerospace and defense volumes? - Management noted that there is a positive trend in orders, particularly in the defense sector, with increased bookings observed [60][64] Question: How does the company view the urgent requests in defense versus regular orders? - Management explained that defense orders are historically uneven but have seen an increase recently, with expectations for elevated order levels moving forward [70][71] Question: What is the outlook for power generation revenues? - Management highlighted significant year-over-year growth in power generation revenues, indicating a strategic advantage in this market [76][66] Question: Will there be further mix gains in FY 2026? - Management expects to see continued growth in aerospace and medical markets, which will strengthen the overall product mix [82][87]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales increased by 3.1% to $364.3 million, surpassing the previous year's strong results [21][7] - Gross profit decreased by 1.8% to $128 million, with a gross margin of 35.1%, down 180 basis points year over year [21][22] - Adjusted operating income increased by 9.6% to $73.1 million, with an adjusted operating margin improving by 120 basis points to 20.1% [23][24] - Adjusted EBITDA reached a record $84.5 million, up 2.8% year over year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.2% [24] - Adjusted net income per diluted share increased by 13.3% to $0.34, setting a new second quarter record [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Flow Solutions (WFS) net sales increased by 5.1% to $216.2 million, driven by higher volumes of iron gate and specialty valves [25] - Water Management Solutions (WMS) net sales increased by 0.3% to $148.1 million, primarily due to increased volumes of repair products [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 92% of net sales are in the U.S., with 60% to 65% of net sales used for the repair and replacement of municipal water infrastructure [11][21] - The company is experiencing resilient end market demand, particularly in the municipal market, while facing uncertainty in the residential construction market [52][33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing operational excellence, increasing supply chain efficiencies, and developing advanced manufacturing capabilities [14][10] - There is a strong emphasis on adapting to external challenges, including recently enacted tariffs, through pricing actions and supply chain mitigation plans [10][17] - The company aims to capture benefits from investments needed to address aging North American water infrastructure [32][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to adapt to external challenges and maintain focus on delivering critical products [10][34] - The company updated its fiscal 2025 outlook, increasing guidance for consolidated net sales while maintaining adjusted EBITDA guidance [30][31] - Management highlighted the importance of monitoring customer order patterns closely due to uncertainties in the market [19][52] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with a net debt leverage ratio below one and no debt maturities until June 2029 [29] - Free cash flow expectations are maintained at over 80% of adjusted net income for 2025 [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Was there any pre-buy observed due to tariffs? - Management indicated that there were no significant signs of pre-buying, but they are closely analyzing order patterns [40][41] Question: Is the new foundry fully operational? - The new foundry is fully operational, and the old foundry is no longer producing products [42] Question: What is the expected gross margin for the next quarter? - Management expects improvements in gross margin throughout the back half of the year, with an implied range of about 37% [74][75] Question: How much of the business is tied to new lot development versus repair and replacement? - Approximately 60% to 65% of revenue is associated with repair and replacement, while residential construction accounts for about 20% to 25% [86]