Core Viewpoint - Matthews International Corporation has reached an agreement with Barington Capital, resulting in Barington withdrawing its director nominations, which is seen as a constructive resolution for all shareholders [1][2]. Group 1: Agreement Details - The agreement includes Barington agreeing to standstill provisions and other restrictions, with full details to be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [2][3]. - The dialogue between Matthews and Barington has provided valuable insights that have helped refine Matthews' ongoing strategic initiatives [2]. Group 2: Company Strategy and Governance - Matthews has taken decisive steps over the past 12 months to simplify its business mix, strengthen its balance sheet, and enhance board composition and corporate governance [2]. - The company is focused on advancing its strategic review and positioning itself for long-term shareholder value creation [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Matthews International Corporation operates through two core global businesses: Industrial Technologies and Memorialization, both aimed at driving operational efficiency and long-term growth [4]. - The Industrial Technologies segment is a leading global innovator in precision technologies, while the Memorialization segment provides memorial products primarily to cemetery and funeral home customers [4]. - The company has over 5,400 employees across 19 countries on 4 continents [4]. Group 4: Barington Capital Overview - Barington Capital Group is a value-oriented activist investment firm that invests in undervalued publicly traded companies, aiming for significant appreciation through changes in corporate strategy or governance [5]. - The firm utilizes its strategic, operating, and boardroom experience to assist companies in improving long-term shareholder value [5].

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2025 Earnings Teleconference November 21, 2025 Joseph C. Bartolacci President and Chief Executive Officer Steven F. Nicola Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer www.matw.com | Nasdaq: MATW DISCLAIMER Any forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are included pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations, hopes, belie ...

Core Insights - J. Michael Nauman has been elected as the next Chairman of Matthews International Corporation, effective after the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, succeeding Alvaro Garcia-Tunon [1][2] - Nauman brings over 35 years of experience in commercial, strategic, and financial roles, previously serving as President and CEO of Brady Corporation and Executive Vice President at Molex [2][3] - The transition in leadership is seen as pivotal for Matthews, with Nauman's technical expertise and M&A experience expected to drive sustainable growth and long-term value creation for the company [3] Company Overview - Matthews International Corporation operates through two main segments: Industrial Technologies and Memorialization, focusing on operational efficiency and long-term growth through innovation and strategic expansion [4] - The Industrial Technologies segment is a global innovator in precision technologies, while the Memorialization segment provides products such as memorials and cremation equipment to cemetery and funeral home customers [4] - The company has over 5,400 employees across 19 countries, committed to delivering high-quality products and services [4]

Core Viewpoint - Matthews International Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Warehouse Automation business to Duravant LLC for a total consideration of $230 million, which includes cash and the assumption of certain liabilities, aimed at reducing debt and enhancing shareholder value [1][2][3] Financial Details - The total consideration for the sale is $230 million, comprising cash of $223.3 million and the assumption of certain liabilities [2] - The Warehouse Automation business generated sales of $72 million for fiscal 2025 [2] - Proceeds from the transaction will be primarily used to significantly reduce outstanding debt, thereby strengthening the company's balance sheet [2][6] Strategic Implications - The transaction is part of the company's ongoing strategic alternatives review aimed at unlocking shareholder value and reducing debt towards a long-term net leverage ratio goal of 2.5x [3] - The sale is expected to close before the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2026, pending regulatory approval [3] Company Overview - Matthews International operates through two core global businesses: Industrial Technologies and Memorialization, focusing on operational efficiency and long-term growth [4] - The Industrial Technologies segment is a leading global innovator in precision technologies and intelligent processes [4] - The Memorialization segment provides memorialization products to cemetery and funeral home customers [4] About Duravant - Duravant is a global leader in advanced automation solutions, serving essential end markets including food processing, packaging, and material handling [5] - The company operates in over 190 countries and is committed to quality, innovation, and customer success [5]

Core Insights - Matthews International Corporation plans to release its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 earnings results on November 20, 2025, after market close [1] - A conference call and webcast will be held on November 21, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss financial and operational results, featuring CEO Joseph C. Bartolacci and CFO Steven F. Nicola [2][3] Company Overview - Matthews International operates through two main segments: Industrial Technologies and Memorialization, focusing on operational efficiency and long-term growth through innovation and strategic expansion [4] - The Industrial Technologies segment is a global innovator in precision technologies and intelligent processes, while the Memorialization segment provides products such as memorials, caskets, and cremation equipment to cemetery and funeral home customers [4] - The company also has a significant investment in Propelis, a brand solutions business that offers integrated solutions including brand creative and content production [4] - Matthews International employs over 5,400 people across 19 countries on four continents [4]

Core Insights - Matthews International Corporation (NASDAQ:MATW) is recognized as one of the Best Dividend Stocks for a Dividend Champions List, highlighting its strong dividend performance [1] Company Strategy - The company operates across diverse sectors, including industrial technologies, brand solutions, and memorialization, and is focused on reshaping its portfolio for long-term growth [2] - Key strategies include tailoring offerings in memorialization to align with demographic trends, leveraging innovation in industrial technologies, and maximizing value from joint ventures post-SGK divestiture [3] - Emphasis is placed on disciplined cost controls, steady cash flow, and simplifying the reporting structure, particularly regarding the Propelis partnership [3] Dividend Performance - Matthews International Corporation has achieved its 31st consecutive year of dividend growth as of 2025, making it a strong candidate for income investors [4] - The current quarterly dividend is $0.25 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.01% as of October 2 [4]

Core Insights - Matthews International Corporation announced the retirement of Chief Financial Officer Steven F. Nicola effective December 31, 2025, after over three decades with the company [1][2] - Daniel E. Stopar has been appointed as the new CFO and Treasurer, effective December 1, 2025, bringing extensive financial experience from his previous roles within Matthews and other companies [2] Company Overview - Matthews International operates through two main segments: Industrial Technologies and Memorialization, focusing on operational efficiency and long-term growth through innovation and strategic expansion [3] - The Industrial Technologies segment is a leading global innovator in precision technologies and intelligent processes, while the Memorialization segment provides products such as memorials, caskets, and cremation equipment to cemetery and funeral home customers [3] - The company has a significant investment in Propelis, a brand solutions business that offers integrated solutions including brand creative, packaging, and content production [3] - Matthews International employs over 5,400 individuals across 19 countries on four continents, dedicated to delivering high-quality products and services [3]

Core Insights - Matthews International Corporation successfully closed the sale of its SGK Brand Solutions business to a new entity formed by affiliates of SGS & Co, creating a leading global provider of brand solutions [1][2] - The transaction provided Matthews with $350 million in upfront consideration, including $250 million in cash, $50 million in preferred equity, and retention of approximately $50 million in trade receivables [2] - Matthews retains a 40% common equity interest in the new company, which is expected to achieve over $50 million in annual cost synergies and growth opportunities within the next 30 months [2][3] Financial Impact - The cash proceeds from the sale will be utilized to significantly reduce Matthews' outstanding debt, thereby strengthening its balance sheet and enhancing financial flexibility for future strategic initiatives [3] - The new entity is projected to enhance the value of Matthews' ongoing ownership stake through combined services and client portfolios [3] Leadership and Strategic Focus - Gary R. Kohl has been appointed as the CEO of the new entity, with Matthew T. Gresge as Executive Chairman, both expected to drive growth and innovation [3][4] - The sale allows Matthews to concentrate on its core businesses, improving its strategic focus while benefiting from the future growth of the new entity through its minority interest [4][5] Company Overview - Matthews International operates through two main segments: Industrial Technologies and Memorialization, focusing on operational efficiency and long-term growth through innovation and strategic expansion [6] - The Industrial Technologies segment is recognized as a global innovator, while the Memorialization segment provides essential products to cemetery and funeral home customers [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net loss of $8.9 million or $0.29 per share for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, compared to a net income of $9 million or $0.29 per share a year ago [21] - Consolidated sales for the second quarter were $427.6 million, down from $471.2 million in the same quarter last year [22] - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $51.4 million, compared to $56.8 million a year ago, reflecting declines in industrial technologies and memorialization segments [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Memorialization segment sales decreased to $205.6 million from $222.2 million year-over-year, primarily due to lower unit volumes and casketed deaths [24] - Industrial Technology segment sales fell to $80.8 million from $116.1 million, driven by lower engineering sales and warehouse automation sales [27] - SGK Brand Solutions segment sales increased to $141.2 million from $132.9 million, reflecting higher merchandising sales in the US and Asia Pacific [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a backlog of approximately $70 million in equipment for energy solutions, with significant interest from battery manufacturers in South Korea, Europe, and North America [14] - The estimated US casketed deaths declined compared to the same quarter last year, impacting memorialization revenues [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its energy solutions business, particularly in dry battery electrode technology, and has reengaged with multiple battery manufacturers [6][7] - A partnership with Teradyne for warehouse automation aims to enhance cost and efficiency through autonomous robotic solutions [11] - The company is committed to unlocking shareholder value and is considering various strategic initiatives despite current market turbulence [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the sales lead time in the energy solutions industry is long, but demand for innovative engineering solutions for EV batteries is significant [8] - The company expects stable results from the memorialization business and improved performance in warehouse automation in the second half of the fiscal year [18] - Cost reduction initiatives are on track to exceed initial projections of $50 million in savings [32] Other Important Information - The company expects to close the SGK transaction soon, which will provide $350 million in upfront consideration, primarily for debt reduction [9][10] - The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on May 26, 2025 [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the $100 million in customer quotes compare to last year? - Management indicated that the current quotes are significantly higher than the same period last year, reflecting renewed interest in their solutions, particularly from South Korea and North America [36][37] Question: What are the expectations for organic growth in the memorialization segment? - Management noted that there was a normalization in death rates compared to last year, which had higher than normal granite-related sales [40][42] Question: Can you elaborate on the cost reduction actions? - Management stated that the cost reduction actions are expected to yield $20 million this year and $30 million next year [43][45] Question: What is the status of customer engagement on the battery side? - Management confirmed that most of the $100 million in quotes is for mass production, indicating customers are beyond the testing phase [48][49] Question: How does the retrofit opportunity work? - Management explained that the retrofit process allows existing facilities to utilize their dry battery electrode technology without significant changes to their current operations [65][66] Question: What is the business case for grid storage versus EV? - Management clarified that the value propositions for both markets are similar, with dry technology offering better efficiency and cost-effectiveness [74][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net loss of $8.9 million or $0.29 per share for Q2 2025, compared to a net income of $9 million or $0.29 per share a year ago [20] - Consolidated sales for Q2 2025 were $427.6 million, down from $471.2 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to lower sales in the industrial technology segment [21] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $51.4 million, down from $56.8 million in the prior year, reflecting declines in industrial technologies and memorialization segments [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Memorialization segment sales decreased to $205.6 million from $222.2 million year-over-year, primarily due to lower US casketed deaths and the disposal of unprofitable operations [23] - Industrial Technology segment sales fell to $80.8 million from $116.1 million, driven by lower engineering sales and warehouse automation sales [25] - SGK Brand Solutions segment sales increased to $141.2 million from $132.9 million, reflecting higher merchandising sales in the US and Asia Pacific markets [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has reengaged with multiple battery manufacturers and auto OEMs, issuing quotes exceeding $100 million, indicating significant demand for dry battery electrode technology [6] - The energy solutions business is seeing renewed interest from South Korea, North America, and Europe, particularly in the grid storage market [37] - The memorialization segment is expected to stabilize, while warehouse automation is anticipated to show improved results in the second half of the fiscal year [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its energy solutions business, particularly through dry battery electrode technology, and is building solutions to retrofit existing facilities [7] - The SGK transaction is expected to close soon, with an initial consideration of $350 million, which will primarily be used to reduce debt [9] - The company is committed to unlocking shareholder value and is exploring various strategic initiatives despite current market turbulence [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the sales lead time in the energy solutions industry is long, but demand for innovative engineering solutions remains strong [6] - The company expects another stable year for the memorialization business and improved results in warehouse automation as the market begins to recover [17] - Cost reduction initiatives are on track to exceed initial projections of $50 million, with significant savings expected from engineering and administrative costs [30] Other Important Information - The company’s outstanding debt increased to $822 million as of March 31, 2025, with expectations of significant reduction following the SGK transaction [28] - A quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share was declared, payable on May 26, 2025 [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the $100 million in customer quotes compare to last year? - Management indicated that the current quotes are dramatically higher than the same period last year, as the company was relatively out of the market previously [35][36] Question: What are the expectations for organic growth in the memorialization segment? - Management noted that there was normalization in the market, with expectations for continued growth in the upcoming quarters [39][40] Question: Can you elaborate on the cost reduction actions? - Management confirmed that the cost reduction target is running about $20 million this year and $30 million next year [42] Question: What is the status of customer engagement in battery solutions? - Management stated that most of the $100 million in quotes is for mass production, indicating customers are beyond the testing phase [48][49] Question: How does the retrofit opportunity work? - Management explained that the retrofit process allows existing facilities to utilize their equipment, significantly increasing production efficiency without major changes to the factory [66][70]