Core Viewpoint - Pomerantz LLP is investigating potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices involving Metallus Inc. and its officers or directors, following disappointing financial results that led to a significant drop in the company's stock price [1][3]. Financial Performance - On May 8, 2025, Metallus reported non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.07 for the first quarter of 2025, which was $0.05 below consensus estimates [3]. - The CEO of Metallus indicated that the company experienced volatility in the defense supply chain due to customer manufacturing start-up challenges during the first quarter [3]. - Following the earnings announcement, Metallus's stock price decreased by $1.48, or 11.31%, closing at $11.61 per share on May 9, 2025 [3]. Legal Investigation - Pomerantz LLP is actively seeking claims from investors of Metallus regarding possible securities fraud or other unlawful business practices [1].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $194.1 million, a 1.7% increase from $190.8 million in Q1 2024, marking the sixteenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth [8][22] - Gross margin increased to 26.6%, up from 24.6% year-over-year, achieving a new quarterly record [12][23] - Adjusted EBITDA reached 15.9% of sales, a record high, reflecting strong operational performance [13][37] - GAAP diluted EPS was $0.69, compared to $0.46 in Q1 2024, while adjusted diluted EPS was $0.83, up from $0.70 [14][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Military and space revenue grew by 15% year-over-year, driven by missile and electronic warfare programs [9][19] - Commercial aerospace revenue declined by 10% to $72 million, marking the first decline in 15 quarters, primarily due to lower demand for the 737 MAX [10][20] - Industrial business revenue decreased to $9 million as the company pruned non-core operations [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The defense backlog increased by $15 million year-over-year to $620 million, while the commercial aerospace backlog decreased by $31 million to $411 million [14][20] - The company reported that 95% of its revenue is generated in the U.S., with minimal exposure to tariffs due to its manufacturing footprint [17][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The Vision 2027 strategy aims to increase the revenue percentage from engineered products to over 25%, with current contributions at 23% [8][15] - The company is focused on consolidating its manufacturing footprint and pursuing targeted acquisitions to enhance growth [8][34] - Continued emphasis on value-added pricing and expanding content on key commercial aerospace platforms is part of the strategic plan [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery in commercial aerospace in the second half of 2025, despite current headwinds [16][100] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit revenue growth for 2025, supported by strong defense activity and recovery in commercial aerospace [16][101] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced portfolio between defense and commercial sectors to mitigate risks [68] Other Important Information - The company is undergoing a restructuring initiative aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing costs, with expected annual savings of $11 million to $13 million [33][34] - Cash flow from operating activities improved to $800,000 in Q1 2025, compared to a cash outflow of $1.6 million in Q1 2024 [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: How would you characterize any delay in ship set rates to Boeing and Spirit? - Management noted that rates from Boeing are in the low twenties and Spirit is ramping up to the mid to high twenties, with optimism for continued growth despite destocking impacts [40][41] Question: What is the outlook for the M&A pipeline? - Management confirmed ongoing diligence on multiple opportunities and expressed confidence in completing a deal this year, focusing on niche engineered product businesses [52][54] Question: How do you see growth rates between commercial aerospace and defense for the remainder of the year? - Management expects continued strength in defense and a recovery in commercial aerospace, aiming for mid-single-digit growth for the full year [67][101] Question: What are the potential new work scopes in commercial and defense? - Management highlighted opportunities with Spirit AeroSystems and ongoing bidding for new work with major defense customers like RTX [80][83]

Market Overview - The majority of U.S. stock indices ended the week positively, with a notable rise on April 11, 2025, as investor concerns regarding the U.S.-China trade war eased [1] - Producer price data indicating a decline in wholesale inflation for March contributed to investor optimism, reflected in rising share prices [1] Investment Strategy - Investors are encouraged to consider low-leverage stocks to mitigate risks during market volatility [2][6] - Low-leverage stocks are defined as those with a debt-to-equity ratio lower than their industry peers, which indicates reduced financial risk [9][11] Leverage and Financial Metrics - Leverage refers to the practice of borrowing capital for operations and expansion, primarily through debt financing [4] - Excessive debt financing can lead to significant losses, making it crucial for investors to select companies with lower debt levels [5][6] - The debt-to-equity ratio is a key metric for assessing a company's financial risk, with a lower ratio indicating better solvency [7] Stock Picks - **Bilibili (BILI)**: An online entertainment platform in China, with a projected 11% sales improvement for 2025 and a Zacks Rank of 2 [13][14] - **Willdan Group (WLDN)**: Provides consulting services and has secured a $30 million contract for energy modernization, with a 13.2% earnings improvement forecast for 2025 and a Zacks Rank of 1 [15][16] - **Sterling Infrastructure (STRL)**: Focuses on E-Infrastructure and has a long-term earnings growth rate of 15%, with a 34.6% earnings improvement expected for 2025 and a Zacks Rank of 1 [17][18] - **ASML Holding (ASML)**: A leading semiconductor technology manufacturer, with an 18% long-term earnings growth rate and a 14.1% sales improvement forecast for 2025, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 [19][20] - **Leonardo DRS (DRS)**: Develops defense products, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 14.6% and an 8.4% sales improvement expected for 2025, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 1 [20][21]

Core Viewpoint - Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) is expected to benefit from a steady inflow of orders for its defense products, a strong international market presence, and a solid backlog, although it faces challenges such as a shortage of skilled labor [1][5]. Group 1: Revenue Drivers - In Q4 2024, Lockheed secured significant contracts, including an $11.8 billion contract for 145 F-35 jets and a $3.4 billion logistics support contract for F-35 jets, contributing to a robust backlog [2]. - Lockheed's international market presence is notable, with 17 nations expressing interest in its PAC-3 missiles and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, enhancing its missile defense capabilities [3]. - The total backlog for Lockheed stood at $176 billion as of December 31, 2024, with plans to recognize approximately 35% of this backlog in the next 12 months and 60% in the following 24 months, supporting long-term revenue prospects [4]. Group 2: Challenges - The company faces risks from a labor crisis, particularly regarding skilled workers, which may hinder its ability to deliver products on schedule and affect operational performance [5]. - In 2023, Lockheed was placed on China's "unreliable entities" list due to U.S. military sales to Taiwan, and in 2024, China banned the export of certain minerals to the U.S., which could adversely impact Lockheed's business if further restrictions are imposed [6]. Group 3: Stock Performance - Over the past year, LMT shares have decreased by 3.2%, while the industry overall has declined by 5.1% [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q4 2024 revenue was $197.3 million, a 2.6% increase from $192.2 million in Q4 2023, marking the 15th consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth [11][36] - GAAP diluted EPS increased to $0.45 per share in Q4 2024 from $0.34 per share in Q4 2023, while adjusted diluted EPS rose to $0.75 from $0.70 [22][40] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $27 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 13.8% and an expansion of 180 basis points [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Military and space revenue grew 5% year-over-year to $109 million in Q4 2024, driven by missile programs [28][12] - Commercial aerospace revenue increased 4% year-over-year to $82 million, supported by growth in the A220 and S-92 platforms [31][16] - Structural Systems segment revenue rose to $90.3 million in Q4 2024 from $85.6 million in the prior year, while Electronic Systems segment revenue was $107 million, slightly up from $106.7 million [41][43] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The defense backlog increased by $98 million year-over-year to $625 million, with new orders contributing to this growth [23][24] - The commercial aerospace backlog decreased by $14 million sequentially, attributed to the Boeing strike [32][24] - Full year 2024 revenue for the company reached a record $786 million, with commercial aerospace growing 8% and military and space business growing 4% [24][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The Vision 2027 strategy aims to increase the revenue percentage of engineered products to over 25%, achieving 23% in 2024, up from 19% in 2023 [10][26] - The company is focusing on consolidating its manufacturing footprint and pursuing targeted acquisitions to enhance its market position [10][9] - The strategic offloading of non-core industrial businesses is intended to refocus resources on aerospace and defense sectors [25][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about growth in military and space sectors, particularly with new orders and defense spending trends [12][60] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit revenue growth for 2025, with a stronger second half expected as production rates recover [28][55] - Management highlighted the importance of strategic pricing initiatives and productivity improvements in driving margin expansion [20][21] Other Important Information - The company reported a strong consolidated backlog of $1.06 billion, reflecting resilience despite market headwinds [23][24] - Restructuring initiatives are expected to yield annual savings of $11 million to $13 million, with synergies ramping up in late 2025 and into 2026 [47][48] - Legal fees related to an unsolicited acquisition offer totaled $3.145 million year-to-date, but these expenses are not expected to continue in 2025 [108][109] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide any color on expectations for defense and commercial markets? - Management indicated that the first half of 2025 may face destocking headwinds, particularly in the commercial aerospace sector, but expects improvement in the second half [58][61] Question: How does Ducommun sit amid potential defense budget reprioritization? - Management feels confident about their diversified product offerings and does not rely heavily on any single program, which mitigates risks from budget changes [79][80] Question: What are the plans for capacity in the IMC business as demand changes? - Management is looking for more space to accommodate high demand for Appleton products, despite anticipating a slowdown in ViaSat work [84][85] Question: Can you elaborate on the margin hit in Structural Systems? - Management noted that the margin decline was evenly split between unfavorable mix and one-time expenses, with expectations for recovery in Q1 [93][94] Question: What are the implications of legal fees for unsolicited acquisition offers? - Management clarified that these fees were necessary to protect shareholder interests and are not expected to recur in 2025 [108][109]