Core Insights - Kennametal reported revenue of $486.4 million for the quarter ended March 2025, a year-over-year decline of 5.7% [1] - The EPS for the same period was $0.47, compared to $0.30 a year ago, indicating a significant increase [1] - The reported revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $490.31 million, resulting in a surprise of -0.80% [1] - The company delivered an EPS surprise of +80.77%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.26 [1] Performance Metrics - Total Sales in the Infrastructure segment were $182.05 million, slightly below the average estimate of $183.52 million, reflecting a year-over-year change of -3.8% [4] - Total Sales in the Metal Cutting segment were $304.35 million, compared to the average estimate of $307.12 million, representing a year-over-year decline of -6.8% [4] - Operating Income (loss) for Corporate was -$0.26 million, better than the average estimate of -$0.69 million [4] - Proforma Operating Income for Infrastructure was $20.94 million, exceeding the average estimate of $12.93 million [4] - Proforma Operating Income for Metal Cutting was $29.22 million, surpassing the average estimate of $23.01 million [4] Stock Performance - Kennametal shares have returned +13% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +10.6% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales decreased by 6% year over year, with metal cutting sales declining 4% organically and infrastructure declining 2% organically [9][25] - Adjusted EPS increased to $0.47 compared to $0.30 in the prior year quarter, driven by restructuring benefits and an advanced manufacturing tax credit [12][28] - Adjusted EBITDA and operating margins were 17.9% and 10.3% respectively, compared to 14.2% and 8.1% in the prior year quarter [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Metal cutting sales were down 7% year over year, with a 4% organic decline and unfavorable foreign currency exchange of 3% [29] - Infrastructure sales declined 4% year over year, with an organic decline of 2% and unfavorable foreign currency exchange of 2% [32] - Aerospace and defense sales increased by 28%, while energy declined by 3% mainly in The Americas [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - EMEA remained the slowest market, down 4% on a constant currency basis [9] - Transportation and general engineering were impacted by market conditions in EMEA and The Americas [11] - Earthworks within the infrastructure segment was affected by lower mining activity in The Americas and Asia Pacific [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a restructuring action to lower structural costs by reducing employment costs and consolidating manufacturing operations [7] - Focus on growth initiatives in aerospace and defense, with expectations of long-term demand for energy and industrial production [11][12] - Commitment to executing value creation pillars to deliver above-market growth and continuous improvement [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted modest declines across most markets, with some positive macro data points on industrial production in the U.S. [8] - The company expects to see positive trends from a growing middle class impacting general engineering and medical applications [11] - Management remains cautious about the economic impact of recent trade policies and is actively monitoring the situation [12][20] Other Important Information - The company achieved approximately $6 million in restructuring savings in the quarter and is on pace to achieve a $15 million run rate savings [10] - The estimated annual impact of tariffs is approximately $80 million, with actions underway to mitigate these costs [20] - The company returned $40 million to shareholders through share repurchase and dividend programs [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for the fourth quarter and demand trends - Management indicated steady improvement in demand trends, with general engineering and transportation remaining flat, while aerospace and defense showed slight improvement [50][51] Question: Specifics on tariff mitigation actions - Management expressed confidence in fully mitigating the direct impact of tariffs, with actions already in progress [56][58] Question: Competitive dynamics and tariff relevance - Management noted competitive pressures in the earthworks segment due to soft coal prices and demand versus capacity issues in China [72][75] Question: Inventory position and strategic inventory management - Management acknowledged an increase in inventory, particularly in work-in-progress and raw materials, as a strategic move in response to changing demand [96][97] Question: Pricing outlook and cost management - Management confirmed that the pricing outlook remains at approximately 2%, excluding tariff impacts, with potential for higher pricing due to tariff surcharges [109][110]

Core Insights - Kennametal Inc. reported a decrease in sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, with sales of $486 million, down 6% from $516 million in the prior year quarter, while earnings per diluted share (EPS) increased to $0.41 from $0.24 [1][3][9] Financial Performance - The company achieved an adjusted EPS of $0.47, compared to $0.30 in the prior year quarter, driven by an advanced manufacturing production credit under the Inflation Reduction Act [1][5][9] - Operating income rose to $44 million, representing a 9.1% margin, compared to $35 million and a 6.8% margin in the prior year quarter [5][20] - Year-to-date net cash flow from operating activities was $130 million, down from $163 million in the prior year period, primarily due to working capital changes [7][31] Segment Performance - Metal Cutting sales decreased by 7% to $304 million, with an organic sales decline of 4% and an unfavorable currency exchange effect of 3% [12][33] - Infrastructure sales fell by 4% to $182 million, reflecting an organic sales decline of 2% and an unfavorable currency exchange effect of 2% [13][33] Cost Management and Restructuring - The company achieved restructuring savings of approximately $6 million year-over-year, with expected annualized pre-tax savings of about $15 million by the end of fiscal 2025 [4][5] - Pre-tax charges related to restructuring actions are expected to total approximately $25 million, with $6 million recognized during the quarter [4] Shareholder Returns - Kennametal returned approximately $40 million to shareholders during the quarter, including $25 million in share repurchases and $15 million in dividends [9][10] - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, payable on May 27, 2025 [14] Outlook - The company expects full fiscal year 2025 sales to be between $1.970 billion and $1.990 billion, with adjusted EPS projected between $1.30 and $1.45 [17][11] - Pricing actions are anticipated to cover raw material costs, wages, and general inflation [17]