Manitowoc(US:MTW)2022-02-23 02:50Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orders for Q4 2021 totaled $615 million, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.24, representing a 21% increase compared to $509 million in the previous year [28] - The ending backlog for 2021 was $1 billion, up 86% year-over-year, marking the highest level in over 10 years [29] - Net sales in Q4 were $498 million, an increase of $68 million or 16% from the previous year [30] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $34 million, flat year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.9%, a decrease of 100 basis points from the prior year [32][33] - Full-year 2021 orders totaled approximately $2.2 billion, up 43% from the prior year, while net sales reached approximately $1.7 billion, a 19% increase [35][36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company invested $15 million in its tower crane rental fleet in Europe, which contributed to increased market share in Germany [11] - Acquisitions contributed $24 million to net sales in Q4, slightly below previous expectations [30] - SG&A costs increased by $24 million, with $14 million attributed to a legal matter with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand remained strong across all regions except for China, with robust activity noted in Europe and the U.S. [20][68] - The company faced challenges in the China market, which was an exception to the overall positive demand trends [68] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase aftermarket sales by 50% over the next five years through a strategy called Cranes+50, focusing on non-new machine sales [50][51] - The company plans to continue pursuing acquisitions to support its growth initiatives and maintain flexibility in its capital structure amid rising interest rates [48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing global supply chain and logistical challenges, with expectations for improvement in the second half of 2022 [40] - The company anticipates adjusted net sales for 2022 to be between $2 billion and $2.2 billion, with adjusted EBITDA guidance of approximately $130 million to $160 million [41] Other Important Information - The company completed two acquisitions in North America, enhancing its aftermarket presence in the local mobile cranes market [11] - A formal CFO succession plan was announced, with Dave Antoniuk set to retire and Brian Regan to assume the CFO role [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recovery of shipment shortfall in October and November - Management indicated that $75 million of missed shipments were partially recovered in December, with expectations to recover the remainder in January and February [56][57] Question: Backlog details - The majority of the backlog is scheduled to ship in 2022, and all pricing is fixed in the backlog [58] Question: Cranes+50 strategy and M&A - The growth in aftermarket sales will come from both acquisitions and organic growth, with a focus on used business opportunities [64][66] Question: Regional outlook for 2022 - Management noted strong performance across most regions, with the exception of China, and expressed confidence in continued robust demand [68] Question: Margin performance in Q4 - The improved margin performance was attributed to product mix and effective execution in manufacturing [96] Question: New product development and lean thinking - The company has implemented lean thinking in product development processes, emphasizing customer needs and specifications [105]