PHINIA (PHIN) - 2023 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - PHINIA reported total sales of $887 million for Q2 2023, an increase of 11% year-over-year [53] - Adjusted operating income reached $94 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 10.6%, reflecting a year-over-year improvement of 180 basis points [27][5] - Adjusted EBITDA was $130 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 14.7%, up 140 basis points from the previous year [27][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fuel systems adjusted operating margins improved by 220 basis points year-over-year to 11.3% and by 280 basis points from Q1 2023 [10] - The aftermarket business sales grew by 4% year-over-year, with an adjusted operating margin of 14.6%, down 120 basis points due to product mix [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth was driven by higher commercial vehicle (CV) sales in Europe and continued expansion of gasoline direct injection (GDI) in the Americas, with net new business accounting for 8% of the year-over-year growth [75] - Positive customer pricing contributed $30 million to growth, including $19 million from inflationary recoveries, somewhat offset by slight foreign exchange headwinds [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 and focuses on product leadership, leveraging long-term relationships with top OEMs [3] - PHINIA plans to optimize capital allocation, including dividends, debt structure optimization, and strategic acquisitions to grow its commercial and industrial businesses [43][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business's strong earnings and cash generation ability, emphasizing a focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet and maximizing shareholder returns [43] - The company anticipates Q3 results will better reflect its performance as a standalone entity, despite some adjustments due to transition services agreements [8] Other Important Information - Year-to-date cash from operations was $26 million, impacted by spin-off costs and working capital build related to separation activities [11] - The company entered into a five-year credit agreement with $500 million revolver and $725 million in term loans, resulting in total liquidity of over $700 million [56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of $450 million payment from BorgWarner - Management indicated that the payment would not impact future financials as it was accounted for during the spin-off process [58][80] Question: Net leverage and cash payments - Management clarified that net cash is expected to increase with profits and improved working capital, allowing for potential debt repayment or dividends [82] Question: Management incentives and compensation philosophy - Management stated that existing incentives from BorgWarner would carry over, with adjustments being made in collaboration with the Board [62][85]