Myers Industries(MYE) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q3 2024 were $205.1 million, an increase of$7.3 million or 3.7% compared to Q3 2023, driven by the Signature acquisition and strong demand for Scepter products [20] - Adjusted gross profit was $66.3 million, up$3.7 million or 5.8% year-over-year, with adjusted gross margin increasing to 32.4% from 31.7% [21] - Operating income decreased to a loss of $4.8 million, compared to$18.7 million in Q3 2023, primarily due to a $22 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge [23] - Adjusted EBITDA rose to$30.7 million from $25.6 million in the prior year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15$18.2 million, a 13.8% rise year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 33% to $33.5 million [26][27] - Distribution Segment net sales decreased by$11 million or 16.8% to $54.4 million, with adjusted EBITDA down 51.8$3.2 million [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand headwinds were noted in recreational vehicles, marine, automotive aftermarket, and food and beverage markets, with customers delaying capital spending [9] - The military end market for Scepter is projected to exceed $25 million in sales for 2024, with expectations of reaching$40 million next year [51] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growing its power brands and optimizing costs in engineered products, with a strategic lens on its storage handling and protection portfolio [12][39] - New cost-cutting initiatives aim for $15 million in annualized savings, in addition to previous targets, to strengthen the cost position and mitigate revenue headwinds [10][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates cautious customer spending behavior to continue into 2025, prompting a reduction in full-year guidance for adjusted earnings per diluted share to$0.92 to $1.02 [11][36] - The company remains committed to executing strategic priorities and driving growth, particularly in high-growth markets like military and infrastructure [38][40] Other Important Information - Free cash flow for Q3 2024 was$10.1 million, down from $18.1 million in Q3 2023, with capital expenditures of$7.2 million [32][33] - The company paid down $13 million in debt during the quarter, maintaining a focus on reducing leverage [11][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Focus areas for the new CEO - The CEO is focused on growing power brands and optimizing costs in engineered products [43] Question: Surprises in power brand performance - Continued headwinds in RV, marine, and automotive aftermarket, with additional challenges in the food and beverage market [44][45] Question: EPS guidance and distribution margins - Expectation of mixed margins across segments, with potential for positive margins in distribution [49][50] Question: E-commerce strategy updates - Growth in e-commerce, particularly through Amazon, with new product lines being launched [55] Question: Distribution team capabilities - The new distribution team has industry relationships and is actively recruiting to fill gaps [59] Question: Cost-cutting measures impact on Q3 results - Most cost-cutting measures were implemented in Q3, with more impact expected in Q4 and 2025 [64][65] Question: Strategic rationale for the distribution business - Distribution is a key part of the company's heritage, with efforts focused on returning it to profitability [66]