CTS(CTS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter sales of $126 million, essentially flat compared to the first quarter of 2024 [4] - Adjusted diluted earnings were $0.44 per share, down from $0.47 per share in the same period last year [21] - The adjusted gross margin was 37%, up 77 basis points year-over-year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Diversified end market sales increased by 14% year-over-year, accounting for 53% of overall company revenue [4][5] - Medical end market sales rose by 13% compared to the same period in 2024, with a book to bill ratio of 1.3 [5][6] - Aerospace and Defense sales surged by 39% year-over-year, with bookings up 32% [8][9] - Industrial market sales increased by 4% year-over-year, with bookings up 19% [10][11] - Transportation sales decreased by approximately 12% due to market dynamics in China [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Current bookings for the second quarter indicate an improving trend, although there is caution regarding second half demand due to tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty [3][18] - North American light vehicle market is expected to be in the 15 million to 16 million unit range, with potential impacts from tariffs [15][16] - European production is forecasted at 16 million units, showing some softness due to overcapacity from Chinese OEMs [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to execute on its diversification strategy across medical, industrial, aerospace, and defense markets [2] - There is a focus on moving from a component supplier to a supplier of sensors, transducers, and subsystems [9] - The company aims to expand its customer base and range of applications in diversified end markets [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term prospects for the medical end market, driven by ultrasound and therapeutic volume growth [14] - The company is closely monitoring the impact of tariffs and geopolitical factors on demand [18] - There is an expectation of gradual recovery in the industrial market, although potential demand softening is being watched [11] Other Important Information - The company generated $16 million in operating cash flow for the first quarter, with a cash balance of $90 million at the end of the quarter [22][23] - The long-term debt balance was $87 million, providing good liquidity for strategic acquisitions [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Booking profile strength in non-transportation business - Management noted strong bookings in diversified markets, particularly in medical therapeutics, but did not observe broad-based pre-buying [28][31] Question: Changes in transportation market assumptions - Management continues to monitor the transportation market but has not factored in any demand drop in their guidance [32] Question: Guidance on profit profile for the year - Management indicated that revenue is expected to increase throughout the year, aided by SideQuest seasonality and a favorable mix change [33][34] Question: Manufacturing footprint and tariffs - The company has a regional manufacturing footprint that mitigates tariff impacts, with a focus on adapting costs and pricing in collaboration with customers [38][40] Question: Margin improvement drivers - Expected drivers of margin improvement include growth in diversified markets and operational efficiency [64]