Sotera Health(SHC) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company revenues increased by 2.6% to $255 million, or 4.4% on a constant currency basis compared to Q1 2024 [5][13] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 8.8% to $122 million, equating to an 11.2% growth rate on a constant currency basis [5][15] - Adjusted EPS improved to $0.14 per share, a $0.01 increase versus Q1 2024 [5][16] - Net loss on a GAAP basis was $13 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared to a net income of $6 million, or $0.02 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sterigenics: Revenue grew by 1.9% to $170 million, or 3.9% on a constant currency basis, with segment income increasing by 2.5% to $88 million [17][18] - Nordion: Revenue surged by 36% to $33 million, or 40.6% on a constant currency basis, with segment income increasing approximately 62% to $17.4 million [18][19] - Nelson Labs: Revenue declined by 9.3% to $52 million, but segment income increased by 7% to $60 million, driven by favorable volume and mix from improved core lab testing [20][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates in a $4.5 billion sterilization service addressable market, with positive trends driven by an aging population, healthcare spending, product innovation, and stringent regulatory requirements [6] - The foreign currency presented a headwind of 180 basis points for the quarter, most pronounced in the Canadian-based Nordion business [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for revenue growth in the range of 4% to 6% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 4.5% to 6.5% on a constant currency basis for 2025 [9][22] - The strategic focus includes excellence in customer service, winning in growth markets, driving operational excellence, and disciplined capital deployment [28] - The company plans to prioritize organic growth and deleveraging, along with opportunistic M&A [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the recovery of Sterigenics and noted that volumes are expected to improve throughout the year [34][46] - The company does not anticipate current tariff policies to have a material impact on its business, with 85% of total revenue being service revenue [9][23] - Management reaffirmed the outlook for 2025, indicating that the foreign exchange headwind has improved compared to previous estimates [22] Other Important Information - The company has $715 million of available liquidity, including over $300 million of unrestricted cash [21] - Capital expenditures for Q1 2025 totaled $20 million, with expectations for full-year capital expenditures in the range of $190 million to $210 million [21][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on the business - Management expressed confidence that current regulations will not have a material impact on the company, particularly regarding cobalt shipments from Canada to the U.S. [31][32] Question: Volume recovery in Sterigenics and Nelson - Management noted optimism regarding volume improvements in both Sterigenics and Nelson Labs, supported by strong customer survey results [34][35] Question: Nelson Labs margin trends - Management highlighted that new regulations and product spend are driving improvements in margins, with expectations for continued growth throughout the year [40][41] Question: Legal strategy and ongoing cases - Management stated confidence in their legal strategy and ability to defend against claims, emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence [50][52] Question: Cross-selling initiatives between Nelson and Sterigenics - Management confirmed ongoing incentives for cross-selling and noted positive customer responses to integrated services [53][55] Question: Pricing levels and customer pushback - Management indicated that pricing for Sterigenics remains consistent with long-term targets, with ongoing discussions with customers about value delivery [75][78]