Core Molding Technologies(US:CMT)2025-05-08 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $61 million, a decrease of 21.4% year-over-year, primarily due to lower demand in the medium and heavy-duty truck vertical and powersports [11][12] - Gross margin expanded to 19.2%, up 220 basis points year-over-year and 340 basis points sequentially, driven by a favorable product mix and operational efficiencies [11][12] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was 11.7%, an improvement from 11.2% in the previous year [15] - Net income for Q1 was $2.2 million, or diluted EPS of $0.25, compared to $3.8 million or diluted EPS of $0.43 in the same period last year [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company secured over $15 million in annual new business, including $10 million in the building products sector and $5 million in the electric vehicle battery sector [8][10] - The building products sector is expected to generate approximately $5 million in revenue in 2025, with demand beginning in Q2 [8] - The electric vehicle battery program represents the second engagement with a customer, showcasing the effectiveness of customer-focused strategies [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales were down primarily due to lower demand in the medium and heavy-duty truck market, offset somewhat by growth in building products [11][12] - The company expects revenues for the first half of 2025 to decline between 10-15%, a revision from previous guidance of a 5-10% decline [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company's strategy for 2025 focuses on investing for growth, particularly in proprietary sheet molding compound (SMC) capabilities [8][10] - The company aims to leverage its production capacity to generate annual revenues of at least $450 million [16] - The capital allocation strategy emphasizes organic and inorganic growth through acquisitions, managing debt, and share repurchases [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged macroeconomic uncertainties affecting global manufacturing but expressed confidence in the company's ability to execute and capitalize on opportunities [7][22] - The company is monitoring global trade dynamics and potential regulatory changes, particularly regarding the EPA's 2027 rule [21][22] - Despite uncertainties, management believes gross margins can be maintained in the 17% to 19% range for the full year [22] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 63,000 shares at an average price of $14.5 during the first quarter [17] - As of March 31, 2025, the company had a strong liquidity position of $94.5 million, including $44.5 million in cash [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on new business growth and SMC capacity - Management expressed excitement about SMC, highlighting its potential in the construction industry and the shorter quote-to-cash cycle [28][29] Question: Advantages of US and Mexico footprint - Management confirmed that having production capacity in both the US and Mexico positions the company well to capitalize on opportunities as manufacturing returns domestically [34][35] Question: Updates on new markets like medical and turf protection - Management reported ongoing success in turf protection and medical markets, with products already in production and further opportunities being explored [36][37] Question: Details on large press upgrades - Management is evaluating upgrades to older presses to enhance speed and efficiency through modern technology [39][40] Question: Thoughts on acquisition valuations - Management noted that acquisition multiples are currently between six and seven, indicating a competitive landscape for potential acquisitions [47]