Hillenbrand(US:HI)2025-02-06 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for the quarter was $700 million, down 9% year over year, but in line with expectations [10][19] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.56, down 19% year over year, consistent with expectations due to lower starting backlog [10][20] - Adjusted EBITDA was $97 million, a decrease of 15% year over year, with a consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.7%, down 110 basis points compared to the prior year [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advanced Process Solutions (APS) revenue was $511 million, down 10% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $83 million, a decrease of 14% [21][22] - Molding Technology Solutions (MTS) revenue was $196 million, down 5% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $27 million, a decrease of 15% [23][24] - Backlog for APS was $1.6 billion, down 17% year over year, while MTS backlog increased 1% to $233 million [22][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America and Europe markets remain sluggish, particularly in automotive, while Asia shows stability with growth in India [15][24] - Customer quote pipelines remain healthy, especially in India and Saudi Arabia, despite global macroeconomic uncertainty [12][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming its portfolio towards higher margin, higher growth, and less cyclical industrial leaders [6][8] - The sale of a 51% stake in Milacron for $287 million is part of this transformation, allowing the company to concentrate on core business and enhance shareholder value [6][26] - The company aims to maximize shareholder value by deleveraging and enhancing its margin profile [8][25] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth strategy despite ongoing macroeconomic pressures [17][31] - The company anticipates continued softness in North America and Europe in the near term, with expectations for improved performance as order decision timing normalizes [15][31] - Management remains optimistic about the potential for future returns from the Milacron business under Bain Capital's ownership [9][68] Other Important Information - The company expects to close the Milacron transaction by the end of the fiscal second quarter or early in the third quarter, with net proceeds used for debt pay down [26][27] - Updated fiscal year guidance reflects approximately $2.63 billion to $2.8 billion in revenue and adjusted EBITDA of $411 million to $447 million [28][29] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: What do customers need to see to move from quoting to placing orders? - Management indicated that geopolitical factors and clarity on interest rates are significant concerns for customers before making major investments [36] Question: What percentage of revenue does aftermarket represent and what is the outlook? - Aftermarket orders were close to 40% of total orders for the quarter, with expectations for continued improvement throughout the year [39][40] Question: What drove the decision to sell a majority stake in Milacron rather than a full divestiture? - The decision was based on a regular review of assets to determine the best return for shareholders, allowing Milacron to pursue growth opportunities while focusing on core businesses [54][55] Question: What are the expected EBITDA margins and free cash flow conversion capabilities post-divestiture? - Expected EBITDA margins for MTS are projected to be in the mid-20s, with a target of 100% free cash flow conversion in the medium term [58][73]