Leggett & Platt(US:LEG)2025-04-29 13:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter sales were $1 billion, down 7% compared to the first quarter of 2024, attributed to weak demand in residential markets and automotive [20][21] - First quarter EBIT was $63 million, with adjusted EBIT at $67 million, up $3 million from the previous year due to restructuring benefits and operational efficiency [22][23] - First quarter earnings per share (EPS) was $0.22, with adjusted EPS at $0.24, a 4% increase from the previous year [22][23] - Total debt at the end of the first quarter was $1.9 billion, with total liquidity of $817 million [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the bedding products segment decreased by 13%, while specialized products declined by 5% and furniture, flooring, and textile products were down 1% [20] - U.S. mattress production was down low double digits, with total mattress consumption down high single to low double digits [21] - The geo components business experienced better-than-expected growth in the civil construction sector [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 60% of trade revenues are produced and consumed in the U.S., with another 8% produced abroad and consumed in the U.S. [9] - The company expects the mattress market to decline mid-single digits in 2025, with domestic production down mid to high single digits [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening its balance sheet, improving profitability, and operational efficiency while navigating a complex tariff environment [18][19] - A strategic business review is ongoing, with plans to divest non-core businesses, including the aerospace segment, expected to close this year [8][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate macroeconomic uncertainties and demand volatility, emphasizing the importance of restructuring benefits [19][31] - Concerns were raised about tariffs potentially driving inflation and impacting consumer confidence and demand [10][18] Other Important Information - The company is targeting a long-term leverage ratio of two times and plans to use cash from real estate sales and divestitures for debt reduction [25][29] - The restructuring plan is expected to yield significant benefits as demand recovers in the markets served [38][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the restructuring benefits expected for this year? - Management indicated that restructuring benefits will continue to roll through the year, with potential upside as demand recovers [38][39] Question: Did you see any pull forward in consumer demand due to tariffs? - Management could not identify significant pull forward in demand, although some customers may have sold products out of inventory in anticipation of tariffs [42][42] Question: What is the outlook for the aerospace segment post-divestiture? - Specific guidance on the aerospace segment will be provided after the sale closes, but first quarter sales were $53 million with EBIT of $7 million [48][50] Question: How are margins expected to change across segments this year? - Margins are expected to improve in bedding and specialized products, while furniture, flooring, and textiles are expected to decline slightly [51] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on the mattress market? - The company noted that tariffs could raise prices in the sub-$500 mattress market, but the impact remains uncertain due to various market dynamics [80][82]