CTS(US:CTS)2025-04-30 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company reported first quarter sales of $126 million, essentially flat compared to the first quarter of 2024 [5][20] - Adjusted diluted earnings were $0.44 per share, down from $0.47 per share in the same period last year [22][23] - Adjusted gross margin was 37%, up 77 basis points year-over-year [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Diversified end market sales increased by 14% year-over-year, accounting for 53% of overall revenue [5][6] - Medical end market sales rose by 13% compared to the same period in 2024, with a book to bill ratio of 1.3 [6][8] - Aerospace and Defense sales surged by 39% year-over-year, with bookings up 32% [9][10] - Industrial market sales increased by 4% year-over-year, with bookings up 19% [11][12] - Transportation sales decreased by 12% due to market dynamics in China [13][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Current bookings for the second quarter indicate an improving trend, but there is caution regarding second half demand due to tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty [4][19] - North American light vehicle market is expected to be in the 15 million to 16 million unit range, with potential impacts from tariffs [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Company is focused on diversification across medical, industrial, aerospace, and defense markets, while progressing in electrification and transportation [3][15] - The strategy includes moving from a component supplier to a supplier of sensors, transducers, and subsystems [10] - Company aims to expand its customer base and range of applications in diversified end markets [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in long-term prospects despite near-term tariffs and economic pressures [19][69] - Demand in the medical end market is expected to remain solid, driven by ultrasound and therapeutic volume growth [15] - Aerospace and Defense revenue is anticipated to remain strong due to a healthy backlog and the SideQuest acquisition [15][18] Other Important Information - The company generated $16 million in operating cash flow for the first quarter, with a cash balance of $90 million [23][24] - Long-term debt balance was $87 million, providing good liquidity for strategic acquisitions [24] 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 [29][32] Question: Changes in transportation market assumptions - Management continues to monitor the transportation market but has not factored in any demand drop in guidance [33] Question: Guidance on profit profile for the year - Management indicated an increasing revenue profile throughout the year, supported by SideQuest seasonality and a mix change in diversified markets [34][35] Question: Manufacturing footprint and tariffs - Company has a regional manufacturing footprint with minimal imports from Asia, and is actively discussing pricing strategies with customers [39][41] Question: Margin improvement drivers - Expected margin enhancement is driven by growth in diversified markets, operational efficiency improvements, and currency impacts [64]