Rogers (US:ROG)2025-04-29 22:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 sales were $191 million, slightly lower sequentially, primarily due to foreign exchange rate changes and seasonality in the portable electronics market [9][24] - Gross margin for Q1 was 29.9%, a decrease of 220 basis points from the previous quarter, attributed to utilization headwinds and unfavorable product mix [26] - Adjusted EPS decreased to $0.27 from $0.46 in Q4, reflecting lower gross margin [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advanced Electronic Solutions (AES) revenue increased by 2% to $104 million, driven by higher ADAS and aerospace and defense sales, partially offset by lower EVHEV revenue [25] - Elastomeric Materials Solutions (EMS) revenue decreased by approximately 4% to $83 million due to lower portable electronics, EVHEV, and aerospace and defense sales [25] - Sales in the ADAS and industrial markets increased, while EVHEV sales declined in both AES and EMS business units [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a meaningful increase in opportunities with Chinese OEMs in the ceramic opportunity pipeline [11] - Portable electronics sales declined sequentially due to normal seasonality [16] - The company expects Q2 sales to range between $190 million and $205 million, indicating a 4% increase from Q1 [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing commercial and operational objectives, securing new design wins, and improving operational efficiency [33] - A local for local strategy is being implemented to mitigate tariff impacts, with plans to manage inventories and source materials from other countries [18][19] - The company is targeting synergistic bolt-on M&A opportunities that are EPS accretive and exceed return thresholds [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating current market challenges due to a strong balance sheet and global manufacturing footprint [8] - There is uncertainty regarding the impact of tariffs on sales in the second half of the year, but management is pursuing mitigation strategies [20][19] - Customer conversations have been constructive, with a focus on collaboration to address tariff-related challenges [47][48] Other Important Information - The company expects to achieve net savings of $25 million in 2025, with a run rate savings of $32 million [22] - Cash at the end of Q1 was $176 million, an increase of $16 million from Q4 [28] - The company plans to reduce CapEx intensity, expecting to spend between $30 million to $40 million for the full year [29][82] Q&A Session Summary Question: How much of the $25 million cost savings is in the Q2 guidance? - Most of the savings in Q2 are associated with the reduction force and will see benefits of about $3 million in the second half [38][39] Question: Do you expect Q3 to be your strongest quarter again this year? - Expectations for Q3 depend on the ramp-up of portable electronics and inventory issues in the power module market [40][41] Question: What is the tone of customer conversations regarding tariffs? - Customers are feeling resilient and are open to working together to mitigate potential tariff impacts [46][47] Question: Can you provide more details on the ceramic opportunity pipeline in China? - The company is making good progress with its facility in China and has several design wins in the pipeline [52][53] Question: What are your expectations for free cash flow this year? - The company expanded its cash balance in Q1, indicating resilience in liquidity and a strong balance sheet [78][79] Question: How is the capital intensity of the two main segments characterized? - Investments have been balanced between both segments, with ongoing maintenance and optimization efforts [88][89]