EnerSys(ENS) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - EnerSys reported fourth quarter net sales of $975 million, a 7% increase year-over-year, driven by a 4% increase in organic volume and a 4% positive impact from the Brentronics acquisition [30][34] - Adjusted diluted EPS for the fourth quarter was a record $1.86 per share, up $0.66 per share versus the prior year, demonstrating strong earnings power [32][33] - Full year net sales reached $3.6 billion, up 1% year-over-year, with adjusted diluted EPS increasing by 22% to $10.15 per share [33][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Energy Systems revenue increased 8% year-over-year to $399 million, with adjusted operating earnings growing for the fifth consecutive quarter [34][35] - Motive Power revenue remained flat at $392 million, with adjusted operating earnings up 15% year-over-year, driven by a favorable price mix [36] - Specialty revenue increased 21% year-over-year to $178 million, significantly benefiting from the Brentronics acquisition [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Energy Systems saw a 22% year-on-year increase in quarterly data center revenue, indicating strong market momentum [17][34] - Motive Power experienced a 14% year-over-year decline in orders, reflecting the impact of tariff disruptions [60][62] - Specialty markets, particularly aerospace and defense, showed robust demand, although Class eight truck OEM volume recovery was slower than anticipated [22][37] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on energy security and labor scarcity, aiming to help customers manage energy costs and consumption through maintenance-free products and automation [10][11] - EnerSys is committed to optimizing its manufacturing footprint and investing in high-speed, lower-cost production capacity to strengthen its foundation for future growth [7][26] - The company plans to deepen customer relationships and expand service capabilities while maintaining operational efficiencies [10][46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate macroeconomic challenges and tariff impacts, emphasizing a disciplined approach to operations [11][43] - The outlook for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 anticipates typical seasonal volume softness in Motive Power, with expectations for recovery in subsequent quarters [43][44] - Management is awaiting clarity on reciprocal tariff negotiations before providing full-year guidance, indicating a cautious but optimistic approach to future performance [64][65] Other Important Information - The company has established a tariff task force to analyze and mitigate tariff impacts, with a focus on maintaining operational flexibility [11][12] - EnerSys is actively reshaping its manufacturing footprint, including closing a facility in Mexico and transitioning production to Kentucky, which is expected to optimize costs [26][27] - The company is optimistic about its domestic lithium battery manufacturing plans, with ongoing discussions with the Department of Energy [28][83] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on Q1 guidance and EPS growth - Management explained that the Q1 guidance reflects lower volumes in Motive Power, with EPS growth driven by favorable price mix and operational efficiencies [51][59] Question: Order recovery and full-year guidance pause - Management noted that while there has been a rebound in orders, the pause in full-year guidance is due to uncertainty surrounding tariff negotiations [61][64] Question: Section 45X tax credits and IRS interactions - Management confirmed that other companies have received their tax credits and they expect to receive their refund soon, attributing delays to IRS staffing issues [78][79] Question: Opportunities for inorganic growth - Management indicated that the current economic uncertainty may create opportunities for acquisitions, emphasizing a proactive approach to identifying targets that fit their strategic criteria [94]