Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for the first quarter decreased by 15.9% year over year to $135.6 million, primarily due to softer customer demand and inventory destocking [21][22] - Manufacturing margin was $15.3 million, down from $20.9 million in the prior year, with a manufacturing margin rate of 11.3% compared to 13% previously [21][22] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $12.2 million, down from $18.5 million year over year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 9% [23][24] - Free cash flow was $5.4 million, down from $7.9 million in the prior year, reflecting lower sales [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial vehicle market sales were $50.9 million, a decrease of 13.7% year over year, outperforming the broader market by 300 basis points [7] - Powersports market revenue decreased by 26.5% year over year, driven by inventory destocking and soft demand [8][9] - Construction and access market revenue decreased by 31.4% year over year, reflecting soft demand across non-residential and public infrastructure markets [9] - Agricultural market revenue decreased by 26.9% year over year, with uncertainty in demand due to trade policy impacts [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial vehicle market is expected to see a decrease of 22.9% in Class eight vehicle production in 2025, with a potential recovery in 2026 [7][8] - The military market is expected to increase by mid-teens, while other end markets are projected to grow by high teens [26][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is maintaining its full-year guidance, driven by strong execution and demand in less cyclical military and other end markets [5][26] - The focus remains on operational efficiency and cost discipline, with a commitment to debt repayment and share repurchases [15][17] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities to diversify its customer base and expand into high-growth adjacent markets [17][86] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to expand market share despite a dynamic macroeconomic environment [19] - The company is closely monitoring regulatory and macroeconomic developments that could impact demand in the second half of the year [5][19] - A playbook has been developed to navigate potential recessionary scenarios and regulatory changes [28][53] Other Important Information - The company generated $5.4 million in free cash flow, resulting in a free cash flow conversion of 44% of adjusted EBITDA [13] - The company has returned $9.6 million to shareholders through share repurchases over the last two years [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for end markets in the second half? - Management indicated a slight uptick in the commercial vehicle market in the second half, while powersports and agriculture are expected to remain steady [31][32] Question: Are there opportunities related to tariffs and reshoring? - Management noted ongoing discussions with customers regarding tariffs and reshoring, with a focus on domestic manufacturing [33][34] Question: What is the expected recovery for agriculture and powersports? - Agriculture is expected to decline mid-twenties, while powersports is projected to decrease mid-single digits to mid-teens [42][70] Question: What is the progress on the $100 million new business target? - The company is ahead of schedule, with $35 to $40 million of new business booked by April, primarily from existing customers [75][78] Question: What are the priorities for M&A? - The top priority is diversification of end markets, followed by maintaining an accretive margin profile and geographic proximity to customers [85][86]
mec(MEC) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript