Methode Electronics(US:MEI)2025-07-10 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter net sales were $257.1 million, a decrease of 7% year-over-year but an increase of 7% sequentially from the third quarter [35][36] - The full year fiscal 2025 net sales were $1.048 billion, down 6% from $1.115 billion in fiscal 2024, primarily due to program roll-offs [45] - The fourth quarter adjusted loss from operations was $21.6 million, a decrease of $11.8 million from fiscal 2024 [36] - Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA was a negative $7.1 million, down $12.4 million year-over-year [39] - Free cash flow for the fourth quarter was $26.3 million, an increase of $10.5 million from fiscal 2024 [42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Record sales for power products in data center applications exceeded $80 million for the full year, nearly double that of fiscal 2024 [14][45] - EV sales represented 20% of consolidated total sales, showing a year-over-year increase of 1419%, but a sequential decrease of approximately 10% from Q3 [16] - The automotive segment faced significant challenges, with historical warranty and quality issues contributing to losses [13][41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects a 10% to 15% decline in EV sales for fiscal 2026 due to weaker market demand and program delays [17] - The company anticipates a significant rebound in EV sales in fiscal 2027 based on customer forecasts and industry projections [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving operational execution and successfully launching a large pipeline of new programs, with 30 new program launches expected in fiscal 2026 [20][49] - The transformation strategy aims to enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation, particularly in data centers and EV markets [30][31] - The company plans to optimize its footprint and reevaluate its product portfolio to align with market opportunities [29][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that fiscal 2026 will be a reset year due to EV program delays, particularly from Stellantis, but expects to double EBITDA despite declining sales [11][12] - The leadership team emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and focus on objectives amid external challenges such as tariffs and market volatility [24][25] Other Important Information - The company has successfully remediated three material weaknesses in internal controls identified in fiscal 2024 [51] - The dividend was reduced to $0.07 per share to provide flexibility and align with peers, considering the company's financial situation [104] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key earnings levers given the expected sales decline? - Management highlighted operational improvements and the elimination of one-time expenses as key factors for expected EBITDA growth despite lower sales [54][58] Question: How many of the new launches are EV platforms? - Approximately 50% of the new program launches are related to the EV market, with a significant focus on data center growth as well [79] Question: Can you clarify the leverage waiver and covenant levels? - The leverage covenants were relaxed, starting at 4.25 for Q4 of fiscal 2025, with confidence in meeting these covenants over the next year [66][67]