AptarGroup(ATR) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.66, an increase of 18% compared to the prior year quarter [4] - Reported sales increased by 6%, with core sales growing by 3% year-over-year [15] - Adjusted EBITDA was $218 million, reflecting a 13% increase from the previous year [15] - The effective tax rate for the second quarter was 20%, down from 23.5% in the prior year [16] Business Segment Performance - The Pharma segment's core sales increased by 3%, with prescription sales up 8% and injectables up 9% [18] - Consumer Healthcare core sales decreased by 14% due to inventory management issues in Europe [18] - The Beauty segment saw core sales increase by 1%, driven by stronger tooling sales, while fragrance and skincare sales decreased by 4% [20] - The Closures segment's core sales increased by 7%, with food sales up 13% and beverage sales up 7% [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America experienced solid growth in Consumer Healthcare, while Europe struggled with excess inventory from a weaker cold and flu season [6] - The company noted that the visibility into future European demand for cold and cough medications has not improved significantly [7] - The Prestige Beauty market faced headwinds from trade uncertainties, impacting demand recovery [10] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The acquisition of Mod3 Pharma's clinical trial manufacturing capabilities is expected to enhance the company's position in the Pharma sector [8] - The company aims to expand its services into dermal, ophthalmic, injectable, and packaging solutions [9] - Cost management remains a priority across all segments, with ongoing initiatives to enhance earnings per share [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed confidence in the resilience and adaptability of the teams despite a complex macroeconomic backdrop [28] - The company anticipates challenges in the cough and cold markets in Europe and expects ongoing legal expenses related to intellectual property rights [30][32] - The management remains optimistic about the Pharma pipeline and the potential for systemic nasal drug delivery as a growth platform [31] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 1 million shares for about $150 million in the first half of the year [14] - The company was recognized as one of Time Magazine's World Most Sustainable Companies for the second consecutive year [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on naloxone sales normalizing and its impact on core sales growth? - Management indicated that naloxone sales are expected to grow more mutedly in the coming quarters due to uncertainty and inventory issues [38] Question: What caused the significant inventory buildup in Consumer Healthcare? - Management explained that post-COVID demand spikes led to over-ordering, resulting in excess inventory that is now being worked off [52] Question: Can you elaborate on the legal expenditures related to intellectual property rights? - Management confirmed ongoing litigation to protect intellectual property, with expected legal costs of approximately $5 million to $6 million per quarter [82] Question: How is the acquisition in New Jersey expected to impact the business? - The acquisition is aimed at enhancing early-stage development capabilities, not for large-scale contract manufacturing [90] Question: What is the outlook for the Prestige Beauty market? - Management noted that while there are uncertainties, recent trade agreements may provide clarity for European clients, potentially boosting sales in the future [66]