Miller Industries(US:MLR)2025-08-07 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q2 2025 were $214 million, a 42.4% decrease year over year from $371.5 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to a drop in chassis volumes [7] - Gross profit was $34.6 million, representing 16.2% of net sales, compared to $51.5 million or 13.8% of net sales in the prior year, with margin improvement attributed to a higher percentage of body deliveries [7] - Net income for Q2 2025 was $8.5 million or $0.73 per diluted share, down from $20.5 million or $1.78 per diluted share in the prior year [10] - Cash balance increased to $31.8 million, up $4.4 million sequentially and $7.5 million year to date [10] - Debt was reduced by $20 million to $55 million during the quarter, with an additional $5 million paid down since then [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail sales activity decreased by 20% quarter over quarter, leading to a 30% decrease in order intake from distributors [5] - SG&A expenses were $23.4 million in Q2 2025, compared to $22.8 million in Q2 2024, with SG&A as a percentage of net sales increasing to 10.9% [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Elevated field inventory in the distribution channel has persisted since the end of the previous year, impacting demand [5] - The company anticipates a recovery in the commercial towing market in the near term, but current pressures include interest rates, insurance costs, and tariff-related price increases [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is adjusting production levels to reduce field inventory and align with current demand [6] - Targeted cost reduction initiatives are being implemented to preserve margins and create operating leverage as demand normalizes [13] - The company remains committed to investing in its business and returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing industry-wide demand headwinds and the expectation of a rebound in demand in the second half of the year [12] - The company is proactively addressing the evolving tariff landscape and has implemented surcharges on new orders [14] - Despite current challenges, fundamental drivers for long-term business performance are improving, and the company is generating significant free cash flow [16] Other Important Information - The company is evaluating plans for capacity expansion related to military RFQ activity [19] - Revised revenue guidance for fiscal year 2025 is now expected to be in the range of $750 million to $800 million, with earnings per share guidance suspended [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Actions to reduce cost structure - The company is analyzing all aspects of the business, including SG&A expenses and current projects, to ensure short-term decisions do not affect long-term success [24][25] Question: Sales strategies to encourage orders - The company has worked with chassis partners to create incentives and programs to help move products, particularly focusing on class five model chassis [28][29] Question: Impact of potential interest rate cuts on orders - A potential interest rate cut could be an upside, but current predictions are based on no changes in the environment [30] Question: Update on stock buyback - There is $20 million remaining on the buyback plan, and the board evaluates this every quarter [31][32] Question: Military contracts and RFQs - The company is actively pursuing multiple larger RFQs and has secured a contract with the Canadian military [33][34] Question: Expectations for chassis and body invoice mix - The company anticipates a normalization of chassis inventory and expects margins to settle back in the mid-thirteens in the future [36][37]