Methode Electronics(MEI) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter net sales were $240.5 million, a decrease of 7% compared to $258.5 million in fiscal 2025, and a sequential decrease of 6% [15][20] - Adjusted income from operations was $2 million, an increase of $6.7 million year-over-year, and up $23.6 million sequentially [16] - First quarter adjusted EBITDA was $15.7 million, up $5.9 million from the same period last year, and increased $22.8 million sequentially [17] - First quarter free cash flow was $18 million, compared to -$2.7 million in fiscal 2025, marking an increase of $20.7 million [18][19] - Net debt decreased by $11.7 million from the fourth quarter to $202.3 million, with a total reduction of $41 million over the last three quarters [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the automotive segment were weaker in North America due to the transition from legacy programs to new ones, impacting overall performance [16][25] - Data center sales grew by 12% year-over-year, although sequential sales were lower due to record sales in the previous quarter [8][15] - EV sales represented 19% of consolidated total sales, an increase from 18% last year, but down from 20% sequentially [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The automotive business in EMEA showed significant improvement year-over-year, while North America faced challenges due to program roll-offs [25] - The company remains optimistic about long-term EV trends, expecting a rebound in EV sales in fiscal 2027 despite current softness in North America [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on launching over 30 new programs this year, with most launches scheduled for the remainder of the year [6] - Methode is leveraging its historical expertise in power solutions to drive innovation in data centers, EVs, and military applications [9][10] - The transformation journey is aimed at stabilizing the business and positioning it for future growth, with improvements in operational efficiency and working capital [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management affirmed guidance for fiscal 2026, expecting sales in the range of $900 million to $1 billion and EBITDA between $70 million and $80 million [20][21] - The company anticipates a doubling of EBITDA margin from 4.1% to 7.9% despite a reduction in sales [21] - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing transformation efforts and the potential for future sales growth from new business opportunities [14][13] Other Important Information - The company experienced a delay in reporting first quarter earnings due to a miscalculation of dividend equivalents, which required obtaining a waiver from banks [15] - The first quarter's capital expenditures were $7.1 million, down from $13.6 million in fiscal 2025, reflecting improved efficiency in spending [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Automotive segment contribution to EBITDA growth - Management highlighted the need to separate performance by region, noting improvements in EMEA and challenges in North America due to program transitions [25] Question: Strategic outlook for Asia - The Asia team is leading product development for EV applications, with expectations for growth despite legacy program roll-offs [29] Question: Impact of tariffs - Management confirmed no significant changes in tariff expectations, with current tariffs creating new opportunities due to USMCA compliance [39] Question: Restructuring actions progress - Management indicated ongoing consolidation efforts and headcount reductions, with a focus on structural cost reductions [40][41] Question: End market outlook for commercial vehicles - Management expects a rebound in the commercial vehicle space in 2026, with improved relationships leading to additional RFQs [42][44] Question: Sales guidance for Stellantis programs - Management confirmed no changes in the sales bridge, maintaining expectations for program impacts [52] Question: Data center bus bars market - Management clarified that the bus bars supplied are primarily for new construction, with potential for growth in this area [53][55] Question: EV sales distribution by region - In fiscal 2025, 55% of EV sales were in EMEA, 16% in Asia, and 30% in North America, indicating a diverse market exposure [58]