Carpenter(US:CRS)2025-10-23 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record earnings with adjusted operating income of $153 million, a 31% increase year-over-year compared to $117.2 million in Q1 FY2025 [4][14] - Adjusted operating margin for the SAO segment reached 32%, up from 26.3% a year ago and 30.5% in the previous quarter [5][16] - Earnings per diluted share was $2.43 for the quarter, marking another record for profitability [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - SAO segment net sales excluding surcharge were $533.9 million, up 5% year-over-year but down 3% sequentially [16] - PEP segment net sales excluding surcharge were $87.2 million, down 10% sequentially and down 6% year-over-year [18] - Aerospace and defense sales were up 1% sequentially and 11% year-over-year, with bookings accelerating by 23% over the previous quarter [9][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aerospace supply chain is experiencing strengthening demand, particularly in the engine submarket, which saw a 14% sequential increase in sales [9][32] - Medical market sales were down 20% sequentially and 16% year-over-year, primarily due to volatility in medical distribution [10] - Energy market sales were down 5% sequentially but up 8% year-over-year, driven by increasing demand for power generation [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding profitability and margins through productivity improvements and pricing actions, particularly in the aerospace and defense sectors [5][12] - The Brownfield expansion project is underway, with construction activities on schedule and on budget, expected to accelerate in the second half of FY2026 [20][21] - The company aims to maintain a balanced capital allocation approach, investing in growth while returning cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [22][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the high end of the earnings guidance for FY2026, projecting operating income of $660 million to $700 million, a 26% to 33% increase over FY2025 [35][36] - The aerospace market is expected to see significant demand growth, with management noting a positive outlook from customers regarding order intake [30][34] - The company anticipates continued pricing power due to a supply-demand imbalance in nickel-based super alloys [26][39] Other Important Information - The company generated $39.2 million in cash from operating activities but reported negative adjusted free cash flow of $3.4 million due to capital expenditures [20] - Liquidity as of the latest quarter was $556.9 million, with a net debt to EBITDA ratio well below one [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What has happened with jet engine alloy lead times? - Lead times remain extended, with expectations for further increases in orders following positive news from Boeing [44] Question: Can you elaborate on the duration of the new LTAs? - The five new LTAs range from two to five years, with expectations that contract lengths will remain consistent with current levels [52] Question: How are fastener demand trends tracking? - Fastener sales were down 7% sequentially but up 40% year-over-year, with strong order intake expected for calendar year 2026 [48] Question: Is there line of sight to another quarter of sequential A&D growth? - Continued growth in order intake is expected over the next several quarters [63] Question: What is the outlook for the Brownfield expansion project? - Construction is expected to be complete by late FY2027 or early FY2028, with current activities focused on site preparation [70]