Leggett & Platt(LEG) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter sales were just over $1 billion, down 6% year over year, primarily due to soft demand in residential end markets and sales attrition from the divestiture of the aerospace business [8][11] - Third quarter EBIT was $171 million, and adjusted EBIT was $73 million, a $3 million decrease year over year [11] - Third quarter earnings per share were $0.91, with adjusted EPS at $0.29, a $0.03 decrease year over year [11] - Operating cash flow for the third quarter was $126 million, an increase of $30 million compared to the third quarter of 2023 [11][12] - Total debt was reduced by $296 million in the third quarter, bringing total debt to $1.5 billion [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bedding product sales decreased 10% year over year but improved 3% sequentially [8] - Specialized product sales declined 7%, while furniture, flooring, and textile product sales were flat year over year [8] - U.S. mattress industry production improved sequentially but remained negative year over year, with total market consumption expected to decline low single digits for the full year [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic mattress production volume declined low single digits year over year, with expectations for a slowdown in the fourth quarter due to seasonality [9][10] - The automotive supply chain faced risks, including availability of aluminum and semiconductors, but no material impact was reported to date [10] - The textiles segment experienced growth in geo components, while home furniture and flooring saw declines [10][72] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing its portfolio, having completed the divestiture of its aerospace business [4][5] - A restructuring plan is nearing completion, with expected annualized EBIT benefits of $60 to $70 million [11][14] - The company aims to strengthen its balance sheet by prioritizing debt reduction and considering small strategic acquisitions [15][57] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about tariffs potentially driving inflation and impacting consumer confidence [6][7] - The company remains focused on providing high-quality, innovative products while navigating a dynamic operating environment [7][16] - Management reaffirmed the midpoint of full-year sales and adjusted EPS guidance, expecting sales of $4.0 to $4.1 billion [14] Other Important Information - The company plans to use excess cash flow primarily for debt reduction, with potential for small strategic acquisitions and share repurchases in the future [15][57] - Capital expenditures are expected to be lower this year at $60 to $70 million, with a return to normalized levels in the future [15][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Benefits from cost actions and restructuring - Management highlighted successful execution of the restructuring plan, with expected annualized EBIT benefits of $60 to $70 million [22][23] Question: Demand environment in bedding - Management noted stability in demand patterns, with some improvement observed in the third quarter despite macroeconomic challenges [26][30] Question: Future CapEx plans - Management indicated a return to a more normalized CapEx level of around $100 million in the future [32] Question: Segment margins outlook - Bedding segment margins are expected to increase by 200 basis points, while specialized products are projected to rise by 50 basis points [33] Question: Growth opportunities post-restructuring - Management sees significant growth potential in finished bedding and innovation-driven product development [52][53] Question: Future capital allocation and acquisitions - The long-term net debt leverage target is two times, with a focus on reducing debt and considering small strategic acquisitions [57]