CTS(US:CTS)2025-10-28 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported third-quarter sales of $143 million, an increase of 8% from $132 million in the same quarter of 2024 [4] - Adjusted diluted EPS for the third quarter was $0.60, down from $0.61 in the same period last year, primarily due to unfavorable impacts from recent U.S. tax legislation [5][17] - Adjusted gross margin improved to 38.9%, up 66 basis points year-over-year [16][17] - Operating cash flow for the third quarter was $29 million, compared to $35 million in the same quarter of 2024 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Diversified end market sales increased by 22% year-over-year, accounting for 59% of overall company revenue, up from 52% in the previous year [4][5] - Medical end market sales rose by 22% compared to the same period in 2024, with bookings up 8% [5][7] - Aerospace and defense sales increased by 23% year-over-year [7] - Transportation sales decreased by 7% from the same period last year, attributed to softness in commercial vehicle products [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The book-to-bill ratio for the third quarter was slightly above 1, compared to marginally below 1 in the same quarter of 2024 [4] - Industrial and distribution sales showed a 9% sequential increase and a 21% year-over-year increase, indicating a steady recovery [9][46] - The North American light vehicle market is expected to be in the 15 million unit range, with European production forecasted at 16 million units and China at 30 million units [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to transition from a component supplier to a supplier of sensors, transducers, and subsystems, as validated by recent naval defense contract awards [8] - The focus remains on strong cash generation, appropriate capital allocation, and supporting organic growth and strategic acquisitions [18][19] - The company is monitoring the tariff and geopolitical environment while adapting to cost and price adjustments [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth prospects for medical, aerospace, and defense markets, despite mixed signals from the transportation sector [24][46] - The company anticipates continued strength in therapeutic products, with expectations for increased volumes in 2026 [7][11] - The adverse tax impact from recent U.S. tax legislation is expected to persist into 2026, with a projected tax rate in the low 20% range [35][36] Other Important Information - SideQuest revenues increased to $8.8 million in the third quarter, with bookings up 29% year-over-year [8][16] - The company repurchased 400,000 shares for approximately $17 million during the quarter, returning a total of $44 million to shareholders through dividends and buybacks year-to-date [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on revenue and EPS - Management raised the midpoint on revenue guidance but lowered the midpoint on EPS guidance due to tax impacts and mixed market signals [22][23] Question: Transportation customers' production rates for 2026 - The transportation market is mixed, with some OEMs optimistic and others cautious, but solid bookings were noted [24] Question: Gross margin contribution by end markets - Margins are good across diversified end markets, with transportation trailing behind [25][26] Question: Tax impact in 2026 - The adverse tax impact from U.S. tax legislation is expected to continue, with a similar tax rate projected for 2026 [35][36] Question: Inventory levels in transportation - Days of supply for light vehicles are around 50 days, which is considered normal, with no immediate concerns [38] Question: SideQuest revenue contribution - Revenue from SideQuest is expected to show seasonality, with a step-up in revenues anticipated [39] Question: Operating expenses increase - The increase in operating expenses is primarily due to a $4.2 million reserve increase and higher equity-based compensation [40]