Atmus Filtration Technologies (US:ATMU)2025-11-07 17:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for Q3 2025 were $448 million, an increase of 10.9% compared to $404 million in Q3 2024, driven by higher volumes, pricing, and favorable foreign exchange [9][13] - Adjusted EBITDA was $92 million, or 20.4%, compared to $79 million, or 19.6% in the prior period [15] - Adjusted earnings per share increased to $0.69 from $0.61 year-over-year [15] - Adjusted free cash flow was $72 million, up from $65 million in the prior year [15] - The effective tax rate for Q3 2025 was 23.6%, compared to 18.4% last year, influenced by changes in earnings mix and U.S. tax legislation [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 6% increase in volumes, a 4% increase in pricing, and a 1% contribution from favorable foreign exchange [13][20] - The aftermarket segment is expected to remain flattish year-over-year, with ongoing challenges in freight activity [10][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The heavy-duty and medium-duty truck markets in the U.S. are expected to decline by 20%-25% [11] - Demand for trucks in India is anticipated to grow, supported by government infrastructure spending [11] - The company raised its total revenue expectations for the year to a range of $1.72-$1.745 billion, reflecting a 3%-4.5% increase compared to the prior year [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a four-pillar growth strategy: growing share in First Fit, accelerating profitable growth in the aftermarket, transforming the supply chain, and expanding into industrial filtration markets [6][8] - The operational separation from the former parent company has been completed, allowing the company to focus on growth and redeploy resources [3][4] - The company plans to continue its share repurchase program and has increased its quarterly dividend by 10% [4][5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to adapt to challenging market conditions and deliver strong operational performance [11][12] - The outlook for the aftermarket remains cautious, with expectations of continued flat conditions through the first half of 2026 [31] - The company is optimistic about its growth strategy and the potential for share gains, particularly in the aftermarket and First Fit applications [21][22] Other Important Information - The company has completed its separation activities from Cummins and does not anticipate incurring additional one-time costs related to this in Q4 [15][36] - The company has a strong liquidity position with $218 million in cash and a $400 million revolving credit facility, providing operational flexibility [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on stronger-than-expected performance and share gains - Management noted that the strong quarter was driven by 8% share gains, despite market headwinds of 2% [20][21] Question: Details on volume growth impact from Stellantis - Management indicated that the 44% increase in Ram volumes was significant but not expected to repeat in future quarters [27][28] Question: Clarification on aftermarket pacing and its sustainability - Management expects the flat aftermarket conditions to persist through the first half of 2026, with no signs of improvement yet [31] Question: Opportunities from the operational separation - Management expressed excitement about focusing resources on growth following the completion of the separation [33][36] Question: Impact of Section 232 tariffs on pricing - Management confirmed ongoing evaluation of tariff implications and plans for price-cost neutrality [39] Question: Positioning for growth in data center engine capacity - Management is targeting new business development in both aftermarket and First Fit applications, while acknowledging limited aftermarket benefits from gensets [41][42] Question: Potential benefits from First Brands' bankruptcy - Management is actively seeking to expand aftermarket coverage and gain market share through existing and new partnerships [44][45]