Atmus Filtration Technologies (NYSE:ATMU) 2025 Conference Transcript

Summary of Atmus Filtration Technologies Conference Call Company Overview - Company: Atmus Filtration Technologies (NYSE: ATMU) - Event: 2025 Conference Call - Date: December 04, 2025 Key Points Operational Separation from Cummins - The full operational separation from Cummins was completed in Q3 2025, requiring more effort and resources than initially expected [3][4] - The organization is now focused on reallocating resources for growth, enhancing customer experience, and improving internal operations [5] Growth Strategy and Market Opportunities - Atmus has two strategic pillars for growth: winning new business in core markets and expanding into new customer segments [6][7] - The company is in the early stages of establishing connections with new customers and is more advanced in the aftermarket segment [8] - New distribution channels have been established, including over 100 new outlets in Latin America and a partnership with Traction in Canada [9][10] Recent Acquisition - Atmus announced the acquisition of Koch Filter for $450 million, representing a 13.9 times trailing multiple pre-synergy [13][14] - The acquisition aims to expand into industrial markets, particularly in industrial air, water, and liquid filtration [18] - Expected synergies from the acquisition include $4 million in supply chain and cost synergies [19] Financial Metrics and Capital Allocation - The acquisition is expected to enhance EBITDA margins, EPS, and return on invested capital [15][16] - The transaction will be financed through existing cash and a potential upsizing of the credit facility, targeting a net debt to EBITDA ratio of around two times [23][24] - Atmus plans to continue returning cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [28][29] Market Outlook - The company expects a 20%-25% decline in the US heavy-duty and medium-duty markets in 2025, with demand remaining tepid due to regulatory uncertainties [30] - The aftermarket is also expected to remain flat, with ongoing challenges in freight activity impacting filtration demand [31][32] Pricing Strategy - Atmus has guided a 3% price increase for 2025, with 1.2% attributed to tariffs and 1.7% to base pricing [33][34] Operational Efficiency and Margin Expansion - The company has achieved over 400 basis points of margin expansion in recent years, driven by supply chain transformation and cost management initiatives [37][38] - Future initiatives will focus on targeted cost reductions and efficiency gains [39] Regulatory Environment and Global Market Trends - Emissions regulations are viewed as opportunities for growth, with the company looking to leverage advanced filtration technologies [40] - Demand trends in India and China show mixed signals, with India experiencing a slowdown in infrastructure spending and China seeing growth in zero-emissions vehicles [42][43] Aftermarket Sales and Vehicle Lifespan - The company emphasizes the significance of aftermarket sales, with vehicle lifespans of 15-20 years providing a recurring revenue stream [48] Conclusion Atmus Filtration Technologies is strategically positioned for growth following its separation from Cummins, with a focus on expanding its market presence through acquisitions and enhancing operational efficiencies. However, the company faces challenges in the current market environment, particularly regarding regulatory uncertainties and demand fluctuations.