The Toro pany(TTC) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth-quarter consolidated net sales of $1.07 billion, a decrease of 0.9% from the previous year, primarily due to lower shipments and prior-year divestitures, partially offset by net price realization [13][14] - For the full year, total consolidated net sales were $4.51 billion, essentially in line with fiscal 2024 net sales, adjusting for the impact of divestitures [13][14] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter were $0.91, compared to $0.95 in the prior year, reflecting higher expenses related to restored employee incentives [15] - Full-year adjusted earnings per diluted share were $4.20, slightly up from $4.17 in fiscal 2024 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Professional segment net sales in the fourth quarter were $910 million, virtually equal to last year's performance, with earnings margin at 19.2%, up 60 basis points year-over-year [11][12] - Residential segment fourth-quarter net sales were $147 million, down 5.1% from the prior year, but exceeded expectations due to net price realization and higher shipments of snow products [12][13] - For the full year, professional segment net sales rose 1.9% to $3.62 billion, while residential segment net sales were $858.4 million, down 14% from the prior year [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted sustained momentum in the underground construction business and better-than-anticipated growth in snow and ice management [4][5] - The acquisition of Tornado Infrastructure Technologies is expected to enhance the company's position in the underground construction market, driven by new infrastructure installation projects [7][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging its diverse portfolio and driving operational excellence, with a commitment to investing in technology and innovation [4][7] - The AMP program aims to achieve $125 million in cost savings by the end of 2026, up from the original target of at least $100 million [8][19] - The company is strategically investing in growth markets, particularly in golf, grounds, and underground construction, to strengthen its competitive position [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the macroeconomic environment, noting potential pressures from inflation and interest rates but also highlighting strong demand in key markets [17][21] - For fiscal 2026, the company expects total net sales to rise 2%-5%, with professional segment sales anticipated to grow mid-single digits and residential segment sales expected to decline low to mid-single digits [17][18] Other Important Information - The company achieved record free cash flow of $578 million for the year, resulting in a free cash flow conversion rate of 146% [4][15] - The company returned $441 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, demonstrating confidence in its cash generation capabilities [15][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on sales growth and volume expectations - Management indicated that a portion of the sales growth is attributed to the Tornado acquisition, with continued strength expected in the professional segment, particularly in underground construction [33][34] Question: Improvement expectations in residential segment - Management expects some recovery in the residential segment, driven by productivity improvements and favorable snow conditions, despite ongoing homeowner caution [37][39] Question: Details on the AMP program and savings - The company raised its AMP savings target to $125 million, with savings expected to come from supply-based improvements and operational efficiency, without needing increased volume [40][41] Question: Raw material cost expectations for 2026 - Management anticipates some inflation in raw material costs early in the year, settling mid-year, and has built these expectations into their guidance [44] Question: Channel inventories and backlog status - Management reported improved channel inventories and a $400 million year-over-year improvement in backlog, indicating strong demand across various segments [51][52]