Carpenter(CRS) - 2026 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record operating income of $155 million for Q2 FY2026, a 31% increase compared to Q2 FY2025, and slightly up from the previous quarter [5][15] - Adjusted operating margin for the SAO segment reached 33.1%, up from 28.3% a year ago and 32% in the prior quarter [6][18] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share was $2.33 for the quarter, excluding the impact of debt refinancing [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - SAO segment net sales excluding surcharge were $527.3 million, up 10% year-over-year and down 1% sequentially [17][18] - PEP segment net sales excluding surcharge were $77.2 million, down 11% sequentially and down 10% year-over-year, primarily due to lower demand for titanium products [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the aerospace and defense in-use market were down 1% sequentially but up 15% year-over-year, with aerospace engine materials order intake up 30% sequentially [10][11] - Medical in-use market sales were down 7% sequentially and 22% year-over-year, but orthopedic and dental sub-markets remained strong [12] - Energy in-use market sales were down 10% sequentially but up 19% year-over-year, driven by power generation demand [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its capacity for nickel-based superalloys, with a brownfield capacity expansion project underway [30][36] - The company aims to maintain a balanced capital allocation approach, investing in growth projects while returning cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [22][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing strength of the aerospace demand environment, citing significant increases in order intake and build rates [24][26] - The company raised its operating income guidance for FY2026 to $680 million-$700 million, reflecting a 30%-33% increase over FY2025 [34] Other Important Information - The company generated $132.2 million in cash from operating activities and expects to generate at least $280 million of adjusted free cash flow in FY2026 [21][22] - The company completed a refinancing of its long-term debt, extending maturity to 2034 and reducing interest rates [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: How broad-based is the participation of airframe customers in ordering? - Management noted increased activity across all aerospace sub-markets, with significant orders from structural customers returning after previous hesitations due to Boeing's issues [39][40] Question: What visibility is there regarding the defense sub-market orders? - Management indicated that there is pent-up demand from the defense sub-market due to the government shutdown, and orders are expected to pick up rapidly [40] Question: Is pricing still trending higher? - Management confirmed that pricing remains strong, with no discounts on premium aerospace products, and expects continued upward pricing trends due to supply-demand imbalances [42][43] Question: How did engine and fastener sales trend during the quarter? - Sales were relatively flat quarter-over-quarter, but year-over-year sales showed substantial increases across all aerospace sub-markets [51] Question: What is the outlook for the additive business? - Management sees potential for growth in the additive business, with increased adoption and activity from large customers [53]