Q3 2023 Universal Stainless & Alloy Products Inc Earnings Call

October 25, 2023

Okay.

Yeah.

Thank you for standing by and welcome to the Universal stainless alloy products, Inc. Third quarter 2023 conference call and webcast. At this time all participants are in listen only mode. After the speaker's presentation. There will be a question and answer session to ask a question. During this session you will need to press star one on your telephone.

Move yourself from the queue simply press Star one again as a reminder, today's program is being recorded and now I'd like to introduce your host for today's program June Phil and Jerry. Please go ahead.

Thank you. Good morning, This is June Phil and Jerry or Tom Partners.

I also would like to welcome you to the Universal.

Call and webcast. We are here to discuss the company's third quarter 2023 results reported this morning with US from management are Denny Oates, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Zimmer Executive Vice President and Chief operating Officer.

John Armenia, Vice President General Counsel, and Steve did Tommaso, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer before I turn the call over to management. Let me quickly review procedures. After management has made formal remarks, we will take your questions Hi, John its been our operator will instruct.

Are you on procedures at that time also please note that in this morning's call management will make forward looking statements under the private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, I would like to remind you of the risks related to these statements which are more fully described in today's press release and in the <unk>.

<unk> filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

With the formalities complete I would now like to turn the call over to Danny Oates Denny we are ready to begin.

Thanks, Joe.

Morning, everyone. Thanks for joining us today.

Our third quarter performance essentially met our short term expectations, both topline and Bottomline.

Let me hit some of the highlights.

Total sales of $71 $3 million were the second highest quarterly sales on record.

Premium alloy sales grew 28% sequentially, putting us on track for a record 2023.

Our gross margin expanded to 15, 2% of sales.

Since the second quarter of 2018, despite commodity headwinds.

Operating income increased by 43% from the second quarter.

As a result, our net income doubled sequentially to $1 9 million or <unk> 20 per diluted share.

Adjusted EBITDA increased to $9 5 million up 20% from Q2 and was one five times greater than the third quarter last year.

Inventories were reduced to $800000 in managed working capital remained at 53% of sales despite the sales growth and high backlog.

Capital spending was $3 million with major projects on time and within budget.

Lastly, we reduced debt by another $3 8 million to $89 5 million, while liquidity improved to $31 million on September 30, compared to $24 million on June 30.

There are five main drivers of our third quarter performance.

First a richer product mix, mainly more premium alloy sales and aggressive mix management of our air melt it portfolio.

Second higher base selling prices, we've implemented 15 based selling prices since late 2021.

<unk> benefit of these increases will continue to grow as we move through the next several quarters.

Third increased production levels with well controlled fixed overhead spending production.

Production is running about 15% ahead of last year as we strive to ramp up operations.

Fourth.

My compliments to the manufacturing team on setting several monthly production records, especially in our vacuum arc re melting operations at North Jackson, and the intermediate bar cell in our Dunkirk facility, which Youll recall, we installed just before COVID-19.

Our Dunkirk plant also set a new monthly finished bar shipping record in September.

Fifth our focused efforts to improve yields in recent years are also beginning to pay dividends, particularly in our bridgeville plate products and growing finished round bar products.

Turning to the order book Order entry was up sequentially on strong aerospace demand and order backlog remains substantial at $345 million before surcharges.

Premium products represented 37% of our backlog.

Our strong backlog and demonstrated positive trends in operations gives us confidence and continued sequential improvements in performance.

Operator: Thank you for standing by and welcome to the Universal Stainless Alloy Products Inc. 3rd quarter 2023 conference call and webcast. At this time, all participants are in listen only mode.

One additional very important update.

I'm also pleased to announce that our board is a part of this leadership succession plan.

I honestly named Chris Zimmer, as our new President and Chief Executive Officer effective November one.

Operator: After the speakers presentation, there will be a question and answer session. To ask a question during this session, you'll need to press star 1-1 on your telephone. To remove yourself from the queue, simply press star 1-1 again.

Chris has a 15 year universal veteran <unk>.

He joined Universal as Vice President of sales and marketing and currently serves as executive Vice President and Chief operating Officer.

Operator: As a reminder, today's program is being recorded.

He knows our company inside and out and he is well established as a leader in the specialty metals industry.

June Filingeri: And now I'd like to introduce your host for today's program, June Filingeri. Please go ahead. Thank you. Good morning.

As I stated in our release this morning, I have confidence that Chris's leadership working in concert with our senior management team sets the stage for universal to have a very exciting future.

June Filingeri: This is June Filingeri of Com Partners. And I also would like to welcome you to the Universal Call and Webcast. We are here to discuss the company's 3rd quarter 2023 results reported this morning. With us for management, Ardeni Oates, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Zimmer, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Sean Arminis, Vice President and General Counsel and Steve DiTommaso, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

On a personal note I will be transitioning to executive chairman of the company focusing on a smooth leadership transition longer term strategic issues and my normal chairman responsibilities.

So Chris Congratulations and I look forward to supporting you and the team as you assume your new responsibilities I will turn it over to you for your review of operations.

Thank you Dave I appreciate your kind words and I'm grateful for your ongoing support.

June Filingeri: Before I turn the call over to management, let me quickly review procedures. After management has made formal remarks, we will take your questions. Jonathan, our operator will instruct you on procedures at that time. Also, please note that in this morning's call, management will make forward-looking statements. Under the private securities litigation reform act of 1995, I would like to remind you of the risks related to these statements, which are more fully described in today's press release and in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

I'm deeply honored to take on this leadership role for the Board's confidence in me. This is an exciting time and I am looking forward to continuing to work with our talented management team to execute our long term strategy and profitably grow our business.

And now turning to my operating report let.

Let me start with our capital project at the North Jackson plant.

We're adding two var furnaces.

We're now in the final commissioning and technical validation phase with full integration into operations to begin in the first quarter of 2024.

Dennis Oates: With the formalities complete, I would now like to turn the call over to Danny Oates. Danny, we are ready to begin. Thanks, Jim.

Dennis Oates: With the formalities complete, I would now like to turn the call over to Danny Oates. Danny, we are ready to begin. Thanks, Jim. Good morning, everyone. Thanks for joining us today. Our 3rd quarter performance essentially met our short-term expectations. Both top line and bottom line.

Once complete the project will increase our bar capacity by 20%.

Our capacity was a pinch point for us back in 2018 and 19.

The new var furnaces have better technology and better controls that will mainly be used for premium alloy production.

Dennis Oates: Good morning, everyone. Thanks for joining us today. Our 3rd quarter performance essentially met our short-term expectations. Both top line and bottom line. Let me hit some of the highlights. Total sales of $71.3 million, were the second highest quarterly sales on record. Premium alloy sales grew 28% sequentially, putting us on track for a record 2023. Our gross margin expanded to 15.2% of sales, the highest since the second quarter of 2018, despite commodity headwinds.

Premium alloys are a critical platform for our growth strategy as Denny highlighted our third quarter premium alloy sales increased 28% from the second quarter.

Dennis Oates: Let me hit some of the highlights. Total sales of $71.3 million, were the second highest quarterly sales on record. Premium alloy sales grew 28% sequentially, putting us on track for a record 2023. Our gross margin expanded to 15.2% of sales, the highest since the second quarter of 2018, despite commodity headwinds. Operating income increased by 43% from the second quarter. As a result, our net income doubled sequentially to $1.9 million or 20 cents per diluted share.

They were double the level of third quarter of 2022.

They were up 83% year to date.

Production levels at our re melt shops hot working mills and major finishing units all continued to improve sequentially.

As we already announced on September 1st we reached a new five year agreement with the hourly employees at our original plan.

Dennis Oates: Operating income increased by 43% from the second quarter. As a result, our net income doubled sequentially to $1.9 million or 20 cents per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $9.5 million, up 20% from Q2, and was 1.5 times greater than the third quarter last year. Inventors reduced $800,000 and managed working capital remained at 53% of sales, despite the sales growth and high backlog. Capital spending was $3 million with major projects on time and within budget. Lastly, we reduced debt by another $3.8 million to $89.5 million, while liquidity improved to $31 million on September 30 compared to $24 million on June 30.

Companywide, our employment stability continues to improve as our labor head count has increased 5% since the end of the second quarter.

Dennis Oates: Adjusted EBITDA increased to $9.5 million, up 20% from Q2, and was 1.5 times greater than the third quarter last year. Inventors reduced $800,000 and managed working capital remained at 53% of sales, despite the sales growth and high backlog. Capital spending was $3 million with major projects on time and within budget. Lastly, we reduced debt by another $3.8 million to $89.5 million, while liquidity improved to $31 million on September 30 compared to $24 million on June 30.

Turning to commodities.

Nicole Ratchet it down another 4% in the third quarter closing at $8 90, the lowest level in two years.

While the strong aerospace market and electric vehicle industry are a source of growing demand for nickel.

Supply is outpacing demand due to Indonesia in production, which is up 50% in just three years.

Continued weakness in the Chinese economy is adding additional pressure.

In fact, nearly every metal tracked declined sequentially in the quarter, including scrap which fell by 11%.

Dennis Oates: Your five main drivers of our third quarter performance. First, a richer product mix, mainly more premium alloy sales and aggressive mix management of our air-melded portfolio. Second, higher-based selling prices. We've implemented 15-based selling prices since late 2021. The P&L benefit of these increases will continue to grow as we move through the next several quarters. Third, increased production levels with well-controlled fixed overhead spending. Production is running about 15 percent ahead of last year as we strive to ramp up operations.

It's worth noting that the prime scrap market in the Pittsburgh region stabilized in October and is expected to gain traction during the rest of the year.

As anticipated we saw negative surcharge misalignment in Q3, and we expect misalignment in the fourth quarter to moderate.

Let's turn to end markets, beginning with aerospace our largest market.

Aerospace sales increased 5% in the third quarter of 2023 to a new record of $54 million or 76% of sales.

They were up 71% from the third quarter of 2022.

Dennis Oates: Fourth, my compliments to the manufacturing team on setting several monthly production records, especially in our vacuum arc remelting operation in North Jackson and the intermediate bar cell at our Dunkirk facility, which you'll recall we installed just before COVID. Our Dunkirk plan also set a new monthly finished bar shipping record in September. Fifth, our focused efforts to improve yields in recent years are also beginning to pay dividends, particularly in our bridge build plate products and growing finished round bar products.

Year to date sales reached $154 2 million.

58% increase from the same period of 2022.

Demand for our aerospace products remains robust in the third quarter and that level of demand continues to grow.

The demand drivers remain the same air traffic continues to recover and is on the verge of a full recovery back to pre pandemic levels.

Airlines continue to place substantial orders for new more fuel efficient planes.

Dennis Oates: Turning to the order book, order entry was up sequentially on strong air space demand and order backlog remains substantial at $345 million before surcharges. Premium products represented 37 percent of our backlog. Our strong backlog and demonstrated positive trends in operations gives us confidence in continued sequential improvements in performance.

As they upgrade and expand their fleets to meet customer demand.

As a result order books at Boeing and Airbus and Airbus.

Extend past the end of the decade, and both are continuing to press hard to increase production levels.

Looking at recent developments at the airplane manufacturers.

Boeing delivered 105 airplanes in the third quarter, including 69 of the 737, Max and 19 787 Dreamliners.

Dennis Oates: One additional very important update.

Dennis Oates: I'm also pleased to announce that our board as a part of its leadership succession plan unanimously named Chris Zimmer as our new president and chief executive officer, effective November 1st. Chris is a 15-year universal veteran. He joined Universal as vice president of sales and marketing and currently serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer. He knows our company inside and out and he's well established as a leader in the specialty metals industry. As I stated in our release this morning, I have confidence that Chris is leadership working in concert with a senior management team sets the stage for Universal to have a very exciting future.

Deliveries in September were lower than expected because they needed to fix and inspect thousands of holes.

And the 737, Max bulkhead that were drilled in properly.

Last week spirit entered into an agreement with Boeing to achieve production stability at its facilities and support higher deliveries.

Boeing has provided funding for tooling and capital through 2025 for planned and potential 737% and 787 rate increases.

Boeing's third quarter activity was strong totaling 321 commercial planes with 200 737, Max is at 120 780 Sevens.

Dennis Oates: When a personal note, I will be transitioning to executive chairman of the company, focusing on a smooth leadership transition, longer term strategic issues, and my normal chairman responsibilities. So, Chris, congratulations. I look forward to supporting you and the team as you assume your new responsibilities.

By the end of the quarter Boeing's commercial backlog had increased 4% to 5172 claims.

September was the first month since December of 2019 that their backlog surpassed 5000.

Christopher Zimmer: I'll turn it over to you for your review of operations. Thank you, Danny. I appreciate your kind words and I'm grateful for your ongoing support.

Boeing has reportedly laid out an aggressive build rate plan for their 737 at a master schedule for its suppliers that it reaffirmed in their earnings release today.

Christopher Zimmer: I'm deeply honored to take on this leadership role and for the Board's confidence in me. This is an exciting time and I'm looking forward to continuing the work with our talented management team to execute our long-term strategy and profitably grow our business. And now turning to my operating report. Let me start with our capital project at the North Jackson plant where we're adding two BAR furnaces. We're now in the final commissioning and technical validation phase with full and integration into operations to begin in the first quarter of 2024.

The plan calls for a production rate of 38.

Per month by the end of the year.

With plans to increase to 50, and the 2025 to 26 timeframe.

The 787 program is now transitioning production to five per month and plans to increase to 10 per month.

Christopher Zimmer: Once complete, the project will increase our BAR capacity by 20%. BAR capacity was a pinch point for us back in 2018 The new VA, our furnaces, have better technology and better controls that will mainly be used for premium alloy production. Premium alloys are the critical platform for our growth strategy. As Denny highlighted, our third quarter premium alloy sales increased 28% from the second quarter. They were double the level of third quarter of 2022 and they were up 83% year-to-date.

And that 2025 to 26 timeframe.

Meanwhile, Airbus delivered 172 aircraft in the third quarter and one total orders of 200 new claims.

Airbus plans to deliver 720 planes this year and its current production rate is estimated for 48 per month.

And the company's second quarter report Airbus said their production of the <unk> hundred 20 family was progressing well towards the previously announced rate of <unk> 75 per month in 2026.

On wide bodies Airbus continues to target a rate of three <unk> hundred <unk> per month in 2024, moving to nine <unk> hundred <unk> per month by the end of 2025.

Christopher Zimmer: Production levels at our remelt shops, hot working mills and major finishing units all continue to improve sequentially. As we already announced on September 1st, we reached a new 5-year agreement with the hourly employees at our bridgeville plant. Company-wide, our employment stability continues to improve as our labor headcount has increased 5% since the end of the second quarter. Turning to commodities, Nickel ratcheted down another 4% in the third quarter, closing at 890, the lowest level in two years.

Looking at the data supporting the demand for new aircraft.

<unk> reported total traffic in August of 2023 rose, 28% from August of last year.

Global traffic is now at 96% of pre Covid levels.

That included a 30% increase in international traffic traffic versus the same period, a month ago, the same month a year ago.

With all markets, demonstrating double digit gains year over year.

Domestic travel has reached 109% of August 2019 levels.

Christopher Zimmer: While the strong aerospace market and electric vehicle industry are a source of growing demand for Nickel, supply is outpacing demand due to Indonesian production, which is up 50% in just three years. Continued weakness in the Chinese economy is adding additional pressure. In fact, nearly every metal tract declines sequentially in the quarter, including scrap, which fell by 11%. It's worth noting that the prime scrap market and the Pittsburgh region stabilized in October and is expected to gain traction during the rest of the year. As anticipated, we saw negative surcharge misalignment in Q3 and we expect misalignment in the fourth quarter to moderate.

It's also reflected in the TSA daily passenger screening count, which exceeded $2 7 million on October 20 <unk>.

Versus $2 $5 million on that date in 2022 and $2 five back in 2019.

Looking.

At the airlines all three of the major U S carriers reported record third quarter revenues.

Delta Airlines saw a 6% higher domestic travel at 35% higher international travel and said strong demand is continuing into the fourth quarter.

United Airlines also reported higher domestic and international traffic year on year.

American Airlines attributed their growth to a resilient demand environment, all three airlines referenced the spike in fuel costs, which reinforces the case for newer more fuel efficient airplanes.

Christopher Zimmer: Let's turn to end markets. Beginning with aerospace are largest markets. Aerospace sales increased 5% in the third quarter of 2023 to a new record of 54 million or 76% of sales. They were up 71% from the third quarter of 2022. Year-to-date sales reached 154.2 million, a 58% increase from the same period of 2022. Demand for our aerospace products remains robust in the third quarter and that level of demand continues to grow.

The defense industry has been in sharp focus given the war in UK, Ukraine, and the tragic attacks by Hamas and Israel.

Needless to say market demand remains strong.

Lockheed Martin reported better than expected third quarter results, along with a record backlog for both domestic and international customers.

An area of focus is our next generation F 35 jets, which they expect to begin delivering in the spring.

Christopher Zimmer: The demand drivers remain the same. Air traffic continues to recover and is on the verge of a full recovery back to pre-pandemic levels. Airlines continue to place substantial orders for new, more fuel-efficient planes as they upgrade and expand their fleets to meet customer demand. As a result, order books at Boeing and Airbus and Airbus extend past the end of the decade and both are continuing to press hard to increase production levels.

Additionally, the state Department has green lighted a $5 billion sale of 25 F 35 Jets to South Korea subject to congressional approval.

For universal stainless the opportunities in commercial aerospace and defense are both substantial and continuing to increase as we execute our initiatives to expand our portfolio of products and approvals.

With our increased premium alloy portfolio, we are growing our presence in the engine side of the airplane and winning new business.

Christopher Zimmer: Looking at recent developments at the airplane manufacturers, Boeing delivered 105 airplanes in the third quarter, including 69 of the 737 MAX and 1977 Dreamliners. Deliveries in September were lower than expected because they needed to fix and inspect thousands of holes in the 737 MAX bulkhead that were drilled improperly. Last week, Spirit entered into an agreement with Boeing to achieve production stability at its facilities and support higher delivery. Boeing has provided funding for tooling and capital through 2025 for planned and potential 737 and 787 rate increases.

More approvals from the primes have led to stronger order entry.

Overall, the supply chain remains in a pull mode and strong demand is expected to continue well into 2024 and beyond.

The heavy equipment market remained our second largest market in the third quarter of 2023 with sales of $8 9 million or 13% of sales.

Which is level with the second quarter and 44% higher than the third quarter of 2022.

Year to date sales of $24 8 million rose, 15% from the prior year period.

Metal fabrication demand drives our heavy equipment.

Christopher Zimmer: Boeing's third quarter activity was strong, totaling 321 commercial planes with 20737 maxes and 12787s. By the end of the quarter, Boeing's commercial backlog had increased 4% to 5172 planes. September was the first month since December of 2019 that their backlog surpassed 5,000. Boeing has reportedly laid out an aggressive build rate plan for their 737 in a master schedule for its suppliers that it reaffirmed in their earnings release today. The plan calls for a production rate of 38 per month by the end of the year with plans to increase to 50 and the 2025 to 26 timeframe.

Market sales, mainly for automotive applications, especially model changeovers.

We said last time that we expect that our sales to that market to remain solid in the third quarter and that was the case.

However, we've also noted tool steel plate demand can be lumpy.

While the automotive while the automakers report strong third quarter sales with an estimated $3 9 million cars and trucks sold in the period.

The prolonged UAW strike actions against GM Ford and still Lantus have been disruptive to their operations.

As a result, our customers are showing signs of caution and we expect some softening in our heavy equipment sales in the fourth quarter.

Once the strike as a result, we expect quarterly sequential growth throughout 2024 to return as they have in normal years.

Christopher Zimmer: The 787 program is now transitioning production to 5 per month and plans to increase to 10 per month in that 2025 to 26 timeframe. Meanwhile, Airbus delivered 172 aircraft in the third quarter and won total orders of 200 new planes. Airbus plans to deliver 720 planes this year and its current production rate is estimated for 48 per month. In the company's second quarter report, Airbus said their production of the A320 family was progressing well towards the previously announced rate of 75 per month in 2026. On wide bodies, Airbus continues to target a rate of 3A330s per month in 2024 moving to 9A350s per month by the end of 2025.

The general industrial market remained our third largest market in the third quarter of 2023 with sales of $3 3 million or 5% of sales, which is up 3% from the second quarter of 2023 and up 50% from the third quarter of last year.

Year to date sales rose, 35% to $10 1 million.

Our general industrial sales are mainly for semiconductor manufacturing.

In their latest report the semiconductor industry Association reported that semiconductor sales improved for the sixth consecutive month in August.

Providing optimism for continued momentum in the months to come.

We said last time that we were bullish about 2024 with the ramp up beginning in the second half of this year and that forecast remains on track.

Christopher Zimmer: Looking at the data supporting the demand for new aircraft, IAPI reported total traffic in August of 2023 rose 28% from August of last year. Global traffic is now at 96% of pre-COVID levels. That included a 30% increase in international traffic versus the same period a month ago, the same month a year ago, with all markets demonstrating double-digit gains year over year. Domestic travel has reached 109% of August 2019 levels. It's also reflected in the TSA daily passenger screening count, which exceeded 2.7 million on October 22nd, versus 2.5 million on that date in 2022 and 2.5 back in 2019.

Sales to the oil and gas market totaled $2 6 million or 4% of sales in the third quarter of 2023, a decrease of 15% from the second quarter and 30% lower than the second quarter.

The third quarter in 2022.

Year to date sales of $10 4 million or 18% lower than the same period of <unk> 'twenty two.

As was the case in the second quarter the decline in our third quarter oil and gas sales reflects our decision to temporarily shift more of our production to higher margin aerospace products.

Last quarter Baker Hughes, Halliburton NFL be formally Schlumberger.

All said that they expected softness in the U S land market to continue in the second half of 2023.

That was borne out and Baker Hughes is third quarter rig count data with U S oil rig count falling 9%.

Christopher Zimmer: Looking at the airlines, all three of the major US carriers reported record third quarter revenues. Delta airlines saw 6% higher domestic travel and 35% higher international travel and said strong demand is continuing into the fourth quarter. United Airlines also reported higher domestic and international traffic year on year. American Airlines attributed their growth to a resilient demand environment. All three airlines referenced the spike in fuel costs, which reinforces the case for newer, more fuel-official airplanes.

The gas rig count was down 15%.

Let me emphasize that our shift away from oil and gas is temporary we intend to fully resume servicing our customers in that market as our production levels continue to increase.

Power generation.

<unk> in market sales totaled $700000 or 1% of sales in the third quarter of 'twenty three.

Down 46% from the second quarter, and 54% lower than the third quarter last year.

Year to date sales of $3 $1 million were down 38%.

Christopher Zimmer: The Defense Industry has been in sharp focus given the war in Ukraine and the tragic attack by Hamas in Israel. Needless to say, market demand remains strong. Lockheed Martin reported better than expected third quarter results, along with a record backlog for both domestic and international customers. An area of focus is their next generation F-35 jets, which they expect to begin delivering in the spring. Additionally, the State Department has green-lighted a $5 billion sale of 25 F-35 jets to South Korea, subject to congressional approval.

As is the case in oil and gas we are temporarily shifted finishing capacity away from the power Gen market to aerospace applications with.

We primarily serve the gas turbine maintenance market and <unk> and intend to do so going forward.

Now, let me turn the call over to Steve for his report on our financials.

Thank you Chris.

Good morning, everyone.

Our third quarter sales reached $71 3 million the highest level in the past 10 years driven by growth in our premium products and our aerospace end market.

Christopher Zimmer: For Universal Stainless, the opportunities in commercial aerospace and defense are both substantial and continuing to increase as we execute our initiatives to expand our portfolio of products and approvals. With our increased premium alloy portfolio, we are growing our presence in the engine side of the airplane and winning new business. More approvals from the primes have led to stronger order entry. Overall, the supply chain remains in a pull mode, and strong demand is expected to continue well into 2024 and beyond.

And by increasing base prices.

Our premium product sales totaled $16 $5 million, which is our second highest ever.

Second only to the first quarter of this year.

And our aerospace sales of $54 million reached a record level.

Year to date, our premium product sales through nine months totaled $47 million, which is more than any previous full calendar year and compares to $25 7 million in the first nine months of last year.

Christopher Zimmer: The heavy equipment market remained our second-largest market in the third quarter of 2023, with sales of 8.9 million or 13% of sales, which is leveled with the second quarter and 44% higher than the third quarter of 2022. Year-to-date sales of 24.8 million rose 15% from the prior year period. Mental fabrication demand drives our heavy equipment market sales, mainly for automotive applications, especially model changeovers. We said last time that we expected our sales to that market to remain solid in the third quarter and that was the case.

That increase was driven by a more than 50% increase in the volume of our premium shipments plus a more than 20% increase in the average price per pound of these products.

Third quarter gross margin of 15, 2% was almost a full point better than the 14, 3% achieved in Q2 <unk>.

Despite misalignment of $1 8 million between our sales price surcharge.

Our materials costs.

Holding back margin by an additional 200 plus basis points.

Consistent with our plan margin has expanded each quarter. This year as a result of higher base prices more shipment volume, a richer shipment mix and higher production.

Christopher Zimmer: However, we've also noted tool-steel plate demand can be lumpy. While the automakers report strong third quarter sales with an estimated 3.9 million cars and trucks sold in the period, the prolonged UAW strike actions against GM Ford and Stolantis have been disrupted to their operations. As a result, our customers are showing signs of caution and we expect some softening in our heavy equipment sales in the fourth quarter. Once the strengths are resolved, we expect quarterly sequential growth throughout 2024 or to return as they have in normal years.

Selling general and administrative costs totaled $6 4 million in Q3.

Down from $6 8 million in Q2 and approximately in line with the first quarter of this year.

Year over year, SG&A expenses increased due to higher property insurance costs and higher employee related costs.

But is nine 5% of our sales for the current year to date compared with about 10, 5% last year.

Christopher Zimmer: The general industrial market remained our third largest market in the third quarter of 2023 with sales of 3.3 million or 5% of sales, which is up 3% from the second quarter of 2023 and up 50% from the third quarter of last year. Year-to-date sales rose 35% to 10.1 million. Our general industrial sales are mainly for semiconductor manufacturing and their latest report, the semiconductor industry association, reported that semiconductor sales improved for the sixth consecutive month in August, providing optimism for continued momentum in the months to come.

Operating income of $4 4 million.

There is also a sequential increase and at its highest level since the third quarter of 2018.

Interest rate interest expense increased in Q3 and totaled $2 $1 million.

Compared with an even $2 million in both the first and second quarters. This year.

The increase is due to persistently high interest rates, partly offset by lower average borrowing levels in Q3 versus Q2.

Christopher Zimmer: We said last time that we were bullish about 2024 with the ramp up beginning in the second half of this year and that forecast remains on track. Sales to the oil and gas market totaled $2.6 million or 4% of sales in the third quarter of 2023, a decrease of 15% from the second quarter and 30% lower in the third quarter in 2022. Year-to-day sales of $10.4 million were 18% lower than the same period of 22.

Our pre tax income of $2 2 million resulted in net income of $1 9 million or <unk>.

Per diluted share outstanding.

And our effective tax rate for the quarter of 13, 4% continues to primarily reflect the federal statutory rate of 21% adjusted for the impact of research and development tax credits earned.

State income taxes, and discrete items impacting the quarter are not significant.

Christopher Zimmer: As was the case in the second quarter, the decline in our third quarter oil and gas sales reflects our decision to temporarily shift more of our production to higher margin aerospace products. Last quarter, Baker Hughes, Halle Burton, NSLB, formerly SlumberJ, all said that they expected softness in the US land market to continue in the second half of 2023. That was borne out in Baker Hughes' third quarter rig count data with US oil rig count falling 9% while the gas rig count was down 15%.

EBITDA was $9 2 million.

A $1 6 million increase compared to last quarter.

While adjusted EBITDA was $9 5 million.

The highest since the third quarter of 2018.

The reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA for each period presented is provided in the tables to the press release.

During the third quarter, we generated $6 $7 million of cash from our operations.

While growing receivables on highest September sales and decreasing our inventory despite the sales increase and our robust backlog.

Christopher Zimmer: Let me emphasize that our shift away from oil and gas is temporary. We intend to fully resume servicing our customers in that market as our production levels continue to increase. Power generation market sales totaled $700,000 or 1% of sales in the third quarter of 2023, down 46% from the second quarter and 54% lower than the third quarter last year. Year-to-day sales of $3.1 million were down 38%. As is the case in oil and gas, we have temporarily shifted finishing capacity away from the power gen market to aerospace applications. We primarily serve the gas turbine maintenance market and intend to do so going forward.

In total we have generated $17 8 million in cash from operations in the current year to date.

We used $9 $7 million of that cash on capital expenditures and the rest to pay down our debt.

Christopher Zimmer: Power generation market sales totaled $700,000 or 1% of sales in the third quarter of 2023, down 46% from the second quarter and 54% lower than the third quarter last year. Year-to-day sales of $3.1 million were down 38%. As is the case in oil and gas, we have temporarily shifted finishing capacity away from the power gen market to aerospace applications. We primarily serve the gas turbine maintenance market and intend to do so going forward.

Second quarter capital expenditures for $2 7 million.

We expect full year capex to come in between 14% and $16 million with about half of that total going to our investment in re melt capacity at our North Jackson facility, where we are commissioning the two new vacuum arc re melt furnaces.

Regarding our financial position as of September 30.

Total debt was $89 5 million down $3 7 million in this quarter and nearly $9 million compared with the end of last year.

Steven DiTommaso: Now let me turn the call over to Steve for his report on our financials. Thank you, Chris.

Steven DiTommaso: Good morning, everyone. Our third quarter sales reached $71.3 million, the highest level in the past 10 years, driven by growth in our premium products and our aerospace end market and by increasing base prices. Our premium product sales totaled $16.5 million, which is our second highest ever, second only to the first quarter of this year. And our aerospace sales of $54 million reached a record level. Year-to-day our premium product sales through nine months totaled $47 million, which is more than any previous full calendar year and compares to $25.7 million in the first nine months of last year.

Revolver availability increased to about $31 million compared to $24 million last quarter.

That increase is driven by a more than 50% increase in the volume of our premium shipments plus a more than 20% increase in the average price per pound of these products. Third quarter gross margin of 15.2% was almost a full point better than the 14.3% achieved in Q2. Despite misalignment of $1.8 million between our sales price surcharge and our materials costs holding back margin by an additional 200 plus basis point. Consistent with our plan, Margin has expanded each quarter this year as a result of higher base prices, more shipment volume, a richer shipment mix, and higher production.

Steven DiTommaso: That increase is driven by a more than 50% increase in the volume of our premium shipments plus a more than 20% increase in the average price per pound of these products. Third quarter gross margin of 15.2% was almost a full point better than the 14.3% achieved in Q2. Despite misalignment of $1.8 million between our sales price surcharge and our materials costs holding back margin by an additional 200 plus basis point. Consistent with our plan, Margin has expanded each quarter this year as a result of higher base prices, more shipment volume, a richer shipment mix, and higher production.

Managed working capital increased by $3 2 million sequentially.

Despite a $5 7 million increase in accounts receivable.

Managed working capital decreased as a percent of annualized sales to 53%.

Our days sales outstanding ratio this quarter increased to 47 seven days compared to 41 three in Q2.

But our underlying collection cycle in both periods was similar.

Sales were backend loaded in Q3, and we continue to target a collection cycle in the low <unk>.

And inventory at the end of the quarter was modestly down versus Q2.

In summary.

We have delivered two consecutive quarters of positive earnings while paying down debt and expanding our liquidity our backlog remains strong and we continue to increase production levels.

We expect to continue this momentum.

In the fourth quarter and into 2024.

That concludes my financial report and.

Now I'll hand, the call back to Denny.

Thanks, Steve.

So we were pleased with the third quarter results, but we are very far from being satisfied.

We're looking at the fourth quarter.

And into 2024 with growing optimism.

That optimism is based on a number of things.

Our near record backlog of $345 million, which contains 37% high margin premium products.

Steven DiTommaso: Selling General and administrative costs totaled $6.4 million in Q3 down from $6.8 million in Q2 and approximately in line with the first quarter of this year. Year over year, SG&A expenses increased due to higher property insurance costs and higher employee related costs, but is 9.5% of our sales for the current year today compared with about 10.5% last year. Operating income of $4.4 million is also a sequential increase and at its highest level since the third quarter of 2018, interest expense increased in Q3 and totaled $2.1 million compared with an even $2 million in both the first and second quarters this year.

Our revolving product mix change towards more premium melted and finished bar products, both higher margin product lines.

Our growing capture of base price increases embedded in our backlog will add to margin expansion directly with each passing month.

Commodities appear to be stabilizing as Chris said, which will reduce the negative misalignment experienced over the past couple of quarters.

Plant activity levels are increasing and plan to continue to increase providing the opportunity for better fixed cost coverage and variable cost reduction.

Process improvements are generating benefits in terms of productivity per equipment hour and in higher product yields.

Our capital project to add much needed vacuum arc re melt capacity is ramping up and will be ready for service early next year.

Steven DiTommaso: The increase is due to persistently high interest rates partly offset by lower average borrowing levels in Q3 versus Q2. Our pre-test income of $2.2 million resulted in net income of 1.9 million for 20 cents per diluted share outstanding and our effective tax rate for the quarter of 13.4% continues to primarily reflect a federal statutory rate of 21% adjusted for the impact of research and development tax credits earned. State income taxes and discrete items impacting the quarter are not significantly.

We are seeing slow steady improvement on the labor supply chain and inflation fronts.

Most importantly, I'm confident that the leadership of Chris and his senior management team along with the talent and commitment of the roughly 700 Universal employees, who is a powerful formula for future success.

And I look forward to working with them in my new role.

Lastly, I want to thank our board stockholders and all of our employees for your support advice and counsel during my almost 16 year tenure as Universal's President and CEO. It has truly been an honor and a pleasure.

With that we'll conclude our formal remarks, Jonathan we're ready to take some questions.

Certainly once again, ladies and gentlemen, if you have a question at this time simply press star one on your telephone. If your question has been answered and you'd like to remove yourself from the queue simply press star one again, one moment for our first question.

Steven DiTommaso: EBITO was 9.2 million a 1.6 million increase compared to last quarter while adjusted EBITO was 9.5 million the highest since the third quarter of 2018. The reconciliation of adjusted EBITO for each period presented is provided in the tables to the press release. During the third quarter we generated $6.7 million of cash from our operations while growing receivables on high September sales and decreasing our inventory despite the sales increase and our robust backlog.

Okay.

Our first question comes from the line of Phil Gibbs from Keybanc.

Hey, good morning.

Good morning Nathan.

Congrats.

Chris.

Thank you Phil and I appreciate it.

Sure. Thank you.

And then on the gross margin piece I think you teased out $1 8 million of.

Steven DiTommaso: In total we have generated 17.8 million in cash from operations in the current year to date. We used 9.7 million of that cash on capital expenditures and the rest to pay down our debt. Second quarter capital expenditures for 2.7 million. We expect full year catbacks to come in between 14 and $16 million with about half of that total going to our investment and re-melt capacity at our North Jacks and Facility where we are commissioning the two new vacuum arc re-melt furnaces.

A misalignment on I know.

At least on the flat roll guys. Some of the nickel and stainless surcharges declined four than November.

Months, so still it's still heading down is that factored into your forecast that you still would expect some easing misalignment.

Yes, it does.

The rate is actually slowing so we do expect to see it in the fourth quarter, but likely not to the degree that we did in the third quarter.

And then on the Capex side.

Is the roughly $15 million spend outlook.

Steven DiTommaso: Regarding our financial position as of September 30 Total debt was $89.5 million, down $3.7 million this quarter and nearly $9 million compared with the end of last year. Revolver availability increased to about $31 million compared to $24 million last quarter. Manage work in capital increased by $3.2 million sequentially, despite a $5.7 million increase in accounts receivable. Manage work in capital decreased as a percent of annualized sales to 53%. Our days sales outstanding ratio this quarter increased to 47.7 days compared to 41.3 in Q2 but our underlying collection cycle in both periods was similar. Sales were back and loaded in Q3 and we continued to target a collection cycle in the low 40s. An inventory at the end of the quarter was modestly down versus Q2.

No impact for the year and who we are.

Assume that within that number about half of that half of that is related to maintenance and also as we look out into the 2024 it seemingly the.

Capex is going to stay around the same levels given the investments that you have on the docket.

Yes, Phil Thats correct. So the number for the current year will come in right around $15 million could be a little more could be a little bit less depending on the timing of wrapping up some projects here about half of that 2023 number is related to the growth capex installing and commissioning.

New Vars in North Jackson.

So the rest of it is maintenance type or smaller strategic.

Capex projects that arent quite as individually largest that rebuild expansion.

And then the second part of your question for 2024, Yes, we expect a similar capex levels in 2024.

<unk> going to projects.

<unk> growth or expansion.

Steven DiTommaso: In summary, we have delivered two consecutive quarters of positive earnings while paying down debt and expanding our liquidity. Our backlog remains strong and we continue to increase production levels. We expect to continue this momentum in the fourth quarter and into 2024.

And about half maintaining that historical maintenance level.

Okay.

And then on the Labor side, you mentioned in your prepared remarks, you said things are easing in terms of some of the constraints out there that you see where are you all in terms of.

Your your specific situation and are you expecting.

Dennis Oates: That concludes my financial report and I'll hand the call back to Denny. Thanks, Steve.

The increase your head count further our unit decent spot at this point.

Dennis Oates: So we were pleased with the third quarter results but we are very far from being satisfied. We're looking at the fourth quarter and on into 2024 with growing optimism. That optimism is based on a number of things. Our near record backlog of $345 million which contains 37% high margin premium products. Our revolving product mix change towards more premium melted and finished bar products both higher margin product lines. Our growing capture of base price increases embedded in our backlog will add to margin expansion directly with each passing month.

Yes, Phil it's getting better we're not quite exactly where we want to get too stability is improving we're shifting more of those onboarding customers into core workers that give us the type of <unk>.

Safe working conditions and productivity that we expect going forward.

I suspect we will probably add a few more heads we're not quite done staffing up the plants the way that we want to have them staffed.

But when I think back to where we were a year ago versus where we are today, it's absolutely a better environment.

And every quarter that goes by we continue to get more stability. So I think we're really close to getting to that level, we want to get too and as these new customers that have come on board continue to mature in their roles productivity is going to continue to improve as we stabilize head count.

Dennis Oates: Communities appear to be stabilizing as Chris said which will reduce the negative misalignment experienced over the past couple quarters. Plan activity levels are increasing and plan to continue to increase providing the opportunity for better fixed cost coverage and variable cost reduction. Process improvements are generating benefits in terms of productivity per equipment hour and in higher product yields. Our capital project to add much needed vacuum arc remote capacity is wrapping up. It will be ready for service early next year.

Thank you and then just lastly.

You've done a good job.

Maintaining.

A nice base level of inventory as you as you're growing your volumes over the last couple of quarters, what's the what's the outlook that you have for.

Net working capital over the balance of the year and maybe into early next year.

And the inventory inventory specifically thanks.

Dennis Oates: We are seeing slow steady improvement on the labor supply chain and inflation fronts. Most importantly I'm confident that the leadership of Chris and his senior management team along with the talent and commitment of the roughly 700 universal employees is a powerful formula for future success and I look forward to working with them in my new role.

So net net working capital may grow modestly in the future mainly on higher receivables related to our higher sales outlook.

Inventory the mix is going to shift a little bit to more premium product, which has some upward pressure on the inventory dollars.

Trying to continue to manage our turns improvement. So we improved terms in 2023, we're continuing to focus on that and we will be looking to keep that inventory dollars line is flat. This past possible as we step through 2024, so thats the goal.

Dennis Oates: Lastly, I want to thank our board stockholders and all of our employees for your support, advice and counsel during my almost 16 year tenure as universal's president and CEO. It has truly been an honor and a pleasure.

Dennis Oates: With that, we'll conclude our formal remarks.

Operator: Jonathan, we're ready to take some questions. Certainly. Once again, ladies and gentlemen, if you have a question at this time, simply press star 11 on your telephone. If your question has been answered, and you'd like to remove yourself from the queue, simply press star 11 again. One moment for our first question.

So implicit in there will be a.

A modest increase in managed working capital, but certainly continued improvement as a percent of our sales line.

This sneak one more in for Chris specifically, Chris I know you work a lot on the.

Commercial side and product product development, along with the rest of the team.

Philip Gibbs: Our first question comes from the line of Phil Gibbs from Keybank. Hey, good morning. Good morning, Phil. How you doing? Good. Congrats, Chris. Thank you, Phil. I appreciate it. Sure. Thank you.

As it relates to your comments regarding winning new business with.

The jet engine manufacturers I would think that Thats part of the reason why you're investing in north Jackson, a little bit more heavily maybe.

Philip Gibbs: And then on the gross margin piece, I think you teased out 1.8 million of misalignment. And I know at least for the flat roll, guys, some of the nickel and stainless surcharge is declined for the November month. So still still heading down. Is that factored into your forecast that you still would expect some easing misalignment? Yeah, it's the rate is actually slowing. So we do expect to see it in the fourth quarter, but likely not to the degree that we did in the third quarter.

Kind of talk about.

That evolution.

<unk> gotten here and then what gives you confidence that you can continue to build out moving forward. Thank you.

Yes, one of the benefits of this environment, it's been extremely strong as demand has snapped back coming out of Covid is the focus that the prime so we've been working with too.

Point their engineering resources towards approvals.

It has been as good as it's been since we purchased North Jackson back in 2011.

So we developed a lot of these products early on but it's really only been in the past 18 to 24 months, where a lot of the prime approvals has started to come in.

Philip Gibbs: And then on the on the cat backside is the roughly $15 million spend outlook still impact for the year. And we assume that within that number about half of that half of that is related to maintenance. And also as we look out into 2024, seemingly the cat backs is going to stay around the same levels given the investments that you have on the docket. Yes, Bill. That's correct. So the number for the current year will come in right around 15 million.

Thats opened up the door for us to start booking new business for these alloys and it's one of the primary drivers of our backlog and it's starting to show up now in our shipments.

So that's really been the game changer has been the primes willingness and their focus to.

Mitigate risk in their supply chain bring us on as a new supplier and this is for a number of different primes and applications.

So that's the part we're really excited about really being able to fulfill the potential of north Jackson and I think we're going to realize that in 'twenty four and moving forward.

Philip Gibbs: Could be a little more. Could be a little bit less depending on the timing of wrapping up some projects here. About half of that 2023 number is related to the growth cat backs installing and commissioning the new bars in North Jackson. So the rest of it is maintenance type or smaller strategic type cat backs projects and aren't quite as individually large as that remelt expansion. And then the second part of your question for 2024. Yes, we expect similar cat backs levels in 2024 about half going to projects for growth or expansion. In about half maintaining that historical maintenance level.

Capital, that's going into North Jackson, when we talk about the <unk> in a couple of other smaller projects really round out some of the pinch points. They paved the way for us to continue to grow.

So the majority of those assets are already in place, we still got capacity to grow on a number of them. So the capital is really focus towards our ability to smoothly execute that growth and continue to serve customers.

So thats the primary thing that I would say is what's changed and what's really got us excited about rounding out this year and heading into next year as we've got this big backlog to work against.

Philip Gibbs: And then on the labor side, you mentioned in your preparing marks, you said things are easing in terms of some of the constraints out there that you see where are you all in terms of your specific situation and are you expecting. To increase your your head count further or you need some spot at this point. Yeah, it's getting better. We're not quite exactly where we want to get to stability is improving.

Anyway to size up the revenue potential of the premium alloy business on our Jackson as you look out a couple of years.

And then how much of that would be dedicated general generally speaking to the engine guys. That's my last one.

Yes.

Yes, I think when we look back historically, we've talked about what that investment in North Jackson can mean, we've talked about incremental sales of $100 million has been the historical number that we've talked about at very rich premiums from a margin standpoint.

Philip Gibbs: We're we're shifting more of those onboarding customers into core workers that give us the type of safe working conditions and productivity that we expect going forward. I suspect we'll probably add a few more heads. We're not quite done staffing up the plants the way that we want to have them staffed. But when I think back to where we were a year ago versus where we are today, it's absolutely a better environment.

The markets continue to evolve I would say that that number is probably closer to $120 million to $130 million at this point.

And that expectation for solid margins remains intact.

Yes.

Thank you and as a reminder, ladies and gentlemen, if you have a question at this time. Please press star 111 moment for our next question.

Philip Gibbs: And every quarter that goes by we continue to get more stability. So I think we're really close to getting to that level we want to get to. And as these new customers that have come on board continue to mature in their roles productivity is going to continue to improve as we stabilize head.

And our next question comes from the line of Bob sales from <unk> Capital Management. Your question. Please.

Hi, Thanks.

Just one question on the premium allies with premium alloy products.

Philip Gibbs: Thank you, and then just lastly, you've done a good job maintaining, you know, a nice base level of inventory as you've grown your volumes over the last couple quarters. What's the outlook that you have for networking capital over the balance of the year and maybe in the early next year and inventory, inventory specifically. Thanks. So networking capital may grow modestly in the future, mainly on higher receivables related to our higher sales outlook.

With.

Okay.

28% of the revenue in Q3 being premium.

And the backlog.

Containing 37% do you have.

Any sort of.

Quantitative guidance for us in terms of what you are planning towards.

With premium alloys, as a percentage of revenue or total dollars in Q4.

Yes, we expect that to range between 25% to 30%.

Philip Gibbs: Inventory, the mix is going to shift a little bit to more premium product which has some upward pressure on the inventory dollars, but we are trying to continue to manage our terms improvement. So we improve terms in 2023. We're continuing to focus on that and we will be looking to keep that inventory dollars line as flat as possible as we step through 2024. So that's the goal. So implicit in there will be a modest increase in manage working capital, but certainly continued improvement as a percent of our sales line.

Right now with lead times backlog appears to be higher because we do have a number of products that we continue to book with shorter lead times.

So even though the backlog contains 37% that shows the richness that's there and the promise that it is coming but theres a number of products that will continue to book into 'twenty four.

That should bring us back down around that 25% to 30% range going forward.

Got it got it Okay, and then on the misalignment of.

Commodity prices with did you say it was $1 8 million in the quarter.

Philip Gibbs: I just think one more and for Chris specifically, Chris, I know you work a lot on the commercial side and product development along with the rest of the team. As it relates to your comments regarding winning new business with the jet engine manufacturers, I would think that that's part of the reason why you're investing in North Jackson a little bit more heavily. Maybe kind of talk about that evolution and how you've gotten here and then what gives you confidence that you can continue to build that moving forward.

Yes, that's correct.

Do you again can you be if commodity prices stayed where they are now can you offer any precision as to how much better than might look in Q4.

There are a few moving parts in there, but a rough cut would be about half of what we experienced in Q3 would recur in Q4.

Continual decline and our surcharges.

Fantastic and do you.

Do you expect to be able to make any more progress against inventory to bring it down given given the I guess sort of inventory headwind of having more premium alloy in the mix.

Philip Gibbs: Thank you. Yeah, one of the benefits of this environment that's been extremely strong is demand has snapped back coming out of COVID is the focus that the primes that we've been working with to point their engineering resources towards approvals has been as good as it's been since we purchased North Jackson back in 2011. So we developed a lot of these products early on, but it's really only been in the past 18 to 24 months where a lot of the prime approvals have started to come in.

So yes. So we are focused on continuing to improve our volumetric terms.

Because we will have a higher mix of premium alloys, and our whip inventory in the coming quarters.

That comes with a higher dollar amount.

So it will provide a little bit of a headwind there that you acknowledged but as we look out in 2024, we want to manage against that and keep inventories flat as possible.

Philip Gibbs: That's opened up the door for us to start booking new business for these alloys and it's one of the primary drivers of our backlog and it's starting been the game changer has been the primes willingness and their focus to mitigate risk in their supply chain. Bring us on as a new supplier and this is for a number of different primes and applications. So that's the part we're really excited about really being able to fulfill the potential of North Jackson and I think we're going to realize that in 24 and moving forward.

So we're not planning on that driving a big increase in the inventory dollar line item.

Yep got it got it.

And then last question is when you talked about the.

The.

Product approvals.

Starting to flow into the order book given that you've been working on them for a while are those.

Approvals skewed.

Towards commercial or defense, one way or the other.

Philip Gibbs: The capital that's going into North Jackson when we talk about the VARs and a couple of other smaller projects really round out some of the pinch points they paved the way for us to continue to grow. So the the majority of those assets are already in place we still got capacity to grow on a number of them. So the capital is really focused towards our ability to smoothly execute that and continue to serve customers.

There is a healthy mix I think the majority of it best and we're able to identify go towards commercial applications, but as we sell into the engine manufacturers for example.

Philip Gibbs: So that's the primary thing that I would say is what's changed and what's really got us excited about rounding out this year and heading in the next year as we've got this big backlog to work against.

The alloys that were qualified on now in supplying into can go into applications that will show up on the commercial airplane and they go into defense applications, both on fighter Jets and rotorcraft.

Rough cut when we look at where we believe our metal is going to and again the visibility can be challenging because 75% of our sales flow through service centers and forgers.

Philip Gibbs: Any way to size up the revenue potential of the premium alloy business or North Action as you look out a couple of years and then how much of that would be dedicated generally speaking to the engine guys. That's my last one next. Yeah, I think when we look back historically, we talked about what that investment in North Jackson can mean. We've talked about incremental sales of 100 million has been the historical number that we've talked about at very rich premiums from a margin standpoint. The market has continued to evolve. I would say that that number is probably closer to 120 to 130 million at this point and that expectation for solid margins remains intact. Thank you.

While we believe that close to three quarters of our volume is going towards commercial applications and the balance going towards military applications.

Got it.

Okay, great great performance congratulations.

Thank you.

Thank you and as a reminder, ladies and gentlemen, if you do have a question at this time. Please press star one on your telephone.

And this does one.

One moment for our next question.

And this does conclude the question and answer session of today's program I'd like to hand, the program back to Mr. Oates for any further remarks.

Thanks, Jonathan.

Operator: And as a reminder, ladies and gentlemen, if you have a question at this time, please press star 11 one moment for our next question.

Once again, thank you for joining us. This morning, we continue to execute on our strategy in the third quarter.

Bob Sales: And our next question comes in the line of Bob sales from LMK Capital Management.

And optimistic about the fourth quarter in 2024, we look forward to updating you on that progress on our next call in January in the meantime, please enjoy your holidays be well and stay safe and have a good day.

Bob Sales: Your question, please. Hi, thanks. Just one question on the premium allies with premium alloy products with 28% of the revenue and Q3 being premium in the backlog containing 37%. Do you have any sort of quantitative guidance for us in terms of what you're planning towards with premium alloys as a percentage of revenue or total dollars and Q4? Yeah, we expect that to range between 25 to 30%. Right now with lead times, the backlog appears to be higher because we do have a number of products that we continue to book with shorter lead times.

Bob Sales: So even though the backlog contains 37% that shows the richness that's there and the promise that it is coming, but there's a number of products that will continue to book into 24 that should bring us back down around that 25 to 30% range going forward. Got it got it. Okay, and then on the misalignment of commodity prices with did you say it was 1.8 million in the quarter? Yes, that's correct. Do you again, can you be if commodity prices stayed where they are now, can you offer any precision as to how much better they might look and Q4?

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen for your participation in today's conference. This does conclude the program you may now disconnect good day.

Okay.

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Bob Sales: There are a few moving parts in there, but a rough cut would be about half of what we experienced in Q3 would recur from continual decline in our search orders. Fantastic. And do you expect to be able to make any more progress against inventory to bring it down given the, I guess, sort of imagery headwind of having more premium alloy in the mix? So, yes, so we are focused on continuing to improve our volumetric terms because we will have a higher mix of premium alloys and our within inventory in the coming quarters.

Bob Sales: Now, that comes with a higher dollar amount, so it will provide a little bit of a headwind there that you acknowledge, but as we look out in 2024, we want to manage against that and keep inventory as flat as possible. So we are not planning on that driving a big increase in the inventory dollar line item. Yep, got it, got it. And then last question is when you talked about the product approvals starting to flow into the order book, given that you have been working on them for a while, are those approvals skewed towards commercial or defense one way or the other?

Bob Sales: There is a healthy mix. I think the majority of it must have were able to identify, go towards commercial applications, but as we sell into the engine manufacturers, for example, the number of the alloys that were qualified on now and supplying into can go into applications that will show up on the commercial airplane and they go into defense applications, both on fighter jets and rotor craft. Rough cut when we look at where we believe our metal is going to, and again, the visibility can be challenging because 75% of our sales flow through service centers and foragers. But we believe that close to three quarters of our volume is going towards commercial applications and the balance going towards military applications. Got it. Okay, great performance congratulations. Thank you.

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Operator: And as a reminder, ladies and gentlemen, if you do have a question at this time, please press star 11 on your telephone. And this does, one moment for our next question.

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Dennis Oates: And this does conclude the question and answer session of today's program. I'd like to hand the program back to Mr. Oates for any further remarks. Thanks, Jonathan. Once again, thank you for joining us this morning. We continue to execute on our strategy in the third quarter when we may not domestic about the fourth quarter in 2024. We look forward to updating you on that progress on our next call in January. In the meantime, please enjoy your holidays, be well and stay safe. Have a good day.

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Operator: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for your participation in today's conference.

Operator: This does conclude the program. You may now disconnect. Good day.

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One on your telephone to remove yourself from the queue simply press Star One again as a reminder, today's program is being recorded and now I'd like to introduce your host for today's program June Phil and Jerry. Please go ahead.

Thank you. Good morning. This is June Phil and Jerry <unk> of Comm partners and I also would like to welcome you to the <unk> call.

Call and webcast. We are here to discuss the company's third quarter 2023 results reported this morning with US from management are Denny Oates, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Chris Zimmer Executive Vice President and Chief operating Officer John.

John our maintenance Vice President General Counsel, and Steve D Tommaso, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer before I turn the call over to management. Let me quickly review procedures. After management has made formal remarks, we will take your questions Hi, Jonathan our operator strategy.

Are you on procedures at that time also please note that in this morning's call management will make forward looking statements.

Under the private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, I would like to remind you of the risks related to these statements which are more fully described in today's press release and in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

With the formalities complete I would now like to turn the call over to Denny Oates Denny we are ready to begin.

Thanks, Jim.

Morning, everyone. Thanks for joining us today.

Our third quarter performance essentially met our short term expectations, both topline and Bottomline.

Let me hit some of the highlights.

Total sales of $71 $3 million were the second highest quarterly sales on record.

Premium alloy sales grew 28% sequentially, putting us on track for a record 2023.

Our gross margin expanded to 15, 2% of sales.

Since the second quarter of 2018, despite commodity headwinds.

Operating income increased by 43% from the second quarter.

As a result, our net income doubled sequentially to $1 9 million or <unk> 20 per diluted share.

Adjusted EBITDA increased to $9 5 million up 20% from Q2 and was one five times greater than the third quarter last year.

Inventories were reduced to $800000 in managed working capital remained at 53% of sales despite the sales growth and high backlog.

Capital spending was $3 million with major projects on time and within budget.

Lastly, we reduced debt by another $3 8 million to $89 5 million, while liquidity improved to $31 million on September 30, compared to $24 million on June 30.

There were five main drivers of our third quarter performance.

First a richer product mix, mainly more premium alloy sales in aggressive mix management of our air melded portfolio.

Second higher base selling prices, we've implemented 15 based selling prices since late 2021.

<unk> benefit of these increases will continue to grow as we move through the next several quarters.

Third increased production levels with well controlled fixed overhead spending production.

Production is running about 15% ahead of last year as we strive to ramp up operations.

Fourth Mike.

My compliments to the manufacturing team on setting several monthly production records, especially in our vacuum arc re melting operation in North Jackson in the intermediate bar cell in our Dunkirk facility, which you'll recall, we installed just before COVID-19.

Our Dunkirk plant also set a new monthly finished bar shipping record in September.

Fifth our focused efforts to improve yields in recent years are also beginning to pay dividends, particularly in our Bridgeville fleet products and growing finished round bar products.

Turning to the order book Order entry was up sequentially on strong aerospace demand and order backlog remains substantial at $345 million before surcharges.

Premium products represented 37% of our backlog.

Our strong backlog and demonstrated positive trends in operations gives us confidence and continued sequential improvements in performance.

Operator: Thank you for standing by and welcome to the Universal Stainless Alloy Products Inc. 3rd, quarter 2023 conference call and webcast. At this time, all participants are in listen only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question and answer session. To ask a question during this session, you'll need to press star 11 on your telephone. To remove yourself from the queue, simply press star 11 again. As a reminder, today's program is being recorded.

One additional very important update.

I'm also pleased to announce that our board has appointed this leadership succession plan.

I honestly named Chris Zimmer, as our new President and Chief Executive Officer effective November one.

Chris has a 15 year universal veteran who joined Universal as Vice President of sales and marketing and currently serves as executive Vice President and Chief operating Officer.

June Filingeri: And now I'd like to introduce your host for today's program, June Filingeri. Please go ahead. Thank you. Good morning.

He knows our company inside now and he is well established as a leader in the specialty metals industry.

As I stated in our release this morning, I have confidence the Chris's leadership working in concert with our senior management team sets the stage for universal to have a very exciting future.

June Filingeri: This is June Filingeri of Com Partners. And I also would like to welcome you to the Universal call and webcast. We are here to discuss the company's third quarter 2023 results reported this morning with us for management, Ardenio, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Zimmer, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, John Arminis, Vice President and General Council, and Steve DiTommaso, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

On a personal note I will be transitioning to executive chairman of the company focusing on a smooth leadership transition longer term strategic issues and my normal chairman responsibilities.

So Chris Congratulations and I look forward to supporting you and the team as you assume your new responsibilities I will turn it over to you for your review of operations.

June Filingeri: Before I turn the call over to management, let me quickly review procedures. After management has made formal remarks, we will take your questions. Jonathan, our operator will instruct you on procedures at that time. Also, please note that in this morning's call, management will make forward-looking statements under the Private Security's litigation reform act of 1995. I would like to remind you of the risks related to these statements, which are more fully described in today's press release and in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Thank you Danny I appreciate your kind words and I'm grateful for your ongoing support of.

Deeply honored to take on this leadership role for the Board's confidence in me. This is an exciting time and I'm looking forward to continuing to work with our talented management team to execute our long term strategy and profitably grow our business.

And now turning to my operating report.

Let me start with our capital project at the North Jackson plant.

We're adding two var furnaces.

We're now in the final commissioning and technical validation phase with full integration into operations to begin in the first quarter of 2024.

Dennis Oates: With the formalities complete, I would now like to turn the call over to Danny Oath.

Once complete the project will increase our bar capacity by 20%.

Dennis Oates: Danny, we are ready to begin. Thanks, June.

Our capacity was a pinch point for us back in 2018 and 19.

Dennis Oates: Good morning, everyone. Thanks for joining us today. Our third quarter performance essentially met our short-term expectations, both top line and bottom line. Let me hit some of the highlights. Total sales of $71.3 million, were the second highest quarterly sales on record. Premium alloy sales grew 28% sequentially, putting us on track for a record 2023. Our gross margin expanded to 15.2% of sales, the highest since the second quarter of 2018 despite commodity headwinds.

The new var furnaces have better technology and better controls that will mainly be used for premium alloy production.

Premium alloys are a critical platform for our growth strategy as Denny highlighted our third quarter premium alloy sales increased 28% from the second quarter.

They were double the level of third quarter of 2022.

They were up 83% year to date.

Production levels at our re melt shops hot working mills and major finishing units all continued to improve sequentially.

Dennis Oates: Operating income increased by 43% from the second quarter. As a result, our net income doubled sequentially to $1.9 million or $20 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $9.5 million up 20% from Q2 and was one and a half times greater than the third quarter last year. Inventors reduced $800,000 and managed working capital remained at 53% of sales despite the sales growth and high backlog. Capital spending was $3 million with major projects on time and within budget. Lastly, we reduced debt by another $3.8 million to $89.5 million while liquidity improved to $31 million on September 30 compared to $24 million on June 30.

As we already.

Dennis Oates: There are five main drivers of our third quarter performance. First, a richer product mix, mainly more premium alloy sales and aggressive mix management of our air-melded portfolio. Second, higher-based selling prices. We've implemented 15-based selling prices since late 2021. The P&L benefit of these increases will continue to grow as we move through the next several quarters. Third, increased production levels with well-controlled fixed overhead spending. Production is running about 15% ahead of last year as we strive to ramp up operations.

Dennis Oates: Fourth, my compliments to the manufacturing team on setting several monthly production records, especially in our vacuum arc remelting operation in North Jackson and the intermediate bar cell Dunkirk facility, which you'll recall we installed just before COVID. Our Dunkirk plan also set a new monthly finish bar shipping record in September. Fifth, our focused efforts to improve yields in recent years are also beginning to pay dividends, particularly in our bridge build plate products and growing finished round bar products.

Dennis Oates: Turning to the order book, order entry was up sequentially on strong aerospace demand and order backlog remains substantial at $345 million dollars before surcharges. Premium products represent at 37% of our backlog. Our strong backlog and demonstrated positive trends in operations gives us confidence in continued sequential improvements in performance.

Dennis Oates: One additional very important update. I'm also pleased to announce that our board as a part of its leadership succession plan unanimously named Chris Zimmer as our new president and chief executive officer, effective November 1st. Chris is a 15-year universal veteran. He joined Universal as vice president of sales and marketing and currently serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer. He knows our company inside and out and he's well established as a leader in the specialty metals industry.

Dennis Oates: As I stated in our release this morning, I have confidence that Chris's leadership working in concert with a senior management team sets the stage for Universal to have a very exciting future. When a personal note, I will be transitioning to executive chairman of the company, focusing on a smooth leadership transition, longer term strategic issues, and my normal chairman responsibilities. So Chris, congratulations. I look forward to supporting you and the team as you assume your new responsibilities.

Christopher Zimmer: I'll turn it over to you for your review of operations. Thank you, Danny. I appreciate your kind words and I'm grateful for your ongoing support. I'm deeply honored to take on this leadership role and for the board's confidence in me. This is an exciting time and I'm looking forward to continuing the work with our talented management team to execute our long-term strategy and profitably grow our business.

Christopher Zimmer: And now turning to my operating report. Let me start with our capital project at the North Jackson Plant where we're adding two B.A.R, furnaces. We're now in the final commissioning and technical validation phase with full integration into operations to begin in the first quarter of 2024. Once complete, the project will increase our var capacity by 20%. Our capacity was a pinch point for us back in 2018 and 19. The new VAR furnaces have better technology and better controls that will mainly be used for premium alloy production.

Christopher Zimmer: Premium alloys are the critical platform for our growth strategy. As Denny highlighted, our third quarter premium alloy sales increased 28% from the second quarter. They were double the level of third quarter of 2022 and they were up 83% year-to-date. Production levels at our remelt shops, hot working mills and major finishing units all continue to improve sequentially.

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