Q1 2024 Stoneridge Inc Earnings Call

May 2, 2024

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Operator: Good day, and welcome to the Stoneridge First Quarter 2024 Earnings Call. All participants will be in listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by zero. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star then one on your telephone keypad. To withdraw your question, please press star then two. Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Kelly Harvey, Director of Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Good day and welcome to the Stoneridge first quarter 2024 earnings call. All participants will be in listen only mode should you need assistance. Please signal conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by zero.

After todays presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions to ask a question you May Press Star then one on your telephone keypad to withdraw your question. Please press Star then two please note. This event is being recorded I would now like to turn the conference over to Kelly Harvey Director of Investor Relations.

Kelly K. Harvey: Please go ahead.

Kelly K. Harvey: Good morning everyone, and thank you for joining us to discuss our first quarter 2024 results. The release and accompanying presentation were filed with the SEC and is posted on our website at stoneridge.com in the investor section under presentations and events. Joining me on today's call are Jim Zizelman, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Matt Horvath, our Chief Financial Officer.

Kelly K. Harvey: Good morning, everyone and thank you for joining us to discuss our first quarter 2024 results. The release and accompanying presentation was filed with the SEC and is posted on our website at stoneridge Dot com in the investors section under presentations and events joining.

Kelly K. Harvey: Joining me on today's call are Jim Zimmerman, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Matt Horvath, Our Chief Financial Officer.

Kelly K. Harvey: During today's call, we will be referring to certain non-GAAP financial measures. Please see the appendix for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. In addition, I need to inform you that certain statements today may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements that are not historical in nature and include information concerning our future results or plans. Although we believe such statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, you should understand that these statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially.

Kelly K. Harvey: Additional information about such factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ may be found in our 10-Q, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday under the heading Forward-Looking States. After Jim and Matt have finished their formal remarks, we will then open up the call to questions. And with that, I will hand it over to Jim.

Kelly K. Harvey: <unk> and include information concerning our future results or plans.

Kelly K. Harvey: Although we believe such statements are based upon reasonable assumptions you should understand that these statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially.

Kelly K. Harvey: Additional information about such factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ may be found in our 10-Q, which was filed with the securities and Exchange Commission yesterday under the heading forward looking statements after Jim and Matt have finished their formal remarks, we will then open up the call to questions and with that I will hand.

Jim Zimmerman: It over to Jim.

James Zizelman: Thank you and good morning, everyone. I'm beginning on page three. Our first quarter financial performance was driven by continued strong top-line growth in electronics and progression across each of our key priorities for 2024. Our efforts to reduce material costs and improve our operating efficiency contributed to a 170 basis point improvement in gross margin, a 160 basis point improvement in operating margin, and a 120 basis point improvement in EBITDA margin over the first quarter of last year.

Jim Zimmerman: Thank you and good morning, everyone beginning on page three.

Jim Zimmerman: Our first quarter financial performance was driven by continued strong topline growth in electronics and progression across each of our key priorities for 2024.

Jim Zimmerman: Our efforts to reduce material costs and improve our operating efficiency contributed to a 170 basis points improvement in gross margin of 160 basis points improvement in operating margin and 120 basis point improvement to EBITDA margin over the first quarter of last year.

James Zizelman: Additionally, we remained focused on cash performance and improvement in our leverage ratio. During the quarter, we generated $9.1 million of operating cash, an improvement of $18.3 million compared to the first quarter of last year. This is due in part to our continued efforts to reduce our inventory balance, which declined by $7.9 million.

Jim Zimmerman: Additionally, we remained focused on cash performance and improvement in our leverage ratio during the quarter, we generated $9 1 million of operating cash an improvement of $18 3 million compared to the first quarter of last year.

Jim Zimmerman: This is due in part to our continued efforts to reduce our inventory balance which declined by $7 9 million.

James Zizelman: As a result, our leverage ratio improved by approximately a quarter of a turn relative to the end of 2023. However, despite the significant momentum we have and the fundamentals of the business, we must continue to focus on mitigating some of the historical execution issues that resulted in $2 million of incremental warranty-related costs this quarter. Through recent actions taken to centralize and redesign product line and program management organizations, as well as our global engineering organization, we are specifically focused on improving built-in quality, reducing material costs, and improving manufacturing efficiency to drive profitability. There is no question.

Jim Zimmerman: As a result, our leverage ratio improved by approximately a quarter of return relative to the end of 2023.

Jim Zimmerman: Despite the significant momentum we have in the fundamentals of the business. We must continue to focus on mitigating some of the historical execution issues that resulted in $2 million of incremental warranty related costs this quarter.

Jim Zimmerman: Two recent actions taken to centralize our redesigned product line and program management organizations as well as our global Engineering organization. We are specifically focused on improving built in quality, reducing material costs and improving manufacturing efficiency to drive profitability.

James Zizelman: We are seeing the positive impact of these structural changes and expect momentum from these changes to drive improved profitability as we continue to grow. In fact, as a result of the improvement, we expect to make these changes despite some of the challenges in the first quarter. We are maintaining our full year 2024 guidance.

Jim Zimmerman: There is no question, we are seeing the positive impacts of these structural changes and expect the momentum from these changes to drive improved profitability as we continue to grow in.

Jim Zimmerman: In fact, as a result of the improvement we expect due to these changes despite some of the challenges in the first quarter. We are maintaining our full year 2024 guidance, Matt will provide further detail on our first quarter performance and our full year guidance later in the call.

James Zizelman: Matt will provide further detail on our first quarter performance and our full year guidance later in the call. Meanwhile, while we continue to improve our existing programs, we remain focused on flawless execution of the program launches that will drive strong growth going forward. Our next MirrorEye OEM programs launch with Volvo in Europe and with Peterbilt in North America later this year, followed by two additional programs in North America in the first quarter of next year.

Matthew R. Horvath: While we continue to improve our existing programs. We remain focused on flawless execution of the program launches that will drive strong growth going forward. Our next mirror OEM programs launched with Volvo in Europe, and with Peterbilt in North America. Later this year followed by two additional programs in North America in the first.

Matthew R. Horvath: Quarter of next year.

James Zizelman: Last week, Peterbilt announced the introduction of its new digital vision system mirrors as an option on both the Model 579 and Model 567 trucks, which help improve driver safety and improve fuel economy by up to 1.5%.

Matthew R. Horvath: Last week Peterbilt announced the introduction of its new digital vision system mirrors as an option on both the model 579 model 567 trucks, which help improve driver safety and improved fuel economy by up to one 5%.

James Zizelman: We will continue to work with all of our OEM customers, their dealer networks, and the fleets to drive Mirai Adopt. We are seeing good momentum across our Mirai end markets and applications and expect continued growth as we launch new OEM programs, increase take rates for existing OEM programs, and continue to expand our fleet activities with both new and existing customers. Furthermore, we expect our next generation Tachograph, the Smart 2, to provide significant growth in both OEM and aftermarket applications over the next several years based on the requirements of the EU Mobility Package Standards. I will provide more details of these regulatory requirements and our expectations for our Smart Tube Tachograph program later in the call.

Matthew R. Horvath: We will continue to work with all of our OEM customers their dealer networks and the fleets to drive <unk> adoption.

Matthew R. Horvath: We are seeing good momentum across our mirror end markets and applications and expect continued growth as we launched new OEM programs increased take rates for existing OEM programs and continued to expand our fleet activities with both new and existing customers.

Matthew R. Horvath: Furthermore, we expect our next generation tachograph smart too to provide significant growth in both OEM and aftermarket applications over the next several years based on the requirements of the EU mobility package standard I will provide more details of these regulation requirements and our expectations for our smart <unk> Grant program.

Matthew R. Horvath: Later in the call.

James Zizelman: Page four summarizes our key financial metrics for the first quarter of this year compared to the first quarter of 2023. First quarter sales growth of 3% was driven by strong top line growth in our electronics segment, due in part to the ramp-up of the recently launched Smart2Tachograph program in Europe. This was offset by lower sales in the North American passenger vehicle end market, primarily due to slowing demand for electric vehicles, as well as some end-of-life programs, which we expected.

Matthew R. Horvath: Page four summarizes our key financial metrics for the first quarter of this year compared to the first quarter of 2023.

Matthew R. Horvath: First quarter sales growth of 3% was driven by strong topline growth in our electronics segment due in part to the ramp up of our recently launched smart to Tachograph program in Europe. This.

Matthew R. Horvath: This was offset by lower sales in the North American passenger vehicle end market, primarily due to the slowing demand for electric vehicles as well as some end of life programs, which we expected our.

James Zizelman: Our growth of 3% compares to an approximately flat-weighted average end market over the same period. We expect to continue to outperform our underlying end markets driven by new launches and a continued ramp-up of recently launched programs. Driven by continued progression on key company initiatives, margins continued to expand in the first quarter compared to last year. Material cost improvement actions and our focus on manufacturing efficiency contributed to the 170 basis point improvement in gross margin over the first quarter of last year.

Matthew R. Horvath: Our growth of 3% compares to an approximately flat weighted average end market over the same time, we expect to continue to outperform our underlying end markets driven by new launches and the continued ramp up of recently launched programs.

Matthew R. Horvath: Driven by continued progression.

Matthew R. Horvath: Company initiatives margins continued to expand in the first quarter compared to last year.

Matthew R. Horvath: <unk> cost improvement actions and our focus on manufacturing efficiency contributed to the 170 basis point improvement in gross margin over the first quarter of last year, we will continue to implement material cost improvement opportunities to further enhance the impact of actions already taken.

James Zizelman: We will continue to implement material cost improvement opportunities to further enhance the impact of actions already taken. Operating margin improved by 160 basis points over the first quarter of last year due to our continued focus on a lean, efficient operating structure, including the centralization of certain functions to create more streamlined processes and reduced operating costs. Earlier this week, we continued to take action to improve our engineering organization by rebalancing our footprint to improve our capacity and our capabilities and reduce our total cost.

Matthew R. Horvath: Operating margin improved by 160 basis points over the first quarter of last year due to our continued focus on a lean and efficient operating structure, including the centralization of certain functions to create more streamlined processes and reduced operating costs.

Matthew R. Horvath: Earlier. This week, we continued to take action to improve our engineering organization by rebalancing, our footprint to improve our capacity and our capabilities and reduce our total costs.

James Zizelman: Finally, the EBITDA margin improved by 120 basis points compared to the first quarter of last year. This was despite non-operating foreign currency and equity interest expenses that unfavorably impacted the current quarter by approximately $2.3 million. Excluding the incremental warranty and non-operating expenses in the quarter, EBITDA would have been approximately $10.9 million, or 4.6% of revenue, and Matt will provide additional details on our segment-level performance later in the call. Turning to page five.

Matthew R. Horvath: Finally, EBITDA margin improved by 120 basis points compared to the first quarter of last year. This was despite non operating foreign currency and equity interest expenses that unfavorably impacted the current quarter by approximately $2 3 million.

Matthew R. Horvath: Excluding the incremental warranty and non operating expenses in the quarter EBITDA would've been approximately $10 9 million or four 6% of revenue.

Matthew R. Horvath: And Matt will provide additional details on our segment level performance later in the call.

James Zizelman: This morning, I would like to provide an update on our SMART2 tachograph program, which continues to ramp up in Europe for both OEM and aftermarket applications. As discussed on prior calls, the SMART2 tachograph is our next generation tachograph that provides incremental capabilities to conform with the EU mobility package standards. The Mobility Package is a collection of European laws and regulations for the transport sector and contains new rules to improve social conditions for drivers, increase road safety, and provide equal access to European markets.

Matthew R. Horvath: To page five this morning, I would like to provide an update on our smart <unk> Tachograph program that continues to ramp up in Europe on both OEM and aftermarket applications.

Matthew R. Horvath: As discussed on prior calls the smart to Tachograph is our next generation tachograph that provides incremental capabilities to conform with the EU mobility package standards.

Matthew R. Horvath: The mobility package is a collection of European laws and regulations for the transport sector contains new rules to improve social conditions for drivers increase road safety and provide equal access to European markets as such the regulation requires the adoption of the second generation Tachograph smart too.

James Zizelman: As such, the regulation requires the adoption of the second generation tachograph, SMART II, on various vehicle types over the next several years. Beginning in mid August of last year, the second generation smart techograph was required to be on all newly registered vehicles over 3.5 tons, which comprises our existing OEM market. In addition, before the end of 2024, all international transport vehicles with existing analog or 1B digital tachographs are required to retrofit their vehicles with this new technology, which is the basis for what drives our aftermarket opportunity this year.

Matthew R. Horvath: On various vehicle types over the next several years.

Matthew R. Horvath: Beginning in mid August of last year, the second generation Smart tachograph was required to be on all newly registered vehicles over three five tons, which comprises our existing OEM market. In addition, before the end of 2020 for all international transport vehicles with existing analog or one be digital tachograph are.

Matthew R. Horvath: Required to retrofit their vehicles to this new technology, which is the basis for what drives our aftermarket opportunity this year.

James Zizelman: As a result of these requirements, the incremental content on the next generation product and our current estimates of the addressable market, we are estimating SMART2 tachograph revenue to be approximately $60 million in 2024 for both OEM and aftermarket applications. However, as this product is based on both OEM orders and aftermarket customer adoption, the timing of the revenue contribution is more variable than what is typical for purely OEM programs. As a result, we saw a slower ramp-up in aftermarket sales in the first quarter as end-users hoped for a push-out of the regulatory requirements or simply delayed adoption until closer to the deadline. Recently, the European Commission, which governs the adoption of the mobility package, reiterated the existing deadlines and requirements.

Matthew R. Horvath: As a result of these requirements the incremental content on next generation product and our current estimates of addressable market. We are estimating smart <unk> tachograph revenue to be approximately $60 million in 2024 for both OEM and aftermarket applications.

Matthew R. Horvath: As this product is based on both OEM orders and aftermarket customer adoption. The timing of the revenue contribution is more variable than what is typical for purely OEM programs. As a result, we saw a slower ramp up in aftermarket sales in the first quarter as end users hoped for a push out of the regulatory requirements or are simply delaying.

Matthew R. Horvath: <unk> until closer to the deadline recent.

Matthew R. Horvath: Recently, the European Commission, which governs the adoption of the mobility package reiterated the existing deadlines and requirements as such we are expecting an uptick in aftermarket sales going forward as the addressable market to share has not changed in the regulations remain as previously communicated this should provide both revenue growth and accretive margin.

James Zizelman: As such, we are expecting an uptick in aftermarket sales going forward as the addressable market this year has not changed and the regulations remain as previously communicated. This should provide both revenue growth and accretive margin benefit for the remainder of the year as our aftermarket channel continues to ramp up. Looking beyond 2024, there are incremental regulations requiring the adoption of additional vehicles in Europe, which is expected to drive continued growth for the next few years. These incremental requirements come into effect in 2025 and 2026 and expand the requirements to more vehicles, including vehicles equipped with first-generation tachographs and smaller vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tons that are involved in international transport.

Matthew R. Horvath: For the remainder of the year as our aftermarket channel continues to ramp up.

Matthew R. Horvath: Looking beyond 2024, there are incremental regulations, requiring adoption on additional vehicles in Europe, which is expected to drive continued growth for the next few years.

Matthew R. Horvath: These incremental requirements come online in 2025, and 2026 and expand the requirements to more vehicles, including vehicles equipped with first generation Tachographs and smaller vehicles between two five and three five tons that are involved in international transport.

James Zizelman: Overall, the mobility package and the new Smart2Tacograph legislation represent a significant step forward for the transportation industry in Europe. By increasing road safety, improving working conditions, and ensuring fair competition, the EU is creating a more sustainable and efficient transport sector for the future, and Stoneridge is very excited to be part of it. Based on the regulatory requirements and the competitive landscape for this product, we expect significant growth over the next several years with at least a 30% market share and $100 million in peak annual revenue.

Matthew R. Horvath: Overall, the mobility package and the new smart <unk> tachograph legislation represent a significant step forward for the transportation industry in Europe by increasing road safety, improving working conditions and ensuring fair competition. The EU is creating a more sustainable and efficient transport sector for the future and stoneridge is very excited to be part of it.

Matthew R. Horvath: Based on the regulatory requirements in the competitive landscape for this product we expect significant growth over the next several years with at least a 30% market share and $100 million in peak annual revenue.

James Zizelman: This program is yet another example of our strong portfolio of technologies and vehicle systems aligned with global industry megatrends. As part of our long-term strategy, we remain focused on vehicle intelligence and connectivity as we expand our content per vehicle to drive continued long-term growth.

Matthew R. Horvath: This program is yet another example of our strong portfolio of technologies and vehicle systems aligned with global industry Megatrends.

Matthew R. Horvath: As part of our long term strategy, we remain focused on vehicle intelligence and connectivity as we expand our content per vehicle to drive continued long term growth.

Matthew R. Horvath: Turning to page six.

James Zizelman: I'd like to take this opportunity to mention that I am extremely proud that we recently released our inaugural sustainability report detailing our latest efforts and our ongoing commitment to environmental, social, and governance initiatives. Our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is a core component of our business strategy. This begins with our well-positioned, technology-forward product portfolio aligned with improving vehicle safety and efficiency, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At Stoneridge, we strive for continual improvements in our operations that deliver a lasting impact on the environment and our society, benefiting our employees, our customers, and the communities that we serve.

Matthew R. Horvath: I'd like to take this opportunity to mention that I'm extremely proud that we recently released our inaugural sustainability report detailing our latest efforts and our ongoing commitment to environmental social and governance initiatives, our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is a core component of our business strategy. This begins with our.

Matthew R. Horvath: Well positioned technology forward product portfolio aligned with improving vehicle safety and efficiency as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions at.

Matthew R. Horvath: At Stoneridge, we strive for continual improvements in our operations to deliver a lasting impact on the environment and our society benefiting our employees our customers and the communities that we serve.

James Zizelman: Through our continued efforts, we have made meaningful progress towards our sustainability goals, including reducing our Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 18.6 percent, reducing our absolute water withdrawal by 5.8 percent, creating a safe workspace environment, and minimizing our environmental footprint and our manufacturing facilities over time. Our sustainability report marks a significant step in Stoneridge's sustainability journey and reflects our dedication to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. I would like to express my gratitude to the Stoneridge team for their efforts and contributions in this space and for publishing such a meaningful report. I encourage all of you to visit our sustainability website if you have not done so already. Turning to page 7.

Matthew R. Horvath: Through our continued efforts, we have made meaningful progress towards our sustainability goals, including reducing our scope, one and scope two greenhouse gas emissions by 18, 6%, reducing our absolute water withdrawal by five 8%, creating a safe workspace environment and minimizing our environmental footprint and our manufacturing facilities over.

Matthew R. Horvath: Hi.

Matthew R. Horvath: Our sustainability report marks a significant step in stoneridge is sustainability journey and reflects our dedication to transparency accountability and continuous improvement.

Speaker Change: I'd like to express my gratitude to the stoneridge team for their efforts and contributions in this space and I'm publishing such a meaningful report I encourage all of you to visit our sustainability website. If you have not done so already.

Speaker Change: Turning to page seven.

James Zizelman: We remain committed to the 2024 goals I outlined on our fourth quarter call. First, we are focused on driving continued growth and market outperformance. As discussed earlier in the call, we are maintaining our 2024 Revenue Guidance Midpoint of $1 billion, which is expected to outperform our weighted average underlying end markets by 8 percentage points.

Speaker Change: We remain committed to the 2024 goals I outlined on our fourth quarter call.

Speaker Change: First we're focused on driving continued growth and market outperformance as discussed.

Speaker Change: Just earlier on the call we are maintaining our 2020 for revenue guidance midpoint of $1 billion.

Speaker Change: Which is expected to outperform our weighted average underlying end markets by eight percentage points.

James Zizelman: As discussed earlier on the call, we outperformed our weighted average OEM end markets in the first quarter and expect that to continue driven primarily by Stoneridge-specific growth drivers, including new programs, incremental content, and the expansion of our existing opportunities. Additionally, we are focused on gross margin expansion through material cost improvement and enterprise-wide operational excellence. We remain keenly focused on these initiatives as we achieved gross margin expansion of 170 basis points in the first quarter of 2023.

Speaker Change: As discussed earlier on the call we outperformed our weighted average OEM end markets in the first quarter and expect this to continue driven primarily by stoneridge specific growth drivers, including new programs incremental content and the expansion of our existing opportunities.

Speaker Change: Second we are focused on gross margin expansion through material cost improvement in enterprise wide operational excellence, we remain keenly focused on these initiatives as we achieved gross margin expansion of 170 basis points over the first quarter of 2023.

James Zizelman: As we continue to focus on quality-related costs and recognize the run rate benefits of these material costs and operational actions, we expect continued gross margin expansion. Third, we are focused on leveraging our global footprint to maximize our capabilities and output. Based on the actions taken last year to centralize many of our global functions and drive synergies between our business units, from both a cost and efficiency perspective, we achieved 160 basis points of operating margin expansion in the first quarter, resulting in a 120 basis points improvement in EBITDA margin compared to the prior year.

Speaker Change: As we continue to focus on quality related costs and recognize the run rate benefits of these material cost and operational actions. We expect continued gross margin expansion.

Speaker Change: Third we are focused on leveraging our global footprint to maximize our capabilities and output based on the actions taken last year to centralize many of our global functions and drive synergies between our business units from both a cost and efficiency perspective, we achieved 160 basis points of operating margin expansion in the first quarter.

Speaker Change: <unk> and a 120 basis point improvement in EBITDA margin compared to the prior year.

James Zizelman: We continue to evaluate and optimize our organizational structure, as shown by recent actions taken in our engineering organization to rebalance our global footprint. Fourth, we are focused on efficient cash generation through effective inventory management. Through our focused efforts on reducing inventory to improve working capital and generate more cash, we've reduced our inventory balance by $7.9 million, which translates to approximately an 8% improvement in inventory turns during the quarter. We remain focused on inventory reduction and cash performance.

Speaker Change: We continued to evaluate and optimize our organizational structure as shown by our recent actions taken in our engineering organization to rebalance our global footprint.

Speaker Change: Fourth we are focused on efficient cash generation through effective inventory management.

Speaker Change: Through our focused efforts on reducing inventory to improve working capital and generate more cash we reduced our inventory balance by $7 9 million, which translates to approximately an 8% improvement in inventory turns during the quarter. We remained focused on inventory reduction and cash performance.

James Zizelman: Finally, we are focused on efficient capital deployment while maintaining an appropriate capital structure. This includes prioritizing our organic investment opportunities with a focus on return on engineering and investing in technology to develop new products for customers that will facilitate future growth. In 2024, we are targeting approximately $40 million of capital focused primarily on supporting organic growth initiatives. We remain on track to meet both our organic growth and capital expenditure targets for 2024.

Speaker Change: Finally, we are focused on efficient capital deployment, while maintaining an appropriate capital structure. This includes prioritizing our organic investment opportunities with a focus on return on engineering and investing in technology to develop new products for customers that will facilitate future growth.

Speaker Change: In 2024, we are targeting approximately $40 million of capital focused primarily on supporting organic growth initiatives. We remain on track to meet both our organic growth and capital expenditure targets for 2024.

James Zizelman: As evidenced by our progress made so far this year, this team is focused on executing against our priorities to drive strong growth, continued margin improvement, and an improved balance sheet. We continue to see the benefits of the actions we took in 2023 and will continue to take actions aligned with our key priorities to drive performance. With that, I'll turn it over to Matt to discuss our financial results in more detail. Matt Thank you.

Speaker Change: As evidenced by our progress made so far this year. The team is focused on executing against our priorities to drive strong growth continued margin improvement and an improved balance sheet. We continue to see the benefits of the actions. We took in 2023 and will continue to take actions aligned with our key priorities to drive performance with that I'll turn it over to <unk>.

Speaker Change: Matt to discuss our financial results in more detail Matt.

Matthew R. Horvath: Thank you, Jim. Turning to page 9. Sales in the first quarter were $239.2 million, an increase of 3% relative to the first quarter of 2023. Adjusted operating income was $300,000, which resulted in a 160 basis point improvement in operating margin relative to the first quarter of last year. As Jim discussed earlier in the call, we are maintaining our full year 2024 guidance. Our full year sales guidance midpoint of $1 billion is expected to outpace our weighted average OEM and markets by over a percentage. We expect to outperform our end markets driven by the continued ramp-up of recently launched programs, including both the OEM and aftermarket applications of Mirai and the Smart2 Tachograph.

Matthew R. Horvath: Jim turning to page nine sales in the first quarter were $239 2 million, an increase of 3% relative to the first quarter of 2023 adjusted.

Matthew R. Horvath: Adjusted operating income was $300000, which resulted in a 160 basis point improvement in operating margin relative to the first quarter of last year as.

Matthew R. Horvath: As Jim discussed earlier in the call we are maintaining our full year 2024 guidance, our full year sales guidance midpoint of $1 billion is expected to outpace our weighted average OEM end markets by over eight percentage points.

Matthew R. Horvath: We expect to outperform our end markets driven by the continued ramp up of recently launched programs, including both the OEM and aftermarket applications of mirror and the smart tachograph we.

Matthew R. Horvath: We expect that improvement in our material costs for the remainder of the year will offset the incremental warranty costs we incurred in the first quarter. As such, we are maintaining our full-year gross margin expectations with a gross margin midpoint of 22.4%, which implies a 140 basis point expansion versus the prior year. Based on our efforts to drive a more efficient global operating structure, we expect that operating performance will remain within our previously provided range but improve slightly relative to our prior expectations.

Matthew R. Horvath: We expect that improvement in our material costs for the remainder of the year will offset the incremental warranty costs, we incurred in the first quarter as such we are maintaining our full year gross margin expectations with a gross margin midpoint of 22, 4%, which implies a 140 basis point expansion versus the prior year.

Matthew R. Horvath: Based on our efforts to drive a more efficient global operating structure, we expect that operating performance will remain within our previously provided range, but improved slightly relative to our prior expectations as such we are maintaining our full year operating margin expectations with an operating margin midpoint of 3%, which implies a 130 basis point expansion.

Matthew R. Horvath: As such, we are maintaining our full-year operating margin expectations with an operating margin midpoint of 3%, which implies a 130 basis point expansion versus last year. Similarly, we expect slightly improved operating performance to offset the non-operating foreign currency and equity interest expenses incurred in the first quarter. As a result, we are also maintaining our expectations for full-year EBITDA and EPS. Our expectation of approximately $67 million of EBITDA at the midpoint of our guidance range results in a 170 basis point improvement and 39% growth in EBITDA over 2023. We expect the revenue and EBITDA cycle for the year to be relatively consistent with previous expectations.

Matthew R. Horvath: Last year.

Matthew R. Horvath: Similarly, we expect slightly improved operating performance to offset the non operating foreign currency and equity interest expenses incurred in the first quarter. As a result, we are also maintaining our expectations for full year, EBITDA and EPS, our expectation of approximately $67 million of EBITDA at the midpoint of our guidance range.

Matthew R. Horvath: <unk> results in a 170 basis point improvement and 39% growth in EBITDA over 2023.

Matthew R. Horvath: We expect the revenue and EBITDA cadence for the year to be relatively consistent with previous expectations. However, we now expect the second quarter performance will be slightly better than previously expected to approximately breakeven EPS.

Matthew R. Horvath: However, we now expect that the second quarter performance will be slightly better than previously expected, to approximately break even EPS. Due to expanding Mirai sales in the second half of the year, primarily driven by new program launches, and the continued ramp-up of the Smart2 tachograph, we continue to expect revenue to be back half-weighted. We expect slight growth from the first to the second quarter and relatively larger growth between the second and third quarters, aligned with these key program launches.

Matthew R. Horvath: Due to expanding <unk> sales in the second half of the year, primarily driven by new program launches and the continued ramp up of the smart to tachograph. We continue to expect revenue to be back half weighted we expect slight growth from the first to the second quarter and relatively larger growth between the second and third quarter aligned with these key program launches.

Matthew R. Horvath: Aligned with our revenue cadence for the year, we expect EBITDA to be more back half-weighted as well. Based on the actions we have taken to improve our cost structure and our operating performance, we expect to continue to significantly outperform our underlying end markets and drive continued earnings expansion as the year progresses. Turning to page 10.

Matthew R. Horvath: Aligned with our revenue cadence for the year, we expect EBITDA to be more back half weighted as well.

Matthew R. Horvath: Based on the actions, we have taken to improve our cost structure and our operating performance. We expect to continue to significantly outperform our underlying end markets and drive continued earnings expansion as the year progresses.

Matthew R. Horvath: During the quarter, we were impacted by two warranty issues that accounted for approximately $2 million of incremental costs. Although these issues are historical in nature, and we expect they have been contained through either re-engineering or resourcing material, these incremental costs highlight the importance of our focus on execution to drive operational excellence and built-in quality going forward. We have taken actions that we expect to improve the operating structure and processes that have led to these issues historically, which resulted in the incremental warranty cost during the quarter.

Matthew R. Horvath: Turning to page 10 during.

Matthew R. Horvath: During the quarter, we were impacted by two warranty issues that accounted for approximately $2 million of incremental costs.

Matthew R. Horvath: Although these issues are historical in nature, and we expect they have been contained through either reengineering. Our resourcing material. These incremental costs highlight the importance of our focus on execution to drive operational excellence and building quality going forward.

Matthew R. Horvath: We have taken actions that we expect to improve the operating structure and processes that have led to these issues historically, which resulted in the incremental warranty cost during the quarter.

Matthew R. Horvath: The quarter was also unfavorably impacted by approximately $2 million related to the non-operating impact that foreign currency had on intercompany balances and approximately $300,000 related to our minority interest in auto tech ventures. Excluding the incremental warranty and non-operating expenses in the quarter, EBITDA would have been approximately $10.9 million, or 4.6% of revenue.

Matthew R. Horvath: The quarter was also unfavorably impacted by approximately $2 million related to the non operating impact that foreign currency had on intercompany balances and approximately $300000 related to our minority interest in auto Tech ventures <unk>.

Matthew R. Horvath: Excluding the incremental warranty and non operating expenses in the quarter EBITDA would have been approximately $10 9 million or four 6% of revenue.

Matthew R. Horvath: The first quarter was also impacted by unfavorable sales volume and product mix, primarily related to the reduced demand for electric vehicles compared to prior expectations and the re-timing of SMART2 tachograph aftermarket sales, as Jim discussed previously. However, these headwinds were generally offset by material cost improvement actions completed in the first quarter, primarily related to supplier negotiations and pricing, and reduced operating expenses as a result of the actions taken in 2023 to centralize functions and reduce costs. In addition, EPS was impacted by a slightly higher tax expense during the quarter, primarily due to our geographical mix of earnings.

Matthew R. Horvath: However, these headwinds were generally offset by material cost improvement actions completed in the first quarter, primarily related to supplier negotiations and pricing and reduced operating expenses as a result of the actions taken in 2023 to centralized functions and reduce costs in.

Matthew R. Horvath: In addition, EPS was impacted by slightly higher tax expense during the quarter, primarily due to our geographical mix of earnings disc.

Matthew R. Horvath: Despite the headwinds we faced in the first quarter, we continued to improve the foundation of the business and take actions that will drive run rate performance improvement going forward, helping us achieve our previously provided guidance. Page 11 summarizes our key financial metrics specific to control devices. Control Devices' first quarter sales declined by approximately $8.7 million versus the first quarter of 2023, primarily related to the expected winding down of end of life programs and slower demand for electric vehicle platforms.

Matthew R. Horvath: Page 11 summarizes our key financial metrics specific to control devices.

Matthew R. Horvath: This was slightly offset by higher sales in China; the first quarter operating margin of 2.8% increased by 120 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2023, primarily as a result of favorable product mix and improvements in material and logistics costs. We continue to expect relatively flat and marked performance and slow growth in actuation programs due to the continued slow ramp-up of electric vehicle platforms. As a result, we continue to expect control devices full-year sales to slightly decline this year relative to 2023.

Matthew R. Horvath: Control devices first quarter sales declined by approximately $8 $7 million versus the first quarter of 2023, primarily related to the expected wind down of end of life programs and slower demand for electric vehicle platforms. This was slightly offset by higher sales in China.

Matthew R. Horvath: First quarter operating margin of two 8% increased by 120 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2023, primarily as a result of favorable product mix and improvements in material and logistics costs.

Matthew R. Horvath: We continue to expect relatively flat end market performance and slow growth in actuation programs due to the continued slow ramp up of electric vehicle platforms.

Matthew R. Horvath: As a result, we continue to expect control devices full year sales to slightly decline this year relative to 2023.

Matthew R. Horvath: That said, and as demonstrated in the first quarter, we have identified several opportunities to reduce material costs through redesigns or supply chain strategies to help improve gross margin going forward and offset the slight decline in sales, resulting in a stable margin profile. Finally, as discussed on previous earnings calls, we remain focused on drive-trained agnostic technologies to drive new business awards as the market continues to evolve. We continue to focus on operational excellence and enterprise-wide cost reduction, including material cost reduction plans, to drive margin improvement going forward.

Matthew R. Horvath: That said and as demonstrated in the first quarter, we have identified several opportunities to reduce material costs through a redesigns or supply chain strategies to help improve gross margin going forward and offset the slight decline in sales, resulting in a stable margin profile.

Matthew R. Horvath: Finally as discussed on previous earnings calls, we remain focused on drivetrain agnostic technologies to drive New business Awards as the market continues to evolve.

Matthew R. Horvath: We continue to focus on operational excellence and enterprise wide cost reduction, including material cost reduction plans to drive margin improvement going forward.

Matthew R. Horvath: Page 12 summarizes our key financial metrics specific to electronics. Electronics first quarter sales increased by $15.6 million, or 11.1%, compared to the first quarter of 2023. Sales growth was driven primarily by higher sales in both the European and North American commercial vehicle end markets, due in part to the ramp-up of the Smart to Tachograph programs in Europe. We expect continued strong sales growth in 2024, driven by new program launches and the ramp-up of recently launched programs. Our next Mirai OEM programs will launch with Volvo in Europe and with Peterbilt in North America later this year.

Matthew R. Horvath: Page 12 summarizes our key financial metrics specific to electronics electron.

Matthew R. Horvath: Electronics first quarter sales increased by $15 $6 million or 11, 1% compared to the first quarter of 2023.

Matthew R. Horvath: Sales growth was driven primarily by higher sales in both the European and North American commercial vehicle end markets due in part to the ramp up of the smart to tachograph programs in Europe.

Matthew R. Horvath: We expect continued strong sales growth in 2024, driven by new program launches and the ramp up of recently launched programs. Our next mirror I OEM programs launch with Volvo in Europe, and with Peterbilt in North America later this year.

Matthew R. Horvath: Similarly, we expect significant growth related to the SMART2 tachograph as regulatory requirements force adoption both in OEM applications as well as in the aftermarket. First quarter operating margin expanded by approximately 330 basis points compared to the first quarter of the prior year, primarily due to contribution from incremental revenue and material cost improvement, partially offset by higher overhead costs. More specifically, $1.5 million of the $2 million of total incremental warranty related costs impacted electronics during the quarter.

Matthew R. Horvath: Similarly, we expect significant growth related to the smart <unk> tachograph as regulatory requirements force adoption, both in OEM applications as well as in the aftermarket.

Matthew R. Horvath: First quarter operating margin expanded by approximately 330 basis points compared to the first quarter of the prior year, primarily due to contribution on incremental revenue and material cost improvement, partially offset by higher overhead costs more.

Matthew R. Horvath: More specifically $1 $5 million of the $2 million of total incremental warranty related costs impacted electronics during the quarter.

Matthew R. Horvath: Looking forward, we expect continued margin expansion as we focus on improving our manufacturing performance and focus on quality-driven processes and efficient execution of new program launches, as well as the continued ramp-up of existing programs. Electronics remains well positioned to take advantage of significant future growth and margin expansion as a result of a strong product portfolio, a substantial and growing backlog of awarded programs, continued improvement in material costs and cost structure, and organizational optimization.

Matthew R. Horvath: Looking forward, we expect continued margin expansion as we focus on improving our manufacturing performance and focus on quality driven processes and efficient execution of new program launches as well as the continued ramp up of existing programs electronics remains well positioned to take advantage of significant future growth and margin expansion as a <unk>.

Matthew R. Horvath: <unk> have a strong product portfolio, a substantial and growing backlog of awarded programs continued improvement in material costs and cost structure and organizational optimization.

Matthew R. Horvath: Page 13 summarizes our key financial metrics specific to Stoneridge Brazil. Stoneridge Brazil's first quarter sales totaled approximately $12.2 million, a decrease of $2 million relative to the first quarter of last year. This decrease was primarily a result of two one-time revenue opportunities in a local OEM market totaling approximately $2.1 million in 2023 that were not expected to recur this year. First quarter operating profit declined by approximately $1.1 million relative to the first quarter of 2023, primarily driven by reduced fixed cost leverage on decreased sales.

Matthew R. Horvath: Page 13 summarizes our key financial metrics specific to Stoneridge, Brazil.

Matthew R. Horvath: This decrease was partially offset by lower material costs as a result of favorable sales metrics. We expect relatively stable revenue and operating margin in 2024 as we continue to shift our portfolio in Brazil to more closely align with our global growth initiatives and further expand our local OEM programs to support our global customers. Brazil has become a critical engineering center as we continue to align our global engineering capabilities and footprint.

Matthew R. Horvath: <unk> Brazil's first quarter sales totaled approximately $12 2 million a.

Matthew R. Horvath: A decrease of $2 million relative to the first quarter of last year.

Matthew R. Horvath: This decrease was primarily as a result of two onetime revenue opportunities in the local OEM market totaling approximately $2 $1 million in 2023 that were not expected to recur this year.

Matthew R. Horvath: First quarter operating profit declined by approximately $1 $1 million relative to the first quarter of 2023, primarily driven by reduced fixed cost leverage on decreased sales. This decrease was partially offset by lower material costs as a result of favorable sales mix.

Matthew R. Horvath: We expect relatively stable revenue and operating margin in 2024, as we continue to shift our portfolio in Brazil to more closely align with our global growth initiatives and further expand our local OEM program to support our global customers.

Matthew R. Horvath: Brazil has become a critical engineering center as we continue to align our global engineering capabilities and footprint, we will continue to utilize our global footprint to cost effectively support our global business.

Matthew R. Horvath: We will continue to utilize our global footprint to cost-effectively support our global business. Turning to page 14, net debt to trailing 12 month EBITDA, as calculated for compliance purposes, improved by a quarter of a turn, resulting in a leverage ratio of approximately 2.86 times. During the quarter, we generated $9.1 million of operating cash, an improvement of $18.3 million compared to the first quarter of last year. This is due in part to our continued efforts to reduce our inventory balance, which declined by $7.9 million in the quarter.

Matthew R. Horvath: Turning to page 14, net debt to trailing 12 month EBITDA as calculated for compliance purposes improved by a quarter of a turn resulting in a leverage ratio of approximately 286 times.

Matthew R. Horvath: During the quarter, we generated $9 1 million of operating cash an improvement of $18 $3 million compared to the first quarter of last year.

Matthew R. Horvath: This is due in part to our continued efforts to reduce our inventory balance which declined by $7 $9 million in the quarter.

Matthew R. Horvath: We are focused on reducing networking capital to improve cash performance and reduce net debt and related interest expense. Based on our 2024 guidance and networking capital initiatives, we expect a compliance leverage ratio between two and two and a half times by the end of the year, as both our earnings and inventory balance are expected to continue to improve. We are focused on maximizing cash performance to drive value for shareholders. Moving to slide 15.

Matthew R. Horvath: We are focused on reducing net working capital to improve cash performance and reduced net debt and related interest expense.

Matthew R. Horvath: Based on our 2020 for guidance and net working capital initiatives, we expect our compliance leverage ratio between two and two five times by the end of the year as both our earnings and inventory balance are expected to continue to improve we are focused on maximizing cash performance to drive value to shareholders.

Matthew R. Horvath: In summary, our first quarter performance was driven by strong top-line growth and progression across each of our key priorities for 2024. Our strategy sets us up for strong short-term and long-term performance through Stoneridge-specific growth drivers, including new programs, incremental content, and expansion of our existing opportunities. We will continue to focus on enterprise-wide cost improvement and operational execution to drive strong contribution margin and focus on inventory reduction to improve our cash position and continue to reduce our leverage profile.

Matthew R. Horvath: Moving to slide 15 in summary, our first quarter performance was driven by strong top line growth and progression across each of our key priorities for 2020 for our.

Matthew R. Horvath: Our strategy sets us up for strong short term and long term performance through stoneridge specific growth drivers, including new programs incremental content and expansion of our existing opportunities. We will continue to focus on enterprise wide cost improvement and operational execution to drive strong contribution margin and focus on inventory reduction to improve our.

Matthew R. Horvath: Cash position and continue to reduce our leverage profile stoneridge remains well positioned to outpace our underlying end market growth and drive significant earnings expansion going forward.

Matthew R. Horvath: Stoneridge remains well positioned to outpace underlying end market growth and drive significant earnings expansion going forward. As always, driving shareholder value is at the forefront of all of Stoneridge's strategic initiatives. With that, I will open up the call to questions. We will now begin.

Speaker Change: As always driving shareholder value is at the forefront of all of stoneridge as strategic initiatives with that I will open up the call for questions.

Operator: We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star then 1 on your telephone keypad. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. If at any time your question has been answered and you would like to withdraw your question, please press star then 2. At this time, we will pause momentarily to assemble our roster. The first question comes from Justin Long with Stevens. Please go ahead.

Speaker Change: We will now begin the question and answer session to ask a question you May Press Star then one on your telephone keypad.

Speaker Change: We are using a speakerphone please pick up your handset before pressing the keys.

Speaker Change: Anytime Youre question has been addressed and you would like to withdraw your question. Please press Star then two.

Matthew R. Horvath: At this time, we will pause momentarily to assemble our roster.

Matthew R. Horvath: The first question comes from Justin Long with Stephens. Please go ahead.

Justin Trennon Long: Thanks and good morning. Hey, good morning. Good morning. So maybe to start, Matt, you gave some color on 2Q expectations for revenue and EPS, but I was wondering if you could provide a little bit more color around the EBITDA cadence. You mentioned it being more back half weighted, but as we move into the second quarter, would you expect EBITDA to improve relative to the $11 million number you talked about in the first quarter if you excluded some of the non-operating items? And maybe you could just talk about your visibility to that forecast as well.

Justin Trennon Long: Thanks, and good morning.

Justin Trennon Long: Hey, good morning, good morning.

Justin Trennon Long: So maybe to start Matt you gave some color on <unk> expectations for revenue and EPS, but I was wondering if you could provide a little bit more color around the EBITDA cadence.

Justin Trennon Long: Mentioned, it being more back half weighted but as we move into the second quarter would you expect EBITDA to improve relative to that $11 million number you talked about in the first quarter. If you exclude some of the non operational items and maybe you could just talk.

Justin Trennon Long: About your visibility to that forecast as well.

Matthew R. Horvath: Yeah, thanks for the thanks for the question, Justin. So, yes, we would expect it to improve from there. As we said in the first quarter, you know, on our prior call, we had previously expected kind of relatively flat performance between the first and second quarters; we now expect that to be improved, even off of the adjusted number that you mentioned, really due to the base operating performance improvement that we expect not only in the second quarter but also for the remainder of the year.

Speaker Change: Yeah. Thanks for the thanks for the question Justin So, yes, we would expect it to improve from there.

Speaker Change: As we had said in the first quarter.

Speaker Change: On our prior call. We had previously expected kind of relatively flat performance between the first and second quarter. We now expect that to be improved even off of the adjusted number that you mentioned.

Speaker Change: Really due to the base operating performance improvement that we expect not only in the second quarter, but also for the remainder of the year. So yes, we would expect the second quarter to be improved.

Matthew R. Horvath: So yes, we would expect the second quarter to be improved. And then, if you look forward, we would expect continued improvement, certainly as we launch the incremental programs, particularly the large Mirai programs in the back half of the year, particularly as the tachograph aftermarket continues to ramp up. That's generally at a pretty accretive margin on the aftermarket sales. So we have good visibility to improvement because it's fundamental base improvement in the business that we've already seen in the first quarter.

Speaker Change: And then if you look forward.

Justin Trennon Long: We would expect continued improvement certainly as we launch the incremental programs, particularly the large mirror programs in the back half of the year, particularly as the tachograph aftermarket continues to ramp up as generally at.

Justin Trennon Long: A pretty accretive margin.

Justin Trennon Long: On the aftermarket sales. So we have good visibility to improvement because it's fundamental base improvement in the business that we've already seen in the first quarter.

Matthew R. Horvath: And that would only be duplicative on, you know, the incremental revenue that we expect in the second half. So we do expect improvement in the second quarter, and we would expect that to continue pretty strongly into the second half with the launch of those programs.

Justin Trennon Long: And that would only be duplicative on the incremental revenue that we expect in the second half. So we do expect improvement in the second quarter and we would expect that to continue on pretty strongly in the second half with the launch of those programs and Matt Matt I would add to that.

James Zizelman: Matt, I'd add to that. Think about all the work that we've been doing to drive excellence and execution and drive efficiencies within Stoneridge. We've talked very specifically about some of those actions, and those things clearly had an impact on the first quarter. A lot of the performance that you are seeing is reflective in the numbers that we're seeing here relative to gross margin expansion and cash generation, etc. That stuff also becomes duplicative.

Matthew R. Horvath: And you think about all the work that we've been doing to drive excellence in execution and drive efficiencies within stoneridge, and we've talked very specifically about some of those actions even today.

Matthew R. Horvath: So those things clearly had an impact on the first quarter a lot of the performance that you are seeing are reflective in the numbers that we're seeing here relative to gross margin expansion and cash generation et cetera that stuff also becomes duplicative right as you start taking that into the second third and fourth quarter and beyond right.

James Zizelman: As you start taking that into the second, third, and fourth quarters and beyond, those things will actually begin to add more and more to the financial performance of Stoneridge. I am very, very confident that we're going to have the right pathway here going forward.

Matthew R. Horvath: Those things actually will begin to add more and more to the to the financial performance of stoneridge. So I am very very confident that we're going to have the right pathway here going forward.

Justin Trennon Long: That's really helpful. And maybe to follow up on some of the things you just mentioned, Jim, it sounds like your first quarter was a messy quarter, lots of put and takes, but there was some improvement in the underlying kind of operational performance that's maybe a little hard to see just looking at the headlines. So as we think about the full-year guidance, you know, two things you mentioned were material cost tailwinds and pricing tailwinds.

Speaker Change: That's really helpful and maybe to follow up on some of the things you just mentioned Jim It sounds like first quarter was a messy quarter and lots of puts and takes but there was some improvement in the underlying kind of operational performance. That's maybe a little hard to see just looking at the.

Speaker Change: And so as we think about the full year guidance.

Speaker Change: Two things you mentioned were material cost tailwind in pricing tailwind is there a way to kind of quantify how meaningful those tailwind could be or are speak in a little bit more detail about some of the operational improvements and what that could translate to in terms of the bottom line.

Justin Trennon Long: Is there a way to kind of quantify how meaningful those tailwinds could be or speak in a little bit more detail about some of the operational improvements and what that could translate to in terms of the bottom line?

Matthew R. Horvath: Yeah, so Justin, first on just kind of the quantification of that, you know, we always talk about contribution margin as a good way to understand how much operational performance we're getting out of the business, right? Our typical contribution margin is 25 to 30 percent on incremental revenue. If you look at the first quarter, quarter over quarter, even including those incremental warranty issues, you know, we had a 50 percent contribution margin on seven million dollars of revenue growth, right?

Speaker Change: Yeah. So Justin first on just kind of the quantification of that we always talk about contribution margin is a good way to understand how much operational performance, we're getting out of the business right. Our typical contribution margin is 25% to 30% on incremental revenue. If you look at the first quarter quarter over quarter, even including those incremental warrant.

Speaker Change: The issues, we had 50% contribution margin on $7 million revenue growth rate, excluding those those warranty issues, we were like 80% contribution margin quarter over quarter. So that is an indication that the business is significantly improving at a fundamental level and that's really driven by like we said those material cost improvements again if you.

Matthew R. Horvath: Excluding those warranty issues, we were about 80 percent contribution margin quarter over quarter, so that is an indication that the business is significantly improving at a fundamental level. And that's really driven by, like we said, those material cost improvements. You know, again, if you exclude that warranty issue, which we wouldn't expect to recur forward, gross margin would have been over 21 percent in the first quarter. OK, so fundamentally, material costs and the actions that we've taken on the operating side to centralize functions, get more out of the resources that we have but also reduce costs at the same time.

Speaker Change: Exclude that warranty issue, which we wouldnt expect to recur forward gross margin would have been over 21% in the first quarter. Okay. So fundamentally material costs and the actions that we've taken on the operating side too to centralized functions get more out of the resources that we have but also reduce cost at the same time, you're seeing that benefit.

Speaker Change: Quarter over quarter, certainly and we would expect that to carry forward. When you add the revenue growth to that that contribution margin can get really accretive to the earnings power of the business in the second half of the year.

Matthew R. Horvath: You're seeing that benefit quarter over quarter, certainly, and we would expect that to carry forward. When you add the revenue growth to that, that contribution margin can be really accretive to the earnings power of the business in the second half of the year.

Unknown Speaker: Okay, got it. And I guess the last one for me is on two of the big revenue drivers this year. You've got the smart to tachograph, and you've got mirror. I, I guess on smart to any color, you can give us on the revenue cadence or ramp you're now expecting within the guidance. And then I'm just curious if there's been any change to your forecast for mirror. I think you've talked about that being $100 million in revenue this year, but just wanted to confirm that that was still your expectation. Unknown Speaker

Speaker Change: Okay got it and I guess the last one for me is on two of the Big revenue drivers. This year, you've got the smart to tachograph and you've got mere I I guess on smart to any color you can give us on the revenue cadence or what.

Speaker Change: Ramp Youre now expecting within the guidance and then I'm just curious if theres been any change to your forecast for Mir I think you've talked about that being $100 million of revenue. This year, but just wanted to confirm that that was still your expectation.

Matthew R. Horvath: Yeah, Justin, so I'll take the easy one of those two first. Mirai, yes, no change in expectation for the remainder of the year. You know, we're seeing good progress with the OEs as we march towards those launches, particularly the very large launch with Volvo in the second half of the year. And we are on track with those launches. Yeah, that's right.

Speaker Change: Yes, so I'll take the easy one of those two first mirror, yes, no change in expectation for the remainder of the year.

Speaker Change: We're seeing good progress with the Oes as we March towards those launches, particularly the very large launch with volatile in the second half of the year and on track on those launch yes, that's right and then so no change in the expectation from Euro.

Matthew R. Horvath: And then, yeah, so there's no change in the expectation for Mirai. You know, the tachograph business. There's kind of two responses here. One, we haven't seen any change in the addressable market. And, like Jim laid out in his prepared remarks, the market is timed such that this year is the first step in that adoption cycle. So within the year, we don't see any expectation of change relative to our prior expectations. Obviously, we talked about the first quarter being a little lighter from an aftermarket perspective.

Speaker Change: Tachograph business Theres kind of two responses here, one we haven't seen any change in the addressable market and like Jim laid out in the prepared remarks. The market is times such that this year has the first step in that adoption cycle. So within the year, we don't see any expectation of change.

Speaker Change: Relative to our prior expectations, obviously, we talked about the first quarter being a little lighter from an aftermarket perspective.

Matthew R. Horvath: Because, just the law of the numbers, because the market hasn't changed and the first quarter was a little lighter, we obviously expect the second quarter and forward to be more than previously expected. And again, that aftermarket product generally has an accretive margin relative to overall margins. So it's also a little bit harder to time out that aftermarket adoption. You know, relative to an OEM program where you've got production volume and forecast, even if they fluctuate a little bit, there's a pretty structured cadence around that volume.

Speaker Change: Just the law of the numbers because of the market Hasnt changed in the first quarter was a little lighter, we obviously expect the second quarter and forward to be more than previously expected and again that aftermarket product generally has an accretive margin relative to overall margins. So.

Speaker Change: It's also a little bit harder to time out that aftermarket adoption.

Speaker Change: Relative to an OEM program, where <unk> got production volume forecast, even if they fluctuate a little bit there is a pretty structured cadence around that volume the aftermarket.

Matthew R. Horvath: The aftermarket, you know; we have some ability to do things on the pricing side with our distributors, their customers, et cetera, to push or pull adoption. But ultimately, there's a little bit more volatility, and there will always be a little more volatility in the aftermarket. So, you know, in the short term, quarter to quarter, it's a little bit more volatile, but for the year, nothing has changed, which just means the second half of the year will be even stronger than we expected previously.

Speaker Change: We have some ability to do things on the pricing side with our distributors their customers et cetera to push or pull adoption, but ultimately there is a little bit more volatility and there will always be a little more volatility in the aftermarket so.

Justin Trennon Long: Okay, I got it. Thanks for the time.

Speaker Change: In the in the short term quarter to quarter, it's a little bit more volatile, but for the year nothing has changed which just means the second half of the year will be will be even stronger than we expected previously.

Speaker Change: Okay got it thanks for the time.

Speaker Change: Thanks, Justin Thanks, Justin.

Unknown Speakers: Thanks, Justin. Thanks, Justin.

Operator: Again, if you have a question, please press star, then one. Our next question comes from Gary Prestopino with Barrington Research. Please go ahead.

Speaker Change: Again, if you have a question. Please press Star then one our next question comes from Gary <unk> with Barrington Research. Please go ahead.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Good morning, all. Hey. Hey, Gary. I kind of jumped on the call a little bit late and just kind of assimilating what you were saying about the taco grab. Was there some issues with the fact that there wasn't as much on the adoption side in the quarter as you expected? Or could you just very simply just go through that again?

Gary: Good morning, all Hey.

Gary: Hey, good morning, Gary Jim.

Gary: Jumped on the call little bit late.

Gary Jim: Just kind of assimilating what you were saying on the Tachograph Jim was there there was some issues with.

Gary:

Gary: The fact that.

Gary: That there wasn't as much.

Gary: On the adoption side.

Gary: In the quarter as you expected or.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Could you just very simply just go through that again please.

Matthew R. Horvath: Yeah, so you know, first off, Gary, we'll break it into two sections as well. On the OEM side, you know, it's being adopted as expected; it's required for new vehicles being sold, if they're going to be registered for international transport, they have to have the next generation tachograph. So the OEs are selecting this, and they're 100% in line, you know, with the volume of vehicles that they're building. The variability, probably what you picked up, was variability.

Speaker Change: Yes, so first off Gary will break it into two sections as well on the OEM side. It is being adopted as expected it's required for new vehicles being sold if theyre going to be registered.

Gary: For international transport they have to have a next generation tachograph. So the oes are selecting this and there are 100% in line with the with the volume of vehicles that they're building.

Gary: The variability.

James Zizelman: And that's really coming from, you know, the aftermarket. As you know, trucks at 3.5 tons or higher have to be retrofitted if they have the former analog or 1B digital tachographs in place. And just like anybody, if you have a deadline to get something finished or completed, you know, oftentimes people will push the compliance with that deadline to the deadline itself. And so it was a little slower here at the beginning as, you know, people were first required to make the change, but they do have until the end of 2024 to get it done.

Gary: What you picked up was variability and thats really coming from.

Gary: The aftermarket as you know.

Gary: Trucks at three five tons or higher has to be retrofit. If they have the former analog or one being digital tachograph and place and just like anybody if you have a deadline to get something finished or completed.

Gary: Oftentimes people will push.

Gary: The compliance with that deadline to the deadline itself and so it was a little slower here at the beginning as people were first.

James Zizelman: Required to make the change, but they do have to the end of 2024 to get it done and so like Matt says that regulation hasnt changed the timing.

James Zizelman: And so, like Matt says, you know, that regulation hasn't changed, the timing and the compliance date haven't changed. The addressable market is already out there. These are existing vehicles. So we're expecting to see an uptick in sales into the aftermarket because it was a bit lighter in the first quarter.

Gary: The compliance date Hasnt changed the addressable market is already out there. These are existing vehicles. So we're expecting to see an uptick really in the sales into the aftermarket because it was a bit lighter in the first quarter and I would add to that as Jim mentioned in the prepared remarks here.

Matthew R. Horvath: Yeah, and I would add to that, as Jim mentioned in his prepared remarks here, the European Commission, which governs this regulation, has reiterated those deadlines and requirements. So not only do we understand the addressable market and expect the second half to pick up, it's very clear from the regulatory agencies that that's the expectation of people as well. So we feel pretty comfortable that we understand the addressable market. And because the first quarter was a little bit lighter, that just suggests there's more to come in the second half or second quarter forward. Thanks, Gary.

Gary: The European Commission, which governs this regulation has reiterated those deadlines and require them, yes, so not only.

Gary: Not only do we understand the addressable market and expect the second to pick up it's very clear from the regulatory agencies that thats the expectation of folks as well. So we feel pretty comfortable that we understand the addressable market and because the first quarter was a little bit lighter that just suggests there is more to come here in the second half of our second quarter forward, yes.

Speaker Change: Okay. Thanks, Thanks, Gary.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Yeah, yeah, no, that's fine. I just wanted to clarify that.

Gary: Yes, no that's fine I just wanted to clarify that and then in terms of the peak revenue I mean, what what year do you actually get that is that somewhere in the 2026 or does this keep going on and I guess I'm trying to get an idea of what is the actual size of the market in units.

Speaker Change: I realize its all for international transport only but.

James Zizelman: And in terms of peak revenue, I mean, what year do you actually hit that? Is that, you know, somewhere in 2026? Or does this keep going on? I mean, I guess I'm trying to get an idea of what the actual size of the market in units is. I know I realize it's all for international transport only, but... You know, when's that? Yeah, so

Speaker Change: When is that yes, so yes.

Matthew R. Horvath: Yeah, so Gary, because the adoption started late last year, you obviously see a ramp up this year, and we really would expect to kind of hit those peak numbers in 2025-2026. And then, naturally, of course, you'll see a more stabilized number there forward as the retrofits are completed and the OEM market remains strong. So, you know, we talked about market share a little bit on the slide there, and we estimate that at our peak annual revenue, we would have about 30% market share.

Speaker Change: Yes, so Gary.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Because the adoption started late last year, you, obviously see a ramp up this year, we really would expect to kind of hit those peak numbers in 2025 26.

Matthew R. Horvath: And then naturally of course, Youll see a more stabilized number there forward as the retrofits are completed in the OEM market remained strong.

Matthew R. Horvath: So we talked about market share a little bit on the slide there that at our peak annual revenue. We estimate we would have about 30% market share, obviously, because thats, an aftermarket product and not.

Matthew R. Horvath: Obviously, because that's an aftermarket product and not, you know, an OEM award, there is opportunity to improve that as we go forward. And we're working on that. But that gives you some idea of the kind of total addressable market for our product as these regulations roll through.

James Zizelman: OEM Award there is opportunity to improve that as we go forward and we're working we're working on that but that gives you. Some idea of kind of the total addressable market for our product as these regulations roll through.

Gary Frank Prestopino: So, by July of 2026, all vehicles above 2.5 tons will have to have this, whether they're retrofitted or OEM. And then once that happens, you start going, after you hit peak revenue, then it just basically becomes an OEM-driven product, is that the way to look at it? An OEM product with some service requirements as well going forward, yeah.

Speaker Change: So by July of 2026, all vehicles above two five tons will have to have this whether they are retrofitted or OEM and then once that happens.

Gary Frank Prestopino: You start going with FTE hit peak revenue then it just basically becomes an OEM driven product is that the way.

Matthew R. Horvath: And OEM product with some with some service requirements as well going forward.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Okay.

Gary Frank Prestopino: All right, so the next question revolves around the quarter. First of all, is your guidance for this year pegged off using a $6.6 million EBITDA number or an adjusted number of $10.9 million?

Speaker Change: Alright next question revolves around.

Gary Frank Prestopino: The quarter.

Speaker Change: First of all.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Your guidance for this year pegged ball.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Using a $6 $6 million EBITDA number or an adjusted number of $10 9 million.

Matthew R. Horvath: Gary, to be clear, the guidance includes those issues in the first quarter. So the 6.6 number is what our guidance is based off of. But because those things, one, are obviously not operating on the FX side, and two, not expected to recur on the warranty side, we wanted to provide some kind of an estimate of what you should expect from a run rate forward and the true performance of the business. So the guidance includes 6.6, but the performance of the business obviously was much, much better than that. We wanted to outline that in the remarks.

Speaker Change: Gary to be clear.

Speaker Change: <unk> guidance includes those issues in the first quarter. So it's the $6 six number is what our guidance is based off of.

Matthew R. Horvath: Okay, but because those things one are obviously non operating on the FX side and two.

Matthew R. Horvath: Not expected to recur on the warranty side, we wanted to provide some.

Matthew R. Horvath: And kind of an estimate of what you should expect from a run rate forward and the true performance of the business. So the guidance includes a $6 six but the performance of the business. Obviously was much much better than that we wanted to outline that in our remarks. So you can say with some certainty that there is not going to be any more warranty expense going forward.

Gary Frank Prestopino: So Gary, here's what I would say. There's never certainty. Yeah, there's never

Speaker Change: So Gary Here's what I would say theres never certainty.

Speaker Change: Yes, there is never a certainty that you can say that there won't be any more warranty expense going forward.

Gary Frank Prestopino: As you would imagine we have a typical warranty accrual on every product right. These were two specific items in the quarter that we would not expect to recur going forward.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Okay.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Okay. And then, just lastly, you know, as I read back on my notes, I think you had said that you had expected Q1 adjusted EBITDA to be less than that of Q4, which was $15.6 million. As far as the quarter goes, the sales were better than we expected, but obviously, the adjusted EBITDA wasn't. But, you know, you didn't really give specific guidance for Q1. I mean, when you factor out these non-recurring items, did the quarter come in about where you thought it was going to be on an adjusted EBITDA basis?

Gary: Okay, and then just just lastly.

Gary: Add back on my notes I think you had said that you had expected Q1, adjusted EBITDA to be less than that of Q4, which was $15 6 million as far as the quarter goes the sales were better than we expected, but obviously the adjusted EBITDA wasn't.

Gary Frank Prestopino: But you didn't really give specific guidance for Q1, I mean, when you factor out these nonrecurring items did the quarter come in about where you thought it was going to be on an adjusted EBITDA basis.

Speaker Change: Yes generally Gary.

Matthew R. Horvath: Yeah, generally, Gary, you know, we talked a little bit about the mix of Tachograph and the aftermarket business. As we said, that aftermarket business does have an accretive benefit to margin. So, you know, I would say that was the only thing outside of the normal or, I'm sorry, the things we called out between the warranty and the non-operating impacts. But, generally speaking, the quarter would have been in line with our expectations had it not been for those unusual items or non-recurring non-operating items. Okay.

Gary Frank Prestopino: We did talk a little bit about the mix of tachograph and the aftermarket business like we said that that aftermarket business does have an accretive benefit to margin. So.

Matthew R. Horvath: I would say that was the only thing outside of the normal or are they im sorry, the things we called out between the warranty in the nonoperating impacts, but generally speaking the quarter would have been in line with our expectations had it not been for those.

Matthew R. Horvath: Unusual items or nonrecurring nonoperating items.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Okay, and then just in general, you know, when you start these new programs that are going to roll out well, you know, the growth in the tachograph, and then obviously Mirai going from $155 million to $100 million and $60 million at tachograph. Those margins, especially on Mirai, as you go into 2025, those programs that you're rolling out, should those margins really start seeing fairly good improvement as you start scaling that business?

Speaker Change: And then just in general when you start these new programs that are going to rollout.

Matthew R. Horvath: <unk>.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Both in the Tachograph and then obviously you're.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Going from about 155 million to $100 million and $60 million of tackle graph.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Yes.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Those margins, especially on your eye.

Gary Frank Prestopino: As you go into 2025.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Those programs that you're rolling out should those margins really start seeing really good improvement as we start scaling that business.

Matthew R. Horvath: Yeah, yeah, Gary, a couple of things on that one. As with any program, as you approach more stable or peak annual revenue, the margin will be what will improve with the right incremental volume. Obviously, the margin will improve. And typically, there's a ramp-up of any program, any normal program, not just those two. And separately, like we said, the aftermarket Tachograph product has an accretive margin profile, but also, as we've talked about for quite a while now, the incremental take rate to Mirai can be extremely accretive from a contribution margin, right?

Speaker Change: Yes, Gary a couple of things to that one.

Gary Frank Prestopino: As with any program as you approach more stable our peak annual revenue the margin will be will improve right incremental volume obviously, the margins will improve and typically there is a ramp up of any program any normal program not just those two.

Matthew R. Horvath: Separately like we said the aftermarket tachograph product has has an accretive margin profile, but also as we've talked about.

Matthew R. Horvath: For quite a while now incremental take rate to mirror can be extremely accretive from a contribution margin right. We as everyone knows we have spent the engineering and structure the organization for the amount of growth that we expect from these mirror programs right. So as they ramp up not only will the typical program to kind of quoted volume improve.

Matthew R. Horvath: We, as everyone knows, have spent the engineering and structure of the organization for the amount of growth that we expect from these Mirai programs, right? So as they ramp up, not only will the typical program to kind of quoted volume improve margin, but we've always said that there's upside to that as adoption improves and take rate improves, and that can be very accretive as well.

Matthew R. Horvath: But we've always said, we think that there is upside to that as adoption improves in take rate improves and that can be very accretive as well.

Gary Frank Prestopino: Okay, thank you. Thanks, Gary. I appreciate it.

Speaker Change: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker Change: Thanks, Gary and I appreciate it.

Operator: This concludes our question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Jim Zizelman for any closing remarks.

Matthew R. Horvath: This concludes our question and answer session I would like to turn the conference back over to Jim Wilson for any closing remarks.

James Zizelman: Thank you.

James Zizelman: Thank you everyone for joining us for the call this morning. I know your time is very important, and we truly appreciate your willingness to engage us today.

James Zizelman: Thanks, everyone for joining us for the call. This morning, I know your time is very important and we truly appreciate your willingness to engage us today.

James Zizelman: As discussed earlier in the call, we are delivering on the key priorities we outlined for 2024 and expect our efforts to continue to drive long-term profitable revenue growth and significant earnings expansion going forward. We will continue to deliver on our commitments by focusing on our long-term strategy, our broad operational improvements, and excellence in execution. We expect that our performance, along with our unique mix of industry-changing product platforms, will continue to drive stronger shareholder value. Thanks again, everyone.

James Zizelman: As we discussed earlier on the call we are delivering on the key prioritized key priorities, we outlined for 2024 and expect our efforts to continue to drive long term profitable revenue growth and significant earnings expansion going forward.

James Zizelman: We will continue to deliver on our commitments by focusing on our long term strategy, our broad operational improvements and excellence in execution, we expect that our performance along with our unique mix of industry changing product platforms will continue to drive stronger shareholder value. Thanks again, everyone.

Operator: The conference is now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect.

Speaker Change: The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation you may now disconnect.

Operator: Okay.

Operator: [music].

Q1 2024 Stoneridge Inc Earnings Call

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