Q4 2025 Carpenter Technology Corp Earnings Call

Ian: Thank you for standing by. My name is Ian, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY CRS Q4 FY25 earnings conference call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press star, followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, again, press star one. Thank you. I would like to hand the call over to John Huyette, VP, investor relations. You may begin your conference.

Thank you for standing by. My name is Ian and I will be your conference operator today.

At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Carpenter Technology CRS Q4 FY, 25 erne conference call.

John Huyette: Thank you, operator. Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY earnings conference call for the fiscal 2025 fourth quarter, ended June 30, 2025. This call is also being broadcast over the internet, along with presentation slides. For those of you listening by phone, you may experience a time delay in slide movement. Speakers on the call today are Tony Thane, president and chief executive officer, and Tim Laine, senior vice president and chief financial officer. Statements made by management during this earnings presentation that are forward-looking statements are based on current expectations.

Speakers on the call today are Tony ta president and chief executive officer in Tim Lane senior, vice president and Chief Financial Officer.

John Huyette: Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements can be found in CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY's most recent SEC filings, including the company's report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2024, Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended September 30, 2024, December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2025, and the exhibits attached to those filings. Please note that in the following discussion, unless otherwise noted, when management discussed the sales or revenue, that reference excludes surcharge. When referring to operating margins, that is based on adjusted operating income, excluding special items, and sales, excluding surcharge. I will now turn the call over to Tony.

Statements made by management during this earnings. Presentation that are forward-looking statements are based on current expectations.

Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these. Forward-looking statements can be found in Carpenter Technologies. Most recent SEC filings, including the companies report on form, 10K for the year. Ended June 30th 2024

Forms 10 Q for the quarters. Ended September 30th 2024 December 31st 2024 and March, 31st 2025 and the exhibits attached to those filings.

please note that in the following discussion unless otherwise noted, when management discussed the sales or Revenue that reference excludes surcharge,

Excluding special items and sales, excluding surcharge.

I will now turn the call over to Tony.

Tony Thene: Thank you, John, and good morning to everyone. I will begin on slide four with a review of our safety performance. We ended fiscal year 2025 with a total case incident rate of 1.4. This is a notable 20% improvement over fiscal year 2024. Although this rate would rank as one of the safest metal manufacturing companies, it is not a rate we accept at CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY. As we enter fiscal year 2026, we remain committed to our ultimate goal: a zero-injury workplace, driven by a sharp focus, consistent action, and continuous improvement. Let's turn to slide five for an overview of our fourth quarter performance. We continued our earnings momentum with strong execution to close out the fiscal year, delivering the most profitable quarter on record.

Thank you, John, and good morning to everyone.

I will begin on slide 4 with a review of our safety performance.

We ended fiscal year 2025, with a total case, incident rate of 1.4.

This is a notable 20% improvement, over fiscal year 2024.

although this rate would rank as 1 of the safest metal manufacturing companies,

It is not a rate, we accept at Carpenter Technology.

as we enter fiscal year 2026,

We remain committed to our ultimate goal. A zero injury, workplace driven by a sharp Focus. Consistent action and continuous Improvement.

Let's turn the slide 5 for an overview of our fourth quarter performance.

Tony Thene: For the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, we generated 151 million in adjusted operating income, a 21% increase over our fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, and a 10% increase over our recent third quarter, which was our previous record for quarterly operating income. The profitability was driven by SAO as the segment continues to expand adjusted operating margins, reaching 30.5% in the quarter, compared to 25.2% a year ago and 29.1% in the prior quarter. You may recall that a year ago, having achieved the 25% adjusted margin milestone in SAO, I said that we had line of sight to 30% margins. And now that we have achieved the 30% milestone, I continue to expect margins to expand further. As the major drivers of our growth, improvements in productivity, product mix optimization, and pricing actions continue to be opportunities for our business.

We continued our earnings momentum with strong execution, to close out the fiscal year, delivering the most profitable quarter on record.

For the fourth quarter of fiscal year. 2025, we generated 151 million in adjusted operating income, a 21% increase over our fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 and a 10% increase over our recent third quarter, which was our previous record for quarterly operating.

Income.

The profitability was driven by SAO as the segment continues to expand adjusted operating margins.

Reaching 30.5% in the quarter.

Compared to 25.2% a year ago and 29.1% in the prior quarter.

You may recall that a year ago having achieved the 25% adjusted margin milestone in Sao. I said that we had line of sight to 30% margins.

And now that we have achieved the 30% milestone, I continue to expect margins to expand further.

As the major drivers of our growth improvements in productivity.

Tony Thene: The SAO segment reached a record 167 million of operating income, an increase of 19% year over year and 10% sequentially. In addition, with strong earnings and a disciplined working capital management, we generated 201.3 million in adjusted free cash flow during the quarter. And we continued returning cash to shareholders through our dividend and repurchase programs, purchasing 24.1 million of shares in the quarter, raising the total to 101.9 million for the fiscal year. Turning to slide six and a closer look at fourth quarter sales and market dynamics. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, sales increased sequentially across all key end-use markets. Starting with the aerospace and defense end-use market, sales increased 3% sequentially and 2% over our fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, which at the time was our highest revenue quarter on record for the aerospace and defense end-use market.

Product, mix optimization and pricing actions continue to be opportunities for our business.

The SAO segment reached a record $167 million in operating income, representing an increase of 19% year-over-year and 10% sequentially.

In addition with strong earnings and a disciplined working Capital Management. We generated 2011.3 million in adjusted free, cash flow during the quarter.

And we continued returning cash to shareholders through our dividend and repurchase programs. Purchasing 24.1 million of shares. In the quarter, raising the total to 101.9 million for the fiscal year.

Turning to slide 6 and a closer look at fourth quarter sales and market dynamics.

in the fourth quarter of fiscal year, 2025 sales, increased sequentially across all key in-use markets,

Tony Thene: Within aerospace and defense, sales were notably up across engines, fasteners, and defense. Our engine sales were up 5% sequentially as demand for our materials remains strong. Our engine customers continue to be concerned about surety of supply as they navigate high MRO demand while looking forward to the ongoing and accelerating build rate ramp. In fact, sales to our engine customers might have been higher if not for our increased focus on the power generation submarket in the quarter, which I will touch on momentarily. And our defense submarket sales were up 17% sequentially as we continue to see urgent requests for material across multiple platforms. Overall, the aerospace supply chain continues to increase activity as build rates ramp and confidence grows in the OEM's ability to perform. Let me provide some comments from the recent Paris Air Show to further illustrate what we are hearing from our customers.

Starting with the Aerospace and defense in use market sales increased, 3%, sequentially and 2 percent over our fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 which at the time was our highest revenue quarter on record for the Aerospace and defense in use Market.

Within Aerospace, and defense sales were notably up across engines. Fasteners and defense

Our engine sales were up 5% sequentially as demand for our materials remain strong.

Our engine customers continue to be concerned about shity of Supply. As they navigate high mro demand while looking forward to the ongoing and accelerating build rate ramp

In fact, sales to our engine customers might have been higher, if not for our increased focus on the power generation, submarket in the quarter, which I will touch on momentarily.

And our defense submarket sales were up 17% sequentially as we continue to see urgent requests for material across multiple platforms.

Overall the Aerospace supply chain continues to increase activity as build rates, ramp and confidence grows in the oems ability to perform.

Tony Thene: The general theme customers talked about was the ongoing ramp in aerospace demand and how that specifically impacts their business. Some customers emphasize the need for us to provide more material faster, and we discuss ongoing efforts to increase shipments to them. Others, based on where they are positioned in the supply chain, report they are managing their inventory closely and looking for signals of step-ups in demand, which we all anticipate, particularly around Boeing build rates. We advanced and completed several long-term agreements while in Paris, in line with our expectations and supporting our ongoing growth. Many customers expressed their appreciation for how we have worked with them over the last several quarters as they needed to adjust their schedules to better match aerospace builds.

Let me provide some comments from the recent Paris Air Show to further illustrate what we are hearing from our customers.

The general theme customers talked about was the ongoing ramp in Aerospace demand and how that specifically impacts their business.

Some customers emphasized, the need for us to provide more material faster and we discussed ongoing efforts to increase shipments to them.

Report they are managing their inventory closely and looking for signals of step-ups in demand which we all anticipate particularly around Boeing build rates.

We Advanced and completed, several long-term agreements while in Paris in line with our expectations and supporting our ongoing growth.

Tony Thene: Finally, customers were excited about the Brownfield capacity expansion project that we recently announced and wanted to know what it would mean specifically for the products they purchased from us. Overall, the Paris Air Show was a positive event, and we came away with even higher confidence about the future outlook for aerospace and defense. Moving on to the medical end-use market, our sales were up 6% sequentially and down 16% compared to a record prior year fourth quarter. It's important to note that underlying demand in medical remains positive, with ongoing increases in patient procedures. While our medical sales have already grown substantially over the last several years, we continue to believe there's significant growth potential. Shifting to the energy end-use market, sales were up 27% sequentially and 22% year over year, with significant increases in sales to our power generation customers.

Many customers expressed their appreciation for how we have worked with them over the last several quarters as they needed to adjust their schedules to better match Aerospace bills.

Finally customers were excited about the Brownfield capacity, Expansion Project that we recently announced and wanted to know what it would mean specifically for the products they purchase from us.

Overall, the Paris Air Show was a positive event and we came away with even higher confidence about the future outlook for Aerospace and defense.

moving on to the medical in use Market, our sales were up 6%, sequentially and down, 16% compared to a record prior year, fourth quarter

It's important to note that underlying demand and medical remains positive with ongoing increases in patient procedures.

While our medical sales have already grown substantially over the last several years, we continue to believe there are significant growth potential.

Tony Thene: As has been widely reported, demand for power generation continues to accelerate. Because the alloys that we produce that go into power generation applications, primarily industrial gas turbines, are similar to our aerospace materials, they command similar high margins. They also compete for time on similar assets. Therefore, we are carefully managing our production schedules to slot in the power generation demand. Looking ahead, we will continue to work closely with the power generation supply chain, from OEMs to parts manufacturers, to support their growth as this submarket has become a valuable strategic advantage for us. Altogether, the demand outlook for CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY remains very positive and should only strengthen in the coming quarters as the aerospace industry continues to ramp, the medical industry remains at high levels, and the IGT business continues to aggressively pull for more material.

Shifting to the energy in use market, sales were up, 27% sequentially, and 22% year-over-year with significant increases in sales to our power generation customers.

As has been widely reported demand for power, generation continues to accelerate.

Because the Alloys that we produce that go into power generation applications primarily industrial gas turbines. Are similar to our Aerospace materials, they command similar High margins.

They also compete for time on similar assets.

Therefore, we are carefully managing our production schedules to slide in the power generation demand.

Looking ahead, we will continue to work closely with the power generation supply chain from oems. To Parts manufacturers to support their growth. As this submarket has become a valuable strategic Advantage for us.

Tony Thene: Now, I will turn it over to Tim for the financial summary.

Altogether, the demand outlook for Carpenter Technology remains very positive and should only strengthen in the coming quarters. As the Aerospace industry, continues to ramp the medical industry remains at high levels and the IGT business continues to aggressively pull for more material.

Now, I will turn it over to Tim for the financial summary.

Tim Lain: Thanks, Tony. Good morning, everyone. I'll start on the income statement summary. Starting at the top, sales excluding surcharge decreased 2% year over year on 14% lower volumes. Sequentially, sales were up 4% on 5% higher volume. The improving productivity, product mix, and pricing are evident in our gross profit, which increased to 213.9 million in the current quarter, up 12% from the same quarter last year. SG&A expenses were 62.5 million in the fourth quarter, essentially flat sequentially and down slightly from the same quarter last year. Adjusted operating income was 151.4 million in the current quarter, which is 21% higher than the 125.2 million in our fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 and up 10% from our recent third quarter. As Tony mentioned earlier, this represents another record quarterly operating income result, breaking the previous record, which was just set last quarter.

Thanks Tony. Good morning everyone.

I'll start on the income statement summary.

Starting at the top sales, excluding S charge decreased 2% year-over-year on 14% lower volumes.

Sequentially sales were up 4% on 5%, higher volume.

The improving productivity product. Mix and pricing are evident in our gross profit which increased to 213.9 million in the current quarter up 12%, from the same quarter last year,

Sgna expenses were 62.5 million in the fourth quarter. Essentially flat sequentially and down slightly from the same quarter last year.

Adjusted operating income was 151.4 million in the current quarter, which is 21% higher than the 125.2 million, in our fourth quarter of fiscal year of 2024 and up, 10% from our recent third quarter,

As Tony mentioned earlier, this represents another record quarterly operating income results.

Tim Lain: Moving on to our effective tax rate, which was 19.7% in the current quarter. This quarter's effective tax rate was lower than our anticipated rate due to certain discrete tax benefits recorded in the current quarter associated with equity awards. The full fiscal year 2025 effective tax rate was similar to the current quarter. Again, the reason the effective tax rate is lower than the normalized rate is primarily due to discrete tax benefits from the impact of equity awards vesting and stock option exercises during the year. For fiscal year 2026, we expect the effective tax rate to be more in line with our normalized rate of 21 to 23%. Finally, the earnings per diluted share was $2.21 for the quarter. The quarterly results cap off a historic fiscal year 2025.

Breaking the previous record which was just set last quarter.

Moving on to our effective tax rate which was 19.7% in the current quarter.

This quarter's effective tax rate was lower than our anticipated rate. Due to certain discrete tax benefits recorded in the current quarter associated with Equity Awards.

the full fiscal year 2025 effective tax rate was similar to the current quarter

Again, the reason the effective tax rate is lower than the normalized rate is primarily due to discrete tax benefits from the impact of equity Awards, vesting, and stock option exercises during the year.

For fiscal year 2026, we expect the effective tax rate to be more in line with our normalized rate of 21 to 23%.

Finally, the earnings per diluted share was $2.21 for the quarter.

Tim Lain: The CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY team delivered on our promise of higher profitability, driven by actions across the operations to increase productivity, manage the product mix to optimize for profit, and realize the benefits of pricing actions that we continue to pursue and capture. Now turning to more detail on each of the segments, starting with our SAO segment results. Net sales excluding surcharge for the fourth quarter were 548 million. Sequentially, sales were up 6% on 5% higher volume, driven by increases in our key end-use markets of aerospace and defense, medical, and energy. With an adjusted operating margin of 30.5%, a meaningful milestone, SAO reported an operating income of 167 million in the fourth quarter. The continued increase in sales, profitability, and margin expansion is a result of what we have highlighted over the last several quarters.

The quarterly results cap off a historic fiscal year 2025.

For profit and realize the benefits of pricing actions that we continue to pursue and capture.

Now, turning to more detail on each of the segments, starting with our Sao segment results.

Net sales, excluding surcharge for the fourth quarter or 548 million.

Sequentially sales were up 6% on 5%, higher volume driven by increases in our key. End use markets of Aerospace and defense medical and energy.

With adjusted operating margin of 30.5% a meaningful Milestone. Sao reported operating income of 167 million in the fourth quarter.

Tim Lain: Specifically, the SAO team's ability to increase productivity at key work centers to drive an improving mix while realizing higher selling prices. These areas are as relevant as ever as we actively manage our production schedules to adjust to changing customer priorities and seek to increase our overall output. Looking ahead to our upcoming first quarter of fiscal year 2026, we anticipate SAO will generate operating income in the range of 162 to 165 million, which accounts for the planned maintenance activities to be executed in our upcoming first quarter. Now turning to slide 10 and our PEP segment results. Net sales excluding surcharge in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 were 97.1 million, down 5% from the same quarter a year ago and flat sequentially.

The continued increase in sales, profitability and margin expansion, is a result of what we have highlighted over the last several quarters.

Specifically, the SEO teams ability to increase productivity, at Key work centers to drive, an improving mix while realizing higher selling prices.

These areas are as relevant as ever as we actively manage our production, schedules to adjust to changing customer priorities and seek to increase our overall output.

Looking ahead to our upcoming first quarter of fiscal year 2026. We anticipate Sao will generate operating income in the range of 162 to 165 million.

Which accounts for the plan, maintenance activities to be executed in our upcoming first quarter.

Now, turning to slide 10 and our pep segment results.

Tim Lain: In the current quarter, PEP reported operating income of 11.7 million compared with 10.6 million in the same quarter a year ago and 10.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2025. The improving profitability is a result of solid results in our titanium business. As we've talked about in the past, our titanium business, Dynamet, is the driver for PEP. Our titanium solutions are an important element of our medical end-use market portfolio. Dynamet's medical end-use market sales account for more than 60% of Dynamet's net sales in fiscal year 2025. In addition to Dynamet, the additive business continues to drive higher sales, resulting in improved profitability. With that in mind, we currently anticipate that the PEP segment will deliver operating income in the range of 11 to 12 million in the upcoming first quarter of fiscal year 2026.

Net sales, excluding surcharge in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 where 97.1 million down 5% from the same quarter, a year ago and flat sequentially in the current quarter pep reported operating income of 11.7 million compared with 10.6 million in the same quarter a year ago and 10.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2025.

The improving profitability is a result of solid results in our titanium business.

As we've talked about in the past our titanium business, Dynamat is the geographer path.

Our titanium Solutions are an important element of our medical end use Market portfolio.

Dynamat medical end use market sales account for more than 60% of dyn's. Net sales in fiscal year 2025,

In addition to Dynamat the additive business continues to drive higher sales resulting in improved profitability.

With that in mind, we currently anticipate that the pep segment will deliver operating income in the range of 11 to 12 million in the upcoming first quarter of fiscal year 2026.

Tim Lain: Now turning to the next slide to talk about our cash generation and capital allocation priorities. In the current quarter, we generated 258 million of cash from operating activities, and we spent 58 million on capital expenditures, resulting in 201.3 million of adjusted free cash flow. For the full fiscal year, we generated 287.5 million in free cash flow. The cash generation results were driven by improving profitability and our disciplined approach to working capital management. The cash generation is the engine driving our capital allocation priorities. At the beginning of fiscal year 2025, we announced the authorization of a $400 million stock repurchase program. To date, we have purchased 101.9 million under the program. The share repurchases complement our long-standing quarterly dividend and, taken together, reflect our commitment to return cash to our shareholders. In addition, we are committed to investing in our future growth.

Now, turning the next slide to talk about our cash generation and capital allocation priorities.

In the current quarter, we generated 258 million of cash from operating activities and we spent 58 million on Capital expenditures. Resulting in 201.3 million of adjusted free. Cash flow.

For the full fiscal year. We generated 287.5 million in free cash flow.

The cash generation results were driven by improving profitability and our discipline of approach to working Capital Management.

The cash generation is the engine driving our Capital allocation priorities.

At the beginning of fiscal year 2025 we announced the authorization of a 400 million dollar stock repurchase program.

To date. We have purchased 101.9 million under the program.

The share repurchases complement. Our long-standing quarterly dividend and taken together reflect our commitment to return cash to our shareholders.

Tim Lain: We announced the $400 million Brownfield capacity expansion back in February, which is now underway. During fiscal year 2025, we spent 26 million of capital expenditures related to this project over and above the base CapEx, which resulted in 154.3 million of reported capital expenditures for fiscal year 2025. As we look ahead to fiscal year 2026, we expect to spend 300 to 315 million on capital expenditures. This includes an estimated 175 to 185 million related to the Brownfield expansion project. We ended the quarter and the fiscal year with 664.4 million in total liquidity, including 315.5 million of cash. Our leverage ratio remains at historic lows. In fact, at June 30, 2025, our net debt to EBITDA ratio is 0.5 times, and we have no near-term debt maturities. Our free cash flow outlook is strong.

In addition, we are committed to investing in our future growth.

We announced the $400 million Brownfield capacity expansion back in February, which is now underway.

During fiscal year, 2025, we spent 26 million of capital expenditures related to this project over and above the base capex.

Which resulted in 154.3 million of reported Capital expenditures for fiscal year 2025.

As we look ahead to fiscal year 2026, we expect to spend 300 to 315 million on Capital expenditures.

This includes an estimated 175 to 185 million related to the Brownfield Expansion Project.

We ended the quarter and the fiscal year with 664.4 million in total liquidity, including 315.5 million of cash.

Our leverage ratio remains a historic lows.

In fact, at June 30th, 2025, our net debt to ebit ratio is 0.5 times.

Tim Lain: We expect to generate adjusted free cash flow of 240 to 280 million in fiscal year 2026. For clarity, this is net of our anticipated capital expenditures of 175 to 185 million related to our Brownfield capacity expansion project. Before I turn the call back to Tony, I wanted to highlight that, as we have done in the past, we have included a slide in the appendix of this presentation that includes selected guidance to help model our anticipated fiscal year 2026 results. With that, I will turn the call back to Tony.

Our free cash flow Outlook is strong.

We expect to generate adjusted free cash flow of 240 to 280 million in fiscal year 2026.

For clarity. This is Ned of our anticipated, Capital expenditures of 175 to 185 million related to our Brownfield capacity Expansion Project.

Before I turn the call back to Tony, I wanted to highlight that as we have done in the past, we have included a slide in the appendix of this presentation that includes selected guidance to help model our anticipated fiscal year 2026 results.

With that, I will turn the call back to Tony.

Tony Thene: Thanks, Tim. The completion of fiscal year 2025 marked a meaningful milestone in the growth of CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY. Just over two years ago, at our investor day in May 2023, we communicated a four-year goal to reach 460 to 500 million in operating income, which was double our pre-COVID high. We exceeded that original target in just two years. For fiscal year 2025, we generated 525.4 million in adjusted operating income, a 48% increase over fiscal year 2024, our previous record year and nearly four times our fiscal year 2023. And we delivered those record profits at a time when the aerospace supply chain slowed, the medical industry went through a destocking, and geopolitical issues continued. It is a testament to our focus on execution, backed by a strong market position, broad solution portfolio, and unique capabilities that we were able to deliver such a strong year.

Thanks Tim.

The completion of fiscal year 2025 marked, a meaningful milestone in the growth of Carpenter Technology.

Just over 2 years ago had our investor Day in May 2023.

We communicated a 4-year goal to reach 460 to 500 million in operating income.

Which was double or preco high.

We exceeded that original Target in Just 2 years.

For fiscal year 2025, we generate 525.4 million and adjusted operating income.

48% increase over fiscal year 2024.

Our previous record year and nearly 4 times our fiscal year 2023.

And we delivered those record profits at a time. When the Aerospace supply chain slowed, the medical industry went through a docking and geopolitical issues continued.

It is a testament to our focus on execution, backed by a strong Market position.

Tony Thene: In addition, with the record earnings and disciplined working capital management, we generated 287.5 million in adjusted free cash flow in fiscal year 2025. That is net of our investment in the Brownfield expansion project, as detailed in our recent investor update event, which will be an accelerant to our growth trajectory starting in fiscal year 2028. And we continue to return cash to shareholders. Over the course of the fiscal year, we executed 101.9 million in share repurchases, in addition to 40 million in dividends. Altogether, the results speak for themselves, demonstrating powerful momentum. This is also evident as our market cap increased to over $13 billion, delivering meaningful total shareholder return. But as we communicated in a recent investor update event, we believe this is far from our peak.

Broad solution portfolio and unique capabilities that we were able to deliver such a strong year.

In addition with the record earnings and disciplined working Capital Management, we generated 287.5 million in adjusted free cash flow in fiscal year 2025.

that is net of our investment in the Brownfield Expansion Project as detailed in our recent investor update event

Which will be an accelerant to our growth trajectory starting in fiscal year 2028.

And we continue to return cash to shareholders.

Over the course of the fiscal year. We executed 101.9 million and share repurchases. In addition to 40 million in dividends,

Altogether the results. Speak for themselves. Demonstrating powerful, momentum.

This is also evident as our market cap increased to over 13 billion, delivering meaningful. Total shareholder return

but as we communicated, in a recent investor update event,

Tony Thene: The same dynamics that drove our success in fiscal year 2025 are only strengthening as we look ahead over the next several years. With that, let's turn to our fiscal year 2026 outlook. Let's start with the near term. For the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, we are projecting between 148 million and 152 million in operating income. This is approximately 26 to 30% higher than last year's first fiscal quarter, which was then a record best first fiscal quarter and roughly in line with our just completed record fourth quarter. This represents a strong start to fiscal year 2026. For those of you who have been following our story, you know our preventive maintenance program is critical to keeping our assets healthy as we look to grow over the long term.

We believe this is far from our Peak.

The same dynamics that drove our success in fiscal year 2025 or only strengthening as we look ahead over the next several years.

With that, let's turn to our fiscal year 2026 Outlook.

Let's start with the near-term.

For the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, we are projecting between 148 million and 152 million in operating income.

This is approximately 26 to 30% higher than last year's first fiscal quarter, which was then a record best first fiscal quarter and roughly in line with our just completed record fourth quarter.

This represents a strong start to fiscal year 2026.

Tony Thene: We continue to operate in an increasingly strong demand environment, and asset availability is key to our continued success. Already in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, we have completed several preventive maintenance projects and have additional activities planned for the remainder of the quarter. It is a strong testament to our earnings creation momentum that we are able to project record first quarter earnings, even while completing strategic preventive maintenance projects. Moving on to how we are thinking about the full fiscal year 2026, at our recent investor update event in February, we set a target of 765 to 800 million in adjusted operating income for fiscal year 2027. This represents a nearly 25% two-year CAGR over our record fiscal year 2025 operating income, and we believe it is the highest growth trajectory of our peers in the industry over that period of time.

For those of you who have been following our story, you know our preventive maintenance program is critical to keeping our assets healthy. As we look to grow over the long term,

we continue to operate in an increasingly strong demand. An asset availability is key to our continued success.

Already in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, we have completed several preventive maintenance projects and have additional activities planned for the remainder of the quarter.

It is a strong testament to our earnings creation momentum that we are able to project record first quarter earnings, even while completing strategic preventive maintenance projects.

moving on to how we are thinking about the full fiscal year 2026.

At our recent investor update event in February, we set a target of 765 to 800 million in adjusted operating income for fiscal year 2027.

This represents a nearly 25% 2year kaker.

Fiscal year, 2025 operating income.

And we believe it is the highest growth trajectory of our peers in the industry over that period of time.

Tony Thene: Our growth will continue to be driven by increasing sales and expanding margins from improving productivity, product mix, and pricing actions. It is important to note that we expect operating income to be materially higher in the second half of fiscal year 2026 versus the first half. This is driven by available operating days more heavily weighted towards the second half of our fiscal year due to planned maintenance activities and holidays, as well as the anticipated aerospace supply chain ramp continuation that will drive further earnings growth tailwinds in the second half of fiscal year 2026. With that said, we project fiscal year 2026 to be a meaningful step on the path towards fiscal year 2027 operating income goal. Specifically, we expect 660 to 700 million in adjusted operating income in fiscal year 2026. This range represents a 26 to 33% increase over our record fiscal year 2025 earnings.

Our growth will continue to be driven by increasing sales and expanding margins. From improving productivity product, mix and pricing actions.

It is important to note that we expect operating income to be materially higher in the second half of fiscal year, 2026 versus the first half.

This is driven by available operating days more heavily weighted towards the second half of our fiscal year. Due to plan maintenance activities, and holidays, as well as the anticipated Aerospace supply chain ramp continuation, that will drive further earnings, growth Tailwinds in the second half of fiscal year 2026.

With that said, we project fiscal year 2026 to be a meaningful step on the path towards fiscal year 2027 operating income goal.

Specifically, we expect 660 to 700 million in adjusted operating income in fiscal year 2026.

Tony Thene: And as I stated earlier, we believe this is the highest earnings growth trajectory among our industry peers. In addition, we are projecting approximately 240 to 280 million in adjusted free cash flow during fiscal year 2026, net of Brownfield capital expenditures, another meaningful step up in our cash flow performance. Finally, what is now our fiscal year 2027 target will not be the peak of our earnings growth, as the same dynamics that are driving our current performance are expected to only get stronger in the future. Let's turn to the next slide, as I believe this point deserves a bit more detail. As I detailed earlier on the market slide, the aerospace and defense, medical, and energy markets have strong growth outlooks for years to come.

This range represents a 26 to 33% increase over our record fiscal year, 2025 earnings. And as I stated earlier, we believe this is the highest earnings growth trajectory among our industry peers.

In addition, we are projecting approximately 240 to 280 million, in adjusted free. Cash flow during fiscal year 2026, net of Brownfield Capital expenditures. Another meaningful Step Up.

In our cash flow performance.

Finally, what is now our fiscal year 2027 Target will not be the peak of our earnings growth as the same dynamics that are driving, our current performance are expected to only get stronger in the future.

Let's turn to the next slide. As I believe this point deserves a bit more detail.

Tony Thene: To be successful, both to meet the volume output demands as well as the performance challenges, these markets will rely on our diverse portfolio of products and world-class capabilities. We manufacture highly specialized products designed to meet customer and application-specific technical needs, and in many cases, we are the only company in the world able to make the material. As we look to the future in the aerospace market, significantly more planes will need to be built, and practically all will have CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY content on them, as we saw some of the most difficult technological challenges across many areas of the aircraft. Specialized materials are found on all engine platforms in a wide range of components, including rings and discs, combustors, gearing systems, bearings, and fuel nozzles.

As I detailed earlier on the market, Slide, the Aerospace and defense medical and energy markets has strong growth. Outlooks for years to come

To be successful, both to meet the volume output demands as well as the Performance challenges.

These markets will rely on our diverse portfolio of products and world-class capabilities.

We manufacture, highly, specialized products designed to meet customer and application specific technical needs. And in many cases, we are the only company in the world able to make the material.

As we look to the Future in the Aerospace Market, significantly more planes will need to be built and practically all will have Carpenter Technology content on them. As we saw, some of the most difficult technological challenges across many areas of the aircraft.

Tony Thene: Beyond the robust outlook for current generation engines, we continue to engage with OEMs to discuss future generation engine designs and how our solutions can address the challenges they are facing. In structural applications, our materials are found in high-performance parts such as landing gear and wing components. Given the stress these components must withstand, they require high strength, wear, and corrosion resistance performance. In avionics, we enable more powerful and efficient electric motors and generators, critical on aircraft where weight and space are at a premium. Our soft magnetic material found in the rotor and stator of an electric motor is critical to realizing those performance requirements. And our broad range of specialized alloys, including titanium, are found in fasteners across the entire plane, including the fuselage and the engine.

Specialized materials are found on all engine Platforms in a wide range of components, including rings and discs, combustors, gearing systems bearings and fuel nozzles.

Beyond the robust outlook for current generation engines. We continue to engage with oems to discuss future generation engine designs and how our Solutions can address the challenges they are facing.

In structural applications, materials are found in high-performance parts such as landing gear and wing components.

Given the stress. These components must withstand. They require high strength wear and corrosion resistance performance.

Avionics we enable more powerful and Efficient Electric Motors and generators critical on aircraft where weight and space are at a premium.

Our soft magnetic material found in the rotor and stator of an electric motor is critical to realizing those performance requirements.

Tony Thene: As you can see, we are not overexposed to one particular platform, but instead participate across multiple platforms and OEMs for new builds and MRO. Our relevance to the aerospace OEMs and the overall aerospace supply chain is significant and highly valued by our customers. Shifting to medical, where our vision of partnering with our customers to solve their challenges has come to life. In working with medical OEMs, we are inventing new advanced solutions that improve patient outcomes. For example, in orthopedics, we have invented low nickel alloys for use in medical implants. This material virtually eliminates the impact of nickel sensitivities, which can cause complications for a portion of the medical patient population. Finally, in power generation, as I detailed in the market overview, there is significant demand for industrial gas turbines, with rising energy demand from the technology sector.

And our broad range of specialized Alloys including titanium are found in Fasteners across the entire plane, including the fuselage and the engine.

As you can see, we are not Overexposed to 1 particular platform, but instead participate across multiple platforms and oems for new builds and mro.

Our relevance to the Aerospace oems and the overall Aerospace supply chain is significant and highly valued by our customers.

Shifting the medical, where our vision of partnering with our customers to solve their challenges has come to life.

In working with medical oems, we are inventing new Advanced solutions that improve patient outcomes.

For example.

In Orthopedics, we have invented low, nickel Alloys for use in medical implants.

Activities, which can cause complications for a portion of the medical patient population.

Tony Thene: CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY supports the IGT supply chain with multiple material solutions that are similar to materials used in commercial jet engines. These are just a few examples of where some of our most advanced solutions address key application challenges for our customers today and will continue to do so into the future. We believe our capabilities are unmatched and virtually impossible to fully replicate over the course of the next several decades. So when we talk about 2028 and beyond, it is undeniable that we will continue to be an irreplaceable force in helping our customers solve their most critical challenges. With this strong market outlook and our unique strategic position, we continue to seek opportunities to accelerate our long-term earnings growth potential. This mindset drove the recently announced Brownfield expansion. The $400 million project will add high-purity primary and secondary melt capacity that will feed existing downstream finishing assets.

Finally, in power generation, as I detailed in the market overview, there's significant demand for industrial gas turbines, with rising energy demand from the technology sector.

Corporate technology supports the IGT supply chain with multiple material solutions that are similar to materials used in commercial jet engines.

These are just a few examples of where some of our most advanced Solutions address key application challenges for our customers today and will continue to do so into the future.

So when we talk about 2028 and Beyond it is undeniable that we will continue to be an Irreplaceable force in helping our customers solve their most critical challenges,

With this strong Market Outlook and our unique strategic position. We continue to seek opportunities to accelerate our long-term earnings growth potential.

Tony Thene: We are in a demand environment where industry capacity for our specialized materials is well short of demand. This enables us to invest in a Brownfield expansion without materially changing the industry's fundamental supply-demand imbalance. We believe CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY is best positioned to successfully complete such a project, given our capabilities and unique collection of assets. Now let's turn to the final slide to summarize this great story. We just completed a historic fiscal year 2025. For fiscal year 2025, we generated 525.4 million in adjusted operating income, a 48% increase over fiscal year 2024, our previous record year, and nearly four times our fiscal year 2023, exceeding the original four-year target in just two years. We generated 287.5 million in adjusted free cash flow over the course of the year, net of Brownfield capacity expansion expenditures.

This mindset. Drove a recently. Announced Brownfield expansion for $400 million project will add High Purity primary and secondary melt capacity that will feed existing Downstream finishing assets.

We are in a demand environment where industry capacity for a specialized materials is well short of demand.

This enables us to invest in a Brownfield expansion without materially changing the industry's fundamental Supply demand imbalance.

We Believe Carpenter Technology is best positioned to successfully complete. Such a project given our capabilities and unique collection of assets,

Now, let's turn to the final slide to summarize. This great story.

We just completed a historic fiscal year 2025.

For fiscal year 2025, we generate 525.4 million in adjusted operating income.

A 48% increase over fiscal year 2024, our previous record year and nearly 4 times our fiscal year 2023 exceeding. The original 4 year Target in Just 2 years.

Tony Thene: We continue to build operating momentum with increased productivity, improved mix, and higher realized prices. In the current quarter, we expanded SAO adjusted operating margins to 30.5%, up from 25.2% from the previous year fourth quarter. And we executed 101.9 million in stock repurchases in fiscal year 2025 against the $400 million authorization, returning cash to shareholders. At our February 2025 investor update, we announced a fiscal year 2027 operating income target of 765 to 800 million. And today, we provided more insight as we guided to a strong fiscal year 2026, projecting 660 million to 700 million in operating income. As I stated earlier, this range would represent a 26 to 33% increase over our record fiscal year 2025 earnings, and as we believe, the highest earnings growth trajectory among our industry peers. Importantly, we believe fiscal year 2027 isn't the earnings peak. We are just getting started.

We generated $287.5 million in adjusted free cash flow over the course of the year, net of Brownfield capacity expansion expenditures.

We continue to build operating momentum with increased productivity, improved mix and higher realized prices.

In the current quarter, we expanded Sao adjusted operating margins to 30.5% up from 25.2% from the previous year, fourth quarter.

And we executed $101.9 million in stock purchases in fiscal year 2025 against the $400 million authorization, returning cash to shareholders.

At our February 2025 investor update, we announced a fiscal year 2027 operating income target of $765 million to $800 million.

And today, we provided more insight as we guided to a strong fiscal year, 2026 projecting 660 million to 700 million in operating income.

As I stated earlier this range would represent a 26 to 33% increase over our record fiscal year, 2025 earnings. And as we believe the highest earnings growth trajectory among our industry peers,

Tony Thene: As we look out over the long term, CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY is well positioned to continue to drive meaningful shareholder value. We are operating in a strong demand environment across our end-use markets, with the long-term outlook even stronger than today. Given our unique assets, capabilities, and solutions, we are well positioned to realize this high-value demand. We are actively investing to accelerate that growth with additional strategic Brownfield milting capacity. And we are balancing opportunities to invest in future growth with our desire to return cash to shareholders through our repurchase and dividend programs. In closing, we remain focused on supporting our customer needs, operational execution, and living our values as we drive to exceptional near-term and long-term performance. Thank you for your attention. And now, I will turn the call back to the operator.

Importantly, we believe fiscal year 2027 isn't the earnings peak. We are just getting started.

As we look out over the long term Carpenter Technology is well positioned to continue to drive meaningful shareholder value.

We are operating in a strong demand, across our in use markets with the long-term Outlook even stronger than today.

Given our unique assets, capabilities and solutions.

We are well, positioned to realize this high-value demand.

We are actively investing to accelerate that growth with additional strategic Brownfield, melting capacity. And we are balancing opportunities to invest in future growth with our desire to return cash to shareholders through our repurchase and dividend programs.

in closing, we remain focused on supporting our customer needs operational, execution, and living our values as we drive to exceptional near-term and long-term performance

Thank you for your attention. And now, I will turn the call back to the operator.

Ian: At this time, I would like to remind everybody that in order to ask a question, please press star followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. We'll pause for just a moment to compile the Q&A roster. Our first question comes from the line of Gautam Tana with TD Cohen. Your line is opened.

Q&A roster.

Gautam Khanna: Hey, guys. Thanks for the great explanation and good results.

Our first question comes from the line of Ghulam Cana with TV Cohen. Your line is opened

Ian: Good morning, Gautam.

Hey guys, uh, thanks for the great. Uh explanation and good results.

Good morning.

Gautam Khanna: Tony and Tim, I was wondering, could you just talk a little bit about lead times, if they've evolved at all, in jet engines, fasteners, and any other markets you think are important indicators? And then broadly, if you could speak to your expectations of pricing through the cycle over the next couple of years. You may have heard ATI announced a little bit of capacity today, or I guess they alluded to it a quarter ago. Just do you think there's any impact to the strong pricing power that you guys have had? Do you think that will endure? Thanks.

Tony, and Tim, I was wondering uh,

Could you just talk?

Lead times if they've evolved at all in jet engines, Fasteners and uh any other markets, you think are important indicators. And then broadly, if you could speak to

Uh, your expectations of pricing through the cycle over the next couple of years.

Um,

You may have heard ATI announced a little bit of capacity today or I guess. They alluded to it a quarter ago.

Just do you think there's any impact to, uh, the strong pricing?

Power that you guys have had. Do you think that will endure?

Tony Thene: Yeah, thanks for your question, Gautam. I'll start with the second one. We've said publicly in the past that as we go forward, that we see pricing actions continuing to be a tailwind. That's still the case for us. That hasn't changed. You know, the supply-demand gap, as you look forward, is so large. You remember we made a very concerted effort to talk specifically about that when we announced our Brownfield that said that it would not impact that overall supply-demand. As you see others put in smaller investments, that's not going to have a big impact to the overall supply and demand. In fact, it's helpful. It helps us, you know, the entire industry build at a higher rate than we are right now. So I think those are complimentary, more investments, and I think they're, you know, welcomed in the industry.

Thanks.

Yeah, thanks for your question and Gotham. I'll start with the second 1. Uh, we've said, uh, publicly in the past that as we go forward, that we see pricing actions continuing to be a Tailwind. Um, that's still the case for us that hasn't changed. Um, you know, the supply demand Gap as you look forward is so large, uh, you remember, we made a a, uh, very concerted effort to talk specifically about that when we announced our Brownfield that said that it would

Um, uh, impact that overall Supply demand, as you see others put in smaller Investments. Uh, that's not going to have a big impact to the overall supply and demand. In fact, it's helpful, it helps us, you know, the entire industry, uh, build uh, at a at a higher rate uh, than we are right now. So, uh, I think those are complimentary more, uh, Investments. And I think they're, you know, uh,

Tony Thene: So I don't see any issue with that going forward. The activity we just had in Paris with some of the contracts would substantiate that, that we don't see any change to our position when it comes to pricing actions. That's number one. Number two, the first part of your question at lead times, they remain extended. You know, we use jet engines as the proxy for overall lead times, and they remain extended, and I would assume that they'll stay that. I think going forward, quite frankly, Gautam, you're going to see even more tightness than you see now, right? Because you've got Boeing making good progress right now. That's a major positive. But you still have a subsection of the overall supply chain that was tied very tightly to Boeing and maybe specifically the 737.

Welcome in, uh, in the industry. So I don't see any issue with with that going forward. Um, the activity we just had in Paris with some of the contracts, uh, would, uh, substantiate that that we don't see any any change to our, uh, uh, position when it comes to pricing actions. Uh, that's number 1. Number 2, the first part of your question that lead times. Um, they remain extended, you know, we use jet engines as the as the, uh, proxy for the overall lead times and they, they remain extended. And I, I would assume that they'll stay that. I, I think going forward quite frankly, Gotham, you're going to see even more tightness than you see now, right? Because you've got Boeing making good progress right now. That's a major positive. But you still have a, a, a subsection of the overall supply chain. That was tied, very tightly to Boeing, and maybe

Tony Thene: So in their minds, they're probably saying we're holding more inventory than what we'd like. But I think over the next couple of quarters, Gautam, you're going to see that turn dramatically, and any of that inventory will be used very, very quickly. On the other hand, you have customers that are broader in their offerings, I mean by more outlets than the 737. We see them pulling pretty aggressively on us right now. So I think you had a very good point right now where you see Boeing producing well, very consistent, and over the next couple of quarters, I believe it's going to continue to get tighter. So lead times are going to stay extended. Hopefully, that helps answer your question.

Specifically the 737. So, in their minds, they are probably saying we're holding more inventory than what we we'd like, uh, but I think over the next couple quarters Gotham, you're going to see that turn dramatically and and any of that inventory will be will be used very, very quickly. On the other hand, you have customers that are are broader in their offerings is I mean by

More Outlets than the 737. We see them pulling, uh, pretty aggressively on us right now. So, uh, I think you had a very good point right now, where you see Boeing uh producing well uh, very consistent and uh over the next couple quarters, I believe it's going to continue to get tighter so lead times are going to stay extended.

Gautam Khanna: Yeah, thanks for the thorough response. I really appreciate it. I'll turn it over.

Hopefully, that helps answer your question.

Tony Thene: Yeah, thank you.

Yeah, thanks for the thorough response. I really appreciate it. I'll turn it over.

Yep, thank you.

Ian: Our next question comes from the line of Scott Deutschel with Deutsche Bank. Your line is opened.

Scott Deuschle: Hey, good morning. Tony, did you approach this initial 2026 EBIT guide with a similar level of conservatism as you initially approached a 2025 guide with?

Our next question comes from the line of Scott Deutsche with Deutsche Bank, your line is opened. Hey, good morning. Tony did you approach this initial 2026? Eva guide with a a similar level of conservatism as you initially approached the 2025 guide list.

Tony Thene: Scott, that's a good question. At a high level, of course, we take a look at, you know, what we see internally, and when we put a number out there, we want to make sure that we can hit it. So we are not overexposed on that number. We're not, that number doesn't include actions that we don't have a line of sight to being able to accomplish. Now, there's a lot of hard work, as I know you appreciate, to get to that number. And obviously, the market is a bit more defined, if you will, than back in May of 2023. A lot of things have happened since then. But I think it's fair to say that, you know, we take these targets very seriously.

Scott. Uh, that's a good question. Um,

At a high level. Of course, we take a look at, um,

Tony Thene: We know people rely on them, and in all cases, we have a line of sight that we're going to be able to achieve that.

Scott Deuschle: Thank you. And Tony, are you getting orders today that support a re-acceleration in aerospace and defense volumes within the next few quarters, or maybe just having conversations to that effect that give you confidence in an acceleration of volumes in that specific end market?

3, a lot of things have happened since then, uh, but I think it's fair to say that, you know, we take these targets, very seriously, we know people rely on them. And, uh, in all cases, we have, we have line of sight that we're, that we're going to be able to achieve that.

Tony Thene: Yes, Scott. So maybe I'll elaborate a little bit further. It's kind of the point I was making there to Gautam, the three. If you take a look at aerospace, defense, if you're on the defense side, that is very aggressive. So the pulls on the defense side are very aggressive. And I think on the aerospace side, Scott, there are really two subgroups inside of that, right? And I think that's a real distinction. And again, I'm talking about nickel billet in aerospace. I'm not talking about titanium because I don't play in the titanium aerospace space other than my titanium fasteners. And I think the dynamics between nickel and titanium are significantly different. So I just want to be clear, I'm specifically talking about, you know, obviously nickel, the area that we play in. So on nickel aerospace, there's really two camps.

Thank you and and Tony. Are you getting orders today? That support a really acceleration and Aerospace and defense volumes within the next few quarters or or maybe just having conversations to that effect that give you confidence confidence and an acceleration of volumes in that specific End Market.

Yes, uh Scott. So, um, maybe I'll uh, I'll elaborate a little bit further. It's, it's kind of the point. I was making their to Gotham the 3. If you take a look at uh, Aerospace defense, if you're on the defense side, that is

That is very aggressive. So the pools on the defense side is is is very aggressive and I think on the Aerospace side Scott there are really 2

Subgroups inside of that, right? And I think that's a real distinction. And again, I'm talking about nickel billet in aerospace. I'm not talking about titanium because I don't play in the titanium aerospace space other than my titanium fasteners. Um, and I think the dynamics between nickel and titanium are significantly different. So I just want to be clear, I'm specifically talking about, you know, obviously nickel, uh, the air.

Tony Thene: One, there is for sure this camp that has been, that is very tied to Boeing and the 737. And you know, it wasn't that long ago that they were, they were, they were building two or three quarters ago, when I say not long ago, building inventory for this ramp, and then you had the issues with Boeing, obviously. So they might be holding a little bit more than they would like. Certainly, our discussions with them or they're looking for that next level of confidence. I've said this before, we have worked with those customers. We have not forced material on them. We don't think that's the way to do it. So we've been very proactive with them in helping them work through that.

Area that we that we play in. So on nickel Aerospace, there's really 2 camps.

Tony Thene: But seeing what, you know, talking to them recently, the announcements out of Boeing about the rates that they're hitting and where they see themselves going in the next two quarters, let's say by the fall, I think is how they phrased it. That's very positive for them. And I think if they see just a little bit more of that, Scott, you'll see that ordering come back from them very quickly, right? And I think probably in two quarters, you might even say urgently. Now, the other side of that, the other subgroup that has, you know, content certainly on the 737, but that's not the only outlet they have. We've seen them come back more aggressively here over the last couple of months. I mean, our bookings are higher sequentially, you know, than they were last quarter. So we see that coming, we see that coming back.

1. There is for sure this camp that has been that is very tied to Boeing and the 737. And, you know, it wasn't that long ago that they were. They were, they were building 2 or 3 quarters ago. When I say not long ago, building inventory for this ramp and then you had the issues with with Boeing, obviously. Uh, so they might be holding a little bit more than they would, like, certainly our discussions with them or they're looking for that next level of confidence. I've said this before, we have worked with those customers, we have not forced material on them. We don't think that's the way to do it. So, we've been very, uh, proactive with them and helping them work through that. Uh, but seeing what, you know, talking to them recently, the announcements out of Boeing about the rates that they're hitting and where they see themselves going in the next,

Uh, 2 quarters, let's say by the fall, I think is how they phrased it.

That's very positive for them. And I think if they see just a little bit more of that Scott,

You'll see that ordering come back from them very quickly, right? And I think probably, in 2 quarters, you might even say urgently. Now, the other side of that, the other subgroup that is has, you know, um, content certainly on the 737 but that's not the only outlet they have, we've seen them come back. Uh, more aggressively here over the last uh,

Tony Thene: I mean, bookings were up, you know, 17 to 18% sequentially. So to answer your question, that's the number, right? That tells you that, yes, you see that type of improvement. So I think this is all very positive. I know, you know, we're in this point now where, of course, people are looking to see more consistency, I think, specifically from Boeing, but I think they're delivering that. And I believe over the next couple of quarters, you'll see that those folks in that subgroup come back pretty strongly.

Couple months. I mean, or or bookings are higher sequentially. Uh, you know, the newer last quarter. So we see that coming, we see that coming. Uh, uh, coming back. I mean bookings, uh, were up, um, you know, 17 to 18% sequentially. So, to answer your question, that's the number, right? That tells you that, yes, you see that type of of, uh, uh, of improvement. So I think this is all very positive. Uh, I know, you know, uh, we're in this point now, where, of course, people are looking to see more. Um,

Scott Deuschle: That's really helpful. And Tim, sorry if I missed this, but how much were power generation revenues up this quarter, year over year?

Consistency. I think specifically from bowing but I think they're delivering that and I believe over the next couple quarters, you'll see uh you'll see that. Uh those folks in that in that sub subgroup come back pretty strongly.

That's really helpful. And Tim, sorry if I missed this, but how much were power generation revenues up this quarter year-over-year?

Tim Lain: We didn't say that on the call, Scott, but they were up significantly. Remember, PowerGen is in our energy business, and it's PowerGen and oil and gas that make up energy. But PowerGen was up significantly both year over year and sequentially.

Scott Deuschle: Okay, thank you. I'll pass it along.

We didn't say that on the call Scott but they were up significantly. Remember powergen is in our energy business and its power, gen and oil, gas, oil, and gas, and makeup energy. But powergen was up significantly. Both year-over-year and sequentially. Okay, thank you. I'll pass it along.

Ian: Our next question comes from the line of Josh Sullivan with Benchmark. Your line is opened.

Josh Sullivan: Hey, good morning.

Our next question comes from the line of Josh Sullivan with Benchmark. Your line is opened

Hey, good morning.

Tony Thene: Hello.

Josh Sullivan: Just on the.

Tony Thene: Josh.

Josh Sullivan: On the defense growth, you know, you noted the urgent requests continue to come in. You know, clearly, geopolitical, operationally, you know, tempo is pretty high globally. But is there a way you can frame the urgent requests from defense versus the more regular way in.What

Ian: does that urgent versus regular order flow look like over kind of a medium-term cycle, in your opinion?

From defense versus the more regular way. And then, what does that urgent versus regular order flow look like over the kind of medium-term cycles in your opinion?

Tony Thene: Well, Josh, I think, as you know, on the defense side, those orders are historically more uneven than aerospace because they're very program specific. They depend on budgets being passed by the Congress. They depend on a lot of different schedules. So, by definition, they're more uneven. Right now, you've seen some potential clarity when it comes to the defense budget on what that will be. And we've seen those orders increase even more over the last couple of months. I would suspect going forward that defense, based on what's in the new defense budget that lines up very closely to the products that we produce or we supply, that you'll see that stay at very elevated order levels.

Well, Josh, I think as you know, on the defense side, those orders are historically more uneven than Aerospace because they're very program-specific; they depend on...

Budgets being passed by the Congress. Uh, they depend on, uh, a lot of different schedules. So by definition, they're more uneven, right? Um, now you've seen some potential Clarity when it comes to the defense Budget on what that, what that will be and we've seen those orders increase even more.

Uh, over the last couple of months, I would suspect going forward that defense, uh, based on what's in the news.

Defense budget that aligns very closely with the products that we produce or supply.

Uh, that you'll see that stay at very elevated order levels.

Ian: And then on the maintenance events coming up, you know your ability to operate at these historic margins and continue to march higher, you're pretty uncompromised on the maintenance. But it seems to be a very effective tool in managing the system. Can you just talk about how that's an advantage for you guys and maybe how that helps the overall long-term margin profile?

Uh, and then on the maintenance events coming up, you know, your ability to operate at these, you know, historic margins and continue to march higher, you know, you're pretty uncompromising on the maintenance. But, you know, it seems to be a very effective tool in managing, you know, the system. You know, how can you just talk about how that's an advantage for you guys, and maybe how that helps the overall long-term margin profile?

Tony Thene: Well, you can't make any money if the assets don't run, and that's pretty clear. Maybe not everybody operates that way, but we do. We've really moved to be much more, over the last couple of years, much more data-driven, using AI tools significantly in this area to predict what may happen. I mean, predictive maintenance has been around for decades. What hasn't been around for decades is the AI tools that you can use to even dig even much deeper and to understand what type of preventative maintenance outages you want to take. I think, secondly, Josh, what's the big deal is that for us, the days of these long-term shutdowns are behind us. Right? I mean, we keep our outages shorter, more targeted. I mean, that avoids the long ramp-ups like others might have when you have that long period of shutdown.

Well, you know, you you can't make any money if the assets don't run and uh, that's, that's pretty clear. Um, maybe not everybody operates that way, but but we do, we've really moved to be much more over the last couple years, much more, you know, data driven using AI tools significant uh, significantly in this area to predict what uh, may happen. I mean, predictive maintenance has been around for decades. What hasn't been around for decades? Is the AI tools that you can use to even dig, even much deeper, and to understand, uh, what type of, uh, preventive maintenance outages you want to take? I, I think secondly, Josh. What's a big deal is that the, for us the days of these longterm shutdowns, uh, are behind us, right? I mean, we're we keep our outages shorter more targeted. I mean, that avoids, the long ramp UPS like, others might.

Tony Thene: So, as you look for us over the next couple of quarters, I mean, we have very targeted mini outages, if you will, scheduled across melting, remelt, hot working, cold finishing, across the entire production flow to keep this thing running at its highest level. I agree with you. I think it is a strategic advantage on how we manage our operations and how we perform preventive maintenance. And it is a focus area for us even going forward to get better.

Might have when you have that long period of shutdown. Um so as you look for us over the next couple quarters I mean we have very targeted. Um,

Many outages. If you will scheduled across melting remelt, hot working, cold, finishing across the entire, uh, production flow, to keep this, to keep this thing running at its higher highest level, I agree with you. I think it is a strategic advantage on how we manage our operations, and how we perform preventive maintenance. And it is a focus area for us, even going forward uh, to get better.

Ian: And maybe just one last one. On the power generation side, are you seeing anything where they're using more of your advanced materials? I mean, is there any material change in the IG side, or is it more a replacement cycle of legacy materials for the industrial gas turbines?

Tony Thene: Well, I mean, we operate on the high end, right? So, the products that we supply are the alloys, very similar to an aerospace alloy. So, we see that being the prominent alloy going forward for us. And, you know, Josh, if you don't mind, I hate to disappoint, you know, Scott, you know, when he asked the question about PowerGen. As Tim said, it's inside of our oil and gas. Oil and gas was actually, you know, down from a quarter over a quarter. I mean, PowerGen was year over year, was over 100% increased. So, you see a big play there in power generation. That's a real strategic advantage for us because now we're able to command aerospace-like margins. It's a product that we know very well, and it really fits well within our overall production flow.

And maybe just 1 last 1 on the power generation side. Are you seeing anything where, you know, they're using more of your Advanced Materials? I mean, is there any material change in the IG side? Or is it more replacement cycle of of Legacy materials for for for the industrial gas turbines?

Well, I mean we operate on the high end, right? So the, the products that we Supply or the Alloys very similar to the an aerospace alloy. So we see that being the prominent alloy going forward for us and, you know, uh, Josh, if you don't mind, I hate to disappoint, you know, Scott. You know, when he asked the question about power, power power. Again, uh, as Tim said, it's inside of our oil and gas. Um,

Tony Thene: So, maybe the percent of revenue is small because we're, you know, so dominant on aerospace, but it's very strategic to us and a real market growth potential for us going forward.

Oil and gas was actually you know down from a quarter over a quarter, I mean powergen was year-over-year was was over 100% increase so you see a big a big play there in power generation that that's a real strategic Advantage for us because now we're able to command Aerospace like margins, it's a product that we know very well and it and it it really fits well, within our overall, uh, production flow. So maybe the percent of Revenue is small because we're, you know, so dominant on Aerospace. But uh, it's very strategic to us in a in a real market. Growth potential for us going forward.

Ian: Great. Okay. Thank you for the time.

Tim Lain: Your next question comes from the line of Bennett Moore with JP Morgan. Your line is opened.

Your next question comes from the line of Bennett Moore with JP Morgan. Your line is opened

John Huyette: Good morning, Tony and Tim. Thank you for taking my questions and congrats on a record year.

Tony Thene: Yes, thank you. Good morning.

Good morning, Tony and Tim. Thank you for taking my questions, and congrats on a record year.

John Huyette: Should we think about further mixed gains into fiscal year '26, more specifically, if you can maintain the rate of A and D mixed growth seen over the past 12 to 18 months? I would think this would be somewhat a function of yield improvements and leveraging latent capacity. If you could comment on that too, please.

Yes, thank you. Good morning.

Tony Thene: Well, make sure I come back with the follow-up if I don't hit your question on the mark. I mean, as we go forward, certainly we see ourselves predominantly as an aerospace company. That's going to be where our primary focus or one of our primary focuses are going to be. So, we see that continuing to increase. I mean, aerospace demand is going to be significantly higher over the next couple of years than it is right now. I mean, it doesn't take a lot to figure that out when you just look at where the OEMs are building today and where they want to be building two years from now. So, we see our aerospace business continuing to grow. At the same time, medical is a market that is very strong for us as well, where you get aerospace margins and in some cases higher than aerospace margins.

How should we think about further mixed gains into fiscal year 26 more specifically if you can maintain the rate of AMD mixed growth seen over the past. You know, 12 to 18 months? I would think this would be somewhat a function of yield improvements and leveraging latent capacity. Uh if you could comment on that too, please.

well, it make sure I

Come back with a follow-up. If I don't hit your question on the mark. Uh I mean as we go forward certainly we see ourselves at predominantly as in Aerospace company that's that's going to be where we with that that our primary uh Focus or 1 of our primary focuses are going to be. So we see that uh continuing to increase. I mean

Aerospace demand is going to be significantly higher over the next couple of years than it is right now. I mean that that that doesn't take a lot to figure that out when you just look at where the oems are building today and where they want to be building 2 years from now. So, we see our Aerospace business continuing to grow at the same time. Uh, medical is is

Tony Thene: And I think this is really important, right? If you look at our medical business, Bennett, back in FY19, you know, prior to COVID, our medical sales are 70% higher than they were then. So, this is a market that we've really expanded and we've been able to expand because we're an innovator. This market demands that you are an innovator. This market demands that you invent new alloys to help solve the customer's problems. That's why I mentioned in my prepared remarks this new alloy around nickel sensitivities. That's a major issue in the medical market that we were able to step in and solve. So, this isn't a market that you can step into and step out of whenever you think you have some open capacity.

A market that is very strong for us, where you get aerospace margins and, in some cases, higher than aerospace margins. And I think this is really important, right? If you look at our medical business, Bennett.

Back in fy19, um, you know, prior to Coe our medical sales are 70% higher than they were then. So this is a market that we've really expanded and we've been able to expand because we're an innovator, this Market demands that you are in innovator. This Market demands that you invent new Alloys to help, uh, solve

Tony Thene: This is a market that you have to be committed to as an inventor and an innovator and a solver of your customer's problems. So, that's the way we see it. So, that's going to be a continuing driver for us. And then we just talked about power generation. I mean, in many ways, I think we can push our power generation sales as high as we want. I mean, the demand right now seems really unlimited and the exchanges we have with those customers are extremely positive. So, if you take those three pieces right there, I mean, you've got aerospace over 60%. You add in medical and power generation, you get over 80%. So, it's a very, very strong mix, Bennett, that I see us, maybe to specifically answer your question, continuing to strengthen or richen that mix over the coming years.

The customers' problems. That's why I mentioned in my prepared remarks this new alloy around Nicholson sensitivities. That's a major issue in the medical market that we were able to step in and solve. So this isn't a market that you can step into and step out of whenever you think you have some open capacity; this is a market that you have to be committed to as an inventor, an innovator, and a solver of your customers' needs.

Uh problems. So that's the way we see it. So that's going to be a continued driver for us and then we just talked about power generation. I mean,

In many ways, I think we can push our power generation sales, um, as as high as we want. I mean, the Demand right now, seems really unlimited and the, the, the exchanges we have with those customers are extremely positive. Uh, so if you take those 3 pieces right there, I mean, you're, you know, you've got Aerospace over, 60% you add in medical and

And um, Power Generation, you get you get over 80%. So it's a very, very strong mix of benefit that uh I see is uh maybe to specifically answer your question continuing to strengthen a rich in that mix over the coming years.

John Huyette: Thank you for that. And then I guess coming to shipments, I know you mentioned the preventative maintenance and one Q. I think earnings back half weighted. Are you still, or is it fair to assume SIO volumes could trend higher this year, maybe more back half weighted?

Thank you for that. And then I guess coming to shipments, I know you mentioned the preventive maintenance and when Q

I think earnings back half weighted. Are you still or is it fair to assume Sao volumes you know could Trend higher this year maybe more back half weighted.

Tony Thene: I think what we have to do, Bennett, when you talk about volumes, I think the days of looking at overall volumes are gone. Right? We're just too complex. It's too sophisticated. You need to look specifically at aerospace volumes, medical volumes. Those I will answer yes to. Some of our other markets that have traditionally been higher volume, lower profit, then you're not going to see the same emphasis there. So, going forward, let's talk about volumes by market and I think we'll have a much clearer picture. And that's what we're trying to do. We're trying to drive profitability, not volume.

I think what we have to do Bennett when you talk about volumes I think the days of looking at overall volumes are gone right we're just too complex it's too sophisticated. You need to look specifically at Aerospace volumes medical volumes. Those, I will answer yes to some of our other markets that have

Traditionally been higher volume lower profit.

Then you're not going to make you're not going to see the same emphasis there. So going forward. Let's talk about volumes by market and I think we'll have a much clearer picture uh and that's what we're trying to do. We're trying to drive profitability. Not

Not volume.

John Huyette: Understood. Thank you and best of luck.

Tony Thene: Thank you, sir.

Understood, thank you, and best of luck.

Thank you, sir.

Tim Lain: Our next question comes from the line of Andre Madrid with BTIG. Your line is opened.

Our next question comes from the line of Andre Madrid with btig. Your line is opened.

Ian: Good morning. Thanks for taking my question.

Tony Thene: Yes, good morning, Andre.

Good morning. Thanks for taking my question.

Ian: I wanted to ask a bit more pointedly, don't mean to beat a dead horse here, but it kind of ties into your conversation about the two separate camps that we're seeing right now. And I guess when you look at it, if I can ask more pointedly, you know, what are you seeing around airframe demand and are you seeing significant destocking?

Yes. Good morning Andre

Right now. And and I guess when you look at it, if if I can ask more pointedly, you know what are you seeing around? Airframe demand, and are you seeing significant destocking?

Tony Thene: Well, I mean, in this whole environment, we just produced record quarters. So, I mean, this is not impacting our ability to produce these types of earnings. My point is that you have some customers, this should be obvious, by the way, I mean, that have more inventory than they like because they're very tied to 737. That shouldn't be new news, right? That's very common. And like I said, I think that inventory will burn off very quickly. But that's not the overall driver to where we're at and what we are able to produce as far as earnings. So, the fact that some of those customers are ordering or holding back a little bit on orders, that didn't impact our quarter. And I don't see it, it's not going to impact the guidance that we just gave.

Well, I mean, in this whole environment, we just produced record quarters. So I mean, this is not impacting our ability to produce uh, these types of earnings. Uh,

my point is that you have some

customers. This should be obvious by the way, I mean that have more inventory than they, like, because they're very tied to 737 that. That's that's that shouldn't be new news, right? That's, that's very common. And like I said, I think those that inventory will burn off very quickly, but that's not the overall drive or to, where, where we're at and what we uh, are able to uh, you know, produce as far as earnings. So the fact that some of those customers are

Ordering or holding back a little bit on orders, that didn't impact our quarter?

Tony Thene: So, I think that's a point in time that should be very obvious to everyone that will, with Boeing's continued success, be a thing of the past very quickly.

Ian: Got it. Got it. And then medical, obviously continued momentum there, but the story seemed a bit different at one of your peers. They highlighted some inventory destocking there as well, some trade headwinds, some pricing pressure. Are you seeing any of that? I mean, I know the comp is.

Uh, and I don't see it in its not going to impact the guidance that I, that we just gave. So I, I think that's, uh, uh, a point in time, that should be very obvious to to everyone that will with Boeing's continued, uh, success. Uh, be a thing of the past very quickly.

Got it, got it and then medical um, obviously continued momentum there, but the story seems a bit different at 1 of your peers. Um,

They highlighted some inventory stocking there as well. Some trade headwinds. Um

Some pricing pressure. Are you seeing any of that?

Tony Thene: Yeah, no, I mean, listen, you know, I think not everything is the same, right? You know, just because you're in the medical market doesn't mean that you're competing at the same areas. I mean, we compete at the very high end of the medical market, orthopedics, cardiology, dental. And I said before, this is really, if you're going to jump in and out of a market, yeah, you probably have those types of headwinds. But if you're us, we're a long-term player, you know, solving these types of highly complex problems, we just don't see that. So, we have a different path to market maybe than others. And for us, that's a very high-end, very profitable, very strong market today and going to get stronger for us in the future. So, not a comparison to what you just stated.

I mean I know the top is. Yeah. No. I mean I listen, you know, I think not not everything is the same, right? We, you know just because you're in the medical Market doesn't mean that you're competing at the same areas. I mean we we compete at the very high end of the medical Market or Orthopedics Cardiology dental. And I said before this is really, if you're going to jump in and out of the market, uh, yeah. You probably have those types of headwinds. But if you're us were a long-term player um you know solving these types of Highly uh complex problems, we just don't see we don't see that. So we have we have a different path to Market maybe than others and and for us that's a very high-end, very profitable, very strong market today. And I'm going to get stronger for us in the future.

Ian: Got it. Helpful. Thanks.

So, not a comparison to what you just stated.

Tony Thene: Thank you, sir.

Got it helpful. Thanks. Thank you, sir.

Tim Lain: Our next question comes from the line of Phil Gibbs with KeyBank Capital Markets. Your line is opened.

Ian: Hey, good morning.

Our next question comes from the line of Phil Gibbs with KeyBanc Capital Markets. Your line is open.

Tony Thene: Good morning, Phil.

Hey, good morning.

Ian: So, Tony, as I look out to the guidance for fiscal '26, is there a way to sort of tether out how much you think within that upside relative to this year is going to be pricing and mix related versus just volume leverage?

Good morning. Phil

Tony Thene: Well, I won't tell you the specifics on that, Phil, but all three of those are going to be drivers for us going forward. We believe all three of those will take a next step up.

So Tony, as I look out to the guidance for fiscal 26 is is there a way to to sort of tether out how much you think of how much you think within that uh upside relative of this year's going to be price and mixed related versus just volume Leverage?

Ian: Okay. Appreciate that. And then I don't know if you mentioned it earlier, but did you provide your jet engine sales growth either sequentially or year over year?

Well, I won't tell you the specifics on that Phil, but all 3 of those are going to be drivers for us, uh, going forward, we, we believe all 3 of those will take the take a Next Step Up.

Tony Thene: Yes, I'll do that for you, sir. Aero engines plus 5% sequentially and plus 3% year over year. So, good quarter for us there in that area.

Okay, I appreciate that. I don’t know if you mentioned it earlier, but did you provide your jet engine sales growth either sequentially or year over year?

Yes, I'll do that for you sir. Uh, Aero engines, plus, 5% sequentially, and plus 3% year-over-year.

Ian: And then lastly, a big, beautiful bill within your fiscal '26 free cash flow guidance. Is there any cash tax benefit from accelerated depreciation within that outlook? Thank you.

So, a good good quarter for us there in that area.

And then lastly uh big beautiful Bill within your uh fiscal 26 free cash flow guidance. Is there any cash tax benefit?

Um, from accelerated depreciation within uh, that Outlook thank you.

Tony Thene: Hey, Phil, this is Tim. I mean, the short answer is no, we didn't assume that in the guidance we just gave. We're working through the impacts as most companies are. You said accelerated depreciation. There's the other provision that benefits us is the potential to expense R&D, which should have a positive impact on our cash taxes. So, more to come on that. We'll talk about that on Q1, but it should be a net positive to us and not included in the guidance we just gave.

Hey Phil, this is Tim. I mean, sure to answer is no, we didn't assume that in this uh, in the guidance. We just gave we're working through that uh, impacts as as most companies are

Tony Thene: Thank you. Good work.

Uh, you said accelerated depreciation. There's some there, the other Provisions that benefits us is the uh, potential to expense R&D, uh, which should have a positive impact on our cash taxes. So more to come on that. We'll, we'll talk about that on q1, but, um, should be a net positive to us and not included in the guidance. We just gave

Thank you. Good work.

Tim Lain: Our next question comes from Andre Madrid with BTIG. Your line is opened.

Uh, our next question comes from Andre Madrid, with btig, your line is opened.

Ian: Hey, sorry, I just had a follow-up as well. You mentioned completing some LTAs in Paris. I mean, are you seeing any sizable change to your LTA mix?

Seeing any sizable change to your LTA mix.

Tony Thene: Sizable change? No, not a sizable change. I mean, these LTAs primarily are re-upping of existing prior LTAs. So, it's just the next level. There's been a couple of customers maybe that we've signed new LTAs with, but the majority is the renewal of the existing LTAs.

Not a size.

primarily our, our, you know, re-upping of existing of Prior LTA, so it's just the next, the next level, there's been a couple customers maybe that we've signed new lta's with, uh, but the majority is the, the renewal of the existing LTA

Ian: Got it. Got it. Thank you.

Tony Thene: Thank you.

Got it. Got it. Thank you.

Thank you.

Tim Lain: There are no further questions at this time. I would like to hand the call back over to John Huyette for some closing remarks.

There are no further questions at this time, I would like to hand the call back over to John Hewitt for some closing remarks.

Gautam Khanna: Thank you, operator. And thank you, everyone, for joining us today for our fiscal year 2025 fourth quarter conference call. Have a great rest of your day.

Thank you, operator. And thank you everyone for joining us today. For our fiscal year, 2025 fourth quarter conference call have a great rest of your day.