Fortive(FTV) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fortive reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.85, which is in line with expectations, reflecting a 2% year-over-year growth [5][14] - Core revenue declined by 2% year-over-year, slightly below expectations, with total revenue down 3% due to foreign exchange headwinds [13][14] - Adjusted operating profit was$ 373 million, with adjusted operating margin expansion of 20 basis points [14] - Adjusted free cash flow was better than expected at $222 million, with a 7% increase in six-month growth [14][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Intelligent Operating Solutions (IOS) segment grew core revenues by 2%, while Advanced Healthcare Solutions (AHS) grew by 2.5% [16][18] - Precision Technologies (PT) segment experienced an 8.4% core revenue decline, driven by lower orders in Test and Measurement and shipment delays in Sensors and Safety Systems [13][20] - IOS segment adjusted operating margins expanded by 150 basis points, while AHS saw a 70 basis point contraction in adjusted operating margins [17][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America showed stable industrial demand, while Europe and China faced a more challenging macro environment [16] - The company expects China to be down high single digits for the year, reflecting increased challenges [126] - Overall, North America is anticipated to remain the strongest market for Fortive [125] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Fortive is focusing on enhancing supply chain resilience, having reduced exposure to imports from China by 70% since 2018 [7][23] - The company is targeting the completion of its separation by the end of the second quarter, which is expected to unlock shareholder value [30][32] - Fortive aims to increase its recurring revenue mix from approximately 40% to roughly 50% post-separation [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a more dynamic macro environment and moderating demand in PT, with expectations for a modest improvement in the segment [7][28] - The company is implementing countermeasures to mitigate tariff impacts, estimating a gross tariff impact of$ 190 million to $220 million [24][27] - Management remains confident in the ability to navigate current challenges and deliver best-in-class net working capital performance [27][30] Other Important Information - The company announced the appointment of a new CFO, Mark Okerstrom, who is expected to drive additional shareholder value [8][10] - Fortive's strategic approach includes pricing adjustments and optimizing sourcing and logistics to mitigate tariff impacts [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on localizing production - Management indicated that localizing production involves accelerating existing plans rather than building new capacity in the U.S. [41][42] Question: Insights on Test and Measurement decline - The decline was attributed to customers delaying orders due to increased policy and macro uncertainty, with expectations for recovery pushed to 2026 [44][46] Question: Volatility in Test and Measurement industry - The volatility is linked to the sector's exposure to R&D investments, which customers can delay amid economic uncertainty [53][55] Question: Clarification on tariff impacts - Management clarified that the estimated tariff impact for 2025 is around$ 200 million, with plans to offset about 80% of it [82][90] Question: Expectations for North America and Western Europe - North America is expected to perform well, while China is anticipated to face challenges, with a projected decline in revenue [125][126]