AptarGroup(ATR) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.2, with a neutralized increase of approximately 5% over the prior year period when accounting for currency effects and tax [4][15] - Reported sales decreased by 3%, with core sales remaining flat compared to the prior year period [14] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 3% to$ 183 million, with adjusted diluted earnings per share at $1.2 compared to$ 1.22 in the prior year [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pharma segment's core sales increased by 3%, with prescription core sales up 10% driven by strong demand for emergency medicines and therapeutics [16] - Consumer Healthcare core sales decreased by 10% due to softer demand for nasal decongestants and cough medicines [16] - Injectables core sales decreased by 8% due to tough comparisons from the prior year, while Active Materials Science solutions saw an 11% increase in core sales [16][18] - Beauty segment's core sales decreased by 3%, with prestige fragrance and facial skincare sales down 11% [19] - Closures segment's core sales decreased by 2%, with product sales growth offset by lower tooling sales [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market showed signs of inventory normalization, while other regions have not yet experienced similar trends [6][37] - The company noted strong demand for GLP-1 and biologics in the injectables market, indicating robust order books [7][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term growth driven by macro trends such as healthcare decentralization and the growth of generic medicines [6][7] - The company is ramping up share repurchases, having repurchased over $80 million worth of shares in the first quarter [13] - The company emphasizes sustainability as a competitive advantage, having received multiple awards for its efforts [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in growth prospects despite current economic uncertainties, highlighting resilience in essential product markets [28][30] - The company anticipates a strong second quarter with positive contributions from all segments, particularly in Pharma and Beauty [30][31] - Management acknowledged the evolving tariff situation but expects limited net effects on operations [25][82] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the first quarter was 25.8%, reflecting a temporary surtax enacted in France [15] - Free cash flow for the quarter was$ 26 million, with a strong balance sheet showing a cash balance of $126 million [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on order patterns and inventory levels - Management noted a reacceleration in orders across various segments, with U.S. inventories normalizing but not yet seen in other regions [35][37] Question: Impact of GLP-1s on injectables - Strong demand for GLP-1s is noted, with the company ramping up capabilities to meet this demand [36] Question: Tax rate guidance for the second half of the year - The expected effective tax rate for the second half is projected to be in the range of 22% to 24% [43] Question: Inventory status in cold and cough products - Management indicated that the U.S. has seen some inventory normalization, while other regions have not yet experienced this [48][49] Question: Outlook for tooling activity - Management expressed optimism about tooling activity, indicating it is on the rise as customers seek to differentiate their products [105]