Hyster-Yale Materials sees FY24 results improving y/y

Full-year 2024 results are expected to improve compared to the Company’s prior outlook due to better-than-expected second quarter results and anticipated further financial improvements in the second half of the year. Second-half revenues should increase while operating profit is likely to moderate slightly compared to the same 2023 period. The Company expects lower interest and tax expense in the second half, year-over-year. As a result, second-half 2024 net income is anticipated to be generally comparable to strong prior year levels, with a modest third-quarter decline expected to be offset by a fourth-quarter improvement. The Company’s effective tax rate is anticipated to be modestly higher than 2023, largely due to the capitalization of research and development expenses, but lower than previously anticipated due to a higher U.S. earnings base. For the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2024, the Company achieved its 7% operating profit margin goal for the combined Lift Truck and Bolzoni businesses, and it achieved its consolidated goal for a greater than 20% return on total capital employed. These favorable results were due to the substantial post-pandemic backlog in the Lift Truck business and lower-than-anticipated cost inflation. The latter followed a sustained period of high inflation that resulted in multiple lift truck price increases. With markets returning to more normalized levels over time, results are likely to moderate in the 2024 second half from the robust first-half levels. As a result, the Company expects its return measures to moderate, but remain above pre-pandemic levels. However, over time, the Company expects its return measures to return to target levels and be sustainable as a result of its maturing strategic initiatives. The Company continues to focus on reducing its financial leverage and improving its cash flows and expects further inventory reductions to decrease working capital. Capital expenditures are expected to be $60 million in 2024, down from a Q1 2024 projection of $84 million. While substantial investments are anticipated, maintaining liquidity remains a priority. Overall, the Company expects 2024 cash flow from operations to increase significantly compared with 2023.