Technology
Stoneridge Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
Q2 Operating Performance Significantly Outperforms Previously Provided Expectations Driven by Strong Margin Expansion
2024 Second Quarter Results
Sales of $237.1 millionGross profit of $53.7 million (22.7% of sales)Operating income of $3.4 million Adjusted operating income of $5.4 million (2.3% of sales)Adjusted EBITDA of $16.1 million (6.8% of sales)Earnings per share (“EPS”) of $0.10Adjusted EPS of $0.17
2024 Full-Year Guidance Update
Reducing full-year 2024 revenue midpoint guidance by $45 million to reflect updated FX rates (~$12 million impact), updated OEM production volumes (~$18 million impact) and potential volatility in non-OEM and customer demand-based products (~$15 million impact)Revenue guidance of $940 million – $970 million (midpoint of $955 million)Increasing gross margin midpoint guidance by 50 basis points to reflect continued material cost improvement and operational excellenceGross margin guidance of 22.75% – 23.0%Reducing adjusted operating margin and EBITDA margin expectations to reflect lower contribution from reduced revenue expectations, offset by improved gross margin performance and continued operating cost controlAdjusted operating margin guidance of ~2.75%Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $58 million – $64 million (adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.2% – 6.6%)Adjusted EPS guidance of $0.18 – $0.28 (midpoint of $0.23)
NOVI, Mich., July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Stoneridge, Inc. (NYSE: SRI) today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, with sales of $237.1 million and earnings per share of $0.10. Adjusted EPS was $0.17.
For the second quarter of 2024, Stoneridge reported gross profit of $53.7 million (22.7% of sales), an increase of 250 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2024. Operating income of $3.4 million resulted in adjusted operating income of $5.4 million (2.3% of sales), an increase of 210 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA was $16.1 million (6.8% of sales), an increase of 410 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2024. Second quarter results were favorably impacted by non-operating foreign currency of approximately $2.3 million.
The exhibits attached hereto provide reconciliation detail on normalizing adjustments of non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release.
Jim Zizelman, president and chief executive officer, commented, “Our second quarter performance highlights our continued focus on improving the fundamentals of our business leading to significantly improved margins and significant outperformance relative to our prior expectations. This was primarily driven by continued material cost reductions, improved operational excellence, including reduced quality-related costs, and operating cost control as we continue to execute on the key initiatives we set at the beginning of the year. Our efforts to reduce material costs and control operating costs contributed to a 250 basis point improvement in gross margin and a 210 basis point improvement in adjusted operating margin over the first quarter. Including the benefit of non-operating FX income, adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 410 basis points over the first quarter to 6.8% of sales. We continue to improve the financial performance of the business while maintaining our robust approach to technology innovation and growth.”
Zizelman continued, “While we continue to drive operational performance improvement, we remain focused on flawless execution of the program launches that will drive strong growth going-forward. We are excited to announce that during the second quarter we began shipping our first MirrorEye OEM systems to Volvo for the launch of their FH Aero model in Europe. Similarly, our MirrorEye program with Peterbilt launched on Models 579 and 567 in North America in July. Both customers are focusing significant marketing efforts on MirrorEye as a differentiating product in the market. Initial customer feedback has been excellent. For example, Volvo recently announced one of their largest deals ever, in which they have received an order for 1,500 vehicles all of which will be equipped with MirrorEye to be delivered throughout 2024 and 2025. While we have experienced some volatility as new truck production and our programs ramp up, we expect volumes to continue to accelerate for the remainder of the year bringing take rates at least inline with our original expectations. We continue to expect MirrorEye to gain momentum in the second half of this year, as our first OEM program in Europe maintains its strong take rates and the two recently launched programs continue to ramp up in production.”
Zizelman concluded, “Our robust backlog continues to provide a strong foundation for our strategy focused on technologies and capabilities that will drive continued long-term growth. Last month, Volvo Bus announced they have selected Stoneridge to provide connected services and digital solutions using our artificial intelligence-based fuel advice system in a pilot program this year. This partnership is aligned with our ongoing focus on data services, software and AI to drive advanced system capabilities and expansion of our existing technology platforms and products to drive long-term profitable growth.”
Second Quarter in Review
Electronics sales of $153.5 million decreased by 6.4% relative to adjusted sales of the second quarter of 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by lower sales in both the European and North American commercial vehicle end markets and the impact of retroactive pricing recognized in the second quarter of 2023 of approximately $3.3 million. This is partially offset by higher sales in the European off-highway vehicle end market. Second quarter adjusted operating margin of 7.6% improved by 230 basis points relative to the adjusted operating margin of the second quarter of 2023, primarily due to lower direct material costs as a percentage of sales, as well as lower D&D and SG&A costs.
Control Devices sales of $80.9 million decreased by 13.1% relative to sales of the second quarter of 2023. This decrease was primarily due to lower sales in the North American passenger vehicle end market due to lower customer volumes and the expected wind-down of end-of-life programs as well as lower China automotive sales. Second quarter operating margin of 4.6% decreased by 130 basis points relative to the adjusted operating margin of the second quarter of 2023, primarily due to lower contribution from lower sales, partially offset by lower direct material costs as a percentage of sales and lower D&D costs.
Stoneridge Brazil sales of $11.8 million decreased by $3.1 million relative to sales in the second quarter of 2023. This decrease was primarily due to lower sales in local OEM products, tracking devices and monitoring service fees. Second quarter operating performance of approximately break-even decreased by approximately $0.9 million relative to the second quarter of 2023, primarily due to lower contribution from lower sales volumes partially offset by lower direct material costs.
Relative to the first quarter of 2024, Electronics adjusted sales of $153.5 million, decreased by $2.6 million, or 1.7%. This slight decrease was driven primarily by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency of approximately $2.2 million. Second quarter adjusted operating margin increased by 310 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to material cost improvements, lower quality-related costs and lower engineering costs.
Relative to the first quarter of 2024, Control Devices sales increased by 3.7%. This increase was primarily due to higher sales in the North American passenger vehicle end market as well as higher commercial vehicle sales in China. Second quarter adjusted operating margin increased by 180 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to benefits recognized from completed negotiations related to price and volume, improved operational execution and lower SG&A and D&D costs as a result of operating cost control efforts.
Relative to the first quarter of 2024, Stoneridge Brazil sales decreased by $0.4 million. This was primarily the result of the unfavorable foreign currency impact of approximately $0.6 million. Second quarter operating performance decreased by $0.2 million relative to the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency impact of approximately $0.2 million.
Cash and Debt Balances
As of June 30, 2024, Stoneridge had compliance net debt of $161.4 million resulting in a net debt to trailing twelve-month EBITDA compliance leverage ratio of 2.89x, an improvement of 0.24x compared to December 31, 2023.
The Company continues to focus on both operating performance and working capital improvement to drive cash performance, particularly related to inventory reduction. During the first half of the year, inventory balances declined by $9.0 million. The Company expects to continue to reduce inventory balances throughout the year. The Company expects a net debt to EBITDA ratio for compliance purposes of approximately 2.5x by the end of 2024.
2024 Outlook
The Company is updating its previously provided full-year 2024 guidance ranges including sales guidance of $940 million to $970 million, gross margin guidance of 22.75% to 23.0%, adjusted operating margin guidance of approximately 2.75%, adjusted earnings per share guidance of $0.18 to $0.28 and adjusted EBITDA guidance of $58 million to $64 million, or 6.2% to 6.6% of sales.
Matt Horvath, chief financial officer, commented, “We are updating our full-year 2024 revenue guidance to reflect updated foreign currency rates, updated OEM production volumes and current expectations for non-OEM and customer demand-based products. This results in a midpoint of $955 million for the year. Due primarily to our year-to-date performance, expectation of continued reduction in material costs and a continued focus on operational excellence, we are increasing our full-year gross margin expectations by 50 basis points. We are expecting improved gross margin and operating cost control to significantly offset the decremental impact of reduced revenue. As a result, we are reducing our adjusted EBITDA margin midpoint guidance by 30 basis points, or $61 million of adjusted EBITDA. This results in a 130 basis point margin improvement and 27% growth in adjusted EBITDA over 2023. Finally, we are reducing our full-year adjusted EPS guidance to a midpoint of $0.23 to reflect the lower contribution from reduced sales partially offset by improved operating performance.”
Horvath, concluded, “By continuing to focus on improving the fundamentals of our business, we drove significant margin expansion across our business in the second quarter. Additionally, we continue to focus on inventory reduction to improve our cash position and reduce our leverage profile. We expect to continue those efforts in the second half of the year to help drive financial performance. Stoneridge remains well positioned to outpace our underlying end market growth and drive significant earnings expansion going forward.”
Conference Call on the Web
A live Internet broadcast of Stoneridge’s conference call regarding 2024 second quarter results can be accessed at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at www.stoneridge.com, which will also offer a webcast replay.
About Stoneridge, Inc.
Stoneridge, Inc., headquartered in Novi, Michigan, is a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic systems, components and modules for the automotive, commercial, off-highway and agricultural vehicle markets. Additional information about Stoneridge can be found at www.stoneridge.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release contain “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places in this report and may include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, with respect to, among other things, our (i) future product and facility expansion, (ii) acquisition strategy, (iii) investments and new product development, (iv) growth opportunities related to awarded business, and (v) operational expectations. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “will,” “may,” “should,” “designed to,” “believes,” “plans,” “projects,” “intends,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “continue,” and similar words and expressions. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other factors:
the ability of our suppliers to supply us with parts and components at competitive prices on a timely basis, including the impact of potential tariffs and trade considerations on their operations and output;fluctuations in the cost and availability of key materials and components (including semiconductors, printed circuit boards, resin, aluminum, steel and copper) and our ability to offset cost increases through negotiated price increases with our customers or other cost reduction actions, as necessary;global economic trends, competition and geopolitical risks, including impacts from ongoing or potential global conflicts and any related sanctions and other measures, or an escalation of sanctions, tariffs or other trade tensions between the U.S. and other countries;our ability to achieve cost reductions that offset or exceed customer-mandated selling price reductions;the reduced purchases, loss or bankruptcy of a major customer or supplier;the costs and timing of business realignment, facility closures or similar actions;a significant change in automotive, commercial, off-highway or agricultural vehicle production;competitive market conditions and resulting effects on sales and pricing;foreign currency fluctuations and our ability to manage those impacts;customer acceptance of new products;our ability to successfully launch/produce products for awarded business;adverse changes in laws, government regulations or market conditions affecting our products, our suppliers, or our customers’ products;our ability to protect our intellectual property and successfully defend against assertions made against us;liabilities arising from warranty claims, product recall or field actions, product liability and legal proceedings to which we are or may become a party, or the impact of product recall or field actions on our customers;labor disruptions at our facilities, or at any of our significant customers or suppliers;business disruptions due to natural disasters or other disasters outside of our control;the amount of our indebtedness and the restrictive covenants contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness, including our revolving Credit Facility;capital availability or costs, including changes in interest rates;the failure to achieve the successful integration of any acquired company or business;risks related to a failure of our information technology systems and networks, and risks associated with current and emerging technology threats and damage from computer viruses, unauthorized access, cyber-attack and other similar disruptions; andthe items described in Part I, Item IA (“Risk Factors”) in our Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
The forward-looking statements contained herein represent our estimates only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, whether to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
This press release contains information about the Company’s financial results that is not presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Such non-GAAP financial measures are reconciled to their closest GAAP financial measures at the end of this press release. The provision of these non-GAAP financial measures for 2024 and 2023 is not intended to indicate that Stoneridge is explicitly or implicitly providing projections on those non-GAAP financial measures, and actual results for such measures are likely to vary from those presented. The reconciliations include all information reasonably available to the Company at the date of this press release and the adjustments that management can reasonably predict.
Management believes the non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release are useful to both management and investors in their analysis of the Company’s financial position and results of operations. In particular, management believes that adjusted sales, adjusted operating income and margin, adjusted income (loss) before tax, adjusted income tax expense (benefit), adjusted net income, adjusted EPS, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net debt, adjusted debt and adjusted cash are useful measures in assessing the Company’s financial performance by excluding certain items that are not indicative of the Company’s core operating performance or that may obscure trends useful in evaluating the Company’s continuing operating activities. Management also believes that these measures are useful to both management and investors in their analysis of the Company’s results of operations and provide improved comparability between fiscal periods.
Adjusted sales, adjusted operating income and margin, adjusted income (loss) before tax, adjusted income tax expense (benefit), adjusted net income, adjusted EPS, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net debt, adjusted debt and adjusted cash should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for sales, operating income, income (loss) before tax, income tax expense (benefit), net income, EPS, debt, cash and cash equivalents, cash provided by operating activities or other income statement or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 42,112
$ 40,841
Accounts receivable, less reserves of $620 and $1,058, respectively
168,215
166,545
Inventories, net
178,749
187,758
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
32,882
34,246
Total current assets
421,958
429,390
Long-term assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net
103,061
110,126
Intangible assets, net
43,586
47,314
Goodwill
34,244
35,295
Operating lease right-of-use asset
8,722
10,795
Investments and other long-term assets, net
55,080
46,980
Total long-term assets
244,693
250,510
Total assets
$ 666,651
$ 679,900
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt
$ 2,064
$ 2,113
Accounts payable
108,085
111,925
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
76,098
64,203
Total current liabilities
186,247
178,241
Long-term liabilities:
Revolving credit facility
187,417
189,346
Deferred income taxes
6,276
7,224
Operating lease long-term liability
5,814
7,684
Other long-term liabilities
10,446
9,688
Total long-term liabilities
209,953
213,942
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred Shares, without par value, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued
—
—
Common Shares, without par value, 60,000 shares authorized, 28,966 and
28,966 shares issued and 27,679 and 27,549
shares outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively,
with no stated value
—
—
Additional paid-in capital
224,599
227,340
Common Shares held in treasury, 1,287 and 1,417 shares at June 30, 2024
and December 31, 2023, respectively, at cost
(39,066)
(43,344)
Retained earnings
193,169
196,509
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(108,251)
(92,788)
Total shareholders’ equity
270,451
287,717
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$ 666,651
$ 679,900
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net sales
$ 237,059
$ 266,814
$ 476,216
$ 508,139
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold
183,319
206,326
374,119
404,849
Selling, general and administrative
31,876
33,491
62,299
63,354
Design and development
18,457
22,666
36,060
39,634
Operating income
3,407
4,331
3,738
302
Interest expense, net
3,801
3,120
7,435
5,866
Equity in loss of investee
52
329
329
500
Other (income) expense, net
(2,296)
2,387
(260)
3,535
Income (loss) before income taxes
1,850
(1,505)
(3,766)
(9,599)
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
(936)
1,487
(426)
779
Net income (loss)
$ 2,786
$ (2,992)
$ (3,340)
$ (10,378)
Income (loss) per share:
Basic
$ 0.10
$ (0.11)
$ (0.12)
$ (0.38)
Diluted
$ 0.10
$ (0.11)
$ (0.12)
$ (0.38)
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic
27,611
27,452
27,570
27,400
Diluted
27,853
27,452
27,570
27,400
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Six months ended June 30, (in thousands)
2024
2023
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss
$ (3,340)
$ (10,378)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation
13,054
13,161
Amortization, including accretion and write-off of deferred financing costs
4,440
4,004
Deferred income taxes
(7,004)
(3,782)
Loss of equity method investee
329
500
Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets
258
(854)
Share-based compensation expense
2,207
1,271
Excess tax deficiency related to share-based compensation expense
238
66
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net
(6,094)
(28,100)
Inventories, net
3,438
(23,142)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(1,038)
3,313
Accounts payable
(849)
27,069
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
12,123
12,184
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
17,762
(4,688)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures, including intangibles
(12,920)
(18,025)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
222
1,729
Investment in venture capital fund, net
(260)
—
Net cash used for investing activities
(12,958)
(16,296)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Revolving credit facility borrowings
57,000
42,000
Revolving credit facility payments
(58,000)
(38,068)
Proceeds from issuance of debt
17,677
16,402
Repayments of debt
(17,690)
(18,086)
Repurchase of Common Shares to satisfy employee tax withholding
(666)
(1,325)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities
(1,679)
923
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(1,854)
(32)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
1,271
(20,093)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
40,841
54,798
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$ 42,112
$ 34,705
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net
$ 8,003
$ 5,622
Cash paid for income taxes, net
$ 4,372
$ 5,927
Regulation G Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliations
Exhibit 1 – Reconciliation of Adjusted EPS
Reconciliation of Q2 2024 Adjusted EPS
(USD in millions, except EPS)
Q2 2024
Q2 2024 EPS
Net Income
$ 2.8
$ 0.10
Add: After-Tax Business Realignment Costs
1.9
0.07
Adjusted Net Income
$ 4.7
$ 0.17
Exhibit 2 – Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
(USD in millions)
Q1 2023
Q2 2023
Q3 2023
Q4 2023
Q1 2024
Q2 2024
Income (Loss) Before Tax
$ (8.1)
$ (1.5)
$ 4.4
$ 3.2
$ (5.6)
$ 1.9
Interest expense, net
2.7
3.1
3.3
3.8
3.6
3.8
Depreciation and amortization
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.4
8.6
8.5
EBITDA
$ 3.0
$ 10.0
$ 16.2
$ 15.5
$ 6.6
$ 14.2
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
1.3
1.9
1.2
0.1
—
1.9
Less: Pre-Tax Gain on Disposal of Fixed Assets
(0.8)
—
—
—
—
—
Add: Pre-Tax Environmental Remediation Costs
0.1
—
—
—
—
—
Add: Pre-Tax Brazilian Indirect Tax Credits, Net
—
—
(0.5)
—
—
—
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 3.6
$ 11.9
$ 17.0
$ 15.6
$ 6.6
$ 16.1
Exhibit 3 – Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Income
(USD in millions)
Q1 2024
Q2 2024
Operating Income
$ 0.3
$ 3.4
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
—
1.9
Adjusted Operating Income
$ 0.3
$ 5.4
Exhibit 4 – Segment Adjusted Operating Income
Reconciliation of Control Devices Adjusted Operating Income
(USD in millions)
Q2 2023
Q1 2024
Q2 2024
Control Devices Operating Income
$ 5.1
$ 2.2
$ 3.7
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
0.4
—
—
Control Devices Adjusted Operating Income
$ 5.5
$ 2.2
$ 3.7
Reconciliation of Electronics Adjusted Operating Income
(USD in millions)
Q2 2023
Q1 2024
Q2 2024
Electronics Operating Income
$ 7.4
$ 7.1
$ 9.8
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
1.3
—
1.9
Electronics Adjusted Operating Income
$ 8.8
$ 7.1
$ 11.7
Exhibit 5 – Reconciliation of Electronics Adjusted Sales
(USD in millions)
Q2 2023
Q1 2024
Q2 2024
Electronics Sales
$ 168.3
$ 156.1
$ 153.5
Less: Sales from Spot Purchases Recoveries
(4.4)
—
—
Electronics Adjusted Sales
$ 163.9
$ 156.1
$ 153.5
Exhibit 6 – Reconciliation of Adjusted Tax Rate
Reconciliation of Q2 2024 Adjusted Tax Rate
(USD in millions)
Q2 2024
Tax Rate
Income Before Tax
$ 1.9
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
1.9
Adjusted Income Before Tax
$ 3.8
Income Tax Benefit
(0.9)
(50.6) %
Add: Tax Impact from Pre-Tax Adjustments
–
Adjusted Income Tax Benefit on Adjusted Income Before Tax
$ (0.9)
(24.3) %
Exhibit 7 – Reconciliation of Compliance Leverage Ratio
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA for Compliance Calculation
(USD in millions)
Q1 2023
Q2 2023
Q3 2023
Q4 2023
Q1 2024
Q2 2024
Income (Loss) Before Tax
$ (8.1)
$ (1.5)
$ 4.4
3.2
(5.6)
1.9
Interest Expense, net
2.7
3.1
3.3
3.8
3.6
3.8
Depreciation and Amortization
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.4
8.6
8.5
EBITDA
$ 3.0
$ 10.0
$ 16.2
$ 15.5
$ 6.6
$ 14.2
Compliance adjustments:
Add: Non-Cash Impairment Charges and Write-offs or Write Downs
—
—
—
—
0.2
—
Add: Adjustments from Foreign Currency Impact
1.4
3.1
0.4
(0.7)
2.2
(2.4)
Add: Extraordinary, Non-recurring or Unusual Items
0.2
—
0.5
—
—
—
Add: Cash Restructuring Charges
1.4
0.5
0.1
0.3
1.6
0.5
Add: Charges for Transactions, Amendments, and Refinances
—
—
—
0.3
—
—
Add: Adjustment to Autotech Fund II Investment
0.2
0.3
0.1
(0.1)
0.3
0.1
Adjusted EBITDA (Compliance)
$ 6.1
$ 13.9
$ 17.4
$ 15.3
$ 10.9
$ 12.3
Adjusted TTM EBITDA (Compliance)
$ 52.7
$ 57.5
$ 55.9
Reconciliation of Adjusted Cash for Compliance Calculation
(USD in millions)
Q4 2023
Q1 2024
Q2 2024
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents
$ 40.8
$ 48.4
$ 42.1
Less: 35% of Cash in Foreign Locations
(12.8)
(14.8)
(12.5)
Total Adjusted Cash (Compliance)
$ 28.0
$ 33.6
$ 29.6
Reconciliation of Adjusted Debt for Compliance Calculation
(USD in millions)
Q4 2023
Q1 2024
Q2 2024
Total Debt
$ 191.5
$ 196.5
$ 189.5
Outstanding Letters of Credit
1.6
1.6
1.6
Total Adjusted Debt (Compliance)
$ 193.0
$ 198.1
$ 191.1
Adjusted Net Debt (Compliance)
$ 165.0
$ 164.5
$ 161.4
Compliance Leverage Ratio (Net Debt / TTM EBITDA)
3.13x
2.86x
2.89x
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SOURCE Stoneridge, Inc.
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An arduous expedition like the Long March posed unparalleled trials for any military unit.
Bitter cold on snow-capped mountains, hidden mire across marshlands, and dangers lurking every step of the way; food and warm clothes were constantly scarce, while enemies and artillery fire were relentless. Even so, through the Long March, these poorly equipped and raggedly dressed Red Army troops remained tightly bonded as one.
This bond was not coerced by harsh military discipline, but arose spontaneously from every soldier’s heart. Before they even set off, shared ideals and conviction had already taken deep root within every soldier, steeling their resolve to follow the Communist Party of China without hesitation. Along the trail, officers and soldiers of the Red Army ate from the same pots and wore uniforms made from the same coarse cloth. High-ranking commanders like Zhu De and Peng Dehuai covered most of the journey on foot alongside their troops, leaving their horses to the ill and wounded, while splitting their last rations with soldiers. Amid food shortages, even when columns in the front discovered edible greens, they would never dig them all up; instead, they sent words to rear units so that all troops could share.
The Red Army’s unity took root in shared ideals, flourished under equal treatment for all, and was forged through countless moments of entrusting each other with their lives. It also became the unshakable foundation that carried them through every ordeal.
In the late autumn of 1936, the Loess Plateau in northwestern China witnessed two hopeful rendezvous, marking the Long March’s triumphant close. First in Huining, soldiers of the First and Fourth Front Armies embraced in a long-awaited reunion. Just over 10 days later, at Jiangtaibu, the waiting First Front Army finally greeted the travel-worn soldiers of the Second Front Army.
Many of these soldiers had never met before, yet they greeted one another like long-lost brothers, eyes brimming with tears as they clasped hands. Officers and soldiers of the First Front Army sent whatever supplies they had saved up to their brother troops. Three battle-hardened columns merged into a mighty iron stream across the plateau. Just one month later, they fought in coordinated formation to secure triumph in the battle of Shanchengbao, putting a glorious full stop to the Long March.
When scattered sparks merge, inherent unity surges into a mighty force, powerful enough to rewrite an army’s fate and shift the course of a nation’s history.
At the time, Japanese invaders advanced deeper into China, occupying more and more territory, yet the civil war persisted. The CPC clearly understood that brutal conflict among the Chinese would only play to the invaders’ hands, and only national unity could safeguard the motherland. The CPC publicly called for an end to the civil war and joint resistance against Japanese invaders, officially proposed to build the national united front against Japanese aggression, and even took the initiative to halt military operations and withdraw troops as a gesture of goodwill — when the survival of a nation hung by a thread, they chose to unite all Chinese people.
The two KMT officers, Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng, who were stationed in the northwest, witnessed the nation’s peril and were touched by the CPC’s advocacy of a united resistance. Resolved to collaborate with the CPC to fend off Japanese aggression, Zhang and Yang repeatedly pleaded with Chiang Kai-shek to shift focus to national defense, but to no avail. Ultimately, they detained Chiang by force, which later became known as the Xi’an Incident.
When word spread of Chiang’s detention, many assumed the CPC would demand a public trial, given years of bitter partisan strife. Instead, Zhou Enlai personally traveled to Xi’an with the CPC delegation to mediate, laying out the stakes for all parties concerned: executing Chiang would only result in a much larger-scale civil war, handing the Japanese aggressors golden opportunities to advance further into China. The only path to a promising future for the Chinese nation lay in a peaceful settlement that would compel Chiang to join the resistance against Japanese aggression.
Setting aside partisan divisions and prioritizing the supreme interests of the nation — this was the answer delivered by the CPC. At last, the Xi’an Incident was settled in peace, bringing an end to a decade of war. Since then, the Chinese nation finally stood united in fighting back against foreign invasion.
Nearly a century has passed, yet the spirit of unity forged on the Long March has never faded.
In September 1949, the First Plenary Session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) was convened, officially instituting the system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. The spirit of solidarity tempered amid the Long March was thereafter embedded in the very fabric of China’s governance system, with unity becoming one of its enduring tenets.
From the early reconstruction years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, through the era of reform and opening up since 1978, to today’s march toward China’s modernization, each successive trial has burnished this core spirit of unity. In the fight against absolute poverty, the whole nation pulled together as a single force: the more developed eastern regions lent robust support to underdeveloped western regions, officials devoted themselves to working at grassroots communities, and local residents worked hard and strove for self-improvement. Together, hundreds of millions of Chinese worked to eradicate absolute poverty nationwide. When earthquakes and floods struck, rescue teams rushed to disaster zones from every corner of the country, while relief supplies and charitable donations poured in ceaselessly.
From the helping hands extended between soldiers along the Long March to the nationwide solidarity repeatedly demonstrated today, the essence of unity has never changed. It was the key that carried the Red Army through seemingly impossible odds, and it endures as China’s bedrock strength that propels China forward to this day.
David Ferguson:
After hearing the stories of the reunion of the three main forces of the Red Army and the Xi’an Incident, I found my answer.
The Long March showed me that unity is a condition for survival — not in the sense of “I need you for now, so let’s work together.” Rather, it was “We believe in a common cause, so we must stand together.” That kind of unity does not dissolve when the danger is gone, because it is rooted not in fear, but in conviction.
Whether I look at stories of the Long March or at China’s development today, what strikes me is not simply unity itself. What gives unity its power is the shared ideal that enables people to stand together, and the common mission that at critical moments, enables them to rise above the interests of the individual, of groups, and even of political parties.
Wang Xiaohui:
From the arduous trails of the Long March to the contemporary journey of national rejuvenation, when a group of people or a whole nation stand united around common ideals, they will always arrive at the future they hoped for, no matter how lengthy and winding the road ahead is.
China Mosaic
http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm
Unity: The Convergence of the Three Main Red Army Forces
http://www.china.org.cn/2026-10/20/content_118741729.shtml
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unity-the-convergence-of-the-three-main-red-army-forces-302914999.html
SOURCE China.org.cn
Technology
KingClean Debuts at the 140th Canton Fair with One-Stop ODM Solutions for Global Brands
Published
59 minutes agoon
October 21, 2026By
GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KingClean, a global leader in home appliances and cleaning solutions, showcased its latest smart home product line at the 140th Canton Fair, which includes cleaning appliances, kitchen and coffee equipment, drinking equipment, personal care and air comfort products. During the exhibition, KingClean held in-depth discussions with global channel partners at Booths E30–36 and F13–19, Hall 2.2, Zone A.
KingClean showcased over 40 innovative products. The cleaning appliances exhibition area covers cordless stick vacuum cleaners with docking stations, upright 3-in-1 wet-and-dry vacuum cleaner with steam, spot cleaner with steam, cordless mattress cleaners and canister. The kitchen appliance exhibition area showcases products such as cooking robot, commercial blenders, and fully automatic coffee machines. The water & beverage solutions area presents desktop intelligent water purifiers with functions of water purification, sparkling water, ice making, and tea brewing. In addition, KingClean balances personal care with environmental comfort, showcasing water-ion turbofan hair dryers, desktop air purifiers, and smart air circulation fans.
The collaboration between high-performance cleaning equipment and intelligent base stations is the key direction of this exhibition. The exhibits include cordless vacuum cleaners equipped with high-power motors, dust‑cup or dust‑bag docking stations, charging and automatic cleaning functions, as well as floor cleaning vacuum cleaners that integrate functions of steam cleaning, automatic water refilling, and hot air drying. Multiple reference models intuitively demonstrate how the same technology platform can flexibly adapt to different power levels, structural schemes, and accessory configurations.
KingClean also showcased a series of home fully automatic coffee machines, smoothies and ice-making equipment, as well as desktop intelligent beverage purifiers that supported flexible combinations of sparkling water, ice water, tea brewing, and coffee related modules in the beverage area. These exhibits could be further customized based on the customer’s beverage menus, usage frequency, and after-sales mode.
“We connect globally through innovative products, focusing on smart solutions that improve life and strengthen our leadership in the smart home industry” said Nate Yang, Senior Marketing Director at KingClean Electric Co., Ltd.
About KingClean
KingClean was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Suzhou, China. The company specializes in high-end smart home appliances and mechatronic products, with motor as our core technology.
For more information, visit http://www.kingclean.com.
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SOURCE KingClean
Technology
Husqvarna Group: INTERIM REPORT JANUARY – SEPTEMBER 2026
Published
59 minutes agoon
October 21, 2026By
STOCKHOLM, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —
Consistent strategy execution in a continued challenging market
Third quarter 2026
Net sales decreased organically by 5%.Net sales decreased by 2% to SEK 9,012m (9,204), and included a positive impact of 3% from changes in exchange rates.Operating income amounted to SEK -334m (141) and the operating margin was -3.7% (1.5).Items affecting comparability (IAC) amounted to SEK -88m. These were primarily related to the execution of cost-saving initiatives.Excluding IAC, operating income amounted to SEK -246m (140), and the operating margin was -2.7% (1.5).Earnings per share (EPS) after dilution amounted to SEK -0.70 (-0.02) and EPS excluding IAC and after dilution amounted to SEK -0.58 (-0.02).Free operating cash flow was SEK 2,422m (2,423).Net debt was SEK 9.4bn (9.9).
January – September 2026
Net sales decreased organically by 2%.Net sales decreased by 5% to SEK 37,356m (39,184), and included an impact of -3% from changes in exchange rates.Operating income amounted to SEK 2,977m (3,735) and the operating margin was 8.0% (9.5).Items affecting comparability (IAC) amounted to SEK -445m. These were primarily related to the execution of cost-saving initiatives.Excluding IAC, operating income amounted to SEK 3,421m (3,742), and the operating margin was 9.2% (9.5).IEEPA-related tariff refunds of SEK 240m were recognized in COGS during the second quarter.Earnings per share (EPS) after dilution amounted to SEK 3.14 (4.43) and EPS excluding IAC and after dilution amounted to SEK 3.74 (4.44).Free operating cash flow was SEK 4,891m (4,743).
CEO Comment
We are making solid progress on our strategic priorities. Our cost savings program remains on track, recent product launches are receiving encouraging customer feedback, and we are broadening our presence across sales channels. Although these measures have not yet fully offset current market headwinds, they reinforce our confidence in the Group’s long-term competitiveness and prospects.
Financial performance summary
Net sales were SEK 9,012m (9,204), representing an organic decline of 5% in the quarter, primarily driven by continued weakness in Europe. Organic sales in the Husqvarna Forest & Garden Division declined by 10%, sales in the Husqvarna Construction Division were unchanged, while the Gardena Division delivered solid organic growth of 8%. Performance in the Husqvarna Forest & Garden Division was significantly affected by the widespread drought across large parts of Europe and continued weak consumer demand in key markets, including Germany and France. In contrast, strong growth in the Gardena Division’s Watering business highlighted the resilience of our diversified portfolio, gaining market shares in key markets, and the Husqvarna Construction Division has continued good momentum in its aftermarket business. I am also encouraged by continued growth across all three divisions in North America.
Operating income excluding IAC was SEK -246m (140), corresponding to a margin of -2.7% (1.5). The result reflected lower volumes in the Husqvarna Forest & Garden Division, an unfavorable product mix, inventory reductions and cost increases on raw materials and logistics costs. Free operating cash flow was stable at SEK 2,422m (2,423), as lower operating income was offset by changes in working capital, primarily driven by reduced inventories. We further strengthened the balance sheet, reducing net debt to SEK 9.4bn (9.9).
Executing on cost savings while navigating cost headwinds
Our transformative cost savings program remains on track to deliver SEK 3bn in gross savings by the end of 2028. Year-to-date savings reached approximately SEK 935m, including around SEK 305m in the third quarter, driven mainly by sourcing activities and personnel reductions. However, lower volumes, inventory reductions and cost headwinds continue to weigh on profitability. We are responding with targeted price increases, supply chain actions and product cost optimization, which will partly offset these pressures, although near-term headwinds are expected to remain.
We are advancing our asset-light strategy through further outsourcing initiatives. We will transfer production of selected Husqvarna-branded battery handheld products from Europe to Asia, using both our own facilities and external partners to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
In addition, the ongoing discontinuation of the stone diamond tool business in the Construction Division, the phase-out of our Brastad component factory in the Husqvarna Forest & Garden Division and relocation of selected activities within Gardena’s European manufacturing network are progressing according to plan.
Unlocking the next phase of robotics growth
Our robotic lawn mowing business faced a difficult quarter, with adverse weather, competitive headwinds, and elevated channel partner inventories in Europe constraining demand for Husqvarna- and Gardena-branded products. Although recent performance has fallen short of expectations, we remain the clear market leader and we are confident in our strategy and longer-term development.
The strategic review of the Powered Garden BPU in the Gardena Division is ongoing and we aim to provide an update in the beginning of next year. Our priorities in the Husqvarna Forest & Garden Residential Robotics BPU include expanding our retail footprint and product range across price points and channels, strengthening the robotics organization and development model.
During the quarter, the US became the largest market in terms of sales for our Professional Robotics BPU, driven mainly by continued growth in the golf segment. Upcoming product launches and broader US distribution are expected to further strengthen our competitive position next season. We are also encouraged to be the first robotics company to receive conditional approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for foreign-produced advanced robotic devices in the US market.
Building a stronger, more competitive Husqvarna Group
We are accelerating change across the Group to create a leaner, more agile and asset-light organization. By challenging established ways of working, simplifying operations and acting decisively, we are strengthening competitiveness and profitability in the longer-term. Significant work remains, but I am confident we are moving in the right direction.
When consumer sentiment recovers, particularly in Europe, we will be well positioned to capture growth and improve earnings.
Glen Instone, CEO
Webcast presentation and telephone conference
A webcast presentation of the Q3 report hosted by Glen Instone, CEO and Patrik Johnson, CFO will be held at 9:00 CEST on Oct 21, 2026.
To view the presentation, please use this link.
The dial-in to the telephone conference (to ask questions):
+46 (0) 8 505 100 31 (Sweden) or +44 203 059 58 63 (UK)
Contact
Emelie Alm, Vice President, Investor Relations
+46 70 514 64 14
Husqvarna AB (publ), P.O. Box 7454, SE-103 92 Stockholm
Hälsingegatan 49, +46 8 738 90 00, www.husqvarnagroup.com
Reg. Nr: 556000-5331
(NASDAQ STOCKHOLM: HUSQ-A) (NASDAQ STOCKHOLM: HUSQ-B)
This report contains insider information that Husqvarna AB is required to disclose under the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the contact person set out above, at 07:00 CEST on Oct 21, 2026.
Factors affecting forward-looking statements
This report contains some forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may give rise to major deviations in the result due to several aspects. These aspects include, among other things: consumer demand and market conditions in the geographical areas and lines of business in which Husqvarna operates, the effects of currency fluctuations, downward pressure on prices due to competition, success in developing new products, outcome of product responsibility litigation and progress in terms of reaching the goals set for productivity and efficient use of capital.
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
https://news.cision.com/husqvarna-group/r/interim-report-january—september-2026,c4412543
The following files are available for download:
https://mb.cision.com/Main/996/4412543/4328797.pdf
Interim report Q3 2026 Husqvarna Group
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SOURCE Husqvarna Group
Unity: The Convergence of the Three Main Red Army Forces
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