Release Date: March 05, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Caesarstone Ltd (CSTE, Financial) ended the year with a strong balance sheet, holding a net cash position of $101.8 million.
- The company successfully optimized its production footprint, sourcing over 70% of production from its global network of manufacturing partners, enhancing operational flexibility.
- Gross margin improved by 130 basis points year-over-year to 19.4% in the fourth quarter, reflecting the positive impact of restructuring actions.
- Caesarstone Ltd (CSTE) made substantial progress in expanding its crystalline silica-free offering globally, with plans to have a full collection available in Australia by the end of Q1 2025.
- The company plans to acquire the remaining equity interest in Lioli Ceramica, increasing its ownership to 100%, which is expected to drive growth in the porcelain business.
Negative Points
- Fourth-quarter revenue declined by 23.8% year-over-year on a constant currency basis, reflecting lower sales volume across markets.
- Sales in the US were down 23.1%, and Australia experienced a 37.5% decline on a constant currency basis due to slower market conditions and regulatory transitions.
- Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was a loss of $8 million compared to a gain of $1.4 million in the prior-year quarter.
- The company recorded a $7.8 million noncash pretax impairment and restructuring charges related to intangible assets and facility closures.
- Caesarstone Ltd (CSTE) remains involved in multiple silicosis claims, with a provision of $50 million recorded for pending claims, which could materially impact financials if assessments change.
Q & A Highlights
Q: How are you feeling about the end markets you're exposed to? Are there any signs of stabilization, and how should we think about the first quarter from a revenue perspective?
A: Nahum Trost, Chief Financial Officer: We see the same market dynamics in Q1 as in Q4. We expect gradual improvement in Q2 and Q3 based on seasonality. We are introducing our full collection of crystalline silica in Australia by the end of Q1, which should help regain our leading position in that market over the next two years. Positive signs are also emerging from the local market in Israel.
Q: Your revenue has been declining in the mid-20s the last couple of quarters on a year-over-year basis. Are you starting off the year at that level of decline as well?
A: Nahum Trost, Chief Financial Officer: We expect Q1 to reflect the same dynamics as Q4, with a tough comparison to the first half of 2024. However, we anticipate gradual improvement as the year progresses.
Q: What are you seeing from a pricing standpoint? How much of the revenue decline was due to price versus volume?
A: Nahum Trost, Chief Financial Officer: We see some pricing pressure, particularly in Australia, but it's not the most significant component. The decline is mainly due to slow market conditions, higher interest rates, and inflation, leading customers to defer or downgrade projects.
Q: What is the dollar amount of savings expected this year from the initiatives put in place over the last year?
A: Nahum Trost, Chief Financial Officer: Overall, our savings are more than $45 million compared to 2022. The incremental savings in 2025, mainly from the closure of the Richmond Hill plant, will be around $10 million.
Q: Can you provide more details on the strategic initiatives and their expected impact on future performance?
A: Yosef Shiran, Chief Executive Officer: Our strategic initiatives include optimizing our production footprint, expanding our crystalline silica-free offering, and investing in our porcelain business. These actions have improved cash flow and working capital efficiency, positioning us for higher profitability as revenues recover.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
