RBC Bearings (RBC) Q1 2025 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Net sales for Q1 FY2025 reached $406.3 million, up 5.0% year-over-year, driven by 23.7% growth in Aerospace/Defense and a 3.5% decline in Industrial.

• Net income attributable to common stockholders rose 25.7% to $55.7 million, with diluted EPS up to $1.90 from $1.52 year-over-year.

• Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to a record 33.0%, up from 31.1% last year.

• Gross margin improved to 45.3% from 43.4% year-over-year, reflecting manufacturing efficiencies and favorable product mix.

• Backlog increased to $825.8 million as of June 29, 2024, up from $821.5 million at March 30, 2024.

Financial highlights

• Operating income was $97.5 million, up 14.7% year-over-year; adjusted operating income was $97.5 million vs $85.3 million.

• Adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders was $74.5 million, up from $62.0 million.

• Diluted EPS was $1.90, up from $1.52; adjusted diluted EPS was $2.54, up from $2.13.

• Interest expense declined 16% year-over-year to $17.2 million due to ongoing debt repayment and interest rate swap benefits.

• Free cash flow for the quarter was $88.4 million, with a conversion rate of 144.0%.

Outlook and guidance

• Q2 FY2025 net sales expected between $395.0 million and $405.0 million, representing 2.4% to 5.0% growth year-over-year.

• Gross margin guidance for Q2 and Q3 is down 100–200 basis points sequentially due to fewer production days and less favorable mix; Q2 guidance is 43.0% to 44.0%.

• SG&A as a percentage of sales expected to rise in Q2 and Q3 before normalizing in Q4; Q2 guidance is 17.25% to 17.75%.

• Aerospace and defense expected to maintain strong performance through year-end, with some seasonal fluctuations and strong backlog supporting future sales.

• Industrial markets anticipated to strengthen in the second half, with recovery in semiconductor and oil & gas sectors.