Kennametal Announces Fiscal 2023 1st Quarter Results.

PITTSBURGH: Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT) (the "Company") today reported results for its fiscal 2023 first quarter ended September 30, 2022, with earnings per diluted share (EPS) of $0.34, compared with $0.43 in the prior year quarter. EPS was not adjusted in the current quarter, whereas adjusted EPS was $0.44 in the prior year quarter.

"Our first quarter fiscal 2023 results were in line with expectations, delivering constant currency sales growth in all our end markets and regions from continued execution on our Commercial Excellence initiatives and improvement in customer demand," said Christopher Rossi, President and CEO.

Rossi continued, "Looking ahead, despite macroeconomic uncertainties, we see demand in line with normal seasonal patterns through this fiscal year. Regardless of the exact path the economy takes, however, we remain confident in our proven ability to advance our strategic initiatives and secure market leading positions."

Fiscal 2023 First Quarter Key Developments

Sales of $495 million increased 2 percent from $484 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting organic growth of 9 percent, partially offset by an unfavorable currency exchange effect of 7 percent.

Operating income was $49 million, or 9.8 percent of sales, compared to $55 million, or 11.3 percent of sales, in the prior year quarter. The decrease in operating income was due primarily to favorable pricing, higher sales volumes and favorable product mix which were more than offset by higher raw material costs of approximately $17 million, higher costs, foreign currency exchange headwinds of approximately $6 million and approximately $5 million from temporary supply chain disruptions. Operating income was not adjusted in the current quarter, whereas adjusted operating income was $56 million, or 11.6 percent margin, in the prior year quarter.

The reported effective tax rate (ETR) for the quarter was 27.5 percent compared to 27.0 percent in the prior year quarter. The ETR was not adjusted in the current quarter whereas the adjusted ETR was 26.9 percent in the prior year quarter.

Year-to-date net cash flow from operating activities was negative $11 million compared to positive $16 million in the prior year period. The change in net cash flow from operating activities was driven primarily by lower net income and working capital adjustments in part due to increased safety stock for potential supply chain disruptions. Year-to-date free operating cash flow (FOCF) was...