Kennametal's Q3 2025: Navigating Contradictions in Demand Trends, Tariff Impacts, and Pricing Strategies

Demand trends and market conditions, impact of tariffs on operations and cost structure, inventory strategy and cost management, pricing strategy and cost impact, and demand trends and market conditions (2025Q1 vs 2025Q3) are the key contradictions discussed in Kennametal's latest 2025Q3 earnings call.



Sales and Market Conditions:
- Kennametal reported a 6% year-over-year decrease in sales for Q3, with metal cutting sales declining 4% organically and infrastructure declining 2% organically.
- This decline was broad across regions, with EMEA experiencing the most significant slowdown of 4% on a constant-currency basis.
- The sales were below the midpoint of their outlook and below the normal sequential second-quarter to third-quarter sales improvement, prompting a tightened sales outlook for fiscal '25.

Profitability and Restructuring Initiatives:
- Adjusted EPS increased to $0.47 compared to $0.30 in the prior year, driven by restructuring benefits, absence of prior-year price raw headwinds, and the advanced manufacturing tax credit.
- Kennametal achieved approximately $6 million of restructuring savings in the quarter, on track to achieve a $15 million run rate savings by June 30.
- The company remains focused on cost reduction and margin improvement, with a $100 million savings target by year-end.

End-Market Performance:
- Sales across all end markets declined, except for Aerospace and Defense, which increased 7%, driven by defense project wins.
- Transportation and General Engineering were impacted by market conditions in EMEA and The Americas, primarily within Metal Cutting.
- Earthworks in the infrastructure segment was affected by lower mining activity in the Americas and Asia Pacific.

Tariff Impact and Mitigation Strategy:
- Kennametal estimates the additional costs associated with tariffs, such as those in effect as of April 30, will be approximately $80 million annually.
- The company is implementing mitigation strategies to fully offset these costs, including product flow optimization, alternative supply opportunities, and rebalancing production capacity.
- Despite the tariff impact, Kennametal remains committed to capturing market share and utilizing its global footprint to maintain growth opportunities.