Matthews International's Q2 2025: Contradictions in Energy Storage Growth, SGK Sale Impacts, and Cost Reduction Strategies

Energy storage market renewed interest, SGK Brand Solutions sale impact on strategic focus, financial benefits of SGK Brand Solutions sale, energy storage business growth expectations, and cost reduction program and its impact are the key contradictions discussed in Matthews International's latest 2025Q2 earnings call.



Energy Solutions Growth:
- Matthews reported $100 million in quotes for Energy Solutions since early February, demonstrating significant interest in its dry battery electrode technology.
- This growth is attributed to the company's clarification on its ownership rights and the high value of its intellectual property portfolio.

Warehouse Automation Recovery:
- The warehouse automation segment saw strong order intake and record orders, indicating a market turn despite lower year-over-year sales.
- The recovery is expected in the second half of the fiscal year, driven by increased demand and strategic partnerships, such as with Teradyne.

SGK Transaction and Integration:
- The SGK Brand Solutions segment saw a modest increase in sales, with an expected initial consideration of $400 million from the segment's sale.
- The integration process is ongoing, with anticipated synergies post-integration and plans to exit ownership after achieving these synergies.

Cost Reduction Initiatives:
- Matthews is on track to achieve up to $50 million in annual consolidated cost savings, with a current projection of at least $190 million in adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2025.
- These savings are driven by reduction efforts in engineering and tooling operations in Europe and general and administrative costs.

Memorialization Segment Challenges:
- The Memorialization segment reported sales volumes for bronze and granite products were down 7% compared to the prior year, with a decline in casketed deaths and facility closures.
- The decline is attributed to reduced demand in these product areas and strategic decisions to close unprofitable operations.