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Strategies & Market Trends : Value Investing -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: E_K_S who wrote (77497)4/28/2025 7:52:06 PM
From: E_K_S  Respond to of 78476
 
Last Perplexity Update for Leggett & Platt Inc (LEG)

Is the bottom in? FWIW added 10% to my already oversized position late last week.

Leggett & Platt's value proposition in investment discussions centers on its diversified engineering expertise and market positioning. On platforms like Reddit, investors highlight LEG's boring but stable business model spanning bedding, automotive seats, and industrial components, with a historical focus on domestic production as a potential advantage amid supply chain localization trends 4. The company's ability to pass through price increases and adapt to inflationary pressures is noted, though concerns about substitutable components and cyclical market exposure remain 4.

Restructuring Progress
The company is advancing its restructuring plan, aiming to reduce bedding and furniture facilities from 50 to 30-35 locations. As of Q2 2024, management reported:

  • $73 million debt reduction

  • 50 basis-point sequential EBIT margin improvement

  • Revised annual sales attrition estimate to $80 million (from $100 million) 2.

While plant closures are on track, weak residential demand and automotive sector volatility prompted lowered 2024 sales guidance 2.

Mexican Facility Strategy
Leggett & Platt's Silao, Mexico, automotive facility (L&V5) remains operational, serving OEMs like GM and Ford. Established in 2018, the plant focuses on proximity to customers and cost-efficient production, with initial lines transferred from China 3. There is no indication of reconsideration; recent restructuring focuses on bedding/furniture consolidation rather than automotive footprint changes 2 3

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Leggett & Platt's 2025-2026 EPS trajectory and capital allocation plans are shaped by restructuring efforts and the Aerospace Products Group divestiture:

EPS Impact
  • 2025 Guidance: EPS is projected at $0.83–$1.24, with adjusted EPS narrowing to $1.00–$1.20 4 6. This reflects restructuring costs ($80–$90 million) and anticipated $35–$40 million EBIT benefits from facility consolidations 6.

  • 2026 Outlook: While explicit guidance is unavailable, analysts forecast EPS growth of 9.1%–12.9% (2026) and 12.9%–20% (2027), driven by reduced costs and streamlined operations 3 6. The aerospace sale removes a segment contributing $190 million in 2024 sales but with unclear profitability impact 2.

Share Buybacks No share repurchase plans are mentioned in recent disclosures. The company prioritizes debt reduction (cutting $126 million in 2024) and funding restructuring over shareholder returns 6 2. Proceeds from the aerospace sale ($240 million after-tax) are likely allocated to further deleveraging rather than buybacks 2 6.

In summary, EPS growth hinges on restructuring success, while capital remains directed toward balance sheet strength rather than buybacks.
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Leggett & Platt is executing its restructuring plan as scheduled, with measurable progress in cost savings and operational efficiency. Share repurchases remain on hold, with management signaling a possible review of this stance after further deleveraging and the completion of the Aerospace Products Group divestiture. The company’s near-term focus is on restructuring execution, balance sheet strength, and core business optimization 1 2 4.