Kamphuis added, “While we were already expecting a significant reduction in our CV business, the pace and depth of the demand reductions has been greater than we originally predicted. The CV business is also the hardest to realign given the longer lead times necessary for higher volume more complex products and OEM schedules with more dedicated capacity. Outside of the CV market, our flexible and agile selling and production processes are being implemented as planned. We have and will continue to adjust our cost structure to align with market conditions, which is consistent with our historical practices”.
Confirming 2019 Financial Outlook
The Company also confirmed its 2019 financial outlook as follows:
• | | Net sales are expected to be between $515 million and $525 million |
• | | Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $52 million and $56 million |
“As we finalize our financials for 2019, we expect our results will fall within our predicted ranges,” noted Todd M. Butz, CFO. “Net sales are expected to come in towards the middle of the current outlook range, while adjusted EBITDA is expected to be closer to the lower end of the range. The fourth quarter unfolded generally as expected, with the exception of some additional costs related to the finalization of plant and operational consolidation plans implemented in the fourth quarter. In addition, we continued to pay down debt during the fourth quarter and ended the year with a very strong balance sheet. Our net debt at the end of 2019 was approximately $73 million, which equates to a debt-to-adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio of approximately 1.4 based on the lower end of our expected 2019 EBITDA range. We look forward to providing our full 2019 financial results as planned in late February.”
About MEC
Founded in 1945, MEC is a leading U.S.-based value-added manufacturing partner that provides a broad range of prototyping and tooling, production fabrication, coating, assembly and aftermarket services. Our customers operate in diverse markets, including heavy- and medium-duty commercial vehicle, construction, powersports, agriculture, military and other markets. Along with process engineering and development services, MEC maintains an extensive manufacturing infrastructure in 21 facilities across eight states. These facilities make it possible to offer conventional and CNC stamping, shearing, fiber laser cutting, forming, drilling, tapping, grinding, tube bending, machining, welding, assembly and logistic services. MEC also possesses a broad range of finishing capabilities including shot blasting, e-coating, powder coating, wet spray and military grade chemical agent resistant coating (CARC) painting.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth in “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A of the Company’s previously filed