Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (NYSE:HY) Q3 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

We anticipate delivering two new electrified fuel cell products, the terminal tractor and an empty container handler, to a customer in Hamburg, Germany in the first-half of 2024. Our big truck group is also actively exploring additional electrification projects within the European Union and the U.S. Finally, the Lift Truck business has key projects focused on applying ongoing technology advancements to its operator assist system and automated Lift Truck solutions. During the third quarter, we entered into a joint development agreement with a leading technology service provider to advance our robotic software technology for vehicle automation. Bolzoni continues to work on streamlining and strengthening its operations as a single integrated operating entity.

The company’s focused on increasing its revenues in the Americas, while also enhancing its ability to serve key attachment industries and customers in all global markets. As part of this effort, Bolzoni is working to expand its broad industry sales, marketing and product support capabilities. Nuvera remains focused on placing 45 kilowatt and 60 kilowatt fuel cell engines into heavy-duty vehicle applications where battery-only electrification does not provide an adequate solution. These applications should offer significant and more near-term fuel cell adoption potential. Nuvera is also developing a larger 125 kilowatt fuel cell engine for even heavier-duty applications, which is projected to be available in 2025. Nuvera has announced several projects with various third-parties to test Nuvera engines in targeted applications beyond the Hyster port equipment I covered earlier.

Nuvera expects to have additional products in test application in China and India, in marine application in the Netherlands and in the German port by mid-2024. Additionally, Nuvera plans to launch modular fuel cell-operated power generators for stationary and mobile applications. These initiatives are a top priority, and I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made so far. Now I’ll turn the call over to Al for closing remarks. Al?

Alfred Rankin: Thanks, Rajiv. In closing, I’d like to note that demand for our products is robust, and we’re investing in new products that we expect to drive profitable growth. Our strong 2023 results are due to the ongoing implementation of key strategies; the cost structure enhancements made since the pandemic began; and the significant manufacturing, marketing, IT and other process improvements made in the past few years. All of these actions, which we’ve covered in more detail earlier, better position our company for substantial profitable growth over the longer term. Our more mature Lift Truck and Bolzoni businesses are the foundation for this improvement, while the Nuvera fuel cell business’ substantial growth prospects are yet to be realized in the future.

I want to emphasize a point that Scott made earlier. We’ve now had profitable results for the last four quarters. The team has done an outstanding job. The foundation for sustainable and significant profitability over the long-term has been put in place. We have the right team and the right structure to execute our key strategic programs, to sustain strong performance over time and to achieve our long-term goals. I also want to note that we will be hosting an in-person Investor Day in New York City on Thursday, November 16. Rajiv, Scott and I will be there as will our Hyster Group Chief Operating Officer, our Hyster-Yale Group emerging technology business leader and the heads of our Bolzoni and Nuvera businesses. We’ll provide more detail on our strategic plans and programs at that time and how they will position us for further success.

If you’re interested in attending, please be in touch with Christie. We’ll now turn to any questions you may have.

Operator: [Operator Instructions] And there are no questions today. I will turn the call back over to Christina Kmetko for some final remarks.