Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. (NYSE:SSD) Q4 2022 Earnings Call Transcript

Mike Olosky: Yes. So, they are really a combination of a saw and a printer combined. And it’s a relatively small system that can go to a job site or it can go to a component manufacturer. And the big thing here, Kurt, is that it cuts the lumber to the correct length and then it basically prints directions on the lumber. So, the thought process behind that what we’ve seen with EstiFrame is that it improves the efficiency of the construction site. They can just be faster or less — they need less skilled labor, because it makes it a little bit more plug and play. And then, it also ensures that our products are used correctly, i.e., put the connector here, or put the fastener here, or put the anchor here.

Kurt Yinger: Okay. All right. Well, appreciate the color and good luck here in Q1, guys.

Mike Olosky: Thanks.

Operator: Our next question is from Julio Romero with Sidoti & Company. Please proceed with your question.

Julio Romero: Thanks. Hey, good afternoon, Mike and Brian.

Mike Olosky: Hey, Julio.

Julio Romero: Just — if you could talk about what you’re seeing on the demand side in North America? I think, recently there’s been some cautious optimism from new housing in January, just given the step down in mortgage rates, are you hearing any change in sentiment from your customers at all?

Mike Olosky: Julio, we were at the Builders’ Show last week and I will say the high level, big picture we got from our customers in January was more optimistic than it was in the fourth quarter, but it’s still very much again a mixed picture. So, customers that are in the West, they’re seeing a significant headwind. Customers that are around the Florida area, they’re seeing some — actually, I think flattish to positive growth. We’ve got some areas around multifamily, we’re feeling pretty strong about it. Some of our customers are doing build to rent, they’re also feeling strong about it. So again, mixed picture — and the upper end of mixed picture really is less negative to flattish type of growth, which is better than what we’ve seen and heard in the fourth quarter.

Julio Romero: Okay. That’s very helpful. And on the cost side, just talk through how costs other than steel are trending in terms of other materials, freight, labor, et cetera?

Brian Magstadt: Moderating maybe a little bit, but it’s still pretty challenging from those particular categories. Labor still continues to be a challenge. The availability of things like freight are getting better. I think cost have potentially softened there a little bit.

Mike Olosky: Yes, the story is a little bit earlier, and, Julio, we have ongoing productivity improvement plans where we’re working hard to try to offset those inflationary pressures as much as we can.

Julio Romero: Very helpful. Thanks very much for taking the questions.

Mike Olosky: You’re welcome.

Operator: Thank you. And our next question is from Daniel Moore with CJS. Please proceed with your question.

Daniel Moore: Thank you again. Thanks for the CapEx guide. What are your expectations for working capital and free cash flow this year, especially after a really strong cash flow quarter in Q4 as you start to sort of unwind a little bit of that inventory?