SARASOTA, Fla. - Helios Technologies (NYSE: NYSE:HLIO), a provider of highly engineered motion control and electronic controls technology, announced the termination of Josef Matosevic as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Board member. The decision came after an investigation revealed Matosevic engaged in a consensual personal relationship with an employee, violating company policy and the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The Board emphasized that the infraction did not involve financial misconduct or compromise the integrity of the company's financial systems or controls.
The Board has initiated a comprehensive search for a permanent successor, considering both internal and external candidates. In the interim, Sean Bagan will continue to serve as Interim President and CEO, in addition to his duties as Chief Financial Officer. Philippe Lemaitre will also maintain his role as Executive Chairman alongside his position as Chairman.
Lemaitre commented on the Board's swift action upon learning of the allegations, underscoring their commitment to the company's values and ethical standards. He stressed the importance of finding a successor aligned with the company's strategic priorities and core values.
Bagan expressed his dedication to leading Helios through this transition, focusing on strategy execution and maintaining the organization's positive momentum to create value for all stakeholders.
Helios Technologies, with a customer base in over 90 countries, serves various end markets including construction, agriculture, and health and wellness. The company has consistently paid a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders since going public in 1997.
In other recent news, Helios Technologies has been experiencing a flurry of changes. The company's stock was downgraded from Overweight to Sector Weight by KeyBanc due to the uncertainty caused by the company's CEO being placed on paid leave. This downgrade reflects the increased uncertainty surrounding the company's leadership and shifting market conditions.
In addition, the company has recently restructured its debt through an amended credit agreement. This revision extends its debt maturity to June 25, 2029, and increases its revolving credit facility from $400 million to $500 million. A new $300 million term loan has also been established, effectively replacing the previous loan.
Furthermore, Helios Technologies' first-quarter financial results for 2024 have exceeded expectations, with sales reaching $212 million. This is due in large part to a 17% growth in the company's electronics segment, leading to a 610% increase in operating income compared to the last quarter of 2023. The company has also ventured into the commercial food service industry through a partnership with WaterGuru, marking a new direction for the company.
Despite the challenges, Helios Technologies remains confident in its full-year guidance for 2024, forecasting sales between $840 to $860 million and an adjusted EBITDA between 19.5% to 21%. These developments indicate the company's continued success in the global market.
InvestingPro Insights
As Helios Technologies (NYSE: HLIO) navigates the leadership transition, investors and stakeholders have a keen interest in the company's financial health and market performance. According to InvestingPro data, Helios Technologies has a market capitalization of $1.52 billion and is trading at a P/E ratio of 46.33, which reflects a high earnings multiple. The company's adjusted P/E ratio for the last twelve months as of Q1 2024 is slightly lower at 36.22.
Despite recent events, Helios Technologies has shown a strong commitment to shareholder returns, maintaining dividend payments for 28 consecutive years. This consistency is reflected in a dividend yield of 0.78% as of the latest dividend ex-date on July 5, 2024. Additionally, the company's liquid assets exceed its short-term obligations, indicating a robust liquidity position that may reassure investors of its ability to meet immediate financial commitments.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that analysts predict Helios Technologies will be profitable this year, a sentiment supported by the company's positive net income over the last twelve months. For those looking for deeper insights and more InvestingPro Tips, Helios Technologies has additional tips available at https://www.investing.com/pro/HLIO. Interested readers can use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription, offering access to a wider array of financial metrics and expert analysis.
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