Generac Reports First Quarter 2015 Results

WAUKESHA, Wis. -- Apr. 30, 2015-- Generac Holdings Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of power generation equipment and other engine powered products, today reported financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2015.

First Quarter 2015 Highlights

• Net sales were $311.8 million during the first quarter of 2015 as compared to $342.0 million in the prior-year first quarter.
• Residential product sales were $156.8 million during the first quarter as compared to $164.0 million in the prior-year quarter, primarily due to lower portable generator shipments resulting from a decline in power outage severity compared to the prior year.
• Commercial & Industrial (C&I) product sales were $133.8 million during the first quarter as compared to $157.4 million in the prior-year quarter, primarily due to a decline in shipments to telecom national account customers and, to a lesser extent, oil & gas markets.
• Net income during the first quarter of 2015 was $19.7 million, or $0.28 per share, as compared to $34.7 million, or $0.50 per share, for the same period of 2014. Adjusted net income, as defined in the accompanying reconciliation schedules, was $34.1 million, or $0.49 per share, as compared to $50.7 million, or $0.72 per share, in the first quarter of 2014.
• Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the accompanying reconciliation schedules, was $57.1 million as compared to $77.5 million in the first quarter last year.
• Cash flow from operations in the first quarter of 2015 was $25.3 million as compared to $36.4 million in the prior year quarter. Free cash flow, as defined in the accompanying reconciliation schedules, was $18.7 million as compared to $31.4 million in the first quarter of 2014.
• For the trailing four quarters, including the first quarter of 2015, net sales were $1.431 billion; net income was $159.6 million; adjusted EBITDA was $316.9 million; cash flow from operations was $241.9 million; and free cash flow was $205.6 million.
• During the first quarter of 2015, the Company made a voluntary pre-payment of term loan debt of $50 million. Total liquidity at March 31, 2015 was strong with cash and cash equivalents on hand of $150.1 millionand approximately $150 million available on the Company’s ABL revolving credit facility. Total net debt to adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the accompanying reconciliation schedules, at the end of the first quarter was 2.8 times.

“The first quarter of this year was particularly challenging with several of the end markets we serve performing below our expectations,” said Aaron Jagdfeld, President and Chief Executive Officer. “With an extremely low power outage environment and difficult winter weather, shipments of residential products were weaker than expected. In addition, the rapid decline in oil and gas related investment coupled with continued softness in capital spending in the telecom sector also had a negative impact on our C&I product shipments during the quarter.

Despite a softer demand environment in the near term, we remain focused on driving awareness for our products, expanding and developing our distribution, launching innovative new products and controlling costs.”

Additional First Quarter 2015 Highlights

Residential product sales for the first quarter of 2015 were $156.8 million as compared to $164.0 million for the first quarter of 2014. The decline was primarily driven by a power outage severity environment during the quarter that was well below normalized levels and prior year, resulting in fewer shipments of portable generators. Additionally, although shipments for home standby generators were approximately flat during the quarter, heavy snow and colder temperatures in certain key regions limited growth for the category as installations were slowed by these conditions.

C&I product sales for the first quarter of 2015 were $133.8 million as compared to $157.4 million for the comparable period in 2014. The decline was primarily due to reduced shipments to telecom national account customers in the current year as a result of lower capital spending by certain of these customers and, to a lesser extent, reduced sales into oil & gas markets. Partially offsetting these declines were contributions from recent acquisitions and growth in Latin America.

Gross profit margin for the first quarter of 2015 was 32.9% compared to 34.9% in the prior-year first quarter. The decline was driven by a number of factors including a temporary increase in certain costs associated with the slowdown of activity in west coast ports, unfavorable absorption of manufacturing overhead-related costs, mark-to-market adjustments on commodity forward contracts, and the impact from recent acquisitions. These declines were partially offset by a more favorable mix of residential products.

Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2015 increased $3.5 million, or 6.4%, as compared to the first quarter of 2014. The increase was primarily driven by increased marketing and advertising expenses and the addition of recurring operating expenses associated with recent acquisitions.

2015 Outlook Update

As a result of current end market conditions, the Company is revising its prior guidance for revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA margins for the full year 2015.

Net sales for 2015 are now expected to be approximately flat as compared to the prior year, primarily the result of a power outage severity environment that is expected to remain below normal during the first half of the year, with the assumption of a return to more normalized baseline levels of outage activity during the second half.

Adjusted EBITDA for 2015 is also expected to be approximately flat as compared to the prior year, resulting in EBITDA margins of approximately 23.0% for the full year. Free cash flow is expected to remain strong for the full year 2015 due to an attractive margin profile, low cost of debt, favorable tax attributes and capital-efficient operating model.

“Although market conditions have been difficult so far in 2015, we believe many of these headwinds to be temporary in nature as the numerous long-term growth opportunities that impact our business remain firmly in place,” continued Mr. Jagdfeld.

“We have become a more diversified company in recent years, with a strong balance sheet and the capability to generate significant free cash flow, providing us with the flexibility to drive our Powering Ahead strategic plan forward.”

About Generac

Since 1959, Generac has been a leading designer and manufacturer of a wide range of power generation equipment and other engine powered products. As a leader in power equipment serving residential, light commercial, industrial, oil & gas, and construction markets, Generac's power products are available globally through a broad network of independent dealers, distributors, retailers, wholesalers and equipment rental companies, as well as sold direct to certain end user customers.