Monday, November 10, 2014

Generac Reports Third Quarter 2014 Results

WAUKESHA, Wis.-- Nov. 6, 2014-- Generac Holdings Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of power generation equipment and other engine powered products, today reported financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2014.

Third quarter 2014 Highlights
  • Net sales were $352.3 million during the third quarter of 2014 as compared to $363.3 million in the prior-year third quarter.
    • Residential product sales were $183.7 million during the third quarter as compared to $192.7 million in the prior-year quarter, primarily due to a decline in portable generator sales and, to a lesser extent, shipments of home standby generators.
    • Commercial and Industrial (CandI) product sales were $146.4 million during the third quarter as compared to $151.5 million in the prior-year quarter. Contributions from recent acquisitions and strength in oil and gas markets were more than offset by a decline in shipments to telecom national account customers.
  • Net income during the third quarter of 2014 was $36.5 million, or $0.52 per share, as compared to $47.1 million, or $0.67 per share, for the same period of 2013. Adjusted net income, as defined in the accompanying reconciliation schedules, was $57.9 million, or $0.83 per share, as compared to $73.7 million, or $1.06 per share, in the third quarter of 2013.
  • Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the accompanying reconciliation schedules, was $83.1 million as compared to $100.1 million in the third quarter last year.
  • Cash flow from operations in the third quarter of 2014 was $57.2 million as compared to $80.9 million in the prior year quarter. Free cash flow, as defined in the accompanying reconciliation schedules, was $47.8 million as compared to $76.7 million in the third quarter of 2013.
  • For the trailing four quarters, including the third quarter of 2014, net sales were $1.433 billion; net income was $173.7 million; adjusted EBITDA was $348.7 million; cash flow from operations was $247.2 million; and free cash flow was $208.0 million.
  • On September 1, 2014, the Company acquired Pramac America, LLC, resulting in the ownership of the Powermate trade name and the right to license the DeWalt brand name for certain residential engine powered tools. The transaction also included working capital associated with these products. This acquisition helps to expand the Generac brand portfolio across its residential product platform and increases its product offering in the portable generator category.
  • As previously announced, on October 1, 2014, the Company acquired MAC, Inc. and its related entities (“MAC”), a leading manufacturer of premium-grade commercial and industrial mobile heaters within the U.S. and Canada. The acquisition expands the Company’s portfolio of mobile power products and provides increased access to the oil and gas market.
“Home standby generator sales improved at a solid rate as compared to the second quarter of 2014, as we continue to build awareness and expand our leadership position for this product category. Despite current market conditions where power outage severity has been well below normal, we believe the penetration opportunity that exists for home standby generators remains significant,” said Aaron Jagdfeld, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Our CandI product sales continued to experience good momentum within the oil and gas market, while capital spending with certain telecom customers was lower in the quarter resulting in reduced shipments to this end market. On the acquisition front, we have been active in recent months by closing two transactions which broaden our residential engine powered tool product line and expand our CandI mobile products platform, while also increasing our exposure to the oil and gas market.

We remain focused on our “Powering Ahead” strategic plan by proactively executing on a number of growth initiatives to drive a new and higher baseline of demand for our products.”

Additional Third quarter 2014 Highlights

Residential product sales for the third quarter of 2014 improved on a sequential basis to $183.7 million from $179.6 million in the second quarter of 2014, driven by a solid increase in shipments of home standby generators partially offset by a normal seasonal decline in power washer sales.

Residential product sales declined on a year-over-year basis from $192.7 million for the third quarter of 2013 as the prior year was still benefiting from the afterglow period of demand from Superstorm Sandy. Also, the third quarter of 2014 continued to experience a power outage severity environment that remained below normalized levels. These factors resulted in a year-over-year decline in portable generator sales and, to a lesser extent, shipments of home standby generators.

CandI product sales for the third quarter of 2014 were $146.4 million as compared to $151.5 million for the comparable period in 2013. Shipments to telecom national account customers declined in the current year quarter as compared to the prior year primarily resulting from reduced capital spending by certain customers. This decline was partially offset by contributions from recent acquisitions and strength in oil and gas markets.

Gross profit margin for the third quarter of 2014 was 37.0% compared to 38.4% in the prior-year third quarter. The decline was primarily driven by an increase in promotional activities during the current year quarter along with the mix impact from recent acquisitions. These declines were partially offset by a higher mix of home standby generators and lower mix of organic CandI product shipments.

Operating expenses for the third quarter of 2014 increased $7.3 million, or 14.0%, as compared to the third quarter of 2013. The increase was driven by a $5.6 million favorable adjustment to warranty reserves in the third quarter of 2013 that did not repeat in the current year, along with increased marketing and advertising expenses and the addition of operating expenses associated with recent acquisitions.

Interest expense in the third quarter of 2014 was $12.3 million, which was largely flat as compared to $12.5 million in the prior year. During the third quarter of 2014, a voluntary $50 million pre-payment of term loan debt was made which resulted in the recording of a $1.8 million loss on extinguishment of debt.

2014 Outlook
The Company is revising its prior guidance for revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA margins for full year 2014 resulting from a power outage environment that remains well below normalized levels, a reduced level of capital spending with certain telecom customers and the continued overall economic softness in Latin America.

For the full-year 2014, the Company now expects net sales to decline in the mid-single digit range over the prior year, and adjusted EBITDA margins are now expected to be in the low-to-mid 20% range. Free cash flow is expected to remain strong for the full year 2014 as a result of this strong margin profile, together with a low cost of debt, favorable tax attributes and capital-efficient operating model.

“Although current market conditions were below our expectations in the third quarter of 2014, we believe the numerous long-term growth opportunities that impact our business remain in place,” continued Mr. Jagdfeld. “With our strong balance sheet and free cash flow generation profile, we are confident in our ability to continue to invest in the future growth of the business, both organically and through acquisitions. In doing this, we expect to drive further penetration of standby generators as well as benefit from being a more balanced and globally-focused company, as we further implement our diversification and international expansion strategies.”

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 and gas, and construction markets, Generac's power products are available globally through a broad network of independent dealers, retailers, wholesalers and equipment rental companies, as well as sold direct to certain end user customers.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Blount Announces Third Quarter 2014 Results

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 5, 2014 -- Blount International, Inc. today announced results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2014.

Results for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
Sales in the third quarter were $245.2 million, an increase of $14.6 million or 6.3 percent compared to the third quarter of 2013. Operating income for the third quarter of 2014 was $23.5 million compared to $15.6 million in the same quarter last year. Third quarter net income was $16.1 million, or$0.32 per diluted share, compared to $7.7 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2013.

"We performed well in the third quarter and demand continued to be strong across most geographic regions," stated Josh Collins, Blount's Chairman and CEO. "With the improved demand, our strong focus on Operational Excellence, and our other targeted cost-reduction initiatives, we expect to be toward the high end of the 2014 targets we outlined last quarter."

Blount operates primarily in two business segments - the Forestry, Lawn, and Garden ("FLAG") segment and the Farm, Ranch, and Agriculture ("FRAG") segment. The Company reports separate results for the FLAG and FRAG segments. Blount's Concrete Cutting and Finishing ("CCF") business is included in "Corporate and Other."

Forestry, Lawn, and Garden

The FLAG segment had third quarter 2014 sales of $159.1 million, which was $9.6 million higher than the third quarter of 2013. Sales volume increases were partially offset by a reduction in average prices. Third quarter 2014 sales increased in all geographic regions except Asia, with North America generating approximately seven percent growth and Europe and Russia achieving approximately 10 percent growth. Asia sales were down one percent compared to the third quarter of 2013. Lower average prices partially offset the effect of increased volumes as a result of a higher mix of sales to original equipment manufacturers and targeted price reductions in certain geographic markets. The change in segment sales for the comparable third quarter periods is illustrated below.

Change in FLAG Segment Sales
(In millions; amounts may not sum due to rounding)
Sales
Change
Third quarter 2013
$ 149.5

Increase / (Decrease)


Foreign Exchange
0.1
0.1%

149.6
0.1%
Unit Volume
11.5
7.7%
Selling Price / Mix
(2.0)
(1.3)%
Third quarter 2014
$ 159.1
6.4%
Segment backlog was $135.7 million at September 30, 2014, an increase of 17% from $115.9 million on September 30, 2013. The increase in backlog was driven mostly by increased saw chain demand compared to the prior year.

Segment contribution to operating income and Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization, and certain charges ("Adjusted EBITDA") was $26.5 million and $33.8 million, respectively, for the third quarter of 2014, and includes $7.5 million of allocated shared services expenses. Contribution to operating income improved 22.7 percent and Adjusted EBITDA improved 18.5 percent for the third quarter of 2014 versus the third quarter of 2013. The change in FLAG contribution to operating income for the comparable third quarter periods is presented below. 

Change in FLAG Segment Contribution to Operating Income and Adjusted EBITDA
(In millions; amounts may not sum due to rounding)

Contribution
to
Operating
Income
As a Percent of
Segment Sales
Depreciation,
Amortization,
and
Other
Adjusted
EBITDA
As a Percent of
Segment Sales
Third quarter 2013
$ 21.6
14.5%
$ 6.9
$ 28.5
19.1%
Increase / (Decrease)





Steel Costs
(1.4)




Foreign Exchange
0.4





20.6
13.8%



Unit Volume
4.8




Selling Price / Mix
(2.0)




Costs / Mix
3.0





26.4
16.6%



Acquisition accounting(1)
0.1




Third quarter 2014
$ 26.5
16.7%
$ 7.2
$ 33.8
21.2%






(1) Represents change in non-cash acquisition accounting impact for all FLAG business units  
Segment contribution to operating income and Adjusted EBITDA improved primarily due to higher sales volumes, a more efficient cost profile, and favorable foreign exchange rates. Increased steel costs and the impact of lower average prices and mix slightly offset the improvements in those areas.

The closure of a higher cost FLAG manufacturing plant announced in mid-2013 and higher plant utilization rates (88 percent in the third quarter of 2014 compared to 71 percent in the third quarter of 2013) contributed to improved overall operating efficiency.

The manufacturing cost improvement was partially offset by an increase in SG&A spending, driven by incentive compensation expense as 2014 results compare more favorably to target than in 2013, increased advertising costs, and additional training, travel, and relocation expenses. 

Farm, Ranch, and Agriculture

The FRAG segment reported third quarter 2014 sales of $78.6 million, an increase of $4.3 million from the third quarter of 2013, mainly due to improved sales volumes and stronger average pricing. Sales volumes increased primarily as a result of continued strong sales of log splitters compared to the prior year. The change in segment sales for the comparable third quarter periods is illustrated below.

Change in FRAG Segment Sales
(In millions; amounts may not sum due to rounding)
Sales
Change
Third quarter 2013
$ 74.3

Increase / (Decrease)


Foreign Exchange
0.1
0.1%

74.4
0.1%
Unit Volume
3.7
5.0%
Selling Price / Mix
0.5
0.7%
Third quarter 2014
$ 78.6
5.8%

Segment backlog was $32.0 million at September 30, 2014 compared to $31.0 million at September 30, 2013. The FRAG segment had $7.8 million of Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter of 2014. FRAG segment contribution to operating income was $2.2 million after $4.0 million of depreciation and amortization expense, $2.3 million of allocated shared services expenses, and a $1.4 million non-cash charge related to impairment of an acquired trade name. The change in the third quarter 2014 contribution to operating income compared to the third quarter of 2013 is presented below.

Change in FRAG Segment Contribution to Operating Income and Adjusted EBITDA
(In millions; amounts may not sum due to rounding)

Contribution
to
Operating
Income
As a Percent of
Segment Sales
Depreciation,
Amortization,
and
Other
Adjusted
EBITDA
As a Percent of
Segment Sales
Third quarter 2013
$ 4.4
5.9%
$ 4.5
$ 8.9
12.0%
Increase / (Decrease)





Steel Costs




Foreign Exchange





4.4
5.9%



Unit Volume
1.1




Selling Price / Mix
0.5




Costs / Mix
(2.8)





3.3
4.3%



Acquisition accounting(1)
0.3




Impairment of Acq. Intangibles
(1.4)




Third quarter 2014
$ 2.2
2.8%
$ 5.5
$ 7.8
9.9%






(1) Represents change in acquisition accounting impact for all FRAG business units  

The benefit of improved sales volumes and average pricing were more than offset by higher costs in the FRAG segment, mainly in the areas of manufacturing, distribution, and supplier purchased components. Product costs were unfavorable compared to the third quarter of 2013 as a result of higher procurement costs on certain parts, higher labor costs driven by overtime, and additional spending in SG&A. Also, product sales mix in the third quarter of 2014 included relatively lower margin products compared to 2013.

Corporate and Other
Corporate and Other generated net expense of $5.2 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to net expense of $10.4 million in the third quarter of 2013. Third quarter 2014 net expense was smaller due to the absence of $4.6 million in restructuring charges experienced in the third quarter of 2013 related to the closure of a saw chain manufacturing facility in Portland, Oregon and the related consolidation of production into other FLAG forestry facilities. 

Net Income
Third quarter 2014 net income increased primarily due to higher overall operating income in the third quarter of 2014 compared to 2013. Net interest expense decreased $0.8 million to $4.1 million in the third quarter of 2014 as a result of lower average borrowing levels. Other income improved$4.2 million primarily as a result of foreign exchange impacts on non-operating assets. Additionally, the effective income tax rate increased as the prior year benefited from the expiration of the statute of limitations in certain tax jurisdictions and release of the related income tax on uncertain tax positions. The change in net income for the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013 is summarized in the table below.

Change in Consolidated Net Income




Diluted
(In millions, except per share data;

Income Tax
Net
Earnings per
amounts may not sum due to rounding)
Pre-tax Income
Effect
Income
Share
Third quarter 2013 Results
$ 9.5
$ 1.8
$ 7.7
$ 0.15
Change due to:




Increased operating income excluding acquisition accounting
9.1
1.7
7.4
0.15
Acquisition accounting
(1.2)
(0.2)
(1.0)
(0.02)
Decreased net interest expense
0.8
0.1
0.6
0.01
Change in other expense
4.2
0.8
3.4
0.07
Change in income tax rate
2.0
(2.0)
(0.04)
Third quarter 2014 Results
$ 22.4
$ 6.3
$ 16.1
$ 0.32

Cash Flow and Debt
As of September 30, 2014, the Company had net debt of $351.1 million, a decrease of $44.1 million from December 31, 2013 and a decrease of $53.8 million compared to September 30, 2013. The decrease in net debt since December 31, 2013 was primarily the result of generating free cash flow of$51.9 million during the first nine months of 2014. Third quarter 2014 free cash flow generation was $37.9 million compared to $56.1 million in the third quarter of 2013. The decrease in free cash flow in the third quarter of 2014 as compared to 2013 was the result of a large conversion of working capital to cash in 2013 and an increase of $5.2 million in capital spending in 2014, mostly on capacity improvements in China and Canada. The Company defines free cash flow as cash flows from operating activities less net capital spending. The ratio of net debt to last-twelve-months ("LTM") Adjusted EBITDA was 2.7x as of September 30, 2014, which is an improvement compared to December 31, 2013 and reflects lower net debt and increased Adjusted EBITDA.

2014 Financial Outlook
The Company has updated its outlook for sales and free cash flow while maintaining its outlook for Adjusted EBITDA. Sales are expected to range between $940 million and $950 million, Adjusted EBITDA between $135 million and $140 million, and operating income between $81 million and $86 million. Our expectation for sales assumes growth in FLAG segment sales of between four and five percent and growth in FRAG segment sales of between five and six percent, both compared to full year 2013 levels. In 2014, operating income is expected to experience benefit from foreign currency exchange rates of between $2 million and $3 million, and steel costs are expected to have a $3 million to $4 million unfavorable impact for the year compared to 2013. The 2014 operating income outlook includes non-cash charges of approximately $13 million related to acquisition accounting. Free cash flow in 2014 is expected to range between $42 million and $48 million, after approximately $40 million to $42 million of capital expenditures. Net interest expense is expected to be between $17 million and $18 million in 2014, and the effective income tax rate is expected to be between 31 percent and 34 percent in 2014.

A comparison of key operating indicators for 2013 actual results and the 2014 outlook mid-point is provided in the table below.  
(In millions)
2013
Actual
2014 Outlook
Mid-Point
Sales
$ 900.6
$ 945.0
Operating Income(1)
37.5
83.5
Adjusted EBITDA
123.5
137.5
Free Cash Flow
67.6
45.0
Net Capital Expenditures
29.4
41.0
Net Debt at Period End
395.2
357.5
Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA
3.2x
2.6x



(1) 2013 Actual Operating Income includes a $24.9 million non-cash charge related to impairment of certain acquired intangible assets

Blount is a global manufacturer and marketer of replacement parts, equipment, and accessories for consumers and professionals operating primarily in two market segments: Forestry, Lawn, and Garden ("FLAG"); and Farm, Ranch, and Agriculture ("FRAG"). Blount also sells products in the construction markets and is the market leader in manufacturing saw chain and guide bars for chain saws. Blount has a global manufacturing and distribution footprint and sells its products in more than 115 countries around the world. Blount markets its products primarily under the OREGON®, Carlton®, Woods®, TISCO, SpeeCo®, ICS® and Pentruder® brands. For more information about Blount, please visit our website at http://www.blount.com.