Attached files

file filename
8-K - FORM 8-K - RAVEN INDUSTRIES INCform8-kq32015.htm

            
Exhibit 99.1

RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
 NASDAQ: RAVN
 SIOUX FALLS, SD
 RAVENIND.COM


Raven Industries Reports Fiscal 2015 Third-Quarter Results
Engineered Films Rises 3 Percent; Slow Ag Equipment Market
Affects Overall Results; Company Embarks on Plan to Rebalance Business

Sioux Falls, S.D.-Nov. 20, 2014-Raven Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: RAVN) today reported sales and earnings for its fiscal third quarter ended October 31, 2014.
For the third quarter, sales were $91.3 million, compared to $104.9 million in the prior-year third quarter. Sales rose 3 percent in the company’s Engineered Films division, and both Engineered Films and Aerostar delivered operating profit increases. This was offset by declines primarily in the Applied Technology division, and led to net income of $6.8 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, versus year-earlier net income of $12.3 million, or $0.34 per diluted share.
For the nine months, sales were $288.3 million, versus last year’s $302.0 million. Net income for the period totaled $25.5 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, versus $34.6 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, in fiscal 2014.
Raven continued to increase its strategic proprietary product lines as a percent of sales, which represent all of the company excluding contract manufacturing. For the third quarter, these lines rose to 93 percent of total sales, up from 88 percent in the prior-year third quarter. For the nine months, sales of strategic proprietary products totaled 94 percent of sales, up from 87 percent in fiscal 2014.
“As we anticipated, persisting weakness in agriculture equipment markets continued to constrain sales and net income for the corporation-both of which fell short of expectations,” said Daniel A. Rykhus, Raven’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Despite these industry-wide challenges, Engineered Films again reported solid top-line performance-and we were able to report higher profits in both Engineered Films and Aerostar.
“The significant headwinds that we face in agriculture have given us an opportunity to rebalance the company’s profit mix by aggressively growing our Engineered Films and Aerostar divisions, and right sizing Applied Technology for current conditions. We embarked on this plan in the third quarter and have taken decisive steps that will help shift Applied Technology’s percent of Raven’s total division operating profit from 65 percent to approximately 50 percent over the next two years.

-more-

Raven Industries Fiscal 2015 Third-Quarter Results
November 20, 2014
Page 2

“Historically, we’ve relied heavily on profit contributions from Applied Technology, which works extremely well when the ag market is in a growth phase. However, during prolonged down cycles, like we are in now, our dependence on that market makes growth for the corporation very difficult. It’s imperative that we build a more diversified sales and income mix for Raven-which is true to our business model-while still maintaining a strong emphasis and commitment to precision agriculture. This emphasis and commitment includes continuing to evaluate the right acquisition opportunities for the Applied Technology division.”
In executing its rebalancing strategy, Raven recently announced the acquisition of Integra Plastics, Inc., a privately held company that specializes in the manufacture and conversion of high-quality plastic film and sheeting, on November 3, 2014. The move expands Raven’s engineered film production capacity, broadens its product offerings and enhances current converting capabilities-giving more critical mass to the company’s fastest growing division. 
Continued Rykhus, “As we work to transform and evolve our business to capitalize on key growth opportunities, we are actively managing Raven to optimize our performance. This entails narrowing our investment focus to the essential strategic initiatives that will directly fuel growth, and continuing to reduce our operating expenses.”
Construction, Industrial and Geomembrane Films Lead Engineered Films Gains
For the fiscal 2015 third quarter, sales in Engineered Films rose to $41.2 million from $40.2 million a year ago. Operating income was $5.5 million, compared with $5.2 million in the year-earlier quarter.
Said Rykhus, “Sales of construction, industrial and geomembrane films increased during the quarter-while deliveries of energy films and barrier films for specific high-value agriculture applications moderated from the relatively strong levels earlier in the year.”
Operating income rose 5 percent during the quarter. Pricing changes, operating improvements and leveraging the company’s reclaim production line have enabled Raven to improve margins. The company also continues work on developing and growing sales of higher-margin barrier films, as well as other lower-cost product formulations that meet customer needs across the product spectrum.
“Engineered Films posted revenue growth of 12 percent for the nine-month period. Our recent Integra acquisition and combining that organization’s fabrication and conversion skill sets with our ability to develop value-added innovative products strengthens Raven’s position in the polyethylene film and sheeting industry. Looking ahead, we’re excited about the opportunities to better serve our customers and strengthen Engineered Films profit contribution along with our enhanced ability to adapt to shifting market conditions,” said Rykhus.
Persistent Headwinds Impact Ag Equipment Market; Company Implements Right Sizing Actions
For the 2015 third quarter, sales in Applied Technology were $33.2 million, versus $43.8 million last year. Operating income was $6.4 million, compared to $15.1 million in the prior-year period. Included in the sales decrease was $1.2 million in runoff related to the company exiting its low-growth contract manufacturing business.

-more-

Raven Industries Fiscal 2015 Third-Quarter Results
November 20, 2014
Page 3

Said Rykhus, “Weak commodity prices continue to erode grower sentiment, and demand remained subdued for precision agricultural equipment. In addition, the anticipated revenue decline of non-strategic legacy customers more than offset sales growth from the recent acquisition of SBG Innovatie BV. While preserving key investments in research and development, we have implemented cost control measures to manage spending levels closely for this division.”
According to Rykhus, effective Nov. 19, the company has:
Initiated the exit of its non-strategic St. Louis, Mo., contract manufacturing facility-a process expected to take six months;
Reduced its international sales infrastructure and scaled back marketing initiatives;
Lowered general manufacturing overhead; and
Sharpened its R&D focus on products that strengthen core product lines and OEM relationships.

“These targeted, and necessary actions, given market conditions, are expected to drive $7 million in annual savings,” said Rykhus
In May 2014, Raven acquired SBG Innovatie BV and its affiliate, Navtronics BVBA. Headquartered in Middenmeer, Netherlands, SBG designs and manufactures advanced GPS steering systems for a variety of agricultural applications. SBG sales were $1.0 million in the fiscal third quarter, and integration continues to progress as planned.
According to Rykhus, “Our long-term view of the North American ag market remains optimistic. A growing global population and greater demands for food will ultimately support healthy growth-and Raven will be in an even better position to leverage our technology, expertise and product portfolio, with a leaner and more focused organization.”
Aerostar Posts Operating Profit Gain Due to Vista Research Sales and Proprietary Product Strength
For the fiscal 2015 third quarter, Aerostar reported sales of $19.3 million, versus $24.3 million in the year-earlier quarter. The division posted operating income of $3.0 million, up from $2.7 million in the fiscal 2014 third quarter. Planned sales declines of $6.0 million in contract manufacturing were partially offset by a $1.1 million increase in Vista revenues. Excluding contract manufacturing revenues, sales for this division increased over year-earlier levels.
Said Rykhus, “Our contract manufacturing continues to wind down as planned, so we are pleased to report an operating income increase for the quarter. This reinforces our strategic decision to focus on proprietary product lines. Aerostat and radar shipments increased as a result of previously announced government contracts-and we expect additional deliveries on these contracts before fiscal year end.
“On the Google Project Loon front, our product continues to perform very well, with consistent balloon endurance in the 75-day range and we expect the project to continue to build in the coming quarters. Our overall lighter-than-air business grew 12 percent compared to the third quarter last year.”
Within Aerostar, Vista Research’s sales grew 20 percent in the fiscal third quarter, fueled by Vista’s Smart Sensing Radar Systems. Vista continues to develop and grow relationships with major U.S. Prime contractors like Raytheon, and we are also securing and delivering highly innovative new products for our long-term customers such as the U.S. Navy.

-more-

Raven Industries Fiscal 2015 Third-Quarter Results
November 20, 2014
Page 4

Rykhus said, “We remain steadfast in our focus for Aerostar: expanding our proprietary technology opportunities, including advanced radar systems, high-altitude balloons and aerostats to international markets.”
Strong Cash Position
At October 31, 2014, Raven’s cash and investment balances were $66.6 million, up from $48.6 million a year ago. Nine-month operating cash flows were $45.7 million, versus $37.2 million in the prior-year period. Accounts receivable decreased to $54.5 million, compared with $64.0 million at October 31, 2013. Inventories were $51.8 million, essentially flat with $51.4 million one year earlier. Average accounts receivable days outstanding improved while inventory turns were lower.
Looking Ahead
Said Rykhus, “While the ag markets will remain challenging going forward, we are confident in our long-term opportunities and we’re aggressively pursuing our fiscal 2015 objectives: measurably growing revenues from our situational awareness and lighter-than-air product lines; bringing high-value plastic film applications to each of our Engineered Films markets, and selectively pursuing targeted Applied Technology opportunities through new products and broadening OEM relationships. We are also intently focused on rebalancing the organization, reducing costs and actively managing the business for success.”
For the fiscal 2015 fourth quarter, Raven expects the impact of the acquisition of Integra Plastics to be accretive to earnings per share and anticipates higher profit contributions from Engineered Films compared to the fourth quarter last year. Aerostar continues to move away from contract manufacturing, reducing revenues, but expects higher profits due to its proprietary products. Management does not believe, however, that growth in these divisions will be sufficient to offset the expected continued declines in sales and operating income from Applied Technology. As a result, Raven does not anticipate profit growth in the fourth quarter over the year-ago period.
Concluded Rykhus, “Going forward, we will invest more aggressively in Aerostar and EFD to drive our rebalancing of Raven’s profit mix. As part of this strategy we will: stay focused on profitable opportunities in our three operating divisions; invest in organic growth across the organization; enhance Raven’s existing product lines through quality and competitiveness; and, put our balance sheet to work by making sound investments. We are committed to strengthening our overall business, ultimately creating an even healthier corporation that is fiscally sound and profitable, which will drive long-term success.”
Conference Call Information
Raven will host a conference call today, Thursday, November 20, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time to discuss third-quarter performance. Analysts and investors are invited to join the conference call by dialing: 1-866-393-0676. Alternatively, the live call can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at http://investors.ravenind.com/. Please log on to the website at least 15 minutes early to register on the Events & Presentations page, and download and install any necessary audio software.
A replay of the conference call will be available two hours after the call ends through 11:59 p.m. CT on Thursday, November 27, 2014. To access the replay, dial 1-855-859-2056 and enter conference ID: 30938712. A replay also will be available on the company’s website.

-more-

Raven Industries Fiscal 2015 Third-Quarter Results
November 20, 2014
Page 5

About Raven Industries, Inc: Since 1956, Raven Industries has designed and manufactured high-quality, high-value technical products. Raven is publicly traded on NASDAQ (RAVN) and has earned an international reputation for innovation, product quality, high performance, and unmatched service. Raven’s purpose is to solve great challenges in areas of safety, feeding the world, energy independence and resource preservation. To realize this purpose, we utilize our strengths in engineering, manufacturing and technological innovation to serve the precision agriculture, high performance specialty films, aerospace and situational awareness markets.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The company intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance these assumptions are correct or that these expectations will be achieved. Assumptions involve important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect results in the future. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to weather conditions and commodity prices, which could affect sales and profitability in some of the company’s primary markets, such as agriculture, construction and oil and gas drilling; or changes in competition, raw material availability, technology or relationships with the company’s largest customers, risks and uncertainties relating to development of new technologies to satisfy customer requirements, possible development of competitive technologies, ability to scale production of new products without negatively impacting quality and cost, and ability to finance investment and working capital needs for new development projects, as well as other risks described in the company’s 10-K under Item 1A. This list is not exhaustive, and the company does not have an obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date these statements are made.


Contact Information
 
At the Company:    
At PadillaCRT:
Tom Iacarella, Vice President and CFO    
Matt Sullivan
605-336-2750
612-455-1700
Thomas.Iacarella@ravenind.com    
matt.sullivan@padillacrt.com
 
 


-more-

Raven Industries Fiscal 2015 Third-Quarter Results
November 20, 2014
Page 6

RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except earnings per share) (Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended October 31,
 
Nine Months Ended October 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Fav (Unfav)Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Fav (Unfav)Change
Net sales
$
91,292

 
$
104,938

 
(13
)%
 
$
288,287

 
$
302,039

 
(5
)%
Cost of goods sold
66,953

 
72,998

 
 
 
206,524

 
208,448

 
 
Gross profit
24,339

 
31,940

 
(24
)%
 
81,763

 
93,591

 
(13
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Research and development expenses
4,318

 
3,958

 
 
 
13,675

 
12,183

 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
9,862

 
9,850

 
 
 
30,701

 
29,774

 
 
Operating income
10,159

 
18,132

 
(44
)%
 
37,387

 
51,634

 
(28
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other (expense), net
(72
)
 
(43
)
 
 
 
(210
)
 
(460
)
 
 
Income before income taxes
10,087

 
18,089

 
(44
)%
 
37,177

 
51,174

 
(27
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes
3,290

 
5,796

 
 
 
11,599

 
16,550

 
 
Net income
6,797

 
12,293

 
(45
)%
 
25,578

 
34,624

 
(26
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
14

 
4

 
 
 
38

 
(1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.
$
6,783

 
$
12,289

 
(45
)%
 
$
25,540

 
$
34,625

 
(26
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
basic
$
0.19

 
$
0.34

 
(44
)%
 
$
0.70

 
$
0.95

 
(26
)%
diluted
$
0.18

 
$
0.34

 
(47
)%
 
$
0.70

 
$
0.95

 
(26
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
basic
36,568

 
36,462

 
 
 
36,532

 
36,434

 
 
diluted
36,733

 
36,649

 
 
 
36,721

 
36,614

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



-more-

Raven Industries Fiscal 2015 Third-Quarter Results
November 20, 2014
Page 7

RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
SALES AND OPERATING INCOME BY SEGMENT
(Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended October 31,
 
Nine Months Ended October 31,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Fav (Unfav)Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Fav (Unfav)Change
 
Net sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Applied Technology
 
$
33,161

 
$
43,797

 
(24
)%
 
$
115,696

 
$
134,069

 
(14
)%
 
Engineered Films
 
41,249

 
40,241

 
3
 %
 
125,755

 
111,998

 
12
 %
 
Aerostar
 
19,257

 
24,269

 
(21
)%
 
56,179

 
66,706

 
(16
)%
 
Intersegment eliminations
 
(2,375
)
 
(3,369
)
 
 
 
(9,343
)
 
(10,734
)
 
 
 
Total Company
 
$
91,292

 
$
104,938

 
(13
)%
 
$
288,287

 
$
302,039

 
(5
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Applied Technology
 
$
6,447

 
$
15,149

 
(57
)%
 
$
31,132

 
$
46,176

 
(33
)%
 
Engineered Films
 
5,486

 
5,241

 
5
 %
 
17,165

 
14,765

 
16
 %
 
Aerostar
 
3,027

 
2,714

 
12
 %
 
4,666

 
5,484

 
(15
)%
 
Intersegment eliminations
 
134

 
(23
)
 
 
 
114

 
(61
)
 
 
 
Total segment income
 
$
15,094

 
$
23,081

 
 
 
$
53,077

 
$
66,364

 
 
 
Corporate expenses
 
(4,935
)
 
(4,949
)
 
0
 %
 
(15,690
)
 
(14,730
)
 
(7
)%
 
Total Company
 
$
10,159

 
$
18,132

 
(44
)%
 
$
37,387

 
$
51,634

 
(28
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



-more-

Raven Industries Fiscal 2015 Third-Quarter Results
November 20, 2014
Page 8

RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
 
October 31
 
January 31
 
October 31
 
2014
 
2014
 
2013
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
$
66,608

 
$
53,237

 
$
48,648

Accounts receivable, net
54,533

 
54,643

 
63,960

Inventories
51,800

 
54,865

 
51,396

Other current assets
6,180

 
6,660

 
6,270

Total current assets
179,121

 
169,405

 
170,274

 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
100,369

 
98,076

 
95,804

Other assets, net
37,973

 
34,338

 
34,486

 
$
317,463

 
$
301,819

 
$
300,564

 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
11,614

 
$
12,324

 
$
15,470

Accrued and other liabilities
18,462

 
17,495

 
20,107

Total current liabilities
30,076

 
29,819

 
35,577

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
20,432

 
20,538

 
18,657

Shareholders' equity
266,955

 
251,462

 
246,330

 
$
317,463

 
$
301,819

 
$
300,564





-more-

Raven Industries Fiscal 2015 Third-Quarter Results
November 20, 2014
Page 9

RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended October 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
25,578

 
$
34,624

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
12,538

 
10,264

Other operating activities, net
7,579

 
(7,685
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
45,695

 
37,203

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(12,797
)
 
(23,906
)
Payments related to business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(4,711
)
 

Other investing activities, net
(604
)
 
(613
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(18,112
)
 
(24,519
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Dividends paid
(13,572
)
 
(13,094
)
Other financing activities, net
(474
)
 
(208
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(14,046
)
 
(13,302
)
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(166
)
 
(87
)
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
13,371

 
(705
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
52,987

 
49,353

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
66,358

 
48,648

Short-term investments
250

 

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
$
66,608

 
$
48,648




####