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8-K - 8-K - FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO INCa201802208-k.htm



Exhibit 99.1

For Immediate Release    

For Further Information
Refer to: John J. Haines
260-824-2900

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC REPORTS FOURTH
QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2017 SALES AND EARNINGS

Fort Wayne, IN - February 20, 2018 - Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) reported fourth quarter 2017 GAAP fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.17, versus a GAAP fully diluted EPS in the fourth quarter 2016 of $0.37. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company’s EPS was $0.21 before restructuring compared to 2016 fourth quarter EPS of $0.37 before restructuring (see table below for a reconciliation of GAAP EPS to EPS before restructuring). The Company incurred a tax expense of $0.21 per share related to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Before restructuring and the tax expense associated with the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the Company’s fourth quarter 2017 EPS was $0.42.

Fourth quarter 2017 sales were $288.2 million, compared to 2016 fourth quarter sales of $239.6 million. The sales increase was primarily from acquisitions. Organic sales increased about 2 percent when excluding the impact of foreign currency translation.

Gregg Sengstack, Franklin Electric’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“Our fourth quarter Water Systems operating income was below our expectations. We saw a signficant downturn in our business in Brazil, in large part due to the overall economic environment in that region. Our operating income before restructuring in Brazil was lower by over 60 percent versus the same quarter in 2016. We had modest revenue growth in our Water Systems businesses in Europe, Africa and Asia during the quarter. In North America, the recovery of oil and gas end markets nearly doubled our sales of dewatering pumps during the quarter while groundwater system sales declined about 9 percent, in line with our expectations, due to the intentional reduction of working capital in our distribution company, and a difficult comparison to a very strong fourth quarter in 2016.

Our Fueling Systems segment had another record quarter for sales and earnings with fourth quarter sales up 10 percent and operating income before restructuring up 20 percent versus the fourth quarter of 2016.

Considering seasonality and the disruption in the supply base, the sales of our U.S. Distribution segment were in line with our expectations.”













Key Performance Indicators:

Earnings Before and After Restructuring and U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
 
For the Fourth Quarter
 
For the Full Year
(in millions)
 
2017
2016
Change
 
2017
2016
Change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income attributable to FE Co., Inc. Reported
 
$
8.1

$
17.6

(54
)%
 
$
78.2

$
78.7

(1
)%
Allocated Undistributed Earnings
 
$
(0.1
)
$
(0.3
)
 
 
$
(0.6
)
$
(1.7
)
 
Earnings for EPS Calculations
 
$
8.0

$
17.3

(54
)%
 
$
77.6

$
77.0

1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring (before tax):
 
$
2.7

$
0.3

 
 
$
4.3

$
(0.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring, net of tax:
 
$
1.6

$
0.2

 
 
$
2.6

$
(0.4
)
 
2017 Impact of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
 
$
10.2

$

 
 
$
10.2

$

 
Earnings Before Restructuring and U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
 
$
19.8

$
17.5

13
 %
 
$
90.4

$
76.6

18
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Per Share
 
For the Fourth Quarter
 
For the Full Year
Before and After Restructuring
 
2017
2016
Change
 
2017
2016
Change
(in millions except Earnings Per Share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Fully Diluted Shares Outstanding
 
47.1

46.9

 %
 
47.0

46.7

1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) Reported
 
$
0.17

$
0.37

(54
)%
 
$
1.65

$
1.65

 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring Per Share, net of tax
 
$
0.04

$

 
 
$
0.06

$
(0.01
)
 
2017 Impact of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
 
$
0.21

$

 
 
$
0.21

 
 
Fully Diluted EPS Before Restructuring and U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
 
$
0.42

$
0.37

14
 %
 
$
1.92

$
1.64

17
 %







 
Net Sales For the Fourth Quarter
(in millions)
United States & Canada
Latin America
Europe, Middle East & Africa
Asia Pacific
Total Water
Fueling
Distribution
Other/Elims
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Q4 2016
$
82.0

$
34.2

$
41.3

$
20.3

$
177.8

$
61.8

$

$

$
239.6

Q4 2017
$
79.8

$
33.5

$
44.5

$
23.7

$
181.5

$
67.9

$
49.5

$
(10.7
)
$
288.2

Change
$
(2.2
)
$
(0.7
)
$
3.2

$
3.4

$
3.7

$
6.1

$
49.5

$
(10.7
)
$
48.6

% Change
(3
)%
(2
)%
8
%
17
%
2
%
10
%
 
 
20
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation
$
0.8

$
0.5

$
1.1

$
0.3

$
2.7

$
1.6

 
 
 
% Change
1
 %
1
 %
3
%
2
%
1
%
3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume/Price
$
(3.0
)
$
(0.9
)
$
2.1

$
3.1

$
1.3

$
4.5

 
 
 
% Change
(4
)%
(3
)%
5
%
15
%
1
%
7
%
 
 
 

 
Net Sales For the Full Year
(in millions)
United States & Canada
Latin America
Europe, Middle East & Africa
Asia Pacific
Total Water
Fueling
Distribution
Other/Elims
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FY 2016
$
343.1

$
127.5

$
167.3

$
85.3

$
723.2

$
226.7

$

$

$
949.9

FY 2017
$
354.2

$
130.8

$
177.5

$
86.1

$
748.6

$
245.9

$
176.7

$
(46.3
)
$
1,124.9

Change
$
11.1

$
3.3

$
10.2

$
0.8

$
25.4

$
19.2

$
176.7

$
(46.3
)
$
175.0

% Change
3
%
3
 %
6
 %
1
%
4
%
8
%
 
 
18
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation
$
0.3

$
5.3

$
(4.1
)
$
0.5

$
2.0

$
0.7

 
 
 
% Change
%
4
 %
(3
)%
1
%
1
%
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume/Price
$
10.8

$
(1.7
)
$
14.3

$
0.3

$
23.7

$
18.5

 
 
 
% Change
3
%
(1
)%
9
 %
%
3
%
8
%
 
 
 







Operating Income and Margins
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
For the Fourth Quarter 2017
 
Water
Fueling
Distribution
Other/Elims
Consolidated
Reported Operating Income/(Loss)
$
19.5

$
17.0

$
(2.0
)
$
(12.1
)
$
22.4

% Operating Income To Net Sales
10.7
%
25.0
%
(4.0
)%
 
7.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring
$
1.1

$
1.6

$

$

$
2.7

Operating Income/(Loss) Before Restructuring
$
20.6

$
18.6

$
(2.0
)
$
(12.1
)
$
25.1

% Operating Income to Net Sales Before Restructuring
11.3
%
27.4
%
(4.0
)%
 
8.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Fourth Quarter 2016
 
Water
Fueling
Distribution
Other/Elims
Consolidated
Reported Operating Income/(Loss)
$
22.6

$
15.4

$

$
(12.8
)
$
25.2

% Operating Income To Net Sales
12.7
%
24.9
%
 
 
10.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring
$
0.2

$
0.1

$

$

$
0.3

Operating Income/(Loss) Before Restructuring
$
22.8

$
15.5

$

$
(12.8
)
$
25.5

% Operating Income to Net Sales Before Restructuring
12.8
%
25.1
%
 
 
10.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income and Margins
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
For the Full Year of 2017
 
Water
Fueling
Distribution
Other/Elims
Consolidated
Reported Operating Income/(Loss)
$
102.0

$
60.0

$
3.7

$
(58.7
)
$
107.0

% Operating Income To Net Sales
13.6
%
24.4
%
2.1
%
 
9.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring
$
2.7

$
1.6

$

$

$
4.3

Operating Income/(Loss) Before Restructuring
$
104.7

$
61.6

$
3.7

$
(58.7
)
$
111.3

% Operating Income to Net Sales Before Restructuring
14.0
%
25.1
%
2.1
%
 
9.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Full Year of 2016
 
Water
Fueling
Distribution
Other/Elims
Consolidated
Reported Operating Income/(Loss)
$
108.2

$
56.3

$

$
(53.7
)
$
110.8

% Operating Income To Net Sales
15.0
%
24.8
%
 
 
11.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring
$
(1.2
)
$
0.6

$

$

$
(0.6
)
Operating Income/(Loss) Before Restructuring
$
107.0

$
56.9

$

$
(53.7
)
$
110.2

% Operating Income to Net Sales Before Restructuring
14.8
%
25.1
%
 
 
11.6
%

Water Systems

Water Systems sales were $181.5 million in the fourth quarter 2017, versus the fourth quarter 2016 sales of $177.8 million. Water Systems sales increased about 1 percent in the quarter due to foreign currency translation.






Water Systems sales in the U.S. and Canada declined by about 3 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2016. Sales of Pioneer branded dewatering equipment increased by about 80 percent in the fourth quarter when compared to the prior year resulting from the continued diversification of customers and strengthening in U.S. oil and gas end markets. Sales of groundwater pumping equipment decreased by about 9 percent on weaker residential and agricultural system sales versus a difficult sales comparison in the fourth quarter 2016. Sales of other surface pumping equipment decreased by about 4 percent primarily in irrigation and agricultural related products.

Water Systems sales in markets outside the U.S. and Canada increased by about 6 percent overall. The impact of foreign currency translation increased sales by about 2 percent. International Water Systems sales were led by improved sales in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, but were offset by lower sales in Latin America when compared to the fourth quarter 2016. Sales in Brazil declined by about 8 percent in the quarter.

Water Systems operating income was $19.5 million in the fourth quarter 2017, down $3.1 million versus the fourth quarter 2016. Water Systems operating income before restructuring was $20.6 million in the fourth quarter 2017, down $2.2 million versus the fourth quarter 2016. The decline in operating income is primarily related to higher raw material and freight costs, product sales mix shifts and lower revenue in Brazil.

Fueling Systems

Fueling Systems sales were $67.9 million in the fourth quarter 2017, versus the fourth quarter 2016 sales of $61.8 million. Fueling System sales increased by about 3 percent due to foreign currency translation.

Fueling Systems sales in the U.S. and Canada declined by about 2 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2016. The decrease was in piping and dispensing products. Outside the U.S. and Canada, Fueling Systems revenues grew by about 26 percent, led by stronger sales in China, Southeast Asia and Europe.

Fueling Systems operating income was $17.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to $15.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Fueling Systems operating income before restructuring was $18.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to $15.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Distribution

Distribution sales were $49.5 million in the fourth quarter 2017. Management estimates fourth quarter Distribution sales declined by about 11 percent from the fourth quarter of 2016 primarily driven by supply chain disruptions and weak end market conditions in the West and Southeast regions of the United States. The Distribution segment recorded an operating loss of $2.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Overall

The Company’s consolidated gross profit was $94.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase from the fourth quarter of 2016 gross profit of $81.0 million. The gross profit as a percent of net sales was 32.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017 versus 33.8 percent during the fourth quarter 2016. The gross profit increase was primarily due to higher sales. The decline in gross profit margin percentage is primarily due to product and geographic sales mix shifts and higher raw material costs.






Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $69.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to $55.5 million in the fourth quarter of the prior year. The increase in SG&A expenses from acquired businesses was $16.3 million. Excluding the acquired entities, the Company’s SG&A expenses in the fourth quarter of 2017 were $53.1 million. 

Restructuring expenses for the fourth quarter of 2017 were $2.7 million and reduced fully diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.04. The Company began the process of closing a Fueling Systems joint venture in India during the quarter and recorded $1.6 million of restructuring expenses. The Company estimates there will be $1.5 million of additional expenses in 2018 related to the closure of this joint venture. The charge is primarily related to the write down and liquidation of the joint venture’s assets. The balance of the fourth quarter 2017 restructuring expenses were primarily related to continuing realignment efforts in Brazil. Restructuring expenses in the fourth quarter 2016 were $0.2 million.

In the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a net tax expense of $10.2 million, or $0.21 EPS relating to the enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This expense was primarily derived from the recognition of a U.S. tax liability for the deemed repatriation of foreign earnings partially offset by the revaluation of other deferred tax liabilities. In 2018, the Company estimates its effective tax rate will be 13 to 17 percent, or about 10 percentage points lower than the effective tax rate of 25 percent in 2017. The lower tax rate is primarily the result of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

The Company ended 2017 with a cash balance of about $67 million versus about $104 million at the end of 2016, down primarily due to acquisitions and increased working capital. Inventory levels at the end of 2017 were $312 million versus year end 2016 of $203 million. About $65 million of the inventory increase is due to the Distribution segment acquisitions.


Commenting on the outlook, Mr. Sengstack said:

“To set a baseline for 2018, here is a summary of the various components impacting our 2017 Earnings Per Share before restructuring and the impact of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:

Full Year 2017 - Earnings Per Share Summary

 
 
 
2017 Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) Reported
 
$
1.65

 
 
 
2017 Restructuring Charges, per share, net of tax
 
$
0.06

2017 Impact of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changes
 
$
0.21

 
 
 
2017 Full Year Earnings Per Share Before Restructuring and U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Changes
 
$
1.92

 
 
 

Looking forward, we are optimistic about our opportunities for growth. We expect our Water Systems and Distribution segments to grow about 4 to 5 percent organically, in part due to our view that many of the International Water Systems markets in which we compete have generally seen their bottom and will begin to rebound in 2018. Our businesses globally are facing raw material and freight costs inflation,





which we have or intend to offset with price increases. We also note that the Distribution segment will have greater seasonality in reported revenue and earnings than our Water Systems businesses.

In the Fueling Systems segment, we continue to make inroads with U.S. retailers and are pursuing multiple international sales opportunities, particularly in China, for our market leading product portfolio. We expect Fueling Systems organic growth to be between 5 and 7 percent in 2018. Overall, this translates to the following Earnings Per Share guidance:”


 
Guidance Range
 
Low
 
High
 
 
 
 
2017 Earnings Per Share Before Restructuring
 
 
 
and U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Changes
$
1.92

 
$
1.92

 
 
 
 
Net Change in Tax, Rate less Discrete Items
$
0.07

to
$
0.09

All Other EPS Growth
$
0.17

to
$
0.27

 
 
 
 
2018 Earnings Per Share Guidance
$
2.16

to
$
2.28


A conference call to review earnings and other developments in the business will commence at 9:00 am EST. The fourth quarter and fiscal year 2017 earnings call will be available via a live webcast. The webcast will be available in a listen only mode by going to:

https://edge.media-server.com/m6/p/javgra8s

If you intend to ask questions during the call, please dial in using 877.643.7158 for domestic calls and 914.495.8565 for international calls. The conference ID is: 6570309.

A replay of the conference call will be available Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 12:00 noon EST through noon EST on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, by dialing 855.859.2056 for domestic calls and 404.537.3406 for international calls. The replay passcode is: 6570309.

Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and fuel. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers around the world in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications.
























FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fourth Quarter Ended
 
Fiscal Year End
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
288,195

 
$
239,590

 
$
1,124,909

 
$
949,856

Cost of sales
193,624

 
158,567

 
747,927

 
618,450

Gross profit
94,571

 
81,023

 
376,982

 
331,406

Selling, general, and administrative expenses
69,411

 
55,537

 
265,686

 
221,209

Restructuring (income)/expense
2,732

 
252

 
4,307

 
(598
)
Operating income
22,428

 
25,234

 
106,989

 
110,795

Interest expense
(2,267
)
 
(2,101
)
 
(10,322
)
 
(8,732
)
Other income/(expense), net
81

 
(1,794
)
 
6,895

 
993

Foreign exchange income
729

 
420

 
1,025

 
1,057

Income before income taxes
20,971

 
21,759

 
104,587

 
104,113

Income tax expense
13,104

 
3,958

 
25,994

 
24,798

Net income
$
7,867

 
$
17,801

 
$
78,593

 
$
79,315

Less: Net (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
204

 
(159
)
 
(413
)
 
(570
)
Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
$
8,071

 
$
17,642

 
$
78,180

 
$
78,745

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.17

 
$
0.37

 
$
1.67

 
$
1.67

Diluted
$
0.17

 
$
0.37

 
$
1.65

 
$
1.65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


























FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and equivalents
$
67,233

 
$
104,331

Receivables
171,007

 
145,999

Inventories
312,325

 
203,471

Other current assets
38,566

 
30,018

Total current assets
589,131

 
483,819

 
 
 
 
Property, plant, and equipment, net
215,694

 
196,137

Goodwill and other assets
380,528

 
359,949

Total assets
$
1,185,353

 
$
1,039,905

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
79,348

 
$
63,927

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
66,100

 
60,119

Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings
100,453

 
33,715

Total current liabilities
245,901

 
157,761

 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
125,596

 
156,544

Income taxes payable non-current
17,391

 

Deferred income taxes
30,913

 
40,460

Employee benefit plans
42,178

 
45,307

Other long-term liabilities
19,251

 
17,093

 
 
 
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
1,502

 
7,652

 
 
 
 
Total equity
702,621

 
615,088

Total liabilities and equity
$
1,185,353

 
$
1,039,905

 
 
 
 






FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
 
(In thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
78,593

 
$
79,315

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
38,506

 
35,534

Share-based compensation
7,109

 
6,889

Income taxes-U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
10,198

 

Gain on equity investment
(5,165
)
 

Other
(5,764
)
 
2,672

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Receivables
9,948

 
(21,334
)
Inventory
(46,372
)
 
(7,636
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(11,071
)
 
11,782

Other
(9,228
)
 
8,152

Net cash flows from operating activities
66,754

 
115,374

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant, and equipment
(33,484
)
 
(39,136
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment
211

 
6,028

Acquisitions and investments
(51,783
)
 
(1,007
)
Other investing activities
355

 
346

Net cash flows from investing activities
(84,701
)
 
(33,769
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Change in debt
1,882

 
(30,385
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
4,497

 
5,243

Purchases of common stock
(3,621
)
 
(7,422
)
Dividends paid
(20,289
)
 
(19,137
)
Purchase of redeemable non-controlling shares
(5,047
)
 

Net cash flows from financing activities
(22,578
)
 
(51,701
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
3,427

 
(7,134
)
Net change in cash and equivalents
(37,098
)
 
22,770

Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
104,331

 
81,561

Cash and equivalents at end of period
$
67,233

 
$
104,331

 
 
 
 













“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company’s financial results, costs, expenses or expense reductions, profit margins, inventory levels, foreign currency translation rates, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, weather conditions, new housing starts, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases,  raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto and in Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.