The Gorman-Rupp Company (NYSE: GRC) reports financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Highlights

• Net sales of $160.6 million increased 10.0%, or $14.6 million, compared to the fourth quarter of 2022
• Fourth quarter net income was $9.0 million, or $0.34 per share, compared to net income of $2.4 million, or $0.09 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2022
  • Adjusted earnings per share¹ for the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2022 were $0.34 and $0.11, respectively
  • Adjusted earnings per share¹ included non-cash LIFO expense of $0.01 per share and $0.25 per share in 2023 and 2022, respectively
• Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $29.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased $0.6 million, or 2.1%, from $28.5 million for the same period in 2022

Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $160.6 million compared to net sales of $146.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of 10.0% or $14.6 million. The increase in sales was due to an increase in volume as well as the impact of pricing increases taken in the first quarter of 2023. Domestic sales increased 12.8% or $13.9 million and international sales increased 1.9% or $0.7 million compared to the same period in 2022.

Sales increased $4.9 million in the municipal market due to the timing of domestic flood control and wastewater projects, $4.7 million in the industrial market due to strengthening in the broader industrial economy, $2.3 million in the construction market due to overall strong conditions including infrastructure-related projects, $1.8 million in the petroleum market due to increased demand for larger petroleum transfer pumps, $1.4 million in the fire suppression market primarily from increased domestic commercial construction, $1.4 million in the repair market, and $0.5 million in the OEM market. Partially offsetting these increases was a sales decrease of $2.4 million in the agriculture market primarily driven by weather conditions that slowed demand.

Gross profit was $50.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, resulting in gross margin of 31.7%, compared to gross profit of $36.6 million and gross margin of 25.1% for the same period in 2022. The 660 basis point increase in gross margin included a 620 basis point improvement in cost of material, which consisted of a reduction in LIFO² expense of 540 basis points, a favorable impact of 40 basis points related to the amortization of acquired Fill-Rite customer backlog which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2022 and did not reoccur in the fourth quarter of 2023, and a 40 basis point improvement from the realization of selling price increases. The increase in gross margin also included a 40 basis point increase in labor and overhead leverage due to increased sales volumes.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $26.0 million and 16.2% of net sales for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $21.0 million and 14.4% of net sales for the same period in 2022. The increase in SG&A expenses was due to increased expenses to support sales growth and incentive compensation.

Amortization expense was $3.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $3.1 million for the same period in 2022.

Operating income was $21.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, resulting in an operating margin of 13.6%, compared to operating income of $12.5 million and operating margin of 8.6% for the same period in 2022. Operating margin in the fourth quarter of 2023 increased 500 basis points compared to the same period in 2022 due to improved margin on material costs, improved leverage on amortization expenses due to increased sales volumes, and was partially offset by increased SG&A expenses.

Interest expense was $10.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $9.4 million for the same period in 2022 due to increased interest rates, partially offset by reduced debt levels.

Net income was $9.0 million, or $0.34 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to net income of $2.4 million, or $0.09 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2022. Adjusted earnings per share¹ for the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2022 were $0.34 and $0.11 per share, respectively. Adjusted earnings per share¹ for the fourth quarter of 2023 included an unfavorable LIFO² impact of $0.01 per share compared to an unfavorable LIFO² impact of $0.25 per share in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Adjusted EBITDA¹ was $29.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $28.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. Adjusted EBITDA¹ increased primarily from sales growth and improved gross margin.

Full-Year 2023 Highlights

As previously announced, on May 31, 2022, the Company completed its acquisition of Fill-Rite and Sotera (“Fill-Rite”), a division of Tuthill Corporation.

• Net sales of $659.5 million increased 26.6%, or $138.5 million, compared to 2022, a 15.8% increase excluding Fill-Rite
• Net income was $35.0 million, or $1.34 per share, compared to net income of $11.2 million, or $0.43 per share, in 2022
  • Adjusted earnings per share¹ for 2023 and 2022 were $1.37 and $0.94, respectively
• Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $121.7 million for 2023 increased $33.0 million, or 37.1%, from $88.7 million in 2022
• Total debt, net of cash, decreased $58.2 million during 2023

Net sales for 2023 of $659.5 million increased 26.6% or $138.5 million compared to net sales of $521.0 million in 2022. The increase in sales was due to the inclusion of a full year of Fill-Rite sales compared to seven months of sales included in the prior year, as well as an increase in volume and the impact of pricing increases taken in 2022 and an annual price increase in the first quarter of 2023. Domestic sales increased 30.4% or $116.1 million and international sales increased 16.0% or $22.4 million compared to 2022.

Sales increased $36.2 million in the industrial market primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of Fill-Rite sales in 2023 compared to seven months of sales included in the prior year. In addition to the increase from Fill-Rite, industrial sales increased $14.2 million due to the strengthening in the broader industrial economy. Sales increased $25.4 million in the agriculture market due entirely to the inclusion of a full year of Fill-Rite sales compared to seven months of sales in the prior year. Sales increased $26.4 million in the construction market primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of Fill-Rite sales compared to seven months of sales included in the prior year. In addition to the increase from Fill-Rite, construction sales increased $8.9 million due to overall strong conditions including infrastructure related projects. Sales increased $22.6 million in the fire market primarily from increased domestic commercial construction, $9.6 million in the repair market due to strengthening in the broader industrial economy, $8.8 million in the municipal market due to domestic flood control and wastewater projects related to increased infrastructure investment, and $2.8 million in the OEM market. Sales in the petroleum market increased $6.7 million primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of Fill-Rite sales compared to seven months of sales included in the prior year as well as increased demand for larger petroleum transfer pumps.

Gross profit was $196.3 million for 2023, resulting in gross margin of 29.8%, compared to gross profit of $130.9 million and gross margin of 25.1% in 2022. The 470 basis point increase in gross margin included a 380 basis point improvement in cost of material, which consisted of a favorable LIFO² impact of 240 basis points, a favorable impact of 30 basis points related to the Fill-Rite inventory step-up that was recognized in 2022 that did not recur in 2023 and a 110 basis point improvement from the realization of selling price increases. The increase in gross margin also included a 90 basis point improvement on labor and overhead leverage due to increased sales volume and sales mix which includes a full year of Fill-Rite sales in 2023 compared to seven months in 2022.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $96.7 million and 14.7% of net sales in 2023 compared to $83.1 million and 16.0% of net sales in 2022. SG&A expenses in 2022 included $7.1 million of one-time acquisition costs. Excluding acquisition costs of $7.1 million, SG&A expenses were $76.0 million and 14.6% of net sales in 2022. The increase in SG&A expenses, excluding acquisition costs, was due to the inclusion of Fill-Rite expenses for the full year in 2023 as compared to seven months in 2022, as well as increased expenses to support sales growth.

Amortization expense was $12.6 million in 2023 compared to $7.6 million in 2022. The increase in amortization expense was due to the inclusion of a full year of amortization attributable to the Fill-Rite acquisition in 2023 compared to seven months in 2022.

Operating income was $87.0 million in 2023, resulting in an operating margin of 13.2%, compared to operating income of $40.2 million and operating margin of 7.7% in 2022. Operating income in 2022 included $7.1 million of one-time acquisition costs, and $1.4 million of inventory step-up amortization. Excluding acquisition costs and inventory step-up totaling $8.5 million, operating income was $48.7 million in 2022 resulting in an operating margin of 9.3% of net sales. Operating margin in 2023 increased 390 basis points compared to 2022, excluding acquisition costs and inventory step-up in 2022, due to improved margin on material costs and improved leverage on SG&A expense due to increased sales volumes partially offset by increased amortization expense.

Interest expense was $41.3 million in 2023 compared to $19.2 million in 2022. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of interest expense in 2023 compared to seven months in 2022 on the debt financing attributable to the Fill-Rite acquisition, as well as increased interest rates in 2023 as compared to 2022.

Other income (expense), net was $1.8 million of expense in 2023 compared to $7.1 million of expense in 2022. The $7.1 million of expense in 2022 included non-cash pension settlement charges of $6.4 million.

Net income was $35.0 million, or $1.34 per share, in 2023 compared to net income of $11.2 million, or $0.43 per share, in 2022. Adjusted earnings per share¹ in 2023 were $1.37 per share compared to $0.94 per share in 2022. Adjusted earnings per share¹ in 2023 included an unfavorable LIFO² impact of $0.21 per share compared to an unfavorable LIFO² impact of $0.56 per share in 2022.

Adjusted EBITDA¹ was $121.7 million in 2023 compared to $88.7 million in 2022. Adjusted EBITDA¹ increased from organic sales growth and improved gross margin as well as the inclusion of Fill-Rite results for the full year of 2023 compared to seven months in 2022.

The Company’s backlog of orders was $218.1 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $267.4 million at December 31, 2022. Incoming orders for fiscal year 2023 were $617.6 million, or an increase of 4.4% compared to 2022.

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2023 was $98.2 million compared to $13.7 million in 2022 driven by increased earnings before depreciation, amortization, and LIFO² expense, and improved cash flow from working capital management. Capital expenditures in 2023 were $20.8 million and consisted primarily of machinery and equipment. Capital expenditures for the full-year 2024 are presently planned to be in the range of $18-$20 million. During 2023, total debt was reduced by $34.5 million and cash increased $23.7 million.

Scott A. King, President and CEO commented, “2023 marked another significant milestone as we celebrated our 90th anniversary. We are proud that over that history we have stayed true to our values, including delivering quality products and taking care of our customers. In addition, we achieved our second consecutive year of double-digit organic sales growth and saw a significant improvement in Adjusted EBTIDA¹ to a record $121.7 million. Our strong results allowed us to improve debt net of cash by $58 million during the year and to improve our leverage significantly from mid-2022 when we acquired Fill-Rite. In addition to improving our leverage we continued to invest for growth, including the relocation and expansion of Fill-Rite’s manufacturing facility in Lenexa, Kansas. We also increased our dividends paid to shareholders for the 51st consecutive year. As expected, our backlog has come down from the record levels that we saw in early 2023 but remains elevated as we enter 2024. We expect backlog to return to more normal levels during 2024. Our diverse markets continue to be a strength and we remain well positioned to benefit from infrastructure spending and the increased demand for flood control and storm water management.

“I am grateful for the Gorman-Rupp team’s continued efforts to contribute to a successful 90th year, as well as to our customers, suppliers, and shareholders for their on-going support.”

About The Gorman-Rupp Company

Founded in 1933, The Gorman-Rupp Company is a leading designer, manufacturer and international marketer of pumps and pump systems for use in diverse water, wastewater, construction, dewatering, industrial, petroleum, original equipment, agriculture, fire suppression, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), military and other liquid-handling applications.

(1) Non-GAAP Information

This release includes certain non-GAAP financial data and measures such as adjusted earnings, adjusted earnings per share, and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”). Adjusted earnings is earnings excluding non-cash pension settlement charges, one-time acquisition costs, amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories, and amortization of customer backlog. Adjusted earnings per share is earnings per share excluding non-cash pension settlement charges per share, one-time acquisition costs per share, amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories per share, and amortization of customer backlog per share. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization is net income (loss) excluding interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted to exclude non-cash pension settlement charges, one-time acquisition costs, amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories, amortization of customer backlog, and non-cash LIFO² expense. Management utilizes these adjusted financial data and measures to assess comparative operations against those of prior periods without the distortion of non-comparable factors. The inclusion of these adjusted measures should not be construed as an indication that the Company’s future results will be unaffected by unusual or infrequent items or that the items for which the Company has made adjustments are unusual or infrequent or will not recur. Further, the impact of the LIFO² inventory costing method can cause results to vary substantially from company to company depending upon whether they elect to utilize LIFO² and depending upon which method they may elect. The Gorman-Rupp Company believes that these non-GAAP financial data and measures also will be useful to investors in assessing the strength of the Company’s underlying operations and liquidity from period to period. These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to replace GAAP financial measures, and they are not necessarily standardized or comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Provided later in this release is a reconciliation of adjusted earnings, adjusted earnings per share, and adjusted EBITDA which includes descriptions of actual adjustments made in the current period and the corresponding prior period.

(2) LIFO Inventory Method

The majority of the Company’s inventories are valued on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method and stated at the lower of cost or market. Current cost approximates replacement cost, or market, and LIFO cost is determined at the end of each fiscal year based on inventory levels on-hand at current replacement cost and a LIFO reserve. The Company uses the simplified LIFO method, under which the LIFO reserve is determined utilizing the inflation factor specified in the Producer Price Index for Machinery and Equipment – Pumps, Compressors and Equipment, as published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimate of the expected year-end inflation index and, as such, are subject to adjustment each quarter. When inflation increases, the LIFO reserve and non-cash expense increase.

Forward-Looking Statements

In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, The Gorman-Rupp Company provides the following cautionary statement: This news release contains various forward-looking statements based on assumptions concerning The Gorman-Rupp Company’s operations, future results and prospects. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations about important economic, political, and technological factors, among others, and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results or events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions. Such uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our estimates of future earnings and cash flows, general economic conditions and supply chain conditions and any related impact on costs and availability of materials, integration of the Fill-Rite business in a timely and cost effective manner, retention of supplier and customer relationships and key employees, the ability to achieve synergies and cost savings in the amounts and within the time frames currently anticipated and the ability to service and repay indebtedness incurred in connection with the transaction. Other factors include, but are not limited to: company specific risk factors including (1) loss of key personnel; (2) intellectual property security; (3) acquisition performance and integration; (4) the Company’s indebtedness and how it may impact the Company’s financial condition and the way it operates its business; (5) general risks associated with acquisitions; (6) the anticipated benefits from the Fill-Rite transaction may not be realized; (7) impairment in the value of intangible assets, including goodwill; (8) defined benefit pension plan settlement expense; (9) LIFO² inventory method, and (10) family ownership of common equity; and general risk factors including (11) continuation of the current and projected future business environment; (12) highly competitive markets; (13) availability and costs of raw materials and labor; (14) cyber security threats; (15) compliance with, and costs related to, a variety of import and export laws and regulations; (16) environmental compliance costs and liabilities; (17) exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; (18) conditions in foreign countries in which The Gorman-Rupp Company conducts business; (19) changes in our tax rates and exposure to additional income tax liabilities; and (20) risks described from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except to the extent required by law, we do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to review or update any forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of such statements to reflect future events or developments or otherwise.

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