Franklin Electric Reports Third Quarter 2023 Results

Third Quarter 2023 Highlights

• Consolidated net sales of $538.4 million, a decrease of 2% to the prior year
• Water Systems sales increased by 1%, while Fueling Systems and Distribution’s net sales decreased 14% and 2%, respectively
• Operating income was $78.1 million with solid operating margin of 14.5%
• GAAP fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $1.23
• Year-to-date cash flows from operating activities of $198.6 million increased $191.5 million over the prior year
  

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Franklin Electric Co., Inc. today announced its third quarter financial results for fiscal year 2023.

Third quarter 2023 net sales were $538.4 million, compared to third quarter 2022 net sales of $551.7 million. Third quarter 2023 operating income was $78.1 million, compared to third quarter 2022 operating income of $80.0 million. Third quarter 2023 EPS was $1.23, versus EPS in the third quarter 2022 of $1.24.

“The third quarter, which is seasonally one of our stronger periods, was a solid quarter but more challenging than anticipated and our results were below our expectations as additional commodity price pressure in our Distribution business and further destocking impacted sales. Nevertheless, Water Systems set a third-quarter record for revenue and operating income on strong global execution. While underlying demand in our core markets remains solid, we continued to see customers extend project timelines and right-size inventory levels in response to improved supplier lead times. In addition, unfavorable weather lasted longer than expected during our busiest months, negatively impacting what is historically a strong quarter,” commented Gregg Sengstack, Franklin Electric’s Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer.

“Our team executed well and remained nimble as we delivered strong margins and robust cash flow generation with a focus on disciplined cost management. Year-to-date cash flows from operating activities increased about $190 million over the prior year as we progressed on our inventory reduction goals. Looking ahead, we remain focused on delivering for our customers while continuing to manage our costs and driving value for our shareholders.” concluded Mr. Sengstack.

Segment Summaries

Water Systems net sales were $295.8 million, a new third quarter record, an increase of $2.7 million compared to the third quarter 2022. Sales increases were led by continued strong end market demand for large pumps. Water Systems operating income in the third quarter 2023 was $52.7 million, a new quarterly record, driven by higher sales and disciplined cost management. Third quarter 2022 Water Systems operating income was $45.5 million.

Distribution net sales were $189.2 million in the third quarter 2023, a decrease of $4.0 million compared to the third quarter 2022. The Distribution segment operating income was $10.7 million in the third quarter 2023 compared to third quarter 2022 operating income of $19.0 million. Distribution segment sales and operating income were negatively impacted by wet weather across much of the US, margin compression from declining pricing of commodity-based products sold through the business, and some channel inventory destocking as supply chains normalize.

Fueling Systems net sales were $77.7 million in the third quarter 2023, a decrease of $12.5 million compared to the third quarter 2022 when the Company realized an all-time quarterly sales record and reduced its backlog significantly. Sales decreased in the U.S. and Canada by 14 percent and outside the U.S. and Canada by 20 percent. Fueling Systems operating income in the third quarter 2023 was $25.8 million. Third quarter 2022 Fueling Systems operating income was $28.6 million.

2023 Guidance

The Company is updating its guidance for full year 2023 sales to be in the range of $2.05 billion to $2.15 billion and full year 2023 EPS to be in the range of $4.07 to $4.17.

Earnings Conference Call

A conference call to review earnings and other developments in the business will commence at 9:00 am ET. The third quarter 2023 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/mmc/p/r99z8p6f

For those interested in participating in the question-and-answer portion of the call, please register for the call at the link below.

https://register.vevent.com/register/BIa2d593e01bb14f88810bce354d7ace04

All registrants will receive dial-in information and a PIN allowing them to access the live call. It is recommended that you join 10 minutes prior to the event start (although you may register and dial in at any time during the call).

A replay of the conference call will be available from Tuesday, October 24, 2023, through 9:00 am ET on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, by visiting the listen-only webcast link above.

Forward Looking Statements

"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, epidemics and pandemics, 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, 2022, 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.

About Franklin Electric

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 Contact:

Jeffery L. Taylor
Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
260-824-2900
Email: jeffery.taylor@fele.com

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Third Quarter Ended								Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2023				September 30, 2022				September 30, 2023				September 30, 2022
Net sales	$	538,431			$	551,672			$	1,592,163			$	1,554,280
Cost of sales		352,178				361,077				1,055,164				1,029,063
Gross profit		186,253				190,595				536,999				525,217
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		107,687				109,366				324,651				322,352
Restructuring expense		462				1,185				735				1,898
Operating income		78,104				80,044				211,613				200,967
Interest expense		(2,984	)			(3,066	)			(10,309	)			(7,492	)
Other income/(expense), net		277				(1,250	)			1,865				(2,787	)
Foreign exchange expense		(2,483	)			(3,376	)			(8,098	)			(4,290	)
Income before income taxes		72,914				72,352				195,071				186,398
Income tax expense		14,746				13,380				39,167				37,544
Net income		58,168				58,972				155,904				148,854
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(370	)			(348	)			(1,181	)			(1,101	)
Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.	$	57,798			$	58,624			$	154,723			$	147,753
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.25			$	1.26			$	3.34			$	3.17
Diluted	$	1.23			$	1.24			$	3.29			$	3.13

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
	September 30, 2023				December 31, 2022
ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	$	62,507			$	45,790
Receivables (net)		252,315				230,404
Inventories		543,540				544,980
Other current assets		41,136				36,916
Total current assets		899,498				858,090
Property, plant, and equipment, net		222,395				215,154
Lease right-of-use assets, net		42,307				48,948
Goodwill and other assets		561,096				572,009
Total assets	$	1,725,296			$	1,694,201
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	$	170,862			$	139,266
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		103,396				123,788
Current lease liability		13,311				15,959
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings		40,351				126,756
Total current liabilities		327,920				405,769
Long-term debt		88,036				89,271
Long-term lease liability		27,877				32,858
Income taxes payable non-current		4,837				8,707
Deferred income taxes		32,252				29,744
Employee benefit plans		31,897				31,889
Other long-term liabilities		28,835				25,209
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		1,035				620
Total equity		1,182,607				1,070,134
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,725,296			$	1,694,201

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)
	September 30, 2023				September 30, 2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	155,904			$	148,854
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		39,582				37,067
Non-cash lease expense		12,664				12,939
Share-based compensation		8,449				8,940
Other		10,894				9,160
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables		(20,427	)			(73,995	)
Inventory		2,537				(122,150	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		4,376				1,881
Operating leases		(12,847	)			(12,939	)
Income taxes-U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act		(2,902	)			(355	)
Other		399				(2,242	)
Net cash flows from operating activities		198,629				7,160
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant, and equipment		(30,155	)			(29,327	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment		—				6
Acquisitions and investments		(6,641	)			(1,576	)
Other investing activities		26				9
Net cash flows from investing activities		(36,770	)			(30,888	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in debt		(87,653	)			83,679
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		9,010				3,584
Purchases of common stock		(29,888	)			(30,731	)
Dividends paid		(31,315	)			(27,293	)
Deferred payments for acquisitions		(448	)			—
Net cash flows from financing activities		(140,294	)			29,239
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(4,848	)			(6,524	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		16,717				(1,013	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		45,790				40,536
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	62,507			$	39,523

Key Performance Indicators: Net Sales Summary
	Net Sales
	United States			Latin			Europe, Middle			Asia			Total
(in millions)	& Canada			America			East & Africa			Pacific			Water			Fueling			Distribution			Other/Elims			Consolidated
Q3 2022	$183.7			$41.3			$46.0			$22.1			$293.1			$90.2			$193.2			($24.8)			$551.7
Q3 2023	$182.0			$45.5			$48.7			$19.6			$295.8			$77.7			$189.2			($24.3)			$538.4
Change	($1.7)			$4.2			$2.7			($2.5)			$2.7			($12.5)			($4.0)			$0.5			($13.3)
% Change		-1%			10%			6%			-11%			1%			-14%			-2%						-2%
Foreign currency translation	($0.6)			($6.1)			($5.4)			($0.5)			($12.6)			$0.0			$0.0						($12.6)
% Change		0%			-15%			-12%			-2%			-4%			0%			0%						-2%
Volume/Price	($1.1)			$10.3			$8.1			($2.0)			$15.3			($12.5)			($4.0)			$0.5			($0.7)
% Change		-1%			25%			18%			-9	%		5%			-14%			-2%			-2%			0%

Key Performance Indicators: Operating Income and Margin Summary
Operating Income and Margins
(in millions)	For the Third Quarter 2023
	Water			Fueling			Distribution			Other/Elims			Consolidated
Operating Income / (Loss)	$	52.7		$	25.8		$	10.7		$	(11.1	)	$	78.1
% Operating Income To Net Sales		17.8	%		33.2	%		5.7	%					14.5	%
Operating Income and Margins
(in millions)	For the Third Quarter 2022
	Water			Fueling			Distribution			Other/Elims			Consolidated
Operating Income / (Loss)	$	45.5		$	28.6		$	19.0		$	(13.1	)	$	80.0
% Operating Income To Net Sales		15.5	%		31.7	%		9.8	%					14.5	%