Gorman-Rupp Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2023 Financial Results

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.

The Gorman-Rupp Company
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(thousands of dollars, except per share data)
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

 
Net sales

$

160,565

 

$

146,001

 

$

659,511

 

$

521,027

 

Cost of products sold

 

109,628

 

 

109,363

 

 

463,258

 

 

390,090

 

Gross profit

 

50,937

 

 

36,638

 

 

196,253

 

 

130,937

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

25,996

 

 

20,992

 

 

96,660

 

 

83,117

 

Amortization expense

 

3,153

 

 

3,139

 

 

12,552

 

 

7,637

 

Operating income

 

21,788

 

 

12,507

 

 

87,041

 

 

40,183

 

Interest expense

 

(10,126

)

 

(9,361

)

 

(41,273

)

 

(19,240

)

Other income (expense), net

 

(422

)

 

7

 

 

(1,807

)

 

(7,071

)

Income before income taxes

 

11,240

 

 

3,153

 

 

43,961

 

 

13,872

 

Provision from income taxes

 

2,264

 

 

726

 

 

9,010

 

 

2,677

 

Net income

$

8,976

 

$

2,427

 

$

34,951

 

$

11,195

 

 
Earnings per share

$

0.34

 

$

0.09

 

$

1.34

 

$

0.43

 

 
 
The Gorman-Rupp Company
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(thousands of dollars, except share data)
 

December 31,

Assets

2023

 

2022

 
Cash and cash equivalents $

30,518

$

6,783

Accounts receivable, net

89,625

 

93,059

Inventories, net

104,156

 

111,133

Prepaid and other

11,812

 

14,551

Total current assets

236,111

 

225,526

Property, plant and equipment, net

134,872

 

128,640

Other assets

24,841

 

11,579

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

494,534

 

507,085

Total assets $

890,358

$

872,830

 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
Accounts payable $

23,277

$

24,697

Current portion of long-term debt

21,875

 

17,500

Accrued liabilities and expenses

55,524

 

43,016

Total current liabilities

100,676

 

85,213

Pension benefits

11,500

 

9,352

Postretirement benefits

22,786

 

22,413

Long-term debt, net of current portion

382,579

 

419,327

Other long-term liabilities

23,358

 

5,331

Total liabilities

540,899

 

541,636

Shareholders' equity

349,459

 

331,194

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $

890,358

$

872,830

 
Shares outstanding

26,193,998

 

26,094,865

The Gorman-Rupp Company

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(thousands of dollars, except share data)

 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,

2023

2022

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income

$

34,951

 

$

11,195

 

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

 

28,496

 

 

21,158

 

LIFO expense

 

6,891

 

 

18,041

 

Pension expense

 

3,604

 

 

9,985

 

Contributions to pension plan

 

(2,250

)

 

(2,250

)

Stock based compensation

 

3,252

 

 

2,957

 

Amortization of debt issuance fees

 

3,014

 

 

1,717

 

Deferred income tax charge (benefit)

 

(414

)

 

(1,086

)

Other

 

1,335

 

 

(128

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net

 

3,752

 

 

(13,954

)

Inventories, net

 

559

 

 

(32,772

)

Accounts payable

 

(1,518

)

 

(2,250

)

Commissions payable

 

9

 

 

2,051

 

Deferred revenue and customer deposits

 

5,773

 

 

(2,329

)

Income taxes

 

1,226

 

 

1,907

 

Accrued expenses and other

 

6,316

 

 

(954

)

Benefit obligations

 

3,229

 

 

397

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

98,225

 

 

13,685

 

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital additions

 

(20,835

)

 

(17,986

)

Acquisitions

 

-

 

 

(527,993

)

Other

 

672

 

 

306

 

Net cash used for investing activities

 

(20,163

)

 

(545,673

)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends

 

(18,447

)

 

(17,872

)

Treasury share repurchases

 

(1,029

)

 

(918

)

Proceeds from bank borrowings

 

5,000

 

 

457,000

 

Payments to banks for borrowings

 

(39,500

)

 

(8,750

)

Debt issuance fees

 

-

 

 

(15,217

)

Other

 

(551

)

 

(130

)

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

 

(54,527

)

 

414,113

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

200

 

 

(536

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

23,735

 

 

(118,411

)

Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period

 

6,783

 

 

125,194

 

End of period

$

30,518

 

$

6,783

 

The Gorman-Rupp Company
Non-GAAP Financial Information
(thousands of dollars, except per share data)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

Adjusted earnings:
Reported net income – GAAP basis

$

8,976

$

2,427

$

34,951

$

11,195

Plus pension settlement charge

 

-

 

58

 

-

 

5,216

Plus one-time acquisition costs

 

-

 

31

 

-

 

5,752

Plus amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,141

Plus amortization of acquired customer backlog

 

-

 

514

 

863

 

1,231

Non-GAAP adjusted earnings

$

8,976

$

3,030

$

35,814

$

24,535

 
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

Adjusted earnings per share:
Reported earnings per share – GAAP basis

$

0.34

$

0.09

$

1.34

$

0.43

Plus pension settlement charge

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

0.20

Plus one-time acquisition costs

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

0.22

Plus amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

0.04

Plus amortization of acquired customer backlog

 

-

 

0.02

 

0.03

 

0.05

Non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share

$

0.34

$

0.11

$

1.37

$

0.94

 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization:
Reported net income – GAAP basis

$

8,976

$

2,427

$

34,951

$

11,195

Plus interest expense

 

10,126

 

9,361

 

41,273

 

19,240

Plus provision for income taxes

 

2,264

 

726

 

9,010

 

2,677

Plus depreciation and amortization expense

 

7,300

 

6,997

 

28,496

 

21,158

Non-GAAP earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization

 

28,666

 

19,511

 

113,730

 

54,270

 
Plus pension settlement charge

 

-

 

72

 

-

 

6,427

Plus one-time acquisition costs

 

-

 

40

 

-

 

7,088

Plus amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,406

Plus amortization of acquired customer backlog

 

-

 

650

 

1,085

 

1,517

Plus non-cash LIFO expense

 

477

 

8,274

 

6,891

 

18,041

Non-GAAP adjusted earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization

$

29,143

$

28,547

$

121,706

$

88,749

 

Contacts

Brigette A. Burnell

Corporate Secretary

The Gorman-Rupp Company

Telephone (419) 755-1246

For additional information, contact James C. Kerr, Chief Financial Officer, Telephone (419) 755-1548.

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