Raven Industries Reports Strong First Quarter Fiscal 2018 Results

Diluted EPS Increased More Than 125 Percent Year-Over-Year


SIOUX FALLS, S.D., May 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Raven Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:RAVN) today reported financial results for the first quarter that ended April 30, 2017.

Noteworthy Items:

  • Net sales increased more than 35 percent, with all divisions achieving greater than 20 percent growth year-over-year;
  • Operating income increased more than $10 million year-over-year, driven primarily by volume leverage in Applied Technology and Engineered Films;
  • Engineered Films sales increased 50 percent on particular strength in the Geomembrane and Industrial markets;
  • Applied Technology sales increased nearly 30 percent, driven by sales of HawkeyeTM Nozzle Control Systems, Rate Control Modules and Injection Systems;
  • Net working capital percentage1 improved 530 basis points year-over-year, from 28.7 percent to 23.4 percent.

First Quarter Results:
Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 were $93.5 million, up 36.8 percent versus the first quarter of fiscal 2017. All three divisions achieved significant growth year-over-year in the first quarter.

Operating income for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 was $18.2 million versus operating income of $8.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, increasing more than $10 million year-over-year. Operating margin increased 770 basis points year-over-year, from 11.8 percent of net sales to 19.5 percent of net sales. The significant improvement in profitability continues to be driven by strong operating leverage on higher sales volume.  

Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 was $12.3 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, versus net income of $5.5 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, in last year's first quarter. The substantial growth in diluted earnings per share was driven primarily by the improved operating performance in both Applied Technology and Engineered Films, but also benefited from improved profitability in Aerostar.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow:
At the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2018, cash and cash equivalents totaled $50.5 million, essentially flat versus the prior quarter.

Net working capital as a percentage of annualized net sales1 improved 530 basis points year-over-year, from 28.7 percent in the first quarter of last year to 23.4 percent in this year’s first quarter. The decrease in net working capital percentage was the result of higher payables, as well as managing inventory and receivables efficiently with the substantial increase in sales versus the prior year.

Cash flow from operations was $7.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 versus $11.1 million in the previous year’s first quarter. The decrease in cash flow was primarily due to net working capital1 requirements to support the substantial increase in sales.

Capital expenditures were $2.8 million in this year’s first quarter, up $2.0 million versus $0.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. For fiscal year 2018, the Company expects total capital expenditures to be approximately $10 to $12 million.

Applied Technology Division:
Net sales for Applied Technology in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 were $40.5 million, up 28.7 percent versus the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Consistent with the second half of fiscal 2017, sales growth for the division was driven by new product sales, expanded OEM relationships and higher sales of direct injection systems.

Division operating income was $13.5 million, up 54.8 percent versus the first quarter of fiscal 2017, driven primarily by higher sales volume and improved operating leverage. The division continues to see strong incremental margins on improved sales volume as operating margin increased from 27.6 percent in the first quarter of last year to 33.2 percent in this year’s first quarter.

Engineered Films Division:
Net sales for Engineered Films were $43.6 million, up 49.7 percent year-over-year. Volume, measured in pounds sold, increased 46.2 percent versus the prior year. The increase in sales was driven by markedly higher sales into the Geomembrane market, with the Industrial and Construction markets also significantly contributing to growth versus the prior year. 

Operating income in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 was $8.7 million, up $4.8 million or 125 percent versus the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The year-over-year increase in operating income was driven principally by higher sales volume and strong operating leverage. Division operating margin increased 670 basis points year-over-year, from 13.3 percent to 20.0 percent, driven by improved capacity utilization and continued spending discipline.

Aerostar Division:
Net sales for Aerostar during the first quarter of fiscal 2018 were $9.6 million, up $1.7 million or 21.7 percent versus the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The year-over-year increase in sales was driven by the commencement of a newly-awarded stratospheric balloon contract, increased sales to Google for Project Loon, and timing of research balloon deliveries.

Operating income in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 was $1.4 million, versus an operating loss of $0.2 million in the previous year’s first quarter. Cost reductions implemented over the prior year as well as higher sales to stratospheric balloon programs drove the improved financial performance.

Fiscal 2018 Outlook:
“We are very pleased with our overall performance in the first quarter,” said Dan Rykhus, President and CEO. “Both Applied Technology and Engineered Films drove significantly higher sales volume, resulting in operating leverage which led to strong incremental margins. Aerostar also achieved an improved financial performance.

“For Applied Technology, end-market conditions remain subdued, but stable, versus the prior year, but our continued focus on new products and expanding OEM relationships is successfully driving additional market share gains and enabling the division to outperform the market.

“With respect to Engineered Films, sales volume in the Geomembrane market continued to accelerate from market-bottom conditions reached last year, while sales growth in the Industrial, Construction, and Agriculture markets was also notable. As a result, capacity utilization is expanding and generating significant growth in profitability. We have continued to invest in Engineered Films and in February purchased a fabrication facility in Pleasanton, Texas to expand our geographic footprint in the Geomembrane market.

“Regarding Aerostar, the focus on its stratospheric balloon platform, combined with expense reductions, is leading to improved financial performance. Sales to Google for Project Loon continued to grow, and the division successfully executed a new stratospheric contract — both positive indicators of the strength of our technology and the growing interest in the stratospheric balloon market.

“We are off to a strong start to the year,” concluded Rykhus. “While we expect year-over-year comparisons to get progressively more challenging through the end of the year, we believe we are on track to deliver meaningful growth in revenues and operating profit in fiscal year 2018. At the same time, we are continuing to invest for the intermediate and long term. We are increasing our investment in research and development activities to continue our new product momentum, and we continue to look for additional strategic acquisitions.”

Conference Call Information:
The Company will host an investor conference call to discuss first quarter fiscal 2018 results tomorrow, Tuesday, May 23, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time (10:00 a.m. Eastern Time). The conference call audio will be available to all interested parties via a simultaneous webcast that can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at http://investors.ravenind.com. Analysts and investors are invited to join the conference call by dialing: +1 (866) 393-0676. The event is scheduled to last one hour. For those unable to listen live, an audio replay of the event will be archived on the Company's website.

About Raven Industries, Inc.:
Raven Industries (NASDAQ:RAVN) is dedicated to providing innovative, high-value products and solutions that solve great challenges throughout the world. Raven is a leader in precision agriculture, high-performance specialty films, and lighter-than-air technologies. Since 1956, Raven has designed, produced, and delivered exceptional solutions, earning the company a reputation for innovation, product quality, high performance, and unmatched service. For more information, visit http://ravenind.com.

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. The Company intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.

Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "may," "will," "plan," "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "potential," “should,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “would,” and similar expressions, which are generally not historical in nature. However, the absence of these words or similar expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to our future operating or financial performance or events, our strategy, goals, plans and projections regarding our financial position, our liquidity and capital resources, and our product development — are forward-looking statements.

Management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made. However, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, because such statements speak only as of the date when made. Our Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to certain known risks, as described in the Company’s 10K under Item 1A, and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from our Company’s historical experience and our present expectations or projections.

RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except earnings per share) (Unaudited)
        
  Three Months Ended April 30, 
      Fav (Un) 
   2017    2016  Change 
Net sales $93,535   $68,360  36.8% 
Cost of goods sold  61,579    48,243    
Gross profit  31,956    20,117  58.9% 
Gross profit percentage  34.2%   29.4%    
             
Research and development expenses  3,980    4,409    
Selling, general and administrative expenses  9,498    7,658    
Long-lived asset impairment loss  259    -    
Operating income  18,219    8,050  126.3% 
Operating income percentage  19.5%   11.8%    
        
Other income (expense), net  (230)  (97)   
Income before income taxes  17,989    7,953  126.2% 
        
Income tax expense  5,641    2,434    
Net income  12,348    5,519  123.7% 
        
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest  -   2    
        
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc. $12,348  $5,517  123.8% 
        
Net income per common share:         
-basic $0.34  $0.15  126.7% 
-diluted $0.34  $0.15  126.7% 
        
Weighted average common shares:         
-basic  36,179   36,414    
-diluted  36,539   36,466    
        


RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
      
 April 30 January 31 April 30
  2017    2017   2016 
ASSETS     
Cash, and cash equivalents$50,477   $50,648  $32,790 
Accounts receivable, net 51,617    43,143   41,013 
Inventories 49,867    42,336   46,901 
Other current assets 3,256    2,689   4,889 
Total current assets 155,217    138,816   125,593 
      
Property, plant and equipment, net 106,194    106,324   113,374 
Goodwill and amortizable intangibles, net 52,141    52,697   53,958 
Other assets, net 3,442    3,672   4,245 
Total Assets$316,994   $301,509  $297,170 
      
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY     
Accounts payable$13,909   $8,467  $9,356 
Accrued and other liabilities 22,615    19,915   13,512 
Total current liabilities 36,524    28,382   22,868 
      
Other liabilities 12,726    13,696   14,439 
Shareholders' equity 267,744    259,431   259,863 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity$316,994   $301,509  $297,170 
      
      
Net Working Capital and Net Working Capital Percentage1
Accounts receivable, net$51,617   $43,143  $41,013 
Plus:  Inventories 49,867    42,336   46,901 
Less: Accounts payable 13,909    8,467   9,356 
Net working capital1$87,575   $77,012  $78,558 
      
Annualized net sales$374,140   $275,662  $273,440 
Net working capital percentage1 23.4%   27.9%   28.7% 
      


RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
      
    Three Months Ended April 30, 
    2017    2016 
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income  $12,348  $5,519 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Depreciation and amortization   3,614   3,762 
Long-lived asset impairment loss   259   - 
Other operating activities, net   (8,519)  1,823 
Net cash provided by operating activities   7,702   11,104 
          
Cash flows from investing activities:         
Capital expenditures   (2,790)  (791)
Proceeds from sale of assets   14   50 
Purchases of investments   -   (500)
Other investing activities, net   (60)  (194)
Net cash used in investing activities   (2,836)  (1,435)
          
Cash flows from financing activities:         
Dividends paid   (4,691)  (4,701)
Payments for common shares repurchased   -   (5,702)
Payment of acquisition-related contingent liabilities   (161)  (138)
Other financing activities, net   (141)  (256)
Net cash used in financing activities   (4,993)  (10,797)
          
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   (44)  136 
          
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (171)  (992)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   50,648   33,782 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $50,477  $32,790 
          


RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
SALES AND OPERATING INCOME BY SEGMENT
(Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) 
        
  Three Months Ended April 30, 
      Fav (Un) 
   2017   2016  Change 
Net sales              
Applied Technology $40,490  $31,456  28.7% 
Engineered Films  43,555   29,100  49.7% 
Aerostar  9,606   7,895  21.7% 
Intersegment eliminations  (116)  (91)   
Total Company $93,535  $68,360  36.8% 
             
Operating income (loss)            
Applied Technology $13,453  $8,693  54.8% 
Engineered Films  8,720   3,878  124.9% 
Aerostar  1,418   (178) 896.6% 
Intersegment eliminations  (2)  (5)   
Total segment income $23,589  $12,388  90.4% 
Corporate expenses  (5,370)  (4,338) (23.8)% 
Total Company $18,219  $8,050  126.3% 
             
Operating income (loss) percentages            
Applied Technology  33.2%   27.6%  560bps 
Engineered Films  20.0%   13.3%  670bps 
Aerostar  14.8%   (2.3)%  1,710bps 
Total Company  19.5%   11.8%  770bps 
        


RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
EBITDA REGULATION G RECONCILIATION2
(Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) 
        
  Three Months Ended April 30, 
      Fav (Un) 
Segments  2017   2016  Change 
Applied Technology            
Reported operating income $13,453  $8,693  54.8% 
Plus: Depreciation and amortization  830   952  (12.8)% 
ATD EBITDA $14,283  $9,645  48.1% 
ATD EBITDA % of Net Sales  35.3%   30.7%    
             
Engineered Films            
Reported operating income $8,720  $3,878  124.9% 
Plus: Depreciation and amortization  2,066   2,057  0.4% 
EFD EBITDA $10,786  $5,935  81.7% 
EFD EBITDA % of Net Sales  24.8%   20.4%    
             
Aerostar            
Reported operating income (loss) $1,418  $(178) 896.6% 
Plus: Depreciation and amortization  417   419  (0.5)% 
Aerostar EBITDA $1,835  $241  661.4% 
Aerostar EBITDA % of Net Sales  19.1%   3.1%    
             
Consolidated Raven            
Net income $12,348  $5,517  123.8% 
Interest expense (income), net  68   72    
Income tax expense  5,641   2,434    
Depreciation and amortization  3,614   3,762    
EBITDA $21,671  $11,785  83.9% 
EBITDA % of Net Sales  23.2%   17.2%    
             

_____________________________

  1. Net working capital is defined as accounts receivable (net) plus inventories less accounts payable. Net working capital percentage is defined as net working capital divided by four times quarterly sales.
  2. EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure defined on a consolidated basis as net income/(loss) attributable to Raven Industries, Inc., plus income taxes, plus depreciation and amortization expense, plus interest expense (net). On a segment basis, it is defined as operating income plus depreciation expense and amortization expense. EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA divided by net sales.

 


            

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