MRO Magazine

Donaldson Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2015 Earnings

September 1, 2015 | By Business Wire News

MINNEAPOLIS

Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE:DCI) today reported fourth quarter net earnings of $56.3 million, or 41 cents per share1, and full-year net earnings of $208.1 million, or $1.49 per share. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted earnings by $5.4 million in fourth quarter and $14.3 million for the full year, or 7.5 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively. Adjusted earnings per share2 were 45 cents in fourth quarter and $1.58 in full-year 2015. In 2014, GAAP EPS was 50 cents in fourth quarter and $1.76 for the full year. The tables attached to this press release provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.

“Our fourth quarter performance exceeded our guidance, driven by better-than-expected sales combined with expense discipline across our Company,” said Tod Carpenter, President and CEO. “Although some of our end markets became increasingly challenged and uncertain as the fiscal year progressed, we delivered local-currency sales growth of over 1 percent for the year.

During the year, we responded to reduced Customer demand by initiating restructuring actions, which we expect will generate annual savings of $35 million. At the same time, we continued investing for growth, including accelerating the expansion of our liquid filtration capabilities in Europe with our new plant in Poland, increasing our aftermarket distribution facilities in Latin America and Eastern Europe, and continuing the roll-out of our global ERP system.

Additionally, we are investing in acquisitions that support our strategy and growth plans. Early in fiscal 2015, we acquired Northern Technical, which expanded our product line and geographic reach in the Gas Turbine market. The acquisition of IFIL USA in June expands our Industrial filtration replacement filter product offering, while our recent acquisition of Engineered Products Company adds new products and technology to our Engine Products business. Later this fiscal year, we expect to complete the acquisition of Industrias Partmo in Colombia, which will provide additional products and distribution channels for our Engine Aftermarket business.

For full-year 2016, we expect to generate local-currency sales growth of 2 percent to 6 percent, as our investments in growth offset the expected continued weakness in many of our major end markets. This sales growth, combined with our Continuous Improvement initiatives and expense controls, are expected to contribute to an improvement in our operating margin and full-year EPS of $1.56 to $1.76.”

     

1

  All earnings per share figures refer to diluted EPS.

2

  In second quarter of fiscal 2015, Donaldson began reporting adjusted operating margin and adjusted diluted earnings per share (“adjusted EPS”) measures, which are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude the impact of certain matters not related to the Company’s ongoing operations, including restructuring charges and expenses related to pension settlements. See the “Restructuring Charges and Other Adjusting Items” section of this release for more information.
 

Sales Results

Compared with last year, fourth quarter sales declined 8.8 percent and full-year sales declined 4.1 percent. Foreign currency translation reduced fourth quarter sales by $51.8 million, or 7.8 percent, and full-year sales by $134.8 million, or 5.5 percent. The table below outlines the year-over-year percentage change for each business segment, with and without the impact of foreign currency translation.

Excluding the impact of currency translation, total sales decreased 1.1 percent in fourth quarter, reflecting a 5.7 percent decline in Engine Products, partially offset by an increase of 6.9 percent in Industrial Products.

Full-year 2015 sales in local currencies increased 1.3 percent, reflecting an increase in Industrial Products of 5.6 percent, partially offset by a decline of 1.1 percent in Engine Products.

       
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
July 31, 2015 July 31, 2015
    Constant     Constant
Reported Currency Reported Currency
% Change % Change % Change % Change

Engine Products segment:

Off-Road (30.8 )% (24.1 )% (23.7 )% (18.7 )%
On-Road 0.9 7.9 6.4 12.1
Aftermarket (12.5 ) (5.2 ) (3.1 ) 2.1
Aerospace and Defense 24.0   32.2   4.2   8.7  
Total Engine Products (13.0 )% (5.7 )% (6.3 )% (1.1 )%
 

Industrial Products segment:

Industrial Filtration Solutions (3.9 )% 4.8 % (4.4 ) 1.9 %
Gas Turbine 20.2 30.8 19.2 25.6
Special Applications (15.4 ) (10.1 ) (4.5 ) (0.6 )
Total Industrial Products (1.5 )% 6.9 % (0.3 )% 5.6 %
 
Total Company (8.8 )% (1.1 )% (4.1 )% 1.3 %
 

Operating Margin Results

Fourth quarter operating margin was 12.8 percent, which includes a negative impact from restructuring and impairment charges of 1.2 percentage points. Excluding this impact, adjusted operating margin was 14.0 percent in fourth quarter, compared with 14.9 percent last year.

Fourth quarter gross margin decreased 2.6 percentage points to 33.1 percent from 35.7 percent last year. The decrease was driven primarily by lower fixed-cost absorption and the mix of sales, which impacted gross margin by 2.0 percentage points. Additionally, restructuring and asset impairment charges reduced gross margin by 0.9 percentage points in fourth quarter. Donaldson’s Continuous Improvement initiatives partially offset these gross margin pressures.

As a percent of sales, fourth quarter operating expenses decreased 0.5 percentage points to 20.3 percent from 20.8 percent last year, reflecting lower compensation expenses and disciplined expense management, partially offset by a 0.3 percentage point impact related to restructuring charges.

Full-year 2015 operating margin was 12.2 percent, which includes 0.7 percentage points related to restructuring charges, asset impairments, and the lump-sum pension settlement recorded in second quarter. Excluding this impact, full-year adjusted operating margin was 12.9 percent in 2015, compared with adjusted operating margin of 14.5 percent in 2014.

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 27.7 percent in fourth quarter and 27.9 percent for the full year, in line with the fourth quarter and full-year rates in fiscal 2014.

Capital Returned to Shareholders

In fourth quarter, Donaldson repurchased 1.57 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $35.05 for a total of $55.1 million.

During full-year 2015, the Company repurchased 6.68 million shares, or 4.7 percent of the total diluted outstanding shares, at an average price of $38.39 for a total of $256.3 million.

On May 29, 2015, Donaldson’s Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend by 3 percent to 17 cents per share from 16.5 cents per share. In 2015, the Company distributed to its Shareholders dividends of $23.0 million and $91.2 million in fourth quarter and full-year 2015, respectively.

Fiscal 2016 Outlook3

Donaldson expects full-year 2016 sales of $2.32 billion to $2.42 billion, or a decline of 2 percent to an increase of 2 percent versus fiscal 2015. In local currency, full-year sales are expected to increase 2 percent to 6 percent.

  • Based on a forecast of the euro at US$1.09 and 124 yen to the US$, foreign currency translation is expected to negatively impact full-year 2016 sales by approximately $85 million.

Fiscal 2016 GAAP EPS is expected to be $1.56 to $1.76, and Donaldson currently forecasts GAAP EPS will be approximately 1 cent lower than adjusted EPS4.

  • Full-year 2016 operating margin is expected to be between 12.9 percent and 13.7 percent, reflecting the benefits from completed restructuring actions and ongoing operational improvements, partially offset by an increase in compensation expenses and the foreign exchange rates.
  • Donaldson expects full-year interest expense to increase by approximately $4 million, reflecting the additional debt issued in fiscal 2015 associated with the Company’s stated goal of maintaining a leverage ratio of approximately 1.5 times debt-to-EBITDA.
  • Full-year 2015 effective tax rate is expected to be between 26.5 percent and 28.5 percent.
  • We expect to repurchase between 2 percent and 4 percent of its outstanding shares in fiscal 2016.
     

3

  The fiscal 2016 outlook excludes the acquisition of Industrias Partmo, which is expected to close in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 following customary regulatory approval in Colombia.

4

  Fiscal 2016 GAAP EPS is expected to be lower than adjusted EPS by approximately 1 cent related to the final stages of closing the Company’s facility in Grinnell, Iowa. Donaldson expects to recognize all of these charges during first quarter.
 

Engine Products: Full-year 2016 Engine Product sales are expected to be in a range between a 2 percent decline and a 2 percent increase compared with 2015. In local currency, sales are expected to increase 2 percent to 6 percent, reflecting:

  • Continued weakness in the global agriculture and mining equipment markets, partially offset by modest growth in on-road heavy truck and stable conditions in the construction equipment market.
  • Growing utilization of on-road heavy-duty trucks and construction equipment in the field, while utilization of agriculture and mining equipment is expected to be down slightly. Donaldson expects growth in replacement filter sales resulting from the continued expansion of its proprietary first-fit platforms, combined with continued geographic and product portfolio expansion initiatives.
  • Growing sales of commercial aerospace products are expected to be partially offset by a continued slowdown in U.S. defense spending.

Industrial Products: Full-year 2016 Industrial Product sales are forecast to be in a range between a 3 percent decline and a 1 percent increase compared with 2015. In local currency, sales are expected to increase 1 percent to 5 percent.

  • Industrial Filtration Solutions’ sales are expected to increase in the low-single-digit range, benefitting from the introduction of new products and growth in the Company’s aftermarket business.
  • Gas Turbine sales are expected to decline between 9 percent and 13 percent, reflecting an expected market decline led by Europe and Asia Pacific, partially offset by continued aftermarket market share gains and leveraging the Northern Technical acquisition.
  • Special Applications’ sales are expected to decline slightly due to the membrane and disk drive businesses, partially offset by growth in venting and semiconductor products.

Restructuring Charges and Other Adjusting Items

Donaldson has taken numerous actions to align its operating and manufacturing cost structure with current and projected Customer and end-market demand. In fiscal 2015, these actions included:

  • Rebalancing and reducing the current salaried and production workforce globally,
  • Closing a production facility in Grinnell, Iowa, and
  • Write-off of a partially completed facility in Xuzhou, China.

For the above actions, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring and impairment charges of $7.1 million in fourth quarter and $13.0 million for the full year 2015, compared with $0.6 million and $3.0 million in fiscal 2014, respectively.

In second quarter 2015, the Company recorded a $3.9 million charge related to a lump-sum settlement of its U.S. pension plan.

Miscellaneous

The Company will webcast its fourth quarter and full-year 2015 earnings conference call at 9:00 a.m. CT today. To participate, go to IR.Donaldson.com and click on the webcast icon. The webcast replay will be available beginning at noon today through 12:00 p.m. CT Sept. 29, 2015, and a telephone replay of the call will be available beginning at noon today through 12:00 p.m. CT Sept. 8, 2015. The audio replay number is (888) 203-1112 (access code: 3679693).

The Company desires to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”) and is making this cautionary statement in connection with such safe harbor legislation. This announcement contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, forecasts, plans, trends, and projections relating to our business and financial performance and global economic conditions, which involve uncertainties that could materially impact results. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These statements do not guarantee future performance.

The Company wishes to caution investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties and other risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements, including but not limited to risks associated with: world economic factors and the ongoing economic uncertainty, the reduced demand for hard disk drive products with the increased use of flash memory, currency fluctuations, commodity prices, political factors, the Company’s international operations, highly competitive markets, governmental laws and regulations, including the impact of the various economic stimulus and financial reform measures, the implementation of our new information technology systems, information security and data breaches, potential global events resulting in market instability including financial bailouts and defaults of sovereign nations, military and terrorist activities, including political unrest in the Middle East and Ukraine, health outbreaks, natural disasters, and all of the other risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

About Donaldson Company

Founded 100 years ago, Donaldson (NYSE: DCI) is a global leader in the filtration industry. The Company’s innovative filtration technologies improve people’s lives, enhance Customers’ equipment performance, and protect the environment. More than 12,500 employees support Customers at 140 sales, manufacturing, and distribution locations. For more information, visit www.Donaldson.com.

 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS
DONALDSON COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                       
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
July 31, 2015 July 31, 2015
 
2015 2014

  Change  

2015 2014

  Change  

 
Net sales $609,746 $668,226 (8.8 )% $2,371,213 $2,473,466 (4.1 )%
 
Cost of sales 407,662   429,903   (5.2 ) 1,562,629   1,595,640   (2.1 )
 
Gross profit 202,084 238,323 (15.2 ) 808,584 877,826 (7.9 )
 
Operating expenses 123,961   139,173   (10.9 ) 520,274   522,087   (0.3 )
 
Operating income 78,123 99,150 (21.2 ) 288,310 355,739 (19.0 )
 
Other income, net (3,664 ) (4,915 ) (25.5 ) (15,450 ) (15,164 ) 1.9
 
Interest expense 4,000   3,213   24.5   15,157   10,200   48.6  
 
Earnings before income taxes 77,787 100,852 (22.9 ) 288,603 360,703 (20.0 )
 
Income taxes 21,525   27,896   (22.8 ) 80,492   100,479   (19.9 )
 
Net earnings $56,262   $72,956   (22.9 )% $208,111   $260,224   (20.0 )%
 

Weighted average shares outstanding

136,203,158 142,742,659 (4.6 )% 137,750,158 145,594,300 (5.4 )%
 
Diluted shares outstanding 137,547,127 144,728,637 (5.0 )% 139,381,940 147,641,113 (5.6 )%
 
Net earnings per share $0.41 $0.51 (19.2 )% $1.51 $1.79 (15.5 )%
 

Net earnings per share assuming dilution

$0.41 $0.50 (18.9 )% $1.49 $1.76 (15.3 )%
 
Dividends paid per share $0.170 $0.165 $0.665 $0.575
 

Note: All figures independently rounded

 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DONALDSON COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Thousands of dollars)
(Unaudited)
       

  July 31  

  July 31  

2015 2014
ASSETS
 
Cash and cash equivalents $189,898 $296,418
Short-term investments 27,470 127,201
Accounts receivable, net 460,027 474,157
Inventories, net 264,955 253,351
Prepaids and other current assets 88,366 74,150
Total current assets 1,030,716 1,225,277
 
Other assets and deferred taxes 308,207 265,469
Property, plant, and equipment, net 470,611 451,665
Total assets $1,809,534 $1,942,411
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Trade accounts payable $179,174 $216,603
Employee compensation and other liabilities 192,304 205,936
Short-term borrowings 187,320 185,303
Current maturity of long-term debt 1,849 1,738
Total current liabilities 560,647 609,580
 
Long-term debt 389,218 243,726
Other long-term liabilities 81,018 86,622
Total liabilities 1,030,883 939,928
 
Equity 778,651 1,002,483
 
Total liabilities & equity $1,809,534 $1,942,411
 

Note: All figures independently rounded

 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
DONALDSON COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Thousands of dollars)
(Unaudited)
       
Twelve Months Ended
July 31
2015 2014
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
Net earnings $208,111 $260,224

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization 74,298 67,163
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (91,843 ) (12,207 )
Tax benefit of equity plans (6,780 ) (8,781 )
Stock compensation plan expense 10,694 11,640
Loss on sale of business 905
Other, net 18,363   (1,105 )
Net cash provided by operating activities 212,843 317,839
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
Net expenditures on property and equipment (93,566 ) (96,815 )
Net change in short-term investments 87,474 (27,307 )
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (105,636 )  
Net cash used in investing activities (111,728 ) (124,122 )
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
Purchase of treasury stock (256,267 ) (279,395 )
Net change in debt and short-term borrowings 148,590 218,446
Dividends paid (91,220 ) (83,070 )
Tax benefit of equity plans 6,780 8,781
Exercise of stock options 13,083   14,437  
Net cash used in financing activities (179,034 ) (120,801 )
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (28,601 ) (636 )
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (106,520 ) 72,280
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 296,418   224,138  
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $189,898   $296,418  
 

Note: All figures independently rounded

 
 
CONSOLIDATED RATE ANALYSIS
(Unaudited)
               
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
July 31 July 31
2015     2014 2015     2014
 
Gross margin 33.1 % 35.7 % 34.1 % 35.5 %
 
Operating expenses rate 20.3 20.8 21.9 21.1
 
Operating income rate 12.8 14.8 12.2 14.4
 
Earning before income taxes margin 12.8 15.1 12.2 14.6
 
 
Note: Rate analysis metrics are computed by dividing the applicable amount by net sales.
 

Note: All figures independently rounded

 
 
SEGMENT DETAIL
(Thousands of dollars)
(Unaudited)
                       
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
July 31 July 31
2015 2014

  Change  

2015 2014

  Change  

NET SALES

Engine segment $368,256 $423,079 (13.0 )% $1,484,132 $1,584,027 (6.3 )%
Industrial segment 241,490   245,147   (1.5 ) 887,081   889,439   (0.3 )
Total $609,746   $668,226   (8.8 ) $2,371,213   $2,473,466   (4.1 )
 

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (EBIT)

Engine segment $43,918 $63,121 (30.4 )% $186,274 $233,920 (20.4 )%
Industrial segment 35,090 42,296 (17.0 ) 123,362 133,978 (7.9 )
Corp/Unallocated (1,221 ) (4,565 )   (21,033 ) (7,195 )  
Total $77,787   $100,852   (22.9 ) $288,603   $360,703   (20.0 )
 

EBIT %

Engine Products segment 11.9 % 14.9 % (3.0 ) 12.6 % 14.8 % (2.2 )
Industrial Products segment 14.5 17.3 (2.8 ) 13.9 15.1 (1.2 )
 
Note: EBIT% is calculated by dividing EBIT $ by sales
 

Note: All figures independently rounded

 
 
NET SALES BY PRODUCT
(Thousands of dollars)
(Unaudited)
                       
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
July 31 July 31
2015 2014

  Change  

2015 2014

  Change  

Engine Products segment:

Off-Road $56,659 $81,903 (30.8 )% $261,120 $342,205 (23.7 )%
On-Road 34,930 34,631 0.9 138,405 130,029 6.4
Aftermarket 247,601 283,113 (12.5 ) 980,756 1,012,165 (3.1 )
Aerospace and Defense 29,066 23,432 24.0   103,851 99,628 4.2  
Total Engine Products segment $368,256 $423,079 (13.0 )% $1,484,132 $1,584,027 (6.3 )%
 

Industrial Products segment:

Industrial Filtration Solutions $145,813 $151,715 (3.9 )% $528,917 $553,356 (4.4 )%
Gas Turbine $56,204 46,753 20.2 186,919 156,860 19.2
Special Applications $39,473 46,679 (15.4 ) 171,245 179,223 (4.5 )
Total Industrial Products segment $241,490 $245,147 (1.5 )% $887,081 $889,439 (0.3 )%
 
Total Company $609,746 $668,226 (8.8 )% $2,371,213 $2,473,466 (4.1 )%
 

Note: All figures independently rounded

 
 
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
         
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
July 31 July 31
2015 2014 2015 2014
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

$51,476 $87,733 $212,843 $317,839
Net capital expenditures (20,965 ) (30,769 ) (93,566 ) (96,815 )
Free cash flow $30,511   $56,964   $119,277   $221,024  
 
Net earnings $56,262 $72,956 $208,111 $260,224
Income taxes 21,525 27,896 80,492 100,479
Interest expense 4,000 3,213 15,157 10,200
Depreciation and amortization 18,843   16,918   74,298   67,163  
EBITDA $100,630   $120,983   $378,058   $438,066  
 
Operating income $78,123 $99,150 $288,310 $355,739
Restructuring and impairment charges 7,120 (a) 583 (c) 12,955 (a) 3,017 (d)

Pension lump sum settlement charge

    3,906  

(b)

 
Adjusted Operating Income $85,243   $99,733   $305,171   $358,756  
 
Net earnings $56,262 $72,956 $208,111 $260,224

Restructuring and impairment charges, net of tax

5,033

(a)

101

(c)

9,719

(a)

2,121

(d)

Pension lump sum settlement charge, net of tax

2,422

(b)

Tax audit settlement       (6,392 ) (e )
Adjusted Net Earnings $61,295   $73,057   $220,252   $255,953  
 
Diluted EPS $0.41 $0.50 $1.49 $1.76

Restructuring and impairment charges per share, net of tax

0.04

(a)

(c)

0.07

(a)

0.01

(d)

Pension lump sum settlement charge per share, net of tax

0.02

(b)

Tax audit settlement       (0.04 )

(e)

Adjusted Diluted EPS $0.45   $0.50   $1.58   $1.73  
 

Note: All figures independently rounded

 
(a) Current year restructuring and asset impairment charges include (1) actions related to rebalancing and reducing the current workforce (2) accrued severance, project management fees, warehousing costs, moving expenses, and supplies and equipment associated with the closing of our Grinnell, Iowa, facility, and (3) an asset impairment charge for our Xuzhou, China location.
 
(b) The pension lump sum settlement charge relates to the Company’s offer to settle liabilities with certain vested participants in our U.S. pension plans.
 
(c) The prior year quarter restructuring charges primarily include severance costs associated with a reduction in workforce in our Wuxi, China, facility due to decreased Customer demand.
 
(d) The prior year restructuring charges include severance costs associated with a reduction in workforce in our Wuxi, China, and Dulmen, Germany, facilities due to decreases in Customer demand and expenses associated with the sale of our Flensburg, Germany, facility in the first quarter of Fiscal 2014.
 
(e) The prior year tax audit settlement relates to favorable settlement of an audit in the prior year quarter.
 
Although free cash flow, EBITDA, adjusted operating income, adjusted net earnings, and adjusted diluted EPS are not measures of financial performance under GAAP, the Company believes they are useful in understanding its financial results. Free cash flow is a commonly used measure of a company’s ability to generate cash in excess of its operating needs. EBITDA is a commonly used measure of operating earnings less non-cash expenses. We evaluate our results of operations both on an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our results of operations, consistent with how we evaluate our performance. We calculate constant currency percentages by converting our current period local currency financial results using the prior period exchanges rates and compared these adjusted amounts to our prior period reports results. A shortcoming of these financial measures is that they do not reflect the company’s actual results under GAAP. Management does not intend these items to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures
 

Note: All figures independently rounded

Donaldson Company, Inc.
Brad Pogalz, 952-887-3753

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