Franklin Electric Reports Record Fourth Quarter 2022 and Full Year 2022 Results

Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

Fourth Quarter 2022 Highlights

• Sales of $489.4 million, an increase of 13% over the prior year, was a fourth quarter record

• Robust sales growth in all three Segments; Distribution up 27%, Water Systems up 9%, and Fueling Systems up 8%

• Operating income was a fourth quarter record at $56.2 million, an increase of 19% over the prior year

• GAAP fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.84, a decrease of $0.01 to prior year

Full Year 2022 Highlights

• Full Year record sales of $2.0 billion, an increase of 23% over the prior year

• Strong sales growth in all three Segments; Distribution up 34%, Water Systems up 20%, and Fueling Systems up 16%

• Operating income for 2022 was a record at $257.2 million, an increase of 36% over the prior year

• GAAP fully diluted EPS was a record at $3.97, an increase of 22% over the prior year

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Feb. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Franklin Electric Co. Inc. today announced fourth quarter and full year financial results for fiscal year 2022.

Fourth quarter 2022 sales were $489.4 million, compared to fourth quarter 2021 sales of $432.5 million. Fourth quarter 2022 operating income was $56.2 million, compared to fourth quarter operating income in 2021 of $47.2 million. Fourth quarter 2022 GAAP fully diluted EPS was $0.84, versus GAAP fully diluted EPS in the fourth quarter 2021 of $0.85. Worth noting, the Company’s fourth quarter 2021 results included a $6.5 million one-time gain on a bargain purchase price transaction.

Full year 2022 sales were $2.0 billion, compared to full year 2021 sales of $1.7 billion. Full year 2022 operating income was $257.2 million, compared to operating income in 2021 of $189.2 million. Full year 2022 GAAP fully diluted EPS was $3.97, versus GAAP fully diluted EPS in 2021 of $3.25.

“Franklin Electric delivered a solid fourth quarter finish to 2022 with our eighth consecutive quarter of double-digit sales and operating income growth over the prior-year quarter, which capped another record full year for sales, operating income and earnings per share. Once again, our global team rose to the occasion and delivered in a challenging, but improving, operating environment,” commented Gregg Sengstack, Franklin Electric’s Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer.

“Demand remained strong across our business in the fourth quarter, demonstrated by sustained top-line growth and the elevated backlog at year-end which carries over into 2023. Looking forward, we are well positioned to continue our momentum based on the robust demand across our end markets, our diverse customer base, and the growing global need for clean water and safe, cost-effective fueling solutions.” Mr. Sengstack concluded.

Segment Summaries

Water Systems sales, a new fourth quarter record, were $281.3 million in the fourth quarter 2022, an increase of $23.3 million compared to the fourth quarter 2021. Sales increases were led by pricing actions and healthy end market demand across all major product lines in groundwater pumping, surface pumping and water treatment. Water Systems operating income in the fourth quarter was $44.6 million, a new fourth quarter record, driven by higher sales and operating leverage. Fourth quarter 2021 Water Systems operating income was $36.4 million.

Distribution sales, a new fourth quarter record, were $148.9 million in the fourth quarter 2022, an increase of $32.0 million compared to the fourth quarter 2021. The Distribution segment operating income was $2.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to fourth quarter 2021 operating income of $5.6 million. Distribution segment sales and operating income were both negatively impacted by weather, seasonality and margin compression from unfavorable pricing of commodity-based products sold through the business.

Fueling Systems sales, a new fourth quarter record, were $85.5 million in the fourth quarter 2022, an increase of $6.5 million compared to the fourth quarter 2021. Fueling Systems sales increases in the U.S. and Canada were led by higher demand for Fuel Management Systems compared to the fourth quarter 2021. Outside the U.S. and Canada, Fueling Systems revenues were flat. Fueling Systems operating income, a new fourth quarter record, was $24.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to $22.2 million in the fourth quarter 2021.

Cash Flow

Net cash flows from operating activities for 2022 were $101.7 million versus $129.8 million in the same period in 2021. The decrease was primarily due to higher working capital requirements in support of higher revenues.

2023 Guidance

The Company expects its full year 2023 sales to be in the range of $2.1 billion to $2.2 billion and full year 2023 EPS to be in the range of $4.10 to $4.30.

Earnings Conference Call

A conference call to review earnings and other developments in the business will commence at 9:00 am ET. The fourth quarter and fiscal year 2022 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/usehvppx

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/BI060baf2deda443b988b32fb943569249

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, February 14, 2023 through 9AM ET on Tuesday, February 21, 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, 2021, 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 CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Fourth Quarter Ended								Fiscal Year End
	December 31,				December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
		2022				2021				2022				2021
Net sales	$	489,431			$	432,520			$	2,043,711			$	1,661,865
Cost of sales		323,213				287,332				1,352,276				1,085,776
Gross profit		166,218				145,188				691,435				576,089
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		109,724				97,741				432,076				386,275
Restructuring expense		272				240				2,170				621
Operating income		56,222				47,207				257,189				189,193
Interest expense		(4,033	)			(1,356	)			(11,525	)			(5,196	)
Other income/(expense), net		(414	)			6,447				(3,201	)			7,978
Foreign exchange income/(expense)		(2,946	)			(615	)			(7,236	)			(2,269	)
Income before income taxes		48,829				51,683				235,227				189,706
Income tax expense		8,872				10,688				46,416				34,731
Net income	$	39,957			$	40,995			$	188,811			$	154,975
Less: Net (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(378	)			(328	)			(1,479	)			(1,115	)
Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.	$	39,579			$	40,667			$	187,332			$	153,860
Income per share:
Basic	$	0.85			$	0.87			$	4.02			$	3.29
Diluted	$	0.84			$	0.85			$	3.97			$	3.25

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
	December 31,				December 31,
		2022				2021
ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	$	45,790			$	40,536
Receivables (net)		230,404				196,173
Inventories		544,980				449,975
Other current assets		36,916				37,963
Total current assets		858,090				724,647
Property, plant, and equipment, net		215,154				210,654
Lease right-of-use assets, net		48,948				48,379
Goodwill and other assets		572,009				591,485
Total assets	$	1,694,201			$	1,575,165
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	$	139,266			$	164,758
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		123,788				117,955
Current lease liability		15,959				15,320
Current maturities of long-term debt and
short-term borrowings		126,756				97,981
Total current liabilities		405,769				396,014
Long-term debt		89,271				90,535
Long-term lease liability		32,858				32,937
Income taxes payable non-current		8,707				11,610
Deferred income taxes		29,744				28,162
Employee benefit plans		31,889				40,696
Other long-term liabilities		25,209				26,568
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		620				(19	)
Total equity		1,070,134				948,662
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,694,201			$	1,575,165

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
		2022				2021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		188,811			$	154,975
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		50,374				44,572
Non-cash lease expense		17,406				13,808
Share-based compensation		10,973				11,731
Gain from bargain purchase of business		-				(6,482	)
Other		7,291				2,126
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables		(44,800	)			(31,925	)
Inventory		(101,080	)			(123,076	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(12,283	)			89,038
Operating leases		(17,406	)			(13,808	)
Income taxes-U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act		(355	)			-
Other		2,743				(11,196	)
Net cash flows from operating activities		101,674				129,763
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant, and equipment		(41,903	)			(30,116	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment		6				979
Acquisitions and investments		(1,186	)			(235,701	)
Other investing activities		9				33
Net cash flows from investing activities		(43,074	)			(264,805	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in debt		28,936				94,716
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		3,859				15,524
Purchases of common stock		(40,490	)			(25,949	)
Dividends paid		(36,991	)			(33,398	)
Deferred payments for acquisitions		(3,786	)			-
Net cash flows from financing activities		(48,472	)			50,893
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		(4,874	)			(6,102	)
Net change in cash and equivalents		5,254				(90,251	)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period		40,536				130,787
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	45,790			$	40,536

Key Performance Indicators: Earnings Per Share Calculations

	For the Fourth Quarter
Earnings Before and After Restructuring		2022				2021				Change
(in millions)
Net Income attributable to FE Co., Inc. Reported	$	39.6			$	40.7				-3	%
Allocated Earnings	$	(0.2	)		$	(0.2	)
Earnings for EPS Calculations	$	39.4			$	40.5				-3	%
Restructuring (before tax):	$	0.3			$	0.2
Restructuring, net of tax:	$	0.2			$	0.2
Earnings before Restructuring	$	39.6			$	40.7				-3	%
	For the Fourth Quarter
Earnings Per Share Before and After Restructuring		2022				2021				Change
(in millions except Earnings Per Share)
Average Fully Diluted Shares Outstanding		47.0				47.0				0	%
Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share ("EPS") Reported	$	0.84			$	0.85				-1	%
Restructuring Per Share, net of tax	$	-			$	0.01
Fully Diluted EPS before Restructuring	$	0.84			$	0.86				-2	%

	For the Full Year of
Earnings Before and After Restructuring		2022				2021				Change
(in millions)
Net Income attributable to FE Co., Inc. Reported	$	187.3			$	153.9				22	%
Allocated Earnings	$	(0.7	)		$	(0.9	)
Earnings for EPS Calculations	$	186.6			$	153.0				22	%
Restructuring (before tax):	$	2.2			$	0.6
Restructuring, net of tax:	$	1.8			$	0.5
Earnings before Restructuring	$	188.4			$	153.5				23	%
	For the Full Year of
Earnings Per Share	2022				2021					Change
Before and After Restructuring
(in millions except Earnings Per Share)
Average Fully Diluted Shares Outstanding	47.0				47.0					0	%
Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share ("EPS") Reported	$	3.97			$	3.25				22	%
Restructuring Per Share, net of tax	$	0.03			$	0.01
Fully Diluted EPS before Restructuring	$	4.00			$	3.26				23	%

Key Performance Indicators: Net Sales Summary

              

	Net Sales For the Fourth Quarter
(in millions)		United States & Canada				Latin America				Europe, Middle East & Africa				Asia Pacific				Total Water				Fueling				Distribution				Other/Elims				Consolidated
Q4 2021	$	148.9			$	36.6			$	47.3			$	25.2			$	258.0			$	79.0			$	116.9			$	(21.4	)		$	432.5
Q4 2022	$	171.0			$	38.4			$	46.0			$	25.9			$	281.3			$	85.5			$	148.9			$	(26.3	)		$	489.4
Change	$	22.1			$	1.8			$	(1.3	)		$	0.7			$	23.3			$	6.5			$	32.0			$	(4.9	)		$	56.9
% Change		15	%			5	%			-3	%			3	%			9	%			8	%			27	%							13	%
Foreign currency translation	$	(1.4	)		$	(2.8	)		$	(12.2	)		$	(1.8	)		$	(18.2	)		$	(1.5	)		$	0.0
% Change		-1	%			-8	%			-26	%			-7	%			-7	%			-2	%			0	%
Acquisitions	$	3.5			$	0.0			$	0.0			$	0.0			$	3.5			$	0.0			$	17.5
Volume/Price	$	20.0			$	4.6			$	10.9			$	2.5			$	38.0			$	8.0			$	14.5
% Change		13	%			13	%			23	%			10	%			15	%			10	%			12	%

	Net Sales For the Full Year
(in millions)		United States & Canada				Latin America				Europe, Middle East & Africa				Asia Pacific				Total Water				Fueling				Distribution				Other/Elims				Consolidated
FY 2021	$	549.2			$	139.5			$	189.8			$	85.1			$	963.6			$	289.1			$	497.6			$	(88.4	)		$	1,661.9
FY 2022	$	712.9			$	159.3			$	192.8			$	92.5			$	1,157.5			$	334.1			$	668.1			$	(116.0	)		$	2,043.7
Change	$	163.7			$	19.8			$	3.0			$	7.4			$	193.9			$	45.0			$	170.5			$	(27.6	)		$	381.8
% Change		30	%			14	%			2	%			9	%			20	%			16	%			34	%							23	%
Foreign currency translation	$	(3.0	)		$	(5.7	)		$	(58.3	)		$	(4.7	)		$	(71.7	)		$	(5.4	)		$	0.0
% Change		-1	%			-4	%			-31	%			-6	%			-7	%			-2	%			0	%
Acquisitions	$	54.1			$	0.0			$	0.0			$	4.7			$	58.8			$	0.0			$	73.1
Volume/Price	$	112.6			$	25.5			$	61.3			$	7.4			$	206.8			$	50.4			$	97.4
% Change		21	%			18	%			32	%			9	%			21	%			17	%			20	%

Key Performance Indicators: Operating Income and Margin Summary

Operating Income and Margins
(in millions)	For the Fourth Quarter 2022
		Water				Fueling				Distribution				Other/Elims				Consolidated
Operating Income / (Loss)	$	44.6			$	24.3			$	2.9			$	(15.6	)		$	56.2
% Operating Income To Net Sales		15.9	%			28.4	%			1.9	%							11.5	%
Restructuring	$	0.2			$	0.1			$	-			$	-			$	0.3
Operating Income/(Loss) before Restructuring	$	44.8			$	24.4			$	2.9			$	(15.6	)		$	56.5
% Operating Income to Net Sales Before Restructuring		15.9	%			28.5	%			1.9	%							11.5	%
Operating Income and Margins
(in millions)	For the Fourth Quarter 2021
		Water				Fueling				Distribution				Other/Elims				Consolidated
Operating Income / (Loss)	$	36.4			$	22.2			$	5.6			$	(17.0	)		$	47.2
% Operating Income To Net Sales		14.1	%			28.1	%			4.8	%							10.9	%
Restructuring	$	0.2			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	0.2
Operating Income/(Loss) before Restructuring	$	36.6			$	22.2			$	5.6			$	(17.0	)		$	47.4
% Operating Income to Net Sales Before Restructuring		14.2	%			28.1	%			4.8	%							11.0	%

Operating Income and Margins
(in millions)	For the Full Year of 2022
		Water				Fueling				Distribution				Other/Elims				Consolidated
Operating Income / (Loss)	$	172.3			$	96.8			$	54.5			$	(66.4	)		$	257.2
% Operating Income To Net Sales		14.9	%			29.0	%			8.2	%							12.6	%
Restructuring	$	1.3			$	0.7			$	0.2			$	-			$	2.2
Operating Income/(Loss) before
Restructuring	$	173.6			$	97.5			$	54.7			$	(66.4	)		$	259.4
% Operating Income to Net Sales		15.0	%			29.2	%			8.2	%							12.7	%
Before Restructuring
Operating Income and Margins
(in millions)	For the Full Year of 2021
		Water				Fueling				Distribution				Other/Elims				Consolidated
Operating Income / (Loss)	$	139.1			$	79.5			$	35.9			$	(65.3	)		$	189.2
% Operating Income To Net Sales		14.4	%			27.5	%			7.2	%							11.4	%
Restructuring	$	0.5			$	-			$	0.1			$	-			$	0.6
Operating Income/(Loss) before
Restructuring	$	139.6			$	79.5			$	36.0			$	(65.3	)		$	189.8
% Operating Income to Net Sales		14.5	%			27.5	%			7.2	%							11.4	%
Before Restructuring

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