IDEX Reports Record 2004 Orders, Sales, Net Income and Free Cash Flow
NORTHBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 20, 2005-- Fourth Quarter Base Business Sales Growth of 12 Percent; 12th Consecutive Quarter of Year-over-Year Gross Margin Expansion
IDEX Corporation (NYSE:IEX) today reported record orders, sales, net income and free cash flow for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2004. For the latest quarter, the company's financial results were also significantly improved versus the prior-year period. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2004 increased 23 percent, sales were up 23 percent, and diluted earnings per share rose 34 percent to 43 cents. For the full year 2004, orders increased 18 percent, sales grew 16 percent, and diluted earnings per share were $1.68, up 34 percent versus 2003.
2004 Highlights
- Orders were a record $942.4 million, 18 percent higher than a year ago; base business orders -- excluding acquisitions and foreign currency translation -- were up 9 percent.
- Sales of $928.3 million set a new record and were up 16 percent from last year; base business sales -- excluding acquisitions and foreign currency -- were up 7 percent.
- Gross margins improved 120 basis points to 40.0 percent of sales, while operating margins at 16.1 percent were 230 basis points higher than 2003.
- Net income rose 39 percent to $86.4 million.
- Diluted EPS of $1.68 was 43 cents ahead of last year.
- Record EBITDA of $179.6 million was 19 percent of sales and covered interest expense by 12 times.
- Debt-to-total capitalization at December 31 was 24 percent.
- Free cash flow was strong at $121.2 million, a new record, and 1.4 times net income.
- Four strategic acquisitions were completed in 2004 -- Vetter, Systec, Scivex and Dinglee.
- Operational excellence disciplines continue, fueling new product innovation to drive growth.
"We are pleased to report record results for 2004. The momentum we experienced throughout the year continued in the fourth quarter, as our business units delivered record orders, sales and cash flows and our 12th consecutive quarter of year-over-year gross margin expansion. The period also marked our 10th consecutive quarter of year-over-year earnings growth and our 9th consecutive quarter of year-over-year organic sales growth. We are especially pleased with the organic revenue growth of 12 percent during the quarter -- clear evidence that our organic growth strategy is working. All three segments experienced organic growth. Our recent performance reflects the improved economy, as well as our operational excellence discipline and continuous drive to innovate new products that meet critical-to-customer needs. Although the short cycle nature of our business limits our visibility on the first quarter and remainder of 2005, we enter the year well positioned for continued growth and are using all the tools at our disposal to drive revenues, profitability and cash generation."
Dennis K. Williams
Chairman, President and CEO
2004 Financial Highlights
(In millions, except per share amounts and percentages)
Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------
2004 2003 Change
------- ------- ----------
Orders Written $ 942.4 $ 797.8 18 %
Sales 928.3 797.9 16
Operating Income 149.4 109.9 36
Operating Margin 16.1% 13.8% 230 bp
Net Income $ 86.4 $ 62.4 39 %
Diluted EPS 1.68 1.25 34
Other Data
--Income before Taxes $ 133.9 $ 96.7 38 %
--Depreciation and Amortization 30.9 29.5 5
--Interest 14.8 14.1 5
--EBITDA 179.6 140.3 28
--Cash Flow from Operating Activities 142.3 111.7 27
--Capital Expenditures 21.1 20.3 4
--Free Cash Flow 121.2 91.4 33
2004 Orders, Sales, and Net Income Set New Records
Orders for the year totaled a record $942.4 million and were 18 percent higher than last year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and acquisitions since the beginning of 2003, orders were 9 percent higher in 2004 than in 2003.
Sales for 2004 increased 16 percent to a record $928.3 million, from $797.9 million a year earlier. Acquisitions accounted for a 6 percent improvement, foreign currency translation added 3 percent, and base business sales rose 7 percent. Base business sales grew 10 percent domestically and 2 percent internationally during the year. Base business sales to international customers were 43 percent of total 2004 sales, compared with 45 percent in 2003.
For the year, operating margins were 16.1 percent, 230 basis points higher than the 13.8 percent reported in the prior year. This improvement reflects volume leverage, along with a 120 basis point improvement in gross margin to 40.0 percent, resulting mainly from the company's Global Sourcing, Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing initiatives. Higher total SG&A expenses year-over-year reflect acquisitions, volume-related expenses, and reinvestment in the businesses to drive organic growth. SG&A expenses as a percent of sales declined to 23.9 percent in 2004 versus 25.0 percent last year.
Full year 2004 net income of $86.4 million increased 39 percent over the prior year. Diluted earnings per share of $1.68 rose 43 cents, or 34 percent, from the $1.25 reported in 2003.
For the year, the Pump Products Group contributed 58 percent of sales and 54 percent of operating income; the Dispensing Equipment Group accounted for 18 percent of sales and 19 percent of operating income; and Other Engineered Products represented 24 percent of sales and 27 percent of operating income.
Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights
(In millions, except per share amounts and percentages)
For the Quarter Ended
-----------------------------------------------
Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Sept. 30,
2004 ----------------- -------------------
2003 Change 2004 Change
-------- ----------------- --------- ---------
Orders Written $ 238.8 $ 193.8 23 % $ 235.0 2 %
Sales 242.6 198.0 23 237.6 2
Operating Income 38.3 28.0 37 40.0 (4)
Operating Margin 15.8 % 14.1 % 170 bp 16.8 % (100) bp
Net Income $ 22.7 $ 16.2 40 % $ 23.2 (2) %
Diluted EPS .43 .32 34 .44 (2)
Other Data
--Income before
Taxes $ 34.3 $ 25.1 37 % $ 35.7 (4) %
--Depreciation and
Amortization 7.6 6.6 16 7.9 (4)
--Interest 3.9 3.4 14 3.9 -
--EBITDA 45.8 35.1 31 47.5 (4)
--Cash Flow from
Operating
Activities 48.1 21.4 125 42.0 15
--Capital
Expenditures 6.3 6.7 (6) 5.0 25
--Free Cash Flow 41.8 14.7 184 37.0 13
Fourth Quarter Orders, Sales, and Net Income Improve Significantly Year-Over-Year
New orders in the fourth quarter totaled a record $238.8 million, 23 percent higher than the same period of 2003. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and acquisitions, orders were 13 percent higher than the fourth quarter of 2003. At December 31, 2004, IDEX had an unfilled order backlog of just over one month's sales.
Sales in the fourth quarter were $242.6 million, an all-time quarterly high, reflecting a 23 percent increase over the same period of 2003. Compared with last year, base business shipments grew 12 percent, foreign currency translation provided a 3 percent improvement, and acquisitions accounted for an 8 percent increase. Base business sales grew 17 percent domestically and were up 5 percent internationally during the recent quarter. Sales to international customers from base business represented 42 percent of the total, compared with 45 percent last year.
Fourth quarter gross margin of 39.6 percent of sales was 90 basis points higher than the fourth quarter of 2003. The fourth quarter 2004 operating margin was 15.8 percent of sales, 170 basis points higher than last year. The increase in operating margin is attributable to increased sales volume across all three segments and the continuing favorable impact of savings realized from the company's Global Sourcing, Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing initiatives. Total SG&A expense for the fourth quarter of $57.8 million increased from $48.8 million a year earlier primarily due to acquisitions and volume, while SG&A as a percent of sales declined 80 basis points to 23.8 percent of sales from 24.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2003.
Net income of $22.7 million increased 40 percent over last year's fourth quarter. Diluted earnings per share of 43 cents improved 11 cents from last year.
Fourth Quarter Segment Results
For the fourth quarter, Pump Product sales of $144.8 million rose 23 percent compared to 2003, reflecting 12 percent base business growth, a 2 percent favorable impact from foreign currency translation, and a 9 percent increase due to acquisitions. Operating profit of $25.1 million increased 26 percent and represented a 30 basis point operating margin improvement compared with the fourth quarter of 2003, attributable to volume leverage and the impact of operational excellence initiatives.
Dispensing Equipment sales in the fourth quarter of $42.7 million increased 20 percent, reflecting a 5 percent increase due to foreign currency translation and a 15 percent increase in base business. Operating profit of $6.9 million increased 34 percent and represented a 180 basis point operating margin improvement compared with a year ago, due primarily to volume leverage and the company's operational excellence initiatives.
Sales of Other Engineered Products during the fourth quarter totaled $56.1 million, an increase of 23 percent, reflecting 8 percent base business growth, 3 percent favorable foreign currency translation, and a 12 percent improvement due to acquisitions. Operating profit of $13.1 million increased 55 percent and represented a 480 basis point operating margin improvement compared with the year-ago quarter, largely attributable to volume and the impact of operational excellence initiatives.
Strong Financial Position and Record Free Cash Flow
IDEX ended the year with total assets of $1.2 billion and working capital of $114.6 million. Total debt increased by $48.8 million during the year. The increase reflects the previously announced acquisitions of Vetter (January 2004); Systec (April 2004); Scivex (May 2004); and Dinglee (July 2004), partially offset by free cash flow generation during the period. In 2004, free cash flow (cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures) was a record $121.2 million. For the year, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) totaled a record $179.6 million (19 percent of sales) and covered interest expense by 12 times. Debt-to-total capitalization at December 31, 2004, was 24 percent.
Strategic Acquisitions Continue
"In 2004, acquisitions continued to be an important part of our growth strategy," said Williams. "During the year, we completed four transactions -- Vetter in Germany, Dinglee in China, and Systec and Scivex in the United States. Vetter is a leader in pneumatic rescue products that fit well with our hydraulic rescue tools business. Dinglee is the leading rescue tool company in China and an important portal into the Chinese market for both our rescue tools and fire suppression products. Scivex and Systec are an excellent fit with our Rheodyne business, giving us unmatched capability to supply components and sub-systems to the analytical instrumentation, medical device, and clinical diagnostic markets. We are continually evaluating our business development opportunities and believe we will continue to find sensible acquisition candidates that will enable us to deploy our strong cash flow from operations."
Progress Continues on Operational Excellence Initiatives
"We are using our long-term initiatives to create top- and bottom-line growth," Williams said. "Our drive for rapid process improvement is increasing the gross margin. For 2004, the gross margin was 40 percent of sales. Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing and Global Sourcing continue to contribute to our margin expansion. In 2004, savings from Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing totaled $11.4 million, while Global Sourcing savings were $13.0 million, representing a savings of 25 percent versus our prior sources."
2005 Outlook: Results Depend on Pace of New Orders, Speed of Recovery
Looking ahead, Williams said, "We are pleased with our financial and operating performance in 2004 and enter 2005 with significant momentum in the business. We expect economic conditions to remain favorable as we continue to leverage rapid process improvement to meet customer needs, drive earnings and fund innovation to support our organic growth. As a short cycle business, we are mindful that our financial performance is reliant on the current pace of incoming orders. Although we have limited visibility on future business conditions, we believe IDEX is well positioned for earnings expansion, based on our lower cost levels resulting from our operational excellence discipline, our investments in new products, applications and global markets, and our pursuit of strategic acquisitions to complement our longer-term profitable growth."
Conference Call to be Broadcast Over the Internet
IDEX will broadcast its fourth quarter conference call over the Internet on Thursday, January 20, at 1:30 p.m. CST. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Williams, Chief Operating Officer Larry Kingsley, and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dom Romeo will discuss the company's recent financial performance and respond to questions from the financial analyst community.
IDEX invites interested investors to listen to the presentation, which will be carried live on the Internet at its Web site: www.idexcorp.com. To hear the live call, log on to the site several minutes before the discussion begins. After clicking on the presentation icon, investors should follow the instructions to ensure their systems are set up for the event, or download the correct applications at no charge. Investors will be able to access a replay of the call through February 10 at the IDEX site or by dialing 800-839-4232 (or 402-998-1196 for international participants) using the pass code "IDEX."
A Note on EBITDA and Free Cash Flow
EBITDA means earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and free cash flow means cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures as internal operating metrics. Management believes these measures are useful as analytical indicators of leverage capacity and debt servicing ability, and uses them to measure financial performance as well as for planning purposes. However, they should not be considered as alternatives to net income, cash flow from operating activities or any other items calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or as an indicator of operating performance. The definitions of EBITDA and free cash flow used here may differ from those being used by other companies.
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 Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may relate to, among other things, capital expenditures, cost reductions, cash flow, and operating improvements and are indicated by words or phrases such as "anticipate," "estimate," "plans," "expects," "projects," "should," "will," "management believes," "the company believes," "the company intends," and similar words or phrases. These statements are subject to inherent uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the date of this news release. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: economic and political consequences resulting from terrorist attacks and wars; levels of industrial activity and economic conditions in the U.S. and other countries around the world, pricing pressures and other competitive factors, and levels of capital spending in certain industries -- all of which could have a material impact on order rates and IDEX's results, particularly in light of the low levels of order backlogs it typically maintains; its ability to make acquisitions and to integrate and operate acquired businesses on a profitable basis; the relationship of the U.S. dollar to other currencies and its impact on pricing and cost competitiveness; political and economic conditions in foreign countries in which the company operates; interest rates; capacity utilization and the effect this has on costs; labor markets; market conditions and material costs; and developments with respect to contingencies, such as litigation and environmental matters. The forward-looking statements included here are only made as of the date of this news release, and management undertakes no obligation to publicly update them to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Investors are cautioned not to rely unduly on forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented here.
About IDEX
IDEX Corporation is the world leader in fluid-handling technologies for positive displacement pumps and pump modules and systems, dispensing equipment for color formulation, and other highly engineered products including fire suppression equipment, rescue tools, and stainless steel band clamping systems. Its products are sold to a wide range of industries throughout the world. IDEX shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and Chicago Stock Exchange under the symbol "IEX."
For further information on IDEX Corporation and its business units, visit the company's Web site at www.idexcorp.com.
IDEX CORPORATION
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Operations
(in thousands except per share amounts)
Fourth Quarter Ended Year Ended
December 31, (a) December 31, (a)
2004 2003 2004 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales $242,550 $197,961 $928,297 $797,920
Cost of sales 146,397 121,245 557,502 488,600
------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Gross profit 96,153 76,716 370,795 309,320
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 57,830 48,755 221,411 199,458
------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Operating income 38,323 27,961 149,384 109,862
Other (expense) income - net (135) 533 (743) 899
Interest expense 3,853 3,370 14,764 14,091
------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Income before income taxes 34,335 25,124 133,877 96,670
Provision for income taxes 11,674 8,919 47,471 34,318
------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Net income $ 22,661 $ 16,205 $ 86,406 $ 62,352
=============================== ========= ========= ========= ========
Earnings per Common Share:
Basic earnings per common share$ .45 $ .33 $ 1.73 $ 1.28
Diluted earnings per common
share $ .43 $ .32 $ 1.68 $ 1.25
=============================== ========= ========= ========= ========
Share Data:
Basic weighted average common
shares outstanding 50,462 49,178 50,073 48,795
Diluted weighted average common
shares outstanding 52,099 50,739 51,348 49,973
=============================== ========= ========= ========= ========
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
December 31, December 31,
2004 (a) 2003 (a)
---------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,274 $ 8,552
Receivables - net 119,567 101,859
Inventories 126,978 105,304
Other current assets 8,991 8,781
---------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Total current assets 262,810 224,496
Property, plant and equipment - net 155,602 147,095
Goodwill - net 713,619 559,008
Intangible assets - net 29,545 19,401
Other noncurrent assets 26,288 10,739
---------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Total $ 1,187,864 $ 960,739
======================================== ============ =============
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Trade accounts payable $ 71,405 $ 56,252
Dividends payable 6,105 4,622
Accrued expenses 70,745 54,807
---------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Total current liabilities 148,255 115,681
Long-term debt 225,317 176,546
Other noncurrent liabilities 101,658 76,410
---------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Total liabilities 475,230 368,637
Shareholders' equity 712,634 592,102
---------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Total $ 1,187,864 $ 960,739
======================================== ============ =============
IDEX CORPORATION
Company and Business Group Financial Information
(dollars in thousands)
Fourth Quarter Ended Year Ended
December 31, (a) December 31, (a)
2004 2003 2004 2003
----------------------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Pump Products
Net sales $144,797 $117,469 $542,336 $456,516
Operating income (b) 25,122 20,000 93,356 70,436
Operating margin 17.3 % 17.0 % 17.2 % 15.4 %
Depreciation and
amortization $ 3,997 $ 3,511 $ 16,464 $ 16,141
Capital expenditures 4,133 3,804 13,968 12,887
Dispensing Equipment
Net sales $ 42,652 $ 35,668 $170,198 $159,225
Operating income (b) 6,899 5,137 33,489 25,724
Operating margin 16.2 % 14.4 % 19.7 % 16.2 %
Depreciation and
amortization $ 1,398 $ 1,422 $ 5,616 $ 5,881
Capital expenditures 808 1,312 2,769 2,967
Other Engineered
Products
Net sales $ 56,117 $ 45,496 $219,006 $185,022
Operating income (b) 13,068 8,409 47,120 32,990
Operating margin 23.3 % 18.5 % 21.5 % 17.8 %
Depreciation and
amortization $ 1,363 $ 1,127 $ 6,012 $ 5,116
Capital expenditures 742 1,216 3,204 3,874
Company
Net sales $242,550 $197,961 $928,297 $797,920
Operating income 38,323 27,961 149,384 109,862
Operating margin 15.8 % 14.1 % 16.1 % 13.8 %
Depreciation and
amortization (c) $ 7,614 $ 6,588 $ 30,949 $ 29,475
Capital expenditures 6,292 6,704 21,097 20,318
--------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(a) Includes acquisitions of Sponsler (June 2003), Classic Engineering
(September 2003), Systec (April 2004) and Scivex (May 2004) in
the Pump Products Group and Vetter (January 2004) and Dinglee
(July 2004) in the Other Engineered Products Group from the dates
of acquisition.
(b) Group operating income excludes unallocated corporate operating
expenses.
(c) Excludes amortization of debt issuance expenses.
CONTACT: IDEX Corporation
Susan H. Fisher, 847-498-7070 (Investor Relations)
SOURCE: IDEX Corporation