IDEX Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Results; Q4 Orders and Sales up 10 Percent Overall and 9 Percent Organically; Q4 Reported EPS Was $1.21 with Adjusted EPS of $1.12

IDEX Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Results; Q4 Orders and Sales up 10 Percent Overall and 9 Percent Organically; Q4 Reported EPS Was $1.21 with Adjusted EPS of $1.12

January 29, 2018 at 5:31 PM EST

LAKE FOREST, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 29, 2018-- IDEX Corporation (NYSE: IEX) today announced its financial results for the three- and twelve- month periods ended December 31, 2017.

Full Year 2017 Highlights

  • Orders were up 9 percent overall and 7 percent organically
  • Sales were up 8 percent overall and 6 percent organically
  • Reported EPS was $4.36 with adjusted EPS of $4.31, up 15 percent
  • Cash from operations of $432.8 million led to FCF of $388.9 million, 117 percent of adjusted net income
  • Acquired thinXXS Microtechnology and divested Faure Herman
  • The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act resulted in a $0.1 million net income tax benefit

Full Year 2017

Orders of $2.3 billion were up 9 percent compared with the prior year (+7 percent organic and +2 percent acquisitions/divestitures).

Sales of $2.3 billion were up 8 percent compared with the prior year (+6 percent organic and +2 percent acquisitions/divestitures).

Gross margin of 44.9 percent was up 90 basis points compared with the prior year. Excluding $14.7 million of pre-tax fair value inventory step-up charges from acquisitions in the prior year period, gross margin increased 20 basis points.

Operating income of $502.6 million resulted in an operating margin of 22.0 percent. Excluding a $9.3 million gain on divestiture and $8.5 million of restructuring expenses, adjusted operating income was $501.7 million with an adjusted operating margin of 21.9 percent, up 120 basis points from the prior year. Excluding the fair value step-up charges from acquisitions in the prior year period, adjusted operating margin was up 50 basis points. Adjusted operating income drove adjusted EBITDA of $583.6 million which was 26 percent of sales and covered interest expense by 13 times.

Provision for income taxes of $118.0 million resulted in an effective tax rate (ETR) of 25.9 percent and included the tax impact from the gain on divestiture and restructuring expenses. Excluding the tax impact from the gain on divestiture and restructuring expenses, provision for income taxes was $120.8 million which resulted in an adjusted ETR of 26.6 percent.

Net income was $337.3 million which resulted in EPS of $4.36. Excluding the gain on divestiture and restructuring expenses, adjusted EPS of $4.31 increased 56 cents, or 15 percent, from prior year adjusted EPS.

Cash from operations of $432.8 million was up 8 percent from the prior year and led to free cash flow of $388.9 million, which was up 8 percent from the prior year and 117 percent of adjusted net income.

Fourth Quarter 2017

Orders of $603.0 million were up 10 percent compared with the prior year period (+9 percent organic, -1 percent acquisition/divestitures and +2 percent foreign currency translation).

Sales of $585.9 million were up 10 percent compared with the prior year period (+9 percent organic, -1 percent acquisition/divestitures and +2 percent foreign currency translation).

Gross margin of 44.5 percent was up 70 basis points compared with the prior year period. Excluding the $4.4 million pre-tax fair value inventory step-up charge from an acquisition in the prior year period, gross margin was down 20 basis points primarily due to additional engineering investments and operational challenges associated with the strong growth within HST.

Operating income of $135.2 million resulted in an operating margin of 23.1 percent. Excluding a $9.3 million gain on divestiture and $3.7 million of restructuring expenses, adjusted operating income was $129.6 million with an adjusted operating margin of 22.1 percent, up 150 basis points from the prior year. Excluding the fair value step-up charge from an acquisition in the prior year period, adjusted operating margin was up 60 basis points. Adjusted operating income drove adjusted EBITDA of $149.4 million which was 25 percent of sales and covered interest expense by 14 times.

Provision for income taxes of $29.9 million resulted in an ETR of 24.2 percent and included the tax impact from the gain on divestiture and restructuring expenses. Excluding the tax impact from the gain on divestiture and restructuring expenses, provision for income taxes was $31.1 million which resulted in an adjusted ETR of 26.4 percent.

Net income was $93.7 million which resulted in EPS of $1.21. Excluding the gain on divestiture and restructuring expenses, adjusted EPS of $1.12 increased 16 cents, or 17 percent, from the prior year period adjusted EPS.

Cash from operations of $136.2 million was up 18 percent from the prior year period and led to free cash flow of $120.4 million, which was up 14 percent from the prior year period and 139 percent of adjusted net income.

 
“Strong demand and solid execution, coupled with favorable market conditions, drove a record year for IDEX. We delivered all-time highs in orders, sales, operating margin, EPS and free cash flow. Our fourth quarter adjusted EPS of $1.12 was also a record and 5 cents above the midpoint of our previous guidance, 2 cents of which was operational over-performance while 3 cents was due to a lower effective tax rate compared to our prior estimate. While I am very pleased with our financial results, I am even more encouraged with the organization's progress on our targeted organic growth initiatives. This once again enabled us to outperform the market, evidenced by our 9 percent organic growth rate for both orders and sales within the fourth quarter.
       
In the fourth quarter we executed on our disciplined capital deployment and segmentation strategies as we sold our Faure Herman business within our Energy group, and purchased thinXXS to support our microfluidics technologies within our Scientific Fluidics & Optics group. We continue to invest in the best organic growth opportunities and remain committed to strategic M&A, shareholder dividends and opportunistically repurchasing shares. Tax Reform in the United States will help bolster our already strong financial profile by providing additional earnings, cash flow and capital availability. We will use these additional resources to drive our existing strategy to maximize profitable growth and strong returns on capital. In line with our expectations for earnings growth in 2018, and subject to Board approval, we intend to raise our dividend 15 to 18 percent which would take us to the high end of our stated goal of distributing 30 to 35 percent of earnings to our shareholders.
 
Based on continued order strength in the fourth quarter, as well as benefits from our growth initiatives and segmentation efforts, we project approximately 5 percent organic revenue growth in 2018. Full year 2018 EPS is expected to be in the range of $4.90 to $5.10, with first quarter EPS in the range of $1.20 to $1.24. At the mid-point of our expected full year 2018 guidance, EPS is up 69 cents, or 16 percent, compared to adjusted 2017 EPS of $4.31. Approximately 60 percent of the increase is due to our organic growth and operational initiatives, while the remaining 40 percent is the result of an expected 2018 effective tax rate in the range of 22 to 23 percent."
 
Andrew K. Silvernail
        Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 

Fourth Quarter 2017 Segment Highlights

Fluid & Metering Technologies

  • Sales of $222.1 million reflected a 7 percent increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 (+7 organic, -2 percent divestiture and +2 percent foreign currency translation).
  • Operating income of $61.2 million resulted in an operating margin of 27.6 percent. Excluding $1.8 million of restructuring expenses, adjusted operating income was $63.0 million with an adjusted operating margin of 28.4 percent, a 100 basis point increase compared to the prior year period primarily due to higher volume and productivity initiatives.
  • EBITDA of $66.7 million resulted in an EBITDA margin of 30.0 percent. Excluding $1.8 million of restructuring expenses, adjusted EBITDA of $68.5 million resulted in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 30.8 percent, a 60 basis point increase compared to the prior year period.

Health & Science Technologies

  • Sales of $208.9 million reflected an 11 percent increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 (+11 percent organic, -2 percent acquisition/divestiture and +2 percent foreign currency translation).
  • Operating income of $44.9 million resulted in an operating margin of 21.5 percent. Excluding $1.7 million of restructuring expenses, adjusted operating income was $46.6 million with an adjusted operating margin of 22.3 percent, a 330 basis point increase compared to the prior year period primarily due to the $4.4 million pre-tax fair value inventory step-up charge from the SFC acquisition and higher volume.
  • EBITDA of $56.7 million resulted in an EBITDA margin of 27.1 percent. Excluding $1.7 million of restructuring expenses, adjusted EBITDA of $58.4 million resulted in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 27.9 percent, a 210 basis point increase compared to the prior year period.

Fire & Safety/Diversified Products

  • Sales of $155.5 million reflected a 15 percent increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 (+12 percent organic and +3 percent foreign currency translation).
  • Operating income of $41.0 million resulted in an operating margin of 26.4 percent. Excluding $0.2 million of restructuring expenses, adjusted operating income was $41.2 million with an adjusted operating margin of 26.5 percent, a 250 basis point increase compared to the prior year period primarily due to higher volume and productivity initiatives.
  • EBITDA of $44.3 million resulted in an EBITDA margin of 28.5 percent. Excluding $0.2 million of restructuring expenses, adjusted EBITDA of $44.5 million resulted in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 28.6 percent, a 190 basis point increase compared to the prior year period.

For the fourth quarter of 2017, Fluid & Metering Technologies contributed 38 percent of sales, 41 percent of operating income and 40 percent of EBITDA; Health & Science Technologies accounted for 36 percent of sales, 31 percent of operating income and 34 percent of EBITDA; and Fire & Safety/Diversified Products represented 26 percent of sales, 28 percent of operating income and 26 percent of EBITDA.

Corporate Costs

Corporate costs, excluding the net loss (gain) on divestitures, increased to $21.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 from $15.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 as a result of higher variable and stock compensation and outside consulting costs.

Corporate costs, excluding restructuring expenses and the net loss (gain) on divestitures, increased to $74.2 million in 2017 compared to $59.9 million in 2016 as a result of higher variable and stock compensation and outside consulting costs in 2017 and the prior year benefiting from the reversal of $4.7 million of contingent consideration.

Restructuring Actions

The Company recorded $3.7 million and $8.5 million of restructuring expenses in the fourth quarter and full year 2017, respectively, as part of initiatives that support the implementation of key strategic efforts designed to facilitate long-term, sustainable growth through cost reduction actions, primarily consisting of employee reductions and facility rationalization. A portion of the restructuring expenses also relates to expenses associated with the consolidation of three facilities into our Optics Center of Excellence in Rochester, New York. The consolidation of these facilities is expected to be completed by early 2019.

Acquisition/Divestiture

In October 2017, the Company divested Faure Herman, a business within the Energy group of our Fluid & Metering Technologies segment. This business, which no longer aligned with our long-term strategic objectives, was sold for cash proceeds of $21.8 million and generated a gain of $9.3 million. This business contributed approximately $14 million of revenue through its date of sale which was included in the Company’s 2017 results.

In December 2017, the Company acquired thinXXS, a leader in the design, manufacture and sale of microfluidic components for the life science market. The addition of thinXXS to the Company's existing Scientific Fluidics and Optics portfolio, within the Health & Science Technologies segment, provides us with a solid position as the next generation microfluidics technologies are adopted.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Reform) was enacted and lowers U.S. corporate income tax rates as of January 1, 2018, implements a territorial tax system and imposes a repatriation tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The estimated impact of Tax Reform was a decrease in income tax expense of $0.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. Although the net effect from Tax Reform was insignificant, there were several offsetting adjustments including a $40.6 million tax benefit due to the effects of the remeasurement of U.S. deferred taxes at the lower enacted corporate tax rate of 21 percent, offset by $30.2 million of expense related to repatriation taxes and $10.3 million of other tax expense due to tax planning strategies implemented in the fourth quarter of 2017 as a result of Tax Reform. These tax planning strategies will allow us increased flexibility to access our worldwide cash balances. The impact of Tax Reform may differ from this estimate due to, among other things, further refinement of the Company's calculations, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, guidance that may be issued and actions the Company may take as a result of Tax Reform.

Non-U.S. GAAP Measures of Financial Performance

The Company supplements certain U.S. GAAP financial performance metrics with non-U.S. GAAP financial performance metrics in order to provide investors with better insight and increased transparency while also allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the financial information used by management in its decision making. Reconciliations of non-U.S. GAAP financial performance metrics to their most comparable U.S. GAAP financial performance metrics are defined and presented below and should not be considered a substitute for, nor superior to, the financial data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. There were no adjustments to U.S. GAAP financial performance metrics other than the items noted below.

  • Organic orders and sales are calculated excluding amounts from acquired or divested businesses during the first twelve months of ownership or divestiture and the impact of foreign currency translation.
  • Adjusted operating income is calculated as operating income plus restructuring expenses plus or minus the net loss or gain on sale of businesses.
  • Adjusted operating margin is calculated as adjusted operating income divided by net sales.
  • Adjusted net income is calculated as net income plus restructuring expenses plus or minus the net loss or gain on sale of businesses plus the pension settlement charge, net of the statutory tax expense or benefit.
  • EBITDA is calculated as net income plus interest expense plus provision for income taxes plus depreciation and amortization. We reconciled EBITDA to net income on a consolidated basis as we do not allocate consolidated interest expense or consolidated provision for income taxes to our segments.
  • Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as EBITDA plus restructuring expenses plus or minus the net loss or gain on sale of businesses plus the pension settlement charge.
  • Free cash flow is calculated as cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures.

Table 1: Reconciliations of the Change in Net Sales to Organic Net Sales

  For the Quarter Ended   For the Year Ended
December 31, 2017 December 31, 2017
FMT   HST   FSDP   IDEX FMT   HST   FSDP   IDEX
Change in net sales 7 % 11 % 15 % 10 % 4 % 10 % 13 % 8 %
- Net impact from acquisitions/divestitures (2 )% (2 )% % (1 )% (2 )% 3 % 9 % 2 %
- Impact from FX 2 % 2 % 3 % 2 % % (1 )% % %
Change in organic net sales 7 % 11 % 12 % 9 % 6 % 8 % 4 % 6 %
 

Table 2: Reconciliations of Reported-to-Adjusted Operating Income and Margin (dollars in thousands)

  For the Quarter Ended December 31,
2017   2016 (a)
FMT   HST   FSDP   Corporate   IDEX FMT   HST   FSDP   Corporate   IDEX
Reported operating income (loss) $ 61,200 $ 44,962 $ 41,006 $ (11,920 ) $135,248 $ 55,718 $ 34,706 $ 31,039 $ (35,942 ) $85,521
+ Restructuring expenses 1,808 1,668 182 3,658 932 1,117 1,425 200 3,674
+ Loss (gain) on sale of businesses - net       (9,273 ) (9,273 )       20,231   20,231  
Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 63,008   $ 46,630   $ 41,188   $ (21,193 ) $ 129,633   $ 56,650   $ 35,823   $ 32,464   $ (15,511 ) $ 109,426  
 
Net sales (eliminations) $ 222,052 $ 208,916 $ 155,504 $ (568 ) $ 585,904 $ 207,113 $ 188,334 $ 135,013 $ (41 ) $ 530,419
 
Reported operating margin 27.6 % 21.5 % 26.4 % n/m 23.1 % 26.9 % 18.4 % 23.0 % n/m 16.1 %
Adjusted operating margin 28.4 % 22.3 % 26.5 % n/m 22.1 % 27.4 % 19.0 % 24.0 % n/m 20.6 %
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
2017   2016 (a)
FMT   HST   FSDP   Corporate   IDEX FMT   HST   FSDP   Corporate   IDEX
Reported operating income (loss) $ 241,030 $ 179,567 $ 147,028 $ (65,069 ) $502,556 $ 217,500 $ 153,691 $ 123,605 $ (82,399 ) $412,397
+ Restructuring expenses 3,374 4,696 255 130 8,455 932 1,117 1,425 200 3,674
+ Loss (gain) on sale of businesses - net       (9,273 ) (9,273 )       22,298   22,298  
Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 244,404   $ 184,263   $ 147,283   $ (74,212 ) $ 501,738   $ 218,432   $ 154,808   $ 125,030   $ (59,901 ) $ 438,369  
 
Net sales (eliminations) $ 880,957 $ 820,131 $ 587,533 $ (1,309 ) $ 2,287,312 $ 849,101 $ 744,809 $ 520,009 $ (876 ) $ 2,113,043
 
Reported operating margin 27.4 % 21.9 % 25.0 % n/m 22.0 % 25.6 % 20.6 % 23.8 % n/m 19.5 %
Adjusted operating margin 27.7 % 22.5 % 25.1 % n/m 21.9 % 25.7 % 20.8 % 24.0 % n/m 20.7 %
 

Table 3: Reconciliations of Reported-to-Adjusted Net Income and EPS(in thousands, except EPS)

  For the Quarter Ended   For the Year Ended
December 31, December 31,
2017   2016 2017   2016
Reported net income $ 93,746 $ 57,347 $ 337,257 $ 271,109
+ Restructuring expenses 3,658 3,674 8,455 3,674
+ Tax impact on restructuring expenses (1,243 ) (1,299 ) (2,772 ) (1,299 )
+ Loss (gain) on sale of businesses - net (9,273 ) 20,231 (9,273 ) 22,298
+ Tax impact on loss (gain) on sale of businesses - net (8,239 ) (9,706 )
+ Pension settlement 3,554 3,554
+ Tax impact on pension settlement   (1,257 )   (1,257 )
Adjusted net income $ 86,888   $ 74,011   $ 333,667   $ 288,373  
 
  For the Quarter   For the Year Ended
Ended December 31, December 31,
2017   2016 2017   2016
Reported EPS $ 1.21 $ 0.75 $ 4.36 $ 3.53
+ Restructuring expenses 0.05 0.05 0.11 0.05
+ Tax impact on restructuring expenses (0.02 ) (0.02 ) (0.04 ) (0.02 )
+ Loss (gain) on sale of businesses - net (0.12 ) 0.26 (0.12 ) 0.29
+ Tax impact on loss (gain) on sale of businesses - net (0.11 ) (0.13 )
+ Pension settlement 0.05 0.05
+ Tax impact on pension settlement   (0.02 )   (0.02 )
Adjusted EPS $ 1.12   $ 0.96   $ 4.31   $ 3.75  
 
Diluted weighted average shares 77,597 76,806 77,333 76,758
 

Table 4: Reconciliations of EBITDA to Net Income(dollars in thousands)

  For the Quarter Ended December 31,
2017   2016 (a)
FMT   HST   FSDP   Corporate   IDEX FMT   HST   FSDP   Corporate   IDEX
Reported operating income (loss) $ 61,200 $ 44,962 $ 41,006 $ (11,920 ) $ 135,248 $ 55,718 $ 34,706 $ 31,039 $ (35,942 ) $ 85,521
- Other (income) expense - net 300 (892 ) 296 973 677 2,500 (443 ) 646 (1,938 ) 765
+ Depreciation and amortization 5,764   10,840   3,603   203   20,410   6,447   12,254   3,640   227   22,568  
EBITDA 66,664 56,694 44,313 (12,690 ) 154,981 59,665 47,403 34,033 (33,777 ) 107,324
- Interest expense 10,969 12,009
- Provision for income taxes 29,856 15,400
- Depreciation and amortization 20,410   22,568  
Reported net income $ 93,746   $ 57,347  
 
Net sales (eliminations) $ 222,052 $ 208,916 $ 155,504 $ (568 ) $ 585,904 $ 207,113 $ 188,334 $ 135,013 $ (41 ) $ 530,419
 
Reported operating margin 27.6 % 21.5 % 26.4 % n/m 23.1 % 26.9 % 18.4 % 23.0 % n/m 16.1 %
EBITDA margin 30.0 % 27.1 % 28.5 % n/m 26.5 % 28.8 % 25.2 % 25.2 % n/m 20.2 %
 
  For the Year Ended December 31,
2017   2016 (a)
FMT   HST   FSDP   Corporate   IDEX FMT   HST   FSDP   Corporate   IDEX
Reported operating income (loss) $ 241,030 $ 179,567 $ 147,028 $ (65,069 ) $ 502,556 $ 217,500 $ 153,691 $ 123,605 $ (82,399 ) $ 412,397
- Other (income) expense - net 1,007 (795 ) 1,959 223 2,394 3,066 (1,991 ) 161 (2,967 ) (1,731 )
+ Depreciation and amortization 23,587   45,287   14,541   801   84,216   28,458   45,298   11,956   1,180   86,892  
EBITDA 263,610 225,649 159,610 (64,491 ) 584,378 242,892 200,980 135,400 (78,252 ) 501,020
- Interest expense 44,889 45,616
- Provision for income taxes 118,016 97,403
- Depreciation and amortization 84,216   86,892  
Reported net income $337,257 $271,109
 
Net sales (eliminations) $ 880,957 $ 820,131 $ 587,533 $ (1,309 ) $ 2,287,312 $ 849,101 $ 744,809 $ 520,009 $ (876 ) $ 2,113,043
 
Reported operating margin 27.4 % 21.9 % 25.0 % n/m 22.0 % 25.6 % 20.6 % 23.8 % n/m 19.5 %
EBITDA margin 29.9 % 27.5 % 27.2 % n/m 25.5 % 28.6 % 27.0 % 26.0 % n/m 23.7 %
 

Table 5: Reconciliations of EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA(dollars in thousands)

  For the Quarter Ended December 31,
2017   2016
FMT   HST   FSDP   Corporate   IDEX FMT   HST   FSDP   Corporate   IDEX
EBITDA $ 66,664 $ 56,694 $ 44,313 $ (12,690 ) $ 154,981 $ 59,665 $ 47,403 $ 34,033 $ (33,777 ) $ 107,324
+ Restructuring expenses 1,808 1,668 182 3,658 932 1,117 1,425 200 3,674
+ Loss (gain) on sale of businesses - net (9,273 ) (9,273 ) 20,231 20,231
+ Pension settlement           2,032     540   982   3,554  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 68,472   $ 58,362   $ 44,495   $ (21,963 ) $ 149,366   $ 62,629   $ 48,520   $ 35,998   $ (12,364 ) $ 134,783  
 
Adjusted EBITDA margin 30.8 % 27.9 % 28.6 % n/m 25.5 % 30.2 % 25.8 % 26.7 % n/m 25.4 %
 
  For the Year Ended December 31,
2017   2016
FMT   HST   FSDP   Corporate   IDEX FMT   HST   FSDP   Corporate   IDEX
EBITDA $ 263,610 $ 225,649 $ 159,610 $ (64,491 ) $ 584,378 $ 242,892 $ 200,980 $ 135,400 $ (78,252 ) $ 501,020
+ Restructuring expenses 3,374 4,696 255 130 8,455 932 1,117 1,425 200 3,674
+ Loss (gain) on sale of businesses - net (9,273 ) (9,273 ) 22,298 22,298
+ Pension settlement           2,032     540   982   3,554  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 266,984   $ 230,345   $ 159,865   $ (73,634 ) $ 583,560   $ 245,856   $ 202,097   $ 137,365   $ (54,772 ) $ 530,546  
 
Adjusted EBITDA margin 30.3 % 28.1 % 27.2 % n/m 25.5 % 29.0 % 27.1 % 26.4 % n/m 25.1 %
 

Table 6: Reconciliations of Free Cash Flow(in thousands)

  For the Quarter Ended  

For the Year Ended
December 31,

December 31,   September 30,
2017   2016 2017 2017   2016
Cash flow from operating activities $ 136,173 $ 115,593 $ 124,000 $ 432,753 $ 399,917
- Capital expenditures 15,804   9,600   8,515   43,858   38,242
Free cash flow $ 120,369   $ 105,993   $ 115,485   $ 388,895   $ 361,675
 

Table 7: Reconciliations of Reported Effective Tax Rate to Adjusted Effective Tax Rate(dollars in thousands)

 

For the quarter ended
December 31, 2017

 

For the year ended
December 31, 2017

Income   Provision   Income   Provision  
before for before for
income Income Effective income Income Effective
taxes Taxes Tax Rate taxes Taxes Tax Rate
 
Reported $ 123,602 $ 29,856 24.2% $ 455,273 $ 118,016 25.9%
+ Restructuring expenses 3,658 1,243 8,455 2,772
+ Gain on divestiture (9,273 )   (9,273 )  
Adjusted $ 117,987   $ 31,099   26.4% $ 454,455   $ 120,788   26.6%
 

Conference Call to be Broadcast over the Internet

IDEX will broadcast its fourth quarter earnings conference call over the Internet on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. CT. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andy Silvernail and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer William Grogan 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 call and view the accompanying slide presentation, which will be carried live on its website at www.idexcorp.com. Those who wish to participate should log on several minutes before the discussion begins. After clicking on the presentation icon, investors should follow the instructions to ensure their systems are set up to hear the event and view the presentation slides, or download the correct applications at no charge. Investors will also be able to hear a replay of the call by dialing 877.660.6853 (or 201.612.7415 for international participants) using the ID #13675214.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements may relate to, among other things, capital expenditures, acquisitions, cost reductions, cash flow, revenues, earnings, market conditions, global economies and operating improvements, and are indicated by words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “should,” “could,” “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. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks discussed in the “Risk Factors” section included in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and the other risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC. 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, except as may be required by law. Investors are cautioned not to rely unduly on forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented here.

About IDEX

IDEX is a global fluidics leader serving high growth specialized markets. We are best known for our expertise in highly engineered fluidics systems and components, as well as for our expertise in fire and safety products including the Jaws of Life® family of rescue and recovery tools. Our products touch lives every day. Whether it’s a life-saving rescue operation, dispensing fresh juice to a first grader or fueling aircraft, IDEX is a leader in creating enabling technology used in many of the most common everyday activities. For more information, please visit www.idexcorp.com. IDEX shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “IEX”.

(Financial reports follow)

IDEX CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands except for per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 
  For the Quarter Ended   For the Year Ended
December 31, December 31,
2017   2016 (a) 2017   2016 (a)
Net sales $ 585,904 $ 530,419 $ 2,287,312 $ 2,113,043
Cost of sales   325,022     297,934     1,260,634     1,182,276  
Gross profit 260,882 232,485 1,026,678 930,767
Selling, general and administrative expenses 131,249 123,059 524,940 492,398
Loss (gain) on sale of businesses - net (9,273 ) 20,231 (9,273 ) 22,298
Restructuring expenses   3,658     3,674     8,455     3,674  
Operating income 135,248 85,521 502,556 412,397
Other (income) expense — net 677 765 2,394 (1,731 )
Interest expense   10,969     12,009     44,889     45,616  
Income before income taxes 123,602 72,747 455,273 368,512
Provision for income taxes   29,856     15,400     118,016     97,403  
Net income   $ 93,746     $ 57,347     $ 337,257     $ 271,109  
 
Earnings per Common Share (b):
Basic earnings per common share $ 1.23 $ 0.75 $ 4.41 $ 3.57
Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.21 $ 0.75 $ 4.36 $ 3.53
 
Share Data:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 76,283 75,955 76,232 75,803
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 77,597 76,806 77,333 76,758
 

IDEX CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
  December 31,   December 31,
2017 2016
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 375,950 $ 235,964
Receivables - net 294,166 272,813
Inventories 259,724 252,859
Other current assets   74,203     61,085
Total current assets 1,004,043 822,721
Property, plant and equipment - net 258,350 247,816
Goodwill and intangible assets 2,118,904 2,068,096
Other noncurrent assets   18,331     16,311
Total assets   $ 3,399,628     $ 3,154,944
 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable $ 147,067 $ 128,933
Accrued expenses 184,705 152,852
Short-term borrowings 258 1,046
Dividends payable   28,945     26,327
Total current liabilities 360,975 309,158
Long-term borrowings 858,788 1,014,235
Other noncurrent liabilities   293,323     287,657
Total liabilities 1,513,086 1,611,050
Shareholders' equity   1,886,542     1,543,894
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   $ 3,399,628     $ 3,154,944
 
IDEX CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
  For the Year Ended
December 31,
2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income $ 337,257 $ 271,109
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets 315 (28 )
Loss (gain) on sale of businesses - net (9,273 ) 22,298
Asset impairments 205
Depreciation and amortization 38,314 37,854
Amortization of intangible assets 45,902 49,038
Amortization of debt issuance expenses 1,320 1,295
Share-based compensation expense 24,405 20,326
Deferred income taxes (33,742 ) (17,308 )
Non-cash interest expense associated with forward starting swaps 6,655 6,851
Pension settlement 3,554
Changes in (net of the effect from acquisitions and divestitures):
Receivables (15,803 ) 302
Inventories 760 32,747
Other current assets (20,031 ) (22,006 )
Trade accounts payable 12,556 73
Accrued expenses 19,710 (5,470 )
Other — net   24,408   (c) (923 )
Net cash flows provided by operating activities 432,753 399,917
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (43,858 ) (38,242 )
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (38,161 ) (510,001 )
Proceeds from sale of business 21,795 39,064
Proceeds from fixed asset disposals 6,011 49
Other — net   (533 )   (69 )
Net cash flows used in investing activities (54,746 ) (509,199 )
Cash flows from financing activities
Borrowings under revolving facilities 33,000 501,529
Proceeds from issuance of 3.20% Senior Notes 100,000
Proceeds from issuance of 3.37% Senior Notes 100,000
Payments under revolving facilities (200,618 ) (520,125 )
Debt issuance costs (246 )
Dividends paid (111,172 ) (102,650 )
Proceeds from stock option exercises 22,935 30,240
Purchase of common stock (29,074 ) (57,272 )
Unvested shares surrendered for tax withholding (6,228 ) (4,928 )
Settlement of foreign exchange contracts   13,736      
Net cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities (277,421 ) 46,548
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   39,400     (29,320 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash 139,986 (92,054 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   235,964     328,018  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 375,950     $ 235,964  
 

IDEX CORPORATION

Company and Segment Financial Information - Reported

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
   

For the Quarter Ended
December 31, (d)

 

For the Year Ended
December 31, (d)

2017   2016 (a) 2017   2016 (a)
Fluid & Metering Technologies
Net sales $ 222,052 $ 207,113 $ 880,957 $ 849,101
Operating income (e) 61,200 55,718 241,030 217,500
Operating margin 27.6 % 26.9 % 27.4 % 25.6 %
EBITDA $ 66,664 $ 59,665 $ 263,610 $ 242,892
EBITDA margin 30.0 % 28.8 % 29.9 % 28.6 %
Depreciation and amortization $ 5,764 $ 6,447 $ 23,587 $ 28,458
Capital expenditures 6,059 3,685 18,218 16,389
 
Health & Science Technologies
Net sales $ 208,916 $ 188,334 $ 820,131 $ 744,809
Operating income (e) 44,962 34,706 179,567 153,691
Operating margin 21.5 % 18.4 % 21.9 % 20.6 %
EBITDA $ 56,694 $ 47,403 $ 225,649 $ 200,980
EBITDA margin 27.1 % 25.2 % 27.5 % 27.0 %
Depreciation and amortization $ 10,840 $ 12,254 $ 45,287 $ 45,298
Capital expenditures 4,851 4,210 16,340 15,665
 
Fire & Safety/Diversified Products
Net sales $ 155,504 $ 135,013 $ 587,533 $ 520,009
Operating income (e) 41,006 31,039 147,028 123,605
Operating margin 26.4 % 23.0 % 25.0 % 23.8 %
EBITDA $ 44,313 $ 34,033 $ 159,610 $ 135,400
EBITDA margin 28.5 % 25.2 % 27.2 % 26.0 %
Depreciation and amortization $ 3,603 $ 3,640 $ 14,541 $ 11,956
Capital expenditures 2,185 1,640 6,363 5,945
 
Corporate Office and Eliminations
Intersegment sales eliminations $ (568 ) $ (41 ) $ (1,309 ) $ (876 )
Operating income (e) (11,920 ) (35,942 ) (65,069 ) (82,399 )
EBITDA (12,690 ) (33,777 ) (64,491 ) (78,252 )
Depreciation and amortization 203 227 801 1,180
Capital expenditures 2,709 65 2,937 243
 
Company
Net sales $ 585,904 $ 530,419 $ 2,287,312 $ 2,113,043
Operating income 135,248 85,521 502,556 412,397
Operating margin 23.1 % 16.1 % 22.0 % 19.5 %
EBITDA $ 154,981 $ 107,324 $ 584,378 $ 501,020
EBITDA margin 26.5 % 20.2 % 25.5 % 23.7 %
Depreciation and amortization (f) $ 20,410 $ 22,568 $ 84,216 $ 86,892
Capital expenditures 15,804 9,600 43,858 38,242
 
IDEX CORPORATION

Company and Segment Financial Information - Adjusted

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
   

For the Quarter Ended
December 31, (d)

 

For the Year Ended
December 31, (d)

2017   2016 (a) 2017   2016 (a)
Fluid & Metering Technologies
Net sales $ 222,052 $ 207,113 $ 880,957 $ 849,101
Adjusted operating income (e) 63,008 56,650 244,404 218,432
Adjusted operating margin 28.4 % 27.4 % 27.7 % 25.7 %
Adjusted EBITDA $ 68,472 $ 62,629 $ 266,984 $ 245,856
Adjusted EBITDA margin 30.8 % 30.2 % 30.3 % 29.0 %
Depreciation and amortization $ 5,764 $ 6,447 $ 23,587 $ 28,458
Capital expenditures 6,059 3,685 18,218 16,389
 
Health & Science Technologies
Net sales $ 208,916 $ 188,334 $ 820,131 $ 744,809
Adjusted operating income (e) 46,630 35,823 184,263 154,808
Adjusted operating margin 22.3 % 19.0 % 22.5 % 20.8 %
Adjusted EBITDA $ 58,362 $ 48,520 $ 230,345 $ 202,097
Adjusted EBITDA margin 27.9 % 25.8 % 28.1 % 27.1 %
Depreciation and amortization $ 10,840 $ 12,254 $ 45,287 $ 45,298
Capital expenditures 4,851 4,210 16,340 15,665
 
Fire & Safety/Diversified Products
Net sales $ 155,504 $ 135,013 $ 587,533 $ 520,009
Adjusted operating income (e) 41,188 32,464 147,283 125,030
Adjusted operating margin 26.5 % 24.0 % 25.1 % 24.0 %
Adjusted EBITDA $ 44,495 $ 35,998 $ 159,865 $ 137,365
Adjusted EBITDA margin 28.6 % 26.7 % 27.2 % 26.4 %
Depreciation and amortization $ 3,603 $ 3,640 $ 14,541 $ 11,956
Capital expenditures 2,185 1,640 6,363 5,945
 
Corporate Office and Eliminations
Intersegment sales eliminations $ (568 ) $ (41 ) $ (1,309 ) $ (876 )
Adjusted operating income (e) (21,193 ) (15,511 ) (74,212 ) (59,901 )
Adjusted EBITDA (21,963 ) (12,364 ) (73,634 ) (54,772 )
Depreciation and amortization 203 227 801 1,180
Capital expenditures 2,709 65 2,937 243
 
Company
Net sales $ 585,904 $ 530,419 $ 2,287,312 $ 2,113,043
Adjusted operating income 129,633 109,426 501,738 438,369
Adjusted operating margin 22.1 % 20.6 % 21.9 % 20.7 %
Adjusted EBITDA $ 149,366 $ 134,783 $ 583,560 $ 530,546
Adjusted EBITDA margin 25.5 % 25.4 % 25.5 % 25.1 %
Depreciation and amortization (f) $ 20,410 $ 22,568 $ 84,216 $ 86,892
Capital expenditures 15,804 9,600 43,858 38,242
 
(a)   Certain amounts in the prior year presentation have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation due to the early adoption of ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.
(b) Calculated by applying the two-class method of allocating earnings to common stock and participating securities as required by ASC 260, Earnings Per Share.
(c) Other-net within operating activities includes $27.9 million of non-current income taxes payable related to the repatriation tax recorded in conjunction with Tax Reform, which the Company intends to pay beginning in 2019 and thereafter.
(d) Three and twelve month data includes the results of thinXXS (December 2017) and SFC Koenig (September 2016) in the Health & Science Technologies segment and Akron Brass (March 2016) and AWG Fittings (July 2016) in the Fire & Safety/Diversified Products segment from the date of acquisition. Three and twelve month data also includes the results of Faure Herman (October 2017), Hydra-Stop (July 2016) and IETG (October 2016) in the Fluid & Metering Technologies segment and CVI Japan (September 2016) and CVI Korea (December 2016) in the Health & Science Technologies segment through the date of disposition.
(e) Segment operating income excludes unallocated corporate operating expenses which are included in Corporate Office and Eliminations.
(f) Depreciation and amortization excludes amortization of debt issuance costs.

Source: IDEX Corporation

Investor Contact:
IDEX Corporation
William K. Grogan
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(847) 498-7070