- Organic sales up 2% compared to prior
year; Distribution organic sales flat; All Other Operations organic
sales up 16%
- Diluted EPS of $1.16, in line with
guidance; prior year diluted EPS was $1.18
- Free cash flow* of $120 million, up 15%
over prior year
- Updated fiscal year 2016 diluted EPS
guidance to $4.90 to $5.05, representing 1% to 4% growth over
fiscal 2015 diluted EPS, prior fiscal year 2016 diluted EPS
guidance was $4.85 to $5.15
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), one of the nation’s leading suppliers
of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and related products,
today reported earnings per diluted share of $1.16 for its first
quarter ended June 30, 2015, down 2% compared to the prior year
earnings per diluted share of $1.18, in line with the Company’s
expectations and reflective of the challenging economic
conditions.
First quarter sales increased 3% over the prior year to $1.3
billion. Organic sales were up 2% over the prior year, with gas and
rent up 5% and hardgoods down 3%. In the Distribution segment,
organic sales were flat compared to the prior year, with gas and
rent up 2% and hardgoods down 3%. In the All Other Operations
segment, organic sales were up 16%, primarily driven by increased
sales in the refrigerants, CO2 and dry ice businesses. Acquisitions
contributed sales growth of 1% in the quarter on both a
consolidated basis and in the Distribution segment.
“Cash flows were again strong, and we delivered earnings
squarely in the middle of our guidance range. As anticipated, sales
to our customers engaged in the energy and chemical and the
manufacturing and metal fabrication sectors remained challenged
through the quarter,” said Airgas President and Chief Executive
Officer Michael L. Molinini. “One bright spot is the continued
strength we are seeing in non-residential construction. After a
relatively slow calendar 2014, our March 2015 quarter saw
year-over-year growth in non-residential construction of 5% and
this quarter year-over-year growth reached 6%. We remain focused on
things we can control including leveraging our industry leading
platform and managing expenses.”
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses increased 4%
over the prior year, with operating costs associated with acquired
businesses representing approximately 1% of the increase. The
balance of the increase reflects normal inflation and rising
healthcare costs, as well as the incremental costs to support
strong sales growth in the All Other Operations segment. Selling,
distribution, and administrative expenses in the Distribution
segment increased 2% over the prior year, excluding the impact of
operating costs associated with acquired businesses.
Operating margin was 11.3%, down 50 basis points compared to the
prior year, primarily reflecting the impact of the increase in
selling, distribution, and administrative expenses in the current
low organic sales growth environment related to our Distribution
segment.
Free cash flow* for the quarter was $120 million, up 15% over
the prior year, and adjusted cash from operations* was $232
million, up 13% over the prior year. During the first quarter, the
Company repurchased 1.0 million shares on the open market for $104
million, reflecting an average price of $103.84 per share.
Return on capital* was 11.8% for the 12 months ended June 30,
2015, down 30 basis points compared to the prior year.
From the beginning of its fiscal year through July 27, the
Company has acquired nine businesses with aggregate annual sales of
approximately $74 million, including industrial gas and welding
supply distributor Weldinghouse, Inc, and the nitrogen services
business of Priority Energy Services, LLC.
Guidance
“We share the Fed’s view of tempered optimism on the economic
outlook in the near-term and the level of uncertainty in the
marketplace makes it difficult for us to predict our near-term
sales outlook. While we are encouraged by some bright spots, such
as the increased activity of many of our construction customers,
our strong cash flow and increased acquisition activity, the
overall sluggishness in the industrial economy tempers our
near-term optimism. Long-term, we believe the fundamental growth
prospects for the U.S. economy are strong. Through past investments
we’ve made to improve our platform, systems and product and service
offering, we have positioned Airgas for growth when the economy
improves. Consistent with our demonstrated track record, we remain
committed to delivering sustainable long-term value to our
customers and shareholders,” said Airgas Executive Chairman Peter
McCausland. “The low end of our fiscal 2016 guidance assumes a very
modest uptick in growth rates as the year progresses, with average
organic sales growth in the low single digits for the full year.
The high end assumes acceleration in growth rates over the course
of the year, with average organic sales growth in the mid single
digits for the full year.”
For the second quarter of fiscal year 2016, the Company expects
earnings per diluted share in the range of $1.28 to $1.33, compared
to prior year earnings per diluted share of $1.30. Second quarter
guidance includes a $0.00 to $0.02 per diluted share negative
year-over-year impact from variable compensation reset following a
below-budget year as well as a $0.01 to $0.02 per diluted share
negative year-over-year impact from near term net cost pressure
related to helium diversification and supply extension initiatives.
Second quarter guidance assumes a year-over-year organic sales
growth rate in the low single digits.
For the full fiscal year 2016, the Company expects earnings per
diluted share in the range of $4.90 to $5.05, reflecting a 1% to 4%
increase over prior year earnings per diluted share. Full year
guidance includes a $0.00 to $0.09 per diluted share negative
year-over-year impact from variable compensation reset following a
below-budget year as well as a $0.06 to $0.09 per diluted share
negative year-over-year impact from near term net cost pressure
related to helium diversification and supply extension initiatives
and a $0.03 per diluted share benefit from share repurchases made
through June 30. Full year guidance assumes a year-over-year
organic sales growth rate in the low to mid single digits.
Second quarter and full fiscal year 2016 guidance does not
include the impact of any additional share repurchases that may
occur subsequent to June 30 under the Company’s current authorized
share repurchase program. The Company’s previous full fiscal year
2016 earnings per diluted share guidance was $4.85 to $5.15.
The Company will conduct an earnings teleconference at 10:00
a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, July 28. The teleconference will be
available by calling 888-551-9018 (U.S./Canada) or 719-325-2349
(International). The presentation materials (this press release,
slides to be presented during the Company’s teleconference and
information about how to access a live and on demand webcast of the
teleconference) are available in the “Investor Relations” section
of the Company’s website at www.airgas.com. A webcast of the teleconference
will be available live and on demand through August 25 at
http://investor.shareholder.com/arg/events.cfm. A replay of the
teleconference will be available through August 4. To listen, call
888-203-1112 (U.S./Canada) or 719-457-0820 (International) and
enter passcode 8117609.
* See attached reconciliations and computations of non-GAAP
adjusted cash from operations, free cash flow, and return on
capital financial measures.
About Airgas, Inc.
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is one of
the nation's leading suppliers of industrial, medical and specialty
gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and related
products. Airgas is a leading U.S. producer of atmospheric gases
with 16 air separation plants, a leading producer of carbon
dioxide, dry ice, and nitrous oxide, one of the largest U.S.
suppliers of safety products, and a leading U.S. supplier of
refrigerants, ammonia products, and process chemicals.
Approximately 17,000 associates work in more than 1,100 locations,
including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas
labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also
markets its products and services through e-Business, catalog and
telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence
offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more
information, please visit www.airgas.com.
This press release contains statements that are forward looking,
as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995 or by the SEC in its rules, regulations and releases.
These statements include, but are not limited to: our expectations
regarding our fiscal 2016 second quarter and full fiscal year 2016
organic sales growth and earnings per diluted share; our management
of expenses. Forward-looking statements also include any statement
that is not based on historical fact, including statements
containing the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "could,"
"should," "estimates," "continues," "anticipates," "intends,"
"expects," and similar expressions. We intend that such
forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created
thereby. All forward-looking statements are based on current
expectations regarding important risk factors and should not be
regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the
results expressed therein will be achieved. Airgas assumes no
obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for
any reason, except as required by law. Important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in
any forward-looking statement include: the impact from the decline
in oil prices on our customers; adverse changes in customer buying
patterns or weakening in the operating and financial performance of
our customers, any of which could negatively impact our sales and
our ability to collect our accounts receivable; postponement of
projects due to economic conditions and uncertainty in the energy
sector; the impact of the strong dollar on our manufacturer
customers that export; customer acceptance of price increases;
increases in energy costs and other operating expenses at a faster
rate than our ability to increase prices; changes in customer
demand resulting in our inability to meet minimum product purchase
requirements under long-term supply agreements and the inability to
negotiate alternative supply arrangements; supply cost pressures;
shortages and/or disruptions in the supply chain of certain gases,
including our helium supply initiatives; EPA rulings and the impact
in the marketplace of U.S. compliance with the Montreal Protocol as
related to the production and import of Refrigerant-22 (also known
as HCFC-22 or R-22); our ability to successfully build, complete in
a timely manner and operate our new facilities; higher than
expected expenses associated with the expansion of our telesales
business, e-Business platform, the adjustment of our regional
management structures, our strategic pricing initiatives and other
strategic growth initiatives; increased industry competition; our
ability to successfully identify, consummate, and integrate
acquisitions; our ability to achieve anticipated acquisition
synergies; operating costs associated with acquired businesses; our
continued ability to access credit markets on satisfactory terms;
significant fluctuations in interest rates; the impact of changes
in credit market conditions on our customers; our ability to
effectively leverage our new SAP system to improve the operating
and financial performance of our business; changes in tax and
fiscal policies and laws; increased expenditures relating to
compliance with environmental and other regulatory initiatives; the
impact of new environmental, healthcare, tax, accounting, and other
regulations; the overall U.S. industrial economy; catastrophic
events and/or severe weather conditions; political and economic
uncertainties associated with current world events; and other
factors described in the Company's reports, including its March 31,
2015 Form 10-K, and other forms filed by the Company with the
SEC.
Consolidated statements of earnings, condensed consolidated
balance sheets, consolidated statements of cash flows, and
reconciliations and computations of non-GAAP financial measures
follow below.
AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Amounts in thousands, except per share
data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30,
2015 2014 Net sales
$
1,349,710 $ 1,313,587
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold (excluding
depreciation)
597,166 583,406
Selling, distribution and administrative
expenses
513,776 494,713 Depreciation 78,075 72,635 Amortization
8,115 7,752 Total
costs and expenses
1,197,132
1,158,506 Operating income 152,578
155,081 Interest expense, net (14,036 ) (16,139 ) Other
income, net
1,425
1,869 Earnings before income taxes
139,967 140,811 Income taxes
(51,732
) (51,959 )
$ 88,235 $
88,852 Net earnings per common share:
Basic earnings per share
$ 1.17
$ 1.20 Diluted
earnings per share
$ 1.16
$ 1.18 Weighted average
shares outstanding: Basic 75,206 74,272 Diluted 76,105 75,483
See attached Notes.
AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
June 30, March 31,
2015
2015 ASSETS Cash $ 72,208 $ 50,724 Trade
receivables, net 718,856 708,227 Inventories, net 460,842 474,070
Deferred income tax asset, net 58,290 58,072 Prepaid expenses and
other current assets
93,131
124,591 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 1,403,327 1,415,684
Plant and equipment, net 3,026,338 2,951,766 Goodwill
1,328,551 1,313,644 Other intangible assets, net 248,765 244,519
Other non-current assets
47,796
47,997 TOTAL ASSETS
$
6,054,777 $ 5,973,610
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Accounts payable, trade $
188,330 $ 206,187 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
363,758 346,879 Short-term debt 415,964 325,871 Current portion of
long-term debt (a)
500,063
250,110 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,468,115 1,129,047
Long-term debt, excluding current portion (a) 1,525,442
1,748,662 Deferred income tax liability, net 849,477 854,574 Other
non-current liabilities 89,655 89,741 Stockholders’ equity
2,122,088 2,151,586 TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
6,054,777 $ 5,973,610
See attached Notes.
AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30,
2015 2014 CASH FLOWS
FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net earnings $ 88,235 $ 88,852
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 78,075 72,635 Amortization 8,115 7,752 Deferred income
taxes (5,828 ) (4,554 ) Gain on sales of plant and equipment (1,731
) (959 ) Stock-based compensation expense 13,650 14,830
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of business
acquisitions: Trade receivables, net (9,151 ) (9,104 ) Inventories,
net 15,064 347 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 32,548
1,163 Accounts payable, trade (18,130 ) (7,473 ) Accrued expenses
and other current liabilities 23,211 31,567 Other, net
(315 ) 1,916
Net cash provided by operating activities
223,743 196,972
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Capital expenditures
(155,719 ) (108,580 ) Proceeds from sales of fixed assets 5,153
5,452 Business acquisitions and holdback settlements (26,182 )
(23,463 ) Other, net
917
(1,113 ) Net cash used in investing
activities
(175,831 )
(127,704 ) CASH FLOWS FROM
FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt
89,818 (335,015 ) Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt 28,939
300,528 Repayment of long-term debt (4,579 ) (553 ) Financing costs
(29 ) (2,133 ) Purchase of treasury stock (b) (103,839 ) - Proceeds
from the exercise of stock options 6,977 11,578 Stock issued for
the Employee Stock Purchase Plan 4,836 4,602 Excess tax benefit
realized from the exercise of stock options 3,891 4,063 Dividends
paid to stockholders (44,873 ) (40,914 ) Change in cash overdraft
(7,569 )
(3,673 ) Net cash used in financing
activities
(26,428 )
(61,517 ) Change in cash $ 21,484
$ 7,751 Cash – Beginning of period
50,724
69,561 Cash – End of period
$ 72,208 $
77,312 See attached Notes.
Notes: a) In June 2015, the Company's $250
million 2.95% senior notes maturing June 2016 were reclassified to
the \"Current portion of long-term debt" line item of the Company's
Consolidated Balance Sheet. b) On May 28, 2015, the Company
announced a $500 million share repurchase program. During the three
months ended June 30, 2015, the Company repurchased 1.0 million
shares on the open market at an average price of $103.84. At June
30, 2015, $396 million was available for additional share
repurchases under the program.
c)
Business segment information for the Company's Distribution and All
Other Operations business segments is presented in the following
tables. Amounts in the "Eliminations and Other" column reported for
net sales and cost of products sold (excluding depreciation)
represent the elimination of intercompany sales and associated
gross profit on sales from the Company's All Other Operations
business segment to the Distribution business segment.
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
June 30,
2015 June 30, 2014 (In thousands)
Dist. All
Other
Ops.
Elim.
& Other
Total Dist. All
Other
Ops.
Elim.
& Other
Total Gas and rent $ 717,642 $ 160,027 $ (7,596 ) $
870,073 $ 696,565 $ 136,092 $ (7,066 ) $ 825,591 Hardgoods
478,266 1,374
(3 ) 479,637
487,047 951 (2
) 487,996 Total net sales
1,195,908 161,401 (7,599 ) 1,349,710 1,183,612 137,043 (7,068 )
1,313,587
Cost of products sold (excluding
depreciation)
521,240 83,525 (7,599 ) 597,166 520,933 69,541 (7,068 ) 583,406
Selling, distribution and administrative
expenses
464,809 48,967 - 513,776 449,639 45,074 - 494,713 Depreciation
71,020 7,055 - 78,075 66,462 6,173 - 72,635 Amortization
7,162 953 -
8,115 6,724
1,028 -
7,752 Operating income
$
131,677 $ 20,901
$ - $
152,578 $ 139,854
$ 15,227 $ -
$ 155,081
Reconciliations
of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)
Return on
Capital
Reconciliations and computations of return
on capital:
June 30, (In thousands)
2015
2014 Operating income - trailing four
quarters $ 638,775 $ 629,002 Average of total assets $
5,959,045 $ 5,726,999 Average of current liabilities (exclusive of
debt)
(555,551 )
(528,574 ) Average capital employed
$ 5,403,494 $
5,198,425 Return on capital
11.8 % 12.1
%
The Company believes its return on capital financial measure
helps investors assess how effectively it uses the capital invested
in its operations. Non-GAAP financial measures should be read in
conjunction with GAAP financial measures, as non-GAAP financial
measures are merely a supplement to, and not a replacement for,
GAAP financial measures. It should be noted as well that the
Company’s return on capital financial measure may be different from
the return on capital financial measures provided by other
companies.
Adjusted Cash from
Operations, Adjusted Capital Expenditures, and Free Cash
Flow
Reconciliations and computations of adjusted cash from operations,
adjusted capital expenditures, and free cash flow:
Three Months Ended June 30, (In thousands)
2015 2014 Net cash
provided by operating activities $ 223,743 $ 196,972
Adjustments to net cash provided by operating activities: Stock
issued for the Employee Stock Purchase Plan 4,836 4,602 Excess tax
benefit realized from the exercise of stock options
3,891 4,063 Adjusted
cash from operations
232,470
205,637 Capital expenditures (155,719 )
(108,580 ) Adjustments to capital expenditures: Proceeds
from sales of fixed assets 5,153 5,452 Operating lease buyouts
37,770 1,349
Adjusted capital expenditures
(112,796
) (101,779 )
Free cash flow
$ 119,674
$ 103,858 Net cash used in
investing activities $ (175,831 ) $ (127,704 ) Net cash used in
financing activities $ (26,428 ) $ (61,517 )
The Company believes its adjusted cash from operations, adjusted
capital expenditures, and free cash flow financial measures provide
investors meaningful insight into its ability to generate cash from
operations, which is available for servicing debt obligations and
for the execution of its business strategies, including
acquisitions, the prepayment of debt, the payment of dividends, or
to support other investing and financing activities. The Company’s
free cash flow financial measure has limitations and does not
represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary
expenditures. Certain non-discretionary expenditures such as
payments on maturing debt obligations are excluded from the
Company’s computation of its free cash flow financial measure.
Non-GAAP financial measures should be read in conjunction with GAAP
financial measures, as non-GAAP financial measures are merely a
supplement to, and not a replacement for, GAAP financial measures.
It should also be noted that the Company’s adjusted cash from
operations, adjusted capital expenditures, and free cash flow
financial measures may be different from the adjusted cash from
operations, adjusted capital expenditures, and free cash flow
financial measures provided by other companies.
View source
version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150728005172/en/
Airgas, Inc.Investor Contact:Joseph
Marczely, 610-263-8277joseph.marczely@airgas.comorMedia Contact:Sarah Boxler,
610-263-8260sarah.boxler@airgas.com
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