Lindsay Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Results
Rhea-AI Summary
Lindsay Corporation reports strong fourth-quarter earnings driven by growth in international irrigation markets and record revenues in Brazil. Full-year net earnings and earnings per share reach record levels. Free cash flow generation exceeds objectives.
Positive
Strong growth in international irrigation revenues and record revenues in Brazil positively impact earnings and operating margin.
Full-year net earnings and earnings per share reach record levels.
Free cash flow generation exceeds objectives.
Negative
Decrease in revenues for the fourth quarter compared to the prior year due to lower infrastructure segment sales.
Decrease in operating income and margin in the infrastructure segment.
Decrease in overall revenues for the full year compared to the prior year.
10/19/2023 - 06:45 AM
Revenue growth in international irrigation markets, resilient demand in North America and gross margin expansion drive improved fourth quarter earnings performance
Record full year net earnings and earnings per share results driven by meaningful growth in operating income and operating margin expansion
OMAHA, Neb. --(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Lindsay Corporation (NYSE: LNN), a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology, today announced results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year, which ended on August 31, 2023.
Key Highlights
Fourth Quarter:
Revenue of $167.1 million and EPS of $1.74 led by strong irrigation results
Strong growth in international irrigation revenues and record revenues in Brazil
Record operating income and operating margin in irrigation segment
Full-Year:
Record net earnings of $72.4 million and record EPS of $6.54
Record revenue and operating income in Brazil
Free cash flow generation reaches 139 percent of net earnings
“We are pleased to report strong performance in our fiscal fourth quarter and solid momentum as we head into fiscal 2024, driven by our irrigation business. Our strong quarterly performance reflected growth in international irrigation markets led by South America , and Brazil in particular where we achieved record fourth quarter revenue. Demand for irrigation equipment in North America remained steady in the fourth quarter, in line with our expectations. Record fourth quarter operating income and operating margin in irrigation is a testament to effective price management and operating performance, while also reflecting the impact of increasing geographic diversification through strategic growth in international markets,” said Randy Wood, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Infrastructure results for the fourth quarter reflected the impact of Road Zipper System™ projects in the prior year that did not repeat, while Road Zipper System leasing revenue continued to show solid growth and partially offset the overall decrease in revenue."
Wood continued, "For the full year, I am pleased with our ability to deliver new records in net earnings and earnings per share, as our performance overcame softer revenues compared to last year's record levels. This record earnings and income performance was led by record full year operating income and operating margin in irrigation with gross margin expansion across the business. This improved operating performance, along with effective working capital management, resulted in free cash flow generation that exceeded our objective for the year. This performance demonstrated our ability to continue funding growth investments in innovation and other long-term shareholder value creation opportunities."
Fourth Quarter Summary
Consolidated Financial Summary
Fourth Quarter
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
FY2023
FY2022
$ Change
% Change
Total revenues
$167.1
$190.2
($23.1 )
(12%)
Operating income
$23.4
$27.8
($4.4 )
(16%)
Operating margin
14.0%
14.6%
Net earnings
$19.2
$17.9
$1.3
7%
Earnings per share
$1.74
$1.62
$0.12
7%
Revenues for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 were $167.1 million , a decrease of $23.1 million , or 12 percent, compared to revenues of $190.2 million in the prior year fourth quarter. Most of the decrease came from the infrastructure segment due to Road Zipper System projects in the prior year fourth quarter that did not repeat.
Operating income for the fourth quarter was $23.4 million , a decrease of $4.4 million , or 16 percent, compared to operating income of $27.8 million in the prior year fourth quarter. Operating margin was 14.0 percent of sales, compared to operating margin of 14.6 percent of sales in the prior year fourth quarter. The impact of the decline in higher margin infrastructure revenue was substantially offset by improved gross profit and gross margin in irrigation. Operating expenses were comparable to the prior year fourth quarter.
Net earnings for the fourth quarter were $19.2 million , or $1.74 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $17.9 million , or $1.62 per diluted share, for the prior year fourth quarter. Net earnings improvement was supported by higher interest income and more favorable foreign currency transaction changes compared to the prior year fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter Segment Results
Irrigation Segment
Fourth Quarter
(dollars in millions)
FY 2023
FY 2022
$ Change
% Change
Revenues:
North America
$60.2
$80.1
($19.9 )
(25%)
International
$83.4
$70.4
$13.0
18%
Total revenues
$143.6
$150.5
($6.9 )
(5%)
Operating income
$29.8
$24.3
$5.5
23%
Operating margin
20.7%
16.1%
Irrigation segment revenues for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 were $143.6 million , a decrease of $6.9 million , or 5 percent, compared to $150.5 million in the prior year fourth quarter. North America irrigation revenues of $60.2 million decreased $19.9 million , or 25 percent, compared to the prior year fourth quarter. The decrease in revenues resulted primarily from lower unit sales volumes while average selling prices were comparable with the prior year fourth quarter. Unit sales volumes in the prior year fourth quarter reflected an exceptional level of storm damage replacement demand while unit sales volumes in the current year reflected more normal seasonal demand.
International irrigation revenues of $83.4 million increased $13.0 million , or 18 percent, compared to the prior year fourth quarter. The increase resulted primarily from increased sales volumes in Brazil , Argentina and the Middle East compared to the prior year fourth quarter. The current year fourth quarter also benefited from the favorable effects of foreign currency translation of approximately $1.3 million compared to the prior year fourth quarter.
Irrigation segment operating income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 was $29.8 million , an increase of $5.5 million , or 23 percent, compared to the prior year fourth quarter. Operating margin was 20.7 percent of sales, compared to 16.1 percent of sales in the prior year fourth quarter. The increase in operating margin resulted from gross margin expansion driven by improved price realization and operating performance compared to the prior year fourth quarter.
Infrastructure Segment
Fourth Quarter
(dollars in millions)
FY 2023
FY 2022
$ Change
% Change
Total revenues
$23.5
$39.7
($16.2 )
(41%)
Operating income
$3.1
$11.5
($8.3 )
(73%)
Operating margin
13.3%
28.8%
Infrastructure segment revenues for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 were $23.5 million , a decrease of $16.2 million , or 41 percent, compared to $39.7 million in the prior year fourth quarter. The decrease in revenues resulted primarily from lower Road Zipper System sales compared to the prior year fourth quarter. Notably, the prior year fourth quarter included a number of project sales that did not repeat in the current year fourth quarter. The impact of lower project sales was partially offset by growth in Road Zipper System lease revenue and higher sales of road safety products compared to the prior year fourth quarter.
Infrastructure segment operating income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 was $3.1 million , a decrease of $8.3 million , or 73 percent, compared to the prior year fourth quarter. Operating margin was 13.3 percent of sales, compared to 28.8 percent of sales in the prior year fourth quarter. The decrease in operating income and margin resulted from lower revenues compared to the prior year fourth quarter and the resulting loss in fixed cost leverage.
Full Year Summary
Consolidated Financial Summary
Full Year
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
FY2023
FY2022
$ Change
% Change
Total revenues
$674.1
$770.7
($96.7 )
(13%)
Operating income
$102.2
$94.6
$7.5
8%
Operating margin
15.2%
12.3%
Net earnings
$72.4
$65.5
$6.9
11%
Earnings per share
$6.54
$5.94
$0.60
10%
Revenues for fiscal 2023 were $674.1 million , a decrease of $96.7 million , or 13 percent, compared to revenues of $770.7 million in the prior year. Irrigation revenues decreased $79.8 million due to farmers in North America deferring investment decisions, a higher level of storm damage replacement demand in the prior year and prior year sales in Egypt , Ukraine and Russia that did not repeat. Infrastructure revenues decreased $16.9 million , primarily due to lower Road Zipper System project sales compared to the prior year.
Operating income for fiscal 2023 was $102.2 million , an increase of $7.5 million , or 8 percent, compared to operating income of $94.6 million in the prior year. Operating margin was 15.2 percent of sales, compared to 12.3 percent of sales in the prior year. Operating margin improvement resulted primarily from gross margin expansion in irrigation, while gross margin in infrastructure was comparable to the prior year.
Net earnings for fiscal 2023 were $72.4 million , or $6.54 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $65.5 million , or $5.94 per diluted share, for the prior year. Net earnings improvement resulted largely from increased operating income and also benefited from higher interest income and more favorable foreign currency transaction changes compared to the prior year.
The backlog of unfilled orders as of August 31, 2023, was $78.7 million compared with $96.8 million on August 31, 2022. The irrigation and infrastructure backlogs are both lower compared to the prior year.
Outlook
Mr. Wood concluded, “Current commodity prices and U.S. net farm income projections, although lower compared to the marked strength seen a year ago, continue to support demand for irrigation equipment in North America . So far in our first quarter of fiscal 2024, we are seeing order levels running ahead of the prior year. We expect sales volume levels in developed international markets to remain robust, led by strong demand in Brazil , and we continue to see project opportunities in developing markets supported by continuing global concerns over food security and global grain supplies."
“We expect to see a more meaningful positive impact of increased U.S. infrastructure spending on our infrastructure business in fiscal 2024, particularly in Road Zipper System leasing and sales of road safety projects. We also continue to actively manage projects in our Road Zipper System sales funnel, however the timing of when these projects will be executed is difficult to predict.”
Fourth Quarter Conference Call
Lindsay’s fiscal 2023 fourth quarter investor conference call is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time today. Interested investors may participate in the call by dialing (833) 535-2202 in the U.S. , or (412) 902-6745 internationally, and requesting the Lindsay Corporation call. Additionally, the conference call will be simulcast live on the Internet and can be accessed via the investor relations section of the Company's Web site, www.lindsay.com . Replays of the conference call will remain on our Web site through the next quarterly earnings release. The Company will have a slide presentation available to augment management's formal presentation, which will also be accessible via the Company's Web site.
About the Company
Lindsay Corporation (NYSE: LNN) is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology. Established in 1955, the company has been at the forefront of research and development of innovative solutions to meet the food, fuel, fiber and transportation needs of the world’s rapidly growing population. The Lindsay family of irrigation brands includes Zimmatic® center pivot and lateral move agricultural irrigation systems, FieldNET® and FieldWise® remote irrigation management technology, FieldNET Advisor™ irrigation scheduling technology, and industrial IoT solutions. Also a global leader in the transportation industry, Lindsay Transportation Solutions manufactures equipment to improve road safety and keep traffic moving on the world’s roads, bridges and tunnels, through the Barrier Systems® , Road Zipper® and Snoline™ brands. For more information about Lindsay Corporation, visit www.lindsay.com .
Concerning Forward-looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and which reflect management’s current beliefs and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, Company performance and financial results. You can find a discussion of many of these risks and uncertainties in the annual, quarterly and current reports that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations and planned financing of the Company and those statements preceded by, followed by or including the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend,” "expect," "outlook," "could," "may," "should," “will,” or similar expressions. For these statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release.
LINDSAY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended August 31,
Years Ended August 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Operating revenues
$
167,131
$
190,196
$
674,084
$
770,743
Cost of operating revenues
114,615
133,079
461,069
571,565
Gross profit
52,516
57,117
213,015
199,178
Operating expenses:
Selling expense
9,109
9,850
36,201
33,920
General and administrative expense
15,175
14,922
56,412
55,470
Engineering and research expense
4,868
4,563
18,218
15,145
Total operating expenses
29,152
29,335
110,831
104,535
Operating income
23,364
27,782
102,184
94,643
Other (expense) income:
Interest expense
(893
)
(924
)
(3,788
)
(4,269
)
Interest income
1,238
166
2,783
622
Other expense, net
1,196
(3,392
)
(804
)
(3,128
)
Total other (expense) income
1,541
(4,150
)
(1,809
)
(6,775
)
Earnings before income taxes
24,905
23,632
100,375
87,868
Income tax expense
5,676
5,703
27,996
22,399
Net earnings
$
19,229
$
17,929
$
72,379
$
65,469
Earnings per share:
Basic
$
1.75
$
1.63
$
6.58
$
5.97
Diluted
$
1.74
$
1.62
$
6.54
$
5.94
Shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic
11,009
10,980
11,003
10,965
Diluted
11,059
11,063
11,062
11,031
Cash dividends declared per share
$
0.35
$
0.34
$
1.37
$
1.33
LINDSAY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUMMARY OPERATING RESULTS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended August 31,
Years Ended August 31,
(in thousands)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Operating revenues:
Irrigation:
North America
$
60,223
$
80,082
$
309,538
$
355,683
International
83,378
70,387
276,493
310,146
Irrigation total
143,601
150,469
586,031
665,829
Infrastructure
23,530
39,727
88,053
104,914
Total operating revenues
$
167,131
$
190,196
$
674,084
$
770,743
Operating income:
Irrigation
$
29,781
$
24,250
$
121,969
$
105,763
Infrastructure
3,120
11,459
12,067
18,328
Corporate
(9,537)
(7,927)
(31,852)
(29,448)
Total operating income
$
23,364
$
27,782
$
102,184
$
94,643
The Company manages its business activities in two reportable segments as follows:
Irrigation – This reporting segment includes the manufacture and marketing of center pivot, lateral move, and hose reel irrigation systems, as well as various innovative technology solutions such as GPS positioning and guidance, variable rate irrigation, remote irrigation management and scheduling technology, irrigation consulting and design and industrial IoT solutions.
Infrastructure – This reporting segment includes the manufacture and marketing of moveable barriers, specialty barriers, crash cushions and end terminals, and road marking and road safety equipment.
LINDSAY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
August 31,
2023
August 31,
2022
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
160,755
$
105,048
Marketable securities
5,556
11,460
Receivables, net of allowance of $5,048 and $4,118 , respectively
144,774
138,200
Inventories, net
155,932
193,776
Other current assets
20,467
28,617
Total current assets
487,484
477,101
Property, plant, and equipment, net
99,681
94,472
Intangible assets, net
27,719
18,208
Goodwill
83,121
67,130
Operating lease right-of-use assets
17,036
19,181
Deferred income tax assets
10,885
9,313
Other noncurrent assets
19,734
25,248
Total assets
$
745,660
$
710,653
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
44,278
$
60,036
Current portion of long-term debt
226
222
Other current liabilities
91,604
100,684
Total current liabilities
136,108
160,942
Pension benefits liabilities
4,382
4,892
Long-term debt
115,164
115,341
Operating lease liabilities
17,689
19,810
Deferred income tax liabilities
689
1,054
Other noncurrent liabilities
15,977
15,256
Total liabilities
290,009
317,295
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock
—
—
Common stock
19,094
19,063
Capital in excess of stated value
98,508
94,006
Retained earnings
636,297
579,000
Less treasury stock - at cost
(277,238)
(277,238)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
(21,010)
(21,473)
Total shareholders' equity
455,651
393,358
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
745,660
$
710,653
LINDSAY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Years Ended August 31,
($ in thousands)
2023
2022
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings
$
72,379
$
65,469
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
19,282
20,178
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable
881
903
Deferred income taxes
—
(2,063
)
Share-based compensation expense
6,529
5,458
Foreign currency transaction loss
1,126
2,274
Other, net
1,569
695
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables
(4,926
)
(47,514
)
Inventories
40,954
(53,803
)
Other current assets
4,693
1,220
Accounts payable
(15,274
)
13,832
Other current liabilities
(9,135
)
186
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities
1,629
(3,787
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
119,707
3,048
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(18,775
)
(15,595
)
Purchases of marketable securities available-for-sale
(4,932
)
(18,468
)
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities available-for-sale
10,982
25,968
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
(30,842
)
—
Other investing activities, net
(3,850
)
(855
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(47,417
)
(8,950
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
32
2,894
Common stock withheld for payroll tax obligations
(2,471
)
(1,181
)
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan
444
412
Principal payments on long-term debt
(222
)
(218
)
Dividends paid
(15,082
)
(14,599
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(17,299
)
(12,692
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
716
(3,465
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
55,707
(22,059
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
105,048
127,107
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
160,755
$
105,048
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231019186285/en/
LINDSAY CORPORATION:
Alicia Pfeifer
Senior Director, Investor Relations & Treasury
402-933-6429
Alicia.Pfeifer@lindsay.com
Alpha IR:
Joe Caminiti or Stephen Poe
312-445-2870
LNN@alpha-ir.com
Source: Lindsay Corporation
What were the key highlights of Lindsay Corporation's fourth-quarter and fiscal year results?
The key highlights include strong growth in international irrigation revenues, record revenues in Brazil, and record net earnings and earnings per share for the full year.
What factors contributed to the strong performance in the irrigation segment?
The strong performance in the irrigation segment was driven by growth in international irrigation markets, particularly in South America, and effective price management and operating performance.
Why did the infrastructure segment experience a decrease in revenues and operating income?
The decrease in revenues and operating income in the infrastructure segment was primarily due to lower sales of Road Zipper System projects compared to the prior year.
How did Lindsay Corporation's full-year results compare to the prior year?
The full-year results showed a decrease in overall revenues compared to the prior year, but an increase in net earnings and earnings per share.
What is the outlook for Lindsay Corporation in fiscal 2024?
Lindsay Corporation expects sales volume levels in developed international markets to remain robust, led by strong demand in Brazil. They also anticipate a positive impact of increased U.S. infrastructure spending on their infrastructure business.