Gardner Denver, Inc. reported third quarter 2012 revenues of $548.5 million, down 11% compared to the prior year third quarter (down 7% excluding the impact of foreign exchange).
Operating income for the third quarter of 2012 was $89.1 million, compared to $106.6 million in the third quarter of the prior year, resulting in a decrease in operating margin of 110 basis points to 16.2%. Net income in the third quarter of 2012 was $64.1 million, or $1.30 diluted earnings per share, compared to $73.6 million, or $1.42 DEPS over the same period of 2011. Results for the third quarter of 2012 included unfavorable after-tax charges of $0.02 per diluted share primarily related to the Company’s ongoing restructuring activities and severance related costs. Excluding these charges, Adjusted DEPS for the third quarter of 2012 was $1.32.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Gardner Denver revenues increased 0.5% to $1.766 billion from $1.757 billion in the same period of 2011. Adjusted operating income was down 0.5% to $303 million, compared to $304 million earned in the first nine months of 2011. Adjusted DEPS was $4.26 for the first nine months of 2012, up 7% from $3.98 per diluted share in the first nine months of 2011.
“In a challenging environment, our commitment to operational excellence coupled with our diverse portfolio of businesses allowed us to exceed our third quarter earnings expectations and raise 2012 guidance. As we continue to successfully execute our strategy for profitable growth, we remain focused on improving productivity and reducing structural costs. We were pleased with our cash performance, as operating cash flow of $88 million for the third quarter was 137% of net income. Our strong balance sheet and sustained cash generation provide us ample opportunity to deploy capital in a disciplined and balanced manner as we focus on delivering consistent shareholder returns,” said Michael M. Larsen, Gardner Denver’s interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Factors affecting third quarter results for the Company’s business segments included:
Engineered Products Group (EPG)
In the third quarter of 2012, EPG revenues decreased 20% (down 18% adjusted for foreign exchange) to $237 million compared to the same period of 2011. Operating income in the third quarter of 2012 decreased 27% to $49.7 million as operating margins decreased to 21.0%, down 210 basis points from last year’s third quarter.
Industrial Products Group (IPG)
IPG revenues decreased 3% (up 2% adjusted for foreign exchange) to $312 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011. Operating income in the third quarter of 2012 increased 2% to $39.4 million despite lower revenues as adjusted operating margins increased to 13.0%, up 40 basis points from the second quarter of 2012.
“IPG executed well on margin expansion initiatives in a challenging global environment,” said Larsen. “As expected, EPG revenues and operating margins declined versus the prior year driven primarily by lower demand for pressure pumps and loading arms. As we manage through macro conditions, we are implementing decisive actions, such as our previously announced European restructuring plan, and will continue to right-size and restructure our operations as needed. We believe these actions position Gardner Denver to achieve continued margin expansion and profitable growth,” said Larsen.
Outlook
“Despite the sluggish global environment and headwind from currency, our diverse portfolio of attractive businesses and continued focus on operational excellence allowed Gardner Denver to exceed our third quarter targets. We expect global market conditions to remain challenging through the balance of 2012; however, based upon our third quarter results, we are increasing our earnings guidance for 2012,” said Larsen.
Earnings for 2012 are now expected to be in the range of $5.05 to $5.15 per diluted share compared to previous guidance of $4.90 to $5.10 per diluted share provided on July 19, 2012. Fourth quarter 2012 earnings are expected to range between $1.17 and $1.27 DEPS. These projections include profit improvement costs and other items totaling $0.05 per diluted share for the fourth quarter and $0.42 per diluted share for the full year 2012. Fourth quarter 2012 Adjusted DEPS are expected to range between $1.22 and $1.32 and full year 2012 Adjusted DEPS are expected to range between $5.47 and $5.57, compared to previous guidance of $5.30 to $5.50.
As previously announced on October 25, the Board of Directors, working together with its management team and the Company’s financial advisor, is exploring strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value. These alternatives could include, among other things, enhancing the Company’s existing strategic plan or a possible sale or merger of Gardner Denver.
No decision has been made and there can be no assurance that the Board’s exploration of strategic alternatives will result in any transaction being entered into or consummated.
