Graham Corporation Reports Fiscal 2018 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

• Record backlog at $118 million, full year orders of $112 million
• Fourth quarter revenue of $22 million; diluted earnings per share of $0.09
• Expecting fiscal 2019 revenue between $90 million and $95 million

BATAVIA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM), a global business that designs, manufactures and sells critical equipment for the oil refining, petrochemical, power and defense industries, today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 (“fiscal 2018”).

Net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 were $22.2 million, compared with net sales of $25.6 million in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 (“fiscal 2017”). Net income in the fiscal 2018 fourth quarter was $0.8 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared with $1.8 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, in the prior-year fourth quarter.

Net sales for the full year of fiscal 2018 were $77.5 million, compared with $91.8 million in fiscal 2017. Fiscal 2018 net loss was $9.8 million, or a loss of $1.01 per diluted share, compared with net income of $5.0 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, in fiscal 2017. Excluding restructuring charges, non-cash charges for goodwill and intangible asset impairments as well as other related charges and the impact of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act tax reform legislation passed in December 2017, net income for fiscal 2018 was $1.8 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared with $5.5 million, or $0.56 per diluted share in fiscal 2017 on a comparable basis.

James R. Lines, Graham’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Our fourth quarter fiscal 2018 orders were $43.5 million, reflecting the highest level since our fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. This contributed to full year orders of $112 million. The composition of our resulting year-end backlog of $118 million gives us confidence in our expectations for fiscal 2019.”

He continued, “Fiscal 2018 was another challenging year due to weak order levels in fiscal 2017 that totaled $66 million. We believe that fiscal 2018 was the trough of the downturn. Throughout the prolonged cyclical downturn which began in late 2014, we continued to make investments in our business processes, focusing on lead time reduction and first pass yield quality, as well as other continuous improvement and performance management initiatives. We expect that these investments will serve us well and help drive profitability as we enter a growth cycle.”

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2018 Sales Summary

See accompanying financial tables for a breakdown of sales by industry and region)

The $3.4 million, or 13%, decline in sales during the fiscal 2018 fourth quarter compared with the prior-year quarter included significant variation by industry. It included a $3.9 million increase in sales to the refining market, offset by a $3.2 million reduction in sales to the chemical/petrochemical market, a $1.6 million decline to the power market, and a $2.5 million reduction to the other commercial, industrial and defense markets.

From a geographic perspective, sales to the Company’s U.S. market decreased $5.3 million compared with the prior-year fourth quarter, partially offset by a $1.9 million increase in sales to international markets. U.S. sales represented 66% of consolidated sales in the fiscal 2018 quarter, compared with 78% in the prior-year fourth quarter.

Fluctuations in Graham’s sales among geographic locations and industries can vary measurably from quarter-to-quarter based on the timing and magnitude of projects. Graham does not believe that such quarter-to-quarter fluctuations are indicative of business trends, which it believes are more apparent on a trailing twelve month basis.

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2018 Operating Performance Review

Fourth quarter fiscal 2018 gross profit was negatively impacted by lower sales. Gross margin was negatively impacted by a weaker mix of projects including a non-repeating atypical project during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, as well as under-absorption of overhead costs due to lower sales.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses of $4.1 million were relatively flat compared with the prior-year period. SG&A as a percent of sales was 19% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 compared with 16% in the same prior-year period.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, Graham had an effective tax rate of 16%, benefiting from the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and favorable year-end tax adjustments. Adjusted net income for the fiscal 2018 fourth quarter noted in the table above removes the favorable impact of adopting the new tax legislation. The effective tax rate in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 was 31%.

To summarize, the decrease in net income and diluted EPS during the fourth quarter compared with the prior-year quarter was primarily due to lower sales and weaker project mix.

EBITDA (defined as consolidated net income before interest expense and income, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization) during the fiscal 2018 fourth quarter was unfavorably impacted by the factors discussed above.

Graham believes that, when used in conjunction with measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, EBITDA and EBITDA margin (EBITDA as a percentage of sales), which are non-GAAP measures, help in the understanding of its operating performance. Graham’s credit facility also contains ratios based on EBITDA. See the attached tables for additional important disclosures regarding Graham’s use of EBITDA and EBITDA margin as well as a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA.

Full Year Fiscal 2018 Review

Full year sales decreased 16% compared with fiscal 2017. International sales increased to $25.6 million in fiscal 2018 and represented 33% of total sales, compared with $22.6 million, or 25% of sales in fiscal 2017. Sales to the U.S. were $51.9 million, or 67% of net sales in fiscal 2018, compared with $69.2 million, or 75% of fiscal 2017 net sales.

The decrease in gross profit and gross margin was due to lower volume resulting from the 16% reduction in sales when compared with the prior year as well as a large non-repeating atypical order which converted in the second half of fiscal 2017.

SG&A in fiscal 2018 was $15.6 million, up $0.8 million. As a percent of sales, SG&A was 20% for fiscal 2018 compared with 16% in the prior year. The increase in SG&A was principally related to the benefit of insurance proceeds received in the prior year.

The fiscal 2018 operating results were impacted by a $14.8 million pre-tax ($12.0 million after tax) non-cash charge for impairment of goodwill and intangible assets as well as a related $0.3 million charge, all recognized in the third quarter. The full year operating results also included $0.3 million and $0.6 million of pre-tax restructuring charges for severance costs in fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. Excluding those atypical items, adjusted operating profit was $2.0 million and $7.3 million in fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Fiscal 2018 results were also impacted by a $0.8 million favorable adjustment to income taxes upon implementation of the tax reform legislation adopted in December 2017. That adjustment included $0.8 million of expense for adjusting the rates on the deferred tax liability associated with the Energy Steel acquisition offset by a benefit of $1.6 million for other tax items.

Fiscal 2018 adjusted net income and non-GAAP diluted EPS excluded $12.0 million of net-of-tax impairment charges, $0.2 million of net-of-tax bad debt charges associated with the revaluation of the Company’s commercial nuclear power business, $0.2 million for a net-of-tax nonrecurring restructuring charge and a $0.8 million tax benefit for adoption of the new federal tax rates as a result of the tax reform legislation adopted in December 2017. Fiscal 2017 adjusted net income and non-GAAP diluted EPS excluded $0.4 million net-of-tax for a nonrecurring restructuring charge.

To summarize, the decrease in adjusted net income and non-GAAP diluted EPS during the year compared with the prior year was primarily due to lower sales and weaker project mix.

Adjusted EBITDA (defined as consolidated net income before interest expense and income, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, nonrecurring restructuring charges, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, and a charge associated with the revaluation of the nuclear business) was impacted by the factors discussed above.

Graham believes that, when used in conjunction with measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, Adjusted operating profit, Adjusted operating margin, Adjusted net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin (Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of sales), which are non-GAAP measures, help in the understanding of its operating performance. Graham’s credit facility also contains ratios based on EBITDA. See the attached tables for additional important disclosures regarding Graham’s use of Adjusted operating profit, Adjusted operating margin, Adjusted net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin as well as reconciliations from GAAP measures.

Solid Balance Sheet Provides Financial Flexibility to Pursue Business Strategy

Cash, cash equivalents and investments at March 31, 2018 were $76.5 million, up $3.0 million from March 31, 2017. The increase resulted primarily from positive operating cash flow.

Cash provided by operations in fiscal 2018 was $8.5 million, compared with $12.4 million in fiscal 2017. The decrease was primarily the result of timing of working capital utilization and lower net income.

Capital expenditures were $2.1 million in fiscal 2018 compared with $0.3 million in fiscal 2017. The Company expects capital expenditures for fiscal 2019 to be between $2 million and $2.5 million, the majority of which are expected to be used for productivity enhancements.

Dividend payments were $3.5 million in both fiscal 2018 and 2017.

Graham had neither borrowings under its credit facility, nor any long-term debt outstanding, at March 31, 2018.

Orders and Backlog Demonstrate Early Signs of Cyclical Recovery

Driven by the U.S. Navy as well as the refining industry in North America, total orders grew to $43.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, compared with $9.0 million in the prior-year fourth quarter. The fiscal 2017 fourth quarter was unfavorably impacted by $6.5 million of order cancellations. Orders from U.S. customers in the fiscal 2018 fourth quarter were $35.1 million, or 81% of total orders, and orders from international markets were $8.4 million, or 19%. The fiscal 2018 fourth quarter orders included $24.5 million, or 56% of the total, from other commercial, industrial and defense markets, which includes the U.S. Navy.

Orders for fiscal 2018 were $112.2 million, up 70% compared with $66.1 million in fiscal 2017. The increase was driven by the refining industry, which was up $29.4 million, as well as the other commercial, industrial and defense markets, which were up $19 million. Orders from U.S. customers in fiscal 2018 were $77.1 million, or 69%, and orders from international markets were $35.1 million, or 31%. In fiscal 2017, 74% of orders were from U.S. customers and 26% were international.

Graham expects that the balance between domestic and international orders, as well as orders by industry, will continue to be variable between quarters.

Backlog at the end fiscal 2018 was a record $117.9 million, up from $96.2 million and $82.6 million at the end of the previous quarter and from the end of fiscal 2017, respectively.

The Company continues to believe that its backlog mix by industry highlights the success of its diversification strategy to increase sales to the U.S. Navy. Backlog by industry at March 31, 2018 was approximately:

• 56% for U.S. Navy projects
• 30% for refinery projects
• 5% for power projects, including nuclear
• 5% for chemical/petrochemical projects
• 4% for other industrial applications

The expected timing for the Company’s backlog to convert to sales is as follows:

• Within next 12 months: 55% to 60%
• Within 12 to 24 months: 20% to 25%
• Beyond 24 months: 15% to 25%

Outlook and FY 2019 Guidance

Graham is announcing its fiscal 2019 guidance, as follows:

• Revenue anticipated to be between $90 million and $95 million
• Gross margin expected to be between 24% and 25%
• SG&A expense expected to be between $18 and $18.75 million
• Effective tax rate anticipated to be between 20% and 22%

Mr. Lines concluded, “Strong order levels during the past two quarters provide a solid foundation for anticipated revenue growth in fiscal 2019 of 16% to 22% compared with fiscal 2018. Margin for recent orders is superior to fiscal 2017 orders and, when considered in conjunction with our operational improvements, this gives us confidence in our expected fiscal 2019 gross margin range. We are pleased to once again be on a growth trajectory.”

Webcast and Conference Call

Graham’s management will host a conference call and live webcast today at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to review its financial condition and operating results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2018, as well as its strategy and outlook. The review will be accompanied by a slide presentation which will be made available immediately prior to the conference call on Graham’s website at www.graham-mfg.com under the heading “Investor Relations.” A question-and-answer session will follow the formal presentation.

Graham’s conference call can be accessed by calling (201) 689-8560. Alternatively, the webcast can be monitored on Graham’s website at www.graham-mfg.com under the heading “Investor Relations.”

A telephonic replay will be available from 2:00 p.m. ET on the day of the teleconference through Thursday, June 7, 2018. To listen to the archived call, dial (412) 317-6671 and enter conference ID number 13678791. A transcript of the call will be placed on Graham’s website, once available.

ABOUT GRAHAM CORPORATION

Graham is a global business that designs, manufactures and sells critical equipment for the energy, defense and chemical/petrochemical industries. Energy markets include oil refining, cogeneration, nuclear and alternative power. For the defense industry, the Company’s equipment is used in nuclear propulsion power systems for the U.S. Navy. Graham’s global brand is built upon world-renowned engineering expertise in vacuum and heat transfer technology, responsive and flexible service and unsurpassed quality. Graham designs and manufactures custom-engineered ejectors, vacuum pumping systems, surface condensers and vacuum systems. Graham is also a leading nuclear code accredited fabrication and specialty machining company. Graham supplies components used inside reactor vessels and outside containment vessels of nuclear power facilities. Graham’s equipment can also be found in other diverse applications such as metal refining, pulp and paper processing, water heating, refrigeration, desalination, food processing, pharmaceutical, heating, ventilating and air conditioning. Graham’s reach spans the globe and its equipment is installed in facilities from North and South America to Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Graham routinely posts news and other important information on its website, www.graham-mfg.com, where additional comprehensive information on Graham Corporation and its subsidiaries can be found.

Safe Harbor Regarding 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are identified by words such as “expects,” “estimates,” “confidence,” “projects,” “typically,” “outlook,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “appears,” “could,” “opportunities,” “seeking,” “plans,” “aim,” “pursuit,” and other similar words. All statements addressing operating performance, events, or developments that Graham Corporation expects or anticipates will occur in the future, including but not limited to, expected expansion and growth opportunities within its domestic and international markets, anticipated revenue, the timing of conversion of backlog to sales, market presence, profit margins, tax rates, foreign sales operations, its ability to improve cost competitiveness, customer preferences, changes in market conditions in the industries in which it operates, changes in commodities prices, the effect on its business of volatility in commodities prices, changes in general economic conditions and customer behavior, forecasts regarding the timing and scope of the economic recovery in its markets, its acquisition and growth strategy and the expected performance of Energy Steel & Supply Co. and its operations in China and other international locations, are forward-looking statements. Because they are forward-looking, they should be evaluated in light of important risk factors and uncertainties. These risk factors and uncertainties are more fully described in Graham Corporation’s most recent Annual Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, included under the heading entitled “Risk Factors.”

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of Graham Corporation’s underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those currently anticipated. In addition, undue reliance should not be placed on Graham Corporation’s forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Graham Corporation disclaims any obligation to update or publicly announce any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release.

FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW.

N/A: Not Applicable

Non-GAAP Financial Measure:

Adjusted net income is defined as GAAP net income excluding a nonrecurring restructuring charge, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, a charge associated with the revaluation of the nuclear business and the impact of the new tax law. Adjusted net income is not a measure determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, commonly known as GAAP. Nevertheless, Graham believes that providing non-GAAP information such as Adjusted net income is important for investors and other readers of Graham's financial statements, as it is used as an analytical indicator by Graham's management to better understand operating performance. Because Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP measure and is thus susceptible to varying calculations, Adjusted net income, as presented, may not be directly comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure:

Adjusted operating profit is defined as consolidated operating profit before a nonrecurring restructuring charge, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, and a charge associated with the revaluation of the nuclear business. Adjusted operating margin is Adjusted operating profit divided by sales. Adjusted operating profit and Adjusted operating margin are not measures determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, commonly known as GAAP. Nevertheless, Graham believes that providing non-GAAP information such as Adjusted operating profit and Adjusted operating margin are important for investors and other readers of Graham's financial statements, as they are used as analytical indicators by Graham's management to better understand operating performance. Because Adjusted operating profit and Adjusted operating margin are non-GAAP measures and are thus susceptible to varying calculations, Adjusted operating profit and Adjusted operating margin, as presented, may not be directly comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure:

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as consolidated net income before interest expense and income, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, a nonrecurring restructuring charge, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, and a charge associated with the revaluation of the nuclear business. Adjusted EBITDA margin is Adjusted EBITDA divided by sales. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are not measures determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, commonly known as GAAP. Nevertheless, Graham believes that providing non-GAAP information such as Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are important for investors and other readers of Graham's financial statements, as they are used as analytical indicators by Graham's management to better understand operating performance. Graham’s credit facility also contains ratios based on EBITDA. Because Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP measures and are thus susceptible to varying calculations, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, as presented, may not be directly comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180531005118/en/

Graham Corporation
Jeffrey F. Glajch, 585-343-2216
Vice President – Finance and CFO
jglajch@graham-mfg.com
or
Kei Advisors LLC
Deborah K. Pawlowski / Karen L. Howard
Phone: 716-843-3908 / 716-843-3942
dpawlowski@keiadvisors.com / khoward@keiadvisors.com

Source: Graham Corporation

Released May 31, 2018