STANDEX REPORTS FISCAL FIRST QUARTER 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS

• GAAP Operating Margin of 14.6% and Record Adjusted Operating Margin of 15.0%, up 110 bps sequentially and 160 bps year on year; Sixth Consecutive Quarter of Record Adjusted Operating Margin
• 7.3% Organic Revenue Growth Year on Year, Led by Specialty and Engraving Segments
• Fast Growth Market Sales Increased ~30% Year on Year to ~$17 Million; Fast Growth Market Sales in Fiscal 2023 Expected to Increase ~35% Versus Prior Year
• Expect to Build on Momentum with Continued Improvement in Key Financial Metrics in Fiscal 2023

SALEM, N.H., Nov. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- – Standex International Corporation (NYSE: SXI) today reported financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 ended September 30, 2022.

First Quarter Fiscal 2023 Results 

Commenting on the quarter's results, President and Chief Executive Officer David Dunbar said, "We are very pleased with our first quarter performance despite the challenges presented by the uncertain global environment. We achieved strong organic growth and record consolidated adjusted operating margin of 15% in fiscal first quarter 2023 representing a 110 bps sequential increase over prior record adjusted operating margin, reported in fiscal fourth quarter of 2022. Four of our five business segments reported sequential operating margin improvement and adjusted operating margin of at least 16%, reflecting continued successful company-wide execution on price realization, productivity, and efficiency actions. Sales from fast growth markets such as electric vehicles, green energy, and the commercialization of space increased 30% year on year to $17 million in fiscal first quarter 2023, and we anticipate our fast growth market sales in fiscal 2023 to increase approximately 35% versus prior year.

"With our focus on fast growth markets and pricing disciplines, we are confident in our ability to adapt to the dynamic macro-economic environment and continue delivering strong earnings. We anticipate the majority of our segments to exhibit solid organic growth for the fiscal year, partly driven by new opportunities in our fast growth markets such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, smart grid, and commercialization of space. Our solar energy partnership with ENEL, which began in 2017, is progressing to plan and is now in the pilot plant design phase.

"In addition, Standex's consistent cash generation and substantial financial flexibility position us well to pursue a very active pipeline of organic and inorganic growth opportunities. Although the fiscal first quarter cash flow was negatively impacted by supply chain inefficiencies affecting working capital and annual bonus payments, we believe free cash flow conversion will return to our target level in the fiscal second quarter, with further improvements in the second half of the fiscal year. We have approximately $294 million in available liquidity and a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of approximately 0.7x.

"In summary, we are well positioned to deliver sustainable, profitable growth as we have progressed from a portfolio company to an operating company, comprised of a stronger mix of high-quality businesses with attractive growth rates and higher margin profiles. Our segments are favorably aligned with emerging and sustainable global trends in areas such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, defense, human health, and commercialization of space. As such, we are increasing our investments towards these fast growth end markets to support our NBO funnel and new product introductions. Our Value Creation System, strong balance sheet and consistent cash flow generation position us well to support these initiatives." concluded Dunbar.

Fiscal Second Quarter 2023 Outlook

In fiscal second quarter 2023, the Company expects slightly higher revenue and similar operating margin to fiscal first quarter 2023, with flat revenue and moderate to significant improvement in operating margin on a year-over-year basis. On a year-on-year basis, embedded within the Company's outlook is a mid- to high-single-digit organic growth rate, largely offset by the currency impact.

The Company expects the Engineering Technologies Group segment to be the primary revenue driver with a moderate to significant increase compared to fiscal first quarter 2023, while Scientific segment revenue is expected to slightly increase.  Electronics and Engraving segment revenue is expected to be similar to fiscal first quarter 2023, while the Specialty Solutions segment revenue is expected to slightly decline.

First Quarter Segment Operating Performance

Electronics (42% of sales; 51% of segment operating income)

Revenue decreased approximately $0.6 million or 0.8% year-over-year reflecting 4.3% organic growth and 1.5% contribution from acquisitions offset by a 6.6% impact from foreign exchange. On a sequential basis, revenue increased approximately 5%, in line with the Company's outlook which called for a moderate increase. The segment is seeing positive trends in end markets like industrial applications, medical, power management and EV-related applications, with some softness in white goods.

Electronics segment backlog realizable in under one year of approximately $147 million increased 12% year-over-year and was sequentially similar to fiscal fourth quarter 2022.  The segment had a book to bill ratio of 1.0 at the end of the fiscal first quarter.

Operating income decreased approximately $0.2 million or 0.7% year-over-year which reflects organic sales growth and productivity initiatives largely offsetting the inflationary and currency impact. On a sequential basis, operating margin increased approximately 210 bps, primarily driven by pricing initiatives and higher volume.

In fiscal second quarter 2023, on a sequential basis, the Company expects revenue to be similar, as relay and magnetic components growth in North America is offset by softness in white goods end markets in Europe. The Company expects a slight decrease in operating margin, mostly due to mix and higher growth investments, partially offset by continued price actions.

Engraving (19% of sales; 16% of segment operating income)

Revenue decreased approximately $0.2 million or 0.4% year-over-year reflecting 7.9% organic growth which was more than offset by an 8.3% impact from currency. On a sequential basis, revenue decreased approximately 6%, versus the Company's outlook which called for a slight decrease, primarily driven by a strengthening US dollar. Operating income increased $1.0 million or 20.1% year-over-year, primarily driven by realization of previously announced productivity actions in North America and Europe, which more than offset the currency impact. On a sequential basis, operating margin increased approximately 50 bps, primarily driven by realization of productivity actions.

In fiscal second quarter 2023, on a sequential basis, the Company expects revenue to be similar and operating margin to decrease slightly due to project mix.

Scientific (10% of sales; 11% of segment operating income)

Revenue decreased approximately $3.1 million or 14.3% year-over-year reflecting lower demand for COVID vaccine storage units. On a sequential basis, revenue decreased approximately 2%, in line with the Company's outlook which called for a slight decrease. Operating income decreased approximately $0.8 million or 17.4% year-over-year due to the lower volume, partially offset by price and realization of productivity actions. On a sequential basis, operating margin increased approximately 40 bps, primarily driven by lower oceanic freight cost.

In fiscal second quarter 2023, on a sequential basis, the Company expects a slight revenue increase, and slightly lower to similar operating margin, primarily due to R&D investments and higher anticipated spend on advertising and tradeshows

Engineering Technologies (10% of sales; 5% of segment operating income)

Revenue decreased approximately $0.6 million or 3.3% year-over-year reflecting a 0.9% organic decrease and a 2.4% impact from currency. On a sequential basis, revenue decreased approximately 21% due to project timing, in line with the Company's outlook which called for a moderate to significant decrease. Operating income increased approximately $1.0 million or 107.5% year-over-year reflecting productivity and efficiency initiatives and the impact of a one-time project related charge in fiscal first quarter 2022 that did not repeat. On a sequential basis, operating margin decreased approximately 400 bps, primarily driven by the sequential revenue decline.

In fiscal second quarter 2023, on a sequential basis, the Company expects moderate to significant increase in revenue and operating margin, reflecting an increased level of project activity. 

Specialty Solutions (19% of sales; 17% of segment operating income)

Specialty Solutions revenue increased approximately $9.4 million or 36.9% year-over-year, reflecting a 39.3% organic growth partially offset by a 2.4% impact from currency. Organic growth was primarily driven by price realization, strong market demand in the Hydraulics business unit, and a favorable year-over-year comparison due to a labor work stoppage in two plants during the fiscal first quarter 2022.   On a sequential basis, revenue was similar, in line with the Company's outlook. Operating income increased approximately $3.3 million or 115.9% year-over-year reflecting the price and volume increases. On a sequential basis, operating margin increased approximately 190 bps, primarily driven by pricing and productivity initiatives.  

In fiscal second quarter 2023, on a sequential basis, the Company expects revenue to decrease slightly primarily due to seasonality in food service equipment end market. Operating margin is expected to be similar as volume decline is offset by pricing and productivity actions.

Capital Allocation

• Share Repurchase: During the fiscal first quarter, the Company repurchased 90,368 shares for approximately $8.4 million. There was approximately $82.3 million remaining on the company's current share repurchase authorization at the end of the fiscal first quarter 2023.
• Capital Expenditures: In fiscal first quarter 2023, Standex's capital expenditures were $5.3 million compared to $5.0 million in the fiscal first quarter of 2022. The Company expects fiscal year 2023 capital expenditures between $35 million and $40 million with key investments focused on growth initiatives and capacity expansion. Capital expenditures were $23.9 million in fiscal 2022.
• Dividend:  On October 27, 2022, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.28 per share, an approximately 7.7% year-over-year increase. The dividend is payable on November 23, 2022, to shareholders of record on November 9, 2022.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Highlights

• Net Debt: Standex had net debt of $95.5 million on September 30, 2022, compared to $68.9 million at the end of fiscal first quarter 2022 and $70.0 million at the end of fiscal fourth quarter 2022. Net debt for the first quarter of 2023 consisted primarily of long-term debt of approximately $199 million and cash and equivalents of $103.4 million of which approximately $94 million was held by foreign subsidiaries.
  
  Standex had no repatriation in fiscal first quarter 2023. The company expects to repatriate between $30 million and $35 million in fiscal 2023.

• Cash Flow:  Net cash used in continuing operating activities for the three months ended September 30, 2022, was $2.7 million compared to net cash provided by continuing operating activities of $13.1 million in the prior year's quarter. Free cash flow after capital expenditures was $(8.0) million compared to free cash flow after capital expenditures of $8.1 million in the fiscal first quarter of 2022. Working capital was negatively impacted by supply chain inefficiencies, a one-time litigation settlement payment, and annual bonus payments. The company expects free cash flow conversion levels to improve throughout the balance of the fiscal year.

Conference Call Details

Standex will host a conference call for investors tomorrow, November 4, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. ET. On the call, David Dunbar, President, and CEO, and Ademir Sarcevic, CFO, will review the Company's financial results and business and operating highlights. Investors interested in listening to the webcast and viewing the slide presentation should log on to the "Investors" section of Standex's website under the subheading, "Events and Presentations," located at www.standex.com.

A replay of the webcast will also be available on the Company's website shortly after the conclusion of the presentation online through November 4, 2023. To listen to the teleconference playback, please dial in the U.S. (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317-0088 internationally; the passcode is 1369497. The audio playback via phone will be available through November 11, 2022. The webcast replay can be accessed in the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website, located at www.standex.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to the financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), the Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures, including non-GAAP adjusted income from operations, non-GAAP adjusted net income from continuing operations, free operating cash flow, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA to net debt, and adjusted earnings per share. The attached financial tables reconcile non-GAAP measures used in this press release to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. The Company believes that the use of non-GAAP measures including the impact of restructuring charges, purchase accounting, insurance recoveries, discrete tax events, loss on sale of a business unit, and acquisition costs help investors to obtain a better understanding of our operating results and prospects, consistent with how management measures and forecasts the Company's performance, especially when comparing such results to previous periods.  An understanding of the impact in a particular quarter of specific restructuring costs, acquisition expenses, or other gains and losses, on net income (absolute as well as on a per-share basis), operating income or EBITDA can give management and investors additional insight into core financial performance, especially when compared to quarters in which such items had a greater or lesser effect, or no effect.  Non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a replacement for, the corresponding GAAP measures, and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

About Standex

Standex International Corporation is a multi-industry manufacturer in five broad business segments: Electronics, Engraving, Scientific, Engineering Technologies, and Specialty Solutions with operations in the United States, Europe, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, South Africa, India, and China. For additional information, visit the Company's website at http://standex.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this Press Release that are not based on historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "should," "could," "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "anticipate," "intend," "continue," or similar terms or variations of those terms or the negative of those terms. There are many factors that affect the Company's business and the results of its operations and that may cause the actual results of operations in future periods to differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. These factors include, but are not limited to: the impact of pandemics such as the current coronavirus on employees, our supply chain, and the demand for our products and services around the world; materially adverse or unanticipated legal judgments, fines, penalties or settlements; conditions in the financial and banking markets, including fluctuations in exchange rates and the inability to repatriate foreign cash; domestic and international economic conditions, including the impact, length and degree of economic downturns on the customers and markets we serve and more specifically conditions in the automotive, construction, aerospace, defense, transportation, food service equipment, consumer appliance, energy, oil and gas and general industrial markets; lower-cost competition; the relative mix of products which impact margins and operating efficiencies in certain of our businesses; the impact of higher raw material and component costs, particularly steel, certain materials used in electronics parts, petroleum based products, and refrigeration components; the impact of higher transportation and logistics costs, especially with respect to transportation of goods from Asia; the impact of inflation on the costs of providing our products and services; an inability to realize the expected cost savings from restructuring activities including effective completion of plant consolidations, cost reduction efforts including procurement savings and productivity enhancements, capital management improvements, strategic capital expenditures, and the implementation of lean enterprise manufacturing techniques; the potential for losses associated with the exit from or divestiture of businesses that are no longer strategic or no longer meet our growth and return expectations; the inability to achieve the savings expected from global sourcing of raw materials and diversification efforts in emerging markets; the impact on cost structure and on economic conditions as a result of actual and threatened increases in trade tariffs; the inability to attain expected benefits from acquisitions and the inability to effectively consummate and integrate such acquisitions and achieve synergies envisioned by the Company; market acceptance of our products; our ability to design, introduce and sell new products and related product components; the ability to redesign certain of our products to continue meeting evolving regulatory requirements; the impact of delays initiated by our customers; our ability to increase manufacturing production to meet demand including as a result of labor shortages; and potential changes to future pension funding requirements. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent management's estimates only as of the day made and should not be relied upon as representing management's estimates as of any subsequent date. While the Company may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company and management specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even if management's estimates change.

SOURCE Standex International Corporation