Arctic Cat Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAT) today reported net earnings of $15.4 million, or $1.18 per diluted share, on higher net sales of $262.5 million for the fiscal 2015 second quarter ended September 30, 2014. As previously announced, the company recorded a non-recurring charge of approximately $5.4 million pretax for ATV warranty expense that reduced 2015 second quarter earnings by $0.26 per diluted share. Excluding this charge, the company’s adjusted second-quarter earnings were $1.44 per diluted share. In the prior-year quarter, Arctic Cat reported net earnings of $23.4 million, or $1.70 per diluted share, on net sales of $238.5 million.
Commented Christopher Twomey, Arctic Cat’s chairman and chief executive officer: “Solid sales increases in the second quarter were led by double-digit gains in our snowmobile product line, as well as parts, garments and accessories. We also saw continued strong sales of our Wildcat side-by-side models and excitement around new Wildcat models introduced to our line-up late in the second quarter. Gross margins, however, were impacted by the significant volume of OEM partner snowmobile models that shipped in the quarter. Looking ahead, we remain focused on maintaining a robust pipeline of innovative new products and improving the company’s long-term operating efficiency.”
Second-Quarter Operating Review
Arctic
Cat’s fiscal 2015 second-quarter net sales rose approximately 10 percent
to $262.5 million, due to higher snowmobile sales to its OEM partner and
Arctic Cat’s dealers, strong Wildcat™ sales and double-digit sales gains
in the parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) business.
Gross profit margin in the 2015 second quarter was 21.0 percent, or 23.0 percent as adjusted excluding the non-recurring warranty expense, compared to 25.9 percent in the prior-year quarter. The gross profit margin decline stemmed primarily from the timing of OEM sales, ATV warranty expense and the unfavorable Canadian currency exchange, as approximately 30 percent of Arctic Cat’s annual sales are to Canada.
Operating profit in the 2015 second quarter was $24.1 million compared to $36.3 million in the same quarter last year, chiefly due to lower gross margins, primarily as a result of the non-recurring warranty expense, and increased general and administrative expenses. The company continued to invest in research and development to ensure a strong pipeline of new products and technologies.
Arctic Cat ended the 2015 second quarter with cash and short-term investments totaling $24.0 million, and no long-term debt. During the quarter, Arctic Cat’s board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program for up to $25 million of common stock.
For the six months ended September 30, 2014, Arctic Cat’s net earnings were $19.0 million, or $1.45 per diluted share, compared to $28.8 million, or $2.10 per diluted share, in the prior-year period. Arctic Cat’s adjusted earnings totaled $1.79 per diluted share, excluding an executive severance charge of $0.08 per diluted share and a warranty expense charge of $0.26 per diluted share recorded in the fiscal 2015 first half. Year to date, the company’s net sales increased 13 percent to $406.1 million versus net sales of $359.3 million in the year-ago first six months.
Business Line Results
ATVs/Side-by-Sides
– Sales of Arctic Cat’s all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and
side-by-sides totaled $69.6 million, down 4 percent compared to
prior-year sales of $72.7 million. During the quarter, the company
unveiled 15 new 2015 models of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and
recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) at its annual ATV/ROV dealer
meeting in mid-September.
Expanding its high-performance line of side-by-sides, Arctic Cat introduced three Wildcat Sport models on a new 60-inch wide chassis. The new chassis’ width offers consumers a mid-sized option between the original Wildcat and the recently introduced Wildcat Trail model, with its narrower 50-inch stance. In addition, Arctic Cat debuted the Wildcat Trail Limited EPS, which is an upscale version of the Wildcat Trail with its 50-inch wide chassis, and the Prowler XT side-by-side recreation model.
In addition, new 2015 model year ATVs unveiled included the all-new XR line designed for the sport utility segment and the TRV® 1000 XT EPS, with its two-person seating for the touring category.
Snowmobiles – Snowmobile sales in the fiscal 2015 second quarter rose to $157.8 million, up from $135.4 million in the prior-year quarter. The increased snowmobile sales were largely due to Arctic Cat’s expanded OEM partnership. Following strong retail sales and market share gains in fiscal 2014, Arctic Cat anticipates higher snowmobile sales to its dealers in the current fiscal year.
Parts, Garments & Accessories – Sales of parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) in the fiscal 2015 second quarter grew 15 percent to $35.1 million, up from $30.4 million in the prior-year quarter. The increase was driven by sales of newly developed accessories for Arctic Cat’s expanding line of Wildcat models, as well as snowmobile parts, garments and accessories.
Fiscal 2015 Full-Year Outlook
Commented
Twomey: “Fiscal 2015 remains a challenging year. We are working to
further reduce dealer inventory levels by lowering the company’s
previously planned core ATV sales to North America dealers in the
current fiscal year. Similarly, we now expect lower international sales,
including sales to Russia. As a result of these factors, combined with
charges recorded in the first half, we are adjusting the company’s
outlook for fiscal 2015 full-year sales and earnings. Going forward, we
remain focused on positioning the company for improved long-term
financial performance.”
For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015, Arctic Cat now estimates fiscal 2015 full-year sales in the range of $745 to $755 million and net earnings of $1.55 to $1.65 per diluted share. Arctic Cat’s revised outlook includes an executive severance charge of $0.08 per diluted share recorded in the first quarter, warranty expense charge of $0.26 per diluted share recorded in the second quarter, and the anticipated unfavorable Canadian currency impact up to $0.79 per diluted share for the fiscal 2015 full year. Excluding first-half charges, the company anticipates fiscal 2015 earnings in the range of $1.89 to $1.99 per diluted share, as adjusted. The new earnings guidance excludes any new CEO and CFO transition costs that could be incurred in the 2015 second half. Previously, Arctic Cat anticipated net earnings of $2.25 to $2.35 per diluted share on net sales in the range of $775 million to $786 million.
Conference Call
A conference
call is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. CT (11:30 a.m. ET) today. To listen to
the live call, dial 888-572-7033. The webcast may be accessed through
the investor relations section of www.arcticcat.com/corporate.
In addition, a telephone replay will be available through October 30,
2014, by dialing 888-203-1112, passcode 7907877.
About Arctic Cat
Arctic Cat
Inc. designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles
(ATVs), side-by-sides and snowmobiles under the Arctic Cat® brand name,
as well as related parts, garments and accessories. Its common stock is
traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol
“ACAT.” More information about Arctic Cat and its products is available
at www.arcticcat.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
The
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor
for certain forward-looking statements. The Company’s Annual Report, as
well as the Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and
other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company’s
press releases and oral statements made with the approval of an
authorized executive officer, contain forward-looking statements that
reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and
financial performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to
certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. The
words “aim,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate” and
other expressions that indicate future events and trends identify
forward-looking statements including statements related to our fiscal
2015 outlook, business strategy, expected product introductions and
demand. Actual future results and trends may differ materially from
historical results or those anticipated depending on a variety of
factors, including, but not limited to: product mix and volume;
competitive pressure on sales, pricing and sales incentives; increase in
material or production cost which cannot be recouped in product pricing;
unexpected delays in the introduction of new products; changes in the
sourcing of engines; interruption of dealer floorplan financing;
warranty expenses and product recalls; foreign currency exchange rate
fluctuations; product liability claims and other legal proceedings in
excess of reserves or insured amounts; environmental and product safety
regulatory activity; effects of the weather; general economic conditions
and political changes; interest rate changes; consumer demand and
confidence; and those set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended March 31, 2014, under heading “Item 1A. Risk
Factors.” The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly
update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise.
ARCTIC CAT INC. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial Highlights | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(000s omitted, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Snowmobile & ATV Units | $ | 227,382 | $ | 208,076 | $ | 347,360 | $ | 306,990 | |||||||||||||||
Parts, Garments & Accessories | 35,097 | 30,449 | 58,758 | 52,303 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Net Sales | 262,479 | 238,525 | 406,118 | 359,293 | |||||||||||||||||||
Cost of Goods Sold | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Snowmobile & ATV Units | 185,064 | 157,748 | 282,765 | 235,656 | |||||||||||||||||||
Parts, Garments & Accessories | 22,334 | 19,103 | 37,471 | 32,803 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Cost of Goods Sold | 207,398 | 176,851 | 320,236 | 268,459 | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross Profit | 55,081 | 61,674 | 85,882 | 90,834 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling & Marketing | 12,074 | 12,116 | 19,055 | 19,110 | |||||||||||||||||||
Research & Development | 6,621 | 6,286 | 11,967 | 11,568 | |||||||||||||||||||
General & Administrative | 12,325 | 7,019 | 25,229 | 15,430 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 31,020 | 25,421 | 56,251 | 46,108 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating Profit | 24,061 | 36,253 | 29,631 | 44,726 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other Income (Expense) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Income | 6 | 7 | 10 | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest Expense | (209 | ) | (37 | ) | (249 | ) | (40 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Total Other Expense | (203 | ) | (30 | ) | (239 | ) | (24 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Earnings Before Income Taxes | 23,858 | 36,223 | 29,392 | 44,702 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income Taxes | 8,469 | 12,858 | 10,434 | 15,869 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net Earnings | $ | 15,389 | $ | 23,365 | $ | 18,958 | $ | 28,833 | |||||||||||||||
Net Earnings Per Share | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 1.19 | $ | 1.75 | $ | 1.47 | $ | 2.17 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted | $ | 1.18 | $ | 1.70 | $ | 1.45 | $ | 2.10 | |||||||||||||||
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 12,922 | 13,379 | 12,909 | 13,297 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | 13,074 | 13,726 | 13,078 | 13,718 | |||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Selected Balance Sheet Data: | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and Short-term Investments | $ | 24,022 | $ | 40,074 | |||||||||||||||||||
Accounts Receivable, net | 106,039 | 105,071 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Inventories | 170,084 | 171,174 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total Assets | 379,446 | 381,789 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term Bank Borrowings | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total Current Liabilities | 170,143 | 175,361 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term Debt | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholders' Equity | 200,224 | 201,857 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product Line Data: | 2014 | 2013 | Change | 2014 | 2013 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snowmobiles | $ | 157,791 | $ | 135,425 | 17 | % | $ | 213,943 | $ | 157,999 | 35 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
All-Terrain Vehicles | 69,591 | 72,651 | -4 | % | 133,417 | 148,991 | -10 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Parts, Garments & Accessories | 35,097 | 30,449 | 15 | % | 58,758 | 52,303 | 12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Sales | $ | 262,479 | $ | 238,525 | 10 | % | $ | 406,118 | $ | 359,293 | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Contacts:
Timothy C. Delmore, 763-354-1800
Chief
Financial Officer
or
PadillaCRT
Shawn Brumbaugh,
612-455-1754
shawn.brumbaugh@padillacrt.com