Federal Signal (FSS) Tops Q4 EPS by 3c; Will Acquire Joe Johnson Equipment in ~$79M Deal

Federal Signal (NYSE: FSS) reported Q4 EPS of $0.27, $0.03 better than the analyst estimate of $0.24. Revenue for the quarter came in at $186.4 million versus the consensus estimate of $193 million.

Federal Signal also announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets and operations of Joe Johnson Equipment ("JJE"), a leading Canadian-based distributor of maintenance equipment for municipal and industrial markets, for initial consideration of C$108 million (approximately U.S. $79 million), subject to post-closing adjustments. In addition, there is a deferred payment of C$8 million and a contingent earn-out payment of up to C$10 million. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2016. The Company is also in discussions regarding potential acquisition of JJE's interests in Chile, which is not expected to be material.

JJE's revenues in North America were approximately C$154 million (approximately U.S. $112 million) during the fiscal year ending August 31, 2015. JJE specializes in serving municipalities, municipal contractors and industrial contractors with high-quality products that include street sweepers, sewer cleaners, vacuum trucks, snow removal equipment and refuse collection equipment. JJE represents leading brands that include Federal Signal's Elgin, Vactor, Guzzler and Jetstream lines, as well as Labrie, Trackless, Envirosight, NewWay, Epoke and others. It also offers rental options, used equipment, parts, service and ancillary equipment. JJE is a five-year recipient of the prestigious "Canada's Best Managed Companies" award that recognizes excellence in Canadian private business.

"This transaction demonstrates our commitment to grow while remaining close to our core," said Jennifer L. Sherman, Federal Signal's President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are excited to join forces with JJE, which brings a comprehensive platform for us to grow across North America. Their product, rental and used equipment offerings will allow us to expand our product portfolio and better serve our customers across North America. In addition, JJE is an outstanding organization with impressive leadership and people, attractive customer and supplier relationships, a commitment to excellence, robust business processes and a history of success. We look forward to accelerating our growth together."

"Joe Johnson Equipment has a proud history of customer focus, excellent service and prudent growth, including expansion of both our reach and our product offerings," noted Joe Johnson, Jr., JJE's President. "Federal Signal has been an outstanding and close long-term partner, and we align extraordinarily well – on culture, mission and goals. We are excited to bring our strength in Canada, our rental and other operating capabilities and our experience as a dealer to the Federal Signal team."

JJE will operate as part of Federal Signal's Environmental Solutions Group. Federal Signal expects the acquisition to be modestly accretive to the Company's non-GAAP, adjusted earnings per share in 2016, after excluding acquisition-related effects. The acquisition is also likely to result in changes in the timing of revenue and profit recognition that should normalize over a period of about three years. The Company expects the acquisition to be accretive, on an annual basis, by about $0.10 to $0.15 per share by the end of 2018.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Federal Signal (FSS) click here.

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