American Vanguard Corp. (AVD) Tops Q4 EPS by 3c

American Vanguard Corp. (NYSE: AVD) reported Q4 EPS of $0.25, $0.03 better than the analyst estimate of $0.22. Revenue for the quarter came in at $131 million versus the consensus estimate of $131.7 million.

• Net sales were $131 million, compared to $116 million in 2017, an increase of 13%
• Operating income was $11.4 million in 2018, compared to $8.4 million in 2017, an increase of 33%
• Net income was $7.4 million in 2018, compared to $8.4 million in 2017 (which included a one-time $3.4 million tax benefit)
• Earnings per diluted share of $0.25 in 2018, compared to $0.28 in 2017 (which included a one-time tax benefit of approximately $0.11)
• EBITDA1 of $16.6 million in 2018, compared to $14.6 million in 2017

Eric Wintemute, Chairman and CEO of American Vanguard, stated: “Our 46% improvement in operating income was driven by both our existing businesses (approximately one third) and the new products and businesses acquired during the second half of 2017 (approximately two thirds). These acquisitions broadened and diversified our product portfolio and expanded the footprint of our international business, which now constitutes one-third of our consolidated revenue. All of these assets were purchased at attractive investment values, leaving us with ample borrowing capacity to pursue additional acquisitions in 2019 and beyond.”

Mr. Wintemute continued: “Our full-year gross profit margin remained strong at 40%, and we experienced outstanding factory utilization with under absorption costs down about $11 million year-over-year. Net income rose 19% for the full year, and, if adjusted for the $3.4 million one-time tax benefit recorded in 2017, it would have been 43%. During the same period, EBITDA2 increased by 25%.”

Mr. Wintemute concluded: “Late last year, during a period of overall equity market volatility, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, under which we have repurchased approximately $10 million in company common stock. We believe this has served to enhance stock price stability, while reversing dilution from past equity grants. With a full year’s experience in integrating our new businesses, our outlook for 2019 remains positive. Despite early season wet weather conditions in the US, we expect our global revenues for 2019 will exceed $500 million, our gross profit margins should remain in the 38% to 40% range, and our operating expenses are targeted at 31% of sales. We look forward toward giving you a more detailed presentation on the 2018 year during our upcoming earnings call.”

For earnings history and earnings-related data on American Vanguard Corp. (AVD) click here.

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