Advanced Drainage Systems Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (NYSE: WMS) (“ADS” or the “Company”), a leading provider of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite septic wastewater industries today announced financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended December 31, 2023.

Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results

• Net sales increased 1.1% to $662.4 million
• Net income increased 28.5% to $106.9 million
• Net income per diluted share increased 35.4% to $1.34
• Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) increased 20.3% to $204.2 million
• Adjusted Earnings per share (Non-GAAP) increased 35.6% to $1.37

Year-to-Date Fiscal 2024 Results

• Net sales decreased 9.5% to $2,220.6 million
• Net income decreased 1.7% to $417.8 million
• Net income per diluted share increased 4.4% to $5.24
• Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) remained flat at $731.8 million
• Adjusted Earnings per share (Non-GAAP) increased 2.4% to $5.17
• Cash provided by operating activities increased 6.0% to $700.3 million
• Free cash flow (Non-GAAP) increased 5.7% to $563.9 million

Scott Barbour, President and Chief Executive Officer of ADS commented, "In the third quarter, we saw net sales return to growth as the Infiltrator business and Allied products portfolio continued to outperform expectations. Despite ongoing headwinds from higher interest rates, credit tightening and economic uncertainty, volume increased in the quarter, primarily driven by stronger demand in the infrastructure, residential and agriculture markets. Importantly, our business model continues to demonstrate resilience, as evidenced by the record Adjusted EBITDA margin of 30.8% achieved during the third quarter, a 490-basis points improvement from the prior year. The margin performance this quarter benefited from sales mix, effective management of price/cost and the contributions of past investments in the business including new equipment, automation and tooling, which enhance the operational efficiency of our entire operation."

"The secular trend of larger-scale and more frequent water-related climate events continues to drive demand for the sustainable water management solutions ADS and Infiltrator provide. As part of our ongoing commitment to manage and protect water, the world’s most precious natural resource, Infiltrator recently launched the ECOPOD-NX. This product is the next generation of advanced wastewater treatment technology designed for higher nitrogen reduction. Many geographies are updating regulations to require higher levels of nitrogen removal, and the ECOPOD-NX leverages Infiltrator's leading market knowledge and distribution relationships. In addition, we established a strategic partnership with Rainwater Management Solutions, a provider of cutting-edge rainwater harvesting and reuse systems. These two programs demonstrate ADS' strategic commitment to improving the environment and communities through our water management solutions."

Barbour concluded, "As we move into the final quarter of this fiscal year, we updated our guidance ranges to reflect the improved demand environment and increased profitability. Outlook for the non-residential end market remains uncertain due to high interest rates and tight credit standards. We will continue to focus on delivering exceptional service to our customers and pursuing profitable growth through attractive products, markets and partnerships, while at the same time continuing to invest capital and resources at both ADS and Infiltrator to drive growth and profitability."

Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results

Net sales increased $7.2 million, or 1.1%, to $662.4 million, as compared to $655.2 million in the prior year quarter. Domestic pipe sales decreased $18.8 million, or 5.2%, to $346.1 million. Domestic allied products & other sales increased $8.7 million, or 5.9%, to $156.4 million. Infiltrator sales increased $14.9 million, or 16.8%, to $103.9 million. The overall increase in domestic net sales was primarily driven by the improvement in the U.S. residential and infrastructure construction end markets. International sales increased $2.4 million, or 4.4%, to $56.0 million.

Gross profit increased $35.9 million, or 16.0%, to $259.8 million as compared to $223.9 million in the prior year. The increase in gross profit is primarily due to favorable material cost and sales mix.

Net income per diluted share increased $0.35, or 35.4%, to $1.34, as compared to $0.99 per share in the prior year quarter, primarily due to the factors mentioned above.

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) increased $34.5 million, or 20.3%, to $204.2 million, as compared to $169.7 million in the prior year, primarily due to the factors mentioned above. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA was 30.8% as compared to 25.9% in the prior year.

Segment sales results are based on Net sales to external customers. Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP financial measures for Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Earnings per Share have been provided in the financial statement tables included in this press release. An explanation of these measures is also included below under the heading “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Year-to-Date Fiscal 2023 Results

Net sales decreased $232.9 million, or 9.5%, to $2,220.6 million, as compared to $2,453.6 million in the prior year quarter. Domestic pipe sales decreased $189.7 million, or 13.8%, to $1,180.3 million. Domestic allied products & other sales decreased $22.7 million, or 4.2%, to $520.7 million. Infiltrator sales decreased $11.6 million, or 3.3%, to $343.0 million. The decrease in domestic net sales was driven by lower demand in the U.S. construction and agriculture end markets. International sales decreased $8.8 million, or 4.7%, to $176.6 million.

Gross profit decreased $2.0 million, or 0.2%, to $894.0 million as compared to $896.0 million in the prior year. The decrease in gross profit is primarily due to the decrease in volume and unfavorable fixed cost absorption, partially offset by favorable material costs.

Net income per diluted share increased $0.22, or 4.4%, to $5.24, as compared to $5.02 per share in the prior year quarter. Results for the fiscal 2024 include a $14.9 million gain on the sale of assets, which after considering the income tax impact of this gain impacted net income per diluted share by $0.13.

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) decreased $0.2 million, or 0.0%, to $731.8 million, as compared to $732.0 million in the prior year, primarily due to the factors mentioned above. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA was 33.0% as compared to 29.8% in the prior year.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

Net cash provided by operating activities was $700.3 million, as compared to $660.4 million in the prior year. Free cash flow (Non-GAAP) was $563.9 million, as compared to $533.6 million in the prior year. Net debt (total debt and finance lease obligations net of cash) was $764.1 million as of December 31, 2023, a decrease of $343.7 million from March 31, 2023.

ADS had total liquidity of $1,149.6 million, comprised of cash of $560.7 million as of December 31, 2023 and $588.9 million of availability under committed credit facilities. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s trailing-twelve-month leverage ratio was 0.8 times Adjusted EBITDA.

In the nine months ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased 1.6 million shares of its common stock for a total cost of $178.2 million. As of December 31, 2023, approximately $244.3 million of common stock may be repurchased under the Company's existing share repurchase authorization.

Fiscal 2024 Outlook

Based on current visibility, backlog of existing orders and business trends, the Company updated its financial targets for fiscal 2024. Net sales are now expected to be in the range of $2.800 billion to $2.850 billion. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $880 to $910 million. The outlook for capital expenditures is approximately $200 million.

Conference Call Information

Webcast: Interested investors and other parties can listen to a webcast of the live conference call by logging in through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at https://investors.ads-pipe.com/events-and-presentations. An online replay will be available on the same website following the call.

Teleconference: To participate in the live teleconference, participants may register at https://conferencingportals.com/event/TTnYXFWe using Conference ID: 45786. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation through email, including dial in details and unique conference call codes for entry. Registration is open through the live call. To ensure participants are connected for the full call, please register at least 10 minutes before the start of the call.

About the Company

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of innovative stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions that manages the world’s most precious resource: water. ADS and its subsidiary, Infiltrator Water Technologies, provide superior stormwater drainage and onsite septic wastewater products used in a wide variety of markets and applications including commercial, residential, infrastructure and agriculture, while delivering unparalleled customer service. ADS manages the industry’s largest company-owned fleet, an expansive sales team, and a vast manufacturing network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers. The company is one of the largest plastic recycling companies in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year. Founded in 1966, ADS’ water management solutions are designed to last for decades. To learn more, visit the Company’s website at www.adspipe.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company’s current expectations, estimates and projections regarding the Company’s business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those reflected in forward-looking statements relating to our operations and business include: fluctuations in the price and availability of resins and other raw materials and our ability to pass any increased costs of raw materials on to our customers in a timely manner; disruption or volatility in general business and economic conditions in the markets in which we operate; cyclicality and seasonality of the non-residential and residential construction markets and infrastructure spending; the risks of increasing competition in our existing and future markets; uncertainties surrounding the integration and realization of anticipated benefits of acquisitions; the effect of weather or seasonality; the loss of any of our significant customers; the risks of doing business internationally; the risks of conducting a portion of our operations through joint ventures; our ability to expand into new geographic or product markets; the risk associated with manufacturing processes; the effect of global climate change; cybersecurity risks; our ability to manage our supply purchasing and customer credit policies; our ability to control labor costs and to attract, train and retain highly qualified employees and key personnel; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; changes in laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations; the risks associated with our current levels of indebtedness, including borrowings under our existing credit agreement and outstanding indebtedness under our existing senior notes; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the SEC. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for the Company to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking information included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the Company’s expectations, objectives or plans will be achieved in the timeframe anticipated or at all. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Financial Statements

Selected Financial Data

The following tables set forth net sales by reportable segment for each of the periods indicated.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). ADS management uses non-GAAP measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP results available in the accompanying tables.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes references to Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Adjusted earnings per share, non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures are used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP. These measures are not intended to be substitutes for those reported in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, even when similar terms are used to identify such measures.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures that comprise net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, non-cash charges and certain other expenses. The Company’s definition of Adjusted EBITDA may differ from similar measures used by other companies, even when similar terms are used to identify such measures. Adjusted EBITDA is a key metric used by management and the Company’s board of directors to assess financial performance and evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s business strategies. Accordingly, management believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as the Company’s management and board of directors. In order to provide investors with a meaningful reconciliation, the Company has provided below reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA to net income.

Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that comprises cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures. Free Cash Flow is a measure used by management and the Company’s board of directors to assess the Company’s ability to generate cash. Accordingly, management believes that Free Cash Flow provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our ability to generate cash flow from operations after capital expenditures. In order to provide investors with a meaningful reconciliation, the Company has provided below a reconciliation of cash flow from operating activities to Free Cash Flow.

Adjusted Earnings per Share excludes (gains) losses on disposals of assets or business, restructuring expenses, impairment charges and transaction costs. Adjusted Earnings per Share are measures used by management and may be useful for investors to evaluate the Company's operational performance.

The following tables present a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income, Free Cash Flow to Cash Flow from Operating Activities, and Adjusted Earnings per Share to Diluted Earnings per Share, the most comparable GAAP measures, for each of the periods indicated.

Reconciliation of Adjusted Gross Profit to Gross Profit

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income

Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to Cash flow from Operating Activities

Reconciliation of Diluted Earnings per Share to Adjusted Earnings per Share

The following table diluted presents earnings per share on an adjusted basis to supplement the Company's discussion of its results of operations herein.

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