Alamo Group Inc: Form 10-Q for the period ended Mar 31, 2024

The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, certain financial data:

Overview

This report contains forward-looking statements that are based on Alamo Group’s current expectations. Actual results in future periods may differ materially from those expressed or implied because of a number of risks and uncertainties which are discussed below and in the Forward-Looking Information section. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms the "Company", "we", "our" and "us" means Alamo Group Inc.

We experienced strong demand for industrial equipment during the first three months of 2024 while demand for forestry, tree care, and agricultural mowing products has weakened as was reflected in our top line growth. Margins declined slightly due to weaker Vegetation Management Division sales that slowed our production cadence and adversely impacted production efficiency.

For the first three months of 2024, the Company's net sales increased by 3%, and net income decreased by 4% compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in net sales was primarily driven by industrial product demand, partially offset by a decline in forestry, tree care, and agricultural mowing product demand. The decrease in net income was largely driven by the decline in forestry, tree care, and agricultural mowing product demand.

The Company's Vegetation Management Division experienced a 13% decrease in sales for the first three months of 2024 compared to the first three months of 2023 that was driven by weaker shipments of forestry, tree care and agricultural mowing products. The Division's backlog has declined by 48% compared to the same period in 2023, primarily driven by softness in incoming orders, specifically in the forestry and North American agricultural mowing markets. As a result, the Division's income from operations for the three months of 2024 declined 41% versus the same period in 2023.

The Company's Industrial Equipment Division sales increased in the first three months of 2024 by 30% as compared to the first three months of 2023. Industrial Equipment sales were strong in all product lines with excavators, vacuum trucks, and safety contributing the most to year on year growth. The Division's income from operations for the first three months of 2024 was up 102% versus the same period in 2023, due to the increased demand.

Consolidated income from operations was $47.0 million in the first three months of 2024 compared to $49.0 million in the first three months of 2023, a decrease of 4%. The Company's backlog of $831.3 million at the end of the first three months of 2024 is down 16% versus a backlog of $994.8 million at the end of the first three months of 2023.

While the supply chain performance has broadly improved, disruptions relating to chassis frames, transmissions, and hydraulics continue to negatively impact performance. In addition, the Company may also be negatively affected by several other factors such as weakness in the overall U.S. or world-wide economy, further increases in interest rates, changes in tariff regulations and the imposition of new tariffs, ongoing trade disputes, a deterioration of our supply chain, changes in U.S. fiscal policy such as changes in the federal tax rate, significant changes in currency exchange rates, negative economic impacts resulting from geopolitical events such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, changes in trade policy, increased levels of government regulations, weakness in the agricultural sector, acquisition integration issues, budget constraints or revenue shortfalls in governmental entities, and other risks and uncertainties as described in the “Risk Factors" section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the "2023 Form 10-K").

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 vs. Three Months Ended March 31, 2023

Net sales for the first quarter of 2024 were $425.6 million, an increase of $13.8 million or 3% compared to $411.8 million for the first quarter of 2023. Net sales during the first quarter of 2024 improved due to industrial product demand, partially offset by a decline in forestry, tree care, and agricultural mowing product demand. Negatively affecting the first quarter of 2024 were disruptions in certain areas of our supply chain, although the supply chain broadly improved compared to previous quarters.

Net Vegetation Management sales decreased by $32.7 million or 13% to $223.7 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $256.4 million during the same period in 2023. The decrease was due to weaker demand for forestry, tree care, and agricultural mowing products.

Net Industrial Equipment sales were $201.8 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $155.3 million for the same period in 2023, an increase of $46.5 million or 30%. The increase was due to solid results in all product lines, particularly excavators, vacuum trucks, and safety contributing the most to year on year growth.

Gross profit for the first quarter of 2024 was $111.6 million (26% of net sales) compared to $112.5 million (27% of net sales) during the same period in 2023, a decrease of $0.9 million. The decrease in gross profit during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023 was primarily attributable to weaker mix between our Vegetation and Industrial Divisions. This resulted in slightly lower gross margins compared to the first quarter of 2023. Profitability in the quarter also decreased due to production inefficiencies resulting from volume decline in Vegetation Management.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) were $60.6 million (14% of net sales) during the first quarter of 2024 compared to $59.7 million (14% of net sales) during the same period of 2023, an increase of $0.9 million. The increase in SG&A expense in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023 was attributable to labor cost inflation. Amortization expense in the first quarter of 2024 was $4.1 million compared to $3.8 million in the same period in 2023.

Interest expense was $6.1 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $5.9 million during the same period in 2023. The increase in interest expense in the first quarter of 2024 was mainly due to higher interest rates compared to the first quarter of 2023.

Other income (expense), net was $0.1 million of income for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $1.0 million of income during the same period in 2023. The income in the first quarter of 2023 was primarily a result from a gain of approximately $1.7 million related to a sale of a manufacturing facility, partially offset by more favorable currency exchange rates in the first quarter of 2024.

Provision for income taxes was $9.7 million (23% of income before income tax) in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $11.1 million (25% of income before income tax) during the same period in 2023. The decrease in the tax rate for the first quarter of 2024 was largely a result of a favorable research and development tax settlement with the Brazilian government.

The Company’s net income after tax was $32.1 million or $2.67 per share on a diluted basis for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $33.3 million or $2.79 per share on a diluted basis for the first quarter of 2023. The decrease of $1.2 million resulted from the factors described above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In addition to normal operating expenses, the Company has ongoing cash requirements which are necessary to operate the business, including inventory purchases and capital expenditures. The Company’s accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable levels, particularly in its Vegetation Management Division, build in the first quarter and early spring and, to a lesser extent, in the fourth quarter in anticipation of the spring and fall selling seasons. Accounts receivable historically build in the first and fourth quarters of each year as a result of pre-season sales and year-round sales programs. These sales, primarily in the Vegetation Management Division, help balance the Company’s production during the first and fourth quarters.

As of March 31, 2024, the Company had working capital of $702.2 million which represents an increase of $112.2 million from working capital of $590.0 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in working capital was primarily a result of cash and cash equivalents and volume-driven increases in accounts receivable.

Capital expenditures were $6.7 million for the first three months of 2024, compared to $9.0 million during the first three months of 2023. The Company expects a capital expenditure level of approximately $35.0 million to $45.0 million for the full year of 2024. The Company will fund any future expenditures from operating cash flows or through our revolving credit facility, described below.

Net cash used for investing activities was $5.9 million during the first three months of 2024 compared to $6.5 million during the first three months of 2023.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $77.8 million and $66.8 million during the three month periods ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, respectively. Higher net cash provided by financing activities for the first three months of 2024 relates to increased net borrowings on the Company's credit facility.

The Company had $116.0 million in cash and cash equivalents held by its foreign subsidiaries as of March 31, 2024. The majority of these funds are at our European and Canadian facilities. The Company will continue to repatriate European and Canadian cash and cash equivalents in excess of amounts needed to fund operating and investing activities in these locations, and will monitor exchange rates to determine the appropriate timing of such repatriation given the current relative value of the U.S. dollar. Repatriated funds will initially be used to reduce funded debt levels under the Company's current credit facility and subsequently used to fund working capital, capital investments and acquisitions company-wide.

On October 28, 2022, the Company, as Borrower, and each of its domestic subsidiaries as guarantors, entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “2022 Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent. The 2022 Credit Agreement provides Borrower with the ability to request loans and other financial obligations in an aggregate amount of up to $655.0 million. Under the 2022 Credit Agreement, the Company has borrowed $255.0 million pursuant to a Term Facility, while up to $400.0 million is available to the Company pursuant to a Revolver Facility which terminates in 2027. The Term Facility requires the Company to make equal quarterly principal payments of $3.75 million over the term of the loan, with the final payment of any outstanding principal amount, plus interest, due at the end of the five year term. Borrowings under the 2022 Credit Agreement bear interest, at the Company’s option, at a Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) or a Base Rate (each as defined in the 2022 Credit Agreement), plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margin ranges from 1.25% to 2.50% for Term SOFR borrowings and from .25% to 1.50% for Base Rate borrowings with the margin percentage based upon the Company's consolidated leverage ratio. The Company must also pay a commitment fee to the lenders ranging between 0.15% to 0.30% on any unused portion of the $400.0 million Revolver Facility. The 2022 Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain two financial covenants, namely, a maximum consolidated leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio. The Agreement also contains various covenants relating to limitations on indebtedness, limitations on investments and acquisitions, limitations on the sale of properties and limitations on liens and capital expenditures. The Agreement also contains other customary covenants, representations and events of defaults. The expiration date of the 2022 Credit Agreement, including the Term Facility and the Revolver Facility, is October 28, 2027. As of March 31, 2024, $322.5 million was outstanding under the 2022 Credit Agreement, $232.5 million on the Term Facility and $90.0 million on the Revolver Facility. On March 31, 2024, $2.6 million of the revolver capacity was committed to irrevocable standby letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business as required by vendors' contracts resulting in $307.4 million in available borrowings. The Company is in compliance with the covenants under the Agreement as of March 31, 2024.

Management believes the 2022 Credit Agreement along with the Company’s ability to internally generate funds from operations should be sufficient to allow the Company to meet its cash requirements for the foreseeable future.

However, future challenges affecting the banking industry and credit markets in general could potentially cause changes to credit availability, which creates a level of uncertainty.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Critical Accounting Policies

An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the financial statements. Management believes that of the Company's significant accounting policies, which are set forth in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2023 Form 10-K, the policies relating to the business combinations involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity. There have been no material changes to the nature of estimates, assumptions and levels of subjectivity and judgment related to critical accounting estimates disclosed in Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of the 2023 Form 10-K.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

There are no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition.

Forward-Looking Information

Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Item 2 of this Quarterly Report contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, forward-looking statements may be made orally or in press releases, conferences, reports or otherwise, in the future by or on behalf of the Company.

Statements that are not historical are forward-looking. When used by or on behalf of the Company, the words “estimate,” "anticipate," "expect," “believe,” “intend”, "will", "would", "should", "could" and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. These uncertainties include factors that affect all businesses operating in a global market, as well as matters specific to the Company and the markets it serves. Particular risks and uncertainties facing the Company include changes in market conditions and a potential weakening of the markets we serve; supply chain disruptions; labor constraints; changes in tariff regulations and the imposition of new tariffs; a strong U.S. dollar; increased competition; negative economic impacts resulting from geopolitical events such as the war in Ukraine or trade wars; new or unanticipated effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; decreases in the prices of agricultural commodities, which could affect our customers' income levels; increases in input costs; our inability to increase profit margins through continuing production efficiencies and cost reductions; acquisition integration issues; budget constraints or income shortfalls which could affect the purchases of our type of equipment by governmental customers; credit availability for both the Company and its customers, adverse weather conditions such as droughts, floods, snowstorms, etc. which can affect buying patterns of the Company’s customers and related contractors; the price and availability of raw materials and product components; energy cost; increased cost of governmental regulations which effect corporations including related fines and penalties (such as the European General Data Protection Regulation and the California Consumer Privacy Act); the potential effects on the buying habits of our customers due to animal disease outbreaks and other epidemics; the

Company’s ability to develop and manufacture new and existing products profitably; market acceptance of new and existing products; the Company’s ability to maintain good relations with its employees; the Company's ability to successfully complete acquisitions and operate acquired businesses or assets; the ability to hire and retain quality skilled employees; cyber security risks affecting information technology or data security breaches; and the possible effects of events beyond our control, such as political unrest, acts of terror, natural disasters and pandemics, on the Company or its customers, suppliers and the economy in general.

In addition, the Company is subject to risks and uncertainties facing the industry in general, including changes in business and political conditions and the economy in general in both domestic and international markets; weather conditions affecting demand; slower growth in the Company’s markets; financial market changes including increases in interest rates and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; actions of competitors; the inability of the Company’s suppliers, customers, creditors, public utility providers and financial service organizations to deliver or provide their products or services to the Company; seasonal factors in the Company’s industry; litigation; government actions including budget levels, regulations and legislation, primarily relating to the environment, commerce, infrastructure spending, health and safety; and availability of materials.

The Company wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements and to recognize that the statements are not predictions of actual future results. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and from historical results, due to the risks and uncertainties described above, as well as others not now anticipated. The foregoing statements are not exclusive and further information concerning the Company and its businesses, including factors that could potentially materially affect the Company’s financial results, may emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict all risk factors or to assess the impact of such risk factors on the Company’s businesses.

The Company is exposed to various market risks. Market risks are the potential losses arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates. The Company does not enter into derivative or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Foreign Currency Risk

International Sales

A portion of the Company’s operations consists of manufacturing and sales activities in international jurisdictions. The Company primarily manufactures its products in the U.S., U.K., France, Canada, Brazil, and the Netherlands. The Company sells its products primarily in the functional currency within the markets where the products are produced, but certain sales from the Company's U.K. and Canadian operations are denominated in other foreign currencies. As a result, the Company’s financials, specifically the value of its foreign assets, could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in the other markets in which the subsidiaries of the Company distribute their products.

Exposure to Exchange Rates

The Company translates the assets and liabilities of foreign-owned subsidiaries at rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates in effect during the reporting period. Translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income within the statement of stockholders’ equity. The total foreign currency translation adjustment for the current quarter decreased stockholders’ equity by $7.3 million.

The Company’s earnings are affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar as compared to foreign currencies, predominately in Europe and Canada, as a result of the sales of its products in international markets. Forward currency contracts are used to hedge against the earnings effects of such fluctuations. The result of a uniform 10% strengthening or 10% decrease in the value of the dollar relative to the currencies in which the Company’s sales are denominated would result in a change in gross profit of $3.6 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2024. This calculation assumes that each exchange rate would change in the same direction relative to the U.S. dollar. In addition to the direct effects of changes in exchange rates, which include a changed dollar value of the resulting sales, changes in exchange rates may also affect the volume of sales or the foreign currency sales price as competitors’ products become more or less attractive. The Company’s sensitivity analysis of the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates does not factor in a potential change in sales levels or local currency prices.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s long-term debt bears interest at variable rates. Accordingly, the Company’s net income is affected by changes in interest rates. Assuming the current level of borrowings at variable rates and a two percentage point change for the first quarter 2024 average interest rate under these borrowings, the Company’s interest expense would have changed by approximately $1.6 million. In the event of an adverse change in interest rates, management could take actions to mitigate its exposure. However, due to the uncertainty of the actions that would be taken and their possible effects this analysis assumes no such actions. Further this analysis does not consider the effects of the change in the level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of Alamo’s management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer), and Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon the evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer), and Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer), concluded that the Company’s design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the end of the period covered by this report.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

There have not been any material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the 2023 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.