Hawkins, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results
Hawkins (Nasdaq: HWKN) announced its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2024 results. Q4 sales were $223.0 million, down 2% year-over-year, but gross profit rose by 27% to $45.5 million. Q4 diluted EPS hit a record $0.66, a 20% increase. Annual sales dipped 2% to $919.2 million, with Water Treatment up 19%. Gross profit reached a record $193.6 million, up 17%.
The company achieved a record diluted EPS of $3.59 for the year, and adjusted EBITDA increased 20% to $143.0 million. Hawkins also reported record operating cash flow of $159.5 million, enabling $21 million in debt repayment. Four acquisitions were completed in the Water Treatment segment, now the company's largest revenue generator. Dividends increased by 11% to $0.63 per share.
CEO Patrick H. Hawkins attributed the performance to strong cash flow, disciplined margin management, and strategic acquisitions. Looking to fiscal 2025, Hawkins anticipates top-line revenue near $1 billion, continued growth in Water Treatment, and improved performance in Health and Nutrition.
- Q4 gross profit increased by 27% to $45.5 million.
- Record Q4 diluted EPS of $0.66, up 20% year-over-year.
- Full-year gross profit rose by 17% to $193.6 million.
- Annual adjusted EBITDA increased by 20% to $143.0 million.
- Record operating cash flow of $159.5 million.
- Four acquisitions in Water Treatment segment.
- Debt repayment of $21 million in Q4.
- Dividends increased by 11% to $0.63 per share.
- Q4 sales decreased by 2% to $223.0 million.
- Full-year sales declined by 2% to $919.2 million.
- Industrial segment sales decreased by 18% in Q4.
- Health and Nutrition segment sales decreased by 8% year-over-year.
- Increased SG&A expenses by 16% to $89.6 million.
- Environmental liability charge of $7.7 million related to PCBs.
Insights
The overall financial performance of Hawkins, Inc. displays a mix of strengths and weaknesses. **Sales** for the fourth quarter were slightly down by
Focusing on the **full-year results**, sales were down by
The company's ability to **generate strong operating cash flow** (recorded at $159.5 million for the year) is another notable strength. This has allowed them to fund acquisitions, pay down debt and increase dividends. This liquidity strength should reassure investors about the company's capacity to handle short-term liabilities and invest in future growth.
In terms of **debt management**, the company has reduced its leverage ratio to 0.66x EBITDA from 0.96x in the previous year, indicating a healthier balance sheet. It’s also worth noting the environmental liability charge of **$7.7 million** related to PCBs at their Rosemount facility, which, while a one-time expense, is a negative but manageable factor considering the overall strong financial health.
In summary, while there are concerns about declining sales in the Industrial and Health and Nutrition segments, the company's robust financial health, strong cash flow generation and strategic focus on the Water Treatment segment are positive indicators.
From a market perspective, Hawkins, Inc.'s strategic focus on the Water Treatment segment appears well-founded. The segment's sales increased by **21%** in the fourth quarter and by **19%** for the full fiscal year, reflecting successful integrations of acquisitions and a growing market demand for water treatment products.
**Acquisitions** have clearly played a significant role in this growth. The addition of four companies in the Water Treatment segment has resulted in increased revenue streams, contributing **$23.9 million** in additional sales. This strategy not only diversifies Hawkins' portfolio but also strengthens its position in a growing market segment.
On the downside, the **Industrial segment** experienced an **18% decline in fourth-quarter sales**, which was partially due to the divestiture of the consumer bleach packaging business and competitive pressures. However, the company’s ability to maintain relatively flat gross profits in this segment, despite lower sales, shows effective cost management and margin discipline.
**Health and Nutrition** saw a minor increase in fourth-quarter sales but experienced a **full-year decline of 8%**. The slight recovery in the latter part of the fiscal year indicates a potentially stabilizing trend that needs closer monitoring in the upcoming quarters.
Overall, while the Industrial and Health and Nutrition segments face challenges, Hawkins' strategic focus on the Water Treatment segment is expected to drive future growth. This diversified approach helps in mitigating risks associated with specific market fluctuations in other segments.
ROSEVILLE, Minn., May 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hawkins, Inc. (Nasdaq: HWKN), a leading specialty chemical and ingredients company, today announced fourth quarter and full-year results for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.
Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year 2024 Highlights:
- Fourth quarter sales of
$223.0 million , down2% compared to the same quarter in the prior year, with Water Treatment segment sales growth of21% over the same quarter in the prior year. - Gross profit of
$45.5 million , a27% increase over the same quarter in the prior year, contributing to a9% increase in operating income in the quarter. - Record fourth quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) of
$0.66 , which was20% higher than the same period of the prior year. - Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (adjusted EBITDA), a non-GAAP measure, of
$31.0 million , a15% increase over the same period of the prior year. - Record fourth quarter operating cash flow of
$41.9 million allowed us to pay down$21 million in debt in the quarter.
Full-Year Fiscal Year 2024 Highlights:
- Full year sales of
$919.2 million , down2% compared to the prior fiscal year, with Water Treatment up19% over the prior year. - Record gross profit of
$193.6 million , a17% increase over the prior year, contributing to an18% year-over-year increase in operating income. - Record diluted EPS of
$3.59 , which was$0.73 , or26% , higher than fiscal 2023. - Record adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, of
$143.0 million , an increase of20% over fiscal 2023. - Record operating cash flow of
$159.5 million , which was more than double that of fiscal 2023. - Completed four acquisitions in our Water Treatment segment while paying down our debt, ending the year with net debt of
$91.8 million and a leverage ratio of 0.66x EBITDA. - Paid cash dividends of
$0.63 per share for the year, an increase of11% over the prior year. This marks the 39th consecutive year of paying a dividend.
Executive Commentary – Patrick H. Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer and President:
“We had an excellent fiscal 2024. This included record operating cash flow, and, for the sixth year in a row, record operating income, net income, diluted EPS, and adjusted EBITDA. This performance provided the necessary capital for us to invest in the business and complete four acquisitions within the year that were fully funded by our cash flow. The cash flow also allowed us to continue to deliver shareholder value with dividends and share repurchases while paying down our debt resulting in a leverage ratio below 1x EBITDA. Cumulatively, all of these factors have driven our stock appreciation. This performance is the result of the hard work by our many employees, our innovative approach to business, as well as our outstanding relationships with our customers and suppliers, which we never take for granted.”
Mr. Hawkins, continued, “Our continued focus on executing our growth strategy resulted in the completion of four acquisitions in our Water Treatment segment in fiscal 2024, adding eight facilities and over 100 employees. The Water Treatment segment's operating income grew
Mr. Hawkins continued, "We are extremely proud of what we accomplished over the past year, and over the past several years. As we look to fiscal 2025, we expect to see continued top and bottom-line growth, with our top line approaching
Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Financial Highlights:
NET INCOME
For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company reported net income of
For the full year, the Company reported record net income of
REVENUE
For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, sales were
For fiscal 2024, Industrial segment sales were
GROSS PROFIT
Company-wide gross profit for fiscal 2024 increased
Gross profit for the Industrial segment decreased
Gross profit for the Water Treatment segment increased
Gross profit for the Health and Nutrition segment decreased
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased
ADJUSTED EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is an important performance indicator and a key compliance measure under the terms of our credit agreement. An explanation of the computation of adjusted EBITDA is presented below. Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was
INCOME TAXES
Our effective tax rate was approximately
BALANCE SHEET
At the end of fiscal 2024, our working capital was
About Hawkins, Inc.
Hawkins, Inc. was founded in 1938 and is a leading specialty chemical and ingredients company that formulates, distributes, blends and manufactures products for its Industrial, Water Treatment, and Health & Nutrition customers. Headquartered in Roseville, Minnesota, the Company has 59 facilities in 26 states and creates value for its customers through superb customer service and support, quality products and personalized applications. Hawkins, Inc. generated
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We report our consolidated financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). To assist investors in understanding our financial performance between periods, we have provided certain financial measures not computed according to GAAP, including adjusted EBITDA. This non-GAAP financial measure is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures. The method we use to produce non-GAAP results is not computed according to GAAP and may differ from the methods used by other companies.
Management uses this non-GAAP financial measure internally to understand, manage and evaluate our business and to make operating decisions. Management believes that this non-GAAP financial measure reflects an additional way of viewing aspects of our operations that, when viewed with our GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting our financial condition and results of operations.
We define adjusted EBITDA as GAAP net income adjusted for the impact of the following: net interest expense resulting from our net borrowing position; income tax expense; non-cash expenses including amortization of intangibles, depreciation, and charges for the employee stock purchase plan and restricted stock grants; and non-recurring items of income or expense, if applicable.
Adjusted EBITDA | Three Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | |||||||||
(In thousands) | March 31, 2024 | April 2, 2023 | March 31, 2024 | April 2, 2023 | |||||||
Net income (GAAP) | $ | 13,832 | $ | 11,613 | $ | 75,363 | $ | 60,041 | |||
Interest expense | 1,249 | 1,376 | 4,282 | 5,234 | |||||||
Income tax expense | 5,493 | 5,904 | 25,782 | 22,541 | |||||||
Amortization of intangibles | 2,753 | 1,677 | 8,539 | 6,924 | |||||||
Depreciation expense | 6,201 | 5,390 | 23,264 | 20,516 | |||||||
Non-cash compensation expense | 1,374 | 1,061 | 4,880 | 3,825 | |||||||
Non-recurring acquisition expense | 85 | — | 917 | — | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 30,987 | $ | 27,021 | $ | 143,027 | $ | 119,081 | |||
HAWKINS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except share and per-share data)
Three Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | |||||||||||||||
March 31, 2024 | April 2, 2023 | March 31, 2024 | April 2, 2023 | |||||||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Sales | $ | 223,020 | $ | 228,145 | $ | 919,162 | $ | 935,098 | ||||||||
Cost of sales | (177,509 | ) | (192,420 | ) | (725,526 | ) | (769,979 | ) | ||||||||
Gross profit | 45,511 | 35,725 | 193,636 | 165,119 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | (25,427 | ) | (17,242 | ) | (89,600 | ) | (76,969 | ) | ||||||||
Operating income | 20,084 | 18,483 | 104,036 | 88,150 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (1,249 | ) | (1,376 | ) | (4,282 | ) | (5,234 | ) | ||||||||
Other income (expense) | 490 | 410 | 1,391 | (334 | ) | |||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 19,325 | 17,517 | 101,145 | 82,582 | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense | (5,493 | ) | (5,904 | ) | (25,782 | ) | (22,541 | ) | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 13,832 | $ | 11,613 | $ | 75,363 | $ | 60,041 | ||||||||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding-basic | 20,790,260 | 20,850,454 | 20,864,348 | 20,848,077 | ||||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding-diluted | 20,929,056 | 21,024,649 | 21,014,326 | 21,014,905 | ||||||||||||
Basic earnings per share | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.56 | $ | 3.61 | $ | 2.88 | ||||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.66 | $ | 0.55 | $ | 3.59 | $ | 2.86 | ||||||||
HAWKINS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except share and per-share data)
March 31, 2024 | April 2, 2023 | |||||
ASSETS | ||||||
CURRENT ASSETS: | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 7,153 | $ | 7,566 | ||
Trade accounts receivables, net | 114,477 | 129,252 | ||||
Inventories | 74,600 | 88,777 | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 6,596 | 6,449 | ||||
Total current assets | 202,826 | 232,044 | ||||
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT: | ||||||
Land | 17,916 | 16,344 | ||||
Buildings and improvements | 147,701 | 134,901 | ||||
Machinery and equipment | 141,262 | 125,970 | ||||
Transportation equipment | 67,868 | 56,328 | ||||
Office furniture and equipment | 11,901 | 11,210 | ||||
386,648 | 344,753 | |||||
Less accumulated depreciation | 177,774 | 158,950 | ||||
Net property, plant, and equipment | 208,874 | 185,803 | ||||
OTHER ASSETS: | ||||||
Right-of-use assets | 11,713 | 10,199 | ||||
Goodwill | 103,399 | 77,401 | ||||
Intangible assets, net | 116,626 | 73,060 | ||||
Deferred compensation plan asset | 9,584 | 7,367 | ||||
Other | 4,912 | 4,661 | ||||
Total other assets | 246,234 | 172,688 | ||||
Total assets | $ | 657,934 | $ | 590,535 | ||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||||||
Accounts payable — trade | $ | 56,387 | $ | 53,705 | ||
Accrued payroll and employee benefits | 19,532 | 17,279 | ||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 9,913 | 9,913 | ||||
Income tax payable | 1,943 | 3,329 | ||||
Environmental remediation | 7,700 | — | ||||
Other current liabilities | 7,832 | 6,645 | ||||
Total current liabilities | 103,307 | 90,871 | ||||
LONG-TERM DEBT | 88,818 | 101,731 | ||||
LONG-TERM LEASE LIABILITY | 9,530 | 8,687 | ||||
PENSION WITHDRAWAL LIABILITY | 3,538 | 3,912 | ||||
DEFERRED COMPENSATION LIABILITY | 11,764 | 9,343 | ||||
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES | 22,406 | 23,800 | ||||
EARNOUT LIABILITY | 11,235 | — | ||||
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES | 1,310 | 2,175 | ||||
Total liabilities | 251,908 | 240,519 | ||||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||||||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||||||
Common shares; authorized: 60,000,000 shares of | 208 | 209 | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | 38,154 | 44,443 | ||||
Retained earnings | 364,549 | 302,424 | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 3,115 | 2,940 | ||||
Total shareholders’ equity | 406,026 | 350,016 | ||||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 657,934 | $ | 590,535 | ||
HAWKINS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
March 31, 2024 | April 2, 2023 | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 75,363 | $ | 60,041 | ||||
Reconciliation to cash flows: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 31,803 | 27,440 | ||||||
Change in fair value of earnout liability | 571 | — | ||||||
Operating leases | 2,708 | 1,971 | ||||||
(Gain) loss on deferred compensation assets | (1,391 | ) | 334 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | (1,459 | ) | (232 | ) | ||||
Stock compensation expense | 4,880 | 3,825 | ||||||
Gain from asset disposals | (85 | ) | (2,950 | ) | ||||
Other | 87 | 87 | ||||||
Changes in operating accounts (using) providing cash, net of acquisitions: | ||||||||
Trade receivables | 21,399 | (6,389 | ) | |||||
Inventories | 19,921 | 4,717 | ||||||
Accounts payable | (828 | ) | (11,596 | ) | ||||
Accrued liabilities | 10,708 | (737 | ) | |||||
Lease liabilities | (2,676 | ) | (1,958 | ) | ||||
Income taxes | (1,390 | ) | 3,290 | |||||
Other | (112 | ) | (443 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 159,499 | 77,400 | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Additions to property, plant, and equipment | (40,151 | ) | (48,321 | ) | ||||
Acquisitions | (83,455 | ) | — | |||||
Proceeds from asset disposals | 1,102 | 7,091 | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (122,504 | ) | (41,230 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Cash dividends paid | (13,238 | ) | (12,001 | ) | ||||
New shares issued | 2,242 | 2,008 | ||||||
Shares surrendered for payroll taxes | (2,140 | ) | (1,550 | ) | ||||
Shares repurchased | (11,272 | ) | (6,557 | ) | ||||
Payments on senior secured revolving loan | (98,000 | ) | (59,000 | ) | ||||
Borrowings on senior secured revolving loan | 85,000 | 45,000 | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (37,408 | ) | (32,100 | ) | ||||
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (413 | ) | 4,070 | |||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - beginning of year | 7,566 | 3,496 | ||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - end of year | $ | 7,153 | $ | 7,566 | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION- | ||||||||
Cash paid during the year for income taxes | $ | 28,631 | $ | 19,485 | ||||
Cash paid for interest | 4,654 | 4,759 | ||||||
Noncash investing activities - Capital expenditures in accounts payable | 2,697 | 2,340 | ||||||
HAWKINS, INC.
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
Industrial | Water Treatment | Health and Nutrition | Total | |||||||||
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2024: | ||||||||||||
Sales | $ | 409,465 | $ | 363,289 | $ | 146,408 | $ | 919,162 | ||||
Gross profit | 67,545 | 98,498 | 27,593 | 193,636 | ||||||||
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 28,316 | 45,286 | 15,998 | 89,600 | ||||||||
Operating income | 39,229 | 53,212 | 11,595 | 104,036 | ||||||||
Fiscal Year Ended April 2, 2023: | ||||||||||||
Sales | $ | 470,760 | $ | 304,925 | $ | 159,413 | $ | 935,098 | ||||
Gross profit | 68,115 | 67,208 | 29,796 | 165,119 | ||||||||
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 25,703 | 35,734 | 15,532 | 76,969 | ||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 42,412 | 31,474 | 14,264 | 88,150 | ||||||||
Forward-Looking Statements. Various remarks in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include those relating to expectations for results in our business segments and our ability to generate cash flow and pay down debt. These statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections, and our beliefs and assumptions. Forward-looking statements may be identified by terms, including “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “should,” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terms. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and are difficult to predict. Actual results may vary materially from those contained in forward looking statements based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, changes in regulation, changes in the labor markets, changes in competition and price pressures, changes in demand and customer requirements or processes for our products, availability of product and disruptions to supplies, interruptions in production resulting from hazards, transportation limitations or other extraordinary events outside our control that may negatively impact our business or the supply chains in which we participate, changes in imported products and tariff levels, the availability of products and the prices at which they are available, the acceptance of new products by our customers and the timing of any such acceptance, changes in pricing of our products and our ability to pass any changes on to our customers, changes in product supplies and the terms of our credit agreement. Additional information concerning potential factors that could affect future financial results is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 2, 2023, as updated from time to time in amendments and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Investors should take such risks into account when making investment decisions. Shareholders and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect our management’s view only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Contacts: | Jeffrey P. Oldenkamp | |
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
612/331-6910 | ||
ir@HawkinsInc.com | ||
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