Mar 31, 2020

Badger Meter Q1 2020 Earnings Report

Badger Meter reported a 3% increase in net sales and an 11% increase in EPS compared to the prior year quarter.

Key Takeaways

Badger Meter reported a strong operational performance in Q1 2020, with net sales increasing by 3% and EPS increasing by 11% year-over-year, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Net sales for the first quarter of 2020 were $108.5 million, an increase of 3% compared to $104.9 million in the prior year quarter.

Municipal water sales increased 6% year-over-year.

Net earnings and diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $11.9 million and $0.41, respectively, compared to $10.8 million and $0.37 in the prior year period.

Cash provided by operations was $30.5 million, representing strong earnings conversion.

Total Revenue
$109M
Previous year: $105M
+3.5%
EPS
$0.41
Previous year: $0.37
+10.8%
Operating Margin
14.8%
Previous year: 13.7%
+8.0%
Gross Margin
39.9%
Previous year: 38.6%
+3.4%
Gross Profit
$43.3M
Previous year: $40.5M
+7.1%
Cash and Equivalents
$70.4M
Previous year: $15M
+368.1%
Free Cash Flow
$28.6M
Previous year: $15.7M
+82.7%
Total Assets
$431M
Previous year: $403M
+6.9%

Badger Meter

Badger Meter

Forward Guidance

The extent of the impact of COVID-19 on the global economy and the company’s financial results is uncertain and continues to rapidly evolve. Overall activity in the end markets served is beginning to slow, with customers now starting to signal potential project delays, deferral of orders and channel inventory de-stocking.

Positive Outlook

  • Remain committed to effectively managing working capital and cash costs in order to preserve liquidity.
  • Have approximately $70 million in cash on the balance sheet.
  • Have $125 million of revolving credit availability.
  • Remain focused on innovation and continue on track to launch new products in 2020.
  • Expect long-term opportunities for Badger Meter from automated meter reading adoption and remote actuation of flow restriction technology.

Challenges Ahead

  • Overall activity in the end markets served is beginning to slow.
  • Customers are starting to signal potential project delays.
  • Customers are starting to signal deferral of orders.
  • Customers are starting to signal channel inventory de-stocking.
  • Modest supply disruption, cargo capacity constraints and related shortages of components may impact operations over the next several months.