Press Release Details

HILLIARD, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (NYSE: WMS) (“ADS” or the “Company”), a leading global manufacturer of water management products and solutions for commercial, residential, infrastructure and agricultural applications, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2017.

Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2017 Highlights

• Net sales of $244.2 million compared to $245.4 million in prior year quarter
• Net loss of $18.1 million compared to $11.1 million in prior year quarter
• Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) of $12.6 million compared to $21.6 million in prior year quarter

Fiscal Year 2017 Highlights

• Net sales of $1,257.3 million compared to $1,290.7 million in prior year
• Net income of $35.9 million compared to $30.6 million in prior year
• Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) of $193.4 million compared to $187.3 million in prior year
• Cash flow from operating activities of $104.2 million compared to $135.3 million in prior year
• Free cash flow (Non-GAAP) of $57.6 million compared to $90.4 million in prior year

Joe Chlapaty, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ADS commented, “In light of the challenging market environment, we were pleased with our overall performance during fiscal 2017. We continued our long track record of market conversion in our core construction markets, with sales in both non-residential and new residential construction growing 300 basis points above their respective markets. We also generated Adjusted EBITDA of over $193 million, within our updated guidance range, and had another strong year of favorable cash flow generation.”

Chlapaty continued, “As we enter fiscal 2018, we expect our strong performance in our core construction markets to continue, aided by improving sales in international coupled with a slower decline in Ag compared to the prior year. In addition, we will look to accelerate our growth through innovation, such as our recently launched HPXR 75 product line, as well as bolt-on acquisitions that complement our product suite and geographic footprint. Lastly, we are committed to improving our longer-term margin profile through performance improvement initiatives focused on operational and customer excellence. Overall, we feel very good about our position in the markets we serve and our ability to continue driving above-market growth and operating leverage over time.”

Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2017 Results compared to Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2016 Results

Net sales decreased 0.5% to $244.2 million, as compared to $245.4 million in the prior period. Domestic net sales increased 0.8% to $223.4 million as compared to $221.6 million in the prior period, driven by construction market demand and the impact of favorable weather conditions in certain geographies. International net sales decreased 12.7% to $20.8 million as compared to $23.8 million in the prior period.

Gross profit decreased 20.7% to $39.3 million, as compared to $49.5 million the prior period. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased 410 basis points to 16.1% compared to 20.2% in the prior period, primarily due to the timing of absorption costs related to production and an increase in transportation costs.

General and administrative expenses increased 17.4% to $32.5 million, as compared to $27.7 million in the prior period. The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily due to increases of $7.9 million in stock-based compensation, $2.3 million in professional fees and $1.7 million in executive termination payments compared to the prior period. These increases were partially offset by a $9.0 million decrease in restatement related costs compared to the prior period.

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) decreased 41.9% to $12.6 million, as compared to $21.6 million in the prior period. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA decreased to 5.1% as compared to 8.8% in the prior period. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA was largely attributed to the factors mentioned above.

Adjusted Loss Per Fully Converted Share (Non-GAAP) was $0.22 based on weighted average fully converted shares of 73.9 million, increased from $0.15 for the prior period on weighted average fully converted shares of 73.5 million.

A reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP financial measures for Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share and Adjusted Loss Per Fully Converted has 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.”

Fiscal Year 2017 Results compared to Fiscal Year 2016 Results

Net sales decreased 2.6% to $1,257.3 million, as compared to $1,290.7 million in fiscal 2016. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to continued softness in the agriculture market and Mexico, which offset 3% growth in domestic construction markets compared to fiscal 2016.

Gross profit increased 3.7% to $295.8 million, as compared to $285.4 million in fiscal 2016. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased 140 basis points to 23.5%, compared to 22.1% in fiscal 2016. The increase in gross margin is primarily due to disciplined pricing and a favorable cost environment.

General and administrative expenses increased 19.9% to $111.0 million, as compared to $92.5 million in fiscal 2016. The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily due to increases of $13.1 million in stock-based compensation, $5.1 million in professional fees and $4.3 million in salaries and benefits compared to fiscal 2016. These increases were partially offset by a $4.0 million decrease in restatement related costs compared to fiscal 2016.

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) increased 3.2% to $193.4 million, as compared to $187.3 million in fiscal 2016. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA increased to 15.4%, as compared to 14.5% in fiscal 2016. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was largely attributed to the same factors mentioned above.

Adjusted Earnings Per Fully Converted Share (Non-GAAP) was $0.58 based on weighted average fully converted shares of 73.9 million, increased from $0.48 for fiscal 2016 on weighted average fully converted shares of 73.5 million.

The Company recorded net cash provided by operating activities of $104.2 million, as compared to $135.3 million for fiscal 2016. Net debt (total debt and capital lease obligations net of cash) was $422.3 million as of March 31, 2017, an increase of $4.8 million from March 31, 2016.

Fiscal Year 2018 Outlook

Based on current visibility, backlog of existing orders and business trends, the Company provided its financial targets for fiscal 2018. Net sales for fiscal year 2018 are expected to be in the range of $1.275 billion to $1.325 billion, while the outlook for Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) is expected to be in the range of $200 and $220 million for fiscal year 2018. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $55 to $60 million.

Scott Cottrill, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ADS, commented, “Our guidance for fiscal 2018 reflects anticipated domestic construction end market growth in the low to mid-single digits and a low to mid-single digit decline in the agriculture market. In addition, international markets are expected to generate low-single digit growth.”

Webcast Information

The Company will host an investor conference call and webcast on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The live call can be accessed by dialing 1-866-450-8367 (US toll-free) or 1-412-317-5465 (international) and asking to be connected to the Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. call. The live webcast will also be accessible via the "Events Calendar” section of the Company’s Investor Relations website, www.investors.ads-pipe.com. An archived version of the webcast will be available for 90 days following the call.

About the Company

Advanced Drainage Systems is the leading manufacturer of high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe, providing a comprehensive suite of water management products and superior drainage solutions for use in the construction and infrastructure marketplace. Its innovative products are used across a broad range of end markets and applications, including non-residential, residential, agriculture and infrastructure applications. The Company has established a leading position in many of these end markets by leveraging its national sales and distribution platform, its overall product breadth and scale and its manufacturing excellence. Founded in 1966, the Company operates a global network of approximately 60 manufacturing plants and over 30 distribution centers. To learn more about the ADS, please visit the Company’s website at www.ads-pipe.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may be deemed to be 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 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; volatility in general business and economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, including, without limitation, factors relating to availability of credit, interest rates, fluctuations in capital and business and consumer confidence; 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, including competition from both manufacturers of high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe and manufacturers of products using alternative materials; our ability to continue to convert current demand for concrete, steel and PVC pipe products into demand for our high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe and Allied Products; 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; our ability to achieve the acquisition component of our growth strategy; the risk associated with manufacturing processes; our ability to manage our assets; the risks associated with our product warranties; our ability to manage our supply purchasing and customer credit policies; the risks associated with our self-insured programs; 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; our ability to project product mix; the risks associated with our current levels of indebtedness; our ability to meet future capital requirements and fund our liquidity needs; the risk that additional information may arise that would require the Company to make additional adjustments or revisions or to restate the financial statements and other financial data for certain prior periods and any future periods, any further delay in the filing of any filings with the SEC; the review of potential weaknesses or deficiencies in the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, and discovering further weaknesses of which we are not currently aware or which have not been detected and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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 the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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 Fully Converted Share, all 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, Free Cash Flow, and Adjusted Earnings per Fully Converted Share may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, even when similar terms are used to identify such measures.

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that comprises 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 Fully Converted Share is a non-GAAP measure that is calculated by adjusting our Net income per share – Basic, the most comparable GAAP measure. To effect this adjustment with respect to Net income available to common stockholders, we have (1) removed the accretion of Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries, (2) added back the dividends to Redeemable convertible preferred stockholders and dividends paid to unvested restricted stockholders, (3) made corresponding adjustments to the amount allocated to participating securities under the two class earnings per share computation method, and (4) added back ESOP deferred compensation attributable to the shares of Redeemable convertible preferred stock allocated to employee ESOP accounts during the applicable period, which is a non-cash charge to our earnings. We have also made adjustments to the weighted average common shares outstanding – Basic to assume (1) share conversion of the Redeemable convertible preferred stock outstanding shares to common stock and (2) add shares of outstanding unvested restricted stock. Adjusted Earnings Per Fully Converted Share (non-GAAP) is a key metric used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance. This information is useful to investors as the preferred shares held by the ESOP are required to be distributed to our employees over time, which is done in the form of common stock after the conversion of the preferred shares. As such, this measure is included because it provides investors with information to understand the impact on the financial statements once all preferred shares are converted and distributed.

The following tables present a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income, Free Cash Flow to Cash Flow from Operating Activities, and Adjusted Earnings Per Fully Converted Share to Net income per share – Basic, the most comparable GAAP measures, for each of the periods indicated:

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income

Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income

Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to Cash flow from Operating Activities

Reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings Per Fully Converted Share (non-GAAP) to Net Income per Share – Basic

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Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
Michael Higgins, 614-658-0050
Mike.higgins@ads-pipe.com

Source: Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.