Franklin Electric Reports Record First Quarter 2022 Results

First quarter 2022 GAAP fully diluted earnings per share was $0.63, versus GAAP fully diluted EPS in the first quarter 2021 of $0.59.

“Overall, the first quarter was a strong start to the year as we delivered another record first quarter for revenue, operating income and earnings per share. We maintained our momentum with continued strong demand across all our businesses. Our Distribution business posted year-over-year sales growth of 41 percent while our Water Systems and Fueling Systems businesses delivered sales growth of 38 and 28 percent, respectively with all business units benefitting from strong price and volume performance to drive profitable growth,” commented Gregg Sengstack, Franklin Electric’s Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer.

“We achieved record top line results on strong year-over-year organic and acquisition growth, while supply chain and inflationary challenges persisted during the first quarter constraining our margins, and our open order balance increased during the first quarter which is indicative of the current demand environment. Our team remains focused on managing these impacts while meeting our customers’ needs, and we will remain agile in response to the evolving landscape,” concluded Mr. Sengstack.

Segment Summaries

Water Systems sales, a new record for any first quarter, were $272.6 million in the first quarter 2022, an increase of $75.0 million or 38 percent versus the first quarter 2021. Water Systems sales, excluding acquisitions and the impact of foreign currency translation, were up about 27 percent compared to the first quarter 2021. Sales of groundwater pumping, surface pumping and dewatering equipment increased due to strong end market demand.   Water Systems operating income in the first quarter was $33.2 million driven by higher sales. First quarter 2021 Water Systems operating income was $31.3 million.

Distribution sales, a new record for any first quarter, were $134.9 million in the first quarter 2022. The Distribution segment organic sales increased 26 percent compared to the first quarter of 2021. Revenue growth was driven by solid demand primarily in the U.S. groundwater market due to strong price realization in addition to growth from acquisition. The Distribution segment operating income was $9.4 million in the first quarter of 2022 compared to first quarter 2021 operating income of $2.0 million.

Fueling Systems sales, a new record for any first quarter, were $72.5 million in the first quarter 2022, an increase of $15.7 million or 28 percent versus the first quarter 2021. Fueling Systems sales in the U.S. and Canada increased by about 33 percent compared to the first quarter 2021. Outside the U.S. and Canada, Fueling Systems revenues increased by about 2 percent, as sales increases of 4 percent in the rest of the world outside of China were offset by lower sales in China. Fueling Systems operating income in the first quarter was $17.7 million, compared to $14.9 million in the first quarter of 2021.

2022 Guidance
The Company is maintaining its full year 2022 sales to be in the range of $1.90 billion to $2.05 billion and full year 2022 earnings per share before restructuring expenses to be in the range from $3.50 to $3.75.