Gorman-Rupp Reports Record First Quarter 2014 Revenue

Net sales during the first quarter of 2014 increased 19.0% to a record $110.1 million compared to $92.5 million during the same period in 2013. Domestic sales increased 28.0% or $15.7 million and international sales increased 5.3% or $1.9 million. Sales in water end markets increased $12.0 million and sales in non-water end markets increased $5.6 million during the first quarter.

The increase in water end market sales was due about equally to increases in shipments of $4.1 million in the construction market principally for pumps for rental businesses and for oil and gas drilling and fracking within North America, $4.1 million in the fire market due to increased domestic commercial construction spending, and $4.3 million in the municipal market driven by large volume pumps related to wastewater and water supply. Sales increased $5.6 million in the non-water markets primarily due to increased shipments for the OEM market related to power generation equipment and pumps for military applications.

Gross profit was a record $27.6 million for the first quarter of 2014, resulting in gross margin of 25.0% compared to 23.0% in the same period in 2013. The increase in gross margin was principally due to increased sales and sales mix changes during the quarter. Operating income was $14.7 million, resulting in operating margin of 13.3% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 8.9% in the same period in 2013. The gross margin and operating margin for the first quarter of 2013 were reduced by 90 and 150 basis points, respectively, due to a non-cash pension settlement charge which did not recur in the first quarter of 2014.

Net income was $10.0 million during the first quarter of 2014 compared to $5.8 million in the first quarter of 2013 and earnings per share were $0.38 and $0.22 for the respective periods. Earnings per share for the first quarter of 2013 included a reduction of $0.04 due to a non-cash pension settlement charge.

The Company’s backlog of orders was $171.7 million at March 31, 2014 compared to $182.2 million at December 31, 2013. Incoming orders grew 19% during the current quarter compared to the previous quarter primarily reflecting increased activity across our water end markets. The $10.5 million decrease in backlog is principally due to record shipments during the current quarter. Approximately $56.1 million of the PCCP project to supply major flood control pumps to a member of a joint venture construction group for a significant New Orleans flood control project remain in the March 31, 2014 backlog total. The pumps for this project are expected to be shipped primarily in the second half of 2014 and first half of 2015.

Cash and short-term investments totaled $22.0 million and short-term bank debt was $5.2 million at March 31, 2014. Working capital rose 5.4% from December 31, 2013 to a record $135.5 million at March 31, 2014 principally due to increased first quarter 2014 net sales. Net capital expenditures for 2014, consisting principally of machinery and equipment and building improvements, are estimated to be in the range of $12 to $14 million and are expected to be financed through internally generated funds.

Jeffrey S. Gorman, President and CEO said, “We are pleased to be off to a strong start in 2014 with record quarterly revenue. We are encouraged by the on-going stabilization in key markets the Company serves and continue to believe 2014 should be a solid year for the Company.”