American Vanguard reports third quarter and nine-month 2022 results

Date:11-10-2022

American Vanguard Corporation (NYSE: AVD), has announced financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Financial Highlights Fiscal 2022 Third Quarter – versus Fiscal 2021 Third Quarter

• Net sales of $152 million in 2022, a 3.4% increase, compared with $147 million in 2021

• Net income of $6.7 million in 2022, a 21.8% increase, compared with $5.5 million in 2021

• Earnings per diluted share of $0.23 in 2022, a 27.8% increase, compared with $0.18 in 2021

• Adjusted EBITDA[1] of $18.9 million in 2022, a 11.2% increase, compared with $17.0 million in 2021

Financial Highlights Fiscal 2022 Nine Months – versus Fiscal 2021 Nine Months

• Net sales of $450 million in 2022, a 13.1% increase, compared with $398 million in 2021

• Net income of $23.5 million in 2022, a 71.5% increase, compared with $13.7 million in 2021

• Earnings per diluted share of $0.78 in 2022, a 73.3% increase, compared with $0.45 in 2021

• Adjusted EBITDA of $61.4 million in 2022, a 29.8% increase, compared to $47.3 million in 2021

Note: Further details are available in the financial schedules attached to this press release

Eric Wintemute, Chairman and CEO of American Vanguard commented, ″We achieved strong third quarter results and through the first nine months of 2022 and are on pace to meet or exceed our full year performance targets. High crop commodity prices, a strong farm economy and seasonal pest pressure (particularly in corn and cotton) fueled continued growth of our US Crop business. Similarly, our international business recorded strong sales, led by Brazil (particularly our Counter nematicide), Mexico (due largely to soil fumigant sales) and a range of products for use on bananas and pineapples in Central America. Partially offsetting these gains, we experienced a decrease in net sales of our domestic non-crop business, due largely to softening of consumer spending in the lawn and garden markets.″

Mr. Wintemute continued, ″Our year-to-date revenue performance exceeds the full-year 2022 growth target for net sales that we had set last March (13% actual growth v. 8-11% target), as does net income (71% actual growth v. 60-70% target) and adjusted EBITDA (30% actual growth v. 24-28% target). Faced with inflationary cost increases, supply chain challenges and high demand, we were able to implement appropriate price increases while maximizing factory activity. These factors contributed to higher net income as a percent of net sales for both the quarter and the first nine months. Additionally, we expect significant year-end debt reduction and a full-year adjusted EBITDA of approximately $80 million or 13% of expected sales. Finally, through a combination of an Accelerated Share Repurchase Plan and a 10b5-1 purchase plan, we acquired 1.5 million shares of AVD common stock during the first nine months of the year. These repurchases demonstrate our belief in the company’s long-term value and serve to enhance shareholder investment.″

Mr. Wintemute concluded, ″We continue to pursue strategic growth initiatives to expand our core business and develop new technologies, with particular emphasis on Green Solutions and Precision Application innovations. As we announced over the past few weeks, we have established an alliance with NewLeaf Symbiotics, which will complement our existing portfolio of patented biological plant nutrients and soil health enrichments. In addition, we secured registration approval for use of our Counter nematicide on soybeans in Brazil, which will improve market penetration with a proprietary product, while advancing the adoption of SIMPAS prescription application technology in the largest Agricultural market in the world. We look forward to providing details on current business trends and these growth initiatives in our upcoming quarterly conference call.″

[1] Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash stock compensation, and proxy contest activities. Adjusted EBITDA is not a financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss), operating income (loss) or any other financial measure so calculated and presented, nor as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. The items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA are detailed in the reconciliation attached to this news release. Other companies (including the Company’s competitors) may define Adjusted EBITDA differently.