Release – CoreCivic Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Research News and Market Data on CXW

Higher Occupancy Propels Strong Quarterly Financial Performance
Capital Strategy Highlights Include Significant Share Buyback and Debt Refinancing in Quarter

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., May 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CoreCivic, Inc. (NYSE: CXW) (the Company) announced today its financial results for the first quarter of 2024. Damon T. Hininger, CoreCivic’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “CoreCivic experienced a strong first quarter of 2024. Propelled by 75.2% occupancy – our highest level since the first quarter of 2020 – CoreCivic generated sturdy margins and year-over-year growth in our key metrics. Revenue increased 9% versus the first quarter of 2023, with Federal, State, and Local revenues all increasing, and our cost-management initiatives also contributed to our favorable results.”

Commenting on capital market activities for the quarter, Hininger added, “In addition to the strong quarterly financial results, we are equally pleased with the continued progress we have made on our capital structure initiatives. During the quarter, we repurchased 2.7 million shares of our common stock for $39.4 million – an acceleration over recent quarters. Also, during the quarter, we successfully issued $500 million of new senior unsecured notes, effectively refinancing and extending the term of our existing debt by roughly three years at the same rate as the senior unsecured notes that we issued in 2021, when interest rates were much lower. Even with those activities, we ended the quarter with leverage, measured as net debt to Adjusted EBITDA, at 2.7x for the trailing twelve months – placing us, for the first time, within our target leverage range of 2.25x to 2.75x that we established in August 2020. This is a significant accomplishment, and we are proud of the strategy, focus, and discipline that led us here.”

“We are thankful for our many partners. Our federal, state, and local government partners continue to trust the essential solutions CoreCivic provides, and we renewed the eight contracts that were up for renewal during the quarter – following a year in which we renewed all of the 34 contracts up for renewal. We are also thankful to our financial partners for their ongoing support, including of our recent debt refinancing.”

Financial Highlights – First Quarter 2024

  • Total revenue of $500.7 million
    • CoreCivic Safety revenue of $457.7 million
    • CoreCivic Community revenue of $29.9 million
    • CoreCivic Properties revenue of $13.0 million
  • Net income of $9.5 million; Adjusted net income of $27.9 million
  • Diluted earnings per share of $0.08
  • Adjusted Diluted EPS of $0.25
  • Normalized FFO per diluted share of $0.46
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $89.5 million

First Quarter 2024 Financial Results Compared With First Quarter 2023

Net income in the first quarter of 2024 was $9.5 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, compared with net income in the first quarter of 2023 of $12.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share. However, when adjusted for special items, adjusted net income for the first quarter of 2024 improved to $27.9 million, or $0.25 per diluted share (Adjusted Diluted EPS), compared with adjusted net income in the first quarter of 2023 of $14.7 million, or $0.13 per diluted share. Special items for each period are presented in detail in the calculation of Adjusted Diluted EPS in the Supplemental Financial Information following the financial statements presented herein and, most notably, included $27.2 million of expenses associated with debt repayments and refinancing transactions in the first quarter of 2024.

The increased adjusted per share amounts resulted from higher federal, state, and local populations, particularly at our facilities serving U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), combined with lower interest expense and a decrease in shares outstanding, both resulting from our capital allocation strategy. These earnings increases were partially offset by the expiration of our lease with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODC) at our North Fork Correctional Facility on June 30, 2023.

Our labor attraction and retention initiatives continue to generate positive results. The costs of registry nursing, temporary labor resources, including associated travel expenses, overtime and incentives, declined meaningfully from the prior year quarter as well as sequentially.

Revenue from ICE, our largest partner, increased significantly versus the same quarter of 2023, when Title-42 restrictions were still in effect, and ICE revenue was essentially flat versus the fourth quarter of 2023. Under Title 42, which ended May 11, 2023, asylum-seekers and anyone crossing the border without proper documentation or authority were denied entry at the United States border to contain the spread of COVID-19. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, revenue from ICE was $153.8 million compared to $130.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $62.8 million in the first quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes special items, was $89.5 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared with $73.7 million in the first quarter of 2023. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was attributable to an increase in occupancy, combined with a general reduction in temporary staffing incentives and related labor costs, partially offset by the expiration of the lease with the ODC at the North Fork facility.

Funds From Operations (FFO) for the first quarter of 2024 was $33.9 million. Normalized FFO, which excludes special items, increased to $52.6 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2024, compared with $38.9 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2023, representing an increase in Normalized FFO per share of 35%. Normalized FFO was impacted by the same factors that affected Adjusted EBITDA, further improved by a reduction in interest expense resulting from our debt reduction strategy that is not reflected in Adjusted EBITDA, as well as a 2% reduction in weighted average shares outstanding compared with the prior year quarter.

Adjusted Net Income, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, FFO, and Normalized FFO, and, where appropriate, their corresponding per share amounts, are measures calculated and presented on the basis of methodologies other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Please refer to the Supplemental Financial Information and the note following the financial statements herein for further discussion and reconciliations of these measures to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Business Updates

Share Repurchases. On May 12, 2022, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $150.0 million of our common stock. On August 2, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in our share repurchase program of up to an additional $75.0 million in shares of our common stock, or a total of up to $225.0 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we repurchased 2.7 million shares of our common stock at an aggregate purchase price of $39.4 million, excluding fees, commissions and other costs related to the repurchases. Since the share repurchase program was authorized, through March 31, 2024, we have repurchased a total of 12.8 million shares at an aggregate price of $152.0 million, or $11.87 per share, excluding fees, commissions and other costs related to the repurchases.

As of March 31, 2024, we had $73.0 million remaining under the share repurchase program. Additional repurchases of common stock will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws and may be made at management’s discretion within parameters set by the Board of Directors from time to time in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. The share repurchase program has no time limit and does not obligate us to purchase any particular amount of our common stock. The authorization for the share repurchase program may be terminated, suspended, increased or decreased by our Board of Directors in its discretion at any time.

Debt Refinancing. On March 12, 2024, we announced the completion of an underwritten registered public offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 8.250% senior unsecured notes due 2029 (the 2029 Notes). The net proceeds from the offering of the 2029 Notes, amounting to $490.3 million, together with borrowings under our revolving credit facility and cash on hand, were used to fund the tender offering for, and subsequent redemption of, the 8.250% senior unsecured notes due 2026 (the 2026 Notes), which had an outstanding principal balance of $593.1 million. Note holders with an aggregate principal amount of $494.3 million, or 83.3% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Notes then-outstanding, tendered their notes by the expiration date on March 11, 2024, and on April 15, 2024, we redeemed the remaining $98.8 million principal balance outstanding.

California City Correctional Center. As previously disclosed, the lease with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at our 2,560-bed California City Correctional Center expired on March 31, 2024, and was not renewed. The facility was idled effective April 1, 2024. Rental revenue at this facility was $8.5 million and $31.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, respectively. Facility net operating income at the facility was $7.2 million and $25.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, respectively. As a result, although we are marketing the facility to potential customers, we expect per share results to decline by approximately $0.06 per share during the second quarter of 2024 compared with the first quarter of 2024, and by approximately $0.15 to $0.16 per share for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared with the year ended December 31, 2023. The impact of this lease expiration has been, and continues to be, included in our 2024 financial guidance.

2024 Financial Guidance

Based on current business conditions, we are providing the following updated financial guidance for the full year 2024:

 New Guidance
Full Year 2024
Prior Guidance
Full Year 2024
– Net income$52.7 million to $63.7 million$65.0 million to $80.0 million¹
– Adjusted net income$74.0 million to $85.0 million$65.0 million to $80.0 million
– Diluted EPS$0.47 to $0.57$0.58 to $0.72¹
– Adjusted Diluted EPS$0.66 to $0.76$0.58 to $0.72
– FFO per diluted share$1.36 to $1.46$1.46 to $1.61¹
– Normalized FFO per diluted share$1.56 to $1.66$1.46 to $1.61
– EBITDA$281.1 million to $290.1 million$300.3 million to $313.3 million¹
– Adjusted EBITDA$312.0 million to $321.0 million$300.3 million to $313.3 million
 
¹ Prior guidance did not include the aforementioned $27.2 million of expenses associated with debt repayments and refinancing transactions incurred during the first quarter of 2024.
 

During 2024, we expect to invest $70.0 million to $76.0 million in capital expenditures, consisting of $30.0 million to $31.0 million in maintenance capital expenditures on real estate assets, $32.0 million to $35.0 million for maintenance capital expenditures on other assets and information technology, and $8.0 million to $10.0 million for other capital investments.

Supplemental Financial Information and Investor Presentations

We have made available on our website supplemental financial information and other data for the first quarter of 2024. Interested parties may access this information through our website at http://ir.corecivic.com/ under “Financial Information” of the Investors section. We do not undertake any obligation and disclaim any duties to update any of the information disclosed in this report.

Management may meet with investors from time to time during the second quarter of 2024. Written materials used in the investor presentations will also be available on our website beginning on or about May 21, 2024. Interested parties may access this information through our website at http://ir.corecivic.com/ under “Events & Presentations” of the Investors section.

Conference Call, Webcast and Replay Information

We will host a webcast conference call at 10:00 a.m. central time (11:00 a.m. eastern time) on Thursday, May 9, 2024, which will be accessible through the Company’s website at www.corecivic.com under the “Events & Presentations” section of the “Investors” page. To participate via telephone and join the call live, please register in advance here https://register.vevent.com/register/BIa41ba53918294659afa34f33febf12cc. Upon registration, telephone participants will receive a confirmation email detailing how to join the conference call, including the dial-in number and a unique passcode.

About CoreCivic

CoreCivic is a diversified, government-solutions company with the scale and experience needed to solve tough government challenges in flexible, cost-effective ways. We provide a broad range of solutions to government partners that serve the public good through high-quality corrections and detention management, a network of residential and non-residential alternatives to incarceration to help address America’s recidivism crisis, and government real estate solutions. We are the nation’s largest owner of partnership correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities, and one of the largest prison operators in the United States. We have been a flexible and dependable partner for government for over 40 years. Our employees are driven by a deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibility to help government better the public good. Learn more at www.corecivic.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements as to our beliefs and expectations of the outcome of future events that are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. These include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties associated with: (i) changes in government policy, legislation and regulations that affect utilization of the private sector for corrections, detention, and residential reentry services, in general, or our business, in particular, including, but not limited to, the continued utilization of our correctional and detention facilities by the federal government, including as a consequence of the United States Department of Justice not renewing contracts as a result of President Biden’s Executive Order on Reforming Our Incarceration System to Eliminate the Use of Privately Operated Criminal Detention Facilities, impacting utilization primarily by the United States Federal Bureau of Prisons and the United States Marshals Service, and the impact of any changes to immigration reform and sentencing laws (we do not, under longstanding policy, lobby for or against policies or legislation that would determine the basis for, or duration of, an individual’s incarceration or detention); (ii) our ability to obtain and maintain correctional, detention, and residential reentry facility management contracts because of reasons including, but not limited to, sufficient governmental appropriations, contract compliance, negative publicity and effects of inmate disturbances; (iii) changes in the privatization of the corrections and detention industry, the acceptance of our services, the timing of the opening of new facilities and the commencement of new management contracts (including the extent and pace at which new contracts are utilized), as well as our ability to utilize available beds; (iv) general economic and market conditions, including, but not limited to, the impact governmental budgets can have on our contract renewals and renegotiations, per diem rates, and occupancy; (v) fluctuations in our operating results because of, among other things, changes in occupancy levels; competition; contract renegotiations or terminations; inflation and other increases in costs of operations, including a continuing rise in labor costs; fluctuations in interest rates and risks of operations; (vi) government budget uncertainty, the impact of the debt ceiling and the potential for government shutdowns and changing budget priorities; (vii) our ability to successfully identify and consummate future development and acquisition opportunities and realize projected returns resulting therefrom; (viii) our ability to have met and maintained qualification for taxation as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for the years we elected REIT status; and (ix) the availability of debt and equity financing on terms that are favorable to us, or at all. Other factors that could cause operating and financial results to differ are described in the filings we make from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

We take no responsibility for updating the information contained in this press release following the date hereof to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or the occurrence of unanticipated events or for any changes or modifications made to this press release or the information contained herein by any third-parties, including, but not limited to, any wire or internet services, except as may be required by law.

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CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW) – First Look at 1Q24 Results


Thursday, May 09, 2024

CoreCivic is a diversified, government-solutions company with the scale and experience needed to solve tough government challenges in flexible, cost-effective ways. We provide a broad range of solutions to government partners that serve the public good through high-quality corrections and detention management, a network of residential and non-residential alternatives to incarceration to help address America’s recidivism crisis, and government real estate solutions. We are the nation’s largest owner of partnership correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities, and believe we are the largest private owner of real estate used by government agencies in the United States. We have been a flexible and dependable partner for government for nearly 40 years. Our employees are driven by a deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibility to help government better the public good. Learn more at www.corecivic.com.

Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Results. Total revenue was $500.7 million for the quarter compared to $458.0 million in the prior year. This exceeded our expectations of $478 million. All of CoreCivic’s segments experienced growth over the prior year due to higher populations at the federal, state, and local populations. Another driver was revenue from ICE increasing from the prior year, as last year had Title 42 still enacted. Net income was $9.5 million, or $0.08/sh, from $12.4 million, or $0.11, last year. We estimated net income of $21.7 million or $0.19 per diluted share. Adjusted EPS was $0.25 for 1Q24, excluding one-time costs associated with the debt refinancing.

Debt Refinancing Completed and Share Repurchases. CoreCivic completed its registered public debt offering of $500 million on March 12, 2024. The offering, in conjunction with the Company’s revolving credit facility, paid off CoreCivic’s senior unsecured notes due 2026. The Company repurchased 2.7 million shares of its common stock during the quarter at an aggregate purchase price of $39.4 million, or approximately $14.59 per share.


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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) – A Deeper Look into 1Q24 Results


Thursday, May 09, 2024

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States. In addition, Great Lakes is fully engaged in expanding its core business into the rapidly developing offshore wind energy industry. The Company has a long history of performing significant international projects. The Company employs experienced civil, ocean and mechanical engineering staff in its estimating, production and project management functions. In its over 131-year history, the Company has never failed to complete a marine project. Great Lakes owns and operates the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry, comprised of approximately 200 specialized vessels. Great Lakes has a disciplined training program for engineers that ensures experienced-based performance as they advance through Company operations. The Company’s Incident-and Injury-Free® (IIF®) safety management program is integrated into all aspects of the Company’s culture. The Company’s commitment to the IIF® culture promotes a work environment where employee safety is paramount.

Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Strong Performance. Limited drydockings during the quarter and record backlog led the charge in a strong first quarter. The Galveston Island, the Company’s new hopper dredge, also started operations during the quarter, contributing to the performance. The record backlog, consisting mostly of capital projects which carry higher margin, provides Great Lakes with revenue visibility throughout the fiscal year and improved margins, in our view.

Improved Environment. With the passage of the budget, the overall dredging environment has improved, in our view. We expect to see an uptick in project awards in the second and third quarters, with a couple of major capital projects to be included. Great Lakes is well positioned to win its fair share of the awards.


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Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

V2X (VVX) – A Solid Start to 2024


Wednesday, May 08, 2024

For more than 70 years, Vectrus has provided critical mission support for our customers’ toughest operational challenges. As a high-performing organization with exceptional talent, deep domain knowledge, a history of long-term customer relationships, and groundbreaking technical expertise, we deliver innovative, mission-matched solutions for our military and government customers worldwide. Whether it’s base operations support, supply chain and logistics, IT mission support, engineering and digital integration, security, or maintenance, repair and overhaul, our customers count on us for on-target solutions that increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve readiness, and strengthen national security. Vectrus is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., and includes about 8,100 employees spanning 205 locations in 28 countries. In 2021, Vectrus generated sales of $1.8 billion. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.vectrus.com or connect with Vectrus on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Off on the Right Foot. V2X delivered solid first quarter results, starting 2024 off on the right foot. Revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted earnings all came in above our estimates. OpTempo remains elevated in CENTOM and INDOPACOM given the recent events occurring in those areas, driving V2X results.

1Q24. Revenue of $1.0 billion was up 7.1% y-o-y, driven by 22% growth in the Middle East and 7% growth in the Pacific. We had forecasted $950 million in revenue for 1Q. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter totaled $69.1 million, or a 6.8% margin, and up from $68 million in 1Q23. Adjusted net income was $28.6 million, or EPS of $0.90, compared to $25.1 million, or EPS of $0.80 last year. We had estimated $24.8 million, or $0.77/sh.


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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

The GEO Group (GEO) – First Quarter In-Line but Potential Upside for the Year


Wednesday, May 08, 2024

The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE: GEO) is a leading diversified government service provider, specializing in design, financing, development, and support services for secure facilities, processing centers, and community reentry centers in the United States, Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. GEO’s diversified services include enhanced in-custody rehabilitation and post-release support through the award-winning GEO Continuum of Care®, secure transportation, electronic monitoring, community-based programs, and correctional health and mental health care. GEO’s worldwide operations include the ownership and/or delivery of support services for 103 facilities totaling approximately 83,000 beds, including idle facilities and projects under development, with a workforce of up to approximately 18,000 employees.

Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

1Q Results. Total revenues decreased to $605.7 million from $608.2 million last year. We estimated revenue of $604 million. Net income for the quarter was $22.7 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, compared to $28.0 million, or $0.22, in the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA totaled $117.6 million compared to $130.9 million last year. We estimated net income of $23.6 million, or $0.19 per share, and adjusted EBITDA of $120 million.

ICE Populations. For 1Q24, GEO experienced average ICE pops in the 13,000 range, with that number carrying over into the second quarter. After a dip beginning in late March, overall ICE pops have rebounded back to the 37,000 level, according to GEO management. With the typical seasonal increase in crossings, it is possible numbers could trend up to the 41,500 bed authorized level.


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Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

NN, Inc. (NNBR) – A Productive Quarter


Wednesday, May 08, 2024

Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

1Q24 Revenue Impacts. The lower y-o-y volume was driven by the loss of $4 million of rationalized revenue at underperforming plants, mostly offset by $3 million of revenue growth at healthy plants. Pricing had a negative $3 million impact y-o-y as 1Q23 benefitted from end-of-life premium pricing during the Irvine plant closure.

Making Progress. Management note that three of the seven underperforming plants have returned to the positive side of the ledger. About one-half of the $100 million of unprofitable revenue has been returned to at least breakeven, with the remainder expected to be resolved by year-end.


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Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Kratos Defense & Security (KTOS) – The Revenue Jet is Taking Off


Wednesday, May 08, 2024

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms, and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technologies for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research, and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training and combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.kratosdefense.com.

Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Strong Results. Blowing past our expectations, revenue for the first quarter was $277.2 million, a 19.6% increase over the prior year’s $231.8 million. The increase includes 19.5% of organic revenue growth. Our estimate was at $250 million. Net income for the quarter of $1.3 million was an improvement from a net loss of $7.0 million last year, highlighting the Company’s revenue growth and improved margin (operating margin of 2.5% vs. 0.2% last year). We forecasted a net loss of $4.0 million.

Unmanned Systems. A highlight of the impressive revenue growth is Kratos’ Unmanned Systems segment. The segment had organic revenue growth of 21.8% in the quarter, with a more impressive 23.8% revenue growth factoring in the STS acquisition. The segment also generated approximately 25.5% of the total bookings for the quarter with a book to bill of 1.4 to 1.0. We expect the segment to continue to gain momentum as management places more emphasis on developing the segment throughout 2024 and beyond.


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Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) – Great Start to the Year


Wednesday, May 08, 2024

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States. In addition, Great Lakes is fully engaged in expanding its core business into the rapidly developing offshore wind energy industry. The Company has a long history of performing significant international projects. The Company employs experienced civil, ocean and mechanical engineering staff in its estimating, production and project management functions. In its over 131-year history, the Company has never failed to complete a marine project. Great Lakes owns and operates the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry, comprised of approximately 200 specialized vessels. Great Lakes has a disciplined training program for engineers that ensures experienced-based performance as they advance through Company operations. The Company’s Incident-and Injury-Free® (IIF®) safety management program is integrated into all aspects of the Company’s culture. The Company’s commitment to the IIF® culture promotes a work environment where employee safety is paramount.

Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Results. Great Lakes reported strong revenue of $198.7 million, beating out our expectation of $170 million. Higher capital and coastal protection project revenues led to the $40.7 million increase y-o-y, partially offset by lower rivers and lakes project revenue. Gross profit improved $33.5 million to $45.6 million for the quarter through improved utilization and project mix, resulting in a margin of 22.9%, beating out our expectation of 10.6%.

An Improved Bottom-Line. Following the topline, Great Lakes’ bottom-line greatly improved from last year, beating our estimates, including operating margin of 15.8% from a negative 0.5% (estimated a 2.4% margin) and net income of $21.0 million, or EPS of $0.31, from a net loss of $3.2 million, or a loss of $0.05/sh. We estimated net income of $0.8 million, or EPS of $0.01.


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Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

NN, Inc. (NNBR) – Releases 1Q24 Results; Business Transformation Continues


Tuesday, May 07, 2024

Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Improved Profitability. Management’s strategic transformation program is showing up in NN’s results. The first quarter of 2024 was the third quarter in a row of improved quarterly results. TTM adjusted EBITDA improved for the fourth consecutive quarter. Although the business environment remains unsettled, management is taking the steps to both win new business and reduce costs.

1Q24 Results. Net sales of $121.2 million were down 4.6% versus the year ago period, primarily as a result of rationalized volume. We had forecast $120 million. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $11.3 million, or 9.3% of sales, up from $8.1 million, or 6.4% of sales last year. We had estimated $9.6 million. NN reported an adjusted net loss of $4 million, or a loss of $0.08/sh, compared to an adjusted loss of $5.7 million, or $0.12/sh, in 1Q23. We were at an adjusted net loss of $5.2 million, or a loss of $0.10/sh.


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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – V2X to Continue Legacy of Excellence in Delivering Training Solutions to the U.S. Army at the National Training Center

Research News and Market Data on VVX

MCLEAN, Va., May 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — V2X, Inc. (NYSE: VVX) announces its continued support to the National Training Center Training Services Contract (NTCTSC) under a one-year bridge contract with the US Army. The bridge contract extends the period of performance of the original five-year award. This extension reinforces V2X’s longstanding record of excellence in preparing warfighters for deployment.

The NTCTSC contract enables V2X to maintain its role in supporting training operations at NTC, located in Ft. Irwin, CA. V2X’s responsibilities under the contract include providing advisory services, technical expertise, and system operators to ensure training is both effective and efficient. Specifically, the NTCTSC Bridge facilitates training support services, which include audio-visual operations for after-action review productions, leadership advisory services, secure LAN operations, skilled role players, Blue Force Tracker system management, battlefield effects, computer training, analytical system operations, and a range of other specialized services.

“We are proud to be a trusted partner in delivering mission-critical support to the brigade combat teams cycling through the National Training Center,” said Ken Shreves, Senior Vice President of Global Mission Solutions and Chief Service Delivery and Growth Officer at V2X. “With our proven track record of providing high-consequence training support to the US Army, V2X is uniquely positioned to prepare soldiers for global missions.”

For nearly three decades, our team has met or exceeded all customer requirements at the NTC and continues to perform in an exceptional manner across the U.S. Army’s training centers,” said Aileen Amirault, Vice President and General Manager of V2X Global Training Solutions. “Our commitment extends globally, as evidenced by our work at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Germany, and our delivery of training support, maintenance, and range operations services to U.S. Army Central Command (ARCENT) in Kuwait. This sustained excellence underscores our dedication to supporting our troops wherever they serve.” This training builds on V2X’s time-honored pivotal role in supporting the strategic readiness of the United States Army.

About V2X
V2X delivers a comprehensive suite of integrated solutions across defense and commercial training, operations and logistics, aerospace, and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian and international clients. 
Our global team of approximately 16,000 employees brings innovation to every point in the mission lifecycle, from preparation to operations, to sustainment, as it tackles the most complex challenges with agility, grit, and dedication.

Media Contact
Angelica Spanos Deoudes 
Director, Corporate Communications  
Angelica.Deoudes@goV2X.com 
571-338-5195

Investor Contact
Mike Smith, CFA 
Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations 
IR@goV2X.com 
719-637-5773

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/v2x-to-continue-legacy-of-excellence-in-delivering-training-solutions-to-the-us-army-at-the-national-training-center-302136646.html

SOURCE V2X, Inc.

Kelly Services (KELYA) – Announces Largest Acquisition in Company History


Monday, May 06, 2024

Kelly (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) connects talented people to companies in need of their skills in areas including Science, Engineering, Education, Office, Contact Center, Light Industrial, and more. We’re always thinking about what’s next in the evolving world of work, and we help people ditch the script on old ways of thinking and embrace the value of all workstyles in the workplace. We directly employ nearly 350,000 people around the world and connect thousands more with work through our global network of talent suppliers and partners in our outsourcing and consulting practice. Revenue in 2021 was $4.9 billion. Visit kellyservices.com and let us help with what’s next for you.

Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Acquisition. Friday, Kelly Services announced the largest acquisition in Company History. Kelly is purchasing Motion Recruitment Partners LLC (MRP) for $425 million, with an additional earnout potential of up to $60 million. The acquisition significantly expands and strengthens Kelly’s scale and capabilities, in our view. The transaction will enhance the revenue growth potential and accelerate EBITDA margin expansion for Kelly.

Financing. Kelly expects to fund the purchase with debt and available capital, including the $100 million recently received from the sale of the European staffing business. At year-end, Kelly had $427 million of available liquidity, consisting of $126 million of cash and $301 million of availability under undrawn credit facilities. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2024.


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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – Kelly Enters Agreement to Acquire Specialty Talent Solutions Company, Motion Recruitment Partners, LLC

Research News and Market Data on KELYA

  • Transformational acquisition strengthens scale and capabilities of Kelly’s staffing and consulting solutions across technology, telecommunications, and government specialties in North America, and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions globally
  • Provides Motion Recruitment Partners and its leading brands with a highly invested partner to enable continued growth
  • Demonstrates Kelly’s commitment to rapidly redeploying capital and leveraging its strong balance sheet in pursuit of inorganic investments in higher-margin, higher-growth specialties

TROY, Mich., May 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kelly (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) (“the Company”), a leading global specialty talent solutions provider, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Motion Recruitment Partners, LLC (“MRP”), from Littlejohn & Co., LLC (“Littlejohn”), a private investment firm based in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Under the terms of the agreement, Kelly will acquire MRP for $425 million in cash to be paid at close, with additional earnout potential of up to $60 million based on certain performance criteria. The Company expects to fund the transaction through debt and available capital, including the rapid redeployment of more than $100 million from the sale of Kelly’s European staffing operations in January 2024. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2024, subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

The transaction will significantly build upon Kelly’s market-leading solutions portfolio, which includes Kelly Science, Engineering & Technology (SET), the second and fourth largest life sciences(1) and engineering(2) staffing provider, respectively, and a leading provider of technology, telecommunications, and government workforce solutions; KellyOCG, a top provider of RPO(3) and managed service provider (MSP)(4) solutions; Kelly Professional & Industrial, one of the ten largest industrial(5) staffing providers; and Kelly Education, the largest provider of K-12 education talent(6).

Following the close of the transaction, MRP will deliver services through its existing operating companies and brands with the goal of expanding Kelly’s capabilities and significantly increasing market share across several key areas:

  • Motion Recruitment’s technology staffing and consulting business will significantly expand Kelly SET’s delivery platform and establish the business as a top ten provider of tech talent solutions in the U.S.;
  • Sevenstep® will bring an industry leading brand and highly attractive client base in both RPO and MSP to elevate KellyOCG’s RPO segment to consistently rank in the top five globally;
  • Motion Telco will add a complementary client portfolio and set of delivery capabilities to Kelly’s existing telecommunications specialty to create a market-leading telecommunications offering; and
  • TG Federal will bring a dedicated new platform in government technology subcontracting with strong partnerships to build upon Kelly SET’s success in the government space.

In alignment with Kelly’s long-term strategy, the acquisition of MRP will enhance the revenue growth potential of the Company and accelerate EBITDA margin expansion. It will build upon the significant EBITDA margin expansion Kelly has delivered through actions implemented in 2023 and the sale of the Company’s European staffing operations in January 2024.

“We look forward to welcoming MRP to the Kelly team in what is a transformational step forward on our journey to sharpen the Company’s focus on higher-margin, higher-growth specialty outcome-based and staffing services in North America, and global RPO and MSP solutions,” said Peter Quigley, president and chief executive officer, Kelly. “MRP’s portfolio of businesses are an exceptional fit for Kelly’s SET and OCG segments, adding extensive expertise and an established presence in attractive end-markets. Likewise, Kelly’s breadth of resources and culture of collaboration form a strong foundation upon which MRP will reach extraordinary new heights.”

“There are so many valuable and complementary aspects to this new partnership and both companies have a lot to learn and gain from each other,” said Beth Gilfeather, chief executive officer, MRP. “We are excited to begin this new chapter to become part of the exceptional Kelly story and are very motivated to be a driving force behind the significant growth goals that lie ahead.”

“We are proud to have partnered with MRP’s strong leadership team during an important period of growth and evolution,” said Drew Greenwood, managing director, Littlejohn. “During our ownership period, MRP executed on a number of organic and inorganic initiatives that positioned it as a premier talent solutions provider with particular strength and depth in the technology market. We wish the company continued success as part of Kelly moving forward.”

The acquisition of MRP will be the largest in Kelly’s history and follows eight acquisitions completed and integrated successfully since 2017 as part of the Company’s strategy to pursue inorganic investments in higher-margin, higher-growth specialties. Kelly’s inorganic strategy has been enabled by a series of strategic actions to unlock significant capital and optimize the Company’s operating model, including: selling its European staffing operations; monetizing non-core real estate holdings; unwinding its cross-shareholding arrangement with Persol, reducing its ownership interest in PersolKelly, its Asia-Pacific staffing joint venture; and selling its operations in Brazil and Russia.

The Company will provide additional details about this transaction during its upcoming first-quarter earnings conference call on May 9, 2024.

Houlihan Lokey is serving as financial advisor to Kelly with Jasso Lopez PLLC serving as its legal counsel. Robert W. Baird is serving as the financial advisor to MRP with Baker Hostetler serving as its legal counsel.

About Kelly®

Kelly Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) helps companies recruit and manage skilled workers and helps job seekers find great work. Since inventing the staffing industry in 1946, we have become experts in the many industries and local and global markets we serve. With a network of suppliers and partners around the world, we connect more than 500,000 people with work every year. Our suite of outsourcing and consulting services ensures companies have the people they need, when and where they are needed most. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, we empower businesses and individuals to access limitless opportunities in industries such as science, engineering, technology, education, manufacturing, retail, finance, and energy. Revenue in 2023 was $4.8 billion. Learn more at kellyservices.com.

About Motion Recruitment Partners, LLC

Established in 1989 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Motion Recruitment Partners, LLC, is parent company to a group of leading global talent solution providers to include Motion Recruitment (IT Staffing & Managed Solutions), Motion Consulting Group (IT Consulting), Motion Telco (IT & Telecom Solutions), Tech in Motion (Tech Networking & Events program), TG Federal (Government IT Subcontracting), and Sevenstep® (RPO, MSP & TA Advisory/Consulting). Learn more at www.motionrecruitment.comwww.sevensteptalent.com, and www.tgfederal.com.

About Littlejohn & Co., LLC

Littlejohn & Co., LLC, is a Greenwich, Connecticut-based investment firm focused on private equity and debt investments primarily in growing middle-market industrial and services companies that can benefit from Littlejohn’s 25+ years of operational and sector expertise. With approximately $8 billion in regulatory assets under management, the firm seeks to build sustainable success for its portfolio companies through a disciplined approach to engineering change. For more information about Littlejohn, visit www.littlejohnllc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains statements that are forward looking in nature and, accordingly, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Kelly’s financial expectations, are forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in this release include, but are not limited to, (i) changing market and economic conditions, (ii) disruption in the labor market and weakened demand for human capital resulting from technological advances, loss of large corporate customers and government contractor requirements, (iii) the impact of laws and regulations (including federal, state and international tax laws), (iv) unexpected changes in claim trends on workers’ compensation, unemployment, disability and medical benefit plans, (v) litigation and other legal liabilities (including tax liabilities) in excess of our estimates, (vi) our ability to achieve our business’s anticipated growth strategies, (vi) our future business development, results of operations and financial condition, (vii) damage to our brands, (viii) dependency on third parties for the execution of critical functions, (ix) conducting business in foreign countries, including foreign currency fluctuations, (x) availability of temporary workers with appropriate skills required by customers, (xi) cyberattacks or other breaches of network or information technology security, and (xii) other risks, uncertainties and factors discussed in this release and in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release and we undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company’s expectations.

(1) Staffing Industry Analysts Largest Life Sciences Staffing Firms in the U.S.: 2023 Update
(2) Staffing Industry Analysts Largest Engineering Staffing Firms in the U.S.: 2023 Update
(3) Everest Group Recruitment Process Outsourcing PEAK Matrix® 2023
(4) Everest Group Contingent Workforce Management / Managed Service Provider PEAK Matrix® 2023
(5) Staffing Industry Analysts Largest Industrial Staffing Firms in the U.S.: 2023 Update
(6) Staffing Industry Analysts Largest Education Staffing Firms in the U.S.: 2023 Update

KLYA-FIN

ANALYST CONTACT:  MEDIA CONTACT:
Scott Thomas  Christian Taske
(248) 251-7264  (248) 561-8823
scott.thomas@kellyservices.com  christian.taske@kellyservices.com

Release – ACCO Brands Reports First Quarter Results

Research News and Market Data on ACCO

  • Reported net sales of $359 million, with gross margin expanding 120 basis points
  • On track to deliver over $20 million in cost savings from our multi-year cost savings program
  • Net operating cash flow improved $51 million, generated free cash flow of $26 million
  • Consolidated net leverage ratio of 3.5x at quarter-end
  • Loss per share of $(0.07); adjusted EPS of $0.03, in line with the Company’s outlook

LAKE ZURICH, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

“Our first quarter results demonstrate our commitment to improving profitability and cash flow generation as we work to overcome persistent consumer and business spending weakness. We generated higher free cash flow year over year, which allowed us to end the quarter with a leverage ratio of 3.5 times, which was a significant improvement over the prior year. I am proud of our team’s execution as we implemented our global restructuring and cost savings initiatives, which are already yielding benefits,” stated ACCO Brands’ President and Chief Executive Officer, Tom Tedford.

“We continue to invest in new product development, innovation, and other growth initiatives, while generating strong free cash flow and reducing our debt levels. Looking ahead, we remain focused on streamlining our operations and refining our strategy to enhance business performance and create long-term shareholder value. ” concluded Mr. Tedford.

First Quarter Results

Net sales were $358.9 million a 10.9 percent decline from $402.6 million in 2023. Favorable foreign exchange increased sales by $1.7 million, or 0.4 percent. Comparable sales decreased 11.3 percent. Both reported and comparable sales declines reflect softer global consumer and business demand for our office products and computer accessories, and from the exit of lower margin business.

Operating income was $5.9 million compared to $10.1 million in 2023. We incurred higher restructuring charges of $3.3 million in 2023 associated with our cost reduction and footprint rationalization programs primarily in Europe. Adjusted operating income was $16.2 million down from $24.3 million in 2023. Both reported and adjusted operating income declines reflect lower sales volumes, which more than offset moderating input costs and the cumulative effect of cost reduction initiatives and price increases.

Net loss was $6.3 million, or $(0.07) per share, compared with a net loss of $3.7 million, or $(0.04) per share, in 2023. Adjusted net income was $2.7 million compared with $8.5 million in 2023, and adjusted earnings per share were $0.03 per share compared with $0.09 per share in 2023.

Capital Allocation and Dividend

For the quarter, the Company significantly improved its operating cash flow to $28.2 million versus an outflow of $23.2 million in the prior year, driven primarily by working capital. Free cash flow was $25.9 million versus an outflow of $25.2 million in 2023. The Company’s consolidated leverage ratio as of March 31, 2024, was 3.5x, versus 4.3x at the end of Q1 of the prior year.

On April 26, 2024, ACCO Brands announced that its board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per share. The dividend will be paid on June 12, 2024, to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 17, 2024.

Business Segment Results

ACCO Brands Americas – First quarter segment net sales of $197.2 million decreased 14.3 percent from $230.0 million in the prior year, and comparable sales declined 15.3 percent. Both reported and comparable sales decreases reflect softer consumer and business demand, particularly for our office products and computer accessories, and from the exit of lower margin business. In Brazil, end of season for back-to-school sales were weaker than the prior year.

First quarter operating income was $6.1 million versus $12.3 million a year earlier. Adjusted operating income was $12.3 million, down from $18.7 million in the prior year. Both reported and adjusted operating income declines reflect lower volume and negative fixed cost leverage, partly offset by moderating input costs, cost reduction initiatives and lower SG&A expense.

ACCO Brands International – First quarter segment net sales of $161.7 million decreased 6.3 percent from $172.6 million in the prior year. Favorable foreign exchange increased sales by 0.4 percent. Comparable sales were $162.4 million, down 5.9 percent versus the prior year. Both reported and comparable sales decreases reflect reduced consumer and business demand for our office and computer accessories categories, partially mitigated by the benefit of price increases.

First quarter operating income was $12.8 million, an increase from $9.7 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower restructuring expense. Adjusted operating income of $16.9 million decreased from $17.5 million in the prior year. The decline in adjusted operating income was due to the lower sales volume, which more than offset moderating input costs and the cumulative benefit of pricing and cost actions.

Updated Full Year 2024 and Second Quarter Outlook

“With a demand environment for our categories that is slower to recover than anticipated, we have prudently tempered our full year 2024 outlook. We previously announced a multi-year, $60 million cost reduction program, with $20 million expected to be realized in 2024, with further cost savings initiatives under consideration. I am confident that we are taking the appropriate actions to maintain our gross margins, reset our cost structure and generate strong cash flows, while investing in product development and other important growth initiatives,” Tedford added.

For the full year, the Company expects reported sales to be down in the range of 5.0% to 7.0%. This reflects the lower reported sales for the first quarter and a more tempered demand view for the balance of the year. Full year adjusted EPS is expected to be within a range of $1.02 to $1.07. The Company is maintaining its 2024 free cash flow outlook of at least $120 million and a year-end consolidated leverage ratio of approximately 3.0x to 3.2x.

In the second quarter, the Company expects reported sales to be down in the range of 7.0% to 9.0% and adjusted EPS within a range of $0.30 to $0.33.

Webcast

At 8:30 a.m. ET on May 3, 2024, ACCO Brands Corporation will host a conference call to discuss the Company’s first quarter and full year 2024 results. The call will be broadcast live via webcast. The webcast can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of www.accobrands.com. The webcast will be in listen-only mode and will be available for replay following the event.

About ACCO Brands Corporation

ACCO Brands, the Home of Great Brands Built by Great People, designs, manufactures and markets consumer and end-user products that help people work, learn, and play. Our widely recognized brands include AT-A-GLANCE®, Five Star®, Kensington®, Leitz®, Mead®, PowerA®, Swingline®, Tilibra® and many others. More information about ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) can be found at www.accobrands.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to financial results reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), we have provided certain non-GAAP financial information in this earnings release to aid investors in understanding the Company’s performance. Each non-GAAP financial measure is defined and reconciled to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure in the “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this earnings release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained herein, other than statements of historical fact, particularly those anticipating future financial performance, business prospects, growth, strategies, business operations and similar matters, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, and those relating to cost reductions and anticipated pre-tax savings and restructuring costs are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management based on information available to us at the time such statements are made. These statements, which are generally identifiable by the use of the words “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” and similar expressions, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty or obligation to update them. Forward-looking statements are subject to the occurrence of events outside the Company’s control and actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those suggested or implied by such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Investors and others are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements when deciding whether to buy, sell or hold the Company’s securities.

Our outlook is based on certain assumptions which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These include, without limitation, assumptions regarding the impact of inflation and global geopolitical and economic uncertainties and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and the other factors described below.

Among the factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are: a relatively limited number of large customers account for a significant percentage of our sales; sales of our products are affected by general economic and business conditions globally and in the countries in which we operate; risks associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; challenges related to the highly competitive business environment in which we operate; our ability to develop and market innovative products that meet consumer demands and to expand into new and adjacent product categories that are experiencing higher growth rates; the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; our ability to successfully expand our business in emerging markets and the exposure to greater financial, operational, regulatory, compliance and other risks in such markets; the continued decline in the use of certain of our products; risks associated with seasonality; the sufficiency of investment returns on pension assets, risks related to actuarial assumptions, changes in government regulations and changes in the unfunded liabilities of a multi-employer pension plan; any impairment of our intangible assets; our ability to secure, protect and maintain our intellectual property rights, and our ability to license rights from major gaming console makers and video game publishers to support our gaming accessories business; our ability to successfully execute our multi-year restructuring and cost savings program and realize the anticipated benefits; continued disruptions in the global supply chain; risks associated with inflation and other changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, transportation, labor, and other necessary supplies and services and the cost of finished goods; risks associated with outsourcing production of certain of our products, information technology systems and other administrative functions; the failure, inadequacy or interruption of our information technology systems or its supporting infrastructure; risks associated with a cybersecurity incident or information security breach, including that related to a disclosure of personally identifiable information; our ability to grow profitably through acquisitions, and successfully integrate them; risks associated with our indebtedness, including limitations imposed by restrictive covenants, our debt service obligations, and our ability to comply with financial ratios and tests; a change in or discontinuance of our stock repurchase program or the payment of dividends; product liability claims, recalls or regulatory actions; the impact of litigation or other legal proceedings; the impact of additional tax liabilities stemming from our global operations and changes in tax laws, regulations and tax rates; our failure to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations and self-regulatory requirements, the costs of compliance and the impact of changes in such laws; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the volatility of our stock price; risks associated with circumstances outside our control, including those caused by public health crises, such as the occurrence of contagious diseases, severe weather events, war, terrorism and other geopolitical incidents; and other risks and uncertainties described in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 March 31,

2024
  December 31,

2023
 
(in millions) (unaudited)    
Assets      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents $124.6  $66.4 
Accounts receivable, net  274.8   430.7 
Inventories  348.8   327.5 
Other current assets  49.6   30.8 
Total current assets  797.8   855.4 
Total property, plant and equipment  584.7   599.6 
Less: accumulated depreciation  (422.1)  (429.5)
Property, plant and equipment, net  162.6   170.1 
Right of use asset, leases  92.2   91.0 
Deferred income taxes  99.0   104.7 
Goodwill  577.1   590.0 
Identifiable intangibles, net  797.9   815.7 
Other non-current assets  17.0   17.9 
Total assets $2,543.6  $2,644.8 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      
Current liabilities:      
Notes payable $  $0.2 
Current portion of long-term debt  57.3   36.5 
Accounts payable  170.1   183.7 
Accrued compensation  33.3   53.3 
Accrued customer program liabilities  73.4   104.0 
Lease liabilities  20.6   20.5 
Other current liabilities  118.6   143.8 
Total current liabilities  473.3   542.0 
Long-term debt, net  897.5   882.2 
Long-term lease liabilities  77.8   76.8 
Deferred income taxes  119.9   125.6 
Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations  148.2   157.6 
Other non-current liabilities  68.4   73.6 
Total liabilities  1,785.1   1,857.8 
Stockholders’ equity:      
Common stock  1.0   1.0 
Treasury stock  (47.0)  (45.1)
Paid-in capital  1,918.8   1,913.4 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (544.6)  (526.3)
Accumulated deficit  (569.7)  (556.0)
Total stockholders’ equity  758.5   787.0 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $2,543.6  $2,644.8 
ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Loss (Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended

March 31,
  
(in millions, except per share data) 2024 2023 % Change
Net sales $358.9  $402.6  (10.9)%
Cost of products sold  248.5   283.3  (12.3)%
Gross profit  110.4   119.3  (7.5)%
Operating costs and expenses:        
Selling, general and administrative expenses  94.2   95.0  (0.8)%
Amortization of intangibles  10.6   10.9  (2.8)%
Restructuring  (0.3)  3.3  NM
Total operating costs and expenses  104.5   109.2  (4.3)%
Operating income  5.9   10.1  (41.6)%
Non-operating expense (income):        
Interest expense  13.3   13.9  (4.3)%
Interest income  (1.9)  (2.4) (20.8)%
Non-operating pension expense  0.4   0.1  NM
Other (income) expense, net  (0.6)  1.8  NM
Loss before income tax  (5.3)  (3.3) 60.6%
Income tax expense  1.0   0.4  NM
Net loss $(6.3) $(3.7) 70.3%
         
Per share:        
Basic loss per share $(0.07) $(0.04) 75.0%
Diluted loss per share $(0.07) $(0.04) 75.0%
         
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:        
Basic  95.7   94.9   
Diluted  95.7   94.9   
         
Cash dividends declared per common share $0.075  $0.075   
         
         
Statistics (as a % of Net sales, except Income tax rate)        
  Three Months Ended

March 31,
  
  2024 2023  
Gross profit (Net sales, less Cost of products sold)  30.8%  29.6%  
Selling, general and administrative expenses  26.2%  23.6%  
Operating income  1.6%  2.5%  
Loss before income tax  (1.5)%  (0.8)%  
Net loss  (1.8)%  (0.9)%  
Income tax rate  (18.9)%  (12.1)%  
ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions) 2024 2023
Operating activities      
Net loss $(6.3) $(3.7)
Loss on disposal of assets     1.1 
Depreciation  7.4   9.0 
Amortization of debt issuance costs  0.7   0.8 
Amortization of intangibles  10.6   10.9 
Stock-based compensation  5.1   5.6 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable  153.8   88.6 
Inventories  (26.5)  (25.0)
Other assets  (18.6)  3.6 
Accounts payable  (12.7)  (38.0)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities  (76.2)  (63.6)
Accrued income taxes  (9.1)  (12.5)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities  28.2   (23.2)
Investing activities      
Additions to property, plant and equipment  (2.3)  (2.0)
Net cash used by investing activities  (2.3)  (2.0)
Financing activities      
Proceeds from long-term borrowings  61.4   101.1 
Repayments of long-term debt  (18.9)  (10.0)
Repayments of notes payable, net  (0.2)  (1.2)
Dividends paid  (7.2)   
Payments related to tax withholding for stock-based compensation  (1.9)  (1.7)
Net cash provided by financing activities  33.2   88.2 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  (0.9)  1.9 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  58.2   64.9 
Cash and cash equivalents      
Beginning of the period $66.4  $62.2 
End of the period $124.6  $127.1 

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We explain below how we calculate each of our non-GAAP financial measures. This is followed by a reconciliation of our current period and historical non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

We use our non-GAAP financial measures both to explain our results to stockholders and the investment community and in the internal evaluation and management of our business. We believe our non-GAAP financial measures provide management and investors with a more complete understanding of our underlying operational results and trends, facilitate meaningful period-to-period comparisons and enhance an overall understanding of our past and future financial performance.

Our non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain items that may have a material impact upon our reported financial results such as restructuring charges, the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, unusual tax items, goodwill impairment charges, and other non-recurring items that we consider to be outside of our core operations. On an interim basis, we also calculate adjusted income tax expense using our estimated annual income tax rate. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the directly comparable GAAP financial measures and should be read in connection with the Company’s financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP.

Our non-GAAP financial measures include the following:

Comparable Sales : Represents net sales excluding the impact of material acquisitions, if any, with current-period foreign operation sales translated at prior-year currency rates. We believe comparable sales are useful to investors and management because they reflect underlying sales and sales trends without the effect of material acquisitions and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and facilitate meaningful period-to-period comparisons. We sometimes refer to comparable sales as comparable net sales.

Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)/Adjusted Income (Loss) Before Taxes/Adjusted Net Income (Loss)/Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Per Diluted Share: Represents operating income (loss), income (loss) before taxes, net income (loss), and net income (loss) per diluted share excluding restructuring and goodwill impairment charges, the amortization of intangibles, non-recurring items, other income/expense, adjustments to reflect the estimated annual tax rate and discrete income tax adjustments, including income tax related to the foregoing. We believe these adjusted non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors and management because they reflect our underlying operating performance before items that we consider to be outside our core operations and facilitate meaningful period-to-period comparisons. Senior management’s incentive compensation is derived, in part, using adjusted operating income and adjusted net income per diluted share, which is derived from adjusted net income. We sometimes refer to adjusted net income per diluted share as adjusted earnings per share or adjusted EPS.

Adjusted Income Tax Expense: Represents income tax expense calculated using the estimated annual income tax rate and excludes the tax effect of the items that have been excluded from adjusted income before taxes, unusual income tax items such as the impact of tax audits and changes in laws, significant reserves for cash repatriation, excess tax benefits/losses, and other discrete tax items. We believe our adjusted income tax expense is useful to investors because it reflects our income tax calculated using the estimated annual tax rate before discrete items that we consider to be outside our core operations and facilitates meaningful period-to-period comparisons.

Adjusted EBITDA: Represents net income excluding the effects of depreciation, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangibles, interest expense, net, other (income) expense, net, and income tax expense, restructuring and goodwill impairment charges, and other non-recurring items. We believe adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors because it reflects our underlying cash profitability and adjusts for certain non-cash charges and other items that we consider to be outside our core operations and facilitates meaningful period-to-period comparisons. In addition, this calculation of adjusted EBITDA is used in our loan agreement to calculate our leverage ratio covenant.

Free Cash Flow: Free cash flow represents cash flow from operating activities less cash used for additions to property, plant and equipment. We believe free cash flow is useful to investors because it measures our available cash flow for paying dividends, funding strategic material acquisitions, reducing debt, and repurchasing shares.

Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Represents balance sheet debt plus debt origination costs and less any cash and cash equivalents divided by adjusted EBITDA. We believe that consolidated leverage ratio is useful to investors since the company has the ability to, and may decide to use, a portion of its cash and cash equivalents to retire debt.

We also provide forward-looking non-GAAP comparable sales, adjusted earnings per share, free cash flow, adjusted EBITDA and historical and forward-looking consolidated leverage ratio. We do not provide a reconciliation of these forward-looking and historical non-GAAP measures to GAAP because the GAAP financial measure is not currently available and management cannot reliably predict all the necessary components of such non-GAAP measures without unreasonable effort or expense due to the inherent difficulty of forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such a reconciliation, including adjustments that could be made for restructuring, integration and acquisition-related expenses, the variability of our tax rate and the impact of foreign currency fluctuation and material acquisitions, and other charges reflected in our historical results. The probable significance of each of these items is high and, based on historical experience, could be material.

ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP Information (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share data)

The following tables set forth a reconciliation of certain Consolidated Statements of Loss information reported in accordance with GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP Information for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

  Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
  Operating

Income
 % of

Sales
 (Loss) Income

before Tax
 % of

Sales
 Income Tax

Expense (B)
 Tax Rate Net (Loss)

Income
 % of Sales
                 
Reported GAAP $5.9 1.6 % $(5.3) (1.5)% $1.0 (18.9)% $(6.3) (1.8)%
Reported GAAP diluted loss per share (EPS)             $(0.07)  
Restructuring (0.3)   (0.3)   (0.1)   (0.2)  
Amortization of intangibles 10.6   10.6   2.9   7.7  
Net operating tax gains(A)   (1.2)   (0.4)   (0.8)  
Discrete tax items and adjustments to annual tax rate(B)      (2.3)   2.3  
Adjusted Non-GAAP $16.2 4.5 % $3.8 1.1 % $1.1 29.0 % $2.7 0.8 %
Adjusted net income per diluted share (Adjusted EPS)             $0.03  
                 
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
  Operating

Income
 % of

Sales
 Income (Loss)

before Tax
 % of

Sales
 Income Tax

Expense (B)
 Tax Rate Net (Loss)

Income
 % of Sales
                 
Reported GAAP $10.1 2.5 % $(3.3) (0.8)% $0.4 (12.1)% $(3.7) (0.9)%
Reported GAAP diluted loss per share (EPS)             $(0.04)  
Restructuring 3.3   3.3   0.9   2.4  
Amortization of intangibles 10.9   10.9   2.9   8.0  
Other asset write-off(C)   1.1   0.3   0.8  
Discrete tax items and adjustments to annual tax rate(B)      (1.0)   1.0  
Adjusted Non-GAAP $24.3 6.0 % $12.0 3.0 % $3.5 29.4 % $8.5 2.1 %
Adjusted net income per diluted share (Adjusted EPS)             $0.09  
                 

Notes to Reconciliations of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP Information and Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited)

A.Represents certain indirect tax credits in Brazil and losses related to the additional recorded reserves for certain operating taxes.
B.The income tax impact of the non-GAAP adjustments and other discrete tax items. The Company adjusts its tax rate to 29.0% which represents its full year non-GAAP estimated annual tax rate as of March 31, 2024. The Company’s full year non-GAAP estimated annual effective tax rate remains subject to variation from the mix of earnings across the Company’s operating jurisdictions.
C.Represents the write off of assets related to a capital project.

ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited)

(In millions)

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net loss reported in accordance with GAAP to Adjusted EBITDA.

  Three months ended

March 31,
  
  2024 2023 % Change
Net loss $(6.3) $(3.7) 70.3 %
Stock-based compensation 5.1 5.6 (8.9)%
Depreciation 7.4 9.0 (17.8)%
Amortization of intangibles 10.6 10.9 (2.8)%
Restructuring credits (0.3) 3.3 (109.1)%
Interest expense, net 11.4 11.5 (0.9)%
Other (income) expense, net (0.6) 1.8 (133.3)%
Income tax expense 1.0 0.4 NM
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) $28.3 $38.8 (27.1)%
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Net Sales 7.9 % 9.6 %  

Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow (Unaudited)

(In millions)

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities reported in accordance with GAAP to Free Cash Flow.

  For the three months

ended March 31, 2024
 For the three months

ended March 31, 2023
Net cash provided by operating activities $28.2 $(23.2)
Net (used) provided by:    
Additions to property, plant and equipment (2.3) (2.0)
Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP) $25.9 $(25.2)
ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Business Segment Information and Reconciliation (Unaudited)
(In millions)
 
 2024 2023 Changes
 Reported

Net Sales
 Reported

Operating

Income

(Loss)
 Adjusted

Items
 Adjusted

Operating

Income

(Loss)
 Adjusted

Operating

Income

(Loss)

Margin
 Reported

Net Sales
 Reported

Operating

Income

(Loss)
 Adjusted

Items
 Adjusted

Operating

Income

(Loss)
 Adjusted

Operating

Income

(Loss)

Margin
 Net

Sales $
 Net

Sales %
 Adjusted

Operating

Income

(Loss) $
 Adjusted

Operating

Income

(Loss) %
 Adjusted

Margin

Points
Q1:                             
ACCO Brands Americas$197.2 $6.1 $6.2 $12.3 6.2% $230.0 $12.3 $6.4 $18.7 8.1% $(32.8) (14.3)% $(6.4) (34.2)% (190)
ACCO Brands International161.7 12.8 4.1 16.9 10.5% 172.6 9.7 7.8 17.5 10.1% (10.9) (6.3)% (0.6) (3.4)% 40
Corporate (13.0)  (13.0)    (11.9)  (11.9)      (1.1)    
Total$358.9 $5.9 $10.3 $16.2 4.5% $402.6 $10.1 $14.2 $24.3 6.0% $(43.7) (10.9)% $(8.1) (33.3)% (150)
                              

See “Notes to Reconciliations of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP Information and Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited)” for further information regarding adjusted items.

ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries

Supplemental Net Sales Change Analysis (Unaudited)

  % Change – Net Sales $ Change – Net Sales (in millions) 
  GAAPNon-GAAP GAAPNon-GAAP 
              
  Net Sales Change Currency Translation Comparable Sales Change (A) Net Sales Change Currency Translation Comparable Sales Change (A)Comparable Sales
Q1 2024:             
ACCO Brands Americas (14.3)% 1.0 % (15.3)% $(32.8) $2.4 $(35.2)$194.8
ACCO Brands International (6.3)% (0.4)% (5.9)% (10.9) (0.7) (10.2)162.4
Total (10.9)% 0.4 % (11.3)% $(43.7) $1.7 $(45.4)$357.2

(A) Comparable sales represents net sales excluding material acquisitions, if any, and with current-period foreign operation sales translated at the prior-year currency rates.

Christopher McGinnis

Investor Relations

(847) 796-4320

Kori Reed

Media Relations

(224) 501-0406

Source: ACCO Brands Corporation