UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): May 15, 2013
ARCTIC CAT INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Minnesota | 0-18607 | 41-1443470 | ||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
505 Hwy 169 North Suite 1000 Plymouth, Minnesota |
55441 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
(763) 354-1800
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
¨ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
¨ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On May 15, 2013, Arctic Cat Inc. (the Registrant) issued a press release regarding the Registrants results of operations for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 and conducted an earnings conference call regarding such results of operations. The full text of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K and a transcript of the earnings conference call is furnished as Exhibit 99.2 to this Form 8-K. A recording of the earnings conference call has been posted to the Registrants website at www.arcticcat.com.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure
The information set forth in response to Item 2.02 of this Form 8-K is incorporated by reference in response to this Item 7.01.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) | Exhibits. |
99.1 | Press release issued on May 15, 2013 regarding the Registrants results of operations for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. | |
99.2 | Transcript of the Registrants earnings conference call held on May 15, 2013. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
ARCTIC CAT INC. | ||
By | /s/ TIMOTHY C. DELMORE | |
Timothy C. Delmore | ||
Chief Financial Officer |
Dated: June 6, 2013
ARCTIC CAT INC.
FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit |
Description | |
99.1 | Press release issued on May 15, 2013 regarding the Registrants results of operations for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. | |
99.2 | Transcript of the Registrants earnings conference call held on May 15, 2013. |
Exhibit 99.1
Financial Release
ARCTIC CAT REPORTS FISCAL 2013 RESULTS
| Fiscal 2013 sales increased 15% to $671.6 million, driven by strong ATV and Wildcat side-by-side sales; |
| Full-year diluted EPS up 68% to record $2.89 versus $1.72 in prior year; |
| Fiscal 2013 sales within companys guidance range, while EPS exceeded it; |
| Company expects fiscal 2014 EPS to increase 10% to 13% and be in the range of $3.17 to $3.27 per diluted share |
MINNEAPOLIS(BUSINESS WIRE)May. 15, 2013 Arctic Cat Inc. (NASDAQ: ACAT) today reported record net earnings and earnings per diluted share for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. Net earnings rose 33 percent to $39.7 million, or $2.89 per diluted share, up from prior-year net earnings of $29.9 million, or $1.72 per diluted share. Arctic Cats net sales for the fiscal 2013 full year increased 15 percent to $671.6 million versus $585.3 million last fiscal year.
We had another year of outstanding financial performance and are very pleased to report record net earnings and EPS for the fiscal 2013 full year, said Claude Jordan, Arctic Cats chairman and chief executive officer. Higher sales volumes, combined with our ongoing focus on operational excellence and cost control, again contributed to strong top- and bottom-line results for fiscal 2013.
Among the highlights of Arctic Cats fiscal 2013 full-year financial results versus last fiscal year:
| Net sales grew 15 percent, fueled by increased side-by-side, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and snowmobile sales; |
| Gross profit margin improved to 22.5 percent from 22.3 percent, due to higher volumes and selling prices; |
| Operating expenses as a percent of sales declined to 13.4 percent compared to 14.5 percent; |
| Operating profit rose 32 percent to $60.7 million, up from $45.9 million; |
| The company ended the fiscal 2013 year with cash and short-term investments totaling $112.8 million, nearly double the $62.6 million at the end of fiscal 2012; |
| The company had no short- or long-term debt. |
As expected, for the fiscal 2013 fourth quarter, Arctic Cat reported an improved net loss of $5.1 million, or a loss of $0.38 per diluted share, on 15 percent net sales growth to $113.2 million. In the prior-year fourth quarter, Arctic Cat reported a net loss of $6.2 million, or a loss of $0.49 per diluted share, on net sales of $98.5 million. Due to the seasonality of Arctic Cats business, the company typically reports lower results in its fiscal first and fourth quarters, while the fiscal second and third quarters are historically its strongest.
Commenting on the 2013 fourth quarter, Jordan said: Our business performed well in the quarter, with sales increasing across all product lines. We continued to pursue our strategy to enter new growth segments and launch innovative new products, including two all-new Wildcat sport side-by-sides. As a result, we again had double-digit sales gains in our ATV and side-by-side segments in the 2013 fourth quarter.
Based on the strength of the companys performance, strong cash flow and future prospects, Arctic Cats board of directors has authorized the reinstatement of a quarterly cash dividend and a $30 million share repurchase program, which were announced separately today. We are committed to enhancing shareholder value, and are pleased to reinstate a quarterly dividend and announce a new stock buyback program, commented Jordan.
Business Line Results
ATVs and Side-by-Sides Arctic Cats ATV/side-by-side sales increased 16 percent to $87.6 million in the fiscal 2013 fourth quarter, up from $75.8 million in the same period last year, chiefly due to strong dealer demand for Wildcat side-by-sides and North American ATVs and Prowlers. Full-year ATV/side-by-side sales rose 32 percent to $299.8 million, driven by ATV, Prowler and Wildcat sales.
We remain focused on further increasing our ATV/side-by-side business as a percent of Arctic Cats total sales going forward, said Jordan. In the fourth quarter, we continued to advance this goal with the launch of two new Wildcat models. In addition, we have a robust new product pipeline for future growth.
In the 2013 fourth quarter, Arctic Cat introduced two all-new Wildcats that both include industry leading rear travel of 18 inches and 13 inches of ground clearance:
| The Wildcat 4 1000 pure sport side-by-side seats four full-sized adults. Arctic Cat began shipping the Wildcat 4 to dealers in February 2013. |
| The high horsepower Wildcat X 1000 pure sport side-by-side offers 90-plus horsepower, and enhanced acceleration and maneuverability to those seeking power, suspension and handling in an off-road vehicle. Arctic Cat began shipping the Wildcat X to dealers in March 2013. |
In addition to the Wildcat 4 and the Wildcat X, Arctic Cat announced a new 50-inch wide, trail-legal Wildcat that will begin shipping in the latter part of fiscal 2014. Its narrower stance allows riders access to authorized ATV trails, making it a versatile option for consumers. The Wildcat trail-legal version builds on the success of the pure-sport Wildcat, which was recognized as the Best-In-Class Extreme Performance ROV by a prominent industry magazine.
The Wildcat is now available in: Base and Limited models; the four-seat Wildcat 4; and the high-horsepower Wildcat X.
Snowmobiles In the 2013 fourth quarter, Arctic Cats snowmobile sales improved to a negative $5.3 million, primarily due to sales incentives, versus negative sales of $6.8 million in the prior-year quarter. Full-year snowmobile sales increased 5 percent to $263.7 million compared to $250.4 million last fiscal year.
As part of Arctic Cats snowmobile growth strategy, the company announced in February 2013 expanded engine supply and co-brand agreements with Yamaha Motor Corporation, beginning with the 2014 model year. The agreement gives Arctic Cat customers a broader range of snowmobile engine choices, including access to select 4-stroke engines from Yamaha. In addition, Arctic Cat will build select Yamaha snowmobiles in Arctic Cats Thief River Falls, Minn., factory according to Yamahas specifications.
In the quarter, Arctic Cat unveiled its new 2014 snowmobile model line-up, featuring 10 new models, including the all-new ZR 6000 El Tigre high-performance sled. The company also introduced two new available engines: a Yamaha 4-stroke 135 horse-power engine; and a clean 600cc 2-stroke 125 horse-power engine. The 600cc engine will be the first Arctic Cat-designed and built snowmobile engine and will be manufactured in the companys engine facility in St. Cloud, Minn., beginning with the 2014 model year.
Parts, Garments & Accessories Sales of parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) in the fiscal 2013 fourth quarter increased 5 percent to $31.0 million versus $29.5 million in the prior-year quarter. The growth was primarily due to snowmobile parts sales, reflecting improved snow conditions experienced in the northern United States. For the 2013 full year, PG&A sales were essentially flat, although Arctic Cat had significant year-over-year improvements in Wildcat parts and accessories.
Fiscal 2014 Full-Year Outlook
We anticipate another year of increased sales and earnings in fiscal 2014, fueled by a strong pipeline of innovative new products and technologies, further market share gains in the growing side-by-side segment and continued leverage in our cost structure, said Jordan. We are excited about our future prospects and confident in our ability to deliver another year of enhanced shareholder value and record earnings.
Arctic Cats fiscal 2014 outlook includes the following assumptions versus the prior fiscal year: core ATV North America industry retail sales flat to up 5 percent; side-by-side North American industry retail sales up 15 percent to 25 percent; snowmobile North America industry retail sales flat to up 3 percent; Arctic Cat dealer inventories excluding new products flat to up 10 percent; achieving slightly lower operating expense levels as a percent of sales; and increasing cash flow from operations. The company expects gross margins to decrease by approximately 80 basis points, due to additional Yamaha snowmobiles that will be built in Arctic Cats factory and, to a lesser extent, the Canadian currency impact.
For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, Arctic Cat anticipates sales in the range of $754 million to $768 million, an increase of approximately 12 percent to 14 percent versus fiscal 2013. Assuming diluted weighted average shares in the range of 13.5 million to 13.8 million, the company estimates that fiscal 2014 earnings per diluted share will be in the range of $3.17 to $3.27, an increase of 10 percent to 13 percent compared to fiscal 2013.
Conference Call
A conference call is scheduled for 10 a.m. CT (11 a.m. ET) today. To listen to the live call dial 1-877-941-9205. The webcast may be accessed through the investor relations section of www.arcticcat.com/corporate. In addition, a telephone replay will be available through May 22, 2013, by dialing 1-800-406-7325, passcode 4618352#.
About Arctic Cat
Arctic Cat Inc. designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides and snowmobiles under the Arctic Cat® brand name, as well as related parts, garments and accessories. Its common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol ACAT. More information about Arctic Cat and its products is available at www.arcticcat.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for certain forward-looking statements. The Companys Annual Report, as well as the Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Companys press releases and oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, contain forward-looking statements that reflect the Companys current views with respect to future events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. The words aim, believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate and other expressions that indicate future events and trends identify forward-looking statements including statements related to our fiscal 2013 outlook. Actual future results and trends may differ materially from historical results or those anticipated depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to: product mix and volume; competitive pressure on sales, pricing and sales incentives; increase in material or production cost which cannot be recouped in product pricing; changes in the sourcing of engines; interruption of dealer floorplan financing; warranty expenses and product recalls; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; product liability claims and other legal proceedings in excess of reserves or insured amounts; environmental and product safety regulatory activity; effects of the weather; general economic conditions and political changes; interest rate changes; consumer demand and confidence; and those set forth in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2011, under heading Item 1A. Risk Factors. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ARCTIC CAT INC.
Financial Highlights
(000s omitted, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, |
Years Ended March 31, |
|||||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||
Net Sales |
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Snowmobile & ATV Units |
$ | 82,251 | $ | 68,951 | $ | 563,464 | $ | 477,329 | ||||||||
Parts, Garments & Accessories |
30,980 | 29,536 | 108,124 | 107,939 | ||||||||||||
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Total Net Sales |
113,231 | 98,487 | 671,588 | 585,268 | ||||||||||||
Cost of Goods Sold |
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Snowmobile & ATV Units |
78,558 | 68,010 | 450,291 | 388,523 | ||||||||||||
Parts, Garments & Accessories |
21,084 | 19,059 | 70,401 | 66,126 | ||||||||||||
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Total Cost of Goods Sold |
99,642 | 87,069 | 520,692 | 454,649 | ||||||||||||
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Gross Profit |
13,589 | 11,418 | 150,896 | 130,619 | ||||||||||||
Operating Expenses |
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Selling & Marketing |
8,536 | 8,118 | 37,402 | 36,549 | ||||||||||||
Research & Development |
6,264 | 5,266 | 20,693 | 17,862 | ||||||||||||
General & Administrative |
7,620 | 7,654 | 32,087 | 30,318 | ||||||||||||
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Total Operating Expenses |
22,420 | 21,038 | 90,182 | 84,729 | ||||||||||||
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Operating Profit |
(8,831 | ) | (9,620 | ) | 60,714 | 45,890 | ||||||||||
Other Income (Expense) |
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Interest Income |
22 | 18 | 49 | 86 | ||||||||||||
Interest Expense |
| (1 | ) | (84 | ) | (8 | ) | |||||||||
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Total Other Income (Expense) |
22 | 17 | (35 | ) | 78 | |||||||||||
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Earnings Before Income Taxes |
(8,809 | ) | (9,603 | ) | 60,679 | 45,968 | ||||||||||
Income Taxes |
(3,734 | ) | (3,428 | ) | 20,934 | 16,027 | ||||||||||
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Net Earnings |
$ | (5,075 | ) | $ | (6,175 | ) | $ | 39,745 | $ | 29,941 | ||||||
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Net Earnings Per Share |
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Basic |
$ | (0.38 | ) | $ | (0.49 | ) | $ | 3.02 | $ | 1.79 | ||||||
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Diluted |
$ | (0.38 | ) | $ | (0.49 | ) | $ | 2.89 | $ | 1.72 | ||||||
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Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: |
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Basic |
13,186 | 12,724 | 13,155 | 16,721 | ||||||||||||
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Diluted |
13,186 | 12,724 | 13,761 | 17,458 | ||||||||||||
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March 31, | ||||||||
Selected Balance Sheet Data: |
2013 | 2012 | ||||||
Cash and Short-term Investments |
$ | 112,807 | $ | 62,597 | ||||
Accounts Receivable, Net |
30,296 | 28,073 | ||||||
Inventories |
96,389 | 98,702 | ||||||
Total Assets |
306,258 | 255,416 | ||||||
Short-term Bank Borrowings |
0 | 0 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities |
127,424 | 114,035 | ||||||
Long-term Debt |
0 | 0 | ||||||
Shareholders Equity |
174,472 | 138,472 |
Three Months Ended March 31, |
Years Ended March 31, |
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Product Line Data: |
2013 | 2012 | Change | 2013 | 2012 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||
Snowmobiles |
$ | (5,318 | ) | $ | (6,820 | ) | 22 | % | $ | 263,693 | $ | 250,438 | 5 | % | ||||||||||
All-Terrain Vehicles |
87,569 | 75,771 | 16 | % | 299,771 | 226,891 | 32 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Parts, Garments & Accessories |
30,980 | 29,536 | 5 | % | 108,124 | 107,939 | 0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
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Total Sales |
$ | 113,231 | $ | 98,487 | 15 | % | $ | 671,588 | $ | 585,268 | 15 | % | ||||||||||||
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Source: Arctic Cat Inc.
Arctic Cat Inc.
Timothy C. Delmore, 763-354-1800
Chief Financial Officer
or
Padilla Speer Beardsley Inc.
Shawn Brumbaugh, 612-455-1754
sbrumbaugh@padillaspeer.com
Exhibit 99.2
ARCTIC CAT
ARCTIC CAT - FOURTH QUARTER CONFERENCE CALL
May 15, 2013, 10:00 AM CST
Operator: | Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to Arctic Cats Fourth Quarter Conference Call. During todays presentation, all participants will be in a listen-only mode. Following the presentation, the conference will be open for questions. If you have a question, please press the star, followed by the one on your touchtone phone. If you would like to withdraw your question, please press the star, followed by the two. And if you are using a speakerphone today, you will need to lift the handset before making your selection. This conference is being recorded today, Wednesday, May 15th, 2013. | |
And I would now like to turn the conference over to Shawn Brumbaugh with Padilla. Please go ahead. | ||
Shawn Brumbaugh: | Thank you, and thank you for joining us this morning. Im Shawn Brumbaugh with Padilla Speer Beardsley. Before the market opened this morning, Arctic Cat released results for its fiscal 2013 fourth quarter ended March 31st, 2013. Participating in our call today to discuss the Companys performance and outlook will be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Claude Jordan, and Chief Financial Officer, Tim Delmore. Following their remarks, well have time for any questions. | |
Before we begin, please note that some of the comments made today will be forward-looking statements regarding the Companys expectations of future performance. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from those contained in the statements. These risks and uncertainties are described in todays news release and in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We encourage you to review these documents for a description of risk factors that may affect results. | ||
Now Ill turn the call over to Arctic Cats CEO, Claude Jordan. Claude? | ||
Claude Jordan: | Thanks, Shawn. Good morning, everyone, and thanks for joining us today. This morning, I will cover the individual performance of our three businesses during fiscal year 2013, as well as the progress we have made in operations as we continue to focus on profitability and operational excellence. Following my comments, Tim Delmore, our CFO, will review our financial performance. | |
Overall, we were pleased with our financial performance for the quarter and full year. Throughout the year we were focused on growing sales, improving gross margins, decreasing operating expenses as a percent of sales, improving earnings per share and strengthening our balance sheet. During fiscal year 2013, we were successful in each area. |
Arctic Cat | Page 1 | 05/15/2013 |
In regard to the individual businesses, during fiscal year 2013, snowmobile sales were up 5%, driven primarily by increased volumes to international markets, and to a lesser degree, on pricing and product mix. Snowmobile North American industry retail sales for the year were up 4%, driven primarily by improved snow conditions throughout the Northern U.S. market in our March-ending quarter. For the year, Arctic Cat North American retail sales unperformed the market; however we did face difficult comps from the previous year where we launched 23 new snowmobile models. Arctic Cat did experience strong retail sales in our March-ending quarter, with sales up 18% from the previous year-ending quarter. Ill note, we did see a strong retail sales in the March-ending quarter. The one area negatively impacting was our North American dealer inventory, where we saw a 16% increase in the year-over-year inventory that as retail sales were not as strong as expected during the early part of the snowmobile season. | ||
As we look forward to next year, we remain excited about our snowmobile business. At our February Snowmobile Dealer Show, we launched 10 new snowmobile models, and also announced the first phase of our Engine strategy which included two new snowmobile engines. Included in these two new engines is the first Arctic Cat built snowmobile engine which will be built in our St. Cloud, Minnesota, engine plant. This new 600cc 2-stroke engine will allow us to enter a new market snowmobile segment that today accounts for 18% of the North American snowmobile industry. In addition, we also announced a partnership with Yamaha where we will gain access to select Yamaha engines and we will manufacture select snowmobiles for them. | ||
For fiscal year 2014, we are expecting North American snowmobile industry retail sales to continue their growth and expect the market will grow between zero and 3%. With the expected increase in retail sales, and the launch of 10 new snowmobile models and two new engines, our expectations are that we will see our retail sales grow between 3 and 5%. | ||
On the ATV and side-by-side business, sales increased 16% for the quarter, driven by our existing ATV and Prowler models, as well as the launch of the new Wildcat 4, a four-seat version of the Wildcat Sports side-by-side, and Wildcat X, a high horsepower version of the Wildcat Sports side-by-side. For the year, sales increased 32% to both existing ATV and Prowler models as well as the new Wildcat models. During the year, we continueduring the year, we experienced growth in both the North American and international markets as we continue to focus on expanding our international business. |
Arctic Cat | Page 2 | 05/15/2013 |
Dealer inventory was again a key focus during the year. As we mentioned at the beginning of the year, our expectations were to target flat inventory growth for existing models with inventory growth being driven by new models being launched. During the fourth quarter, ATV and Prowler inventory was up 2%, and counting the four new Wildcat models launched during the year, overall dealer inventory was up 10%. As we look forward to fiscal year 2014, dealer inventory will remain a focus; however, as new products continue to be a major part of our growth strategy, we will continue to see modest growth in dealer inventory to ensure that the dealers have the right quantity and mix of products to meet the needs of their customers. | ||
ATV industry retail sales for North America had a relatively flat year, and as retail sales decreased by 2% during fiscal year 2013. Arctic Cat ATV retail sales unperformed the market over our side-by-side business, with the launch of the four new Wildcat models experienced solid retail sales growth of over 30%, which allowed us to take share in the side-by-side category during the year. | ||
As we look forward to fiscal year 2014, we remain well positioned with new products that were introduced in the last quarter of fiscal year 2013, as well as a strong product pipeline of new products under development. One of these new products under development that was introduced at the February Dealer Show is the all new 50-inch trail-legal version of the Wildcat, as Trail Legal Wildcat will allow us to enter a new segment of the side-by-side industry that accounted for roughly 9% of the side-by-side market. We expect to start shipping this model in the later part of fiscal year 2014. | ||
For next year, we believe the North American ATV industry retail sales will grow slightly from zero to 5%, and the side-by-side industry will continue to show strong growth in the 15 to 25% range. | ||
Sales of our parts, garments and accessories business showed positive growth for the quarter, and were up 5%. However due to poor snow conditions in select North American markets in the previous year, our dealers had enough inventory to carry them through most of fiscal year 2013, caused the full year sales to be flat. With the improved snow conditions in the March-ending quarter, dealer inventory should be much improved over the prior year and should position our PG&A business well as we end the fiscal year 2014. | ||
In regard to operational performance, our key focus has been on improving gross margin, controlling operating expenses and strengthening our balance sheet. In the area of gross margins, our goal at the beginning of the year was to increase gross margins by 20 to 60 basis points. For the full year, our gross profit margins improved from 22.3 to 22.5 due primarily to increased volume but also increased selling prices. As we |
Arctic Cat | Page 3 | 05/15/2013 |
look forward to next year, we expect to see our gross margin dollars increasing due to higher volumes. However the lower margin on snowmobiles were building for Yamaha will cause the overall margin percentage to be lower by about 80 basis points. | ||
In regard to operating expenses, we stated at the beginning of the year, our goal was to hold operating expenses flat as a percent of sales. By focusing on cost controls, we were successful in decreasing operating expenses as a percent of sales by 105 basis points. Although operating expenses as a percent of sales was slightly lower, we continue to invest in product development, and for the full year saw our product development expenditures increase by 16% and fourth quarter product development increase by 19%. As we head into fiscal year 2014, controlling operating expenses will remain a focus, and we expect lower operating expenses as a percent of sales for fiscal year 2014; however product development will remain a focus for the business going forward. | ||
Final area of focus has been working through strengthening our balance sheet. During the fourth quarter, our year-over-year inventory decreased from fiscal year 2012. As we mentioned at the beginning of the year, inventory turns will become a key metric and we are able to increase our inventory turns from 4.6 last year to 5.4 in fiscal year 2013. As we look forward, we will remain focused on having the right amount of inventory on hand to support the growth needs of the business. | ||
In regard to cash, we ended the year with $112.8 million of cash and short-term investments and no debt. This amount is up from the previous year by $50 million. With the increased cash weve generated throughout the year, and the cash flow we expect to generate going forward, we have reinstated our dividend and announced a $30 million share repurchase. Going forward, we will continue to focus on our cash position and expect to generate positive cash flow during the upcoming fiscal year 2014. | ||
At this time, I would like to turn the call over to Tim who will review the fourth quarter and year-end financials. | ||
Tim Delmore: | Thanks, Claude. Good morning. I would also like to welcome everyone to our conference call. Today, Ill focus on reviewing highlights of our fourth quarter and year-end financial performance and our guidance for full year fiscal 2014. | |
Net sales for the fourth quarter increased 15% to 113.2 million from 98.5 million. ATV side-by-side sales increased 16% to 87.6 million from 75.8 million, and were higher primarily due to strong sales of our Wildcat and North American Prowler and ATVs. Snowmobile sales improved to a negative 5.3 million versus a negative 6.8 million for the same quarter last year due to sales incentives. |
Arctic Cat | Page 4 | 05/15/2013 |
Parts, garments and accessories sales increased 5% to 31 million from 29.5 million for the same quarter last year, driven by improved snow conditions versus Q4 last year. | ||
Gross profits for the quarter increased 19% to 13.6 million from 11.4 million. The gross profit percentage increased 40 basis points to 12% from 11.6%. | ||
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 6.6% to 22.4 million from 21 million, primarily due to higher R&D and marketing expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percent of sales declined to 19.8% tocompared to 21.4%. The net loss for the quarter improved 5.1 million from 6.2 million and the diluted loss per share improved to $0.38 from $0.49. | ||
Next, Id like to review Arctic Cats financial performance for the full year of fiscal 2013. | ||
Full year net sales increased 15% to 671.6 million from 585.3 million a year ago. Net earnings increased 33% to a record 39.7 million from 29.9 million, while diluted earnings per share increased 68% to $2.89 from $1.72. On a year-to-date basis, snowmobile sales increased 5% to 263.7 million from 250.4 million; ATV and side-by-side sales increased 32% to 299.8 million from 226.9 million; and parts, garments and accessories sales increased slightly to 108.1 million from 107.9 million. Although Arctic Cat had a significant year-over-year improvements in Wildcat parts and accessories sales, we had challenging years in thea challenging year in the snow-related products that were carried over for the dealers. And, overall, our sales increase was driven by strong sales of our Wildcat Prowler side-by-sides and increased snowmobile sales. | ||
Our year-to-date gross profits increased 15.5% to 150.9 million from 130.6 million. Our year-to-date gross profit percentage improved to 22.5% from 22.3% due to higher volumes, selling prices and improved product mix. | ||
Year-to-date selling, general, and administrative expenses increased 6.5% to 90.2 million from 84.7 million, primarily due to a 16% increase in R&D expenses driven by R&D for our new products. We also had a higher comparative general and administrative expenses. As you may recall, fiscal 12 benefited from a 1.6 million net Canadian hedge benefit. Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percent of sales declined to 13.4% compared to 14.5 for the same period last year. The Company reported a tax provision of 34.5% compared to 34.9% for the prior year. | ||
Looking at our balance sheet, as of March 31st, we ended the year with 112.8 million of cash compared to 62.6 million a year ago. We had no short- or long-term debt. Our receivables increased 8% to 30.3 million |
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due to Q4 shipments. Our inventory decreased to 96.4 million from 98.7 million, primarily due to lower raw material and PG&A inventory versus a year ago. Our year-to-date capital expenditures totaled 16.3 million and depreciation was 11.9 million. | ||
Regarding our full year fiscal 2014 sales and earnings guidance, we expect net sales in the range of 754 to 768 million, based on an increase in ATV and side-by-side sales in the 25 to 29% range for the full year, driven by shipments of our Wildcat Sport side-by-side models, including our new Wildcat 50 that will be shipped in Q4. We expect snowmobile sales to be flat and PG&A sales to end the year up 5 to 8%. We anticipate that full year 2014 diluted EPS to be in the 10 to 13% increase range, and that will be $3.17 to $3.27. Our 2014 outlook includes the following assumptions. Our gross margin percentage is being reset in fiscal 2014, with the advent of our exciting collaboration with Yamaha. We expect gross margins to decrease approximately 80 basis points due to the inclusion of sales of full-sized snowmobile units to Yamaha, and to a lesser extent, the weakening of the Canadian dollar. | ||
For fiscal 15 and beyond, we still expect to make progress on our near-term target of a 25% gross margin percentage. We expect operating expenses to be down as a percent of sales. We achieved a 9% operating income margin in fiscal 13 and expect a percentage in the same range in fiscal 2014. Our tax rate is expected to be 35.5%. And our weighted average diluted share count is expected to be in the 13.5 to 13.8 million range. We expect 2014 capex to total approximately 23 million and depreciation to be around 14 million. | ||
Thank you for your attention, and now, Operator, wed like to open it up for questions. | ||
Operator: | Thank you, sir. Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to ask a question, please press the star, followed by the one on your touchtone phone. Youll hear a tone indicating youre in the queue. If you wish to withdraw your question, please press the star, followed by the two, and if you are using a speakerphone today, please pick up the handset before making your selection. Once again, if you would like to ask a question, please press star, one at this time. One moment please for our first question. | |
And our first question comes from the line of Scott Hamann with KeyBanc Capital Markets. Please go ahead. | ||
Scott Hamann: | Hey, thanks. Good morning, guys. Can you kind of walk us through some of the mechanics of the Yamaha transaction, I guess, in terms of what youre doing for them, what theyre doing for you and how thats kind of hitting different parts of the P&L? |
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Claude Jordan: | Yes. Scott, I guess, two parts to that agreement. And youve got to remember we had an existing agreement in place with Yamaha where we were buying their 120 youth snowmobile engine, and last year we actually even started building the youth snowmobile for them. And really what weve done is weve gone ahead and expanded that agreement and allow those two purchased certain snowmobile 4-strokethey only do 4-stroke engines, so starting with 4-stroke engines, and so the engine that we will be buying for the next year is a 135 horsepower 4-stroke engine, and thatll be in our 7,000 series. So, that well be buying from them going forward. We will be building certain performance models, not just youth models, but performance models as well, for them starting next year in our Thief River Falls, Minnesota factory. | |
Scott Hamann: | Okay. In terms of the competitive landscape, what are you seeing out there now? Obviously the yen has moved pretty significantly recently. What are you seeing in terms of promotions and then just kind of overall inventory? | |
Claude Jordan: | On the promotional side, on the ATVs because obviously were out of season now on snowmobiles but on the ATV side-by-side, you know, I think the promotions are pretty much in line with where theyve been. Weve not seen any aggressive, consistent movements quarter after quarter, and you will see somebody will come out with a retail financing, you know, 0.9% for a 60 months or something for a quarter, but other than the occasional strong promotion, you know, theyre pretty much in line with where theyve been. | |
Dealer inventory, weve always mentioned from our side its an area we want to continue to focus on. Obviously as we continue to launch new products its very difficult to keep your overall dealer inventory lower. So, you know, from our side, at the end of the year, our ATV and our Prowler, which is our existing models, the inventory there I think was very manageable; it was up 2% considering our sales growth. And then on the Wildcat side, when we factor in Wildcat sales that bring the overall inventory up to about 10%. The majority of that obviously is Wildcat, and when you launch four new products in the year youre going to see that. | ||
Scott Hamann: | Okay. And then just on some of the new product launches, I know its early in the X and 4, but even maybe on the Trail version, as you talk to some of the dealers and distributors, whats the kind of the feedback then on those products? | |
Claude Jordan: | Well, I think feedback has been very positive. On the models that are out there today, you know, that Wildcat Sports, its a four-seater version, its got the new clutching system in it where we went to the fly (ph) weight, which is a snowmobile clutch in there, and I think that gives it improved acceleration and the dealers are happy about that. |
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On the Wildcat X, Im not sure you can ever get enough horsepower out there, and so the base Wildcat is in the high 70s with horsepower and the Wildcat X brings in over 90. So I think that was well received and for select portions of the market I think those customers that were on horsepower are willing to pay extra for that. | ||
On the Wildcat Trail, weve not named it just yet. Well be launching that later this year, this fiscal year, as Tim mentioned earlier, in the fourth quarter. And thats one that I think the entire dealer network is excited about because unlike the Wildcat 4 and the Wildcat X and the base Wildcat, where youve got a 64.5-wide vehicle, you cant take those out on trails, and so the 50-inch will be the first vehicle that will be trail legal for us on a side-by-side. And so, you know, I would expect about 100%, but certainly strong 90% of our dealers, to pick up the trail version of the Wildcat. | ||
Scott Hamann: | And you feel like youve been able to transition the original Wildcat and kind of move that product out at (inaudible) residual inventory out there on that model? | |
Claude Jordan: | Well, you know, I mean, youre talking about the base Wildcat that we started shipping over a year ago? | |
Scott Hamann: | Correct. | |
Claude Jordan: | Yes, we, honestly, we watch all elements of the Wildcat with the new clutching system as well as the X and the 4 are brand new, so were not as concerned about those and we feel good about the inventory position of the overall Wildcat. | |
Scott Hamann: | All right, great. Thanks. | |
Operator: | Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Rommelexcuse meDionisio with Wedbush. Please go ahead. | |
Rommel Dionisio: | Thank you very much. Good morning. You know, Claude, I know that historically you guys have talked about expanding your dealer distribution network, especially in the ATV side-by-side side of the business, and I wonder if you could just address that and give us an update, especially expanding distribution in the south? And to what degree expanded distribution is accounting for the expectation for increased dealer inventory on side-by-sides and ATVs as well, please? | |
Claude Jordan: | Weve stated this in the last couple of years. Weve had a net increase in the number of North American dealers for the ATV side-by-side part of the business. The Wildcat, I think, helps a great deal in select markets. Certainly in California, I think we added a significant number of dealers out there, which not only helps us to fill in retails on initial Wildcats but |
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also some additional ATVs and Prowlers as well. I dont have the exact number to answer your question in terms of the new dealers or what percentage of that is timing (ph) or requiring us to carry additional inventory. I will go back to the numbers; when I look at the base inventories of existing products up 2%, you know, thats pretty much, as far as Im concerned, more or less flat and I dont think we could hope for a much better picture there. | ||
On the Wildcat side, when I look at the overall numbers, percentage-wise, because were coming off a very small base, youre seeing a pretty large increase. But the fact of the matter is as we continue to add Wildcat dealers, and we have added a significant amount, over the last 12 months, you are going to go ahead and have to carry some inventory for them. | ||
Rommel Dionisio: | Okay. Thanks very much, Claude. | |
Claude Jordan: | Thanks. | |
Operator: | Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, as a reminder, if you wish to ask a question, please press star, one at this time, and if you are using a speakerphone, you will need to lift the handset before making your selection. | |
Our next question comes from the line of Mark Smith with Feltl and Company. Please go ahead. | ||
Mark Smith: | Hey, guys. Just wanted to follow-up on the Yamaha deal quickly. Im justImake sure that we understand why those margins are lower. Is it just as more of a manufacturer and a wholesaler, youre just not able to get the margin on what youre building for the Yamaha guys? | |
Claude Jordan: | Yes. Hey, Mark, I think youre spot-on there. Youve got a OEM out there and Yamaha that sells to their dealer network and were going to be providing theirthem products, and so the agreement that we negotiated with them allows for certain margins on the base products. Well also be selling them obviously stuff out of our parts, garments and accessories that has a certain margin associated with it as well. But you have an extra member or an extra party there thats taken part of the margins. So if, and Im not saying this is what our margins were, but if our margins were 25% going straight to the dealer, by adding Yamaha and (inaudible) in a row we could keep that 25% margin and we may have to make a marginwed have to make a margin going to the dealer. I think the best way to look at this is as we go-forward if it does allow for some growth here going forward, as we continue to manufacture more and more snowmobiles, and dollar wise, I get it, it takes a little bit of a hit the first year on gross margin percentage, but I think it also allows us to work with our supply chain with that additional volume in terms of getting some of that back as well as the absorption well see going through plant. |
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Tim Delmore: | And Mark, one additional point is the sales will be very likesales to our distributors therell be very little dilution to our overall operating margin. So well be able toyou may see a little decrease in the gross margin but when we hit the net or the operating margin level were at a very similarplan to be at a very similar number to this year. And the fact will be that we wont have the sales and marketing expenses with thethat normally go along with sales of our units to dealers. Well just sell the units to Yamaha without those expenses. | |
Mark Smith: | Okay. And then, wanted to look at the snowmobiles guidance of flat for the year. You know, if we excluded the sales that are going to Yamaha, what would that number look like, excluding Yamaha? | |
Claude Jordan: | Hey, Mark. Why dont I go ahead and give you a break out of the snowmobile business. Obviously if you take Yamaha out the number would be lower. The one thing we commented during the call was the inventory on the snowmobile side was higher. We had mix in this, you know, repeatedly, I think, over the last two years that we are very focused on making sure that we have the right amount of inventory at our dealers, and with the inventory up 16% we made a conscious decision to go ahead to work to bring it down during the year next year. So I think youll see a much better improved dealer inventory at the end of next year and thatll position us well for fiscal year 15. | |
Mark Smith: | And are you guys for the most part complete with your spring orders on snow? | |
Claude Jordan: | At this time of year were pretty close. Were probably in that 80 to 90% range, and were still in May here, and so, probably by the end of the month we should be pretty close to our spring orders. | |
Mark Smith: | Okay. So youve got a good feeling for where snows going (inaudible). | |
Claude Jordan: | We have pretty good feelings now. The ATVs, you know, its a year-round business and we take three months of firm orders and three months of a forecast so you have a pretty good feel there but its not like snow. Snow you take them at the beginning of the year and thats basically where you are. The one thing I would comment on the snow side was move those engines in-house, you know, not saying we would do this, but we could do this now. We do have the opportunity to go ahead and build additional snowmobiles if the demand was there later in the year. | |
Mark Smith: | Okay. And then just looking at gross profit margins. If the yen stays where it is today, I know you guys called out the Canadian dollar, the yen stays where it is today or even moves lower, is there opportunity and is that built into the guidance, especially where youre still getting Suzuki into this year? |
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Claude Jordan: | Yes. It certainlyyou know, we have a yen sharing (ph) with Suzuki and its certainly built into the guidance weve given. Nobody knows where the yen is going to go and whether its going to level off at the end of the mark. I think this morning it was about 102, but a couple of months ago the yen was in the high 70s. So obviously as it will continue to move you might have a slight benefit there but the way were looking at it now as it starts to level off. | |
Mark Smith: | Yes. | |
Tim Delmore: | More of a gain for our next provisional (ph) 15, if it stays at the current levels. | |
Mark Smith: | Okay. And then maybe my last one, then Ill jump back into queue. But just want to make sure that your guidanceit certainly assumes the 50-inch coming in later this year. And if you can give us any more insight on timing on when shipments begin there? But then, also, what does your guidance assume on the buyback? | |
Claude Jordan: | A couple of parts. On the Wildcat 50, theis included in our guidance there, and as Tim mentioned, we were going to start shipping that in the fourth quarter this year, so that January, February, March timeframe. In terms of the $30 million buyback, again, and I think Tim gave you a weighted average share count and he gave you a range of 13.5 and 13.8, and that does take into consideration the $30 million buyback. | |
Mark Smith: | Perfect. Okay, thank you. | |
Operator: | Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Joe Hovorka with Raymond James. Please go ahead | |
Joe Hovorka: | Thanks, guys. Just two questions. One, I hate to keep hitting Yamaha, but the lower margin, is it just on the products youre selling to Yamaha or is it also on the engines that youre buying from them, the 80 basis point hit that youre talking about? | |
Claude Jordan: | No, its on the models that were building for them. Obviously theyre going to make some margin on the engines theyre selling to us on. But its, Id sayyou know, I could go a step further. Almost the entire portion of that 80 basis point drop is us building their snowmobiles. | |
Joe Hovorka: | Okay. And so, if Im doing my math, its $6 million or so lower gross profit of that, thats what the 80 basis points equates to? | |
Claude Jordan: | Yes, I think youre pretty close to thatits pretty close to that. |
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Joe Hovorka: | Okay. All right. And then the other question was on your PG&A margins in the quarter you just reported. They were uprather, the other cost of goods sold were up a couple of hundred basis points over last year. | |
Whats driving that? | ||
Tim Delmore: | Its been a bit of a challenging margin here for PG&A. Weve beenit was some trade increases, particularly in Canada, and so were working real hard to stem the tide of those increases if not improve margin in the upcoming years. Sobut that has been afreight has been a bad guy in the PG&A business this year, along with mix a little bit too. | |
Joe Hovorka: | Okay. And the freight issue, is that new for the March quarter or was that in existence prior to that? | |
Tim Delmore: | There were symptoms of that in prior quarters. | |
Joe Hovorka: | Okay. But more pronounced in the March quarter? | |
Tim Delmore: | A little more, yes. | |
Joe Hovorka: | Okay. So when we go | |
Tim Delmore: | (Cross talking) | |
Joe Hovorka: | When we go-forward into fiscal 14, will we continue to see a negative compare in the June and September quarters orbecause of freight or will we be ? | |
Tim Delmore: | I do not believe so. | |
Joe Hovorka: | Okay. So wellthe margin will start to look a little bit better on a year-over-year basis beginning in June? | |
Tim Delmore: | Yes, equal or if not better. | |
Joe Hovorka: | Okay, great. Thats all I had, guys. Thanks. | |
Operator: | Ladies and gentlemen, once again, if you wish to ask a question, please press star, one at this time. | |
Our next question comes from the line of Bob Evans with Pennington Capital. Please go ahead. | ||
Bob Evans: | Good morning. Actually my questions were asked and answered. Thank you. | |
Claude Jordan: | We like those kind of questions. |
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Tim Delmore: | Thanks, Bob. | |
Operator: | And Im showing no further questions in the queuepardon. And wellplease continue. | |
Claude Jordan: | Im sorry, youd said there were no further questions? | |
Operator: | Im showing no further questions in the queue at this time. | |
Claude Jordan: | Okay. Well, we appreciate everybody joining us today. As a recap, were excited about our fiscal year 2013 results, especially the 15% increase in sales and the 68% increase in earnings per share. As we look forward to fiscal year 2014, our focus will continue to be on growth, especially product development, and operational excellence. We appreciate your time today and look forward to updating you again in July. Thank you. | |
Operator: | Ladies and gentlemen, this does conclude our conference for today. If you would like to listen to a replay of todays conference, please dial 303-590-3030, or 1-800-406-7325, with access code 4618352. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect. |
END
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