WD-40 Company (NASDAQ:WDFC), a global marketing organization dedicated to creating positive lasting memories by developing and selling products that solve problems in workshops, factories and homes around the world, today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended August 31, 2023.
Financial Highlights and Summary
- Total net sales for the fourth quarter were $140.5 million, an increase of 8 percent compared to the prior year fiscal quarter. For the full fiscal year, total net sales were $537.3 million, an increase of 4 percent compared to the prior fiscal year.
- Translation of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries’ results from their functional currencies to U.S. dollars had a favorable impact on sales for the current quarter and an unfavorable impact for the full fiscal year. On a non-GAAP constant currency basis, total net sales would have been $139.2 million for the fourth quarter and $555.0 million for the full fiscal year.
- Net income for the fourth quarter was $16.6 million, an increase of 12 percent compared to the prior year fiscal quarter. For the full fiscal year, net income was $66.0 million, a decrease of 2 percent compared to the prior fiscal year.
- Translation of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries’ results from their functional currencies to U.S. dollars had a favorable impact on net income for the current quarter and an unfavorable impact for the full fiscal year. On a non-GAAP constant currency basis, net income would have been $16.3 million for the fourth quarter and $68.4 million for the full fiscal year.
- Diluted earnings per share were $1.21 in the fourth quarter compared to $1.08 in the prior year fiscal quarter. For the full fiscal year, diluted earnings per share were $4.83 compared to $4.90 for the prior fiscal year.
- Gross margin was 51.4 percent in the fourth quarter compared to 47.4 percent in the prior year fiscal quarter. For the full fiscal year, gross margin was 51.0 percent compared to 49.1 percent in the prior fiscal year.
- Selling, general, and administrative expenses were up 22 percent in the fourth quarter to $38.8 million compared to the prior year fiscal quarter. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the full fiscal year were up 12 percent to $154.7 million compared to the prior fiscal year.
- Advertising and sales promotion expenses were down 3 percent in the fourth quarter to $9.8 million compared to the prior year fiscal quarter. Advertising and sales promotion expenses for the full fiscal year were up 5 percent to $28.8 million compared to the prior fiscal year.
“Fiscal year 2023 has been a landmark year as WD-40 Company celebrates 70 years of bringing the blue and yellow can with the little red top to end users around the world. Over that time, we have continued to innovate and evolve our solutions to become a household name known for quality, value, and performance,” said Steve Brass, WD-40 Company’s president and chief executive officer.
“Over the past year, we have made great progress against our strategic goals and turned in a solid financial performance. For fiscal year 2023, we grew total net sales by 4 percent and by 7 percent on a non-GAAP constant currency basis. We saw significant improvement through the second half of the year as sales volumes recovered. We also improved gross margins by 190 basis points and generated strong cash flow for the fiscal year. We are encouraged by the improvement in trends we experienced through the second half of the year.
“As we enter fiscal year 2024, we are introducing our new Four-by-Four Strategic Framework, which is tied to our purpose and values. This framework includes our four Must-Win Battles, which focus on net sales growth, and four Strategic Enablers, which focus on operational excellence. These are the areas where we will focus our time, talent, and treasure to guide our future performance.
“If we have learned anything over the last 70 years it is that WD-40 Company is a resilient business. Our employees’ engagement and dedication are the key to our success. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to working across the organization to achieve our long-term goals and deliver continued value to all our stakeholders,” concluded Brass.
Net Sales by Segment (in thousands):
Three Months Ended August 31, | Fiscal Year Ended August 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | Dollars | Change | 2023 | 2022 | Dollars | Change | ||||||||||||||||||
Americas | $ | 74,738 | $ | 67,995 | $ | 6,743 | 10 | % | $ | 266,772 | $ | 240,233 | $ | 26,539 | 11 | % | |||||||||
EMEA | 50,713 | 43,620 | 7,093 | 16 | % | 190,818 | 204,688 | (13,870 | ) | (7 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Asia-Pacific | 15,001 | 18,806 | (3,805 | ) | (20 | )% | 79,665 | 73,899 | 5,766 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 140,452 | $ | 130,421 | $ | 10,031 | 8 | % | $ | 537,255 | $ | 518,820 | $ | 18,435 | 4 | % | |||||||||
- Net sales by segment as a percentage of total net sales for the fourth quarter were as follows: for the Americas, 53 percent; for EMEA, 36 percent; for Asia-Pacific, 11 percent.
- Within the Americas, net sales increased 10 percent in the fourth quarter as compared to the prior year fiscal quarter primarily due to higher sales of maintenance products in the United States, which increased 18 percent driven primarily by the impact of price increases and strong demand resulting in increased sales volume. In Canada, maintenance product sales decreased 3 percent due to weaker economic conditions in certain regions that resulted in lower levels of demand. In Latin America, maintenance product sales decreased 12 percent driven by lower direct and distributor market sales against a strong prior year fiscal quarter. Within Latin America, maintenance product sales in Mexico grew 19 percent as the Company continues to add new points of distribution and customers within the direct market for that region.
- Within EMEA, net sales increased 16 percent in the fourth quarter as compared to the prior year fiscal quarter primarily due to price increases and successful promotional programs. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable impact on sales for the EMEA segment in the fourth quarter compared to the prior year fiscal quarter. On a non-GAAP constant currency basis, EMEA sales would have increased by 13 percent compared to the prior year fiscal quarter. Direct market sales increased 19 percent compared to the prior year fiscal quarter primarily due to higher sales of maintenance products as a result of price increases and promotional programs, which were partially offset by lower demand and decreased sales volume. Net sales in the EMEA distributor markets increased 9 percent in the fourth quarter as compared to the prior year fiscal quarter primarily due to higher maintenance product sales in many distributor markets.
- Within Asia-Pacific, net sales in Asia-Pacific decreased 20 percent in the fourth quarter as compared to the prior year fiscal quarter primarily due to lower sales of maintenance products in the Asia distributor markets. Sales of maintenance products in the Asia distributor markets declined 38 percent compared to the prior year fiscal quarter due to the timing of customer orders. Net sales in Australia decreased 1 percent in the fourth quarter primarily due to a lower sales volume of maintenance products which were driven by weaker market and economic conditions, as well as unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and the impact of sales price increases. Net sales in China decreased 4 percent in the fourth quarter as compared to the prior year fiscal quarter primarily due to the timing of customer orders. On a non-GAAP constant currency basis, Asia-Pacific net sales would have decreased by 17 percent compared to the prior year fiscal quarter.
Net Sales by Product Group (in thousands):
Three Months Ended August 31, | Fiscal Year Ended August 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | Dollars | Change | 2023 | 2022 | Dollars | Change | ||||||||||||||||
Maintenance products | $ | 131,817 | $ | 121,901 | $ | 9,916 | 8 | % | $ | 503,558 | $ | 485,326 | $ | 18,232 | 4 | % | |||||||
HCCP (1) | 8,635 | 8,520 | 115 | 1 | % | 33,697 | 33,494 | 203 | 1 | % | |||||||||||||
Total | $ | 140,452 | $ | 130,421 | $ | 10,031 | 8 | % | $ | 537,255 | $ | 518,820 | $ | 18,435 | 4 | % | |||||||
| (1) Homecare and cleaning products (“HCCP”) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
- Net sales of maintenance products increased 8 percent in the fourth quarter when compared to the prior year fiscal quarter primarily due to increased sales of WD-40® Multi-Use Product in the United States and EMEA from period to period. Maintenance products are considered the primary strategic focus for the Company.
- Net sales of homecare and cleaning products increased 1 percent in the fourth quarter compared to the prior year fiscal quarter. The homecare and cleaning products, particularly those in the United States, are considered harvest brands providing consistent profit returns to the Company and are becoming a smaller part of the business as net sales of maintenance products grow in alignment with the Company’s Four-by-Four Strategic Framework. The Company is currently conducting a strategic review regarding the future of its homecare and cleaning brands.
Dividend and Share Repurchase Update
On October 6, 2023, the Company’s board of directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.83 per share payable on October 31, 2023 to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 20, 2023.
On October 12, 2021, the Company’s board of directors approved a share repurchase plan that became effective on November 1, 2021. Under the plan, the Company was authorized to acquire up to $75.0 million of its outstanding shares through August 31, 2023. During fiscal year 2023, the Company repurchased 55,920 shares at an average price of $186.09 per share, for a total cost of $10.4 million under this $75.0 million plan.
On June 19, 2023, the Company’s board of directors approved a new share repurchase plan. Under this new plan, which became effective on September 1, 2023, the Company is authorized to acquire up to $50.0 million of its outstanding shares through August 31, 2025. The timing and amount of repurchases are based on terms and conditions as may be acceptable to the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, subject to present loan covenants and in compliance with all laws and regulations applicable thereto.
“The solid top line growth that we experienced in fiscal year 2023 is a testimony to our resilient business model. Our net sales growth of 7 percent on a non-GAAP constant currency basis aligns with our long-term revenue target of mid-to-high single digit growth. We also continue to generate strong cash flow, which is attributable to our gross margin improvement, asset light business model, and disciplined approach to capital allocation,” said Sara Hyzer, WD-40 Company’s vice president, finance and chief financial officer.
“Ultimately, we are focused on long-term value creation and our guidance for fiscal year 2024 reflects that goal. We are making near-term investments focused on our long-term financial objectives and in support of our new Four-by-Four Strategic Framework. These investments will guide our future performance and long-term profitable growth,” concluded Hyzer.
Fiscal Year 2024 Guidance
The Company is providing guidance for fiscal year 2024 as follows:
- Net sales growth is projected to be between 6 and 12 percent with net sales expected to be between $570 million and $600 million on a non-GAAP constant currency basis.
- Gross margin for the full year is expected to be between 51 and 53 percent.
- Advertising and promotion investments are projected to be between 5 and 6 percent of net sales.
- The provision for income tax is expected to be between 24 and 25 percent.
- Net income is projected to be between $65 million and $70 million.
- Diluted earnings per share is expected to be between $4.78 and $5.15 based on an estimated 13.6 million weighted average shares outstanding.
This guidance is expressed in good faith and is based on management’s current view of anticipated results. Unanticipated inflationary headwinds and other unforeseen events may further affect the Company’s financial results. Net sales presented on a non-GAAP constant currency basis use weighted average fiscal year 2023 foreign currency exchange rates.
Webcast Information
As previously announced, WD-40 Company management will host a live webcast at approximately 2:00 p.m. PDT today to discuss these results. Other forward-looking and material information may also be discussed during this call. Please visit http://investor.wd40company.com for more information and to view supporting materials.
About WD-40 Company
WD-40 Company is a global marketing organization dedicated to creating positive lasting memories by developing and selling products that solve problems in workshops, factories, and homes around the world. The Company owns a wide range of well-known brands that include maintenance products and homecare and cleaning products: WD-40® Multi-Use Product, WD-40 Specialist®, 3-IN-ONE®, GT85®, 2000 Flushes®, no vac®, 1001®, Spot Shot®, Lava®, Solvol®, X-14®, and Carpet Fresh®.
Headquartered in San Diego, California, USA, WD-40 Company recorded net sales of $537.3 million in fiscal year 2023 and its products are currently available in more than 176 countries and territories worldwide. WD-40 Company is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “WDFC.” For additional information about WD-40 Company please visit http://www.wd40company.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements reflect the Company’s current expectations with respect to currently available operating, financial and economic information. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in or implied by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are generally identified with words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “could,” “may,” “aim,” “anticipate,” “target,” “estimate” and similar expressions.
Our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, discussions about future financial and operating results, including: growth expectations for maintenance products; expected levels of promotional and advertising spending; anticipated input costs for manufacturing and the costs associated with distribution of our products; plans for and success of product innovation; the impact of new product introductions on the growth of sales; anticipated results from product line extension sales; expected tax rates and the impact of tax legislation and regulatory action; changes in the political conditions or relations between the United States and other nations; the impacts from inflationary trends and supply chain constraints; changes in interest rates; and forecasted foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices.
The Company’s expectations, beliefs and forecasts are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the Company’s expectations, beliefs or forecasts will be achieved or accomplished. All forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations as of October 19, 2023. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements.
Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements due to various factors, including, but not limited to, those identified in Part I—Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 which the Company filed with the SEC on October 24, 2022, and in Part I—Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, which the Company expects to file with the SEC on October 23, 2023.
| Table Notes and General Definitions | ||
| (1) | The Company markets maintenance products under the WD-40®, GT85® and 3-IN-ONE® brand names. Currently included in the WD-40 brand are the WD-40® Multi-Use Product, WD-40 Specialist® and WD-40 BIKE® product lines. | |
| (2) | The Company markets the following homecare and cleaning brands: X-14® automatic toilet bowl cleaners, 2000 Flushes® automatic toilet bowl cleaners, Carpet Fresh® and no vac® rug and room deodorizers, Spot Shot® aerosol and liquid carpet stain removers, 1001® household cleaners and rug and room deodorizers and Lava® and Solvol® heavy-duty hand cleaners. | |
| (3) | The Americas segment consists of the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. | |
| (4) | The EMEA segment consists of countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India. | |
| (5) | The Asia-Pacific segment consists of Australia, China and other countries in the Asia region. | |
| (6) | In order to show the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on our results of operations, we have included constant currency disclosures, where necessary, in this press release. Constant currency disclosures represent the translation of our current fiscal year revenues, expenses and net income from the functional currencies of our subsidiaries to U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect for the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. Results on a constant currency basis are not in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“non-GAAP”) and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We use results on a constant currency basis as one of the measures to understand our operating results and evaluate our performance in comparison to prior periods in order to enhance the visibility of the underlying business trends, excluding the impact of translation arising from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Management believes this non-GAAP financial measure provides investors with additional financial information that should be considered when assessing our underlying business performance and trends. However, reference to constant currency basis should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. | |
WD-40 COMPANY | |||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | |||||||
(Unaudited and in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | |||||||
August 31,
| August 31,
| ||||||
Assets | |||||||
Current assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 48,143 | $ | 37,843 | |||
Trade and other accounts receivable, net | 98,039 | 89,930 | |||||
Inventories | 86,522 | 104,101 | |||||
Other current assets | 15,821 | 17,766 | |||||
Total current assets | 248,525 | 249,640 | |||||
Property and equipment, net | 66,791 | 65,977 | |||||
Goodwill | 95,505 | 95,180 | |||||
Other intangible assets, net | 4,670 | 5,588 | |||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 7,820 | 7,559 | |||||
Deferred tax assets, net | 1,201 | 679 | |||||
Other assets | 13,454 | 9,672 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 437,966 | $ | 434,295 | |||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 30,826 | $ | 32,852 | |||
Accrued liabilities | 30,000 | 27,161 | |||||
Accrued payroll and related expenses | 16,722 | 11,583 | |||||
Short-term borrowings | 10,800 | 39,173 | |||||
Income taxes payable | 494 | 51 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 88,842 | 110,820 | |||||
Long-term borrowings | 109,743 | 107,139 | |||||
Deferred tax liabilities, net | 10,305 | 10,528 | |||||
Long-term operating lease liabilities | 5,832 | 5,999 | |||||
Other long-term liabilities | 13,066 | 11,185 | |||||
Total liabilities | 227,788 | 245,671 | |||||
Commitments and Contingencies | |||||||
Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||
Common stock — authorized 36,000,000 shares, $0.001 par value; 19,905,815 and 19,888,807 shares issued at August 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively; and 13,563,434 and 13,602,346 shares outstanding at August 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively | 20 | ||||||
