LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED CARTHAGE, Mo., Feb. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
-- 2015 continuing operations adjusted(1) EPS was a record $2.34, a 31%
improvement over 2014
-- Three-year TSR(2) ending 12-31-2015 ranks in the top third of the S&P
500 companies
-- 2015 continuing operations sales grew 4%
-- 2015 continuing operations adjusted(1) EBIT margin improved 270 basis
points to 12.9%
-- 4Q continuing operations adjusted(3) EPS grew 56% to $.64
-- 2016 continuing operations EPS guidance is $2.30 - 2.50 on sales of $3.9
- 4.1 billion
Diversified manufacturer Leggett & Platt announced record full-year adjusted(1) EPS from continuing operations of $2.34 for 2015, a 31% improvement over 2014 adjusted EPS of $1.78. The EPS improvement is largely the result of higher unit volume and pricing discipline.
Full-year EPS, without adjustments, improved to a record $2.28 in 2015, from $0.68 in 2014, but includes several unusual items (see table below). 2015 EPS includes a noncash expense associated with a one-time lump sum pension buyout (funded from pension plan assets), and a small foam litigation accrual. 2014 EPS includes foam litigation accruals, a noncash impairment charge, a loss on divestiture, and an operating loss from discontinued operations.
Fourth Quarter Full Year
EPS, $/share: 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
------------- ---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
Continuing Operations, adjusted .64 .41 56% 2.34 1.78 31%
Lump Sum Pension Buyout (.05) -- (.05) --
Foam Litigation Accrual (.02) (.09) (.02) (.23)
---- ---- ---- ----
Continuing Operations .57 .32 2.27 1.55
Discontinued Operations, adjusted -- (.03) .01 (.04)
Divestiture Loss -- (.03) -- (.03)
Noncash Impairment: Store Fixtures -- -- -- (.65)
Foam Litigation Accrual -- (.12) -- (.15)
--- ---- --- ----
EPS, as reported .57 .14 2.28 .68
Net Sales, Continuing Ops, $m 945 953 (1)% 3,917 3,782 4%
Full-year sales from continuing operations were $3.92 billion, a new continuing operations record and 4% increase versus 2014 (during which sales increased 9%). Unit volume grew 6% and acquisitions added 3% to sales; these gains were partially offset by a 5% decline caused by raw material-related price deflation and currency impacts.
Fourth Quarter Results
Fourth quarter adjusted(3) EPS from continuing operations was $.64, a 56% increase compared to $.41 in the prior year. This increase reflects pricing discipline, unit volume growth, higher LIFO benefit, and lower stock compensation expense.
Fourth quarter 2015 EPS, unadjusted, was $.57, including a $.05 noncash charge for a one-time lump sum pension buyout, and a $.02 foam litigation accrual. Fourth quarter 2014 EPS, unadjusted, was $.14, including litigation accruals, a loss on divestiture, and a discontinued operations loss.
Fourth quarter 2015 sales from continuing operations declined 1% versus the prior year. Unit volume grew 3% and acquisitions added 1% to sales; these gains were offset by a 5% decline caused by raw material-related price deflation and currency impacts.
CEO Comments
President and CEO Karl G. Glassman commented, "In 2015, our employees achieved several milestones including record sales and EBIT, a much improved EBIT margin, top third 3-year TSR, and our 44th consecutive annual dividend increase. Annual EPS exceeded $2 for the first time. Our markets improved during the year, and we achieved better-than-market growth in several lines of business.
"Our stock's 2015 TSR was 1.4%, which slightly beat the TSR of the S&P 500 index. Notably, our stock return has exceeded the return of the S&P 500 index in seven of the last eight years. For the three years ending December 2015, we met our goal of producing TSR in the top third of the S&P 500. We generated compound annual TSR of 20% per year over the last three years, significantly better than the S&P 500's 15% annual TSR over the same time period.
"During 2015, continuing operations posted 4% sales growth, meeting our 4-5% annual growth target. Strong unit volume growth was partially offset by raw material-related deflation and currency. Continuing operations' adjusted EBIT margin was 12.9%, the highest since 1999; margin improved by 270 basis points versus the prior year.
"Portfolio management remains a strategic priority. Over the past few years, we have enhanced our business portfolio and improved margins by growing our stronger businesses, and by exiting businesses that struggled to consistently deliver acceptable margins and returns. In March, we acquired a European private-label manufacturer of high-end upholstered furniture for office, commercial, and other settings. During 2015, we completed divestitures of several relatively small operations including our Steel Tubing business, two final Store Fixtures operations, and a small piece of the Commercial Vehicle Products business.
"Looking forward, we expect strong unit volume growth in 2016 across a number of our businesses. A good portion of the growth is from new product introductions and the resultant market share gains. In addition, broad economic factors - including consumer confidence, housing turnover, and reduced energy prices - are providing favorable trends that should result in end market growth. With this anticipated growth, we expect that in 2016 we will again achieve strong continuing operations' sales, margin, and EPS."
Cash Flow, Dividends and Stock Repurchases
The company generated $359 million of cash from operations during 2015, after paying $82 million to settle foam litigation. Other uses of cash included $103 million to fund capital expenditures, $172 million for dividend payments, $11 million for acquisitions, and $183 million (net) to repurchase stock. The company ended the year with over $400 million of its commercial paper program available. Net debt to net capital was 34.5% at year end, in the middle of the company's 30% - 40% target range. At the end of 2015, the company's debt was 1.5 times its trailing 12-month's adjusted(1) EBITDA.
2015 marked the company's 44(th) consecutive annual dividend increase, with a compound annual growth rate of 13% over that period. Only one other S&P 500 company can claim as high a rate of dividend growth for as many years.
At Friday's closing share price of $41.51, the indicated annual dividend of $1.28 per share generates a dividend yield of 3.1%, one of the highest dividend yields among the 50 stocks of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats.
The company repurchased 4.3 million shares of its stock during 2015, and issued 2.2 million shares. Issuances were largely related to employee benefit plans and stock option exercises.
Anticipating 2016 EPS of $2.30 - $2.50
For 2016, the company expects that sales growth will lead to another year of strong earnings per share. EPS is expected to be $2.30 to $2.50 for the year. Sales are expected to be $3.9 - $4.1 billion, which equates to overall growth between zero and 5%. Unit volume growth is expected to be in the mid-to-high single digits as a result of continued strong demand in many of the company's product categories, and improvement in the majority of its end markets. As partial offsets to the volume growth, sales guidance includes a 2-3% reduction from commodity deflation, and a 2% decrease from the Steel Tubing divestiture completed in late December.
Based upon this sales guidance, 2016 EBIT margin is expected to approximate 2015's adjusted EBIT margin. The benefit to margin from higher unit volume is anticipated to be largely offset by non-recurrence of the 2015 pricing lag. This guidance framework assumes that commodity prices (primarily steel) stabilize near current levels.
Cash from operations is expected to be approximately $450 million in 2016. Capital expenditures should be roughly $130 million, and dividend payments should approximate $175 million. The company's target for dividend payout is 50-60% of earnings, however actual payout has been higher in recent years. As a result, dividend growth has been modest, at about 3% per year. With significant earnings improvement in 2015, dividend payout for the year was 54%, within the target range. This allows the company flexibility to consider future dividend growth that more closely aligns with EPS growth.
The company's top priorities for use of cash are organic growth, dividends, and strategic acquisitions. After funding those priorities, if there is still cash available, the company generally intends to repurchase its stock (rather than repay debt early or stockpile cash). Management has standing authorization from the Board of Directors to buy up to 10 million shares each year; however, no specific repurchase commitment or timetable has been established. The company expects to repurchase 4-5 million shares in 2016, and issue about 2 million shares, primarily for employee benefit plans.
LIFO
All of Leggett's operating segments use the first-in, first out (FIFO) method for valuing inventory. An adjustment is made at the corporate level (i.e., outside the segments) to convert about 50% of the inventories to the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. These are primarily the company's domestic, steel-related inventories. For 2015, lower commodity costs resulted in a LIFO benefit of $46 million (pretax).
SEGMENT RESULTS - Full Year 2015 (versus 2014)
Residential Furnishings - Total sales increased $106 million, or 5%. Unit volume grew in most product categories, but this was partially offset by the effects of deflation and currency (-5% combined). Acquisitions contributed 4% to sales growth. EBIT (earnings before interest and income taxes) increased $69 million due to higher sales, pricing discipline, and significantly lower foam litigation expense ($48 million).
Commercial Products - Total sales increased $108 million, or 21%. Same location sales grew 12% from strong demand in Adjustable Bed and Fashion Bed. Acquisitions increased sales by 9%. EBIT increased $11 million as a result of higher sales and improved operating efficiency.
Industrial Materials - Total sales decreased $37 million, or 5%, with higher unit volume in Drawn Wire more than offset by steel-related price decreases and reduced rod mill trade sales. EBIT increased $7 million, primarily from cost reductions.
Specialized Products - Total sales increased $41 million, or 4%, with volume gains in Automotive and Machinery partially offset by currency impacts (-5%). EBIT increased $30 million, primarily from higher volume.
SEGMENT RESULTS - Fourth Quarter 2015 (versus 4Q 2014)
Residential Furnishings - Total sales decreased $13 million, or 3%. Higher unit volume (+3%) was more than offset by raw material-related price decreases and currency impacts. EBIT increased $28 million due to significantly lower foam litigation expense ($18 million), pricing discipline, higher unit volume, and lower stock compensation expense.
Commercial Products - Total sales increased $13 million, or 10%, due to acquisitions. Same location sales decreased slightly, with volume growth in Adjustable Bed and Fashion Bed more than offset by reduced volume in Work Furniture and the impact of currency. EBIT increased $1 million, primarily due to improved operating efficiency.
Industrial Materials - Total sales decreased $31 million, or 16%, due to steel-related price decreases and lower unit volume in Drawn Wire and Steel Tubing. EBIT increased $2 million, with cost improvements partially offset by a $3 million loss on divestiture of the Steel Tubing business in December.
Specialized Products - Total sales increased $16 million, or 7%, with volume gains in most parts of the segment partially offset by currency impact. EBIT improved $8 million, largely due to improved unit volume.
Conference Call at 8:30am Eastern
Management will host a conference call at 7:30 a.m. Central (8:30 a.m. Eastern) on Tuesday, February 2. The webcast can be accessed from Leggett's website. The dial-in number is (201) 689-8341; there is no passcode. A set of slides containing summary financial information is available from the Investor Relations section of Leggett's website at www.leggett.com.
First quarter results will be released after the market closes on Thursday, April 28, with a conference call the next morning.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit Leggett's website at www.leggett.com.
COMPANY DESCRIPTION: For over 130 years Leggett & Platt (NYSE: LEG) has been enhancing people's lives as a diversified manufacturer that designs and produces engineered products found in most homes and automobiles. Continuing Operations are comprised of 17 business units, 20,000 employee-partners, and 130 manufacturing facilities located in 19 countries.
Leggett & Platt is the leading U.S. manufacturer of: a) components for residential furniture and bedding; b) carpet underlay; c) adjustable bed bases; d) work furniture and components; e) drawn steel wire; f) automotive seat support & lumbar systems; g) bedding industry machinery.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Statements in this release that are not historical in nature are "forward-looking." These statements involve uncertainties and risks, including the company's ability to improve operations and realize cost savings, price and product competition from foreign and domestic competitors, changes in demand for the company's products, cost and availability of raw materials and labor, fuel and energy costs, future growth of acquired companies, general economic conditions, possible goodwill or other asset impairment, foreign currency fluctuation, litigation risks, and other factors described in the company's Form 10-K. Any forward-looking statement reflects only the company's beliefs when the statement is made. Actual results could differ materially from expectations, and the company undertakes no duty to update these statements.
(1)To aid understanding of underlying operational profitability, adjusted continuing operations figures exclude: foam litigation accruals of $.23/share ($54m pretax) in 2014, and $.02/share ($6m pretax) in 2015; and for 2015, a $.05/share ($12m pretax) noncash charge related to a lump sum pension buyout.
(2) TSR = (Change in Stock Price + Dividends) / Beginning Stock Price; assumes dividends are reinvested.
(3) To aid understanding of underlying operational profitability, adjusted continuing operations figures exclude: foam litigation accruals of $.09/share ($22m pretax) in 4Q 2014, and $.02/share ($4m pretax) in 4Q 2015; and for 4Q 2015, a $.05/share ($12m pretax) noncash charge related to a lump sum pension buyout.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOURTH QUARTER YEAR TO DATE
--------------------- -------------- ------------
(In millions, except
per share data) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
-------------------- ---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
Net sales (from
continuing operations) $944.6 $953.3 (1%) $3,917.2 $3,782.3 4%
Cost of goods sold 711.0 749.5 2,994.0 2,991.9
Gross profit 233.6 203.8 923.2 790.4
Selling &
administrative
expenses 115.9 132.0 (12%) 416.9 449.6 (7%)
Amortization 5.2 5.2 20.8 19.7
Other expense (income),
net (1.6) (1.5) (1.0) (10.4)
Earnings before
interest and taxes 114.1 68.1 68% 486.5 331.5 47%
Net interest expense 7.6 9.1 36.7 36.0
Earnings before income
taxes 106.5 59.0 449.8 295.5
Income taxes 24.7 12.8 121.8 70.3
Net earnings from
continuing operations 81.8 46.2 328.0 225.2
Discontinued
operations, net of tax 0.0 (24.6) 1.2 (124.0)
--- ----- ------
Net earnings 81.8 21.6 329.2 101.2
Less net income from
non-controlling
interest (1.3) (1.0) (4.1) (3.2)
---- ---- ---- ----
Net earnings
attributable to L&P $80.5 $20.6 $325.1 $98.0
===== ===== ====== =====
Earnings per diluted
share
From continuing
operations $0.57 $0.32 78% $2.27 $1.55 46%
From discontinued
operations $0.00 ($0.17) $0.01 ($0.87)
Net earnings per
diluted share $0.57 $0.14 $2.28 $0.68
Shares outstanding
Common stock (at end of
period) 135.6 137.8 135.6 137.8
Basic (average for
period) 139.9 141.0 140.9 141.4
Diluted (average for
period) 141.9 143.1 142.9 143.2
CASH FLOW FOURTH QUARTER YEAR TO DATE
--------- -------------- ------------
(In millions) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
------------ ---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
Net earnings $81.8 $21.6 $329.2 $101.2
Depreciation and
amortization 28.2 30.3 113.2 117.9
Working capital
decrease (increase) (60.1) 112.7 (170.8) 53.6
Impairments 0.0 0.2 6.5 109.3
Other operating
activity 52.4 1.4 81.0 (0.1)
Net Cash from Operating
Activity $102.3 $166.2 (38%) $359.1 $381.9 (6%)
Additions to PP&E (24.7) (31.1) (103.2) (94.1) 10%
Purchase of companies,
net of cash 0.0 (0.2) (11.1) (70.4)
Proceeds from asset
sales 33.6 64.5 51.4 76.5
Dividends paid (43.6) (42.6) (171.6) (167.5)
Repurchase of common
stock, net (27.8) (15.4) (183.2) (127.9)
Additions (payments) to
debt, net (28.5) (45.8) (3.3) 87.0
Other (9.3) (5.7) (17.7) (25.4)
Increase (Decr.) in
Cash & Equiv. $2.0 $89.9 $(79.6) $60.1
==== ===== ====== =====
FINANCIAL POSITION 31-Dec
------------------ ------
(In millions) 2015 2014 Change
------------ ---- ---- ------
Cash and equivalents $253.2 $332.8
Receivables 520.2 523.3
Inventories 504.6 481.4
Held for sale 0.0 10.4
Other current assets 33.2 81.4
Total current assets 1,311.2 1,429.3 (8%)
Net fixed assets 540.8 548.8
Held for sale 8.4 22.4
Goodwill and other
assets 1,107.2 1,140.1
TOTAL ASSETS $2,967.6 $3,140.6 (6%)
======== ========
Trade accounts payable $307.2 $369.8
Current debt maturities 3.4 201.7
Held for sale 0.0 5.4
Other current
liabilities 390.6 415.3
----- -----
Total current
liabilities 701.2 992.2 (29%)
Long term debt 945.4 766.7 23%
Deferred taxes and
other liabilities 223.3 226.8
Equity 1,097.7 1,154.9 (5%)
------- -------
Total Capitalization 2,266.4 2,148.4
TOTAL LIABILITIES &
EQUITY $2,967.6 $3,140.6
======== ========
SEGMENT RESULTS (1) FOURTH QUARTER YEAR TO DATE
------------------ -------------- ------------
(In millions) 2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
External Sales
--------------
Residential Furnishings $490.3 $503.6 (2.6%) $2,036.2 $1,937.4 5.1%
Commercial Products 130.7 123.8 5.6% 539.8 471.6 14.5%
Industrial Materials 91.4 107.1 (14.7%) 427.6 492.0 (13.1%)
Specialized Products 232.2 218.8 6.1% 913.6 881.3 3.7%
Total $944.6 $953.3 (0.9%) $3,917.2 $3,782.3 3.6%
====== ====== ===== ======== ======== ===
Total Sales (External + Inter-
segment)
------------------------------
Residential Furnishings $496.1 $508.8 (2.5%) $2,064.0 $1,957.6 5.4%
Commercial Products 151.7 138.3 9.7% 623.3 515.4 20.9%
Industrial Materials 166.0 196.7 (15.6%) 776.6 813.3 (4.5%)
Specialized Products 243.2 227.4 6.9% 954.7 914.2 4.4%
Total $1,057.0 $1,071.2 (1.3%) $4,418.6 $4,200.5 5.2%
======== ======== ===== ======== ======== ===
EBIT
----
Residential Furnishings $44.0 $16.4 168% $205.0 $135.7 51%
Commercial Products 9.0 8.1 11% 42.3 30.9 37%
Industrial Materials 11.9 10.4 14% 50.4 43.2 17%
Specialized Products 40.6 32.3 26% 155.6 125.4 24%
Intersegment eliminations and
other (14.5) 0.2 (13.2) (2.8)
Change in LIFO reserve 23.1 0.7 46.4 (0.9)
Total $114.1 $68.1 68% $486.5 $331.5 47%
====== ===== === ====== ====== ===
EBIT Margin (2) Basis Pts Basis Pts
-------------- --------- ---------
Residential Furnishings 8.9% 3.2% 570 9.9% 6.9% 300
Commercial Products 5.9% 5.9% 0 6.8% 6.0% 80
Industrial Materials 7.2% 5.3% 190 6.5% 5.3% 120
Specialized Products 16.7% 14.2% 250 16.3% 13.7% 260
Overall from Continuing
Operations 12.1% 7.1% 500 12.4% 8.8% 360
==== === === ==== === ===
LAST SIX QUARTERS 2014 2015
----------------- ---- ----
Selected Figures 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q
---------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Net Sales ($ million) 997 953 966 997 1,009 945
Sales Growth (vs. prior year) 14% 11% 10% 4% 1% (1%)
Adjusted EBIT (3) 107 90 112 121 142 130
Cash from Operations ($ million) 132 166 32 95 130 102
Adjusted EBIT Margin(3) 10.7% 9.5% 11.6% 12.1% 14.0% 13.8%
Adjusted EPS -continuing
operations (diluted)(3) $0.51 $0.41 $0.50 $0.53 $0.67 $0.64
Adjusted EBITDA (trailing twelve
months) 4 489 503 529 545 579 617
(Long term debt + current
maturities) /Adj. EBITDA4 2.0 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.7 1.5
Net Debt to Net Capitalization
------------------------------
Long term debt 619 767 798 832 989 945
Current debt maturities 382 202 202 202 3 3
Less cash and equivalents (243) (333) (262) (275) (251) (253)
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Net Debt 758 636 738 758 741 696
=== === === === === ===
Total capitalization 2040 2148 2150 2180 2315 2266
Current debt maturities 382 202 202 202 3 3
Less cash and equivalents (243) (333) (262) (275) (251) (253)
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Net Capitalization 2179 2017 2090 2106 2067 2017
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
Long Term Debt to Total
Capitalization 30% 36% 37% 38% 43% 42%
Net Debt to Net Capital 35% 32% 35% 36% 36% 34%
Management uses Net Debt to Net Capital to track leverage trends across time periods with variable levels of cash.
Same Location Sales (vs. prior
year) 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q
------------------------------ --- --- --- --- --- ---
Residential Furnishings 13% 9% 9% 2% (2%) (3%)
Commercial Products 10% 24% 17% 18% 15% (1%)
Industrial Materials 9% 9% 12% (4%) (10%) (16%)
Specialized Products 12% 6% 6% 0% 5% 7%
Overall from Continuing
Operations 9% 6% 6% (1%) (1%) (2%)
(1)Segment information reflects
new segment structure adopted
1Q 2015, and the 4Q 2015 move
of the logistics operations
from Residential Furnishings
to Industrial Materials.
(2)Segment margins calculated
on Total Sales. Overall
company margin calculated on
External Sales.
(3)Excludes litigation accruals
of $32m pretax ($.14/share) in
3Q'14, $22m pretax
($.09/share) in 4Q'14, $1.5m
pretax (< $.01/share) in
2Q'15, and $4m pretax
($.02/share) in 4Q'15;
excludes $12m pretax
($.05/share) one-time noncash
pension buyout charge in
4Q'15.
4EBITDA based on trailing
twelve months. Excludes $67m
CVP impairment in 4Q 2013, and
items in Footnote 3.
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SOURCE Leggett & Platt
