Rexnord Corporation (RXN) reported better-than-expected results for second-quarter fiscal 2015 (ended Sep 30, 2014). Adjusted earnings came in at 40 cents per share, increasing 37.9% from 29 cents earned in the year-ago quarter. Also, the bottom line was within the company’s guidance of 38−41 cents per share and above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 39 cents.
Revenues
Rexnord generated net revenues of $537.9 million in second-quarter fiscal 2015, up 4.5% year over year.
However, the top line was marginally below the company’s projection of $540−$550 million due primarily to weak industrial demand in Europe and adverse foreign currency translation impacts.
The company is seeking strategic alternatives for its non-core ring gear and pinion product line, Mill Products. Excluding its revenue results, Rexnord recorded a 6% improvement in net revenues that included 3% core sales growth and 3% contribution from acquisitions.
Rexnord reports its top-line results under two heads — Process & Motion Control and Water Management. A brief discussion on these segments’ quarterly results is provided below:
Revenues from the Process & Motion Control segment totaled $311.7 million, roughly flat year over year. It represented 57.9% of net revenues generated in the quarter.
The Water Management segment’s revenues were $226.2 million, reflecting an increase of 11.6% year over year and accounted for 42.1% of the company’s net revenues.
Margins
Rexnord’s cost of sales went up 5.9% year over year and represented 63.5% of net revenues as compared to 62.7% in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was at 36.5%, down 80 basis points (bps) year over year. Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of total revenue, declined 120 bps year over year to 19.3%.
Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) grew 6% year over year to $108.9 million.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
Exiting second-quarter fiscal 2015, Rexnord had cash and cash equivalents of $361.3 million, up 16.1% from $311.3 million in the preceding quarter. Long-term debt edged down 0.2% sequentially to $1,934.6 million.
In the six months ended Sep 30, 2014, Rexnord generated cash of $78.5 million from its operating activities, substantially above $9.1 million generated in the year-ago period. Investment on property, plant and equipment increased 10.4% year over year to $21.2 million.
Outlook
For fiscal 2015, Rexnord has lowered its adjusted earnings guidance to $1.52−$1.60 per share from the earlier projection of $1.60−$1.70 per share. Foreign currency translation is expected to adversely impact earnings by 4 cents.
Core sales growth is expected to be within the 3−4% range for the second half of fiscal 2015. This includes the impact of weaker industrial demand in Europe.
Adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to be roughly 30% and free cash flow is anticipated to exceed the adjusted net income. The effective tax rate is expected to be 30% while capital expenditure is anticipated to be roughly 3% of sales.
For the fiscal third quarter, Rexnord anticipates adjusted earnings to be in the 29−31 cents per share range. The guidance includes 3 cents per share of tax rate headwind. Sales are expected to come within $496−$504 million, taking into account core sales growth of 3−4%.
With a market capitalization of $3 billion, Rexnord Corporation presently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the diversified machinery industry include AO Smith Corp. (AOS), CUI Global, Inc. (CUI) and Parker-Hannifin Corporation (PH). All these stocks hold a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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