EnerSys Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2023 Results; Delivers Record Net Sales and Earnings for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2023 Highlights
(All comparisons against the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022 unless otherwise noted)

• Delivered record net sales of $990M, +9%
• Achieved 24.9% GM, +340 bps, including $17M reduction to COGS from Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits under IRC 45X
• Generated record operating earnings of $95M, +114%, and adjusted operating earnings of $107 million, +60%
• $1.3B backlog eased slightly, -7%, 2X pre-COVID levels with stable demand trends
• Realized record diluted EPS of $1.59, +137%, and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.82, +52%
• Reduced net leverage^(b) to 1.8X EBITDA
• Earned the Better Practice Award from the U.S. Department of Energy Better Plants Program
• Announced the appointment of Shannon Thomas as Chief Human Resources Officer
• Published 2022 Sustainability Update and achieved 4% reduction in our global greenhouse gas emissions vs 2021

Full Year Fiscal 2023 Highlights
(All comparisons against 2022 unless otherwise noted)

• Delivered record net sales of $3.7B, +10%
• Generated record operating earnings of $278M, +35% and adjusted operating earnings of $322M, +22%
• Hit record operating earnings, adjusted operating earnings, diluted EPS, and adjusted diluted EPS, before recording the $17M of IRC 45X tax credits, even after including FX and interest headwinds in excess of $1 per diluted share
• Realized record diluted EPS of $4.25, +26% and adjusted diluted EPS of $5.34, +19%
• Reported operating cash flow of $280M, +$346M and free cash flow^(a) of $191M, +$331M
• Returned $51M to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends

READING, Pa., May 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EnerSys (NYSE: ENS), the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, announced today results for its fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, which ended on March 31, 2023.

EnerSys delivered an outstanding fourth quarter, with record revenue of $990 million, up 9% year-over-year, driven primarily by strong price realization and organic growth, partially offset by foreign currency. We achieved significant gross margin improvement, despite continued margin pressure from inflation and even before a $17 million benefit to cost of goods sold from tax credits related to Internal Revenue Code section 45X created by the Inflation Reduction Act. We realized record GAAP diluted EPS of $1.59 and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.82, up $0.62 versus prior year, including $0.42 benefit from IRA. While further guidance may be forthcoming from the IRS, we believe EnerSys's eligibility for Section 45X credits reinforces the critical nature of the products and services we provide.

In fiscal 2023, we delivered sales and earnings growth in excess of our expectations. The EnerSys team performed remarkably well in a challenging environment, mitigating continued inflation, rising interest rates, foreign exchange headwinds, and operational challenges, while executing collaboratively to deliver record results. Our impressive net earnings combined with effective management of operating capital resulted in $280 million of operating cash flow, $191 million of free cash flow and $51 million of capital returned to shareholders through repurchases and dividends.

We continue to deliver on our innovation roadmap with strategic investments in proprietary technology solutions that are defining the future of the energy transition. We continue to progress toward full commercialization of our proprietary and revolutionary EV Fast Charge and Storage system (FC&S) which combines energy storage, backup power and EV fast charging capabilities in a single solution.

As global megatrends including electrification, decarbonization and automation drive increased demand for energy storage, EnerSys is well-positioned to deliver the solutions that our customers need. In addition, we expect that government policy support such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) will further accelerate demand for our solutions. We remain focused on delivering long-term value to our stockholders through profitable growth and a disciplined capital allocation strategy, while also achieving our sustainability objectives. As we enter Fiscal 2024, although significant uncertainty in the global markets remains, we could not be more excited about the growth potential of our Company and the markets in which we compete.

We look forward to discussing our strategic plans, growth drivers and long-term outlook in detail during our investor day at the New York Stock Exchange on June 15.

David M. Shaffer, President and Chief Executive Officer, EnerSys

(a) Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measures and discussed under Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

(b) Net leverage ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined pursuant to our credit agreement and discussed under Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

(1) Adjusted Diluted EPS is a non-GAAP financial measure and discussed under Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

(2) Operating Earnings are adjusted for charges that the Company incurs as a result of restructuring and exit activities, impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles and other assets, acquisition activities and those charges and credits that are not directly related to operating unit performance. A reconciliation of operating earnings to Non-GAAP adjusted earnings are provided in tables under the section titled Business Segment Operating Results.

(3) Net Earnings are adjusted for depreciation, amortization, interest and income taxes to arrive at Non-GAAP EBITDA. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA is further adjusted for certain charges such as restructuring and exit activities, impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles and other assets, acquisition activities and other charges and credits as discussed under Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

Summary of Results

Fourth Quarter 2023

Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 were $989.9 million, an increase of 9.1% from the prior year fourth quarter net sales of $907.0 million and increased sequentially 7.6% from the third quarter of fiscal 2023 net sales of $920.2 million. The increase compared to prior year quarter was the result of a 7% increase in pricing and a 4% increase in organic growth, partially offset by a 2% decrease in foreign currency translation impact. The sequential increase was due to a 2% increase in pricing.

Net earnings attributable to EnerSys stockholders (“Net earnings”) for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 was $65.9 million, or $1.59 per diluted share, which included an unfavorable highlighted net of tax impact of $9.5 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, from highlighted items described in further detail in the tables shown below, reconciling non-GAAP adjusted financial measures to reported amounts.

Net earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 was $28.1 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, which included an unfavorable highlighted net of tax impact of $22.0 million, or $0.53 per diluted share from highlighted items described in further detail in the tables shown below, reconciling non-GAAP adjusted financial measures to reported amounts.

Excluding these highlighted items, adjusted Net earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, on a non-GAAP basis, were $1.82, compared to the guidance of $1.33 to $1.43 per diluted share for the fourth quarter given by the Company on February 8, 2023. These earnings compare to the prior year fourth quarter adjusted Net earnings of $1.20 per diluted share. Please refer to the section included herein under the heading “Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a discussion of the Company’s use of non-GAAP adjusted financial information, which includes tables reconciling GAAP and non-GAAP adjusted financial measures for the quarters ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022.

Fiscal Year to Date 2023

Net sales for the twelve months of fiscal 2023 were $3,708.5 million, an increase of 10.5% from the prior year twelve months net sales of $3,357.3 million. This increase was due to an 8% increase in pricing and 7% increase in organic volume, partially offset by a 4% decrease in foreign currency translation impact.

Net earnings for the twelve months of fiscal 2023 was $175.8 million, or $4.25 per diluted share, which included an unfavorable highlighted net of tax impact of $45.0 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, from highlighted items described in further detail in the tables shown below, reconciling non-GAAP adjusted financial measures to reported amounts.

Net earnings for the twelve months of fiscal 2022 was $143.9 million, or $3.36 per diluted share, which included an unfavorable highlighted net of tax impact of $47.1 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, from highlighted items described in further detail in the tables shown below, reconciling non-GAAP adjusted financial measures to reported amounts.

Adjusted Net earnings per diluted share for the twelve months of fiscal 2023, on a non-GAAP basis, were $5.34. This compares to the prior year twelve months adjusted Net earnings of $4.47 per diluted share. Please refer to the section included herein under the heading “Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a discussion of the Company’s use of non-GAAP adjusted financial information.

First Quarter 2024 Outlook

We expect to continue to operate in a dynamic macro environment and anticipate headwinds including FX, geopolitical tensions, supply chain challenges and inflation to persist for some time. Absent clarification from the IRS on 45X credits, we expect our first quarter of fiscal 2024 adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $1.77 to $1.87, inclusive of $0.40 - $0.50 from IRA benefits. Excluding the IRA credits, this represents an increase of approximately 20% over the prior year, at the midpoint, reflecting stable demand trends and a healthy backlog. We expect our gross margin for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 to be in the range of 24.5% to 26.5% including 150 bps to 250bps from 45X tax credits. For the full year of fiscal 2024, we expect capital expenditures to be approximately $120 million. While we await further clarification on section 45X from the IRS, based on currently available information we believe a material portion of our U.S. produced batteries qualify for this tax credit. We intend to use these proceeds to accelerate our strategic initiatives which align with the intentions of this law, including securing a domestic source of lithium cells, and may increase our capital spending projections.

Please refer to the section included herein under the heading “Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a discussion of the Company’s use of non-GAAP adjusted financial information.

Conference Call and Webcast Details

The Company will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter 2023 financial results at 9:00 AM (EDT) Thursday, May 25, 2023. A live broadcast as well as a replay of the call can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at https://investor.enersys.com.

To join the live call, please register through the events section of our Investor Relations webpage at https://register.vevent.com/register/BI156606f019e946db803bdf87b2ca31f4. A dial-in and unique PIN will be provided upon registration.

About EnerSys

EnerSys is the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, manufactures and distributes energy systems solutions and motive power batteries, specialty batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure solutions to customers worldwide. Energy Systems, which combine enclosures, power conversion, power distribution and energy storage, are used in the telecommunication, broadband and utility industries, uninterruptible power supplies, and numerous applications requiring stored energy solutions. Motive power batteries and chargers are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other industrial electric powered vehicles. Specialty batteries are used in aerospace and defense applications, large over-the-road trucks, premium automotive, medical and security systems applications. EnerSys also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers in over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world. With the NorthStar acquisition, EnerSys has solidified its position as the market leader for premium Thin Plate Pure Lead batteries which are sold across all three lines of business. More information regarding EnerSys can be found at www.enersys.com.

Sustainability

Sustainability at EnerSys is about more than just the benefits and impacts of our products. Our commitment to sustainability encompasses many important environmental, social and governance issues. Sustainability is a fundamental part of how we manage our own operations. Minimizing our environmental footprint is a priority. Sustainability is our commitment to our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. Our products facilitate positive environmental, social and economic impacts around the world. To learn more visit: https://www.enersys.com/en/about-us/sustainability/.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release, and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this release, contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, or the Reform Act, which may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding EnerSys’ earnings estimates, intention to pay quarterly cash dividends, return capital to stockholders, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements identified by words such as “believe,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “will,” and similar expressions. All statements addressing operating performance, events, or developments that EnerSys expects or anticipates will occur in the future, including statements relating to sales growth, earnings or earnings per share growth, order intake, backlog, payment of future cash dividends, commodity prices, execution of its stock buy back program, judicial or regulatory proceedings, and market share, as well as statements expressing optimism or pessimism about future operating results or benefits from its cash dividend, its stock buy back programs, future responses to and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, adverse developments with respect to the economic conditions in the U.S. in the markets in which we operate and other uncertainties, including the impact of supply chain disruptions, interest rate changes, inflationary pressures, geopolitical and other developments and labor shortages on the economic recovery and our business are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act. The forward-looking statements are based on management's current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance, and are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies and changes in circumstances, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by EnerSys on its website or otherwise. EnerSys does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

Although EnerSys does not make forward-looking statements unless it believes it has a reasonable basis for doing so, EnerSys cannot guarantee their accuracy. The foregoing factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. For a list of other factors which could affect EnerSys’ results, including earnings estimates, see EnerSys’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including “Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Forward-Looking Statements,” set forth in EnerSys’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. No undue reliance should be placed on any forward-looking statements.

CONTACT

Lisa Hartman
Investor Relations and Financial Media
EnerSys
610-236-4040
E-mail: investorrelations@enersys.com

Melissa Maycott
Public Relations Manager
Harris, Baio & McCullough
215-440-9800
E-mail: melissa@hbmadv.com

Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, ("GAAP"). EnerSys' management uses the non-GAAP measures “adjusted Net earnings”, “adjusted Diluted EPS”, “adjusted operating earnings”, “adjusted EBITDA”, "adjusted EBITDA per credit agreement", "net debt", "net leverage ratio", “net sales at constant currency”, and "net sales growth rate at constant currency” as applicable, in their analysis of the Company's performance. Adjusted Net earnings and adjusted operating earnings measure, as used by EnerSys in past quarters and years, adjusts Net earnings and operating earnings determined in accordance with GAAP to reflect changes in financial results associated with the Company's restructuring initiatives and other highlighted charges and income items. Adjusted EBITDA is a key performance measure that our management uses to assess our operating performance. Because Adjusted EBITDA facilitates internal comparisons of our historical operating performance on a more consistent basis, we use this measure as an overall assessment of our performance, to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies and for business planning purposes. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest income, interest expense, other (income) expense net, provision (benefit) for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, further adjusted to exclude restructuring and exit activities, impairment of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangibles and other assets, acquisition activities and those charges and credits that are not directly related to operating unit performance. EBITDA is calculated as net income before interest income, interest expense, other (income) expense net, provision (benefit) for income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We define non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA per credit agreement as net earnings determined in accordance with GAAP for interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and certain charges or credits as permitted by our credit agreements, that were recorded during the periods presented. We define non-GAAP net debt as total debt, finance lease obligations and letters of credit, net of all cash and cash equivalents, as defined in the Third Amended Credit Facility on the balance sheet as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter. We define non-GAAP net leverage ratio as non-GAAP net debt divided by last twelve months non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA per credit agreement. We define non-GAAP free cash flow as net cash provided by or used in operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow is used by investors, financial analysts, rating agencies and management to help evaluate the Company’s ability to generate cash to pursue incremental opportunities aimed toward enhancing shareholder value. We define non-GAAP constant currency net sales as total net sales excluding the effect of foreign exchange rate movements, and we use it to determine the constant currency growth rate on a year-on-year basis. Non-GAAP constant currency revenues are calculated by translating current period revenues using the prior comparative periods’ actual exchange rates, rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the current period. Constant currency net sales growth rate is calculated by determining the difference between current period non-GAAP constant currency net sales and current period reported net sales divided by prior period as reported net sales. Management believes the presentation of these financial measures reflecting these non-GAAP adjustments provides important supplemental information in evaluating the operating results of the Company as distinct from results that include items that are not indicative of ongoing operating results and overall business performance; in particular, those charges that the Company incurs as a result of restructuring activities, impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles and other assets, acquisition activities and those charges and credits that are not directly related to operating unit performance, such as significant legal proceedings, amortization of Alpha and NorthStar related intangible assets and tax valuation allowance changes, including those related to the AHV (Old-Age and Survivors Insurance) Financing (TRAF) in Switzerland. Because these charges are not incurred as a result of ongoing operations, or are incurred as a result of a potential or previous acquisition, they are not as helpful a measure of the performance of our underlying business, particularly in light of their unpredictable nature and are difficult to forecast. Although we exclude the amortization of purchased intangibles from these non-GAAP measures, management believes that it is important for investors to understand that such intangible assets were recorded as part of purchase accounting and contribute to revenue generation.

Income tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments are calculated using the applicable statutory tax rate for the jurisdictions in which the charges (benefits) are incurred, while taking into consideration any valuation allowances. For those items which are non-taxable, the tax expense (benefit) is calculated at 0%.

EnerSys does not provide a quantitative reconciliation of the company’s projected range for adjusted diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 to diluted earnings per share, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, in reliance on the unreasonable efforts exception provided under Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K. EnerSys' adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 excludes certain items, including but not limited to certain non-cash, large and/or unpredictable charges and benefits, charges from restructuring and exit activities, impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles, acquisition and disposition activities, legal judgments, settlements, or other matters, and tax positions, that are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict, can be dependent on future events that are less capable of being controlled or reliably predicted by management and are not part of the Company's routine operating activities can be dependent on future events that are less capable of being controlled or reliably predicted by management and are not part of the Company's routine operating activities. Due to the uncertainty of the occurrence or timing of these future excluded items, management cannot accurately forecast many of these items for internal use and therefore cannot create a quantitative adjusted diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 to diluted earnings per share reconciliation without unreasonable efforts.

These non-GAAP disclosures have limitations as an analytical tool, should not be viewed as a substitute for operating earnings, Net earnings or net income determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results as reported under GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Management believes that this non-GAAP supplemental information will be helpful in understanding the Company's ongoing operating results. This supplemental presentation should not be construed as an inference that the Company's future results will be unaffected by similar adjustments to Net earnings determined in accordance with GAAP.

A reconciliation of non-GAAP net sales and growth rates in constant currency are set forth in the table below, providing a reconciliation of non-GAAP constant currency net sales to the Company’s reported net sales for its business segments.

A reconciliation of non-GAAP adjusted operating earnings is set forth in the table below, providing a reconciliation of non-GAAP adjusted operating earnings to the Company’s reported operating results for its business segments.

Business Segment Operating Results

NM = Not Meaningful

Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Unaudited)

The table below presents a reconciliation of Net Earnings to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

The following table provides the non-GAAP adjustments shown in the reconciliation above:

The table below presents a reconciliation of Operating Cash Flow to Free Cash Flow:

The following table provides a reconciliation of net earnings to EBITDA (non-GAAP) and adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) per credit agreement for March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, in connection with the Third Amended Credit Facility:

Included below is a reconciliation of historical non-GAAP adjusted Net earnings to reported amounts. Non-GAAP adjusted operating earnings and historical Net earnings are calculated excluding restructuring and other highlighted charges and credits. The following tables provide additional information regarding certain non-GAAP measures:

The following table provides the line of business allocation of the non-GAAP adjustments of items relating operating earnings (that are allocated to lines of business) shown in the reconciliation above:

The following table provides the line of business allocation of the non-GAAP adjustments shown in the reconciliation above: