SAN DIEGO, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 first fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2016.

Financial Highlights and Summary


    --  Total net sales for the first quarter were $89.2 million, a decrease of
        4 percent compared to the prior year fiscal quarter.
    --  Translation of the Company's foreign subsidiary results from their
        functional currencies to U.S. dollars had an unfavorable impact on sales
        for the current quarter.  On a constant currency basis total net sales
        for the first quarter would have been $95.1 million, an increase of 3
        percent compared to the prior year fiscal quarter.
    --  Net income for the first quarter was $11.8 million, a decrease of 3
        percent from the prior year fiscal quarter.
    --  Diluted earnings per share were $0.82 compared to $0.83 in the prior
        year fiscal quarter.
    --  Gross margin percentage was 57.2 percent compared to 55.6 percent in the
        prior year fiscal quarter.
    --  Selling, general and administrative expenses were up 4 percent in the
        first quarter to $29.0 million when compared to the prior year fiscal
        quarter.
    --  Advertising and sales promotion expenses were down 15 percent to $4.8
        million compared to the prior year fiscal quarter.

"As a global company that generates nearly 40 percent of its sales in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, foreign currency exchange headwinds continue to have an impact on our reported results," said Garry Ridge, WD-40 Company's president and chief executive officer. "Even though the global nature of our business exposes us to some currency risk, our geographically diversified business also acts as a natural hedge which can cushion us from the impact of localized events. At any given time, depending on what is going on in a particular region, some of our markets will over perform while others may underperform. While we expect we will continue to see fluctuations in the performance of certain markets quarter to quarter, our long-term growth plans remain unchanged," concluded Ridge.

Net Sales by Segment (in thousands):



                    Three Months Ended November 30,
                    -------------------------------

                 2016                       2015     Change
                 ----                       ----     ------

    Americas              $42,840                   $44,412 (4)%

    EMEA                   30,257                    32,086 (6)%

    Asia-Pacific           16,151                    16,024   1%
                           ------                    ------

    Total                 $89,248                   $92,522 (4)%
                          =======                   =======

    --  Net sales by segment as a percent of total net sales for the first
        quarter were as follows: for the Americas, 48 percent; for EMEA, 34
        percent; and for Asia-Pacific, 18 percent.
    --  The decline in net sales in the Americas in the first quarter was
        primarily driven by lower maintenance product sales in the United States
        and Latin America. In the United States, in the comparable period last
        fiscal year, sales were higher than normal due to the initial launch of
        the WD-40 EZ-Reach Flexible Straw product offering.  In Latin America,
        maintenance product sales were lower primarily due to the uncertain
        business climate in Mexico.
    --  The decline in net sales in EMEA in the first quarter was primarily
        driven by unfavorable impacts of foreign currency exchange rates as well
        as decreased sales in the Company's distributor markets in Eastern
        Europe.  Although market conditions have begun to stabilize in Russia,
        sales of maintenance products are down due to the market distributors in
        the region normalizing inventory levels to meet current market needs. On
        a constant currency basis EMEA sales for the first quarter would have
        increased by $4.2 million or 13 percent compared to the prior year
        fiscal year period.
    --  The increase in sales in Asia-Pacific in the first quarter was primarily
        driven by new distribution and increased promotional programs in
        Australia and China.  This sales increase was partially offset by a
        decrease in sales in the Company's Asian distributor markets due to the
        timing of promotional activities and customer orders. Maintenance
        product sales were lower in the Asian distributor markets in the first
        quarter due to certain customers buying product in advance of a price
        increase that took place at the end of the first quarter of fiscal year
        2016.

Net Sales by Product Group (in thousands):



                             Three Months Ended November 30,
                             -------------------------------

                          2016                       2015     Change
                          ----                       ----     ------

    Maintenance products           $79,159                   $82,241 (4)%

    Homecare and cleaning
     products                       10,089                    10,281 (2)%
                                    ------                    ------

    Total                          $89,248                   $92,522 (4)%
                                   =======                   =======

    --  Net sales of maintenance products, which are considered the primary
        growth focus for the Company, decreased 4 percent in the first quarter
        when compared to the prior fiscal quarter period.  The decline in the
        first quarter was driven primarily by the unfavorable impact of foreign
        currency exchange rates, the timing of orders and promotional
        activities.
    --  Net sales of homecare and cleaning products decreased 2 percent for the
        first quarter compared to the prior fiscal year period. The homecare and
        cleaning products, particularly those in the U.S., are considered
        harvest brands providing healthy profit returns to the Company but are
        becoming a smaller part of the business as net sales of maintenance
        products grow per the execution of the Company's strategic initiatives.

Dividend and Share Repurchase
As previously announced, WD-40 Company's board of directors declared on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 a quarterly dividend of $0.49 per share reflecting an increase of 17 percent over the previous quarter's dividend. The quarterly dividend is payable on January 31, 2017 to stockholders of record at the close of business on January 20, 2017.

On June 21, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors approved a share buy-back plan. Under the plan, which became effective on September 1, 2016, the Company is authorized to acquire up to $75.0 million of its outstanding shares through August 31, 2018. 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 and in compliance with all laws and regulations applicable thereto. During the period from September 1, 2016 through November 30, 2016, the Company repurchased 112,701 shares at a total cost of $12.2 million under this $75.0 million plan.

Fiscal Year 2017 Guidance
The Company reaffirmed its guidance for fiscal year 2017 as follows:


    --  Net sales growth is projected to be between 4 and 6 percent with net
        sales expected to be between $395 million and $404 million.
    --  Gross margin percentage for the full year is expected to be near 56
        percent.
    --  Advertising and promotion investments are projected to be near 6.0
        percent of net sales.
    --  Net income is projected to be between $51.3 million and $52.3 million.
    --  Diluted earnings per share is expected to be between $3.64 and $3.71
        based on an estimated 14.1 million weighted average shares outstanding.

This guidance does not include any future acquisitions or divestitures and assumes that foreign currency exchange rates and crude oil prices will remain close to current levels for the remainder of fiscal year 2017.

Webcast Information
As previously announced, WD-40 Company management will host a live webcast at approximately 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT 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 markets its maintenance products and homecare and cleaning products under the following well-known brands: WD-40(R), 3-IN-ONE(R), GT85(R), X-14(R), 2000 Flushes(R), Carpet Fresh(R), no vac(R), Spot Shot(R), 1001(R), Lava(R) and Solvol(R).

Headquartered in San Diego, WD-40 Company recorded net sales of $381 million in fiscal year 2016 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.

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; 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; and forecasted foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our forward-looking statements are generally identified with words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "plan," "could," "may," "aim," "anticipate," "estimate" and similar expressions.

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.

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, 2016, and in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended November 30, 2016 which the Company expects to file with the SEC on January 9, 2016.

All forward-looking statements included in this press release should be considered in the context of these risks. All forward-looking statements speak only as of January 9, 2016, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investors and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements.



    Table Notes and General Definitions

    (1)              The Company markets maintenance
                     products under the WD-40(R),
                     GT85(R) and 3-IN-ONE(R) brand
                     names. Currently included in the
                     WD-40 brand are the WD-40
                     Multi-Use Product and the WD-40
                     Specialist(R) and WD-40 BIKE(R)
                     product lines.

    (2)              The Company markets the following
                     homecare and cleaning brands:  X-
                     14(R) mildew stain remover and
                     automatic toilet bowl cleaners,
                     2000 Flushes(R) automatic toilet
                     bowl cleaners, Carpet Fresh(R)
                     and no vac(R) rug and room
                     deodorizers, Spot Shot(R) aerosol
                     and liquid carpet stain removers,
                     1001(R) household cleaners and
                     rug and room deodorizers and
                     Lava(R) and Solvol(R) 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)              Constant currency represents the
                     translation of the current
                     quarter and year-to-date
                     results from the functional
                     currencies of the Company's
                     subsidiaries to U.S. dollars
                     using the exchange rate in effect
                     for the corresponding periods of
                     the prior fiscal year.


                                                                      WD-40 COMPANY

                                                          CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                            (Unaudited and in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


                                                                          November 30,                      August 31,

                                                                                        2016                       2016
                                                                                        ----                       ----

    Assets

    Current assets:

    Cash and cash equivalents                                                                     $33,482                              $50,891

    Short-term investments                                                                       67,339                               57,633

    Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
     accounts of $242 and $394 at November 30, 2016 and August
     31, 2016, respectively                                                                      55,851                               64,680

    Inventories                                                                                  34,206                               31,793

    Other current assets                                                                          3,641                                4,475
                                                                                                  -----                                -----

    Total current assets                                                                        194,519                              209,472

    Property and equipment, net                                                                  22,016                               11,545

    Goodwill                                                                                     95,432                               95,649

    Other intangible assets, net                                                                 18,263                               19,191

    Deferred tax assets, net                                                                        608                                  621

    Other assets                                                                                  2,817                                3,190
                                                                                                  -----                                -----

    Total assets                                                                                 $333,655                             $339,668
                                                                                                 ========                             ========


    Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

    Current liabilities:

    Accounts payable                                                                              $18,131                              $18,690

    Accrued liabilities                                                                          15,889                               15,757

    Accrued payroll and related expenses                                                         13,363                               20,866

    Revolving credit facility, current                                                           12,354                                    -

    Income taxes payable                                                                          4,295                                3,381
                                                                                                  -----                                -----

    Total current liabilities                                                                    64,032                               58,694

    Revolving credit facility                                                                   122,000                              122,000

    Deferred tax liabilities, net                                                                16,521                               16,365

    Other long-term liabilities                                                                   2,655                                2,214
                                                                                                  -----                                -----

    Total liabilities                                                                           205,208                              199,273
                                                                                                -------                              -------


    Commitments and Contingencies


    Shareholders' equity:

    Common stock     authorized 36,000,000 shares, $0.001 par
     value; 19,653,335 and 19,621,820 shares issued at November
     30, 2016 and August 31, 2016, respectively; and 14,127,152
     and 14,208,338 shares outstanding at November 30, 2016 and
     August 31, 2016, respectively

                                                                                          20                                    20

    Additional paid-in capital                                                                  146,498                              145,936

    Retained earnings                                                                           295,402                              289,642

    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)                                              (33,412)                            (27,298)

    Common stock held in treasury, at cost     5,526,183 and
     5,413,482 shares at November 30, 2016 and August 31, 2016,
     respectively

                                                                                   (280,061)                            (267,905)
                                                                                    --------                              --------

    Total shareholders' equity                                                                  128,447                              140,395
                                                                                                -------                              -------

    Total liabilities and
     shareholders' equity                                                                        $333,655                             $339,668
                                                                                                 ========                             ========




                                                         WD-40 COMPANY

                                        CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                                     (Unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts)


                                                     Three Months Ended November 30,
                                                     -------------------------------

                                                                       2016                 2015
                                                                       ----                 ----


    Net sales                                                                  $89,248            $92,522

    Cost of products sold                                                     38,208             41,114
                                                                              ------             ------

    Gross profit                                                              51,040             51,408
                                                                              ------             ------


    Operating expenses:

    Selling, general and administrative                                       28,991             27,848

    Advertising and sales promotion                                            4,812              5,660

    Amortization of definite-lived
     intangible assets                                                           721                755
                                                                                 ---                ---

    Total operating expenses                                                  34,524             34,263
                                                                              ------             ------


    Income from operations                                                    16,516             17,145


    Other income (expense):

    Interest income                                                              147                148

    Interest expense                                                           (531)             (372)

    Other income (expense), net                                                  264               (51)
                                                                                 ---                ---

    Income before income taxes                                                16,396             16,870

    Provision for income taxes                                                 4,638              4,808
                                                                               -----              -----

    Net income                                                                 $11,758            $12,062
                                                                               =======            =======


    Earnings per common share:

    Basic                                                                        $0.82              $0.83
                                                                                 =====              =====

    Diluted                                                                      $0.82              $0.83
                                                                                 =====              =====


    Shares used in per share
     calculations:

    Basic                                                                     14,180             14,404
                                                                              ======             ======

    Diluted                                                                   14,221             14,461
                                                                              ======             ======

    Dividends
     declared
     per
     common
     share                                                                       $0.42              $0.38
                                                                                 =====              =====


                                                                                   WD-40 COMPANY

                                                                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                                                            (Unaudited and in thousands)


                                                                                      Three Months Ended November 30,
                                                                                      -------------------------------

                                                                                                            2016             2015
                                                                                                            ----             ----

    Operating activities:

    Net income                                                                                                       $11,758         $12,062

    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
     activities:

    Depreciation and amortization                                                                                    1,620           1,661

    Net gains on sales and disposals of property and equipment                                                        (54)            (3)

    Deferred income taxes                                                                                            (405)              3

    Excess tax benefits from settlements of stock-based equity awards                                                (435)        (1,390)

    Stock-based compensation                                                                                         1,622             633

    Unrealized foreign currency exchange losses, net                                                                 1,075             360

    Provision for bad debts                                                                                          (120)             78

    Changes in assets and liabilities:

    Trade and other accounts receivable                                                                              6,357             430

    Inventories                                                                                                    (2,876)        (3,730)

    Other assets                                                                                                     1,070           1,688

    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                                                                           203           3,617

    Accrued payroll and related expenses                                                                           (8,886)        (3,187)

    Income taxes payable                                                                                             2,619           2,403

    Other long-term liabilities                                                                                       (45)             20
                                                                                                                       ---             ---

    Net cash provided by operating activities                                                                       13,503          14,645
                                                                                                                    ------          ------


    Investing activities:

    Purchases of property and equipment                                                                           (11,603)          (448)

    Proceeds from sales of property and equipment                                                                      162               -

    Purchases of short-term investments                                                                           (16,997)        (2,933)

    Maturities of short-term investments                                                                             4,548           2,846
                                                                                                                     -----           -----

    Net cash used in investing activities                                                                         (23,890)          (535)
                                                                                                                   -------            ----


    Financing activities:

    Treasury stock purchases                                                                                      (12,156)        (8,075)

    Dividends paid                                                                                                 (5,998)        (5,500)

    Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                                                             197             421

    Excess tax benefits from settlements of stock-based equity awards                                                  435           1,390

    Net proceeds from revolving credit facility                                                                     12,354          10,000
                                                                                                                    ------          ------

      Net cash used in financing activities                                                                        (5,168)        (1,764)
                                                                                                                    ------          ------

    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents                                                   (1,854)        (1,171)
                                                                                                                    ------          ------

    Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents                                                          (17,409)         11,175

    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                                                50,891          53,896
                                                                                                                    ------          ------

    Cash and cash equivalents at end of
     period                                                                                                          $33,482         $65,071
                                                                                                                     =======         =======

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