Allison Transmission Announces Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. (ALSN) reports record full-year net sales of $3.04 billion, up 10% from 2022, and a record full-year diluted EPS of $7.40, up 34% from 2022. The company also achieved record fourth-quarter net sales of $775 million, up 8% year over year, and a fourth-quarter diluted EPS of $1.91, up 26% year over year.

Positive

• Record full-year net sales and diluted EPS show significant growth compared to the previous year.
• Strong demand in key end markets drove the company's performance, resulting in a record year.
• Increase in net sales across various end markets, including North America On-Highway, Service Parts, Support Equipment and Other, Defense, and Outside North America On-Highway.
• Improved financial metrics such as net income, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted free cash flow demonstrate the company's operational efficiency and financial strength.
• Guidance for 2024 indicates continued growth in net sales, net income, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow, reflecting positive outlook for the future.
• Efforts in capital allocation, including dividend increases and share repurchases, contributed to enhancing shareholder value.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The reported increase in net sales and diluted EPS for Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. highlights a robust financial performance, signaling strong demand in the company's largest end markets. The significant growth in the North America On-Highway and Defense end markets, as well as the Service Parts, Support Equipment and Other end market, indicates a healthy industry demand, particularly for Class 8 vocational and medium-duty trucks, as well as for military vehicle applications.

The EBITDA margin expansion and Adjusted Free Cash Flow growth reflect efficient operational management and an effective capital allocation strategy, as evidenced by the increase in dividends and substantial stock repurchases. This financial discipline enhances shareholder value and suggests a solid balance sheet. The company's guidance for another record revenue year in 2024 further underlines its confidence in sustained demand and successful investment realization.

Market Research Analyst

Allison Transmission's significant sales growth in the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions, particularly in the vocational truck segment, indicates a successful expansion strategy and diversification of the company's global footprint. The consistent execution of growth initiatives in these regions may offer a competitive edge and reduce dependence on the North American markets.

The reported increase in sales in the service parts and support equipment end market suggests a growing after-market business, which often provides higher margins and stable revenue streams. This trend is important as it may cushion the company against cyclical downturns in new equipment sales.

Economist

The reported financial results by Allison Transmission reflect broader economic trends, such as increased infrastructure spending and expansion of the defense budget, which are likely driving demand for vocational and medium-duty trucks as well as military vehicles. The company's performance can be seen as an indicator of economic activity in sectors like construction, transportation and defense.

However, the increase in direct material costs, which partially offset the gross profit, raises concerns about inflationary pressures and supply chain challenges. It will be crucial to monitor how these factors affect the company's margins in the long term, especially in an environment where interest rate changes are influencing capital expenditure decisions.

• Record Full Year Net Sales of $3,035 million, up 10% from 2022
• Record Full Year Diluted EPS of $7.40, up 34% from 2022
• Record Fourth Quarter Net Sales of $775 million, up 8% year over year
• Fourth Quarter Diluted EPS of $1.91, up 26% year over year

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ALSN) today reported an 8 percent increase in fourth quarter net sales from the same period in 2022, propelling full year net sales to a record $3.04 billion. Diluted EPS for the year increased 34 percent from 2022 to a record $7.40.

David S. Graziosi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Allison Transmission commented, “Allison’s fourth quarter marks the highest fourth quarter revenue in our history, leading to a record year driven by strong demand in our largest end markets, and the dedication from our team to realize growth objectives. Our commitment to operating performance was demonstrated by 2023 year over year EBITDA margin expansion of 180 basis points and Adjusted Free Cash Flow growth of 37 percent.”

Graziosi continued, “Throughout the year, we maintained our well-defined approach to capital allocation by increasing our dividend for the fourth consecutive year and repurchasing over $260 million of our common stock, representing nearly 6 percent of outstanding shares. Through increased earnings and reduction in share count, we are pleased to report record full year Diluted EPS of $7.40 per share. As a result of resilient demand in our largest end markets, at the midpoint we are guiding to another record revenue year for 2024 as we continue to realize our investments and expand our addressable markets.”

Full Year and Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights

Net sales for the year were $3,035 million. Record annual results are attributed to:

• A 13 percent increase in net sales in the North America On-Highway end market principally driven by strength in customer demand for Class 8 vocational and medium-duty trucks,
• An 18 percent increase in net sales in the Service Parts, Support Equipment and Other end market, leading to record full year net sales of $696 million, principally driven by higher demand for global service parts, support equipment and aluminum die cast components and price increases on certain products,
• A 14 percent increase in net sales in the Defense end market principally driven by increased demand for Wheeled and Tracked vehicle applications, and
• Record net sales of $477 million in the Outside North America On-Highway end market, driven by the continued execution of our growth initiatives, including a 21 percent increase in Europe, Middle East and Africa net sales, led by strong sales in vocational truck.

Net income for the year was $673 million. Diluted EPS for the year was $7.40. Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the year was $1,108 million. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year was $784 million. Adjusted free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the year was $659 million.

Net sales for the quarter were $775 million. Year over year results were led by:

• A 14 percent increase in net sales in the North America On-Highway end market principally driven by continued strength in customer demand for Class 8 vocational and medium-duty trucks,
• A 34 percent increase in net sales in the Defense end market principally driven by increased demand for Tracked and Wheeled vehicle applications, and
• A 31 percent increase in net sales in the Outside North America Off-Highway end market principally driven by higher demand in the mining sector.

Net income for the quarter was $170 million. Diluted EPS for the quarter was $1.91. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $277 million. Net cash provided by operating activities for the quarter was $238 million. Adjusted free cash flow for the quarter was $186 million.

Full Year and Fourth Quarter Net Sales by End Market
End Market	2023 Net Sales ($M)	Year over Year $ Variance	Q4 2023 Net Sales ($M)	Year over Year $ Variance
North America On-Highway	$1,529	$170	$380	$47
North America Off-Highway	$63	($23)	$5	($19)
Defense	$166	$20	$63	$16
Outside North America On-Highway	$477	$14	$128	($3)
Outside North America Off-Highway	$104	($23)	$38	$9
Service Parts, Support Equipment & Other	$696	$108	$161	$7
Total Net Sales	$3,035	$266	$775	$57

Fourth Quarter Financial Results

Gross profit for the quarter was $371 million, an increase of 10 percent from $338 million for the same period in 2022. The increase in gross profit was principally driven by increased net sales and price increases on certain products partially offset by higher direct material costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter were $92 million, a decrease of $5 million from $97 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease was principally driven by lower product warranty expense partially offset by higher commercial activities spending.

Engineering – research and development expenses for the quarter were $54 million, an increase of $5 million from $49 million for the same period in 2022. The increase was principally driven by increased product initiatives spending.

Net income for the quarter was $170 million, an increase of $29 million from $141 million for the same period in 2022. The increase was principally driven by higher gross profit.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $238 million, an increase of $14 million from $224 million for the same period in 2022. The increase was principally driven by higher gross profit and lower operating working capital funding requirements.

Fourth Quarter Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $277 million, an increase of $32 million from $245 million for the same period in 2022. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was principally driven by higher gross profit.

Adjusted free cash flow for the quarter was $186 million, an increase of $54 million from $132 million for the same period in 2022. The increase was driven by lower capital expenditures, higher gross profit and lower operating working capital funding requirements.

Full Year 2024 Guidance

Allison expects 2024 Net Sales in the range of $3,050 to $3,150 million, Net Income in the range of $635 to $685 million, Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $1,070 to $1,130 million, Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities in the range of $700 to $760 million, Capital Expenditures in the range of $125 to $135 million, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow in the range of $575 to $625 million.

Conference Call and Webcast

The company will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 to discuss its fourth quarter 2023 results. The dial-in phone number for the conference call is +1-877-425-9470 and the international dial-in number is +1-201-389-0878. A live webcast of the conference call will also be available online at http://ir.allisontransmission.com.

For those unable to participate in the conference call, a replay will be available from 9:00 p.m. ET on February 13 until 11:59 p.m. ET on February 27. The replay dial-in phone number is +1-844-512-2921 and the international replay dial-in number is +1-412-317-6671. The replay passcode is 13743601.

About Allison Transmission

Allison Transmission (NYSE: ALSN) is a leading designer and manufacturer of propulsion solutions for commercial and defense vehicles and the largest global manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions that Improve the Way the World Works. Allison products are used in a wide variety of applications, including on-highway trucks (distribution, refuse, construction, fire and emergency), buses (school, transit and coach), motorhomes, off-highway vehicles and equipment (energy, mining and construction applications) and defense vehicles (tactical wheeled and tracked). Founded in 1915, the company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. With a presence in more than 150 countries, Allison has regional headquarters in the Netherlands, China and Brazil, manufacturing facilities in the USA, Hungary and India, as well as global engineering resources, including electrification engineering centers in Indianapolis, Indiana, Auburn Hills, Michigan and London in the United Kingdom. Allison also has more than 1,600 independent distributor and dealer locations worldwide. For more information, visit allisontransmission.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate” and other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and trends and that do not relate to historical matters identify forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements reflect management’s good faith beliefs, reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: our participation in markets that are competitive; our ability to prepare for, respond to and successfully achieve our objectives relating to technological and market developments, competitive threats and changing customer needs, including with respect to electric hybrid and fully electric commercial vehicles; increases in cost, disruption of supply or shortage of labor, freight, raw materials, energy or components used to manufacture or transport our products or those of our customers or suppliers, including as a result of geopolitical risks, wars and pandemics; global economic volatility; general economic and industry conditions, including the risk of recession; labor strikes, work stoppages or similar labor disputes, which could significantly disrupt our operations or those of our principal customers or suppliers; the duration and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, including new variants of the virus and the pace and availability of vaccines and boosters, mitigating efforts deployed by government agencies and the public at large, and the overall impact from such outbreak on economic conditions, financial market volatility and our business, including but not limited to the operations of our manufacturing and other facilities, the availability of labor, our supply chain, our distribution processes and demand for our products and the corresponding impacts to our net sales and cash flow; the highly cyclical industries in which certain of our end users operate; uncertainty in the global regulatory and business environments in which we operate; the concentration of our net sales in our top five customers and the loss of any one of these; the failure of markets outside North America to increase adoption of fully automatic transmissions; the success of our research and development efforts, the outcome of which is uncertain; U.S. and foreign defense spending; risks associated with our international operations, including acts of war and increased trade protectionism; the discovery of defects in our products, resulting in delays in new model launches, recall campaigns and/or increased warranty costs and reduction in future sales or damage to our brand and reputation; our ability to identify, consummate and effectively integrate acquisitions and collaborations; risks related to our indebtedness; and other risks and uncertainties associated with our business described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Although we believe the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. All information is as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in expectations and risks related to our indebtedness.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains information about Allison’s financial results and forward-looking estimates of financial results which are not presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). Such non-GAAP financial measures are reconciled to their closest GAAP financial measures at the end of this press release. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for our reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP and, as calculated, may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

We use Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of net sales to measure our operating profitability. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of net sales provide management, investors and creditors with useful measures of the operational results of our business and increase the period-to-period comparability of our operating profitability and comparability with other companies. Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of net sales is also used in the calculation of management’s incentive compensation program. The most directly comparable GAAP measure to Adjusted EBITDA is Net income. The most directly comparable GAAP measure to Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of net sales is Net Income as a percent of net sales. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as the earnings before interest expense, net, income tax expense, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of property, plant and equipment and other adjustments as defined by Allison Transmission, Inc.’s, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of net sales is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales.

We use Adjusted Free Cash Flow to evaluate the amount of cash generated by our business that, after the capital investment needed to maintain and grow our business and certain mandatory debt service requirements, can be used for the repayment of debt, stockholder distributions and strategic opportunities, including investing in our business. We believe that Adjusted Free Cash Flow enhances the understanding of the cash flows of our business for management, investors and creditors. Adjusted Free Cash Flow is also used in the calculation of management’s incentive compensation program. The most directly comparable GAAP measure to Adjusted Free Cash Flow is Net cash provided by operating activities. Adjusted Free Cash Flow is calculated as Net cash provided by operating activities, after additions of long-lived assets.

Attachments

• Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
• Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
• Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
• Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
• Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for Full Year Guidance

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited, dollars in millions, except per share data)
	Three months ended December 31,						Year ended December 31,
	2023			2022			2023			2022
Net sales	$	775		$	718		$	3,035		$	2,769
Cost of sales		404			380			1,565			1,472
Gross profit		371			338			1,470			1,297
Selling, general and administrative		92			97			357			328
Engineering - research and development		54			49			194			185
Operating income		225			192			919			784
Interest expense, net		(24)			(30)			(107)			(118)
Other income (expense), net		5			7			15			(21)
Income before income taxes		206			169			827			645
Income tax expense		(36)			(28)			(154)			(114)
Net income	$	170		$	141		$	673		$	531
Basic earnings per share attributable to common stockholders	$	1.91		$	1.52		$	7.48		$	5.53
Diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders	$	1.91		$	1.52		$	7.40		$	5.53

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited, dollars in millions)
	December 31,			December 31,
	2023			2022
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	555		$	232
Accounts receivable, net		356			363
Inventories		276			224
Other current assets		63			47
Total Current Assets		1,250			866
Property, plant and equipment, net		774			763
Intangible assets, net		833			878
Goodwill		2,076			2,075
Other non-current assets		92			89
TOTAL ASSETS	$	5,025		$	4,671
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	210		$	195
Product warranty liability		32			33
Current portion of long-term debt		6			6
Deferred revenue		41			38
Other current liabilities		212			208
Total Current Liabilities		501			480
Product warranty liability		27			24
Deferred revenue		89			93
Long-term debt		2,497			2,501
Deferred income taxes		519			536
Other non-current liabilities		159			163
TOTAL LIABILITIES		3,792			3,797
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY		1,233			874
TOTAL LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$	5,025		$	4,671

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited, dollars in millions)
		Three months ended December 31,						Year ended December 31,
		2023			2022			2023			2022
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	238		$	224		$	784		$	657
Net cash used for investing activities (a) (b)			(58)			(90)			(129)			(183)
Net cash used for financing activities			(127)			(82)			(332)			(367)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash			1			-			-			(2)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			54			52			323			105
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			501			180			232			127
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	555		$	232		$	555		$	232
Supplemental disclosures:
Income taxes paid		$	(30)		$	(17)		$	(194)		$	(102)
Interest paid		$	(36)		$	(33)		$	(131)		$	(117)
Interest received from interest rate swaps		$	4		$	1		$	12		$	1
(a) Additions of long-lived assets		$	(52)		$	(92)		$	(125)		$	(167)
(b) Business acquisitions		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	(23)

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Unaudited, dollars in millions)
	Three months ended						Year ended
	December 31,						December 31,
	2023			2022			2023			2022
Net income (GAAP)	$	170		$	141		$	673		$	531
plus:
Income tax expense		36			28			154			114
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		28			27			109			109
Interest expense, net		24			30			107			118
Amortization of intangible assets		12			11			45			46
Stock-based compensation expense (a)		5			4			22			18
Technology-related investments gain (b)		-			-			(3)			(6)
Unrealized loss on marketable securities (c)		2			2			1			22
Unrealized loss on foreign exchange (d)		-			1			-			6
Acquisition-related earnouts (e)		-			-			-			2
Pension curtailment (f)		-			1			-			1
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)	$	277		$	245		$	1,108		$	961
Net sales (GAAP)	$	775		$	718		$	3,035		$	2,769
Net income as a percent of net sales (GAAP)		21.9%			19.6%			22.2%			19.2%
Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of net sales (Non-GAAP)		35.7%			34.1%			36.5%			34.7%
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)	$	238		$	224		$	784		$	657
Deductions to Reconcile to Adjusted Free Cash Flow:
Additions of long-lived assets		(52)			(92)			(125)			(167)
Adjusted free cash flow (Non-GAAP)	$	186		$	132		$	659		$	490
(a) Represents stock-based compensation expense (recorded in Cost of sales, Selling, general and administrative, and Engineering – research and development).
(b) Represents gains (recorded in Other income (expense), net) related to investments in co-development agreements to expand our position in propulsion solution technologies.
(c) Represents losses (recorded in Other income (expense), net) related to an investment in the common stock of Jing-Jin Electric Technologies Co. Ltd.
(d) Represents losses (recorded in Other income (expense), net) on intercompany financing transactions for our India facility.
(e) Represents expenses (recorded in Selling, general and administrative, Engineering - research and development) for earnouts related to our acquisition of Vantage Power Limited.
(f) Represents a curtailment loss (recorded in Selling, general and administrative) for our European subsidiary's defined benefit pension plan.

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for Full Year Guidance
(Unaudited, dollars in millions)
	Guidance
	Year Ending December 31, 2024
	Low			High
Net Income (GAAP)	$	635		$	685
plus:
Income tax expense		170			180
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		112			112
Interest expense, net		104			104
Stock-based compensation expense (a)		25			25
UAW Local 933 contract signing incentives (b)		14			14
Amortization of intangible assets		10			10
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)	$	1,070		$	1,130
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities (GAAP)	$	700		$	760
Deductions to Reconcile to Adjusted Free Cash Flow:
Additions of long-lived assets	$	(125)		$	(135)
Adjusted Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP)	$	575		$	625
(a) Represents stock-based compensation expense (recorded in Cost of sales, Selling, general and administrative, and Engineering – research and development).
(b) Represents charges (recorded in Cost of sales, Selling, general and administrative, and Engineering – research and development) for incentive payments to eligible employees recorded in the first quarter of 2024 as a result of UAW Local 933 represented employees ratifying a four-year collective bargaining agreement effective through November 2027.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240213204721/en/

Jackie Bolles

Executive Director, Treasury and Investor Relations

ir@allisontransmission.com

(317) 242-7073



Claire Gregory

Director, Global External Communications

claire.gregory@allisontransmission.com

(317) 694-2065

Source: Allison Transmission Holdings Inc.

FAQ

What were Allison Transmission Holdings Inc.'s (ALSN) full-year net sales for 2023?

Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. reported full-year net sales of $3.04 billion for 2023, representing a 10% increase from 2022.

How much was the record full-year diluted EPS for Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. (ALSN) in 2023?

The record full-year diluted EPS for Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. in 2023 was $7.40, showing a 34% increase from 2022.

What were the fourth-quarter net sales for Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. (ALSN) in 2023?

Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. reported fourth-quarter net sales of $775 million in 2023, marking an 8% increase year over year.

What was the fourth-quarter diluted EPS for Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. (ALSN) in 2023?

The fourth-quarter diluted EPS for Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. in 2023 was $1.91, reflecting a 26% increase year over year.

What were the key factors contributing to the record full-year net sales for Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. (ALSN) in 2023?

Key factors contributing to the record full-year net sales for Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. in 2023 included increased demand in various end markets such as North America On-Highway, Service Parts, Support Equipment and Other, Defense, and Outside North America On-Highway.

What financial metrics improved for Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. (ALSN) in 2023?

Financial metrics that improved for Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. in 2023 included net income, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted free cash flow, showcasing the company's operational efficiency and financial strength.

What does the guidance for 2024 suggest for Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. (ALSN)?

The guidance for 2024 indicates continued growth in net sales, net income, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow for Allison Transmission Holdings Inc., reflecting a positive outlook for the future.

What efforts in capital allocation did Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. (ALSN) undertake in 2023?

In 2023, Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. focused on capital allocation strategies, including dividend increases and share repurchases, to enhance shareholder value.