H.B. Fuller Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

H.B. Fuller Company (NYSE: FUL) reported Q4 diluted EPS of $0.80, adjusted EPS of $1.32, up 27% year-on-year. Achieved a new record for Q4 and fiscal year adjusted EBITDA margin. Q4 adjusted EBITDA up 22%, and adjusted EBITDA margin up 440 basis points. FY 2023 cash flow from operations increased 48% year-on-year to $378 million. Net revenue was $903 million, down 5.8% year-on-year, but up 1.2% on a 13-week comparable basis. Organic revenue decreased 3.5% year-on-year. Gross margin was 30.3%; adjusted gross margin of 31.3% increased 510 basis points year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA was $173 million, up 22% year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 440 basis points year-on-year to 19.1%. Net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio declined sequentially from 3.3X to 2.9X. Fiscal Year 2024 Outlook: Net revenue growth for fiscal 2024 is expected to be in the range of up 2% to 6% with organic revenue flat to up 3% versus fiscal 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2024 is expected to be in the range of $610 million to $640 million. Adjusted EPS (diluted) is expected to be in the range of $4.15 to $4.45, equating to a range of up 7% to 15% year-on-year.

Positive

• Achieved a new record for Q4 and fiscal year adjusted EBITDA margin
• Q4 adjusted EBITDA up 22%, and adjusted EBITDA margin up 440 basis points
• FY 2023 cash flow from operations increased 48% year-on-year to $378 million
• Adjusted gross margin of 31.3% increased 510 basis points year-on-year
• Adjusted EBITDA was $173 million, up 22% year-on-year
• Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 440 basis points year-on-year to 19.1%
• Net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio declined sequentially from 3.3X to 2.9X
• Fiscal Year 2024 Outlook: Net revenue growth for fiscal 2024 is expected to be in the range of up 2% to 6% with organic revenue flat to up 3% versus fiscal 2023
• Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2024 is expected to be in the range of $610 million to $640 million
• Adjusted EPS (diluted) is expected to be in the range of $4.15 to $4.45, equating to a range of up 7% to 15% year-on-year

Negative

• Net revenue was $903 million, down 5.8% year-on-year
• Organic revenue decreased 3.5% year-on-year
• Net income was $45 million
• Reported EPS (diluted) was $0.80
• Net revenue was $3.51 billion, down 6.4% year-on-year
• Organic revenue decreased 5.5% year-on-year

Insights

Financial Analyst

The recent financial results reported by H.B. Fuller Company indicate a robust performance in terms of earnings growth and margin expansion. The 27% year-on-year increase in adjusted EPS and the 22% rise in adjusted EBITDA underscore operational efficiency and effective cost management strategies. The expansion of the adjusted EBITDA margin by 440 basis points is particularly noteworthy, suggesting a significant improvement in profitability. This could be indicative of the company's ability to leverage pricing and cost actions to enhance margins despite a decrease in net revenue.

From an investor's standpoint, the decrease in the net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio from 3.3X to 2.9X is a positive signal of the company's improving financial health and its potential to service debt. Moreover, the cash flow from operations surge by 48% indicates strong liquidity, which could be allocated towards strategic investments or returning value to shareholders. However, it's worth noting that the reported decrease in organic revenue could raise concerns about the company's volume growth and market demand dynamics.

Market Research Analyst

Despite the reported decline in net revenue, H.B. Fuller's performance in the fourth quarter shows resilience in the face of market challenges, such as customer destocking. The company's focus on high-margin, high-growth market segments and its strategic capital allocation suggest a proactive approach to driving long-term profitability. This strategic shift towards specialized market segments is aligned with current industry trends, where companies seek to differentiate through innovation and customization.

Looking at the broader market implications, H.B. Fuller's confidence in achieving an adjusted EBITDA margin greater than 20 percent within the next 3 to 5 years sets an ambitious target that may influence competitive dynamics. If successful, this could potentially lead to increased market share and investor confidence. However, the company's future performance will likely depend on its ability to maintain cost efficiencies, manage raw material price fluctuations and capitalize on its innovation leadership.

Economist

The fiscal results and outlook of H.B. Fuller reflect broader economic trends, such as inflationary pressures and the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. The company's ability to navigate these challenges and still report increased profitability and cash flow is a testament to its strategic planning and operational agility. The proactive measures taken in response to customer destocking—a phenomenon that can be linked to economic cycles—demonstrate the company's adaptability to market conditions.

Furthermore, the forecasted growth in adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2024, despite expected lower pricing, could suggest an anticipation of economic stabilization or recovery. The emphasis on capital efficiency and the projected range of net revenue growth align with a cautious yet optimistic economic outlook. The company's performance and strategic direction could serve as an indicator for the health of the industrial adhesives market and its correlation with the overall manufacturing sector.

Q4 Reported EPS (diluted) of $0.80; Adjusted EPS (diluted) of $1.32, up 27% year-on-year

Company achieves new record for Q4 and fiscal year adjusted EBITDA margin

Q4 Adjusted EBITDA up 22% and Adjusted EBITDA margin up 440 basis points versus Q4 2022

FY 2023 cash flow from operations increased 48% year-on-year to $378 million

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- H.B. Fuller Company (NYSE: FUL) today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year that ended December 2, 2023.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Noteworthy Items:

• Achieved strong profit growth and record fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA margin on exceptional execution and proactive response to significant customer destocking activity throughout the year;
• Net revenue was $903 million, down 5.8% year-on-year; net revenue was up 1.2% year-on-year on a 13-week comparable basis; organic revenue decreased 3.5% year-on-year, driven by slightly lower pricing and volume;
• Gross margin was 30.3%; adjusted gross margin of 31.3% increased 510 basis points year-on-year, driven by pricing and raw material cost actions and restructuring benefits;
• Net income was $45 million; adjusted EBITDA was $173 million, up 22% year-on-year, and adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 440 basis points year-on-year to 19.1%;
• Reported EPS (diluted) was $0.80; adjusted EPS (diluted) was $1.32, up 27% versus the prior year, driven by strong operating income growth;
• Net working capital, as a percentage of annualized net revenue, decreased 200 basis points sequentially from 18.1% in the third quarter to 16.1% in the fourth quarter;
• Net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio declined sequentially from 3.3X to 2.9X driven both by lower net debt and growth in adjusted EBITDA.

Summary of Fourth Quarter 2023 Results:

The Company’s net revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 was $903 million, down 5.8% versus the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. Organic revenue declined 3.5% year-on-year, with pricing adjustments reducing organic revenue by 3.4% and volume reducing organic revenue by 0.1%. Foreign currency translation increased net revenue by 0.3%, acquisitions increased net revenue by 4.4%, and the impact of one less week during the fourth quarter reduced net revenue by 7.0%. Net revenue increased 1.2% year-on-year on a comparable 13-week basis in the fourth quarter.

Gross profit in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 was $274 million. Adjusted gross profit was $283 million. Adjusted gross profit margin of 31.3% increased 510 basis points year-on-year. Pricing and raw material cost actions, restructuring benefits and general cost reductions drove the increase in adjusted gross margin year-on-year.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense was $160 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 and adjusted SG&A was $156 million, effectively flat year-on-year. Continued cost management and additional restructuring benefits offset inflation in wages and services and the incremental SG&A costs associated with acquisitions completed over the previous year.

Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 was $45 million, or $0.80 per diluted share. Adjusted net income attributable to H.B. Fuller for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 was $74 million. Adjusted EPS was $1.32 per diluted share, up 27% year-on-year driven by strong operating income growth.

Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 was $173 million, up 22.4% year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 440 basis points year-on-year to 19.1%, driven by the balance of raw material and price movements versus the prior year’s fourth quarter, as well as restructuring savings. This year’s fourth quarter had one less week versus the prior year’s fourth quarter and this unfavorably impacted adjusted EBITDA growth by approximately $10 million.

“I am proud of our leaders for exceptional execution throughout the year, as evidenced by strong profit growth and record margins. Across the organization, our teams proactively managed the changing price and raw material dynamics successfully and implemented decisive restructuring measures in the face of unprecedented customer destocking, which we believe is largely behind us, to deliver these results and position H.B. Fuller for continued future profit growth, margin expansion and strong cash flow,” said Celeste Mastin, H.B. Fuller president and chief executive officer.

“As the market leader in innovation, focused on providing highly customized solutions for our customers, we have successfully transformed our portfolio into one that is concentrated in the highly specified areas of our market segments. As such, we have begun to take our portfolio management approach to the next level by proactively driving capital allocation to the highest margin, highest growth market segments. We have compelling growth opportunities in front of us and we are confident in our capabilities to continue to transform H.B. Fuller and achieve an adjusted EBITDA margin target greater than 20 percent within the next 3 to 5 years.

“As we enter fiscal year 2024, we are confident in our outlook for positive organic growth and achieving further EBITDA margin expansion. We are successfully executing our strategy to deploy capital to the highest return opportunities, innovating with speed to deliver solutions for our customers, driving efficiencies throughout our manufacturing footprint, and achieving meaningful synergies from our collections of acquisitions.”

Fiscal Year 2023 Noteworthy Items:

• Achieved record fiscal year adjusted EBITDA margin on exceptional execution and proactive response to significant customer destocking activity throughout the year;
• Net revenue was $3.51 billion, down 6.4% year-on-year; on a 52-week comparable basis, net revenue was down 4.6% year-on-year; organic revenue decreased 5.5% year-on-year, driven by 8.4% lower volume due to significant customer destocking activity during the year, offset somewhat by 2.9% favorable pricing;
• Gross margin was 28.7%; adjusted gross margin of 29.4% increased 350 basis points year-on-year, driven by pricing and raw material cost actions and restructuring benefits;
• Net income was $145 million; adjusted EBITDA was $581 million, up 10% year-on-year; adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 240 basis points year-on-year to a fiscal year record high of 16.5%;
• Reported EPS (diluted) was $2.59; adjusted EPS (diluted) was $3.87, down slightly versus the prior year, as strong operating income growth nearly offset significantly higher net interest expense and unfavorable foreign currency exchange which reduced adjusted EPS (diluted) by $0.58 and $0.18, respectively;
• Cash flow from operations of $378 million improved $122 million year-on-year, or 48%, on improved profitability and lower net working capital requirements.

Balance Sheet and Working Capital:

Net debt at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 was $1,659 million, down $131 million sequentially versus the third quarter and down $26 million year-on-year. The sequential reduction in net debt, together with growth in adjusted EBITDA, reduced the ratio of net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA from 3.3X to 2.9X sequentially.

Net working capital in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 declined $74 million sequentially versus the third quarter and $58 million year-on-year. As a percentage of annualized net revenue, net working capital declined 200 basis points sequentially, and 180 basis points year-on-year on a comparable 52-week basis, to 16.1%.

Fiscal 2024 Outlook:

• Net revenue growth for fiscal 2024 is expected to be in the range of up 2% to 6% with organic revenue flat to up 3% versus fiscal 2023, reflecting a rebound in demand following the unprecedented customer destocking activity in fiscal 2023, offset by slightly lower pricing as customers qualify lower price formulations and index-based pricing has a greater effect;
• Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2024 is expected to be in the range of $610 million to $640 million, equating to growth of approximately 5% to 10% year-on-year;
• The core tax rate, excluding the impact of discrete items, is anticipated to be between 27% and 28% in fiscal year 2024;
• Net interest expense for fiscal 2024 is expected to be between $115 million and $125 million;
• Adjusted EPS (diluted) is expected to be in the range of $4.15 to $4.45, equating to a range of up 7% to 15% year-on-year;
• Operating cash flow in fiscal year 2024 is expected to be between $300 million and $350 million and capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $140 million.

Conference Call:

The Company will hold a conference call on January 18, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. CT (10:30 a.m. ET) to discuss its results. Interested parties may listen to the conference call on a live webcast. The webcast, along with a supplemental presentation, may be accessed from the Company’s website at https://investors.hbfuller.com. Participants must register prior to accessing the webcast using this link and should do so at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the call to install and test any necessary software and audio connections. A telephone replay of the conference call will be available from 12:30 p.m. CT on January 18, 2024, to 10:59 p.m. CT on January 25, 2024. To access the telephone replay dial 1-800-770-2030 (toll free) or 1-647-362-9199, and enter Conference ID: 6370505.

Regulation G

The information presented in this earnings release regarding consolidated and segment organic revenue growth, operating income, adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross profit margin, adjusted selling, general and administrative expense, adjusted income before income taxes and income from equity investments, adjusted income taxes, adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) does not conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and should not be construed as an alternative to the reported results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Management has included this non-GAAP information to assist in understanding the operating performance of the Company and its operating segments as well as the comparability of results to the results of other companies. The non-GAAP information provided may not be consistent with the methodologies used by other companies. All non-GAAP information is reconciled with reported U.S. GAAP results in the “Regulation G Reconciliation” tables in this press release with the exception of our forward-looking non-GAAP measures contained above in our Fiscal 2023 Outlook, which the Company cannot reconcile to forward-looking GAAP results without unreasonable effort.

About H.B. Fuller

Since 1887, H.B. Fuller has been a leading global adhesives provider focusing on perfecting adhesives and sealants to improve products and lives. With fiscal 2023 net revenue of $3.5 billion, H.B. Fuller’s commitment to innovation and sustainable adhesive solutions brings together people, products and processes that answer and solve some of the world's biggest challenges. Our reliable, responsive service creates lasting, rewarding connections with customers in electronics, disposable hygiene, medical, transportation, aerospace, clean energy, packaging, construction, woodworking, general industries and other consumer businesses. Our promise to our people connects them with opportunities to innovate and thrive. For more information, visit us at https://www.hbfuller.com.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements often address expected future business and financial performance, financial condition, and other matters, and often contain words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “opportunity,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” “would” and similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words or phrases. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the following: the availability and pricing of raw materials; the impact of potential cybersecurity attacks and security breaches; the impact on the supply chain, raw material costs and pricing of our products due to military conflict, including between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas; the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak and other pandemics on our operations and financial results; the impact on our margins and product demand due to inflationary pressures; the substantial amount of debt we have incurred to finance our acquisition of Royal, our ability to repay or refinance our debt or to incur additional debt in the future, our need for a significant amount of cash to service and repay the debt and to pay dividends on our common stock, the effect of debt covenants that limit the discretion of management in operating the business or in paying dividends; our ability to pay dividends and to pursue growth opportunities if we continue to pay dividends according to our current dividend policy; our ability to acquire and integrate complementary businesses; our ability to achieve expected synergies, cost savings and operating efficiencies from our restructuring initiatives and operational improvement projects within the expected time frames or at all; our ability to effectively implement Project ONE; uncertain political and economic conditions; fluctuations in product demand; competing products and pricing; our geographic and product mix; disruptions to our relationships with our major customers and suppliers; failures in our information technology systems; regulatory compliance across our global footprint; trade policies and economic sanctions impacting our markets; changes in tax laws and tariffs; devaluations and other foreign exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of litigation and investigations, including for product liability and environmental matters; impairment charges on our goodwill or long-lived assets; the effect of new accounting pronouncements and accounting charges and credits; and similar matters.

Additional information about these various risks and uncertainties can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of our Form 10-K filings, and any updates to the risk factors in our Form 10-Q and 8-K filings with the SEC, but there may be other risks and uncertainties that we are unable to identify at this time or that we do not currently expect to have a material impact on the business. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We do not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

In thousands, except per share amounts (unaudited)

		Three Months Ended								Three Months Ended
		December 2,				Percent of				December 3,				Percent of
		2023				Net Revenue				2022				Net Revenue
Net revenue		$	902,879				100.0	%		$	958,213				100.0	%
Cost of sales			(629,037	)			(69.7	)%			(710,092	)			(74.1	)%
Gross profit			273,842				30.3	%			248,121				25.9	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses			(160,440	)			(17.8	)%			(157,872	)			(16.5	)%
Other income, net			4,918				0.5	%			251				0.0	%
Interest expense			(33,297	)			(3.7	)%			(30,046	)			(3.1	)%
Interest income			1,217				0.1	%			1,609				0.2	%
Income before income taxes and income from equity method investments			86,240				9.6	%			62,063				6.5	%
Income taxes			(42,274	)			(4.7	)%			(15,163	)			(1.6	)%
Income from equity method investments			1,036				0.1	%			1,429				0.1	%
Net income including non-controlling interest			45,002				5.0	%			48,329				5.0	%
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest			(11	)			(0.0	)%			(24	)			(0.0	)%
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller		$	44,991				5.0	%		$	48,305				5.0	%
Basic income per common share attributable to H.B. Fuller		$	0.83							$	0.90
Diluted income per common share attributable to H.B. Fuller		$	0.80							$	0.87
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic			54,491								53,824
Diluted			56,161								55,472
Dividends declared per common share		$	0.205							$	0.190

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

In thousands, except per share amounts (unaudited)

		Year Ended								Year Ended
		December 2,				Percent of				December 3,				Percent of
		2023				Net Revenue				2022				Net Revenue
Net revenue		$	3,510,934				100.0	%		$	3,749,183				100.0	%
Cost of sales			(2,502,037	)			(71.3	)%			(2,785,484	)			(74.3	)%
Gross profit			1,008,897				28.7	%			963,699				25.7	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses			(653,760	)			(18.6	)%			(640,981	)			(17.1	)%
Other income, net			9,682				0.3	%			12,952				0.3	%
Interest expense			(134,602	)			(3.8	)%			(91,521	)			(2.4	)%
Interest income			3,943				0.1	%			7,779				0.2	%
Income before income taxes and income from equity method investments			234,160				6.7	%			251,928				6.7	%
Income taxes			(93,529	)			(2.7	)%			(77,186	)			(2.1	)%
Income from equity method investments			4,357				0.1	%			5,665				0.2	%
Net income including non-controlling interest			144,988				4.1	%			180,407				4.8	%
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest			(82	)			(0.0	)%			(94	)			(0.0	)%
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller		$	144,906				4.1	%		$	180,313				4.8	%
Basic income per common share attributable to H.B. Fuller		$	2.67							$	3.37
Diluted income per common share attributable to H.B. Fuller		$	2.59							$	3.26
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic			54,332								53,580
Diluted			55,958								55,269
Dividends declared per common share		$	0.805							$	0.738

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

REGULATION G RECONCILIATION

In thousands, except per share amounts (unaudited)

		Three Months Ended								Year Ended
		December 2,				December 3,				December 2,				December 3,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller		$	44,991			$	48,305			$	144,906			$	180,313
Adjustments:
Acquisition project costs 1			4,765				1,822				16,874				10,830
Organizational realignment 2			10,549				1,471				29,900				6,386
Royal restructuring and integration 3			-				1,467				-				2,474
Project One			2,193				2,326				9,815				9,885
Other 4			(3,903	)			4,524				(611)				12,791
Discrete tax items 5			16,955				1,610				26,085				9,308
Income tax effect on adjustments 6			(1,158	)			(3,911	)			(10,604	)			(10,699	)
Adjusted net income attributable to H.B. Fuller 7			74,392				57,614				216,365				221,288
Add:
Interest expense			33,297				30,046				131,913				91,547
Interest income			(1,217	)			(1,609	)			(3,943	)			(7,790	)
Income taxes			26,477				17,464				78,047				78,576
Depreciation and Amortization expense 8			39,653				37,469				158,456				146,394
Adjusted EBITDA 7			172,602				140,984				580,838				530,015
Diluted Shares			56,161				55,472				55,958				55,269
Adjusted diluted income per common share attributable to H.B. Fuller 7		$	1.32			$	1.04			$	3.87			$	4.00
Adjusted net revenue		$	902,879			$	958,213			$	3,510,934			$	3,749,183
Adjusted EBITDA margin 7			19.1	%			14.7	%			16.5	%			14.1	%

1 Acquisition project costs include costs related to integrating and accounting for acquisitions.

2 Organizational realignment includes costs incurred as a direct result of the organizational realignment program, including compensation for employees supporting the program, consulting expense and operational inefficiencies related to the closure of production facilities and consolidation of business activities.

3 Royal restructuring and integration program includes costs incurred as a direct result of the Royal restructuring and integration program including compensation for employees supporting the program, consulting expense and operational inefficiencies related to the closure of production facilities and consolidation of business activities.

4 Other expenses for the year ended December 3, 2022, include a $3.3 million non-cash charge related to the wind down and settlement of the Company’s Canadian defined benefit pension plan, $1.3 million of hedging costs related to the Russian ruble devaluation driven by the war in Ukraine, $1.2 million of transactional tax expense associated with an audit settlement, other expenses for COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and exceptional medical claims, and non-cash gains and losses related to legal entity consolidations.

5 Discrete tax items for the year ended December 2, 2023 are related to the tax impact of withholding tax recorded on earnings that are no longer permanently reinvested, as well as other various U.S. and foreign tax matters. Discrete tax items for the year ended December 3, 2022 are related to the revaluation of cross-currency swap agreements due to depreciation of the Euro versus the U.S. Dollar, as well as various foreign tax matters offset by the tax effect of legal entity mergers.

6 The income tax effect on adjustments represents the difference between income taxes on net income before income taxes and income from equity method investments reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP and adjusted net income before income taxes and income from equity method investments.

7 Adjusted net income attributable to H.B. Fuller, adjusted diluted income per common share attributable to H.B. Fuller, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted net income attributable to H.B. Fuller is defined as net income before the specific adjustments shown above. Adjusted diluted income per common share is defined as adjusted net income attributable to H.B. Fuller divided by the number of diluted common shares. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and the specific adjustments shown above. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenue. The table above provides a reconciliation of adjusted net income attributable to H.B. Fuller, adjusted diluted income per common share attributable to H.B. Fuller, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin to net income attributable to H.B. Fuller, the most directly comparable financial measure determined and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

8 Depreciation and amortization expense added back for EBITDA is adjusted for amounts already included in adjusted net income attributable to H.B. Fuller totaling ($1,036) and ($1,384) for the three and twelve months ended December 2, 2023, respectively and ($123) and ($582) for the three and twelve months ended December 3, 2022, respectively.

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION

In thousands (unaudited)

		Three Months Ended								Year Ended
		December 2,				December 3,				December 2,				December 3,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Net Revenue:
Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives		$	411,085			$	443,528			$	1,601,487			$	1,695,934
Engineering Adhesives			365,735				395,053				1,428,744				1,532,639
Construction Adhesives			126,059				119,632				480,703				520,610
Corporate unallocated			-				-				-				-
Total H.B. Fuller		$	902,879			$	958,213			$	3,510,934			$	3,749,183
Segment Operating Income:
Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives		$	65,614			$	42,836			$	215,088			$	165,786
Engineering Adhesives			57,539				53,607				187,346				168,873
Construction Adhesives			3,772				957				5,961				22,989
Corporate unallocated			(13,523	)			(7,151	)			(53,258	)			(34,930	)
Total H.B. Fuller		$	113,402			$	90,249			$	355,137			$	322,718
Adjusted EBITDA 7
Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives		$	81,677			$	57,684			$	275,802			$	223,988
Engineering Adhesives			74,020				70,487				255,778				235,948
Construction Adhesives			15,933				14,571				55,517				74,187
Corporate unallocated			972				(1,758	)			(6,259	)			(4,108	)
Total H.B. Fuller		$	172,602			$	140,984			$	580,838			$	530,015
Adjusted EBITDA Margin 7
Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives			19.9	%			13.0	%			17.2	%			13.2	%
Engineering Adhesives			20.2	%			17.8	%			17.9	%			15.4	%
Construction Adhesives			12.6	%			12.2	%			11.5	%			14.3	%
Corporate unallocated		NMP				NMP				NMP				NMP
Total H.B. Fuller			19.1	%			14.7	%			16.5	%			14.1	%
NMP = non-meaningful percentage

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

REGULATION G RECONCILIATION

In thousands, except per share amounts (unaudited)

		Three Months Ended								Year Ended
		December 2,				December 3,				December 2,				December 3,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Income before income taxes and income from equity method investments		$	86,240			$	62,063			$	234,160			$	251,928
Adjustments:
Acquisition project costs 1			4,765				1,822				16,874				10,830
Organizational realignment 2			10,549				1,471				29,900				6,386
Royal restructuring and integration 3			-				1,467				-				2,474
Project One			2,193				2,326				9,815				9,885
Other 4			(3,903	)			4,524				(611	)			12,791
Adjusted income before income taxes and income from equity method investments 9		$	99,844			$	73,673			$	290,138			$	294,294

9 Adjusted income before income taxes and income from equity investments is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted income before income taxes and income from equity investments is defined as income before income taxes and income from equity investments before the specific adjustments shown above. The table above provides a reconciliation of adjusted income before income taxes and income from equity investments to income before income taxes and income from equity investments, the most directly comparable financial measure determined and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

REGULATION G RECONCILIATION

In thousands, except per share amounts (unaudited)

		Three Months Ended								Year Ended
		December 2,				December 3,				December 2,				December 3,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Income Taxes		$	(42,274	)		$	(15,163	)		$	(93,529	)		$	(77,186	)
Adjustments:
Acquisition project costs 1			(405	)			(613	)			(3,127	)			(2,767	)
Organizational realignment 2			(898	)			(495	)			(5,206	)			(1,635	)
Royal restructuring and integration 3			-				(494	)			-				(707	)
Project One			(187	)			(783	)			(1,848	)			(2,067	)
Other 4			332				(1,526	)			(422	)			(3,522	)
Discrete tax items 5			16,955				1,610				26,085				9,308
Adjusted income taxes 10		$	(26,477	)		$	(17,464	)		$	(78,047	)		$	(78,576	)
Adjusted income before income taxes and income from equity method investments		$	99,844			$	73,673			$	290,138			$	294,294
Adjusted effective income tax rate 10			26.5	%			23.7	%			26.9	%			26.7	%

10 Adjusted income taxes and adjusted effective income tax rate are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted income taxes is defined as income taxes before the specific adjustments shown above. Adjusted effective income tax rate is defined as income taxes divided by adjusted income before income taxes and income from equity method investments. The table above provides a reconciliation of adjusted income taxes and adjusted effective income tax rate to income taxes, the most directly comparable financial measure determined and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

REGULATION G RECONCILIATION

In thousands (unaudited)

		Three Months Ended								Year Ended
		December 2,				December 3,				December 2,				December 3,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Net revenue		$	902,879			$	958,213			$	3,510,934			$	3,749,183
Gross profit		$	273,842			$	248,121			$	1,008,897			$	963,699
Gross profit margin			30.3	%			25.9	%			28.7	%			25.7	%
Adjustments:
Acquisition project costs 1			529				738				3,146				1,058
Organizational realignment 2			8,136				1,211				18,108				3,207
Royal restructuring and integration 3			-				329				-				706
Project ONE			223				-				223				6
Other 4			52				472				530				1,830
Adjusted gross profit 11		$	282,782			$	250,871			$	1,030,904			$	970,506
Adjusted gross profit margin 11			31.3	%			26.2	%			29.4	%			25.9	%

11 Adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross profit margin are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross profit margin is defined as gross profit and gross profit margin excluding the specific adjustments shown above. The table above provides a reconciliation of adjusted gross profit and gross profit margin to gross profit and gross profit margin, the most directly comparable financial measure determined and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

REGULATION G RECONCILIATION

In thousands (unaudited)

		Three Months Ended								Year Ended
		December 2,				December 3,				December 2,				December 3,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Selling, general and administrative expenses		$	(160,440	)		$	(157,872	)		$	(653,760	)		$	(640,981	)
Adjustments:
Acquisition project costs 1			4,236				1,084				13,831				9,772
Organizational realignment 2			2,333				260				11,712				4,393
Royal restructuring and integration 3			-				1,138				-				1,794
Project ONE			1,969				2,326				9,592				9,879
Other 4			(3,954	)			(408	)			(3,882	)			2,284
Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses 12		$	(155,856	)		$	(153,472	)		$	(622,507	)		$	(612,859	)

12 Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses is defined as selling, general and administrative expenses excluding the specific adjustments shown above. The table above provides a reconciliation of adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses to selling, general and administrative expenses, the most directly comparable financial measure determined and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

REGULATION G RECONCILIATION

In thousands (unaudited)

Three Months Ended:		Hygiene, Health and Consumable				Engineering				Construction								Corporate				H.B. Fuller
December 2, 2023		Adhesives				Adhesives				Adhesives				Total				Unallocated				Consolidated
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller		$	67,438			$	58,857			$	5,682			$	131,977			$	(86,986	)		$	44,991
Adjustments:
Acquisition project costs 1			-				-				-				-				4,765				4,765
Organizational realignment 2			-				-				-				-				10,549				10,549
Royal restructuring and integration 3			-				-				-				-				-				-
Project One			-				-				-				-				2,193				2,193
Other 4			-				-				-				-				(3,903)				(3,903)
Discrete tax items 5			-				-				-				-				16,955				16,955
Income tax effect on adjustments 6			-				-				-				-				(1,158	)			(1,158	)
Adjusted net income attributable to H.B. Fuller 7			67,438				58,857				5,682				131,977				(57,585	)			74,392
Add:
Interest expense			-				-				-				-				33,297				33,297
Interest income			-				-				-				-				(1,217	)			(1,217	)
Income taxes			-				-				-				-				26,477				26,477
Depreciation and amortization expense 8			14,239				15,163				10,251				39,653				-				39,653
Adjusted EBITDA 7		$	81,677			$	74,020			$	15,933			$	171,630			$	972			$	172,602
Adjusted net revenue		$	411,085			$	365,735			$	126,059			$	902,879				-				902,879
Adjusted EBITDA margin 7			19.9	%			20.2	%			12.6	%			19.0	%		NMP					19.1	%

Year Ended		Hygiene, Health and Consumable				Engineering				Construction								Corporate				H.B. Fuller
December 2, 2023		Adhesives				Adhesives				Adhesives				Total				Unallocated				Consolidated
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller		$	222,404			$	192,635			$	13,602			$	428,641			$	(283,735	)		$	144,906
Adjustments:
Acquisition project costs 1			-				-				-				-				16,874				16,874
Organizational realignment 2			-				-				-				-				29,900				29,900
Royal restructuring and integration 3			-				-				-				-				-				-
Project One			-				-				-				-				9,815				9,815
Other 4			-				-				-				-				(611)				(611)
Discrete tax items 5			-				-				-				-				26,085				26,085
Income tax effect on adjustments 6			-				-				-				-				(10,604	)			(10,604	)
Adjusted net income attributable to H.B. Fuller 7			222,404				192,635				13,602				428,641				(212,276	)			216,365
Add:
Interest expense			-				-				-				-				131,913				131,913
Interest income			-				-				-				-				(3,943	)			(3,943	)
Income taxes			-				-				-				-				78,047				78,047
Depreciation and amortization expense 8			53,398				63,143				41,915				158,456				-				158,456
Adjusted EBITDA 7		$	275,802			$	255,778			$	55,517			$	587,097			$	(6,259	)		$	580,838
Adjusted net revenue			1,601,487				1,428,744				480,703			$	3,510,934				-				3,510,934
Adjusted EBITDA margin 7			17.2	%			17.9	%			11.5	%			16.7	%		NMP					16.5	%

Note: Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. The table above provides a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA for each segment to net income attributable to H.B. Fuller for each segment, the most directly comparable financial measure determined and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

NMP = Non-meaningful percentage

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

REGULATION G RECONCILIATION

In thousands (unaudited)

Three Months Ended:		Hygiene, Health and Consumable				Engineering				Construction								Corporate				H.B. Fuller
December 3, 2022		Adhesives				Adhesives				Adhesives				Total				Unallocated				Consolidated
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller		$	45,913			$	55,900			$	3,460			$	105,273			$	(56,968	)		$	48,305
Adjustments:
Acquisition project costs 1			-				-				-				-				1,822				1,822
Organizational realignment 2			-				-				-				-				1,471				1,471
Royal restructuring and integration 3			-				-				-				-				1,467				1,467
Project One			-				-				-				-				2,326				2,326
Other 4			-				-				-				-				4,524				4,524
Discrete tax items 5			-				-				-				-				1,610				1,610
Income tax effect on adjustments 6			-				-				-				-				(3,911	)			(3,911	)
Adjusted net income attributable to H.B. Fuller 7			45,913				55,900				3,460				105,273				(47,659	)			57,614
Add:
Interest expense			-				-				-				-				30,046				30,046
Interest income			-				-				-				-				(1,609	)			(1,609	)
Income taxes			-				-				-				-				17,464				17,464
Depreciation and amortization expense 8			11,771				14,587				11,111				37,469				-				37,469
Adjusted EBITDA 7		$	57,684			$	70,487			$	14,571			$	142,742			$	(1,758	)		$	140,984
Adjusted net revenue		$	443,528			$	395,053			$	119,632			$	958,213				-			$	958,213
Adjusted EBITDA margin 7			13.0	%			17.8	%			12.2	%			14.9	%		NMP					14.7	%

Year Ended		Hygiene, Health and Consumable				Engineering				Construction								Corporate				H.B. Fuller
December 3, 2022		Adhesives				Adhesives				Adhesives				Total				Unallocated				Consolidated
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller		$	177,614			$	177,641			$	32,474			$	387,729			$	(207,416	)		$	180,313
Adjustments:
Acquisition project costs 1			-				-				-				-				10,830				10,830
Organizational realignment 2			-				-				-				-				6,386				6,386
Royal restructuring and integration 3			-				-				-				-				2,474				2,474
Project One			-				-				-				-				9,885				9,885
Other 4			-				-				-				-				12,791				12,791
Discrete tax items 5			-				-				-				-				9,308				9,308
Income tax effect on adjustments 6			-				-				-				-				(10,699	)			(10,699	)
Adjusted net income attributable to H.B. Fuller 7			177,614				177,641				32,474				387,729				(166,441	)			221,288
Add:
Interest expense			-				-				-				-				91,547				91,547
Interest income			-				-				-				-				(7,790	)			(7,790	)
Income taxes			-				-				-				-				78,576				78,576
Depreciation and amortization expense 8			46,374				58,307				41,713				146,394				-				146,394
Adjusted EBITDA 7		$	223,988			$	235,948			$	74,187			$	534,123			$	(4,108	)		$	530,015
Adjusted net revenue		$	1,695,934			$	1,532,639			$	520,610			$	3,749,183				-			$	3,749,183
Adjusted EBITDA margin 7			13.2	%			15.4	%			14.3	%			14.2	%		NMP					14.1	%

Note: Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. The table above provides a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA for each segment to net income attributable to H.B. Fuller for each segment, the most directly comparable financial measure determined and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

NMP = Non-meaningful percentage

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION

NET REVENUE GROWTH (DECLINE)

(unaudited)

Net revenue growth versus 2022		Three Months Ended				Year Ended
		December 2, 2023				December 2, 2023
Price			(3.4	)%			2.9	%
Volume			(0.1	)%			(8.4	)%
Organic Growth 13			(3.5	)%			(5.5	)%
Extra Week in 2022 (53-week year)			(7.0	)%			(1.8	)%
M&A			4.4	%			3.3	%
Constant Currency			(6.1	)%			(4.0	)%
F/X			0.3	%			(2.4	)%
Total H.B. Fuller Net Revenue Growth			(5.8	)%			(6.4	)%

Net revenue growth versus 2022		Three Months Ended
		December 2, 2023
																		Extra Week
																		in 2022
		Net Revenue				F/X				Constant Currency				M&A				(53-week year)				Organic Growth 13
Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives			(7.3	)%			(0.2	)%			(7.1	)%			7.4	%			(7.0	)%			(7.5	)%
Engineering Adhesives			(7.4	)%			0.7	%			(8.1	)%			0.4	%			(7.1	)%			(1.4	)%
Construction Adhesives			5.4	%			0.8	%			4.6	%			6.4	%			(6.8	)%			5.0	%
Total H.B. Fuller			(5.8	)%			0.3	%			(6.1	)%			4.4	%			(7.0	)%			(3.5	)%

Net revenue growth versus 2022		Year Ended
		December 2, 2023
																		Extra Week
																		in 2022
		Net Revenue				F/X				Constant Currency				M&A				(53-week year)				Organic Growth 13
Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives			(5.6	)%			(3.3	)%			(2.3	)%			4.6	%			(1.8	)%			(5.1	)%
Engineering Adhesives			(6.8	)%			(2.0	)%			(4.8	)%			1.2	%			(1.8	)%			(4.2	)%
Construction Adhesives			(7.7	)%			(0.5	)%			(7.2	)%			5.4	%			(1.6	)%			(11.0	)%
Total H.B. Fuller			(6.4	)%			(2.4	)%			(4.0	)%			3.3	%			(1.8	)%			(5.5	)%

13 We use the term “organic revenue” to refer to net revenue, excluding the effect of foreign currency changes and acquisitions and divestitures. Organic growth reflects adjustments for the impact of period-over-period changes in foreign currency exchange rates on revenues and the revenues associated with acquisitions and divestitures.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

H.B. Fuller Company and Subsidiaries

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

		December 2,				December 3,
		2023				2022
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	179,453			$	79,910
Trade receivables, net			577,932				607,365
Inventories			442,040				491,781
Other current assets			112,678				120,319
Total current assets			1,312,103				1,299,375
Property, plant and equipment, net			824,655				733,667
Goodwill			1,486,512				1,392,627
Other intangibles, net			729,140				702,092
Other assets			371,165				335,868
Total assets		$	4,723,575			$	4,463,629
Liabilities, non-controlling interest and total equity
Current liabilities:
Notes payable		$	1,841			$	28,860
Current maturities of long-term debt			-				-
Trade payables			439,700				460,669
Accrued compensation			95,680				108,328
Income taxes payable			47,688				18,530
Other accrued expenses			107,902				89,345
Total current liabilities			692,811				705,732
Long-term debt, net of current maturities			1,836,590				1,736,256
Accrued pension liabilities			50,189				52,561
Other liabilities			388,072				358,286
Total liabilities			2,967,662				2,852,835
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Equity:
H.B. Fuller stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock (no shares outstanding) Shares authorized – 10,045,900			-				-
Common stock, par value $1.00 per share, Shares authorized – 160,000,000, Shares outstanding – 54,092,987 and 53,676,576 for 2023 and 2022, respectively			54,093				53,677
Additional paid-in capital			301,485				266,491
Retained earnings			1,842,507				1,741,359
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(442,880	)			(451,357	)
Total H.B. Fuller stockholders' equity			1,755,205				1,610,170
Non-controlling interest			708				624
Total equity			1,755,913				1,610,794
Total liabilities, non-controlling interest and total equity		$	4,723,575			$	4,463,629

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS of CASH FLOWS

H.B. Fuller Company and Subsidiaries

(In thousands)

		Fiscal Years
		December 2,				December 3,				November 27,
		2023				2022				2021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income including non-controlling interest		$	144,988			$	180,407			$	161,475
Adjustments to reconcile net income including non-controlling interest to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation			80,327				72,593				72,106
Amortization			79,514				74,383				71,068
Deferred income taxes			(25,114	)			(15,230	)			16,192
Income from equity method investments, net of dividends received			1,259				(9	)			2,776
Loss (gain) on sale of assets			59				(1,195	)			648
Share-based compensation			19,911				24,368				22,366
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan contributions			(4,346	)			(3,009	)			(3,840	)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan income			(18,591	)			(24,021	)			(28,662	)
Debt issuance cost write-off			2,689				-				-
Mark to market adjustment related to contingent consideration liabilities			2,893				-				2,300
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Trade receivables, net			68,721				(24,753	)			(124,849	)
Inventories			72,576				(55,772	)			(135,351	)
Other assets			(7,927	)			46,499				(79,097	)
Trade payables			(57,752	)			(22,629	)			176,337
Accrued compensation			(13,836	)			1,135				27,741
Other accrued expenses			(3,070	)			6,303				1,186
Income taxes payable			41,190				(12,873	)			(4,137	)
Other liabilities			22,918				4,104				(73,508	)
Other			(28,011	)			6,213				108,566
Net cash provided by operating activities			378,398				256,514				213,317
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchased property, plant and equipment			(119,137	)			(129,964	)			(96,089	)
Purchased businesses, net of cash acquired			(205,093	)			(250,807	)			(5,445	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			5,029				1,556				2,896
Cash received from government grant			-				3,928				5,800
Cash outflow related to government grant			-				-				(1,822	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(319,201	)			(375,287	)			(94,660	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			2,233,300				335,000				-
Repayment of long-term debt			(2,126,450	)			(159,500	)			(156,500	)
Payment of debt issue costs			(10,214	)			(600	)			-
Net (payment on) proceeds from notes payable			(28,674	)			3,455				9,346
Dividends paid			(43,395	)			(39,207	)			(34,859	)
Contingent consideration payment			(1,477	)			(5,000	)			(1,700	)
Proceeds from stock options exercised			14,619				30,122				32,325
Repurchases of common stock			(2,567	)			(3,950	)			(2,682	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			35,142				160,320				(154,070	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			5,204				(23,423	)			(3,335	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents			99,543				18,124				(38,748	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			79,910				61,786				100,534
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	179,453			$	79,910			$	61,786

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240117554213/en/

Steven Brazones

Investor Relations Contact

651-236-5060

Source: H.B. Fuller Company

FAQ

What is H.B. Fuller Company's ticker symbol?

H.B. Fuller Company's ticker symbol is FUL.

What was the reported Q4 diluted EPS for H.B. Fuller Company?

The reported Q4 diluted EPS for H.B. Fuller Company was $0.80.

What was the adjusted Q4 diluted EPS for H.B. Fuller Company?

The adjusted Q4 diluted EPS for H.B. Fuller Company was $1.32, up 27% year-on-year.

How much was the FY 2023 cash flow from operations for H.B. Fuller Company?

The FY 2023 cash flow from operations for H.B. Fuller Company was $378 million, which increased 48% year-on-year.

What was the net revenue for H.B. Fuller Company in Q4?

The net revenue for H.B. Fuller Company in Q4 was $903 million, down 5.8% year-on-year.

What is the outlook for net revenue growth for fiscal 2024 for H.B. Fuller Company?

The outlook for net revenue growth for fiscal 2024 for H.B. Fuller Company is expected to be in the range of up 2% to 6% with organic revenue flat to up 3% versus fiscal 2023.

What is the expected adjusted EPS (diluted) range for fiscal 2024 for H.B. Fuller Company?

The expected adjusted EPS (diluted) range for fiscal 2024 for H.B. Fuller Company is $4.15 to $4.45, equating to a range of up 7% to 15% year-on-year.