Gorman-Rupp Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-year 2024 Financial Results

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The financial results reveal a strategic transformation focused on margin enhancement and debt optimization. The 31.0% full-year gross margin (up 120 basis points) demonstrates successful pricing strategies and cost management, despite inflationary pressures. The 15.8% increase in Q4 incoming orders signals robust demand momentum heading into 2025.

The debt refinancing executed in May 2024 stands out as a pivotal move, restructuring $370 million in senior term loans and establishing a more flexible capital structure. This resulted in a 18.6% reduction in interest expense for 2024, creating substantial bottom-line benefits. The $43 million debt reduction strengthens the balance sheet and positions the company for potential strategic investments.

Market segment performance reveals important trends:

Municipal market growth of $21.5 million reflects increasing infrastructure spending
Fire suppression normalization was expected and masks underlying order strength
Repair market growth of $5.3 million indicates healthy aftermarket demand

The $206 million order backlog, while down 5.5% year-over-year, remains historically strong and provides solid revenue visibility. Working capital management requires attention, as operating cash flow decreased to $69.8 million from $98.2 million, primarily due to timing of deferred revenue and customer deposits.

02/07/2025 - 06:30 AM

MANSFIELD, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Gorman-Rupp Company (NYSE: GRC) reports financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

Net sales of $162.7 million increased 1.3%, or $2.1 million, compared to the fourth quarter of 2023
Fourth quarter net income was $11.0 million, or $0.42 per share, compared to net income of $9.0 million, or $0.34 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2023
Interest expense decreased due to debt refinancing in the second quarter of 2024 and reduced debt levels
Incoming orders for the fourth quarter of 2024 increased 15.8%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2023

Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $162.7 million compared to net sales of $160.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, an increase of 1.3% or $2.1 million. The increase in sales was due primarily to the impact of pricing increases taken in the first quarter of 2024.

Sales increased $6.6 million in the municipal market and $2.2 million in the repair market due to domestic flood control and wastewater projects related to increased infrastructure investment. Sales also increased $2.0 million in the agriculture market. These increases were offset by a sales decrease of $5.8 million in the fire suppression market primarily resulting from backlog returning to more normal levels. Fire suppression sales in 2023 were up significantly compared to 2022 as the Company was working to return backlog and lead times to normal levels, which resulted in higher 2023 sales and a tougher year-over-year comparison for 2024. Sales for the fourth quarter of 2024 also decreased $0.9 million in the petroleum market, $0.8 million in the construction market, $0.7 million in the industrial market, and $0.5 million in the OEM market.

Gross profit was $49.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, resulting in gross margin of 30.2%, compared to gross profit of $50.9 million and gross margin of 31.7% for the same period in 2023. The 150 basis point decrease in gross margin included a 220 basis point increase in labor and overhead expenses driven by increased healthcare costs. The increase in labor and overhead expenses was partially offset by a 70 basis point improvement in cost of material, which consisted of a 140 basis point improvement from the realization of selling price increases partially offset by an increase in LIFO² expense of 70 basis points.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $25.0 million and 15.4% of net sales for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $26.0 million and 16.2% of net sales for the same period in 2023.

Operating income was $21.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, resulting in an operating margin of 13.0%, compared to operating income of $21.8 million and operating margin of 13.6% for the same period in 2023. Operating margin in the fourth quarter of 2024 decreased 60 basis points compared to the same period in 2023 primarily due to increased labor and overhead expenses, partially offset by decreased SG&A expenses.

Interest expense was $6.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $10.1 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease in interest expense was due primarily to a series of refinancing transactions the Company completed on May 31, 2024 as well as a decrease in outstanding debt.

Net income was $11.0 million, or $0.42 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to net income of $9.0 million, or $0.34 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA¹ was $29.0 million and 17.8% of sales for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $29.1 million and 18.2% of sales for the fourth quarter of 2023.

Full-Year 2024 Highlights

Net sales of $659.7 million increased 0.1%, or $0.2 million, compared to 2023
Net income was $40.1 million, or $1.53 per share, compared to net income of $35.0 million, or $1.34 per share, in 2023
- Adjusted earnings per share¹ for 2024 and 2023 were $1.75 and $1.37, respectively
Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $124.6 million for 2024 increased $2.9 million, or 2.4%, from $121.7 million in 2023
Total debt decreased $43.0 million, further improving leverage

Net sales for 2024 were $659.7 million compared to net sales of $659.5 million for 2023, an increase of 0.1% or $0.2 million. The increase in sales was due primarily to the impact of pricing increases taken in the first quarter of 2024.

Sales increased $21.5 million in the municipal market and $5.3 million in the repair market due to domestic flood control and wastewater projects related to increased infrastructure investment, $2.6 million in the OEM market primarily related to computer cooling, and $1.0 million in the petroleum market primarily driven by increased international refueling applications. Offsetting these increases was a decrease of $22.1 million in the fire suppression market primarily resulting from backlog returning to more normal levels. Fire suppression sales in 2023 were up significantly compared to 2022 as the Company was working to return backlog and lead times to normal levels, which resulted in higher 2023 sales and a tougher year-over-year comparison for 2024. Fire suppression incoming orders for 2024 were up 1.5% when compared to 2023. Sales in 2024 also decreased $5.5 million in the industrial market and $1.8 million in the construction market, and $0.8 million in the agriculture market.

Gross profit was $204.3 million for 2024, resulting in gross margin of 31.0%, compared to gross profit of $196.3 million and gross margin of 29.8% in 2023. The 120 basis point increase in gross margin included a 200 basis point improvement in cost of material, which consisted of a reduction in LIFO² expense of 30 basis points, a favorable impact of 20 basis points related to the amortization of acquired Fill-Rite customer backlog which occurred in 2023 and did not reoccur in 2024, and a 150 basis point improvement from the realization of selling price increases. These improvements were partially offset by an 80 basis point increase in labor and overhead expenses as a percent of sales driven by increased healthcare costs.

SG&A expenses were $100.5 million and 15.2% of net sales in 2024 compared to $96.7 million and 14.7% of net sales in 2023. SG&A expenses for 2024 included $1.3 million of refinancing transaction costs and a $1.1 million gain on the sale of a fixed asset. SG&A expenses increased due to healthcare costs, as well as increased selling activity.

Operating income was $91.4 million for 2024, resulting in an operating margin of 13.9%, compared to operating income of $87.0 million and operating margin of 13.2% in 2023. Operating margin in 2024 increased 70 basis points compared to the same period in 2023 primarily due to improved cost of material, partially offset by increased labor, overhead, and SG&A expenses.

Interest expense was $33.6 million for 2024 compared to $41.3 million in 2023. The decrease in interest expense was due primarily to a series of debt refinancing transactions the Company completed on May 31, 2024. In addition to reducing interest expense, the refinancing also extended and staggered the Company’s debt maturities. The Company upsized, amended, and extended the existing Senior Term Loan Facility from $350.0 million to $370.0 million, amended and extended the existing $100.0 million revolving Credit Facility, and issued $30.0 million in new 6.40% Senior Secured Notes. The proceeds from these transactions, as well as $10.0 million of cash on hand, were used to retire the Company’s $90.0 million unsecured Subordinated Credit Facility.

Other income (expense), net was $7.3 million of expense for 2024 compared to $1.8 million of expense in 2023. Other expense for 2024 included a $4.4 million write-off of unamortized previously deferred debt financing fees and a $1.8 million prepayment fee related to the early retirement of the unsecured Subordinated Credit Facility.

Net income was $40.1 million, or $1.53 per share, for 2024 compared to net income of $35.0 million, or $1.34 per share, for 2023. Adjusted earnings per share¹ for 2024 were $1.75 per share compared to $1.37 per share for 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA¹ was $124.6 million and 18.9% of net sales for 2024 compared to $121.7 million and 18.5% of net sales for 2023.

The Company’s backlog of orders was $206.0 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $218.1 million at December 31, 2023. Incoming orders for 2024 were $659.3 million, or an increase of 6.8%, compared to 2023.

Net cash provided by operating activities for 2024 was $69.8 million compared to $98.2 million for 2023 with the decrease driven primarily by the timing of deferred revenue and customer deposits and accrued liabilities and expenses. Capital expenditures for 2024 were $14.3 million and consisted primarily of machinery and equipment. Capital expenditures for the full-year 2025 are presently planned to be approximately $20.0 million. Total debt decreased $43.0 million during 2024.

Scott A. King, President and CEO, commented, “We are pleased that we achieved an improvement in gross margin and operating income in 2024, as well as a 28% increase in adjusted earnings per share for the year. We also reduced our debt by $43 million, which along with our refinancing in the second quarter of 2024, resulted in a significant reduction in interest expense and positions us well to further reduce our debt and interest expense going forward. In addition to our strong operating results, we were proud to increase our dividend for the 52^nd consecutive year, and in January of 2025 we declared our 300^th consecutive quarterly dividend, marking 75 years of continued dividends. As we begin 2025 our outlook remains positive. While sales were less than expected in 2024, we continued to see strong incoming orders during the year and ended the year with healthy backlog to begin the new year. As demonstrated by our increase in municipal sales in 2024, we remain well positioned to continue to benefit from infrastructure spending and the strong demand for flood control and storm water management. We remain focused on delivering long-term profitable growth.

“I appreciate the Gorman-Rupp team’s continued efforts to contribute to another successful year, and I am grateful to our customers, suppliers, and shareholders for their on-going support.”

About The Gorman-Rupp Company

Founded in 1933, The Gorman-Rupp Company is a leading designer, manufacturer and international marketer of pumps and pump systems for use in diverse water, wastewater, construction, dewatering, industrial, petroleum, original equipment, agriculture, fire suppression, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), military and other liquid-handling applications.

(1) Non-GAAP Information

This release includes certain non-GAAP financial data and measures such as adjusted earnings, adjusted earnings per share, and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”). Adjusted earnings is earnings excluding amortization of customer backlog, write-off of unamortized previously deferred debt financing fees, and refinancing costs. Adjusted earnings per share is earnings per share excluding amortization of customer backlog per share, write-off of unamortized previously deferred debt financing fees per share, and refinancing costs per share. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization is net income (loss) excluding interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted to exclude amortization of customer backlog, write-off of unamortized previously deferred debt financing fees, refinancing costs, and non-cash LIFO² expense. Management utilizes these adjusted financial data and measures to assess comparative operations against those of prior periods without the distortion of non-comparable factors. The inclusion of these adjusted measures should not be construed as an indication that the Company’s future results will be unaffected by unusual or infrequent items or that the items for which the Company has made adjustments are unusual or infrequent or will not recur. Further, the impact of the LIFO² inventory costing method can cause results to vary substantially from company to company depending upon whether they elect to utilize LIFO² and depending upon which method they may elect. The Gorman-Rupp Company believes that these non-GAAP financial data and measures also will be useful to investors in assessing the strength of the Company’s underlying operations and liquidity from period to period. These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to replace GAAP financial measures, and they are not necessarily standardized or comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Provided later in this release is a reconciliation of adjusted earnings, adjusted earnings per share, and adjusted EBITDA to their respective corresponding GAAP financial measures, which includes descriptions of actual adjustments made in the current period and the corresponding prior period.

(2) LIFO Inventory Method

The majority of the Company’s inventories are valued on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method and stated at the lower of cost or market. Current cost approximates replacement cost, or market, and LIFO cost is determined at the end of each fiscal year based on inventory levels on-hand at current replacement cost and a LIFO reserve. The Company uses the simplified LIFO method, under which the LIFO reserve is determined utilizing the inflation factor specified in the Producer Price Index for Machinery and Equipment – Pumps, Compressors and Equipment, as published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimate of the expected year-end inflation index and, as such, are subject to adjustment each quarter. When inflation increases, the LIFO reserve and non-cash expense increase.

Forward-Looking Statements

In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, The Gorman-Rupp Company provides the following cautionary statement: This news release contains various forward-looking statements based on assumptions concerning The Gorman-Rupp Company’s operations, future results and prospects. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations about important economic, political, and technological factors, among others, and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results or events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions. Such uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our estimates of future earnings and cash flows, general economic conditions and supply chain conditions and any related impact on costs and availability of materials, integration of the Fill-Rite business in a timely and cost effective manner, retention of supplier and customer relationships and key employees, the ability to achieve synergies and cost savings in the amounts and within the time frames currently anticipated and the ability to service and repay indebtedness incurred in connection with the transaction. Other factors include, but are not limited to: company specific risk factors including (1) loss of key personnel; (2) intellectual property security; (3) acquisition performance and integration; (4) the Company’s indebtedness and how it may impact the Company’s financial condition and the way it operates its business; (5) general risks associated with acquisitions; (6) the anticipated benefits from the Fill-Rite transaction may not be realized; (7) impairment in the value of intangible assets, including goodwill; (8) defined benefit pension plan settlement expense; (9) risk of reserve and expense increases resulting from the LIFO² inventory method; and (10) family ownership of common equity; and general risk factors including (11) continuation of the current and projected future business environment; (12) highly competitive markets; (13) availability and costs of raw materials and labor; (14) cybersecurity threats; (15) compliance with, and costs related to, a variety of import and export laws and regulations; (16) environmental compliance costs and liabilities; (17) exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; (18) conditions in foreign countries in which The Gorman-Rupp Company conducts business; (19) changes in our tax rates and exposure to additional income tax liabilities; and (20) risks described from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except to the extent required by law, we do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to review or update any forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of such statements to reflect future events or developments or otherwise.

The Gorman-Rupp Company
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(thousands of dollars, except per share data)


	Three Months Ended December 31,						Year Ended December 31,
	2024			2023			2024			2023

Net sales	$	162,704		$	160,565		$	659,667		$	659,511
Cost of products sold		113,511			109,628			455,339			463,258
Gross profit		49,193			50,937			204,328			196,253
Selling, general and administrative expenses		25,013			25,996			100,506			96,660
Amortization expense		3,100			3,153			12,379			12,552
Operating income		21,080			21,788			91,443			87,041
Interest expense		(6,734	)		(10,126	)		(33,621	)		(41,273	)
Other income (expense), net		(668	)		(422	)		(7,329	)		(1,807	)
Income before income taxes		13,678			11,240			50,493			43,961
Provision for income taxes		2,701			2,264			10,378			9,010
Net income	$	10,977		$	8,976		$	40,115		$	34,951

Earnings per share	$	0.42		$	0.34		$	1.53		$	1.34

The Gorman-Rupp Company
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(thousands of dollars, except share data)

	December 31,
Assets	2024		2023

Cash and cash equivalents	$	24,213	$	30,518
Accounts receivable, net		87,636		89,625
Inventories, net		99,205		104,156
Prepaid and other		9,773		11,812
Total current assets		220,827		236,111
Property, plant and equipment, net		131,822		134,872
Other assets		23,838		24,841
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		481,982		494,534
Total assets	$	858,469	$	890,358

Liabilities and shareholders' equity

Accounts payable	$	24,752	$	23,886
Current portion of long-term debt		18,500		21,875
Accrued liabilities and expenses		44,275		54,915
Total current liabilities		87,527		100,676
Pension benefits		6,629		11,500
Postretirement benefits		22,178		22,786
Long-term debt, net of current portion		348,097		382,579
Other long-term liabilities		20,238		23,358
Total liabilities		484,669		540,899
Shareholders' equity		373,800		349,459
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	858,469	$	890,358

Shares outstanding		26,227,540		26,193,998

The Gorman-Rupp Company
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(thousands of dollars, except share data)




	Year Ended December 31,
	2024			2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	40,115		$	34,951
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		27,897			28,496
LIFO expense		5,142			6,891
Pension expense		2,715			3,604
Stock based compensation		4,008			3,252
Contributions to pension plans		(5,089	)		(2,250	)
Amortization of debt issuance fees		6,405			3,014
Deferred income tax charge (benefit)		(1,417	)		(414	)
Gain on sale of property, plant, and equipment		(1,195	)		-
Other		387			1,335
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net		1,180			3,752
Inventories, net		(2,031	)		559
Accounts payable		1,222			(1,518	)
Commissions payable		(3,603	)		9
Deferred revenue and customer deposits		(5,636	)		5,773
Income taxes		2,129			1,226
Accrued expenses and other		(1,801	)		6,316
Benefit obligations		(598	)		3,229
Net cash provided by operating activities		69,830			98,225
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital additions		(14,319	)		(20,835	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment		2,453			-
Other		-			672
Net cash used for investing activities		(11,866	)		(20,163	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends		(19,009	)		(18,447	)
Treasury share repurchases		(267	)		(1,029	)
Proceeds from bank borrowings		400,000			5,000
Payments to banks for borrowings		(443,000	)		(39,500	)
Debt issuance fees		(746	)		-
Other		(115	)		(551	)
Net cash used for financing activities		(63,137	)		(54,527	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		(1,132	)		200
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(6,305	)		23,735
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period		30,518			6,783
End of period	$	24,213		$	30,518

The Gorman-Rupp Company
Non-GAAP Financial Information
(thousands of dollars, except per share data)



	Three Months Ended December 31,				Year Ended December 31,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Adjusted earnings:
Reported net income – GAAP basis	$	10,977	$	8,976	$	40,115	$	34,951
Amortization of acquired customer backlog		-		-		-		863
Write-off of unamortized previously deferred debt financing fees		-		-		3,506		-
Refinancing costs		-		-		2,413		-
Non-GAAP adjusted earnings	$	10,977	$	8,976	$	46,034	$	35,814



	Three Months Ended December 31,				Year Ended December 31,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Adjusted earnings per share:
Reported earnings per share – GAAP basis	$	0.42	$	0.34	$	1.53	$	1.34
Amortization of acquired customer backlog		-		-		-		0.03
Write-off of unamortized previously deferred debt financing fees		-		-		0.13		-
Refinancing costs		-		-		0.09		-
Non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share	$	0.42	$	0.34	$	1.75	$	1.37




	Three Months Ended December 31,				Year Ended December 31,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization:
Reported net income – GAAP basis	$	10,977	$	8,976	$	40,115	$	34,951
Interest expense		6,734		10,126		33,621		41,273
Provision for income taxes		2,701		2,264		10,378		9,010
Depreciation and amortization expense		6,924		7,300		27,897		28,496
Non-GAAP earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization		27,336		28,666		112,011		113,730

Amortization of acquired customer backlog		-		-		-		1,085
Write-off of unamortized previously deferred debt financing fees		-		-		4,438		-
Refinancing costs		-		-		3,055		-
Non-cash LIFO expense		1,697		477		5,142		6,891
Non-GAAP adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization	$	29,033	$	29,143	$	124,646	$	121,706

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250206642159/en/

Brigette A. Burnell

Corporate Secretary

The Gorman-Rupp Company

Telephone (419) 755-1246

For additional information, contact James C. Kerr, Chief Financial Officer, Telephone (419) 755-1548.

Source: The Gorman-Rupp Company

FAQ

What were GRC's Q4 2024 earnings per share?

GRC reported earnings of $0.42 per share in Q4 2024, up from $0.34 per share in Q4 2023.

How much did GRC reduce its debt in 2024?

Gorman-Rupp reduced its total debt by $43.0 million during 2024.

What was GRC's full-year revenue growth in 2024?

GRC's full-year revenue growth was 0.1%, with net sales of $659.7 million compared to $659.5 million in 2023.

How did GRC's municipal market sales perform in 2024?

GRC's municipal market sales increased by $21.5 million in 2024, driven by domestic flood control and wastewater projects.

What was GRC's order backlog as of December 31, 2024?

GRC's order backlog was $206.0 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $218.1 million at the end of 2023.

Gorman-Rupp Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-year 2024 Financial Results

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What were GRC's Q4 2024 earnings per share?

How much did GRC reduce its debt in 2024?

What was GRC's full-year revenue growth in 2024?

How did GRC's municipal market sales perform in 2024?

What was GRC's order backlog as of December 31, 2024?

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Gorman-Rupp Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-year 2024 Financial Results

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FAQ

What were GRC's Q4 2024 earnings per share?

How much did GRC reduce its debt in 2024?

What was GRC's full-year revenue growth in 2024?

How did GRC's municipal market sales perform in 2024?

What was GRC's order backlog as of December 31, 2024?

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