TORONTO, Feb. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Martinrea International Inc. (TSX : MRE), a diversified and global automotive supplier engaged in the design, development and manufacturing of highly engineered, value-added Lightweight Structures and Propulsion Systems, today announced the release of its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023, and declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share.
HIGHLIGHTS
Full Year 2023:
Total sales of $5,340.0 million, an annual record for the Company.
Diluted net earnings per share of $1.93 and Adjusted Net Earnings per Share(1) of $2.22.
Free Cash Flow(1) of $195.4 million, an annual record for the Company.
Adjusted Operating Income Margin(1) of 5.6%.
Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $616.7 million, an annual record for the Company.
Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA(1) ratio, (excluding IFRS 16 impact) strengthened, ending the year at 1.40x.
New business awards announced over the last four quarters of approximately $375 million in annualized sales at mature volumes.
Improved safety performance with a Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF) of 1.10, a 9% improvement over 2022 and an 89% improvement since 2014.
Fourth Quarter 2023:
Total sales of $1,296.1 million, consistent with the fourth quarter of 2022.
Diluted net earnings per share of $0.02 and Adjusted Net Earnings per Share(1) of $0.37.
Free Cash Flow(1) of $119.9 million, a quarterly record for the Company.
Adjusted Operating Income Margin(1) of 4.4%.
Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $140.1 million.
Fourth quarter financial results were impacted by lost sales due to the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike at select operations of the Detroit 3 OEMs, and an unexpected Tier 2 supplier issue, both of which are now resolved.
New business awards of approximately $75 million in annualized sales at mature volumes.
Quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share declared.
________________________________
1 The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. However, the Company considers certain non-IFRS financial measures as useful additional information in measuring the financial performance and condition of the Company. These measures, which the Company believes are widely used by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in evaluating the Company’s performance, do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies, nor should they be construed as an alternative to financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS. Non-IFRS measures, included anywhere in this press release, include “Adjusted Net Income”, “Adjusted Net Earnings per Share (on a basic and diluted basis)”, “Adjusted Operating Income”, “Adjusted EBITDA”, “Free Cash Flow” and “Net Debt”. The relevant IFRS financial measure, as applicable, and a reconciliation of certain non-IFRS financial measures to measures determined in accordance with IFRS are contained in the Company’s Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in this press release.
OVERVIEW
Pat D’Eramo, Chief Executive Officer, stated: “2023 was a record year for Martinrea in many ways. Despite some challenges we needed to overcome, we are pleased with the progress made during the year, a year in which we generated record revenues and record Adjusted EBITDA. Our Free Cash Flow(1) was exceptional, coming in at $119.9 million in the fourth quarter, and $195.4 million for the full year of 2023, a record level for our Company and better than what we were expecting at the time of our last call. Some of this can be attributed to timing, but notwithstanding, this is a great result for us. 2023 was a breakout year from a Free Cash Flow(1) perspective, and I am proud of our people and all their hard work to make this happen.”
He continued: “I am also pleased to announce that we have been awarded new business representing $75 million in annualized sales at mature volumes, consisting of approximately $65 million in Lightweight Structures with General Motors, BMW, Nissan, and other customers, and $10 million in Propulsion Systems with Volvo Truck and Eaton. Over the last four quarters, we have been awarded new business worth approximately $375 million in annualized sales at mature volumes. In addition, we were awarded replacement business worth approximately $375 million in annualized sales on General Motors’ next generation light-duty truck platform.”
Fred Di Tosto, President and Chief Financial Officer, stated: “Sales for the fourth quarter, excluding tooling sales of $127.4 million, were $1,168.7 million, diluted net earnings per share was $0.02, and Adjusted Net Earnings per Share(1) was $0.37. Fourth quarter Operating Income was $28.5 million and Adjusted Operating Income(1) was $56.6 million. We faced some challenges in the fourth quarter that impacted our financial performance, including lost sales due to the UAW strike at select operations of the Detroit 3 OEMs, and an unexpected disruption with one of our Tier 2 suppliers, which resulted in premium costs that had approximately a 70 basis point impact on our fourth quarter consolidated Adjusted Operating Income Margin(1). Diluted net earnings per share and Operating Income includes $28.2 million in restructuring and impairment charges, with the vast majority being incurred in Germany, in order to right size operations to align with anticipated OEM programs and volume levels.”
He continued: “Net Debt(1) declined by approximately $107 million quarter over quarter, to $782.4 million. Our Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA(1) ratio (excluding the impact of IFRS 16) ended the quarter at 1.40x, down from 1.56x at the end of the third quarter of 2023. Our leverage ratio now sits comfortably within our long-term target range of 1.5x or better, and this includes spending $29.1 million to repurchase approximately 2.3 million shares through our normal course issuer bid in 2023. Subsequent to the fourth quarter, we amended our lending agreements, extending the maturity of both our Canadian and U.S. dollar banking facilities at generally similar pricing terms to the previous agreements, and obtaining an additional $100 million in borrowing capacity. This is a testament to the strong relationships we have with our lenders, and we thank them for their ongoing support.”
Rob Wildeboer, Executive Chairman, stated: “As we look forward into 2024, we expect our results to improve over the fourth quarter. Most industry forecasters are currently calling for a relatively flat production volume environment in 2024. Slower-than-expected EV sales and higher market interest rates are likely contributing to this view. Given this industry backdrop, our 2024 outlook calls for total sales of $5.0-$5.3 billion, also reflecting a more normal year of tooling sales, an improved Adjusted Operating Income Margin(1) of 5.7%-6.2%, and continued strong Free Cash Flow(1) of $100-$150 million. We continue to perform at a high level, our balance sheet is in great shape, we are delivering on our Free Cash Flow(1) promises, and executing on our capital allocation priorities. To our shareholders and all our stakeholders, thank you for your continued support.”
He added: “We also published our 2023 Sustainability Report today, which outlines the progress we have made on various sustainability initiatives and goals throughout the year. Of note, we continued to deliver industry-leading safety performance in 2023, with a Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF) of 1.10, representing a 9% improvement over 2022 and an 89% improvement since 2014. In addition, we reduced both our carbon and energy intensity. We believe this demonstrates the commitment our organization and its people have to our unique culture, based on our Golden Rule philosophy of treating people the way we want to be treated – with dignity and respect – which also extends to the environment. One of our 10 Guiding Principles is “leave it better”, and we believe our collective efforts try to make a better world.”
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
All amounts in this press release are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated; and all tabular amounts are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except earnings per share and number of shares.
Additional information about the Company, including the Company’s Management Discussion and Analysis of Operating Results and Financial Position for the year ended December 31, 2023 (“MD&A”), the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “audited consolidated financial statements”) and the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023 can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.
OVERALL RESULTS
Results of operations may include certain items which have been separately disclosed, where appropriate, in order to provide a clear assessment of the underlying Company results. In addition to IFRS measures, management uses non-IFRS measures in the Company’s disclosures that it believes provide the most appropriate basis on which to evaluate the Company’s results.
The following tables set out certain highlights of the Company’s performance for the three months and years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Refer to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for a detailed account of the Company’s performance for the periods presented in the tables below.
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
$ Change
% Change
Sales
$
5,340,003
$
4,757,588
582,415
12.2%
Gross Margin
675,397
559,263
116,134
20.8%
Operating Income
269,114
217,779
51,335
23.6%
Net Income for the period
153,665
132,838
20,827
15.7%
Net Earnings per Share – Basic and Diluted
$
1.93
$
1.65
0.28
17.0%
Non-IFRS Measures*
Adjusted Operating Income
$
297,275
$
230,119
67,156
29.2%
% of Sales
5.6
%
4.8
%
Adjusted EBITDA
616,678
515,888
100,790
19.5%
% of Sales
11.5
%
10.8
%
Adjusted Net Income
176,492
141,612
34,880
24.6%
Adjusted Net Earnings per Share – Basic and Diluted
$
2.22
$
1.76
0.46
26.1%
Three months ended
December 31, 2023
Three months ended
December 31, 2022
$ Change
% Change
Sales
$
1,296,121
$
1,294,592
1,529
0.1
%
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation)
(1,065,338
)
(1,065,948
)
610
0.1
%
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets (production)
(77,555
)
(70,140
)
(7,415
)
(10.6
%)
Gross Margin
153,228
158,504
(5,276
)
(3.3
%)
Research and development costs
(9,754
)
(10,273
)
519
5.1
%
Selling, general and administrative
(83,476
)
(72,174
)
(11,302
)
(15.7
%)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets (non-production)
(4,548
)
(4,174
)
(374
)
(9.0
%)
Gain (loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
1,197
(1,323
)
2,520
190.5
%
Restructuring costs
(27,266
)
–
(27,266
)
(100.0
%)
Impairment of assets
(895
)
–
(895
)
(100.0
%)
Operating Income
$
28,486
$
70,560
(42,074
)
(59.6
%)
Share of loss of equity investments
(930
)
(1,665
)
735
44.1
%
Finance expense
(20,215
)
(16,194
)
(4,021
)
(24.8
%)
Other finance income (expense)
(421
)
2,959
(3,380
)
(114.2
%)
Income before taxes
$
6,920
$
55,660
(48,740
)
(87.6
%)
Income tax expense
(5,070
)
(9,433
)
4,363
46.3
%
Net Income for the period
1,850
46,227
(44,377
)
(96.0
%)
Net Earnings per Share – Basic and Diluted
$
0.02
$
0.58
(0.56
)
(96.6
%)
Non-IFRS Measures*
Adjusted Operating Income
$
56,647
$
70,560
(13,913
)
(19.7
%)
% of Sales
4.4
%
5.5
%
Adjusted EBITDA
140,080
148,990
(8,910
)
(6.0
%)
% of Sales
10.8
%
11.5
%
Adjusted Net Income
29,251
46,227
(16,976
)
(36.7
%)
Adjusted Net Earnings per Share – Basic and Diluted
$
0.37
$
0.58
(0.21
)
(36.2
%)
Non-IFRS Measures
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. However, the Company considers certain non-IFRS financial measures as useful additional information in measuring the financial performance and condition of the Company. These measures, which the Company believes are widely used by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in evaluating the Company’s performance, do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies, nor should they be construed as an alternative to financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS. Non-IFRS measures include “Adjusted Net Income”, “Adjusted Net Earnings per Share (on a basic and diluted basis)”, “Adjusted Operating Income”, “Adjusted EBITDA”, “Free Cash Flow”, and “Net Debt”.
The following tables provide a reconciliation of IFRS “Net Income” to Non-IFRS “Adjusted Net Income”, “Adjusted Operating Income” and “Adjusted EBITDA”:
Three months ended
December 31, 2023
Three months ended
December 31, 2022
Net Income
$
1,850
$
46,227
Adjustments, after tax*
27,401
–
Adjusted Net Income
$
29,251
$
46,227
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Net Income
$
153,665
$
132,838
Adjustments, after tax*
22,827
8,774
Adjusted Net Income
$
176,492
$
141,612
*Adjustments are explained in the “Adjustments to Net Income” section of this Press Release
Three months ended
December 31, 2023
Three months ended
December 31, 2022
Net Income
$
1,850
$
46,227
Income tax expense
5,070
9,433
Other finance expense (income)
421
(2,959
)
Share of loss of equity investments
930
1,665
Finance expense
20,215
16,194
Adjustments, before tax*
28,161
–
Adjusted Operating Income
$
56,647
$
70,560
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets
82,103
74,314
Amortization of development costs
2,527
2,793
Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
(1,197
)
1,323
Adjusted EBITDA
$
140,080
$
148,990
Year ended December 31, 2023
Year ended December 31, 2022
Net Income
$
153,665
$
132,838
Income tax expense
43,492
41,207
Other finance income
(6,653
)
(9,127
)
Share of loss of equity investments
3,560
5,074
Finance expense
80,323
51,837
Adjustments, before tax*
22,888
8,290
Adjusted Operating Income
$
297,275
$
230,119
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets
310,144
274,707
Amortization of development costs
10,298
10,929
Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
(1,039
)
133
Adjusted EBITDA
$
616,678
$
515,888
*Adjustments are explained in the “Adjustments to Net Income” section of this Press Release
SALES
Three months ended December 31, 2023 to three months ended December 31, 2022 comparison
Three months ended
December 31, 2023
Three months ended
December 31, 2022
$ Change
% Change
North America
$
959,464
$
984,588
(25,124
)
(2.6
%)
Europe
311,034
273,642
37,392
13.7
%
Rest of the World
34,467
47,575
(13,108
)
(27.6
%)
Eliminations
(8,844
)
(11,213
)
2,369
21.1
%
Total Sales
$
1,296,121
$
1,294,592
1,529
0.1
%
The Company’s consolidated sales for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by $1.5 million or 0.1% to $1,296.1 million as compared to $1,294.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. The total increase in sales was driven by a year-over-year increase in the Europe operating segment, partially offset by year-over-year decreases in sales in North America and the Rest of the World.
Sales for the fourth quarter of 2023 in the Company’s North America operating segment decreased by $25.1 million or 2.6% to $959.5 million from $984.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. The decrease was due to the impact of the UAW strike at General Motors, Ford and Stellantis in the United States, negatively impacting production sales for the fourth quarter across several platforms; and lower year-over-year OEM production volumes on other light-vehicle platforms, including the Ford Mustang Mach E, Lucid Air, and GM Equinox/Terrain. These negative factors were partially offset by the launch and ramp up of new programs during or subsequent to the fourth quarter of 2022, including the Mercedes’ new electric vehicle platform (EVA2), General Motors’ new electric vehicle platform (BEV3), a Toyota/Lexus SUV, and a transmission for the ZF Group; overall higher year-over-year fourth quarter OEM light vehicle production volumes, apart from the impact of the UAW strike, primarily as a result of the industry-wide supply …