IDEX Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results

Full Year Highlights

• Record full year reported EPS of $5.88, up 19%; record adjusted EPS of $6.30, up 21%
• Record full year sales of $2.8 billion, up 18% overall and 12% organically vs. 2020
• Full year operating margin of 23.0%; adjusted operating margin of 23.9%
• Invested more than $650 million for acquisitions and capital projects

Fourth Quarter Highlights

• Record fourth quarter reported and adjusted EPS of $1.55
• Record fourth quarter orders of $795.3 million, up 17% overall and 13% organically vs. Q4 2020
• Record fourth quarter sales of $714.8 million, up 16% overall and 11% organically vs. Q4 2020
• Announced upcoming acquisition of Nexsight, LLC

NORTHBROOK, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–IDEX Corporation (NYSE: IEX) today announced its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2021.

“IDEX achieved record results in 2021, demonstrating our teams’ continued ability to execute against a challenging landscape,” said Eric D. Ashleman, IDEX Corporation Chief Executive Officer and President. “We deployed more capital than ever before, using our strong balance sheet to add key strategic assets to the portfolio and continued investing in our businesses in ways that drive growth and productivity.”

“As we move forward into 2022, demand for our differentiated technology remains strong, particularly in the markets served by our Health & Science Technologies businesses,” Ashleman said. “However, the difficult supply chain and COVID-19 environment persisted in the fourth quarter. We expect those challenges to continue through the first half of the year, impacting our ability to ramp production levels.

While we continue to navigate the current challenging environment, we remain optimistic in the long-term strength of our businesses. We are actively investing to support our best opportunities for organic growth, and we have ramped up our capital spending to support some exciting initiatives. We will continue to actively seek to deploy additional capital to acquire IDEX-like businesses as well as make some calculated investments in new technologies to bolster our growth potential and to further strengthen our portfolio and enhance our return to shareholders.”

2022 Outlook

Organic sales growth is projected to be 5 to 8 percent for 2022, with a 6 to 7 percent organic sales increase in the first quarter of 2022 versus the prior year period. We expect full year 2022 GAAP EPS of $6.70 to $7.00 (adjusted EPS of $7.33 to $7.63) and first quarter 2022 GAAP EPS of $1.57 to $1.60 (adjusted EPS of $1.73 to $1.76).

As previously disclosed, beginning in 2022, we will calculate adjusted net income and adjusted EPS to also exclude the impact of after-tax acquisition-related intangible asset amortization. Under the revised definition, adjusted EPS for full year and fourth quarter 2021 were $6.87 and $1.71 per share, respectively.

Consolidated Results

Net Sales

Fourth quarter 2021 sales of $714.8 million reflected a 16 percent increase compared with the fourth quarter of 2020 (+11 percent organic and +5 percent acquisitions).

Full year 2021 sales of $2,764.8 million reflected an 18 percent increase compared with 2020 (+12 percent organic, +4 percent acquisitions and +2 percent foreign currency translation).

Gross Margin

Fourth quarter 2021 gross margin and adjusted gross margin of 44.0 percent both increased 20 basis points compared with the prior year period primarily due to volume leverage.

Full year 2021 gross margin of 44.3 percent increased 60 basis points compared with 2020 primarily due to volume leverage, partially offset by higher step-up charges related to acquisitions. Adjusted gross margin, which excludes the impact of step-up charges, was 44.7 percent, up 80 basis points compared with 2020.

Operating Margin

Fourth quarter 2021 operating margin of 22.7 percent increased 10 basis points compared with the prior year period driven by lower restructuring costs as compared to the prior year period. Excluding restructuring costs, adjusted operating margin was 22.8 percent, down 60 basis points compared with the prior year period due to incremental resource investments, targeted discretionary spending and higher amortization from acquisitions, partially offset by higher volume leverage.

Full year 2021 operating margin of 23.0 percent increased 90 basis points compared with 2020, reflecting higher volume leverage and lower restructuring costs, partially offset by incremental resource investments, targeted discretionary spending, higher amortization and step-up charges from acquisitions and a corporate transaction indemnity charge in 2021. Adjusted operating margin, which excludes the impact of restructuring, step-up and indemnity charges, was 23.9 percent, up 110 basis points compared with 2020.

Net Income and Earnings per Share Attributable to IDEX

Fourth quarter 2021 net income attributable to IDEX increased $17.7 million to $118.8 million, which resulted in EPS attributable to IDEX of $1.55 per share. The fourth quarter 2021 effective tax rate of 22.5 percent was relatively flat compared to the fourth quarter 2020 effective tax rate of 22.2 percent. Adjusted EPS attributable to IDEX, which reflects the impact of non-GAAP adjustments, net of related tax impacts, was also $1.55 per share, an increase of 18 cents per share, or 13.1 percent, from the prior year period.

Full year 2021 net income attributable to IDEX increased $71.6 million to $449.4 million, which resulted in EPS attributable to IDEX of $5.88 per share. The 2021 effective tax rate was 22.5 percent compared to the 2020 effective tax rate of 19.7 percent. The 2021 effective tax rate is higher due to a decrease in the excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation and benefits associated with the finalization of the Global Intangible Low-Tax Income (“GILTI”) regulations in 2020. Adjusted EPS attributable to IDEX, which reflects the impact of non-GAAP adjustments, net of related tax impacts, was $6.30 per share, an increase of $1.11 per share, or 21.4 percent, from the prior year period.

Cash Flow

Fourth quarter and full year 2021 cash from operations of $163.1 million and $565.3 million, respectively, were relatively flat compared with the same prior year periods as higher earnings were offset by an increased investment in working capital. Fourth quarter 2021 free cash flow of $135.9 million was 115 percent of adjusted net income attributable to IDEX, while full year 2021 free cash flow of $492.6 million was 102 percent of adjusted net income attributable to IDEX. Both fourth quarter and full year 2021 periods reflected higher investments in growth projects as compared to the respective prior year periods.

Segment Highlights

Fluid & Metering Technologies

• Fourth quarter 2021 sales of $252.8 million reflected a 10 percent increase compared with the fourth quarter of 2020 (+7 percent organic, +4 percent acquisitions and -1 percent foreign currency translation).
• Full year 2021 sales of $998.7 million reflected an 11 percent increase compared with 2020 (+6 percent organic, +4 percent acquisitions and +1 percent foreign currency translation).
• Fourth quarter 2021 operating margin was 25.3 percent, down 40 basis points compared with the prior year period primarily due to incremental resource investments and targeted discretionary spending as well as the dilutive impact of acquisitions driven by higher amortization and lower energy demand, partially offset by lower restructuring costs and favorable price/cost. Adjusted operating margin, which excludes the impact of restructuring costs, was 25.2 percent, a 180 basis point decrease compared with the prior year period.
• Full year 2021 operating margin was 26.0 percent, down 20 basis points compared with 2020 primarily due to higher amortization related to the ABEL Pumps, L.P. (“ABEL Pumps”) and Flow Management Devices LLC (“Flow MD”) acquisitions and lower volume from the Flow MD business, as well as costs associated with COVID-19 related new product development that did not materialize. These unfavorable impacts to margin were partially offset by overall higher volume leverage, favorable price/cost and lower restructuring and step-up charges. Adjusted operating margin, which excludes the impact of restructuring and step-up charges, was 26.7 percent, a 60 basis point decrease compared with 2020.

Health & Science Technologies

• Fourth quarter 2021 sales of $294.1 million reflected a 25 percent increase compared with the fourth quarter of 2020 (+16 percent organic and +9 percent acquisitions/divestitures).
• Full year 2021 sales of $1.1 billion reflected a 25 percent increase compared with 2020 (+18 percent organic, +5 percent acquisitions/divestitures and +2 percent foreign currency translation).
• Fourth quarter 2021 operating margin was 25.8 percent, up 210 basis points compared with the prior year period, primarily driven by volume leverage and favorable price/cost, partially offset by resource investments and amortization related to the Airtech Group, Inc. (“Airtech”) acquisition. Fourth quarter 2021 adjusted operating margin, which excludes restructuring costs, was 25.8 percent, a 190 basis point increase compared with the prior year period.
• Full year 2021 operating margin was 25.8 percent, up 280 basis points compared with 2020, driven by volume leverage and favorable price/cost, partially offset by targeted reinvestment and acquisition-related amortization and step-up charges. Full year 2021 adjusted operating margin, which excludes restructuring and step-up charges, was 26.7 percent, a 340 basis point increase compared with 2020.

Fire & Safety/Diversified Products

• Fourth quarter 2021 sales of $168.5 million reflected a 12 percent increase compared with the fourth quarter of 2020 (+13 percent organic and -1 percent foreign currency translation).
• Full year 2021 sales of $647.9 million reflected a 15 percent increase compared with 2020 (+13 percent organic and +2 percent foreign currency translation).
• Fourth quarter 2021 operating margin was 25.4 percent, down 130 basis points compared with the prior year period primarily due to unfavorable price/cost and incremental targeted discretionary spending, partially offset by volume leverage and lower restructuring charges. Adjusted operating margin, which excludes the impact of restructuring costs, was 25.6 percent, a 150 basis point decrease compared with the prior year period.
• Full year 2021 operating margin was 26.1 percent, up 50 basis points compared with 2020 primarily due to higher volume and lower restructuring costs, partially offset by unfavorable price/cost and mix. Adjusted operating margin, which excludes the impact of restructuring costs, was 26.2 percent, a 10 basis point increase compared with 2020.

Corporate Costs

Corporate costs included in operating income were $20.6 million and $80.5 million in the fourth quarter and full year 2021, respectively, an increase of $4.7 million and $15.6 million over the prior year comparative periods. The increases were primarily driven by higher variable compensation and employee-related costs, as well as higher acquisition expenses, partially offset by lower IDEX Foundation funding as the prior year included a special fourth quarter contribution. Full year 2021 costs also included a $3.5 million charge related to the settlement of a corporate transaction indemnity.

Debt Offering and Redemption

On May 28, 2021, the Company completed a public offering of $500.0 million 2.625% Senior Notes due June 15, 2031. The net proceeds from the offering were $494.7 million. The net proceeds were used to redeem and repay the $350.0 million 4.20% Senior Notes due December 15, 2021 and the related “make-whole” redemption premium of $6.7 million, with the remaining balance used for general corporate purposes. The Company also recognized $1.9 million of deferred costs related to the 4.20% Senior Notes for a total loss on early debt redemption of $8.6 million, which was recorded within Other (income) expense – net.

Termination of U.S. Pension Plan, Net of Curtailment

On June 17, 2021, the Company settled its remaining obligations under the U.S. pension plan through a combination of lump-sum payments to eligible participants who elected them, and through the purchase of annuities from Legal and General, an A rated third-party insurer. The Company recognized a net loss of $8.6 million which was recorded within Other (income) expense – net. The net loss consisted of a $9.7 million loss related to previously deferred pension related costs and a $0.9 million loss related to a decrease in plan assets remaining after the settlement, partially offset by a $2.0 million curtailment gain related to the termination of several participants within one of the Company’s post-retirement medical plans.

Acquisition

On November 23, 2021, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Nexsight, LLC and its businesses Envirosight, WinCan, MyTana and Pipeline Renewal Technologies (“Nexsight”) for cash consideration of $120.0 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments. Nexsight is based in Randolph, New Jersey. Nexsight will complement and create synergies with the Company’s existing iPEK and ADS business units that design and create sewer crawlers, inspection and monitoring systems and software applications that allow teams to identify, anticipate and correct wastewater system issues remotely. With annual sales of approximately $50 million, Nexsight will be part of the Company’s Water reporting unit within the FMT segment. The Company expects to close the transaction by the end of the first quarter of 2022, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

Restructuring Expenses and Asset Impairments

The Company recorded $0.7 million and $9.3 million of restructuring expenses and asset impairments in the fourth quarter and full year 2021, respectively, to facilitate long-term sustainable growth through cost reduction actions, primarily consisting of employee reductions, facility rationalization and impairment charges.

Conference Call to be Broadcast over the Internet

IDEX will broadcast its fourth quarter earnings conference call over the Internet on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. CT. Chief Executive Officer and President Eric Ashleman and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer William Grogan will discuss the Company’s recent financial performance and respond to questions from the financial analyst community. IDEX invites interested investors to listen to the call and view the accompanying slide presentation, which will be carried live on its website at www.idexcorp.com. Those who wish to participate should log on several minutes before the discussion begins. After clicking on the presentation icon, investors should follow the instructions to ensure their systems are set up to hear the event and view the presentation slides, or download the correct applications at no charge. Investors will also be able to hear a replay of the call by dialing 877.660.6853 (or 201.612.7415 for international participants) using the ID #13724802.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements may relate to, among other things, the Company’s expected organic sales growth and expected earnings per share, and the assumptions underlying these expectations, plant and equipment capacity for future growth, the duration of supply chain challenges, anticipated future acquisition behavior, availability of cash and financing alternatives, the anticipated timing of the closing of the Company’s acquisition of Nexsight and the anticipated benefits of the Company’s acquisitions of ABEL Pumps, Airtech and Nexsight, and are indicated by words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “guidance,” “expects,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “should,” “could,” “will,” “management believes,” “the Company believes,” “the Company intends” and similar words or phrases. These statements are subject to inherent uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the date of this news release. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic (including the emergence of variant strains) on our ability to operate our business and facilities, on our customers, on supply chains and on the U.S. and global economy generally; economic and political consequences resulting from terrorist attacks and wars; levels of industrial activity and economic conditions in the U.S. and other countries around the world; pricing pressures and other competitive factors and levels of capital spending in certain industries, all of which could have a material impact on order rates and the Company’s results; the Company’s ability to make acquisitions and to integrate and operate acquired businesses on a profitable basis; the relationship of the U.S. dollar to other currencies and its impact on pricing and cost competitiveness; political and economic conditions in foreign countries in which the Company operates; developments with respect to trade policy and tariffs; interest rates; capacity utilization and the effect this has on costs; labor markets; supply chain backlogs, including risks affecting component availability, labor inefficiencies and freight logistical challenges; market conditions and material costs; and developments with respect to contingencies, such as litigation and environmental matters. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks discussed in the “Risk Factors” section included in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and the Company’s subsequent quarterly reports filed with the SEC as well as the other risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included here are only made as of the date of this news release, and management undertakes no obligation to publicly update them to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. Investors are cautioned not to rely unduly on forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented here.

About IDEX

IDEX (NYSE: IEX) is a company that has undoubtedly touched your life in some way. In fact, IDEX businesses make thousands of products that are mission-critical components in everyday activities. Chances are the car you’re driving has a BAND-IT® clamp holding your side airbag safely in place. If you were ever in a car accident, a Hurst Jaws of Life® rescue tool may have saved your life. If you or a family member is battling cancer, your doctor may have tested your DNA in a quest to find the best targeted medicine for you. It’s likely your DNA test was run on equipment that contains components made by our IDEX Health & Science team. Founded in 1988 with three small, entrepreneurial manufacturing companies, we’re proud to say that we now call over 45 diverse businesses around the world part of the IDEX family. With more than 7,500 employees and manufacturing operations in more than 20 countries, IDEX is a high-performing, global company with nearly $2.

Contacts

Investor Contact:
Allison S. Lausas

Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

(847) 498-7070

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