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	Myers Industries Inc	17.96	0.26	1.43%
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Myers Industries Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results

Self-Help Initiatives and Myers Business System Drive Solid Operating Performance

Company Initiates Fiscal Year 2024 Outlook and Expects Improved Profitability as Compared to Prior Year

Myers to Host Investor & Analyst Day Event in New York City on March 19, 2024

Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights

• Net sales of $191.1 million compared to $212.8 million in the prior year period
• Gross margin of 30.0%, down 60 basis points versus the prior year period
• GAAP net income per diluted share of $0.34 compared to $0.36 in the prior year period
• Adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.29 compared to $0.32 in the prior year period
• Cash flow provided by operations was $15.4 million and free cash flow was $11.8 million

Full Year 2023 Financial Highlights

• Net sales of $813.1 million compared to $899.5 million in the prior year period
• Gross margin of 31.9%, up 40 basis points versus the prior year period
• GAAP net income per diluted share of $1.32 compared to $1.64 in the prior year period
• Adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.39 compared to $1.68 in the prior year period
• Cash flow provided by operations was $86.2 million and free cash flow was $63.3 million
• Subsequent to fiscal year end, closed on acquisition of Signature Systems, enhancing Myers' long-term margin and EPS growth profiles

Myers Industries' President and CEO Mike McGaugh continued, "In closing 2023, our Material Handling segment delivered respectable fourth quarter financial results with continued strong margins in-spite of demand headwinds in RV, Marine, and Consumer end-markets. We continue to see results from our Operational Excellence and Commercial Excellence initiatives, what we call our Self-Help programs. As a result, when these cyclical end markets improve, we expect to benefit more than we have historically."

"Our Distribution segment performance in 2023 was disappointing and not reflective of our expectations for this business. Our fourth quarter results were unfavorably impacted due to a short-term decline in sales volume and revenue, primarily a transition effect of our Distribution sales organization realignment, which was implemented in the third quarter of 2023. We expect our Distribution segment to demonstrate future revenue growth and improved profitability as we build on the scale and reach achieved from the Mohawk acquisition and begin to realize the benefits from our sales organization improvements."

"We continue to be excited about the growth and innovation projects in our Material Handling segment, many of which have a long-term growth runway. In particular, we see strong growth opportunities in Military cases, Industrial boxes, and our e-commerce sales channel. We also continue to be pleased with our progress on our Sustainability efforts, as highlighted in our third annual ESG report to be released this week."

McGaugh continued, "We've made another significant step forward in expanding our branded product portfolio, increasing our end-market diversification by acquiring Signature Systems. This business is less cyclical than our traditional portfolio of businesses, but it has similar cash flow generation potential, and it moves us into faster growing markets with greater tail winds. We believe Signature Systems is a catalyst for Myers' transformation and a growth engine for the Company."

McGaugh concluded, "In 2023, we continued to improve our company; quite frankly, it is unrecognizable from the one I joined in the spring of 2020. We are confident that the progress we've made in our Commercial Excellence and Operational Excellence over the past few years, coupled with our leading brands in diverse end markets and our acquisition of Signature System, will serve as a solid foundation for meaningful shareholder value creation as we advance through our three-horizon strategy."

Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Summary

Net sales were $191.1 million, a decrease of $21.8 million, or 10.2%, compared with $212.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. The decrease was the result of lower volume/pricing in certain targeted areas in the Material Handling segment and lower volume in Distribution.

Gross profit decreased $7.8 million, or 12.1% to $57.2 million, as the contribution from lower raw material costs was not enough to offset lower volumes and pricing. Gross margin declined 60 basis points to 30.0% compared with 30.6% for the fourth quarter of 2022. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $8.7 million, or 18.3% to $38.7 million due to lower professional services and incentive compensation. SG&A as a percentage of sales decreased to 20.3%, compared with 22.3% in the same period last year. Net income per diluted share was $0.34, compared with $0.36 for the fourth quarter of 2022. Adjusted earnings per diluted share were $0.29, compared with $0.32 for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Segment Results

(Dollar amounts in the segment tables below are reported in millions)

Material Handling

Net sales for the Material Handling segment were $126.9 million, a decrease of $15.3 million, or 10.8%, compared with $142.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. Net sales decreased in the vehicle, food & beverage and consumer end markets, with the greatest reduction in demand for RV products, marine products, agriculture, and fuel container products, due in part to a slower hurricane season. Operating income increased 43.5% to $29.9 million, compared with $20.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Operating income margin increased to 23.6% compared with 14.7% for the fourth quarter of 2022. Adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 440 basis points, primarily attributed to self-help initiatives, but partially dampened by a decrease in sales volume and pricing. Adjusted EBITDA increased 11.2% to $28.4 million, compared with $25.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. SG&A expenses were lower year-over-year, primarily due to a decrease in professional services and an insurance recovery of legal fees.

Distribution

Net sales for the Distribution segment were $64.2 million, a decrease of $6.4 million, or 9.1%, compared with $70.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. Operating income decreased $3.1 million to $0.3 million, compared with $3.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 76.4% to $1.2 million, compared with $5.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The decrease in operating income and adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to lower volume and an unfavorable sale mix. The decrease in SG&A expenses was primarily the result of lower incentive compensation. The Distribution segment's operating income margin was 0.5% compared with 4.8% for the fourth quarter of 2022. The Distribution segment's adjusted EBITDA margin was 1.8%, compared with 7.0% for the fourth quarter of 2022. The Distribution Segment continues to implement pricing actions to counter cost inflation and improve margin.

Full Year 2023 Financial Summary

Net sales for the full year of 2023 were $813.1 million, a decrease of $86.5 million, or 9.6%, compared with $899.5 million for the full year of 2022. The decrease was the result of lower volume and pricing in certain areas in the Material Handling segment, partially offset by higher sales in the Distribution segment largely from incremental sales of $23.1 million from Mohawk Rubber acquisition.

Gross profit decreased $24.3 million, or 8.6% to $259.1 million, as the contribution from lower raw material costs was not enough to offset lower volumes and pricing. Gross margin expanded 40 basis points to 31.9% compared with 31.5% for the full year of 2022. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $12.6 million, or 6.3% to $186.9 million due to lower incentive compensation, commissions and facility costs. SG&A as a percentage of sales increased to 23.0%, compared with 22.2% in the same period last year. Net income per diluted share was $1.32, compared with $1.64 for the full year of 2022. Adjusted earnings per diluted share were $1.39, compared with $1.68 for the full year of 2022.

Full Year 2023 Segment Results

(Dollar amounts in the segment tables below are reported in millions)

Material Handling

Net sales for the Material Handling segment were $555.3 million, a decrease of $92.4 million, or 14.3%, compared with $647.6 million for the full year of 2022. Net sales decreased in the vehicle, industrial, food & beverage and consumer end markets, with the greatest reduction in demand for RV products, marine, construction products, and fuel container products, due in part to a slower hurricane season. Operating income decreased 3.8% to $100.1 million, compared with $104.1 million in the full year of 2022. Operating income margin increased to 18.0% compared with 16.1% for the full year of 2022. Adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 150 basis points, primarily attributed to self-help initiatives, but partially dampened by a decrease in sales volume. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 7.4% to $113.8 million, compared with $122.9 million in the full year of 2022. Lower sales volume and pricing more than offset lower raw material costs. SG&A expenses were lower year-over-year, primarily due to a decrease in professional services and insurance recovery of legal fees.

Distribution

Net sales for the Distribution segment were $257.9 million, an increase of $5.9 million, or 2.3%, compared with $252.0 million for the full year of 2022. Operating income decreased $4.9 million to $11.0 million, compared with $15.9 million for the full year of 2022. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 19.6% to $15.9 million, compared with $19.7 million in the full year of 2022. The decrease in operating income and adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to lower volume/mix and higher SG&A. The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily the result of the Mohawk Rubber acquisition and higher salaries. The Distribution segment's operating income margin was 4.3% compared with 6.3% for the full year of 2022. The Distribution segment's adjusted EBITDA margin was 6.2%, compared with 7.8% for the full year of 2022. The Distribution Segment continues to implement pricing actions to counter cost inflation and improve margin.

Balance Sheet & Cash Flow

As of December 31, 2023, the Company's cash on hand totaled $30.3 million. Total debt as of December 31, 2023 was $67.2 million.

For the fourth quarter of 2023, cash flow provided by operations was $15.4 million and free cash flow was $11.8 million, compared with cash flow provided by operations of $21.9 million and free cash flow of $15.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. For the full year of 2023, cash flow provided by operations was $86.2 million and free cash flow was $63.3 million, compared with cash flow provided by operations of $72.6 million and free cash flow of $48.3 million for the full year of 2022. The increase in cash flow was driven primarily by a decrease in working capital. Capital expenditures for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $3.6 million, compared with $6.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. Capital expenditures for the full year of 2023 were $22.9 million, compared with $24.3 million for the full year of 2022.

Closing of Previously Announced Acquisition of Signature Systems

On February 8, 2024, the Company announced that it completed its acquisition of Signature Systems ("Signature"), which was previously announced on January 2, 2024.

The cash transaction of $350 million was funded through an Amendment to Myers' existing $250 million revolving credit facility and a new $400 million 5-year senior secured term loan A facility. The term loan A facility was upsized by $50.0 million since the Signature Systems transaction was initially announced. As of closing, the Company's net leverage ratio was approximately 3.0x, which is within management's target range. Future financial results of Signature Systems are expected to be disclosed within Myers' Material Handling segment.

Chief Financial Officer Grant Fitz commented, "As a reminder, this transaction is expected to be neutral to slightly dilutive to US GAAP EPS in fiscal year 2024, but we anticipate Signature will deliver earnings accretion of between $0.20 and $0.30 in 2025, and between $0.40 and $0.50 in 2026, with the potential for additional meaningful earnings accretion beyond 2026. We also expect annualized run-rate operational and cost synergies of $8 million will be fully captured by 2025,with additional synergies to be realized once Signature has an opportunity to leverage the Myers Business System. Finally, we remind investors that we anticipate reducing our net leverage ratio below 2.0x within two years of closing of this transaction, which would enable continued acquisitive growth.

2024 Investor Day

The Company will host an Investor and Analyst Day on Tuesday, March 19^th, 2024 at The Harvard Club in New York City. The event will feature a showcase of Myers' diverse product portfolio and will be accompanied by presentations from members of Myers' executive management that will outline the Company's long-term strategy and outlook.

2024 Outlook

Based on current exchange rates, market outlook, and business forecast, the Company provided the following outlook for fiscal 2024:

• Net sales growth of 15% - 20%
• Net income per diluted share in the range of $1.03 to $1.23*
• Adjusted earnings per diluted share range of $1.30 to $1.45*
• Capital expenditures to be in the range of $35 to $40 million
• Effective tax rate to approximate 25%

* Subject to completion of purchase accounting for the February 8, 2024 acquisition of Signature Systems, which could have positive or negative impact on EPS metrics related to depreciation and amortization.

We will continue to monitor market conditions and provide updates as we progress throughout the year

Conference Call Details

The Company will host an earnings conference call and webcast for investors and analysts on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. EDT. The call is anticipated to last less than one hour and may be accessed using the following online participation registration link: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=fc15d634&confId=59274 .Upon registering, each participant will be provided with call details and a registrant ID. Reminders will also be sent to registered participants via email. Alternatively, the conference call will be available via a live webcast. To access the live webcast or a replay, visit the Company's website www.myersindustries.com and click on the Investor Relations tab. An archived replay of the call will also be available on the site shortly after the event. To listen to the telephone replay, callers should dial: (US Local) 1-929-458-6194 or (US Toll-Free) 1-866-813-9403 Access Code: 269707.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company uses certain non-GAAP measures in this release. Adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted operating income margin, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per diluted share (adjusted EPS), and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures and are intended to serve as a supplement to results provided in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Myers Industries believes that such information provides an additional measurement and consistent historical comparison of the Company's performance. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is available in this news release.

About Myers Industries

Myers Industries, Inc. is a manufacturer of sustainable plastic and metal products for industrial, agricultural, automotive, commercial, and consumer markets. The Company is also the largest distributor of tools, equipment and supplies for the tire, wheel, and under-vehicle service industry in the United States. Visit www.myersindustries.com to learn more.

Caution on Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this release include contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including information regarding the Company's financial outlook, future plans, objectives, business prospects and anticipated financial performance. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "will," "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "estimate," "intend," "plan," or variations of these words, or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on the Company's current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, these statements inherently involve a wide range of inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. The Company's actual actions, results, and financial condition may differ materially from what is expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

Specific factors that could cause such a difference on our business, financial position, results of operations and/or liquidity include, without limitation, raw material availability, increases in raw material costs, or other production costs; risks associated with our strategic growth initiatives or the failure to achieve the anticipated benefits of such initiatives; unanticipated downturn in business relationships with customers or their purchases; competitive pressures on sales and pricing; changes in the markets for the Company's business segments; changes in trends and demands in the markets in which the Company competes; operational problems at our manufacturing facilities or unexpected failures at those facilities; future economic and financial conditions in the United States and around the world; inability of the Company to meet future capital requirements; claims, litigation and regulatory actions against the Company; changes in laws and regulations affecting the Company; impacts from the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic; and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the SEC, including without limitation, the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Given these factors, as well as other variables that may affect our operating results, readers should not rely on forward-looking statements, assume that past financial performance will be a reliable indicator of future performance, nor use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or intention to provide updates to the forward-looking statements and the estimates and assumptions associated with them.

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