Fort Wayne, IN – April 27, 2021 – Franklin Electric Co. Inc. today announced first quarter 2021 financial results.
First quarter 2021 sales were $333.0 million, compared to first quarter 2020 sales of $266.8 million. First quarter 2021 operating income was $33.8 million, compared to first quarter operating income in 2020 of $13.8 million, an increase of a 144 percent.
First quarter 2021 GAAP fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.59, versus GAAP fully diluted EPS in the first quarter 2020 of $0.23.
“Building off a strong fourth quarter, our Water Systems and Distribution businesses maintained their momentum, delivering record sales and earnings for the first quarter. At the same time, our Fueling Systems business hit an inflection point, and appears to have turned the post-pandemic corner, producing solid revenue growth alongside 23 percent operating income growth versus the first quarter last year,” commented Gregg Sengstack, Franklin Electric’s Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer. “While 2021 is off to a great start with significant momentum at our heels and a strong strategy for growth, we remain vigilant in adapting to the ongoing impacts of the global pandemic, which continues to cause disruption across the globe.”
Mr. Sengstack concluded, “We are confident that our approach to grow as a global provider of water and fuel systems positions us well to meet the needs of our customers and generate value for our shareholders. As a result, we are increasing our full year earnings per share before restructuring expense guidance to be in the range of $2.80 to $3.00, given the demand environment we see in most of the end markets we serve.”
Franklin Electric (NASDAQ: FELE) is a global manufacturer and distributor of systems and technologies for moving and protecting the world’s most critical resources: water, fuel, and electricity. Franklin Electric serves customers in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and energy applications with a commitment to responsible innovation, sustainable manufacturing, and being an indispensable partner to customers. Franklin Electric is proud to be recognized in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies and Most Trustworthy Companies for 2024, Best Places to Work in Indiana 2024, and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.