ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC. (WMS)
SIC breadcrumb: Manufacturing > SIC Major Group 30 > SIC 3086 Plastics Foam Products
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1604028. Latest filing source: 0001604028-26-000019.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read WMS's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read WMS's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 3,050,376,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-05-21 |
| Net income | 426,465,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-05-21 |
| Assets | 4,505,623,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-05-21 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-21. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001604028.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2014 | 2015 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1,257,261,000 | 1,330,354,000 | 1,384,733,000 | 1,673,805,000 | 1,982,780,000 | 2,769,315,000 | 3,071,121,000 | 2,874,473,000 | 2,904,245,000 | 3,050,376,000 | ||
| Net income | 62,007,000 | 62,007,000 | 77,772,000 | -193,174,000 | 224,230,000 | 271,331,000 | 507,086,000 | 509,915,000 | 450,172,000 | 426,465,000 | ||
| Operating income | 76,328,000 | 88,254,000 | 129,413,000 | -95,349,000 | 344,525,000 | 411,918,000 | 719,310,000 | 732,131,000 | 657,436,000 | 619,202,000 | ||
| Gross profit | 295,810,000 | 302,481,000 | 326,967,000 | 316,479,000 | 690,082,000 | 800,384,000 | 1,118,408,000 | 1,145,949,000 | 1,094,241,000 | 1,167,386,000 | ||
| Diluted EPS | 0.99 | 0.99 | 1.22 | -3.21 | 2.59 | 3.15 | 6.08 | 6.45 | 5.76 | 5.44 | ||
| Operating cash flow | 104,239,000 | 137,120,000 | 151,678,000 | 306,189,000 | 452,216,000 | 274,888,000 | 707,810,000 | 717,928,000 | 581,491,000 | 819,054,000 | ||
| Capital expenditures | 46,676,000 | 41,709,000 | 43,412,000 | 67,677,000 | 78,757,000 | 149,083,000 | 166,913,000 | 183,812,000 | 212,944,000 | 249,766,000 | ||
| Dividends paid | 92,127,000 | 30,685,000 | 37,023,000 | 39,612,000 | 43,995,000 | 49,737,000 | 56,124,000 | |||||
| Share buybacks | 1,063,000 | 3,000 | 7,947,000 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 292,000,000 | 575,027,000 | 207,308,000 | 69,922,000 | 91,958,000 | ||
| Assets | 1,046,285,000 | 1,043,242,000 | 1,042,159,000 | 2,369,888,000 | 2,413,832,000 | 2,649,758,000 | 2,901,125,000 | 3,268,913,000 | 3,690,360,000 | 4,505,623,000 | ||
| Liabilities | 695,850,000 | 609,433,000 | 541,524,000 | 1,585,306,000 | 1,350,406,000 | 1,544,713,000 | 1,906,265,000 | 1,988,214,000 | 2,054,572,000 | 2,549,659,000 | ||
| Stockholders' equity | 222,703,000 | 307,596,000 | 384,327,000 | 525,723,000 | 819,784,000 | 893,039,000 | 824,147,000 | 1,153,313,000 | 1,525,436,000 | 1,858,734,000 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 6,450,000 | 17,587,000 | 8,891,000 | 174,233,000 | 195,009,000 | 20,125,000 | 217,128,000 | 490,163,000 | 463,319,000 | 223,012,000 | ||
| Free cash flow | 57,563,000 | 95,411,000 | 108,266,000 | 238,512,000 | 373,459,000 | 125,805,000 | 540,897,000 | 534,116,000 | 368,547,000 | 569,288,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2014 | 2015 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 4.93% | 4.66% | 5.62% | -11.54% | 11.31% | 9.80% | 16.51% | 17.74% | 15.50% | 13.98% | ||
| Operating margin | 6.07% | 6.63% | 9.35% | -5.70% | 17.38% | 14.87% | 23.42% | 25.47% | 22.64% | 20.30% | ||
| Return on equity | 27.84% | 20.16% | 20.24% | -36.74% | 27.35% | 30.38% | 61.53% | 44.21% | 29.51% | 22.94% | ||
| Return on assets | 5.93% | 5.94% | 7.46% | -8.15% | 9.29% | 10.24% | 17.48% | 15.60% | 12.20% | 9.47% | ||
| Liabilities / equity | 3.12 | 1.98 | 1.41 | 3.02 | 1.65 | 1.73 | 2.31 | 1.72 | 1.35 | 1.37 | ||
| Current ratio | 1.72 | 2.07 | 2.26 | 2.80 | 2.33 | 2.23 | 2.69 | 2.96 | 3.33 | 2.42 |
Financial Bridges
Income statement bridge from reported figures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2026. Revenue: accession 0001604028-26-000019; concept RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax; source concepts us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax | Gross profit: accession 0001604028-26-000019; concept GrossProfit; source concepts us-gaap:GrossProfit | Operating income: accession 0001604028-26-000019; concept OperatingIncomeLoss; source concepts us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss | Net income: accession 0001604028-26-000019; concept NetIncomeLoss; source concepts us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2026. Operating cash flow: accession 0001604028-26-000019; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001604028-26-000019; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001604028-26-000019; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001604028-26-000019; filed 2026-05-21. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001604028-26-000019; filed 2026-05-21. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001604028-26-000019; filed 2026-05-21. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001604028-26-000019; filed 2026-05-21. Concept: GrossProfit. Source concepts: us-gaap:GrossProfit.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001604028-26-000019; filed 2026-05-21. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001604028-26-000019; filed 2026-05-21. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001604028-26-000019; filed 2026-05-21. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001604028-26-000019; filed 2026-05-21. Concept: PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001604028-26-000019; filed 2026-05-21. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001604028-26-000019; filed 2026-05-21. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001604028-26-000019; filed 2026-05-21. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001604028-26-000019; filed 2026-05-21. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001604028-26-000019; filed 2026-05-21. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001604028-26-000019; filed 2026-05-21. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-05. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001604028.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-Q3 | 2019-12-31 | 0.28 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2020-Q4 | 2020-03-31 | 370,768,000 | 2,305,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2021-Q1 | 2020-06-30 | 508,639,000 | 70,466,000 | 0.83 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2022-Q1 | 2021-06-30 | 669,300,000 | 75,987,000 | 0.87 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2021-Q2 | 2021-09-30 | 706,471,000 | 75,359,000 | 0.88 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2021-Q3 | 2021-12-31 | 715,357,000 | 73,678,000 | 0.86 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q1 | 2022-06-30 | 914,186,000 | 187,146,000 | 2.22 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q2 | 2022-09-30 | 884,209,000 | 152,007,000 | 1.80 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-12-31 | 662,367,000 | 105,639,000 | 1.34 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-06-30 | 815,336,000 | 161,402,000 | 2.06 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-06-30 | 829,880,000 | 143,922,000 | 1.84 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-09-30 | 850,381,000 | 156,017,000 | 1.99 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-12-31 | 693,354,000 | 93,626,000 | 1.19 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001604028-26-000007; filed 2026-02-05. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001604028-26-000007; filed 2026-02-05. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001604028-26-000007; filed 2026-02-05. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001604028-26-000007.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Unless the context otherwise indicates or requires, as used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”), the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “ADS” and the “Company” refer to Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. and its directly- and indirectly-owned subsidiaries as a combined entity, except where it is clear that the terms mean only Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. exclusive of its subsidiaries. We consolidate our joint ventures for purposes of GAAP, except for our South American Joint Venture.
Our fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31. Unless otherwise noted, references to “year” pertain to our fiscal year. For example, 2026 refers to fiscal 2026, which is the period from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of our operations should be read in conjunction with our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related footnotes included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Fiscal 2025 Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 15, 2025. In addition to historical condensed consolidated financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, our management. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. For more information, see the section entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.”
Overview
ADS is the leading manufacturer of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite septic wastewater industries, providing superior drainage solutions for use in the construction and agriculture marketplaces. Our innovative products, for which we hold many patents, are used across a broad range of end markets and applications, including non-residential, residential, infrastructure and agriculture applications. We have established a leading position in many of these end markets by leveraging our national sales and distribution platform, industry-acclaimed engineering support, overall product breadth and scale plus manufacturing excellence.
Executive Summary
Third Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results
•Net sales increased 0.4% to $693.4 million
•Net income increased 14.3% to $94.0 million
•Net income per diluted share increased 14.4% to $1.19
•Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, increased 9.3% to $209.2 million
Net sales increased $2.8 million, or 0.4%, to $693.4 million, as compared to $690.5 million in the prior year quarter. Domestic Pipe sales decreased $12.9 million, or 3.8%, to $326.7 million. Domestic Allied Products & Other sales increased $14.1 million, or 9.4%, to $164.7 million. Infiltrator sales increased $2.9 million, or 1.9%, to $152.9 million, primarily due to growth in tanks and advanced treatment products. The overall increase in domestic net sales was primarily driven by growth in the Company's core non-residential construction end market. International sales decreased $1.3 million, or 2.5%, to $49.1 million.
Gross profit increased $17.6 million, or 7.3%, to $259.2 million as compared to $241.6 million in the prior year. The increase in gross profit is primarily driven by volume growth, favorable price/cost, and favorable mix of Allied Products & Other and Infiltrator.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $8.0 million, or 7.9% to $108.7 million, as compared to $100.8 million in the prior year. As a percentage of Net sales, Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 15.7% as compared to 14.6% in the prior year, primarily driven by transaction costs associated with the acquisition of NDS.
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, increased $17.7 million, or 9.3%, to $209.2 million, as compared to $191.5 million in the prior year. As a percentage of Net sales, Adjusted EBITDA was 30.2% as compared to 27.7% in the prior year.
Year-to-date Fiscal 2026 Results
•Net sales increased 3.7% to $2,373.6 million
•Net income increased 5.0% to $394.6 million
•Net income per diluted share increased 5.2% to $5.02
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Table of Contents
•Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, increased 8.8% to $774.9 million
Net sales increased $85.1 million, or 3.7%, to $2,373.6 million, as compared to $2,288.5 million in the prior year. Domestic Pipe sales decreased $17.1 million to $1,155.3 million. Domestic Allied Products & Other sales increased $40.6 million, or 7.9%, to $551.1 million. Infiltrator sales increased $70.0 million, or 15.9%, to $511.0 million. The overall increase in domestic net sales was primarily driven by growth in the core non-residential and residential construction end markets. International sales decreased $8.4 million, or 5.1%, to $156.2 million.
Gross profit increased $61.7 million, or 7.1%, to $929.7 million as compared to $868.0 million in the prior year. The increase in gross profit is primarily driven by favorable volume and mix of construction market and Infiltrator sales, partially offset by unfavorable fixed cost absorption as well as the mix impact from the inclusion of Orenco.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $43.0 million, or 14.9% to $331.9 million, as compared to $289.0 million. As a percentage of Net sales, Selling, general and administrative expense increased to 14.0% as compared to 12.6% in the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by the acquisition of Orenco, as well as realignment expenses and transaction costs associated with the acquisition of NDS.
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, increased $62.4 million, or 8.8%, to $774.9 million, as compared to $712.5 million in the prior year. As a percentage of Net sales, Adjusted EBITDA was 32.6% as compared to 31.1% in the prior year.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the Three Months Ended December 31, 2025 to the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
The following table summarizes our operating results as a percentage of Net sales that have been derived from our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the periods presented. We believe this presentation is useful to investors in comparing historical results.
| Consolidated Statements of Operations data: | For the Three Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 693,354 | 100.0 | % | $ | 690,538 | 100.0 | % | |||||
| Cost of goods sold | 434,202 | 62.6 | 448,944 | 65.0 | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 259,152 | 37.4 | 241,594 | 35.0 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 108,742 | 15.7 | 100,778 | 14.6 | |||||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities | 87 | — | (477) | (0.1) | |||||||||
| Intangible amortization | 13,500 | 1.9 | 14,429 | 2.1 | |||||||||
| Income from operations | 136,823 | 19.7 | 126,864 | 18.4 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 22,579 | 3.3 | 23,094 | 3.3 | |||||||||
| Interest income and other, net | (8,499) | (1.2) | (4,792) | (0.7) | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 122,743 | 17.7 | 108,562 | 15.7 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 30,557 | 4.4 | 27,091 | 3.9 | |||||||||
| Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates | (1,851) | (0.3) | (818) | (0.1) | |||||||||
| Net income | 94,037 | 13.6 | 82,289 | 11.9 | |||||||||
| Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 411 | 0.1 | 1,058 | 0.2 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to ADS | $ | 93,626 | 13.5 | % | $ | 81,231 | 11.8 | % |
Net sales - The following table presents Net sales to external customers by reportable segment for the three months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe | $ | 326,713 | $ | 339,629 | $ | (12,916) | (3.8) | % | ||||||
| Infiltrator | 152,881 | 150,013 | 2,868 | 1.9 | ||||||||||
| International | 49,091 | 50,363 | (1,272) | (2.5) | ||||||||||
| Allied Products & Other | 164,669 | 150,533 | 14,136 | 9.4 | ||||||||||
| Total Consolidated | $ | 693,354 | $ | 690,538 | $ | 2,816 | 0.4 | % |
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Table of Contents
Our consolidated Net sales for the three months ended December 31, 2025 increased by $2.8 million, or 0.4%, compared to the same period in fiscal 2025. The overall decrease in Domestic Pipe Net sales was primarily driven by lower volume of sales in the residential and infrastructure end markets. Net sales of Infiltrator increased due to increased demand in the residential markets, primarily from growth in tanks and advanced treatment products. Allied Products & Other increased due to growth in the residential, non-residential and infrastructure end markets.
Cost of goods sold and Gross profit - The following table presents gross profit by reportable segment for the three months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe | $ | 70,846 | $ | 67,655 | $ | 3,191 | 4.7 | % | ||||||
| Infiltrator | 83,285 | 74,971 | 8,314 | 11.1 | ||||||||||
| International | 9,798 | 10,466 | (668) | (6.4) | ||||||||||
| Allied Products & Other | 96,142 | 86,658 | 9,484 | 10.9 | ||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | (919) | 1,844 | (2,763) | (149.8) | ||||||||||
| Total gross profit | $ | 259,152 | $ | 241,594 | $ | 17,558 | 7.3 | % |
Our consolidated Cost of goods sold for the three months ended December 31, 2025 decreased by $14.7 million, or 3.3%, and our consolidated Gross profit increased by $17.6 million, or 7.3%, compared to the same period in fiscal 2025. The increase in gross profit for Domestic Pipe is primarily driven by favorable material costs partially offset by transportation costs. The increase in gross profit for both Infiltrator and Allied Products & Other was primarily driven by volume.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
| Three Months Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 108,742 | $ | 100,778 | ||
| % of Net sales | 15.7 | % | 14.6 | % |
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2025 increased $8.0 million from the same period in fiscal 2025 and as a percentage of Net sales, increased by 1.1%. The increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to transaction costs of $7.2 million related to the acquisition of NDS.
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities - The loss on disposal in fiscal 2026 was due to exit and disposal activities. See “Note 2. Restructuring and Loss (Gain) on Disposal of Assets and Costs from Exit and Disposal Activities” for additional information.
Income tax expense - The following table presents the effective tax rates for the periods presented:
| Three Months Ended December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Effective tax rate | 24.9 | % | 25.0 | % |
See “Note 11. Income Taxes” for additional information.
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Comparison of the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2025 to the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2024
The following table summarizes our operating results as a percentage of Net sales that have been derived from our Co
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Our fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31. Unless otherwise noted, references to “year” pertain to our fiscal year. For example, “2026” refers to fiscal 2026, which is the period from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of our operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, our management. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed below. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below, and those discussed in the sections titled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Please read the following discussion together with the sections titled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and our consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.
Overview
We are the leading manufacturer of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite wastewater industries, providing superior drainage solutions for use in the construction and agriculture marketplaces. Our innovative products, for which we hold many patents, are used across a broad range of end markets and applications, including non-residential, infrastructure and agriculture applications. We have established a leading position in many of these end markets by leveraging our national sales and distribution platform, industry-acclaimed engineering support, overall product breadth and scale plus manufacturing excellence.
Key Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Product Demand - There are numerous factors that influence demand for our products. Our businesses are cyclical in nature and sensitive to general economic conditions, primarily in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America. The non-residential, residential, agricultural and infrastructure markets we serve are affected by the availability of credit, lending practices, interest rates and unemployment rates. Demand for new homes, farm income, commercial development and highway infrastructure spending have a direct impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Accordingly, the following factors may have a direct impact on our business in the markets in which our products are sold:
•the strength of the economy;
•the amount and type of non-residential and residential construction;
•funding for infrastructure spending;
•farm income and agricultural land values;
•inventory of improved housing lots;
•changes in raw material and commodity prices;
•the availability and cost of credit;
•non-residential occupancy rates; and
•demographic factors such as population growth and household formation.
Growth in Allied Products - Our Allied Products include storm and onsite wastewater chambers, PVC drainage structures, fittings, stormwater filters and water separators. These products complement our pipe products and allow us to offer a comprehensive water management solution to our customers and drive organic growth. Our leading market position in pipe products allows us to cross-sell Allied Products effectively. Our comprehensive offering of Allied Products can also increase pipe sales in certain markets. Allied Products are less sensitive to resin prices since resin prices represent a smaller percentage of the cost for Allied Products. Our leading position in the pipe market has allowed us to increase organic growth of our Allied Products, and we also expect to expand our Allied Product offerings through acquisitions, including our recent acquisition of NDS.
Product Pricing - The price of our products is impacted by competitive pricing dynamics in our industry as well as by raw material costs. Our industry is highly competitive and the sales prices for our products may vary based on the sales policies of our competitors. Raw material costs represent a significant portion of the cost of goods sold for our products. We aim to increase our product selling prices in order to cover raw material price increases, including increases due to tariffs, but the inability to do so could impact our profitability. Movements in raw material, logistics or other overhead costs and resulting changes in the selling prices may also impact changes in period-to-period comparisons of net sales.
Material Conversion - Our HDPE and PP pipe, plastic leachfield chambers, onsite wastewater tanks and related water management product lines compete with other manufacturers of similar products as well as manufacturers of alternative products made with traditional materials, such as concrete, steel and PVC. Our net sales are driven by market trends, including the adoption of thermoplastic corrugated pipe products as a replacement for traditional materials. Thermoplastic corrugated pipe is generally lighter, more durable, more cost effective and easier to install than comparable products made
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from traditional materials. We believe customers will continue to acknowledge the superior attributes and compelling value proposition of our thermoplastic products and expanded regulatory approvals allow for their use in new markets and geographies. In addition, we believe that PP pipe products will also help accelerate conversion given the additional applications for which our PP pipe products can be used.
Raw Material Costs - Our raw material cost and product selling prices fluctuate with changes in the price of resins utilized in production. We actively manage our resin purchases and pass fluctuations in the cost of resin through to our customers, where possible, in order to maintain our profitability. Fluctuations in the price of crude oil and natural gas prices may impact the cost of resin. In addition, changes in and disruptions to existing capacities could also significantly increase resin prices, often within a short period of time. Our ability to pass through raw material price increases to our customers may lag the increase in our costs of goods sold. Sharp rises in raw material prices over a short period of time have historically occurred with a significant supply disruption, which may increase prices to levels that cannot be fully passed through to customers due to pricing of competing products or the anticipated length of time the raw material pricing will stay elevated.
We currently purchase in excess of 1.0 billion pounds of virgin and recycled resin annually from approximately 450 suppliers in North America. As a high-volume buyer of resin, we are able to achieve economies of scale to negotiate favorable terms and pricing. Our purchasing strategies differ based on the material (virgin resin versus recycled material). The price movements of the different materials vary, resulting in the need to use a number of strategies to reduce volatility.
In order to reduce the volatility of raw material costs in the future, our raw material strategies for managing our costs include the following:
•increasing the use of low cost resin in place of virgin resin while meeting or exceeding industry standards;
•internally processing greater amounts of our recycled resin in order to closely monitor quality and minimize costs;
•managing a resin price risk program that may entail both physical fixed price and volume contracts; and
•maintaining supply agreements with our major resin suppliers that provide multi-year terms and volumes that are in excess of our projected consumption.
We also consume a large amount of energy and other petroleum products in our operations, including the electricity we use in our manufacturing process as well as the diesel fuel consumed in delivering a significant volume of products to our customers through our in-house fleet. As a result, our operating profit also depends upon our ability to manage the cost of the energy and fuel we require, as well as our ability to pass through increased prices or surcharges to our customers.
Seasonality - Our operating results are impacted by seasonality. Historically, sales of our products have been higher in the first and second quarters of each fiscal year due to favorable weather and longer daylight conditions accelerating construction project activity during these periods while fourth quarter results are impacted by the timing of spring in the northern United States and Canada. Seasonal variations in operating results may also be significantly impacted by inclement weather conditions, which can delay projects, resulting in decreased net sales for one or more quarters, but we believe that these delayed projects generally result in increased net sales during subsequent quarters.
In the non-residential, residential and infrastructure markets in the northern United States and Canada, the construction season typically begins to gain momentum in late March and lasts through November, before winter significantly slows the construction markets. In the southern and western United States, Mexico, Central America and South America, the construction markets are less seasonal. The agricultural drainage market is concentrated in the early spring just prior to planting and in the fall just after crops are harvested prior to freezing of the ground in winter.
Currency Exchange Rates - Although we sell and manufacture our products in many countries, our sales and production costs are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. We have wholly-owned facilities in Canada, the Netherlands and joint venture facilities in Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Peru. The functional currencies in the areas in which we have wholly-owned facilities and joint venture facilities other than the U.S. dollar are the Canadian dollar, Euro, Mexican peso, Chilean peso, Brazilian real and Colombian peso. From time to time, we use derivatives to reduce our exposure to currency fluctuations.
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Executive Summary of Our Fiscal 2026 Results
•Net sales increased 5.0% to $3.1 billion
•Net income from continuing operations decreased 5.0% to $429.9 million
•Adjusted EBITDA increased 8.3% to $962.9 million
•Cash provided by operating activities increased $237.6 million to $819.1 million
•Free cash flow increased $200.7 million to $569.3 million
Net sales increased $146.1 million, or 5.0%, to $3,050.4 million, as compared to $2,904.2 million in the prior year. Stormwater sales increased $71.0 million, or 3.1%, to $2,397.4 million. Wastewater sales increased $75.1 million, or 13.0%, to $653.0 million.
Gross profit increased $73.1 million, or 6.7%, to $1,167.4 million as compared to $1,094.2 million in the prior year. The increase in gross profit is primarily driven by favorable volume, price/cost and mix of construction market and Infiltrator sales, partially offset by unfavorable fixed cost absorption as well as the mix impact from acquisitions.
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, increased $73.7 million, or 8.3%, to $962.9 million, as compared to $889.2 million in the prior year. The increase is primarily due to the factors mentioned above. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA was 31.6% as compared to 30.6% in the prior year.
Description of our Segments
Following the acquisition of NDS, the Company realigned its reportable segments to align with the manner in which the CODM assesses performance and makes resource allocation decisions. The Company’s revised reportable segments consist of Stormwater and Wastewater (formerly referred to as the “Infiltrator” reportable segment). Further, the Company changed the measure used to evaluate segment profitability from adjusted gross profit to Adjusted EBITDA. Segment results for the historical periods presented in these consolidated financial statements have been recast to reflect these changes. The Segment Realignment had no impact on our previously reported consolidated net sales, income from operations, net income attributable to ADS or earnings per share.
We generate a greater portion of our net sales and Adjusted EBITDA in our Stormwater segment, which includes sales of high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe and complementary products throughout the United States and certain international regions. We expect the percentage of total net sales and gross profit derived from the Wastewater segment to continue to increase in future periods as we continue to expand our wastewater management presence. See “Note 20. Business Segment Information” to our audited consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.
Stormwater - The Stormwater segment manufactures and markets high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe and complementary products designed as an integrated, end-to-end solution set which provides a comprehensive approach to managing stormwater from the moment it hits the ground until it is cleaned and returned to its natural environment. In February 2026, the Company acquired NDS to further expand the Stormwater product offering, enhance go-to-market capabilities in retail and distributor channels, and expand the Stormwater addressable market. Stormwater products are sold and manufactured throughout the United States and certain international regions, including Company owned facilities in Canada, subsidiaries that distribute to Europe and the Middle East, and exports through the Company’s joint ventures with local partners in Mexico and South America. The Company maintains and serves these markets through product distribution relationships with many of the largest waterworks distributors, buying groups and co-ops, major retailers as well as an extensive network of hundreds of small to medium-sized distributors. Our joint venture strategy has provided us with local and regional access to new international markets. The unconsolidated sales of the South American Joint Venture were $75.6 million, $72.3 million, and $75.9 million, in fiscal 2026, 2025, and 2024, respectively.
Wastewater - Wastewater (formerly “Infiltrator”) is a leading national provider of plastic leachfield chambers and systems, onsite wastewater tanks and accessories, primarily for use in residential applications. Wastewater products are used in onsite wastewater treatment systems in the United States and Canada.
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Results of Operations for Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2026 Compared with Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2025
The following table summarizes our operating results as a percentage of net sales that have been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2026 and 2025. We believe this presentation is useful to investors in comparing historical results.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | $ | 3,050,376 | 100.0 | % | $ | 2,904,245 | 100.0 | % | |||||
| Cost of goods sold | 1,882,990 | 61.7 | 1,810,004 | 62.3 | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 1,167,386 | 38.3 | 1,094,241 | 37.7 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 469,549 | 15.4 | 380,378 | 13.1 | |||||||||
| Loss on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities | 19,211 | 0.6 | 3,858 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Intangible amortization | 59,424 | 1.9 | 52,569 | 1.8 | |||||||||
| Income from operations | 619,202 | 20.3 | 657,436 | 22.6 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 93,869 | 3.1 | 91,803 | 3.2 | |||||||||
| Interest income and other, net | (34,455) | (1.1) | (23,832) | (0.8) | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 559,788 | 18.4 | 589,465 | 20.3 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 134,988 | 4.4 | 141,063 | 4.9 | |||||||||
| Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates | (5,063) | (0.2) | (4,171) | (0.1) | |||||||||
| Net income from continuing operations | 429,863 | 14.1 | 452,573 | 15.6 | |||||||||
| Net loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes | (1,090) | — | — | — | |||||||||
| Net income | 428,773 | 14.1 | 452,573 | 15.6 | |||||||||
| Less: net income attributable to the non-controlling interest | 2,308 | 0.1 | 2,401 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to ADS | $ | 426,465 | 14.0 | % | $ | 450,172 | 15.5 | % |
Net sales - The following table presents net sales to external customers by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2026 and 2025.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stormwater | $ | 2,397,414 | $ | 2,326,370 | $ | 71,044 | 3.1 | % | ||||||
| Wastewater | 652,962 | 577,875 | 75,087 | 13.0 | ||||||||||
| Total Consolidated | $ | 3,050,376 | $ | 2,904,245 | $ | 146,131 | 5.0 | % |
Our consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 increased by $146.1 million, or 5.0%, compared to fiscal 2025. The increase in Stormwater sales was primarily driven by NDS net sales of $48.8 million and an increase in demand for our Allied Products in the non-residential construction market. The increase in Wastewater sales was primarily driven by an increase of Orenco net sales of $52.6 million to account for a full year of sales in fiscal 2026 and an increase in demand in the construction market.
Cost of goods sold and Gross profit - The following table presents gross profit by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2026 and 2025.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stormwater | $ | 820,710 | $ | 779,189 | $ | 41,521 | 5.3 | % | ||||||
| Wastewater | 346,579 | 315,441 | 31,138 | 9.9 | ||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | 97 | (389) | 486 | (124.9) | ||||||||||
| Total gross profit | $ | 1,167,386 | $ | 1,094,241 | $ | 73,145 | 6.7 | % |
Our consolidated Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 increased by $73.0 million or, 4.0%, and our consolidated Gross profit decreased by $73.1 million, or 6.7%, compared to the same period in fiscal 2025. The increase in gross profit for Stormwater is primarily due to favorable material costs and the acquisition of NDS. The increase in gross profit for Wastewater was driven by Orenco and volume.
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Selling, general and administrative expenses - The following table presents Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2026 and 2025.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 469,549 | $ | 380,378 | ||
| % of Net Sales | 15.4 | % | 13.1 | % |
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 increased $89.2 million from the same period in fiscal 2025. The increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily the result of an increase in transaction costs of $31.5 million due to the acquisition of NDS, incremental operating expenses of NDS and Orenco, unfavorable incentive and stock-based compensation, and realignment expenses of $12.0 million.
Loss on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities - The loss on disposal in fiscal 2026 was due to exit and disposal activities related to plant closures and asset disposals partially offset by the sale of properties held-for-sale. See “Note 3. Restructuring and Loss (Gain) on Disposal of Assets and Costs from Exit and Disposal Activities” for additional information.
Intangible amortization - Intangible amortization increased by $6.9 million primarily due to the increase in intangible assets due to the NDS acquisition and the accelerated method of amortization for customer relationships.
Interest expense - Interest expense increased $2.1 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in fiscal 2025. The increase was primarily due to increased debt levels.
Interest income and other, net - Interest income and other, net increased by $10.6 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in fiscal 2025. The increase was primarily due to increased cash balances in the fiscal year and unrealized gains related to derivatives.
Income tax expense - The following table presents the effective tax rates for the fiscal years presented:
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective tax rate | 24.1 | % | 23.9 | % |
See “Note 16. Income Taxes” for additional information.
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates - The Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates increased for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in fiscal 2025 due to the current period income at our South American Joint Venture.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest - Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest was relatively flat for fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in fiscal 2025.
Net loss from discontinued operations - The loss from discontinued operations was attributable the NDS International entities classified as held for sale as of March 31, 2026.
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Results of Operations for Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2025 Compared with Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2024
The following table summarizes our operating results as a percentage of net sales that have been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. We believe this presentation is useful to investors in comparing historical results.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | $ | 2,904,245 | 100.0 | % | $ | 2,874,473 | 100.0 | % | |||||
| Cost of goods sold | 1,810,004 | 62.3 | 1,728,524 | 60.1 | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 1,094,241 | 37.7 | 1,145,949 | 39.9 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 380,378 | 13.1 | 370,714 | 12.9 | |||||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities | 3,858 | 0.1 | (8,365) | (0.3) | |||||||||
| Intangible amortization | 52,569 | 1.8 | 51,469 | 1.8 | |||||||||
| Income from operations | 657,436 | 22.6 | 732,131 | 25.5 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 91,803 | 3.2 | 88,862 | 3.1 | |||||||||
| Interest income and other, net | (23,832) | (0.8) | (23,484) | (0.8) | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 589,465 | 20.3 | 666,753 | 23.2 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 141,063 | 4.9 | 158,998 | 5.5 | |||||||||
| Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates | (4,171) | (0.1) | (5,536) | (0.2) | |||||||||
| Net income | 452,573 | 15.6 | 513,291 | 17.9 | |||||||||
| Less: net income attributable to the non-controlling interest | 2,401 | 0.1 | 3,376 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to ADS | $ | 450,172 | 15.5 | % | $ | 509,915 | 17.7 | % |
Net sales - The following table presents net sales to external customers by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stormwater | $ | 2,326,370 | $ | 2,361,520 | $ | (35,150) | (1.5) | % | ||||||
| Wastewater | 577,875 | 512,953 | 64,922 | 12.7 | ||||||||||
| Total Consolidated | $ | 2,904,245 | $ | 2,874,473 | $ | 29,772 | 1.0 | % |
Our consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 increased by $29.8 million, or 1.0%, compared to fiscal 2024. The decrease in Net sales for Stormwater was primarily driven by unfavorable price/mix impact partially offset by higher demand in our Allied Products. The increase in Net sales for Wastewater was driven by improved price/mix and $46.4 million of net sales from Orenco.
Cost of goods sold and Gross profit - The following table presents gross profit by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stormwater | $ | 779,189 | $ | 866,343 | $ | (87,154) | (10.1) | % | ||||||
| Wastewater | 315,441 | 282,810 | 32,631 | 11.5 | ||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | (389) | (3,204) | 2,815 | (87.9) | ||||||||||
| Total gross profit | $ | 1,094,241 | $ | 1,145,949 | $ | (51,708) | (4.5) | % |
Our consolidated Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 increased by $81.5 million or, 4.7%, and our consolidated Gross profit decreased by $51.7 million, or 4.5%, compared to the same period in fiscal 2024. The decrease in gross profit for Stormwater is primarily due to unfavorable material cost and the decrease in Net sales in Pipe. The increase in gross profit for Wastewater was driven by improved pricing, improved material costs and the acquisition of Orenco.
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Selling, general and administrative expenses - The following table presents Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 380,378 | $ | 370,714 | ||
| % of Net Sales | 13.1 | % | 12.9 | % |
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 increased $9.7 million from the same period in fiscal 2024. The increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily the result of the operating and acquisition expenses of Orenco partially offset by favorable incentive and stock-based compensation expense.
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities - The change in Loss (gain) on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities is primarily due to the closure of a plant and other asset disposals in fiscal 2025 compared to a gain on the sale of the assets of Spartan Concrete, Inc. in fiscal 2024, partially offset by the losses on the sale of the Paper Recycling business and disposal of other assets.
Intangible amortization - Intangible amortization increased by $1.1 million primarily due to the increase in intangible assets due to the Orenco acquisition.
Interest expense - Interest expense increased $2.9 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase in interest rates.
Interest income and other, net - Interest income and other, net increased by $0.3 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024.
Income tax expense - The following table presents the effective tax rates for the fiscal years presented:
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective tax rate | 23.9 | % | 23.8 | % |
The change in the effective tax rate was primarily related to the increase of the income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation windfall and the increase of income tax expense related to the executive compensation limitation in fiscal year 2025. See “Note 16. Income Taxes” for additional information.
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates - The Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates decreased for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024 due to a decrease in the current period income at our South American Joint Venture.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest - Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest decreased for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 due to decreased net income at our ADS Mexicana joint venture.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin - EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, non-GAAP financial measures, have been presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as supplemental measures of financial performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and should not be considered as alternatives to net income as measures of financial performance or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net income from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, non-cash charges and certain other gains and expenses. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K because they are key metrics used by management and our Board of Directors to assess our financial performance. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry. In addition to covenant compliance and executive performance evaluations, we use EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to supplement GAAP measures of performance to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies, to make budgeting decisions and to compare our performance against that of other peer companies using similar measures.
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EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are not GAAP measures of our financial performance and should not be considered as alternatives to net income as measures of financial performance or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP, and it should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin contain certain other limitations, including the failure to reflect our cash expenditures, cash requirements for working capital needs and cash costs to replace assets being depreciated and amortized. In evaluating EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, you should be aware that in the future we will incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation, such as stock-based compensation expense, derivative fair value adjustments, and foreign currency transaction losses. Management compensates for these limitations by relying on our GAAP results in addition to using EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin on a supplemental basis. Our measure of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income from continuing operations | $ | 429,863 | $ | 452,573 | $ | 513,291 | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 216,261 | 183,281 | 154,903 | |||||||
| Interest expense | 93,869 | 91,803 | 88,862 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 134,988 | 141,063 | 158,998 | |||||||
| EBITDA | 874,981 | 868,720 | 916,054 | |||||||
| Restructuring and realignment expense(a) | 48,299 | — | — | |||||||
| (Gain) loss on disposal of assets | (17,039) | 3,858 | (8,365) | |||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 32,354 | 26,581 | 31,986 | |||||||
| Transaction costs (b) | 40,805 | 9,291 | 3,444 | |||||||
| Inventory step up related to acquisition of NDS | 12,277 | — | — | |||||||
| Interest income | (25,000) | (23,485) | (22,047) | |||||||
| Other adjustments (c) | (3,771) | 4,263 | 1,875 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 962,906 | $ | 889,228 | $ | 922,947 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA Margin | 31.6 | % | 30.6 | % | 32.1 | % |
(a)Includes costs associated with the optimization of the Company’s production, recycling and distribution network, as well as professional fees incurred in connection with supporting enterprise-wide restructuring and realignment initiatives. Excludes gain on sale of properties previously held-for-sale and equipment. See “Note 3. Restructuring and Loss (Gain) on Disposal of Assets and Costs from Exit and Disposal Activities” for additional information.
(b)Represents expenses recorded related to legal, accounting and other professional fees incurred in connection with business or asset acquisitions and dispositions.
(c)Includes derivative fair value adjustments, foreign currency transaction (gains) losses, legal settlements, inventory step-up costs, the proportionate share of interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization related to the South American Joint Venture, which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting and executive retirement expense (benefit).
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically we have funded our operations through internally generated cash flow supplemented by debt financings, equity issuance and finance and operating leases. These sources have been sufficient historically to fund our primary liquidity requirements, including working capital, capital expenditures, debt service and dividend payments. From time to time, we may explore additional financing methods and other means to raise capital. There can be no assurance that any additional financing will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.
Free Cash Flow - Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that comprises cash flow from operations less capital expenditures. Free cash flow is a measure used by management and our Board of Directors to assess our ability to generate cash. Accordingly, free cash flow has been presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as a supplemental measure of liquidity that is not required by, or presented in accordance with GAAP, because management believes that free cash flow provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our ability to generate cash flow from operations after capital expenditures. Free cash flow is not a GAAP measure of our liquidity and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity or any other liquidity measure derived in
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accordance with GAAP. Our measure of free cash flow is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | $ | 819,054 | $ | 581,491 | $ | 717,928 | ||||
| Capital expenditures | (249,766) | (212,944) | (183,812) | |||||||
| Free cash flow | $ | 569,288 | $ | 368,547 | $ | 534,116 |
The following table presents key liquidity metrics utilized by management:
| (Amounts in thousands) | March 31, 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total debt (debt and finance lease obligations) | $ | 1,771,894 |
| Cash | 223,012 | |
| Net debt (total debt less cash) | 1,548,882 | |
| Leverage ratio (Net debt/Adjusted EBITDA) | 1.6 |
The following table summarizes our available liquidity under our Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2026:
| (Amounts in thousands) | March 31, 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Revolver capacity | $ | 750,000 |
| Less: outstanding borrowings | — | |
| Less: letters of credit | 10,132 | |
| Revolver available liquidity | $ | 739,868 |
As of March 31, 2026, we had $25.7 million in cash that was held by our foreign subsidiaries, of which, $13.1 million was held by our Canadian subsidiaries. We continue to evaluate our strategy regarding foreign cash, but our earnings in foreign subsidiaries still remain indefinitely reinvested, except for Canada. See “Note 16. Income Taxes” for additional discussion of our plans to repatriate earnings from Canada.
Working Capital and Cash Flows
In fiscal 2026, our cash balance decreased by $235.3 million. Cash outflows from the acquisition of NDS, repayment of the term loan and Senior Notes due 2027, and capital expenditures of $249.8 million were partially offset by cash generated from operations, issuance of the Senior Notes due 2034, proceeds from the new term loan facility, changes in working capital and dispositions of assets. Our decrease of cash in fiscal 2025 was $26.6 million. Cash generated from operations, changes in working capital and dispositions of assets was offset by the acquisition of Orenco, capital expenditures of $212.9 million, $69.9 million in share repurchases and $49.7 million of dividend payments.
As of March 31, 2026, we had $962.9 million in liquidity, including $223.0 million of cash and $739.9 million in borrowings available under our Revolving Credit Agreement, excluding $10.1 million of outstanding letters of credit. We believe that our cash on hand, together with the availability of borrowings under our Credit Agreement and other financing arrangements and cash generated from operations, will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures, and scheduled principal and interest payments on our indebtedness for at least the next twelve months.
Working Capital - Working capital is an indication of liquidity and potential need for short-term funding. We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities. Working capital decreased to $721.4 million as of March 31, 2026, from $926.4 million as of March 31, 2025, primarily due to a decrease in cash due to the acquisition of NDS and capital expenditures, partially offset by cash flow from operations and the incremental working capital of NDS.
Operating Cash Flows - During fiscal 2026, 2025 and 2024, cash provided by operating activities was $819.1 million, $581.5 million and $717.9 million, respectively. Cash flow from operating activities for all periods was primarily driven by operating income and changes in working capital.
Investing Cash Flows - During fiscal 2026, cash used for investing activities was $1,211.8 million. The cash used for investing cash flows was primarily for the acquisition of NDS and capital expenditures. Capital expenditures increased in
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fiscal 2026 compared to fiscal 2025. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2026 were used primarily to support facility expansions, equipment replacements, technology improvement initiatives and our corporate headquarters.
During fiscal 2025, cash used for investing activities was $447.9 million. The cash used for investing cash flows was primarily from the acquisition of Orenco and capital expenditures. Capital expenditures increased in fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2025 were used primarily to support new facilities, facility expansions to increase production capacity and recycling capabilities, manufacturing equipment replacements and upgrades, and technology initiatives to improve customer service.
During fiscal 2024, cash used for investing activities was $155.7 million. The cash used for investing cash flows was primarily from capital expenditures offset with the disposition of assets or businesses. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2024 were used primarily to support new facilities, facility expansions, equipment replacements and technology improvement initiatives.
We currently anticipate that we will make capital expenditures of approximately $200 million in fiscal 2027 to focus on growth and productivity through increasing our manufacturing capacity and investing in automation. Such capital expenditures are expected to be financed using funds generated by operations. We had approximately $100 million of open orders through purchase commitments as of March 31, 2026.
Financing Cash Flows - During fiscal 2026, cash provided by financing activities was $156.3 million. During fiscal 2026, we received proceeds from the Term Loan Facility (as defined below) and issued 2034 Notes (as defined below) of $600.0 million and $500.0 million, respectively, we repaid the Initial Term Loan Facility (as defined below) and the 2027 Notes (as defined below) of $413.3 million and $350.0 million, respectively. Additionally, we repurchased shares at a cost of $92.0 million and made dividend payments of $56.1 million.
During fiscal 2025, cash used in financing activities was $157.7 million. During fiscal 2025, we repurchased shares at a cost of $69.9 million and made dividend payments of $49.7 million.
During fiscal 2024, cash used in financing activities was $284.3 million. During fiscal 2024, we repurchased shares at a cost of $207.3 million and made dividend payments of $47.7 million.
Debt and Capitalized Lease Obligations
See “Note 7. Leases” and “Note 13. Debt” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a discussion of the Company’s financing transactions, including the Secured Bank Loans, the Senior Notes and the Company’s finance lease obligations.
Financing Transactions
Senior Secured Credit Facility - On July 31, 2019, we entered into a credit agreement (the “Base Credit Agreement”) by and among, the Company, as borrower, Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, and several lenders from time to time party thereto. Among other things, the Base Credit Agreement provided for a term loan facility in the initial aggregate principal amount of $1.3 billion (the “Initial Term Loan Facility”) and a revolving credit facility in an initial aggregate amount of up to $350 million (the “Initial Revolving Credit Facility”), which included a sub-limit for a letter of credit sub-facility in the initial aggregate amount of up to $50 million.
On September 24, 2019, we entered into a First Amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the Company’s Base Credit Agreement subsequent to the common stock offering and Senior Notes due in 2027.
On May 26, 2022, the Company entered into a Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Company's Base Credit Agreement with, among others, Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent under the Initial Term Loan Facility, and PNC Bank, National Association, as new administrative agent under the Initial Revolving Credit Facility. Among other things, the Second Amendment (i) amended the Base Credit Agreement by increasing the Initial Revolving Credit Facility (the “Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility”) from $350.0 million to $600.0 million (including an increase of the sub-limit for the swing-line sub-facility from $50.0 million to $60.0 million) and extended the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility to the earlier of May 26, 2027 or the date that is six months prior to the earliest maturity date of the outstanding loans under the Initial Term Loan Facility.
On November 26, 2025, the Company entered into a Third Amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to the Company’s Base Credit Agreement. Among other things, the Third Amendment modified the termination date of the Second Amended
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Revolving Credit Facility to remove reference to the earliest maturity date of the loans outstanding under the Initial Term Loan Facility.
On February 27, 2026, the Company entered into a Fourth Amendment (the “Fourth Amendment”) to the Company’s Base Credit Agreement (the Base Credit Agreement as amended by the First Amendment, the Second Amendment, the Third Amendment and the Fourth Amendment, the “Credit Agreement”) with, among others, certain subsidiaries of the Company, as guarantors, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent under the Term Loan Facility (as defined below) and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent under the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) and as successor administrative agent, Barclays Bank PLC, as predecessor administrative agent, and the several financial institutions from time to time party thereto as lenders. Among other things, the Fourth Amendment (i) increased the Amended Revolving Credit Facility from $600 million to $750 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), including an increase of the sub-limit for the letter of credit sub-facility from $60 million to $75 million, (ii) refinanced the outstanding amounts owing under the Initial Term Loan Facility by providing for a new term loan facility in the initial aggregate principal amount of $600 million (the “Term Loan Facility”), (iii) extended the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility to February 27, 2031, (iv) extended the maturity date of the Term Credit Facility to February 28, 2033, (v) revised the “applicable margin” to provide for a range of 125 basis points to 225 basis points (for Term Benchmark based loans) and 25 basis points to 125 basis points (for base rate loans), as determined based on the consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio ranging from less than 1.50 to 1.00 to greater than or equal to 3.50 to 1.00, (vi) provides for incremental facilities in the aggregate maximum amount of the greater of $350 million or 100% of consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended four consecutive fiscal quarters, and (vii) amended certain covenant baskets under the Credit Agreement to align with the growth of the Company.
At the option of the Company, borrowings under the Term Loan Facility and under the Revolving Credit Facility (subject to certain limitations) bear interest at either a base rate (as determined pursuant to the Fourth Amendment) or at a Term Benchmark rate (as defined in the Fourth Amendment), plus the applicable margin as set forth therein from time to time. In the case of the Revolving Credit Facility, the applicable margin is based on the Company's consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio (as defined in the Fourth Amendment). All borrowings under the Term Loan Facility as described above initially bear interest at the Term Benchmark rate (as defined in the Fourth Amendment). In the case of the Term Loan Facility, the applicable margin shall be, for loans bearing interest at the Term Benchmark rate, 1.625%, and for loans bearing interest at the base rate, 0.625%.
The Company is also required to pay a commitment fee that is based upon the undrawn amounts of the Revolving Credit Facility at a rate per annum based upon a calculated ratio as prescribed within the Credit Agreement. As of March 31, 2026, the rate the Company was committed to paying on the undrawn portion was equal to 0.15%.
The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement have been secured by granting a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company’s assets (subject to certain exceptions and limitations), and each of StormTech, LLC, Infiltrator Water Technologies, LLC, and Orenco Systems, Inc. (collectively the “Guarantors”) has agreed to guarantee the obligations of the Company under the Credit Agreement and to secure the obligations thereunder by granting a first priority lien in substantially all of such Guarantor's assets (subject to certain exceptions and limitations).
Issuance of Senior Notes due 2027 - On September 23, 2019, we issued $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes (“2027 Notes”), pursuant to the Indenture dated September 23, 2019 (the “2027 Indenture”), among the Company, the guarantors party thereto (the “Guarantors”) and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (formerly known as U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee (the “Trustee”). The 2027 Notes were offered and sold either to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act or to persons outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act. We may redeem the 2027 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after September 30, 2022 at established redemption prices set forth in the 2027 Indenture. On February 27, 2026, we redeemed all of our outstanding 2027 Notes in the original aggregate principal amount of $350.0 million at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, to, but excluding, the redemption date in connection with our issuance of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due 2034 (the “2034 Notes”). See “Note 13. Debt” for further information on the 2027 Notes and 2034 Notes.
Equipment Financing - In November 2021, we purchased material handling equipment, trucks and trailers previously leased under a master lease agreement and classified as finance leases. The purchase was funded with debt through the Master Lease Agreement and Interim Funding Schedule with Fifth Third. The assets acquired are titled to the Company and included in Property, plant and equipment, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The equipment financing has a balance of $3.1 million and had an initial term of between 12 and 84 months, based on the life of the equipment. The equipment financing bears a weighted average interest of 1.8% as of March 31, 2026.
Issuance of Senior Notes Due 2030 - On June 9, 2022, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% its senior notes (the “2030 Notes”) pursuant to an Indenture, dated June 9, 2022 (the “2030 Indenture”), among the Company,
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the Guarantors and the Trustee. The 2030 Notes were offered and sold either to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” pursuant to the Securities Act or to persons outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act. See “Note 13. Debt” for further information on the 2030 Notes.
Issuance of Senior Notes Due 2034 - On February 27, 2026, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due 2034 pursuant to an Indenture, dated February 27, 2026 (the “2034 Indenture”), among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee. The 2034 Notes were offered and sold either to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” pursuant to the Securities Act or to persons outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act. See “Note 13. Debt” for further information on the 2034 Notes.
Covenant Compliance
The Credit Agreement requires, if, on the last day of each fiscal quarter, the aggregate amount of outstanding exposure under the Revolving Credit Facility exceeds 35% of the aggregate maximum amount of commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility then in effect, the Company is to maintain a consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.25 to 1.00 for any four consecutive fiscal quarter periods.
The Credit Agreement also includes other covenants, including negative covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Company's and its restricted subsidiaries’ (as defined in the Credit Agreement) ability to, among other things: (i) incur additional debt, including guarantees; (ii) create liens upon any of their property; (iii) enter into any merger, consolidation or amalgamation, liquidate, wind up or dissolve, or dispose of all or substantially all of their property or business; (iv) dispose of assets; (v) pay subordinated debt; (vi) make certain investments; (vii) enter into swap agreements; (viii) engage in transactions with affiliates; (ix) engage in new lines of business; (x) modify certain material contractual obligations, organizational documents, accounting policies or fiscal year; or (xi) create or permit restrictions on the ability of any subsidiary of any Loan Party (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to pay dividends or make distributions to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
The Credit Agreement also contains customary provisions requiring the following mandatory prepayments (subject to certain exceptions and limitations): (i) annual prepayments (beginning with the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027) with a percentage of excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement); (ii) 100% of the net cash proceeds from any non-ordinary course sale of assets and certain casualty or condemnation events; and (iii) 100% of the net cash proceeds of indebtedness not permitted to be incurred under the Credit Agreement. For further information, see “Note 13. Debt” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We were in compliance with our debt covenants as of March 31, 2026.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, with the exception of the guarantee of 50% of certain debt of our unconsolidated South American Joint Venture, as further discussed in “Note 12. Related Party Transactions” of our Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of this Form 10-K. Our maximum potential obligation under this guarantee totals $5.5 million as of March 31, 2026. The maximum borrowing permitted under the South American Joint Venture’s credit agreement is $11.0 million. As of March 31, 2026, our South American Joint Venture had no outstanding debt subject to our guarantee. We do not believe that this guarantee will have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, or capital resources.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Certain of our accounting policies involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application, and therefore, represent the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements. If different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, the results could be materially different from our reported results. We believe the following accounting policies may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application and represent the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements. For additional discussion of our significant accounting policies, see “Note 1. Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” included in this Form 10-K.
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| Policy | Judgments and Estimates | Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Recognition - We generate revenue by selling pipe and related water management products primarily to distributors, retailers, buying groups and co-operative buying groups. Products are shipped predominately by our internal fleet, and we do not provide any additional revenue generating services after product delivery. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract. Revenue is recognized at the point in-time obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied, which generally occurs upon the transfer of control of the promised goods. In substantially all of our contracts with customers, control is transferred to the customer upon delivery. We recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. | We estimate and allocate variable consideration, such as right of return, credits or incentives, based on numerous factors, including the customer agreements and past transaction history. | If our historical experience differs from future experience, our estimates of variable consideration could differ. |
| Goodwill - Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment in the fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The fair value of goodwill is determined by considering both the income and market approach. | Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. In Fiscal 2026, we revised our reportable segments and allocated the goodwill balance on the former Pipe, Infiltrator, International and Allied Products reporting units to our revised reporting units. Based on the revision as of March 31, 2026, the goodwill related to Stormwater and Wastewater reportable segments is $442.6 million and $600.1 million, respectively. Estimates and assumptions include: revenue growth rates and EBITDA used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and determination of appropriate market comparables. The fair value estimates are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable but are inherently uncertain. | We performed our annual impairment test for goodwill for all reporting units in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2026 using a quantitative approach. We determined for our goodwill that the fair value of the assets exceeded the carrying value for the fiscal year March 31, 2026. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. |
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| Policy | Judgments and Estimates | Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Definite-lived intangible assets -Definite-lived intangible assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts of the asset group may not be recoverable. Asset groups are established primarily by determining the lowest level of cash flows available. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amounts of such assets, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the fair value of the asset less any costs of disposition is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Indefinite-lived intangible assets -Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually as of March 31 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may be greater than fair value. Determining the fair value of these assets is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but that are inherently uncertain. To estimate the fair value of these indefinite-lived intangible assets, we use an income approach, which utilizes a market derived rate of return to discount anticipated performance. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated fair value of the intangible asset is less than the carrying value. | Determining the fair value of the definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. | We did not record any impairment charges for definite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2026, 2025, or 2024. We performed our annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets as of March 31, 2026. We performed a qualitative impairment analysis and determined for our indefinite-lived intangible assets that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the assets exceeded carrying value for fiscal years ended March 31, 2026. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. |
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| Policy | Judgments and Estimates | Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Business Combinations - Acquisitions, such as the acquisition of NDS, are accounted for in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. We recognize separately from goodwill the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, at their acquisition date fair values and goodwill is defined as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. During the measurement period, which may take up to one year from the acquisition date, adjustments due to changes in the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed may be recorded as adjustments to the consideration transferred and related allocations. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or the final determination of the values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any such adjustments are charged to the consolidated statements of operations. | Fair values allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations require management to make significant judgments, estimates, and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Management makes estimates of fair values based upon assumptions it believes to be reasonable. These estimates are based upon historical experience, information obtained from the management of the acquired company, comparable transactions, and market and industry considerations and these estimates are inherently uncertain. The estimated fair values related to intangible assets primarily consist of customer relationships, patents and developed technology, and tradenames and trademarks. Estimates in the discounted cash flow models include, but are not limited to, certain assumptions that form the basis of the forecasted results (e.g. revenue growth rates, discount rate, royalty, customer attrition rates and EBITDA). | These significant assumptions are forward looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions. Customer Relationships - In addition to revenue growth rates, EBITDA and discount rate, a key input for customer relationships is the customer attrition rate. A higher than expected customer attrition rate could result in an impairment charge. Tradenames - The most significant driver is revenue growth rates, discount rate and royalty rate. If revenue growth rates are lower than expected, it could result in an impairment charge. Developed Technology – In addition to revenue growth rates, discount rate, royalty rate and an obsolescence factor, the timing of obsolescence of the acquired technology could result in a shorter useful life than originally determined and an acceleration of amortization expense. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, see “Note 1. Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2025 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001604028-25-000012.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Our fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31. Unless otherwise noted, references to “year” pertain to our fiscal year. For example, “2025” refers to fiscal 2025, which is the period from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of our operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, our management. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed below. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below, and those discussed in the sections titled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Please read the following discussion together with the sections titled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and our consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.
Overview
We are the leading manufacturer of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite septic wastewater industries, providing superior drainage solutions for use in the construction and agriculture marketplaces. Our innovative products, for which we hold many patents, are used across a broad range of end markets and applications, including non-residential, infrastructure and agriculture applications. We have established a leading position in many of these end markets by leveraging our national sales and distribution platform, industry-acclaimed engineering support, overall product breadth and scale plus manufacturing excellence.
Key Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Product Demand - There are numerous factors that influence demand for our products. Our businesses are cyclical in nature and sensitive to general economic conditions, primarily in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America. The non-residential, residential, agricultural and infrastructure markets we serve are affected by the availability of credit, lending practices, interest rates and unemployment rates. Demand for new homes, farm income, commercial development and highway infrastructure spending have a direct impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Accordingly, the following factors may have a direct impact on our business in the markets in which our products are sold:
•the strength of the economy;
•the amount and type of non-residential and residential construction;
•funding for infrastructure spending;
•farm income and agricultural land values;
•inventory of improved housing lots;
•changes in raw material and commodity prices;
•the availability and cost of credit;
•non-residential occupancy rates; and
•demographic factors such as population growth and household formation.
Growth in Allied Products & Other - Our Allied Products & Other include storm and septic chambers, PVC drainage structures, fittings, stormwater filters and water separators. These products complement our pipe products and allow us to offer a comprehensive water management solution to our customers and drive organic growth. Our leading market position in pipe products allows us to cross-sell Allied Products effectively. Our comprehensive offering of Allied Products can also increase pipe sales in certain markets. Allied Products are less sensitive to resin prices since resin prices represent a smaller percentage of the cost for Allied Products. Our leading position in the pipe market has allowed us to increase organic growth of our Allied Products, and we also expect to expand our Allied Product offerings through acquisitions.
Product Pricing - The price of our products is impacted by competitive pricing dynamics in our industry as well as by raw material costs. Our industry is highly competitive and the sales prices for our products may vary based on the sales policies of our competitors. Raw material costs represent a significant portion of the cost of goods sold for our products. We aim to increase our product selling prices in order to cover raw material price increases, including increases due to tariffs, but the inability to do so could impact our profitability. Movements in raw material, logistics or other overhead costs and resulting changes in the selling prices may also impact changes in period-to-period comparisons of net sales.
Material Conversion - Our HDPE and PP pipe, plastic leachfield chambers, septic tanks and related water management product lines compete with other manufacturers of similar products as well as manufacturers of alternative products made with traditional materials, such as concrete, steel and PVC. Our net sales are driven by market trends, including the adoption of thermoplastic corrugated pipe products as a replacement for traditional materials. Thermoplastic corrugated pipe is generally lighter, more durable, more cost effective and easier to install than comparable products made from traditional materials. We believe customers will continue to acknowledge the superior attributes and compelling value
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proposition of our thermoplastic products and expanded regulatory approvals allow for their use in new markets and geographies. In addition, we believe that PP pipe products will also help accelerate conversion given the additional applications for which our PP pipe products can be used.
Raw Material Costs - Our raw material cost and product selling prices fluctuate with changes in the price of resins utilized in production. We actively manage our resin purchases and pass fluctuations in the cost of resin through to our customers, where possible, in order to maintain our profitability. Fluctuations in the price of crude oil and natural gas prices may impact the cost of resin. In addition, changes in and disruptions to existing capacities could also significantly increase resin prices, often within a short period of time. Our ability to pass through raw material price increases to our customers may lag the increase in our costs of goods sold. Sharp rises in raw material prices over a short period of time have historically occurred with a significant supply disruption, which may increase prices to levels that cannot be fully passed through to customers due to pricing of competing products or the anticipated length of time the raw material pricing will stay elevated.
We currently purchase in excess of 1.0 billion pounds of virgin and recycled resin annually from approximately 400 suppliers in North America. As a high-volume buyer of resin, we are able to achieve economies of scale to negotiate favorable terms and pricing. Our purchasing strategies differ based on the material (virgin resin versus recycled material). The price movements of the different materials vary, resulting in the need to use a number of strategies to reduce volatility.
In order to reduce the volatility of raw material costs in the future, our raw material strategies for managing our costs include the following:
•increasing the use of low cost resin in place of virgin resin while meeting or exceeding industry standards;
•internally processing greater amounts of our recycled resin in order to closely monitor quality and minimize costs;
•managing a resin price risk program that may entail both physical fixed price and volume contracts; and
•maintaining supply agreements with our major resin suppliers that provide multi-year terms and volumes that are in excess of our projected consumption.
We also consume a large amount of energy and other petroleum products in our operations, including the electricity we use in our manufacturing process as well as the diesel fuel consumed in delivering a significant volume of products to our customers through our in-house fleet. As a result, our operating profit also depends upon our ability to manage the cost of the energy and fuel we require, as well as our ability to pass through increased prices or surcharges to our customers.
Seasonality - Our operating results are impacted by seasonality. Historically, sales of our products have been higher in the first and second quarters of each fiscal year due to favorable weather and longer daylight conditions accelerating construction project activity during these periods while fourth quarter results are impacted by the timing of spring in the northern United States and Canada. Seasonal variations in operating results may also be significantly impacted by inclement weather conditions, which can delay projects, resulting in decreased net sales for one or more quarters, but we believe that these delayed projects generally result in increased net sales during subsequent quarters.
In the non-residential, residential and infrastructure markets in the northern United States and Canada, the construction season typically begins to gain momentum in late March and lasts through November, before winter significantly slows the construction markets. In the southern and western United States, Mexico, Central America and South America, the construction markets are less seasonal. The agricultural drainage market is concentrated in the early spring just prior to planting and in the fall just after crops are harvested prior to freezing of the ground in winter.
Currency Exchange Rates - Although we sell and manufacture our products in many countries, our sales and production costs are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. We have wholly-owned facilities in Canada, the Netherlands and joint venture facilities in Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Peru. The functional currencies in the areas in which we have wholly-owned facilities and joint venture facilities other than the U.S. dollar are the Canadian dollar, Euro, Mexican peso, Chilean peso, Brazilian real and Colombian peso. From time to time, we use derivatives to reduce our exposure to currency fluctuations.
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Executive Summary of Our Fiscal 2025 Results
•Net sales increased 1.0% to $2.9 billion
•Net income decreased 11.8% to $452.6 million
•Net income per diluted share decreased 10.7% to $5.76
•Adjusted EBITDA decreased 3.7% to $889.2 million
•Cash provided by operating activities decreased $136.4 million to $581.5 million
•Free cash flow decreased $165.6 million to $368.5 million
Net sales increased $29.8 million, or 1.0%, to $2,904.2 million, as compared to $2,874.5 million in the prior year. Domestic pipe sales decreased $40.9 million, or 2.6%, to $1,503.4 million. Domestic Allied Products & Other sales increased $16.6 million, or 2.5%, to $689.9 million. Infiltrator sales increased $67.3 million, or 15.0%, to $516.3 million. Excluding the acquisition of Orenco Systems, Inc. (“Orenco”), Infiltrator organic revenue increased 4.6%. The increase in overall domestic net sales was driven the growth of the Infiltrator business and Allied products portfolio as well as material conversion in the U.S. construction end markets. International sales decreased $13.1 million, or 6.3%, to $194.6 million.
Gross profit decreased $51.7 million, or 4.5%, to $1,094.2 million as compared to $1,145.9 million in the prior year. The decrease in gross profit is primarily driven by unfavorable pricing and material cost, partially offset by favorable volume, sales mix and manufacturing costs.
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, decreased $33.7 million, or 3.7%, to $889.2 million, as compared to $922.9 million in the prior year. The decrease is primarily due to the factors mentioned above. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA was 30.6% as compared to 32.1% in the prior year.
Description of our Segments
We operate our business in three distinct reportable segments: “Pipe”, “International” and “Infiltrator.” “Allied Products & Other” represents our Allied Products and all other business segments. We generate a greater proportion of our net sales and gross profit in our Pipe segment, which consists of Pipe product sales in the United States. We expect the percentage of total net sales and gross profit derived from our other segments to continue to increase in future periods as we continue to expand non-Pipe product and our international presence. See “Note 19. Business Segment Information,” to our audited consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.
Pipe - Our Pipe segment manufactures and markets high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe throughout the United States. We maintain and serve these markets through product distribution relationships with many of the largest national and independent waterworks distributors, buying groups and co-ops, major national retailers as well as an extensive network of hundreds of small to medium-sized distributors across the United States.
Infiltrator - Infiltrator is a leading national provider of plastic leachfield chambers and systems, septic tanks and accessories, primarily for use in residential applications. Infiltrator products are used in onsite septic wastewater treatment systems in the United States and Canada.
International - Our International segment manufactures and markets products in regions outside of the United States, with a strategy focused on our owned facilities in Canada and those markets serviced through our joint ventures in Mexico and South America. Pipe manufactured in these countries is primarily sold into the same region. Our joint venture strategy has provided us with local and regional access to new markets. The unconsolidated sales of the South American Joint Venture were $72.3 million, $75.9 million, and $69.5 million, in fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.
Allied Products & Other - Our other operating segments manufacture a range of Allied Products & Other that are complementary to our Pipe products. Our Allied Products & Other offer adjacent technologies to our core Pipe offering, presenting a complete drainage solution for our clients and customers.
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Results of Operations for Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2025 Compared with Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2024
The following table summarizes our operating results as a percentage of net sales that have been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. We believe this presentation is useful to investors in comparing historical results.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | $ | 2,904,245 | 100.0 | % | $ | 2,874,473 | 100.0 | % | |||||
| Cost of goods sold | 1,810,004 | 62.3 | 1,728,524 | 60.1 | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 1,094,241 | 37.7 | 1,145,949 | 39.9 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 380,378 | 13.1 | 370,714 | 12.9 | |||||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities | 3,858 | 0.1 | (8,365) | (0.3) | |||||||||
| Intangible amortization | 52,569 | 1.8 | 51,469 | 1.8 | |||||||||
| Income from operations | 657,436 | 22.6 | 732,131 | 25.5 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 91,803 | 3.2 | 88,862 | 3.1 | |||||||||
| Interest income and other, net | (23,832) | (0.8) | (23,484) | (0.8) | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 589,465 | 20.3 | 666,753 | 23.2 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 141,063 | 4.9 | 158,998 | 5.5 | |||||||||
| Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates | (4,171) | (0.1) | (5,536) | (0.2) | |||||||||
| Net income | 452,573 | 15.6 | 513,291 | 17.9 | |||||||||
| Less: net income attributable to the non-controlling interest | 2,401 | 0.1 | 3,376 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to ADS | $ | 450,172 | 15.5 | % | $ | 509,915 | 17.7 | % |
Net sales - The following table presents net sales to external customers by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe | $ | 1,503,377 | $ | 1,544,290 | $ | (40,913) | (2.6) | % | ||||||
| Infiltrator | 516,296 | 449,027 | 67,269 | 15.0 | ||||||||||
| International | 194,630 | 207,769 | (13,139) | (6.3) | ||||||||||
| Allied Products & Other | 689,942 | 673,387 | 16,555 | 2.5 | ||||||||||
| Total Consolidated | $ | 2,904,245 | $ | 2,874,473 | $ | 29,772 | 1.0 | % |
Our consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 increased by $29.8 million, or 1.0%, compared to fiscal 2024. The decrease in domestic Net sales for Pipe was primarily driven by unfavorable price/mix impact partially offset by higher demand. The increase in Net sales for Infiltrator was driven by improved price/mix and $46.4 million of net sales from Orenco. For the International segment, the decrease was driven by unfavorable price/mix and unfavorable foreign currency rates. The increase for Allied Products & Other was primarily driven by demand partially offset by unfavorable price/mix.
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Cost of goods sold and Gross profit - The following table presents gross profit by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe | $ | 362,676 | $ | 448,186 | $ | (85,510) | (19.1) | % | ||||||
| Infiltrator | 291,811 | 259,065 | 32,746 | 12.6 | ||||||||||
| International | 50,052 | 57,605 | (7,553) | (13.1) | ||||||||||
| Allied Products & Other | 389,528 | 385,650 | 3,878 | 1.0 | ||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | 174 | (4,557) | 4,731 | (103.8) | ||||||||||
| Total gross profit | $ | 1,094,241 | $ | 1,145,949 | $ | (51,708) | (4.5) | % |
Our consolidated Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 increased by $81.5 million or, 4.7%, and our consolidated Gross profit decreased by $51.7 million, or 4.5%, compared to the same period in fiscal 2024. The decrease in gross profit for Pipe is primarily due to unfavorable material cost and the decrease in Net sales. The increase in gross profit for Infiltrator was driven by improved pricing, improved material costs and the acquisition of Orenco. For the International segment, gross profit decreased due to same factors driving the decrease in Net sales. For Allied Products & Other, gross profit increased due to the same factors driving the decrease in Net sales.
Selling, general and administrative expenses - The following table presents Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 380,378 | $ | 370,714 | ||
| % of Net Sales | 13.1 | % | 12.9 | % |
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 increased $9.7 million from the same period in fiscal 2024. The increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily the result of the operating and acquisition expenses of Orenco partially offset by favorable incentive and stock-based compensation expense.
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities - The change in Loss (gain) on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities is primarily due to the closure of a plant and other asset disposals in fiscal 2025 compared to a gain on the sale of the assets of Spartan Concrete, Inc. in fiscal 2024, partially offset by the losses on the sale of the Paper Recycling business and disposal of other assets.
Intangible amortization - Intangible amortization increased by $1.1 million primarily due to the increase in intangible assets due to the Orenco acquisition.
Interest expense - Interest expense increased $2.9 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase in interest rates.
Interest income and other, net - Interest income and other, net increased by $0.3 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024.
Income tax expense - The following table presents the effective tax rates for the fiscal years presented:
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective tax rate | 23.9 | % | 23.8 | % |
The change in the effective tax rate was primarily related to the increase of the income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation windfall and the increase of income tax expense related to the executive compensation limitation in fiscal year 2025. See “Note 15. Income Taxes” for additional information.
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates - The Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates decreased for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024 due to a decrease in the current period income at our South American Joint Venture.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest - Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest decreased for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 due to decreased net income at our ADS Mexicana joint venture.
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The discussion of our results of operations for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 compared with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 can be found in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Discussion and Results of Operations” in our fiscal 2024 Form 10-K for further information on our prior period results of operations.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin - EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, non-GAAP financial measures, have been presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as supplemental measures of financial performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and should not be considered as alternatives to net income as measures of financial performance or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, non-cash charges and certain other gains and expenses. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K because they are key metrics used by management and our Board of Directors to assess our financial performance. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry. In addition to covenant compliance and executive performance evaluations, we use EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to supplement GAAP measures of performance to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies, to make budgeting decisions and to compare our performance against that of other peer companies using similar measures.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are not GAAP measures of our financial performance and should not be considered as alternatives to net income as measures of financial performance or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP, and it should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin contain certain other limitations, including the failure to reflect our cash expenditures, cash requirements for working capital needs and cash costs to replace assets being depreciated and amortized. In evaluating EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, you should be aware that in the future we will incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation, such as stock-based compensation expense, derivative fair value adjustments, and foreign currency transaction losses. Management compensates for these limitations by relying on our GAAP results in addition to using EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin on a supplemental basis. Our measure of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income | $ | 452,573 | $ | 513,291 | $ | 511,353 | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 183,281 | 154,903 | 145,149 | |||||||
| Interest expense | 91,803 | 88,862 | 70,182 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 141,063 | 158,998 | 150,589 | |||||||
| EBITDA | 868,720 | 916,054 | 877,273 | |||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities | 3,858 | (8,365) | 4,397 | |||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 26,581 | 31,986 | 21,659 | |||||||
| Transaction costs (a) | 9,291 | 3,444 | 3,903 | |||||||
| Interest income | (23,485) | (22,047) | (9,782) | |||||||
| Other adjustments (b) | 4,263 | 1,875 | 6,512 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 889,228 | $ | 922,947 | $ | 903,962 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA Margin | 30.6 | % | 32.1 | % | 29.4 | % |
(a)Represents expenses recorded related to legal, accounting and other professional fees incurred in connection with business or asset acquisitions and dispositions.
(b)Includes derivative fair value adjustments, foreign currency transaction (gains) losses, legal settlements, inventory step-up costs, the proportionate share of interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization related to the South American Joint Venture, which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting and executive retirement expense (benefit).
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically we have funded our operations through internally generated cash flow supplemented by debt financings, equity issuance and finance and operating leases. These sources have been sufficient historically to fund our primary liquidity requirements, including working capital, capital expenditures, debt service and dividend payments. From time to time, we may explore additional financing methods and other means to raise capital. There can be no assurance that any additional financing will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.
Free Cash Flow - Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that comprises cash flow from operations less capital expenditures. Free cash flow is a measure used by management and our Board of Directors to assess our ability to generate cash. Accordingly, free cash flow has been presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as a supplemental measure of liquidity that is not required by, or presented in accordance with GAAP, because management believes that free cash flow provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our ability to generate cash flow from operations after capital expenditures. Free cash flow is not a GAAP measure of our liquidity and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity or any other liquidity measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Our measure of free cash flow is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | $ | 581,491 | $ | 717,928 | $ | 707,810 | ||||
| Capital expenditures | (212,944) | (183,812) | (166,913) | |||||||
| Free cash flow | $ | 368,547 | $ | 534,116 | $ | 540,897 |
The following table presents key liquidity metrics utilized by management:
| (Amounts in thousands) | 3/31/2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total debt (debt and finance lease obligations) | $ | 1,425,666 |
| Cash | 463,319 | |
| Net debt (total debt less cash) | 962,347 | |
| Leverage ratio (Net debt/Adjusted EBITDA) | 1.1 |
The following table summarizes our available liquidity under our Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2025:
| (Amounts in thousands) | 3/31/2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Revolver capacity | $ | 600,000 |
| Less: outstanding borrowings | — | |
| Less: letters of credit | 9,450 | |
| Revolver available liquidity | $ | 590,550 |
In addition to the available liquidity above, we have the ability to borrow up to $1.3 billion under our Term Loan Facility, subject to leverage ratio restrictions.
As of March 31, 2025, we had $22.5 million in cash that was held by our foreign subsidiaries, of which, $13.4 million was held by our Canadian subsidiaries. We continue to evaluate our strategy regarding foreign cash, but our earnings in foreign subsidiaries still remain indefinitely reinvested, except for Canada. See “Note 15. Income Taxes” for additional discussion of our plans to repatriate earnings from Canada.
Working Capital and Cash Flows
In fiscal 2025, our cash balance decreased by $26.6 million. Cash generated from operations, changes in working capital and dispositions of assets was offset by the acquisition of Orenco, capital expenditures of $212.9 million, $69.9 million in share repurchases and $49.7 million of dividend payments. Our increase of cash in fiscal 2024 was $278.7 million. Cash generated from operations, changes in working capital and dispositions of assets was partially offset by $207.3 million in share repurchases and capital expenditures of $183.8 million and $47.7 million of dividend payments.
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As of March 31, 2025, we had $1,053.9 million in liquidity, including $463.3 million of cash, $590.6 million in borrowings available under our Revolving Credit Agreement, excluding $9.5 million of outstanding letters of credit. We believe that our cash on hand, together with the availability of borrowings under our Credit Agreement and other financing arrangements and cash generated from operations, will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures, and scheduled principal and interest payments on our indebtedness for at least the next twelve months.
Working Capital - Working capital is an indication of liquidity and potential need for short-term funding. We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities. Working capital increased to $926.4 million as of March 31, 2025, from $860.3 million as of March 31, 2024, primarily due to increases in inventory to support projected sales and a decrease in accounts payable due to the timing of purchases.
Operating Cash Flows - During fiscal 2025, 2024 and 2023, cash provided by operating activities was $581.5 million, $717.9 million and $707.8 million, respectively. Cash flow from operating activities for all periods was primarily driven by operating income and changes in working capital.
Investing Cash Flows - During fiscal 2025, cash used for investing activities was $447.9 million. The cash used for investing cash flows was primarily from the acquisition of Orenco and capital expenditures. Capital expenditures increased in fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2025 were used primarily to support new facilities, facility expansions to increase production capacity and recycling capabilities, manufacturing equipment replacements and upgrades, and technology initiatives to improve customer service.
During fiscal 2024, cash used for investing activities was $155.7 million. The cash used for investing cash flows was primarily from capital expenditures offset with the disposition of assets or businesses. Capital expenditures increased in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2024 were used primarily to support new facilities, facility expansions, equipment replacements and technology improvement initiatives.
During fiscal 2023, cash used for investing activities was $214.5 million. The increase in cash used for investing cash flows was primarily due to elevated capital expenditures and the acquisition of Cultec, Inc. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2023 were used primarily to support growth and our productivity initiatives, including automation and safety.
We currently anticipate that we will make capital expenditures of approximately $275 million in fiscal 2026 to focus on growth and productivity through increasing our manufacturing capacity and investing in automation. Such capital expenditures are expected to be financed using funds generated by operations. We had approximately $100 million of open orders through purchase commitments as of March 31, 2025.
Financing Cash Flows - During fiscal 2025, cash used in financing activities was $157.7 million. During fiscal 2025, we repurchased shares at a cost of $69.9 million and made dividend payments of $49.7 million.
During fiscal 2024, cash used in financing activities was $284.3 million. During fiscal 2024, we repurchased shares at a cost of $207.3 million and made dividend payments of $47.7 million.
During fiscal 2023, cash used in financing activities was $296.3 million. During fiscal 2023, we repurchased shares at a cost of $575.0 million; paid $114.3 million of the Revolving Credit Facility, net of proceeds, and made dividend payments of $44.9 million. The cash outflows were offset by $500.0 million of proceeds from Senior Notes due 2030.
Debt and Capitalized Lease Obligations
See “Note 6. Leases” and “Note 12. Debt” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a discussion of the Company’s financing transactions, including the Secured Bank Loans, the Senior Notes and the Company’s finance lease obligations.
Financing Transactions
Senior Secured Credit Facility - On September 24, 2019, we successfully completed a $700 million syndication of the remaining balance of its credit facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) subsequent to the common stock offering and Senior Notes due 2027 and in connection with the syndication, we amended the Base Credit Agreement (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”). The Senior Secured Credit Facility provided for a Revolving credit facility up to $350 million as a Revolving Facility, and up to $50 million as a letter of credit facility, as a sublimit of the Revolving Credit Facility.
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In May 2022, we entered into a Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to our Company's Base Credit Agreement with Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent under the Term Loan Facility, PNC Bank, National Association, as new administrative agent under the Revolving Credit Facility. Among other things, the Second Amendment (i) amended the Base Credit Agreement by increasing the Revolving Credit Facility (the “Amended Revolving Credit Facility”) from $350.0 million to $600.0 million (including an increase of the sub-limit for the swing-line sub-facility from $50.0 million to $60.0 million) and extended the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility to May 26, 2027.
At the option of the Company, borrowings under the Term Loan Facility and under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility (subject to certain limitations) bear interest at either a base rate (as determined pursuant to the Second Amendment) or at a Eurocurrency Rate, based on SOFR (as defined in the Second Amendment), plus the applicable margin as set forth therein from time to time. In the case of the Amended Revolving Credit Facility, the applicable margin is based on the Company's consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio (as defined in the Second Amendment). All borrowings under the Term Loan Facility as described above initially bear interest at a Eurocurrency Rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility). See “Note 12. Debt” for further information on the Term Loan Facility and Second Amendment.
The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement have been secured by granting a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company’s assets (subject to certain exceptions and limitations), and each of StormTech, LLC, Advanced Drainage of Ohio, Inc. and Infiltrator Water Technologies, LLC (collectively the “Guarantors”) has agreed to guarantee the obligations of the Company under the Senior Secured Credit Facility and to secure the obligations thereunder by granting a first priority lien in substantially all of such Guarantor's assets (subject to certain exceptions and limitations).
Issuance of Senior Notes due 2027 - On September 23, 2019, we issued $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of its senior notes (“2027 Notes”), pursuant to the Indenture dated September 23, 2019 (the “2027 Indenture”), among the Company, the guarantors party thereto (the “Guarantors”) and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (the “Trustee”). The 2027 Notes were offered and sold either to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act or to persons outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act. We may redeem the 2027 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after September 30, 2022 at established redemption prices set forth in the 2027 Indenture. See “Note 12. Debt” for further information on the 2027 Notes.
Equipment Financing - In November 2021, we purchased material handling equipment, trucks and trailers previously leased under a master lease agreement and classified as finance leases. The purchase was funded with debt through the Master Lease Agreement and Interim Funding Schedule with Fifth Third. The assets acquired are titled to the Company and included in Property, plant and equipment, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The equipment financing has a balance of $6.0 million and had an initial term of between 12 and 84 months, based on the life of the equipment. The equipment financing bears a weighted average interest of 1.7% as of March 31, 2025.
Issuance of Senior Notes Due 2030 - On June 9, 2022, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% its senior notes (the “2030 Notes”) pursuant to an Indenture, dated June 9, 2022 (the “2030 Indenture”), among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee. The 2030 Notes were offered and sold either to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” pursuant to the Securities Act or to persons outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act. See “Note 12. Debt” for further information on the 2030 Notes.
Covenant Compliance
The Senior Secured Credit Facility requires, if the aggregate amount of outstanding exposure under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility exceeds $210.0 million at the end of any fiscal quarter, the Company is to maintain a consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.25 to 1.00 for any four consecutive fiscal quarter periods.
The Senior Secured Credit Facility also includes other covenants, including negative covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Company's and its restricted subsidiaries’ (as defined in the Credit Agreement) ability to, among other things: (i) incur additional debt, including guarantees; (ii) create liens upon any of their property; (iii) enter into any merger, consolidation or amalgamation, liquidate, wind up or dissolve, or dispose of all or substantially all of their property or business; (iv) dispose of assets; (v) pay subordinated debt; (vi) make certain investments; (vii) enter into swap agreements; (viii) engage in transactions with affiliates; (ix) engage in new lines of business; (x) modify certain material contractual obligations, organizational documents, accounting policies or fiscal year; or (xi) create or permit restrictions on the ability of any subsidiary of any Loan Party (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility) to pay dividends or make distributions to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
The Senior Secured Credit Facility also contains customary provisions requiring the following mandatory prepayments (subject to certain exceptions and limitations): (i) annual prepayments (beginning with the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021) with a percentage of excess cash flow (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility); (ii) 100% of the net cash
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proceeds from any non-ordinary course sale of assets and certain casualty or condemnation events; and (iii) 100% of the net cash proceeds of indebtedness not permitted to be incurred under the Senior Secured Credit Facility. For further information, see “Note 12. Debt” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We were in compliance with our debt covenants as of March 31, 2025.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, with the exception of the guarantee of 50% of certain debt of our unconsolidated South American Joint Venture, as further discussed in “Note 11. Related Party Transactions” of our Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of this Form 10-K. Our maximum potential obligation under this guarantee totals $5.5 million as of March 31, 2025. The maximum borrowing permitted under the South American Joint Venture’s credit agreement is $11.0 million. As of March 31, 2025, our South American Joint Venture had no outstanding debt subject to our guarantee. We do not believe that this guarantee will have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, or capital resources.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Certain of our accounting policies involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application, and therefore, represent the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements. If different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, the results could be materially different from our reported results. We believe the following accounting policies may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application and represent the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements. For additional discussion of our significant accounting policies, see “Note 1. Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” included in this Form 10-K.
| Policy | Judgments and Estimates | Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Recognition- We generate revenue by selling pipe and related water management products primarily to distributors, retailers, buying groups and co-operative buying groups. Products are shipped predominately by our internal fleet, and we do not provide any additional revenue generating services after product delivery. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract. Revenue is recognized at the point in-time obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied, which generally occurs upon the transfer of control of the promised goods. In substantially all of our contracts with customers, control is transferred to the customer upon delivery. We recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. | We estimate and allocate variable consideration, such as right of return, credits or incentives, based on numerous factors, including the customer agreements and past transaction history. | If our historical experience differs from future experience, our estimates of variable consideration could differ. |
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| Policy | Judgments and Estimates | Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Goodwill- Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment as of March 31 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The fair value of goodwill is determined by considering both the income and market approach. | Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Estimates and assumptions include: revenue growth rates and EBITDA used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and determination of appropriate market comparables. The fair value estimates are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable but are inherently uncertain. | We performed our annual impairment test for goodwill for all reporting units as of March 31, 2025 using a qualitative approach, except for Cultec, which was assessed using a quantitative approach. We determined for our goodwill that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the assets exceeded carrying value for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 for all reporting units reviewed under the qualitative approach. For Cultec, the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded carrying value. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. |
| Definite-lived intangible assets-Definite-lived intangible assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts of the asset group may not be recoverable. Asset groups are established primarily by determining the lowest level of cash flows available. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amounts of such assets, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the fair value of the asset less any costs of disposition is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Indefinite-lived intangible assets-Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually as of March 31 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may be greater than fair value. Determining the fair value of these assets is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but that are inherently uncertain. To estimate the fair value of these indefinite-lived intangible assets, we use an income approach, which utilizes a market derived rate of return to discount anticipated performance. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated fair value of the intangible asset is less than the carrying value. | Determining the fair value of the definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. | We did not record any impairment charges for definite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2025, 2024, or 2023. We performed our annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets as of March 31, 2025. We performed a qualitative impairment analysis and determined for our indefinite-lived intangible assets that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the assets exceeded carrying value for fiscal years ended March 31, 2025. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. |
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, see “Note 1. Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001604028-24-000011.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Our fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31. Unless otherwise noted, references to “year” pertain to our fiscal year. For example, “2024” refers to fiscal 2024, which is the period from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of our operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, our management. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed below. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below, and those discussed in the sections titled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Please read the following discussion together with the sections titled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and our consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.
Overview
We are the leading manufacturer of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite septic wastewater industries, providing superior drainage solutions for use in the construction and agriculture marketplaces. Our innovative products, for which we hold many patents, are used across a broad range of end markets and applications, including non-residential, infrastructure and agriculture applications. We have established a leading position in many of these end markets by leveraging our national sales and distribution platform, industry-acclaimed engineering support, overall product breadth and scale plus manufacturing excellence.
Key Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Product Demand - There are numerous factors that influence demand for our products. Our businesses are cyclical in nature and sensitive to general economic conditions, primarily in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America. The non-residential, residential, agricultural and infrastructure markets we serve are affected by the availability of credit, lending practices, interest rates and unemployment rates. Demand for new homes, farm income, commercial development and highway infrastructure spending have a direct impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Accordingly, the following factors may have a direct impact on our business in the markets in which our products are sold:
•the strength of the economy;
•the amount and type of non-residential and residential construction;
•funding for infrastructure spending;
•farm income and agricultural land values;
•inventory of improved housing lots;
•changes in raw material and commodity prices;
•the availability and cost of credit;
•non-residential occupancy rates; and
•demographic factors such as population growth and household formation.
Growth in Allied Products & Other - Our Allied Products & Other include storm and septic chambers, PVC drainage structures, fittings, stormwater filters and water separators. These products complement our pipe products and allow us to offer a comprehensive water management solution to our customers and drive organic growth. Our leading market position in pipe products allows us to cross-sell Allied Products effectively. Our comprehensive offering of Allied Products can also increase pipe sales in certain markets. Allied Products are less sensitive to resin prices since resin prices represent a smaller percentage of the cost for Allied Products. Our leading position in the pipe market has allowed us to increase organic growth of our Allied Products, and we also expect to expand our Allied Product offerings through acquisitions.
Product Pricing - The price of our products is impacted by competitive pricing dynamics in our industry as well as by raw material costs. Our industry is highly competitive and the sales prices for our products may vary based on the sales policies of our competitors. Raw material costs represent a significant portion of the cost of goods sold for our products. We aim to increase our product selling prices in order to cover raw material price increases, but the inability to do so could impact our profitability. Movements in raw material, logistics or other overhead costs and resulting changes in the selling prices may also impact changes in period-to-period comparisons of net sales.
Material Conversion - Our HDPE and PP pipe, plastic leachfield chambers, septic tanks and related water management product lines compete with other manufacturers of similar products as well as manufacturers of alternative products made with traditional materials, such as concrete, steel and PVC. Our net sales are driven by market trends, including the adoption of thermoplastic corrugated pipe products as a replacement for traditional materials. Thermoplastic corrugated pipe is generally lighter, more durable, more cost effective and easier to install than comparable products made from traditional materials. We believe customers will continue to acknowledge the superior attributes and compelling value
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proposition of our thermoplastic products and expanded regulatory approvals allow for their use in new markets and geographies. In addition, we believe that PP pipe products will also help accelerate conversion given the additional applications for which our PP pipe products can be used.
Raw Material Costs - Our raw material cost and product selling prices fluctuate with changes in the price of resins utilized in production. We actively manage our resin purchases and pass fluctuations in the cost of resin through to our customers, where possible, in order to maintain our profitability. Fluctuations in the price of crude oil and natural gas prices may impact the cost of resin. In addition, changes in and disruptions to existing capacities could also significantly increase resin prices, often within a short period of time. Our ability to pass through raw material price increases to our customers may lag the increase in our costs of goods sold. Sharp rises in raw material prices over a short period of time have historically occurred with a significant supply disruption, which may increase prices to levels that cannot be fully passed through to customers due to pricing of competing products or the anticipated length of time the raw material pricing will stay elevated.
We currently purchase in excess of 1.1 billion pounds of virgin and recycled resin annually from approximately 525 suppliers in North America. As a high-volume buyer of resin, we are able to achieve economies of scale to negotiate favorable terms and pricing. Our purchasing strategies differ based on the material (virgin resin versus recycled material). The price movements of the different materials vary, resulting in the need to use a number of strategies to reduce volatility.
In order to reduce the volatility of raw material costs in the future, our raw material strategies for managing our costs include the following:
•increasing the use of recycled resin in place of virgin resin while meeting or exceeding industry standards;
•internally processing greater amounts of our recycled resin in order to closely monitor quality and minimize costs;
•managing a resin price risk program that may entail both physical fixed price and volume contracts; and
•maintaining supply agreements with our major resin suppliers that provide multi-year terms and volumes that are in excess of our projected consumption.
We also consume a large amount of energy and other petroleum products in our operations, including the electricity we use in our manufacturing process as well as the diesel fuel consumed in delivering a significant volume of products to our customers through our in-house fleet. As a result, our operating profit also depends upon our ability to manage the cost of the energy and fuel we require, as well as our ability to pass through increased prices or surcharges to our customers.
Seasonality - Our operating results are impacted by seasonality. Historically, sales of our products have been higher in the first and second quarters of each fiscal year due to favorable weather and longer daylight conditions accelerating construction project activity during these periods while fourth quarter results are impacted by the timing of spring in the northern United States and Canada. Seasonal variations in operating results may also be significantly impacted by inclement weather conditions, which can delay projects, resulting in decreased net sales for one or more quarters, but we believe that these delayed projects generally result in increased net sales during subsequent quarters.
In the non-residential, residential and infrastructure markets in the northern United States and Canada, the construction season typically begins to gain momentum in late March and lasts through November, before winter significantly slows the construction markets. In the southern and western United States, Mexico, Central America and South America, the construction markets are less seasonal. The agricultural drainage market is concentrated in the early spring just prior to planting and in the fall just after crops are harvested prior to freezing of the ground in winter.
Currency Exchange Rates - Although we sell and manufacture our products in many countries, our sales and production costs are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. We have wholly-owned facilities in Canada, the Netherlands and joint venture facilities in Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Peru. The functional currencies in the areas in which we have wholly-owned facilities and joint venture facilities other than the U.S. dollar are the Canadian dollar, Euro, Mexican peso, Chilean peso, Brazilian real and Colombian peso. From time to time, we use derivatives to reduce our exposure to currency fluctuations.
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Executive Summary of Our Fiscal 2024 Results
•Net sales decreased 6.4% to $2.9 billion
•Net income increased 0.4% to $513.3 million
•Net income per diluted share increased 6.1% to $6.45
•Adjusted EBITDA increased 2.1% to $922.9 million
•Cash provided by operating activities increased $10.1 million to $717.9 million
•Free cash flow decreased $6.8 million to $534.1 million
Net sales decreased $196.6 million, or 6.4%, to $2,874.5 million, as compared to $3,071.1 million in the prior year. Domestic pipe sales decreased $172.9 million, or 10.1%, to $1,544.3 million. Domestic Allied Products & Other sales decreased $18.4 million, or 2.7%, to $673.4 million. Infiltrator sales increased $6.7 million, or 1.5%, to $449.0 million. The decrease in overall domestic net sales was driven by lower demand in the U.S. construction and agriculture end markets during the first half of the year. The increase in sales at Infiltrator was driven by better-than-expected single-family housing construction and new product introductions. International sales decreased $12.1 million, or 5.5%, to $207.8 million.
Gross profit increased $27.5 million, or 2.5%, to $1,145.9 million as compared to $1,118.4 million in the prior year. The increase in gross profit is primarily due to favorable material cost, partially offset by the decrease in volume and unfavorable fixed cost absorption.
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, increased $19.0 million, or 2.1%, to $922.9 million, as compared to $904.0 million in the prior year. The increase is primarily due to the factors mentioned above. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA was 32.1% as compared to 29.4% in the prior year.
Description of our Segments
We operate our business in three distinct reportable segments: “Pipe”, “International” and “Infiltrator.” “Allied Products & Other” represents our Allied Products and all other business segments. We generate a greater proportion of our net sales and gross profit in our Pipe segment, which consists of Pipe product sales in the United States. We expect the percentage of total net sales and gross profit derived from our other segments to continue to increase in future periods as we continue to expand non-Pipe product and our international presence. See “Note 19. Business Segment Information,” to our audited consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.
Pipe – Our Pipe segment manufactures and markets high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe throughout the United States. We maintain and serve these markets through product distribution relationships with many of the largest national and independent waterworks distributors, buying groups and co-ops, major national retailers as well as an extensive network of hundreds of small to medium-sized distributors across the United States.
Infiltrator – Infiltrator is a leading national provider of plastic leachfield chambers and systems, septic tanks and accessories, primarily for use in residential applications. Infiltrator products are used in onsite septic wastewater treatment systems in the United States and Canada.
International – Our International segment manufactures and markets products in regions outside of the United States, with a strategy focused on our owned facilities in Canada and those markets serviced through our joint ventures in Mexico and South America. Pipe manufactured in these countries is primarily sold into the same region. Our joint venture strategy has provided us with local and regional access to new markets. The unconsolidated sales of the South American Joint Venture were $75.9 million, $69.5 million, and $61.6 million, in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Allied Products & Other – Our other operating segments manufacture a range of Allied Products & Other that are complementary to our Pipe products. Our Allied Products & Other offer adjacent technologies to our core Pipe offering, presenting a complete drainage solution for our clients and customers.
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Results of Operations for Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2024 Compared with Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2023
The following table summarizes our operating results as a percentage of net sales that have been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. We believe this presentation is useful to investors in comparing historical results.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | $ | 2,874,473 | 100.0 | % | $ | 3,071,121 | 100.0 | % | |||||
| Cost of goods sold | 1,728,524 | 60.1 | 1,952,713 | 63.6 | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 1,145,949 | 39.9 | 1,118,408 | 36.4 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 370,714 | 12.9 | 339,504 | 11.1 | |||||||||
| (Gain) loss on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities | (8,365) | (0.3) | 4,397 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Intangible amortization | 51,469 | 1.8 | 55,197 | 1.8 | |||||||||
| Income from operations | 732,131 | 25.5 | 719,310 | 23.4 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 88,862 | 3.1 | 70,182 | 2.3 | |||||||||
| Interest income and other, net | (23,484) | (0.8) | (7,972) | (0.3) | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 666,753 | 23.2 | 657,100 | 21.4 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 158,998 | 5.5 | 150,589 | 4.9 | |||||||||
| Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates | (5,536) | (0.2) | (4,842) | (0.2) | |||||||||
| Net income | 513,291 | 17.9 | 511,353 | 16.7 | |||||||||
| Less: net income attributable to the non-controlling interest | 3,376 | 0.1 | 4,267 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to ADS | $ | 509,915 | 17.7 | % | $ | 507,086 | 16.5 | % |
Net sales – The following table presents net sales to external customers by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe | $ | 1,544,290 | $ | 1,717,189 | $ | (172,899) | (10.1) | % | ||||||
| Infiltrator | 449,027 | 442,280 | 6,747 | 1.5 | ||||||||||
| International | 207,769 | 219,853 | (12,084) | (5.5) | ||||||||||
| Allied Products & Other | 673,387 | 691,799 | (18,412) | (2.7) | ||||||||||
| Total Consolidated | $ | 2,874,473 | $ | 3,071,121 | $ | (196,648) | (6.4) | % |
Our consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 decreased by $196.6 million, or 6.4%, compared to fiscal 2023. The decrease in overall domestic net sales was driven by lower demand in the U.S. construction and agriculture end markets during the first half of the year. The increase in sales at Infiltrator was driven by better-than-expected single-family housing construction and new product introductions.
Cost of goods sold and Gross profit – The following table presents gross profit by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe | $ | 448,186 | $ | 476,859 | $ | (28,673) | (6.0) | % | ||||||
| Infiltrator | 259,065 | 213,242 | 45,823 | 21.5 | ||||||||||
| International | 57,605 | 56,188 | 1,417 | 2.5 | ||||||||||
| Allied Products & Other | 385,650 | 371,195 | 14,455 | 3.9 | ||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | (4,557) | 924 | (5,481) | (593.2) | ||||||||||
| Total gross profit | $ | 1,145,949 | $ | 1,118,408 | $ | 27,541 | 2.5 | % |
Our consolidated Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 decreased by $224.2 million or, 11.5%, and our consolidated Gross profit increased by $27.5 million, or 2.5%, compared to the same period in fiscal 2023. The
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increase in gross profit is primarily due to favorable material cost, partially offset by the decrease in volume and unfavorable fixed cost absorption.
Selling, general and administrative expenses – The following table presents Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 370,714 | $ | 339,504 | ||
| % of Net Sales | 12.9 | % | 11.2 | % |
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 increased $31.2 million from the same period in fiscal 2023. The increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses is the result of an increase in stock-based and incentive compensation related to business performance, headcount to support our engineering and innovation initiatives and the impact of inflation.
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities – The change in (Gain) loss on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities is primarily due to the gain on the sale of the assets of Spartan Concrete, Inc. in fiscal 2024, partially offset by the losses on the sale of the Paper Recycling business and disposal of other assets.
Intangible amortization – Intangible amortization decreased by $3.7 million primarily due the accelerated method of amortization for certain customer relationships.
Interest expense – Interest expense increased $18.7 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 compared to the same period in fiscal 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in interest rates.
Interest income and other, net – Interest income and other, net increased by $15.5 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 compared to the same period in fiscal 2023 primarily due to the increase in Cash.
Income tax expense – The following table presents the effective tax rates for the fiscal years presented:
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective tax rate | 23.8 | % | 22.9 | % |
The change in the effective tax rate was primarily related to the decrease of the income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation windfall in fiscal 2024. See “Note 15. Income Taxes” for additional information.
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates – The Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates increased for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 compared to the same period in fiscal 2023 due to an increase in the current period income at our South American Joint Venture.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest – Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest decreased for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 due to decreased net income at our ADS Mexicana joint venture.
The discussion of our results of operations for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 can be found in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Discussion and Results of Operations” in our fiscal 2023 Form 10-K for further information on our prior period results of operations.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin - EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, non-GAAP financial measures, have been presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as supplemental measures of financial performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and should not be considered as alternatives to net income as measures of financial performance or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, non-cash charges and certain other gains and expenses. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K because they are key metrics used by management and our Board of Directors to assess our financial performance. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry. In addition to covenant compliance and executive performance evaluations, we use
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EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to supplement GAAP measures of performance to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies, to make budgeting decisions and to compare our performance against that of other peer companies using similar measures.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are not GAAP measures of our financial performance and should not be considered as alternatives to net income as measures of financial performance or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP, and it should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin contain certain other limitations, including the failure to reflect our cash expenditures, cash requirements for working capital needs and cash costs to replace assets being depreciated and amortized. In evaluating EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, you should be aware that in the future we will incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation, such as stock-based compensation expense, derivative fair value adjustments, and foreign currency transaction losses. Management compensates for these limitations by relying on our GAAP results in addition to using EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin on a supplemental basis. Our measure of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income | $ | 513,291 | $ | 511,353 | $ | 275,026 | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 154,903 | 145,149 | 141,808 | |||||||
| Interest expense | 88,862 | 70,182 | 33,550 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 158,998 | 150,589 | 110,071 | |||||||
| EBITDA | 916,054 | 877,273 | 560,455 | |||||||
| (Gain) loss on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities | (8,365) | 4,397 | 3,398 | |||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 31,986 | 21,659 | 24,158 | |||||||
| ESOP compensation expense | — | — | 53,401 | |||||||
| ESOP acceleration compensation expense (a) | — | — | 30,435 | |||||||
| Transaction costs (b) | 3,444 | 3,903 | 3,539 | |||||||
| Interest income | (22,047) | (9,782) | (52) | |||||||
| Other adjustments (c) | 1,875 | 6,512 | 708 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 922,947 | $ | 903,962 | $ | 676,042 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA Margin | 32.1 | % | 29.4 | % | 24.4 | % |
(a)In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, the approximately 0.3 million remaining unallocated shares of Preferred Stock were allocated on March 31, 2022 after repayment of the ESOP loan. See “Note 13. Employee Benefit Plans” for additional information.
(b)Represents expenses recorded related to legal, accounting and other professional fees incurred in connection with business or asset acquisitions and dispositions.
(c)Includes derivative fair value adjustments, foreign currency transaction (gains) losses, the proportionate share of interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization related to the South American Joint Venture, which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting and executive retirement expense (benefit).
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically we have funded our operations through internally generated cash flow supplemented by debt financings, equity issuance and finance and operating leases. These sources have been sufficient historically to fund our primary liquidity requirements, including working capital, capital expenditures, debt service and dividend payments. From time to time, we may explore additional financing methods and other means to raise capital. There can be no assurance that any additional financing will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.
Free Cash Flow - Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that comprises cash flow from operations less capital expenditures. Free cash flow is a measure used by management and our Board of Directors to assess our ability to generate cash. Accordingly, free cash flow has been presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as a supplemental measure of liquidity that is not required by, or presented in accordance with GAAP, because management believes that free cash flow provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our ability to generate cash flow from
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operations after capital expenditures. Free cash flow is not a GAAP measure of our liquidity and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity or any other liquidity measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Our measure of free cash flow is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | $ | 717,928 | $ | 707,810 | $ | 274,888 | ||||
| Capital expenditures | (183,812) | (166,913) | (149,083) | |||||||
| Free cash flow | $ | 534,116 | $ | 540,897 | $ | 125,805 |
The following table presents key liquidity metrics utilized by management:
| (Amounts in thousands) | 3/31/2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total debt (debt and finance lease obligations) | $ | 1,351,068 |
| Cash | 490,163 | |
| Net debt (total debt less cash) | 860,905 | |
| Leverage ratio | 0.9 |
The following table summarizes our available liquidity under our Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2024:
| (Amounts in thousands) | 3/31/2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Revolver capacity | $ | 600,000 |
| Less: outstanding borrowings | — | |
| Less: letters of credit | 11,150 | |
| Revolver available liquidity | $ | 588,850 |
In addition to the available liquidity above, we have the ability to borrow up to $1.3 billion under our Term Loan Facility, subject to leverage ratio restrictions.
As of March 31, 2024, we had $24.8 million in cash that was held by our foreign subsidiaries, of which, $15.8 million was held by our Canadian subsidiaries. We continue to evaluate our strategy regarding foreign cash, but our earnings in foreign subsidiaries still remain indefinitely reinvested, except for Canada. See “Note 15. Income Taxes” for additional discussion of our plans to repatriate earnings from Canada.
Working Capital and Cash Flows
In fiscal 2024, our cash balance increased by $278.7 million. Cash generated from operations, changes in working capital and dispositions of assets was partially offset by $207.3 million in share repurchases and capital expenditures of $183.8 million and $47.7 million of dividend payments. Our increase of cash in fiscal 2023 of $197.0 million was predominantly driven by cash generated from operations in excess of changes in working capital and $500.0 million proceeds from the issuance of senior notes. These sources were partially offset by $575.0 million in share repurchases, capital expenditures of $166.9 million, and $44.9 million of dividend payments.
As of March 31, 2024, we had $1,079.1 million in liquidity, including $490.2 million of cash, $588.9 million in borrowings available under our Revolving Credit Agreement, excluding $11.2 million of outstanding letters of credit. We believe that our cash on hand, together with the availability of borrowings under our Credit Agreement and other financing arrangements and cash generated from operations, will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures, and scheduled principal and interest payments on our indebtedness for at least the next twelve months.
Working Capital - Working capital is an indication of liquidity and potential need for short-term funding. We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities. Working capital increased to $860.3 million as of March 31, 2024, from $638.7 million as of March 31, 2023, primarily due to increases in cash and an increase in accounts receivable due to increased net sales offset by increases in accounts payable due to the timing of the purchases of raw materials.
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Operating Cash Flows - During fiscal 2024, cash provided by operating activities was $717.9 million. Cash flow from operating activities in fiscal 2024 was primarily driven by operating income and changes in working capital.
During fiscal 2023, cash provided by operating activities was $707.8 million. Cash flow from operating activities in fiscal 2023 was primarily driven by operating income offset by changes in working capital.
During fiscal 2022, cash provided by operating activities was $274.9 million. Cash flow from operating activities in fiscal 2022 was primarily driven by operating income offset by investments in working capital.
Investing Cash Flows - During fiscal 2024, cash used for investing activities was $155.7 million. The cash used for investing cash flows was primarily from capital expenditures offset with the disposition of assets or businesses. Capital expenditures increased in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2024 were used primarily to support new facilities, facility expansions, equipment replacements and technology improvement initiatives.
During fiscal 2023, cash used for investing activities was $214.5 million. The increase in cash used for investing cash flows was primarily due to elevated capital expenditures and the acquisition of Cultec, Inc. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2023 were used primarily to support growth and our productivity initiatives, including automation and safety.
During fiscal 2022, cash used for investing activities was $198.8 million. The increase in cash used for investing cash flows was primarily due to elevated capital expenditures and the acquisition of Jet Polymer Recycling. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2022 were used primarily to support growth, but also to support our recycled resin and technology improvement initiatives.
We currently anticipate that we will make capital expenditures of approximately $250 to $300 million in fiscal 2025 to focus on growth and productivity through increasing our manufacturing capacity and investing in automation. Such capital expenditures are expected to be financed using funds generated by operations. We had approximately $130 million of open orders through purchase commitments as of March 31, 2024.
Financing Cash Flows – During fiscal 2024, cash used in financing activities was $284.3 million. During fiscal 2024, we repurchased shares at a cost of $207.3 million and made dividend payments of $47.7 million.
During fiscal 2023, cash used in financing activities was $296.3 million. During fiscal 2023, we repurchased shares at a cost of $575.0 million; paid $114.3 million of the Revolving Credit Facility, net of proceeds, and made dividend payments of $44.9 million. The cash outflows were offset by $500.0 million of proceeds from Senior Notes due 2030.
During fiscal 2022, cash used in financing activities was $251.1 million. During fiscal 2022, we repurchased shares for $292.0 million.
Debt and Capitalized Lease Obligations
See “Note 6. Leases” and “Note 12. Debt” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a discussion of the Company’s financing transactions, including the Secured Bank Loans, the Senior Notes and the Company’s finance lease obligations.
Financing Transactions
Senior Secured Credit Facility - On September 24, 2019, we successfully completed a $700 million syndication of the remaining balance of its credit facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) subsequent to the common stock offering and Senior Notes due 2027 and in connection with the syndication, we amended the Base Credit Agreement (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”). The Senior Secured Credit Facility provided for a Revolving credit facility up to $350 million as a Revolving Facility, and up to $50 million as a letter of credit facility, as a sublimit of the Revolving Credit Facility.
In May 2022, we entered into a Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to our Company's Base Credit Agreement with Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent under the Term Loan Facility, PNC Bank, National Association, as new administrative agent under the Revolving Credit Facility. Among other things, the Second Amendment (i) amended the Base Credit Agreement by increasing the Revolving Credit Facility (the “Amended Revolving Credit Facility”) from $350.0 million to $600.0 million (including an increase of the sub-limit for the swing-line sub-facility from $50.0 million to $60.0 million) and extended the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility to May 26, 2027.
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At the option of the Company, borrowings under the Term Loan Facility and under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility (subject to certain limitations) bear interest at either a base rate (as determined pursuant to the Second Amendment) or at a Eurocurrency Rate, based on SOFR (as defined in the Second Amendment), plus the applicable margin as set forth therein from time to time. In the case of the Amended Revolving Credit Facility, the applicable margin is based on the Company's consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio (as defined in the Second Amendment). All borrowings under the Term Loan Facility as described above initially bear interest at a Eurocurrency Rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility). See “Note 12. Debt” for further information on the Term Loan Facility and Second Amendment.
The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement have been secured by granting a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company’s assets (subject to certain exceptions and limitations), and each of StormTech, LLC, Advanced Drainage of Ohio, Inc. and Infiltrator Water Technologies, LLC (collectively the “Guarantors”) has agreed to guarantee the obligations of the Company under the Senior Secured Credit Facility and to secure the obligations thereunder by granting a first priority lien in substantially all of such Guarantor's assets (subject to certain exceptions and limitations).
Issuance of Senior Notes due 2027 - On September 23, 2019, we issued $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of its senior notes (“2027 Notes”), pursuant to the Indenture dated September 23, 2019 (the “2027 Indenture”), among the Company, the guarantors party thereto (the “Guarantors”) and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (the “Trustee”). The 2027 Notes were offered and sold either to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) or to persons outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act. We may redeem the 2027 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after September 30, 2022 at established redemption prices set forth in the 2027 Indenture. See “Note 12. Debt” for further information on the 2027 Notes.
Equipment Financing – In November 2021, we purchased material handling equipment, trucks and trailers previously leased under a master lease agreement and classified as finance leases. The purchase was funded with debt through the Master Lease Agreement and Interim Funding Schedule with Fifth Third. The assets acquired are titled to the Company and included in Property, plant and equipment, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The equipment financing has a balance of $10.9 million and had an initial term of between 12 and 84 months, based on the life of the equipment. The equipment financing bears a weighted average interest of 1.6% as of March 31, 2024.
Issuance of Senior Notes Due 2030 – On June 9, 2022, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% its senior notes (the “2030 Notes”) pursuant to an Indenture, dated June 9, 2022 (the “2030 Indenture”), among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee. The 2030 Notes were offered and sold either to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” pursuant to the Securities Act or to persons outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act. See “Note 12. Debt” for further information on the 2030 Notes.
Covenant Compliance
The Senior Secured Credit Facility requires, if the aggregate amount of outstanding exposure under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility exceeds $210.0 million at the end of any fiscal quarter, the Company is to maintain a consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.25 to 1.00 for any four consecutive fiscal quarter periods.
The Senior Secured Credit Facility also includes other covenants, including negative covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Company's and its restricted subsidiaries’ (as defined in the Credit Agreement) ability to, among other things: (i) incur additional debt, including guarantees; (ii) create liens upon any of their property; (iii) enter into any merger, consolidation or amalgamation, liquidate, wind up or dissolve, or dispose of all or substantially all of their property or business; (iv) dispose of assets; (v) pay subordinated debt; (vi) make certain investments; (vii) enter into swap agreements; (viii) engage in transactions with affiliates; (ix) engage in new lines of business; (x) modify certain material contractual obligations, organizational documents, accounting policies or fiscal year; or (xi) create or permit restrictions on the ability of any subsidiary of any Loan Party (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility) to pay dividends or make distributions to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
The Senior Secured Credit Facility also contains customary provisions requiring the following mandatory prepayments (subject to certain exceptions and limitations): (i) annual prepayments (beginning with the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021) with a percentage of excess cash flow (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility); (ii) 100% of the net cash proceeds from any non-ordinary course sale of assets and certain casualty or condemnation events; and (iii) 100% of the net cash proceeds of indebtedness not permitted to be incurred under the Senior Secured Credit Facility. For further information, see “Note 12. Debt” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We were in compliance with our debt covenants as of March 31, 2024.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, with the exception of the guarantee of 50% of certain debt of our unconsolidated South American Joint Venture, as further discussed in “Note 11. Related Party Transactions” of our Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of this Form 10-K. Our maximum potential obligation under this guarantee totals $5.5 million as of March 31, 2024. The maximum borrowing permitted under the South American Joint Venture’s credit agreement is $11.0 million. As of March 31, 2024, our South American Joint Venture had no outstanding debt subject to our guarantee. We do not believe that this guarantee will have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, or capital resources.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Certain of our accounting policies involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application, and therefore, represent the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements. If different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, the results could be materially different from our reported results. We believe the following accounting policies may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application and represent the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements. For additional discussion of our significant accounting policies, see “Note 1. Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” included in this Form 10-K.
| Policy | Judgments and Estimates | Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Recognition- We generate revenue by selling pipe and related water management products primarily to distributors, retailers, buying groups and co-operative buying groups. Products are shipped predominately by our internal fleet, and we do not provide any additional revenue generating services after product delivery. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract. Revenue is recognized at the point in-time obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied, which generally occurs upon the transfer of control of the promised goods. In substantially all of our contracts with customers, control is transferred to the customer upon delivery. We recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. | We estimate and allocate variable consideration, such as right of return, credits or incentives, based on numerous factors, including the customer agreements and past transaction history. | If our historical experience differs from future experience, our estimates of variable consideration could differ. |
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| Policy | Judgments and Estimates | Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Goodwill- Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment as of March 31 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The fair value of goodwill is determined by considering both the income and market approach. | Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Estimates and assumptions include: revenue growth rates and EBITDA used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and determination of appropriate market comparables. The fair value estimates are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable but are inherently uncertain. | We performed our annual impairment test for goodwill for all reporting units as of March 31, 2024 using a qualitative approach, except for Cultec, which was assessed using a quantitative approach. We determined for our goodwill that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the assets exceeded carrying value for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 for all reporting units reviewed under the qualitative approach. For Cultec, the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded carrying value. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. |
| Definite-lived intangible assets-Definite-lived intangible assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts of the asset group may not be recoverable. Asset groups are established primarily by determining the lowest level of cash flows available. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amounts of such assets, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the fair value of the asset less any costs of disposition is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Indefinite-lived intangible assets-Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually as of March 31 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may be greater than fair value. Determining the fair value of these assets is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but that are inherently uncertain. To estimate the fair value of these indefinite-lived intangible assets, we use an income approach, which utilizes a market derived rate of return to discount anticipated performance. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated fair value of the intangible asset is less than the carrying value. | Determining the fair value of the definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. | We did not record any impairment charges for definite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2024, 2023, or 2022. We performed our annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets as of March 31, 2024. We performed a qualitative impairment analysis and determined for our indefinite-lived intangible assets that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the assets exceeded carrying value for fiscal years ended March 31, 2024. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. |
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, see “Note 1. Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001604028-23-000015.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Our fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31. Unless otherwise noted, references to “year” pertain to our fiscal year. For example, “2023” refers to fiscal 2023, which is the period from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of our operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, our management. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed below. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below, and those discussed in the sections titled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Please read the following discussion together with the sections titled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and our consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.
Overview
We are the leading manufacturer of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite septic wastewater industries, providing superior drainage solutions for use in the construction and agriculture marketplaces. Our innovative products, for which we hold many patents, are used across a broad range of end markets and applications, including non-residential, infrastructure and agriculture applications. We have established a leading position in many of these end markets by leveraging our national sales and distribution platform, industry-acclaimed engineering support, overall product breadth and scale plus manufacturing excellence.
Key Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Product Demand - There are numerous factors that influence demand for our products. Our businesses are cyclical in nature and sensitive to general economic conditions, primarily in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America. The non-residential, residential, agricultural and infrastructure markets we serve are affected by the availability of credit, lending practices, interest rates and unemployment rates. Demand for new homes, farm income, commercial development and highway infrastructure spending have a direct impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Accordingly, the following factors may have a direct impact on our business in the markets in which our products are sold:
•the strength of the economy;
•the amount and type of non-residential and residential construction;
•funding for infrastructure spending;
•farm income and agricultural land values;
•inventory of improved housing lots;
•changes in raw material and commodity prices;
•the availability and cost of credit;
•non-residential occupancy rates; and
•demographic factors such as population growth and household formation.
Growth in Allied Products & Other - Our Allied Products & Other include storm and septic chambers, PVC drainage structures, fittings, stormwater filters and water separators. These products complement our pipe products and allow us to offer a comprehensive water management solution to our customers and drive organic growth. Our leading market position in pipe products allows us to cross-sell Allied Products effectively. Our comprehensive offering of Allied Products can also increase pipe sales in certain markets. Allied Products are less sensitive to resin prices since resin prices represent a smaller percentage of the cost for Allied Products. Our leading position in the pipe market has allowed us to increase organic growth of our Allied Products, and we also expect to expand our Allied Product offerings through acquisitions.
Product Pricing - The price of our products is impacted by competitive pricing dynamics in our industry as well as by raw material costs. Our industry is highly competitive and the sales prices for our products may vary based on the sales policies of our competitors. Raw material costs represent a significant portion of the cost of goods sold for our products. We aim to increase our product selling prices in order to cover raw material price increases, but the inability to do so could impact our profitability. Movements in raw material, logistics or other overhead costs and resulting changes in the selling prices may also impact changes in period-to-period comparisons of net sales.
Material Conversion - Our HDPE and PP pipe, plastic leachfield chambers, septic tanks and related water management product lines compete with other manufacturers of similar products as well as manufacturers of alternative products made with traditional materials, such as concrete, steel and PVC. Our net sales are driven by market trends, including the adoption of thermoplastic corrugated pipe products as a replacement for traditional materials. Thermoplastic corrugated
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pipe is generally lighter, more durable, more cost effective and easier to install than comparable products made from traditional materials. We believe customers will continue to acknowledge the superior attributes and compelling value proposition of our thermoplastic products and expanded regulatory approvals allow for their use in new markets and geographies. In addition, we believe that PP pipe products will also help accelerate conversion given the additional applications for which our PP pipe products can be used.
Raw Material Costs - Our raw material cost and product selling prices fluctuate with changes in the price of resins utilized in production. We actively manage our resin purchases and pass fluctuations in the cost of resin through to our customers, where possible, in order to maintain our profitability. Fluctuations in the price of crude oil and natural gas prices may impact the cost of resin. In addition, changes in and disruptions to existing capacities could also significantly increase resin prices, often within a short period of time. Our ability to pass through raw material price increases to our customers may lag the increase in our costs of goods sold. Sharp rises in raw material prices over a short period of time have historically occurred with a significant supply disruption, which may increase prices to levels that cannot be fully passed through to customers due to pricing of competing products or the anticipated length of time the raw material pricing will stay elevated.
We currently purchase in excess of 1.1 billion pounds of virgin and recycled resin annually from approximately 400 suppliers in North America. As a high-volume buyer of resin, we are able to achieve economies of scale to negotiate favorable terms and pricing. Our purchasing strategies differ based on the material (virgin resin versus recycled material). The price movements of the different materials vary, resulting in the need to use a number of strategies to reduce volatility.
In order to reduce the volatility of raw material costs in the future, our raw material strategies for managing our costs include the following:
•increasing the use of recycled resin in place of virgin resin while meeting or exceeding industry standards;
•internally processing greater amounts of our recycled resin in order to closely monitor quality and minimize costs;
•managing a resin price risk program that may entail both physical fixed price and volume contracts; and
•maintaining supply agreements with our major resin suppliers that provide multi-year terms and volumes that are in excess of our projected consumption.
We also consume a large amount of energy and other petroleum products in our operations, including the electricity we use in our manufacturing process as well as the diesel fuel consumed in delivering a significant volume of products to our customers through our in-house fleet. As a result, our operating profit also depends upon our ability to manage the cost of the energy and fuel we require, as well as our ability to pass through increased prices or surcharges to our customers.
Seasonality - Our operating results are impacted by seasonality. Historically, sales of our products have been higher in the first and second quarters of each fiscal year due to favorable weather and longer daylight conditions accelerating construction project activity during these periods while fourth quarter results are impacted by the timing of spring in the northern United States and Canada. Seasonal variations in operating results may also be significantly impacted by inclement weather conditions, which can delay projects, resulting in decreased net sales for one or more quarters, but we believe that these delayed projects generally result in increased net sales during subsequent quarters.
In the non-residential, residential and infrastructure markets in the northern United States and Canada, the construction season typically begins to gain momentum in late March and lasts through November, before winter significantly slows the construction markets. In the southern and western United States, Mexico, Central America and South America, the construction markets are less seasonal. The agricultural drainage market is concentrated in the early spring just prior to planting and in the fall just after crops are harvested prior to freezing of the ground in winter.
Currency Exchange Rates - Although we sell and manufacture our products in many countries, our sales and production costs are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. We have wholly-owned facilities in Canada, the Netherlands and joint venture facilities in Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Peru. The functional currencies in the areas in which we have wholly-owned facilities and joint venture facilities other than the U.S. dollar are the Canadian dollar, Euro, Mexican peso, Chilean peso, Brazilian real and Colombian peso. From time to time, we use derivatives to reduce our exposure to currency fluctuations.
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Executive Summary of Our Fiscal Year 2023 Results
•Net sales increased 10.9% to $3.1 billion
•Net income increased to $511.4 million, compared to net income of $275.0 million in the prior year
•Adjusted EBITDA increased 33.7% to $904.0 million
•Cash provided by operating activities increased 157.5% to $707.8 million
•Free cash flow increased 329.9% to $540.9 million
Net sales increased $301.8 million, or 10.9%, to $3,071.1 million, as compared to $2,769.3 million in the prior year. Domestic pipe sales increased $203.7 million, or 13.1%, to $1,759.0 million. Domestic Allied Products & Other sales increased $131.0 million, or 23.0%, to $700.3 million. These increases were driven by growth in both the U.S. construction and agriculture end markets. Infiltrator sales decreased $28.3 million, or 5.1%, to $523.6 million. International sales increased $14.3 million, or 6.4%, to $239.1 million, driven by double-digit sales growth in the Canadian, Mexican and Exports businesses.
Gross profit increased $318.0 million, or 39.7%, to $1,118.4 million as compared to $800.4 million in the prior year. The increase in gross profit is primarily due to the favorable pricing on pipe, onsite septic and allied products as well as favorable material cost. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in volume, inflationary cost pressures and higher manufacturing costs.
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, increased $227.9 million, or 33.7%, to $904.0 million, as compared to $676.0 million in the prior year. The increase is primarily due to the factors mentioned above. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA was 29.4% as compared to 24.4% in the prior year.
Description of our Segments
We operate our business in three distinct reportable segments: “Pipe”, “International” and “Infiltrator.” “Allied Products & Other” represents our Allied Products and all other business segments. We generate a greater proportion of our net sales and gross profit in our Pipe segment, which consists of Pipe product sales in the United States. We expect the percentage of total net sales and gross profit derived from our other segments to continue to increase in future periods as we continue to expand non-Pipe product and our international presence. See “Note 19. Business Segment Information,” to our audited consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.
Pipe – Our Pipe segment manufactures and markets high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe throughout the United States. We maintain and serve these markets through product distribution relationships with many of the largest national and independent waterworks distributors, buying groups and co-ops, major national retailers as well as an extensive network of hundreds of small to medium-sized distributors across the United States.
Infiltrator – Infiltrator is a leading national provider of plastic leachfield chambers and systems, septic tanks and accessories, primarily for use in residential applications. Infiltrator products are used in onsite septic wastewater treatment systems in the United States and Canada.
International – Our International segment manufactures and markets products in regions outside of the United States, with a strategy focused on our owned facilities in Canada and those markets serviced through our joint ventures in Mexico and South America. Pipe manufactured in these countries is primarily sold into the same region. Our joint venture strategy has provided us with local and regional access to new markets. The unconsolidated sales of the South American Joint Venture were $69.5 million, $61.6 million, and $45.6 million, in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Allied Products & Other – Our other operating segments manufacture a range of Allied Products & Other that are complementary to our Pipe products. Our Allied Products & Other offer adjacent technologies to our core Pipe offering, presenting a complete drainage solution for our clients and customers.
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Results of Operations for Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2023 Compared with Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2022
The following table summarizes our operating results as a percentage of net sales that have been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. We believe this presentation is useful to investors in comparing historical results.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | $ | 3,071,121 | 100.0 | % | $ | 2,769,315 | 100.0 | % | |||||
| Cost of goods sold | 1,952,713 | 63.6 | 1,949,750 | 70.4 | |||||||||
| Cost of goods sold - ESOP acceleration | — | — | 19,181 | 0.7 | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 1,118,408 | 36.4 | 800,384 | 28.9 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 339,504 | 11.1 | 309,840 | 11.2 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative - ESOP acceleration | — | — | 11,254 | 0.4 | |||||||||
| Loss on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities | 4,397 | 0.1 | 3,398 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Intangible amortization | 55,197 | 1.8 | 63,974 | 2.3 | |||||||||
| Income from operations | 719,310 | 23.4 | 411,918 | 14.9 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 70,182 | 2.3 | 33,550 | 1.2 | |||||||||
| Derivative gains and other income, net | (7,972) | (0.3) | (5,143) | (0.2) | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 657,100 | 21.4 | 383,511 | 13.8 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 150,589 | 4.9 | 110,071 | 4.0 | |||||||||
| Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates | (4,842) | (0.2) | (1,586) | (0.1) | |||||||||
| Net income | 511,353 | 16.7 | 275,026 | 9.9 | |||||||||
| Less: net income attributable to the non-controlling interest | 4,267 | 0.1 | 3,695 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to ADS | $ | 507,086 | 16.5 | % | $ | 271,331 | 9.8 | % |
Net sales – The following table presents net sales to external customers by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe | $ | 1,717,189 | $ | 1,539,434 | $ | 177,755 | 11.5 | % | ||||||
| Infiltrator | 442,280 | 460,500 | (18,220) | (4.0) | ||||||||||
| International | 219,853 | 205,312 | 14,541 | 7.1 | ||||||||||
| Allied Products & Other | 691,799 | 564,069 | 127,730 | 22.6 | ||||||||||
| Total Consolidated | $ | 3,071,121 | $ | 2,769,315 | $ | 301,806 | 10.9 | % |
Our consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 increased by $301.8 million, or 10.9%, compared to fiscal 2022. The increase in net sales was primarily a result of growth in our domestic Pipe segment and Allied Products & Other. Our Pipe segment experienced growth primarily through improved pricing/mix of products sold partially offset by volume decreases. Our Infiltrator segment experienced decreased sales primarily due to lower volume offset by improved pricing/mix of products sold. The increase in our International segment was driven by growth in the Canadian and Mexican businesses. Growth in Allied Products & Other was driven mainly by improved price/mix of product offerings and the acquisition of Cultec partially offset by volume decreases.
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Cost of goods sold and Gross profit – The following table presents gross profit by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe | $ | 476,859 | $ | 269,855 | $ | 207,004 | 76.7 | % | ||||||
| Infiltrator | 213,242 | 217,432 | (4,190) | (1.9) | ||||||||||
| International | 56,188 | 53,284 | 2,904 | 5.5 | ||||||||||
| Allied Products & Other | 371,195 | 279,022 | 92,173 | 33.0 | ||||||||||
| 1,117,484 | 819,593 | 297,891 | 36.3 | |||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold - ESOP acceleration | — | (19,181) | 19,181 | 100.0 | ||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | 924 | (28) | 952 | (3400.0) | ||||||||||
| Total gross profit | $ | 1,118,408 | $ | 800,384 | $ | 318,024 | 39.7 | % |
Our consolidated Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 increased by $3.0 million or, 0.2%, and our consolidated Gross profit increased by $318.0 million, or 39.7%, compared to the same period in fiscal 2022. The increase in our gross profit was due to an increase in net sales from improved pricing partially offset by a decrease in volume, inflationary cost pressures and higher manufacturing costs.
Selling, general and administrative expenses – The following table presents selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 339,504 | $ | 309,840 | $ | 29,664 | 9.6 | % | ||||||
| % of Net Sales | 11.1 | % | 11.2 | % | (0.1) |
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 increased $29.7 million from the same period in fiscal 2022 and as a percentage of sales, decreased by 0.1%. The increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses is the result of increased headcount to support business growth.
Selling, general and administrative – ESOP acceleration – In fiscal 2022, ESOP acceleration compensation expense of $11.3 million was allocated to selling, general and administrative expenses which did not occur in fiscal 2023.
Loss on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities – The change in Loss on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities is primarily due to asset disposals and site closures.
Intangible amortization – Intangible amortization decreased by $8.8 million primarily due the accelerated method of amortization for certain customer relationships.
Interest expense – Interest expense increased $36.6 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily due to increased average debt levels and an increase in interest rates.
Derivative gains and other income, net – Derivative gains and other income, net increased by $2.8 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in fiscal 2022 primarily due to increased interest income.
Income tax expense – The following table presents the effective tax rates for the fiscal years presented:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective tax rate | 22.9 | % | 28.7 | % |
The change in the effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 was primarily related to the transition of the Company’s ESOP and the repayment of the ESOP loan in fiscal year 2022. See “Note 15. Income Taxes” for additional information.
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates – The Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates increased for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in fiscal 2022 due to an increase in the current period income at our South American Joint Venture.
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Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest – Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest increased for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 due to increased net income at our ADS Mexicana joint venture.
The discussion of our results of operations for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 compared with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 can be found in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Discussion and Results of Operations” in our fiscal 2022 Form 10-K for further information on our prior period results of operations.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin - EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, non-GAAP financial measures, have been presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as supplemental measures of financial performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and should not be considered as alternatives to net income as measures of financial performance or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, non-cash charges and certain other gains and expenses. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K because they are key metrics used by management and our Board of Directors to assess our financial performance. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry. In addition to covenant compliance and executive performance evaluations, we use EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to supplement GAAP measures of performance to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies, to make budgeting decisions and to compare our performance against that of other peer companies using similar measures.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are not GAAP measures of our financial performance and should not be considered as alternatives to net income as measures of financial performance or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP, and it should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin contain certain other limitations, including the failure to reflect our cash expenditures, cash requirements for working capital needs and cash costs to replace assets being depreciated and amortized. In evaluating EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, you should be aware that in the future we will incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation, such as stock-based compensation expense, derivative fair value adjustments, and foreign currency transaction losses. Management compensates for these limitations by relying on our GAAP results in addition to using EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin on a supplemental basis. Our measure of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income (loss) | $ | 511,353 | $ | 275,026 | $ | 226,090 | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 145,149 | 141,808 | 145,586 | |||||||
| Interest expense | 70,182 | 33,550 | 35,658 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 150,589 | 110,071 | 86,382 | |||||||
| EBITDA | 877,273 | 560,455 | 493,716 | |||||||
| Loss on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities | 4,397 | 3,398 | 4,275 | |||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 21,659 | 24,158 | 20,453 | |||||||
| ESOP compensation expense | — | 53,401 | 44,981 | |||||||
| ESOP acceleration compensation expense (a) | — | 30,435 | — | |||||||
| Transaction costs (b) | 3,903 | 3,539 | 1,415 | |||||||
| Strategic growth and operational improvement initiatives (c) | — | — | 3,304 | |||||||
| Interest income | (9,782) | (52) | (287) | |||||||
| Other adjustments (d) | 6,512 | 708 | (902) | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 903,962 | $ | 676,042 | $ | 566,955 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA Margin | 29.4 | % | 24.4 | % | 28.6 | % |
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(a)In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, the approximately 0.3 million remaining unallocated shares of Preferred Stock were allocated on March 31, 2022 after repayment of the ESOP loan. See “Note 13. Employee Benefit Plans” for additional information.
(b)Represents expenses recorded related to legal, accounting and other professional fees incurred in connection with business or asset acquisitions and dispositions.
(c)Represents professional fees incurred in connection with our strategic growth and operational improvement initiatives, which included various market feasibility assessments, acquisition strategies, evaluations of our manufacturing network and operating improvement initiatives.
(d)Includes derivative fair value adjustments, foreign currency transaction (gains) losses, the proportionate share of interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization related to the South American Joint Venture, which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting and executive retirement expense (benefit).
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically we have funded our operations through internally generated cash flow supplemented by debt financings, equity issuance and finance and operating leases. These sources have been sufficient historically to fund our primary liquidity requirements, including working capital, capital expenditures, debt service and dividend payments. From time to time, we may explore additional financing methods and other means to raise capital. There can be no assurance that any additional financing will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.
Free Cash Flow - Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that comprises cash flow from operations less capital expenditures. Free cash flow is a measure used by management and our Board of Directors to assess our ability to generate cash. Accordingly, free cash flow has been presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as a supplemental measure of liquidity that is not required by, or presented in accordance with GAAP, because management believes that free cash flow provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our ability to generate cash flow from operations after capital expenditures. Free cash flow is not a GAAP measure of our liquidity and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity or any other liquidity measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Our measure of free cash flow is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | $ | 707,810 | $ | 274,888 | $ | 452,216 | ||||
| Capital expenditures | (166,913) | (149,083) | (78,757) | |||||||
| Free cash flow | $ | 540,897 | $ | 125,805 | $ | 373,459 |
The following table presents key liquidity metrics utilized by management:
| (Amounts in thousands) | 3/31/2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total debt (debt and finance lease obligations) | $ | 1,324,897 |
| Cash | 217,128 | |
| Net debt (total debt less cash) | 1,107,769 | |
| Leverage ratio | 1.2 |
The following table summarizes our available liquidity under our Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2023:
| (Amounts in thousands) | 3/31/2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Revolver capacity | $ | 600,000 |
| Less: outstanding borrowings | — | |
| Less: letters of credit | 9,650 | |
| Revolver available liquidity | $ | 590,350 |
In addition to the available liquidity above, we have the ability to borrow up to $1.3 billion under our Term Loan Facility, subject to leverage ratio restrictions.
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As of March 31, 2023, we had $6.7 million in cash that was held by our foreign subsidiaries, and none held by our Canadian subsidiaries. We continue to evaluate our strategy regarding foreign cash, but our earnings in foreign subsidiaries still remain indefinitely reinvested, except for Canada. See “Note 15. Income Taxes” for additional discussion of our plans to repatriate earnings from Canada.
Working Capital and Cash Flows
Our source of cash in fiscal 2023, of $197.0 million, was predominantly driven by cash generated from operations in excess of changes in working capital and $500.0 million proceeds from the issuance of senior notes. These sources were offset by $575.0 million in share repurchases and capital expenditures of $166.9 million. Our use of cash in fiscal 2022, of $174.9 million, was predominantly driven by the $292.0 million in share repurchases net of incremental borrowings during fiscal 2022, offset by cash generated from operations in excess of investments in working capital and capital expenditures. Cash in fiscal 2021 increased by $20.8 million primarily from cash generated from operations net of payments on our Term Loan Facility and Revolving Credit Facility.
As of March 31, 2023, we had $807.5 million in liquidity, including $217.1 million of cash, $590.4 million in borrowings available under our Revolving Credit Agreement, excluding $9.7 million of outstanding letters of credit. We believe that our cash on hand, together with the availability of borrowings under our Credit Agreement and other financing arrangements and cash generated from operations, will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures, and scheduled principal and interest payments on our indebtedness for at least the next twelve months.
Working Capital - Working capital is an indication of liquidity and potential need for short-term funding. We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities. Working capital increased to $638.7 million as of March 31, 2023, from $480.7 million as of March 31, 2022, primarily due to increases in cash from the issuance of our 2030 Notes and decreases in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable and inventory aligned with planned sales demand.
Operating Cash Flows - During fiscal 2023, cash provided by operating activities was $707.8 million. Cash flow from operating activities in fiscal 2023 was primarily driven by operating income offset by changes in working capital.
During fiscal 2022, cash provided by operating activities was $274.9 million. Cash flow from operating activities in fiscal 2022 was primarily driven by operating income offset by investments in working capital.
During fiscal 2021, cash provided by operating activities was $452.2 million. Cash flow from operating activities during fiscal 2021 was primarily impacted by increased income from continuing operations and improvements in payment terms on accounts payable.
Investing Cash Flows - During fiscal 2023, cash used for investing activities was $214.5 million. The increase in cash used for investing cash flows was primarily due to elevated capital expenditures and the acquisition of Cultec, Inc. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2023 were used primarily to support growth and our productivity initiatives, including automation and safety.
During fiscal 2022, cash used for investing activities was $198.8 million. The increase in cash used for investing cash flows was primarily due to elevated capital expenditures and the acquisition of Jet Polymer Recycling. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2022 were used primarily to support growth, but also to support our recycled resin and technology improvement initiatives.
During fiscal 2021, cash used for investing activities was $77.9 million. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2021 were used primarily to support facility expansions, equipment replacements, our recycled resin and technology improvement initiatives.
We currently anticipate that we will make capital expenditures of approximately $200 to $225 million in fiscal 2024 to focus on growth and productivity through increasing our manufacturing capacity and investing in automation. Such capital expenditures are expected to be financed using funds generated by operations. We had approximately $90 million of open orders through purchase commitments as of March 31, 2023.
Financing Cash Flows – During fiscal 2023, cash used in financing activities was $296.3 million. During fiscal 2023, ADS repurchased shares for $575.0 million, paid $114.3 million of the Revolving Credit Facility, net of proceeds, and dividend payments of $44.9 million. The cash outflows were offset by $500.0 million of proceeds from Senior Notes due 2030.
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During fiscal 2022, cash used in financing activities was $251.1 million. During fiscal 2022, ADS repurchased shares for $292.0 million.
During fiscal 2021, cash used in financing activities was $354.6 million, due to payments on the Term Loan Facility of $207.0 million and the Revolving Credit Facility of $100.0 million. In addition, we made dividend payments of $32.1 million and $21.5 million on our finance lease obligations.
Debt and Capitalized Lease Obligations
See “Note 6. Leases” and “Note 12. Debt” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a discussion of the Company’s financing transactions, including the Secured Bank Loans, the Senior Notes and the Company’s finance lease obligations.
Financing Transactions
Senior Secured Credit Facility - On September 24, 2019, we successfully completed a $700 million syndication of the remaining balance of its credit facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) subsequent to the common stock offering and Senior Notes due 2027 and in connection with the syndication, we amended the Base Credit Agreement (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”). The Senior Secured Credit Facility provided for a Revolving credit facility up to $350 million as a Revolving Facility, and up to $50 million as a letter of credit facility, as a sublimit of the Revolving Credit Facility.
In May 2022, we entered into a Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to our Company's Base Credit Agreement with Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent under the Term Loan Facility, PNC Bank, National Association, as new administrative agent under the Revolving Credit Facility. Among other things, the Second Amendment (i) amended the Base Credit Agreement by increasing the Revolving Credit Facility (the “Amended Revolving Credit Facility”) from $350.0 million to $600.0 million (including an increase of the sub-limit for the swing-line sub-facility from $50.0 million to $60.0 million) and extended the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility to May 26, 2027.
At the option of the Company, borrowings under the Term Loan Facility and under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility (subject to certain limitations) bear interest at either a base rate (as determined pursuant to the Second Amendment) or at a Eurocurrency Rate, based on SOFR (as defined in the Second Amendment), plus the applicable margin as set forth therein from time to time. In the case of the Amended Revolving Credit Facility, the applicable margin is based on the Company's consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio (as defined in the Second Amendment). All borrowings under the Term Loan Facility as described above initially bear interest at a Eurocurrency Rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility). See “Note 12. Debt” for further information on the Term Loan Facility and Second Amendment.
The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement have been secured by granting a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company’s assets (subject to certain exceptions and limitations), and each of StormTech, LLC, Advanced Drainage of Ohio, Inc. and Infiltrator Water Technologies, LLC (collectively the “Guarantors”) has agreed to guarantee the obligations of the Company under the Senior Secured Credit Facility and to secure the obligations thereunder by granting a first priority lien in substantially all of such Guarantor's assets (subject to certain exceptions and limitations).
Issuance of Senior Notes due 2027 - On September 23, 2019, we issued $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of its senior notes (“2027 Notes”), pursuant to the Indenture dated September 23, 2019 (the “2027 Indenture”), among the Company, the guarantors party thereto (the “Guarantors”) and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (the “Trustee”). The 2027 Notes were offered and sold either to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) or to persons outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act. We may redeem the 2027 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after September 30, 2022 at established redemption prices set forth in the 2027 Indenture. See “Note 12. Debt” for further information on the 2027 Notes.
Equipment Financing – In November 2021, we purchased material handling equipment, trucks and trailers previously leased under a master lease agreement and classified as finance leases. The purchase was funded with debt through the Master Lease Agreement and Interim Funding Schedule with Fifth Third. The assets acquired are titled to the Company and included in Property, plant and equipment, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The equipment financing has a balance of $18.6 million and had an initial term of between 12 and 84 months, based on the life of the equipment. The equipment financing bears a weighted average interest of 1.5% as of March 31, 2023.
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Issuance of Senior Notes Due 2030 – On June 9, 2022, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% its senior notes (the “2030 Notes”) pursuant to an Indenture, dated June 9, 2022 (the “2030 Indenture”), among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee. The 2030 Notes were offered and sold either to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” pursuant to the Securities Act or to persons outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act. See “Note 12. Debt” for further information on the 2030 Notes.
Covenant Compliance
The Senior Secured Credit Facility requires, if the aggregate amount of outstanding exposure under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility exceeds $210.0 million at the end of any fiscal quarter, the Company to maintain a consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.25 to 1.00 for any four consecutive fiscal quarter periods.
The Senior Secured Credit Facility also includes other covenants, including negative covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Company's and its restricted subsidiaries’ (as defined in the Credit Agreement) ability to, among other things: (i) incur additional debt, including guarantees; (ii) create liens upon any of their property; (iii) enter into any merger, consolidation or amalgamation, liquidate, wind up or dissolve, or dispose of all or substantially all of their property or business; (iv) dispose of assets; (v) pay subordinated debt; (vi) make certain investments; (vii) enter into swap agreements; (viii) engage in transactions with affiliates; (ix) engage in new lines of business; (x) modify certain material contractual obligations, organizational documents, accounting policies or fiscal year; or (xi) create or permit restrictions on the ability of any subsidiary of any Loan Party (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility) to pay dividends or make distributions to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
The Senior Secured Credit Facility also contains customary provisions requiring the following mandatory prepayments (subject to certain exceptions and limitations): (i) annual prepayments (beginning with the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021) with a percentage of excess cash flow (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility); (ii) 100% of the net cash proceeds from any non-ordinary course sale of assets and certain casualty or condemnation events; and (iii) 100% of the net cash proceeds of indebtedness not permitted to be incurred under the Senior Secured Credit Facility. For further information, see “Note 12. Debt” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We were in compliance with our debt covenants as of March 31, 2023.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, with the exception of the guarantee of 50% of certain debt of our unconsolidated South American Joint Venture, as further discussed in “Note 11. Related Party Transactions” of our Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of this Form 10-K. Our maximum potential obligation under this guarantee totals $11 million as of March 31, 2023. The maximum borrowing permitted under the South American Joint Venture’s credit agreement is $22 million. As of March 31, 2023, our South American Joint Venture had approximately $5.5 million of outstanding debt subject to our guarantee, resulting in our guarantee of 50%, or $2.8 million. We do not believe that this guarantee will have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, or capital resources.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Certain of our accounting policies involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application, and therefore, represent the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements. If different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, the results could be materially different from our reported results. We believe the following accounting policies may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application and represent the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements. For additional discussion of our significant accounting policies, see “Note 1. Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and
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Supplementary Data” included in this Form 10-K.
| Policy | Judgments and Estimates | Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Goodwill- Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment as of March 31 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The fair value of goodwill is determined by considering both the income and market approach. | Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Estimates and assumptions include: revenue growth rates and EBITDA used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and determination of appropriate market comparables. The fair value estimates are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable but are inherently uncertain. | We performed our annual impairment test for goodwill for all reporting units as of March 31, 2023 using a quantitative approach. We determined for our goodwill that the fair value of the assets exceeded carrying value for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. |
| Definite-lived intangible assets-Definite-lived intangible assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts of the asset group may not be recoverable. Asset groups are established primarily by determining the lowest level of cash flows available. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amounts of such assets, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the fair value of the asset less any costs of disposition is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Indefinite-lived intangible assets-Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually as of March 31 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may be greater than fair value. Determining the fair value of these assets is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but that are inherently uncertain. To estimate the fair value of these indefinite-lived intangible assets, we use an income approach, which utilizes a market derived rate of return to discount anticipated performance. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated fair value of the intangible asset is less than the carrying value. | Determining the fair value of the definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. | We did not record any impairment charges for definite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2023, 2022, or 2021. We performed our annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets as of March 31, 2023. We performed a quantitative impairment analysis and determined for our indefinite-lived intangible assets that the fair value of the assets exceeded carrying value for fiscal years ended March 31, 2023. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. |
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| Policy | Judgments and Estimates | Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Recognition- We generate revenue by selling pipe and related water management products primarily to distributors, retailers, buying groups and co-operative buying groups. Products are shipped predominately by our internal fleet, and we do not provide any additional revenue generating services after product delivery. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract. Revenue is recognized at the point in-time obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied, which generally occurs upon the transfer of control of the promised goods. In substantially all of our contracts with customers, control is transferred to the customer upon delivery. We recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. | We estimate and allocate variable consideration, such as right of return, credits or incentives, based on numerous factors, including the customer agreements and past transaction history. | If our historical experience differs from future experience, our estimates of variable consideration could differ. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, see “Note 1. Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001604028-22-000025.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Our fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31. Unless otherwise noted, references to “year” pertain to our fiscal year. For example, “2022” refers to fiscal 2022, which is the period from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of our operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, our management. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed below. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below, and those discussed in the sections titled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Please read the following discussion together with the sections titled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and our consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.
Overview
We are the leading manufacturer of high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe, providing a comprehensive suite of water management products and superior drainage solutions for use in the underground construction and infrastructure marketplace. Our innovative products are used across a broad range of end markets and applications, including non-residential, residential, agriculture and infrastructure applications. We have established a leading position in many of these end markets by leveraging our national sales and distribution platform, our overall product breadth and scale and our manufacturing excellence. In the United States, our national footprint combined with our strong local presence and broad product offering make us the leader in an otherwise highly fragmented sector comprised of many smaller competitors. With the acquisition of Infiltrator in the second quarter of fiscal 2020, we are now a leading provider of plastic leachfield chambers, septic tanks and accessories for use primarily in residential applications.
Impact of COVID-19
In March 2020, the World Health Organization categorized the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) as a pandemic, and it continues to spread throughout the United States and globally. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted, and is likely to continue to result, in significant economic disruptions and may have an adverse effect on our business. Significant uncertainty exists concerning the magnitude of the impact and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Product Demand - There are numerous factors that influence demand for our products. Our businesses are cyclical in nature and sensitive to general economic conditions, primarily in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America. The non-residential, residential, agricultural and infrastructure markets we serve are affected by the availability of credit, lending practices, interest rates and unemployment rates. Demand for new homes, farm income, commercial development and highway infrastructure spending have a direct impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Accordingly, the following factors may have a direct impact on our business in the markets in which our products are sold:
•the strength of the economy;
•the amount and type of non-residential and residential construction;
•funding for infrastructure spending;
•farm income and agricultural land values;
•inventory of improved housing lots;
•changes in raw material prices;
•the availability and cost of credit;
•non-residential occupancy rates;
•commodity prices; and
•demographic factors such as population growth and household formation.
Product Pricing - The price of our products is impacted by competitive pricing dynamics in our industry as well as by raw material input costs. Our industry is highly competitive and the sales prices for our products may vary based on the sales policies of our competitors. Raw material costs represent a significant portion of the cost of goods sold for our products. We aim to increase our product selling prices in order to cover raw material price increases, but the inability to do so could
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impact our profitability. Movements in raw material, logistics or other overhead costs and resulting changes in the selling prices may also impact changes in period-to-period comparisons of net sales.
Material Conversion - Our HDPE and PP pipe, plastic leachfield chambers, septic tanks and related water management product lines compete with other manufacturers of corrugated polyethylene pipe as well as manufacturers of alternative products made with traditional materials, such as concrete, steel and PVC. Our net sales are driven by market trends, including the continued increase in adoption of thermoplastic corrugated pipe products as a replacement for traditional materials. Thermoplastic corrugated pipe is generally lighter, more durable, more cost effective and easier to install than comparable products made from traditional materials. We believe customers will continue to acknowledge the superior attributes and compelling value proposition of our thermoplastic products and expanded regulatory approvals allow for their use in new markets and geographies. In addition, we believe that PP pipe products will also help accelerate conversion given the additional applications for which our PP pipe products can be used.
We believe the adoption of HDPE and PP pipe outside of the United States is still in its early stages and represents a significant opportunity for us to continue to increase the conversion to our products from traditional products in these markets, including Canada, Mexico and South America where we operate.
Growth in Allied Products & Other - Our Allied Products & Other include storm and septic chambers, PVC drainage structures, fittings, stormwater filters and water separators. These products complement our pipe product lines and allow us to offer a comprehensive water management solution to our customers and drive organic growth. Our leading market position in pipe products allows us to cross-sell Allied Products & Other effectively. Our comprehensive offering of Allied Products & Other also helps us increase pipe sales in certain markets. Our Allied Products & Other are less sensitive to increases in resin prices since resin prices represent a smaller percentage of the cost for Allied Products & Other.
Our leading position in the pipe market has allowed us to increase organic growth of our Allied Products & Other. We also expect to expand our Allied Product offerings through acquisitions.
Raw Material Costs - Our raw material cost and product selling prices fluctuate with changes in the price of resins utilized in production. We actively manage our resin purchases and pass fluctuations in the cost of resin through to our customers, where possible, in order to maintain our profitability. Fluctuations in the price of crude oil and natural gas prices may impact the cost of resin. In addition, changes in and disruptions to existing ethylene or polyethylene capacities could also significantly increase resin prices, often within a short period of time, even if crude oil and natural gas prices remain low. Our ability to pass through raw material price increases to our customers may, in some cases, lag the increase in our costs of goods sold. Sharp rises in raw material prices over a short period of time have historically occurred with a significant supply disruption (hurricanes or fires at petrochemical facilities), which may increase prices to levels that cannot be fully passed through to customers due to pricing of competing products made from different raw materials or the anticipated length of time the raw material pricing will stay elevated. For more information regarding risks relating to our raw material costs, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business.”
We currently purchase in excess of 1.3 billion pounds of virgin and recycled resin annually from approximately 500 suppliers in North America. As a high-volume buyer of resin, we are able to achieve economies of scale to negotiate favorable terms and pricing. Our purchasing strategies differ based on the material (virgin resin versus recycled material) ordered for delivery to our production locations. The price movements of the different materials also vary, resulting in the need to use a number of strategies to reduce volatility.
In order to reduce the volatility of raw material costs in the future, our raw material strategies for managing our costs include the following:
•increasing the use of less price-volatile recycled HDPE resin in our pipe products in place of virgin resin while meeting or exceeding industry standards;
•internally processing an increasing percentage of our recycled HDPE resin in order to closely monitor quality and minimize costs;
•managing a resin price risk program that may entail both physical fixed price and volume contracts; and
•maintaining supply agreements with our major resin suppliers that provide multi-year terms and volumes that are in excess of our projected consumption.
We also consume a large amount of energy and other petroleum products in our operations, including the electricity we use in our manufacturing process as well as the diesel fuel consumed in delivering a significant volume of products to our
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customers through our in-house fleet. As a result, our operating profit also depends upon our ability to manage the cost of the energy and fuel we require, as well as our ability to pass through increased prices or surcharges to our customers.
Seasonality - Our operating results are impacted by seasonality. Historically, sales of our products have been higher in the first and second quarters of each fiscal year due to favorable weather and longer daylight conditions accelerating construction project activity during these periods while fourth quarter results are impacted by the timing of spring in the northern United States and Canada. Seasonal variations in operating results may also be significantly impacted by inclement weather conditions, such as cold or wet weather, which can delay projects, resulting in decreased net sales for one or more quarters, but we believe that these delayed projects generally result in increased net sales during subsequent quarters.
In the non-residential, residential and infrastructure markets in the northern United States and Canada, the construction season typically begins to gain momentum in late March and lasts through November, before winter sets in, significantly slowing the construction markets. In the southern and western United States, Mexico, Central America and South America, the construction markets are less seasonal. The agricultural drainage market is concentrated in the early spring just prior to planting and in the fall just after crops are harvested prior to freezing of the ground in winter.
Currency Exchange Rates - Although we sell and manufacture our products in many countries, our sales and production costs are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. We have wholly-owned facilities in Canada, the Netherlands and joint venture facilities in Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Peru. The functional currencies in the areas in which we have wholly-owned facilities and joint venture facilities other than the U.S. dollar are the Canadian dollar, Euro, Mexican peso, Chilean peso, Brazilian real and Colombian peso. From time to time, we use derivatives to reduce our exposure to currency fluctuations.
Executive Summary of Our Fiscal Year 2022 Results
Fiscal Year 2022 Results
•Net sales increased 39.7% to $2.8 billion
•Net income increased to $275.0 million, compared to net income of $226.1 million in the prior year
•Adjusted EBITDA increased 19.2% to $676.0 million
•Cash provided by operating activities decreased 39.2% to $274.9 million
•Free cash flow decreased 66.3% to $125.8 million
Net sales increased $786.5 million, or 39.7%, to $2,769.3 million, as compared to $1,982.8 million in the prior year. Domestic pipe sales increased $496.0 million, or 46.8%, to $1,555.2 million. Domestic allied products & other sales increased $126.9 million, or 28.7%, to $569.4 million. Infiltrator sales increased $154.1 million, or 38.7%, to $551.9 million. These increases were driven by strong sales growth in both the U.S. construction and agriculture end markets. International sales increased $59.9 million, or 36.3%, to $224.7 million, driven by double-digit sales growth in the Canadian, Mexican and Exports businesses.
Gross profit increased $110.3 million, or 16.0%, to $800.4 million as compared to $690.1 million in the prior year. The increase is primarily due an increase in sales volume and favorable pricing on pipe, onsite septic and allied products. These increases were partially offset by inflationary cost pressure on materials, transportation and labor, as well as an increase in the use of third-party logistics services. Labor shortages and absenteeism related to COVID-19 remain a challenge in both manufacturing and transportation operations. In addition, the Company recorded $19.2 million of non-cash, stock-based compensation expense in Cost of goods sold - ESOP acceleration and special dividend compensation expense.
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, increased $109.1 million, or 19.2%, to $676.0 million, as compared to $567.0 million in the prior year. The increase is primarily due to the factors mentioned above. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA was 24.4% as compared to 28.6% in the prior year.
Description of our Segments
We operate our business in three distinct reportable segments: “Pipe”, “International” and “Infiltrator.” “Allied Products & Other” represents our Allied Products and all other business segments.
We generate a greater proportion of our net sales and gross profit in our Pipe segment, which consists of Pipe product sales in all regions of the United States. We expect the percentage of total net sales and gross profit derived from our other
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segments to continue to increase in future periods as we continue to expand non-Pipe product and our international presence. See “Note 18. Business Segment Information,” to our audited consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.
Pipe – Our Pipe segment manufactures and markets high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe throughout the United States. We maintain and serve these markets through product distribution relationships with many of the largest national and independent waterworks distributors, buying groups and co-ops, major national retailers as well as an extensive network of hundreds of small to medium-sized distributors across the United States.
Infiltrator – Infiltrator is a leading national provider of plastic leachfield chambers and systems, septic tanks and accessories, primarily for use in residential applications. Infiltrator products are used in onsite septic wastewater treatment systems in the United States and Canada.
International – Our International segment manufactures and markets products in regions outside of the United States, with a strategy focused on our owned facilities in Canada and those markets serviced through our joint ventures in Mexico and South America. Pipe manufactured in these countries is primarily sold into the same region. Our joint venture strategy has provided us with local and regional access to new markets. The unconsolidated sales of the South American Joint Venture were $61.6 million, $45.6 million, and $52.5 million, in fiscal 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
Allied Products & Other – Our other operating segments manufacture a range of Allied Products & Other that are complementary to our Pipe products. Our Allied Products & Other offer adjacent technologies to our core Pipe offering, presenting a complete drainage solution for our clients and customers.
Results of Operations
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2022 Compared with Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2021
The following table summarizes our operating results as a percentage of net sales that have been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. We believe this presentation is useful to investors in comparing historical results.
| Consolidated Statements of Operations data: | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Amounts in thousands) | |||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,769,315 | 100.0 | % | $ | 1,982,780 | 100.0 | % | |||||
| Cost of goods sold | 1,949,750 | 70.4 | 1,292,698 | 65.2 | |||||||||
| Cost of goods sold - ESOP acceleration and special dividend compensation | 19,181 | 0.7 | — | — | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 800,384 | 28.9 | 690,082 | 34.8 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 309,840 | 11.2 | 267,574 | 13.5 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative - ESOP acceleration and special dividend compensation | 11,254 | 0.4 | — | — | |||||||||
| Loss on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities | 3,398 | 0.1 | 4,275 | 0.2 | |||||||||
| Intangible amortization | 63,974 | 2.3 | 73,708 | 3.7 | |||||||||
| Income from operations | 411,918 | 14.9 | 344,525 | 17.4 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 33,550 | 1.2 | 35,658 | 1.8 | |||||||||
| Derivative gains and other income, net | (5,143) | (0.2) | (3,404) | (0.2) | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 383,511 | 13.8 | 312,271 | 15.7 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 110,071 | 4.0 | 86,382 | 4.4 | |||||||||
| Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates | (1,586) | (0.1) | (201) | — | |||||||||
| Net income | 275,026 | 9.9 | 226,090 | 11.4 | |||||||||
| Less: net income attributable to the non- controlling interest | 3,695 | 0.1 | 1,860 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to ADS | $ | 271,331 | 9.8 | % | $ | 224,230 | 11.3 | % |
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Net sales – The following table presents net sales to external customers by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe | $ | 1,539,434 | $ | 1,052,920 | $ | 486,514 | 46.2 | % | ||||||
| Infiltrator | 460,500 | 329,144 | 131,356 | 39.9 | ||||||||||
| International | 205,312 | 158,269 | 47,043 | 29.7 | ||||||||||
| Allied Products & Other | 564,069 | 442,447 | 121,622 | 27.5 | ||||||||||
| Total Consolidated | $ | 2,769,315 | $ | 1,982,780 | $ | 786,535 | 39.7 | % |
Our consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 increased by $786.5 million, or 39.7%, compared to fiscal 2021. The increase in net sales was primarily a result of growth in our domestic Pipe segment along with both the Infiltrator and International segments.
Our Pipe segment experienced growth primarily through improved pricing/mix of products sold. Infiltrator achieved growth through improved price/mix of products sold and higher volumes associated with the residential market. The increase in our International segment was driven by improved price/mix of products sold in the Canadian and Mexican businesses. Growth in Allied Products & Other was driven mainly by improved price/mix of products offerings.
Cost of goods sold and Gross profit – The following table presents gross profit by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe | $ | 269,855 | $ | 247,266 | $ | 22,589 | 9.1 | % | ||||||
| Infiltrator | 217,432 | 178,296 | 39,136 | 22.0 | ||||||||||
| International | 53,284 | 44,463 | 8,821 | 19.8 | ||||||||||
| Allied Products & Other | 279,022 | 220,560 | 58,462 | 26.5 | ||||||||||
| 819,593 | 690,585 | 129,008 | 18.7 | |||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold - ESOP acceleration and special dividend compensation | (19,181) | — | (19,181) | 100.0 | ||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | (28) | (503) | 475 | (94.4) | ||||||||||
| Total gross profit | $ | 800,384 | $ | 690,082 | $ | 110,302 | 16.0 | % |
Our consolidated Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 increased by $676.2 million or, 52.3%, and our consolidated Gross profit increased by $110.3 million, or 16.0%, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021. The increase in our gross profit was due to an increase in net sales from higher volumes and improved pricing and was partially offset by inflationary pressures of higher material and transportation costs along with higher manufacturing costs and the ESOP acceleration expense.
Selling, general and administrative expenses – The following table presents selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | $ Variance | % Variance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 309,840 | $ | 267,574 | $ | 42,266 | 15.8 | % | ||||||
| % of Net Sales | 11.2 | % | 13.5 | % | (0.2) | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative - ESOP acceleration and special dividend compensation | 11,254 | — | 11,254 | 100.0 | ||||||||||
| % of Net Sales | 0.4 | % | — | % | — |
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 increased $42.3 million from the same period in fiscal 2021 and as a percentage of sales, decreased by 2.3%. The increase in Selling, general and
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administrative expenses is the result of increased headcount to support business growth along with higher spend in various areas impacted last year by COVID-19 including travel and entertainment expenses and transaction costs.
Selling, general and administrative – ESOP acceleration and special dividend compensation – In fiscal 2022, ESOP acceleration compensation expense of $11.3 million was allocated to selling, general and administrative expenses which did not occur in fiscal 2021.
Loss on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities – The change in Loss on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities is primarily due to asset disposals.
Intangible amortization – Intangible amortization decreased by $9.7 million primarily due the accelerated method of amortization for customer relationships.
Interest expense – Interest expense decreased $2.1 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021. The decrease was primarily due to decreased average debt levels.
Derivative gains and other income, net – Derivative gains and other income, net increased by $1.7 million or the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021.
Income tax expense – The following table presents the effective tax rates for the fiscal years presented:
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective tax rate | 28.7 | % | 27.7 | % |
The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to stock appreciation from the ESOP shares allocated during fiscal year 2022. See “Note 15. Income Taxes” for additional information.
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates – The Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates increased for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021 due to an increase in the current period income at our South American Joint Venture.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest – Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest increased for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 due to increased net income at our ADS Mexicana joint venture.
The discussion of our results of operations for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 compared with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 can be found in our fiscal 2021 Form 10-K. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Discussion and Results of Operations” in our fiscal 2021 Form 10-K for further information on our prior period results of operations.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin - EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, non-GAAP financial measures, have been presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as supplemental adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, non-cash charges and certain other gains and expenses. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K because they are key metrics used by management and our Board of Directors to assess our financial performance. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry. In addition to covenant compliance and executive performance evaluations, we use EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to supplement GAAP measures of performance to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies, to make budgeting decisions and to compare our performance against that of other peer companies using similar measures.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are not GAAP measures of our financial performance and should not be considered as alternatives to net income as measures of financial performance or cash flows from operations or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP, and it should not be construed as an inference that
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our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin contain certain other limitations, including the failure to reflect our cash expenditures, cash requirements for working capital needs and cash costs to replace assets being depreciated and amortized. In evaluating EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, you should be aware that in the future we will incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation, such as stock-based compensation expense, derivative fair value adjustments, and foreign currency transaction losses. Management compensates for these limitations by relying on our GAAP results in addition to using EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin on a supplemental basis. Our measure of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income (loss) | $ | 275,026 | $ | 226,090 | $ | (191,797) | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 141,808 | 145,586 | 124,940 | |||||||
| Interest expense | 33,550 | 35,658 | 82,711 | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 110,071 | 86,382 | 14,092 | |||||||
| EBITDA | 560,455 | 493,716 | 29,946 | |||||||
| Loss on disposal of assets and costs from exit and disposal activities | 3,398 | 4,275 | 5,338 | |||||||
| ESOP and stock-based compensation expense | 77,559 | 65,434 | 32,395 | |||||||
| ESOP acceleration and special dividend compensation (a) | 30,435 | — | 246,752 | |||||||
| Transaction costs (b) | 3,539 | 1,415 | 22,896 | |||||||
| Inventory step up related to the Acquisition of Infiltrator | — | — | 7,880 | |||||||
| Strategic growth and operational improvement initiatives (c) | — | 3,304 | 6,659 | |||||||
| COVID-19 related expenses (d) | — | 806 | 5,081 | |||||||
| Other adjustments (e) | 656 | (1,995) | 4,921 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 676,042 | $ | 566,955 | $ | 361,868 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA Margin | 24.4 | % | 28.6 | % | 21.6 | % |
(a)Includes the impact of two ESOP allocation events. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, the approximately 0.3 million remaining unallocated shares of Preferred Stock were allocated on March 31, 2022 after repayment of the ESOP loan. See “Note 13. Employee Benefit Plans” for additional information. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company paid a special dividend of $1.00 per share. The dividend was used to pay back a portion of the ESOP loan resulting in $246.8 million in additional stock-based compensation. See “Note 16. Net Income Per Share and Stockholders’ Equity” for additional information.
(b)Represents expenses recorded related to legal, accounting and other professional fees incurred in connection with business or asset acquisitions and dispositions.
(c)Represents professional fees incurred in connection with our strategic growth and operational improvement initiatives, which included various market feasibility assessments and acquisition strategies, along with our operational improvement initiatives, which included evaluation of our manufacturing network and improvement initiatives.
(d)Includes expenses in connection with our response to the COVID-19 pandemic including pandemic pay, see “Note 13. Employee Benefit Plans” for additional information, and crisis management.
(e)Includes derivative fair value adjustments, foreign currency transaction (gains) losses, the proportionate share of interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization related to the South American Joint Venture, which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting, contingent consideration remeasurement, executive retirement expense (benefit) and legal settlements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically we have funded our operations through internally generated cash flow supplemented by debt financings, equity issuance and finance and operating leases. These sources have been sufficient historically to fund our primary liquidity requirements, including working capital, capital expenditures, debt service and dividend payments for our convertible preferred stock and common stock. From time to time, we may explore additional financing methods and other means to raise capital. There can be no assurance that any additional financing will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.
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The following table presents key liquidity metrics utilized by management. The table includes the Non-GAAP measure, Free cash flow, which is further discussed and defined below.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 274,888 | $ | 452,216 | ||
| Capital expenditures | (149,083) | (78,757) | ||||
| Free cash flow | 125,805 | 373,459 | ||||
| Total debt (debt and finance lease obligations) | 944,638 | |||||
| Cash | 20,125 | |||||
| Net debt (total debt less cash) | 924,513 | |||||
| Leverage ratio | 1.4 |
The following table summarizes our available liquidity under our Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2022:
| (Amounts in thousands) | 3/31/2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Revolver capacity | $ | 350,000 |
| Less: outstanding borrowings | 114,300 | |
| Less: letters of credit | 9,200 | |
| Revolver available liquidity | $ | 226,500 |
In addition to the available liquidity above, we have the ability to borrow up to $1.3 billion under our Term Loan Facility, subject to leverage ratio restrictions.
As of March 31, 2022, we had $12.9 million in cash that was held by our foreign subsidiaries, including $5.4 million held by our Canadian subsidiaries. We continue to evaluate our strategy regarding foreign cash, but our earnings in foreign subsidiaries still remain indefinitely reinvested, except for Canada. See “Note 15. Income Taxes” for additional discussion of our plans to repatriate earnings from Canada.
Free Cash Flow - Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that comprises cash flow from operations less capital expenditures. Free cash flow is a measure used by management and our Board of Directors to assess our ability to generate cash. Accordingly, free cash flow has been presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as a supplemental measure of liquidity that is not required by, or presented in accordance with GAAP, because management believes that free cash flow provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our ability to generate cash flow from operations after capital expenditures.
Free cash flow is not a GAAP measure of our liquidity and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity or any other liquidity measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Our measure of free cash flow is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | $ | 274,888 | $ | 452,216 | $ | 306,189 | ||||
| Capital expenditures | (149,083) | (78,757) | (67,677) | |||||||
| Free cash flow | $ | 125,805 | $ | 373,459 | $ | 238,512 |
Working Capital and Cash Flows
Our use of cash in fiscal 2022, of $174.9 million, was predominantly driven by the $292.0 million in share repurchases net of incremental borrowings during fiscal 2022, offset by cash generated from operations in excess of investments in working capital and capital expenditures. Cash in fiscal 2021 increased by $20.8 million primarily from cash generated from operations net of payments on our Term Loan Facility and Revolving Credit Facility. During fiscal 2020, our net increase in cash amounted to $165.3 million. Our sources of funds in fiscal 2020 were primarily driven by borrowings under the Term Loan Facility, Senior Notes and Revolving Credit Facility, proceeds from our Common Stock Offering and
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an increase in cash provided by operating activities. Our use of cash during fiscal 2020 was primarily related to the Acquisition and repayment of our previous debt arrangements.
As of March 31, 2022, we had $246.6 million in liquidity, including $20.1 million of cash, $226.5 million in borrowings available under our Revolving Credit Facility, excluding $9.2 million of outstanding letters of credit. We believe that our cash on hand, together with the availability of borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility and cash generated from operations, will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures and scheduled interest payments on our indebtedness for at least the next twelve months.
Working Capital - Working capital is an indication of liquidity and potential need for short-term funding. We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities.
Working capital increased to $480.7 million as of March 31, 2022, from $424.7 million as of March 31, 2021, primarily due to the increases in inventory related to the inflationary cost of resin and increased quantities to support demand, as well as increased accounts receivable and accounts payable which increased consistent with the increase in net sales and inventory, offset by the use of cash during the fiscal year.
Working capital decreased to $424.7 million as of March 31, 2021, from $428.0 million as of March 31, 2020, primarily due to an increase in accounts payable, due to improved payment terms, offset by increased accounts receivable and inventory due to increased sales.
Operating Cash Flows - During fiscal 2022, cash provided by operating activities was $274.9 million. Cash flow from operating activities in fiscal 2022 was primarily driven by operating income offset by investments in working capital.
During fiscal 2021, cash provided by operating activities was $452.2 million as compared with cash provided by operating activities of $306.2 million for fiscal 2020. Cash flow from operating activities during fiscal 2021 was primarily impacted by increased income from continuing operations and improvements in payment terms on accounts payable.
During fiscal 2020, cash provided by operating activities was $306.2 million. Cash flow from operating activities during fiscal 2020 was primarily impacted by changes in working capital, including improved collections from accounts receivable, faster inventory turns and extension of terms of our accounts payable.
Investing Cash Flows - During fiscal 2022, cash used for investing activities was $198.8 million. The increase in cash used for investing cash flows was primarily due to elevated capital expenditures and the acquisition of Jet Polymer Recycling. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2022 were used primarily to support growth, but also to support our recycled resin and technology improvement initiatives.
During fiscal 2021, cash used for investing activities was $77.9 million. The decrease in cash used for investing activities was primarily due to the acquisition of Infiltrator in fiscal 2020. Capital expenditures was $78.8 million compared to $67.7 million in fiscal 2020. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2021 were used primarily to support facility expansions, equipment replacements, our recycled resin and technology improvement initiatives.
During fiscal 2020, cash used for investing activities was $1,150.5 million. The cash used for investing activities was primarily due to the acquisition of Infiltrator, net of cash acquired, in fiscal 2020. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2020 of $67.7 million were used primarily to support facility improvements, equipment replacements, our recycled resin and operating efficiency initiatives and technology.
We currently anticipate that we will make capital expenditures of approximately $150 to $180 million in fiscal 2023 to focus on growth and productivity through increasing our manufacturing capacity and investing in automation. Such capital expenditures are expected to be financed using funds generated by operations. We had approximately $80 million of open orders through purchase commitments as of March 31, 2022.
Financing Cash Flows – During fiscal 2022, cash used in financing activities was $251.1 million. During fiscal 2022, ADS repurchased shares for $292.0 million.
During fiscal 2021, cash used in financing activities was $354.5 million, due to payments on the Term Loan Facility of $207.0 million and the Revolving Credit Facility of $100.0 million. In addition, we made dividend payments of $32.1 million and $21.5 million on our finance lease obligations.
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During fiscal 2020, cash provided by financing activities was $1,011.6 million, due to the new Term Loan Facility, Senior Notes and Common Stock Offering. These cash inflows were offset by the repayment of the PNC Credit Agreement and Prudential Senior Notes, the special and quarterly dividend payments of $92.1 million and payments on our finance lease obligations of $27.1 million.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”)
The Company established the Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. ESOP (the “ESOP” or the “Plan”) effective April 1, 1993 to enable eligible employees to acquire stock ownership in ADS in the form of redeemable convertible preferred shares. The Plan was funded by an existing tax-qualified profit-sharing retirement plan, as well as a 30-year term loan from ADS. Within 30 days following the repayment of the ESOP loan, which occurred in March 2022, the ESOP committee directed the shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock owned by the ESOP to be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock.
The Company was obligated to make contributions to the Plan, which, when aggregated with the Plan’s dividends, equal the amount necessary to enable the Plan to make its regularly scheduled payments of principal and interest due on its term loan to ADS. Compensation expense was recognized based upon the average annual fair value of the shares during the period which ADS received payments on the term loan, and the number of ESOP shares allocated to participant accounts.
Following the repayment of the ESOP loan discussed above, the ESOP’s conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock into common stock will impact the Company’s net income, net income per share and common shares outstanding as follows (with the outstanding shares of common stock being approximately 19% greater after conversion).
Impact on Net Income – Provided that the converted common stock do not qualify as participating securities, the Company will no longer be required to apply the two-class method to determine Net income per share once all of the redeemable convertible preferred stock is converted into common stock. After the preferred shares are fully allocated upon the repayment of the ESOP loan and all of the redeemable convertible preferred stock is converted into common stock, the Company will no longer incur the fair value of ESOP deferred compensation attributable to the shares of redeemable convertible preferred shares.
The impact of the ESOP on net income includes the fair value of ESOP deferred compensation attributable to the shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock allocated to employee ESOP accounts during the applicable period, which is a non-cash charge to our earnings and not deductible for income tax purposes. Additional ESOP compensation expense was recorded for the acceleration of the remaining loan payment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 and the repayment of a significant portion of the ESOP loan, through the special dividend, in fiscal 2020.
| (Amounts in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net (loss) income attributable to ADS | $ | 271,331 | $ | 224,230 | $ | (193,174) | ||||
| ESOP acceleration and special dividend compensation | 30,435 | — | 246,752 | |||||||
| ESOP deferred stock-based compensation | 53,401 | 44,981 | 20,126 |
Impact on Common Stock Outstanding – The impact on the number of common shares outstanding will be as shares are converted, the number of common shares outstanding will increase.
| (Shares in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted average common shares outstanding | 71.3 | 70.2 | 63.8 | ||
| Conversion of redeemable convertible shares | 13.6 | 16.0 | 17.1 |
Debt and Capitalized Lease Obligations
See “Note 5. Leases” and “Note 11. Debt” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a discussion of the Company’s financing transactions, including the Secured Bank Loans, the Senior Notes and the Company’s finance lease obligations.
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Financing Transactions
Bridge Credit Facility – On July 31, 2019, we entered into the Base Credit Agreement with Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent and the several lenders from time to time party thereto. The Base Credit Agreement provides for up to $1.3 billion as a Term Loan Facility, up to $350 million as a Revolving Facility, up to $50 million as an L/C Facility and up to $50 million, as a sublimit of the Revolving Facility.
On July 31, 2019, the Company borrowed under the Base Credit Agreement which was used to (i) finance the merger consideration paid in connection with the closing of the acquisition of Infiltrator by us which occurred on July 31, 2019 (the “Merger”), (ii) repay the total outstanding amount as of the closing date of the Merger under its credit agreements, (iii) repay outstanding amounts of existing indebtedness incurred by Infiltrator under its outstanding credit facility in effect prior to the Merger, and (iv) pay certain transaction fees and expenses associated with the Merger and the Base Credit Agreement.
New Senior Secured Credit Facility - On September 24, 2019, the joint lead arrangers informed the Company that the parties had successfully completed a syndication of the remaining balance of the Bridge Credit Facility. The Senior Secured Credit Facility provided for a Term Loan Facility with an initial aggregate amount of $700 million, up to $350 million as a Revolving Facility, and up to $50 million as a letter of credit facility, as a sublimit of the Revolving Facility.
The Term Loan Facility has an amortization feature equal to 1% of the original $700 million balance paid in equal quarterly installments commencing on January 1, 2020 and continuing on the first day of each consecutive April, July, October and January thereafter. To the extent not previously paid, all then-outstanding amounts under the Term Loan Facility are due and payable on the maturity date of the Term Loan Facility, which is September 26, 2026. Borrowings under the Revolving Facility are available beginning on the Closing Date and, to the extent not previously paid, all then-outstanding amounts under the Revolving Facility are due and payable on the maturity date of the Revolving Facility, which is September 29, 2024.
The Senior Secured Credit Facility includes customary representations, warranties, covenants and events of default.
At the option of the Company, borrowings under the Term Loan Facility and under the Revolving Facility (subject to certain limitations) bear interest at either a base rate (as determined pursuant to the Senior Secured Credit Facility) or at a Eurocurrency Rate, based on LIBOR (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility), plus the applicable margin as set forth therein from time to time. In the case of the Revolving Facility, the applicable margin is based on the Company's consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility). All borrowings under the Term Loan Facility used to finance the merger consideration as described above initially bear interest at a Eurocurrency Rate (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility).
The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement have been secured by granting a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company’s assets (subject to certain exceptions and limitations), and each of StormTech, LLC, Advanced Drainage of Ohio, Inc. and Infiltrator Water Technologies, LLC (collectively the “Guarantors”) has agreed to guarantee the obligations of the Company under the Senior Secured Credit Facility and to secure the obligations thereunder by granting a first priority lien in substantially all of such Guarantor's assets (subject to certain exceptions and limitations).
Senior Notes due 2027 - On September 23, 2019, the Company issued $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of its senior notes (“Senior Notes”), pursuant to the Indenture among the Company, the Guarantors and the trustee. The Senior Notes are guaranteed by each of the Company’s present and future direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries that is a guarantor under the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facility. The Senior Notes were offered and sold either to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) or to persons outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act.
Interest on the Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on March 31 and September 30 of each year, commencing on March 31, 2020, at a rate of 5.000% per annum. The Senior Notes mature on September 30, 2027. The Company used the majority of the net proceeds from the offering of the Senior Notes for the repayment of $300.0 million of its outstanding borrowings under the Company’s Bridge Credit Facility.
The Company may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after September 30, 2022 at established redemption prices. At any time prior to September 30, 2022, the Company may also redeem up to 40% of the Senior Notes with net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 105.000% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. In addition, at
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any time prior to September 30, 2022, the Company may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date plus an applicable "make-whole" premium.
The Indenture contains customary events of default, including, among other things, payment default, failure to comply with covenants or agreements contained in the Indenture or the Senior Notes and certain provisions related to bankruptcy events. The Indenture also contains customary negative covenants.
Covenant Compliance
The Senior Secured Credit Facility requires, if the aggregate amount of outstanding exposure under the Revolving Facility exceeds $122.5 million at the end of any fiscal quarter, the Company to maintain a consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio (commencing with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2020) not to exceed 4.25 to 1.00 for any four consecutive fiscal quarter periods.
The Senior Secured Credit Facility also includes other covenants, including negative covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Company's and its restricted subsidiaries’ (as defined in the Credit Agreement) ability to, among other things: (i) incur additional debt, including guarantees; (ii) create liens upon any of their property; (iii) enter into any merger, consolidation or amalgamation, liquidate, wind up or dissolve, or dispose of all or substantially all of their property or business; (iv) dispose of assets; (v) pay subordinated debt; (vi) make certain investments; (vii) enter into swap agreements; (viii) engage in transactions with affiliates; (ix) engage in new lines of business; (x) modify certain material contractual obligations, organizational documents, accounting policies or fiscal year; or (xi) create or permit restrictions on the ability of any subsidiary of any Loan Party (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility) to pay dividends or make distributions to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
The Senior Secured Credit Facility also contains customary provisions requiring the following mandatory prepayments (subject to certain exceptions and limitations): (i) annual prepayments (beginning with the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021) with a percentage of excess cash flow (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility); (ii) 100% of the net cash proceeds from any non-ordinary course sale of assets and certain casualty or condemnation events; and (iii) 100% of the net cash proceeds of indebtedness not permitted to be incurred under the Senior Secured Credit Facility.
For further information, see “Note 11. Debt” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We were in compliance with our debt covenants as of March 31, 2022.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, with the exception of the guarantee of 50% of certain debt of our unconsolidated South American Joint Venture, as further discussed in “Note 10. Related Party Transactions” of our Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of this Form 10-K. Our maximum potential obligation under this guarantee totals $11 million as of March 31, 2022. The maximum borrowing permitted under the South American Joint Venture’s credit agreement is $22 million. As of March 31, 2022, our South American Joint Venture had approximately $9.9 million of outstanding debt subject to our guarantee, resulting in our guarantee of 50%, or $5.0 million, of that amount. We do not believe that this guarantee will have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, or capital resources.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
Certain of our accounting policies involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application, and therefore, represent the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements. If different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, the results could be materially different from our reported results. We believe the following accounting policies may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application and represent the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements. For additional discussion of our significant
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accounting policies, see “Note 1. Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” included in this Form 10-K.
| Policy | Judgments and Estimates | Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Goodwill- Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment as of March 31 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The fair value of goodwill is determined by considering both the income and market approach. | Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions.• Estimates and assumptions including revenue growth rates and EBITDA used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and determination of appropriate market comparables.• The fair value estimates are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable but are inherently uncertain. | We performed our annual impairment test for goodwill for all reporting units as of March 31, 2022 using a qualitative approach. We determined for our goodwill that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the assets exceeded carrying value for fiscal years ended March 31, 2022. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. |
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| Policy | Judgments and Estimates | Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Definite-lived intangible assets-Definite-lived intangible assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts of the asset group may not be recoverable. Asset groups are established primarily by determining the lowest level of cash flows available. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amounts of such assets, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the fair value of the asset less any costs of disposition is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Indefinite-lived intangible assets-Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually as of March 31 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may be greater than fair value. Determining the fair value of these assets is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but that are inherently uncertain. To estimate the fair value of these indefinite-lived intangible assets, we use an income approach, which utilizes a market derived rate of return to discount anticipated performance. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated fair value of the intangible asset is less than the carrying value. | Determining the fair value of the definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. | We did not record any impairment charges for definite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2022, 2021, or 2020. We performed our annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets as of March 31, 2022. We performed a qualitative impairment analysis and determined for our indefinite-lived intangible assets that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the assets exceeded carrying value for fiscal years ended March 31, 2022. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. |
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| Policy | Judgments and Estimates | Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Recognition- We generate revenue by selling pipe and related water management products primarily to distributors, retailers, buying groups and co-operative buying groups. Products are shipped predominately by our internal fleet, and we do not provide any additional revenue generating services after product delivery. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract. Revenue is recognized at the point in-time obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied, which generally occurs upon the transfer of control of the promised goods. In substantially all of our contracts with customers, control is transferred to the customer upon delivery. We recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. | We estimate and allocate variable consideration, such as right of return, credits or incentives, based on numerous factors, including the customer agreements and past transaction history. | If our historical experience differs from future experience, our estimates of variable consideration could differ. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, see “Note 1. Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”