Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Reports 2021 Diluted Earnings of $8.78 Per Share and Declares Dividend of 86¢ Per Share

SOUTHPORT, Conn.--()--Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE-RGR) announced today that for 2021 the Company reported net sales of $730.7 million and diluted earnings of $8.78 per share, compared with net sales of $568.9 million and diluted earnings of $5.09 per share in 2020.

For the fourth quarter of 2021, net sales were $168.0 million and diluted earnings were $2.14 per share. For the corresponding period in 2020, net sales were $169.3 million and diluted earnings were $1.78 per share. Diluted earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2021 were increased by 18¢ due to a reduction in the effective income tax rate for the year which was recognized in the quarter.

The Company also announced today that its Board of Directors declared a dividend of 86¢ per share for the fourth quarter for stockholders of record as of March 11, 2022, payable on March 25, 2022. This dividend varies every quarter because the Company pays a percentage of earnings rather than a fixed amount per share. This dividend is approximately 40% of net income.

Chief Executive Officer Christopher J. Killoy reflected on the strong financial results for the year, “2021 was a year of great accomplishments and financial results. We began the year with virtually no finished goods inventory, so our 28% increase in sales and 109% return on net operating assets were only possible due to the tremendous efforts of our dedicated workforce who kept our factories humming throughout the year. In addition to increased volume, enhanced labor productivity and other manufacturing efficiencies drove greater profitability. While we were ramping up production of our legacy products, we kept our focus on new product development and launched the MAX-9 pistol and the LCP MAX pistol. We remain committed to our strategy of pursuing manufacturing excellence and vigorously developing innovative and exciting new products.”

Mr. Killoy continued, “Another highlight in 2021 was the reintroduction of the Marlin brand as we shipped the first Ruger-made, Marlin lever-action rifles in December. Our expansive product offerings, which range from personal protection pistols, to bolt-action hunting rifles, to our classic revolvers, to the new Ruger-made, Marlin lever-action rifles, provide some stability in the volatile firearms market and allow us to fulfill demand in many of the diverse sectors of the industry. Our cash-laden, debt-free balance sheet allows us to pursue acquisitions and other capital opportunities.”

Mr. Killoy made the following observations related to the Company’s 2021 performance:

  • In 2021, sales increased 28% from 2020 and the estimated unit sell-through of the Company’s products from the independent distributors to retailers increased 4% from 2020. For the same period, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) background checks (as adjusted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation) decreased 12%.

    The increase in the sell-through of the Company’s products compared favorably to the decrease in adjusted NICS background checks in 2021 and may be attributable to:
    • Strong consumer demand for the Company’s products,
    • Increased production in 2021, and
    • The introduction of popular new products.
  • Sales of new products included the Ruger-57, the PC Charger, the MAX-9 pistol, the Wrangler, the LCP II in .22 LR, the LCP MAX pistol, and the Marlin 1895 lever-action rifle. New product sales represented $155.5 million or 22% of firearm sales in 2021. These sales include only major new products that were introduced in the past two years.
  • In 2021, the Company’s finished goods inventory increased 11,800 units, but remain significantly below pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. Distributor inventories of the Company’s products increased 125,000 units, but remain below the level needed to support rapid fulfillment of retailer demand for most products.
  • Cash provided by operations during 2021 was $172.3 million. At December 31, 2021, our cash and short-term investments totaled $221 million. Our current ratio was 4.3 to 1 and we had no debt.
  • In 2021, capital expenditures totaled $28.8 million. We expect our 2022 capital expenditures to total approximately $20 million, most of which relate to new product introductions. Our ability to shift manufacturing equipment between cells, and between facilities, improves overall utilization and allows for reduced capital investment.
  • In 2021, the Company returned $59.1 million to its shareholders through the payment of dividends.
  • At December 31, 2021, stockholders’ equity was $363.7 million, which equates to a book value of $20.67 per share, of which $12.56 per share was cash and short-term investments.
  • In 2021, the Company incurred $1.5 million of expenses to help maintain the health and safety of its employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, the Company filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2021. The financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are attached to this press release.

Tomorrow, Thursday, February 24, 2022, Sturm, Ruger will host a webcast at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss the 2021 operating results. Interested parties can access the webcast at Ruger.com/corporate or by dialing 855-871-7398, participant code 7268098.

The Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2021 is available on the SEC website at SEC.gov and the Ruger website at Ruger.com/corporate. Investors are urged to read the complete Annual Report on Form 10-K to ensure that they have adequate information to make informed investment judgments.

About Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is one of the nation's leading manufacturers of rugged, reliable firearms for the commercial sporting market. With products made in America, Ruger offers consumers almost 800 variations of more than 40 product lines, across both the Ruger and Marlin brands. For more than 70 years, Ruger has been a model of corporate and community responsibility. Our motto, “Arms Makers for Responsible Citizens®,” echoes our commitment to these principles as we work hard to deliver quality and innovative firearms.

The Company may, from time to time, make forward-looking statements and projections concerning future expectations. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to certain qualifying risks and uncertainties, such as market demand, sales levels of firearms, anticipated castings sales and earnings, the need for external financing for operations or capital expenditures, the results of pending litigation against the Company, the impact of future firearms control and environmental legislation, and accounting estimates, any one or more of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date such forward-looking statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of subsequent unanticipated events.

STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

December 31,

2021

2020

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

21,044

 

$

20,147

 

Short-term investments

 

199,971

 

 

121,007

 

Trade receivables, net

 

57,036

 

 

57,876

 

 

 

 

Gross inventories

Less LIFO reserve

Less excess and obsolescence reserve

 

 

 

100,023

(51,826

(4,347

 

)

)

 

 

 

80,487

(48,016

(3,394

 

)

)

Net inventories

 

43,850

 

 

29,077

 

 

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

6,832

 

 

6,266

 

Total Current Assets

 

328,733

 

 

234,373

 

 

 

 

Property, Plant, and Equipment

 

421,282

 

 

393,843

 

Less allowances for depreciation

 

(347,651

)

 

(323,110

)

Net property, plant and equipment

 

73,631

 

 

70,733

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

536

 

 

1,530

 

Other assets

 

39,443

 

 

41,622

 

Total Assets

$

442,343

 

$

348,258

 

STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

December 31,

2021

2020

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses

$

36,400

 

$

37,078

 

Contract liabilities with customers

 

-

 

 

84

 

Product liability

 

795

 

 

1,052

 

Employee compensation and benefits

 

33,154

 

 

37,275

 

Workers’ compensation

 

6,760

 

 

6,272

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

77,109

 

 

81,761

 

 

 

 

Lease liability

 

1,476

 

 

1,724

 

Product liability accrual

 

97

 

 

74

 

 

 

 

Contingent liabilities

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

Common stock, non-voting, par value $1:

 

Authorized shares – 50,000; none issued

 

 

Common stock, par value $1:

 

Authorized shares – 40,000,000

 

2021 – 24,306,486 issued,

 

17,596,588 outstanding

 

2020 – 24,205,749 issued,

 

17,495,851 outstanding

 24,306

 24,206

Additional paid-in capital

 

46,847

 

 

43,468

 

Retained earnings

 

438,098

 

 

342,615

 

Less: Treasury stock – at cost

 

2021 – 6,709,898 shares

 

2020 – 6,709,898 shares

(145,590

)

(145,590

)

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

363,661

 

 

264,699

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

$

442,343

 

$

348,258

 

STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
(In thousands, except per share data)

Year ended December 31,

2021

2020

2019

 

 

 

 

Net firearms sales

$

728,141

 

$

565,863

 

$

406,326

 

Net castings sales

 

2,595

 

 

3,005

 

 

4,180

 

Total net sales

 

730,736

 

 

568,868

 

 

410,506

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

451,179

 

 

377,427

 

 

310,958

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

279,557

 

 

191,441

 

 

99,548

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

Selling

 

33,259

 

 

33,332

 

 

29,775

 

General and administrative

 

43,289

 

 

39,013

 

 

30,344

 

Other operating expense (income), net

 

(127

)

 

(52

)

 

54

 

Total operating expenses

 

76,421

 

 

72,293

 

 

60,173

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

203,136

 

 

119,148

 

 

39,375

 

 

 

 

 

Other income:

 

 

 

Royalty income

 

1,975

 

 

814

 

 

698

 

Interest income

 

49

 

 

1,126

 

 

2,594

 

Interest expense

 

(164

)

 

(191

)

 

(192

)

Other income, net

 

1,598

 

 

84

 

 

552

 

Total other income, net

 

3,458

 

 

1,833

 

 

3,652

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

206,594

 

 

120,981

 

 

43,027

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

50,695

 

 

30,583

 

 

10,736

 

 

 

 

 

Net income and comprehensive income

$

155,899

 

$

90,398

 

$

32,291

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Earnings Per Share

$

8.87

 

$

5.17

 

$

1.85

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

$

8.78

 

$

5.09

 

$

1.82

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - Basic

17,585,604

17,486,054

17,461,421

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - Diluted

17,757,834

17,769,856

17,778,832

 

 

 

 

Cash Dividends Per Share

$

3.36

 

$

6.51

 

$

0.82

 

STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)

Year ended December 31,

2021

2020

2019

 

 

 

 

Operating Activities

 

 

 

Net income

$

155,899

 

$

90,398

 

$

32,291

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities, net of effects of acquisition:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

26,152

 

 

27,576

 

 

29,331

 

Stock-based compensation

 

8,280

 

 

6,128

 

 

6,330

 

Excess and obsolescence inventory reserve

 

953

 

 

-

 

 

1,046

 

(Gain) loss on sale of assets

 

(127

)

 

(52

)

 

54

 

Deferred income taxes

 

994

 

 

3,863

 

 

(2,424

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

Trade receivables

 

840

 

 

(5,236

)

 

(7,609

)

Inventories

 

(15,726

)

 

10,624

 

 

2,073

 

Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

(392

)

 

7,954

 

 

(3,646

)

Contract liability with customers

 

(84

)

 

(9,539

)

 

2,146

 

Employee compensation and benefits

 

(5,433

)

 

20,910

 

 

(6,646

)

Product liability

 

(234

)

 

308

 

 

(354

)

Prepaid expenses, other assets and other liabilities

1,217

(7,905

)

(888

)

Income taxes payable

 

-

 

 

(1,223

)

 

(2,117

)

Cash provided by operating activities

 

172,339

 

 

143,806

 

 

49,587

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

Property, plant, and equipment additions

 

(28,776

)

 

(24,229

)

 

(20,296

)

Purchase of Marlin assets

 

-

 

 

(28,316

)

 

-

 

Purchases of short-term investments

 

(681,940

)

 

(369,439

)

 

(282,738

)

Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments

 

602,976

 

 

377,920

 

 

267,576

 

Net proceeds from sale of assets

 

203

 

 

178

 

 

14

 

Cash used for investing activities

 

(107,537

)

 

(43,886

)

 

(35,444

)

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities

 

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(59,104

)

 

(113,896

)

 

(14,319

)

Repurchase of common stock

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(1,995

)

Payment of employee withholding tax related to share-based compensation

 (4,801

)

 (1,297

)

 (901

)

Cash used for financing activities

 

(63,905

)

 

(115,193

)

 

(17,215

)

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

897

 

 

(15,273

)

 

(3,072

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

20,147

 

 

35,420

 

 

38,492

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$

21,044

$

20,147

 

$

35,420 

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

In an effort to provide investors with additional information regarding its results, the Company refers to various United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) financial measures and two non-GAAP financial measures, EBITDA and EBITDA margin, which management believes provide useful information to investors. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures being disclosed by other companies. In addition, the Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not in lieu of, GAAP financial measures. The Company believes that EBITDA and EBITDA margin are useful to understanding its operating results and the ongoing performance of its underlying business, as EBITDA provides information on the Company’s ability to meet its capital expenditure and working capital requirements, and is also an indicator of profitability. The Company believes that this reporting provides better transparency and comparability to its operating results. The Company uses both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate its financial performance.

Non-GAAP Reconciliation – EBITDA

EBITDA

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

Year ended December 31,

2021

2020

 

 

 

Net income

$

155,899

 

$

90,398

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

50,695

 

 

30,583

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

26,152

 

 

27,576

 

Interest expense

 

164

 

 

191

 

Interest income

 

(49

)

 

(1,126

)

EBITDA

$

232,861

 

$

147,622

 

EBITDA margin

 

31.9

%

 

26.0

%

EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation and amortization. The Company calculates this by adding the amount of interest expense, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization expenses that have been deducted from net income back into net income, and subtracting the amount of interest income that was included in net income from net income to arrive at EBITDA. The Company’s EBITDA calculation also excludes any one-time non-cash, non-operating expense.

Contacts

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
One Lacey Place
Southport, CT 06890
www.ruger.com
203-259-7843

Contacts

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
One Lacey Place
Southport, CT 06890
www.ruger.com
203-259-7843