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Record full year gross profit increased 20% from prior year period

ATCHISON, Kan., February 22, 2024 - MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Nasdaq:MGPI), a leading provider of distilled spirits, branded spirits, and food ingredient solutions, today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.

2023 fourth quarter consolidated results compared to 2022 fourth quarter

  • Sales increased 13% to $214.9 million. 
  • Gross profit increased 35% to $85.1 million, representing 39.6% of sales.
  • Operating income increased 45% to $43.1 million. Adjusted operating income increased 70% to $50.4 million.
  • Net income increased 38% to $31.0 million. Adjusted net income increased 63% to $36.6 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA increased 60% to $56.2 million.
  • Basic earnings per common share ("EPS") increased to $1.39 per share from $1.02 per share. Adjusted basic EPS increased to $1.64 per share from $1.02 per share.
  • Diluted EPS increased to $1.39 per share from $1.01 per share. Adjusted diluted EPS increased to $1.64 per share from $1.01 per share. 

2023 full year consolidated results compared to 2022 full year

  • Sales increased 7% to $836.5 million.
  • Gross profit increased 20% to $304.7 million, representing 36.4% of sales.
  • Operating income decreased slightly to $148.6 million. Adjusted operating income increased 21% to $180.3 million.
  • Net income decreased 2% to $107.1 million. Adjusted net income increased 20% to $131.1 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA increased 20% to $202.5 million.
  • Basic EPS decreased to $4.82 per share from $4.94 per share. Adjusted basic EPS increased to $5.90 per share from $4.94 per share.
  • Diluted EPS decreased to $4.80 per share from $4.92 per share. Adjusted diluted EPS increased to $5.88 per share from $4.92 per share.

“We are very pleased with our performance for the quarter and full year and remain confident in the long-term sustainability of our business model,” said David Bratcher, CEO and president of MGP Ingredients. “Our strong financial results for the quarter and year reflect continued strength in each of our business segments and the dedication of our team. Demand for our new distillate and aged whiskey was strong, which resulted in brown goods sales increasing 39% and 26% for the fourth quarter and full year 2023, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. In our Branded Spirits segment, we continued our premiumization efforts and are pleased that sales of our premium plus portfolio grew 50% in the quarter and 24% overall for the year, which in turn drove further gross margin expansion across the portfolio. As for our Ingredient Solutions business, we remain encouraged by the traction our specialty wheat proteins and starches continue to gain. The results across all three business segments for the fourth quarter and full year demonstrate the continued success of executing our long-term strategy.”

Distilling Solutions

In the fourth quarter 2023, sales for the Distilling Solutions segment increased 8% to $108.9 million, reflecting a 22% increase in sales of premium beverage alcohol. Gross profit increased to $40.0 million or 36.7% of segment sales, compared to $31.7 million, or 31.3% of segment sales in the fourth quarter 2022.

For the full year 2023, Distilling Solutions segment sales increased 5% to $450.9 million, reflecting a 14% increase in sales of premium beverage alcohol, due to continued strong new distillate and aged American whiskey sales. Gross profit increased to $145.0 million, or 32.2% of segment sales, compared to $126.3 million, or 29.5% of segment sales in 2022. 

Branded Spirits

For the fourth quarter 2023, sales for the Branded Spirits segment increased 19% to $72.6 million. Sales of the premium plus price tier spirit brands grew 50%. Gross profit increased to $33.1 million, or 45.6% of segment sales compared to $24.7 million, or 40.6% of segment sales in the fourth quarter 2022.

For the full year 2023, Branded Spirits sales increased 7% to $253.9 million, reflecting continued strength in the premium plus portfolio of brands. Sales of the premium plus price tier spirit brands grew 24%. Gross profit increased to $112.8 million, or 44.4% of segment sales, compared to $95.5 million, or 40.1% of segment sales in 2022.

Ingredient Solutions

In the fourth quarter 2023, sales for the Ingredient Solutions segment increased 15% to $33.4 million. Gross profit increased to $12.0 million, or 36.0% of segment sales, compared to $6.9 million, or 23.8% of segment sales in the fourth quarter 2022.

For the full year 2023, Ingredient Solutions segment sales increased 14% to $131.7 million, driven primarily by higher sales of specialty wheat proteins and specialty wheat starches. Gross profit increased to $47.0 million, or 35.7% of segment sales, compared to $31.5 million, or 27.2% of segment sales in 2022.

Other

Advertising and promotion expenses for the fourth quarter 2023 increased $1.5 million, or 14%, to $12.3 million as compared to the fourth quarter 2022. For the full year 2023, advertising and promotion expenses increased $8.5 million, or 29%, to $38.2 million as compared to the full year 2022.

Corporate selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses for the fourth quarter 2023 increased $3.2 million to $25.8 million as compared to the fourth quarter 2022. For the full year, corporate SG&A expenses increased $16.8 million to $91.4 million as compared to 2022.

During the fourth quarter 2023, the impairment of assets and other one-time expenses totaled $1.1 million related to the planned closure of the Atchison distillery, and the change in fair value of the contingent consideration totaled $2.9 million related to the Penelope acquisition. For the full year 2023, the impairment of assets and other one-time expenses totaled $19.4 million related to the planned closure of the Atchison distillery, and the change in fair value of the contingent consideration totaled $7.1 million related to the Penelope acquisition.

The corporate effective tax rate for the fourth quarter 2023 was 24.0%, compared with 19.0% from the year ago period. The corporate effective tax rate for the full year 2023 was 24.4% compared with 22.3% in 2022.

2024 Outlook

MGP is offering the following consolidated guidance for fiscal 2024:

  • Sales are projected to be in the range of $742 million to $756 million, following the closure of the Company's Atchison, Kansas distillery in December 2023.
  • Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $213 million to $217 million, which excludes the add back of share-based compensation expense.a
    • Including the add back of share-based compensation expense, adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $218 million to $222 million.
  • Adjusted basic earnings per common share are forecasted to be in the $6.12 to $6.23 range, with basic weighted average shares outstanding expected to be approximately 22.3 million at year end.

    a. Beginning in the first quarter of 2024, the Company intends to add back share-based compensation expense when reporting adjusted EBITDA. Please refer to page 15 for a schedule of historical share-based compensation expense amounts and their respective impacts on previously reported adjusted EBITDA metrics.

“As we look forward, we continue to monitor the potential impact of inventory levels at distributors, overall American whiskey supply and consumption patterns, and inflation on consumers. Despite these industry headwinds, we feel uniquely positioned to grow as a company in this dynamic operating environment, as evidenced by our implied guidance midpoint growth of 6% of adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2024,” concluded Bratcher.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

MGP Ingredients will host a conference call for analysts and institutional investors at 10 a.m. ET today to discuss these results and current business trends.  The conference call and webcast will be available via:

Webcast:                    ir.mgpingredients.com on the Events & Presentations page

Conference Call:         844-308-6398 (domestic) or 412-717-9605 (international)

 

About MGP Ingredients, Inc.

MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI) is a leading producer of premium distilled spirits, branded spirits, and food ingredient solutions. Since 1941, we have combined our expertise and energy aimed at formulating excellence, bringing product ideas to life collaboratively with our customers.

As one of the largest distillers in the U.S., MGP’s offerings include bourbon and rye whiskeys, gins, and vodkas, which are created at the intersection of science and imagination, for customers of all sizes, from crafts to multinational brands. With distilleries in Kentucky and Indiana, and bottling operations in Missouri, Ohio, and Northern Ireland, MGP has the infrastructure and expertise to create on any scale.

MGP’s branded spirits portfolio covers a wide spectrum of brands in every segment, including iconic brands from Luxco, which was founded in 1958 by the Lux Family. Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer, and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our branded spirits mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates, and business partners. Luxco’s award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson, and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey, and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico, and Dos Primos; and the historic Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Penelope Bourbon, Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Green Hat Gin, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, and other well-recognized brands.

In addition, our Ingredient Solutions segment offers specialty proteins and starches that help customers harness the power of plants and provide a host of functional, nutritional, and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products.

The transformation of American grain into something more is in the soul of our people, products, and history. We’re devoted to unlocking the creative potential of this extraordinary resource. For more information, visit mgpingredients.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation statements about the sustainability of the business model of MGP Ingredients, Inc. (the “Company” or “MGP”), its ability to grow, and the Company’s 2024 outlook, including its expectations for sales, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted basic earnings per common share (“EPS”), and shares outstanding. Forward looking statements are usually identified by or are associated with words such as “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “forecast,” “hopeful,” “should,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “encouraged,” “opportunities,” “potential,” and similar terminology. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, Company performance, Company financial results, and Company financial condition and are not guarantees of future performance.

All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include without limitation any effects of changes in consumer preferences and purchases and our ability to anticipate or react to those changes; our ability to compete effectively; damage to our reputation or that of any of our key customers or their brands; failure to introduce successful new brands and products or have effective marketing or advertising; changes in public opinion about alcohol or our products; our reliance on our distributors to distribute our branded spirits; our reliance on fewer, more profitable customer relationships; interruptions in our operations or a catastrophic event at our facilities; decisions concerning the quantity of maturing stock of our aged distillate; warehouse expansion issues; our reliance on a limited number of suppliers; our reliance on a limited number of suppliers; work disruptions or stoppages; climate change and measures to address climate change; our closure of our Atchison, Kansas distillery; regulation and taxation and compliance with existing or future laws and regulations;  tariffs, trade relations, and trade policies; excise taxes, incentives and customs duties; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and defend against alleged intellectual property rights infringement claims; failure to secure and maintain listings in control states; labeling or warning requirements or limitations on the availability of our products; product recalls or other product liability claims; anti-corruption laws, trade sanctions and restrictions; class action or other litigation; higher costs or the unavailability and cost of raw materials, product ingredients, energy resources, or labor; failure of our information technology systems, networks, processes, associated sites, or service providers; acquisitions and potential future acquisitions; interest rate increases; reliance on key personnel; commercial, political, and financial risks; covenants and other provisions in our credit arrangements; pandemics or other health crises; ability to pay any dividends; limited rights of common stockholders and antitakeover provisions in our governing documents; the impact of issuing shares of our common stock; and the effectiveness or execution of our strategic plan. For further information on these risks and uncertainties and other factors that could affect the Company’s business, see the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as the Company’s other SEC filings. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information in this press release, except as required by law. 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to reporting financial information in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company provides certain non-GAAP financial measures that are not in accordance with, or alternatives for, GAAP. In addition to the comparable GAAP measures, the Company has disclosed adjusted operating income, adjusted income before income taxes, adjusted net income, adjusted MGP earnings, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted basic and diluted EPS, as well as guidance for adjusted EBITDA and adjusted basic EPS. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures should be reviewed in conjunction with operating income, income before income taxes, net income, net income used in earnings per common share calculation, and basic and diluted EPS computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for the GAAP measure. We believe that the non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors regarding the Company's performance and overall results of operations. In addition, management uses these non-GAAP measures in conjunction with GAAP measures when evaluating the Company’s operating results compared to prior periods on a consistent basis, assessing financial trends, and for forecasting purposes. Non-GAAP financial measures may not provide information that is directly comparable to other companies, even if similar terms are used to identify such measures. The attached schedules provide a full reconciliation of historical non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure. Full year 2024 guidance measures of adjusted EBITDA and adjusted basic EPS are provided on a non-GAAP basis without a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measures because the Company is unable to predict with a reasonable degree of certainty certain items contained in the GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts. Such items include without limitation, acquisition related expenses, restructuring and related expenses, and other items not reflective of the Company's ongoing operations.

 

For More Information

Investors & Analysts:

Mike Houston

646-475-2998 or investor.relations@mgpingredients.com

 

Media:

Greg Manis

913-360-5440 or greg.manis@mgpingredients.com