Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2021 were $143.6 million, an increase of $29.8 million, or 26%, compared to revenues of $113.8 million in the prior year second quarter. Net earnings for the quarter were $11.9 million compared with net earnings of $5.5 million for the prior year second quarter.

“Second quarter results were aided by improved agricultural market conditions as commodity prices reached their highest level in several years. We experienced strong demand for irrigation equipment throughout the quarter in North America as well as most international markets,” said Randy Wood, president and CEO. “Improved results in our infrastructure business resulted from higher Road Zipper System sales and lease revenue,” Wood continued.

Second Quarter Segment Results

Irrigation segment revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2021 increased $25.1 million, or 27%, to $118.6 million compared to $93.5 million in the prior year second quarter. North America irrigation revenues increased $13.1 million, or 19%, to $80.2 million compared to the prior year second quarter. The increase resulted primarily from higher irrigation equipment unit sales volume and higher average selling prices. The increase was partially offset by revenue from engineering project services in the prior year that did not repeat. International irrigation revenues of $38.4 million increased $12 million, or 45%, compared to the prior year second quarter. The increase resulted from higher unit sales volumes in several international markets.

Irrigation segment operating income was $18 million, an increase of $7.9 million, or 79%, compared to the prior year second quarter. Operating margin was 15.2% of sales, compared to 10.8% of sales in the prior year second quarter. The increase resulted primarily from the impact of higher irrigation system unit volume and was partially offset by the impact of higher raw material and freight costs.

Infrastructure segment revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2021 increased $4.7 million, or 23%, to $25 million, compared to $20.3 million in the prior year second quarter. The increase resulted primarily from higher Road Zipper System sales and lease revenue.

Infrastructure segment operating income was $6.3 million, an increase of $0.4 million, or 8%, compared to the prior year second quarter. Operating margin was 25.4% of sales, compared to 29% of sales in the prior year second quarter. Prior year operating income included a gain of $1.2 million on the sale of a building that had been held for sale.

The backlog of unfilled orders at Feb. 28, 2021 was $101.4 million compared with $104.4 million at Feb. 29, 2020. Included in these backlogs are amounts of $2.7 million and $5.5 million, respectively, that are not expected to be fulfilled within the subsequent twelve months. The decrease in backlog is due to two large infrastructure orders in the prior year totaling $38 million that did not repeat, while order backlogs in North America and international irrigation are higher compared to the prior year.

Outlook

“Solid agricultural market fundamentals set the stage for improved irrigation equipment demand for the balance of the year. Significantly higher raw material and freight costs, along with supply chain constraints, continue to present challenges but our teams have been effective in working through these issues,” said Wood. “In our infrastructure business, while our sales pipeline remains robust, we expect continued coronavirus-related delays in road construction activity and projects.

Wood continued, “Our financial position remains strong, providing support for our innovation growth strategy across our businesses that address global megatrends and provide solutions that improve customer profitability and assist in their sustainability efforts.”


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