Generac Expects Strong Third Quarter, Raises Outlook for Full-Year 2012

Q3 results substantially exceed expectations due to increased demand for residential products

Generac Holdings Inc., a manufacturer of generators and other engine-powered products, expects strong financial results for the third quarter of 2012, and as a result is raising its outlook for full-year 2012.

During the third quarter of 2012, the company has experienced increased demand for home standby and portable generators as a result of the recent major power outage events as well as expanded marketing and sales initiatives to increase home standby penetration. As a result of the increased demand, net sales during the third quarter of 2012 are expected to be in the range of $295.0 to $300.0 million. Net income is expected to be between $21.5 to $25.0 million, with diluted net income per common share of $0.31 to $0.36. Adjusted net income is expected to be between $49.5 to $53.0 million, with adjusted diluted net income per common share of $0.72 to $0.77. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $72.0 to $75.0 million.

Due to this outperformance for residential product sales, full-year 2012 total net sales are now expected to increase in the low-30% range over the prior year, which represents an increase from the low-20% range growth rate previously expected. As a result of this higher sales outlook, adjusted EBITDA for the full-year 2012 is now expected to increase in the mid-30% range over the prior year, which is an increase from the mid-teens growth rate previously expected. Diluted net income per common share for 2012 is expected to be in the range of $1.02 to $1.08, with adjusted diluted net income per common share of $2.65 to $2.70. This updated guidance continues to assume no material changes in the macroeconomic environment, as well as no additional major power outage events during the remainder of 2012.

Aaron Jagdfeld, President and Chief Executive Officer, said “We initiated our Powering Ahead strategic plan in 2010 that focused on growing the residential standby market, increasing our share of the commercial and industrial market, diversifying our demand, and expanding into new geographies. As a result of our team’s efforts, we have consistently exceeded our own performance goals associated with Powering Ahead and in fact reached many of those targets a year earlier than we had originally planned. We are currently resetting our goals for the next three years and we intend to share those updated growth rates in the near future when we finalize our long-term strategic plan.”

Since implementing the Powering Ahead plan in 2010, Generac’s net sales in 2011 increased 34% compared to 2010 and are projected to increase in the low-30% range for 2012 compared to 2011. This revenue growth represents an acceleration relative to Generac’s 10-year annual sales growth rate of approximately 21% projected through 2012. Likewise, adjusted EBITDA in 2011 increased 21% compared to 2010 and is projected to increase in the mid-30% range for 2012 compared to 2011. During 2011, the Company generated $182 million of unlevered free cash flow, and is expected to generate approximately $200 million of unlevered free cash flow in 2012. This strong cash flow generation has allowed the Company to fund all of its internal growth initiatives and execute on other key elements of its financial policy including debt paydown and making acquisitions.

Consistent with the Powering Ahead plan, several key initiatives have been contributors to the company’s significant growth including investments made in sales, marketing, and engineering to further develop the emerging market for home standby generators. Today, only an estimated 2.5% of homes in the U.S. have an installed backup generator with every additional 1% of household penetration representing approximately $2 billion of market opportunity. With a leading share position of approximately 70% of this growing market, the company believes there is substantial opportunity for future growth in this category.

The company’s re-entry into the market for portable generators four years ago has also contributed to significant growth and has positioned the Generac brand as the market leader today. Furthermore, the Magnum Products acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2011 has expanded the company’s share of its commercial and industrial markets as well as diversified the end markets it serves. Although early in its efforts, the company has made significant investments in distribution and product development to support growth in Latin America and other international markets which is expected to position Generac for future growth.

Generac expects to release its full third-quarter financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, and management will hold its customary call that morning to discuss further details on financial results for third quarter and the outlook for full-year 2012. The company will also be hosting an Investor Day on November 8, 2012.

The financial information for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2012 described above is preliminary and subject to revision based on the completion of the accounting and financial reporting procedures necessary to finalize our financial statements for the period.

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