McKINNEY, Texas — Encore Wire Corporation today announced results for the third quarter of 2021.
Third Quarter and YTD 2021 Highlights
- Third Quarter Earnings per diluted share of $8.51; YTD Earnings per diluted share of $19.31
- Third Quarter Net income of $175.5 million; YTD Net income of $399.8 million
- Copper volume sold increased 7.9% over third quarter of 2020; Increased 13.3% YTD over 2020 YTD levels
- Cash on hand of $294.9 million as of September 30, 2021; up from $157.9 million as of June 30, 2021
- Company repurchased 393,379 shares during the quarter
- Current Ratio of 6.09 as of September 30, 2021
- No long-term debt and revolving credit line remains untapped
Net sales for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 were $716.3 million compared to $339.7 million for the third quarter of 2020. Copper unit volume, measured in pounds of copper contained in the wire sold, increased 7.9% in the third quarter of 2021 versus the third quarter of 2020.
Gross profit percentage for the third quarter of 2021 was 37.8% compared to 15.7% in the third quarter of 2020. The average selling price of wire per copper pound sold increased 95.5% in the third quarter of 2021 versus the third quarter of 2020, while the average cost of copper per pound purchased increased 48.0%. Net income for the third quarter of 2021 was $175.5 million versus $21.0 million in the third quarter of 2020. Fully diluted net earnings per common share were $8.51 in the third quarter of 2021 versus $1.02 in the third quarter of 2020.
Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 were $1.905 billion compared to $896.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Copper unit volume, measured in pounds of copper contained in the wire sold, increased 13.3% in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 versus the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Gross profit percentage for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was 33.2% compared to 15.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The average selling price of wire per copper pound sold increased 91.0% in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 versus the nine months ended September 30, 2020, while the average cost of copper per pound purchased increased 55.6% for the same period comparison. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was $399.8 million versus $52.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Fully diluted net earnings per common share were $19.31 in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 versus $2.51 in the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Aluminum wire represented 9.1% and 7.5%, respectively, of our net sales in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Aluminum wire volumes have increased for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the comparative periods in the prior year.
Commenting on the results, Daniel L. Jones, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Encore Wire Corporation, said, “The results in the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 further attest to the strength of our one-campus, vertically-integrated, low-cost business model, which has proven successful since inception and is thriving under current market conditions. We remain focused and nimble, adapting to changing customer needs and fluid market dynamics. Throughout the third quarter of 2021, sales prices and margins remained strong as we successfully navigated raw material price volatility and availability challenges. Our steady, enduring relationships with suppliers and vendors positioned us favorably in the market, allowing us to maintain our overall low-cost structure. By continuing to execute on our core values of providing unbeatable customer service and high order fill rates, we were able to increase both copper and aluminum volumes shipped on a quarter and year-to-date basis over 2020 levels.
Copper unit volumes increased 7.9% on a comparative quarter basis and 13.3% on a year-to-date basis. Comex copper prices remained fairly stable throughout the third quarter before pulling back slightly to end the quarter. However, all other raw material costs continued to rise during the quarter. This upward volatility positively impacted and supported current market spreads. Copper spreads increased 181.1% on a comparative quarter basis and 155.1% on a year-to-date basis.
We continue to believe Encore Wire remains well-positioned to capture market share and incremental growth in the current economic environment. As we address the near-term challenges, we remain focused on the long-term opportunities for our business. We believe that our superior order fill rates and deep vertical integration continue to enhance our competitive position. As orders come in from electrical contractors, our distributors can continue to depend on us for quick deliveries coast to coast. Our balance sheet remains very strong. We have no long-term debt, and our revolving line of credit remains untapped. We had $294.9 million in cash at the end of the quarter. In addition, we repurchased 393,379 shares in the open market and declared a $0.02 cash dividend during the quarter.
Our two-phased expansion plan announced last year remains on schedule. The new service center opened in mid-May and is fully operational today. Phase two, which is focused on repurposing our now vacated distribution center to expand manufacturing capacity and extend our market reach, is on schedule for an early 2022 opening.
As announced in July 2021, current market conditions have afforded us the opportunity to accelerate our capital expenditure plans and incrementally invest across our campus. We believe these investments will broaden our position as a low-cost manufacturer in the sector and further increase manufacturing capacity to accelerate growth. The incremental spending in 2021 through 2023 will expand vertical integration in our manufacturing processes to reduce costs as well as modernize select wire manufacturing facilities to increase capacity and efficiency. Capital expenditures are now expected to range from $115 – $125 million in 2021, $150 – $170 million in 2022, and $120 – $140 million in 2023. We expect to fund these investments with existing cash reserves and operating cash flows.
Our low-cost structure and strong balance sheet have allowed us the flexibility to adapt quickly to changing market conditions, and we believe they are continuing to prove valuable now. We thank our employees and associates for their outstanding effort and our shareholders for their continued support.
The health and safety of our employees and their families remain our top priority, and we are following CDC guidelines to maintain safe working conditions. The Company is unable to predict the impact that COVID-19, or any of the ongoing variants, may have on our financial position and operating results in future periods. The duration or re-emergence of the outbreak and its long-term impact on our business remain uncertain.”
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