• Higher than expected sales growth rates.
• Any delays or interruptions in production, especially in Thailand which happens on an annual basis.
• Increased competition in Australian Aftermarket especially with competitors’ tendency to replicate ARB products.
• Slowing down of demand from OEMs.
• Poor execution of R&D.

Figure 1: Revenue contribution by customer category

Source: Company

• FY18 results overview. ARB posted revenue of $423.9m up +11.7% over the pcp and an NPAT of $50.9m (up +3.7%), which included $3m of provision for taxes in prior years expensed in FY18. Excluding this provision, NPAT grew +9.9% over pcp. Consequently, an EPS of 64.3cps (marginally up by 3.5%) was posted. Management also announced a fully franked final dividend of 19.5cps, bringing the total FY18 dividend to 37cps (up +8.8% over the pcp).
• Australian aftermarket. The division grew by a robust +11.4% compared to the pcp. Growth was achieved throughout all states, with New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia showing above-average performance, while Northern Territory growth was below average due to capacity constraints. 2 additional stores were added to the division’s portfolio (since the pcp) totalling 63 ARB stores in Australia, of which 25 are Company-owned.
• Export segment delivers strong performance. Export was a standout in FY18 results; experiencing an impressive growth rate of +14.7% (over the pcp), with ARB showing strong growth in export sales made from distribution centres in Australia, the U.S., the Czech Republic, Thailand and the UAE.
• Original Equipment Manufacturing. Sales to OEM grew by +2.8% and now represents 6.9% of total group sales. Management noted that some OEM projects were delayed in 2H18 due to programme complications but the projects are planned to commence shortly. Management remains confident of better OEM sales growth in FY19.
• Balance sheet remains strong. The balance sheet holds no debt, while maintaining a positive net cash position despite significant expenditure on PPE and inventory in FY18– allowing ARB to seek growth accretive strategies like acquisitions.
• No specific guidance provided. Management provided no specific outlook numbers for the full-year, only stating that “the current economic conditions still remain uncertain. The severe drought in the eastern Australian states will certainly affect ARB’s business to some extent. However, the outlook for the Company is positive and the Board is optimistic about the future. Demand for the Company’s products currently remains healthy in many countries around the world.”