Brady Corp shares moved up as much as 11% in pre-market trading on Tuesday after the industrial company reported fourth-quarter 2023 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.04, surpassing the $0.93 FactSet consensus estimate.
Its revenue for the period, meanwhile, came in at $345.9 million, also exceeding the $329.2 million consensus forecast.
"This quarter we once again reported all-time record high EPS, resulting in a strong finish and Brady’s best earnings year ever," Brady Corp CEO Russell Shaller said in a statement.
"Both regions performed well this year with total organic sales growth of 5.5% and strong growth in operating income," he added.
The company, which sells identification and workplace safety products, also said it expects 2024 adjusted EPS of $3.85 to $4.10, better than the $3.84 expected by analysts.
Brady also reported that its board of directors has approved an additional $100 million buyback of its common shares, representing about 4.4% of its total outstanding shares.
The company also raised its annual dividend from $0.92 to $0.94 per share, its 38th consecutive annual increase in shareholder payouts.
Shares of Brady have gained 9% year to date as of Friday’s closing price.
Contact Sean at sean@proactiveinvestors.com