Vehicular Products Shipped Tons Up 12%
Company Increases Quarterly Cash Dividend by 17%
HOUSTON, Aug. 24, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Quanex Corporation (NYSE:NX) today reported fiscal third quarter results for the period ending July 31, 2006. Net sales in the quarter were $553.0 million compared to $492.6 million a year ago, and income from continuing operations was $44.9 million, equal to the $44.9 million reported in the year ago quarter. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.14 compared to $1.14 in the third quarter last year. The Company's mid-quarter guidance was $1.05 - $1.09 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations. The latest 12 months return on invested capital was 19.0% compared to 19.7% a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $1.14 versus $1.13 in the year ago quarter.
Fiscal Third Quarter Highlights
-------------------------------
-- Net sales at the Building Products segment were a best ever
$293.2 million compared to $258.9 million in the year ago
quarter; net sales at the Vehicular Products segment were a third
quarter record of $259.8 million versus $233.7 million a year
ago.
-- Building Products operating income was $41.6 million compared
to $42.8 million in the year ago quarter; Vehicular Products
operating income was $40.3 million versus $47.9 million a year
ago.
-- The Board of Directors approved an $0.08 increase to the annual
cash dividend, up 17%.
-- 1,042,200 shares of outstanding common stock were repurchased
at an average price of $38.78. The Board authorized the
repurchase of an additional 2 million shares of common stock, to
be purchased at appropriate times, for a total authorization of
approximately 2.7 million shares.
-- Total debt less cash to capitalization was 8.5% compared to
19.9% a year ago.
-- A $6.0 million ($0.09 per diluted share) non-cash LIFO charge
was taken. The charge primarily reflects the substantial rise in
the price of LME aluminum ingot. Quanex uses the LIFO method of
accounting, which requires it to forecast year-end inventory
prices and levels and periodically adjust interim inventory
balances.
Selected Financial Information
------------------------------
Fiscal Third Quarter Financials
($ in millions, except per share data)
3rd qtr 2006 3rd qtr 2005 inc/(dcr)
------------ ------------ ---------
Net Sales $553.0 $492.6 12%
Operating Income 69.0 76.2 (9%)
Income from Continuing Ops. 44.9 44.9 n/c
EPS: Basic Earnings from
Continuing Ops. $1.20 $1.19 1%
EPS: Diluted Earnings
from Continuing Ops. $1.14 $1.14 n/c
EPS: Diluted Earnings $1.14 $1.13 1%
Segment Commentary
------------------
VEHICULAR PRODUCTS ($ in millions)
3rd qtr 2006 3rd qtr 2005 inc/(dcr)
------------ ------------ ---------
Net Sales $259.8 $233.7 11%
Operating Income $ 40.3 $ 47.9 (16%)
The Vehicular Products segment is focused on providing customers with engineered steel bar products and value added services. Key market drivers are light vehicle builds (approximately 65% of segment sales) and heavy duty truck builds (approximately 15% of segment sales).
"Segment demand improved markedly in the third quarter and, consequently, total steel bar tons shipped were 12% ahead of year ago shipments," said Raymond A. Jean, chairman and chief executive officer. "North American light vehicle production during our third quarter was up about 3% compared to the third quarter 2005. However, based on the strength of new powertrain related programs with both the 'Big 3' and the transplant automotive companies, our light vehicle steel bar tons shipped were up 10%, demonstrating our ability to outperform the market. Our three steel bar mills had a combined capacity utilization rate over 95% in the quarter," said Jean.
"Vehicular Products operating income was down from 2005's third quarter because of unusually high raw material surcharges in effect early in the quarter, but margins this quarter were still very strong at 15.5%. Our third quarter backlog increased 8% over the second quarter, indicating lower inventory levels in the supply chain, the ramp-up of new programs, and continued strength in our secondary markets," continued Jean.
BUILDING PRODUCTS ($ in millions)
3rd qtr 2006 3rd qtr 2005 inc/(dcr)
------------ ------------ ---------
Net Sales $293.2 $258.9 13%
Operating Income $41.6 $42.8 (3%)
The Building Products segment is focused on providing window and door OEM customers with engineered products and components, and is also a leading provider of common alloy aluminum rolled products. Key market drivers are housing starts (approximately 50% of segment sales) and remodeling activity (approximately 50% of segment sales).
"Building Products posted a 13% increase in third quarter net sales compared to the year ago quarter, while housing starts for the same period were off 10%. Our window and door components experienced flat sales versus the year ago quarter and operating income was down due to lower operating rates and relatively high labor costs. Net sales at aluminum rolled products were 29% higher than the $124.8 million a year ago and operating income was up. Pounds shipped in the quarter were best-ever, up 5% compared to the year ago quarter, while spread per pound improved 11% over the same period, the result of higher selling prices and relatively low scrap costs," said Jean.
Cash Flow
"Quanex continued to generate significant cash flow. Cash and equivalents were $61 million at quarter end, inline with cash balances at the end of the second quarter, after having spent some $40 million buying back our common stock, having made a $15 million contribution to the pension fund, and having spent $18 million on capital expenditures. We expect continued strong cash flow in the fourth quarter based on strong earnings and lower capital expenditures. Year-to-date, cash provided by operating activities was a very healthy $129 million," Jean said.
Outlook
Quanex sales for the fourth quarter of 2006 are expected to be up some 10% over the fourth quarter of 2005, supported in part by new program opportunities at the operating segments. The 10% fourth quarter growth compares favorably to a light vehicle market where builds are expected to be down 7% from the fourth quarter 2005, and housing starts projected to be down over 15%.
More specifically, in the Vehicular Products segment, business activity is expected to generate favorable comparisons as fourth quarter steel bar ton shipments are estimated to be some 5% higher than the fourth quarter 2005 and about 3% better than the third quarter 2006. New programs with both the 'Big 3' and the Japanese transplant automotive companies should enable the segment to outperform the market in the fourth quarter. The segment is in the process of securing significant new automotive business this calendar year.
And at Building Products, segment net sales are estimated to be up 5% compared to the fourth quarter 2005, and down about 5% compared to the third quarter 2006 as we anticipate that our window and door components net sales will experience a slowing of demand due to declining OEM production levels, partially offset by new business with existing and new customers.
Aluminum rolled products demand is expected to remain at healthy levels, with fourth quarter volume (pounds) expected to be some 10% higher than the fourth quarter of 2005. With London Metal Exchange aluminum ingot prices at high levels and aluminum scrap cost increases expected to remain relatively more modest, strong material spreads are anticipated to continue in the fourth quarter.
Taken together, the sales and earnings outlook for the balance of 2006 remains favorable. Accordingly, Quanex expects to report diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the year within a range of $4.00 - $4.10, which includes an estimated non-cash LIFO charge of some $0.13 - $0.16 per share. Previous guidance had been a range of $4.00 - $4.20, which did not include a provision for LIFO.
Other
On January 26, 2005, the Company irrevocably elected, pursuant to the indenture governing its 2.50% convertible senior debentures due 2034, to settle the principal amount of the debentures in cash while the premium amount of the debentures may be settled in any combination of cash and common stock when they become convertible and are surrendered by the holders thereof. Allowing for this election and using an average stock closing price of $39.86 for its third quarter, the Company's diluted earnings per share from continuing operations reflect a reduction of $0.04.
Dividend Declared
The Board of Directors declared the Company's quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share on the common stock, payable September 29, 2006, to shareholders of record on September 15, 2006.
Corporate Profile
Quanex Corporation is an industry-leading manufacturer of value-added, engineered materials and components serving the vehicular products and building products markets.
Financial Statistics as of 07/31/06
Book value per common share: $19.51; Total debt to capitalization: 15.6%; Return on invested capital: 19.0%; Return on common equity: 22.4%; Actual number of common shares outstanding: 36,964,588.
Definitions
Book value per common share -- calculated as total stockholders' equity as of balance sheet date divided by actual number of common shares outstanding;
Total debt to capitalization -- calculated as the sum of both the current and long term portion of debt, as of balance sheet date, divided by the sum of both the current and long term portion of debt plus total stockholders' equity as of balance sheet date;
Return on invested capital -- calculated as the total of the prior 12 months net income plus prior 12 months after-tax interest expense and capitalized interest, the sum of which is divided by the trailing five quarters average total debt (current and long term) and total stockholders' equity;
Return on common equity -- calculated as the prior 12 months net income, divided by the trailing five quarters average common stockholders' equity.
The Quanex Corporation logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1117
Statements that use the words "expect," "should," "believe," "will," "might," or similar words reflecting future expectations or beliefs are forward-looking statements. The statements found above are based on current expectations. Actual results or events may differ materially from this release. Factors that could impact future results may include, without limitation, the effect of both domestic and global economic conditions, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and the availability and cost of raw materials. For a more complete discussion of factors that may affect the Company's future performance, please refer to the Company's most recent 10-K filing (December 21, 2005) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in particular the section titled, "Private Securities Litigation Reform Act" contained therein.
For additional information, visit the Company's website at www.quanex.com.
QUANEX CORPORATION
INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended Nine months ended
July 31, July 31,
-------------------- ----------------------
2006 2005 2006 2005
--------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net sales:
$ 259,836 $ 233,687 Vehicular Products $ 724,006 $ 786,943
293,211 258,872 Building Products 780,846 698,794
--------- --------- ---------- ----------
$ 553,047 $ 492,559 Net sales $1,504,852 $1,485,737
--------- --------- ---------- ----------
Operating income:
$ 40,297 $ 47,932 Vehicular Products $ 113,968 $ 153,943
41,639 42,804 Building Products 103,411 96,267
(12,909) (14,515) Corporate and Other (25,283) (28,083)
--------- --------- ---------- ----------
$ 69,027 $ 76,221 Operating Income $ 192,096 $ 222,127
--------- --------- ---------- ----------
QUANEX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended Nine months ended
July 31, July 31,
----------------------- -----------------------
2006 2005 2006 2005
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$ 553,047 $ 492,559 Net sales $1,504,852 $1,485,737
442,789 373,323 Cost of sales 1,191,414 1,141,897
Selling, general
and administrative
23,963 26,938 expense 68,776 73,869
Depreciation and
17,268 16,077 amortization 52,566 47,844
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
69,027 76,221 Operating income 192,096 222,127
(1,234) (2,463) Interest expense (3,689) (7,758)
2,296 (743) Other, net 2,763 (2,082)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income from
continuing
operations before
70,089 73,015 taxes 191,170 212,287
(25,186) (28,110) Income tax expense (69,986) (81,734)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income from
continuing
44,903 44,905 operations 121,184 130,553
Gain (loss) from
discontinued
operations, net
230 (190) of taxes (176) (6,618)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$ 45,133 $ 44,715 Net income $ 121,008 $ 123,935
========== ========== ========== ==========
Basic earnings per
common share:
Earnings from
continuing
$ 1.20 $ 1.19 operations $ 3.21 $ 3.46
Gain (loss) from
discontinued
$ -- $ (0.01) operations $ (0.01) $ (0.17)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Basic earnings
$ 1.20 $ 1.18 per share $ 3.20 $ 3.29
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Diluted earnings
per common share:
Earnings from
continuing
$ 1.14 $ 1.14 operations $ 3.05 $ 3.33
Gain (loss) from
discontinued
$ -- $ (0.01) operations $ -- $ (0.16)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Diluted earnings
$ 1.14 $ 1.13 per share $ 3.05 $ 3.17
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Weighted average
common shares
outstanding:
37,531 37,857 Basic 37,785 37,700
39,857 39,945 Diluted 40,190 39,591
Cash dividends
$ 0.1200 $ 0.0900 per share $ 0.3433 $ 0.2700
QUANEX CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
July 31, October 31,
2006 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
$ 61,151 Cash and equivalents $ 49,681
184,413 Accounts and notes receivable, net 152,072
156,424 Inventories 133,003
10,212 Deferred income taxes 12,864
6,396 Other current assets 4,669
Current assets of discontinued
-- operations 5,504
---------- ---------------------------------------- ----------
418,596 Total current assets 357,793
1,029,271 Property, plant and equipment 969,962
(591,771) Less accumulated depreciation (546,020)
---------- ----------
437,500 Property, plant and equipment, net 423,942
196,349 Goodwill 196,341
Cash surrender value insurance policies,
24,733 net 24,927
77,053 Intangible assets, net 82,360
9,814 Other assets 9,002
-- Assets of discontinued operations 5,846
---------- ---------------------------------------- ----------
$1,164,045 Total assets $1,100,211
========== ======================================== ==========
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
$ 164,522 Accounts payable $ 129,152
57,657 Accrued liabilities 73,616
9,220 Income taxes payable 14,465
2,727 Current maturities of long-term debt 2,459
Current liabilities of discontinued
-- operations 4,208
---------- ---------------------------------------- ----------
234,126 Total current liabilities 223,900
130,680 Long-term debt 133,462
-- Deferred pension credits 8,158
7,296 Deferred postretirement welfare benefits 7,519
62,224 Deferred income taxes 58,836
5,911 Non-current environmental reserves 6,732
2,508 Other liabilities 2,742
-- Liabilities of discontinued operations 2,120
---------- ---------------------------------------- ----------
442,745 Total liabilities 443,469
721,300 Total stockholders' equity 656,742
---------- ---------------------------------------- ----------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
$1,164,045 equity $1,100,211
========== ======================================== ==========
QUANEX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended
July 31,
---------------------
2006 2005
--------- ---------
Operating activities:
Net income $ 121,008 $ 123,935
Loss from discontinued operations 176 6,618
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 53,045 48,283
Deferred income taxes 6,040 3,150
Stock-based compensation 3,883 590
--------- ---------
184,152 182,576
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of
effects from acquisitions and dispositions:
Decrease (Increase) in accounts and
notes receivable (32,335) 16,162
Decrease (Increase) in inventory (23,396) (6,040)
Increase (Decrease) in accounts payable 35,370 (40,730)
Increase (Decrease) in accrued liabilities (12,846) (847)
Increase (Decrease) in income taxes payable (5,253) 11,491
Increase (Decrease) in deferred pension
and postretirement benefits (11,942) 1,544
Other, net (4,024) (1,275)
--------- ---------
Cash provided by (used for) operating
activities from continuing operations 129,726 162,881
Cash provided by (used for) operating
activities from discontinued operations (762) (2,147)
--------- ---------
Cash provided by operating activities 128,964 160,734
Investment activities:
Acquisitions , net of cash acquired -- (200,519)
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations 5,683 11,592
Capital expenditures, net of retirements (60,964) (35,297)
Retired executive life insurance proceeds 461 --
Other, net 275 674
--------- ---------
Cash used for investing activities from
continuing operations (54,545) (223,550)
Cash used for investment activities from
discontinued operations (14) (362)
--------- ---------
Cash used for investment activities (54,559) (223,912)
Financing activities:
Bank borrowings (repayments), net (2,514) 29,865
Purchases of Quanex common stock (58,326) --
Common dividends paid (13,165) (10,351)
Issuance of common stock from option
exercises, including related tax benefits 11,112 10,328
Other, net -- 568
--------- ---------
Cash provided by (used for) financing
activities from continuing operations (62,893) 30,410
Cash used for financing activities from
discontinued operations (56) (158)
--------- ---------
Cash provided by (used for) financing
activities (62,949) 30,252
--------- ---------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
and equivalents 14 10
Increase (Decrease) in cash and equivalents 11,470 (32,916)
Beginning of period cash and equivalents 49,681 41,743
--------- ---------
End of period cash and equivalents $ 61,151 $ 8,827
========= =========