Quanex Building Products Announces First Quarter 2017 Results and Provides Full Year 2017 Guidance


Consolidation of U.S. Vinyl Profiles Business Progressing Well 
Strong Free Cash Flow and Margin Expansion Expected in Second Half of 2017

HOUSTON, March 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Quanex Building Products Corporation (NYSE:NX) (“Quanex” or the “Company”) today announced its results for the quarter ended January 31, 2017.

First Quarter 2017 Highlights

  • Net sales decreased to $195.1 million compared to $201.5 million in Q1 2016
  • Net loss of $3.7 million compared to net loss of $7.2 million in Q1 2016
  • Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $13.0 million versus $18.4 million in Q1 2016
  • Cash provided by operating activities increased to $2.0 million compared to $0.8 million in Q1 2016

Bill Griffiths, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “First quarter results were in line with our expectations given the planned shrinkage in our U.S. vinyl profiles business.  Excluding vinyl, revenue in our underlying North American window components businesses was flat year-over-year, which was a good result considering the abnormally strong first quarter last year.  Our European business generated double-digit sales growth on a local currency basis compared to the first quarter of 2016, as did our cabinet components business as some customers built inventory in anticipation of price increases or transitioning to other suppliers.

“The consolidation of our U.S. vinyl profiles business is progressing well and will be complete by the end of the second quarter.  Negotiations related to the margin dilutive revenue we have identified in our cabinet components business continue with various customers and should also be complete by the end of the second quarter.  As such, we are confident that we will see margin expansion in the second half of the year as well as continued cash flow improvement.”

First Quarter 2017 Results Summary                                

 
  Three Months Ended January 31, 2017 Three Months Ended January 31, 2016
($ in thousands, except per share data) Results
Before
Adjustments
 Adjustments Adjusted
Results
 Results
Before
Adjustments
 Adjustments Adjusted
Results
Net sales $195,096  $-  $195,096  $201,468  $-  $201,468 
Cost of sales (1)  154,947   (14)  154,933   159,348   (2,481)  156,867 
Selling, general and administrative (2)  27,445   (317)  27,128   31,288   (5,090)  26,198 
Restructuring charges (3)  1,139   (1,139)  -   -   -   - 
EBITDA  11,565   1,470   13,035   10,832   7,571   18,403 
Depreciation and amortization (4)  15,406   (2,533)  12,873   12,970   -   12,970 
Operating income  (3,841)  4,003   162   (2,138)  7,571   5,433 
Interest expense  (2,160)  -   (2,160)  (6,491)  -   (6,491)
Other, net (5)  661   (630)  31   (2,361)  2,475   114 
Income before income taxes  (5,340)  3,373   (1,967)  (10,990)  10,046   (944)
Income tax benefit (expense) (6)  1,614   (1,015)  599   3,741   (3,239)  502 
Net (loss) income (7) $(3,726) $2,358  $(1,368) $(7,249) $6,807  $(442)
             
Diluted earnings per share $(0.11)   $(0.04) $(0.21)   $(0.01)
             
NOTE: See Non-GAAP Terminology Definitions and Disclaimers section for additional information.      
(1) Cost of sales adjustment relates solely to purchase price accounting inventory step-up impact from HL Plastics and Woodcraft acquisitions.
(2) SG&A adjustments are for acquisition related transaction costs and in 2017, loss on sale of fixed assets related to the closure of the plant in Mexico.
(3) Restructuring charges relate to the closure of several manufacturing plant facilities.       
(4) D&A adjustments relate to accelerated amortization for restructured PP&E and intangible assets.      
(5) Other, net adjustments relate to foreign currency transaction (gains) losses.        
(6) Effective tax rate reflects impacts of adjustments on a with and without basis.        
(7) Adjusted EPS is calculated using diluted shares outstanding of 34.7 million and 34.3 million, respectively.    

Quanex reported net sales of $195.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2017, compared to $201.5 million for the three months ended January 31, 2016.  The decrease was mainly attributable to the Company’s previously disclosed decision to walk away from less profitable business in an effort to protect margins. (See Sales Analysis table for additional information)

The Company reported a smaller net loss of $3.7 million during the first quarter, largely due to lower interest expense as a result of Quanex refinancing its debt in July of 2016, compared to a net loss of $7.2 million in the first quarter of 2016.  Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $13.0 million during the first quarter, compared to $18.4 million during the first quarter of 2016.  The decrease was primarily driven by a $1.5 million increase in stock-based compensation expense combined with short-term inefficiencies as Quanex transitions away from less profitable business in its U.S. vinyl profiles and cabinet components businesses.  (See Non-GAAP Terminology Definitions and Disclaimers section and Selected Segment Data table for additional information)

As of January 31, 2017, Quanex’s leverage ratio of Net Debt to LTM Adjusted EBITDA was 2.5x.  The Company remains focused on generating Free Cash Flow to pay down debt and anticipates a significant improvement in the leverage ratio by year-end 2017.  (See Non-GAAP Terminology Definitions and Disclaimers section for additional information)

Business Update and Fiscal 2017 Guidance                                                                             

Quanex continues to evaluate profitability by customer and product line, with a particular focus on its U.S. vinyl profiles and cabinet components businesses.  As previously disclosed, the Company initiated the process of reducing volumes manufactured for a large U.S. vinyl profiles customer during the first quarter of 2017 and originally expected the process to be carried out in a phased manner throughout 2017 and into 2018.  Based on recent conversations with the customer coupled with the trend established in the first quarter, Quanex now anticipates the process will be complete in 2017 and will not carryover into 2018.  As a result, the Company now expects the top line impact to be approximately $65 million in 2017 instead of the $50 million that was originally disclosed.  In addition, the $20 million of margin dilutive revenue identified in the cabinet component business is still under negotiation on several fronts and is not likely to be resolved until late in the second quarter of 2017.

Quanex continues to forecast underlying sales growth of 5% to 6% for 2017 offset by the customer actions referenced above and a potential negative foreign currency translation impact, which could be approximately $15 million to $20 million for the year based on current exchange rates.  The Company expects margin expansion in the second half of 2017, which when combined with the reduction in cash interest expense as a result of refinancing the debt in July of 2016 should further improve its Free Cash Flow profile despite the lower top line.

Based on the information above, Quanex expects to generate net sales of $880 million to $900 million and Adjusted EBITDA* of $105 million to $112 million in 2017, which yields year-over-year margin expansion of approximately 30 basis points at the midpoint of guidance. 

*When the Company provides expectations for Adjusted EBITDA on a forward-looking basis, a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP expectations and corresponding GAAP measures is generally not available without unreasonable effort.  

Recent Events

The stockholders approved each of the following proposals voted on at the Company’s annual meeting held on March 2, 2017.

  • Election of Directors - Susan F. Davis and Curtis M. Stevens were elected to serve as directors on the Quanex Board of Directors until the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2018
  • Advisory Vote Approving Named Executive Officer Compensation - the stockholders supported Quanex’s executive officer compensation structure 
  • Advisory (Non-binding) Vote on the Frequency of the Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation - the stockholders voted in favor of holding an advisory vote on executive compensation every year
  • Amendment and Restatement of Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) – the stockholders approved the Company’s Amended and Restated ESPP
  • Ratification of Appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as Independent Public Accountants - Grant Thornton LLP was ratified as Quanex’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2017

Additionally, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share on Quanex’s common stock, payable March 31, 2017, to shareholders of record on March 17, 2017.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

The Company has scheduled a conference call for Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CT).  To participate in the conference call dial (877) 388-2139 for domestic callers and (541) 797-2983 for international callers, in both cases using the conference passcode 64298542, and ask for the Quanex call a few minutes prior to the start time.  A link to the live audio webcast will also be available on the Company’s website at http://www.quanex.com in the Investors section under Presentations & Events.  A telephonic replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the live broadcast ends and will be accessible through March 14, 2017.  To access the replay dial (855) 859-2056 for domestic callers and (404) 537-3406 for international callers, in both cases referencing conference passcode 64298542. 

About Quanex

Quanex Building Products Corporation is an industry-leading manufacturer of components sold to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the building products industry.  Quanex designs and produces energy-efficient fenestration products in addition to kitchen and bath cabinet components.

For more information contact Scott Zuehlke, Vice President of Investor Relations & Treasurer, at 713-877-5327 or scott.zuehlke@quanex.com.

Non-GAAP Terminology Definitions and Disclaimers

EBITDA (defined as net income or loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and other, net) and Adjusted EBITDA (defined as EBITDA further adjusted to exclude purchase price accounting inventory step-ups, transaction costs, loss on the sale of fixed assets related to the plant closure in Mexico and restructuring charges) are non-GAAP financial measures that the Company uses to measure operational performance and assist with financial decision-making.  Due to the high variability and difficulty in predicting certain items that affect GAAP net income (such as unusual gains and losses, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, the impact and timing of potential acquisitions or divestitures and the timing and potential significance of tax considerations), information reconciling these measures to GAAP financial measures is impossible without unreasonable effort.  Net Debt is calculated using the sum of current maturities of long-term debt and long-term debt, minus cash and cash equivalents.  The leverage ratio of Net Debt to LTM Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure that Quanex believes is useful to investors and financial analysts in evaluating the Company’s leverage.  In addition, with certain limited adjustments, this leverage ratio is the basis for a key covenant in Quanex’s credit agreement.  Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP measure calculated using cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures.   Adjusted Net (Loss) Income is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes certain charges and credits because the Company believes that such items are not indicative of its core operating results and trends, and do not provide meaningful comparisons with other reporting periods.  Quanex believes that the presented non-GAAP measures provide a consistent basis for comparison between periods, and will assist investors in understanding the Company’s financial performance when comparing results to other investment opportunities.  The presented non-GAAP measures may not be the same as those used by other companies.  Quanex does not intend for this information to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. 

Forward Looking Statements

Statements that use the words “estimated,” “expect,” “could,” “should,” “believe,” “will,” “might,” or similar words reflecting future expectations or beliefs are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company’s future operating results, future financial condition, future uses of cash and other expenditures, expenses and tax rates, expectations relating to Quanex’s industry, and the Company’s future growth, including any guidance discussed in this press release.  The statements and guidance set forth in this release are based on current expectations.  Actual results or events may differ materially from this release.  For a complete discussion of factors that may affect Quanex’s future performance, please refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, under the sections entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors”.  Any forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and Quanex undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events.

   
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)  
(In thousands, except per share data)  
(Unaudited)  
       
       
  Three Months Ended January 31,  
   2017   2016   
       
Net sales $195,096  $201,468   
Cost of sales  154,947   159,348   
Selling, general and administrative  27,445   31,288   
Restructuring charges  1,139   -   
Depreciation and amortization  15,406   12,970   
Operating loss  (3,841)  (2,138)  
Interest expense  (2,160)  (6,491)  
Other, net  661   (2,361)  
Loss before income taxes  (5,340)  (10,990)  
Income tax benefit  1,614   3,741   
Net loss $(3,726) $(7,249)  
       
Loss per common share, basic $(0.11) $(0.21)  
Loss per common share, diluted $(0.11) $(0.21)  
       
Weighted average common shares outstanding:      
Basic  34,055   33,763   
Diluted  34,055   33,763   
       
Cash dividends per share $0.04  $0.04   
       

 

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
     
  January 31, 2017 October 31, 2016
ASSETS    
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $14,074  $25,526 
Accounts receivable, net  62,754   83,625 
Inventories, net  92,225   84,335 
Prepaid and other current assets  7,879   10,488 
Total current assets  176,932   203,974 
Property, plant and equipment, net  196,903   198,497 
Goodwill  218,213   217,035 
Intangible assets, net  150,345   154,180 
Other assets  7,927   6,667 
Total assets $750,320  $780,353 
     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY    
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable $41,198  $47,781 
Accrued liabilities  28,944   55,101 
Income taxes payable  1,153   732 
Current maturities of long-term debt  17,630   10,520 
Total current liabilities  88,925   114,134 
Long-term debt  254,829   259,011 
Deferred pension and postretirement benefits  9,004   8,167 
Deferred income taxes  15,567   18,322 
Other liabilities  13,714   12,888 
Total liabilities  382,039   412,522 
Stockholders’ equity:    
Common stock  375   376 
Additional paid-in-capital  254,139   254,540 
Retained earnings  208,617   214,047 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (35,933)  (38,765)
Treasury stock at cost  (58,917)  (62,367)
Total stockholders’ equity  368,281   367,831 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $750,320  $780,353 
     

 

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
 
(In thousands)
 
(Unaudited)  
     
 Three Months Ended January 31, 
  2017   2016  
Operating activities:    
Net loss$  (3,726) $  (7,249) 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization   15,406     12,970  
Stock-based compensation   2,226     1,527  
Deferred income tax   (3,684)    (6,158) 
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation   (87)    (1) 
Other, net   1,241     1,012  
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:    
Decrease in accounts receivable   21,143     20,912  
Increase in inventory   (7,622)    (4,499) 
(Increase) decrease in other current assets   (438)    1,178  
Decrease in accounts payable   (7,232)    (8,305) 
Decrease in accrued liabilities   (18,928)    (11,879) 
Increase in income taxes payable   2,761     300  
Increase in deferred pension and postretirement benefits   837     684  
Increase in other long-term liabilities   366     361  
Other, net   (226)    (74) 
Cash provided by operating activities   2,037     779  
Investing activities:    
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired   (8,497)    (245,946) 
Capital expenditures   (8,141)    (8,652) 
Proceeds from disposition of capital assets   390     561  
Cash used for investing activities   (16,248)    (254,037) 
Financing activities:    
Borrowings under credit facilities   24,000     332,800  
Repayments of credit facility borrowings   (20,875)    (68,500) 
Debt issuance costs   -      (8,349) 
Repayments of other long-term debt   (429)    (546) 
Common stock dividends paid   (1,372)    (1,362) 
Issuance of common stock   1,383     2,920  
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation   87     1  
Cash provided by financing activities   2,794     256,964  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   (35)    917  
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   (11,452)    4,623  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   25,526     23,125  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$  14,074  $  27,748  
     

 

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION 
SELECTED SEGMENT DATA 
(In thousands) 
(Unaudited) 
            
This table provides operating income (loss), EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA by reportable segment.  Non-operating expense and income tax expense are not allocated to the reportable segments.  For a reconciliation of income from continuing operations to operating income (loss), see Non-GAAP Financial Measure Disclosure table. 
            
  NA Engineered
Components
 EU Engineered
Components
 NA Cabinet
Components
 Unallocated
Corp & Other
 Total 
Three months ended January 31, 2017           
Net sales $111,073  $31,569  $52,997  $(543) $195,096  
Cost of sales  86,393   22,538   46,237   (221)  154,947  
Restructuring charges  566   -   573   -   1,139  
Operating income (loss)  301   2,203   (1,058)  (5,287)  (3,841) 
Depreciation and amortization  10,078   2,056   3,135   137   15,406  
EBITDA  10,379   4,259   2,077   (5,150)  11,565  
Transaction related costs  -   -   -   60   60  
Mexico restructuring, loss on sale of fixed assets  -   -   257   -   257  
PPA-Inventory Step-up  -   14   -   -   14  
Restructuring charges  566   -   573   -   1,139  
Adjusted EBITDA $10,945  $4,273  $2,907  $(5,090) $13,035  
Adjusted EBITDA Margin %  10%  14%  5%    7% 
            
Three months ended January 31, 2016           
Net sales $121,048  $33,068  $48,525  $(1,173) $201,468  
Cost of sales  93,728   23,647   42,539   (566)  159,348  
Operating income (loss)  5,590   1,379   (1,257)  (7,850)  (2,138) 
Depreciation and amortization  7,208   2,458   3,145   159   12,970  
EBITDA  12,798   3,837   1,888   (7,691)  10,832  
Transaction related costs  -   -   -   5,090   5,090  
PPA-Inventory Step-up  -   194   2,287   -   2,481  
Adjusted EBITDA $12,798  $4,031  $4,175  $(2,601) $18,403  
Adjusted EBITDA Margin %  11%  12%  9%    9% 
            

 

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION 
SALES ANALYSIS 
(In thousands) 
(Unaudited)
 
           
  Sales Bridge for Three Months Ended January 31, 2017
  NA Engineered EU Engineered NA Cabinet Unallocated  
  Components Components Components Corporate & Other Consolidated
           
Net sales, three months ended January 31, 2016 $121,048  $33,068  $48,525  $(1,173) $201,468 
Market volume  433   3,564   5,157   630   9,784 
Eliminated products  (10,965)  -   (1,102)  -   (12,067)
Price changes  (11)  (165)  416   -   240 
Foreign currency impacts  -   (4,898)  -   -   (4,898)
Mergers & acquisitions  -   -   -   -   - 
Raw material pass through adjustments  568   -   1   -   569 
Net Sales, three months ended January 31, 2017 $111,073  $31,569  $52,997  $(543) $195,096