Press Release Details

View all news

Brush Engineered Materials Inc. Reports Significantly Improved Second Quarter 2004 Earnings Per Share of $0.38; Sales up 26% Compared to Second Quarter 2003

07/28/2004

CLEVELAND, Jul 28, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Brush Engineered Materials Inc. (NYSE:BW) today reported second quarter net income of $6.6 million or $0.38 per share, diluted. The Company broke even in the second quarter of 2003. Sales for the second quarter of 2004 were up 26% to $128.6 million compared to second quarter 2003 sales of $101.8 million. The significant improvement in earnings is due to increased sales volume, improved margins and continued gains in operating efficiency. Gross margin as a percent of sales improved to approximately 23% compared to 19% in the second quarter of 2003.

The strong quarterly sales were driven by strength in the Company's key end-use markets, including telecommunications and computer, automotive electronics and data storage, and continued success with the development and introduction of new products. This is the sixth consecutive quarter in which sales were higher than in the prior year's comparable quarter. Metal prices and exchange rates accounted for $5.2 million of the $26.8 million sales improvement.

First half 2004 net income was $10.3 million or $0.60 per share diluted. The Company had a net loss of $3.0 million or $0.18 per share diluted in the first half of 2003. Gross margin as a percent of sales improved to 23% versus 18% in the first half of 2003. Year-to-date sales of $254.5 million were 26% higher than 2003 first half sales of $201.3 million. Metal prices and exchange rates accounted for $11.6 million of the $53.2 million sales improvement. First half operating profit improved by $16.1 million over the comparable period of 2003. Approximately 39% of the sales growth for the first half of the year flowed through to operating profit after considering metal prices and exchange rates.

Subsequent to the end of the second quarter, the Company announced the completion of a common stock offering of approximately 2.1 million newly issued shares. The net proceeds from the offering, after deducting the estimated fees, were approximately $35.0 million. The majority of the proceeds were used to repay outstanding borrowings under the Company's revolving line of credit and $5.0 million of the proceeds was used to repay a portion of the Company's long-term subordinated debt. In addition, as part of the public offering, the underwriters have an option to purchase up to an additional 0.3 million shares to cover over-allotments. If exercised, the option could generate up to an additional $5.7 million in net proceeds.

    Business Segment Reporting

    Metal Systems Group

The Metal Systems Group consists of Alloy Products, Technical Materials, Inc. (TMI) and Beryllium Products.

The Metal Systems Group's second quarter sales of $77.1 million were 27% higher than second quarter 2003 sales of $60.7 million. Year-to-date sales of $153.1 million were 26% higher than the sales of $121.9 million for the prior year.

The Metal Systems Group had a second quarter operating profit of $1.8 million compared to an operating loss of $2.8 million for the second quarter of 2003. The operating profit for the first half of 2004 was $5.0 million, an improvement of $11.2 million over the $6.2 million operating loss for the same period last year.

Alloy Products' second quarter sales of $54.7 million and first half sales of $107.2 million were each up approximately 30% compared to the same periods last year. Alloy continues to experience strength across its global major end-use markets including computer and telecommunications, automotive electronics, and industrial components. Alloy strip form products sales were up 37% while bulk products increased 15% compared to the first half of 2003. During the first half of 2004, Alloy Products continued to make progress with manufacturing efficiencies and the development and sales of its new beryllium and non-beryllium alloys. Although the Alloy order entry rate remains strong compared to the prior year, visibility is short and sales for the third quarter 2004 will be affected by the normal domestic and European seasonal factors.

TMI's second quarter sales of $14.6 million were up 37% over the second quarter of 2003. Sales of $28.3 million for the first half of 2004 were 26% higher than the first half sales of 2003. The growth has been driven by strong demand from the telecommunications and computer market. Sales to the automotive electronics market were stable. TMI's third quarter sales will also be impacted by the seasonal factors.

Beryllium Products' second quarter sales of $7.8 million were about flat with 2003 second quarter sales of $7.9 million while first half sales of $17.5 million were slightly above 2003 first half sales of $16.8 million. The outlook for defense and medical applications remains positive.

Microelectronics Group

The Microelectronics Group includes Williams Advanced Materials Inc. (WAM) and Electronic Products.

The Microelectronics Group's sales for the second quarter of 2004 of $51.5 million were 37% above second quarter 2003 sales of $37.7 million. Sales for the first six months of 2004 of $101.4 million were 33% above 2003 first half sales of $76.0 million. Operating profit for the second quarter was $4.8 million, 37% above the second quarter of 2003. Operating profit year-to-date was $10.3 million, 72% above the first half 2003 operating profit of $6.0 million.

WAM's 2004 second quarter sales of $43.5 million were 46% above second quarter 2003 sales of $29.8 million. WAM's sales for the first half of $85.6 million were 42% above the same period last year. The strong growth in the second quarter and first half of 2004 is attributable to the strong demand in the data storage and wireless handset markets.

Electronic Products' second quarter sales of $8.0 million and first half sales of $15.8 million were up slightly compared to the second quarter 2003 sales of $7.9 million and first half 2003 sales of $15.7 million.

Outlook

The Company's end-use markets continue to reflect positive trends and strong growth rates. Although the third quarter is usually affected by seasonal factors such as holiday periods in Europe and domestic maintenance shutdowns, the Company currently expects the third quarter to grow at rates similar to those experienced the past three quarters. Third quarter sales are currently expected to be at least 20% higher than the prior year's third quarter sales of $94.2 million.

Chairman's Comments

Commenting on the results, Gordon D. Harnett, Chairman, President and CEO, stated, "I am pleased to report the significant improvement in earnings for the second quarter and first half of 2004. Importantly, we are seeing good earnings leverage from the growth in sales. Our initiatives to lower cost and improve operating efficiencies continue to provide strong year-over-year margin improvement. Our new market and new product initiatives are also adding to the revenue growth. We remain committed to these initiatives and look forward to continued improvement in the second half of 2004."

Forward-Looking Statements

Portions of the content set forth in this document that are not statements of historical or current facts are forward-looking statements. The Company's actual future performance, including performance in the near term, may materially differ from that contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors. These factors include, in addition to those mentioned elsewhere herein:

    --  The condition of the markets which the Company serves, whether
        defined geographically or by market, with the major markets
        being telecommunications and computer, optical media,
        automotive electronics, industrial components, aerospace and
        defense and appliance.

    --  Actual sales, operating rates and margins in the third quarter
        2004 and for the full year of 2004.

    --  Changes in product mix.

    --  The financial condition of particular customers.

    --  The Company's success in implementing its strategic plans and
        the timely and successful completion of any capital expansion
        projects.

    --  Other factors, including, interest rates, exchange rates, tax
        rates, pension costs, energy costs, raw material costs and the
        cost and availability of insurance.

    --  Changes in government regulatory requirements and the
        enactment of any new legislation that impacts the Company's
        obligations.

    --  The conclusion of pending litigation matters in accordance
        with the Company's expectation that there will be no material
        adverse effects.

    --  Additional risk factors that may affect the Company's results
        are identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the S-3
        Registration Statement of the Company filed with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2004.

Brush Engineered Materials Inc. is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, supplies worldwide markets with beryllium products, alloy products, electronic products, precious metal products, and engineered material systems.

                    Brush Engineered Materials Inc.
                          Digest of Earnings
                             July 2, 2004

                                               2004          2003
                                          ------------- -------------

Second Quarter

   Net Sales                              $128,639,000  $101,805,000

   Net Income                               $6,571,000       $37,000

   Share Earnings - Basic                        $0.39         $0.00

   Average Shares - Basic                   16,704,568    16,563,098

   Share Earnings - Diluted                      $0.38         $0.00

   Average Shares - Diluted                 17,127,698    16,639,382

Year-to-date

   Net Sales                              $254,501,000  $201,323,000

   Net Income (Loss)                       $10,324,000   ($2,979,000)

   Share Earnings - Basic                        $0.62        ($0.18)

   Average Shares - Basic                   16,661,099    16,562,283

   Share Earnings - Diluted                      $0.60        ($0.18)

   Average Shares - Diluted                 17,107,295    16,562,283


Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
                                                    July 2,  Dec. 31,
(Dollars in thousands)                               2004      2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Current assets
   Cash and cash equivalents                        $10,325    $5,062
   Accounts receivable                               67,950    55,102
   Inventories                                      100,030    87,396
   Prepaid expenses                                   5,674     5,454
   Deferred income taxes                                 51       291
                                                   --------- ---------
        Total current assets                        184,030   153,305

Other assets                                         16,006    18,902
Long-term deferred income taxes                       1,393       704

Property, plant and equipment                       537,679   535,421
   Less allowances for depreciation,
    depletion and impairment                        355,873   344,575
                                                   --------- ---------
                                                    181,806   190,846

Goodwill                                              7,992     7,859
                                                   --------- ---------
                                                   $391,227  $371,616
                                                   ========= =========

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities
   Short-term debt                                  $25,516   $13,387
   Accounts payable                                  16,994    16,038
   Other liabilities and accrued items               38,200    37,366
   Income taxes                                         928     1,373
                                                   --------- ---------
        Total current liabilities                    81,638    68,164

Other long-term liabilities                          12,219    14,739
Retirement and post-employment benefits              50,439    49,358
Long-term debt                                       78,581    85,756
Minority interest in subsidiary                           -        26

Shareholders' equity                                168,350   153,573
                                                   --------- ---------
                                                   $391,227  $371,616
                                                   ========= =========

See notes to consolidated financial statements.



Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands   Second Quarter Ended      First Half Ended
 except share and per    July 2,    June 27,     July 2,    June 27,
 share amounts)           2004        2003        2004        2003
---------------------------------------------- -----------------------

Net sales                $128,639    $101,805    $254,501    $201,323
  Cost of sales            99,198      82,941     195,483     165,346
                       ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Gross margin               29,441      18,864      59,018      35,977
  Selling, general and
   administrative expenses 19,161      16,611      38,208      33,909
  Research and
   development expenses     1,098         928       2,366       2,036
  Other-net                   127         230       3,319         976
                       ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating profit (loss)     9,055       1,095      15,125        (944)
  Interest expense          2,389         834       4,607       1,606
                       ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before
 income taxes               6,666         261      10,518      (2,550)

  Minority interest             -         (22)          -         (22)
  Income taxes                 95         246         194         451
                       ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Net income (loss)          $6,571         $37     $10,324     $(2,979)
                       =========== =========== =========== ===========

Per share of common
 stock:    basic            $0.39       $0.00       $0.62      $(0.18)

Weighted average
 number of common
 shares outstanding    16,704,568  16,563,098  16,661,099  16,562,283

Per share of common
 stock:    diluted          $0.38       $0.00       $0.60      $(0.18)

Weighted average
 number of common
 shares outstanding    17,127,698  16,639,382  17,107,295  16,562,283

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
                                                     First Half Ended
                                                     July 2,  June 27,
(Dollars in thousands)                                2004      2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income (loss)                                    $10,324  ($2,979)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
 cash used in operating activities:
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization            12,025   10,021
  Amortization of deferred financing costs in
   interest expense                                      722      163
  Derivative financial instrument ineffectiveness         (1)      58
  Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable         (13,344) (10,461)
  Decrease (increase) in inventory                   (12,923)   5,754
  Decrease (increase) in prepaid and other current
   assets                                                293    1,666
  Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and
   accrued expenses                                    4,287    1,870
  Increase (decrease) in interest and taxes payable   (1,033)     105
  Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes          (709)     147
  Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities    (374)     173
  Other - net                                          1,771      653
                                                     -------- --------
         Net cash provided from operating activities   1,038    7,170

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Payments for purchase of property, plant and
   equipment                                          (2,959)  (3,212)
  Payments for mine development                         (120)    (101)
  Proceeds from other investments                         14        -
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and
   equipment                                              15        8
                                                     -------- --------
         Net cash used in investing activities        (3,050)  (3,305)

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from issuance/(repayment) of short-term
   debt                                               13,557   (4,959)
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                24    2,000
  Repayment of long-term debt                         (8,629)  (4,034)
  Issuance of common stock under stock option plans    2,381        -
                                                     -------- --------
         Net cash provided from (used in)
          financing activities                         7,333   (6,993)
Effects of exchange rate changes                         (58)      78
                                                     -------- --------
         Net change in cash and cash equivalents       5,263   (3,050)
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     5,062    4,357
                                                     -------- --------
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period         $10,325   $1,307
                                                     ======== ========

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)


Note A - Accounting Policies

In management's opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial
statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the
financial position as of July 2, 2004 and December 31, 2003 and the
results of operations for the three and six month periods ended
July 2, 2004 and June 27, 2003. All of the adjustments were of a
normal and recurring nature. Certain items in the prior year have been
reclassified to conform to the 2004 consolidated financial statement
presentation.


Note B - Inventories
                                                  July 2,  Dec. 31,
(Dollars in thousands)                             2004      2003
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Principally average cost:
  Raw materials and supplies                      $23,655  $24,990
  Work in process                                  74,631   65,212
  Finished goods                                   28,457   20,637
                                                 --------- --------
     Gross inventories                            126,743  110,839

Excess of average cost over LIFO
   Inventory value                                 26,713   23,443
                                                 --------- --------
   Net inventories                               $100,030  $87,396
                                                 ========= ========


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)


Note C -  Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The reconciliation between net income (loss) and comprehensive income
(loss) for the three and six month periods ended July 2, 2004 and
June 27, 2003 is as follows:

                               Second Quarter Ended  First Half Ended
                                July 2,   June 27,  July 2,  June 27,
(Dollars in thousands)           2004       2003     2004      2003
------------------------------ ---------- --------- -------- ---------

 Net income (loss)                $6,571       $37  $10,324   $(2,979)

 Cumulative translation adjustment  (356)        3     (131)      (70)

 Change in the fair value of
  derivative financial
  instruments                      1,424    (3,065)   2,353    (1,900)
                               ---------- --------- -------- ---------

 Comprehensive income (loss)      $7,639   $(3,025) $12,546   $(4,949)
                               ========== ========= ======== =========


Note D - Segment Reporting

(Dollars in           Metal      Micro-      Total     All
 thousands)          Systems   Electronics  Segments  Other    Total
------------------  --------- ------------ --------- ------- ---------
Second Quarter 2004
-------------------
Revenues from
 external customers  $77,129      $51,510  $128,639      $-  $128,639

Intersegment revenues    856          391     1,247   6,185     7,432

Operating profit       1,795        4,804     6,599   2,456     9,055


Second Quarter 2003
-------------------
Revenues from
 external customers  $60,670      $37,650   $98,320  $3,485  $101,805

Intersegment revenues    817          246     1,063   4,081     5,144

Operating profit
 (loss)               (2,775)       3,473       698     397     1,095


First Half 2004
----------------
Revenues from
 external customers $153,087     $101,414  $254,501      $-  $254,501

Intersegment revenues  2,070          687     2,757  11,482    14,239

Operating profit
 (loss)                4,971       10,293    15,264    (139)   15,125


First Half 2003
---------------
Revenues from
 external customers $121,877      $75,961  $197,838  $3,485  $201,323

Intersegment revenues  1,718          518     2,236   7,654     9,890

Operating profit
 (loss)               (6,199)       6,010      (189)   (755)     (944)

SOURCE: Brush Engineered Materials Inc.

Brush Engineered Materials Inc.
Investors: Michael C. Hasychak, 216-383-6823
Media: Patrick S. Carpenter, 216-383-6835
http://www.beminc.com
Customize your Business Wire news & multimedia to match your needs.
Get breaking news from companies and organizations worldwide.
Logon for FREE today at www.BusinessWire.com.

Copyright (C) 2004 Business Wire. All rights reserved.

News Provided by COMTEX

Multimedia Files:

View all news