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Brush Engineered Materials Inc. Reports Second Quarter Sales up 5% Compared to Prior Year; Second Quarter EPS $0.29

07/28/2005

CLEVELAND, Jul 28, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Brush Engineered Materials Inc. (NYSE:BW) today reported second quarter sales were $134.7 million, up 5% compared to the second quarter of 2004. Approximately one third of the sales increase for the quarter was due to higher metal prices. Second quarter 2005 was the tenth consecutive quarter where sales were higher than the comparable quarter of the prior year.

The increase in sales for the second quarter of 2005 was primarily due to continued strength in the magnetic media and industrial components markets as well as sales of materials for the optical mirrors for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and shipments of beryllium hydroxide. Sales were negatively affected in the quarter by continued weakness in automotive electronics and in certain segments of the telecommunications and computer markets.

Net income for the second quarter was $5.5 million or $0.29 per share diluted, down $1.1 million compared to $6.6 million or $0.38 per share diluted in the second quarter of 2004. The benefit of the higher sales was offset by an unfavorable product mix. In addition, higher copper prices, foreign currency exchange losses and a valuation adjustment of a financial derivative reduced earnings by approximately $1.6 million in the quarter. The unfavorable mix and higher copper prices were factors in the second quarter gross margins being 1.3 points below the second quarter of the prior year.

For the first six months of the year sales were $265.0 million, up 4% compared to the same period of the prior year. The first half net income was $9.8 million or $0.51 per share diluted, down $0.5 million compared to net income of $10.3 million or $0.60 per share diluted for the first half of 2004. Product mix and higher copper prices have had a negative effect on first half net income. These factors offset the benefit of the higher sales volume.

Business Segment Reporting

Metal Systems Group

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

The Metal Systems Group now includes Brush Resources Inc., our Utah mine and mill, which previously was classified in Other. This reclassification better reflects how the operations are now managed. Brush Resources produces beryllium hydroxide, a raw material input for our beryllium businesses and for sale to external customers. Prior year results have been adjusted to reflect the change.

The Metal Systems Group's second quarter sales were $78.5 million, 2% higher than second quarter 2004 sales of $77.1 million. Year-to-date sales of $158.0 million were 3% higher than sales of $153.1 million for the prior year.

The Metal Systems Group had a second quarter operating profit of $3.5 million, up 24% from the second quarter of 2004. The operating profit for the first half of 2005 was $6.1 million versus $5.4 million for the first half of 2004. Operating profit for the second quarter and the first half was higher due to lower operating expenses which offset the negative effect of a weaker product mix.

Alloy Products' 2005 second quarter sales of $51.1 million and first half sales of $103.7 million were down 7% and 3% respectively as compared to second quarter sales of $54.7 million and first half sales of $107.2 million for 2004. Alloy bulk sales were up 18% over the first half of 2004 driven by strength from the oil and gas, aerospace and heavy equipment markets. A significant portion of this growth is from new products. Strip products grew at a higher rate than the worldwide telecommunications and computer market growth in the first half of 2004, however, in the first half 2005 strip product sales were down 12% due principally to inventory levels being reduced at several customers which serve this market. In addition the automotive electronics market was weak during the first half of 2005, especially due to the U.S. "Big Three" automotive manufacturers being down significantly compared to the prior year. Although order entry has recently improved, sales to the automotive, telecommunications and computer markets will be affected by the normal third quarter domestic and European seasonal factors. Therefore it is expected that Alloy Products' sales for the third quarter will be about flat with the second quarter 2005 sales but ahead of last year's third quarter.

TMI's second quarter sales were $12.5 million, down 14% compared to the second quarter of 2004. Sales of $25.3 million for the first half of 2005 were down 11% compared to the first half of 2004. TMI sales have been negatively impacted throughout the first half of the year by weakness in the automotive electronics market. Sales related to the telecommunications and computer market, although weaker during the first half, are beginning to improve. In addition, TMI expects a positive impact from its new product initiatives.

Beryllium Products' second quarter sales were $11.7 million and first half sales were $25.8 million, up 49% and 47% respectively compared to the same periods of last year. The majority of the strong sales growth during the first half was a result of sales of material for the optical mirrors for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. It is anticipated that Beryllium Products' sales will be weaker in the second half due to a slowdown in the defense segment and the expected lower second half sales of material for the Webb telescope.

Brush Resources had external sales of beryllium hydroxide totaling $3.2 million in the first half of 2005, all of which occurred in the second quarter. There were no external sales of hydroxide in the first half of 2004.

Product mix hurt margins in this segment's Alloy and TMI computer and telecommunications and automotive electronics businesses.

Microelectronics Group

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

The Microelectronics Group's sales for the second quarter of 2005 were $56.1 million, 9% above second quarter 2004 sales of $51.5 million. Sales for the first six months of 2005 were $107.0 million, 6% above 2004 first half sales of $101.4 million. Operating profit for the second quarter was $4.8 million, 1% below the second quarter of 2004. Operating profit year-to-date was $8.5 million, 17% below the first half 2004 operating profit of $10.3 million due to market shifts and related changes in mix which led to lower margins and differences in inventory valuations.

WAM's 2005 second quarter sales were $49.8 million, 15% above second quarter 2004 sales of $43.5 million. WAM's sales for the first half were $94.0 million, 10% above the same period of last year. The sales growth in the second quarter and first half of 2005 is due to continued strong demand in magnetic media, performance film, semiconductor and the wireless photonic handset markets. This strength is expected to continue throughout the remainder of the year. During the second quarter, WAM, through its subsidiary in the Netherlands, purchased OMC Scientific Holdings Limited (OMCS) of Limerick, Ireland for approximately $4.0 million in cash. OMCS provides physical vapor deposition material cleaning and reconditioning services to customers in the magnetic and optical data storage, semiconductor and other markets in Europe.

Electronic Products' second quarter sales were $6.3 million and first half sales were $13.0 million, down 21% and 18% respectively as compared to the second quarter and first half of 2004.

Outlook

As reported earlier, in the latter part of the first quarter the Company began to experience weakness in segments of its two largest markets, telecommunications and computer and automotive electronics. The market weakness continued through the second quarter and into the third quarter. In addition, while Asia remains strong, Europe has softened, particularly in automotive electronics. The softness in these markets is, however, being offset in part by continued strength in the magnetic media, handset, semiconductor and industrial component markets. New product growth is also helping to mitigate the weaker telecommunications and computer and automotive electronics market conditions.

New product opportunities remain encouraging. Although lead times are short and forecasting in this market environment continues to be difficult, we still expect the sales growth for the year to be in the 4% to 8% range. Second half 2005 sales are currently expected to be similar to the first half with an upside or downside potential of 5%.

Third quarter 2005 sales are currently expected to be in the range of 5% above or below the third quarter of the prior year and operating margins are expected to be similar. The third quarter of the prior year included a $1.0 million non-recurring gain related to the disposal of property.

Chairman's Comments

Commenting on the results, Gordon D. Harnett, Chairman and CEO, stated, "I am pleased to report continued quarter-on-quarter sales growth for the tenth consecutive quarter. While I am disappointed in the weakness in several of our larger markets and the resulting impact on earnings, I'm pleased and encouraged by our efforts to broaden and diversify our base, which when coupled with the introduction and continued development of new products, is leading to solid top line growth in those areas. We are committed in our efforts in these areas which are showing encouraging results and promising overall growth now and into 2006. We also are continuing to make good progress in our efforts to increase yield and productivity in our operations and reduce costs."

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 global economy;

-- The condition of the markets the Company serves, whether defined geographically or by segment, with the major market segments being telecommunications and computer, automotive electronic, magnetic and optical data storage, aerospace and defense, industrial components, and appliance;

-- The successful development and introduction of new products and applications;

-- Actual sales, operating rates and margins in the third quarter 2005 and for the full year of 2005;

-- Changes in product mix and the financial condition of key customers;

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

-- Other financial factors, including cost and availability of materials, interest rates, exchange rates, tax rates, pension costs, energy costs, regulatory compliance cost 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 uncertainties related to the impact of war and terrorist activities; and

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

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 1, 2005

                                               2005          2004
                                           ------------- -------------
Second Quarter

   Net Sales                               $134,651,000  $128,639,000

   Net Income                                $5,530,000    $6,571,000

   Share Earnings  - Basic                        $0.29         $0.39

   Average Shares - Basic                    19,224,298    16,704,568

   Share Earnings  - Diluted                      $0.29         $0.38

   Average Shares - Diluted                  19,351,865    17,127,698


Year-to-date

   Net Sales                               $265,023,000  $254,501,000

   Net Income                                $9,817,000   $10,324,000

   Share Earnings  - Basic                        $0.51         $0.62

   Average Shares - Basic                    19,210,887    16,661,099

   Share Earnings  - Diluted                      $0.51         $0.60

   Average Shares - Diluted                  19,374,139    17,107,295



Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
                                                    July 1,  Dec. 31,
(Dollars in thousands)                               2005      2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Current assets
   Cash and cash equivalents                        $11,206   $49,643
   Accounts receivable                               67,939    59,229
   Inventories                                      101,664    95,271
   Prepaid expenses                                   9,283     8,348
   Deferred income taxes                                531       275
                                                   --------- ---------
        Total current assets                        190,623   212,766

Other assets                                          8,785    14,876
Long-term deferred income taxes                         658       928

Property, plant and equipment                       547,828   540,937
   Less allowances for depreciation,
    depletion and impairment                        374,483   363,318
                                                   --------- ---------
                                                    173,345   177,619

Goodwill                                             10,805     7,992
                                                   --------- ---------
                                                   $384,216  $414,181
                                                   ========= =========

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities
   Short-term debt                                  $10,973   $11,692
   Current portion of long-term debt                    636    19,209
   Accounts payable                                  19,457    13,234
   Other liabilities and accrued items               32,930    50,452
   Unearned revenue                                       -     7,789
   Income taxes                                       1,008     1,591
                                                   --------- ---------
        Total current liabilities                    65,004   103,967

Other long-term liabilities                           9,921    10,798
Retirement and post-employment benefits              56,044    49,729
Long-term debt                                       41,515    41,549

Shareholders' equity                                211,732   208,138
                                                   --------- ---------
                                                   $384,216  $414,181
                                                   ========= =========
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 1,     July 2,     July 1,     July 2,
 share amounts)           2005        2004        2005        2004
---------------------------------------------- -----------------------

Net sales                $134,651    $128,639    $265,023    $254,501
     Cost of sales        105,545      99,198     207,340     195,483
                       ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Gross margin               29,106      29,441      57,683      59,018
  Selling, general and
   administrative expense  18,933      19,161      37,634      38,208
  Research and
   development expense      1,295       1,098       2,536       2,366
  Other-net                 1,453         127       3,664       3,319
                       ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating profit            7,425       9,055      13,849      15,125
  Interest expense          1,646       2,389       3,268       4,607
                       ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income before income
 taxes                      5,779       6,666      10,581      10,518

  Income taxes                249          95         764         194
                       ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Net income                 $5,530      $6,571      $9,817     $10,324
                       =========== =========== =========== ===========

Per share of common
 stock:    basic            $0.29       $0.39       $0.51       $0.62

Weighted average number
 of common shares
 outstanding           19,224,298  16,704,568  19,210,887  16,661,099

Per share of common
 stock:    diluted          $0.29       $0.38       $0.51       $0.60

Weighted average number
 of common shares
 outstanding           19,351,865  17,127,698  19,374,139  17,107,295

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
                                                     First Half Ended
                                                     July 1,  July 2,
(Dollars in thousands)                                 2005     2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income                                            $9,817  $10,324
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used
 in operating activities:
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization            10,680   12,025
  Amortization of deferred financing costs in
   interest expense                                      579      722
  Derivative financial instrument ineffectiveness        (94)      (1)
  Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable          (8,785) (13,344)
  Decrease (increase) in inventory                    (7,541) (12,923)
  Decrease (increase) in prepaid and other current
   assets                                              1,359      293
  Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued
   expenses                                           (7,894)   3,033
  Increase (decrease) in unearned revenue             (7,789)   1,254
  Increase (decrease) in interest and taxes payable   (1,969)  (1,033)
  Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities   1,348   (1,083)
  Other - net                                            984    1,771
                                                     -------- --------
          Net cash provided from (used in) operating
           activities                                 (9,305)   1,038

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Payments for purchase of property, plant and
   equipment                                          (4,860)  (2,959)
  Payments for purchase of business less cash
   received                                           (3,982)       -
  Payments for mine development                            -     (120)
  Purchase of equipment previously held under
   operating lease                                      (448)       -
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment     45       15
  Other investments - net                                (11)      14
                                                     -------- --------
          Net cash used in investing activities       (9,256)  (3,050)

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from issuance/(repayment) of short-term
   debt                                                 (673)  13,557
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                 -       24
  Repayment of long-term debt                        (18,607)  (8,629)
  Issuance of common stock under stock option plans      364    2,381
                                                     -------- --------
         Net cash provided from (used in) financing
          activities                                 (18,916)   7,333
Effects of exchange rate changes                        (960)     (58)
                                                     -------- --------
             Net change in cash and cash equivalents (38,437)   5,263
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  49,643    5,062
                                                     -------- --------
          Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $11,206  $10,325
                                                     ======== ========
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 1, 2005 and December 31, 2004 and the
results of operations for the second quarter and first half ended July
1, 2005 and July 2, 2004. All of the adjustments were of a normal and
recurring nature. Certain items in the prior year have been
reclassified to conform to the 2005 consolidated financial statement
presentation.


Note B - Inventories
                                                     July 1,  Dec. 31,
(Dollars in thousands)                                2005      2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Principally average cost:
  Raw materials and supplies                         $24,521  $22,705
  Work in process                                     79,976   77,438
  Finished goods                                      29,981   27,538
                                                    --------- --------
     Gross inventories                               134,478  127,681

Excess of average cost over LIFO
   Inventory value                                    32,814   32,410
                                                    --------- --------
   Net inventories                                  $101,664  $95,271
                                                    ========= ========


Note C -  Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The reconciliation between net income and comprehensive income (loss)
for the second quarter and first half ended July 1, 2005 and July 2,
2004 is as follows:

                                Second Quarter Ended First Half Ended
                                 July 1,    July 2,  July 1,  July 2,
(Dollars in thousands)             2005      2004      2005     2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------

 Net income                        $5,530    $6,571   $9,817  $10,324

 Cumulative translation adjustment   (123)     (356)    (997)    (131)

 Change in the fair value of
  derivative financial instruments  2,389     1,424    5,649    2,353

 Minimum pension liability        (11,138)        -  (11,138)       -
                                ---------- --------- -------- --------

 Comprehensive income (loss)      $(3,342)   $7,639   $3,331  $12,546
                                ========== ========= ======== ========

The $11.1 million charge to comprehensive loss in the second quarter
2005 for the minimum pension liability resulted from the remeasurement
of the domestic defined benefit pension plan.


Note D - Segment Reporting

Effective January 1, 2005, the operating results of Brush Resources
Inc. are included as part of the Metal Systems Group. Previously, the
operating results of Brush Resources were included as part of All
Other in the segment disclosures. Brush Resources sells beryllium
hydroxide, produced through its Utah operations, to outside customers
and to businesses within the Metal Systems Group. This change is more
reflective of how the Company's businesses are evaluated. The 2004
amounts presented below have been reclassified to reflect this change.

                        Metal      Micro-      Total     All
(Dollars in thousands) Systems   Electronics  Segments  Other   Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Second Quarter 2005
-------------------
Revenues from external
 customers             $78,503      $56,148  $134,651     $-  $134,651

Intersegment revenues      630          543     1,173      -     1,173

Operating profit (loss)  3,490        4,766     8,256   (831)    7,425


Second Quarter 2004
-------------------
Revenues from external
 customers             $77,129      $51,510  $128,639     $-  $128,639

Intersegment revenues      856          391     1,247      -     1,247

Operating profit         2,809        4,804     7,613  1,442     9,055


First Half 2005
---------------
Revenues from external
 customers            $157,984     $107,039  $265,023     $-  $265,023

Intersegment revenues    1,221          773     1,994      -     1,994

Operating profit (loss)  6,108        8,462    14,570   (721)   13,849


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

Intersegment revenues    2,070          687     2,757      -     2,757

Operating profit (loss)  5,407       10,293    15,700   (575)   15,125

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

Copyright Business Wire 2005

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