EX-99 3 r8k20030206ex99_1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1 EXHIBIT 99

EXHIBIT 99.1

CARBO CERAMICS INC. ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND 2002 EARNINGS

Conference Call Scheduled for Today, 10:00 a.m. Central Time

Irving, Texas (February 6, 2003) -- CARBO Ceramics Inc. (NYSE: CRR), a manufacturer of ceramic proppants for use in the hydraulic fracturing of natural gas and oil wells, today announced net income of $3.9 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, on revenues of $31.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2002. This compares with net income of $6.3 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, on revenues of $31.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2001. Results for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 include a reserve of $1.0 million, on a pre-tax basis, for a judgment against the company in a lawsuit alleging tortious interference with a contract. The company is appealing the judgment but has reserved what it believes to be the maximum amount for which it may be held liable on appeal. Excluding this reserve, net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 would have been $0.29 per diluted share.

Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2002 increased by 2 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2001. Proppant sales volume remained strong, declining only 2 percent to 109 million pounds, despite a 15 percent decline in the U.S. natural gas rig count compared to the fourth quarter of 2001. The U.S. natural gas rig count historically has been an important indicator for the company as the majority of the company's revenue is generated from the use of its products in natural gas wells. The average selling price for the quarter declined by 4 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2001 due to an increase in competitive pressures in the weak operating environment for the industry. Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2002 included $2.6 million from Pinnacle Technologies Inc., which was acquired by the company on May 31, 2002. Gross profit margins for the fourth quarter decreased to 41 percent versus 43 percent a year earlier. The decrease in gross profit margins was attributable to the reduction in the average selling price and an increase in manufacturing costs due to temporary production declines associated with the expansion of the company's McIntyre, Georgia manufacturing facility. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue were 20 percent, up from 12 percent in the prior year's fourth quarter. The increase in SG&A expenses is due primarily to the litigation reserve described above and the legal costs associated with the trial conducted in the fourth quarter. The decline in gross profit margin and increase in SG&A versus the fourth quarter of 2001 contributed to the 38 percent reduction in net income versus that quarter.

For the year ended December 31, 2002, the company reported net income of $19.7 million, or $1.28 per diluted share, on revenues of $126.3 million. Excluding the litigation reserve recorded in the fourth quarter, net income for the year ended December 31, 2002 would have been $1.32 per diluted share. This compares with 2001 net income of $26.2 million, or $1.74 per diluted share, on revenues of $137.2 million. The 2001 results include a charge of $2.2 million, net of tax, resulting from the modification of stock-based compensation of the former president at the time of his retirement in the second quarter of 2001. Excluding this non-recurring charge, net income for 2001 was $28.4 million, or $1.89 per diluted share.

Full year 2002 revenues decreased 8 percent from the previous year. Proppant sales volume declined 14 percent compared to 2001, driven by a 26 percent decline in the U.S. natural gas rig count. For the full year 2002, the average selling price increased slightly due to the relative strength of the company's export and high-strength product sales. Gross profit margins declined from 42% in 2001 to 41% in 2002.

CARBO Ceramics Fourth Quarter Earnings Release

February 6, 2003

Page 2

Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2002 increased from 2001 levels due primarily to the addition of expenses from Pinnacle Technologies Inc.

President and CEO, C. Mark Pearson commented, "Despite the disappointing financial results for the fourth quarter, we are extremely pleased with what we have achieved in 2002. The strength of our sales relative to natural gas drilling activity in North America is a clear indication that more operators understand the value that ceramic proppants can contribute to the development of their reserves. During the year, we completed our first international manufacturing facility in Luoyang, China and built and staffed a research and new product development center in New Iberia, Louisiana. We also completed a major expansion of our McIntyre, Georgia manufacturing facility and now have worldwide capacity in place to respond to what we believe will be an improving market in 2003."

On the outlook for 2003, Dr. Pearson stated, "Like many in the industry, we believe that strong natural gas prices will result in increased drilling activity in 2003. We believe that our continued penetration of the proppant market will allow us to increase our sales volume in excess of the projected increase in natural gas drilling. We also expect that gross profit and operating margins will improve with higher sales volumes."

As previously announced, a conference call to discuss the company's fourth quarter and full-year results has been scheduled for today at 10:00 a.m. central time. To participate in the call, please dial

719-457-2643 and refer to confirmation code 473837. The call can also be accessed live or on a delayed basis via the company's Web site, www.carboceramics.com or by accessing the following URL: http://www.firstcallevents.com/service/ajwz373946745gf12.html

CARBO Ceramics Inc. is based in Irving, Texas.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including price volatility, operation and other risks and other factors described in the company's publicly available SEC reports, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

- tables follow -

 

 

CARBO Ceramics Fourth Quarter Earnings Release

February 6, 2003

Page 3

 

 

Three Months Ended

December 31

Year Ended

December 31

             2002   

             2001   

             2002   

             2001   

(In thousands except per share data)

(In thousands except per share data)

Revenues

$ 31,862

$ 31,121

$ 126,308

$ 137,226

Operating expenses:

Cost of sales

18,874

17,793

74,672

78,975

Selling, general & administrative

6,391

3,778

19,857

18,641

Start-up costs

        551

          20

      1,099

           35

Total operating expenses

   25,816

   21,591

95,628

    97,651

Operating income

6,046

9,530

30,680

39,575

Net interest income

117

167

486

890

Other income (expense)

         (6)

        147

              77

            216

Income before income taxes

6,157

9,844

31,243

40,681

Income taxes

    2,262

    3,518

    11,529

    14,483

Net income

$  3,895

$  6,326

$  19,714

$  26,198

 

Earnings per share:

Basic

$0.25

$0.42

$1.29

$1.76

Diluted

$0.25

$0.42

$1.28

$1.74

Average shares outstanding:

Basic

15,390

14,936

15,233

14,897

Diluted

15,528

15,069

15,375

15,042

 

Selected Balance Sheet Information

 

Dec. 31, 2002

Dec. 31, 2001

 

(in thousands)

Total current assets

$ 64,867

$ 76,502

Net property, plant and equipment

111,797

82,527

Other assets, net

22,946

-

Total assets

199,610

159,029

Total current liabilities

17,940

11,127

Deferred income taxes

13,085

10,960

Shareholders' equity

168,585

136,942

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$ 199,610

$ 159,029