EX-99.1 2 a5638457ex99_1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Worthington Reports Third Quarter Results

EPS Rise 28% From Prior Quarter and Nearly Quadruple Prior Year

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Worthington Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WOR) today reported results for the three- and nine-month periods ended February 29, 2008.

(U.S. dollars in millions, except per share data)

       

3Q2008

2Q2008

3Q2007

9M2008

9M2007

Net sales $ 725.7 $ 713.7 $ 677.3 $ 2,198.3 $ 2,185.2
Operating income 18.1 11.5 2.2 49.5 87.5
Equity income 15.7 14.9 13.5 45.6 46.5
Net earnings 18.3 14.7 5.5 53.2 75.7
Earnings per share $ 0.23 $ 0.18 $ 0.06 $ 0.65 $ 0.87
 

EBITDA*

$ 48.7 $ 39.7 $ 30.0 $ 137.9 $ 178.0
 

*Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. See reconciliation on consolidated statement of earnings.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2008, net sales were $725.7 million, an increase of 7% from $677.3 million last year. Third quarter net earnings were $18.3 million and earnings per diluted share were $0.23, compared to $5.5 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the same period last year. Net earnings for the third quarter included $2.6 million in pre-tax restructuring charges, $1.4 million of which was non-cash, primarily related to previously announced plant closures in the Metal Framing segment. These charges had a negative impact of $0.02 on reported earnings per share.

For the nine-month period, net sales of $2,198.3 million, were 1% higher than $2,185.2 million for the same period last year. Net earnings were $53.2 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, compared to $75.7 million, or $0.87 per diluted share, for the same period last year. Year-to-date results were negatively impacted by $9.9 million in pre-tax restructuring charges, or $0.08 per share, related to early retirement, severance and plant closures.

“Our performance this quarter showed significant improvement,” said Chairman and CEO, John McConnell. “Pressure Cylinders and our WAVE joint venture, which posted a record third quarter, continued producing excellent results. Metal Framing made great strides as efforts to reduce cost and improve customer service are beginning to net results.” McConnell added, “The entire team has pulled together to help this segment successfully implement its turnaround plan. Steel Processing has also done an excellent job of increasing volumes and market share to help offset the weakness in the automotive sector.”

“Our employees are doing a very good job of eliminating or changing the way we work, resulting in permanent reductions in cost and improved efficiencies. We have removed $12 million in costs so far this year. Once the plant closings in Metal Framing are completed and other identified cost reductions are fully implemented, we expect our total cost savings to reach a $39 million annual run rate in 2010.”

Third Quarter Highlights

  • The Steel Processing segment increased volumes by 9%, compared to the prior year, as a result of new business.
  • The Metal Framing segment returned to operating profitability for the month of February, excluding the impact of restructuring charges and a pension charge.
  • Quarterly net sales in the Pressure Cylinders segment were a third quarter record of $138.3 million. Operating income was down from last year’s third quarter record but remained well above historical levels.
  • Equity income from nine unconsolidated joint ventures totaled $15.7 million led by record third quarter earnings at Worthington Armstrong Venture (WAVE) and the addition of the new Serviacero Worthington joint venture in Mexico.
  • Cash dividends received from unconsolidated joint ventures totaled $13.0 million for the quarter.
  • Cash provided by operating activities was $11.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and $108.2 million for the year to date. Capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions, were $10.6 million and $37.2 million for the same periods.
  • During the third quarter, $13.9 million was paid to shareholders in a regular quarterly dividend. At quarter end, the dividend yielded a 3.9% annualized return.
  • During the third quarter, the company repurchased 2.3 million common shares, reducing total outstanding shares to 79.3 million at quarter end.

Quarterly Segment Results

In the Steel Processing segment, quarterly net sales rose 8%, or $26.1 million, to $350.4 million from $324.3 million in the comparable quarter of fiscal 2007. Volumes rose 9%, partially offset by lower average pricing (down 1%), as the segment benefited from a concerted sales effort focused on generating new business. Segment results were negatively impacted by an unplanned furnace outage at Severstal, the primary supplier to, and minority partner in, the company’s Spartan Steel Coating joint venture, which is consolidated in this segment. Operating income increased in spite of the business interruption because of higher volumes and a wider spread between average selling prices and material costs compared to the depressed spreads of a year ago.

In the Metal Framing segment, net sales increased 5%, or $8.9 million, to $182.8 million from $173.9 million in the comparable quarter of fiscal 2007, due to higher volumes (up 5%). While average selling prices were comparable to the year ago period, they increased from what had been a declining trend since then and were up 4% from the second quarter. Selling prices are steadily rising in conjunction with rapidly rising steel raw material costs. Price increases were implemented in both January and February and additional monthly increases have been announced through May. The operating loss narrowed as the spread between selling prices and material costs improved significantly compared to the depressed levels of a year ago. Much of the improvement was a result of lower material costs associated with a more favorable mix of inventory. Reported results were hurt by $2.5 million in pre-tax restructuring charges related to announced plant closures (see press release dated September 25, 2007, for more detail) and a $1.5 million pre-tax pension charge related to the resolution of a legal matter. The remaining plant closures are expected to be substantially complete by fiscal year end. Measurable cost savings related to these closures, estimated at $9 million annually, are not expected until fiscal 2009.

In the Pressure Cylinders segment, net sales increased 3%, or $4.6 million, to $138.3 million from $133.7 million in the comparable quarter of fiscal 2007. Stronger foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar positively impacted reported U.S. dollar sales of the non-U.S. operations by $6.7 million compared to last year. Improved volumes in both the European and North American markets were offset by lower average pricing resulting from changes to the product mix as well as to pricing in the European market. Capacity increases by European producers and increased imports into Europe from the U.S. and China drove a significant pricing decline in the European high pressure product line. While operating income fell from the year ago quarter, the results were well above previous historical levels due to continued strength in both the European and North American operations.

Worthington’s joint ventures added significantly to third quarter results as equity income from the nine unconsolidated affiliates rose 16% totaling $15.7 million, compared to $13.5 million in the year ago quarter. WAVE continued to contribute the vast majority of equity earnings. Its earnings were a third quarter record, up 22% from the record set last year. Compared to the year ago quarter, equity income increased due primarily to WAVE and to Worthington’s new Mexican joint venture, Serviacero Worthington.

Cost Reduction Initiative Update

Progress continued on the company’s cost reduction program, announced in September 2007, which included dozens of initiatives related to overhead expense reductions and plant closures.

(1) Overhead expense reductions: Initiatives have been identified that are expected to yield $30 million in annualized expense savings, and half have been implemented. Realized savings to date are $12 million.

(2) Plant closures: Five metal framing facilities were identified for closure or downsizing in September 2007. These closures are expected to result in $9 million in annual savings once fully implemented. In February 2008, the first facility was closed in Wildwood, Florida. The remaining facilities are slated for closure over the next several months and related savings will begin shortly thereafter. Restructuring charges taken to date total $7 million of the expected $15 million.

Realized cost savings for the entire cost reduction program are expected to increase for the balance of fiscal 2008 and throughout fiscal 2009 and reach the full $39 million annual savings run rate in fiscal 2010.

Other

Share Repurchases

During the quarter, 2,271,300 shares were repurchased. A portion of the shares (1,370,800) completed a 10 million share authorization announced on June 13, 2005. The remaining portion of shares (900,500) were purchased under a 10 million share authorization announced on September 26, 2007. Purchases may occur from time to time, on the open market or in private transactions with consideration given to the market price of the stock, the nature of other investment opportunities, cash flows from operations and general economic conditions.

Dividend Declared

On February 19, 2008, the board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share payable March 29, 2008, to shareholders of record on March 15, 2008.

Conference Call

Worthington will review third quarter results during its quarterly conference call today, March 20, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Details on the conference call can be found on the company web site at www.WorthingtonIndustries.com

Corporate Profile

Worthington Industries is a leading diversified metal processing company with annual sales of approximately $3 billion. The Columbus, Ohio, based company is North America’s premier value-added steel processor and a leader in manufactured metal products such as metal framing, pressure cylinders, automotive past model service stampings, metal ceiling grid systems and laser welded blanks. Worthington employs more than 8,000 people and operates 69 facilities in 10 countries.

Founded in 1955, the company operates under a long-standing corporate philosophy rooted in the golden rule, with earning money for its shareholders as the first corporate goal. This philosophy, an unwavering commitment to the customer, and one of the strongest employee/employer partnerships in American industry serve as the company’s foundation.

Safe Harbor Statement

The company wishes to take advantage of the Safe Harbor provisions included in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Statements by the company relating to future or expected performance, sales, operating results and earnings per share; projected capacity and working capital needs; pricing trends for raw materials and finished goods; anticipated capital expenditures and asset sales; projected timing, results, costs, charges and expenditures related to acquisitions or to facility startups, dispositions, shutdowns and consolidations; new products and markets; expectations for company and customer inventories, jobs and orders; expectations for the economy and markets; expected benefits from turnaround plans, plant closings, cost reduction efforts and other new initiatives; expectations for improving margins and increasing shareholder value; effects of judicial rulings and other non-historical matters constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Act. Because they are based on beliefs, estimates and assumptions, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Any number of factors could affect actual results, including, without limitation, product demand and pricing; changes in product mix, product substitution and market acceptance of the company’s products; fluctuations in pricing, quality or availability of raw materials (particularly steel), supplies, transportation, utilities and other items required by operations; effects of facility closures and the consolidation of operations; the effect of consolidation and other changes within the steel, automotive, construction and related industries; failure to maintain appropriate levels of inventories; the ability to realize targeted expense reductions such as head count reductions, facility closures and other expense reductions; the ability to realize other cost savings and operational efficiencies on a timely basis; the overall success of, and the ability to integrate, newly-acquired businesses and achieve synergies therefrom; capacity levels and efficiencies within facilities and within the industry as a whole; financial difficulties (including bankruptcy filings) of customers, suppliers, joint venture partners and others with whom the company does business; the effect of national, regional and worldwide economic conditions generally and within major product markets, including a prolonged or substantial economic downturn; the effect of disruption in business of suppliers, customers, facilities and shipping operations due to adverse weather, casualty events, equipment breakdowns, acts of war or terrorist activities or other causes; changes in customer inventories, spending patterns, product choices, and supplier choices; risks associated with doing business internationally, including economic, political and social instability, and foreign currency exposure; the ability to improve and maintain processes and business practices to keep pace with the economic, competitive and technological environment; adverse claims experience with respect to workers compensation, product recalls or liability, casualty events or other matters; deviation of actual results from estimates and/or assumptions used by the company in the application of its significant accounting policies; level of imports and import prices in the company’s markets; the impact of judicial rulings and governmental regulations, both in the United States and abroad; and other risks described from time to time in the company’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(In thousands, except per share)
     
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
February 29, February 28, February 29, February 28,
2008 2007 2008 2007
Net sales $ 725,667 $ 677,250 $ 2,198,286 $ 2,185,232
Cost of goods sold   649,940     620,931     1,973,764     1,923,464  
Gross margin 75,727 56,319 224,522 261,768
Selling, general and administrative expense 55,054 54,159 165,054 174,316
Restructuring charges   2,619     -     9,929     -  
Operating income 18,054 2,160 49,539 87,452
Other income (expense):
Miscellaneous expense (818 ) (847 ) (4,157 ) (1,916 )
Interest expense (5,702 ) (6,636 ) (15,710 ) (17,003 )
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates   15,665     13,463     45,577     46,544  
Earnings before income taxes 27,199 8,140 75,249 115,077
Income tax expense   8,897     2,630     22,039     39,395  
Net earnings $ 18,302   $ 5,510   $ 53,210   $ 75,682  
 
 
Average common shares outstanding - basic   80,184     84,733     81,879     86,918  
Earnings per share - basic $ 0.23   $ 0.07   $ 0.65   $ 0.87  
 
 
Average common shares outstanding - diluted   80,214     85,309     82,480     87,473  
Earnings per share - diluted $ 0.23   $ 0.06   $ 0.65   $ 0.87  
 
 
Common shares outstanding at end of period 79,304 84,430 79,304 84,430
 
Cash dividends declared per share $ 0.17 $ 0.17 $ 0.51 $ 0.51
 
 
Reconciliation of net earnings to EBITDA
Net earnings $ 18,302 $ 5,510 $ 53,210 $ 75,682
Interest expense 5,702 6,636 15,710 17,003
Income taxes 8,897 2,630 22,039 39,395
Depreciation & amortization   15,768     15,251     46,990     45,872  
EBITDA $ 48,669   $ 30,027   $ 137,949   $ 177,952  
WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
   
February 29, May 31,
2008 2007
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 54,432 $ 38,277
Short-term investments - 25,562

Receivables, less allowances of $4,606 and $3,641 at February 29, 2008 and May 31, 2007

408,322 400,916
Inventories:
Raw materials 275,856 261,849
Work in process 96,248 97,633
Finished products   118,598   88,382
Total inventories 490,702 447,864
Assets held for sale 5,603 4,600
Deferred income taxes 18,161 13,067
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   39,976   39,097
Total current assets 1,017,196 969,383
 
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 110,701 57,540
Goodwill 182,952 179,441
Other assets 31,639 43,553
Property, plant & equipment, net   552,444   564,265
Total assets $ 1,894,932 $ 1,814,182
 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 314,874 $ 263,665
Notes payable 163,300 31,650
Accrued compensation, contributions to employee benefit plans and related taxes 39,297 46,237
Dividends payable 13,484 14,440
Other accrued items 58,745 45,519
Income taxes payable   19,482   18,983
Total current liabilities 609,182 420,494
 
Other liabilities 69,112 57,383
Long-term debt 245,000 245,000
Deferred income taxes   89,072   105,983
Total liabilities 1,012,366 828,860
 
Minority interest 42,610 49,321
Shareholders' equity   839,956   936,001
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 1,894,932 $ 1,814,182
WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
     
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
February 29, February 28, February 29, February 28,
2008 2007 2008 2007
Operating activities
Net earnings $ 18,302 $ 5,510 $ 53,210 $ 75,682

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization 15,768 15,251 46,990 45,872
Restructuring charges, non-cash 1,378 - 4,108 -
Provision for deferred income taxes (10,169 ) (1,000 ) (3,693 ) (826 )
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions (2,665 ) 40,958 (3,177 ) 40,421
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries 1,212 980 5,199 3,561
Net loss on sale of assets (115 ) 1,569 2,827 (457 )
Stock-based compensation 1,203 904 2,965 2,553
Excess tax benefits - stock-based compensation (44 ) - (2,292 ) (200 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (38,576 ) 3,923 (13,012 ) 36,716
Inventories (42,852 ) 48,164 (42,215 ) (15,774 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,165 (724 ) 3,037 (3,970 )
Other assets 221 (668 ) (131 ) 3,320
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 66,591 26,953 56,846 (139,622 )
Other liabilities (1,988 ) (642 ) (2,482 ) 1,123  
Net cash provided by operating activities 11,431   141,178   108,180   48,399  
 
Investing activities
Investment in property, plant and equipment, net (10,612 ) (10,627 ) (37,233 ) (44,134 )
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired 16 - (2,225 ) (31,727 )
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate (526 ) - (47,569 ) (1,000 )
Proceeds from sale of assets 510 135 802 18,091
Sales of short-term investments -   -   25,562   2,173  
Net cash used by investing activities (10,612 ) (10,492 ) (60,663 ) (56,597 )
 
Financing activities
Proceeds from (payments on) short-term borrowings 70,100 (83,936 ) 131,650 111,880
Principal payments on long-term debt - (5 ) - (7 )
Proceeds from issuance of common shares 98 693 13,146 2,558
Excess tax benefits - stock-based compensation 44 - 2,292 200
Payments to minority interest (3,840 ) (2,400 ) (10,560 ) (2,400 )
Repurchase of common shares (38,475 ) (14,109 ) (125,785 ) (76,617 )
Dividends paid (13,868 ) (14,488 ) (42,105 ) (44,664 )
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 14,059   (114,245 ) (31,362 ) (9,050 )
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 14,878 16,441 16,155 (17,248 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 39,554   22,527   38,277   56,216  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 54,432   $ 38,968   $ 54,432   $ 38,968  
WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
(In thousands)
         
This supplemental information is provided to assist in the analysis of the results of operations.
 
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended

Feb. 29,

Feb. 28,

Feb. 29,

Feb. 28,

2008 2007 2008 2007
Volume:
Steel Processing (tons) 809 744 2,459 2,431
Metal Framing (tons) 157 150 494 473
Pressure Cylinders (units) 11,460 9,970 33,675 31,291
 
Net sales:
Steel Processing $ 350,402 $ 324,312 $ 1,050,486 $ 1,100,179
Metal Framing 182,789 173,918 563,275 575,773
Pressure Cylinders 138,287 133,714 408,099 375,525
Other   54,189     45,306     176,426     133,755  
Total net sales $ 725,667   $ 677,250   $ 2,198,286   $ 2,185,232  
 
Material cost:
Steel Processing $ 266,818 $ 251,946 $ 799,155 $ 837,708
Metal Framing 130,017 138,459 413,736 407,167
Pressure Cylinders 66,278 60,536 191,337 171,030
 
Operating income (loss):
Steel Processing $ 10,030 $ 2,079 $ 30,276 $ 40,650
Metal Framing (7,562 ) (21,538 ) (31,610 ) (8,619 )
Pressure Cylinders 13,889 21,760 49,285 58,596
Other   1,697     (141 )   1,588     (3,175 )
Total operating income $ 18,054   $ 2,160   $ 49,539   $ 87,452  
 
 

The following provides detail of the restructuring charges included in the operating income by segment presented above.

 
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended

Feb. 29,

Feb. 28,

Feb. 29,

Feb. 28,

2008 2007 2008 2007

Pre-tax restructuring charges by segment:

Steel Processing $ - $ - $ 1,096 $ -
Metal Framing 2,466 - 6,905 -
Pressure Cylinders 103 - 103 -
Other   50     -     1,825     -  
Total restructuring charges $ 2,619   $ -   $ 9,929   $ -  

CONTACT:
Worthington Industries, Inc.
Media Contact:
Cathy M. Lyttle, 614-438-3077
VP, Corporate Communications
E-mail: cmlyttle@WorthingtonIndustries.com
or
Investor Contact:
Allison M. Sanders, 614-840-3133
Director, Investor Relations
E-mail: asanders@WorthingtonIndustries.com
or
www.WorthingtonIndustries.com