EX-99.1 2 v162297_ex99-1.htm Unassociated Document
Exhibit 99.1
 
 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For More Information, Contact:

Daniel Greenberg, Chairman & CEO
Roger Pondel/Laurie Berman
Electro Rent Corporation
PondelWilkinson Inc.
818-786-2525
310-279-5980
 
investor@pondel.com
 
ELECTRO RENT REPORTS FISCAL 2010 FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS

Business Beginning to Stabilize; Several Leading Indicators Improving
 
VAN NUYS, Calif. – October 7, 2009 – Electro Rent Corporation (NASDAQ:ELRC) today reported financial results for its fiscal 2010 first quarter ended August 31, 2009.
 
Total revenues for the fiscal 2010 first quarter were $32.2 million, compared with $35.0 million for the prior year period.  Rental and lease revenues totaled $21.7 million, versus $27.2 million last year.  Equipment sales and other revenues rose to $10.5 million for the fiscal 2010 first quarter from $7.8 million for the same quarter in fiscal 2009.
 
“While revenues are still down compared with the prior year period, we are seeing early signs of stabilization for the first time since conditions deteriorated almost a year ago.  Several leading indicators in our business increased over the fourth quarter, including equipment on rent,” said Daniel Greenberg, Chairman and CEO of Electro Rent.  “Equipment sales, finance lease activity and our telecommunications business also improved.
 
“Competitive pricing pressures continued to affect overall gross margins and our data products business struggled, as normal summer sales opportunities did not materialize.  Our international business was mixed as Europe performed admirably while declining rental revenues in China were somewhat offset by growing used equipment sales.
 
“Weighing the positive and the negative factors at play in the economy right now, it appears that the positive elements are showing growing signs of life.  We will be watching closely to see if the barometer continues to rise and if these indicators turn into sustainable, longer-term trends.”
 
SG&A expenses for the fiscal 2010 first quarter decreased to $10.3 million, or 32.0% of total revenues, from $12.1 million, or 34.4% of total revenues, for the year-ago period.  The reduction in SG&A expenses primarily reflected proactive cost-cutting measures throughout the company.
 
Total operating expenses amounted to $28.9 million for the fiscal 2010 first quarter, roughly equal to $29.0 million in the year-ago period.  Interest income declined to $308,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, from $591,000 in the prior year, principally due to lower interest rates.
 
Operating profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 equaled $3.3 million, or 10.3% of total revenues, compared with $6.0 million, or 17.1% of total revenues, for last fiscal year’s first quarter.
 
Net income for the fiscal 2010 first quarter was $2.1 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, versus $4.4 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, for the same period last year.
 
 “We have gained significant perspective dealing with this newest form of adversity and have endeavored to keep Electro Rent’s business activities alive, focused and healthy,” Greenberg said.  “Our business model is improving, our operations platform is more efficient, our long-term strategy is on solid ground, and our chances for long-term prosperity remain encouraging.  The lessons we learned were painful and eye opening, but will make us stronger as we move forward.  While the pace of the recovery remains uncertain, we will make the best out of what our economy has to offer.”
 
Equipment purchases for the fiscal 2010 first quarter were $9.3 million, compared with $17.3 million for the fiscal 2009 first quarter.  The book value of Electro Rent's equipment pool was $150.1 million at August 31, 2009, versus $158.3 million at May 31, 2009.
 
 
 

 
 
During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, Electro Rent purchased 43,014 shares of its common stock at an average price of $8.94 per share, for a total expenditure of approximately $384,000.  Electro Rent paid dividends totaling $3.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  On an annualized basis, the company’s current quarterly dividend of $0.15 per common share represents a 5.2% yield on the September 30, 2009 close price of $11.52.
 
Total shareholders' equity increased to $230.8 million, or $9.65 per share, at August 31, 2009, compared with $228.8 million, or $9.55 per share, at May 31, 2009.
 
At August 31, 2009, Electro Rent had $29.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, $28.6 million in short-term bond funds and $21.1 million (at cost) in auction rate securities for a total cash, cash equivalents and investments balance of $79.1 million, up from $72.0 million at May 31, 2009.  Electro Rent’s balance sheet remains debt free.
 
About Electro Rent
 
Electro Rent Corporation (www.ElectroRent.com) is one of the largest global organizations devoted to the rental, leasing and sales of general purpose electronic test equipment, personal computers and servers.
 
"Safe Harbor" Statement:
 
Except for the historical statements and discussions above, our statements above constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  These forward-looking statements, which include statements about the positive elements of the economy showing growing signs of life, the company’s improving business model, more efficient operations platform, solid long-term strategy, and encouraging chances for long-term prosperity, among others, reflect Electro Rent’s management's current views with respect to future events and financial performance; however, you should not put undue reliance on these statements.  When used, the words "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "future," and other similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties.  The company believes its management's assumptions are reasonable; nonetheless, it is likely that at least some of these assumptions will not come true.  Accordingly, Electro Rent’s actual results will probably differ from the outcomes contained in any forward-looking statement, and those differences could be material.  Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, among others, those risks and uncertainties discussed in the company’s periodic reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Should one or more of the risks discussed, or any other risks, materialize, or should one or more of our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, expected or projected.  In light of the risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking statement will in fact prove to be correct.  Electro Rent undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
 
(Financial Tables Follow)
 

ELECTRO RENT CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited) (in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
August 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Revenues:
           
Rentals and leases
  $ 21,747     $ 27,234  
Sales of equipment and other revenues
    10,454       7,752  
                 
             Total revenues
    32,201       34,986  
                 
Operating expenses:
               
Depreciation of rental and lease equipment
    10,795       11,584  
Costs of revenues other than deprecation of rental and lease equipment
    7,767       5,366  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    10,308       12,050  
                 
            Total operating expenses
    28,870       29,000  
                 
Operating profit
    3,331       5,986  
                 
Interest income, net
    308       591  
                 
Income before income taxes
    3,639       6,577  
                 
Income tax provision
    1,564       2,206  
                 
Net income
  $ 2,075     $ 4,371  
                 
Earnings per share:
               
  Basic
  $ 0.09     $ 0.17  
  Diluted
  $ 0.09     $ 0.17  
                 
Shares used in per share calculation:
               
  Basic
    23,931       25,873  
  Diluted
    23,943       26,003  

 
 

 
ELECTRO RENT CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited) (in thousands, except share data)
 
   
August 31,
   
May 31,
 
   
2009
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 29,315     $ 22,215  
Investments available-for-sale, at fair value (cost of $27,896 and $27,896)
    28,638       28,188  
Investments, trading, at fair value (cost of $21,100 and $21,600)
    19,679       19,977  
Put option
    1,421       1,623  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $410 and $317
    16,925       16,271  
Rental and lease equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $178,412 and $179,318
    150,054       158,252  
Other property, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $15,415 and $15,207
    13,575       13,781  
Goodwill
    3,109       3,109  
Intangibles, net of amortization of $1,825 and $1,741
    650       734  
Other
    8,284       7,184  
    $ 271,650     $ 271,334  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
                 
Liabilities:
               
  Accounts payable
  $ 2,985     $ 3,291  
  Accrued expenses
    13,356       15,023  
  Deferred revenue
    4,342       4,281  
  Deferred tax liability
    20,186       19,986  
    Total liabilities
    40,869       42,581  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
  Preferred stock, $1 par - shares authorized 1,000,000; none issued
               
  Common stock, no par - shares authorized 40,000,000;
               
    issued and outstanding August 31, 2009 - 23,915,609;
               
    May 31, 2009 - 23,953,540
    32,594       32,596  
  Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
    456       176  
  Retained earnings
    197,731       195,981  
    Total shareholders' equity
    230,781       228,753  
    $ 271,650     $ 271,334