EX-99 2 exhibit99.htm PRESS RELEASE exhibit99.htm
Exhibit Index

EXHIBIT NO. (99) Press release, dated February 17, 2010 issued by Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

EXHIBIT 99

ADDITIONAL EXHIBITS

Press Release

 
 
 

For Immediate Release For Further Information
 Refer to:  John J. Haines
 260-824-2900

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC ANNOUNCES 62 PERCENT INCREASE IN FOURTH QUARTER EARNINGS PER SHARE BEFORE RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

Bluffton, Indiana – February 17, 2010 - Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ:FELE) reported fourth quarter 2009 diluted earnings per share of $0.33, an increase of 120 percent compared to 2008 fourth quarter earnings per share of $0.15. Earnings per share before restructuring charges were $0.34, an increase of 62 percent compared to the prior year. Fourth quarter 2009 sales were $144.9 million, a decrease of 5 percent compared to 2008 fourth quarter sales of $152.1 million. For the full year 2009, diluted earnings per share were $1.12, a decrease of 41 percent compared to 2008 diluted earnings per share of $1.90. Earnings per share before restructuring charges were $1.29, a decrease of 34 percent versus the prior year. Full year 2009 sales were $626.0 million, a decrease of 16 percent compared to 2008 sales of $745.6 million.

Scott Trumbull, Franklin Chairman and Chief Executive commented:

“We were encouraged by the year over year improvement we achieved in our Water Systems business during the fourth quarter and by our cash flow performance for the full year. Our Water Systems sales increased by about 9 percent, our operating income before restructuring charges increased by 70 percent, and our operating income margin before restructuring charges increased by 550 basis points compared to the fourth quarter of 2008. Our Water Systems operating income increased in all of our global regions with the largest gain occurring in North America as we benefited from lower raw material costs, lower manufacturing costs due to the ongoing consolidation into our Linares, Mexico production complex, lower selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) spending, and firmer pricing.

Our free cash flow, defined as net cash flows from operating activities less capital expenditures, was $101 million for the full year 2009, a record for any year in the Company’s history. This performance enabled us to reduce our year end net debt to equity ratio to 17 percent from 40 percent at the end of 2008. We reduced inventories by more than 20 percent during the year and are well positioned to increase plant utilization rates as we enter 2010.”



 
 
 

Key Performance Indicators:
Earnings and Earnings Per Share
                                    
Before and After Restructuring Expense
  
For the Fourth Quarter
          
For the Full Year
        
(in millions except Earnings Per Share)
  
2008
    
2009
    
Change
    
2008
    
2009
    
Change
  
                                     
Net Income attributable to FE Co.,Inc.
   $ 3.4     $ 7.7       126 %   $ 44.1     $ 26.0       -41 %
                                                 
Restructuring Expense (Before Tax)
   $ 2.1     $ 0.6             $ 2.2     $ 6.2          
                                                 
Income tax rate
     35.0 %     35.0 %             35.0 %     35.0 %        
Restructuring Charges, net of tax
   $ 1.4     $ 0.4             $ 1.4     $ 4.0          
                                                 
Average Fully Diluted Shares Outstanding
     23.2       23.4       1 %     23.2       23.3       0 %
                                                 
Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share Reported
   $ 0.15     $ 0.33       120 %   $ 1.90     $ 1.12       -41 %
                                                 
Restructuring Expense Per Share, net of tax
   $ 0.06     $ 0.01             $ 0.06     $ 0.17          
                                                 
Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share Before Restructuring Expense
   $ 0.21     $ 0.34       62 %   $ 1.96     $ 1.29       -34 %
                                                 


                                     
Net Sales
  
For the Fourth Quarter
    
For the Full Year
        
(in Million US$)
  
Water
    
Fueling
    
Consolidated
    
Water
    
Fueling
    
Consolidated
  
                                     
Sales for 2008
   $ 108.3     $ 43.8     $ 152.1     $ 557.0     $ 188.6     $ 745.6  
                                                 
Acquisitions
   $ 5.6     $ -     $ 5.6     $ 24.5     $ -     $ 24.5  
Foreign Exchange
   $ 8.1     $ 0.3     $ 8.4     $ (18.9 )   $ (0.7 )   $ (19.6 )
Organic Change
   $ (4.1 )   $ (17.1 )   $ (21.2 )   $ (58.4 )   $ (66.1 )   $ (124.5 )
                                                 
Sales for 2009
   $ 117.9     $ 27.0     $ 144.9     $ 504.2     $ 121.8     $ 626.0  


Operating Income and Margins
                                                
Before and After Restructuring Expense
                                                
(in Million US$)
  
For the Fourth Quarter 2009
          
For the Full Year
              
   
Water
    
Fueling
    
Corporate
    
Consolidated
    
Water
    
Fueling
    
Corporate
    
Consolidated
  
Reported Operating Income
   $ 17.0     $ 4.9     $ (8.0 )   $ 13.9     $ 62.9     $ 20.7     $ (35.6 )   $ 48.0  
Restructuring Expense
   $ 0.4     $ 0.2     $ -     $ 0.6     $ 4.9     $ 0.3     $ 1.0     $ 6.2  
Operating Income before Restructuring Expense
   $ 17.4     $ 5.1     $ (8.0 )   $ 14.5     $ 67.8     $ 21.0     $ (34.6 )   $ 54.2  
% Operating Income To Net Sales
     14.4 %     18.1 %             9.6 %     12.5 %     17.0 %             7.7 %
% Operating Income Before Restructuring Expense To Net Sales
     14.8 %     18.9 %             10.0 %     13.4 %     17.2 %             8.7 %
                                                                 
   
For the Fourth Quarter 2008
            
For the Full Year
                  
   
Water
    
Fueling
    
Corporate
    
Consolidated
    
Water
    
Fueling
    
Corporate
    
Consolidated
  
Reported Operating Income
   $ 8.0     $ 10.2     $ (10.6 )   $ 7.6     $ 68.4     $ 49.4     $ (41.1 )   $ 76.7  
Restructuring Expense
   $ 2.1     $ -     $ -     $ 2.1     $ 2.2     $ -     $ -     $ 2.2  
Operating Income before Restructuring Expense
   $ 10.1     $ 10.2     $ (10.6 )   $ 9.7     $ 70.6     $ 49.4     $ (41.1 )   $ 78.9  
% Operating Income To Net Sales
     7.4 %     23.3 %             5.0 %     12.3 %     26.2 %             10.3 %
% Operating Income Before Restructuring Expense To Net Sales
     9.3 %     23.3 %             6.4 %     12.7 %     26.2 %             10.6 %

Water Systems

During the fourth quarter 2009, Water Systems revenues increased by $9.6 million or about 9 percent overall from the fourth quarter of 2008. Excluding foreign currency translation and acquisitions, sales declined about $4.1 million or about 4 percent. The rate of Water Systems sales decline, excluding acquisitions and foreign currency translation, was significantly less than the first, second, and third quarters of 2009 at 11, 13 and 12 percent respectively, from the comparable period in 2008. Water Systems sales in international markets, excluding currency translation and acquisitions, were flat compared to the fourth quarter of 2008. Sales increases before the impact of foreign exchange and acquisitions in both the Latin America and Asia Pacific regions during the fourth quarter were offset by declines in Europe and South Africa.

Water Systems operating income before restructuring expenses increased $7.3 million, or over 70 percent, in the fourth quarter 2009 compared to the same period of 2008. The Water Systems operating margin for the quarter of 14.8 percent before restructuring expenses, improved by 550 basis points compared to the prior year fourth quarter.

Fueling Systems

Fueling Systems revenue in the fourth quarter 2009 declined $16.8 million or 38 percent from the fourth quarter 2008. This decline was due entirely to an 81 percent decline of vapor recovery equipment sales in California and was partially offset by an 18 percent increase in international sales most significantly in Latin America and Asia Pacific.

The Company estimates there are less than 1,000 stations in California that have yet to comply with the original mandate for vapor recovery upgrades. The political and economic environments in the State make it nearly impossible to estimate with certainty how many or when these remaining stations may convert.

Fueling Systems operating income before restructuring expense was $5.1 million compared to $10.2 million in the fourth quarter 2008; and operating margins were 18.9 percent of sales in the fourth quarter 2009 compared to 23.3 percent of sales in the fourth quarter 2008. The decline is primarily attributable to lost leverage on fixed manufacturing and SG&A expenses from lower sales volumes.

Overall

The Company’s consolidated gross profit was $45.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2009, up about $1.0 million from the fourth quarter of 2008. The gross profit as a percent of net sales increased to 31.2 percent for the fourth quarter of 2009 from 29.1 percent for the fourth quarter of 2008. The gross profit margin improvement was impacted by the material cost reductions and realized fixed costs savings.

During the fourth quarter 2009, SG&A expenses decreased by $3.8 million or 11 percent compared to prior year, consistent with management’s fixed cost reduction initiatives started in the fourth quarter of 2008. SG&A expenditures for corporate related administrative expenses declined by 27 percent in the fourth quarter 2009 compared to 2008 due in part to reduced compensation, customer bad debt expense and other administrative costs.

Restructuring expenses for the fourth quarter of 2009 were approximately $0.6 million and reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.01. Restructuring expenses include asset impairments, severance expenses and manufacturing equipment relocation costs. As a follow-on step to Phase 3 of the Global Manufacturing Realignment Program, the Company has announced its plan to close its Siloam Springs, Arkansas manufacturing facility. The Company has estimated that this final step will include pre-tax closing costs of $3.8 million to $4.5 million to be incurred over the next three quarters beginning with the first quarter of 2010. These charges are in addition to those previously estimated in the Company’s December 9, 2008 announcement of Phase 3.
 
 
The Company’s actual tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2009 was about 30 percent. This rate is less than the statutory rate of 35 percent primarily due to initiatives completed in the fourth quarter that changed the global tax reporting structure of the Company. The full year 2009 actual tax rate was 31.3 percent and was lower than the prior year rate of 34.2 percent. The projected tax rate for 2010 is 32.5 percent.

The Company generated $112.6 million in cash from operations during the full year 2009 compared to $44.4 million in 2008. Lower inventory balances have contributed $43.9 million of cash for the full year 2009 compared to a use of cash of $15.6 million in 2008. The Company had no outstanding balance on its revolving debt agreement at year end 2009 compared to $35.0 million outstanding at the end of 2008.

The Company believes that internally generated funds and existing credit arrangements provide sufficient liquidity to meet current commitments and service existing debt. At the end of the fourth quarter 2009, the Company’s key debt covenant ratio of gross debt divided by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was 1.9 compared to the current covenant limit per the debt agreement of 3.0 and compared to 1.8 at the end of the fourth quarter 2008. The Company’s revolving loan agreement with its banks is in place until the end of 2011 and the Company has no scheduled principal payments on its long term debt until 2015.

Commenting on the Company’s outlook, Mr. Trumbull added:

“We anticipate that our Water Systems year over year sales growth rate in the first quarter will be in the mid to high single digit range as our distributors stop reducing inventories and start to purchase at their sales rate. We are projecting that our first quarter Water Systems operating margins before restructuring will also be higher than the first quarter of 2009.

In Fueling Systems, due to seasonality, we are projecting that first quarter 2010 sales will be 5 to 10 percent lower than the $27.0 million achieved in the fourth quarter of 2009. As a result of the reduced volume, we estimate that our Fueling operating margin before restructuring charges during the first quarter 2010 will be lower than the 18.9 percent achieved in the fourth quarter 2009. The first quarter of 2010 should be the last quarter where the year over year comparisons are significantly distorted by the vapor control sales surge in California.

In summary, in 2009 Water Systems contribution margin continued to improve significantly and companywide we reduced full year fixed spending by about $20 million compared to 2008. We continue to invest in exciting new product initiatives in both our Water and Fueling businesses. While we experienced unprecedented declines in end market demand in 2009, we believe that our share of key markets has increased. In addition, during 2009, we reduced our production levels and lowered inventories across our Company by over 20 percent, we generated $101 million of free cash flow, and our balance sheet continues to strengthen. We believe that Franklin Electric is well positioned to achieve significant operating leverage as our markets increase from the current depressed levels.”
 
A conference call to review earnings and other developments in the business will commence at 9:00 am EDT.
 
The fourth quarter 2009 earnings call will be available via a live webcast. The webcast will be available in a listen only mode by going to:

http://investor.shareholder.com/media/eventdetail.cfm?mediaid=40933&c=FELE&mediakey=0F65E384CCB6CD2847B9321E0EDBBE2B&e=0

You can add this webcast into your MS-Outlook calendar by clicking on the following link:

http://apps.shareholder.com/PNWOutlook/t.aspx?m=40933&k=2643127E

If you intend to ask questions during the call, please dial in using 877-643-7158 for domestic calls and 914-495-8565 for international calls.
 
A replay of the conference call will be available Wednesday February 17, 2010 at 12pm EST through midnight EST on Wednesday February 24, 2010, by dialing 800-642-1687 for domestic calls and 706-645-9291 for international calls. The replay passcode is 55214898.
 
Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and automotive fuels. Recognized as a technical leader in its specialties, Franklin Electric serves customers around the world in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications.

The Company presents the non-GAAP financial measures of net income before restructuring expense, net income per share before restructuring expense, operating income before restructuring expense and percent operating income before restructuring expense to net sales because the Company believes the information helps investors understand underlying trends in the Company's business more easily. The differences between these measures and the most comparable GAAP measures are reconciled in the tables above.

The Company presents the non-GAAP measure gross debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) ratio because maintaining the ratio below 3.0 is an important covenant in the Company's principal credit agreements that is closely monitored by management. A table showing how EBITDA is derived from net income and the calculation of the ratio follows the financial statements included in this press release. The Company presents the non-GAAP measure free cash flow to indicate the amount of cash flow available for non-operating activities. Capital expenditures are primarily operational in nature. A table showing how free cash flow is calculated from cash flow from operating activities less additions to plant and equipment follows the financial statements.


 
 
 

                                                   FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
                        
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
              
             (Unaudited)
                        
                         
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
                      
                         
 
Fourth Quarter Ended
  
Fiscal Year Ended
    
 
Jan. 2, 2010
  
Jan. 3, 2009
  
Jan. 2, 2010
  
Jan. 3, 2009
  
 
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
                         
Net sales
$
144,910
  
$
152,106
  
$
625,991
  
$
745,627
  
                         
Cost of sales
  
99,671
    
107,825
    
438,152
    
518,702
  
                         
Gross profit
  
45,239
    
44,281
    
187,839
    
226,925
  
                         
Selling, general and administrative expenses
30,733
    
34,527
    
133,629
    
147,987
  
                         
Restructuring expense
  
584
    
2,146
    
6,195
    
2,228
  
                         
Operating income
  
13,922
    
7,608
    
48,015
    
76,710
  
                         
Interest expense
  
(2,303)
    
(2,880)
    
(9,548)
    
(10,968)
  
Other income/(expense)
  
(1,003)
    
638
    
(26)
    
1,840
  
Foreign exchange gain/(loss)
  
593
    
(40)
    
451
    
5
  
   
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
Income before income taxes
  
11,209
    
5,326
    
38,892
    
67,587
  
                         
Income taxes
  
3,368
    
1,772
    
12,168
    
22,925
  
                         
Net income
$
7,841
  
$
3,554
  
$
26,724
  
$
44,662
  
                         
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(160)
    
(132)
    
(738)
    
(551)
  
                         
Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
$
7,681
  
$
3,422
  
$
25,986
  
$
44,111
  
 
                        
Net income per share:
  
 
    
 
    
 
        
   Basic
$
0.33
  
$
0.15
  
$
1.13
  
$
1.92
  
   Diluted
$
       0.33
  
$
       0.15
  
$
       1.12
  
$
       1.90
  
 
                        
Weighted average shares and equivalent
                        
   shares outstanding:
                        
   Basic
  
23,118
    
23,012
    
23,075
    
22,965
  
   Diluted
  
23,390
    
23,249
    
23,288
    
23,235
  
                         




             
             
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
            
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
        
(Unaudited)
            
 
            
             
(In thousands)
                  Jan. 2, 2010
  
                                              Jan .3, 2009
  
             
             
ASSETS:
            
 
            
Cash and equivalents
   $ 86,875     $ 46,934  
Receivables
     62,847       68,048  
Inventories
     134,404       169,873  
Other current assets
     27,467       32,805  
Total current assets
     311,593       317,660  
 
                
Property, plant and equipment, net
     147,171       144,535  
Goodwill and other assets
     259,534       231,862  
Total assets
   $ 718,298     $ 694,057  
                 
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
                
 
                
Accounts payable
   $ 31,699     $ 24,505  
Accrued liabilities
     50,709       56,230  
Current maturities of long-term
                
   debt and short-term borrowings
     735       677  
Total current liabilities
     83,143       81,412  
                 
Long-term debt
     151,242       185,528  
Deferred income taxes
     3,266       4,161  
Employee benefit plan obligations
     74,179       69,142  
Other long-term liabilities
     8,865       3,707  
                 
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
     7,393       -  
                 
Equity
     390,210       350,107  
Total liabilities and equity
   $ 718,298     $ 694,057  


             
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
            
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
        
(Unaudited)
            
             
   
 
        
(In thousands)
  
Jan. 2,
    
Jan. 3,
  
   
2010
    
2009
  
             
             
Cash flows from operating activities:
            
   Net income
   $ 26,724     $ 44,662  
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
                
      cash flows from operating activities:
                
      Depreciation and amortization
     25,385       24,164  
      Stock based compensation
     4,976       3,683  
      Deferred income taxes
     (1,543 )     12,395  
        Loss on disposals of plant and equipment
     3,283       176  
        Excess tax from share-based payment arrangements
     (144 )     (856 )
      Changes in assets and liabilities:
                
        Receivables
     15,968       (2,750 )
        Inventories
     43,884       (15,611 )
        Accounts payable and other accrued expenses
     (6,798 )     (7,693 )
        Income taxes, net
     9,415       (8,973 )
        Employee benefit plans
     (1,604 )     (215 )
        Other, net
     (6,961 )     (4,534 )
Net cash flows from operating activities
     112,585       44,448  
Cash flows from investing activities:
                
  Additions to plant and equipment
     (12,039 )     (25,641 )
  Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment
     73       21  
  Additions to other assets
     (5 )     (965 )
  Purchases of securities
     -       (9,000 )
  Proceeds from sale of securities
     -       9,000  
  Cash paid for acquisitions
     (16,767 )     (38,380 )
Net cash flows from investing activities
     (28,738 )     (64,965 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
                
  Proceeds from long-term debt
     28,000       70,000  
  Repayment of long-term debt
     (64,212 )     (46,236 )
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock
     666       3,446  
  Excess tax from share-based payment arrangements
     144       856  
  Purchases of common stock
     -       (7,816 )
  Dividends paid
     (11,890 )     (11,369 )
Net cash flows from financing activities
     (47,292 )     8,881  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
     3,386       (6,682 )
Net change in cash and equivalents
     39,941       (18,318 )
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
     46,934       65,252  
Cash and equivalents at end of period
   $ 86,875     $ 46,934  

 
The Company presents the non-GAAP meausre gross debt to EBITDA ratio becuase it is an important convenant in the Company's principal credit agreements that is closely monitored by management.  The Company presents the non-GAAP measure free cash flow to indicate the amount of cash flow available for non-operating activities.  Capital expenditures are primarily operational in nature.
   
             
EBITDA reconciliation to net income (unaudited)
  
For LTM ended
        
(in Million US$)
  
Fourth Quarter
  
   
2008
    
2009
  
             
Net income (as reported)
   $ 44.1     $ 26.0  
Depreciation and amortization
   $ 24.2     $ 25.4  
Interest expense, net
   $ 11.0     $ 9.5  
Provision for income taxes
   $ 22.9     $ 12.2  
Add-back for certain costs (a)
   $ 2.1     $ 5.9  
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)
   $ 104.3     $ 79.0  
                 
Total debt (as reported)
   $ 186.2     $ 152.0  
                 
Total debt divided by EBITDA
     1.8       1.9  
                 
(a) In 2008 and 2009, the Company agreed with the lenders that certain of the restructuring costs and one time tax adjustments for uncertain tax positions will be added back to the EBITDA calculation.
  
                 
                 
Free Cash Flow
  
For the Full Year
  
(in Million US$)
     2008       2009  
                 
Cash from operating activities
   $ 44.4     $ 112.6  
                 
Additions to plant and equipment
   $ (25.6 )   $ (12.0 )
                 
Free Cash Flow
   $ 18.8     $ 100.6