EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE Press Release

Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 22, 2010

LEGGETT & PLATT POSTS SECOND QUARTER EPS OF $.34

Carthage, MO, July 22, 2010 —

 

 

 

2Q EPS of $.34

 

 

 

2Q sales of $874 million, 15% higher than in prior year

 

 

 

Repurchased 2.3 million shares during the quarter; outstanding shares declined to 146.6 million

 

 

 

Ended the quarter with net debt at 27.3% of net capital, below 30% - 40% target range

 

 

 

Increasing 2010 EPS guidance to $1.10 - 1.30 on sales of $3.2 - 3.4 billion

Diversified manufacturer Leggett & Platt reported second quarter earnings per diluted share of $.34. In the second quarter of 2009, earnings were $.12 per share (including a $.04 per share non-cash write-down of a note received in the 2008 aluminum segment divestiture). Earnings increased primarily as a result of higher sales.

Sales from Continuing Operations were $874 million, 15% (or $117 million) higher than in the second quarter of 2009. Unit volumes improved approximately 14%.

Progress Continuing

President and CEO David S. Haffner commented, “We are encouraged to see continued sales growth. This quarter’s 15% growth, and the associated higher capacity utilization, led to meaningful earnings improvement. Gross margin was again over 20%, and EBIT margin approached 10%. As a result, we are raising our full year sales and EPS guidance; the new ranges are basically equivalent to the upper half of our prior ranges. Additionally, our cash flow remains strong and debt levels remain low. We acknowledge the recent weakness in both investor and consumer sentiment, but remain guardedly optimistic.

“Near term, growth should significantly exceed our 4-5% long-term goal as the economy recovers. With our excess production capacity, sales can rebound approximately 25%-33% (to $4 billion or more) before we anticipate the need for significant capital investment. We expect an incremental margin of 25-35% as unit volumes increase, at least until sales exceed $4 billion; as a result, EBIT margin should improve notably as sales grow.

“Long term, we believe that modest sales growth, continued margin improvement, our dividend yield, and stock buybacks will enable us to achieve our goal of generating Total Shareholder Return (TSR) that ranks within the top 1/3 of the S&P 500. Since implementing our new strategy two and one-half years ago, we have achieved TSR1 of 36%, which ranks within the top 5% of all S&P 500 companies. TSR for the S&P 500 index was negative 23% over that identical time period.”

Dividend and Stock Repurchases

In May, Leggett & Platt’s Board of Directors declared a $.26 second quarter dividend, one cent higher than last year’s second quarter dividend. Thus, 2010 is on track to mark the 39th consecutive annual dividend increase for the company, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 14% during that period. At yesterday’s closing share price of $20.54, the indicated annual dividend of $1.04 per share generates a dividend yield of 5.1%.

 

 

1

TSR = (Change in Stock Price + Dividends Received) / Beginning Stock Price; assumes dividends are reinvested; measured from 12-31-07 through 7-21-10.

 

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During the second quarter, the company repurchased 2.3 million shares of its stock at an average price of $23.17 per share, and issued 1.0 million shares. During the first half of 2010, the company repurchased 4.2 million shares and issued 2.0 million shares; as a result, shares outstanding decreased to 146.6 million (which is 16%, or 28 million shares, lower than it was three years ago).

For the full year, the company anticipates repurchasing a total of 5 to 7 million shares of its stock (subject to the amount of cash flow generated from operations, stock price fluctuations, and other potential uses of cash) and issuing approximately 3 million shares (primarily for employee purchases of stock, either directly or through option exercise). As a result, the number of outstanding shares is anticipated to decline by up to 4 million shares (or 3%) during 2010. The company has standing authorization from the Board of Directors to repurchase up to 10 million shares each year, but has established no specific repurchase commitment or timetable.

2010 Outlook Improved

Leggett anticipates full year 2010 sales of approximately $3.2 - 3.4 billion, and EPS of $1.10 - 1.30. At the midpoint of its sales and EPS guidance the company would generate an EBIT margin of about 9.4%. The lower end of the ranges allow for some weakening in the economy.

Cash from operations should exceed $300 million for the full year. Uses of cash include approximately $75 million for capital expenditures and $155 million for dividends.

LIFO

All of Leggett’s segments use the FIFO (first-in, first-out) method for valuing inventories. An adjustment is made at the corporate level to convert about 60% of the inventories to the LIFO (last-in, first-out) method. Since the LIFO benefit is not recorded at the segment level, 2009 segment EBIT margins were unusually low. Earnings for the second quarter 2010 reflect a LIFO expense of $2.2 million, compared to a LIFO benefit of $19.0 million in 2Q 2009.

Furthermore, LIFO created significant variability in 2009 quarterly earnings. Steel deflation negatively impacted segment earnings for the first half of 2009. This impact was offset by a LIFO benefit at the corporate level, but that benefit was spread across all four quarters. As a result, the LIFO benefit in 3Q 2009 was $16.0 million, and in 4Q 2009 was $14.8 million. LIFO-related impacts are not anticipated to be as significant during 2010.

SEGMENT RESULTS – Second Quarter 2010 (versus 2Q 2009)

Residential Furnishings – Total sales increased $37 million, or 9%, as a result of improved market demand; unit volume increased 8%. EBIT (earnings before interest and income taxes) increased $21 million due to improved sales, price discipline, and cost structure improvements.

Commercial Fixturing & Components – Total sales increased $10 million, or 8%, due to new programs with office furniture manufacturers and our strong position with value-oriented retailers. EBIT increased $7 million due to sales growth and cost reductions.

Industrial Materials – Total sales increased $42 million, or 28%; unit volume was 20% higher, and was augmented by higher unit prices (from steel inflation). EBIT increased $3 million, with the impact of higher volume largely offset by lower metal margins (reflecting higher costs for scrap steel).

Specialized Products – Total sales increased $36 million, or 30%, largely due to significantly improved automotive demand. EBIT increased $17 million due to higher volume and cost reductions.

 

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Slides and Conference Call

A set of slides containing summary financial information is available from the Investor Relations section of Leggett’s website at www.leggett.com. Management will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. Central (9:00 a.m. Eastern) on Friday, July 23 to discuss quarterly results, annual guidance, and related matters. The webcast can be accessed (live or replay) from Leggett’s website. The dial-in number is (201) 689-8341; there is no passcode.

Third quarter results will be released after the market closes on October 21; a conference call will occur the next day.

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit Leggett’s website at www.leggett.com.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION: Leggett & Platt (NYSE: LEG) is a diversified manufacturer (and member of the S&P 500) that conceives, designs and produces a broad variety of engineered components and products that can be found in most homes, offices, and automobiles. The company serves a broad suite of customers that comprise a “Who’s Who” of U.S. manufacturers and retailers. The 127-year-old firm is comprised of 19 business units, 20,000 employee-partners, and more than 140 manufacturing facilities located in 18 countries.

Leggett & Platt is the leading U.S. manufacturer of: a) components for residential furniture and bedding; b) components for office furniture; c) drawn steel wire; d) automotive seat support and lumbar systems; e) carpet underlay; f) power foundations; and g) bedding industry machinery.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Statements in this release that are not historical in nature are “forward-looking.” These statements involve uncertainties and risks, including the company’s ability to improve operations and realize cost savings, price and product competition from foreign and domestic competitors, changes in demand for the company’s products, cost and availability of raw materials and labor, fuel and energy costs, future growth of acquired companies, general economic conditions, foreign currency fluctuation, litigation risks, and other factors described in the company’s Form 10-K. Any forward-looking statement reflects only the company’s beliefs when the statement is made. Actual results could differ materially from expectations, and the company undertakes no duty to update these statements.

CONTACT: Investor Relations, (417) 358-8131 or invest@leggett.com

David M. DeSonier, Vice President of Strategy and Investor Relations

Susan R. McCoy, Director of Investor Relations

 

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LEGGETT & PLATT

  Page 4 of 5   July 22, 2010

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   SECOND QUARTER     YEAR TO DATE  

(In millions, except per share data)

   2010     2009     Change     2010     2009     Change  

Net sales (from continuing operations)

   $ 874.3      $ 757.4      15     1,690.7      $ 1,475.5      15

Cost of goods sold

     694.6        610.2          1,345.5        1,203.3     
                                    

Gross profit

     179.7        147.2          345.2        272.2     

Selling & administrative expenses

     88.8        89.0      (0 %)      181.1        190.9      (5 %) 

Amortization

     4.9        5.5          9.9        9.8     

Other expense (income), net

     0.9        11.9          (8.1     12.8     
                                    

Earnings before interest and taxes

     85.1        40.8      109     162.3        58.7      176

Net interest expense

     8.0        8.1          16.2        16.0     
                                    

Earnings before income taxes

     77.1        32.7          146.1        42.7     

Income taxes

     23.5        13.6          45.0        20.3     
                                    

Net earnings from continuing operations

     53.6        19.1          101.1        22.4     

Discontinued operations, net of tax 1

     0.5        0.1          (0.1     (0.2  
                                    

Net earnings

     54.1        19.2          101.0        22.2     

Less net income from non-controlling interest

     (1.4     (0.2       (3.2     0.1     
                                    

Net earnings attributable to L&P

   $ 52.7      $ 19.0      177   $ 97.8      $ 22.3      339
                                    

Earnings per diluted share

            

From continuing operations

   $ 0.34      $ 0.12        $ 0.64      $ 0.14     

From discontinued operations

   $ 0.00      $ 0.00        $ (0.00   $ 0.00     

Net earnings per diluted share

   $ 0.34      $ 0.12      192   $ 0.63      $ 0.14      360

Shares outstanding

            

Common stock (at end of period)

     146.6        156.3          146.6        156.3     

Basic (average for period)

     151.5        161.5          152.0        161.3     

Diluted (average for period)

     153.8        161.8          154.1        161.6     

CASH FLOW

   SECOND QUARTER     YEAR TO DATE  

(In millions)

   2010     2009     Change     2010     2009     Change  

Net earnings

   $ 54.1      $ 19.2        $ 101.0      $ 22.2     

Depreciation and amortization

     29.3        33.4          61.2        64.8     

Working capital decrease (increase)

     (30.4     88.4          (70.3     139.9     

Asset Impairment

     0.0        0.3          2.3        0.7     

Other operating activity

     13.8        32.3          23.7        60.8     
                                    

Net Cash from Operating Activity

   $ 66.8      $ 173.6      (62 %)    $ 117.9      $ 288.4      (59 %) 

Additions to PP&E

     (16.5     (29.8   (45 %)      (30.0     (51.5   (42 %) 

Purchase of companies, net of cash

     0.0        0.0          (0.4     (0.3  

Proceeds from asset sales

     0.8        2.8          10.8        5.8     

Dividends paid

     (38.5     (39.2       (77.2     (78.3  

Repurchase of common stock, net

     (39.8     (11.6       (71.8     (26.0  

Additions (payments) to debt, net

     27.0        (41.2       42.5        (92.7  

Other

     (3.5     7.4          (8.8     12.1     
                                    

Increase (Decr.) in Cash & Equiv.

   $ (3.7   $ 62.0        $ (17.0   $ 57.5     
                                    

FINANCIAL POSITION

   30-Jun                    

(In millions)

   2010     2009     Change                    

Cash and equivalents

   $ 243.5      $ 222.2           

Receivables

     537.2        492.7           

Inventories

     451.5        411.1           

Held for sale

     18.7        25.3           

Other current assets

     56.1        68.9           
                        

Total current assets

     1,307.0        1,220.2      7      

Net fixed assets

     624.6        685.6           

Held for sale

     27.3        32.4           

Goodwill and other assets

     1,120.4        1,131.2           
                        

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 3,079.3      $ 3,069.4      0      
                        

Trade accounts payable

   $ 256.9      $ 186.4           

Current debt maturities

     10.0        17.0           

Held for sale

     5.0        5.6           

Other current liabilities

     299.7        293.3           
                        

Total current liabilities

     571.6        502.3      14      

Long term debt

     854.8        772.8      11      

Deferred taxes and other liabilities

     164.6        128.6           

Equity

     1,488.3        1,665.7      (11 %)       
                        

Total Capitalization

     2,507.7        2,567.1           
                        

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY

   $ 3,079.3      $ 3,069.4           
                        

 

1

Primarily includes: Coated Fabrics (formerly in Residential Furnishings); Storage Products (formerly in Commercial Fixturing & Components).

 


LEGGETT & PLATT

  Page 5 of 5   July 22, 2010

 

SEGMENT RESULTS

   SECOND QUARTER     YEAR TO DATE  

(In millions)

   2010     2009     Change     2010     2009     Change  

External Sales

            

Residential Furnishings

   $ 455.4      $ 418.3        8.9   $ 887.7      $ 829.9        7.0

Commercial Fixturing & Components

     140.7        130.6        7.7     281.4        245.0        14.9

Industrial Materials

     132.3        102.9        28.6     247.6        207.2        19.5

Specialized Products

     145.9        105.6        38.2     274.0        193.4        41.7
                                                

Total

   $ 874.3      $ 757.4        15.4   $ 1,690.7      $ 1,475.5        14.6
                                                

Inter-Segment Sales

            

Residential Furnishings

   $ 2.0      $ 2.0        $ 4.1      $ 4.4     

Commercial Fixturing & Components

     1.1        0.8          2.1        1.9     

Industrial Materials

     62.4        49.6          124.2        110.2     

Specialized Products

     10.1        14.3          18.4        30.9     
                                    

Total

   $ 75.6      $ 66.7        $ 148.8      $ 147.4     
                                    

Total Sales

            

Residential Furnishings

   $ 457.4      $ 420.3        8.8   $ 891.8      $ 834.3        6.9

Commercial Fixturing & Components

     141.8        131.4        7.9     283.5        246.9        14.8

Industrial Materials

     194.7        152.5        27.7     371.8        317.4        17.1

Specialized Products

     156.0        119.9        30.1     292.4        224.3        30.4
                                                

Total

   $ 949.9      $ 824.1        15.3   $ 1,839.5      $ 1,622.9        13.3
                                                

EBIT

            

Residential Furnishings

   $ 44.9      $ 24.1        86   $ 94.0      $ 17.0        453

Commercial Fixturing & Components

     8.7        1.7        412     16.6        (1.6     1138

Industrial Materials

     16.8        13.8        22     30.2        26.8        13

Specialized Products

     18.8        1.7        1006     27.2        (6.8     500

Intersegment eliminations and other

     (1.9     (19.5       (1.4     (12.7  

Change in LIFO reserve

     (2.2     19.0          (4.3     36.0     
                                                

Total

   $ 85.1      $ 40.8        109   $ 162.3      $ 58.7        176
                                                

EBIT Margin  1

         Basis Pts            Basis Pts   

Residential Furnishings

     9.8     5.7     410        10.5     2.0     850   

Commercial Fixturing & Components

     6.1     1.3     480        5.9     (0.6 %)      650   

Industrial Materials

     8.6     9.0     (40     8.1     8.4     (30

Specialized Products

     12.1     1.4     1070        9.3     (3.0 %)      1230   
                                                

Overall from Continuing Operations

     9.7     5.4     430        9.6     4.0     560   
                                                

LAST SIX QUARTERS

   2009     2010  

Selected Figures

   1Q     2Q     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q  

Trade Sales ($ million)

     718        757        810        770        816        874   

Sales Growth (vs. prior year)

     (28.1 %)      (28.8 %)      (28.5 %)      (12.8 %)      13.7     15.4

EBIT ($ million)

     18        41        95        77        77        85   

EBIT Margin

     2.5     5.4     11.7     10.0     9.5     9.7

Net Earnings - excludes discontinued oper. ($m)

     4        19        55        41        46        52   

Net Margin - excludes discontinued operations

     0.6     2.5     6.8     5.3     5.6     6.0

EPS - continuing operations (diluted)

   $ 0.02      $ 0.12      $ 0.34      $ 0.26      $ 0.30      $ 0.34   

Cash from Operations ($ million)

     115        174        142        135        51        67   

Net Debt to Net Capitalization

            

Long term debt

     793        773        772        789        822        855   

Current debt maturities

     17        17        2        10        10        10   

Less cash and equivalents

     (160     (222     (221     (260     (247     (244
                                                

Net Debt

     650        568        553        539        585        621   
                                                

Total capitalization

     2531        2567        2556        2526        2524        2508   

Current debt maturities

     17        17        2        10        10        10   

Less cash and equivalents

     (160     (222     (221     (260     (247     (244
                                                

Net Capitalization

     2388        2362        2337        2276        2287        2274   
                                                

Long Term Debt to Total Capitalization

     31.3     30.1     30.2     31.2     32.6     34.1

Net Debt to Net Capital

     27.2     24.0     23.7     23.7     25.6     27.3

Management uses Net Debt to Net Capital to track leverage trends across time periods with variable levels of cash.

  

Same Location Sales (vs. prior year)

   1Q     2Q     3Q     4Q     1Q     2Q  
            

Residential Furnishings

     (19 %)      (23 %)      (23 %)      (9 %)      5     9

Commercial Fixturing & Components

     (38 %)      (29 %)      (28 %)      (25 %)      23     8

Industrial Materials

     (22 %)      (38 %)      (41 %)      (26 %)      8     29

Specialized Products

     (38 %)      (33 %)      (27 %)      (6 %)      31     30

Overall from Continuing Operations

     (27 %)      (28 %)      (28 %)      (13 %)      14     16

1         Segment margins calculated on Total Sales. Overall company margin calculated on External Sales.

nm = not meaningful