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Modine Reports Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2012 Operating Income of $18.5 million and Full Year Diluted Earnings Per Share of $0.83


Published on 2012-06-02 01:00:57 - Market Wire
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RACINE, Wis.--([ ])--Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE: MOD), a diversified global leader in thermal management technology and solutions, today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2012. Highlights versus the same period last year include:

"In fiscal 2013, new business wins will roughly offset the impact on sales from the wind down of automotive module programs"

  • Sales of $388.7 million, down 2.0 percent;
  • Gross margin of 16.8 percent, up 160 basis points;
  • Operating income of $18.5 million, up $10.7 million or 136 percent;
  • Net earnings of $16.2 million, up $4.2 million or 35 percent; and
  • Diluted earnings per share of $0.34, up 36 percent.

aWe finished the year with another solid quarter, including significant improvements in gross margin and earnings from operations," said Modine President and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas A. Burke. "We delivered earnings per share of $0.83 for the full year, a substantial improvement over the prior year.a

Fourth Quarter Financial Results

Net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 decreased $8.0 million, or 2.0 percent, from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales increased 0.2 percent from the prior year. As expected, sales decreased in the South America segment after the strong pre-buy of commercial vehicles ahead of the January 1, 2012 change in emissions standards. In addition, sales in Europe were below prior year, largely due to the impact of foreign currency translation and the expected wind down of some non-strategic business. Gross profit increased 8.2 percent, or $5.0 million, resulting in a gross margin of 16.8 percent, up 160 basis points from the prior year. The increase was largely due to improved plant performance, lower material costs, and higher tooling profits in the current quarter, and $2.7 million of unfavorable inventory adjustments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense decreased $5.7 million or 10.8 percent year over year, primarily due to lower pension expense and higher customer reimbursement of development costs. Operating income increased $10.7 million to $18.5 million, a 136 percent improvement from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, as a result of the higher gross profit and lower SG&A expense. Other income of $0.4 million represents a $1.0 million decrease from other income of $1.4 million during the same period last year. Net earnings of $16.2 million represent a $4.2 million or 35 percent improvement, from net earnings attributable to Modine of $12.0 million for the same period last year.

Net debt was $132.8 million at the end of the quarter, a decrease of $6.6 million from the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012, including $31.4 million of cash on hand at the end of the quarter.

During the quarter, the company discovered that it was incorrectly applying value added tax (aVATa) in the Original Equipment a" Europe segment on certain complex cross border transactions. The company continues to work through the assessment of these errors and has estimated a cumulative liability of $10.0 million, spread over 8 years, of which $0.2 million relates to the fourth quarter, $0.2 million relates to the first three quarters of fiscal 2012 and $9.6 million relates to prior years. The company has revised prior period financial statements to correct for these errors and is developing plans to ensure that VAT is properly assessed on all future cross border transactions.

Fourth Quarter Segment Results

Original Equipment - North America segment sales increased 1.1 percent to $157.3 million, compared to $155.6 million one year ago. The increase was driven primarily by higher volumes in the heavy duty truck and off highway markets, partially offset by lower tooling sales and decreases in the specialty vehicle market and in the automotive sector. As previously announced, sales volumes in the automotive sector are decreasing as certain North American automotive programs wind down. Gross margin improved 360 basis points to 17.2 percent, driven primarily by increased plant performance, lower materials and benefits costs, and unfavorable inventory adjustments in the fourth quarter fiscal 2011 results. Operating income increased $8.0 million or 105 percent to $15.5 million compared to the prior year, due to higher gross profit and lower SG&A expense. SG&A expense was lower mainly due to lower pension expense and higher prototype and testing recoveries.

South America segment sales decreased 15.6 percent to $37.4 million, compared to $44.3 million one year ago. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, sales decreased 10.5 percent from the prior year. The sales decline was expected due to the pre-buy of commercial vehicles in the third fiscal quarter ahead of the January 1, 2012 change in emissions standards. Operating income of $0.5 million was lower than the prior year by $2.5 million on the lower sales volumes.

Original Equipment - Europe segment sales decreased 3.7 percent to $144.1 million, compared to $149.7 million in the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, sales increased 0.5 percent over the prior year. Gross margin improved 120 basis points to 14.6 percent from the same period last year, primarily due to mix of relatively higher margin products, lower material costs and higher tooling profits. Operating income increased to $10.9 million, a $4.4 million improvement from the prior year, due to higher gross profit and lower SG&A expense. SG&A expense was lower mainly due to higher customer reimbursement of development costs in fiscal 2012 and lower impairment charges versus the prior year.

Original Equipment - Asia segment sales decreased 1.1 percent to $22.0 million, while gross margin fell to 8.0 percent compared to a gross margin of 9.4 percent one year ago. This performance reflects an expected decrease in non-strategic vehicular HVAC sales from the Shanghai China plant, partially offset by sales increases from other Asian facilities. Operating income decreased $0.4 million to a loss of $1.0 million compared to a loss of $0.6 million in the prior year, as a result of lower gross profit and higher SG&A expense.

Commercial Products segment sales increased 8.6 percent to $33.6 million compared to $30.9 million one year ago, primarily due to market share gains from new product introductions in the United Kingdom. Operating income increased $0.6 million from the prior year to $2.2 million and operating margin increased 150 basis points, from 5.1 to 6.6 percent. The operating income improvement is primarily due to increased gross profit on the higher sales. The operating margin increase was driven largely by leveraging flat SG&A expense against the higher sales volume.

Full Year Fiscal 2012 Overview

The company completed fiscal 2012 with strong year-over-year results. In fiscal 2012, sales increased 8.9 percent to $1.577 billion and gross margin improved 30 basis points from 16.0 percent in fiscal 2011 to 16.3 percent in fiscal 2012. The improved sales and gross margin resulted in net earnings attributable to Modine of $39.1 million or $0.83 per fully diluted share.

aThese results show continued improvement over the prior year,a Burke commented. aOur North American business is strong, and the launch activity in Europe has us on a positive path to meet our objectives in the segment. As stated last quarter, we will need to restructure our European operations over the next two to three years to align our cost structure with our strategy of growing the commercial vehicle segment as non-strategic automotive module programs wind down.a

Outlook

"In fiscal 2013, new business wins will roughly offset the impact on sales from the wind down of automotive module programs,a Burke commented. aHowever, we expect that revenues will also be impacted by continuing weak end markets around the globe and unfavorable foreign currency conditions. This will be a transitional year for us in Europe, as we feel the most significant impact from the planned wind down of the BMW business, continue the transition from automotive to commercial vehicle business, and begin implementing our restructuring plan. However, we are confident in the long-term benefits of these actions."

The company has the following expectations for fiscal 2013, excluding European restructuring:

  • Weaker economic conditions in several key markets, including Europe, South America, and Asia;
  • Year-over-year sales down 5 to 10 percent, including approximately $80 million of planned program reductions;
  • Operating income margin in the range of 3.5 to 4 percent; and
  • Earnings per diluted share of $0.60 to $0.70.

The company is implementing a restructuring program designed to align the cost structure in Europe with the strategic focus on the commercial vehicle market. The company expects actions will include exiting certain non-core product lines, reducing manufacturing costs, implementing headcount reductions, and disposing of or selling certain fixed assets.

The company will implement this plan over the next two years, with the goal of achieving the following financial targets thereafter:

  • Gross margin in the 15 to 17 percent range;
  • Annual SG&A savings of a'5 million to a'7 million (approximately $6 million to $9 million);
  • Operating margins of 8 to 10 percent; and
  • Return on average capital employed of 15 percent for the segment.

The company anticipates cash costs related to the restructuring program spread over multiple years to range from a'10 million to a'20 million (approximately $13 million to $25 million) plus some additional non-cash charges.

"There are exciting times ahead for Modine," Burke commented. "While fiscal 2013 will be a transitional year, we have net new booked business of over $250 million at current market expectations, the bulk of which will benefit the company in fiscal 2014 and 2015. This new business, combined with market improvements and the benefit of our strategic business initiatives, gives me great confidence in Modineas future."

Conference Call and Webcast

Modine will conduct a conference call and live webcast, with a slide presentation, on Friday, June 1, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time (9:00 a.m. Eastern Time) to discuss its fiscal 2012 fourth quarter results. The webcast and accompanying slides will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Modine website at [ www.modine.com ]. The dial-in phone number for the audio portion of the call is 800.510.0146 (international dial-in 617.614.3449); access code 75576493. Participants are encouraged to log on to the webcast and conference call about ten minutes prior to the start of the event. A replay of the audio and the slides will be available on the investor relations section of the Modine website at [ www.modine.com ] after June 1, 2012. A call-in replay will be available through midnight on June 8, 2012, at 888.286.8010 (international replay 617.801.6888); access code 11290777. The company will furnish a transcript of the call to the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission, and post it on to the company's website, after June 4, 2012.

About Modine

Modine, with fiscal 2012 revenues of $1.6 billion, specializes in thermal management systems and components, bringing highly engineered heating and cooling technology and solutions to diversified global markets. Modine products are used in light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, off-highway and industrial equipment and refrigeration systems. The company employs approximately 6,600 people at 29 facilities worldwide in 15 countries. For more information about Modine, visit [ www.modine.com ].

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements, including information about future financial performance and market conditions, including the information provided under "Outlook," accompanied by phrases such as "believes," "estimates," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "intends," and other similar "forward-looking" statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Modine's actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements because of certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described under "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of Part I of the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2011 and under Forward-Looking Statements in Item 7 of Part II of that same report and in the company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 2011, September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2011. Other risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: operational inefficiencies as a result of program launches and product transfers; uncertainties regarding the costs and benefits of Modineas European restructuring program; economic, social and political conditions, changes and challenges in the markets where Modine operates and competes, including currency exchange rate fluctuations (particularly the value of the euro and Brazilian real relative to the U.S. dollar), tariffs, inflation, changes in interest rates, recession, and restrictions associated with importing and exporting and foreign ownership, and in particular the recent slowing of certain markets in China and the economic uncertainties in the European Union; the impact on Modine of increases in commodity prices, particularly aluminum and copper, and its ability to pass these prices on to customers; Modine's continued ability to successfully execute its strategic and operational plans; the nature of the vehicular industry and the dependence of this industry on the health of the economy; costs and other effects of environmental remediation or litigation; the possibility that other or more significant issues may be identified in the ongoing assessment of errors in applying VAT in the Original Equipment- Europe segment; and other risks and uncertainties identified by the company in public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Financial Disclosures

Net debt, free cash flow and return on average capital employed (which are defined below) as used in this press release are not measures that are defined in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). These non-GAAP measures are used by management as performance measures to judge profitability and liquidity. These measures provide a more consistent view of performance than the closest GAAP equivalent for management and investors. Management compensates for this by using these measures in combination with the GAAP measures. However, these measures are not, and should not be, viewed as substitutes for the GAAP measures. The presentations of the non-GAAP measures in this press release are made alongside the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

Definition - Net debt

The sum of short- and long-term debt, less cash on hand. This is an indicator of the company's debt position after considering on hand cash balances.

Definition - Free cash flow

The sum of net cash provided by (used for) operating and investing activities adjusted to exclude prepayment penalties on senior notes. This is a liquidity measure of the cash available after funding ongoing operations and capital expenditures.

Definition a" Return on average capital employed (ROACE)

Operating income, less a 30 percent income tax rate, less minority interest; divided by the average of debt plus Modine shareholdersa equity. This is a financial measure of the profit generated on the total capital invested in the company.

- Financial tables follow -

Modine Manufacturing Company
Consolidated statements of operations (unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Three months ended March 31,

Twelve months ended March 31,
2012 2011 * 2012 2011 *
Net sales $388,717 $ 396,758 $1,577,152 $ 1,448,235
Cost of sales 323,429 336,442 1,319,605 1,215,979
Gross profit65,288 60,316 257,547 232,256
Selling, general & administrative expenses 46,745 52,453 189,296 189,335
Operating income18,543 7,863 68,251 42,921
Interest expense 3,303 3,484 12,483 33,723
Other (income) expense - net (422) (1,432 ) 7,130 (3,625 )
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes15,662 5,811 48,638 12,823
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes (629) (6,163 ) 10,013 4,543
Earnings from continuing operations16,291 11,974 38,625 8,280
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) 87 (5 ) 824 (3,047 )
Net earnings16,378 11,969 39,449 5,233

Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest

204 - 343 -
Net earnings attributable to Modine Manufacturing Company$16,174 $ 11,969 $39,106 $ 5,233
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to Modine common shareholders:
Basic $0.35 $ 0.26 $0.82 $ 0.18
Diluted $0.34 $ 0.25 $0.81 $ 0.18
Net earnings attributable to Modine common shareholders:
Basic $0.35 $ 0.26 $0.84 $ 0.11
Diluted $0.34 $ 0.25 $0.83 $ 0.11
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 46,537 46,330 46,477 46,167
Diluted 46,858 47,055 46,881 46,729
Comprehensive earnings (loss), which represents net earnings adjusted by the post-tax change in foreign-currency translation, the effective portion of cash flowhedges and change in benefit plan adjustment recorded in shareholders' equity, for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were ($17,658)and $34,358, respectively, and for the twelve month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, were ($28,692) and $32,647, respectively.
Condensed consolidated balance sheets (unaudited)
(In thousands)
March 31, 2012 March 31, 2011 *

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents $31,445 $ 32,930
Trade receivables - net 216,103 219,189
Inventories 121,450 122,629
Other current assets 59,082 53,680
Total current assets 428,080 428,428
Property, plant and equipment - net 412,059 430,295
Other noncurrent assets 53,871 59,019
Total assets$894,010 $ 917,742

Liabilities and shareholders' equity

Debt due within one year $19,721 $ 9,087
Accounts payable 156,907 177,549
Other current liabilities 118,505 141,348
Total current liabilities 295,133 327,984
Long-term debt 144,560 138,582
Deferred income taxes 12,297 9,988
Other noncurrent liabilities 115,589 88,876
Total liabilities 567,579 565,430
Total equity 326,431 352,312
Total liabilities & equity$894,010 $ 917,742
* Prior period results have been revised to reflect the correction of errors which are immaterial to prior periods, but too significant tocorrect in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.
Modine Manufacturing Company
Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (unaudited)
(In thousands)
Twelve months ended March 31, 2012 2011 *
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings $39,449 $ 5,233
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings with net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 57,690 56,492
Other - net 14,032 5,799
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities (65,413) (46,712 )
Net cash provided by operating activities 45,758 20,812
Cash flows from investing activities:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (64,352) (55,061 )
Proceeds from dispositions of assets 1,300 12,556
Settlement of derivative contracts (2,716) (7 )
Other - net 758 1,369
Net cash used for investing activities (65,010) (41,143 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in debt 18,181 7,837
Other - net 573 767
Net cash provided by financing activities 18,754 8,604
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (987) 1,000
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(1,485) (10,727 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 32,930 43,657
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period$31,445 $ 32,930
Condensed segment operating results (unaudited)
(In thousands)
Three months ended March 31,

Twelve months ended March 31,

2012 2011 * 2012 2011 *
Sales:
Original Equipment - North America (a)$157,282 $ 155,601 $601,966 $ 573,233
South America 37,405 44,337 175,582 158,850
Original Equipment - Europe 144,127 149,718 602,848 546,709
Original Equipment - Asia 22,012 22,267 84,127 63,890
Commercial Products (a) 33,614 30,943 142,158 126,282
Segment sales 394,440 402,866 1,606,681 1,468,964
Corporate and administrative 501 325 1,078 1,482
Eliminations (6,224) (6,433 ) (30,607) (22,211 )
Total net sales$388,717 $ 396,758 $1,577,152 $ 1,448,235
Operating income/(loss):
Original Equipment - North America (a)$15,531 $ 7,570 $47,892 $ 31,821
South America 525 3,003 10,353 12,975
Original Equipment - Europe 10,896 6,526 37,666 28,262
Original Equipment - Asia (1,032) (552 ) (2,457) (3,082 )
Commercial Products (a) 2,219 1,570 14,282 12,764
Segment income from operations 28,139 18,117 107,736 82,740
Corporate and administrative (9,631) (10,283 ) (39,396) (39,859 )
Eliminations 35 29 (89) 40
Income from operations$18,543 $ 7,863 $68,251 $ 42,921
* Prior period results have been revised to reflect the correction of errors which are immaterial to prior periods but too significantto correct in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.
(a) Segment operating results were retrospectively adjusted for comparative purposes to reflect the realignment of the Nuevo Laredo, Mexico facilityinto the Original Equipment - North America segment from the Commercial Products segment for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2011.
Modine Manufacturing Company
Net debt (unaudited)
(In thousands)
March 31, 2012 March 31, 2011
Debt due within one year $19,721 $ 9,087
Long-term debt 144,560 138,582
Total debt 164,281 147,669
Less: cash and cash equivalents 31,445 32,930
Net debt $132,836 $ 114,739

Free cash flow (unaudited)
(In thousands)
Three months ended March 31, Twelve months ended March 31,
2012 2011 2012 2011
Net cash provided by operating activities $27,455 $ 22,232 $45,758 $ 20,812
Net cash used for investing activities (19,877) (26,103 ) (65,010) (41,143 )
Prepayment penalties on senior notes - - - 16,570
Free cash flow $7,578 $ (3,871 ) $(19,252) $ (3,761 )