Press ReleaseSource: Hardinge Inc.

Hardinge Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2009 Results
Thursday November 5, 9:00 am ET
Summary of Third Quarter Results:
- The Company improved its positive net cash position with consolidated cash of $25.4 million, and total debt of $12.2 million
- Sales for the quarter were $50.1 million, down 42% compared to 2008
- Orders for the quarter were $46.7 million, down 49% compared to 2008
- The Company recorded one-time charges of $6.6 million related to its strategic decision to cease manufacturing non-critical parts in its Elmira, NY facility and $1.0 million for severance in Europe
- Dividend of $0.005 per share declared

ELMIRA, N.Y., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hardinge Inc. (Nasdaq: HDNG - News), a leading international provider of advanced metal-cutting solutions, today reported net sales of $50.1 million for the quarter and $157.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Sales for the comparable periods in 2008 were $86.6 million and $268.8 million, respectively. Orders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 were $46.7 million and $124.1 million, respectively, down from $92.1 million and $294.6 million for the comparable periods in 2008.

The Company realized a net loss of ($14.7) million, or ($1.29) per share for the third quarter, compared with a net loss of ($8.3) million, or ($0.74) per share, for the third quarter of 2008. Third quarter 2009 results include one-time charges of $7.6 million, or ($0.67) per share, which included severance related expense of $2.6 million, or ($0.23) per share, and inventory write-downs related to the strategic decision to cease production of non-critical manufacturing parts and certain machine models of $5.0 million, or ($0.44) per share. In addition to the one-time charges there were lower of cost or market write-downs of $1.1 million, or ($0.10) per share on machine inventory as a result of current market conditions as many manufacturers and distributors discounted prices below cost to reduce inventories.

"Worldwide demand for machine tools remains severely depressed which is reflected in our sales and order numbers for the third quarter and for 2009 to date," said Richard L. Simons, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are aggressively competing for the limited order opportunities available and remain focused on improving operating efficiencies and increasing cash flow which has positioned Hardinge to effectively compete when industry demand recovers."

In August 2009, the Company announced that it was moving to a more variable cost business model in its Elmira, NY facility, and therefore would begin the process of outsourcing many of the components and subassemblies for machines made in the Elmira facility. The Company also announced that it would close significant sections of the Elmira manufacturing operation involved in non-critical parts production, further reduce the Company's U.S. workforce by approximately 15%, and record severance related expenses of between $1.3 million and $2.0 million and asset write-downs of up to $10 million during the second half of 2009. During the third quarter, the Company recorded one-time charges of $1.6 million for severance and $5.0 million for inventory write-downs related to this initiative. The Company intends to identify certain machinery and equipment related to non-critical parts manufacturing in its Elmira, NY facility as available for sale in the fourth quarter of 2009, and will record an impairment charge at that time, which is not expected to exceed $2.5 million.

"Approximately 120 positions were eliminated in the U.S. and Europe during the third quarter and worldwide staffing will be further reduced by approximately 90 positions during fourth quarter 2009," Mr. Simons continued. "We continue to review every aspect of our cost structure and to make the adjustments necessary to simplify and focus our operations and to maintain our financial strength and flexibility going forward."

The following tables summarize orders and sales by geographical region for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:

                              Quarter Ended
                              September 30,
    Orders from                                %
     Customers in:           2009      2008    Change
    -------------            ----      ----    ------
    North America         $11,433   $27,659     (59)%
    Europe                 12,891    35,723     (64)%
    Asia & Other           22,414    28,767     (22)%
                           ------    ------     ----
                          $46,738   $92,149     (49)%
                          -------   -------     ----


                              Quarter Ended
                              September 30,
    Sales from                                 %
     Customers in:           2009      2008    Change
    -------------            ----      ----    ------
    North America         $15,704   $25,501     (38)%
    Europe                 18,581    41,610     (55)%
    Asia & Other           15,779    19,503     (19)%
                           ------    ------     ----
                          $50,064   $86,614     (42)%
                          -------   -------     ----


                           Nine Months Ended
                             September 30,
    Orders from                                %
     Customers in:           2009      2008    Change
    -------------            ----      ----    ------
    North America         $34,979   $85,118     (59)%
    Europe                 38,238   135,189     (72)%
    Asia & Other           50,894    74,319     (32)%
                           ------    ------     ----
                         $124,111  $294,626     (58)%
                         --------  --------     ----


                           Nine Months Ended
                              September 30,
    Sales from                                 %
     Customers in:           2009      2008    Change
    -------------            ----      ----    ------
    North America         $46,373   $84,606     (45)%
    Europe                 66,647   123,926     (46)%
    Asia & Other           44,420    60,246     (26)%
                           ------    ------     ----
                         $157,440  $268,778     (41)%
                         --------  --------     ----

Third quarter and nine month order and sales results were down significantly across all regions compared with the same periods in 2008, consistent with the slowdown in global manufacturing activity. Currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact on new orders of approximately $0.8 million for the quarter, and $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same periods in the prior year. Currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact on sales of approximately $0.8 million for the quarter, and approximately $8.5 million for the nine months compared to the same periods in 2008.

Gross profit for the quarter was $3.7 million compared to $18.1 million in 2008. The decreased gross profit is primarily due to the $36.6 million reduction in sales for the quarter compared to the same period in 2008. Third quarter gross profit also reflected an inventory write down of $5.0 million resulting from the discontinuance of the production of non-critical manufacturing parts and certain machines in our Elmira, NY facility that was discussed in the Company's second quarter release, as well as $1.1 million related to lower of cost or market write-downs on machines as a result of the current competitive market conditions as many manufacturers and distributors cut prices to reduce inventories. Gross profit was $30.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared with $73.5 million for the prior year period. The gross margin was 7.5% for the third quarter, and 19.5% for the nine month period, compared to 20.9% and 27.4%, respectively, in 2008. Gross profit for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008 was negatively impacted by an inventory charge of $6.3 million related to the discontinuance of certain machines lines.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the quarter were $17.9 million, down 21% from third quarter 2008, despite additional one-time severance and restructuring related costs. Third quarter SG&A expense includes $2.6 million primarily related to severance costs associated with the discontinuance of the production of non-critical manufacturing parts and certain machines in our Elmira, NY facility as well as workforce reductions in Europe. Exclusive of the one-time charges, the 32% decrease in SG&A was driven by the impact of lower commissions and strategic actions taken by the Company to manage operating expenses as a result of the current order and sales activity levels. Foreign currency translation favorably impacted third quarter SG&A by approximately $0.6 million compared to the prior year.

SG&A for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 declined by 28% to $53.1 million compared to $73.9 million for the same period last year. SG&A for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 included $4.1 million primarily related to severance costs. As a result of the reduced global demand for machine tools, the Company implemented workforce reduction programs in all subsidiaries except China during 2009. Exclusive of the one-time charges, the 34% decrease in SG&A was driven by the impact of lower commissions and strategic actions taken by the Company to manage operating expenses as a result of the current order and sales activity levels. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact of approximately $3.3 million compared to the same period in 2008.

Mr. Simons concluded, "We remain focused on cash flow as we anticipate that the market will continue to be difficult for the foreseeable future. Actions we have taken over the past 15 months have permanently changed the cost structure of the Company, which puts us in a stronger position to compete when the market does recover."

Dividend Declared

The Hardinge Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.005 per share on the Company's common stock, payable on December 10, 2009 to stockholders of record as of December 1, 2009.

Conference Call

The Company will host an investor call at 11:00 AM (ET) today to discuss results for the third quarter of 2009. The call can be accessed live at 866-790-1863, or via the internet at http://www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=63120. A recording of the call can be accessed from the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website, www.hardinge.com, where it will be posted for one year. A recording of the call can also be accessed approximately one hour after its completion by dialing 1-888-284-7564, or 1-904-596-3174 if outside the U.S. & Canada, and entering the reference number: 2392531. This telephone recording will be available through December 31, 2009.

Hardinge is a global designer, manufacturer and distributor of machine tools, specializing in SUPER PRECISION(TM) and precision CNC Lathes, high performance Machining Centers, high-end cylindrical and jig Grinding Machines, and technologically advanced Workholding & Rotary Products. The Company's products are distributed to most of the industrialized markets around the world with approximately 69% of the 2008 sales outside of North America. Hardinge has a very diverse international customer base and serves a wide variety of end-user markets. This customer base includes metalworking manufacturers which make parts for a variety of industries, as well as a wide range of end users in the aerospace, agricultural, transportation, basic consumer goods, communications and electronics, construction, defense, energy, pharmaceutical and medical equipment, and recreation industries, among others.. The Company has manufacturing operations in the United States, Switzerland, Taiwan, and China. Hardinge's common stock trades on NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol, "HDNG." For more information, please visit http://www.hardinge.com

This news release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Such statements are based on management's current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact or that are about future events may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. For example, words such as "may," "will," "should," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue," "strategy," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The company's actual results or outcomes and the timing of certain events may differ significantly from those discussed in any forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    Contact:
    Edward Gaio
    Vice President and CFO
    (607) 378-4207

                            - Financial Tables Follow -



    Hardinge Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Balance Sheets                  September 30,  December 31,
    (In Thousands)                                    2009         2008
                                                      ----         ----

    Assets                                       (Unaudited)
       Cash and cash equivalents                   $25,355      $18,430
       Accounts receivable, net                     35,641       60,110
       Notes receivable, net                         1,063          994
       Inventories, net                            115,400      144,957
       Deferred income taxes                           407          398
       Prepaid expenses                             10,439       10,964
                                                    ------       ------
    Total current assets                           188,305      235,853

       Property, plant and equipment               182,458      183,387
       Less accumulated depreciation               125,161      123,790
                                                   -------      -------
    Net property, plant and equipment               57,297       59,597

       Notes receivable, net                           634          923
       Deferred income taxes                         1,555        1,406
       Intangible assets                            10,554       10,725
       Other long-term assets                          627        1,321
                                                       ---        -----
    Total non-current assets                        13,370       14,375

    Total assets                                  $258,972     $309,825
                                                  ========     ========

    Liabilities and shareholders' equity
       Accounts payable                            $15,703      $20,059
       Notes payable to bank                         8,354            -
       Accrued expenses                             24,670       33,255
       Accrued income taxes                          1,709        2,911
       Deferred income taxes                         3,568        3,466
       Current portion of long-term debt               563       24,549
                                                       ---       ------
    Total current liabilities                       54,567       84,240

       Long-term debt                                3,234        3,572
       Accrued pension expense                      43,435       44,962
       Accrued postretirement benefits               2,764        2,528
       Accrued income taxes                          2,321        2,153
       Other liabilities                             4,423        4,243
                                                     -----        -----
    Total other liabilities                         56,177       57,458

       Common Stock  - $0.01 par value                 125          125
       Additional paid-in capital                  114,429      114,841
       Retained earnings                            67,444       92,700
       Treasury shares -  950,740 shares at
        September 30, 2009 and 1,003,828 shares
        at December 31, 2008                       (12,133)     (13,037)
       Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)      (21,637)     (26,502)
                                                   -------      -------
    Total shareholders' equity                     148,228      168,127

    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity    $258,972     $309,825
                                                  ========     ========



    HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

                              Three Months Ended        Nine Months Ended
                                 September 30,            September 30,
                                 -------------            -------------
                               2009         2008         2009         2008
                               ----         ----         ----         ----
                           (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)

    Net sales               $50,064      $86,614       $157,440     $268,778
    Cost of sales            46,315       68,536        126,694      195,262
                             ------       ------        -------      -------
    Gross profit              3,749       18,078         30,746       73,516

    Selling, general
     and administrative
     expenses                17,856       22,482         53,148       73,923
    Other  expense (income)     304          150            752        2,129
    Impairment charge         2,720            -          2,720
                                 --        -----             --        -----
    (Loss) income
     from operations        (14,411)      (7,274)       (23,154)      (5,256)

    Interest expense            232          377          1,705        1,298
    Interest income             (41)         (70)           (95)        (253)
                                ---          ---            ---         ----
    (Loss)  income before
     income taxes           (14,602)      (7,581)       (24,764)      (6,301)

    Income tax expense           90          757            261        2,319
                                 --          ---            ---        -----
    Net (loss) income      $(14,692)     $(8,338)      $(25,025)     $(8,620)
                           ========      =======       ========      =======


    Per share data:

    Basic (loss) earnings
     per share:              $(1.29)     $( 0.74)        $(2.20)      $(0.76)
                             ======      =======         ======       ======
      Weighted average
       number of common
       shares outstanding
       (in thousands)        11,373       11,304         11,372       11,309
                             ======       ======         ======       ======

    Diluted (loss)
     earnings per share:     $(1.29)     $( 0.74)        $(2.20)      $(0.76)
                             ======      =======         ======       ======
      Weighted average
       number of common
       shares outstanding
       (in thousands)        11,373       11,304         11,372       11,309
                             ======       ======         ======       ======

    Cash dividends
     declared per share      $0.005        $0.05          $0.02        $0.15
                             ======        =====          =====        =====



    HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (In Thousands)

                                                         Nine Months Ended
                                                           September 30,
                                                         2009         2008
                                                         ----         ----
                                                    (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)

    Operating activities
    Net (loss)                                       $(25,025)      $(8,620)
    Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to net
     cash provided by operating activities:
        Noncash - inventory write down                  7,591         6,275
        Impairment charge                                   -         2,720
        Depreciation and amortization                   6,471         7,456
        Provision for deferred income taxes              (468)        1,100
        Loss (gain) on sale of asset                      105           (23)
        Debt issuance amortization                      1,243           239
        Unrealized intercompany foreign currency
         transaction (gain) loss                         (215)        1,831
        Changes in operating assets and
         liabilities:
           Accounts receivable                         24,937           494
           Notes receivable                               229         1,049
           Inventories                                 24,669           845
           Prepaids/other assets                        1,015        (6,255)
           Accounts payable                            (4,628)         (965)
           Accrued expenses                           (10,316)       (1,959)
           Accrued postretirement benefits               (154)         (320)
                                                         ----          ----
    Net cash provided by operating activities          25,454         3,867

    Investing activities
    Capital expenditures                               (2,254)       (3,356)
    Proceeds from sale of asset                            21            60
                                                           --            --
    Net cash (used in) investing activities            (2,233)       (3,296)

    Financing activities
    Increase (decrease) in short-term notes
     payable to bank                                    8,354        (2,458)
    (Decrease) increase in long-term debt             (24,406)        2,265
    Net purchases of treasury stock                         -          (589)
    Dividends paid                                       (231)       (1,719)
    Debt issuance fees paid                              (706)         (893)
                                                         ----          ----
    Net cash (used in) financing activities           (16,989)       (3,394)

    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash               693            58
                                                          ---            --
    Net increase (decrease) in cash                     6,925        (2,765)

    Cash at beginning of period                        18,430        16,003
                                                       ------        ------

    Cash at end of period                             $25,355       $13,238
                                                      =======       =======



Source: Hardinge Inc.


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