EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE Press Release

EXHIBIT 99.1

LOGO

Noble International Announces

Second Quarter Financial Results

TROY, MI – AUGUST 6, 2008 – Noble International, Ltd. (NASDAQ: NOBL) (“Noble” or the “Company”) reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008.

SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:

 

   

Diluted earnings per share of $0.35 versus $0.13 a year ago

 

   

Net sales of $314.9 million, up 72.4% versus a year ago

 

   

Operating profit of $11.9 million versus $6.3 million a year ago

 

   

Free Cash Flow of $31.2 million versus $11.6 million a year ago

 

   

Inventory levels were reduced by $13.7 million since March 31, 2008

 

   

Net debt levels were reduced by $26.5 million since March 31, 2008

For the second quarter of 2008, Noble reported net sales of $314.9 million and net earnings of $9.0 million, or $0.35 per diluted share. The results reflect the negative impact of a $1.0 million after-tax charge, or $0.03 per diluted share, related to severance for certain executives who departed the Company. These financial results compare with net sales of $182.7 million and net earnings of $1.8 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2007.

“In the second quarter, we realized the benefits of our geographic and customer diversification efforts,” stated Thomas L. Saeli, Noble’s Chief Executive Officer. “Despite the challenging North American operating environment which was exacerbated by the UAW strike of American Axle in April and May, we were still able to deliver solid earnings in the second quarter due to the strong performance of our overseas operations.”

Total North American light vehicle production in the second quarter of 2008 was down 14.2% versus the second quarter of 2007. Total “Detroit 3” North American light vehicle production was down 19.9% over the same time period. This negative market environment was primarily responsible for net sales in North America decreasing by $37.1 million, a 20.9% decrease versus the second quarter of 2007. However, the North American sales decrease was more than offset by $166.2 million of revenue at facilities acquired from ArcelorMittal (“the Arcelor Business”) and a $3.2 million increase in sales at the Company’s Australian operations.

The North America segment reported operating profit of $1.5 million on $143.7 million of sales in the second quarter of 2008 versus operating profit of $8.3 million on sales of $177.5 million in the second quarter of 2007. The decrease in operating profit was primarily driven by the large reduction in light vehicle production in North America. Corporate and central costs contributed an operating loss of $4.4 million in the second quarter of 2008 versus an operating loss of $2.2 million in the second quarter of 2007. The larger loss was attributable in part to severance costs for certain departed executives as well as increased professional costs.


The Europe/Rest of World segment reported operating profit of $14.8 million on $170.3 million of sales in the second quarter of 2008. In the first quarter of 2008, the Europe/Rest of World segment reported operating profit of $5.9 million on $145.3 million of sales. The increase in sales was driven by higher production volumes and an increase in steel and scrap pricing. The increase in operating profit was driven by margin on higher volumes, operational efficiencies, scrap pricing, timing of steel price increases and a reduction in professional fees.

Noble’s Chief Financial Officer, David J. Fallon commented, “Given the drastic reduction in North American light vehicle production, management across the Company focused on cost reductions, managing capital spending and reducing working capital. The results of these efforts are demonstrated by our strong Free Cash Flow figures for the second quarter.”

Free Cash Flow in the second quarter of 2008 was $31.2 million. These figures compare with Free Cash Flow of $11.6 million in the second quarter of 2007. The Free Cash Flow realized in the second quarter of 2008 was primarily utilized to pay down net indebtedness by $26.5 million and distribute approximately $1.9 million of dividends to common shareholders.

In the second quarter, management implemented cost saving strategies primarily related to scrap, quality and labor which should yield $12.0 million of annual cost savings in 2009. In addition, the Company progressed on its rationalization efforts related to the closure of two North American facilities and the restructuring of two contract manufacturing operations in Europe. These initiatives, once completed, will result in approximately $11.0 million of cost savings in 2009. In light of the current and forecasted economic conditions, management will continue to assess the appropriateness of the Company’s manufacturing footprint, and is ready to implement further restructuring efforts should they be necessary.

In addition to the above cost reductions, management initiated other cash generating activities in the second quarter in response to the decreasing light vehicle production. Management spent significant time decreasing working capital levels and scrutinizing capital expenditure requirements. In the second quarter, the Company generated $15.9 million of cash from reducing its working capital needs, which included a $13.7 million reduction of inventory levels. Capital expenditures in the second quarter were $8.1 million, and the Company’s year-to-date capital spending through the second quarter was $16.3 million. Management originally had estimated full year capital expenditures of $35 million but now anticipates a significantly lower figure.

Noble’s Chief Executive Officer, Thomas L. Saeli commented, “Despite the headwinds of the North American light vehicle production environment, we delivered strong results in the second quarter. The cost savings initiatives and working capital discipline we implemented in the past six months will make the Company much stronger when economic conditions provide for a better operating environment. That being said, there is still significant uncertainty regarding short term economic conditions and fuel prices and their impact on global light vehicle production. Given this uncertainty, we are choosing not to update our previous full year 2008 guidance that we will be profitable for the full year.”

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

Noble will host a conference call to discuss its operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008 at 10 AM ET, Thursday, August 7, 2008. The dial-in numbers for the call are (800) 690-3108 or (404) 665-9934 and the conference ID number is 57728525. A replay of the conference call will be available through August 14, 2008 by dialing (800) 642-1687 or (706) 645-9291. The passcode for the replay is 57728525.

USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

In addition to the results reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) included throughout this news release, the Company has provided information regarding EBITDA adjusted for other non-cash items (“Adjusted EBITDA”) and “Free Cash Flow,” both non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings from continuing operations before income tax, plus interest expense, depreciation and amortization as well adjustments for other non-cash items. Free Cash Flow represents net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment.


Adjusted EBITDA is not presented as, and should not be considered an alternative measure of operating results or cash flows from operations (as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles), but are presented because they are widely accepted financial indicators of a company’s operating performance. While widely used, however, Adjusted EBITDA is not identically calculated by companies presenting Adjusted EBITDA and is, therefore, not necessarily an accurate means of comparison and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures disclosed by other companies.

Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to both management and investors in their analysis of the Company’s operating performance. Further, management uses Adjusted EBITDA for planning and forecasting in future periods and Free Cash Flow is useful in analyzing the company’s ability to service and repay its debt. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income from continuing operations, see the attached financial information and supplemental data.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

Noble International, Ltd. is a leading supplier of automotive parts, component assemblies and value-added services to the automotive industry. As an automotive supplier, Noble provides design, engineering, manufacturing, program management and other services to the automotive market. Noble delivers integrated component solutions, technological leadership and product innovation to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier I automotive parts suppliers thereby helping its customers increase their productivity while controlling costs. For more information see www.nobleintl.com.

Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements addressing operating performance, events or developments that we believe or expect to occur in the future, including those that discuss strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters, or which relate to future sales or earnings expectations, cost savings, awarded sales, volume growth, earnings or a general belief in our expectations of future operating results. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of management’s assumptions and estimations when made and speak only as of the date thereof. As a result, there can be no guarantee or assurance that these assumptions and expectations will in fact occur. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “would,” or “will” or variations of such words and similar expressions may identify such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to materially differ from those contained in the statements. Some, but not all of the risks, include our ability to obtain future sales; our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions; changes in worldwide economic and political conditions, including adverse effects from terrorism or related hostilities including increased costs, reduced production or other factors; costs related to legal and administrative matters; our ability to realize cost savings expected to offset price concessions; inefficiencies related to production and product launches that are greater than anticipated; changes in technology and technological risks; increased fuel costs; work stoppages and strikes at our facilities and that of our customers; the presence of downturns in customer markets where the Company’s goods and services are sold; financial and business downturns of our customers or vendors; and other factors, uncertainties, challenges, and risks detailed in Noble’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Noble does not intend or undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

 

For more information contact:

Scott A. Kehoe

Treasurer

Noble International, Ltd.

(248) 519-0700


NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net sales

   $ 314,949     $ 182,657     $ 629,047     $ 342,728  

Cost of sales

     283,773       168,650       573,976       315,129  
                                

Gross margin

     31,176       14,007       55,071       27,599  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     19,247       7,743       40,117       15,256  
                                

Operating profit

     11,929       6,264       14,954       12,343  

Interest income

     175       72       260       159  

Interest expense

     (5,772 )     (3,200 )     (11,782 )     (6,147 )

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     (929 )     —         (929 )     (3,285 )

Net loss on derivative instruments

     —         (1,751 )     —         (1,751 )

Other income, net

     2,527       1,559       3,047       1,227  
                                

Income before income taxes, minority interest and equity loss

     7,930       2,944       5,550       2,546  

Income tax (benefit) expense

     (1,274 )     736       (1,990 )     129  
                                

Income before minority interest and equity loss

     9,204       2,208       7,540       2,417  

Minority interest, net of tax

     (235 )     (289 )     (527 )     (464 )

Equity loss, net of tax

     (6 )     (71 )     (34 )     (291 )
                                

Net Income

   $ 8,963     $ 1,848     $ 6,979     $ 1,662  
                                

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.38     $ 0.13     $ 0.30     $ 0.12  
                                

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.35     $ 0.13     $ 0.30     $ 0.12  
                                

Dividends declared and paid per share

   $ 0.08     $ 0.08     $ 0.16     $ 0.16  
                                

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     23,660,552       14,138,242       23,633,959       14,132,597  

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     28,502,440       14,157,972       26,655,584       14,156,886  

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to income before income taxes:

        

Income before income taxes, minority interest and equity loss

   $ 7,930     $ 2,944     $ 5,550     $ 2,546  

Depreciation

     12,001       4,518       23,748       8,648  

Amortization

     1,467       553       2,895       1,122  

Stock compensation

     18       313       230       343  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     929       —         929       3,285  

Net loss on derivative instruments

     —         1,751       —         1,751  

Net interest expense

     5,596       3,128       11,522       5,988  
                                

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 27,941     $ 13,207     $ 44,874     $ 23,683  
                                

Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to net cash provided by operating activities:

        

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 39,282     $ 15,734     $ 63,946     $ 22,717  

Less: Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (8,071 )     (4,178 )     (16,314 )     (13,890 )
                                

Free Cash Flow

   $ 31,211     $ 11,556     $ 47,632     $ 8,827  
                                


NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     June 30,
2008
   December 31,
2007

ASSETS

     

Current Assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,897    $ 3,332

Accounts receivable trade, net

     181,690      160,664

Inventories, net

     64,409      81,500

Unbilled customer tooling, net

     6,909      8,825

Prepaid expenses

     3,932      3,804

Income taxes receivable

     4,705      5,842

Value added tax receivable

     8,575      11,117

Deferred income taxes

     3,544      3,781

Assets held for sale

     2,248      —  

Other current assets

     11,127      12,625
             

Total Current Assets

     302,036      291,490

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

     264,762      264,163

Other Assets:

     

Goodwill

     152,312      155,100

Other intangible assets, net

     79,696      78,330

Other assets, net

     15,935      14,608
             

Total Other Assets

     247,943      248,038
             

Total Assets

   $ 814,741    $ 803,691
             

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Current Liabilities:

     

Accounts payable

   $ 164,566    $ 152,868

Accrued liabilities

     32,386      35,125

Value added tax payable

     6,774      3,831

Current maturities of long-term debt

     37,413      49,795

Contingent consideration

     15,705      14,746

Income taxes payable

     1,074      1,021
             

Total Current Liabilities

     257,918      257,386

Long-Term Liabilities:

     

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities

     146,522      205,690

Convertible subordinated notes

     86,216      36,216

Deferred income taxes

     35,545      35,605

Other liabilities

     10,180      10,018
             

Total Long-Term Liabilities

     278,463      287,529

Minority Interest

     6,168      5,641

Stockholders’ Equity

     

Common stock

     16      16

Additional paid-in capital

     223,177      222,057

Retained earnings

     19,300      16,109

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net

     29,699      14,953
             

Total Stockholders’ Equity

     272,192      253,135
             

Total Liabilities & Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 814,741    $ 803,691
             


NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 6,979     $ 1,662  

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Minority interest

     527       464  

Equity loss

     34       291  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     929       3,285  

Net loss on derivative instruments

     —         1,751  

Amortization of financing fees included in interest expense

     1,001       258  

Depreciation and amortization

     26,643       9,768  

Deferred income taxes

     (1,416 )     (156 )

Share-based compensation expense

     230       392  

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment

     51       (2 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and foreign exchange:

    

Accounts receivable

     (14,762 )     (21,234 )

Inventories

     20,560       (1,353 )

Prepaid and other assets

     7,022       5,128  

Accounts payable

     7,967       20,985  

Income taxes payable or receivable

     1,313       691  

Accrued liabilities

     6,684       951  

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements

     184       (164 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     63,946       22,717  

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (16,314 )     (13,890 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     1,230       220  

Investment in joint ventures

     (814 )     (187 )

Additional direct costs paid for Pullman acquisition

     —         (37 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (15,898 )     (13,894 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Net (payments) borrowings on revolving credit facilities

     (23,192 )     5,390  

Repayments of borrowings under term loans

     (86,124 )     (7,070 )

Repayments under other debt agreements

     (3,829 )     (1,178 )

Proceeds from issuance of convertible subordinated debt

     50,000       —    

Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt

     31,249       —    

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     187       1,163  

Dividends paid on common stock

     (3,788 )     (2,262 )

Financing fees

     (937 )     (90 )

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements

     148       164  
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (36,286 )     (3,883 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (197 )     28  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     11,565       4,968  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     3,332       6,587  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 14,897     $ 11,555