HDNG Hardinge Inc. (delisted)

Hardinge Reports $1.7 Million Fourth Quarter Profit; Debt Reduction of $8.3 Million in Quarter ELMIRA, N.Y., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hardinge Inc. , a leading producer of advanced material-cutting solutions, today reported improved operating performance for the fourth quarter and full year 2003 compared to the same periods of 2002. Income before taxes, minority interest elimination, and equity investment profits was $2.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2003, an increase of $.7 million,or 33% over the same period of the prior year. Full year profits on the same line for 2003 were $4.5 million, an increase of $2.8 million over the 2002. Fourth quarter 2003 net income was $1.7 million, or $.19 per share, compared to $2.0 million, or $.23 per share in the fourth quarter of 2002. The fourth quarter of 2002 net income was higher due to tax benefits on U.S. losses. There were no such tax benefits in the fourth quarter of 2003. Full year 2003 net losses totaled ($11.3) million, or ($1.30) per share compared to a net profit for the full year 2002 of $2.0 million, or $.23 per share. Results for the full year 2003 included a $12.9 million non-cash valuation reserve against its U.S. deferred tax assets recorded in the third quarter under an accounting rule which applies when a company has three years of cumulative losses in a tax jurisdiction, such as the Company has had in its U.S. operations. J. Patrick Ervin, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are proud of our accomplishments during 2003. Although it was not a year of recovery for the industry in the U.S. as we had hoped, it was a year of stabilization that allowed us to concentrate on positioning ourselves for the future. We were able to reduce our total debt (net of cash) by over $21 million dollars or more than 50% during the year. Operationally, we were able to successfully integrate the Bridgeport product line into our Elmira facility, expand our efforts in China and Taiwan, and make steady progress in new product design, all of which benefited us during the year, but more importantly, will provide benefits into the future. Furthermore, we were able to accomplish this while increasing our pretax earnings." The following table summarizes the Company's 2003 sales into geographical regions, with comparison to the same periods of 2002: (U.S. dollars in thousands) Fourth Quarter Full Year 20032002 % Change 2003 2002 % Change North America $23,255 $15,140 54% $80,087 $69,400 15% Europe 20,585 17,703 16% 73,863 71,154 4% Asia & Other 9,073 9,088 0% 31,352 28,460 10% $52,913 $41,931 26% $185,302 $169,014 10% The 2003 sales include the positive impact of the weaker U.S. dollar on the conversion of the Company's European subsidiaries' sales into U.S. dollars. Viewed in constant dollars at the 2002 exchange rates, the Company's 2003 fourth quarter sales increased by 18% from the same quarter of 2002. When measured in constant dollar exchange rates, full year 2003 sales increased by 3% over 2002. In its U.S. markets, Hardinge's sales increased due to the addition of the Bridgeport product line and from a large sale to an auto supplier that, combined, added approximately $13 million in sales for the year. Additionally, the Company saw an improvement in the sales of its standard products in the fourth quarter of the year. Sales in Europe in the fourth quarter, when measured in constant exchange rates, were flat compared to the prior year, and 2003 full year sales would have shown a decrease of about $9 million, or 13%. European markets weakened throughout 2003 resulting in decreased demand for machines. Although there are no aggregate industry statistics published for the European countries, management believes the Company's sales mirrored the industry results inthe main countries where it sells. The Asia & Other category is primarily sales to China. Fourth quarter 2003 sales were essentially equal to the strong fourth quarter of 2002. The 10% increase in sales in this region for the full year 2003 resultedfrom the Company's initiatives to expand its sales and manufacturing capabilities within China. The following table summarizes the Company's orders for the fourth quarter and full year of 2003, as compared to the same periods in 2002: (U.S. dollars in thousands) Orders from Fourth Quarter Full Year Customers in: 2003 2002 % Change 2003 2002 % Change North America $23,686 $18,825 26% $87,822 $70,353 25% Europe 17,370 12,065 44% 64,515 55,405 16% Asia & Other 8,655 8,685 0% 34,110 29,513 16% $49,711 $39,575 26% $186,447 $155,271 20% Fourth quarter 2003 orders increased by 19% on a constant currency basis compared with the same quarter of 2002. Orders for the full year of 2003 increased by $20 million, or 13%, after excluding foreign currency translation impacts. North American orders rose despite a continuing decline in industry-wide orders. The Association for Manufacturing Technology, the machine tool industry's primary trade group, has recently reported that metal-cutting machinery orders from U.S. customers in 2003 were down 6% from the alreadydepressed level in 2002. U.S. orders for Hardinge's traditional products outpaced the overall industry experience. The Company also added incremental new business from its Bridgeport products. Excluding foreign currency translation effects, fourth quarter 2003 orders from customers in Europe were approximately 27% above the fourth quarter orders in 2002. The Company's HTT subsidiary had a very strong order rate in the quarter compared to 2002. For the full year of 2003, orders from Europe, stated in constant U.S. dollars, increased by only 1%. Fourth quarter orders from customers in Asia were flat compared to the same quarter in 2002. Full year orders in Asia continued to grow in 2003, primarily due to increased demand in China. The Company's consolidated backlog at December 31, 2003 was $42.5 million, 15% above the December 31, 2002 backlog of $37.0 million. The following table summarizes the Company's 2003 sales by product category, with comparisons to the same periods of 2002: (U.S. dollars in thousands) Fourth Quarter Full Year 2003 2002 % Change 2003 2002 % Change Machines $38,253 $29,148 31% $126,543 $112,389 13% Non-machine products & services 14,660 12,783 15% 58,759 56,625 4% $52,913 $41,931 26% $185,302 $169,014 10% The fourth quarter 2003 gross margin was 28.0% of sales, compared to 33.4% in the fourth quarter of 2002. This reflects the higher percentage of sales coming from machine sales, where we traditionally achieve lower margins than on the non-machine product and service revenue. The full-year 2003 gross margin was 29.5% of sales, compared to 30.5% in 2002. Gross margins for both years reflect the lower recovery of fixed manufacturing overhead, particularly in the U.S. operations. Despite further production level declines in 2003, the Company's worldwide cost reduction initiatives have allowed it to maintain very consistent gross margins percentages over the past three years. The stockholders' equity section of the balance sheet includes a direct charge of approximately $3.9 million in the fourth quarter relating to the Company's U.S. and UK pension plans. This charge reflects unfunded accumulated benefit obligations. It is primarily the result of a lower discount rate used to value future pension liabilities and a decline in the value of the pension assetsover the past few years, although pension assets performed well in 2003. This non-cash charge, which is not reflected in the income statement, is required under accounting standards to reflect a net pension liability on the balance sheet. A charge of$5.1 million was recorded in 2002. Mr. Ervin further commented on the results for the year, "We are pleased to report improved operational results for the year 2003 while many in our industry continue to struggle. We have done the appropriate things to ensure that our Company is well positioned so that shareholders, employees, and most importantly, customers can benefit from our operations in the future." "As we begin 2004, I see many opportunities for Hardinge. In the U.S., statistics such as the Institute of Supply-Chain Managers Index and the Consumer Confidence Index point to a stronger year for manufacturers. More government officials are speaking out about the importance of U.S. manufacturing and manufacturing jobs for a truly healthy economy. I would like to see this talk turn into positive action to support manufacturers. The weaker dollar should also help U.S. manufacturing companies compete better in world markets. With the product lines we are producing in our Elmira, NY facility, we are well prepared to take advantage of the increased demand for machine tools resulting from our nation's manufacturers ramping up production, coupled with increased international demand due to more competitive local pricing." Mr. Ervin continued, "Our two Swiss operations, Kellenberger and HTT, have completed profitable years, despite seeing decreases in their sales levels. Operating with a stronger currency will provide challenges for 2004, but I am encouraged by the progress that has been made during the year in achieving operational and product line synergies." "Our Taiwanese manufacturing facility has shown the ability to produce quality machine tools that are accepted in all markets of the world. With planned expansion of their product lines, we look for them to continue to add revenues and bottom line profits to Hardinge. Mainland China is, and will continue to be, an area of superior growth for our products produced in the U.S., Switzerland, and Taiwan. We are expanding our assembly operations in Mainland China, combining components from our other manufacturing facilities with locally sourced components that will allow us to compete effectively in the Chinese market. Our worldwide engineering resources covering three continents will continue to work together to develop new products which are vital to the success of our company." "I believe 2004 will be a better year for our company. Furthermore, I believe there will be opportunities for acquisitions of product lines, companies, or assets that will enable us to build on the strong base that we have developed. Plus we will begin to explore opportunities outside of machine tools to more fully utilize our worldwide assets," Mr. Ervin said. "I remain optimistic about further improvements in operating results in 2004. My optimism stems not just from the expected positive direction of our markets, but also from the employees of Hardinge. Our Company remains a leader because of our people throughout the world. They are its backbone and they have been loyal to our Company and its future through very difficult times. For that, I am thankful," Mr. Ervin concluded. The Company will host its usual conference call at 10:00 am today to discuss these results. The call can beaccessed via the Internet live or as a replay at http://www.fulldisclosure.com/ . The archive will be available for replay for 14 days following the call. Hardinge Inc., founded more than 100 years ago, is an international leader in providing the latest industrial technology to companies requiring material- cutting solutions. The Company designs and manufactures computer-numerically controlled metal-cutting lathes, machining centers, grinding machines and other industrial products. The Company's common stock trades on NASDAQ under the symbol "HDNG." For more information, please visit the Company's website at http://www.hardinge.com/ . This news release contains statements of a forward-looking nature relating to the financial performance of Hardinge Inc. Such statements are based upon information known to management at this time. The company cautions that such statements necessarily involve uncertainties and risk, and deal with matters beyond the company's ability to control and in many cases the company cannot predict what factors would cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated. Among the many factors that could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements are fluctuations inthe machine tool business cycles, changes in general economic conditions in the U.S. or internationally, the mix of products sold and the profit margins thereon, the relative success of the company's entry into new product and geographic markets, the company's ability to manage its operating costs, actions taken by customers such as order cancellations or reduced bookings by customers or distributors, competitors' actions such as price discounting or new product introductions, governmental regulations and environmental matters, changes in the availability and cost of materials and supplies, the implementation of new technologies and currency fluctuations. Any forward- looking statement should be considered in light of these factors. The company undertakes no obligation to revise its forward-looking statements if unanticipated events alter their accuracy. HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Operations (In Thousands,Except Per Share Data) Three months ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2003 2002 2003 2002 Net Sales $52,913 $41,931 $185,302 $169,014 Cost of sales 38,119 27,930 130,698 117,403 Gross profit 14,794 14,001 54,604 51,611 Selling, general and administrative expenses 11,359 10,991 47,731 46,448 Income from operations 3,435 3,010 6,873 5,163 Interest expense 760 1,132 2,917 3,978 Interest (income) (161) (219) (500) (496) Income before income taxes and minority interest in consolidated subsidiary and investment of equity company 2,836 2,097 4,456 1,681 Income taxes (benefits) 716 (149) 14,667 (868) Minority interest in (profit) of consolidated subsidiary (566) (244) (1,257) (566) Profit in investment of equity company 109 (17) 184 17 Net income (loss) $1,663 $1,985 ($11,284) $2,000 Per share data: Basic earnings (loss) per share $.19 $.23 ($1.30) $.23 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 8,725 8,702 8,708 8,687 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $.19 $.23 ($1.30) $.23 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 8,760 8,721 8,708 8,687 Other financial data: Gross margin 28.0% 33.4% 29.5% 30.5% Operating margin 6.5% 7.2% 3.7% 3.1% Capital expenditures $323 $304 $1,504 $2,337 Depreciation and amortization $2,222 $1,426 $8,668 $8,967 HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets (In Thousands) Dec. 31, Dec. 31, 2003 2002 Assets Current assets: Cash $4,739 $2,175 Accounts receivable, net 44,660 38,519 Notes receivable, net 6,354 6,333 Inventories 87,064 87,748 Deferred income taxes 5 4,243 Income tax receivables 5,795 Prepaid expenses 4,540 3,362 Total current assets 147,362 148,175 Property, plant and equipment: Property, plant and equipment 162,926 156,815 Less accumulated depreciation 96,741 87,908 66,185 68,907 Other assets: Notes receivable 7,733 8,392 Deferred income taxes 126 9,268 Intangible pension asset 3,900 2,630 Goodwill 18,314 16,390 Other 2,087 2,523 32,160 39,203 Total assets $245,707 $256,285 HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets--Continued (In Thousands) Dec. 31, Dec. 31, 2003 2002 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 13,760 $ 14,417 Notes payable to bank 624 5,351 Accrued expenses 18,315 13,995 Accrued income taxes 2,990 1,150 Deferred income taxes 3,477 3,273 Current portion long-term debt 5,002 6,125 Total current liabilities 44,168 44,311 Other liabilities: Long-term debt 17,675 30,526 Accrued pension plan expense 23,602 17,356 Deferred income taxes 3,163 2,525 Accrued postretirement benefits 5,864 5,838 Derivative financial instruments 6,194 5,257 Other liabilities 2,267 2,255 58,765 63,757 Equity of minority interest 3,688 2,431 Shareholders' equity: Preferred stock, Series A, par value $.01: Authorized - 2,000,000; issued - none Common stock, $.01 par value: Authorized shares - 20,000,000 Issued shares - 9,919,992 at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 99 99 Additional paid-in capital 60,586 61,139 Retained earnings 94,150 105,612 Treasury shares (13,843) (15,068) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (393) (4,562) Deferred employee benefits (1,513) (1,434) Total shareholders' equity 139,086 145,786 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $245,707 $256,285 DATASOURCE: Hardinge Inc. CONTACT: Richard L. Simons, Exec VP & CFO of Hardinge Inc., +1-607-378-4202, or Analyst Inquiries, JohnMcNamara of Financial Relations Board, +1-212-445-8435 Web site: http://www.hardinge.com/

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