HDNG Hardinge Inc. (delisted)

• Sales increased 4% to $90.2 million in the quarter, driven by growth in Asia & Europe; Sales for the year were $317.9 million, up 9% over 2016
• Quarterly net income was $3.2 million with earnings per diluted share of $0.24; Full year net income was $5.8 million with earnings per diluted share of $0.45
• Generated cash from operations of $25.1 million in 2017 compared with $5.3 million in 2016

Hardinge Inc. (NASDAQ: HDNG), a leading international provider of advanced metal-cutting solutions and accessories, reported financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017.

Sales, Orders and Backlog for the Quarter and Full Year

(Please refer to the Sales and Orders tables included in this release)

North America: Sales of $28.7 million in the quarter were down 4% from the prior-year quarter. Orders for the region were $23.6 million, a decrease of 7% from the prior-year quarter, primarily due to the reorganization of our North America go-to-market approach.

For the full year, stronger economic conditions led sales in North America to increase 8% to $99.9 million. Orders decreased 4% to $97.4 million.

Europe: Sales in Europe increased 7%, or $1.9 million, over the prior-year quarter to $29.0 million. Orders of $26.7 million were down 5% from the prior-year quarter. Excluding favorable foreign currency exchange of $1.5 million and $1.2 million on sales and orders, respectively, sales were up 2% and orders declined 10% compared with the prior-year quarter.

For the full year, sales to Europe were unchanged. Excluding favorable foreign currency exchange of $0.8 million, sales to Europe decreased 1%. Orders increased 10% over the prior-year. Excluding favorable foreign currency translation of $0.1 million, orders increased 9%.

Asia: Asia sales increased $2.5 million, or 8%, to $32.5 million, over the prior-year’s fourth quarter. Excluding favorable foreign currency translation of $1.0 million, sales increased 5% over the prior-year period. Orders of $33.5 million decreased $3.3 million, or 9%, compared with the same period in the prior-year, mostly due to a large order in the prior-year quarter which was not repeated in the current year. Excluding favorable foreign currency translation of $0.9 million, orders were down 11% year over year.

Improving economic conditions helped sales in Asia for the full year to grow $18.7 million, or 17%, from the prior- year to $126.6 million. Excluding unfavorable foreign currency translation of $0.7 million, sales increased 18%. Orders grew $7.9 million, or 7%, over the prior-year to $124.5 million as we have continued to focus on high precision products and custom solutions. Excluding unfavorable foreign currency translation of $0.9 million orders increased 8%.

Consolidated Backlog: Order backlog at December 31, 2017 was $130.6 million a 12% increase over backlog at December 31, 2016.

Fourth Quarter Operating Results

• Gross profit for the quarter was $30.9 million, or 34.3% of sales, up 1.9 points from the prior-year period on improved volume and lower levels of obsolescence inventory reserves.
• Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense increased $1.7 million mostly as a result of $1.6 million in higher compensation and $0.2 million of costs related to the Company's strategic review.
• We recorded a non-cash gain on the dissolution of our Canadian subsidiary related to the realization of a currency translation adjustment of $0.8 million.
• Income from operations was $5.6 million, an increase of $0.6 million, or 12% from the prior-year period. On a non-GAAP(1) adjusted basis, income from operations increased 27% to $6.8 million compared with $5.3 million last year. As a percent of sales, adjusted income from operations was 7.5%, a 1.4 point improvement over the prior-year period.
• Income tax expense in the quarter was impacted by the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act). Tax expense includes $1.2 million for the estimated transition tax resulting from the Act.
• Net income was $3.2 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, down from $3.7 million, or $0.29 per diluted share in the prior-year period. Adjusted non-GAAP(1) net income was $4.3 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, an increase over the prior period adjusted net income of $4.1 million, or $0.31 per diluted share.

(1) Management believes that the use of non-GAAP financial measures help in the understanding of the Company's operating performance. See pages 9 and 10 of this release for the reconciliation tables between reported amounts and non-GAAP measures discussed in this document.

2017 Full Year Review

• Gross profit of $107.6 million was up $10.0 million over the prior-year due to higher volume. Gross margin of 33.8% was up 0.4 points from the prior year on improved volume and lower levels of obsolescence inventory reserves partially offset by unfavorable mix.
• Excluding unusual costs in both periods, SG&A increased $1.1 million due to higher incentive compensation costs, which was partially offset by lower sales and marketing costs.
• Income from operations was $8.9 million, up $5.5 million or 163% from prior-year. Non-GAAP(1) adjusted income from operations more than doubled to $14.3 million, or 5% of sales, compared with $6.6 million, or 2% of sales in 2016.
• Net income was $5.8 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, improved from $1.2 million, or $0.09 per diluted share in the prior-year. Adjusted non-GAAP(1) net income was $11.0 million, or $0.86 per diluted share, up significantly from $4.3 million, or $0.33 per diluted share in the prior-year.

Recent Acquisition Announcement

On February 12, 2018, Hardinge announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement with affiliates of Privet Fund Management LLC (“Privet”) under which Privet has agreed to acquire Hardinge for $18.50 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $245 million, subject to approval of Hardinge shareholders and other customary closing conditions.

In light of the announcement, Hardinge will not hold a conference call to discuss these financial results.

About Hardinge

Hardinge is a leading global designer and manufacturer of high precision, computer-controlled machine tool solutions developed for critical, hard-to-machine metal parts and of technologically advanced workholding accessories. The Company’s strategy is to leverage its global brand strength to further penetrate global market opportunities where customers will benefit from the technologically advanced, high quality, reliable products Hardinge produces. With approximately two-thirds of its sales outside of North America, Hardinge serves the worldwide metal working market. Hardinge’s machine tool and accessory solutions can also be found in a broad base of industries to include aerospace, agricultural, automotive, construction, consumer products, defense, energy, medical, technology and transportation.

Hardinge applies its engineering design and manufacturing expertise in high performance machining centers, high-end cylindrical and jig grinding machines, SUPER-PRECISION® and precision CNC lathes and technologically advanced workholding accessories. Hardinge has manufacturing operations in China, France, Germany, India, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Company regularly posts information on its website: http://www.hardinge.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

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. .

Certain factors could cause actual results to differ from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements in this release, including the possibility that the proposed transaction with Privet is delayed or does not close, including due to the failure to receive required shareholder approval, the taking of governmental action (including the passage of legislation) to block the transaction, the failure of Privet to obtain the equity and debt financing or other funds required to finance the transaction, or the failure of other closing conditions, the possibility that the expected financial impacts will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period, including as a result of fluctuations in the machine tool business, the cyclical nature of our markets, 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 our entry into new product and geographic markets, our ability to manage our operating costs and announced cost reduction initiatives, product liability claims, work stoppages or other labor issues, our ability to execute on our previously announced real estate sale and other restructuring activities, 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, loss of key management or other personnel, failure of operating equipment or information technology infrastructure, changes in the availability and cost of materials and supplies, the implementation of new technologies and currency fluctuations, and other risks and factors described in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or in materials incorporated therein by reference.

The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise

HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

    Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2017   2016 2017   2016 (unaudited)   Sales $ 90,175 $ 86,795 $ 317,920 $ 292,013 Cost of sales 59,238   58,716   210,352   194,486   Gross profit 30,937 28,079 107,568 97,527 Gross profit margin 34.3 % 32.4 % 33.8 % 33.4 %   Selling, general and administrative expenses 21,146 19,426 79,950 79,647 Research & development 3,321 3,561 14,543 13,514 Restructuring charges 1,739 53 4,506 661 Other (income) expense, net (833 ) 61   (365 ) 310   Operating Income 5,564 4,978 8,934 3,395 Operating margin 6.2 % 5.7 % 2.8 % 1.2 %   Interest expense 71 128 417 555 Interest income (50 ) (35 ) (166 ) (227 ) Income before income taxes 5,543 4,885 8,683 3,067 Income taxes 2,371   1,177   2,837   1,843     Net income $ 3,172   $ 3,708   $ 5,846   $ 1,224     Per share data: Basic earnings per share: $ 0.25   $ 0.29   $ 0.45   $ 0.10     Diluted earnings per share: $ 0.24   $ 0.29   $ 0.45   $ 0.09     Cash dividends declared per share: $ —   $ 0.02   $ 0.04   $ 0.08     Weighted avg. shares outstanding: Basic 12,918   12,854   12,900   12,824   Weighted avg. shares outstanding: Diluted 13,054   12,923   12,972   12,909  

HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

    December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016   Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 44,958 $ 28,255 Restricted cash 2,717 2,923 Accounts receivable, net 61,800 55,573 Inventories, net 104,502 107,018 Other current assets 9,076 6,926 Assets held for sale 5,647   —   Total current assets 228,700 200,695   Property, plant and equipment, net 50,790 56,961 Goodwill 6,677 6,579 Other intangible assets, net 26,386 26,730 Other non-current assets 6,396   6,585   Total non-current assets 90,249   96,855   Total assets $ 318,949   $ 297,550     Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Accounts payable $ 26,362 $ 24,920 Accrued expenses 31,695 25,629 Customer deposits 23,852 18,215 Accrued income taxes 1,370 1,160 Current portion of long-term debt —   2,923   Total current liabilities 83,279 72,847   Long-term debt — 2,970 Pension and postretirement liabilities 49,122 58,840 Deferred income taxes 5,217 3,800 Other liabilities 2,405   3,152   Total non-current liabilities 56,744 68,762 Commitments and contingencies Common stock (par value $0.01 per share; shares authorized 20,000,000; Shares issued 12,963,164 and 12,903,037) 130 129 Additional paid-in capital 122,140 121,015 Retained earnings 94,882 89,557 Treasury shares (at cost, 0 and 9,243) — (104 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (38,226 ) (54,656 ) Total shareholders’ equity 178,926   155,941   Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 318,949   $ 297,550  

HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

  Year Ended December 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 Operating activities Net income $ 5,846 $ 1,224 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Impairment charge 1,401 — Depreciation and amortization 8,905 8,789 Debt issuance costs amortization 155 131 Deferred income taxes 376 689 Gain on sale of assets (38 ) (38 ) Gain on dissolution of subsidiary (833 ) — Unrealized foreign currency transaction loss (296 ) 524 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired: Accounts receivable (2,993 ) (284 ) Restricted cash 411 (927 ) Inventories 6,451 252 Other assets (925 ) (372 ) Accounts payable 611 141 Customer deposits 4,421 (776 ) Accrued expenses 1,658 (3,964 ) Accrued pension and postretirement liabilities (35 ) (92 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 25,115 5,297   Investing activities Capital expenditures (3,207 ) (2,479 ) Deposit on assets held for sale 516 — Proceeds from sales of assets 68   118   Net cash used in investing activities (2,623 ) (2,361 )   Financing activities Proceeds from short-term notes payable to bank 20,987 42,820 Repayments of short-term notes payable to bank (21,734 ) (42,114 ) Repayments of long-term debt (6,088 ) (5,761 ) Dividends paid (526 ) (1,052 ) Purchases of treasury stock (80 ) (368 ) Net cash used in financing activities (7,441 ) (6,475 )   Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 1,652   (980 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash 16,703 (4,519 )   Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 28,255   32,774     Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 44,958   $ 28,255  

HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Sales by Region

(in thousands)

    Quarter Ended   December 31, 2017   December 31, 2016   September 30, 2017 Sales to Customers in $   % of Total $   Year-over-Year

% Change

$   Sequential

% Change

North America 28,680   32 % 29,744   (4 )% 27,465   4 % Europe 28,950 32 % 27,026 7 % 22,437 29 % Asia 32,545     36 % 30,025     8 % 35,089     (7 )% Total 90,175       86,795     4 % 84,991     6 %     Twelve months ended   December 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 Sales to Customers in $   % of Total $   Year-over-Year

% Change

North America 99,948   31 % 92,668   8 % Europe 91,329 29 % 91,381 — % Asia 126,643     40 % 107,964     17 % Total 317,920       292,013     9 %

HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Orders by Region

(in thousands)

    Quarter Ended   December 31, 2017   December 31, 2016   September 30, 2017 Orders from Customers in $   % of Total $   Year-over-Year

% Change

$   Sequential

% Change

North America 23,568   28 % 25,378   (7 )% 23,153   2 % Europe 26,745 32 % 28,248 (5 )% 23,491 14 % Asia 33,525     40 % 36,778     (9 )% 27,337     23 % Total 83,838       90,404     (7 )% 73,981     13 %     Twelve months ended   December 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 Orders from Customers in $   % of Total $   Year-over-Year

% Change

North America 97,393   30 % 101,541   (4 )% Europe 101,547 31 % 92,648 10 % Asia 124,541     39 % 116,683     7 % Total 323,481       310,872     4 %

Hardinge believes that providing non-GAAP financial measures such as adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, and adjusted earnings per diluted share is important for investors and other readers of Hardinge's financial statements, as they are used as an analytical indicator by Hardinge management to better understand its operating performance.

HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Income to Non-GAAP Operating Income

(in thousands)

    Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 Amount   % of Sales Amount   % of Sales Operating income as reported $ 5,564 6.2 % $ 4,978 5.7 % Adjustments to reported operating income: Restructuring charges 1,739 1.9 53 0.1 Professional fees for strategic review process 208 0.2 42 0.1 Pension settlement adjustment — — (132 ) (0.2 ) Other adjustments (744 ) (0.8 ) 371   0.4   Non-GAAP operating income as adjusted $ 6,767   7.5 % $ 5,312   6.1 %   Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Amount % of Sales Amount % of Sales Operating income as reported 8,934 2.8 % $ 3,395 1.2 % Adjustments to reported operating income: Restructuring charges 4,506 1.4 661 0.2 Professional fees for strategic review process 208 0.1 1,270 0.4 Pension settlement adjustment — — 633 0.2 Other adjustments 615   0.2   666   0.2   Non-GAAP operating income as adjusted $ 14,263   4.5 % $ 6,625   2.2 %

HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP Net Income

(in thousands, except per share data)

    Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 Amount   EPS Amount   EPS Net income as reported $ 3,172 $ 0.24 $ 3,708 $ 0.29 Adjustments to reported net income, net of taxes: Restructuring charges 1,682 0.13 53 — Professional fees for strategic review process 208 0.02 42 — Pension settlement adjustment — — (108 ) (0.01 ) Other adjustments (744 ) (0.06 ) 371   0.03   Non-GAAP net income as adjusted $ 4,318   $ 0.33   $ 4,066   $ 0.31     Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Amount EPS Amount EPS Net income as reported $ 5,846 $ 0.45 $ 1,224 $ 0.09 Adjustments to reported net income, net of taxes: Restructuring charges 4,358 0.34 661 0.05 Professional fees for strategic review process 208 0.02 1,270 0.10 Pension settlement adjustment — — 517 0.04 Other adjustments 615   0.05   666   0.05   Non-GAAP net income as adjusted $ 11,027   $ 0.86   $ 4,338   $ 0.33  

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Company:HardingeDouglas J. Malone, Chief Financial Officer, (607) 378-4140orInvestor Relations:Kei Advisors LLCDeborah K. Pawlowski, (716) 843-3908Email: dpawlowski@keiadvisors.com