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8-K - 8-K - BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL INCblt-080614x8kpressrelease.htm


Exhibit 99.1

Blount Announces Second Quarter 2014 Results
Second quarter 2014 sales increased 7% to $235 million year-over-year; Adjusted EBITDA increased 9% to $35 million
Full year 2014 guidance raised
Share repurchase program authorized by Board of Directors

PORTLAND, OR - August 6, 2014: Blount International, Inc. [NYSE: BLT] (“Blount” or “Company”) today announced results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2014.

Results for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2014
Sales in the second quarter were $235.4 million, an increase of $15.0 million or 6.8 percent compared to the second quarter of 2013. Operating income for the second quarter of 2014, which includes $0.5 million facility closure and restructuring charges, was $22.4 million compared to $19.3 million in the same quarter last year. Second quarter net income was $12.3 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, compared to $9.3 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2013.

“We continued to perform well in the second quarter. Additionally, demand continued to increase across nearly all geographic regions,” stated Josh Collins, Blount’s Chairman and CEO. “The improved demand and the results of our profit improvement initiatives over the past year have bolstered our confidence that we will achieve or outperform our sales and profit targets for 2014.”

Mr. Collins continued, “We are maintaining a strong focus on our Operational Excellence and other targeted cost-reduction initiatives that will continue to enhance our businesses long term. Additionally, our Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program that will return cash to shareholders as our balance sheet and leverage levels continue to improve.”

Blount operates primarily in two business segments - the Forestry, Lawn, and Garden (“FLAG”) segment and the Farm, Ranch, and Agriculture (“FRAG”) segment. The Company reports separate results for the FLAG and FRAG segments. Blount’s Concrete Cutting and Finishing (“CCF”) business is included in “Corporate and Other.”

Forestry, Lawn, and Garden
The FLAG segment had second quarter 2014 sales of $160.1 million, which was $9.4 million higher than the second quarter of 2013. Sales volume increases were partially offset by a reduction in average prices. Second quarter 2014 sales increased in all geographical regions except Asia, with North America generating approximate 15 percent growth and Europe and Russia achieving approximately eight percent
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growth. Asia sales were down more than nine percent compared to the second quarter of 2013. The change in segment sales for the comparable second quarter periods is illustrated below.
Change in FLAG Segment Sales
 
(In millions; amounts may not sum due to rounding)
Sales
Change
 
Second quarter 2013
 
$150.8

 
 
 
Increase / (Decrease)
 
 
 
 
Foreign Exchange

0.0%
 
 
 
150.8

0.0%
 
 
Unit Volume
11.0

7.3%
 
 
Selling Price / Mix
(1.6)

(1.1)%
 
Second quarter 2014
$160.1

6.2%

Segment backlog was $160.9 million at June 30, 2014, an increase of three percent from $156.3 million on June 30, 2013. The increase in backlog relates primarily to increased saw chain demand compared to the prior year.

Segment contribution to operating income and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization and certain charges (“Adjusted EBITDA”) was $23.8 million and $30.3 million, respectively, for the second quarter of 2014, and includes $7.6 million of allocated shared services expenses. Contribution to operating income improved 15.2 percent and Adjusted EBITDA improved 10.6 percent for the second quarter of 2014 versus the second quarter of 2013. The change in FLAG contribution to operating income for the comparable second quarter periods is presented below.

































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Change in FLAG Segment Contribution to Operating Income and Adjusted EBITDA
 (In millions; amounts may not sum due to rounding)
 
 
Contribution
to
Operating Income
As a Percent of Segment Sales
Depreciation,
Amortization,
and
Other
Adjusted EBITDA
As a Percent of Segment Sales
 
Second quarter 2013
 
$20.7
13.7%
$6.7
$27.4
18.2%
 
 
Increase / (Decrease)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Steel Costs
(1.5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Exchange
0.5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19.7
13.1%
 
 
 
 
 
Unit Volume
4.6
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling Price / Mix
(1.6)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs / Mix
0.9
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23.7
14.8%
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisition accounting(1)  
0.2
 
 
 
 
 
Second quarter 2014
 
$23.8
14.9%
$6.5
$30.3
18.9%
 

(1) Represents change in non-cash acquisition accounting impact for all FLAG business units

Segment contribution to operating income and Adjusted EBITDA improved primarily due to higher sales volumes, a more efficient cost profile, and favorable foreign exchange rates. Increased steel costs and the impact of targeted sales promotions slightly offset the improvements in those areas. The closure of a higher cost FLAG manufacturing plant announced in mid-2013 and higher plant utilization rates - 91 percent in the second quarter of 2014 compared to 76 percent in the second quarter of 2013 - contributed to improved overall operating efficiency. The manufacturing cost improvement was partially offset by an increase in SG&A spending, driven by incentive compensation expense as 2014 results compared more favorably to target than in 2013, along with increased advertising and professional service fees.

Farm, Ranch, and Agriculture
The FRAG segment reported second quarter 2014 sales of $67.3 million, an increase of $4.6 million from the second quarter of 2013, mainly due to improved sales volumes and stronger average pricing. Sales volumes increased primarily due to stronger sales of log splitters. The change in segment sales for the comparable second quarter periods is illustrated below.

Change in FRAG Segment Sales
 
(In millions; amounts may not sum due to rounding)
Sales
Change
 
Second quarter 2013
 
$62.7
 
 
Increase / (Decrease)
 
 
 
Foreign Exchange
0.2
0.3%
 
 
62.9
0.3%
 
Unit Volume
3.3
 5.3%
 
Selling Price / Mix
1.1
1.8%
 
Second quarter 2014
$67.3
7.4%

Segment backlog was $19.1 million at June 30, 2014, compared to $16.3 million at June 30, 2013. The increased backlog reflects improved demand for log splitters and agriculture parts in the segment.

The FRAG segment had $6.8 million of Adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter of 2014. FRAG segment contribution to operating income was $2.6 million after $4.2 million of depreciation and amortization expense, and $2.4 million of allocated shared services expenses. The change in the second quarter 2014 contribution to operating income compared to the second quarter of 2013 is presented below.
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Change in FRAG Segment Contribution to Operating Income and Adjusted EBITDA
(In millions; amounts may not sum due to rounding)
 
Contribution
to
Operating Income
As a Percent of Segment Sales
Depreciation,
Amortization,
and
Other
Adjusted EBITDA
As a Percent of Segment Sales
 
Second quarter 2013
 
$2.0

3.2%
$4.4
$6.4
10.3%
 
 
Increase / (Decrease)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Steel Costs
0.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Exchange

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.1

3.3%
 
 
 
 
 
Unit Volume
1.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling Price / Mix
1.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs / Mix
(2.3)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.3

3.3%
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisition accounting(1)  
0.4

 
 
 
 
 
Second quarter 2014
 
$2.6

3.9%
$4.2
$6.8
10.1%
 

(1) Represents change in acquisition accounting impact for all FRAG business units

The benefit of improved sales volumes and average pricing were largely offset by higher costs in the FRAG segment, mainly in the areas of manufacturing, distribution, and supplier purchased components. Conversion costs were unfavorable compared to the second quarter of 2013 as a result of marginally higher labor costs as increased production volumes drove overtime and training expense for new personnel. Product sales mix in the second quarter of 2014 included relatively lower margin products compared to 2013.

Corporate and Other
Corporate and Other generated net expense of $4.1 million in the second quarter of 2014 compared to net expense of $3.4 million in the second quarter of 2013. Second quarter 2014 net expense increased primarily due to $0.5 million of facility closure costs related to the closure of the Company’s Querétaro, Mexico blade plant announced in February 2014, as well as higher incentive compensation expense.

Net Income
Second quarter 2014 net income increased primarily due to higher overall operating income in the second quarter of 2014 compared to 2013. Net interest expense decreased $0.1 million to $4.5 million in the second quarter of 2014 as a result of lower average borrowing levels. Other income improved as a result of foreign exchange impacts on non-operating assets. The change in net income for the second quarter of 2014 compared to the second quarter of 2013 is summarized in the table below.














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Change in Consolidated Net Income
 
 
 
 
(In millions, except per share data;
amounts may not sum due to rounding)
Pre-tax Income
Income Tax Effect
Net
Income
Diluted Earnings per Share
 
Second quarter 2013 Results
$13.7
$4.4
$9.3
$0.19
 
 
Change due to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increased operating income excluding
     acquisition accounting
2.7
0.9
1.9
0.04
 
 
Acquisition accounting
0.4
0.1
0.2
0
 
 
Decreased net interest expense
0.1
0
0.1
0
 
 
Change in other expense
1.2
0.4
0.8
0.02
 
 
Change in income tax rate
n/a
0
0
0
 
Second quarter 2014 Results
$18.1
$5.8
$12.3
$0.25


Cash Flow and Debt
As of June 30, 2014, the Company had net debt of $385.2 million, a decrease of $10.0 million from December 31, 2013 and a decrease of $75.4 million compared to June 30, 2013. The decrease in net debt since December 31, 2013 was primarily the result of generating free cash flow of $14.0 million partially offset by the Pentruder® distribution business acquisition in the first quarter of 2014. Second quarter free cash flow generation was $19.7 million compared to $15.9 million in the second quarter of 2013. The increase in free cash flow in the second quarter of 2014 was driven by improved operating results along with a reduction in working capital compared to the prior year, partially offset by a $1.6 million increase in capital spending, mostly on capacity in China and Canada. The Company defines free cash flow as cash flows from operating activities less net capital spending. The ratio of net debt to last-twelve-months (“LTM”) Adjusted EBITDA was 3.0x as of June 30, 2014, which is an improvement compared to December 31, 2013 and reflects lower net debt and increased Adjusted EBITDA.

Share Repurchase Program
The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $75 million of Blount common stock to be completed on or before December 31, 2016. “The share repurchase program is a result of our solid cash flow in 2013, the continued strength of our balance sheet, and our confidence in the long-term future of Blount,” stated Chief Financial Officer Calvin Jenness. “We expect to execute on this new $75 million share repurchase program while retaining sufficient capital capacity to continue making long-term investments in our business.”

2014 Financial Outlook
As a result of sales demand and the generally improved cost profile in the FLAG business, the Company is revising its fiscal year 2014 outlook upward for both sales and Adjusted EBITDA. Sales are expected to range between $935 million and $960 million, Adjusted EBITDA between $135 million and $140 million, and operating income between $81 million and $86 million. Our expectation for sales assumes growth in FLAG segment sales of between three and six percent and growth in FRAG segment sales of between six and eight percent, both compared to full year 2013 levels. In 2014, operating income is expected to experience benefit from foreign currency exchange rates of between $2 million and $3 million, and steel costs are expected to have a $2 million to $3 million unfavorable impact for the year compared to 2013. The 2014 operating income outlook includes non-cash charges of approximately $12 million related to acquisition accounting. Free cash flow in 2014 is expected to range between $32 million and $38 million, after approximately $38 million to $42 million of capital expenditures. Net interest expense is expected to be between $17 million and $18 million in 2014, and the effective income tax rate for continuing operations is expected to be between 33 percent and 36 percent in 2014.

A comparison of key operating indicators for 2013 actual results and the 2014 outlook mid-point is provided in the table below.

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(In millions)
2013
Actual
2014 Outlook Mid-Point
 
Sales
$900.6
$947.5
 
Operating Income1
37.5
83.5
 
Adjusted EBITDA
123.5
137.5
 
Free Cash Flow
67.6
35.0
 
Net Capital Expenditures
29.4
40.0
 
Net Debt at Period End
395.2
364.2
 
Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA
3.2x
2.6x
(1) 2013 Actual Operating Income includes a $24.9 million non-cash charge related to impairment of certain acquired intangible assets

Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow are non-GAAP measures and are reconciled to Operating Income and Cash Flow from Operations in the attached financial data table.

###

Blount is a global manufacturer and marketer of replacement parts, equipment, and accessories for consumers and professionals operating primarily in two market segments: Forestry, Lawn, and Garden (“FLAG”); and Farm, Ranch, and Agriculture (“FRAG”). Blount also sells products in the construction markets and is the market leader in manufacturing saw chain and guide bars for chain saws. Blount has a global manufacturing and distribution footprint and sells its products in more than 115 countries around the world. Blount markets its products primarily under the OREGON®, Carlton®, Woods®, TISCO, SpeeCo®, ICS® and Pentruder® brands. For more information about Blount, please visit our website at http://www.blount.com.

“Forward looking statements” in this release, including without limitation Blount’s “outlook,” “expectations,” “beliefs,” “plans,” “indications,” “estimates,” “anticipations,” “guidance” and their variants, as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, are based upon available information and upon assumptions that Blount believes are reasonable; however, these forward looking statements involve certain risks and should not be considered indicative of actual results that Blount may achieve in the future. In particular, among other things, guidance given in this release is expressly based upon certain assumptions concerning market conditions, foreign currency exchange rates, and raw material costs, especially with respect to the price of steel, the presumed relationship between backlog and future sales trends and certain income tax matters, as well as being subject to the uncertainty of the current global economic situation. To the extent that these assumptions are not realized going forward, or other unforeseen factors arise, actual results for the periods subsequent to the date of this announcement may differ materially.



















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Blount International, Inc. Financial Data (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
2013
2014
2013
2014
Sales
$
220,407

$
235,423

$
453,022

$
467,382

Cost of sales
159,745

166,632

329,255

331,698

Gross profit
60,662

68,791

123,767

135,684

Selling, general, and administrative expenses
41,389

45,977

85,351

90,545

Facility closure & restructuring charges

463


2,000

Operating income
19,273

22,351

38,416

43,139

Interest expense, net of interest income
(4,576
)
(4,462
)
(8,893
)
(8,950
)
Other income (expense), net
(969
)
242

(144
)
244

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
13,728

18,131

29,379

34,433

Provision for income taxes
4,398

5,841

10,710

11,557

Net income
$
9,330

$
12,290

$
18,669

$
22,876

 
 
 
 
 
Basic income per share:
$
0.19

$
0.25

$
0.38

$
0.46

Diluted income per share:
$
0.19

$
0.25

$
0.37

$
0.46

Shares used for per share computations:
 
 
 
 
Basic
49,430

49,635

49,402

49,633

Diluted
50,057

50,143

50,113

50,198

 
 
 
 
 
Free Cash Flow
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
(Amounts in thousands)
2013
2014
2013
2014
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
23,536

$
29,011

$
17,728

$
28,737

Net purchases of property, plant, and equipment
(7,661
)
(9,263
)
(14,066
)
(14,732
)
Free cash flow
$
15,875

$
19,748

$
3,662

$
14,005

 
 
 
 
 
Segment Information
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
(Amounts in thousands)
2013
2014
2013
2014
Sales:
 
 
 
 
FLAG
$
150,758

$
160,112

$
315,901

$
325,327

FRAG
62,696

67,349

122,944

127,230

Corporate and Other
6,953

7,962

14,177

14,825

Total sales
$
220,407

$
235,423

$
453,022

$
467,382

Operating income:
 
 
 
 
FLAG
$
20,685

$
23,834

$
45,253

$
51,912

FRAG
2,011

2,607

924

1,708

Corporate and Other
(3,423
)
(4,090
)
(7,761
)
(10,481
)
Operating income
$
19,273

$
22,351

$
38,416

$
43,139


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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31,
 
June 30,
(Amounts in thousands)
2013
 
2014
Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
42,797

 
$
24,343

Accounts receivable
110,807

 
137,380

Inventories
156,955

 
162,062

Asset held for sale
7,680

 
7,680

Other current assets
38,114

 
36,978

Property, plant, and equipment, net
164,194

 
163,256

Other non-current assets
295,804

 
293,401

Total Assets
$
816,351

 
$
825,100

Liabilities:
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
$
15,016

 
$
15,077

Other current liabilities
113,485

 
125,888

Long-term debt, net of current maturities
422,972

 
394,417

Other long-term liabilities
110,478

 
108,635

Total liabilities
661,951

 
644,017

Stockholders’ equity
154,400

 
181,083

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
$
816,351

 
$
825,100

 
 
 
 
Net debt (Current maturities of long-term debt plus
 
 
 
Long-term Debt less Cash and cash equivalents)
$
395,191

 
$
385,151





























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Sales and Adjusted EBITDA
(Amounts may not sum due to rounding)
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 Forestry, Lawn and Garden
 Farm, Ranch, and Agriculture
 Corporate and Other
 Total Company
(Amounts in thousands)
 
2013
Actual
2014
Actual
2013
Actual
2014
Actual
2013
Actual
2014
Actual
2013
Actual
2014
Actual
Total sales
 
$
150,758

$
160,112

$
62,696

$
67,349

$
6,953

$
7,962

$
220,407

$
235,423

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
20,685

23,834

2,011

2,607

(3,423
)
(4,090
)
$
19,273

$
22,351

Depreciation
 
6,215

6,137

1,247

1,353

185

161

7,647

7,651

Non-cash acquisition accounting charges
 
507

336

3,180

2,830


169

3,687

3,335

Stock compensation
 




1,382

964

1,382

964

Facility closure and restructuring charges
 





463


463

Other
 








Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
27,407

$
30,307

$
6,438

$
6,790

$
(1,856
)
$
(2,333
)
$
31,989

$
34,764

Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 Forestry, Lawn and Garden
 Farm, Ranch, and Agriculture
 Corporate and Other
 Total Company
(Amounts in thousands)
 
2013
Actual
2014
Actual
2013
Actual
2014
Actual
2013
Actual
2014
Actual
2013
Actual
2014
Actual
Total sales
 
$
315,901

$
325,327

$
122,944

$
127,230

$
14,177

$
14,825

$
453,022

$
467,382

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
45,253

51,912

924

1,708

(7,761
)
(10,481
)
$
38,416

$
43,139

Depreciation
 
12,702

12,284

2,485

2,520

353

322

15,540

15,126

Non-cash acquisition accounting charges
 
1,020

672

6,341

5,648


318

7,361

6,638

Stock compensation
 




2,744

2,417

2,744

2,417

Facility closure and restructuring charges
 





2,000


2,000

Other
 








Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
58,975

$
64,868

$
9,750

$
9,876

$
(4,665
)
$
(5,424
)
$
64,062

$
69,320

 
 
 Total Company
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2013
Actual
2014
Outlook
Total sales
 
$
900,595

$
947,500

 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
$
37,521

$
83,500

Depreciation
 
33,479

34,000

Non-cash acquisition accounting charges
 
14,753

12,000

Impairment charges
 
24,879


Stock compensation
 
5,607

6,000

Facility closure and restructuring charges (1)
 
6,046

2,000

Other
 
1,196


Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
123,481

$
137,500

(1) The 2014 outlook includes approximately $1.2 million of cash transition costs and approximately $0.8 million of non-cash charges.
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