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OM Group Announces 2005 Third Quarter and Nine-Month Results

Posted on: Tuesday, 8 November 2005, 09:01 CST

CLEVELAND, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- OM Group, Inc. today announced its 2005 third quarter and nine-month financial results.

Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2005 were $306.6 million, or 1.7% lower than the $311.9 million reported in the comparable period of 2004. Gross profit decreased to $32.1 million in the third quarter of 2005 versus $77.3 million in the third quarter one year ago. Net income was $3.4 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the 2005 quarter, compared to $29.8 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, for the same three-month period of 2004.

The decline in the 2005 third quarter performance was largely due to lower cobalt metal prices and lower nickel production volumes. The average price of cobalt for the third quarter of 2005 was $13.41 per pound compared with $23.18 per pound in the third quarter of 2004. As a result of a cobalt price decline that began in the latter part of 2004 and extended throughout 2005, cobalt group profitability was negatively impacted by the sale of finished goods manufactured using higher cost raw materials purchased before the decrease in prices. Lower nickel production volumes were due primarily to lower raw material feedstocks, resulting in higher costs per unit produced.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) decreased by $6.8 million to 6.7% of sales versus 8.8% in the third quarter of 2004. Corporate expenses for the third quarter of 2005 decreased $3.0 million to $7.2 million compared with $10.2 million for the third quarter of 2004.

"Market conditions remained challenging for OM Group during the third quarter of 2005," said Joseph M. Scaminace, chairman and chief executive officer. "Steady customer demand and slightly higher nickel pricing were not enough to offset the dampening affect of lower cobalt prices."

Scaminace continued to say that the company's financial performance in the third quarter and through the end of September does not reflect the company's overall operational health, nor is it an appropriate indicator of the company's growth prospects. "Clearly, we are disappointed with our results for the quarter and year," he said. "Like many companies, we currently have an inherent sensitivity to volatile raw material costs that significantly impact our short-term financial results. We will continue to manage our business aggressively regardless of metal pricing trends."

NINE-MONTH RESULTS

Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 were $973.2 million, versus $992.3 million for the comparable period in 2004. Gross profit decreased to $128.6 million for the 2005 nine-month period versus $259.9 million for the year-earlier period. Net income was $27.2 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2005, versus $95.7 million, or $3.35 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2004. The decrease in the nine-month results was due primarily to the same factors that impacted the third-quarter results, plus the planned maintenance shut-down of the company's joint venture smelter located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the first five months of 2005.

SG&A decreased by $17.5 million, to 7.8% of sales, in the first nine months of 2005, versus 9.5% for the comparable period in 2004. Corporate expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 were $24.5 million compared with $42.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS Cobalt

The cobalt group includes cobalt and other metal-based products. For the third quarter of 2005, net sales were $129.3 million and operating profit was $6.5 million compared to net sales of $163.3 million and operating profit of $39.1 million for the third quarter of 2004. In addition to the factors described above relating to lower cobalt metal prices, lower sales volumes of organics products and decreased production at, and delayed shipments from, the company's DRC joint venture smelter also contributed to the decline in operating profits.

Nickel

The nickel group includes nickel-based products. For the third quarter of 2005, net sales were $191.9 million and operating profit was $12.2 million versus net sales of $170.5 million and operating profit of $21.1 million for the third quarter of 2004. In addition to the factors described above, operating profits were lower due to higher tolling and refining costs; a lower of cost or market inventory charge of $3.8 million resulting from the drop in the nickel price at the end of September 2005; and lower by-product credits as a result of the lower cobalt price. These factors were partially offset by the positive impact of a slightly higher average nickel price ($6.61 per pound in the third quarter of 2005 versus $6.35 for the same period a year ago) and the receipt of $2.5 million related to the collection of a note receivable that had been fully reserved in 2002.

Scaminace noted, "The underlying fundamentals of the nickel business have come more into focus over the past quarter. We have reached an agreement in principle with Inco Limited to toll refine approximately 21,000 to 25,000 tonnes of contained nickel per year over a three-year period, starting July 1, 2006 and ending June 30, 2009. Both companies anticipate executing a definitive agreement on or before December 31, 2005. Under a separate but already executed agreement, OMG will toll refine concentrates having approximately 8,300 additional tonnes of contained nickel between September 2005 and June 2006, based on the availability, timing and other standard terms."

OUTLOOK

The company now expects, based on a nickel price of $5.50 per pound and a cobalt price of $12.60 per pound for the balance of the year, diluted earnings per share for the year slipping into the range of $1.35 to $1.65. This range includes net insurance proceeds of $27.5 million and the $8.7 million charge related to the termination of the company's former chief executive officer, which together approximates $0.65 per diluted share.

Scaminace concluded, "Unfortunately, the impact of metal price volatility on our financial results is a reality of the company's current business model. While it would be extremely frustrating to report such bottom-line performance for 2005, the company should end the year increasing cash from operations by $35 to $40 million and generating sufficient cash to meet our working capital and debt service needs, litigation settlements of $74 million and anticipated capital expenditures. We remain committed to transforming the company and we are optimistic about the company's ability to create increasing value for our investors over the long term and during the transition."

ABOUT OM GROUP, INC.

OM Group is a leading, vertically integrated international producer and marketer of value-added, metal-based specialty chemicals and related materials. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, OM Group operates manufacturing facilities in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.omgi.com/.

For more information contact - Greg Griffith, Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations, 216-263-7455.

FORWARD - LOOKING STATEMENTS

The foregoing discussion may include forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based upon specific assumptions and are subject to uncertainties and factors relating to the company's operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the company. These uncertainties and factors could cause actual results of the company to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements contained in the foregoing discussion. Such uncertainties and factors include: the speed and sustainability of price changes in cobalt and nickel; the potential for lower of cost or market write-downs of the carrying value of inventory necessitated by decreases in the market prices of cobalt and nickel; the availability of competitively priced supplies of raw materials, particularly cobalt and nickel; the risk that new or modified internal controls, implemented in response to the 2004 investigation by the audit committee of the Company's board of directors and the Company's examination of its internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, are not effective and need to be improved; the demand for metal-based specialty chemicals and products in the Company's markets; the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on the Company's international operations; the effect of non-currency risks of investing and conducting operations in foreign countries, including political, social, economic and regulatory factors; the effect of changes in domestic or international tax laws; the outcome of the previously announced SEC Division of Enforcement review of the investigation conducted by the Company's audit committee; the general level of global economic activity and demand for the Company's products; and the completion of the settlement of the shareholder derivative lawsuits filed against certain of the Company's former executives and certain of its current and former directors in a manner that is consistent with the Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement reached with the lead plaintiffs in such lawsuits.

OM GROUP, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands, except share data) September 30, December 31, 2005 2004 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $59,868 $26,779 Accounts receivable, less allowances 169,556 161,346 Inventories 308,335 415,517 Advances to suppliers 9,982 32,498 Other 38,758 52,719 Total Current Assets 586,499 688,859 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST Land 4,800 4,982 Buildings and improvements 163,795 161,566 Machinery and equipment 508,123 493,930 Furniture and fixtures 17,322 17,130 694,040 677,608 Less accumulated depreciation 321,987 287,796 372,053 389,812 OTHER ASSETS Goodwill 179,761 181,871 Receivables from joint venture partner 29,379 29,379 Other 45,313 44,780 TOTAL ASSETS $1,213,005 $1,334,701 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Long-term debt in default $- $400,000 Current portion of long-term debt 5,750 5,750 Accounts payable 90,175 132,312 Accrued employee costs 20,747 17,062 Retained liabilities of businesses sold 16,532 21,837 Shareholder litigation accrual - 74,000 Other 38,277 50,835 Total Current Liabilities 171,481 701,796 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Long-term debt 418,458 24,683 Deferred income taxes 26,350 31,033 Shareholder litigation accrual 7,649 18,000 Minority interest 38,393 44,168 Other 35,082 27,989 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Preferred stock, $.01 par value: Authorized 2,000,000 shares, no shares issued or outstanding - - Common stock, $.01 par value: Authorized 60,000,000 shares; issued 28,988,519 shares in 2005 and 28,494,098 shares in 2004 289 285 Capital in excess of par value 509,500 498,250 Retained deficit (4,834) (32,080) Treasury stock (61,235 shares in 2005 and 14,025 shares in 2004, at cost) (2,226) (710) Accumulated other comprehensive income 12,863 21,287 Total Stockholders' Equity 515,592 487,032 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $1,213,005 $1,334,701 (All amounts are subject to annual audit by our independent registered public accounting firm.) OM GROUP, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2005 2004 2005 2004 Net sales $306,586 $311,902 $973,227 $992,270 Cost of products sold 274,442 234,606 844,659 732,326 32,144 77,296 128,568 259,944 Selling, general and administrative expenses 20,562 27,321 76,301 93,843 INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 11,582 49,975 52,267 166,101 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) Interest expense (10,159) (9,766) (30,411) (30,100) Foreign exchange gain (loss) 545 (2,967) (2,267) (6,802) Investment and other income, net 1,246 1,803 7,099 5,867 (8,368) (10,930) (25,579) (31,035) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST 3,214 39,045 26,688 135,066 Income tax expense 1,190 8,062 6,981 36,177 Minority interest (1,204) 1,193 (5,775) 3,166 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 3,228 29,790 25,482 95,723 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Income from operations, net of tax 139 - 1,764 - NET INCOME $3,367 $29,790 $27,246 $95,723 Net income per common share - basic Continuing operations $0.11 $1.05 $0.89 $3.36 Discontinued operations 0.01 - 0.06 - Net income $0.12 $1.05 $0.95 $3.36 Net income per common share - assuming dilution Continuing operations $0.11 $1.04 $0.89 $3.35 Discontinued operations 0.01 - 0.06 - Net income $0.12 $1.04 $0.95 $3.35 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 28,591 28,470 28,530 28,470 Assuming dilution 28,615 28,642 28,593 28,613 (All amounts are subject to annual audit by our independent registered public accounting firm.) OM GROUP, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS (Amounts in thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 2004 OPERATING ACTIVITIES Income from continuing operations $25,482 $95,723 Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 37,036 37,856 Foreign exchange loss 2,267 6,802 Gain on sale of investment in equity securities (2,359) - Gain on Weda Bay note receivable (2,500) - Minority interest (5,775) 3,166 Income from equity method investment (3,876) (3,959) Other non-cash items (5,256) 16,317 Changes in operating assets and liabilities Decrease (increase) in inventories 107,182 (138,607) Payment of shareholder litigation settlement (74,000) - Other changes in operating assets and liabilities (28,064) (61) NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 50,137 17,237 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (18,489) (11,909) Proceeds from sale of investments in equity securities 4,534 - Proceeds from Weda Bay note receivable 2,500 - Proceeds from MPI note receivable 3,035 - Acquisition of business - (6,715) NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (8,420) (18,624) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Payments of long-term debt and revolving line of credit (54,185) - Proceeds from the revolving line of credit 49,872 - Proceeds from exercise of stock options 117 - NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES (4,196) - Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (4,432) (498) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 33,089 (1,885) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 26,779 54,719 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $59,868 $52,834 (All amounts are subject to annual audit by our independent registered public accounting firm.) OM GROUP, INC. SEGMENT DATA (Amounts in thousands) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2005 2004 2005 2004 Net sales Cobalt $129,268 $163,281 $422,883 $492,389 Nickel 191,915 170,479 592,457 559,652 Intercompany sales between segments: Cobalt (347) (582) (831) (2,365) Nickel (14,250) (21,276) (41,282) (57,406) Total net sales $306,586 $311,902 $973,227 $992,270 Income from operations Cobalt $6,521 $39,125 $21,007 $129,466 Nickel 12,233 21,056 55,714 79,516 Corporate expenses (a) (7,172) (10,206) (24,454) (42,881) Total income from operations $11,582 $49,975 $52,267 $166,101 Interest expense (10,159) (9,766) (30,411) (30,100) Foreign exchange gain (loss) 545 (2,967) (2,267) (6,802) Investment and other income, net 1,246 1,803 7,099 5,867 Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest $3,214 $39,045 $26,688 $135,066 (a) For the nine months ended September 30, 2005 corporate expenses decreased due to the receipt of net insurance proceeds of $8.5 million related to the shareholder class action lawsuits and $1.9 million of income related to the mark-to-market of 380,000 shares of common stock expected to be issued in connection with the shareholder derivative litigation, partially offset by an $8.7 million charge related to the former chief executive officer's termination. Corporate expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 included a $7.5 million charge related to the shareholder derivative lawsuits and a $4.9 million charge for executive compensation awards, of which $3.4 million related to the departure of the Company's former chief financial officer. In addition, corporate expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 included increased legal and professional fees associated with the restatement process, audit committee investigation and implementation of processes to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements. (All amounts are subject to annual audit by our independent registered public accounting firm.)

OM Group, Inc.

CONTACT: Greg Griffith, Vice President, Corporate Affairs and InvestorRelations of OM Group, Inc., +1-216-263-7455

Web site: http://www.omgi.com/

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

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