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Approves Dividend of $0.35 Per Share
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Fiscal 2008 Net Income Increases 22% to $12.4 Million
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Earnings Per Share Increases $0.21 to $1.43
Chase Corporation (AMEX:CCF) today reported net income of
$3,817,000 for the quarter ended August 31, 2008, representing an
increase of $406,000 or 12% compared to $3,411,000 in the same period
last year. Earnings per diluted share increased $0.04 to $0.44 compared
to $0.40 in fiscal 2007. Revenues of $35.7 million in the current fiscal
quarter represented an increase of $1.5 million or 4% from $34.2 million
in the prior year period.
This represents the first time in the Company’s
history that quarterly revenues and net income surpassed $35 million and
$3.5 million, respectively.
Revenues for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2008 were $132.5 million
and represented a 4% increase over $127.5 million in the prior year. Net
income for the fiscal year increased $2.2 million or 22% to $12.4
million or $1.43 per diluted share, compared to $10.2 million, or $1.22
per diluted share, in the prior year.
Peter R. Chase, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented: “As
we have been saying all year, the housing market decline and higher raw
material costs have been challenges for our Company. I am very happy to
say we have met and overcome them with our long time strategy of closely
controlling costs. In the third quarter report we predicted a successful
finish to the year. New highs in revenues and net income have been
reached by our team.
“At the same time our financial position has
never been stronger as we prepare for the years ahead. For the first
time, Chase Corporation is essentially debt-free with substantial
borrowing capacity for expected acquisition opportunities and plant
expansion needs.
“We will continue our medium term plan to
reduce costs through strategic consolidation within our own organization
while at the same time providing capacity for growth. This realignment
will give us increased focus on our best sales opportunities with the
advantage of a lower cost base.
“Our acquisition effort is being energized, as
we dedicate more staff to this process, and we remain committed to
global growth while managing risk to protect our overall profitability.
“Recent trouble in the financial markets has
negatively impacted our stock price like that of most others, but I am
pleased to say that Chase Corporation has never been stronger, both
financially and operationally with its outstanding team of dedicated
people. The Board’s approval of a $0.35
dividend, a 40% increase over last year and by far our largest yet,
demonstrates our commitment to reward our shareholders’
support, especially during these challenging times. We look forward to
continued success.”
The following table summarizes the Company’s
financial results for the quarter and year ended August 31, 2008 and
2007.
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For the Three Months Ended
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For the Year Ended
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August 31,
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August 31,
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All figures in thousands, except per share figures
|
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2008
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|
|
2007
|
|
|
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2008
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|
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2007
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Revenues
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$
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35,670
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$
|
34,168
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|
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$
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132,478
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$
|
127,460
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Costs and Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Costs of products and services sold
|
|
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24,113
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|
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22,711
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|
|
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89,708
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|
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87,890
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|
|
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Selling, general and administrative expenses
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6,084
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|
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5,921
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|
|
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23,923
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|
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22,421
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|
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Loss on impairment of goodwill
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|
|
-
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|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
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|
|
311
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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Operating income
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|
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5,473
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|
|
5,536
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|
|
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18,847
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|
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16,838
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Other income (expense)
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|
|
228
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|
|
(122
|
)
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|
|
437
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|
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(659
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)
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|
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|
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|
|
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Income before income taxes
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|
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5,701
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|
|
5,414
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|
|
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19,284
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|
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16,179
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Income taxes
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|
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1,884
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|
|
2,003
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|
|
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6,910
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|
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5,986
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|
|
|
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Net income
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$
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3,817
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$
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3,411
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|
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$
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12,374
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$
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10,193
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Net income per diluted share
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$
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0.44
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$
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0.40
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$
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1.43
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$
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1.22
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|
|
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|
|
|
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Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
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|
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8,716
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|
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8,425
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|
|
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8,647
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|
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8,354
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The Company also announced a cash dividend of $0.35 per share to
shareholders of record on October 31, 2008 payable on December 3, 2008.
The fourth quarter results reflect the benefit of the Company’s
diversified product lines and the ability to navigate through difficult
economic times. Favorable product mix and the strength of the Company’s
key brands along with continued attention to controlling costs were
primary contributors to both the quarter and fiscal year results. This,
along with continued pressure on raw material costs, remains a critical
component towards future profitability. In fiscal 2009 management will
focus on addressing the impact of uncertainties presented by the current
global economy.
The Company’s balance sheet has never been
healthier with cash and cash equivalents of $3.9 million, no outstanding
bank debt and net working capital of $23 million as of August 31, 2008.
Our $10 million unsecured line of credit remains intact at favorable
rates with additional financing through existing banking relationships
available for future acquisitions.
Chase Specialized Manufacturing
Revenues from this segment were $30.8 million in the current quarter
compared to $30.0 million in the prior year period. Revenues were $113.2
million for the year ending August 31, 2008 compared to $109.2 million
in the prior year. Increased revenues in the current quarter and fiscal
year relate primarily to sales from Chase Protective Coatings Ltd, which
was established in September 2007. Additionally, increased sales of
pipeline and conformal coatings products were offset by decreases seen
in building wire and cable and construction products.
Chase Electronic Manufacturing Services
(EMS)
This operating segment had revenues of $4.9 million in the current
quarter compared to $4.2 million in the prior year quarter. Record
revenues for the year ending August 31, 2008 were $19.3 million compared
to $18.3 million in fiscal 2007. Demand for contract manufacturing
services from existing customers remained strong in the current quarter.
The backlog for Chase EMS as of August 31, 2008 was flat with the third
quarter at $8.5 million.
Chase Corporation, founded in 1946, is a global manufacturer of tapes,
laminates, sealants and coatings for high reliability applications, and
provides contract assembly services for the electronics industry.
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking. These may
be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as “believe”;
“expect”; “anticipate”;
“should”; “planned”;
“estimated” and “potential”
among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Chase
Corporation’s current expectations. The
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe
harbor” for such forward-looking statements.
In order to comply with the terms of the "safe harbor," the Company
cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made by the
Company are not guarantees of future performance and that a variety of
factors could cause the Company's actual results and experience to
differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations
expressed in the Company's forward-looking statements. The risks and
uncertainties which may affect the operations, performance, development
and results of the Company's business include, but are not limited to,
the following: uncertainties relating to economic conditions;
uncertainties relating to customer plans and commitments; the pricing
and availability of equipment, materials and inventories; technological
developments; performance issues with suppliers and subcontractors;
economic growth; delays in testing of new products; the Company’s
ability to successfully integrate acquired operations; rapid technology
changes and the highly competitive environment in which the Company
operates. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the
statement was made.
Chase Corporation
Paula Myers, 508-279-1789 Ext. 219
Shareholder
& Investor Relations Department
investorrelations@chasecorp.com
www.chasecorp.com