HILLSBORO, Ore., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FEI Company reported results for the fourth quarter of 2005. Both revenue and bookings increased from the third quarter, but the company recorded a loss for the latest quarter, due to substantial restructuring and asset revaluation charges, including charges related to the previously announced decision to consolidate operations. The company is entering 2006 with a record backlog and reduced expenses and expects higher revenue and improved financial results in 2006.
Net sales for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 of $101.6 million are up 5% compared to the net sales of $97.1 million in the third quarter of 2005.
Bookings in the fourth quarter totaled $116.1 million, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1.14 and a record high backlog of $186.3 million at the end of the quarter. Bookings were up 16% from the third quarter of 2005.
The net loss on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) was $30.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2005, compared with a net loss of $5.1 million in the third quarter of 2005 and net income of $8.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2004. The diluted loss per share in the latest quarter was $0.91, compared with a diluted loss per share of $0.15 in the third quarter of 2005.
Restructuring, asset impairment charges and related inventory write-offs in the fourth quarter were $24.2 million, including:
- $5.4 million of inventory write-downs and adjustments, included in cost of sales, primarily related to product lines formerly manufactured at the company's facility in Peabody, Massachusetts; the Peabody facility was closed in December 2005, as previously announced; - $0.9 million for asset impairments related to the Peabody facility; - $7.7 million for asset impairments related to our decision to discontinue implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system and pursue less costly alternatives; - $5.6 million impairment of investments in minority-owned companies, included on the income statement in other expense, net; and - $4.6 million of restructuring charges, primarily for severance, lease termination, and relocation expenses, related to the Peabody closure and included as a separate line item in operating expenses.
The company recorded an income tax expense in the fourth quarter of $2.3 million. Excluding the tax expense, as well as the restructuring, asset impairment charges and related inventory write-offs, the non-GAAP pretax loss in the latest quarter was $4.2 million. Investors should refer to the attached table for a reconciliation of the GAAP loss before taxes to the non- GAAP loss before taxes.
"2005 results were disappointing, but we believe we have taken the right steps to renew our growth and significantly improve our profitability in 2006," said Vahe A. Sarkissian, chairman, president and chief executive officer of FEI. "In the last year, we have:
- reorganized the company around our major market growth opportunities; - introduced important new products, including the world's most powerful electron microscope, the Titan(TM); - reduced our operating costs; - focused our investment on the most important growth opportunities and away from under-performing product lines; - and generated positive cash flow.
"In the fourth quarter, we saw renewed growth in our bookings," continued Sarkissian, "and we added to our backlog, which will help us improve our production flow and further aid in lowering costs. We enter 2006 with a record backlog and reduced costs, and expect to deliver significantly improved operating results in 2006. We have large market opportunities and powerful technology resources, to which we have added an increased market focus and improved operating processes."
Total cash and investments increased in the quarter by $14.4 million, including positive operating cash flow of $5.8 million. Capital spending for the quarter was $3.3 million, and depreciation expense was $3.3 million. Inventory turnover improved to an annual rate of 3.1 times in the fourth quarter compared with 2.6 times in the third quarter. Accounts receivable decreased by $10.2 million from the prior quarter, while days sales outstanding improved to 88 days, compared with 102 days in the third quarter. Cash and short and long term investments were $280.5 million, convertible debt totaled $225.0 million (due in 2008) and shareholders' equity was $292.4 million as of December 31, 2005.
First Quarter Guidance and 2006 Outlook
FEI currently expects net sales for the first quarter of 2006 to be in the range of $106 million to $111 million. Bookings are expected to be greater than sales for the quarter. The company expects a non-cash restructuring and impairment charge of approximately $2 million in the first quarter of 2006 due to implementation of the final steps in its restructuring plan. As a result of adopting the new requirements for accounting for stock options and other equity awards under SFAS 123(R), the company expects to record approximately $1.9 million of stock option expense in the first quarter, and approximately $2.3 million per quarter in subsequent quarters of 2006. GAAP earnings per share in the first quarter are expected to be in the range of breakeven to a small loss. Excluding the restructuring charges and stock option expense, non-GAAP earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $0.01 to $0.06 per share. The company expects a tax rate for the first quarter of approximately 35%.
For 2006, the company expects continued growth in the research sector of its business and a modest recovery in the semiconductor and data storage markets. Revenue for the year is currently expected to grow compared to 2005. As a result of revenue growth and lower costs due to the company's restructuring and other cost-improvement programs, earnings are expected to improve substantially over 2005 levels. For reasons why the company's actual results may differ from guidance, please see the section titled "Safe Harbor Statement" below.
Investor Conference Call -- 2:00 p.m. PST Tuesday, February 7, 2006
Parties interested in listening to FEI's quarterly conference call may do so by dialing 1-800-218-4007 (domestic, toll-free) or 1-303-262-2131 (international) and asking for the FEI Q4 Earnings call. The call can also be accessed via the web by going to FEI's Investor Relations page at http://www.feicompany.com , where the webcast will also be archived. A telephone replay of the call will also be accessible for one month by dialing 1-800-405-2236 (US) or 1-303-590-3000 (international) and entering the access code 11050789#.
About FEI
FEI's Tools for Nanotech(TM), featuring focused ion- and electron-beam technologies, deliver 3D characterization, analysis and modification capabilities with resolution down to the sub-Angstrom level. With R&D centers in North America and Europe and sales and service operations in more than 50 countries around the world, FEI is bringing the nanoscale within the grasp of leading researchers and manufacturers and helping to turn some of the biggest ideas of this century into reality. More information can be found on the FEI website at: http://www.feicompany.com .
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements that include our guidance for the first quarter of 2006 and statements about future bookings, revenue, earnings, financial results, profitability, backlog growth, and reduced costs as well as restructuring plans and anticipated benefits. Factors that could affect these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the continued growth in nanotechnology markets in general and more particularly, the strength of the scientific research, semiconductor and data storage markets; cyclical changes in the data storage and semiconductor industries; fluctuations in foreign exchange and interest rates; our continued ability to maintain deferral accounting of hedge transactions; reduced profitability due to failure to achieve or sustain margin improvement or cost reductions; lower than expected customer orders; cancellation of customer orders; failure of customers to adopt new technologies; increased competition and new product offerings from competitors; lower average sales prices and reduced margins on some product sales due to increased competition; failure of the company's products and technology to find acceptance with customers; delays in shipping new products; changes in the mix of products sold in a quarter; unfavorable business conditions and lack of growth in the general economy, both domestic and foreign; failure to accurately estimate the amounts and timing of restructuring charges; delays in or failure to complete planned restructurings in the first quarter of 2006; timing of facilities closings, relocations, severance and other charges included in restructurings; additional restructurings and reorganizations not presently anticipated; reduced sales due to geopolitical risks; changes in trade policies and tariff regulations; additional research and development expenses; inability to overcome technological barriers; additional selling, general and administrative expenses; additional costs related to future merger and acquisition activity; and failure of the company to achieve anticipated benefits of current or future acquisitions, including failure to achieve financial goals and integrate the acquisitions successfully. Please also refer to our Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q, Forms 8-K and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for additional information on these factors and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. FEI assumes no duty to update forward-looking statements.
FEI Company and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands) (Unaudited) December 31, October 2, December 31, ASSETS 2005 2005 2004 CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $79,315 $75,632 $128,958 Short-term investments in marketable securities 156,049 146,368 173,681 Receivables 98,330 108,544 159,526 Inventories 84,879 97,900 87,783 Deferred tax assets 5,157 3,823 8,365 Other current assets 32,328 26,377 31,528 Total current assets 456,058 458,644 589,841 Non-current investments in marketable securities 44,602 43,769 33,850 Long-term restricted cash 519 323 4,177 Property plant and equipment, net 59,011 64,241 71,550 Purchased technology, net 8,154 8,821 22,080 Goodwill 41,402 41,459 41,486 Deferred tax assets 1,095 2,214 18,555 Other assets, net 45,190 51,922 59,505 TOTAL $656,031 $671,393 $841,044 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable $26,186 $30,450 $36,618 Current accounts with Philips 1,964 1,795 4,240 Accrued payroll liabilities 9,205 12,014 15,070 Accrued warranty reserves 5,193 5,466 9,073 Deferred revenue 43,647 42,468 42,599 Income taxes payable 9,021 2,916 7,962 Accrued restructuring, reorganization and relocation 5,274 2,614 1,020 Other current liabilities 31,072 31,544 38,107 Total current liabilities 131,562 129,267 154,689 Convertible debt 225,000 225,000 295,000 Deferred tax liabilities 1,947 648 6,412 Other liabilities 5,079 4,952 5,373 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: Preferred stock - 500 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding -- -- -- Common stock - 70,000 shares authorized; 33,800; 33,675; and 33,413 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2005; October 2, 2005; and December 31, 2004 332,125 319,067 315,632 Accumulated (deficit) earnings (56,081) (25,388) 22,077 Accumulated other comprehensive income 16,399 17,847 41,861 Total shareholders' equity 292,443 311,526 379,570 TOTAL $656,031 $671,393 $841,044 FEI Company and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Thirteen Weeks Ended Year Ended December October December December December 31, 2, 31, 31, 31, 2005 2005 2004 2005 2004 NET SALES: Products $76,725 $70,889 $119,724 $325,679 $374,908 Service 24,896 26,233 25,450 101,550 90,797 Total net sales 101,621 97,122 145,174 427,229 465,705 COST OF SALES: Products 52,005 42,704 69,007 201,024 213,434 Service 19,826 17,984 17,712 74,382 62,815 Total cost of sales 71,831 60,688 86,719 275,406 276,249 Gross profit 29,790 36,434 58,455 151,823 189,456 OPERATING EXPENSES: Research and development 14,388 13,429 15,576 59,870 55,857 Selling, general and administrative 24,050 25,251 27,828 99,787 94,307 Amortization of purchased technology 640 720 1,685 4,220 5,924 Asset impairment 8,607 801 -- 25,352 -- Restructuring, reorganization and relocation 4,615 2,804 (100) 8,544 607 Total operating expenses 52,300 43,005 44,989 197,773 156,695 OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME (22,510) (6,571) 13,466 (45,950) 32,761 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Interest income 2,233 1,866 1,508 7,819 5,212 Interest expense (1,461) (1,392) (2,675) (9,342) (10,332) Other expense, net (6,701) (399) (557) (8,310) (3,270) Total other expense, net (5,929) 75 (1,724) (9,833) (8,390) (LOSS) INCOME BEFORE TAXES (28,439) (6,496) 11,742 (55,783) 24,371 INCOME TAX EXPENSE 2,255 (1,393) 3,378 22,375 7,798 NET (LOSS) INCOME $(30,694) $(5,103) $8,364 $(78,158) $16,573 PER SHARE DATA: Basic (loss) earnings per share $(0.91) $(0.15) $0.25 $(2.33) $0.50 Diluted (loss) earnings per share $(0.91) $(0.15) $0.21 $(2.33) $0.42 WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING: Basic 33,718 33,664 33,323 33,595 33,253 Diluted 33,718 33,664 39,664 33,595 39,668 RECONCILIATION OF RESULTS (1)
The following table reconciles the specific items excluded from U.S. GAAP in the calculation of Non-GAAP results for the periods indicated below:
INCOME STATEMENT RECONCILIATION Thirteen Weeks Ended Year Ended December October December December December 31, 2, 31, 31, 31, 2005 2005 2004 2005 2004 U.S. GAAP gross margin 29,790 $36,434 $58,455 $151,823 $189,456 Add back: Inventory write-offs and adjustments 5,388 2,435 -- 14,239 -- Non-GAAP gross margin $35,178 $38,869 $58,455 $166,062 $189,456 Non-GAAP gross margin percentage 34.6% 40.0% 40.3% 38.9% 40.7% U.S. GAAP (loss) income before taxes $(28,439) $(6,496) $11,742 $(55,783) $24,371 Add back: Inventory write-offs and adjustments 5,388 2,435 -- 14,239 -- Asset impairment charges 8,607 801 -- 25,352 -- Write off of cost method investments 5,638 -- -- 6,408 -- Restructuring, reorganization and relocation 4,615 2,804 (100) 8,544 607 Bond buy-back costs -- -- -- 1,796 -- Gain on sale of SIMS product line -- -- -- (797) -- Non-GAAP (loss) income before taxes $(4,191) $(456) $11,642 $(241) $24,978
(1) The press release and reconciliation table contain non-GAAP pre-tax net income information that excludes certain significant charges. These excluded items are:
- Inventory write-downs related to the previously announced closure of the company's facility in Peabody, Massachusetts and the company's decision to no longer invest in certain business lines (included in cost of sales); - Asset impairment charges primarily related to the company's semiconductor products (included as a separate line item); and - Restructuring charges, primarily for severance, lease termination, and relocation expenses (included as a separate line item).
We generally use non-GAAP financial measures for assessing the company's performance against management targets, which do not account for charges or gains of this type, as a basis for making strategic and tactical decisions and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparison. We believe that use of non-GAAP numbers is important as these figures ignore certain events that could obscure or enhance trends or other factors affecting our business. This is especially true when, as in this quarter, the GAAP financial information includes a number of charges that did not exist in the company's prior comparable reporting periods. For these reasons, we believe that these non- GAAP measures are also useful to investors. Further, we believe the financial analysts who regularly follow and report on our company or sector exclude items such as these when analyzing our performance relative to our guidance and the performance of other sector participants, and in projecting our future financial results.
These non-GAAP measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP measures of earnings per share. Our non-GAAP numbers may be different from those of other companies and direct comparison should not be relied upon.
FEI Company and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Thirteen Weeks Ended Year Ended Dec. Oct. Dec. Dec. Dec. 31, 2, 31, 31, 31, 2005 2005 2004 2005 2004 NET SALES: Products 75.5% 73.0% 82.5% 76.2% 80.5% Service 24.5% 27.0% 17.5% 23.8% 19.5% Total net sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% COST OF SALES: Products 51.2% 44.0% 47.5% 47.1% 45.8% Service 19.5% 18.5% 12.2% 17.4% 13.5% Total cost of sales 70.7% 62.5% 59.7% 64.5% 59.3% Gross profit 29.3% 37.5% 40.3% 35.5% 40.7% OPERATING EXPENSES: Research and development 14.2% 13.8% 10.7% 14.0% 12.0% Selling, general and administrative 23.7% 26.0% 19.2% 23.4% 20.3% Amortization of purchased technology 0.6% 0.7% 1.2% 1.0% 1.3% Asset impairment 8.5% 0.8% 0.0% 5.9% 0.0% Restructuring, reorganization and relocation 4.5% 2.9% -0.1% 2.0% 0.1% Total operating expenses 51.5% 44.3% 31.0% 46.3% 33.6% OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME -22.2% -6.8% 9.3% -10.8% 7.0% OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Interest income 2.2% 1.9% 1.0% 1.8% 1.1% Interest expense -1.4% -1.4% -1.8% -2.2% -2.2% Other expense, net -6.6% -0.4% -0.4% -1.9% -0.7% Total other expense, net -5.8% 0.1% -1.8% -2.3% -1.8% (LOSS) INCOME BEFORE TAXES -28.0% -6.7% 8.1% -13.1% 5.2% INCOME TAX EXPENSE 2.2% -1.4% 2.3% 5.2% 1.7% NET (LOSS) INCOME -30.2% -5.3% 5.8% -18.3% 3.6% FEI COMPANY Supplemental Data ($ In Millions Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited) Q4 Ended Q3 Ended Q4 Ended 12/31/2005 10/2/2005 12/31/2004 Income Statement Highlights Consolidated sales $101.6 $97.1 $145.2 Gross margin 29.3% 37.5% 40.3% R & D spending $14.4 $13.4 $15.6 R & D (% of sales) 14.2% 13.8% 10.7% SG&A $24.1 $25.3 $27.8 SG&A (% of sales) 23.7% 26.0% 19.2% Net (loss) income - GAAP ($30.7) ($5.1) $8.4 Diluted earnings (loss) per share - GAAP ($0.91) ($0.15) $0.21 Sales by Business Segment MicroElectronics $32.1 $29.0 $63.3 Electron Optics $43.0 $39.9 $54.1 Service $24.9 $26.2 $25.5 Components $1.6 $2.0 $2.3 Sales by Market Sector Semiconductor $32.8 $36.0 $69.0 Data Storage $5.5 $4.2 $3.1 I & I $63.3 $56.9 $73.1 Sales by Geography North America $33.8 $31.7 $44.6 Europe $31.4 $36.8 $49.4 Asia Pacific $36.4 $28.6 $51.2 Bookings Total $116.1 $100.3 $143.8 Book to bill ratio 1.14 1.03 0.99 Backlog - total $186.3 $171.8 $160.0 Backlog - Service $36.8 $39.0 $31.0 Bookings by Business Segment MicroElectronics $35.9 $35.6 $51.0 Electron Optics $55.9 $37.6 $62.6 Service $22.7 $24.6 $28.4 Components $1.6 $2.5 $1.8 Bookings by Market Sector Semiconductor $41.8 $39.1 $60.7 Data Storage $6.1 $2.1 $5.0 I & I $68.2 $59.1 $78.1 Balance Sheet Highlights Cash, equivalents, investments, restricted cash $280.5 $266.1 $340.7 Operating cash generated (used) $5.8 ($2.6) $12.4 Accounts receivable $98.3 $108.5 $159.5 Days sales outstanding (DSO) 88 102 100 Inventory turnover 3.1 2.6 4.0 Inventories $84.9 $97.9 $87.8 Property, plant and equipment $59.0 $64.2 $71.6 Fixed asset investment (during quarter) $3.3 $2.6 $4.3 Depreciation expense $3.3 $3.5 $4.1 Current liabilities $131.6 $129.3 $154.7 Working Capital $324.5 $329.4 $435.1 Shareholders' equity $292.4 $311.5 $379.6 Headcount (permanent and temporary) 1674 1726 1756
FEI CompanyCONTACT: Fletcher Chamberlin, Investor Relations of FEI Company,+1-503-726-7710
Web site: http://www.feicompany.com/
