Trex reports Q3 net loss of US$14.3M from loss of US$0.5M a year earlier on sales up 4% to US$70.8M; results impacted by US$20M pre-tax increase to decking warranty reserve
Allison Oesterle
WINCHESTER, Virginia
,
November 1, 2012
(press release)
–
Trex Company, Inc. (NYSE: TREX), the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing products, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012.
Net sales for the third quarter of 2012 totaled $70.8 million compared to net sales of $67.9 million for the 2011 third quarter. The Company reported a net loss of $14.3 million, or $0.86 per diluted share, for the 2012 quarter compared to a net loss of $0.5 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the prior-year period. During the third quarter of 2012, the Company recognized a $20 million pre-tax increase to its warranty reserve for decking material manufactured at its Nevada plant between 2002 and 2006. Before giving effect to this charge, net income was $6.2 million, or $0.36 per diluted share. The Company’s third-quarter-2011 results included an accelerated non-cash charge of $0.5 million related to its repurchase of $5.6 million of its senior subordinated convertible notes. Before giving effect to this charge, the Company realized net income of $0.03 million, or $0.00 per diluted share, for the 2011 third quarter.
“Trex turned in another strong operating performance,” commented Chairman, President and CEO Ronald W. Kaplan. “Year over year, sales rose 4%, topping the guidance we provided. On an underlying basis, gross margin exceeded 31%, maintaining strong margins for the year and delivering solid underlying earnings. I am pleased with our results to date in 2012, especially given the continued economic challenges.
“During the quarter we recognized a $20 million increase to the warranty reserve for a legacy issue. We concluded, based on an analysis of recent claims activity, that the payments and the rate of decline in claims in 2012 will approximate the levels experienced in 2011. Although the rate of claims in 2012 has dropped off at a healthy pace – and we expect reductions to continue in subsequent years – it is now apparent that the declines will not be at the rate previously expected. This not only has an impact on this year’s claims rate, but also on the rate of expected future claims.”
Mr. Kaplan continued, “With this week’s successful completion of our annual distributor meeting, we are confident that our newest product offerings and sales strategies provide a solid platform for growth. Market conversion to capped ultra-low-maintenance products such as Trex Transcend® and Trex Enhance® continues at a strong pace, and we are introducing a new line of capped decking to build on this trend. The line will complete our ‘good, better, best’ ultra-low-maintenance decking platform strategy. We are also enhancing our railing product platform to appeal to a wider array of consumers and markets. We have an impressive branding campaign on tap for 2013 and, coupled with our strong balance sheet, which we will use to our competitive advantage, will deliver a best-in-class sales program.
“We anticipate a change in the buying pattern under the ‘early buy’ program this winter and spring. We expect more sales to move into the first quarter of 2013 compared to last year’s program. Accordingly, for the 2012 fourth quarter, we anticipate net sales of approximately $45 million, which would yield 14.5% sales growth for the full year 2012. As our new products come to market and we continue to prosecute our growth strategies, we are upbeat about our prospects for 2013.”
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company reported net sales of $261.2 million compared to net sales of $215.3 million for the prior-year period. The Company reported net income of $6.3 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, for the 2012 period compared to net income of $6.7 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, for the 2011 period. For the first nine months of 2012, the Company recognized a $21.5 million pre-tax increase to the warranty reserve and $0.7 million of severance charges. The 2011 results included the favorable resolution of an uncertain tax position in the first quarter that positively impacted income taxes by $2.6 million as well as the $0.5 million accelerated non-cash charge related to the convertible notes repurchase. Before giving effect to these adjustments, net income for the 2012 period totaled $29.0 million, or $1.70 per diluted share, compared to $4.6 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the 2011 period.
Third-Quarter 2012 Conference Call and Webcast Information
Trex will hold a conference call to discuss its third-quarter 2012 results on Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. ET. To participate in the live call by telephone, please dial 706-634-1218 or 888-803-7566 and reference conference ID #38350238. A live webcast of the conference call will also be available in the Investor Relations section of the Trex Company website at trex.com.
For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, an audio replay of the earnings call will be available on the Trex website for 30 days. A telephone replay of the call will also be available through November 8, 2012. To listen to the telephone replay, dial 404-537-3406 and enter conference ID #38350238.
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this press release regarding the Company's expected future performance and condition constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual operating results to differ materially. Such risks and uncertainties include the extent of market acceptance of the Company's products; the costs associated with the development and launch of new products and the market acceptance of such new products; the sensitivity of the Company's business to general economic conditions; the Company's ability to obtain raw materials at acceptable prices; the Company's ability to maintain product quality and product performance at an acceptable cost; the level of expenses associated with product replacement and consumer relations expenses related to product quality; and the highly competitive markets in which the Company operates. Documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company, including in particular its latest annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, discuss some of the important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About Pro-Forma Net Income and Related Earnings Per Share (EPS)
To supplement the condensed consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company uses the following non-GAAP financial measures: net income on a pro-forma basis and related EPS. The presentation of this financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information presented in accordance with GAAP.
The Company defines net income on a pro-forma basis as net income before certain charges. The third quarter of 2012 includes a $20 million increase to the Company’s warranty reserve for decking material manufactured at its Nevada plant prior to 2007 and a related $0.5 million adjustment to income taxes. The Company’s third-quarter-2011 results include an accelerated non-cash charge of $0.5 million related to its repurchase of $5.6 million of its senior subordinated convertible notes due in July 2012.
The first nine months of 2012 include a $21.5 million increase to the warranty reserve and a related $0.5 million adjustment to income taxes and $0.7 million of severance charges. The Company’s nine-month 2011 results reflect the favorable resolution of uncertain tax position in the first quarter that positively impacted income taxes by $2.6 million and an accelerated non-cash charge of $0.5 million related to its repurchase of $5.6 million of its senior subordinated convertible notes due in July 2012.
The Company defines related EPS as net income on a pro-forma basis divided by the weighted average outstanding shares, on a fully diluted basis. The Company uses these pro-forma financial measures for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. The Company also believes that investors and analysts benefit from referring to these pro-forma financial measures in assessing the performance and expectations of the Company’s future performance.
For more information on the reconciliation of GAAP and pro-forma financial terms, please see the two tables titled “Reconciliations of Pro-Forma Results of Operations Measures to the Nearest Comparable GAAP Measures Three Months Ended September 30, 2012” and “Reconciliations of Pro-Forma Results of Operations Measures to the Nearest Comparable GAAP Measures Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012” at the end of this release.
About Trex Company
Trex Company is the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing, with more than 20 years of product experience. Stocked in more than 6,000 retail locations throughout the world, Trex® outdoor living products offer a wide range of style options with fewer ongoing maintenance requirements than wood, as well as a truly environmentally responsible choice. For more information, visit trex.com.
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