| FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE: February 17, 2005, Akron, OhioMyers Industries, Inc. (NYSE: MYE) today
reported that net sales for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2004 set a quarterly
record of $221,415,871, an increase of 25 percent from the $176,507,020 reported in 2003.
Excluding favorable foreign currency translation of $4.4 million and contributions of
$24.2 million from the acquisitions of ATP Automotive (Michigan Rubber Products and WEK
Industries) and Pro Cal, total net sales increased $16.3 million or 9 percent for the
fourth quarter. Net income was $6,930,355, an increase of 59 percent from $4,350,446 in
the fourth quarter of 2003. Net income per share was $.20, an increase of 54 percent from
$.13 earned in the fourth quarter of 2003. Foreign currency translation did not have a
significant effect on net income for the quarter. For the year ended December 31, 2004, net
sales were a record $803,070,387, an increase of 21 percent from the $661,091,504 reported
for 2003. Excluding favorable foreign currency translation of $19.3 million and
contributions of $67.3 million from the acquisitions, net sales increased $55.4 million or
8 percent for the year. Net income was $25,709,760, an increase of 57 percent from
$16,325,516 in 2003. Net income per share was $.76, an increase of 55 percent from the
$.49 earned in 2003. Net income includes a gain of approximately $914,000 from the sale of
a warehouse facility in California in the third quarter and favorable foreign currency
effects of $520,000.
Stephen E. Myers, chairman and
chief executive officer, said, "Although earnings are not at record levels, we are
pleased with our strong performance in the fourth quarter and the year. Sales, generated
by both internal growth and acquisitions, reached new highs. Earnings in 2004 benefited
from some modest product price increases and from our strenuous efforts to manage costs
and resources. Through those endeavors, the Company was able to lessen some of the effects
of unrelenting price increases for plastic raw materials, to which it continued to be
subject throughout the year."
Business Segment Overview
In the manufacturing segment, sales increased 31 percent for the fourth quarter and 25
percent for the year compared to 2003 results for the same periods. Excluding
contributions from acquisitions and favorable foreign currency translation, sales in the
segment increased 10 percent and 8 percent for the fourth quarter and full year,
respectively. Sales to industrial markets, emerging from their weak purchasing record in
2003, and steady growth from both existing and new customers in the horticulture, heavy
truck, recreational vehicle, and automotive markets, were major factors for the increased
volume in 2004.
Resin prices in the fourth quarter
were approximately 45 percent higher on average than those paid by the Company in the
fourth quarter of 2003. For the full year, prices were up approximately 22 percent
compared to 2003. At the start of 2005, raw material prices continue to increase.
Sales in the distribution segment
increased 4 percent for the fourth quarter and 8 percent for the year, compared to the
same periods of 2003. Throughout the year, the distribution segment benefited from
increased purchasing of tire service supplies and equipment by tire dealers, auto dealers,
and national accounts.
Cash Flow & Debt Reduction
Acquisitions added $78.8 million in total debt, including cash outlay and debt assumption.
The Company paid down debt by $16.9 million in 2004, bringing the net increase in total
debt for the year to $61.9 million. As a result, the Company ended the year at December
31, 2004, with total debt of $277.4 million compared to $215.5 million at December 31,
2003. Long-term debt as a percentage of total capitalization was 44 percent at December
31, 2004, compared to 42 percent at the same time last year.
NOTE: The Company will
not conduct a conference call to discuss the results.
About Myers Industries
Myers Industries, Inc. is a diversified international manufacturer of polymer products for
industrial, agricultural, automotive, commercial and consumer markets. The Company is also
the largest wholesale distributor of tools, equipment and supplies for the tire, wheel and
undervehicle service industry in the U.S. Myers has 31 manufacturing facilities in North
America and Europe, 39 domestic and five international distribution branches, and more
than 5,300 employees.
Forward-Looking Statements:
Statements in this release may include "forward-looking" statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve
a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to materially differ
from those expressed or implied. Any statement that is not of historical fact may be
deemed to be a forward-looking statement. Myers Industries does not undertake to update
any forward-looking statements contained herein. |