Palm Harbor Homes, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2009 Year-End Results

Business Wire, May 27, 2009

DALLAS -- Palm Harbor Homes, Inc. (NASDAQ:PHHM) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 27, 2009.

Net sales for the fourth quarter totaled $78.9 million compared with $126.5 million in the year-earlier period. Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2009 totaled $8.6 million, or $0.37 per share, compared with a net loss of $12.7 million, or $0.55 per share, a year ago. The results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 include a pre-tax gain of $4.2 million, or $0.18 per share, on the repurchase of convertible senior notes, and $2.3 million, or $0.10 per share, for restructuring and impairment charges. The results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 included $8.3 million, or $0.36 per share, for restructuring charges related to closing three factories and 18 retail sales centers. Excluding these items, net loss for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 totaled $0.46 per share compared with $0.19 in the year-earlier period.

Net sales for fiscal 2009 were $409.3 million compared with $555.1 million a year ago. Net loss for fiscal 2009 totaled $26.3 million, or $1.15 per share, compared with the net loss of $124.3 million, or $5.44 per share, for fiscal 2008. The results for fiscal 2009 include a pre-tax gain of $10.6 million, or $0.46 per share, on the repurchase of convertible senior notes, and $2.3 million, or $0.10 per share, for restructuring and impairment charges. The results for fiscal 2008 included non-recurring, non-cash charges of $95.7 million, or $4.19 per share, taken in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 related to the impairment of all of the Company’s previously recorded goodwill and the establishment of a valuation allowance against all of the Company’s net deferred tax assets. Results for fiscal 2008 also include $8.3 million, or $0.36 per share, for restructuring charges related to closing three factories and 18 retail sales centers. Excluding these items, net loss for fiscal 2009 totaled $1.51 per share compared with $0.89 in the year-earlier period.

Commenting on the results, Larry Keener, chairman and chief executive officer of Palm Harbor Homes, Inc., said, "While Palm Harbor began fiscal 2009 on a positive note, the overall economic concerns, credit crisis and escalating unemployment have taken their toll on everyone associated with the housing industry. Our results for the fourth quarter are indicative of the challenging market conditions and decline in retail demand for factory-built housing. Total industry shipments, including both HUD-code and modular products, were down over 47 percent through March 2009. Palm Harbor retail deliveries were down 37 percent as compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 and down 22 percent for the fiscal year. However, our largest revenue drop was from the key states of Florida, Arizona and California, with sales to independent retailers, builders and developers in these markets down over $49 million for the year.

“In addition to the previously announced closed operations, we have taken further steps to lower our quarterly selling, general and administrative expenses, increase margins and reduce our receivables and inventory levels. As of the end of fiscal 2009, we have reduced our breakeven point by approximately $110 million in annual revenue and $24 million in selling, general and administrative expenses compared with the end of fiscal 2008. More importantly, we believe we will be better positioned to sustain a prolonged downturn and benefit from any upside in demand when it occurs.

“Our financial services businesses continued to be a bright spot for Palm Harbor with both Standard Casualty, our insurance subsidiary, and CountryPlace Mortgage, the Company’s mortgage lending subsidiary, delivering a profitable performance for the year. Standard Casualty has continued to grow, even in a declining market, by gaining market share and by supplementing its traditional point of sale business with aftermarket sales direct to homeowners. CountryPlace Mortgage originated 71 loans during the fourth quarter worth $10.6 million. Both of these businesses have followed a proven formula to only seek quality business with minimal risk exposure. And, as a fully integrated company, having a profitable insurance and finance operation provides a distinct competitive advantage for Palm Harbor in today’s market.”

Keener continued, “For the near term, the outlook for housing, both site-built and factory-built, remains extremely challenging. A number of issues must be resolved for any recovery to gain traction, and until inventories decline, housing prices stabilize, credit is restored and general economic fundamentals improve, we do not expect any short-term improvement. In the meantime, our strategy is to manage our operations more efficiently and become a stronger and leaner Company. Accordingly, we remain focused on three critical areas in our business for fiscal 2010. Our top priority is to manage our cash and leverage our balance sheet to maintain adequate liquidity through this uncertain business climate. We are also streamlining our operations to reduce both marginal costs and selling, general and administrative expenses, consistent with expected revenues. And finally, we continue to look for new sources of revenue by pursuing our creative efforts like flexible products, commercial and military modular products, and targeted Internet marketing strategies. Regardless of market conditions, we will continue to leverage Palm Harbor’s core strengths - the most trusted brand name in the industry, a diverse and high-quality product line, manufacturing excellence and exceptional customer service. Finally, without any improvement in market conditions, we expect to return to positive EBITDA sometime during fiscal 2010,” Keener added.