Flanders Corporation (Flanders), a US-based manufacturer of air filtration products, has reported net sales of $217.3 million for the year-end 2008, compared with net sales of $244.9 million in the previous year-end. It has also reported a net loss of $4.1 million, or $0.16 loss per share, for the year-end 2008, compared with net loss of $19.7 million, or $0.75 loss per share in the previous year-end.
Flanders’s President And Chief Executive Officer, Harry Smith, stated: 2008 was an outstanding year of improvement, as we executed programs to increase efficiencies and reduce costs. We installed a more experienced management team, exited non-core businesses, consolidated facilities, optimized production, shortened lead-times, improved on-time delivery to 99% and lowered headcount. These changes strengthened the company both financially and operationally, although we were not immune to the difficult economic climate. 2008 revenue was $217.3 million, compared to $244.9 million in 2007, reflecting disposition of direct sales offices, decreases in retail orders, and reduced capital spending by semiconductor and construction companies. However, our turnaround actions yielded significant productivity improvements, especially shedding sales offices and other businesses. As a result, we lowered our net loss by $15.6 million, to $4.1 million for 2008.
We are excited about our recent successes. In October 2008, we received a Blanket Order Agreement (BOA) Subcontract related to the Shaw AREVA MOX facility located in Aiken, SC. In February 2009, we won our inaugural order for glove boxes. Also, in 2009 retail customers have reacted positively to our faster delivery time and better customer service. Flanders continues to lead innovation in the air filtration industry.
Fourth Quarter 2008 Financial Summary:
The revenue for fourth quarter of 2008 was $49.8 million, compared to $57.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. During the quarter, the company recorded $4.3 million inventory write-down, a $3.2 million charge for the fixed asset impairment and $2.4 million charge for the impairment of goodwill. Incorporating the $9.9 million in impairment charges, the fourth quarter 2008 net loss was $14.3 million, or $0.55 per share. This compares to the fourth quarter 2007 net loss of $4.3 million, or $0.17 per share. EBITDA loss for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $19.9 million, compared to $6.0 million for the fourth quarter 2007.
The management uses some measures not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to assess the results of company’s operations and believes earnings before interest, taxes, extraordinary items, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) provides a useful measure of operations.
Full Year 2008 Financial Summary:
During 2008, the company recorded $4.3 million in inventory write downs as compared to charges of $3.1 million recorded in 2007. 2008 operating expenses decreased to $47.3 million, which included $2.4 million in goodwill impairment and a $3.2 million charge for loss on impaired fixed assets, compared to $58.5 million in 2007, which included $8.1 million in reserves for bad debt, a $2.5 million charge for loss on impaired fixed assets, and $543,000 in impairment of goodwill. The 2007 net loss included $14.2 million in write downs and impairment. EBITDA loss for the year ended 2008 improved to $10.7 million, compared to $18.5 million in 2007.
Flanders’ chief financial officer, John Oakley stated: During this very challenging environment, we lowered our monthly operating expenses by 14% and we improved virtually every metric in our balance sheet in 2008. Over the course of the year, we reduced net debt by 2.5% and improved inventory turns. While the economy remains uncertain, the streamlined company is positioned to take advantage of the desire for greater energy efficiency and cleaner air. We expect total revenue for 2009 to be between $235 million and $246 million representing growth of 8% to 13% from 2008. We also anticipate achieving our goals of improved productivity and EBITDA growth.