Atlanta, GA, July 23--Interface, Inc. announced results for the second quarter ended June 29, 2003.
Sales in the second quarter 2003 were $234.0 million, compared with $233.8 million in the second quarter 2002. The company recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $2.5 million during the second quarter 2003 in connection with the completion of its previously announced initiative designed to rationalize manufacturing operations in its fabrics division and further reduce workforce worldwide. Operating income was $3.7 million in the second quarter 2003, versus $13.1 million in the second quarter 2002. Loss from continuing operations, excluding the restructuring charge, was $2.3 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, in the second quarter 2003, compared with income from continuing operations of $1.4 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, in the second quarter 2002. Net loss for the second quarter 2003 was $5.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, compared with second quarter 2002 net income of $0.8 million, or $0.02 per diluted share.
"On a sequential basis, we improved our operating income by $7.2 million, which shows evidence of our sustained efforts to strengthen and improve each of our business segments," said Daniel T. Hendrix, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Through the continued implementation of our market segmentation strategy, we drove overall top-line growth and, as a result of our continued focus on cost controls, we saw sequential improvements in operating income in each of our businesses. Even though the corporate environment remains soft, order levels slightly exceeded the first quarter of 2003 as a result of our ability to reach new customers in the hospitality, education, healthcare, and residential markets."
Hendrix continued, "Our broadloom business returned to operating profitability during the second quarter, with a 34% sequential increase in revenues and a $4.2 million sequential turnaround in operating income. In addition, our modular business showed continued strength, most notably in the hospitality and education markets where sales growth resulted from our targeted marketing initiatives. In the fabrics business, we are beginning to capture the positive results of the integration and restructuring programs that have been implemented over the past few quarters, resulting in cost savings and improved efficiencies. Our service business also showed improvement, benefiting from our market segmentation strategy."
For the first six months of 2003, sales were $444.2 million, compared with $460.4 million for the same period a year ago. Operating income for the 2003 six-month period was $0.3 million (which includes $4.6 million of restructuring charges), versus operating income of $23.7 million for the comparable 2002 six-month period. During the 2003 six-month period, loss from continuing operations was $13.0 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, compared with income from continuing operations of $1.4 million in the same period a year ago. Net loss for the six month period was $15.8 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, compared with net loss of $54.7 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, for the first six months of 2002. During the first six months of 2002, the company's implementation of SFAS No. 142 resulted in an after-tax write-down of $55.4 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, primarily related to the impairment of goodwill.
Patrick C. Lynch, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Interface, commented, "We took a number of steps during the second quarter to improve our balance sheet and fortify our capital structure. Foremost among these was the amendment and restatement of our credit facility, which provides Interface with ample liquidity and financial flexibility, allowing us the opportunity to pursue growth opportunities and fund our working capital needs going forward."
