American Woodmark Corporation announces third quarter results

Net sales declined 32% compared with the third quarter of the prior fiscal year to $89,230,000. Net sales declined 27% to $294,133,000 during the nine-month period ended January 31, 2010 compared with the comparable period of the prior fiscal year. The Company's sales declines in its remodeling sales channel exceeded the Company's overall rate of decline during the third quarter of fiscal year 2010.

The Company generated a net loss of ($9,121,000) or ($0.64) per diluted share during the third quarter of fiscal year 2010, compared with net income of $23,000 or $0.00 per diluted share in the third quarter of its prior fiscal year. The Company generated a net loss of ($20,807,000) or ($1.47) per diluted share in the nine-month period ended January 31, 2010, compared with a net loss of ($301,000) or ($0.02) per diluted share in the comparable period of the prior fiscal year.

The Company announced several initiatives to reduce costs during the fourth quarter of its prior fiscal year including the permanent closure of two manufacturing plants, the suspension of operations at a third plant, and a reduction-in-force of salaried personnel. The Company successfully completed these initiatives during the first quarter of fiscal year 2010. In connection with these initiatives, the Company recorded a net-of-tax restructuring benefit of $32,000, or $0.00 per diluted share during its third quarter, and charges of ($1,710,000), or ($0.12) per diluted share, during the nine-month period ended January 31, 2010. Exclusive of restructuring activities, net loss for the third quarter of fiscal year 2010 was ($9,153,000), or ($0.65) per diluted share, and ($19,097,000) or ($1.35) per diluted share for the nine-month period ended January 31, 2010.

Gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal year 2010 was 6.6% of net sales, compared with 15.5% in the third quarter of the prior fiscal year. Gross profit was 10.3% of net sales during the first nine months of fiscal year 2010, compared with 15.3% of net sales during the comparable period of the prior fiscal year. The decline in gross profit margin during the three and nine-month periods primarily reflected the unfavorable impact of inefficiencies in direct labor and manufacturing overhead costs stemming from the impact of lower sales volumes. Partly offsetting these adverse factors were favorable impacts from lower fuel and material costs, as well as reduced manufacturing overhead costs related to the aforementioned plant closures.

Selling, general and administrative costs were 23.0% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010, up from 15.9% of net sales in the third quarter of the prior fiscal year. Selling, general and administrative costs were 20.7% of net sales in the first nine months of fiscal year 2010, up from 15.7% in the comparable period of the prior fiscal year. The Company's operating expense ratio increased during fiscal year 2010 due primarily to the reduction in sales, an increase in sales promotional costs, and a benefit recorded in the prior year's second quarter relating to a terminated retiree health care plan.

The Company generated positive free cash flow of $2.9 million (defined as cash provided by operating activities net of cash used for investing activities) in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010, compared with positive free cash flow generated in the third quarter of the prior fiscal year of $5.3 million. The decline in free cash flow compared with prior year was driven by the increased net loss, which was partially offset by a reduction in working capital deployed.

During the quarter, the Company terminated its primary credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. and entered into a $35 million secured revolving line of credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Pursuant to the terms of the new credit agreement, $14.3 million of the Company's cash serves as security for this agreement, and was classified as restricted cash as of January 31, 2010.

Commenting on the Company's third quarter performance, Chairman and CEO Kent Guichard stated: "The Company's sales comparison to the prior year's third quarter was adversely impacted by home center promotional activity which emphasized the Company's value price points last year. The Company continues to actively pursue and achieve market share gains, and absent the impact of the prior year promotions, believes it gained sustainable market share during the third quarter. The Company's net loss during the latest quarter and for the fiscal year reflect our ongoing strategy to retain the organizational and production capacity to service our customers as demand for new construction and big ticket remodeling projects recovers. The Company's financial position remains outstanding, as evidenced by its generation of free cash flow during the quarter and its ability to obtain an improved credit facility at competitive rates and terms despite the ongoing credit crunch."

American Woodmark Corporation manufactures and distributes kitchen cabinets and vanities for the remodeling and new home construction markets. Its products are sold on a national basis directly to home centers, major builders and through a network of independent distributors. The Company presently operates eleven manufacturing facilities and nine service centers across the country.

Safe harbor statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: All forwardlooking statements made by the Company involve material risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on factors that may be beyond the Company's control. Accordingly, the Company's future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Annual Report to Shareholders. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

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SOURCE American Woodmark Corporation

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