Manitowoc Reports Second-Quarter Results

The Manitowoc Company, Inc. has reported net sales of $433.7 million for the second quarter of 2003, increasing 32 percent from $328.3 million during the same period last year. The company also reported net earnings of $1.3 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $20.1 million, or $0.81 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2002. Excluding special charges totaling $10.8 million ($7.6 million net of tax), second-quarter earnings were $0.33 per diluted share, in line with the preliminary estimate announced earlier this month. A reconciliation of earnings per share from reported GAAP amounts to non-GAAP amounts is included later in this release. The sales growth came as a result of the Grove acquisition. Excluding Grove, total company sales were down 14 percent reflecting continued weakness in the Crane markets and lower Marine project revenues due to deferred orders for new commercial ships. Foodservice sales were down 5 percent, due principally to a new model promotion last year under a private label production contract. Other Foodservice units continue to perform well and improve market share for their key products. The decline in earnings per share before special charges was due to a drop in operating profit from the Crane and Marine businesses, and an increase in interest expense. Foodservice operating profit was up slightly despite lower sales. Second-quarter special charges primarily included a restructuring charge of $4.8 million, principally related to further rationalization and facility closures within the Crane segment, and a $4.9 million goodwill impairment charge. The company will also record additional charges of approximately $5 to $10 million in the second half of the year as these activities are completed. As previously reported, these restructuring efforts are designed to complete the integration of the Crane segment acquisitions, eliminate excess manufacturing capacity, improve operational efficiency, and enhance future financial performance.