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JBT Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter 2012 Results

Companies mentioned in this article: JBT Corporation

CHICAGO, March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Fourth Quarter Highlights (Continuing Operations):

    --  Record fourth quarter revenue of $293 million, operating income of $29
        million, and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of
        $0.64
    --  Inbound orders of $232 million and backlog of $283 million, a
        year-over-year increase of 12 percent and 15 percent, respectively
    --  Repurchased nearly $4 million of common stock

Full Year 2012 Highlights (Continuing Operations):

    --  JBT FoodTech segment operating profit margin of almost 10 percent, up
        190 basis points year-over-year
    --  Record JBT AeroTech segment operating profit margin of over 9 percent,
        up 50 basis points year-over-year
    --  Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $1.26
    --  Record cash flow from operating activities of $87 million, resulting in
        debt, net of cash, of $92 million at year-end
    --  Replaced existing revolving credit facility with a new $300 million,
        5-year facility

JBT Corporation (NYSE: JBT), a leading global technology solutions provider to the food processing and air transportation industries, today reported fourth quarter and full year 2012 results.

Revenue for the fourth quarter was a record high of $293 million, an increase of 8 percent from the prior-year quarter. This increase was largely driven by record fourth quarter revenue in JBT FoodTech. Gross profit margin of 26 percent expanded 150 basis points, resulting primarily from margin improvement initiatives executed earlier in the year. The gross profit margin expansion in turn drove record operating income of $28.8 million, compared to $12.2 million operating income, net of $10.3 million in restructuring charges, in the prior-year period. Fourth quarter 2012 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.64, also a record high. This compares to fourth quarter 2011 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.25, net of $0.23 per diluted share in restructuring charges. Fourth quarter inbound orders of $232.2 million and backlog of $283.1 million increased 12 percent and 15 percent, respectively, over the same period last year. Year-end backlog was up 24 percent from the prior-year level after excluding $17.5 million of backlog associated with two contracts with the U.S. Air Force that had been cancelled, as discussed in the Company's third quarter 2012 earnings call.

Full year 2012 revenue of $917.3 million decreased 4 percent year-over-year. An increase in sales of aftermarket parts and services across both segments was more than offset by lower equipment sales, primarily in AeroTech, and unfavorable foreign currency translation impact. Despite the lower revenue, consolidated gross profit margin expanded 60 basis points to 25 percent, a result of favorable mix and margin improvement initiatives executed during the year. The gross margin expansion also drove a 12 percent increase in total segment operating profit to $87.5 million. Consolidated operating income was $60.9 million, compared to operating income of $53.2 million, net of $11.6 million in restructuring charges, in the prior-year period. The lower relative operating income was largely a result of unfavorable corporate items. Full year 2012 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $1.26, within the Company's previously announced guidance range of $1.22 to $1.28. Full year cash generated by continuing operating activities was a record high of $86.6 million.

"We finished strong in 2012. Activity levels picked up around the world as the year progressed and we closed the year with a record fourth quarter," said Charlie Cannon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "In 2012 we also made good progress on our 4G value creation strategies. We launched new products, completed a technology acquisition, grew our aftermarket revenue, opened a new plant in China to serve regional markets, and improved segment margins significantly over 2011's results," continued Cannon. "We started 2013 with higher backlog relative to last year's and current order activity remains strong. However, a majority of our current backlog is scheduled for delivery after the first quarter. We anticipate a normal seasonally weak first quarter and earnings pickup in subsequent quarters in line with our historical seasonality trends."

JBT FoodTech

JBT FoodTech's fourth quarter revenue of $177.6 million and operating profit of $23.4 million were both record highs, representing increases of 17 percent and 63 percent, respectively, from the same period in 2011. Record fourth quarter sales of freezing, in-container, and fruit and juice processing equipment drove the increase in FoodTech revenue. Recurring revenue streams also continued to be strong. In addition to the volume increase, gains from margin improvement initiatives drove the year-over-year increase in operating profit and operating profit margin. FoodTech fourth quarter operating profit margin expanded 370 basis points to 13 percent. Inbound orders in the fourth quarter of $152.3 million increased 24 percent from the same period last year, primarily driven by demand for in-container processing, freezing and protein processing equipment. Backlog of $147.8 million increased 50 percent from the fourth quarter of 2011.

JBT AeroTech

JBT AeroTech's fourth quarter revenue of $114.5 million decreased 4 percent from the prior-year quarter. Higher revenue from ground support equipment and military loader sales was more than offset by lower revenue from gate equipment projects as a large multi-year mobile air-conditioning equipment order for the U.S. military was completed earlier in 2012. Despite the overall lower volume in the quarter, segment operating profit margin expanded 140 basis points to a record high of 11 percent. Improved sales mix between product lines and lower operating costs largely drove the operating profit margin improvement. Inbound orders in the fourth quarter of $79 million decreased 6 percent from the prior-year quarter. Strong order activity in ground support equipment was more than offset by lower activity in gate equipment. Backlog of $135.3 million was lower than in the prior-year period by $12 million. The unfavorable comparison, however, is driven by the removal of $17.5 million of backlog associated with two contracts with the U.S. Air Force. There were no deliveries on these contracts in either 2012 or 2011.

Corporate Items

Corporate items in the fourth quarter decreased by $6.3 million year-over-year largely because $10.3 million in restructuring charges from the prior-year period did not recur. For the full year, corporate items were higher by $13.6 million, after excluding $11.6 million in restructuring charges. The increase was largely a result of $6.1 million in higher compensation and pension expenses, including the impact of lower discount rates utilized to determine U.S. pension costs, and $5.2 million in lower mark-to-market gains on foreign currency transactions.

In the fourth quarter, the Company repurchased $3.6 million of its common stock. The Company also replaced the existing $225 million revolving credit facility with a new $300 million, 5-year facility. The new credit facility has more favorable terms and less restrictive covenants relative to the prior credit facility. Borrowings under the credit facility may be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital and acquisitions.

Full year cash generated by continuing operating activities was a record high of $86.6 million, which included the funding of $14.6 million to the Company's pension and other postretirement plans in 2012 and $8.6 million in payments made in conjunction with the 2011 restructuring plan. The strong cash flow is primarily attributable to higher earnings, faster turnover in inventories, and higher advanced payments during 2012 than during 2011. The cash flow in turn resulted in a record low level of debt, net of cash, of $92.1 million at year-end.

Full year income tax expense for 2012 reflects an income tax rate of 31 percent. In the fourth quarter, the Company recognized $1.3 million in tax benefits due to enacted changes in Sweden's corporate income tax rate. Extension of the U.S. research and development tax credit and the adoption of lower tax rates in certain international jurisdictions are expected to benefit the Company's 2013 effective tax rate.

Full year capital expenditures totaled $24.7 million. The increase of $3.9 million from the prior year was largely due to the installation of leased juice extractors during 2012.

4G Value Creation Strategy Update

During 2012, the Company made good progress in its 4G value creation strategy initiatives across both its FoodTech and AeroTech segments. Following are some highlights:

Grow our technology advantage: FoodTech successfully launched a next-generation freezer belt line and completed the acquisition of rotary sterilization technology from H.G. Molenaar & Co. (Pty) Ltd., expanding JBT's presence in sterilization technologies. AeroTech introduced several new mobile aviation support equipment products within its gate equipment business.

Grow beyond the sale: Since its introduction in 2011, FoodTech's PRoCARE(TM) service agreement program has rapidly grown to become a significant contributor to the segment's recurring revenue stream. AeroTech further expanded its Refurbishment Medals Program( )by signing on a major freight carrier customer.

Grow where the world is growing fastest: JBT's new facility in Kunshan, China, was launched in the fourth quarter to support growth in regional markets in both FoodTech and AeroTech. Orders in China for FoodTech's new freezer line, with features tailored to developing markets, exceeded expectations.

Grow value and margins: Margin improvement initiatives in FoodTech and AeroTech delivered the expected margin improvements in 2012, with further progress anticipated in 2013.

Fourth Quarter Earnings Conference Call

A conference call is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. EST on Thursday, March 7, 2013 to discuss the fourth quarter results. Participants may access the conference call by dialing (877) 235-3250 or (706) 643-5005 and using conference ID# 99762255, or through the Investor Relations link on JBT Corporation's website at http://ir.jbtcorporation.com. An online audio replay of the call will be available on the Company's Investor Relations website at approximately 1:30 p.m. EST on March 7, 2013.

JBT Corporation (NYSE: JBT) is a leading global technology solutions provider to the food processing and air transportation industries. JBT Corporation designs, manufactures, tests and services technologically sophisticated systems and products for regional and multi-national industrial food processing customers through its JBT FoodTech segment and for domestic and international air transportation customers through its JBT AeroTech segment. JBT Corporation employs approximately 3,200 people worldwide and operates sales, service, manufacturing and sourcing operations located in over 25 countries. For more information, please visit www.jbtcorporation.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are information of a non-historical nature and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are beyond the Company's ability to control. These risks and uncertainties are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission that may be accessed on the Company's website. The Company cautions shareholders and prospective investors that actual results may differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements.


                                                   JBT CORPORATION
                                                   ---------------

                                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                     -------------------------------------------

                                             (Unaudited and in millions)



                                            Three Months Ended                   Twelve Months Ended

                                                December 31,                        December 31,
                                                ------------                        ------------

                                                2012                   2011                      2012           2011
                                                ----                   ----                      ----           ----


    Revenue                                   $292.9                 $271.5                    $917.3         $955.8

    Cost of sales                              218.2                  206.4                     686.5          721.2
                                               -----                  -----                     -----          -----


                  Gross profit                  74.7                   65.1                     230.8          234.6


    Selling, general and
     administrative expense                     42.0                   39.6                     156.6          152.9

    Research and development
     expense                                     3.8                    4.2                      14.3           18.5

    Restructuring expense                        0.4                   10.3                       0.1           11.6

    Other expense (income), net                 (0.3)                  (1.2)                     (1.1)          (1.6)
                                                ----                   ----                      ----           ----


                  Operating income              28.8                   12.2                      60.9           53.2


    Net interest expense                        (1.7)                  (1.5)                     (6.9)          (6.4)
                                                ----                   ----                      ----           ----

    Income from continuing
     operations before income
     taxes                                      27.1                   10.7                      54.0           46.8

    Provision for income taxes                   8.1                    3.3                      16.9           16.0
                                                 ---                    ---                      ----           ----

    Income from continuing
     operations                                 19.0                    7.4                      37.1           30.8

    Loss from discontinued
     operations, net of taxes                   (0.5)                  (0.2)                     (0.9)          (0.3)
                                                ----                   ----                      ----           ----

                  Net income                   $18.5                   $7.2                     $36.2          $30.5



    Basic earnings per share:

              Income from
               continuing
               operations                      $0.65                  $0.26                     $1.27          $1.07

              Loss from discontinued
               operations                      (0.01)                 (0.01)                    (0.03)         (0.01)
                                               -----                  -----                     -----          -----

              Net income                       $0.64                  $0.25                     $1.24          $1.06



    Diluted earnings per share:

              Income from
               continuing
               operations                      $0.64                  $0.25                     $1.26          $1.05

              Loss from discontinued
               operations            (0.01)                     -                      (0.03)          (0.01)
                                     -----                    ---                      -----           -----

              Net income                       $0.63                  $0.25                     $1.23          $1.04



    Weighted average shares
     outstanding

              Basic                             29.1                   28.8                      29.1           28.8
                                                ====                   ====                      ====           ====

              Diluted                           29.6                   29.4                      29.5           29.3
                                                ====                   ====                      ====           ====




                            JBT CORPORATION
                            ---------------

                         BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA
                         ---------------------

                      (Unaudited and in millions)


                          Three Months Ended           Twelve Months Ended

                         December 31,               December 31,
                         ------------               ------------

                         2012                 2011               2012        2011
                         ----                 ----               ----        ----

    Revenue
    -------


    JBT
     FoodTech          $177.6               $151.9             $548.5      $542.6

    JBT AeroTech        114.5                119.2              366.0       407.4

    Other revenue (1)
     and intercompany
     eliminations         0.8                  0.4                2.8         5.8
                          ---                  ---                ---         ---

    Total
     revenue           $292.9               $271.5             $917.3      $955.8



    Income before
     income taxes
    -------------


    Segment operating
     profit
    -----------------

    JBT
     FoodTech           $23.4                $14.4              $53.2       $42.3

    JBT AeroTech         13.1                 12.0               34.3        36.0
                         ----                 ----               ----        ----

    Total segment
     operating profit    36.5                 26.4               87.5        78.3


    Corporate items
    ---------------

    Corporate expense    (6.1)                (4.7)             (18.4)      (16.9)

    Other (expense)
     income, net (2)     (1.6)                (9.5)              (8.2)       (8.2)

    Net interest
     expense             (1.7)                (1.5)              (6.9)       (6.4)
                         ----                 ----               ----        ----

    Total corporate
     items               (9.4)               (15.7)             (33.5)      (31.5)
                         ----                -----              -----       -----


    Income
     from
     continuing
     operations
     before
     income
     taxes              $27.1                $10.7              $54.0       $46.8

    (1) Other revenue comprises certain
     gains and losses on derivatives
     related to foreign exchange
     exposure.


    (2) Other (expense) income, net,
     generally includes stock-based
     compensation, other employee
     benefits, LIFO adjustments,
     restructuring costs, foreign
     exchange gains and losses, and the
     impact of unusual or strategic
     transactions not representative of
     segment operations.  Restructuring
     costs included in other (expense)
     income, net were:


                  Three Months Ended       Twelve Months
                                                Ended

                     December 31,          December 31,
                     ------------          ------------

                                2012  2011               2012   2011
                                ----  ----               ----   ----


    JBT FoodTech                $0.2 $10.3               $0.2  $11.6

    JBT AeroTech                 0.2     -               (0.1)     -

            Total               $0.4 $10.3               $0.1  $11.6
                                ==== =====               ====  =====


                             JBT CORPORATION
                             ---------------

                          BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA
                          ---------------------

                       (Unaudited and in millions)


                            Three Months Ended              Twelve Months
                                                          Ended

                           December 31,              December 31,
                           ------------              ------------

                            2012                2011              2012      2011
                            ----                ----              ----      ----

    Inbound
     Orders
    -------


    JBT
     FoodTech             $152.3              $122.8            $597.8    $537.7

    JBT AeroTech            79.0                83.7             371.3     371.5

    Other and
     intercompany
     eliminations            0.8                 0.4               2.8       5.8
                             ---                 ---               ---       ---


     Total
     inbound
     orders               $232.1              $206.9            $971.9    $915.0





                           December 31,
                           ------------

                   2012                2011
                   ----                ----

    Order Backlog
    -------------


    JBT
     FoodTech             $147.8               $98.5

    JBT AeroTech  135.3               147.5
                  -----               -----


     Total
     order
     backlog              $283.1              $246.0


                                    JBT CORPORATION
                                    ---------------

                         CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                         -------------------------------------

                                     (In millions)



                                           December 31,                December 31,

                                                                 2012                 2011
                                                                 ----                 ----

                                           (Unaudited)


    Cash and cash
     equivalents                                                $99.0                 $9.0

    Trade receivables, net                                      188.4                189.4

    Inventories                                                 109.2                122.3

    Other current assets                                         54.5                 50.2
                                                                 ----                 ----

         Total current assets                                   451.1                370.9


    Property, plant and
     equipment, net                                             126.2                124.7

    Other assets                                                100.7                 96.6

    Total assets                                               $678.0               $592.2




    Short term debt and
     current portion of
     long-term debt                                              $2.0                 $4.4

    Accounts payable, trade and
     other                                                       88.7                 82.5

    Advance payments and progress
     billings                                                    74.3                 57.4

    Other current liabilities                                    85.8                 95.4
                                                                 ----                 ----

         Total current liabilities                              250.8                239.7


    Long-term debt, less current
     portion                                                    189.1                135.7

    Accrued pension and other
     postretirement benefits,
     less current portion

                                                                104.6                109.2

    Other liabilities                                            27.9                 27.8

    Common stock, paid-in
     capital and retained
     earnings                                                   186.6                156.5

    Accumulated other
     comprehensive loss                                         (81.0)               (76.7)

         Total stockholders' equity                             105.6                 79.8
                                                                -----                 ----

    Total liabilities
     and stockholders'
     equity                                                    $678.0               $592.2


                                JBT CORPORATION
                                ---------------

                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                -----------------------------------------------

                          (Unaudited and in millions)


                                                        Twelve Months Ended

                                                         December 31,
                                                         ------------

                                                         2012                2011
                                                         ----                ----


    Cash Flows From Operating
     Activities:

         Income from
          continuing
          operations                                    $37.1               $30.8


    Adjustments to reconcile income
     to cash provided by operating
     activities:

         Depreciation and amortization                   23.6                24.1

         Other                                           15.4                10.0


    Changes in operating assets and
     liabilities:

         Trade accounts receivable, net                   2.3                 0.2

         Inventories                                     14.6               (19.8)

         Accounts payable, trade and
          other                                           5.2                (2.0)

         Advance payments and progress
          billings                                       15.8                 7.4

         Other -assets and liabilities                  (27.4)              (13.7)
                                                        -----               -----


    Cash provided by continuing
     operating activities                                86.6                37.0
                                                         ----                ----


    Cash required by discontinued
     operating activities                                (0.6)               (0.6)


    Cash Flows From Investing
     Activities:

         Acquisitions                                   (10.0)                  -

         Capital expenditures                           (24.7)              (20.8)

         Other                                            2.1                (0.6)


    Cash required by continuing
     investing activities                               (32.6)              (21.4)
                                                        -----               -----


    Cash Flows From Financing
     Activities:

         Net proceeds (payments) on
          credit facilities                              51.2                (6.8)

         Dividends paid                                  (8.5)               (8.4)

         Purchase of stock held in
          treasury                                       (3.6)               (0.3)

         Other                                           (3.0)               (3.0)
                                                         ----                ----


    Cash provided (required) by
     financing activities                                36.1               (18.5)
                                                         ----               -----


    Effect of foreign exchange rate
     changes on cash and cash
     equivalents                                          0.5                (1.2)
                                                          ---                ----


    Increase (decrease) in cash and
     cash equivalents                                    90.0                (4.7)


    Cash and cash equivalents,
     beginning of period                                  9.0                13.7
                                                          ---                ----


    Cash and cash
     equivalents, end of
     period                                             $99.0                $9.0

SOURCE JBT Corporation