News Details

BENCHMARK ELECTRONICS REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER 2018 RESULTS

February 7, 2019

TEMPE, Ariz.Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Benchmark Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: BHE) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2018.

   

Three Months Ended

   

Dec 31,

 

Sep 30,

 

Dec 31,

In millions, except EPS

2018

 

2018

 

2017(1)

Net sales

$657

 

$641

 

$666

Net income (loss)

$28

 

$8

 

(76)

Net income – non-GAAP(2)

$18

 

$15

 

$25

Diluted EPS

$0.64

 

$0.17

 

($1.54)

Diluted EPS – non-GAAP(2)

$0.41

 

$0.33

 

$0.49

             

Operating margin

2.3%

 

1.7%

 

3.3%

Operating margin – non-GAAP(2)

3.2%

 

2.9%

 

4.1%

 
 

Twelve Months Ended

 

Dec 31,

 

Dec 31,

In millions, except EPS

2018

 

2017(1)

Net sales

$2,566

 

$2,454

Net income (loss)

$23

 

($32)

Net income – non-GAAP(2)

$68

 

$81

Diluted EPS

$0.49

 

($0.64)

Diluted EPS – non-GAAP(2)

$1.45

 

$1.61

Operating margin

2.3%

 

3.1%

Operating margin – non-GAAP(2)

3.1%

 

4.0%

 

(1) On January 1, 2018, we adopted new accounting guidance, FASB ASC Topic 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" (ASC 606), relating to revenue recognition.  We adopted ASC 606 using the full retrospective transition method.  Accordingly, we have adjusted prior period information to be consistent with ASC 606.  The adoption of ASC 606 did not materially impact our overall financial position.

 

(2) A reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results is included below.

"We capped 2018 with strong results in the fourth quarter, with revenue at $657 million and earnings at $0.41, both above the high end of our guidance," said Paul Tufano, Benchmark's President and CEO.  "Bookings increased 23% for the full year and 13% sequentially to $198M; operating margins, on a non-GAAP basis, improved 30 bps quarter-over-quarter to 3.2%, but remain muted from continuing softness in semi-cap; and cash cycle days were 62 for the quarter and 68 days for the full year within our target range.  As a result, operating cash flow was $94 million in the quarter and $77 million for the full year.  During 2018, we spent $212 million on share repurchases reducing our outstanding shares by 17% year-over-year and have $202 million remaining with our existing program.

"As part of our ongoing process to review marginal and dilutive contracts, we have notified a long standing Computing customer that we will not renew a legacy contract that expires at the end of 2019 in its current form.  The resulting reduction in annual revenue will be in the range of $280 million - $320 million, and annualized gross margins will improve by approximately 80 – 90 basis points, which more appropriately shows the strength of our underlying business.  During this contractual transition year, we will discuss our actual results with and without the presence of this contract.

"Over the past several years, we have made progress on a number of key initiatives including  the implementation of our market‐sector sales organization to drive bookings and revenue growth; the expansion of our engineering and solutions capabilities to extend our value proposition to customers; and, the optimization of our global network and continued focus on operational execution," added Tufano.  "The progress on these initiatives will enable 3-5% revenue growth on our base business, excluding the legacy Computing contract. For 2019, we also expect gross and operating margin expansion from improved execution, effective cost and expense management, and the growth of additional service offerings including RF and high-speed design capabilities.  We remain committed to the achievement of our long-term business model as we continue to pursue growth and create value for our shareholders."

Cash Conversion Cycle

   

Dec 31,

 

Sep 30,

 

Dec 31,

   

2018

 

2018

 

2017

           

(as adjusted)

Accounts receivable days

 

64

 

64

 

59

Contract asset days

 

19

 

22

 

20

Inventory days

 

46

 

49

 

40

Accounts payable days

 

(63)

 

(57)

 

(54)

Customer deposits

 

(4)

 

(4)

 

(3)

   

62

 

74

 

62

Fourth Quarter 2018 Industry Sector Update
Revenue and percentage of sales by industry sector (in millions) was as follows.

     

Dec 31,

     

Sep 30,

     

Dec 31,

 
 

Higher-Value Markets

 

2018

     

2018

   

2017 (as adjusted)

Industrials

$

121

 

18

%

 

$

128

 

20

%

 

$

129

 

19

%

A&D

 

105

 

16

     

105

 

16

     

95

 

15

 

Medical

 

104

 

16

     

96

 

15

     

100

 

15

 

Test & Instrumentation

 

70

 

11

     

77

 

12

     

93

 

14

 
   

$

400

 

61

%

 

$

406

 

63

%

 

$

417

 

63

%

                                     
                                     
     

Dec 31,

     

Sep 30,

     

Dec 31,

 
 

Traditional Markets

 

2018

     

2018

   

2017 (as adjusted)

Computing

$

171

 

26

%

 

$

146

 

23

%

 

$

172

 

26

%

Telecommunications

 

86

 

13

     

89

 

14

     

77

 

11

 
   

$

257

 

39

%

 

$

235

 

37

%

 

$

249

 

37

%

 

Total

$

657

 

100

%

 

$

641

 

100

%

 

$

666

 

100

%

Higher‐value markets were down 4% year‐over‐year from softer demand in Test & Instrumentation (primarily semi-capital equipment).  Traditional market revenues were up 3% year-over-year primarily from new program ramps in Telecommunications.

Fourth Quarter 2018 Bookings Update

  • New program bookings of $198 million at the midpoint of projected annualized revenue.
  • 17 engineering awards supporting early engagement opportunities.
  • 34 manufacturing wins across all market sectors.

The Company projects that new program bookings for the fourth quarter will result in annualized revenue of $165 to $233 million when fully launched in the next 12-24 months, medical up to 36 months.

First Quarter 2019 Outlook

  • Revenue between $570 - $610 million.
  • Diluted GAAP earnings per share between $0.23 - $0.31.
  • Diluted non-GAAP earnings per share between $0.29 - $0.37 (excluding any additional impact related to U.S. Tax Reform, restructuring charges and other costs and amortization of intangibles).

Fourth Quarter 2018 Results Conference Call Details
A conference call hosted by Benchmark management will be held today at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company's financial results and outlook.  This call will be broadcast via the internet and may be accessed by logging on to the Company's website at www.bench.com.

About Benchmark Electronics, Inc.
Benchmark is a worldwide provider of innovative product design, engineering services, technology solutions and advanced manufacturing services.  From initial product concept to volume production, including direct order fulfillment and aftermarket services, Benchmark has been providing integrated services and solutions to original equipment manufacturers since 1979.  Today, Benchmark proudly serves the following industries: aerospace and defense, medical technologies, complex industrials, test and instrumentation, next-generation telecommunications and high-end computing.  Benchmark's global operations network includes facilities in eight countries and common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BHE.

Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The words "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "predict" and similar expressions, and the negatives thereof, often identify forward-looking statements, which are not limited to historical facts.  Forward-looking statements include, among other things: guidance for 2019 results; projected annual revenues resulting from new program bookings; statements, express or implied, concerning future operating results or margins, the ability to generate sales and income or cash flow; and Benchmark's business and growth strategies and expected growth and performance.  Although Benchmark believes these statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, they involve risks and uncertainties relating to operations, markets and the business environment generally.  If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materializes, or underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated.  Readers are advised to consult further disclosures on these risks and uncertainties, particularly in Item 1A, "Risk Factors", of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and in its subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  All forward-looking statements included in this document are based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this document, and it assumes no obligation to update them.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This document includes certain financial measures that exclude items and therefore are not in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").  A detailed reconciliation between GAAP results and results excluding special items ("non-GAAP") is included in the following tables attached to this document.  Management discloses non‐GAAP information to provide investors with additional information to analyze the Company's performance and underlying trends.  Management uses non‐GAAP measures that exclude certain items in order to better assess operating performance and help investors compare results with our previous guidance.  The Company's non‐GAAP information is not necessarily comparable to the non‐GAAP information used by other companies.  Non‐GAAP information should not be viewed as a substitute for, or superior to, net income or other data prepared in accordance with GAAP as a measure of the Company's profitability or liquidity.  Readers should consider the types of events and transactions for which adjustments have been made.

Benchmark Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 
                           

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Results

 

(Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 

(UNAUDITED)

 
                           
     

Three Months Ended

   

Year Ended

 
     

Dec 31,

 

Sep 30,

 

Dec 31,

   

Dec 31,

 
     

2018

 

2018

 

2017

   

2018

 

2017

 
           

(as adjusted)

   

(as adjusted)

Income from operations (GAAP)

$

15,265

$

10,957

$

21,910

 

$

58,538

$

76,826

 

Restructuring charges and other costs

 

3,527

 

1,845

 

3,062

   

9,365

 

8,628

 

Customer insolvency (recovery)

 

(113)

 

3,295

 

(239)

   

2,511

 

2,657

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

2,384

 

2,368

 

2,367

   

9,485

 

10,065

 

Non-GAAP income from operations

$

21,063

$

18,465

$

27,100

 

$

79,899

$

98,176

 
                           

Gross Profit (GAAP)

$

55,199

$

52,777

$

60,661

 

$

220,593

$

225,920

 

Customer insolvency (recovery)

 

(113)

 

1,581

 

(239)

   

797

 

960

 

Non-GAAP gross profit

$

55,086

$

54,358

$

60,422

 

$

221,390

$

226,880

 
                           

Net income (loss) (GAAP)

$

27,716

$

7,799

$

(76,361)

 

$

22,817

$

(31,901)

 

Restructuring charges and other costs

 

3,527

 

1,845

 

3,062

   

9,365

 

8,628

 

Customer insolvency (recovery)

 

(113)

 

3,295

 

(239)

   

2,511

 

2,657

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

2,384

 

2,368

 

2,367

   

9,485

 

10,065

 

Refinancing of credit facilities

 

-

 

1,982

 

-

   

1,982

 

-

 

Income tax adjustments(1)

 

(1,050)

 

(1,914)

 

(1,793)

   

(4,592)

 

(6,312)

 

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act(2)

 

(14,529)

 

-

 

97,633

   

26,008

 

97,633

 

Non-GAAP net income

$

17,935

$

15,375

$

24,669

 

$

67,576

$

80,770

 
                           

Diluted Earnings (loss) per share:

                       
 

Diluted (GAAP)

$

0.64

$

0.17

$

(1.54)

 

$

0.49

$

(0.64)

 
 

Diluted (Non-GAAP)

$

0.41

$

0.33

$

0.49

 

$

1.45

$

1.61

 
                           

Weighted-average number of shares used in calculating diluted earnings (loss) per share:

                     
 

Diluted (GAAP)

 

43,229

 

46,455

 

49,576

   

46,655

 

49,680

 
 

Diluted (Non-GAAP)

 

43,229

 

46,455

 

49,998

   

46,655

 

50,250

 
   

(1)

This amount represents the tax impact of the non-GAAP adjustments using the applicable effective tax rates.

(2)

This amount represents the impact of repatriating foreign earnings from our foreign jurisdictions to the U.S., offset by available U.S. foreign tax credits, and a non-recurring tax true-up benefit as a result of finalizing our federal and state income tax accounting for the U.S. transitions toll tax from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

 

Benchmark Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                     

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

(UNAUDITED)

 
     

Three Months Ended

   

Year Ended

     

December 31,

   

December 31,

   

2018

 

2017

   

2018

 

2017

       

(as adjusted)

     

(as adjusted)

Sales

$

657,050

$

666,036

 

$

2,566,465

$

2,454,479

Cost of sales

 

601,851

 

605,375

   

2,345,872

 

2,228,559

 

Gross profit

 

55,199

 

60,661

   

220,593

 

225,920

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

34,023

 

33,322

   

143,205

 

130,401

Amortization of intangible assets

 

2,384

 

2,367

   

9,485

 

10,065

Restructuring charges and other costs

 

3,527

 

3,062

   

9,365

 

8,628

 

Income from operations

 

15,265

 

21,910

   

58,538

 

76,826

Interest expense

 

(1,930)

 

(2,544)

   

(10,473)

 

(9,405)

Interest income

 

1,651

 

1,749

   

6,848

 

5,370

Other income (expense), net

 

(199)

 

(481)

   

628

 

(1,786)

 

Income before income taxes

 

14,787

 

20,634

   

55,541

 

71,005

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(12,929)

 

96,995

   

32,724

 

102,906

 

Net income (loss)

$

27,716

$

(76,361)

 

$

22,817

$

(31,901)

                     

Earnings (loss) per share:

                 
 

Basic

$

0.64

$

(1.54)

 

$

0.49

$

(0.64)

 

Diluted

$

0.64

$

(1.54)

 

$

0.49

$

(0.64)

                     

Weighted-average number of shares used in calculating earnings (loss) per share:

               
 

Basic

 

43,120

 

49,576

   

46,332

 

49,680

 

Diluted

 

43,229

 

49,576

   

46,655

 

49,680

For the three months ended December 31, 2017, the adoption of ASC 606 decreased revenue by $13.8 million, operating income by $1.2 million and net income by $21 thousand.  For the year ended December 31, 2017, the adoption of ASC 606 decreased revenue by $12.3 million, decreased operating income by $1.8 million and increased net income by $0.1 million.

Benchmark Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

           

December 31,

   

December 31,

           

2018

   

2017

                 

(as adjusted)

Assets

         
 

Current assets:

         
   

Cash and cash equivalents

$

458,102

 

$

742,546

   

Accounts receivable, net

 

468,161

   

436,560

   

Contract assets

 

140,082

   

146,496

   

Inventories

 

309,975

   

268,917

   

Other current assets

 

27,230

   

36,138

       

Total current assets

 

1,403,550

   

1,630,657

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

210,954

   

186,473

 

Goodwill and other, net

 

285,279

   

292,174

       

Total assets

$

1,899,783

 

$

2,109,304

                   

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

         
 

Current liabilities:

         
   

Current installments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

$

6,793

 

$

18,274

   

Accounts payable

 

422,053

   

362,701

   

Accrued liabilities

 

108,313

   

97,342

       

Total current liabilities

 

537,159

   

478,317

 

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, less current installments

 

147,277

   

193,406

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

83,122

   

98,443

 

Shareholders' equity

 

1,132,225

   

1,339,138

       

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$

1,899,783

 

$

2,109,304

As of December 31, 2017, the adoption of ASC 606 increased current assets by $12.0 million, increased total liabilities by $1.7 million and increased shareholder's equity by $10.3 million.

Benchmark Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(UNAUDITED)

 
   

Year Ended

   

December 31,

   

2018

   

2017

         

(as adjusted)

Cash flows from operating activities:

         
 

Net income (loss)

$

22,817

 

$

(31,901)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

51,839

   

48,672

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

10,089

   

7,815

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

(33,952)

   

6,354

 

Contract assets

 

6,414

   

9,710

 

Inventories

 

(43,264)

   

(24,570)

 

Accounts payable

 

61,391

   

29,542

 

Other changes in working capital and other, net

 

1,353

   

100,220

   

Net cash provided by operations

 

76,687

   

145,842

           

Cash flows from investing activities:

         
 

Additions to property, plant and equipment and software

 

(66,732)

   

(54,506)

 

Other investing activities, net

 

(2,117)

   

(1,615)

   

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(68,849)

   

(56,121)

           

Cash flows from financing activities:

         
 

Share repurchases

 

(211,858)

   

(29,348)

 

Net debt activity

 

(58,024)

   

(12,396)

 

Other financing activities, net

 

(21,085)

   

10,392

   

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(290,967)

   

(31,352)

Effect of exchange rate changes

 

(1,315)

   

2,744

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(284,444)

   

61,113

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

742,546

   

681,433

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

458,102

 

$

742,546

 

SOURCE Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

For further information: Lisa K. Weeks, VP of Strategy & Investor Relations, 623-300-7052 or lisa.weeks@bench.com