Champion Parts, Inc. Reports Continued Profitability for First Quarter
HOPE, Ark., May 19, 2004 -- Champion Parts, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: CREB) , last week reported net income for the first quarter ended March 28, 2004 of $335,000, or $0.09 per share, compared to $284,000, or $0.08 per share for the same period in 2003. Net sales were $5,468,000, compared to $6,196,000 in 2003.
"We are pleased with the progress the company has generated in various aspects of our operations, which has resulted in continued profitability for the quarter," said Jerry A. Bragiel, president and chief executive officer. The company continues to diversify its product mix as carburetor net sales dropped from 49.8% to 44.6% in the first quarters of 2003 and 2004, respectively. The executive noted that while carburetor net sales declined, the market remains viable for replacement carburetors for older vehicles, which predominately use carburetors.
The company benefited from higher sales in its traditional markets of heavy duty, agricultural and constant velocity axle automotive product lines. Although preseason demand for air conditioning products in the first quarter was less than expected, finished goods inventories are at appropriate levels for the anticipated larger second and third quarters, the executive noted.
The company reported that the $250,000 loan obtained from the City of Hope in August 2002, was forgiven, as a result of meeting job expansion incentives. Additionally, the company said that it is expecting to replace its amended loan facility with a new revolving credit facility and a new term loan on its Hope, Ark. property, with other lenders. The company has a sale agreement pending on its real estate property in Beech Creek, Pa., and remains in compliance with all covenants in its current loan agreement. Once the new credit facilities are in place and the real estate sale is completed, the company believes that its borrowing availability, together with the cash flow generated from operations, will be sufficient to meet its working capital needs and plans for growth over the next fiscal year and beyond. Champion Parts remanufactures fuel system components, air conditioning compressors, front wheel drive assemblies, and other underhood electrical and mechanical products for the passenger car and light truck, agricultural, heavy-duty truck and marine parts aftermarket.
Certain forward-looking statements in this press release involve various risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, those statements relating to financing. These statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the safe harbor created thereby.
Although the company believes that its forward-looking statements are reasonable, there are no assurances that such statements will prove to be correct. Attention is directed to the discussion of risks and uncertainties contained in the Factors Which May Affect Future Results section of the company's Form 10-K and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Champion Parts, Inc. Consolidated Statement of Income For the Periods Ended (Unaudited) March 28, 2004 March 30, 2003 Net Sales $5,468,000 $6,196,000 Costs and Expenses: Cost of products sold 4,557,000 5,159,000 Selling, distribution & administrative 680,000 647,000 Total costs and expenses 5,237,000 5,806,000 Operating income 231,000 390,000 Non-operating income/(expense): Interest (expense) (145,000) (121,000) Other non-operating income 254,000 15,000 Total non-operating income/(expense) 109,000 (106,000) Net income before income taxes 340,000 284,000 Income taxes 5,000 -- Net income $335,000 $284,000 Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding at March 28, 2004: Basic 3,655,266 3,655,266 Diluted 3,756,252 3,655,266 Earnings Per Common Share - Basic: Net income per common share - basic $0.09 $0.08 Earnings Per Common Share - Diluted: Net income per common share - diluted $0.09 $0.08