BI Bell Industries,

Bell Industries, Inc. (AMEX:BI) today reported financial results for the year and fourth quarter ended December 31, 2005. Revenue for 2005 amounted to $130.9 million, compared with $144.0 million for 2004. The company's net loss for 2005 was $799,000, equal to $0.09 per share, which included approximately $1.8 million in charges, including $325,000 of costs associated with a severance agreement for a former executive in the third quarter and approximately $1.5 million of charges and costs in the fourth quarter. For 2004, Bell sustained a net loss of $953,000, or $0.11 per share. For the 2005 fourth quarter, revenue totaled $25.7 million, compared with $26.2 million for the corresponding prior-year period. Including the charges and costs, Bell registered a net loss for the 2005 fourth quarter of $1.5 million, equal to $0.18 per share, compared with a net loss of $767,000, or $0.09 per share, last year. In the fourth quarter, the company posted approximately $600,000 in staff separation and reorganization charges. In addition, Bell incurred approximately $850,000 in higher-than-usual start up and related costs associated with a new depot services contract. The higher start-up and related costs on the new contract continued to be incurred during the first quarter of 2006. John A. Fellows, who was appointed chief executive officer of Bell Industries in October 2005, said, "We believe that the significant operational changes recently completed within Bell Tech.logix (BTL) will have a positive and lasting effect on our associates, customers and prospects. By realigning our resources dedicated to BTL's product group, we fully expect to realize revenue growth for the segment in 2006. Additionally, we will leverage existing product relationships and capitalize on our certification as a Microsoft Large Account Reseller for the education practice. Within BTL's services segment, we reduced non-operational headcount and successfully recruited a number of leading executives from technology based service companies. "We have a strong focus on strengthening client relationships. In fact, a number of service offerings currently provided to Philip Morris USA have been extended. I am confident that our aggressive management transition over the past 120 days has properly positioned BTL for improved operational execution and substantial global business expansion in the years ahead." For the 2005 fourth quarter, BTL posted net revenues of $14.9 million, compared with $16.6 million in the prior-year period. Product sales amounted to $6.7 million, compared with $9.6 million in the 2004 fourth quarter. Services revenues rose to $8.2 million in the 2005 fourth quarter from $7.0 million a year earlier, primarily attributable to continued strength in BTL's reverse logistics and depot repair business. BTL had an operating loss of $1.5 million for the 2005 fourth quarter, versus a loss of $469,000 last year. Fellows added, "Both J.W. Miller and our Recreational Products Group delivered improved operating results for the year and fourth quarter. Overall, we are now completely focused on driving profitable revenue growth in each of our business units." At Bell's Recreational Products Group, net revenues for the 2005 fourth quarter rose 7.2% to $8.4 million from $7.9 million last year, primarily reflecting higher preseason marine product shipments and an early snow season which generated additional sales of snow related products. The division sustained a lower operating loss of $122,000 for the 2005 fourth quarter, compared with a loss of $221,000 a year ago. Revenues at J.W. Miller, Bell's electronic components operation, advanced 34.9% to $2.3 million in the 2005 fourth quarter from $1.7 million a year earlier. Operating income increased 80% to $520,000 from $289,000 a year ago. Bell's balance sheet at year-end remained strong, with no bank debt. At December 31, 2005, cash and cash equivalents totaled $7.3 million, and net working capital amounted to $18.6 million, compared with $10.8 million and $19.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2004. The company said the lower cash amount at December 31, 2005 principally reflected the timing of collections. At year-end, shareholders' equity totaled $20.3 million, or $2.37 per share, compared with $20.8 million, or $2.47 per share, at December 31, 2004. Fellows concluded, "I am pleased with our recent progress. We are absolutely focused, and we have taken significant steps to properly align our existing resources and attract new resources so that we can quickly become market leaders in the industries which we serve. I look forward to Bell's growth and success in the years ahead." About Bell Industries, Inc. Bell is comprised of three diversified business units, Bell Tech.logix, Recreational Products Group and J.W. Miller. Bell Tech.logix offers a comprehensive portfolio of technology products and managed lifecycle services, including planning, product sourcing, deployment and disposal, and support services. Bell's Recreational Products Group distributes after-market parts and accessories primarily to the recreational vehicle and boating markets. J.W. Miller manufactures and sells standard and custom magnetic components used in electronic applications for computer, medical, lighting and telecommunication equipment. Forward-Looking Statements Certain matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current trends. These include, but are not limited to, BTL being positioned for substantial global business expansion, as well as other factors described in the company's public filings from time to time. (Tables Follow) -0- *T Bell Industries, Inc. Consolidated Operating Results (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three months ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2005 2004 2005 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Net revenues Products $17,462 $19,187 $100,266 $113,832 Services 8,232 7,031 30,670 30,122 ------- ------- -------- --------- 25,694 26,218 130,936 143,954 ------- ------- -------- --------- Costs and expenses Cost of products sold 13,413 15,046 79,097 92,879 Cost of services provided 7,152 5,808 25,184 24,227 Selling and administrative 6,703 6,185 27,331 27,187 Interest, net (94) (54) (275) (161) Special items (a) 325 700 ------- ------- -------- --------- 27,174 26,985 131,662 144,832 ------- ------- -------- --------- Loss before income taxes (1,480) (767) (726) (878) Income tax expense 13 73 75 ------- ------- -------- --------- Net loss $(1,493) $(767) $(799) $(953) ======= ======= ======== ========= Basic and diluted share data Net loss per share $(.18) $(.09) $(.09) $(.11) ======= ======= ======== ========= Weighted average common stock 8,490 8,418 8,466 8,385 ======= ======= ======== ========= ---------------------------------------------------------------------- OPERATING RESULTS BY BUSINESS SEGMENT Net revenues Technology Solutions Products $6,730 $9,619 $46,035 $60,149 Services 8,232 7,031 30,670 30,122 ------- ------- -------- --------- 14,962 16,650 76,705 90,271 Recreational Products 8,425 7,858 45,858 45,907 Electronic Components 2,307 1,710 8,373 7,776 ------- ------- -------- --------- $25,694 $26,218 $130,936 $143,954 ======= ======= ======== ========= Operating income (loss) Technology Solutions $(1,490) $(469) $(1,532) $(780) Recreational Products (122) (221) 1,408 1,319 Electronic Components 520 289 1,923 1,526 Corporate costs (482) (420) (2,475) (2,404) Special items (a) (325) (700) ------- ------- -------- --------- (1,574) (821) (1,001) (1,039) Interest, net 94 54 275 161 Income tax expense (13) (73) (75) ------- ------- -------- --------- Net loss $(1,493) $(767) $(799) $(953) ======= ======= ======== ========= (a) Special item in 2005 represents costs associated with a severance agreement for a former executive. Special item in 2004 represents costs associated with an employment agreement for another former executive. Bell Industries, Inc. Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet (In thousands) (Unaudited) December 31, 2005 2004 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $7,331 $10,801 Accounts receivable 15,306 11,455 Inventories 12,764 14,364 Prepaid expenses and other 2,701 1,813 ------- -------- Total current assets 38,102 38,433 -------- -------- Fixed assets, net 3,143 3,139 Other assets 3,108 3,617 -------- -------- $44,353 $45,189 ======= ======== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Floor plan payables $68 $2,172 Accounts payable 11,023 8,998 Accrued payroll and liabilities 8,440 8,178 ------- -------- Total current liabilities 19,531 19,348 ------- -------- Long-term liabilities 4,518 5,025 Shareholders' equity 20,304 20,816 ------- -------- $44,353 $45,189 ======= ======== *T