KEQU Kewaunee Scientific Corporation

STATESVILLE, N.C., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Kewaunee Scientific Corporation (Nasdaq: KEQU) today reported sales and earnings for its first quarter ended July 31, 2010.

Sales for the quarter were $24,858,000, down 5% from sales of $26,249,000 in the first quarter of the prior year. This was primarily the result of on-going softness in the domestic marketplace for small and mid-sized laboratory projects and the scheduled timing of shipments in the order backlog, partially offset by increased international sales. Domestic sales were $20,948,000, down from sales of $23,358,000 in the first quarter last year, while international sales increased to $3,910,000, up from $2,891,000 in the first quarter last year.  

Net earnings for the quarter were $657,000, or $0.25 per diluted share, down from net earnings of $1,071,000, or $0.42 per diluted share, in the first quarter of the prior year. Earnings were unfavorably impacted by the lower sales and continued aggressive pricing in all of the Company's markets.

The order backlog at the end of the quarter remained strong, both domestic and international.  The backlog was $66.9 million at July 31, 2010, up from $60.7 million at July 31, 2009 and down slightly from the record level of $68.9 million at April 30, 2010.

"Overall, the domestic marketplace for laboratory furniture continues to be healthy, although opportunities vary depending on the size of the project and geographic area," said Mr. Shumaker, President and Chief Executive Officer.  "Capital spending for larger laboratory projects continues to hold up relatively well, while funding and spending for small and mid-sized projects continues to be the most affected by the economic slowdown.  Capital spending for international laboratory projects appears to be recovering, as we have seen a significant increase in international sales opportunities over the past several months.

"Looking forward, our financial plan for fiscal year 2011 includes increased sales and earnings over the prior year, and we made good progress during the quarter on our operational plan," Mr. Shumaker continued. "We expect sales and earnings for the second quarter to improve over the first quarter, although below last year's strong second quarter results, followed by a stronger second half of the year. Our expectations are based on a number of factors, including scheduled delivery dates for orders in our order backlog, a partial recovery in the global economy, continuing increased sales opportunities for our products in the international marketplace, sales and earnings benefits from new products, and increased manufacturing capabilities in our Statesville and Bangalore facilities."

The Company's balance sheet remains strong.  Bank borrowings and capital lease obligations totaled $7.7 million at July 31, 2010, as compared to $6.6 million at July 31, 2009.  The debt-to-equity ratio was .24-to-1 at the end of the quarter, as compared to .22-to-1 at the end of the first quarter last year.  Cash on hand was $2.3 million at the end of the quarter, as compared to $3.5 million at the end of the first quarter last year.  Working capital was $18.9 million at July 31, 2010, as compared to $18.8 million at the end of the first quarter last year.  

Kewaunee Scientific Corporation is a recognized leader in the design, manufacture, and installation of scientific and technical furniture. The Company's corporate headquarters are located in Statesville, North Carolina.  The Company's manufacturing facilities are located in Statesville and Bangalore, India.  The Company has subsidiaries in Singapore and Bangalore that serve the Asian and Middle East markets.  Kewaunee Scientific's website is located at http://www.kewaunee.com

Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could significantly impact results or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, and technological factors affecting the Company's operations, markets, products, services, and prices.

SOURCE Kewaunee Scientific Corporation