NOLD Noland Company - Common Stock (MM)

Noland Reports First-Quarter Earnings NEWPORT NEWS, Va., April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Noland Company today reported first-quarter net income of $2,106,000, or 63 cents per share (diluted), 38 percent less than the year-earlier period's $3,420,000, or 97 cents per share. The wholesale distribution firm attributed the earnings decline to first- quarter 2003's $3,421,000 gain from the sale of property. After-tax gains from the sale of property totaled $7,000 in the first quarter of 2004 versus $2,122,000 in the first quarter of 2003. Sales for the first quarter totaled $122,766,000, 11 percent greater than first-quarter 2003's $110,163,000. "We are very pleased with our sales performance in the first quarter," said Chairman Lloyd U. Noland III, "especially since it was so widespread." He said an improving economy and good weather fueled strong construction activity, benefiting all three product categories. He said rising prices also helped boost sales. Plumbing sales rose 12 percent, due to a more aggressive sales effort, three additional satellite branches and strong demand by customers buying in advance of price increases. Air conditioning sales were up 11 percent, despite a drop in equipment sales in Florida due to unusually mild weather, and electrical/industrial sales rose 12 percent. Gross profit was $2,471,000, or 10 percent, higher than the year-earlier period's. Noland said gross margins declined slightly, reflecting intense competition -- especially on commodity products. Operating expenses rose by $1,122,000, or 5 percent, due to higher personnel-related expenses stemming in part from new operations. Operating profit declined by $1,936,000, or 36 percent, due to a $3,410,000 year-to-year reduction in gains from the sale of property. Interest expense rose $81,000, or 27 percent, due to higher average borrowings to finance higher inventories and capital expenditures. Noland said he is optimistic about the company's short-term sales prospects. "We finished the first quarter with a very strong March, and our customer orders for future delivery are much higher than a year ago. Assuming the weather cooperates, we expect to continue our recent sales momentum in the second quarter." Noland operates 102 branches in 13 states, and distributes products in the plumbing, HVAC, water systems, electrical, and industrial fields. The company's stock is traded on NASDAQ's SmallCap Market. UNAUDITED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For the Three Months Ended March 31 2004 2003 Merchandise Sales $122,765,791 $110,162,607 Net Income $2,106,087 $3,420,218 Basic Earnings Per Share(1) $.63 $.98 Diluted Earnings Per Share(2) $.63 $.97 (1) Based on 3,333,358 shares outstanding in 2004 and 3,485,676 shares outstanding in 2003. (2) Based on 3,360,230 shares outstanding in 2004 and 3,512,538 shares outstanding in 2003. Note: Included in this news release are forward-looking management comments and other statements which reflect management's current outlook for the future. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general business and economic conditions, climatic conditions, competitive pricing pressures, and product availability. DATASOURCE: Noland Company CONTACT: John E. Gullett of Noland Company, +1-757-928-9000 Web site: http://www.noland.com/

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