Apogee First Quarter Earnings Per Share Increase 21 Percent; Full-Year EPS Guidance Reconfirmed

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 27, 2006--Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:APOG) today announced fiscal 2007 first quarter earnings. Apogee develops and delivers value-added glass products and services for the architectural, large-scale optical and automotive industries.

    FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

    --  Revenues of $195.1 million were up 19 percent in the 14-week
        period versus the prior-year 13-week period.

    --  Earnings were $0.17 per share versus $0.14 per share a year
        earlier.

        --  Fiscal 2007 includes $0.01 per share expense in the
            quarter for stock-based compensation.

        --  Unusual items in the current quarter were: $0.03 per share
            charge resulting from higher than expected costs for
            health care utilization, and a net gain of $0.01 per share
            from architectural segment asset dispositions.

        --  Operating margin was 4.1 percent, up from 3.8 percent in
            the prior-year period.

    --  Architectural segment revenues were up 23 percent, and
        operating income increased 54 percent versus the prior-year
        period.

    --  Large-scale optical segment revenues increased 5 percent, and
        operating income increased 2 percent versus the strong
        prior-year period.

    Commentary

"We had a solid start to fiscal 2007, with strong revenue and earnings growth in the first quarter," said Russell Huffer, Apogee chairman and chief executive officer. "Our operating margins showed improvement from the prior year due to improved market conditions and better operations. And, margins would have been approximately one-half percentage point higher had we not experienced greater than expected health care utilization.

"We had good operational performance in our architectural segment manufacturing businesses," he said. "Also, as we had anticipated, our picture framing business was impacted by a negative mix shift within value-added framing glass.

"We continue to be optimistic about fiscal 2007 as we provide value-added architectural products and services for our stronger commercial construction markets."

    SEGMENT AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

    Architectural Products and Services

    --  Revenues of $165.3 million were up 23 percent over the
        prior-year period due to higher architectural glass volume and
        pricing, and job flow in the installation business.

    --  Operating income was $5.6 million, up 54 percent from a year
        ago as pricing and manufacturing operations continued to
        improve.

        --  The current period includes a pre-tax net gain of $0.5
            million from architectural segment asset dispositions.

        --  First quarter operating margin was 3.4 percent, compared
            to 2.7 percent in the prior-year period. The margin
            increase from improved pricing and operational performance
            was somewhat offset by the higher than expected health
            care costs.

        --  Segment backlog was $360.4 million, compared to a backlog
            of $235.0 million in the prior-year period and $321.0
            million at the end of fiscal 2006.

    --  Construction began on the new St. George, Utah, architectural
        glass fabrication plant, scheduled to begin operations in the
        first quarter of fiscal 2008 and expected to reach about $40
        million in annual capacity at full operation.

    Large-Scale Optical Technologies

    --  Revenues of $21.8 million were up 5 percent from the strong
        prior-year period. Higher volume of value-added products was
        somewhat offset by a less favorable value-added product mix
        and lower pre-framed art sales.

    --  Operating income was $3.1 million, up 2 percent from the
        prior-year period.

        --  Operating margin in the first quarter was 14.4 percent,
            down from 14.8 percent in the prior-year period, as
            expected.

    Automotive Replacement Glass and Services

    --  Revenues of $8.1 million decreased 6 percent compared to the
        prior-year period. Sales of aftermarket automobile windshields
        were slightly lower than expected.

    --  There was an operating loss of $0.2 million, compared to
        operating income of $0.1 million in the prior-year period.

    Equity in Affiliates

    --  There was a loss of $0.2 million from investment in PPG Auto
        Glass, LLC. This compares to earnings of $0.2 million in the
        prior-year period. Results were impacted by competitive
        pricing conditions and costs associated with a small
        acquisition integrated by PPG Auto Glass during the quarter.

    Financial Condition

    --  Long-term debt increased as expected to $59.9 million at the
        end of the first quarter, compared to $45.2 million at the end
        of fiscal 2006.

        --  Long-term debt-to-total-capital ratio increased to 22.6
            percent.

    --  Non-cash working capital (current assets, excluding cash, less
        current liabilities) was $90.6 million, compared to $70.6
        million at the end of fiscal 2006 as a result of seasonal and
        growth working capital requirements.

    --  Depreciation and amortization were $5.2 million, up slightly
        from the prior year.

    --  Capital expenditures were $7.9 million, including investments
        in architectural glass fabrication capacity expansions. This
        compares to capital expenditures of $5.1 million in the
        prior-year period.

    OUTLOOK

"We have a good start to fiscal 2007 and expect to show strong earnings growth over the prior year due to more robust commercial construction markets and continued improvement in architectural segment operating performance," said Huffer. "We are maintaining our fiscal 2007 earnings guidance range of $0.88 to $0.94 per share, which includes $0.05 per share for the non-cash expensing of options. This is strong earnings growth compared to fiscal 2006, which at $0.85 per share included the impact of one-time net tax benefits of $0.07 per share.

"We have increased our overall and architectural segment revenue guidance for the year, along with our architectural segment operating margin guidance," he said. "Our strong architectural backlog of $360 million with improving margins gives us confidence in our outlook for the year; approximately $280 million of the backlog is currently scheduled for fiscal 2007.

"The improved outlook for our architectural segment is somewhat offset by a decrease in our expectations for large-scale optical segment revenues and operating margin," Huffer said. "Our large-scale optical segment is seeing some reduced demand due to softness in national retail accounts, partially offset by increases in picture framing glass sales to distributors. In addition, we expect an even less favorable mix of value-added picture framing glass in fiscal 2007 compared to the prior year.

"We are pleased to have been notified that we will receive proceeds of approximately $2 million from a class action lawsuit settlement with a flat glass manufacturer covering 1991 to 1995," he said. "The proceeds, which we anticipate receiving as soon as the second quarter, have been included in our current earnings outlook. We expect this will be offset by higher health care costs under our self-insured programs for the balance of the year."

The following statements are based on current expectations for fiscal 2007. These statements are forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially.

    --  Overall fiscal 2007 revenues for the year are expected to
        increase 11 to 15 percent (prior guidance was 5 to 9 percent).

        --  Architectural segment revenues are expected to increase 14
            to 18 percent (prior guidance was 6 to 9 percent).

            --  Growth is expected due to market improvement and some
                market share gain despite capacity constraints.

        --  Large-scale optical segment revenues are expected to be
            flat to slightly down (prior guidance was 3 to 5 percent
            growth).

        --  Auto glass segment revenues are expected to be flat
            compared to fiscal 2006.

    --  Annual gross margins are expected to be down slightly in
        fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006 as pricing, operational
        improvements and cost reductions are offset by higher costs
        for health care, wages, energy, materials and freight.

    --  Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of
        sales are projected to be approximately 13.5 percent,
        including the impact of expensing options.

    --  Expected annual operating margins by segment are:
        architectural, 4.5 to 4.7 percent (prior guidance was 4.4 to
        4.6 percent); large-scale optical, 11 to 12 percent (prior
        guidance was 14 percent); and auto glass, approximately
        breakeven.

    --  Equity in affiliates, which reflects Apogee's portion of the
        results of the PPG Auto Glass joint venture, is expected to
        report earnings of approximately $3 million.

    --  Capital expenditures are projected to be $40 to $45 million,
        including an estimated $25 million related to building the new
        architectural glass fabrication plant.

    --  Depreciation and amortization are estimated at $20 million for
        the year.

    --  Debt is expected to be approximately $50 to $60 million at
        year end, reflecting borrowings for the new architectural
        glass facility.

    --  The effective tax rate for the full year is anticipated to be
        approximately 35 percent.

    --  Earnings per share from continuing operations are expected to
        range from $0.88 to $0.94, including the $0.05 per share
        impact of expensing options.

The discussion above, including all statements in the Outlook section, contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect Apogee management's expectations or beliefs as of the date of this release. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements are qualified by factors that may affect the operating results of the company, including the following: operational risks within (A) the architectural segment: i) competitive, price-sensitive and changing market conditions, including unforeseen delays in project timing and work flow; ii) economic conditions and the cyclical nature of the North American commercial construction industry; iii) product performance, reliability or quality problems that could delay payments, increase costs, impact orders or lead to litigation; iv) the segment's ability to fully utilize production capacity; and v) construction and ramp-up to full production of the announced third Viracon plant in a timely and cost-efficient manner; (B) the large-scale optical segment: i) markets that are impacted by consumer confidence and trends; ii) dependence on a relatively small number of customers; iii) changing market conditions, including unfavorable shift in product mix; and iv) ability to utilize manufacturing facilities; and (C) the auto glass segment: i) transition of markets served as Viracon/Curvlite focuses on selling to aftermarket manufacturers following the end of its long-term supply agreement with PPG Industries in the second quarter of fiscal 2006; ii) changes in market dynamics; iii) market seasonality; iv) highly competitive, fairly mature industry; and v) performance of the PPG Auto Glass, LLC joint venture. Additional factors include: i) revenue and operating results that are volatile; ii) the possibility of a material product liability event; iii) the costs of compliance with governmental regulations relating to hazardous substances; iv) management of discontinued operations exiting activities; and v) foreign currency risk related to discontinued operations. The company cautions readers that actual future results could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The company wishes to caution investors that other factors may in the future prove to be important in affecting the company's results of operations. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or a combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. For a more detailed explanation of the foregoing and other risks and uncertainties, see Item 1A of the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 25, 2006.

TELECONFERENCE AND SIMULTANEOUS WEBCAST

Analysts, investors and media are invited to listen to Apogee's live teleconference or webcast at 7:30 a.m. Central Time tomorrow, June 28. To participate in the teleconference, call 1-800-901-5218 toll free or 617-786-4511 international, access code 53246512. The replay will be available from 9:30 a.m. Central Time on Wednesday, June 28, through midnight Central Time on Wednesday, July 12 by calling 1-888-286-8010 toll free, access code 80687005. To listen to the live conference call over the internet, go to the Apogee web site at http://www.apog.com and click on "investor relations" and then the webcast link at the top of that page. The webcast also will be archived on the company's web site.

Apogee Enterprises, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is a world leader in technologies involving the design and development of value-added glass products and services. The company is organized in three segments:


    --  Architectural products and services companies design,
        engineer, fabricate, install, maintain and renovate the walls
        of glass and windows comprising the outside skin of commercial
        and institutional buildings. Businesses in this segment are:
        Viracon, the leading fabricator of coated, high-performance
        architectural glass for global markets; Harmon, Inc., one of
        the largest U.S. full-service building glass installation,
        maintenance and renovation companies; Wausau Window and Wall
        Systems, a manufacturer of custom aluminum window systems and
        curtainwall; and Linetec, a paint and anodizing finisher of
        window frames and PVC shutters.

    --  Large-scale optical segment consists of Tru Vue, a value-added
        glass and acrylic manufacturer for the custom framing and
        pre-framed art markets, and a producer of optical thin film
        coatings for consumer electronics displays.

    --  Automotive replacement glass and services segment consists of
        Viracon/Curvlite, a U.S. fabricator of aftermarket foreign and
        domestic car windshields.

                Apogee Enterprises, Inc. & Subsidiaries
              Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income
                             (Unaudited)
                                        Fourteen     Thirteen
                                      Weeks Ended  Weeks Ended    %
Dollar amounts in thousands, except   June 3, 2006 May 28, 2005 Change
 for per share amounts
                                      ------------ ------------ ------

Net sales                                $195,064     $164,132     19%
Cost of goods sold                        161,708      134,283     20%
                                      ------------ ------------
     Gross profit                          33,356       29,849     12%
Selling, general and administrative
 expenses                                  25,386       23,663      7%
                                      ------------ ------------
     Operating income                       7,970        6,186     29%
Interest income                               323          187     73%
Interest expense                              839          617     36%
Other (expense), net                          (58)         (34)   -71%
Equity in (loss) income of affiliated
 companies                                   (190)         190    N/M
                                      ------------ ------------
     Earnings before income taxes           7,206        5,912     22%
Income taxes                                2,464        1,972     25%
                                      ------------ ------------
     Net earnings                          $4,742       $3,940     20%
                                      ============ ============

Net earnings per share - basic              $0.17        $0.14     21%
Average common shares outstanding      27,603,473   27,280,889      1%

Net earnings per share - diluted            $0.17        $0.14     21%
Average common and common equivalent
          shares outstanding           28,021,688   27,750,695      1%

Cash dividends per common share           $0.0650      $0.0625      4%



----------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Business Segments Information
                             (Unaudited)
                                        Fourteen     Thirteen
                                      Weeks Ended  Weeks Ended    %
                                      June 3, 2006 May 28, 2005 Change
                                      ------------ ------------ ------
Sales
Architectural                            $165,263     $134,829     23%
Large-Scale Optical                        21,765       20,766      5%
Auto Glass                                  8,064        8,610     -6%
Eliminations                                  (28)         (73)    62%
                                      ------------ ------------
Total                                    $195,064     $164,132     19%
                                      ============ ============

Operating income (loss)
Architectural                              $5,567       $3,606     54%
Large-Scale Optical                         3,133        3,083      2%
Auto Glass                                   (176)          73    N/M
Corporate and other                          (554)        (576)     4%
                                      ------------ ------------
Total                                      $7,970       $6,186     29%
                                      ============ ============



----------------------------------------------------------------------
                Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
                             (Unaudited)
                                               June 3,    February 25,
                                                 2006         2006
                                             ------------ ------------
Assets
Current assets                                  $213,358     $203,134
Net property, plant and equipment                115,738      113,198
Other assets                                      84,345       87,626
                                             ------------ ------------
Total assets                                    $413,441     $403,958
                                             ============ ============

Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities                             $115,715     $127,809
Long-term debt                                    59,900       45,200
Other liabilities                                 32,708       31,896
Shareholders' equity                             205,118      199,053
                                             ------------ ------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity      $413,441     $403,958
                                             ============ ============

N/M = Not meaningful
                Apogee Enterprises, Inc. & Subsidiaries
               Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash
                                 Flows
                              (Unaudited)
                                               Fourteen     Thirteen
                                             Weeks Ended  Weeks Ended
Dollar amounts in thousands                  June 3, 2006 May 28, 2005
                                             ------------ ------------

Net earnings                                      $4,742       $3,940
Depreciation and amortization                      5,168        4,665
Results from equity investments                      190         (190)
Other, net                                           228          (33)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities,
 net of effect of acquisitions                   (18,104)     (15,300)
                                             ------------ ------------
  Net cash used in continuing operating
   activities                                     (7,776)      (6,918)
                                             ------------ ------------

Capital expenditures                              (7,904)      (5,116)
Proceeds on sale of property                       1,522            2
Net sales (purchases) of marketable
 securities                                        2,426         (300)
Other investing activities                         1,250            -
                                             ------------ ------------
  Net cash used in investing activities           (2,706)      (5,414)
                                             ------------ ------------

Net proceeds from long-term debt and
 revolving credit agreement                       14,700       12,050
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net
 of cancellations                                  1,889        2,119
Dividends paid                                    (3,642)      (1,738)
Other, net                                            48         (250)
                                             ------------ ------------
  Net cash provided by financing activities       12,995       12,181
                                             ------------ ------------

Cash used in discontinued operations                (162)        (294)
                                             ------------ ------------

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
 equivalents                                       2,351         (445)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
 year                                              4,676        5,967
                                             ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period        $7,027       $5,522
                                             ============ ============

    CONTACT: Apogee Enterprises, Inc.
             Investor Relations:
             Mary Ann Jackson, 952-487-7538
             mjackson@apog.com

    SOURCE: Apogee Enterprises, Inc.