Apogee Second Quarter Earnings from Continuing Operations Increase; Fiscal 2009 Earnings Guidance Reduced

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 2008--Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:APOG) today announced fiscal 2009 second quarter earnings. Apogee provides distinctive value-added glass solutions for the architectural and picture framing industries.

    SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

    --  Revenues of $245.0 million were up 13 percent from the
        prior-year period.

    --  Operating income was $18.8 million, up 9 percent from the
        prior-year period.

    --  Earnings from continuing operations were $0.43 per share
        versus $0.40 per share a year earlier.

    --  Architectural segment revenues grew 15 percent, and operating
        income increased 6 percent versus the prior-year period.

    --  Large-scale optical segment revenues declined 17 percent, and
        with higher operating margins, operating income declined just
        4 percent compared to the prior-year period.

    --  Net earnings were $0.43 per share versus $0.39 per share in
        the prior-year period.

    --  Fiscal 2009 guidance: expected earnings from continuing
        operations are now $1.65 to $1.82 per share, down primarily
        due to project delays and two project cancellations.

    Commentary

"Architectural segment revenue growth continued in the second quarter, and operating performance was strong in all segment businesses except architectural glass, where internal operational challenges impacted us throughout the quarter," said Russell Huffer, Apogee chairman and chief executive officer.

"Our large-scale optical segment turned in a strong operating margin performance, while revenues were negatively impacted primarily by the elimination of less-profitable product lines and somewhat by soft picture framing market conditions," he said. "In addition, the company continued to generate significant positive cash flow in the quarter.

"We are bringing down our fiscal 2009 full-year guidance due to softer and uncertain architectural market conditions that are resulting in project delays and cancellations in our architectural glass business, along with operational issues this business experienced in the second quarter," said Huffer.

SEGMENT AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

   Architectural Products and Services
-- Revenues of $228.6 million were up 15 percent over the prior-year
    period.
   -- Revenue growth came primarily from the storefront and entrance
    business acquired in December 2007, and from the architectural
    glass business.
-- Operating income was $15.2 million, up 6 percent from a year ago.
   -- Operating margin was 6.7 percent, including the negative impact
    of operating challenges in the architectural glass business,
    somewhat offset by improved operating margins in the installation
    and window businesses. This compares to 7.3 percent in the prior-
    year period.
      -- With the architectural glass business running at full
       capacity during the quarter, labor costs were higher than
       planned to overcome production bottlenecks while maintaining a
       focus on delivering complete, high-quality product orders on-
       time to customers.
   -- Backlog was $446.7 million, compared to $405.4 million in the
    prior-year period and $491.0 million at the end of the first
    quarter.
      -- Backlog declined for all businesses compared to the first
       quarter, due to slowing bid to award timing, cancellation of
       two casino projects and increasing competitive pressures in
       commercial construction markets.
      -- Backlog continues to be balanced across all market segments.
      -- Approximately $261 million, or 59 percent, of the backlog is
       to be delivered in fiscal 2009; approximately $157 million, or
       35 percent, in fiscal 2010; and approximately $29 million, or 6
       percent, in fiscal 2011.

   Large-Scale Optical Technologies
-- Revenues of $16.3 million declined 17 percent compared to the
    prior-year period.
   -- Elimination of less-profitable product lines was the primary
    cause of the decrease, along with soft picture framing market
    conditions.
-- Operating income was $3.5 million, down 4 percent compared to the
    prior-year period.
   -- Operating margin was 21.3 percent, compared to 18.4 percent in
    the prior-year period.
   -- Our best value-added framing glass products exceeded 50 percent
    of revenues for the fourth consecutive quarter, and the broader
    market is increasingly converting to value-added products.

   Equity in Affiliates
-- There were earnings of $0.3 million from the PPG Auto Glass, LLC
    joint venture, compared to earnings of $1.5 million in the prior-
    year period.
   -- Challenging aftermarket windshield market conditions and cost
    pressures impacted earnings.

   Financial Condition
-- Long-term debt was $63.7 million, down from $73.4 million at the
    end of the first quarter and up from $58.2 million at the end of
    fiscal 2008. Debt declined from the first quarter as we continue
    to drive lower working capital requirements.
-- Non-cash working capital (current assets, excluding cash, less
    current liabilities) was $72.8 million, compared to $83.5 million
    at the end of the first quarter and $69.7 million at the fiscal
    2008 year end.
-- Year-to-date depreciation and amortization were $13.3 million, up
    17 percent from the prior year period, due to new capacity
    depreciation and acquisition amortization.
-- Year-to-date capital expenditures were $39.2 million, compared to
    $26.0 million in the prior-year period. There was spending on
    productivity improvements and capacity expansions in both
    operating segments, including approximately $19 million for a new
    LEED-certified architectural window facility that opened in
    August.
-- Second-quarter share repurchases totaled approximately 300,000
    shares at an average price of $16.32 per share, for a total of
    $4.9 million.

OUTLOOK

"In recent weeks, we've seen rapid changes in commercial construction markets, and are expecting our full-year earnings to be impacted by reduced volume due to project delays and a small number of cancellations, as well as the internal operational challenges in our architectural glass fabrication business that affected us in the second quarter," said Huffer. "We do expect that improving operations in our window and installation businesses, and ongoing strong operating performance in our picture framing business will continue in the second half.

"Our outlook now is for earnings from continuing operations of $1.65 to $1.82 per share, compared to prior guidance of $1.82 to $1.94 per share," he said. "We are encouraged that we will continue to grow our earnings and revenues, despite the uncertain market conditions affecting the timing of architectural projects, and operational challenges in our largest business.

"The non-residential market changes have caused some work to move out of the current fiscal year, and it appears we will not be able to fill in all open capacity that has been created due to the long selling cycle for much of our architectural glass and window work," said Huffer. "At the same time, while bidding activity remains strong, future work is not filling in our backlog as quickly as we had anticipated because the time between project bids and awards seems to be growing. In addition, there are more U.S. competitors on mid-size to smaller projects, creating some pricing pressures.

"With the increasing uncertainty in commercial construction markets, we will be waiting until our third quarter release in mid December to update our fiscal 2010 outlook," he said.

"For fiscal 2009, we have decreased our architectural segment revenue growth guidance to 11 to 14 percent, from 14 to 17 percent," he said. "At the same time, we expect our architectural segment operating margin will range from 6.4 to 7 percent, down from prior expectations largely due to the architectural glass operating challenges, revenue declines and expected second-half cost increases, primarily for fuel and petroleum-based materials, somewhat offset by anticipated operating improvements in our installation and window businesses.

"Our picture framing business continues to convert customers to our best framing glass and acrylic products, allowing us to raise operating margin guidance for the year to approximately 22 percent, from previous guidance of 18 to 19 percent. We expect second half revenues and operating margin to be stronger than the first half, as we leverage the new capacity which has come on line at the beginning of the third quarter," Huffer said.

"We believe that our markets offer significant longer-term opportunities, due to the increasing importance of green building, a sector demanding energy-efficient products that we supply, and the overall growth in the use of value-added products in commercial construction projects," said Huffer. "Our goal is for Apogee, as a market leader with great products and services, to continue to outperform non-residential markets through the ups and downs of construction cycles."

The following statements are based on current expectations for fiscal 2009. These statements are forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially.

-- Overall revenues for the year are expected to increase 9 to 12
    percent (prior guidance was 12 to 15 percent).
   -- Architectural segment revenues are expected to increase 11 to 14
    percent, driven by the architectural glass business and the
    storefront and entrance business acquisition (prior guidance was
    14 to 17 percent).
   -- Large-scale optical segment revenues are expected to be down
    approximately 6 to 7 percent (prior guidance was down 3 percent).
-- Annual gross margins are expected to be approximately 21 percent
    (prior guidance was less than 22.5 percent); increased pricing and
    project margins are expected to offset increases in wages, health
    care, energy costs, materials and freight.
-- Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of annual
    sales are projected to be slightly more than 13 percent (prior
    guidance was slightly less than 14 percent).
-- Expected annual operating margins by segment are: architectural,
    6.4 to 7 percent (prior guidance was 7.8 to 8.1 percent); and
    large-scale optical, approximately 22 percent (prior guidance was
    18 to 19 percent).
-- Equity in affiliates, which reflects Apogee's portion of the
    results of the PPG Auto Glass joint venture, is expected to have
    pre-tax earnings of approximately $1.5 million, including the
    anticipated sale of Apogee's interest in the joint venture.
-- Full-year capital expenditures are projected to be approximately
    $60 million, including capacity expansions and productivity
    improvements in both operating segments.
-- Depreciation and amortization are estimated at approximately $30
    million for the year.
-- Debt is expected to be $15 to $25 million at year end (prior
    guidance was $35 to $45 million), including expected cash proceeds
    of approximately $25 million from Apogee's anticipated sale of its
    interest in the PPG Auto Glass joint venture.
-- The effective tax rate for the full year is anticipated to be 34 to
    35 percent.
-- Fiscal 2009 earnings per share from continuing operations are
    expected to range from $1.65 to $1.82 (prior guidance was $1.82 to
    $1.94).

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 project delays and cancellations; ii) economic conditions, material cost increases and the cyclical nature of the North American commercial construction industry; iii) product performance, reliability, execution or quality problems that could delay payments, increase costs, impact orders or lead to litigation; and iv) the segment's ability to fully and efficiently utilize production capacity; and (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. Additional factors include: i) revenue and operating results that are volatile; ii) self-insurance risk related to a material product liability event and to health insurance programs; iii) performance of the PPG Auto Glass, LLC joint venture; iv) management of discontinued operations exiting activities; v) cost of compliance with governmental regulations relating to hazardous substances; and vi) foreign currency risk related to certain discontinued operations. The company cautions investors that actual future results could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, and 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 March 1, 2008.

TELECONFERENCE AND SIMULTANEOUS WEBCAST

Apogee will host a teleconference and webcast at 10 a.m. Central Time tomorrow, September 18. To participate in the teleconference, call 1-800-901-5213 toll free or 617-786-2962 international, access code 95185448. The replay will be available from noon Central Time on Thursday, September 18 through midnight Central Time on Thursday, September 25 by calling 1-888-286-8010 toll free, access code 56538405. 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 leader in technologies involving the design and development of value-added glass products and services. The company is organized in two 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; Linetec, a paint and anodizing finisher of window
        frames and PVC shutters; and Tubelite, a fabricator of
        aluminum storefront, entrance and curtainwall products.

    --  Large-scale optical segment consists of Tru Vue, a value-added
        glass and acrylic manufacturer for the custom picture framing
        market and commercial optics.

               Apogee Enterprises, Inc. & Subsidiaries
              Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income
                             (Unaudited)


                                 Thirteen         Thirteen
                                Weeks Ended      Weeks Ended      %
Dollar amounts in thousands,
 except for per share amounts August 30, 2008 September 1, 2007 Change
                              --------------- ----------------- ------

Net sales                     $      244,970  $        217,673     13%
Cost of goods sold                   196,433           170,810     15%
                              --------------- -----------------
     Gross profit                     48,537            46,863      4%
Selling, general and
 administrative expenses              29,740            29,598      0%
                              --------------- -----------------
     Operating income                 18,797            17,265      9%
Interest income                          232               237     -2%
Interest expense                         334               689    -52%
Other income (expense), net               50               (32)   N/M
Equity in income (loss) of
 affiliated companies                    293             1,493    -80%
                              --------------- -----------------
     Earnings from continuing
      operations before
      income taxes                    19,038            18,274      4%
Income taxes                           6,747             6,487      4%
                              --------------- -----------------
     Earnings from continuing
      operations                      12,291            11,787      4%
(Loss) earnings from
 discontinued operations                 (74)             (313)    76%
                              --------------- -----------------
     Net earnings             $       12,217  $         11,474      6%
                              =============== =================

Earnings per share - basic:
  Earnings from continuing
   operations                 $         0.44  $           0.42      5%
  (Loss) earnings from
   discontinued operations    $            -            ($0.02)   N/M
     Net earnings             $         0.44  $           0.40     10%

Average common shares
 outstanding                      27,992,112        28,385,538     -1%

Earnings per share - diluted:
  Earnings from continuing
   operations                 $         0.43  $           0.40      7%
  (Loss) earnings from
   discontinued operations    $            -            ($0.01)   N/M
     Net earnings             $         0.43  $           0.39     10%

Average common and common
 equivalent shares
 outstanding                      28,441,027        29,197,737     -3%

Cash dividends per common
 share                        $       0.0740  $         0.0675     10%


                                Twenty-six       Twenty-six
                                Weeks Ended      Weeks Ended      %
Dollar amounts in thousands,
 except for per share amounts August 30, 2008 September 1, 2007 Change
                              --------------- ----------------- ------

Net sales                     $      483,439  $        427,558     13%
Cost of goods sold                   385,904           337,807     14%
                              --------------- -----------------
     Gross profit                     97,535            89,751      9%
Selling, general and
 administrative expenses              62,104            57,520      8%
                              --------------- -----------------
     Operating income                 35,431            32,231     10%
Interest income                          470               447      5%
Interest expense                         826             1,141    -28%
Other income (expense), net              121               (12)   N/M
Equity in income (loss) of
 affiliated companies                    (86)            1,476    N/M
                              --------------- -----------------
     Earnings from continuing
      operations before
      income taxes                    35,110            33,001      6%
Income taxes                          12,540            11,489      9%
                              --------------- -----------------
     Earnings from continuing
      operations                      22,570            21,512      5%
(Loss) earnings from
 discontinued operations                (151)            1,658    N/M
                              --------------- -----------------
     Net earnings             $       22,419  $         23,170     -3%
                              =============== =================

Earnings per share - basic:
  Earnings from continuing
   operations                 $         0.80  $           0.76      5%
  (Loss) earnings from
   discontinued operations    $            -  $           0.06     NM
     Net earnings             $         0.80  $           0.82     -2%

Average common shares
 outstanding                      28,102,744        28,267,707     -1%

Earnings per share - diluted:
  Earnings from continuing
   operations                 $         0.79  $           0.74      7%
  (Loss) earnings from
   discontinued operations    $            -  $           0.06   -100%
     Net earnings             $         0.79  $           0.80     -1%

Average common and common
 equivalent shares
 outstanding                      28,549,286        29,041,349     -2%

Cash dividends per common
 share                        $       0.1480  $         0.1350     10%



----------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Business Segments Information
                             (Unaudited)


                                 Thirteen         Thirteen
                                Weeks Ended      Weeks Ended      %
                              August 30, 2008 September 1, 2007 Change
                              --------------- ----------------- ------
Sales
Architectural                 $      228,631  $        198,084     15%
Large-Scale Optical                   16,340            19,594    -17%
Eliminations                              (1)               (5)    80%
                              --------------- -----------------
Total                         $      244,970  $        217,673     13%
                              =============== =================

Operating income (loss)
Architectural                 $       15,246  $         14,392      6%
Large-Scale Optical                    3,475             3,605     -4%
Corporate and other                       76              (732)   N/M
                              --------------- -----------------
Total                         $       18,797  $         17,265      9%
                              =============== =================

                                Twenty-six       Twenty-six
                                Weeks Ended      Weeks Ended      %
                              August 30, 2008 September 1, 2007 Change
                              --------------- ----------------- ------
Sales
Architectural                 $      449,351  $        386,311     16%
Large-Scale Optical                   34,089            41,249    -17%
Eliminations                              (1)               (2)    50%
                              --------------- -----------------
Total                         $      483,439  $        427,558     13%
                              =============== =================

Operating income (loss)
Architectural                 $       30,089  $         25,977     16%
Large-Scale Optical                    6,746             7,532    -10%
Corporate and other                   (1,404)           (1,278)   -10%
                              --------------- -----------------
Total                         $       35,431  $         32,231     10%
                              =============== =================



----------------------------------------------------------------------
                Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
                             (Unaudited)


                                         August 30,  March 1,
                                            2008       2008
                                         ---------- ----------
Assets
Current assets                           $ 249,082  $ 259,229
Net property, plant and equipment          203,113    176,676
Other assets                               124,402    127,603
                                         ---------- ----------
Total assets                             $ 576,597  $ 563,508
                                         ========== ==========

Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities                      $ 170,787  $ 177,315
Long-term debt                              63,700     58,200
Other liabilities                           44,120     43,411
Shareholders' equity                       297,990    284,582
                                         ---------- ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders'
 equity                                  $ 576,597  $ 563,508
                                         ========== ==========

N/M = Not meaningful
               Apogee Enterprises, Inc. & Subsidiaries
            Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash Flows
                             (Unaudited)
                                       Twenty-six       Twenty-six
                                       Weeks Ended      Weeks Ended
Dollar amounts in thousands          August 30, 2008 September 1, 2007
                                     --------------- -----------------

Net earnings                         $       22,419  $         23,170
Net loss (earnings) from
 discontinued operations                        151            (1,658)
Depreciation and amortization                13,305            11,414
Stock-based compensation                      3,522             3,587
Results from equity investments                  86            (1,476)
Other, net                                   (1,049)           (2,487)
Changes in operating assets and
 liabilities                                  1,047             1,967
                                     --------------- -----------------
  Net cash provided by continuing
   operating activities                      39,481            34,517
                                     --------------- -----------------

Capital expenditures and acquisition
 of intangible assets                       (39,235)          (26,030)
Proceeds on sale of property                     84                27
Acquisition of businesses, net of
 cash acquired                                  (24)                -
Net sales (purchases) of marketable
 securities                                   1,141            (1,863)
                                     --------------- -----------------
  Net cash used in investing
   activities                               (38,034)          (27,866)
                                     --------------- -----------------

Net proceeds from (payments on)
 long-term debt and revolving credit
 agreement                                    5,500           (11,100)
Stock issued to employees, net of
 shares withheld                             (2,363)            3,066
Repurchase and retirement of common
 stock                                       (8,060)                -
Dividends paid                               (4,246)           (3,908)
Other, net                                    1,219             2,107
                                     --------------- -----------------
  Net cash used in financing
   activities                                (7,950)           (9,835)
                                     --------------- -----------------

Cash (used in) provided by
 discontinued operations                       (231)            7,308
                                     --------------- -----------------

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash
 equivalents                                 (6,734)            4,124
Cash and cash equivalents at
 beginning of year                           12,264             6,187
                                     --------------- -----------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
 period                              $        5,530  $         10,311
                                     =============== =================

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

SOURCE: Apogee Enterprises, Inc.