Apogee Q2 Earnings Increase Significantly; FY08 Guidance Raised

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2007--Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:APOG) today announced fiscal 2008 second quarter earnings. Apogee provides distinctive value-added glass solutions for the architectural and picture framing industries.

    SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

    --  Revenues of $217.7 million were up 20 percent versus the
        prior-year period.

    --  Earnings from continuing operations were $0.40 per share
        versus $0.26 per share a year earlier. Net earnings were $0.39
        per share versus $0.26 per share in the prior-year period.

    --  Operating margin was 7.9 percent, compared to 5.7 percent in
        the prior-year period.

    --  Architectural segment revenues grew 21 percent, and operating
        income increased 57 percent versus the prior-year period.

    --  Large-scale optical segment revenues increased 6 percent, and
        operating income increased 91 percent versus the prior-year
        period.

    --  Outlook for fiscal year 2008 earnings from continuing
        operations has been increased to a range of $1.43 to $1.53 per
        share, up from prior guidance of $1.37 to $1.47 per share.

    Commentary

"We've completed another strong quarter, and are very pleased with our second quarter earnings and cash flow," said Russell Huffer, Apogee chairman and chief executive officer. "Our architectural segment exceeded our expectations with slightly stronger than expected revenue due to project timing and flow. Our large-scale optical segment earnings benefited from a high mix of our best value-added framing glass products.

"Our architectural segment continued to operate well in a strong market," said Huffer. "Revenues increased significantly due to strong project flow and a low level of project delays in the quarter, and pricing remains good. In addition, the expansion of our architectural glass capacity, including the ramp up of the new Utah plant and conversion of our auto glass factory, is on schedule.

"Our architectural backlog remains high at $405.4 million, as we recorded new orders of $190 million, one of our highest booking quarters. We also continue to see high levels of bidding activity for future architectural business," he said. "With the stronger performance of our architectural and picture framing businesses, we have increased our earnings guidance for fiscal 2008."

SEGMENT AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

Architectural Products and Services

-- Revenues of $198.1 million were up 21 percent over the prior-year
   period. All segment businesses contributed to this growth. With
   strong commercial construction markets, there were fewer project
   delays than expected.
-- Operating income was $14.4 million, up 57 percent from a year ago.
   -- Operating margin was 7.3 percent, compared to 5.6 percent in the
      prior-year period.
   -- Margins are benefiting from good pricing and operating
      performance, and high capacity utilization.
-- Segment backlog remained strong at $405.4 million, compared to
   backlog of $391.0 million in the prior-year period and $413.7
   million at the end of the first quarter.

Large-Scale Optical Technologies

-- Revenues of $19.6 million were up 6 percent compared to the
   prior-year period.
-- Operating income was $3.6 million, up 91 percent from the
   prior-year period.
   -- Operating margin was 18.4 percent, compared to 10.2 percent in
      the prior-year period.
   -- Sales of our best value-added framing glass products, which
      offer visual benefits to consumers, increased significantly as
      we convert customers to a higher-margin product mix.

Equity in Affiliates

-- Earnings of $1.5 million from the PPG Auto Glass joint venture were
   flat compared to the prior-year period.

Discontinued Operations

-- There was a net loss of $0.3 million from discontinued operations,
   compared to a slight gain in the prior-year period.
   -- The slight loss occurred in the recreational vehicle/bus
      business. The sale of this business is expected to be completed
      in the third quarter.

Financial Condition

-- Long-term debt was $24.3 million, compared to $35.4 million at the
   end of fiscal 2007 and down from $43.4 million at the end of the
   first quarter. Strong earnings along with sound working capital
   management contributed to the decline in long-term debt.
   -- Long-term debt-to-total-capital ratio was 8.4 percent, down from
      13.1 percent at fiscal 2007 year end.
-- Non-cash working capital (current assets, excluding cash, less
   current liabilities) was $69.5 million, compared to $90.8 million
   at the end of the first quarter and $70.4 million at the end of
   fiscal 2007. It decreased from the first quarter as a result of
   sound working capital management partially offset by overall
   growth.
-- Depreciation and amortization were $11.4 million, up 16 percent
   from the prior year.
-- Capital expenditures were $26.0 million, compared to $15.4 million
   in the prior-year period.

OUTLOOK

"We remain optimistic about our businesses and markets served, and are positioned to meet our longer-term objectives of 8 percent annual revenue growth and 20 percent average earnings growth through fiscal 2010," said Huffer. "Our solid year-to-date earnings along with our strong backlog, commitments and bidding activity give us confidence in our ability to grow revenues and earnings through fiscal 2010.

"We have increased our fiscal 2008 earnings guidance for continuing operations to $1.43 to $1.53 per share, as a result of the stronger year-to-date performance of our architectural and picture framing businesses," said Huffer. The previous guidance for earnings from continuing operations was $1.37 to $1.47 per share.

"We have slightly increased our fiscal 2008 architectural segment guidance to revenue growth of 13 to 15 percent and operating margins of 6.7 to 7.1 percent," said Huffer. "Our commercial construction markets are strong. McGraw-Hill Construction forecasts growth for non-residential construction markets through fiscal 2009, with markets flat in fiscal 2010 and then modest growth for the following few years.

"Our continued high level of architectural segment backlog with improving margins also supports our positive architectural outlook," said Huffer. "I would like to underscore that sequential growth in our backlog isn't necessary for us to meet our objectives - we just need to maintain our backlog at high levels, which we are anticipating based on current market conditions and our strong bidding activity. In addition, this bidding activity allows us to select projects with higher margins.

"We expect continued strong performance in our picture framing glass business as we successfully convert customers to a mix of our best value-added picture framing glass products," he said. "Planned second half investments in picture framing glass coating capacity to meet increasing demand for our best products, as well as higher spending on sales and marketing to drive this growth will somewhat dampen second-half and full-year large-scale optical segment operating margins."

Huffer noted that the fiscal 2008 earnings outlook does not include the impact of initiatives that could lower the tax rate; the potential for the sale of Apogee's minority interest in the PPG Auto Glass joint venture, reported as equity income in affiliates; or any gain from the expected third quarter sale of the recreational vehicle and bus windshield business, reported in discontinued operations.

The following statements are based on current expectations for fiscal 2008. These statements are forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially.

-- Overall fiscal 2008 revenues for the year are expected to increase
   11 to 13 percent (prior guidance was 10 to 13 percent).
   -- Architectural segment revenues are expected to increase 13 to 15
      percent (prior guidance was 11 to 14 percent).
   -- Large-scale optical segment revenues are expected to be
      approximately flat (prior guidance was up slightly).
-- Annual gross margins are expected to be approximately 20 percent
   (prior guidance was slightly higher than 20 percent); increased
   pricing, operational improvements and cost reductions are expected
   to more than offset increases in wages, health care, energy,
   materials and freight, as well as costs related to the startup of
   the new architectural glass facility and reallocating coating
   equipment between the architectural glass and picture framing
   businesses.
-- Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of annual
   sales are projected to be approximately 12.5 percent (prior
   guidance was approximately 13 percent).
-- Expected annual operating margins by segment are: architectural,
   6.7 to 7.1 percent, including the negative full-year impact of
   approximately 0.3 percentage point for the one-time startup costs
   for the new architectural glass facility (prior guidance was 6.6 to
   6.9 percent); and large-scale optical, approximately 16 percent
   (prior guidance was 14 to 15 percent).
-- Equity in affiliates, which reflects Apogee's portion of the
   results of the PPG Auto Glass joint venture, is expected to report
   pre-tax, annual earnings of approximately $2 million. This excludes
   the impact of any potential transaction related to the joint
   venture; PPG Industries has announced it has signed an agreement to
   divest its automotive replacement glass businesses.
-- Full-year capital expenditures are projected to be approximately
   $60 million, including capital for capacity expansions and
   productivity improvements in the architectural and large-scale
   optical segments.
-- Depreciation and amortization are estimated at approximately $23
   million for the year.
-- Debt is expected to be $25 to $35 million at year end (prior
   guidance was $35 to $45 million).
-- The effective tax rate for the full year is anticipated to be
   slightly higher than 34.5 percent, not including initiatives
   underway that could reduce the tax rate.
-- Fiscal 2008 earnings per share from continuing operations are
   expected to range from $1.43 to $1.53, up from prior guidance of
   $1.37 to $1.47 per share.

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) ramp up to full production of the third Viracon plant in a timely and cost-efficient manner; 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; iv) ability to utilize manufacturing facilities; and v) the company's ability to complete the sale of the pre-framed art/wall decor product line in a timely and effective manner. 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, including the company's ability to complete the sale of the RV and bus windshield manufacturing assets; 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 3, 2007.

TELECONFERENCE AND SIMULTANEOUS WEBCAST

Analysts, investors and media are invited to listen to Apogee's live teleconference or webcast at 10 a.m. Central Time tomorrow, September 20. To participate in the teleconference, call 1-800-561-2693 toll free or 617-614-3523 international, access code 16850368. The replay will be available from noon Central Time on Thursday, September 20, through midnight Central Time on Thursday, September 27, by calling 1-888-286-8010 toll free, access code 94575790. 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; 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 picture framing
        market and a producer of optical thin film coatings for
        consumer electronics displays.

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


                                        Thirteen     Thirteen
                                      Weeks Ended  Weeks Ended    %
Dollar amounts in thousands, except   September 1, September 2,
 for per share amounts                    2007         2006     Change
                                      ------------ ------------ ------

Net sales                                $217,673     $181,755     20%
Cost of goods sold                        170,810      147,068     16%
                                      ------------ ------------
     Gross profit                          46,863       34,687     35%
Selling, general and administrative
 expenses                                  29,598       24,255     22%
                                      ------------ ------------
     Operating income                      17,265       10,432     66%
Interest income                               237          279    -15%
Interest expense                              689          794    -13%
Other (expense) income, net                   (32)          30     N/M
Equity in income of affiliated
 companies                                  1,493        1,473      1%
                                      ------------ ------------
     Earnings from continuing
      operations before income taxes
      and other items below                18,274       11,420     60%
Income taxes                                6,487        4,099     58%
                                      ------------ ------------
     Earnings from continuing
      operations                           11,787        7,321     61%
(Loss) earnings from discontinued
 operations                                  (313)          12     N/M
                                      ------------ ------------
     Net earnings                         $11,474       $7,333     56%
                                      ============ ============

Earnings per share - basic:
  Earnings from continuing operations       $0.42        $0.27     56%
  (Loss) earnings from discontinued
   operations                              ($0.02)          $-     N/M
  Net earnings                              $0.40        $0.27     48%
Average common shares outstanding      28,385,538   27,586,396      3%

Earnings per share - diluted:
  Earnings from continuing operations       $0.40        $0.26     54%
  (Loss) earnings from discontinued
   operations                              ($0.01)          $-     N/M
  Net earnings                              $0.39        $0.26     50%
Average common and common equivalent
 shares outstanding                    29,197,737   27,993,684      4%

Cash dividends per common share           $0.0675      $0.0650      4%


                                       Twenty-six  Twenty-seven
                                      Weeks Ended  Weeks Ended    %
Dollar amounts in thousands, except   September 1, September 2,
 for per share amounts                    2007         2006     Change
                                      ------------ ------------ ------

Net sales                                $427,558     $368,760     16%
Cost of goods sold                        337,807      301,229     12%
                                      ------------ ------------
     Gross profit                          89,751       67,531     33%
Selling, general and administrative
 expenses                                  57,520       48,953     18%
                                      ------------ ------------
     Operating income                      32,231       18,578     73%
Interest income                               447          601    -26%
Interest expense                            1,141        1,614    -29%
Other (expense) income, net                   (12)         (29)    59%
Equity in income of affiliated
 companies                                  1,476        1,283     15%
                                      ------------ ------------
     Earnings from continuing
      operations before income taxes
      and other items below                33,001       18,819     75%
Income taxes                               11,489        6,637     73%
                                      ------------ ------------
     Earnings from continuing
      operations                           21,512       12,182     77%
(Loss) earnings from discontinued
 operations                                 1,658         (107)    N/M
                                      ------------ ------------
     Net earnings                         $23,170      $12,075     92%
                                      ============ ============

Earnings per share - basic:
  Earnings from continuing operations       $0.76        $0.44     73%
  (Loss) earnings from discontinued
   operations                               $0.06           $-     N/M
  Net earnings                              $0.82        $0.44     86%
Average common shares outstanding      28,267,707   27,594,934      2%

Earnings per share - diluted:
  Earnings from continuing operations       $0.74        $0.43     72%
  (Loss) earnings from discontinued
   operations                               $0.06           $-     N/M
  Net earnings                              $0.80        $0.43     86%
Average common and common equivalent
 shares outstanding                    29,041,349   28,007,686      4%

Cash dividends per common share           $0.1350      $0.1300      4%


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


                                        Thirteen     Thirteen
                                      Weeks Ended  Weeks Ended    %
                                      September 1, September 2,
                                          2007         2006     Change
                                      ------------ ------------ ------
Sales
Architectural                            $198,084     $163,242     21%
Large-Scale Optical                        19,594       18,513      6%
Eliminations                                   (5)           -     N/M
                                      ------------ ------------
Total                                    $217,673     $181,755     20%
                                      ============ ============

Operating income (loss)
Architectural                             $14,392       $9,193     57%
Large-Scale Optical                         3,605        1,892     91%
Corporate and other                          (732)        (653)   -12%
                                      ------------ ------------
Total                                     $17,265      $10,432     66%
                                      ============ ============

                                       Twenty-six  Twenty-seven
                                      Weeks Ended  Weeks Ended    %
                                      September 1, September 2,
                                          2007         2006     Change
                                      ------------ ------------ ------
Sales
Architectural                            $386,311     $328,505     18%
Large-Scale Optical                        41,249       40,278      2%
Eliminations                                   (2)         (23)    91%
                                      ------------ ------------
Total                                    $427,558     $368,760     16%
                                      ============ ============

Operating income (loss)
Architectural                             $25,977      $14,760     76%
Large-Scale Optical                         7,532        5,025     50%
Corporate and other                        (1,278)      (1,207)    -6%
                                      ------------ ------------
Total                                     $32,231      $18,578     73%
                                      ============ ============


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


                                      September 1,  March 3,
                                          2007        2007
                                      ------------ -----------
Assets
Current assets                           $232,206    $222,484
Net property, plant and equipment         151,363     134,256
Other assets                               97,670      92,421
                                      ------------ -----------
Total assets                             $481,239    $449,161
                                      ============ ===========

Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities                      $152,407    $145,859
Long-term debt                             24,300      35,400
Other liabilities                          40,066      32,234
Shareholders' equity                      264,466     235,668
                                      ------------ -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders'
 equity                                  $481,239    $449,161
                                      ============ ===========

N/M = Not meaningful
               Apogee Enterprises, Inc. & Subsidiaries
            Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash Flows
                             (Unaudited)

                                      Twenty-six       Twenty-seven
                                      Weeks Ended       Weeks Ended
Dollar amounts in thousands        September 1, 2007 September 2, 2006
                                   ----------------- -----------------

Net earnings                                $23,170           $12,075
Net (earnings) loss from
 discontinued operations                     (1,658)              107
Depreciation and amortization                11,414             9,824
Stock-based compensation                      3,587             2,449
Results from equity investments              (1,476)           (1,283)
Other, net                                   (2,487)           (2,368)
Changes in operating assets and
 liabilities                                  1,967           (20,382)
                                   ----------------- -----------------
  Net cash provided by continuing
   operating activities                      34,517               422
                                   ----------------- -----------------

Capital expenditures and
 acquisition of intangible assets           (26,030)          (15,441)
Proceeds on sale of property                     27             1,573
Net purchases of marketable
 securities                                  (1,863)             (235)
Other investing activities                        -             5,000
                                   ----------------- -----------------
  Net cash used in investing
   activities                               (27,866)           (9,103)
                                   ----------------- -----------------

Net (payments on) proceeds from
 long-term debt and revolving
 credit agreement                           (11,100)           11,300
Proceeds from issuance of common
 stock, net of cancellations                  3,066             2,050
Dividends paid                               (3,908)           (5,474)
Other, net                                    2,107             1,282
                                   ----------------- -----------------
  Net cash (used in) provided by
   financing activities                      (9,835)            9,158
                                   ----------------- -----------------

Cash provided by (used in) by
 discontinued operations                      7,308              (464)
                                   ----------------- -----------------

Increase in cash and cash
 equivalents                                  4,124                13
Cash and cash equivalents at
 beginning of year                            6,187             4,676
                                   ----------------- -----------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end
 of period                                  $10,311            $4,689
                                   ================= =================

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

SOURCE: Apogee Enterprises, Inc.