Xerium Technologies, Inc. (XRM)

YOUNGSVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Xerium Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:XRM): Highlights Q3 2017 net sales of $118.5 million compared to $119.2 million in Q3 2016 (See Table 1). Foreign currency resulted in a $1.6 million favorable impact. Q3 2017 gross margin of 37.4%, a 60 basis point year-over-year improvement. Q3 2017 income from operations of $16.0 million, up 44.5% compared to the prior-year period, primarily from lower restructuring costs and improved efficiency. Q3 2017 net income of $1.1 million compared to a net loss of $(13.3) million in Q3 2016. The prior-year period included $11.7 million of debt extinguishment costs. Q3 2017 adjusted EBITDA of $23.8 million, or 20.1% of net sales, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $23.3 million, or 19.5% of sales in Q3 2016 (See Tables 2 and 4 for a reconciliation of the most comparable GAAP number). Full Year Adjusted EBITDA outlook increased to at least $97 million. Reiterated full year free cash flow in the low teens range (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below). Order backlog at $166.0 million, up from $162.0 million at September 30, 2016 but down from $171 million at June 30, 2017. Xerium Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:XRM), a leading, global provider of industrial consumable products and services, today reported third quarter 2017 financial results. Mark Staton, Xerium's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are pleased to report continued improvement in 2017, and third quarter results that are in-line with our expectations. Our business has shown stabilization throughout 2017 as the success of new products designed to improve customer efficiency offset pressure in certain end markets.” Staton continued, “With the Company in a more stable position, we are focused on execution and efficiency across our global production facilities to drive incremental EBITDA performance and free cash flow, and to utilize the cash generation of our business to aggressively reduce leverage.” Q3 Financial Highlights: Q3 2017 net sales were $118.5 million, compared to $119.2 million in the prior-year period, which included a $1.6 million favorable impact from currency (see Table 1). Modestly lower sales during the period were driven by a constant currency sales decrease of (6.2%) in roll covers and an increase of 0.9% in machine clothing. Lower sales during the period reflected an estimate of approximately $1 million of sales disruptions at North American customers from recent hurricanes affecting the Southeast and Texas, weaker roll cover sales in Europe, and competitive pricing pressure in certain regions. These headwinds were partially offset by a strong improvement in Latin America machine clothing demand. Q3 2017 gross profit was $44.3 million, or 37.4% of net sales, compared to $43.8 million, or 36.8% of net sales, in Q3 2016. Machine clothing gross margin improved to 39.2% in Q3 2017 from 38.0% in Q3 2016. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to production efficiencies and favorable product mix, partially offset by competitive pricing pressure in certain regions. Rolls and service gross margin of 34.7% in Q3 2017 was modestly lower than Q3 2016 gross margin of 34.9%. SG&A expenses (including Selling, G&A and R&D expenses) were $28.9 million, or 24.4% of net sales, in Q3 2017 versus $30.2 million, or 25.4% of net sales, in Q3 2016. Lower SG&A expenses were attributable to cost reduction initiatives and lower stock-based compensation. Q3 2017 basic income per share was $0.07 versus Q3 2016 basic loss per share of $(0.83). Basic adjusted earnings per share (see Table 3 for a reconciliation of net income per share) were $0.09 in Q3 2017 compared to $0.05 in Q3 2016 as a result of Q3 2017 improved operations partially offset by higher interest in Q3 2017. GAAP income from operations in the third quarter of 2017 was $16.0 million, or 13.5% of sales, up $4.9 million, or 44.5%, compared to Q3 2016. Q3 2017 adjusted EBITDA increased to $23.8 million, or 20.1% of net sales, compared to $23.3 million, or 19.5% of net sales in 2016. Adjusted EBITDA increased 2.3% on a constant currency basis (see Table 2). In addition to interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted EBITDA excludes expenses related to the Company’s restructuring activities, plant start-up costs, stock-based compensation, unrealized foreign currency gains and losses and other expenses impacting comparability. For a full reconciliation, refer to Table 4. Cash taxes were $3.5 million in Q3 2017, compared to $4.9 million in Q3 of 2016. Cash taxes are primarily impacted by income the Company earns in tax paying jurisdictions relative to income it earns in non tax-paying jurisdictions, primarily the United States. Net cash used by operating activities was $(4.0) million and free cash flow was $(6.3) million (see Table 5 for a reconciliation) during the third quarter of 2017. Free cash flow is expected to improve substantially in the fourth quarter of 2017, as a result of working capital improvement, lower capital expenditures and cash restructuring costs, and the absence of a semi-annual interest payment. Net debt was $527.9 million at the end of Q3 2017 compared to $511.7 million at the end of Q4 2016 due primarily to a full year of cash interest paid on our bonds and the timing of working capital expenditures, net of cash flows from operating income. The Company's net debt leverage ratio is 5.4x (see Table 6 for a reconciliation). The Company plans to utilize its free cash flow to pay down debt and de-lever over the remainder of its debt maturities. Subsequent to quarter end the company implemented a cost out initiative which reduced headcount in North America and Europe by 46 people. Implementation cost of $1.6 million will be incurred through 2018 and annual savings form the program will be approximately $6 million per year, which is expected to largely offset inflation and keep the company’s cost structure flat to current levels in 2018. 2017 Outlook In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company currently expects some moderating influences to margin performance and volume as a result of fourth-quarter seasonal impacts. In its Q2 earnings release, the Company indicated that it expected its full year adjusted EBITDA to be at least in line with 2016 results of $95 million. Currently, the Company believes its full year adjusted EBITDA will be at least $97 million, assuming current market conditions. Free cash flow for 2017 will be impacted by several discrete factors including CEO transition costs incurred during the year. As a result, the Company reiterates previously disclosed full year free cash flow outlook in the low teens range, with fourth quarter improvement over Q3 2017 results to be driven by lower interest, working capital reductions, reduced capital expenditures, and lower cash restructuring costs. CONFERENCE CALL The Company will host a conference call with analysts and investors today at 5:00 p.m. EST: Webcast: www.xerium.com/investor-relations To participate on the call, please dial in at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start. A live audio webcast and replay of the call may be found in the investor relations section of the Company's website at www.xerium.com. To follow along with the presentation that will accompany the Company's conference call, please join the webcast by going to www.xerium.com/investor-relations. Click on the webcast link appearing above our conference call details, then click on the link appearing below "Webcast Presentation" on the following page. You may also click here and you will be taken directly to the webcast registration page. ABOUT XERIUM TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Xerium Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:XRM) is a leading, global provider of industrial consumable products and services. Its products and services are consumed during machine operation by its customers. Xerium operates around the world under a variety of brand names, and utilizes a broad portfolio of patented and proprietary technologies to provide customers with tailored solutions and products integral to production, all designed to optimize performance and reduce operational costs. With 28 manufacturing facilities in 13 countries around the world, Xerium has approximately 2,900 employees. Stockholders' deficit September 30, operating activities: NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES This press release includes measures of performance that differ from the Company's financial results as reported under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Management of the Company uses supplementary non-GAAP measures, including EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, Net Debt, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS, internally to assist in evaluating its liquidity and financial and operational performance. Therefore, the Company believes these non-GAAP measures may also be useful to investors and financial analysts. EBITDA and Free Cash Flow are specifically used in evaluating the ability to service indebtedness and to fund ongoing capital expenditures. Net Debt presents a view of the overall change in leverage from quarter to quarter. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS exclude certain items the Company does not believe to be indicative of on-going business trends in order to better analyze historical and future business trends on a consistent basis. EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, Net Debt, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income (loss), net cash (used in) provided by operating activities, total debt or net income (loss) per share. When we provide our expectations for adjusted EBITDA on a forward-looking basis, we exclude certain significant items. A reconciliation of differences between this non-GAAP expectation and the corresponding GAAP measure (expected net income (loss)) generally is not available without unreasonable effort due to potentially high variability, complexity and low visibility as to the significant items, such as taxes, that would be included in the GAAP measure of net income (loss). This item is uncertain and depends on various factors. The variability of the excluded item may have a significant, and potentially unpredictable, impact on our future GAAP results. For the same reasons, the company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information, which could be material to the company’s future financial results. Our expectation of full year Free Cash Flow of low teens assumes operating cash flow of low to mid twenties and capital expenditures of low to mid teens. For additional information regarding non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation of such measures to the most comparable financial measures under GAAP, please see the applicable tables within this press release. In addition, the information in this press release should be read in conjunction with the corresponding exhibits, financial statements and footnotes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2017 and our presentation that will accompany our conference call. NET SALES Table 1 summarizes Q3 net sales and the effect of currency translation rates. The column “$ Change Excluding Currency” is calculated taking the difference between Q3 2017 net sales at Q3 2016 FX rates (in US dollars) less Q3 2016 reported net sales. Net Sales For The Three Months Ended $ Change % Change $ Change Excluding Currency % Change Excluding Currency ADJUSTED EBITDA Table 2 summarizes Q3 adjusted EBITDA and the effect of currency translation rates. The column “$ Change Excluding Currency” is calculated taking the difference between Q3 2017 adjusted EBITDA at Q3 2016 FX rates (in US dollars) less Q3 2016 reported adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA For the Three Months Ended $ Change % Change $ Change Excluding Currency % Change Excluding Currency BASIC ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE Table 3 represents a reconciliation of basic net income (loss) per share to basic adjusted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016: EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest expense, income tax provision (benefit) and depreciation (including non-cash impairment charges) and amortization. "Adjusted EBITDA" means, with respect to any period, the total of (A) the consolidated net income for such period, plus (B) without duplication, to the extent that any of the following were deducted in computing such consolidated net income (loss) for such period: (i) provision for taxes based on income or profits, including, without limitation, federal, state, provincial, franchise and similar taxes, including any penalties and interest relating to any tax examinations, (ii) consolidated interest expense, (iii) consolidated depreciation and amortization expense, (iv) reserves for inventory in connection with plant closures, (v) consolidated operational restructuring costs, (vi) noncash charges resulting from the application of purchase accounting, including push-down accounting, (vii) non-cash expenses resulting from the granting of common stock, stock options, restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards under equity compensation programs solely with respect to common stock, and cash expenses for compensation mandatorily applied to purchase common stock, (viii) non-cash items relating to a change in or adoption of accounting policies, (ix) non-cash expenses relating to pension or benefit arrangements, (x) expenses incurred as a result of the repurchase, redemption or retention of common stock earned under equity compensation programs solely in order to make withholding tax payments, (xi) amortization or write-offs of deferred financing costs, (xii) any non-cash losses resulting from mark to market hedging obligations (to the extent the cash impact resulting from such loss has not been realized in such period), (xiii) unrealized foreign currency losses and (xiv) other non-cash losses or charges (excluding, however, any non-cash loss or charge which represents an accrual of, or a reserve for, a cash disbursement in a future period), minus (C) without duplication, to the extent any of the following were included in computing consolidated net income (loss) for such period, (i) unrealized foreign currency gains and (ii) non-cash gains with respect to the items described in clauses (vi), (vii), (ix), (xi), (xii) and xiv (other than, in the case of clause (xiv), any such gain to the extent that it represents a reversal of an accrual of, or reserve for, a cash disbursement in a future period) of clause (B) above and (iii) provisions for tax benefits based on income or profits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Adjusted EBITDA, as defined and calculated below, may not be comparable to similarly titled measurements used by other companies. Consolidated net income (loss) is defined as net income (loss) determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that the following, without duplication, shall be excluded in determining consolidated net income (loss): (i) any net after-tax extraordinary or non-recurring gains, losses or expenses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto), (ii) the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, (iii) any fees and expenses incurred during such period in connection with the issuance or repayment of indebtedness, any refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument, in each case and (iv) any cancellation of indebtedness income. Table 4 provides a reconciliation from net income (loss), which is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA Definition Modification During the 4th quarter of 2016, the Company modified its definition of Adjusted EBITDA to exclude unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses from this non-GAAP measure. This change enhances investor insight into the Company’s operational performance. In previous filings, Q3 2016 Adjusted EBITDA was stated at $22.9 million based on the definition previously used. Three Months Ended September 30, Trailing Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2017 Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016 FREE CASH FLOW Table 5 summarizes free cash flow which is defined as net cash (used in) provided by operating activities less capital expenditures plus proceeds from disposals of property and equipment. NET DEBT Table 6 summarizes net debt which is defined as GAAP total debt less cash and deferred financing fees and net debt leverage which is defined as net debt divided by trailing twelve month Adjusted EBITDA. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements. The words "will", "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "goals," variations of such words, and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that the statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding our full year EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA performance, anticipated sales performance, capital expenditures, cost savings measures, future efforts to improve overall performance and free cash flow. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may vary materially from the results expressed or implied in such statements. Differences may result from actions taken by us, as well as from risks and uncertainties beyond our control. These risks and uncertainties include the following items: (1) we may not realize the EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA performance we are projecting; (2) our expected sales performance and our backlog of sales may not be fully realized; (3) our cost reduction efforts, including our restructuring activities, may not have the positive impacts we anticipate; (4) our plans to develop and market new products, enhance operational efficiencies and reduce costs may not be successful; (5) market improvement in our industry may occur more slowly than we anticipate, may stall or may not occur at all; (6) variations in demand for our products, including our new products, could negatively affect our revenues and profitability; (7) our manufacturing facilities may be required to quickly increase or decrease production, which could negatively affect our production facilities, customer order lead time, product quality, labor relations or gross margin; and (8) the other risks and uncertainties discussed elsewhere in this press release, our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed on March 1, 2017 and our other SEC filings. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from what we projected. Any forward-looking statement in this press release reflects our current views with respect to future events. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. As discussed above, we are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties related to current economic conditions, and we encourage investors to refer to our SEC filings for additional information. Copies of these filings are available from the SEC and in the investor relations section of our website at www.xerium.com.

YOUNGSVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Xerium Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:XRM) (“Xerium” or the “Company”), a leading global provider of industrial consumable products and services, announced today that the Company’s Board of Directors has appointed Mark Staton President and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Harold Bevis, effective April 28, 2017. Mr. Staton also has been appointed to the Board, replacing Mr. Bevis. “We are very excited about Mark joining Xerium to lead our organization at an important time for the company,” said James Wilson, Xerium’s Chairman. “During the past few years, the Board and senior management team have focused on repositioning Xerium to more effectively serve companies in the paper industry and enhance long-term value for our stockholders. Having largely completed this repositioning process, the Board determined that now is the right time to install new leadership with the skills and experience to drive operational excellence and increase the company’s profitability. Under Mark’s leadership, we intend to continue to shift our focus away from large capital investment and reorganization projects that were critical to our repositioning. This is expected to give us more free cash flow and greater financial flexibility to continue our key objective of paying down debt. We will seek to accelerate that debt reduction by driving disciplined revenue growth through further product and technology development and by improving organizational effectiveness.” Wilson continued, “Mark has a successful track record of operating and growing companies similar to Xerium by molding high-performing teams and building strong customer relationships to understand their needs and deliver value. As a former customer of Xerium, he will bring a unique perspective about improving our market responsiveness. The Board believes he is the right person to lead Xerium into the future.” “I have admired this company for some time now and am very excited about the opportunity to lead Xerium as we move into a new phase of the company’s strategic plan,” said Mr. Staton. “I am honored by the Board’s confidence in me and look forward to working with the other Directors, the senior leadership team and the rest of the organization to build a stronger company and deliver greater value to our stockholders. As an industry leader with a well-placed global manufacturing footprint, we have opportunities to pursue new customers in various geographies. We also will continue working to enhance our ability to offer industry-leading products and services with best-in-class technical designs and processes that will generate meaningful revenue growth.” Mr. Wilson stated, “The Board and I would like to thank Harold for his contributions to Xerium during his five years as CEO. During his tenure, Harold helped spearhead our repositioning effort, which has put Xerium in a position to pursue growth opportunities. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.” Mr. Bevis said, “It has been a privilege to lead Xerium, and I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish during my time as CEO. I would like to thank the Board, the management team, and all of our fantastic employees for their collaboration, dedication, and hard work. When I joined the company five years ago, I was excited to lead the charge as we worked to restructure the company, and I believe it has been a successful effort. I am confident the company is in a good strategic position and is poised for great success under Mark’s guidance.” Appointment of Mitchell I. Quain as New Director Xerium also announced today that it has appointed Mitchell I. Quain as a new Director, increasing the size of the Board to eight members. Mr. Quain is currently a Senior Advisor to Carlyle Group after having retired as a Partner at One Equity Partners. He has specific expertise as a small-cap investor, including investing in various industrial manufacturing companies, and he is a long-term stockholder of Xerium. Mr. Quain also has extensive experience serving on boards of public and private companies and is currently a Director of AstroNova, Inc., Jason Industries, Inc., RBC Bearings Incorporated, and Hardinge Inc. The Company intends to file later today its definitive proxy materials, which will include both Mr. Staton and Mr. Quain as part of the slate of directors the Company is nominating for election to the Board at the upcoming Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 15, 2017. Mr. Wilson said, “As a long-term stockholder, Mitch knows Xerium well, and he has strong relationships with and the support of other key stockholders. We are very pleased to add a director who is so familiar with our investor base and will enhance our ability to maintain constructive dialogue with stockholders. In addition, his extensive experience complements the skills and expertise currently on the Board. We are confident Mitch will serve as a strong representative for all Xerium stockholders and make valuable contributions in support of our long-term strategic objectives. The other directors and I look forward to working with him to execute a strategy that we believe will generate value for our stockholders.” “I am excited about this opportunity to join the Xerium Board and look forward to working with Mark and the other Directors,” said Mr. Quain. “I believe the company has great potential to leverage its core strengths and global presence and take advantage of growth opportunities in the industry. My efforts will be focused on helping the company realize that potential for the benefit of all stakeholders.” Q1 2017 Results Xerium also will report this morning its first quarter 2017 financial results in a separate announcement. That announcement will include the access details for its previously scheduled conference call to discuss the results at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time today. Mark Staton Biography Mark Staton, age 57, joins the company with over 30 years of experience in the consumer packaging industry, including almost two decades as an international CEO and business leader. Most recently, from April 2014 to December 2016, Mr. Staton served as Executive Chairman of Hoffmaster Group, Inc., an industry leader in manufacturing premium table top décor for retail and food service markets. Previously, from May 2012 to January 2014, Mr. Staton served as CEO of PaperWorks Industries, Inc., a North American integrated manufacturer of Coated Recycled paperboard and folding cartons. In addition, Mr. Staton previously served as the CEO of D&W Finepack, Inc., a premier value added disposable foodservice packaging supplier, from April 2011 to June 2012; Associated Packaging Technologies, Inc., the largest independent company specializing in complete product materials and solutions for the frozen foods industry, from April 2004 until June 2010; and Huhtamaki Americas, Inc., an industry leader in both the rigid consumer packaging markets, as well as a leader in branded single use disposable packaging in both retail and foodservice markets, from July 1998 to June 2004. Mr. Staton is a graduate of the University of the West of England with honors in Business Studies. Mr. Staton served as a board member of the American Forest and Paper Association from January 2013 until January 2014 and continues to serve on the board of Hoffmaster Group, Inc. Mitchell I. Quain Biography Mitchell I. Quain is a Senior Advisor to Carlyle Group, having retired as a Partner at One Equity Partners. He serves on the Board of Directors of AstroNova, Inc., Hardinge, Inc., Jason Industries and RBC Bearings Inc. Previously, he served on the Boards of publicly traded DeCrane Aircraft Holdings, Inc., Handy and Harmon Inc., HEICO Corporation, MagneTek, Inc., Mechanical Dynamics, Inc., Strategic Distribution, Tecumseh Products Company and Titan International, and was Executive Chairman of the Board of Register.com. He previously served as Executive Vice President of Furman Selz, where he started and led the industrial manufacturing group, and as a partner at Wertheim & Company. He is Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Overseers of The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and has served for 10 years on Penn’s Board of Trustees. He has served for 9 years on the Board and Executive Committee of Penn Medicine, a $4 billion enterprise. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Curry College, in Milton, Massachusetts. He received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 1973 and his MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School in 1975. * * * * * ABOUT XERIUM TECHNOLOGIES Xerium Technologies, Inc. (XRM) is a leading global provider of industrial consumable products and services. Xerium, which operates around the world under a variety of brand names, utilizes a broad portfolio of patented and proprietary technologies to provide customers with tailored solutions and products integral to production, all designed to optimize performance and reduce operational costs. With 28 manufacturing facilities in 13 countries around the world, Xerium has approximately 2,950 employees.