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Leggett & Platt Announces Second Quarter Earnings


    CARTHAGE, Mo., July 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

    -- 2Q EPS of $.27; includes $.02 of earnings from discontinued operations.
    -- 2Q sales from continuing operations of $1.06 billion, a 0.5% decrease
       from 2Q 2007.
    -- Divested the Aluminum segment yesterday for $300 million cash,
       subordinated note, and preferred stock.
    -- 2008 EPS guidance (from continuing operations) remains unchanged at
       $1.00-$1.30, even though it now incorporates higher
       restructuring-related costs.

Diversified manufacturer Leggett & Platt reported second quarter earnings per diluted share of $.27, including $.02 per share from discontinued operations. Per share earnings from continuing operations were $.25, and include $.01 of restructuring-related costs, and a $.02 charge for a non-recurring tax item. In the second quarter of 2007, earnings per share were $.33, including $.03 per share from discontinued operations and other items. The year-over-year reduction in continuing operations' earnings is primarily due to soft demand in several markets.

Second quarter sales from continuing operations were $1.06 billion, slightly lower than last year's sales (from continuing operations) of $1.07 billion. Same location sales declined 0.5%, as soft market demand and the company's decision to exit specific sales volume (with unacceptable profit margins) were largely offset by market share gains and price inflation. Increased sales from acquisitions were offset by sales reductions from divestitures.

Earnings from discontinued operations in the second quarter of 2008 were $.02 per share, and included approximately $.03 per share of non-operating charges. In the second quarter of 2007, earnings per share from discontinued operations were $.02.

CEO Comments

President and CEO David S. Haffner remarked, "Some of our investors have expressed concern about three different issues: weakness in many of the markets we serve, raw material cost inflation, and the likelihood of receiving the divestiture proceeds we anticipate. We have good news to report on all three fronts.

"Our U.S. bedding components business is enjoying market share gains due to several factors. First, bedding manufacturers are importing fewer innersprings, and instead increasing their use of domestically produced innersprings. Second, earlier this year we began producing innersprings for a strong regional bedding manufacturer that previously produced its own components. Finally, foam and air mattresses have lost market share recently as consumers back away from alternative bedding, because of its high cost, and move instead to better value innerspring bedding.

"Global steel costs have escalated dramatically since the start of the year; however, our vertically integrated position (i.e. melt furnace and rod mill) yields a significant competitive advantage in this market. To a very significant degree, we have successfully implemented price increases to recover the higher raw material costs; however, we typically experience a lag with the timing of the recovery. As costs potentially plateau later this year, and our price increases catch up with the cost increases, we should see enhanced profitability during the second half of the year.

"The divestitures we announced last fall are progressing, and we are committed to selling or liquidating all seven of the operations we have previously identified. As disclosed yesterday, the sale of the Aluminum Products segment closed (for $300 million in cash, a $25 million subordinated note, and shares of preferred stock), and yielded 75% of the total after-tax cash proceeds we originally anticipated (back in November) for all seven targeted business units collectively. We are in discussions with potential buyers for the six remaining (smaller) business units, and anticipate the successful disposition of all six during 2008.

"In contrast to these positive developments, second quarter results for the Commercial segment are disappointing. The Store Fixtures business unit is working diligently to meet our required expectations for improved performance, in spite of extremely difficult market conditions and retailers' hesitancy to make capital investments in this environment. We are aiming for returns in this business unit of at least cost of capital levels by the fourth quarter of 2008. Third quarter is the seasonally strongest quarter for this unit, and will be critical in our evaluation of progress toward the return target.

"Despite external economic challenges, we feel very comfortable with our strategic direction and the initiatives we unveiled last November. We are absolutely committed to the continued execution of our plan, and believe our actions will reestablish Leggett as a more profitable company. Our goal is to consistently generate total shareholder return of 12-15% per year, on average."

Dividends and Stock Repurchases

Leggett declared a second quarter dividend of $.25 per share (paid on July 15), representing a 39% increase over last year's second quarter dividend of $.18 per share. The current dividend yield is approximately 6.3% (based on a $16 stock price). This year marks the company's 37th consecutive annual dividend increase at an average compound growth rate of over 14%.

During the quarter the company bought 2.7 million shares of its stock at an average price of just under $18 per share. So far, the company has purchased 6.9 million shares under its annual 10 million share repurchase authorization. As a reminder, Leggett's Board has authorized the purchase of an additional 20 million shares with proceeds from the divestitures.

2008 Outlook: $1.00 to $1.30 EPS

Expected earnings per share (from continuing operations) for the full year 2008 remain unchanged at $1.00-$1.30, even though guidance now incorporates higher restructuring-related costs (of approximately $.10, versus the prior estimate of $.05). Guidance does not include earnings from discontinued operations, possible gains or losses from future divestitures, nor additional stock repurchases the company expects to make with divestiture proceeds.

Per share earnings (from continuing operations) for the first half of 2008 were $.48, and included $.02 of restructuring costs; thus, guidance for the second half of the year is $.52-$.82, and anticipates approximately $.08 of restructuring costs. The company's forecast for the latter half of the year anticipates: i) continued weak market demand overall, ii) ongoing market share gains in bedding components, iii) earnings improvement as the company's price increases catch up with escalating steel costs, and iv) production and sale of steel billets as the company utilizes part of the Sterling mill's excess melt capacity.

Sales (from continuing operations) are projected to be approximately $4.3 billion, or about 2% higher than in 2007. This increase reflects steel-related price inflation, the deliberate elimination of approximately $100 million of unprofitable revenue from the company's Store Fixtures business, and minimal acquisition revenue.

SEGMENT RESULTS -- Second Quarter 2008 (versus 2Q 2007)

Residential Furnishings -- Total sales from continuing operations decreased $8 million, or 1%. No acquisitions were completed during the past 12 months. Improved market share and inflation-related price increases largely offset the weak market demand experienced in many parts of the segment. EBIT (earnings before interest and income taxes) from continuing operations increased $6 million, primarily due to market share gains and operating improvements.

Commercial Fixturing & Components -- Total sales from continuing operations decreased $34 million, or 16%, due to reduced spending by retailers and the company's decision to eliminate revenue with unacceptable profit margins. EBIT from continuing operations declined $6 million, largely due to the sales decrease.

Industrial Materials -- Total sales increased $51 million, or 26%, as a result of the pass through of higher steel costs, increased sales of steel billets, and greater demand for wire (by our U.S. bedding operations). EBIT increased $10 million due to higher sales and operating improvements.

Specialized Products -- Total sales from continuing operations increased $1 million. Continued sales growth in the European and Asian automotive markets was offset in the quarter by lower volume from North American automotive markets and the fleet portion of Commercial Vehicle Products. EBIT from continuing operations declined $3 million due to higher steel costs and lower sales in certain markets.

Conference Call

Management will discuss these results in a conference call at 8:00 a.m. Central (9:00 a.m. Eastern) on July 18. The webcast can be accessed (live or replay) from the Investor Relations section of Leggett's website at http://www.leggett.com. The dial-in number is (303) 262-2053; there is no passcode. Third quarter results will be released after the market closes on Thursday, October 16, 2008, with a conference call the next morning.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit Leggett's website at http://www.leggett.com.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION: Leggett & Platt (NYSE: LEG) is a FORTUNE 500 diversified manufacturer that conceives, designs and produces a broad variety of engineered components and products that can be found in virtually every home, office, retail store, and automobile. The company serves a broad suite of customers that comprise a "Who's Who" of U.S. manufacturers and retailers. The 125-year-old firm's continuing operations are composed of 21 business units, 24,000 employee-partners, and more than 250 facilities located in 20 countries.

Leggett & Platt isNorth America's leading independent manufacturer of: a) components for residential furniture and bedding; b) retail store fixtures and point of purchase displays; c) components for office furniture; d) drawn steel wire; e) automotive seat support and lumbar systems; f) carpet underlay; g) adjustable beds; and h) bedding industry machinery.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Statements in this release that are not historical in nature are "forward-looking." These statements involve uncertainties and risks, including the company's ability to improve operations and realize cost savings, price and product competition from foreign and domestic competitors, changes in demand for the company's products, cost and availability of raw materials and labor, fuel and energy costs, future growth of acquired companies, general economic conditions, foreign currency fluctuation, litigation risks, and other factors described in the company's Form 10-K. Any forward-looking statement reflects only the company's beliefs when the statement is made. Actual results could differ materially from expectations, and the company undertakes no duty to update these statements.

      CONTACT: Investor Relations, (417) 358-8131 or invest@leggett.com
     David M. DeSonier, Vice President of Strategy and Investor Relations
                Susan R. McCoy, Director of Investor Relations



    LEGGETT & PLATT
    RESULTS OF
     OPERATIONS                  SECOND QUARTER             YEAR TO DATE
     (In millions,
      except per share
      data)                 2008      2007   Change    2008      2007   Change
    Net sales (from
     continuing
     operations)         $1,063.1  $1,070.5  (0.7%) $2,061.4  $2,118.1  (2.7%)
    Cost of goods sold      866.7     863.5          1,687.9   1,714.6
       Gross profit         196.4     207.0            373.5     403.5
    Selling &
     administrative
     expenses               107.6     113.4    (5%)    211.5     213.8  (1.1%)
    Amortization              6.3       6.4             12.3      11.3
    Other expense
     (income), net            1.8       0.4             (0.1)     (0.2)
       Earnings before
        interest and
        taxes                80.7      86.8    (7%)    149.8     178.6 (16.1%)
    Interest expense         13.1      14.2             26.4      27.9
    Interest income           2.1       1.7              4.4       3.6
       Earnings before
        income taxes         69.7      74.3            127.8     154.3
    Income taxes             26.2      18.0             45.1      41.6
    Net earnings from
     continuing
     operations              43.5      56.3             82.7     112.7
    Discontinued
     operations, net of
     tax (1)                  2.8       3.7              7.0      23.0
       Net earnings         $46.3     $60.0   (23%)    $89.7    $135.7 (33.9%)
    Earnings per diluted
     share
       From continuing
        operations          $0.25     $0.31            $0.48     $0.62
       From discontinued
        operations          $0.02     $0.02            $0.04     $0.12
       Net earnings per
        diluted share       $0.27     $0.33   (18%)    $0.52     $0.74 (29.7%)
    Shares outstanding
       Common stock (at
        end of period)      164.3     174.7            164.3     174.7
       Basic (average
        for period)         171.3     181.9            172.2     182.5
       Diluted (average
        for period)         171.5     182.6            172.3     183.2

    CASH FLOW                    SECOND QUARTER                 2008
     (In millions)           2008      2007  Change     2008      2007  Change
    Net earnings            $46.3     $60.0            $89.7    $135.7
    Depreciation and
     amortization            36.2      46.7             71.2      90.2
    Working capital
     decrease (increase)    (42.2)    (17.3)           (86.9)     26.3
    Asset Impairment          5.7       2.2              5.8       2.3
    Other operating
     activity                27.4       1.1             46.7     (13.2)
       Net Cash from
        Operating
        Activity            $73.4     $92.7   (21%)   $126.5    $241.3   (48%)
    Additions to PP&E       (31.6)    (26.9)   17%     (64.8)    (71.1)   (9%)
    Purchase of
     companies, net of
     cash                    (0.5)     (1.1)            (1.1)    (83.7)
    Dividends paid          (42.5)    (30.6)           (85.7)    (61.5)
    Repurchase of common
     stock, net             (49.1)    (48.5)          (110.9)    (84.5)
    Additions (payments)
     to debt, net            66.0     (66.7)           122.1      (3.2)
    Other                    (0.7)     14.7             11.6      99.0
       Increase (Decr.)
        in Cash & Equiv.    $15.0    $(66.4)           $(2.3)    $36.3
       EBITDA (2)          $129.0    $141.5    (9%)   $240.7    $311.7   (23%)

    FINANCIAL POSITION (3)          June 30
     (In millions)          2008      2007   Change
    Cash and equivalents   $203.1    $168.2
    Receivables             683.6     848.2
    Inventories             669.2     811.8
    Held for sale           309.1       0.0
    Other current assets    100.9      96.5
       Total current
        assets            1,965.9   1,924.7     2%
    Net fixed assets        739.6     962.9
    Held for sale           256.2       0.0
    Goodwill and other
     assets               1,256.9   1,490.8
       TOTAL ASSETS      $4,218.6  $4,378.4    (4%)
    Trade accounts
     payable               $278.8    $290.4
    Current debt
     maturities              11.4      82.8
    Held for sale            66.2       0.0
    Other current
     liabilities            389.0     386.5
       Total current
        liabilities         745.4     759.7    (2%)
    Long term debt        1,227.9   1,054.8    16%
    Deferred taxes and
     other liabilities      164.4     174.4
    Held for sale             0.3       0.0
    Shareholders' equity  2,080.6   2,389.5   (13%)
       Total
        capitalization    3,473.2   3,618.7
       TOTAL LIABILITIES
        & EQUITY         $4,218.6  $4,378.4

    Net Debt to Net
     Capital (4)            31.6%     27.4%
    Return on Equity (5)    (2.6%)    12.3%

    (1) Discontinued operations include: Aluminum Products; Prime Foam,
        Fibers, Wood Products, Coated Fabrics (formerly in Residential
        Furnishings); Storage Products, Plastics (formerly in Commercial
        Fixturing & Components); and the dealer portion of Commercial Vehicle
        Products (formerly in Specialized Products).
    (2) Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization, and
        Impairments.  Includes discontinued operations.
    (3) In the 2008 balance sheet, amounts related to the planned divestitures
        are reflected on the lines captioned "Held for sale."  The 2007
        balance sheet does not reflect comparable adjustments.
    (4) Net Debt = Long Term Debt + Current Debt Maturities - Cash &
        Equivalents.  Net Capital = Total Capitalization + Current Debt
        Maturities - Cash & Equivalents.  These adjustments enable meaningful
        comparison to historical periods.
    (5) Return on Equity = Trailing Twelve Months Net Earnings / Shareholders'
        Equity averaged for start and end of the twelve months.



    LEGGETT & PLATT
    SEGMENT RESULTS (1)                         SECOND QUARTER
    (In millions)                     2008            2007           Change
    External Sales
    Residential Furnishings          $551.9          $561.5          (1.7%)
    Commercial Fixturing &
     Components                       179.2           211.4         (15.2%)
    Industrial Materials              169.7           131.4          29.1%
    Specialized Products              162.3           166.2          (2.3%)
        Total                      $1,063.1        $1,070.5          (0.7%)

    Inter-Segment Sales
    Residential Furnishings            $5.9            $3.9
    Commercial Fixturing &
     Components                         4.8             6.3
    Industrial Materials               77.6            64.7
    Specialized Products               17.2            11.9
        Total                        $105.5           $86.8

    Total Sales
    Residential Furnishings          $557.8          $565.4          (1.3%)
    Commercial Fixturing &
     Components                       184.0           217.7         (15.5%)
    Industrial Materials              247.3           196.1          26.1%
    Specialized Products              179.5           178.1           0.8%
        Total                      $1,168.6        $1,157.3           1.0%

    EBIT
    Residential Furnishings           $48.6           $42.3            15%
    Commercial Fixturing &
     Components                         8.6            14.7           (41%)
    Industrial Materials               23.2            13.4            73%
    Specialized Products               14.4            17.4           (17%)
    Intersegment eliminations          (2.6)           (1.8)
    Change in LIFO reserve            (11.5)            0.8
        Total                         $80.7           $86.8            (7%)

    EBIT Margin (2)                                                 Basis Pts
    Residential Furnishings            8.7%            7.5%           120
    Commercial Fixturing &
     Components                        4.7%            6.8%          (210)
    Industrial Materials               9.4%            6.8%           260
    Specialized Products               8.0%            9.8%          (180)
        Overall from
         Continuing Operations         7.6%            8.1%           (50)


    LEGGETT & PLATT
    SEGMENT RESULTS (1)                           YEAR TO DATE
    (In millions)                     2008            2007          Change
    External Sales
    Residential Furnishings        $1,070.2        $1,145.0         (6.5%)
    Commercial Fixturing &
     Components                       366.5           402.4         (8.9%)
    Industrial Materials              309.6           252.4         22.7%
    Specialized Products              315.1           318.3         (1.0%)
        Total                      $2,061.4        $2,118.1         (2.7%)

    Inter-Segment Sales
    Residential Furnishings           $10.1            $8.4
    Commercial Fixturing &
     Components                         9.5            10.1
    Industrial Materials              150.2           134.8
    Specialized Products               33.3            22.6
        Total                        $203.1          $175.9

    Total Sales
    Residential Furnishings        $1,080.3        $1,153.4         (6.3%)
    Commercial Fixturing &
     Components                       376.0           412.5         (8.8%)
    Industrial Materials              459.8           387.2         18.8%
    Specialized Products              348.4           340.9          2.2%
        Total                      $2,264.5        $2,294.0         (1.3%)

    EBIT
    Residential Furnishings           $85.9           $98.7          (13%)
    Commercial Fixturing &
     Components                        16.3            22.6          (28%)
    Industrial Materials               41.7            26.5           57%
    Specialized Products               28.3            31.7          (11%)
    Intersegment eliminations          (7.3)           (2.5)
    Change in LIFO reserve            (15.1)            1.6
        Total                        $149.8          $178.6          (16%)

    EBIT Margin (2)                                               Basis Pts
    Residential Furnishings            8.0%            8.6%          (60)
    Commercial Fixturing & Components  4.3%            5.5%         (120)
    Industrial Materials               9.1%            6.8%          230
    Specialized Products               8.1%            9.3%         (120)
        Overall from
         Continuing Operations         7.3%            8.4%         (110)


    LAST SIX QUARTERS                  2007                       2008
    Selected Figures
     (restated to
     exclude
     discontinued
     operations)         1Q        2Q      3Q       4Q        1Q      2Q
    Trade Sales
     ($ million)       1,048     1,071   1,092    1,040       998    1,063
    Sales Growth
     (vs. prior year)    0.0%     (0.7%)  (2.1%)    1.4%      (4.7%)  (0.7%)
    EBIT ($ million)    91.8      86.8   105.1    (92.8)      69.1    80.7
    EBIT Margin          8.8%      8.1%    9.6%    (8.9%)      6.9%    7.6%
    Net Earnings -
     continuing
     operations
     ($ million)        56.4      56.3    64.1   (117.4)      39.2    43.5
    Net Margin -
     continuing
     operations          5.4%      5.3%    5.9%   (11.3%)      3.9%    4.1%
    EPS - continuing
     operations
     (diluted)         $0.31     $0.31   $0.36   ($0.67)     $0.23   $0.25
    EBITDA
     ($ million) (3)     170       142     153       93        112     129
    Cash from
     Operations
     ($ million) (3)     149        93     194      178         53      73
    Net Debt to
     Net Capital (3)      27%       27%     28%      28%        31%     32%

    Same Location
     Sales
     (vs. prior year)    1Q        2Q      3Q       4Q         1Q      2Q
    Residential
     Furnishings       (3.3%)     (6.6%)  (8.6%)   (7.1%)    (11.0%)  (1.2%)
    Commercial
     Fixturing &
     Components        (5.4%)     (1.5%)  (3.2%)   (0.7%)     (3.8%) (15.7%)
    Industrial
     Materials         (5.0%)     (2.4%)  (3.5%)   (2.7%)      7.7%   26.6%
    Specialized
     Products           9.3%       5.9%   11.2%    16.5%       0.7%    0.8%
    Overall from
     Continuing
     Operations        (1.8%)     (3.0%)  (4.4%)   (1.0%)     (6.2%)  (0.5%)


    (1) Prior years' results have been restated to exclude discontinued
        operations.
    (2) Segment margins calculated on Total Sales.  Overall company margin
        calculated on External Sales.
    (3) These lines include amounts related to discontinued operations.
        EBITDA excludes impairment charges.

SOURCE Leggett & Platt

Tags: ,HOU,MAC,ERN,ERP,CCA,MO-Leggett-Platt

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