Haynes International, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2020 Financial Results

Increase in net cash of $11.8 million during the fourth quarter. Combined third and fourth quarter net cash increase of $24.8 million. The Company is expecting to continue to generate cash through inventory reductions during fiscal 2021.Sequentially, gross margins improved from 3.3% in the third quarter to 4.9% in the fourth quarter, despite lower volumes. The Company continues to successfully focus on cost, yield and pricing improvement initiatives. Fourth quarter gross margins were below fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 gross margins of 16.4% with significant gross margin compression due to unfavorable fixed cost absorption caused by the low volumes produced in our facilities.Fourth quarter net revenues of $79.9 million compared to net revenues of $129.6 million for the same period of fiscal 2019, driven by the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which is most pronounced in the aerospace market.  Fiscal year 2020 net revenues of $380.5 million compared to net revenues of $490.2 million for fiscal 2019.Fourth quarter net loss of $(5.7) million, or $(0.46) per diluted share, compared to net income of $6.0 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, for the same period of fiscal 2019. Fiscal year 2020 net loss of $(6.5) million, or $(0.53) per diluted share, compared to net income of $9.7 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, for fiscal 2019.Strong total liquidity of approximately $167.2 million with cash at September 30, 2020 of $47.2 million and approximately $120 million available on the credit facility. Subsequent to year-end, the Company replaced the $120 million credit facility with a new three year $100 million facility.Backlog of $153.3 million at September 30, 2020, a decrease of 12.2% from $174.6 million at June 30, 2020, and a decrease of 34.8% from $235.2 million at September 30, 2019.Capital investment in fiscal 2020 of $9.4 million and forecast for capital spending in fiscal 2021 of $10.0 million.Regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.22 per outstanding share of the Company’s common stock declared.KOKOMO, Ind., Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Haynes International, Inc. (NASDAQ GM: HAYN) (the “Company”), a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of technologically advanced high-performance alloys, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. In addition, the Company announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.22 per outstanding share.“Despite our low COVID-19 impacted volumes, we generated $11.8 million in cash during the fourth quarter, which puts our total cash generated at $24.8 million for the second half of fiscal 2020.  Our ongoing focus on high value differentiated products and cost reduction continues to have a positive impact on our results.  Our pricing improved year on year, and our ongoing cost reduction focus led to our gross margin improving sequentially in spite of lower revenue,” said Michael L. Shor, President and Chief Executive Officer.  “Although we recorded a net loss for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and for the fiscal year, we continue to have confidence in our liquidity and our ability to continue to generate cash, as evidenced by our payoff during the quarter of the precautionary $30 million draw on our revolver.  In addition, post quarter-end, we established a new three-year $100 million credit facility, replacing the previous facility scheduled to expire July 2021.”4th Quarter ResultsNet Revenues. Net revenues were $79.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, a decrease of 38.3% from $129.6 million in the same period of fiscal 2019. Volume was 2.9 million pounds in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, a decrease of 45.7% from 5.4 million pounds in the same period of fiscal 2019. The decrease in volume is primarily attributable to a significant slowdown in demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to the impact caused by the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX. In addition, the cash preservation actions occurring with many customers resulted in very conservative order entry trends. The product average selling price was $25.03 per pound in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, an increase of 10.5% from $22.66 per pound in the same period of fiscal 2019. The increase in average selling price per pound largely reflects a higher value product mix and previous price increases as well as other pricing considerations, which increased average selling price per pound by approximately $2.99. These increases were partially offset by lower market prices of raw materials, which decreased average selling price per pound by approximately $0.62.Cost of Sales. Cost of sales was $76.0 million, or 95.1% of net revenues, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to $108.3 million, or 83.6% of net revenues, in the same period of fiscal 2019. The dollar decrease was primarily due to lower volumes combined with the Company’s actions taken to lower costs in response to COVID-19, which included voluntary and involuntary layoffs and salaried and hourly workforce reductions. However, despite these cost reduction measures, fixed costs cannot decline in line with the current production volumes, which required directly expensing a portion of these fixed costs in the amount of approximately $4.0 million.Gross Profit. As a result of the above factors, gross profit was $4.0 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, a decrease of $17.4 million from the same period of fiscal 2019. Gross margin as a percentage of net revenue decreased to 4.9% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 as compared to 16.4% in the same period of fiscal 2019. This percentage decrease was primarily due to the above-mentioned $4.0 million direct charge to cost of goods sold and period costs spread over lower volumes.Selling, General and Administrative Expense.   Selling, general and administrative expense was $8.2 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, a decrease of $3.2 million from the same period of fiscal 2019. This decrease is largely a result of a reversal of management incentive expenses of $1.2 million that were recorded in prior quarters of fiscal 2020 as compared to management incentive expenses of $0.4 million during the same period of fiscal 2019. Additional decreases were primarily attributable to cost saving measures taken in response to COVID-19, including salary reductions, temporary layoffs and workforce reductions. Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net revenues increased to 10.2% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to 8.8% for the same period of fiscal 2019.Research and Technical Expense. Research and technical expense was $0.9 million, or 1.2% of net revenue, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, compared to $1.1 million, or 0.8% of net revenue, in the same period of fiscal 2019.Operating Income/(Loss). As a result of the above factors, operating loss in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 was ($5.2) million compared to operating income of $8.8 million in the same period of fiscal 2019.Nonoperating retirement benefit expense. Nonoperating retirement benefit expense was $1.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to $0.9 million in the same period of fiscal 2019. The increase in expense was primarily driven by lower discount rates in the September 30, 2019 valuation, which resulted in higher retirement liabilities and ultimately higher expense for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.Income Taxes.   Income tax benefit was $1.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, a difference of $3.2 million from expense of $1.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, primarily driven by a difference in income before taxes of $15.0 million.Net Income/(Loss). As a result of the above factors, net loss in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 was ($5.7) million, compared to net income of $6.0 million in the same period of fiscal 2019.Fiscal Year ResultsNet Revenues. Net revenues were $380.5 million in fiscal 2020, a decrease of 22.4% from $490.2 million in fiscal 2019, due to a decrease in volume, partially offset by an increase in average selling price per pound. Volume was 14.7 million pounds in fiscal 2020, a decrease of 26.8% from 20.0 million pounds in fiscal 2019, with decreases in each of the major markets. The decrease in volume is primarily attributable to a significant slowdown in demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to the impact caused by the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX. The average product selling price was $24.33 per pound in fiscal 2020, an increase of 4.8%, or $1.12, from $23.21 per pound in fiscal 2019. The average product selling price per pound increased as a result of a higher value product mix and previous price increases as well as other pricing considerations (such as customer mix, timing of customer agreement adjustors, etc.), which increased average selling price per pound by approximately $0.95 and $0.44, respectively, partially offset by lower raw material market prices, which decreased the average selling price per pound by approximately $0.27.Cost of Sales. Cost of sales was $335.9 million, or 88.3% of net revenues, in fiscal 2020 compared to $424.7 million, or 86.6% of net revenues, in fiscal 2019. Cost of sales in fiscal 2020 decreased by $88.8 million primarily due to lower volumes and lower raw material prices combined with the Company’s actions taken to lower its breakeven point and lower costs in response to COVID-19. During the second half of fiscal 2020, the Company took safety measures to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, which actions included plant shutdowns during the month of April as well as voluntary and involuntary layoffs. The Company also reduced its salaried and hourly workforce as well and incurred approximately $0.7 million in severance expenses. However, despite these cost reduction measures, fixed costs did not decline in line with production volumes, which required directly expensing a portion of these fixed costs in the amount of approximately $11.4 million in fiscal 2020.Gross Profit. As a result of the above factors, gross margin was $44.6 million for fiscal 2020, a decrease of $20.9 million from $65.5 million in fiscal 2019. Gross margin as a percentage of net revenue decreased to 11.7% in fiscal 2020 as compared to 13.4% in fiscal 2019. This percentage decrease was primarily due to the above-mentioned $11.4 million direct charge to cost of goods sold and other period costs spread over lower volumes.Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and administrative expense was $40.3 million for fiscal 2020, a decrease of $3.9 million, or 8.8%, from $44.2 million in fiscal 2019. This decrease is primarily attributable to lower management incentive expenses of $1.9 million along with cost saving measures taken in response to COVID-19, including salary reductions, temporary layoffs, and workforce reductions, partially offset by severance expenses of $0.2 million. Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net revenues increased to 10.6% for fiscal 2020 compared to 9.0% for the same period of fiscal 2019 due to lower revenue.Research and Technical Expense. Research and technical expense was $3.7 million, or 1.0% of revenue, for fiscal 2020, compared to $3.6 million, or 0.7% of net revenue, in fiscal 2019.Operating Income/(Loss). As a result of the above factors, operating income in fiscal 2020 was $0.6 million, compared to operating income of $17.7 million in fiscal 2019.Nonoperating retirement benefit expense. Nonoperating retirement benefit expense was $6.8 million in fiscal 2020, compared to $3.4 million in the same period of fiscal 2019. The increase in expense was primarily driven by lower discount rates in the September 30, 2019 valuation which resulted in higher retirement liabilities and ultimately higher expense for fiscal 2020.Income Taxes. Income tax benefit was $1.0 million during fiscal 2020, a difference of $4.6 million from an expense of $3.6 million in the same period of fiscal 2019, driven by a decrease in income before taxes of $20.9 million as well as a valuation allowance recorded during fiscal 2020 of $1.0 million on tax credits that are not expected to be realized prior to expiration.Net Income/(Loss). As a result of the above factors, net loss for fiscal 2020 was $(6.5) million, a decrease of $16.2 million from net income $9.7 million in fiscal 2019.Volumes, Competition and PricingAt the end of fiscal 2019, volume shipped in the fourth quarter was 5.4 million pounds, the Company’s highest quarterly volume in four and a half years. Moving into the first half of fiscal 2020, volumes were negatively impacted by the grounding and subsequent production halt of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft combined with low oil prices, which impacted volumes sold into the chemical processing market. Volumes in the first and second quarter of fiscal 2020 were 4.2 million and 4.3 million pounds, respectively. The second half of fiscal 2020 was then significantly impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which lowered volumes in the third and fourth quarter to 3.2 million and 2.9 million pounds, respectively. This put fiscal 2020 volume at 14.7 million pounds, which is the lowest since fiscal 2003 and represents a 26.8% decline in volume from the prior year.Pounds shipped by market in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to the same quarter last year declined 58.2% in the aerospace market, 40.0% in the chemical processing market, 20.5% in the industrial gas turbine market, and 38.9% in other markets. Total pounds shipped in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 were 2.9 million pounds, which declined 45.7% compared to the same quarter last year.The product average selling price per pound in fiscal 2020 was $24.33, which is a 4.8% increase over last fiscal year. The increase is partly driven by the realization of contract price increases (primarily contracts adjusting in January 2020) as well as changes in product mix (both alloy and form). Volume of commodity alloys has decreased in greater proportion than proprietary alloys, which increases the overall product average selling price.The average market price of nickel as reported by the London Metals Exchange for the 30-days ending September 30, 2020 was $6.74 as compared to the prior year 30-days ending September 30, 2019 average market price of $8.02 per pound. The Company values inventory utilizing the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) inventory costing methodology. In a period of decreasing raw material costs, the FIFO inventory valuation normally results in higher costs of sales as compared to the last-in, first out method. Conversely, in a period of rising prices, the FIFO inventory valuation normally results in lower costs of sales as compared to the last-in, first out method.   Gross Profit Margin Trend PerformanceThe significant drop in volumes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic compressed margins significantly in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020. Particularly challenging is reducing spending commensurate with volume reductions in this environment. In the third and fourth quarter, the Company charged $5.9 million and $4.0 million, respectively, directly to cost of goods sold for excess fixed overhead incurred due to abnormally low production levels that could not be capitalized into inventory. Additional unfavorable absorption occurs with typical period costs that are fixed and do not decrease with lower volumes. Further charges to cost of goods sold occurred in the third and fourth quarters to implement manpower reduction measures such as incentives and severance costs for voluntary and involuntary reductions in the workforce. The fourth quarter margin improvement as compared to the third quarter, even with lower revenues, represents continued reduction of spending within operations to match current activity levels to the extent practicable.BacklogWhile the Company has experienced low order entry levels primarily due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, order entry rates slightly increased in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to the third quarter, but still below shipment rates. Backlog was $153.3 million at September 30, 2020, a decrease of approximately $21.4 million, or 12.2%, from $174.6 million at June 30, 2020. The backlog dollars decreased during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 due to an 9.7% decrease in backlog average selling price combined with a 2.8% decrease in backlog pounds. The decrease in average selling price was due to a lower-value product mix in the backlog.Backlog decreased by $81.9 million, or 34.8%, from $235.2 million at September 30, 2019 to $153.3 million at September 30, 2020 due to an 32.0% decrease in backlog pounds combined with a 4.2% decrease in backlog average selling price. The decrease in backlog pounds was primarily driven by decreases in demand in the aerospace market. The decrease in average selling price was due to a lower-value product mix in the backlog, predominately because of less titanium tubing in the backlog.Capital SpendingCapital spending was $10.0 million and $9.4 million in fiscal 2019 and 2020, respectively, and the forecast for capital spending in fiscal 2021 is approximately $10.0 million, which represents a level below the Company’s depreciation levels.Working CapitalControllable working capital, which includes accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable and accrued expenses, was $264.9 million at September 30, 2020, a decrease of $17.5 million or 6.2% from $282.5 million at September 30, 2019. This decrease resulted primarily from accounts receivable and inventory decreasing $25.9 million and $12.7 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease of accounts payable and accrued expenses of $21.0 million in the aggregate. As compared to the third quarter ended June 30, 2020, controllable working capital decreased $13.5 million, or 4.9%. This decrease resulted primarily from inventory decreasing $17.8 million and accounts receivable decreasing $1.2 million, partially offset by decreases in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $5.4 million in the aggregate.LiquidityThe Company had cash and cash equivalents of $47.2 million at September 30, 2020, inclusive of $11.0 million that was held by foreign subsidiaries in various currencies, compared to $31.0 million at September 30, 2019. Additionally, there were zero borrowings against the credit facility as of September 30, 2020. During fiscal 2020, the Company’s primary sources of cash were cash on-hand and the revolving credit facility which was drawn against during the first six months of fiscal 2020 but repaid in full by September 30, 2020.Net cash provided by operating activities was $36.2 million in fiscal 2020 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $43.0 million in fiscal 2019, a decrease of $6.8 million.  The decrease was primarily driven by a net loss of $6.5 million during fiscal 2020 compared to net income of $9.7 million during fiscal 2019, partially offset by changes in working capital.  During fiscal 2019, changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable resulted in a net cash outflow of $5.2 million.  During fiscal 2020, changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable resulted in a net cash inflow of $5.5 million.   Net cash used in investing activities was $9.4 million in fiscal 2020, which was lower than cash used in investing activities during the same period of fiscal 2019 of $10.0 million, driven by lower additions to property, plant and equipment.Repayment of Draw and Refinancing Credit FacilityDuring the second quarter of fiscal 2020 the Company borrowed $30.0 million under its previous credit facility to add to its cash balance in order to further secure its liquidity position and to provide the financial flexibility given uncertain market conditions as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The Company repaid the $30.0 million precautionary draw on the revolver in September 2020, in part, due to generating $24.8 million in cash in the last six months of the fiscal year. In addition, subsequent to year-end in October 2020, the Company replaced the $120.0 million credit facility set to expire in July 2021 with a new credit facility expiring in three years. The Credit Agreement provides for revolving loans in the maximum amount of $100.0 million, subject to a borrowing base and certain reserves. The Credit Agreement permits an increase in the maximum revolving loan amount from $100.0 million up to an aggregate amount of $170.0 million at the request of the borrower if certain conditions are met. As of September 30, 2020, the Previous Facility had a zero balance and the Company was in compliance with all applicable financial covenants under the Previous Facility.Dividend DeclaredOn November 19, 2020, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.22 per outstanding share of the Company’s common stock. The dividend is payable December 15, 2020 to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 1, 2020. The aggregate cash payout based on current shares outstanding will be approximately $2.8 million, or approximately $11.1 million on an annualized basis if current dividend levels are maintained.Valuation of the Pension Plan and the Retiree Healthcare PlanThe actuarial valuation of the pension and retiree healthcare plans on September 30, 2020 included an unfavorable reduction in the discount rates used to measure the plan liabilities, however the reduction was offset by favorable items including higher than expected return on plan assets and favorable retiree health care spending. This development is expected to reduce expense in fiscal 2021 by $5.6 million, reflected primarily in the Nonoperating Retirement Benefit Expense in the Statement of Operations.COVID-19 PandemicCOVID-19 related disruptions negatively impacted the Company’s financial and operating results in the second half of fiscal 2020. In particular, the pandemic negatively impacted the aerospace supply chain which is absorbing significant downward adjustments to its forecasted demand. The Company has accepted, with select aerospace customers, order push-outs and in some cases cancellations. Markets other than aerospace have also been depressed with uncertainty and tight cash management impacting customer ordering patterns. The Company has taken significant actions to position itself to manage through the current market disruption caused by COVID-19.   Due to the current unprecedented market and economic conditions in the U.S. and internationally, the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s operations going forward cannot be reasonably estimated. In general, however, we expect to continue to face challenging operating conditions for the foreseeable future until meaningful progress is made in curtailing the pandemic and its impact on the aerospace and other marketsGuidanceThe Company continues to experience market uncertainty driven by the COVID-19 global pandemic. The Company expects revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 to be lower than the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic, as well as the typical end of year holiday related business slowdown, maintenance schedules and customers managing their calendar year-end balance sheets. Earnings for the first quarter cannot be estimated during this time of unprecedented market and economic conditions, low volumes and unfavorable fixed cost absorption.  The Company expects to continue to generate cash from inventory reduction in fiscal 2021, and the Company continues to position itself favorably for the recovery.Earnings Conference CallThe Company will host a conference call on Friday, November 20, 2020 to discuss its results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. Michael Shor, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Daniel Maudlin, Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, will host the call and be available to answer questions.To participate, please dial the teleconferencing number shown below five minutes prior to the scheduled conference time.A live Webcast of the conference call will be available at www.haynesintl.com.For those unable to participate, a teleconference replay will be available from Friday, November 20^st at 11:00 a.m. ET, through 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, December 18, 2020. To listen to the replay, please dial:A replay of the Webcast will also be available for one year at www.haynesintl.com.About Haynes InternationalHaynes International, Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of technologically advanced, high performance alloys, primarily for use in the aerospace, industrial gas turbine and chemical processing industries.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding market and industry prospects and future results of operations or financial position, made in this press release are forward-looking. In many cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology, such as “may”, “should”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “potential” or “continue” or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology. The forward-looking information may include, among other information, statements concerning the Company’s outlook for fiscal 2020 and beyond, overall volume and pricing trends, cost reduction strategies and their anticipated results, capital expenditures, dividends and the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, demand for our products and our operations, including the measures taken by governmental authorities to address it, which may precipitate or exacerbate other risks and/or uncertainties.  There may also be other statements of expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.  Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control.The Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and projections about future events, including our expectations of the impact of the recent COVID-19 pandemic.  Although the Company believes that the assumptions on which the forward-looking statements contained herein are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. As a result, the forward-looking statements based upon those assumptions also could be incorrect.  Risks and uncertainties may affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements. Some, but not all, of these risks are described in Item 1A. of Part 1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.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.

Quarterly DataThe unaudited quarterly results of operations of the Company for the most recent eight quarters are as follows.
Sales by MarketThe unaudited revenues, pounds shipped and average selling price per pound of the Company for the three months and year ending September 30, 2019 and 2020 are as follows.