HIGH POINT, N.C. — November 30, 2017 — Culp Inc. today reported financial and operating results for the second quarter and six months ended October 29, 2017.

Fiscal 2018 Second Quarter Highlights

• Net sales were $80.7 million, up 7.1 percent, with mattress fabrics sales up 6.8 percent and upholstery fabrics sales up 7.7 percent, as compared with the same quarter last year.
• Pre-tax income was $6.2 million, compared with $7.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. The $6.2 million included approximately $400,000 of non-recurring legal and other professional expenses.
• Net income was $4.0 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, compared with net income of $4.5 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, in the prior year period.
• The company’s financial position reflected total cash and investments of $49.1 million and no outstanding debt. (See summary of cash and investments table on page 5.) The $49.1 million was achieved despite spending $7.5 million in capital expenditures, which includes vendor financed payments, and $4.6 million on dividend payments during the first six months of this fiscal year.
• The company announced a 12.5 percent increase in its quarterly cash dividend from $0.08 to $0.09 per share, or $0.36 per share on an annualized basis, commencing in the third quarter of fiscal 2018.

Fiscal 2018 Year to Date Highlights

• Net sales were $160.2 million, up 2.7 percent, with mattress fabrics sales up 1.0 percent and upholstery fabrics sales up 5.4 percent compared with the same period a year ago.
• Pre-tax income was $12.9 million, compared with $15.7 million for the same period last year.
• Net income was $9.0 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, compared with net income of $9.8 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, in the prior year period.
• Annualized consolidated return on capital was 25 percent, compared with 34 percent for the same period a year ago.
• During the first half of fiscal 2018, the company paid $4.6 million in dividends, of which $2.6 million was for a special dividend. Since June 2011, the company has returned a total of $51.0 million to shareholders in the form of regular quarterly and special dividends and share repurchases.

Financial Outlook

• The projection for third quarter fiscal 2018 is for overall sales to be slightly higher than the previous year’s third quarter. Pre-tax income for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 is expected to be in the range of $6.8 million to $7.4 million. Pre-tax income for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was $7.0 million.
• The company’s performance for the second half of fiscal 2018 is currently expected to be somewhat better than the results achieved during the second half of last fiscal year, excluding any impact from potential acquisitions.

Overview

For the second quarter ended October 29, 2017, net sales were $80.7 million, compared with $75.3 million for the same period a year ago. The company reported net income of $4.0 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2018, compared with net income of $4.5 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2017. The results for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 included approximately $400,000 of non-recurring legal and professional expenses related to the proposed acquisition of a China business that was not completed. The effective GAAP income tax rate was 34.2 percent for the second quarter of fiscal 2018, compared with 37.5 percent for the second quarter of last year. The rate decrease was primarily due to the mix of earnings between the company’s U.S. parent and foreign subsidiaries. The consolidated adjusted effective income tax rate was 14.2 percent for the second quarter of fiscal 2018, compared with 17.8 percent for the prior year. (A reconciliation of consolidated adjusted effective income tax rate to consolidated GAAP effective income tax rate is presented on page 6.)

Commenting on the results, Frank Saxon, president and chief executive officer of Culp, Inc., said, “Overall, our second quarter sales were higher than expected, and we are pleased with the solid top line performance for both upholstery fabrics and mattress fabrics. We have continued to drive product innovation and creativity and leverage the strength of our efficient global manufacturing platform. We have just completed a major transition period in our mattress fabrics business, and we expect to realize greater operating efficiencies from these changes going forward. Our strategic initiatives focused on product and customer diversification are producing favorable results for our upholstery fabrics business. Importantly, we have the financial strength to continue to make the strategic investments to enhance our operations, including potential acquisitions that support our growth objectives.

“We are also pleased that our board has approved an increase in our quarterly cash dividend from $0.08 to $0.09 per share, or $0.36 per share on an annualized basis. This is an important milestone for Culp, as $0.36 per share is three times the payment amount when dividends were reinstated in July 2012. Our financial performance and strong balance sheet have enabled us to take this action, which is consistent with our capital allocation strategy and confirms our commitment to generate value for our shareholders,” added Saxon.

Mattress Fabrics Segment

Mattress fabrics sales for the second quarter were $48.6 million, up 6.8 percent compared with $45.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

“We are pleased with the solid growth in mattress fabrics sales for the second quarter,” said Iv Culp, president of Culp’s mattress fabrics division. “Notably, we continued to execute our strategy in an uncertain market environment, and Culp again outperformed reported mattress industry growth trends. Our strategic focus on design creativity and innovation and our ability to provide a diverse product offering across all price points, including mattress fabrics and sewn covers, have been the key drivers of our sales performance. Sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 also reflected aggressive marketing of some new product roll-outs. Our global manufacturing platform supports our product strategy with outstanding customer service and delivery performance.

“We have made excellent progress in enhancing our platform and production capabilities as we have recently completed a period of major transformation across our North American manufacturing operations. As expected, we experienced some disruptions to our production through the second quarter, as well as higher expenses associated with product roll-outs; however, we expect to realize greater operating efficiencies going forward. All of our knitting and other fabric forming equipment has been placed into service in our expanded Stokesdale, North Carolina, facility, and our U.S. mattress cover operation, CLASS, is fully operational in its new location, also in North Carolina. We have also finished the installation of new equipment in our Canada operation, and we are now focused on further refinement of our overall inspection and quality processes to support our continuous improvement initiatives.

“From product design to final delivery, we are executing our diversification strategy to offer a full complement of fabrics and sewn covers. We are excited about the increasing sales contribution from CLASS, our mattress cover business, as we have expanded our business with traditional customers and made impressive strides in reaching new customer markets, especially the fast growing boxed bedding space. Additionally, our newest joint venture mattress cover production facility in Haiti will further strengthen our ability to grow our CLASS business. We have commenced production activities, and we will continue to gradually add capacity in line with expected demand. The Haiti operation complements our U.S. operations with additional capacity via a mirrored platform, improving our ability to meet customer demand and remain cost-competitive. We also have the ability to utilize our China fabric and cut and sew platform to expand our business to new markets. With the transformation of our North American operations and our global production capabilities for both fabric and sewn covers, we are well positioned to meet demand in all segments of the market. At the same time, we continue to look for supportive opportunities to add to our platform through acquisitions or other strategies that will support our growth.

“Looking ahead, Culp has a solid competitive position across all product categories, supported by a sustainable, efficient global platform with sufficient capacity and distribution capabilities. Overall, we expect to see solid improvement in our quarterly operating results as we move into the second half of fiscal 2018,” added Culp.

Upholstery Fabrics Segment

Sales for this segment were $32.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2018, up 7.7 percent compared with sales of $29.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

“We are pleased with the solid growth in our upholstery fabric sales for the second quarter, as we benefitted from the success of our various growth initiatives,” noted Boyd Chumbley, president of Culp’s upholstery fabric division. “However, our operating performance was affected by higher than anticipated freight costs associated with our China operation. During our second quarter, a forced Chinese government shutdown in certain textile mills for environmental control disrupted the supply chain, and we incurred additional freight costs in order to ensure customer deliveries. We also experienced some impact from an unfavorable China foreign exchange rate.

“We have continued to drive innovation and creativity and execute our product-driven strategy and reach new market segments. Our results for the second quarter reflect the success of this strategy, highlighted by expanded sales of LiveSmart®, our popular ‘performance’ line of highly durable, stain-resistant fabric. We have also seen continued solid growth in sales of fabrics designed for the hospitality market, and we are excited about the opportunities to reach a more diverse customer base. We are exploring potential acquisitions in the hospitality market that will complement our upholstery fabrics business, which is principally in the residential market.

“We had an excellent showing at the recent October furniture market, and our creative designs and innovative products continue to distinguish the Culp brand. We are especially pleased with the favorable customer response to LiveSmart®, as many manufacturers are featuring this fabric in their showrooms. We have recently launched a new website specifically for this innovative product line along with a more aggressive marketing campaign, and we remain optimistic about the sales opportunities for Culp.

“Looking ahead, we are encouraged by a more favorable market outlook as consumer spending for home furnishings is starting to pick up. We believe Culp is well positioned to benefit from any further improvement in demand trends, and we look forward to continued growth in the second half of fiscal 2018,” added Chumbley.

Balance Sheet

“We have maintained a strong financial position through the first half of fiscal 2018, even while spending $7.5 million on capital expenditures, which include vendor-financed payments, and returning $4.6 million to shareholders in regular and special dividends,” added Ken Bowling, senior vice president and chief financial officer of Culp, Inc. “As of October 29, 2017, total cash and investments were $49.1 million, with no outstanding debt on the company’s line of credit.”

Dividends and Share Repurchases

The company also announced that its Board of Directors approved a 12.5 percent increase in the company’s quarterly cash dividend from $0.08 to $0.09 per share, or $0.36 per share on an annualized basis. This payment will be made on January 16, 2018, to shareholders of record as of January 2, 2018. Future dividend payments are subject to board approval and may be adjusted at the board’s discretion as business needs or market conditions change.

The company did not repurchase any shares during the first half of fiscal 2018, leaving $5.0 million available under the share repurchase program approved by the Board in June 2016.

Since June 2011, the company has returned a total of $51.0 million to shareholders in the form of regular quarterly and special dividends and share repurchases.

Financial Outlook

Commenting on the outlook for the third quarter of fiscal 2018, Bowling remarked, “We expect overall sales to be slightly higher as compared with the third quarter of last year.

“Mattress fabrics sales are expected to be slightly higher than the same period a year ago. Operating income and margins in this segment are expected to be somewhat higher as compared to a year ago.

“In our upholstery fabrics segment, we expect sales to be slightly higher than the same period a year ago. Operating income and margins in this segment are expected to be slightly lower as compared to last year, as we expect to face higher shipment costs out of China and an unfavorable China foreign exchange rate.

“Considering these factors, the company expects to report pre-tax income for the third fiscal quarter of 2018 in the range of $6.8 million to $7.4 million. Pre-tax income for last year’s third quarter was $7.0 million.

“With respect to the full year, capital expenditures for fiscal 2018, including vendor financed payments, are currently expected to be comparable to the previous year and mostly related to additional improvement projects for mattress fabrics. Additionally, the company expects another good year of cash flow, even with the expected level of capital expenditures and modest growth in working capital,” added Bowling.

Posted December 1, 2017

Source: Culp Inc.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — November 28, 2017 — As part of its ongoing efforts to target the interiors textiles market, Milliken & Company has signed a five-year lease at the High Point Showroom. While the build-out is not expected to be complete until June 2018, Milliken is currently accepting appointments for the December show.

The new space is located on the fourth floor of the Market Square Textile Tower. The company will use the space to showcase the full breadth of its innovative interior textiles business, including products suitable for use in home, office and hospitality environments.

The December show will prominently feature the introductory line of Breathe by Milliken™, environmentally-friendly performance fabrics. Designed to address the growing demand for more sustainable products, Breathe is a plant-based, fluorine-free performance fabric available in natural or synthetic fibers made from recycled plastic bottles. Although launched just this year, Breathe has already earned placements with top retailers such as Pottery Barn.  Milliken will use the December show to debut its expanded Breathe line, which now includes more fabrics that offer the superior protection, elegance and sustainability consumers desire.

The High Point lease is the next step in Milliken’s strategy to increase its visibility and leadership position in the interiors market.  In recent months, Milliken has combined several business units to create its integrated Specialty Interiors business, launched a website (www.millikenspecialtyinteriors.com) to better serve the market, and built the team with well-respected industry veterans to propel this expansion.

“The interiors textile market is a major area of focus for Milliken,” said Jennifer K. Harmon, vice president, Milliken Specialty Interiors. “Establishing a permanent presence at High Point is further evidence of our commitment not only to expanding our presence in this important market, but to driving innovation and educating key audiences about the unique capabilities and solutions Milliken can provide. We invite those who are interested in learning more to set up an appointment to get a sneak preview.”

Posted November 28, 2017

Source: Milliken Specialty Interiors

LOS ANGELES — November 30, 2017 — Alcantara, the manufacturer of Italian-made luxury material, has seen its annual sales triple and operating profits increase more than five-fold since the recession.

The company will have a major presence at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, as well as at auto shows in Detroit, Chicago and New York over the next six months. The U.S. market currently accounts for about 10 percent of Alcantara’s global sales.

The company’s net sales have risen from 64.3 million euros in 2009 to more than 187 million euros in 2016. Operating profits have jumped from 7.9 million euros to 45.1 million euros during the same period. The company’s Chairman and CEO Andrea Boragno notes that Alcantara’s automotive business has experienced especially strong growth in China and the United States as a result of an increase in brand awareness among automakers and consumers.

Major automakers, such as Acura, Audi, BMW, Dodge, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lincoln, Maserati, Nissan and Porsche are expected to have cars equipped with Alcantara at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

“As you can see from our strong business results, our emotive, high-tech artisan approach to luxury resonates well with automakers and consumers alike,” says Boragno. “Our relationship with the design community in the automotive industry, as well as throughout the fashion, home furnishings, consumer electronics and marine industries, has helped us significantly increase sales and brand awareness over the last decade.”

Partnerships Equal Growth

Alcantara’s CEO adds that the company sees an unrivaled potential for growth through partnerships with the world’s leading brands.

Premium fashion brands such as Adidas and Swarovski, for example, have launched exclusive collections in collaboration with Alcantara. The material’s versatility extends to some of the world’s most prestigious furnishing brands, including Torre, Cappellini and Ligne Roset, which have featured Alcantara on their product lines.

In the consumer electronics market, Microsoft utilizes Alcantara on its Surface Pro laptops and Sennheiser has incorporated Alcantara in the design of its on-ear headphones.

Investment to Double Production Capacity by 2022

To meet growing demand for its material, the company plans to significantly increase its production capacity. Boragno reports that a five-year investment program totalling 300 million euros is expected to double Alcantara’s overall production capacity.

The five-year expansion plan calls for annual sales to reach 300 million euros, compared to 187 million euros last year. Brand value also is expected to triple from Interbrand’s 2015 value estimate of 100 million euros to 300 million euros over the same period. The number of employees is expected to grow from 598 to around 800, as well.

Sustainability: A Key Value of the Alcantara Brand

Alcantara’s CEO believes the company’s strong commitment to sustainability is a key part of Alcantara’s competitive strategy. A commitment to sustainability is consistent with the long-term goal of increasing the company’s financial value.

“Alcantara is the first Italian industrial company and among the very first companies in the world to have achieved the status of Carbon Neutrality,” Boragno noted. “Since 2009, we have published our own Sustainability Report, which provides transparency for everything we do. We also have worked very hard to build a supply chain that focuses on responsible procurement.”

Posted November 30, 2017

Source: Alcantara S.p.A.