Linamar Sales & Earnings Growth Driving Significant Cash Generation along with Solid Margin Expansion

GUELPH, ON, Nov. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX: LNR)

• Sales increase 15.5% over the third quarter of 2012 ("Q3 2012") to reach $893.3 million;
• Operating earnings up 53.4% over Q3 2012 to reach $73.5 million;
• EPS is up 53.8% over Q3 2012 to reach $0.80;
• New business wins continue to be very strong, launch book at more than $2.6 billion;
• Industrial segment showed significant margin improvements from Q3 2012 with operating earnings up 837.5% to $7.5 million on a sales increase of 25.1%;
• Powertrain/Driveline showed strong margin improvements with operating earnings up 40.1% to $66.0 million from Q3 2012 on a sales increase of 14.0%;
• Return on Capital Employed reached 16.11% continuing our trend of solid improvements for the last several quarters;
• Return on Equity improved 26.3% from Q3 2012 to reach 17.02%; and
• Positive cash flow reduces Net Debt by $52.8 million from the second quarter of 2013 ("Q2 2013")

					Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
					September 30				September 30
					2013	2012			2013	2012
(in millions of dollars, except earnings per share figures)					$	$			$	$
Sales					893.3	773.4			2,669.4	2,465.4
Operating Earnings (Loss)
	Powertrain/Driveline				66.0	47.1			188.5	147.9
	Industrial				7.5	0.8			46.8	22.3
Operating Earnings (Loss)					73.5	47.9			235.3	170.2
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Shareholders of the Company					52.0	33.7			161.1	115.4
Unusual items					-	-			-	(1.2)
Net Earnings (Loss) - Adjusted					52.0	33.7			161.1	114.2
Net Earnings (Loss) per Share					0.80	0.52			2.49	1.78
Net Earnings (Loss) per Share - Adjusted					0.80	0.52			2.49	1.77
Unusual items
Taxable items before tax
	1) Exchange loss (gain) on the 2021 Private Placement Notes				-	-			-	(1.6)
Tax impact					-	-			-	0.4
Total unusual items					-	-			-	(1.2)

Operating Highlights

Sales for the third quarter of 2013 ("Q3 2013") were $893.3 million, up $119.9 million from $773.4 million in Q3 2012.

Sales for the Powertrain/Driveline segment ("Powertrain/Driveline") increased by $94.3 million, or 14.0% in Q3 2013 compared with Q3 2012.  The sales increase in Q3 2013 was impacted by:

• increased North American sales as a result of the significant levels of newly launched programs being slightly offset by reductions in the on and off highway commercial vehicle markets and expected levels of business ending.
• increased Asian sales as a result of the ramp up of programs in launch and higher volumes on mature programs; and
• increased European sales due to substantial levels of programs launching.

The Industrial segment ("Industrial") product sales increased 25.1% or $25.6 million to $127.6 million in Q3 2013 from Q3 2012.  The sales increase was due to:

• increases in demand in the access equipment markets; and
• higher sales from emerging global markets such as Brazil.

The company's operating earnings for Q3 2013 were $73.5 million.  This compares to $47.9 million in Q3 2012, an increase of $25.6 million.

Q3 2013 operating earnings for Powertrain/Driveline were higher by $18.9 million or 40.1% over Q3 2012.  The Powertrain/Driveline segment experienced the following in Q3 2013:

• improved margins as production volumes increased on launching and mature programs;
• better margins as a result of productivity and efficiency improvements;
• lower amount of start-up costs in comparison to the level of start-up activity in Q3 2012; partially offset by:
• decreases due to the reduced volumes in the on and off highway commercial markets in North America; and
  investments in labour and overhead costs to support the future growth of the market.

Industrial operating earnings in Q3 2013 increased $6.7 million or 837.5% over Q3 2012. The increase in operating earnings was:

• predominantly driven by market share growth and increased demand in the access equipment market; and
• by productivity and efficiency improvements driven by higher volumes on new products and cost savings initiatives on mature products.

"We are delighted to register another solid quarter of double digit sales and earnings growth along with solid free cash flow, both driving continued building of margins and returns," said Linamar CEO Linda Hasenfratz.  "We saw a huge quarter in new business wins and continue to quote an unprecedented book of new business opportunities. The completion of our assembled camshaft division acquisition will support our future growth by adding another critical tool to our technology and innovation toolbox.  The combination of these new business opportunities with the fantastic results for the quarter adds up to a great recipe for continued success."

Dividends

The Board of Directors today declared an eligible dividend in respect to the quarter ended September 30, 2013 of CDN$0.08 per share on the common shares of the company, payable on or after December 12, 2013 to shareholders of record on November 26, 2013.

Risk and Uncertainties (forward looking statements)

Linamar no longer provides a financial outlook.

Certain information provided by Linamar in these unaudited interim financial statements, MD&A and other documents published throughout the year that are not recitation of historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. The words "estimate", "believe", "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Persons reading this report are cautioned that such statements are only predictions and the actual events or results may differ materially. In evaluating such forward-looking statements, readers should specifically consider the various factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements.

Such forward-looking information may involve important risks and uncertainties that could materially alter results in the future from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Linamar.  Some risks and uncertainties may cause results to differ from current expectations. The factors which are expected to have the greatest impact on Linamar include but are not limited to (in the various economies in which Linamar operates): the extent of OEM outsourcing, industry cyclicality, trade and labour disruptions, pricing concessions and cost absorptions, delays in program launches, the Company's dependence on certain engine and transmission programs and major OEM customers, currency exposure, and technological developments by Linamar's competitors.

A large proportion of the Company's cash flows are denominated in foreign currencies. The movement of foreign currency exchange rates against the Canadian dollar has the potential to have a negative impact on financial results. The Company has employed a hedging strategy as appropriate to attempt to mitigate the impact but cannot be completely assured that the entire exchange effect has been offset.

Other factors and risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ from current expectations are discussed in the MD&A and include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in interest rates, environmental emission and safety regulations, governmental, environmental and regulatory policies, and changes in the competitive environment in which Linamar operates. Linamar assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.

Conference Call Information

Q3 2013 Conference Call Information
Linamar will hold a conference call on November 13, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. EST to discuss its third quarter results.  The numbers for this call are [phone] (local/overseas) or [phone] (North America) confirmation number 26291572, with a call-in required 10 minutes prior to the start of the conference call.  The conference call will be chaired by Linda Hasenfratz, Linamar's Chief Executive Officer.  A copy of the company's quarterly financial statements, including the Management's Discussion & Analysis will be available on the company's website after 4 p.m. EST on November 13, 2013 and at www.sedar.com by the start of business on November 14, 2013.  A taped replay of the conference call will also be made available starting at 11:00 p.m. on November 13, 2013 for seven days.  The number for replay is [phone], Conference ID 26291572.  The conference call can also be accessed by web cast at www.linamar.com, by accessing the investor relations/events menu, and will be available for a 7 day period.

Audio only streaming of the conference call available.  Follow this link to connect http://www.media-server.com/m/p/zkhimd7j

Q4 2013 Conference Call Information
Linamar will hold a conference call on March 5, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. EST to discuss its fourth quarter/year end results.  The numbers for this call are [phone] (local/overseas) or [phone] (North America) confirmation number 26291572, with a call-in required 10 minutes prior to the start of the conference call.  The conference call will be chaired by Linda Hasenfratz, Linamar's Chief Executive Officer.  A copy of the company's quarterly financial statements, including the Management's Discussion & Analysis will be available on the company's website after 4 p.m. EST on March 5, 2014 and at www.sedar.com by the start of business on March 6, 2014.  A taped replay of the conference call will also be made available starting at 11:00 p.m. on March 5, 2013 for seven days.  The number for replay is [phone], Conference ID 26291572.  The conference call can also be accessed by web cast at www.linamar.com, by accessing the investor relations/events menu, and will be available for a 7 day period.

Audio only streaming of the conference call available at www.linamar.com under Investor Relations.

Linamar Corporation (TSX:LNR) is a diversified global manufacturing Company of highly engineered products powering vehicles, motion, work and lives. The Company is made up of 2 operating segments - the Powertrain/Driveline segment and the Industrial segments which are further divided into 4 key divisions - Manufacturing, Driveline, Industrial Commercial Energy ("ICE") and Skyjack, all world leaders in the design, development and production of highly engineered products.  The Company's Manufacturing and Driveline divisions focus on precision metallic components, modules and systems for engine, transmission and driveline systems designed for passenger vehicle markets.  The ICE group concentrates on similar products for on and off highway vehicle, energy and other industrial markets.  The Company's Skyjack division is noted for its innovative, high quality mobile industrial equipment, notably its class-leading aerial work platforms and telehandlers. With more than 18,000 employees in 42 manufacturing locations, 5 R&D centers and 15 sales offices in 12 countries in North America, Europe and Asia, Linamar generated sales of more than $3.22 Billion in 2012. For more information about Linamar Corporation and its industry leading products and services, visit www.linamar.com

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(signed)						(signed)
Frank Hasenfratz						Linda Hasenfratz
Chairman of the Board						Chief Executive Officer

Guelph, Ontario
November 13, 2013

 

SOURCE: Linamar Corporation

For further information regarding this release please contact Linda Hasenfratz at [phone].