Cabot Announces Fourth Quarter Operating Results

Share Name	Share Symbol	Market	Type
Cabot Corp	TG:CBT	Tradegate	Ordinary Share

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	-0.50	-0.54%	91.50	91.00	91.50	91.50	91.50	91.50	90	20:35:30

Cabot (TG:CBT)
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Cabot Announces Fourth Quarter Operating Results EPS $0.23 versus $0.40 and Fiscal Year EPS $1.82 versus $1.14 BOSTON, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cabot Corporation (CBT/NYSE) today announced earnings of $15 million ($0.23 per diluted common share) for the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2004, compared with $28 million ($0.40 per diluted common share) for the year ago quarter. These results include $11 million ($0.16 per diluted common share) of after tax charges from certain items and discontinued operations in the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2004, compared with $2 million ($0.02 per diluted common share) of after tax income from certain items and discontinued operations for the same quarter of fiscal year 2003. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004, the Company earned $124 million ($1.82 per diluted common share) compared with $80 million ($1.14 per diluted common share) for the prior year. The full year results included $14 million ($0.20 per diluted common share) of after tax charges for certain items and discontinued operations, compared with $47 million ($0.67 per diluted common share) of after tax charges from certain items and discontinued operations for the prior year. Included in the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2004 certain items is a previously announced impairment charge of approximately $12 million related to the Company's investment in Sons of Gwalia. Additionally, the Company recorded a tax charge of $4 million due to the uncertain realization of a tax asset. This asset and the related impairment charge of $21 million for Sons of Gwalia were previously recorded in the third quarter of fiscal year 2003. With the charge taken in the current quarter, the Company has now completely written off its investment in Sons of Gwalia. Further details concerning charges from certain items and discontinued operations, which are not included in the business segment results discussed later in this release, are included in Exhibit I to this press release. Kennett F. Burnes, Cabot's Chairman and CEO, said, "We are pleased to report strong earnings for the Company for fiscal year 2004 across all businesses. These results were driven by the success of numerous initiatives in both our core and developing businesses as well as continued cost improvements and an improved economic environment." Burnes continued, "The Chemical Business rebounded from a difficult fiscal year 2003. Improved market conditions, new contracts with existing customers and cost improvements led to improved earnings in carbon black and fumed metal oxides. The Supermetals Business was successful in recovering from the expiration of the intermediate product portion of a customer contract at the end of fiscal year 2003 and also succeeded in extending contracts with two large customers. The Specialty Fluids Business performed very well due to an increase in the number and size of jobs completed during the year. We also achieved our targeted cost savings across the Company resulting from our "excellence" program which we began implementing last year to improve our overall operating performance." Fourth Quarter Comparisons Chemical Business -- For the quarter ended September 30, 2004, the Chemical Business segment had 9% volume growth and reported a 55% increase in year over year segment profit, from $11 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003 to $17 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004. Within the Chemical Business segment, carbon black's profit was equal to the fourth quarter last year. Volumes increased by 9% and costs were slightly down. However, this was offset by the earnings impact of inventory changes between periods. While the fiscal year 2003 quarterly results included costs related to decreases in inventory levels, a greater inventory decline and the related earnings impact occurred in the current quarter. Sequentially, profit declined by $28 million due primarily to a combination of seasonal business factors, including lower volumes and the cost of planned maintenance shutdowns. The decline was also caused by reduced margins resulting from increased raw material prices as well as the impact of changes in inventory, as noted above. In the fourth quarter, profits in Cabot's fumed metal oxides business were $6 million higher than the same quarter last year due mainly to volume growth and improved product mix. Sequentially, although volumes remained strong, profits were $2 million lower primarily due to planned maintenance costs and the timing of other operating costs. During the fourth quarter, the inkjet colorants business continued to deliver strong growth in the OEM and after-market segments. Sales volumes for this business were 56% higher in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 than in the same quarter last year, and 10% higher sequentially. Profits improved significantly compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. Supermetals Business -- In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, the Cabot Supermetals Business earned $22 million of segment profit, which represents a $5 million decrease in segment profit compared to the same period of 2003. This decrease reflects lower sales of intermediate products offset in part by higher volumes in other product areas. In addition, the business sold a greater proportion of its capacitor products at market prices rather than at fixed contract prices during the quarter. Both operating and administrative costs improved compared with the same period last year. Sequentially, segment profit was $4 million higher than the third quarter of 2004 mainly due to higher volumes and lower operating costs offset partly by a shift in mix toward greater market price sales. Specialty Fluids Business -- In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, Cabot Specialty Fluids completed nine jobs, most of which were begun in the third quarter. Segment profit was $4 million more than in the fourth quarter of 2003 due to the increased activity. Sequentially, segment profit was $5 million more than the prior quarter, reflecting the completion of a greater number of jobs in the current quarter. Fiscal Year Comparisons For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004, Cabot reported revenues of $1.934 billion compared to $1.795 billion for 2003. The year over year revenue increase was primarily due to higher volumes in the Chemical Business and favorable translation of foreign revenues, offset partially by lower sales of intermediate products in Supermetals as well as unfavorable mix in Chemicals and greater non-contracted volumes in the Supermetals Businesses. In fiscal 2004, Cabot earned $124 million of net income as compared to $80 million in 2003. The Chemical Business reported a $44 million increase in segment profit, driven primarily by higher volumes and lower operating costs offset partly by regional and product mix which resulted in lower average pricing. In addition, while fiscal year 2003 results benefited from the cost impact of increased inventories during the year, this benefit reversed in fiscal year 2004 as inventories declined. The Supermetals Business profit decreased by $31 million due to the absence of intermediate product sales partially offset by higher sales of other products and lower operating costs. The Specialty Fluids Business reported segment profit of $6 million, compared to a loss of $2 million in the prior year, due to an increase in both the number and size of wells using cesium formate during the year. Outlook With respect to the future, Burnes said, "We view these results as another solid step in our efforts to improve our operating performance and we are encouraged by the outlook for fiscal year 2005. In carbon black, we anticipate continued strong volumes and we are working to manage our margins in the face of high raw material costs. We are also executing our strategy of geographic migration as many of our customers move their manufacturing to emerging, lower cost regions. In fumed metal oxides, we expect continued strong demand, with our plants running at near capacity levels, and are pursuing our market development and capacity expansion plans in China. In Supermetals we are working to improve our cost competitiveness as sales transition from fixed contract prices to market based prices. Concerning our new businesses, in inkjet we continue to be very excited about the strength of our chemically treated pigment technology and its ability to enhance the quality and capability of inkjet printing. This technology will require our continued investment in research and development as well as manufacturing capability. In Specialty Fluids we are focusing our efforts on being the drilling fluid of choice in North Sea high pressure, high temperature wells and expanding our presence in other geographic areas, including the Gulf of Mexico and Saudi Arabia. We continue to invest cash and intellectual resources to develop our aerogels business and new business opportunities applying the SMP technology platforms and core competencies. We are monitoring these activities closely and are pleased with our continued progress in developing a robust new product pipeline. Given all of this, I am very optimistic about the long-term prospects for the Company." For those interested in more detailed information on Cabot's Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2004 results, please see the Supplemental Business Information available today on the Company's website in the Investor Relations section: http://w3.cabot-corp.com/earnings.cfm. Cabot Corporation is a global specialty chemicals and materials company headquartered in Boston, MA. Cabot's major products are carbon black, fumed silica, inkjet colorants, capacitor materials, and cesium formate drilling fluids. Forward-Looking Information: Included above are forward-looking statements relating to management's expectations regarding future profits, new business growth, the Company's product development program and the possible achievement of the Company's financial goals. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements included in this press release due to a variety of factors, including domestic and global economic conditions, such as market supply and demand, prices and costs and availability of raw materials; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; patent rights of others; stock market conditions; the timely commercialization of products under development by the Company (which may be disrupted or delayed by technical difficulties, market acceptance, competitors' new products, as well as difficulties in moving from the experimental stage to the production stage); the Company's ability to successfully manage acquisitions; demand for our customers' products; competitors' reactions to market conditions; the accuracy of the assumptions used by the Company in establishing a reserve for its share of liability for respirator claims; and the outcome of pending litigation and governmental investigations. Other factors and risks are discussed in the Company's 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Contact: James P. Kelly Director, Investor Relations (617) 342-6244 CABOT CORPORATION SUMMARY RESULTS BY SEGMENTS Three Months Twelve Months Periods ended September 30 Dollars in millions, except per share amounts (unaudited) 2004 2003 2004 2003 SALES Chemical Business $398 $345 $1,546 $1,371 Supermetals Business 80 96 338 390 Specialty Fluids 13 5 27 15 Segment sales (A) 491 446 1,911 1,776 Unallocated and other (B) 5 5 23 19 Net sales and other operating revenues $496 $451 $1,934 $1,795 SEGMENT PROFIT (LOSS) Chemical Business $17 $11 $132 $88 Supermetals Business 22 27 77 108 Specialty Fluids 5 1 6 (2) Total Segment Profit (C) 44 39 215 194 Interest expense (8) (7) (30) (28) General unallocated income (expense) (D) (15) 2 (15) (67) Less: Equity in net income of affiliated companies, net of tax (1) (2) (6) (5) Income from continuing operations before income taxes 20 32 164 94 Provision for income taxes (5) (7) (39) (17) Equity in net income of affiliated companies, net of tax 1 2 6 5 Minority interest in net income, net of tax (2) (1) (9) (7) Net income from continuing operations 14 26 122 75 Discontinued operations: Income from operations of discontinued businesses, net of tax (E) 1 2 2 5 Net income 15 28 124 80 Dividends on preferred stock (1) (1) (3) (3) Net income available to common shares $14 $27 $121 $77 Diluted earnings per share of common stock Net income from continuing operations $0.21 $0.38 $1.79 $1.08 Income from operations of discontinued businesses (E) $0.02 $0.02 $0.03 $0.06 Net income $0.23 $0.40 $1.82 $1.14 Weighted average common shares outstanding Diluted (F) 68 70 68 70 (A) Segment sales for certain operating segments within the Chemical Business include 100% of sales of one equity affiliate and transfers of materials at cost and at market-based prices. (B) Unallocated and other reflects an elimination for sales of one equity affiliate offset by royalties paid by equity affiliates and external shipping and handling costs. (C) Segment profit is a measure used by Cabot's operating decision-makers to measure consolidated operating results and assess segment performance. Segment profit includes equity in net income of affiliated companies, royalties paid by equity affiliates, minority interest and allocated corporate costs. (D) General unallocated income (expense) includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses), interest income, dividend income, and the certain items listed in Exhibit I. (E) Income related to recoveries from discontinued businesses, net of tax. (F) Commencing in Fiscal 2004, Cabot has adjusted its calculation of fully diluted shares outstanding to reflect the number of shares the Company could repurchase with the assumed proceeds from restricted stock awards under the Company's Long Term Incentive Program. Prior periods have not been adjusted because the adjustment would not have been material. CABOT CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Twelve Months Periods ended September 30 Dollars in millions, except per share amounts (unaudited) 2004 2003 2004 2003 Net sales and other operating revenues $496 $451 $1,934 $1,795 Cost of sales 386 372 1,457 1,373 Gross profit $110 $79 $477 $422 Selling and administrative expenses 52 63 217 251 Research and technical expenses 14 13 53 64 Income from operations $44 $3 $207 $107 Other income and expense Interest and dividend income 2 1 6 5 Interest expense (8) (7) (30) (28) Other income (expense) (18) 35 (19) 10 Total other income and expense (24) 29 (43) (13) Income from continuing operations before income taxes 20 32 164 94 Provision for income taxes (5) (7) (39) (17) Equity in net income of affiliated companies, net of tax 1 2 6 5 Minority interest in net income, net of tax (2) (1) (9) (7) Net income from continuing operations 14 26 122 75 Discontinued operations: Income from operations of discontinued businesses, net of tax(A) 1 2 2 5 Net income 15 28 124 80 Dividends on preferred stock (1) (1) (3) (3) Net income available to common shares $14 $27 $121 $77 Diluted earnings per share of common stock Net income from continuing operations $0.21 $0.38 $1.79 $1.08 Income from operations of discontinued businesses (A) $0.02 $0.02 $0.03 $0.06 Net income $0.23 $0.40 $1.82 $1.14 Weighted average common shares outstanding Diluted(B) 68 70 68 70 (A) Income related to recoveries from discontinued businesses, net of tax. (B) Commencing in Fiscal 2004, Cabot has adjusted its calculation of fully diluted shares outstanding to reflect the number of shares the Company could repurchase with the assumed proceeds from restricted stock awards under the Company's Long Term Incentive Program. Prior periods have not been adjusted because the adjustment would not have been material. CABOT CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION September 30, September 30, 2004 2003 In millions (unaudited) Current assets $1,173 $1,111 Net property, plant and equipment 918 913 Other non-current assets 335 284 Total assets $2,426 $2,308 Current liabilities $342 $352 Non-current liabilities 893 877 Stockholders' equity 1,191 1,079 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $2,426 $2,308 Working capital $831 $759 CABOT CORPORATION Fiscal 2003 In millions, except per share amounts (unaudited) Dec. Q. Mar. Q. June Q. Sept. Q. FY Sales Chemical Business $309 $352 $366 $345 $1,371 Supermetals Business 96 107 92 96 390 Specialty Fluids 2 3 6 5 15 Segment Sales (A) 407 462 464 446 1,776 Unallocated and other (B) 3 4 4 5 19 Net sales and other operating revenues $410 $466 $468 $451 $1,795 Segment Profit (Loss) Chemical Business $24 $23 $30 $11 $88 Supermetals Business 32 36 14 27 108 Specialty Fluids (1) (1) (1) 1 (2) Total segment profit (loss) (C) 55 58 43 39 194 Income (Loss) Available to Common Shares Interest expense (7) (7) (7) (7) (28) General unallocated income (expense) (D) (2) (20) (48) 2 (67) Less: Equity in net income of affiliated companies, net of tax (1) (1) (2) (2) (5) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before income taxes 45 30 (14) 32 94 (Provision) benefit for income taxes (11) (6) 6 (7) (17) Equity in net income of affiliated companies, net of tax 1 1 2 2 5 Minority interest in net income, net of tax (2) (2) (2) (1) (7) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 33 23 (8) 26 75 Discontinued Operations Income (Loss) from Operations of Discontinued Businesses, net of income taxes (E) - - 3 2 5 Net income (loss) 33 23 (5) 28 80 Dividends on preferred stock (1) (1) - (1) (3) Net income (loss) available to common shares $32 $22 ($5) $27 $77 Income (Loss) per common share Net income (loss) from Continuing Operations $0.48 $0.33 $(0.14) $0.38 $1.08 Income (Loss) from Operations of Discontinued Businesses (E) (F) - - 0.05 0.02 0.06 Total $0.48 $0.33 $(0.09) $0.40 $1.14 Weighted average common shares outstanding Diluted (G) 70 70 59 70 70 CABOT CORPORATION Fiscal 2004 In millions, except per share amounts (unaudited) Dec. Q. Mar. Q. June Q. Sept. Q. FY Sales Chemical Business $351 $399 $398 $398 $1,546 Supermetals Business 87 85 86 80 338 Specialty Fluids 1 9 4 13 27 Segment Sales (A) 439 493 488 491 1,911 Unallocated and other (B) 7 7 4 5 23 Net sales and other operating revenues $446 $500 $492 $496 $1,934 Segment Profit (Loss) Chemical Business $27 $43 $45 $17 $132 Supermetals Business 21 16 18 22 77 Specialty Fluids (2) 3 - 5 6 Total segment profit (loss) (C) 46 62 63 44 215 Income (Loss) Available to Common Shares Interest expense (7) (7) (8) (8) (30) General unallocated income (expense) (D) - (3) 2 (15) (15) Less: Equity in net income of affiliated companies, net of tax (2) (1) (2) (1) (6) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before income taxes 37 51 55 20 164 (Provision) benefit for income taxes (8) (13) (13) (5) (39) Equity in net income of affiliated companies, net of tax 2 1 2 1 6 Minority interest in net income, net of tax (1) (3) (3) (2) (9) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 30 36 41 14 122 Discontinued Operations Income (Loss) from Operations of Discontinued Businesses, net of income taxes (E) (1) 1 1 1 2 Net income (loss) 29 37 42 15 124 Dividends on preferred stock (1) (1) - (1) (3) Net income (loss) available to common shares $28 $36 $42 $14 $121 Income (Loss) per common share Net income (loss) from Continuing Operations $0.43 $0.53 $0.61 $0.21 $1.79 Income (Loss) from Operations of Discontinued Businesses (E) (F) (0.01) 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.03 Total $0.42 $0.54 $0.62 $0.23 $1.82 Weighted average common shares outstanding Diluted (G) 68 69 69 68 68 (A) Segment sales for certain operating segments within the Chemical Business include 100% of sales of one equity affiliate and transfers of materials at cost and at market-based prices. (B) Unallocated and other reflects an elimination for sales for one equity affiliate offset by royalties paid by equity affiliates and external shipping and handling costs. (C) Segment profit is a measure used by Cabot's operating decision-makers to measure consolidated operating results and assess segment performance. Segment profit includes equity in net income of affiliated companies, royalties paid by equity affiliates, minority interest and allocated corporate costs. (D) General unallocated income (expense) includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses), interest income, dividend income and certain items. (E) Additional income in Fiscal 2003, Q3 2004, and Q4 2004 related to recoveries from discontinued businesses, net of tax. (F) Amounts in Q1 2004 and Q2 2004 relate to litigation associated with a previously divested business, net of tax. (G) Commencing in Fiscal 2004, Cabot has adjusted its calculation of fully diluted shares outstanding to reflect the number of shares the Company could repurchase with the assumed proceeds from restricted stock awards under the Company's Long Term Incentive Program. Prior periods have not been adjusted because the adjustment would not have been material. CABOT CORPORATION CERTAIN ITEMS - Exhibit I Periods ended September 30 Three Months Dollars in millions, except per share amounts (unaudited) 2004 2004 2003 2003 $ per share $ per share Certain items before income taxes Investment impairment charges $(12) $(0.17) $- $- Reserve for respirator claims 2 0.02 - - Restructuring initiatives (2) (0.02) (33) (0.36) Insurance recoveries - - 2 0.02 In-process research and development - - - - Asset impairment charges - - (4) (0.04) Sale of equity interest - - 35 0.38 Other non-operating items (1) (0.01) - - Total certain items (13) (0.18) - 0.00 Discontinued operations 1 0.02 3 0.02 Total certain items and discontinued operations pre-tax (12) (0.16) 3 0.02 Total certain items and discontinued operations after tax $(11) $(0.16) $2 $0.02 Periods ended September 30 Twelve Months Dollars in millions, except per share amounts (unaudited) 2004 2004 2003 2003 $ per share $ per share Certain items before income taxes Investment impairment charges $(12) $(0.17) $(22) $(0.21) Reserve for respirator claims 2 0.02 (20) (0.22) Restructuring initiatives (6) (0.06) (51) (0.55) Insurance recoveries - - 4 0.04 In-process research and development - - (14) (0.13) Asset impairment charges - - (4) (0.04) Sale of equity interest - - 35 0.38 Other non-operating items (2) (0.02) - - Total certain items (18) (0.23) (72) (0.73) Discontinued operations 2 0.03 7 0.06 Total certain items and discontinued operations pre-tax (16) (0.20) (65) (0.67) Total certain items and discontinued operations after tax $(14) $(0.20) $(47) $(0.67) Periods ended September 30 Three Months Twelve Months Dollars in millions, except per share amounts (unaudited) 2004 2003 2004 2003 Statement of Operations Line Item Cost of sales (2) (29) (5) (40) Selling and administrative expenses 3 (5) 2 (31) Research and technical service - (1) - (14) Other (charges) income (14) 35 (15) 13 Total certain items (13) - (18) (72) DATASOURCE: Cabot Corporation CONTACT: James P. Kelly, Director, Investor Relations of Cabot Corporation, +1-617-342-6244 Web site: http://www.cabot-corp.com/

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CBT Cabot Corp