Release Details

News Banner

Newpark Resources Reports 2004 Results; Fourth Quarter Operating Income Rebounds on 20% Revenue Growth

February 28, 2005

METAIRIE, La., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Newpark Resources, Inc. (NYSE: NR) today reported net income for the year ended December 31, 2004 of $4.0 million, or $0.05 per common share including non-cash charges of $0.03 per common share, on revenue of $433.4 million. This compares to net income of $494,000 or $0.01 per common share, on revenue of $373.2 million in 2003. For the fourth quarter, Newpark reported net income of $526,000 or $0.01 per share, after the same $0.03 per share in non-cash items, on revenue of $113.7 million versus a net loss in 2003 of $2.9 million or $0.04 per share on revenue of $94.6 million. Segment operating income increased 35% for the year and 151% for the quarter, primarily driven by improvements in Newpark's Drilling Fluids and Mat Sales and Rental Business Units.

During the fourth quarter, Newpark recognized an asset impairment of $3.4 million and an $800,000 increase in its allowance for doubtful accounts due to new estimation methods adopted in the period. Excluding the impact of these non-cash items, Newpark would have reported net income of $0.08 per share and $0.04 per share for the year and the quarter respectively.

James D. Cole, Newpark's chairman and CEO said: "We believe the improved fourth quarter operating results mark the beginning of a trend that should be more evident in 2005. With approximately 50% of revenue generated from new markets, products and services, the pattern of revenue generation in 2004 evidences the progress of Newpark's diversification away from its historic Gulf Coast market. While working to implement this strategy, our efforts were complicated by a 35% decline in activity in that market. The company's earnings performance has suffered during the implementation of this initiative, during which time we have reshaped our ongoing Gulf Coast business to restore profitability at current activity levels. The introduction of new products and services has helped achieve the objective of diversifying the revenue and earnings base. We are growing our market share in our drilling fluids business and expanding into new markets in the mat sales and rental business. In addition, we have recently announced the introduction of a new, proprietary water treatment technology and its application to E&P waste streams in the Green River and Powder River basins. In short, we believe there are good opportunities for continued growth ahead for Newpark Resources."

Drilling Fluids Segment

Revenue from drilling fluids for the year totaled $272.9 million, up 27% from 2003, while contributing $21.8 million of operating income, equal to an 8.0% operating margin. This compares to $215.5 million of revenue, $12.0 million of operating income, and a 5.5% operating margin in the prior fiscal year. During the fourth quarter, drilling fluids revenue was $76.9 million compared to $56.9 million in the year-ago period. Segment operating income of $8.1 million equaled a 10.5% operating margin. This compared to $3.3 million of operating income in the 2003 period, equal to 5.7% of revenues.

Fourth quarter revenue was up 35% from the year-ago period, a combination of a 12% increase in rig activity and continued market share gains. Cole commented, "Most of the share gain came from over thirty new customer relationships developed during 2004. Newpark exited 2004 with a 20% share of rigs operated in those markets we serve, compared to 14% a year ago. In 2005, we expect to see these same trends continue, together with a 5% to 6% price increase. We expect to improve operating margins to about 12% for the full year compared to 8% in the year just ended."

Mat Sales and Mat Rentals

For the year ended December 31, 2004, revenue from mat operations was $96.0 million, generating $4.4 million in segment operating profit. This compares to $88.9 million of revenue in 2003, and $515,000 of operating profit. Fourth quarter operations showed a similar year-over-year improvement.

Cole commented: "Fourth quarter operating results improved principally as a result of cost reductions and improved oilfield rental pricing. We expect this improvement to continue in 2005 with our cost reduction program generating approximately $8 million in 2005 benefit. In addition, we expect to see a 25% gain in pricing in the oilfield rental portion of the business supported by a continuing reduction in industry capacity in that market, as well as expanded revenue and earnings from non-oilfield mat rentals and sales."

E&P Waste Services

Revenue during 2004 from E&P waste totaled $64.5 million, producing segment operating profits of $8.2 million. This compares to $68.8 million in 2003 revenue and $13.0 million in segment operating profit. The year-over- year revenue decline is a function of lower Gulf Coast waste volume due to lower rig activity and the unusual tropical weather in the third quarter. Earnings declined due to operating leverage on the lower volume, adverse changes in the mix of active rigs, and higher transportation costs during the period.

Fourth quarter revenue totaled $16.9 million, providing $2.5 million of segment earnings. This compares to $17.8 million in revenue during the same quarter of 2003 and $3.3 million in operating contribution. Volume in the fourth quarter rebounded sequentially from 701,000 reported in the storm- impacted third quarter, to 872,000 barrels in the final quarter of 2004.

Volume for the full year, at 3.2 million barrels, declined 10% compared to 2003, principally the result of lower average rig activity during the year and adverse third quarter tropical weather. Average revenue per barrel declined 5.6% on changes in mix driven by the decline in offshore rig activity. Average pricing per barrel was $11.82 compared to $12.52 a year ago as a result of the change in mix.

"As we enter 2005, and for the first time since 2001," Cole indicated, "activity in the offshore and inland waters market has begun to improve. These have historically been the strongest markets for our waste operations, and we anticipate a 15% increase in 2005 volume if current activity levels are sustained."

Newpark recently announced the formation of Newpark Environmental Water Solutions, LLC and the first application of a newly licensed proprietary water treatment technology to improve the throughput capacity of the Company's Jonah-Pinedale oilfield waste disposal site in Wyoming, a very active North American natural gas trend. In addition, the Company has received a contract award for a treatment facility near Gillette, Wyoming for a major independent operator in the coalbed methane market. "We believe that the application of this proprietary technology to the waste water problems within the oil and gas industry could be a major new business for Newpark," said Cole.

Balance Sheet Data

Newpark ended the year with $7.0 million in cash and borrowings of $39.6 million outstanding under its bank credit facility. Working capital increased by $12.1 million during the year, principally due to the need to carry increased levels of barite inventory in support of growth in the drilling fluids business. Accounts receivable growth was negligible, with a 16 day reduction in the collection cycle helping reduce working capital needs during the year.

Investor Conference Call

Newpark will host a conference call at 10:00 AM EST, Tuesday, March 1. Investors may access the call by dialing 800-862-9098, the access code is Newpark. The call will be webcast live and can be accessed from the Investor Relations page of the Company's web site at "http://www.newpark.com ."

Newpark Resources, Inc. provides integrated fluids management, environmental and oilfield services to the exploration and production industry.

                            FINANCIAL DATA FOLLOW

The foregoing discussion contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. There are risks and uncertainties that could cause future events and results to differ materially from those anticipated by management in the forward-looking statements included in this press release. For further information regarding these and other factors, risks and uncertainties affecting Newpark, reference is made to the risk factors set forth in the Prospectus included in Newpark's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on May 8, 2002 (File No. 333-87840), and to the section entitled "Forward Looking Statements" on page 17 of that Prospectus. In particular, as described on page 9 of that Prospectus, any material decline in the level of oil and gas exploration and production activity could result in fewer opportunities being available for the service industry in general and Newpark in particular, and may adversely affect the demand for our services. In addition, as described on page 13 of that Prospectus, and rescission or relaxation of governmental regulations, including in the discharge regulations recently implemented, could reduce the demand for Newpark's services and reduce Newpark's revenues and income. You are strongly urged to review these sections for a more detailed discussion of these risks and uncertainties. Newpark's SEC filings can be obtained at no charge at http://www.sec.gov , as well as through our Website, http://www.newpark.com .



     Newpark Resources, Inc.
     Fourth Quarter Comparison
     (Unaudited)                                   Quarter Ended December 31,
     (In thousands, except per share data)           2004              2003

    Segment revenues
       Fluids sales and engineering                 $76,896           $56,901
       E&P waste disposal                            16,858            17,780
       Mat and integrated services                   19,935            19,946
          Total Segment Revenues                    113,689            94,627

    Segment operating income
       Fluids sales and engineering                   8,059             3,256
       E&P waste disposal                             2,543             3,319
       Mat and integrated services                      182            (2,280)
          Total Segment Operating Income             10,784             4,295

    General and administrative expenses               2,391             2,528
    Provision for uncollectible accounts                800             1,000
    Impairment of long-lived assets                   3,399               350
    Operating income                                  4,194               417

    Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss              (518)              (74)
    Interest income                                     (90)              (63)
    Interest expense                                  3,912             3,839
    Income (loss) before income taxes                   890            (3,285)
    Provision for income taxes                          139              (672)
    Net income (loss)                                   751            (2,613)
    Less:
       Preferred stock dividends and
        accretion                                       225               337
    Net income (loss) applicable to common shares      $526           $(2,950)

    Weighted average common shares
     outstanding (diluted)                           84,194            80,988

    Net income (loss) per common share
     (diluted)                                        $0.01            $(0.04)

    Pretax income                                      $890           $(3,285)
    Other non-cash charges:
    Provision for uncollectible accounts                800             1,000
    Impairment of long-lived assets                   3,399               350
    Depreciation and amortization                     5,461             5,279
    Interest expense                                  3,912             3,839
    EBITDA                                          $14,462            $7,183

    Waste Data (dollars in millions,
     except per barrel amounts)
       Gulf Coast E&P waste volume (000's)              872               850
       Gulf Coast average revenue per
        barrel                                       $11.59            $12.18

       Gulf Coast E&P revenue                         $10.5             $10.5
       Other market E&P revenue                         4.5               5.5
       NORM                                             1.0               1.2
       Industrial                                       0.9               0.6
                                                      $16.9             $17.8
    Mat Rental Data - Gulf Coast (dollars
     in millions, except per square foot
     amounts)
       Installation                                    $3.6              $3.0
       Re-rental                                        2.0               1.9
       Total                                           $5.6              $4.9

       Average price per square foot                  $1.05             $0.81
       Square feet installed (MM)                       3.4               3.7

    Drilling Fluids Data
       Average Rigs Serviced (North
        America)                                        196               139
       Annualized revenue per rig (000's)            $1,284            $1,295



     Newpark Resources, Inc.
     Fiscal Year Comparison                          Year Ended December 31,
     (Unaudited)
     (In thousands, except per share data)           2004              2003

    Segment revenues
       Fluids sales and engineering                $272,937          $215,491
       E&P waste disposal                            64,477            68,808
       Mat and integrated services                   96,008            88,880
          Total Segment Revenues                    433,422           373,179

    Segment operating income
       Fluids sales and engineering                  21,837            11,923
       E&P waste disposal                             8,156            13,008
       Mat and integrated services                    4,414               515
          Total Segment Operating Income             34,407            25,446

    General and administrative expenses               9,384             5,772
    Provision for uncollectible accounts                800             1,000
    Impairment of long-lived assets                   3,399               350
    Operating income                                 20,824            18,324

    Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss              (301)             (831)
    Interest income                                  (1,345)             (633)
    Interest expense                                 14,797            15,251
    Income (loss) before income taxes                 7,673             4,537
    Provision for income taxes                        2,717             2,460
    Net income (loss)                                 4,956             2,077
    Less:
       Preferred stock dividends and
        accretion                                       938             1,583
    Net income (loss) applicable to common
     shares                                          $4,018              $494

    Weighted average common shares
     outstanding (diluted):                          83,893            79,905

    Net income (loss) per common share:               $0.05             $0.01

    Pretax income                                    $7,673            $4,537
    Other non-cash charges:
    Provision for uncollectible accounts                800             1,000
    Impairment of long-lived assets                   3,399               350
    Depreciation and amortization                    20,801            21,329
    Interest expense                                 14,797            15,251
    EBITDA                                          $47,470           $42,467

    Waste Data (dollars in millions,
     except per barrel amounts)
       Gulf Coast E&P waste volume (000's)            3,226             3,589
       Gulf Coast average revenue per
        barrel                                       $11.82            $12.52

       Gulf Coast E&P revenue                         $39.8             $45.7
       Wyoming and Canada E&P revenue                  18.6              17.5
       NORM                                             3.2               3.4
       Industrial                                       2.9               2.2
                                                      $64.5             $68.8
    Mat Rental Data - Gulf Coast (dollars
     in millions, except per square foot
     amounts)
       Installation                                   $15.9             $15.5
       Re-rental                                        6.4               8.6
       Total                                          $22.3             $24.1

       Average price per square foot                  $0.99             $0.93
       Square feet installed (MM)                      16.0              16.6

    Drilling Fluids Data
       Average Rigs Serviced (North
        America)                                        178               138
       Annualized revenue per rig (000's)            $1,238            $1,210



     Consolidated Balance Sheets
     (Unaudited)                                 December 31,     December 31,
     (In thousands)                                  2004              2003
     ASSETS
          Current assets:
          Cash and cash equivalents                  $7,022            $4,692
          Restricted cash                               ---             8,029
          Trade accounts receivable, less
           allowances                               100,587            99,948
          Notes and other receivables                 7,321             5,428
          Inventories                                84,044            74,846
          Deferred tax asset                         12,501             8,698
          Prepaid expenses and other
           current assets                            13,275             8,510
          Total current assets                      224,750           210,151

          Property, plant and equipment, net        210,514           206,238
          Goodwill                                  117,414           115,869
          Deferred tax asset                          4,063             8,778
          Other intangible assets, net of
           accumulated amortization                  15,355            14,947
          Other assets                               18,018            19,517
                                                   $590,114          $575,500
     LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
          Foreign bank lines of credit               $8,017           $10,610
          Current maturities of long-term debt        5,031             3,259
          Accounts payable                           31,089            40,479
          Accrued liabilities                        34,608            21,894
          Total current liabilities                  78,745            76,242

          Long-term debt, less current
           portion                                  186,286           183,600
          Other noncurrent liabilities                2,118             1,697

          Preferred Stock                            20,000            30,000
          Common Stock                                  840               811
          Paid-in capital                           402,248           390,788
          Unearned restricted stock
           compensation                                (472)             (803)
          Accumulated other comprehensive
           income                                     8,199             5,033
          Retained deficit                         (107,850)         (111,868)
          Total stockholders' equity                322,965           313,961
                                                   $590,114          $575,500

SOURCE Newpark Resources, Inc.
02/28/2005
CONTACT: Matthew W. Hardey, Vice President of Finance of Newpark
Resources, Inc., 1-504-838-8222
Web site: http://www.newpark.com
(NR)