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Newpark Resources Reports 2008 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

February 19, 2009

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Feb. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Newpark Resources, Inc. (NYSE: NR) today announced results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2008. Total revenues were $226.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to $173.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2007. The Company reported income from continuing operations of $7.2 million, or $0.08 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $6.8 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2007. Net income was $6.7 million, or $0.08 per diluted share for the quarter, compared to $6.7 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2007. Operating results in the fourth quarter of 2008 included $4.6 million in pre-tax charges ($3.0 million after-tax) related to the termination of the sale of the U.S. Environmental Services business and the anticipated resolution of a lawsuit with the Company's former Chief Executive Officer. Operating results in the fourth quarter of 2007 included a $4.0 million pre-tax charge ($2.9 million after-tax) related to the repayment and termination of the Company's previous credit facilities. As set forth in the attached Non-GAAP Earnings Reconciliation, excluding these charges from both the fourth quarter 2008 and 2007 periods, fourth quarter 2008 income from continuing operations was $10.2 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to fourth quarter 2007 income from continuing operations of $9.7 million, or $0.11 per diluted share.

For the full year 2008, total revenues were $858.4 million, compared to $671.2 million in 2007. Net income was $38.5 million, or $0.43 per diluted share in 2008 compared to $26.7 million, or $0.29 per diluted share in 2007. Operating results in 2008 included $8.1 million in pre-tax charges, as described above, compared to $6.4 million in certain pre-tax charges in 2007. As set forth in the attached Non-GAAP Earnings Reconciliation, excluding these charges in both 2008 and 2007, income from continuing operations was $44.7 million, or $0.50 per diluted share in 2008, compared to income from continuing operations of $36.1 million, or $0.40 per diluted share in 2007.

As previously reported, Newpark had entered into an agreement in April 2008 to sell its U.S. Environmental Services business to CCS, Inc. ("CCS"). In October 2008, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") filed suit seeking a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction to prevent the completion of the sale to CCS. In November 2008, we reached a mutual agreement with CCS to terminate the sale agreement. Following the termination of this agreement, the U.S. Environmental Services business, which had been reported within discontinued operations, is now reported in continuing operations as a third reportable segment of the Company. Prior period results included in this release reflect the reclassification of the U.S. Environmental Services business as continuing operations.

Paul Howes, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newpark, stated, "Fourth quarter revenue results in our core drilling fluids and engineering segment were strong, up 40% year over year. While domestic drilling activity slowed towards the end of the quarter, our international opportunities have been steadily growing. Highlights in our international fluids segment during the quarter include our signing a major contract with Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. to provide drilling fluids and related services for both onshore and offshore locations beginning in 2009. Additionally, we have recently won contract awards from other major operators in that market.

"While the decline in E&P spending is expected to negatively impact our operating results in 2009, as compared to the results achieved during 2008, we began taking actions during the fourth quarter to reduce headcount and operating costs, in an effort to meet the lower activity levels," concluded Howes.

Segment Results

The Fluids Systems and Engineering segment generated revenues of $191.0 million and 11.7% operating margin in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to revenues of $136.3 million and a 12.9% operating margin during the fourth quarter of 2007. Fourth quarter 2008 revenues were driven by strong growth in both North American and international markets. North American revenues increased 40% over the fourth quarter of 2007 on solid revenue gains from the U.S. market, while international revenues increased 43% compared to the fourth quarter of 2007, including a 20% increase from the Mediterranean region. Brazil also contributed to the international revenue growth, generating a $6.1 million increase in the fourth quarter of 2008 as the Company continues to expand its presence in the Brazilian market.

The Mats and Integrated Services segment generated revenues of $20.9 million and an operating loss of $1.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to revenues of $23.5 million and an operating profit of $1.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. The decline in revenues is attributable to lower drilling activity in our key markets. Fourth quarter 2008 results included $1.0 million of pre-tax charges for asset write-downs, following the decision to exit certain product offerings and dispose of assets.

The Environmental Services segment, which is now back in continuing operations, generated revenues of $15.1 million and a 2.8% operating margin in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to revenues of $13.2 million and a 19.1% operating margin in the fourth quarter of 2007. The margin decline is due primarily to pre-tax charges totaling $2.6 million related to asset write-offs taken following the termination of our sale agreement with CCS.

CONFERENCE CALL

In conjunction with this release, Newpark has scheduled a conference call, which will be broadcast live over the Internet, on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time / 9:00 a.m. Central Time. To participate in the call, dial (303) 262-2053 and ask for the Newpark Resources conference call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time, or access it live over the Internet at www.newpark.com. For those who cannot listen to the live call, a replay will be available through February 27, 2009 and may be accessed by dialing (303) 590-3000 and using pass code11124367#. Also, an archive of the webcast will be available shortly after the call at www.newpark.com for 90 days.

Newpark Resources, Inc. is a worldwide provider of drilling fluids, temporary worksites and access roads for oilfield and other commercial markets, and environmental waste treatment solutions. For more information, visit our website at www.newpark.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act that are based on management's current expectations, estimates and projections. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including Newpark's strategy for growth, product development, market position, expected expenditures and financial results are forward-looking statements. Some of the forward-looking statements may be identified by words like "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "intends," "projects," "indicates," and similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors, including those discussed more fully elsewhere in this release and in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Newpark, particularly its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, as well as others, could cause results to differ materially from those stated. These factors include, but are not limited to, the instability and effect of the credit and capital markets on the economy in general and the oil and gas industry in particular; the access to the credit markets by both Newpark and Newpark's customers; the outlook for drilling activity in North America and the rest of the world; the investigation of certain accounting matters by the Securities and Exchange Commission; changes in the laws, regulations, policies and economic conditions, including inflation, interest and foreign currency exchange rates, of countries in which Newpark does business; competitive pressures; successful integration of structural changes, including restructuring plans, acquisitions, divestitures and alliances; cost of raw materials, research and development of new products, including regulatory approval and market acceptance; and seasonality of sales of Newpark products and services. Newpark's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission can be obtained at no charge at www.sec.gov, as well as through our website at www.newpark.com.

    Contacts:   James E. Braun, CFO
                Newpark Resources, Inc.
                281-362-6800

                Ken Dennard, Managing Partner
                Dennard Rupp Gray & Easterly, LLC
                ksdennard@drg-e.com
                713-529-6600




    Newpark Resources, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations

                                      Three Months           Year Ended
                                    Ended December 31,      December 31,
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------
    (In thousands, except per
     share data)                      2008      2007      2008      2007
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------

      Revenues                     $226,933  $172,961  $858,350  $671,207

      Cost of revenues              205,821   151,444   760,224   581,881
                                    -------   -------   -------   -------
                                     21,112    21,517    98,126    89,326

      General and administrative
       expenses                       6,486     5,090    26,630    22,923
                                      -----     -----    ------    ------
      Operating income               14,626    16,427    71,496    66,403
      Foreign currency exchange
       loss (gain)                    1,136      (804)    1,269    (1,083)
      Interest expense, net           2,506     8,069    10,881    20,251
                                      -----     -----    ------    ------
      Income from continuing
       operations before income
       taxes                         10,984     9,162    59,346    47,235
      Provision for income taxes      3,755     2,386    20,046    15,472
                                      -----     -----    ------    ------
      Income from continuing
       operations                     7,229     6,776    39,300    31,763
      Loss from discontinued
       operations, net of tax          (542)     (590)     (842)   (3,488)
      Income (loss) from disposal
       of discontinued operations,
       net of tax                         -       560         -    (1,613)
                                        ---       ---       ---    ------
      Net income                     $6,687    $6,746   $38,458   $26,662
                                     ======    ======   =======   =======

    Basic weighted average
     common shares outstanding       88,199    90,162    88,987    90,015
    Diluted weighted average
     common shares outstanding       88,239    90,540    89,219    90,527

    Income per common share
     (basic):
      Income from continuing
       operations                     $0.08     $0.08     $0.44     $0.35
      Loss from discontinued
       operations                         -     (0.01)    (0.01)    (0.05)
                                        ---     -----     -----     -----
      Net income per common share     $0.08     $0.07     $0.43     $0.30
                                      =====     =====     =====     =====

    Income  per common share
     (diluted):
      Income from continuing
       operations                     $0.08     $0.07     $0.44     $0.35
      Loss from discontinued
       operations                         -         -     (0.01)    (0.06)
                                        ---       ---     -----     -----
      Net income per common share     $0.08     $0.07     $0.43     $0.29
                                      =====     =====     =====     =====



    Newpark Resources, Inc.
    Operating Segment Results


    (Unaudited)                          Three Months Ended
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                               December 31,   September 30,   December 31,
    (In thousands)                 2008           2008            2007
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Segment revenues
      Fluids systems and
       engineering              $190,968         $188,975       $136,267
      Mats and integrated
       services                   20,906           22,593         23,473
      Environmental
       services                   15,059           14,616         13,221
                                  ------           ------         ------
        Total segment
         revenues               $226,933         $226,184       $172,961
                                ========         ========       ========

    Segment operating
     income (loss)
      Fluids systems and
       engineering               $22,437          $25,601        $17,645
      Mats and integrated
       services                   (1,752)           1,131          1,342
      Environmental
       services                      427            1,874          2,530
                                     ---            -----          -----
        Total segment
         operating income        $21,112          $28,606        $21,517
                                 =======          =======        =======

    Segment operating margin
      Fluids systems and
       engineering                  11.7%            13.5%          12.9%
      Mats and integrated
       services                     (8.4%)            5.0%           5.7%
      Environmental
       services                      2.8%            12.8%          19.1%
                                     ---             ----           ----
        Total segment
         operating margin            9.3%            12.6%          12.4%
                                     ===             ====           ====



    Newpark Resources, Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets

    (Unaudited)
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               December 31,   December 31,
    (In thousands, except share data)              2008          2007
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    ASSETS
      Cash and cash equivalents                   $8,252        $5,741
      Receivables, net                           211,366       151,176
      Inventories                                149,304       120,326
      Deferred tax asset                          22,809        28,484
      Prepaid expenses and other current
       assets                                     11,062        12,612
      Assets of discontinued operations                -         6,026
                                                  ------         -----
        Total current assets                     402,793       324,365

      Property, plant and equipment, net         226,627       227,763
      Goodwill                                    60,268        62,616
      Deferred tax asset, net                        707           408
      Other intangible assets, net                18,940        21,898
      Other assets                                 4,344         6,443
                                                   -----         -----
        Total assets                            $713,679      $643,493
                                                ========      ========

    LIABILITIES AND
     STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
      Foreign bank lines of credit               $11,302        $7,297
      Current maturities of long-term debt        10,391        11,565
      Accounts payable                            89,018        68,109
      Accrued liabilities                         38,946        21,560
      Liabilities of discontinued
       operations                                      -           944
                                                     ---           ---
        Total current liabilities                149,657       109,475

      Long-term debt, less current portion       166,461       158,616
      Deferred tax liability                      15,979        10,340
      Other noncurrent liabilities                 3,700         4,398
                                                   -----         -----
        Total liabilities                        335,797       282,829

      Common Stock, $0.01 par value,
       100,000,000 shares authorized
       91,139,966 and 90,215,715 shares
       issued, respectively                          911           902
      Paid-in capital                            457,012       450,319
      Accumulated other comprehensive
       income                                      1,296        13,988
      Retained deficit                           (66,087)     (104,545)
      Less treasury stock, at cost;
       2,646,409 shares                          (15,250)            -
                                                 -------           ---
        Total stockholders' equity               377,882       360,664
                                                 -------       -------
      Total Liabilities and
       Stockholders' Equity                     $713,679      $643,493
                                                ========      ========



    Newpark Resources, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                                              Year Ended
    (Unaudited)                                              December 31,
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    (In thousands)                                          2008      2007
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Cash flows from operating activities:
    Net income                                           $38,458   $26,662
    Adjustments to reconcile net income
     to net cash provided by operations:
      Net loss from discontinued operations                  842     3,488
      Net loss on disposal of discontinued operations          -     1,613
      Impairment losses                                    3,840         -
      Depreciation and amortization                       27,343    23,601
      Stock-based compensation expense                     5,128     3,434
      Provision for deferred income taxes                 12,773     9,951
      Provision for doubtful accounts                      2,664     1,315
      (Gain) loss on sale of assets                         (245)       30
      Change in assets and liabilities:
        (Increase) decrease in receivables               (67,741)    5,146
        Increase in inventories                          (37,002)  (12,764)
        Decrease in other assets                           4,651     1,926
        Increase in accounts payable                      21,340     2,462
        Increase (decrease) in accrued
         liabilities and other                            16,090    (4,869)
                                                          ------    ------
      Net operating activities of continuing
       operations                                         28,141    61,995
      Net operating activities of discontinued
       operations                                            546     6,210
                                                             ---     -----
    Net cash provided by operating activities             28,687    68,205

    Cash flows from investing activities:
      Capital expenditures                               (22,494)  (22,176)
      Proceeds from sale of property, plant and
       equipment                                             510       986
      Business acquisitions                               (1,184)  (23,203)
                                                          ------   -------
    Net investing activities of continuing
     operations                                          (23,168)  (44,393)
    Net investing activities of discontinued
     operations                                                -     4,101
                                                             ---     -----
    Net cash used in investing activities                (23,168)  (40,292)

    Cash flows from financing activities:
      Net payments on lines of credit                     23,593    67,369
      Principal payments on notes payable
       and long-term debt                                (12,252) (155,026)
      Long-term borrowings                                     -    50,000
      Proceeds from exercise of stock options and ESPP     1,910     2,243
      Purchase of treasury stock                         (15,250)        -
                                                         -------       ---
    Net financing activities of continuing operations     (1,999)  (35,414)
    Net financing activities of discontinued operations      (63)     (235)
                                                             ---      ----
    Net cash used in financing activities                 (2,062)  (35,649)

    Effect of exchange rate changes                         (946)      758
                                                            ----       ---

    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   2,511    (6,978)

    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year         5,741    12,719
                                                           -----    ------

    Cash and cash equivalents at end of year              $8,252    $5,741
                                                          ======    ======



    Newpark Resources, Inc.
    Non-GAAP Earnings Reconciliation
    Continuing Operations

    The table below presents measures not derived in accordance with
    accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
    America ("GAAP").  Non-GAAP measures of financial performance exclude
    items that the Company believes are infequent or not inidicative of
    operating performance.  Non-GAAP financials measures should not be
    considered a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial
    performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.  The Company believes
    these non-GAAP financial measures are helpful for an understanding of
    the Company's operations, and management uses them in comparing the
    historical results to current results and measuring operating earnings
    trends.


                                      Quarter Ended        Year Ended
    (Unaudited)                        December 31,        December 31,
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    (In thousands, except
      per share data)                 2008     2007       2008      2007
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Income from continuing
     operations before income
     taxes - GAAP                   $10,984   $9,162     $59,346   $47,235
                                    -------   ------     -------   -------

    Adjustments:
      Legal and related
       transaction costs
       associated with
       abandoned sale of U.S.
       Environmental Services
       business                         796        -       4,347         -
      Asset write-offs following
       abandoned sale of U.S.
       Environmental Services
       business                       2,612        -       2,612         -
      Legal costs associated
       with anticipated
       resolution of
       lawsuit with former
       Chief Executive Officer        1,172        -       1,172         -
      Capitalized financing
       cost write-off associated
       with debt re-financing             -    3,955           -     3,955
      Legal and accounting
       expenses related to
       2005 restatement
       and related litigation             -        -           -     2,441
                                        ---      ---         ---     -----
    Total adjustments                 4,580    3,955       8,131     6,396
                                      -----    -----       -----     -----
    Income from continuing
     operations before income
     taxes - Non-GAAP                15,564   13,117      67,477    53,631

    Provision for income
     taxes on adjusted income         5,321    3,416      22,793    17,567
                                      -----    -----      ------    ------
    Income from continuing
     operations - Non-GAAP          $10,243   $9,701     $44,684   $36,064
                                    =======   ======     =======   =======

    Basic shares outstanding         88,199   90,162      88,987    90,015
    Diluted shares outstanding       88,239   90,540      89,219    90,527

    Income from continuing
     operations per common
     share (basic):
      Income from continuing
       operations per common
       share - GAAP                   $0.08    $0.08       $0.44     $0.35
      Impact of adjustments            0.04     0.03        0.06      0.05
                                       ----     ----        ----      ----
      Income from continuing
       operations per common
       share - Non-GAAP               $0.12    $0.11       $0.50     $0.40
                                      =====    =====       =====     =====

    Income from continuing
     operations per common
     share (diluted):
      Income from continuing
       operations per common
       share - GAAP                   $0.08    $0.07       $0.44     $0.35
      Impact of adjustments            0.04     0.04        0.06      0.05
                                       ----     ----        ----      ----
      Income from continuing
       operations per common
       share - Non-GAAP               $0.12    $0.11       $0.50     $0.40
                                      =====    =====       =====     =====

SOURCE Newpark Resources, Inc.

/CONTACT: James E. Braun, CFO of Newpark Resources, Inc., +1-281-362-6800; or Ken Dennard, Managing Partner of Dennard Rupp Gray & Easterly, LLC, +1-713-529-6600, ksdennard@drg-e.com, for Newpark Resources, Inc.

/Web Site: http://www.newpark.com /