QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


Exhibit 99.1

Press Release
For More Information, Call:

GAYLA J. DELLY
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
(979) 849-6550
  October 21, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BENCHMARK ELECTRONICS REPORTS RECORD SALES
AND RECORD EARNINGS FOR THIRD QUARTER 2004

ANGLETON, TX, OCTOBER 21, 2004—Benchmark Electronics, Inc., (NYSE: BHE) a leading contract manufacturing provider, announced sales revenue of $505 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, compared to $455 million for the same quarter last year. Third quarter net income was $18.0 million, or $0.43 per diluted share. In the comparable period last year, net income was $12.9 million, or $0.32 per diluted share.

"This quarter was once again challenging and it was rewarding to see the performance of the Benchmark team. We have expanded existing relationships, added new customers and ramped programs at a strong pace this year and continued to deliver strong results," commented Cary T. Fu, President and CEO of Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

Third Quarter 2004 Financial Highlights


Fourth Quarter 2004 Guidance

Forward-Looking Statements

        This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the scope of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The words "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "predict," and similar expressions, and the negatives of such expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that these statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, such statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including but not limited to industry and economic conditions, customer actions and the other factors discussed in Benchmark's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated.

        Benchmark Electronics, Inc. is in the business of manufacturing electronics and provides its services to original equipment manufacturers of computers and related products for business enterprises, medical devices, industrial control equipment, testing and instrumentation products, and telecommunication equipment. Benchmark's global operations include facilities in eight countries. Benchmark's Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BHE.

        A conference call hosted by Benchmark management will be held today at 10:00 am CDT to discuss the financial results of the Company and its future outlook. This call will be broadcast via the Internet and may be accessed by logging on to our website at www.bench.com.

###


Benchmark Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
(UNAUDITED)

 
  Three Months Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 
Net sales   $ 504,750   $ 455,352   $ 1,477,108   $ 1,352,770  
Cost of sales     466,232     418,382     1,363,084     1,243,271  
   
 
 
 
 
    Gross profit     38,518     36,970     114,024     109,499  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

14,553

 

 

16,330

 

 

45,604

 

 

49,244

 
Contract settlement                 (8,108 )
   
 
 
 
 
    Operating income     23,965     20,640     68,420     68,363  
Other income (expense):                          
  Interest expense     (392 )   (1,976 )   (1,551 )   (6,895 )
  Other     849     967     2,603     1,635  
   
 
 
 
 
Total other income (expense), net     457     (1,009 )   1,052     (5,260 )
   
 
 
 
 
    Income before income taxes     24,422     19,631     69,472     63,103  
Income tax expense     6,389     6,687     18,688     21,076  
   
 
 
 
 
    Net income   $ 18,033   $ 12,944   $ 50,784   $ 42,027  
   
 
 
 
 
Numerator for basic earnings per share — net income   $ 18,033   $ 12,944   $ 50,784   $ 42,027  
Interest expense on 6% convertible debt, net of tax         570         2,187  
   
 
 
 
 
Numerator for diluted earnings per share   $ 18,033   $ 13,514   $ 50,784   $ 44,214  
   
 
 
 
 
Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period     41,123     38,074     41,042     37,273  
Incremental common shares attributable to exercise of outstanding dilutive options     1,190     1,439     1,345     1,035  
Incremental common shares attributable to conversion of 6% convertible debt         2,147         2,706  
   
 
 
 
 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share     42,313     41,660     42,387     41,014  
   
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:                          
  Basic   $ 0.44   $ 0.34   $ 1.24   $ 1.13  
   
 
 
 
 
  Diluted   $ 0.43   $ 0.32   $ 1.20   $ 1.08  
   
 
 
 
 

Benchmark Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
September 30, 2004
(Amounts in Thousands)
(UNAUDITED)

Assets      

Current assets:

 

 

 
  Cash   $ 311,693
  Accounts receivable, net     259,705
  Inventories, net     289,800
  Other current assets     30,104
   
    Total current assets     891,302

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

71,437
Other assets, net     5,824
Goodwill, net     113,474
   
    Total assets   $ 1,082,037
   
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity      

Current liabilities:

 

 

 
  Current installments of other long-term debt   $ 15
  Accounts payable     268,847
  Other current liabilities     82,215
   
    Total current liabilities     351,077

Other long-term debt, excluding current installments

 

 

Other long-term liabilities     9,114

Shareholders' equity

 

 

721,846
   
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   $ 1,082,037
   



QuickLinks