(CHAMPION LOGO)
     
Contacts:
  Exhibit 99.1
Laurie Van Raemdonck
Vice President, Investor Relations
(248) 340-7731
lvanraemdonck@championhomes.net
or
Phyllis Knight
Executive Vice President and CFO
(248) 340-9090
Champion Enterprises Reports First Quarter 2007 Results
International Revenues Increase While Weakness Persists in the U.S. HUD-Code
and Broader Housing Markets
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 17, 2007 – Champion Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: CHB), a leader in factory-built construction, today announced results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2007. Revenues for the quarter decreased 25 percent to $259.8 million compared to $346.5 million for the first quarter of 2006. The Company reported a net loss for the quarter of $7.2 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to net income of $13.6 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the same period of the prior year.
“Despite strong contributions from our non-U.S. operations, this quarter’s results demonstrate the difficult markets we continue to face in our domestic operations,” stated William C. Griffiths, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Champion Enterprises, Inc. “Seasonally, the first quarter is always our most challenging, and this was no exception. As a result of the continuing deterioration in U.S. housing markets, we were only able to operate our U.S. manufacturing plants at 44 percent capacity utilization during the quarter even after reducing our production capacity by over 20 percent in the last year.
“While our order intake rates and backlogs have seen a seasonal increase over the last several weeks, orders continue to run below last year’s rate, indicating that difficult market conditions may persist well into the year.”
Mr. Griffiths concluded, “In light of market conditions, we have intensified our focus on cost control, closed our sixth plant in less than 12 months, reduced our working capital investment by $17 million and curtailed our capital spending. These actions, along with our international diversification, enabled us to generate positive free cash flow during our most challenging quarter. Strong cash returns will continue to fuel the future execution of our growth and diversification strategy.”

 


 

Champion Enterprises Reports First Quarter 2007 Results
Page 2
North American Manufacturing Segment
  Manufacturing segment net sales for the first quarter decreased 40 percent to $199.3 million compared to $331.7 million in the same period of the prior year. Excluding approximately $23 million of revenues from the sale of homes to FEMA during the first quarter of last year, net sales fell 35 percent.
 
  Revenues from the sale of modular homes in the quarter totaled $63 million, representing 32 percent of manufacturing segment sales, down from $81 million in the first quarter of 2006, while homes sold into Canada grew 14 percent compared to the first quarter of 2006 and increased 25 percent over last quarter.
 
  Manufacturing segment income for the first quarter totaled $0.1 million compared to $26.0 million in the first quarter of 2006. Segment income included $1.3 million of restructuring charges and $0.8 million of gains from the sale of property in the first quarter of 2007, compared to $4.0 million of property sale gains in the prior year. Despite low capacity utilization, the segment was able to slightly exceed breakeven.
 
  Segment backlogs improved to $42 million at the end of the first quarter compared to $36 million at the end of 2006 and $71 million last year.
 
  During the first quarter of 2007, the Company closed a plant in Pennsylvania, where it continues to operate three facilities.
International Manufacturing Segment
  International segment sales totaled $46.5 million for the quarter, up from $32.6 million last quarter, while segment income increased to $3.1 million for the period from $2.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2006 resulting in a segment margin of 6.7 percent compared to 7.6 percent last quarter.
 
  International segment order backlogs further strengthened, with firm contracts and orders pending contracts under framework agreements totaling approximately $250 million, compared to approximately $225 million at the end of last quarter.
Retail Segment
  The Company’s California-based retail segment reported first quarter 2007 revenues of $18.1 million compared to $27.3 million for the same period last year.
 
  Retail segment income totaled $0.9 million for the quarter compared to $1.5 million in 2006, and the segment margins were 4.8 percent compared to 5.5 percent for the first quarter of 2006.
Other Highlights
  Cash and cash equivalents increased to $76.6 million at the end of the quarter compared to $70.2 million at the end of 2006.

 


 

Champion Enterprises Reports First Quarter 2007 Results
Page 3
  Cash flow from continuing operating activities totaled $6.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 compared to $27.0 million last year. Approximately $17 million of the $20.1 million decrease was the result of non-recurring FEMA collections during the first quarter of 2006.
 
  The Company amended its credit facility during the quarter to adjust both the allowed leverage and required interest coverage for the last 12 months ended March 31, 2007. The Company was in compliance with both requirements, as amended, for the period.
First Quarter 2007 Conference Call
Champion Enterprises will host a conference call on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 11 a.m. EDT to discuss these results and current business trends. To listen to the call, please call (888) 482-0024 for domestic callers or (617) 801-9702 for international callers. The passcode is 11902308. The call may also be heard live at www.championhomes.com under the investor relations link.
A telephone replay of the call will be available approximately one hour after the call’s conclusion through Wednesday, May 2, 2007. To access the telephone replay, please call (888) 286-8010 for domestic callers or (617) 801-6888 for international callers. The passcode is 89071314. The webcast replay will be available on the Company’s Web site under the investor relations link for 90 days.
About Champion
Auburn Hills, Michigan-based Champion Enterprises, Inc., a leader in factory-built construction, operates 32 manufacturing facilities in North America and the United Kingdom and works with over 3,000 independent retailers, builders and developers. Champion produces manufactured and modular homes through its family of homebuilders, as well as modular buildings for government and commercial applications. For more information, please visit www.championhomes.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain statements, including statements regarding future market conditions, the execution of Champion’s growth and diversification strategy, and backlogs and pending orders, each of which could be construed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
These statements reflect the Company’s views with respect to future plans, events and financial performance. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update the information contained herein, which speaks only as of the date of this press release. The Company has identified certain risk factors which could cause actual results and plans to differ substantially from those included in the forward-looking statements. These factors are discussed in the Company’s most recently filed Form 10-K and other SEC filings, in each case under the section entitled “Forward-Looking Statements,” and those discussions regarding risk factors are incorporated herein by reference.
– Tables Follow –

 


 

CHB/ 4
CHAMPION ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL SUMMARY (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and weighted shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
                         
    Three Months Ended        
    March 31,     April 1,     %  
    2007     2006     Change  
Net sales:
                       
Manufacturing segment
  $ 199,296     $ 331,651       (40 %)
International segment
    46,531                
Retail segment
    18,070       27,278       (34 %)
Less: intercompany
    (4,100 )     (12,400 )        
 
                   
Total net sales
    259,797       346,529       (25 %)
 
                       
Cost of sales
    227,784       292,236       (22 %)
 
                   
 
                       
Gross margin
    32,013       54,293       (41 %)
 
                       
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    36,900       37,231       (1 %)
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,402       92          
 
                   
 
                       
Operating (loss) income
    (6,289 )     16,970       (137 %)
Interest expense, net
    4,040       2,070       95 %
 
                   
 
                       
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
    (10,329 )     14,900       (169 %)
 
                       
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (3,090 )     1,200          
 
                   
 
                       
(Loss) income from continuing operations
    (7,239 )     13,700       (153 %)
 
                       
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (7 )     (53 )        
 
                   
 
                       
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,246 )   $ 13,647       (153 %)
 
                   
 
                       
Basic (loss) income per share:
                       
(Loss) income from continuing operations
  $ (0.09 )   $ 0.18       (150 %)
Loss from discontinued operations
                   
 
                   
Net (loss) income
  $ (0.09 )   $ 0.18       (150 %)
 
                   
 
                       
Weighted shares for basic EPS
    76,557       76,081          
 
                   
 
                       
Diluted (loss) income per share:
                       
(Loss) income from continuing operations
  $ (0.09 )   $ 0.18       (150 %)
Loss from discontinued operations
                   
 
                   
Net (loss) income
  $ (0.09 )   $ 0.18       (150 %)
 
                   
 
                       
Weighted shares for diluted EPS
    76,557       77,300          
 
                   
See accompanying Notes to Financial Information.
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CHB/ 5
CHAMPION ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
                 
    (UNAUDITED)    
    March 31,   December 30,
    2007   2006
     
Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 76,571     $ 70,208  
Accounts receivable, trade
    58,099       47,645  
Inventories
    93,046       102,350  
Deferred tax asset
    32,126       32,303  
Other current assets
    9,834       10,677  
     
Total current assets
    269,676       263,183  
     
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
    110,598       112,527  
Goodwill and other intangible assets
    334,012       335,464  
Deferred tax asset
    76,235       71,600  
Other non-current assets
    17,245       17,841  
     
Total assets
  $ 807,766     $ 800,615  
     
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 72,784     $ 54,607  
Other accrued liabilities
    144,791       148,596  
     
Total current liabilities
    217,575       203,203  
     
 
               
Long-term debt
    251,956       252,449  
Deferred tax liability
    10,327       10,600  
Other long-term liabilities
    32,562       32,601  
Shareholders’ equity
    295,346       301,762  
     
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 807,766     $ 800,615  
     
See accompanying Notes to Financial Information.
(more)

 


 

CHB/ 6
CHAMPION ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
                 
    Three Months Ended
    March 31,   April 1,
    2007   2006
     
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,246 )   $ 13,647  
Loss from discontinued operations
    7       53  
Adjustments:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    5,027       3,231  
Stock-based compensation
    819       1,817  
Changes in deferred taxes
    (4,235 )      
Fixed asset impairment charge
    200        
Gain on disposal of fixed assets
    (800 )     (3,986 )
Changes in working capital
    16,949       18,986  
Changes in accrued liabilities
    (5,902 )     (10,491 )
Other, net
    2,083       3,763  
     
Cash provided by continuing operating activities
    6,902       27,020  
     
 
               
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (1,878 )     (4,511 )
Acquisitions
          (22,828 )
Proceeds on disposal of fixed assets
    818       4,620  
     
Cash used for investing activities
    (1,060 )     (22,719 )
     
 
               
Payments on long-term debt
    (493 )     (301 )
Increase in deferred financing costs
          (15 )
Decrease in restricted cash
    15        
Common stock issued, net
    464       622  
     
Cash (used for) provided by financing activities
    (14 )     306  
     
 
               
Cash provided by discontinued operations
    219       550  
 
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    316        
     
 
               
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    6,363       5,157  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    70,208       126,979  
     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 76,571     $ 132,136  
     
See accompanying Notes to Financial Information.
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CHB/ 7
CHAMPION ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
(1) The Company’s international segment consists of Caledonian Building Systems Limited, which was acquired on April 7, 2006.
(2) In the second quarter of 2006 the Company reversed its deferred tax asset valuation allowance. The Company’s earnings subsequent to this reversal are fully taxed for financial reporting purposes. Income tax benefit for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 is based on the Company’s estimated effective consolidated tax rate for the full year after consideration of both estimated annual pretax results and the related statutory tax rates in the three countries in which the Company operates. The tax benefit for the first quarter of 2007 includes a $0.5 million benefit from the settlement of a tax uncertainty that was fully provided for in prior periods. Income tax expense for the quarter ended April 1, 2006, was affected by the deferred tax valuation allowance and consisted primarily of foreign income tax expense.
(3) The Company evaluates the performance of its manufacturing, international and retail segments based on income before amortization of intangible assets, interest, income taxes and general corporate expenses. A reconciliation of (loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes for the three months ended are as follows (dollars in thousands):
                                 
    March 31,     Related     April 1,     Related  
Three months ended:   2007     Sales     2006     Sales  
     
Manufacturing segment income
  $ 96           $ 25,966       7.8 %
International segment income
    3,124       6.7 %            
Retail segment income
    872       4.8 %     1,513       5.5 %
General corporate expenses
    (9,279 )             (9,617 )        
Amortization of intangible assets
    (1,402 )             (92 )        
Intercompany eliminations
    300               (800 )        
Interest expense, net
    (4,040 )             (2,070 )        
 
                           
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ (10,329 )     (4.0 %)   $ 14,900       4.3 %
 
                           
(4) The Company’s discontinued operations consist primarily of its traditional retail business, which was disposed of in 2005.
(5) Gains on disposal of fixed assets resulted primarily from the sale of an idle plant in the first quarter of 2007 and the sale of an investment property in Florida and an idle plant in the first quarter of 2006.
(6) The results of operations for Highland Manufacturing, Caledonian and North American Housing are not included in the Company’s results from continuing operations for the three months ended April 1, 2006 as each was acquired at or subsequent to the close of the quarter. The assets and liabilities of Highland Manufacturing are included in the consolidated balance sheet as of April 1, 2006.
(more)

 


 

CHB/ 8
CHAMPION ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
OTHER STATISTICAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
                         
    Three months ended    
    March 31,   April 1,   %
    2007   2006   Change
     
MANUFACTURING
                       
Units sold:
                       
HUD Code
    2,160       4,765       (55 %)
Modular
    767       994       (23 %)
Canadian
    344       302       14 %
Other
    12       18       (33 %)
             
Total units sold
    3,283       6,079       (46 %)
Less: intercompany
    64       181       (65 %)
             
Units sold to independent retailers / builders
    3,219       5,898       (45 %)
 
                       
Floors sold
    6,365       11,314       (44 %)
 
                       
Multi-section mix
    79 %     75 %        
 
                       
Average unit prices, excluding delivery
                       
Total
  $ 55,000     $ 49,700       11 %
HUD Code
  $ 45,500     $ 43,600       4 %
Modular
  $ 77,200     $ 77,000       0 %
#####