TOR Minerals returns to operating profitability during Q2

08 Aug '09

3 min read

TOR Minerals International, producer of synthetic titanium dioxide and color pigments, specialty aluminas, and other high performance mineral fillers, announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009. The company reported a net loss available to common shareholders of ($23,000), or ($0.00) per diluted share, on net sales of $5,654,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2009. This compares with a net loss available to common shareholders of ($353,000), or ($0.04) per diluted share, on net sales of $6,916,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

Net sales decreased 18 percent during the second quarter of 2009 primarily due to a 19 percent decrease in both HITOX and specialty alumina sales. Although weakness in paint and plastics markets continued to affect HITOX sales during the second quarter, order rates improved during the second quarter resulting in a 46 percent sequential revenue increase from the first quarter of 2009. During the second quarter of 2009, sales of specialty alumina products declined 19 percent versus the second quarter of 2008 and decreased 31 percent from the first quarter of 2009 primarily due to a decrease in European sales.

During the second quarter of 2009, the company reported an operating profit of $100,000, compared to an operating loss of ($211,000) during the second quarter of 2008. In addition to lower energy and raw materials costs, several factors, including revenue mix, a 19 percent reduction of indirect production costs, and a 37 percent reduction in SG&A expenses, contributed to the improvement in second quarter profitability.

Commenting on the results, Dr. Olaf Karasch, Chief Executive Officer said, “Earlier in the year, we took the necessary steps to prepare for an extended period of weak demand in our end markets. As a result of these steps, new, low-cost processing technologies and the dedicated efforts of our employees, the company was able to return to operating profitability during the second quarter.”

The company said that it expects to see continued improvement in financial results during the third quarter of 2009. “While continued improvements in profitability beyond third quarter will be dependent on top line performance, we are encouraged by the sequential improvement in HITOX order rates in the U.S. and Asia and have received significant interest in our new alumina products in the U.S. We are continuing to maintain a lean organization and continuing to focus on product areas that have short sale cycles and can improve top line performance and plant utilization,” continued Dr. Karasch

A webcast discussing second quarter 2009 results can be accessed for a period of 30 days via the News section of the TOR Minerals' website at www.torminerals.com.

Headquartered in Corpus Christi, Texas, TOR Minerals International is a global manufacturer and marketer of specialty mineral and pigment products for high performance applications with manufacturing and regional offices located in the United States, Netherlands and Malaysia.

TOR Minerals International Inc

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