Silgan Announces 2012 Earnings with Record Adjusted Net Income and Free Cash Flow Per Share

Silgan Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:SLGN), a leading supplier of rigid packaging for shelf-stable food and other consumer goods products, today reported full year 2012 net income of $151.3 million, or $2.17 per diluted share, as compared to full year 2011 net income of $193.2 million, or $2.75 per diluted share. Adjusted net income per diluted share was $2.70 for the full year 2012, after adjustments increasing net income per diluted share by $0.53. Adjusted net income per diluted share was $2.63 for the full year 2011, after a net adjustment reducing net income per diluted share by $0.12. A reconciliation of net income per diluted share to “adjusted net income per diluted share,” a Non-GAAP financial measure used by the Company, which adjusts net income per diluted share for certain items, can be found in Tables A and B at the back of this press release.

The Company delivered net cash provided by operating activities of $351.7 million in 2012 and free cash flow of $303.7 million in 2012 as compared to free cash flow of $152.9 million in 2011. Free cash flow in 2012 benefited from a reduction in inventory of $56.8 million, other working capital improvements and a planned decrease in capital expenditures. The Company is providing a reconciliation in Table C of this press release of net cash provided by operating activities to “free cash flow,” a Non-GAAP financial measure, which adjusts net cash provided by operating activities for capital expenditures, voluntary contributions to domestic pension benefit plans and changes in outstanding checks.

“While 2012 was not without its challenges, we are pleased to have successfully delivered another year of record adjusted net income per diluted share of $2.70 and record free cash flow per diluted share of $4.35, a free cash flow yield of over 10 percent,” said Tony Allott, President and CEO. “As we entered 2012, we indicated that driving strong cash flow was going to be one of our priorities, and our businesses successfully responded by improving working capital metrics across the board. More importantly, we implemented a series of strategic initiatives to enhance each of our business franchises and position them for further profit and cash flow improvements,” continued Mr. Allott. “Our metal container business did deviate from its historic steady profit growth, but this was largely due to the impact of significant working capital reductions, logistical challenges with customer demand and European market weakness. Additionally, we began funding two major initiatives in our food can operations in 2012. The first program, “Can Vision 2020,” is designed to dramatically reduce system costs of canned foods to the store shelf. The second program represents an industry-wide campaign through the Can Manufacturers Institute to communicate the significant and sustainable benefits of canned foods to our customers, retailers and consumers. As a result of the temporary nature of these cost challenges, successes in increasing can volumes in 2012 and the clear and growing competitive advantage of the metal food can, we remain confident in the ongoing strength of this business. In addition, we are pleased with the operational improvement in plastic containers and the overall performance of the closures business in 2012,” continued Mr. Allott. “In 2013, we anticipate making further investments in strategic activities, continuing to drive reductions in working capital and completing our tender offer, all of which are expected to deliver full year adjusted earnings per diluted share in a range of $3.05 to $3.20, an increase of 13 percent to 19 percent,” concluded Mr. Allott.

Net sales for the full year of 2012 were $3.59 billion, an increase of $79.1 million, or 2.3 percent, as compared to 2011. This increase was the result of an increase in net sales in the metal container and plastic container businesses, partially offset by a decrease in net sales in the closures business.

Income from operations for 2012 was $325.5 million, a decrease of $28.6 million, or 8.1 percent, as compared to $354.1 million for 2011, and operating margin decreased to 9.1 percent from 10.1 percent for the same periods. These decreases were largely the result of the inclusion in 2011 of $25.2 million of income from corporate development activities, including proceeds received from the termination of the Graham Packaging merger agreement, and a decrease in income from operations in the metal container business. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in income from operations in the plastic container business. Income from operations for 2012 included rationalization charges of $8.7 million, plant start-up costs of $6.4 million and costs attributable to 2012 acquisitions of $1.5 million. Income from operations for 2011 included rationalization charges of $7.7 million and a charge of $3.3 million for the resolution of a past product liability dispute.

Interest and other debt expense before loss on early extinguishment of debt for 2012 remained unchanged at $63.0 million as compared to 2011, with the impact of higher average outstanding borrowings being offset by lower average interest rates largely attributable to the issuance in March 2012 of $500 million of 5% Senior Notes due 2020 and the refinancing of the senior secured credit facility in July 2011. The loss on early extinguishment of debt of $38.7 million in 2012 was a result of the redemption of the 7¼% Senior Notes, while the loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.0 million in 2011 was a result of the refinancing of the senior secured credit facility.

The effective tax rate was 32.4 percent and 33.4 percent for 2012 and 2011, respectively. The effective tax rate for 2012 was favorably impacted by changes to statutory tax rates enacted in certain jurisdictions and the resolution of certain issues with tax authorities.

Metal Containers

Net sales of the metal container business were $2.29 billion in 2012, an increase of $82.2 million, or 3.7 percent, as compared to $2.21 billion in 2011. This increase was primarily due to an increase in unit volumes, due in large part to the inclusion of net sales from the 2011 and 2012 acquisitions, and higher average selling prices as a result of the pass through of higher raw material costs, partially offset by the impact of unfavorable foreign currency translation and lower price realization in the European markets largely in exchange for improved customer credit terms.

Income from operations of the metal container business in 2012 was $231.5 million, a decrease of $24.8 million as compared to $256.3 million in 2011, and operating margin decreased to 10.1 percent from 11.6 percent over the same periods. These decreases were primarily due to lower overhead absorption in 2012 as a result of planned inventory reductions as compared to favorable overhead absorption in 2011 due to an inventory build, inefficiencies as a result of the timing, mix and geography of customer requirements, the impact from lower price realization in Europe, start-up costs of $6.4 million for new production facilities in eastern Europe and the Middle East, higher depreciation expense and higher rationalization charges. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in unit volumes and a $3.3 million charge in 2011 for the resolution of a past product liability dispute. Rationalization charges were $2.5 million and $1.4 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Closures

Net sales of the closures business were $680.1 million for 2012, a decrease of $7.7 million, or 1.1 percent, as compared to $687.8 million in 2011. This decrease was primarily the result of the unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, lower net sales in Europe due to weak economic conditions and lower average selling prices as a result of the pass through of lower resin costs, partially offset by higher unit volumes in the single-serve beverage market in the U.S.

Income from operations of the closures business for 2012 decreased $2.8 million to $73.1 million as compared to $75.9 million in 2011, and operating margin decreased to 10.7 percent from 11.0 percent over the same periods. These decreases were primarily attributable to price pressure and lower unit volumes in the European market, unfavorable foreign currency translation and higher rationalization charges. These decreases were partially offset by higher unit volumes in the single-serve beverage market in the U.S. and benefits from ongoing cost reduction initiatives and improved manufacturing efficiencies. Rationalization charges were $2.9 million and $1.8 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Plastic Containers

Net sales of the plastic container business were $614.5 million in 2012, an increase of $4.6 million, or 0.8 percent, as compared to $609.9 million in 2011. This increase was principally due to the inclusion of net sales from the plastic food container operations acquired in August 2012, partially offset by lower average selling prices as a result of the pass through of lower raw material costs, selectively lower unit volumes in the base business and the impact of unfavorable foreign currency translation.

Income from operations of the plastic container business was $30.8 million, an increase of $18.2 million as compared to $12.6 million in 2011, and operating margin increased to 5.0 percent from 2.1 percent over the same periods. These increases were primarily attributable to the continued improvement in operating performance, the favorable comparison of the year-over-year resin pass through lag effect which benefited 2012, the inclusion of the recently acquired plastic food container operations and lower rationalization charges. Rationalization charges were $3.3 million and $4.0 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Fourth Quarter

The Company reported net income for the fourth quarter of 2012 of $29.4 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, as compared to net income for the fourth quarter of 2011 of $37.1 million, or $0.53 per diluted share. Adjusted net income per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $0.47 after adjustments increasing net income per diluted share by $0.05, as compared to $0.56 in the prior year quarter, after adjustments increasing net income per diluted share by $0.03.

Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2012 increased $22.9 million, or 2.7 percent, to $858.8 million as compared to $835.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2011. This increase was primarily due to an increase in unit volumes in the metal and plastic containers businesses due largely to the inclusion of net sales from the 2012 acquisitions and higher average selling prices from the pass through of higher tinplate steel costs, partially offset by lower average selling prices from the pass through of lower resin costs, the impact of weak economic conditions in Europe and the impact of unfavorable foreign currency translation.

Income from operations for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $58.7 million, a decrease of $11.3 million, or 16.1 percent, as compared to $70.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2011, and operating margin decreased to 6.8 percent from 8.4 percent over the same periods. These decreases were partially due to the comparison to a very strong quarter in the metal container business in the fourth quarter of 2011 as a result of the benefits from an inventory build and the recovery of certain project costs incurred throughout the year. In comparison, in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company experienced weak economic conditions in the European markets, the unfavorable impact of inventory reductions primarily in the metal container business, certain manufacturing inefficiencies due in part to the impact of hurricane Sandy and new plant start-up costs of $2.1 million, which were partially offset by improved operating performance in the plastic container business, higher unit volumes in the metal container business and the inclusion of the recently acquired plastic food container operations. Rationalization charges were $2.9 million in each of the fourth quarters of 2012 and 2011.

Interest and other debt expense before loss on early extinguishment of debt for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $15.4 million, a decrease of $0.9 million as compared to 2011. This decrease was primarily due to lower average interest rates, partially offset by higher average outstanding borrowings as a result of the issuance in March 2012 of $500 million of 5% Senior Notes.

The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2012 was 32.2 percent as compared to 30.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Dividend

On December 17, 2012, the Company paid a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.12 per share to holders of record of common stock of the Company on December 3, 2012. This dividend payment aggregated $8.4 million.

Outlook for 2013

The Company currently estimates that its adjusted net income per diluted share for the full year 2013 will be in the range of $3.05 to $3.20, which excludes rationalization charges and plant start-up costs. The primary drivers of the anticipated year-over-year increase are improved profitability in each business, the full year benefit from the 2012 acquisitions and the estimated impact from the purchase of $250 million of common stock pursuant to the Company’s “modified Dutch Auction” tender offer expected to be completed in February 2013.

Net sales in the metal container business are expected to be higher in 2013 as compared to 2012 primarily due to the contractual pass through of higher raw material and other manufacturing costs and an anticipated slight increase in unit volumes. Income from operations in the metal container business is expected to modestly improve as a result of slight volume growth, operational improvements and the benefits from the new plants in Russia, Jordan and the Ukraine. These increases are anticipated to be partially offset by general inflation and the costs of funding the strategic initiatives designed to further strengthen the competitive advantage of the metal food can. Net sales in the closures business are expected to increase slightly in 2013 primarily due to the pass through of higher raw material costs. Income from operations in the closures business is expected to improve slightly as a result of ongoing improvements in manufacturing efficiencies, partially offset by the negative impact from the lag in passing through resin cost increases already being experienced. Net sales in the plastic container business are expected to improve as a result of the full year inclusion of the recently acquired plastic food container operations. Income from operations in the plastic container business is expected to increase in 2013 as a result of the full year inclusion of the plastic food container operations and continued improvement in manufacturing performance, partially offset by the negative impact from the lag in passing through resin cost increases already being experienced.

The Company expects interest expense to increase modestly in 2013 as compared to 2012, excluding the loss on early extinguishment of debt in 2012, due primarily to higher average outstanding borrowings.

The Company currently estimates that free cash flow in 2013 will be approximately $250 million as a result of improved profitability, more modest year-over-year working capital reductions and higher capital expenditures.

The Company is providing an estimate of adjusted net income per diluted share for the first quarter of 2013 in the range of $0.40 to $0.50, as compared to adjusted net income per diluted share of $0.50 in the first quarter of 2012. The estimate for the first quarter of 2013 excludes rationalization charges and plant start-up costs. The year-over-year comparison of adjusted net income per diluted share includes the expected benefit from the recently acquired plastic food container operations and a lower number of shares outstanding with the anticipated completion of the tender offer. These benefits are expected to be more than offset by the negative comparison of the resin pass through lag effect which benefited 2012 and is expected to unfavorably impact 2013 and the favorable absorption of overhead in the first quarter of 2012 in the metal container business as a result of a higher than normal inventory build in advance of labor negotiations.

Conference Call

Silgan Holdings Inc. will hold a conference call to discuss the Company’s results for the fourth quarter and full year 2012 at 11:00 a.m. eastern time on January 30, 2013. The toll free number for those in the U.S. and Canada is (800) 390-5360, and the number for international callers is (719) 325-4827. For those unable to listen to the live call, a taped rebroadcast will be available through February 12, 2013. To access the rebroadcast, U.S. and Canadian callers should dial (888) 203-1112, and international callers should dial (719) 457-0820. The pass code is 4833729.

Silgan Holdings is a leading supplier of rigid packaging for shelf-stable food and other consumer goods products with annual net sales of approximately $3.6 billion in 2012. Silgan operates 81 manufacturing facilities in North and South America, Europe and Asia. Silgan is a leading supplier of metal containers in North America and Europe, and a leading worldwide supplier of metal, composite and plastic vacuum closures for food and beverage products. In addition, Silgan is a leading supplier of plastic containers for shelf-stable food and personal care products in North America.

Statements included in this press release which are not historical facts are forward looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward looking statements are made based upon management’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and therefore involve a number of uncertainties and risks, including, but not limited to, those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2011 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, the actual results of operations or financial condition of the Company could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward looking statements.