MEDINA, Ohio, July 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- RPM International Inc. (NYSE: RPM) today reported record sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for its fiscal fourth quarter ended May 31, 2015.

Fourth-Quarter Results

Fourth-quarter net sales increased 7.5% to $1.37 billion from $1.28 billion. Consolidated earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) improved 18.7% to $204.3 million, from $172.1 million a year ago. Net income for the fourth quarter was up 17.7% to $128.0 million from $108.8 million reported in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. Diluted earnings per share were $0.94, up 17.5% from $0.80 reported a year ago.

"We are pleased with RPM's fourth-quarter performance, especially in view of the headwinds posed by the very strong U.S. dollar and sluggish conditions in many international regions, including much of Europe and Latin America. Despite these challenges, our operating companies continue to compete and win in their respective markets, helping to drive our growth. Furthermore, fiscal 2015 will be most remembered as the year we closed the chapter on our Bondex asbestos liability issue and reconsolidated the Specialty Products Holding Corp. (SPHC) subsidiaries generating more than $400 million in annualized sales back into the fold at RPM," stated Frank C. Sullivan, RPM chairman and chief executive officer.

Fourth-Quarter Segment Sales and Earnings

Fiscal 2015 fourth-quarter industrial segment sales increased 14.2% to $878.5 million from $769.2 million reported a year ago. Organic sales improved 6.4%, while acquisition growth added 16.3%, including the impact of SPHC subsidiaries that were reconsolidated with RPM's results effective on January 1, 2015. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted sales by 8.5%. Industrial segment EBIT was up 21.6% to $120.7 million from $99.2 million in the prior year.

"Industrial results were mixed in the fourth quarter, as they have been throughout the 2015 fiscal year. Our U.S. industrial businesses performed well, benefiting in part from continued momentum in commercial construction and the additional sales attributable to the reconsolidation of SPHC. This performance was dampened by the surge in the U.S. dollar against most other currencies around the world, especially the Euro. Overall, our industrial businesses in Europe showed tremendous resiliency with relatively flat sales in local currencies," stated Sullivan.

Net sales for RPM's consumer segment declined 2.5% to $494.7 million from $507.6 million in the fiscal 2014 fourth quarter. Organic sales were down 1.3%, while acquisition growth added 1.3%. Foreign exchange translation was a negative 2.5%. Consumer segment EBIT increased 17.1% in the fiscal 2015 fourth quarter to $100.6 million from $86.0 million and included an earn-out reversal of $9.9 million from Synta, established at the time of its acquisition in fiscal 2013. Excluding the earn-out, EBIT increased 5.5%.

"Our consumer businesses faced some tough comparisons against a very strong fourth quarter in fiscal 2014, particularly our Synta deck coatings and Kirker nail enamel businesses. Additionally, the impact of a particularly rainy spring and start to the summer selling season dampened retail take-away across nearly all our consumer product lines," stated Sullivan.

Cash Flow and Financial Position

For fiscal 2015, cash from operations was $330.4 million, up 18.8% from $278.1 million in fiscal 2014. Capital expenditures during the year were $85.4 million, while depreciation was $62.2 million. Total debt at the end of fiscal 2015 was $1.66 billion, compared to $1.35 billion at the end of fiscal 2014. RPM's net (of cash) debt-to-total capitalization ratio was 53.4%, compared to 42.4% at May 31, 2014.

As previously reported, during the fourth quarter RPM sold $250 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.250% notes due June 1, 2045. Net proceeds of the offering were used to repay a portion of borrowings under the company's revolving credit facility.

"RPM's capital position remains strong, with 87.3% of total debt at fixed rates and a total average interest rate of 4.26%. While our net (of cash) debt-to-total capitalization ratio increased as a result of borrowing to fund the first installment of our settlement related to SPHC, it is still within our historic norms. Our strong cash generation allowed RPM to reduce long-term debt in the fourth quarter by more than $200 million. At May 31, 2015, RPM had $963.7 million in liquidity, including cash and long-term committed available credit, enabling the continuation of our acquisition program, internal growth efforts and a growing cash dividend," Sullivan stated.

Fiscal 2015 Consolidated Sales and Earnings

Fiscal 2015 consolidated net sales increased 5.0% to $4.59 billion from $4.38 billion in fiscal 2014. Consolidated EBIT was up 6.7% to $522.3 million from $489.7 million in fiscal 2014. Reported net income declined 17.9% to $239.5 million from $291.7 million in fiscal 2014. Diluted earnings per share of $1.78 were down 18.3% from $2.18 a year ago.

The fiscal 2015 adjustment was $83.5 million in the third quarter for a non-cash, net charge for a tax accrual related to possible repatriation of overseas earnings to fund remaining obligations under the company's SPHC settlement. On an adjusted basis, net income was up 10.7% to $323.0 million, and diluted earnings per share improved 9.2% to $2.38.

Fiscal 2015 Segment Sales and Earnings

Fiscal 2015 sales for RPM's industrial segment increased 8.0% to $2.99 billion from $2.77 billion in fiscal 2014. Organic sales increased 5.1%, with acquisition growth, mostly SPHC, contributing 7.6%. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted sales by 4.7%. Industrial segment EBIT improved 5.6% to $323.0 million from $306.0 million in fiscal 2014.

Consumer segment sales for fiscal 2015 decreased slightly to $1.60 billion from $1.61 billion in fiscal 2014. Organic sales increased by 0.1%, and acquisition growth added 1.3%. Currency translation negatively impacted sales by 1.6%. Consumer segment EBIT increased 9.1%, to $273.9 million from $251.1 million, including the benefits of the Synta earn-out reversal during the fourth quarter and the Kirker earn-out reversal in the second quarter.

Business Outlook

"For fiscal 2016, we expect consumer segment sales to increase by 4% to 5%, with our core consumer businesses continuing to gain market share with new product innovations. Unfortunately, poor weather from the spring has continued into the summer months, dampening first-quarter sales. On a more positive note, we expect a return to both top- and bottom-line growth in our Synta and Kirker units, both of which faced significant headwinds in fiscal 2015," Sullivan stated.

"In the industrial segment, we anticipate sales growth of 8% to 10%. We expect continued positive momentum from our U.S.-based industrial businesses, especially those serving the commercial construction markets. In Europe, we see a return to growth in local currencies by many of our industrial businesses there, along with continued strong growth in Brazil in its local currency, with new products expected to drive incremental sales as well. We don't foresee improvement in sales for our businesses serving the energy sector, as both exploration and production continue to decline as a result of lower energy prices. In addition, we expect a continued strong negative impact from foreign currency translation," Sullivan stated.

"RPM's guidance for earnings per diluted share in fiscal 2016 is approximately $2.55, a 7.1% improvement over the as-adjusted $2.38 per diluted share in fiscal 2015. The guidance includes the anticipated negative impact of $0.10 per share as a result of a higher effective tax rate and $0.07 per share from the estimated negative impact of foreign currency translation during fiscal 2016. For our consumer segment, the first quarter is getting off to a weak start due to the weather related slowdown. Our results for the industrial segment, with 50% of its sales outside of the U.S., will be somewhat weighted to the second half due to the expected negative impact of foreign exchange translation during the first half of fiscal 2016, offset in part by the expected continuing solid performance of the SPHC companies," stated Sullivan.

Webcast and Conference Call Information

Management will host a conference call to discuss the results beginning at 10:00 a.m. EDT the same day. The call can be accessed by dialing 888-771-4371 or 847-585-4405 for international callers. Participants are asked to call the assigned number approximately 10 minutes before the conference call begins. The call, which will last approximately one hour, will be open to the public, but only financial analysts will be permitted to ask questions. The media and all other participants will be in a listen-only mode.

For those unable to listen to the live call, a replay will be available from approximately 12:30 p.m. EDT on July 27, 2015 until 11:59 p.m. EDT on August 3, 2015. The replay can be accessed by dialing 888-843-7419 or 630-652-3042 for international callers. The access code is 38349286. The call also will be available both live and for replay, and as a written transcript, via the RPM web site at www.RPMinc.com.

About RPM

RPM International Inc. owns subsidiaries that are world leaders in specialty coatings, sealants, building materials and related services for both industrial and consumer markets. RPM's industrial products include roofing systems, sealants, corrosion control coatings, flooring coatings and specialty chemicals. Industrial companies include Stonhard, Tremco, illbruck, Carboline, Flowcrete, Day-Glo, Dryvit and Euclid Chemical. RPM's consumer products are used by professionals and do-it-yourselfers for home maintenance and improvement and by hobbyists. Consumer brands include Rust-Oleum, DAP, Zinsser, Varathane and Testors. Additional details can be found at www.RPMinc.com and by following RPM on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RPMintl.

For more information, contact Barry M. Slifstein, vice president - investor relations, at 330-273-5090 or bslifstein@rpminc.com.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" relating to our business. These forward-looking statements, or other statements made by us, are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting us, and are subject to uncertainties and factors (including those specified below) which are difficult to predict and, in many instances, are beyond our control. As a result, our actual results could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any such forward-looking statements. These uncertainties and factors include (a) global markets and general economic conditions, including uncertainties surrounding the volatility in financial markets, the availability of capital and the effect of changes in interest rates, and the viability of banks and other financial institutions; (b) the prices, supply and capacity of raw materials, including assorted pigments, resins, solvents and other natural gas- and oil-based materials; packaging, including plastic containers; and transportation services, including fuel surcharges; (c) continued growth in demand for our products; (d) legal, environmental and litigation risks inherent in our construction and chemicals businesses and risks related to the adequacy of our insurance coverage for such matters; (e) the effect of changes in interest rates; (f) the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates upon our foreign operations; (g) the effect of non-currency risks of investing in and conducting operations in foreign countries, including those relating to domestic and international political, social, economic and regulatory factors; (h) risks and uncertainties associated with our ongoing acquisition and divestiture activities; (i) risks related to the adequacy of our contingent liability reserves; and (j) other risks detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2014, as the same may be updated from time to time. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the date of this release.




    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

    IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA





                                                                                                       As Reported                               Adjusted (1)
                                                                                                       -----------                                -----------

                                                                                           Three Months Ended                         Year Ended                                       Year Ended

                                                                                                 May 31,                                May 31,                                          May 31,
                                                                                                 -------                                -------                                          -------

                                                                                                                2015           2014                              2015           2014                        2015
                                                                                                                ----           ----                              ----           ----                        ----

                                                                                               (Unaudited)                                                                             (Unaudited)
                                                                                               ----------                                                                              ----------


    Net Sales                                                                                            $1,373,159     $1,276,782                        $4,594,550     $4,376,353                  $4,594,550

    Cost of sales                                                                                           773,864        716,057                         2,653,181      2,500,585                   2,653,181
                                                                                                            -------        -------                         ---------      ---------                   ---------

    Gross profit                                                                                            599,295        560,725                         1,941,369      1,875,768                   1,941,369

    Selling, general & administrative expenses                                                              395,359        389,416                         1,422,944      1,390,128                   1,422,944

    Interest expense                                                                                         27,303         19,677                            87,615         80,951                      87,615

    Investment (income), net                                                                                (2,023)       (2,065)                         (18,577)      (15,715)                   (18,577)

    Other (income), net                                                                                       (342)         (805)                          (3,866)       (4,083)                    (3,866)
                                                                                                               ----           ----                            ------         ------                      ------

    Income before income taxes                                                                              178,998        154,502                           453,253        424,487                     453,253

    Provision for income taxes                                                                               50,413         40,732                           224,925        118,503                     118,699
                                                                                                             ------         ------                           -------        -------                     -------

    Net income                                                                                              128,585        113,770                           228,328        305,984                     334,554

    Less:  Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests                                         598          4,991                          (11,156)        14,324                      11,566
                                                                                                              ---          -----                           -------         ------                      ------

    Net income attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders                                      $127,987       $108,779                          $239,484       $291,660                    $322,988
                                                                                                        ========       ========                          ========       ========                    ========


    Earnings per share of common stock attributable to

                         RPM International Inc. Stockholders:

    Basic                                                                                                     $0.97          $0.82                             $1.81          $2.20                       $2.43
                                                                                                              =====          =====                             =====          =====                       =====


    Diluted                                                                                                   $0.94          $0.80                             $1.78          $2.18                       $2.38
                                                                                                              =====          =====                             =====          =====                       =====


    Average shares of common stock outstanding - basic                                                     129,578        129,532                           129,933        129,438                     129,933
                                                                                                           =======        =======                           =======        =======                     =======


    Average shares of common stock outstanding - diluted                                                   134,540        134,423                           134,893        132,288                     134,893
                                                                                                           =======        =======                           =======        =======                     =======



                  (1)    See attached page for reconciliation from As Reported to Adjusted
                           figures.



    SUPPLEMENTAL SEGMENT INFORMATION

    IN THOUSANDS


                                                                                                  As Reported
                                                                                                  -----------

                                                                                           Three Months Ended                         Year Ended

                                                                                                 May 31,                                May 31,
                                                                                                 -------                                -------

                                                                                                                2015           2014                              2015           2014
                                                                                                                ----           ----                              ----           ----

                                                                                               (Unaudited)
                                                                                               ----------

    Net Sales:

                         Industrial Segment                                                                   $878,491       $769,181                        $2,990,721     $2,769,657

                         Consumer Segment                                                                      494,668        507,601                         1,603,829      1,606,696


                              Total                                                                         $1,373,159     $1,276,782                        $4,594,550     $4,376,353



    Income Before Income Taxes (a):

                         Industrial Segment

                              Income Before Income Taxes (a)                                                  $119,251        $96,492                          $315,382       $295,751

                              Interest (Expense), Net (b)                                                      (1,441)       (2,752)                          (7,656)      (10,227)


                              EBIT (c)                                                                        $120,692        $99,244                          $323,038       $305,978


                         Consumer Segment

                              Income Before Income Taxes (a)                                                  $100,676        $85,998                          $273,956       $251,229

                              Interest (Expense), Net (b)                                                           40             32                                34            122


                              EBIT (c)                                                                        $100,636        $85,966                          $273,922       $251,107


                         Corporate/Other

                              (Expense) Before Income Taxes (a)                                              $(40,929)     $(27,988)                       $(136,085)    $(122,493)

                              Interest (Expense), Net (b)                                                     (23,879)      (14,892)                         (61,416)      (55,131)


                              EBIT (c)                                                                       $(17,050)     $(13,096)                        $(74,669)     $(67,362)


                              Consolidated

                                   Income Before Income Taxes (a)                                             $178,998       $154,502                          $453,253       $424,487

                                   Interest (Expense), Net (b)                                                (25,280)      (17,612)                         (69,038)      (65,236)


                                   EBIT (c)                                                                   $204,278       $172,114                          $522,291       $489,723




    (a)  The presentation includes a reconciliation of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, a measure defined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (GAAP), to
         EBIT.

    (b) Interest (expense), net includes the combination of interest (expense) and investment income/(expense), net.

    (c)  EBIT is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes.  We evaluate the profit performance of our segments based on income before income taxes, but also look to EBIT as
         a performance evaluation measure

         because interest expense is essentially related to corporate acquisitions, as opposed to segment operations.  For that reason, we believe EBIT is also useful to investors as a
         metric in their investment

         decisions.  EBIT should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, operating income as determined in accordance with GAAP, since EBIT omits the impact of
         interest and taxes in determining

         operating performance, which represent items necessary to our continued operations, given our level of indebtedness and ongoing tax obligations.  Nonetheless, EBIT is a key
         measure expected by and useful to our

         fixed income investors, rating agencies and the banking community all of whom believe, and we concur, that this measure is critical to the capital markets' analysis of our
         segments' core operating performance.  We

         also evaluate EBIT because it is clear that movements in EBIT impact our ability to attract financing.  Our underwriters and bankers consistently require inclusion of this
         measure in offering memoranda in conjunction

        with any debt underwriting or bank financing.  EBIT may not be indicative of our historical operating results, nor is it meant to be predictive of potential future results.




    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

    RECONCILIATION OF "AS REPORTED" TO "ADJUSTED"

    IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA

    (Unaudited)





                                                                            Year Ended May 31, 2015
                                                                            -----------------------


                                                                              AS REPORTED            Adjustments                ADJUSTED
                                                                              -----------            -----------                --------


    Net Sales                                                                             $4,594,550       $              -              $4,594,550

    Cost of sales                                                                         2,653,181                      -               2,653,181
                                                                                          ---------                    ---               ---------

    Gross profit                                                                           1,941,369                      -               1,941,369

    Selling, general & administrative expenses                                            1,422,944                      -               1,422,944

    Interest expense                                                                         87,615                      -                  87,615

    Investment (income), net                                                               (18,577)                     -                (18,577)

    Other expense (income), net                                                             (3,866)                     -                 (3,866)
                                                                                             ------                    ---                  ------

    Income before income taxes                                                              453,253                      -                 453,253

    Provision for income taxes                                                              224,925              (106,226)  (1)            118,699
                                                                                            -------               --------                  -------

    Net income                                                                               228,328                106,226                  334,554

    Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests                       (11,156)                22,722   (1)             11,566
                                                                                            -------                 ------                   ------

    Net income attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders                         $239,484                $83,504                 $322,988
                                                                                           ========                =======                 ========


    Earnings per share attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders:


    Basic                                                                                      $1.81                  $0.62                    $2.43
                                                                                               =====                  =====                    =====

    Diluted                                                                                    $1.78                  $0.60                    $2.38
                                                                                               =====                  =====                    =====


                     Reflects
                     adjustments
                     related to
                     the
                     recognition
                     of an ASC
                     740-30 tax
                     liability
                     for the
                     potential
                     repatriation
                     of foreign
                     earnings
                     and related
                     impact on
                     NCI Net
                     Income.

             (1)

    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

    IN THOUSANDS


                                                                                May 31, 2015                        May 31, 2014
                                                                                ------------                        ------------


    Assets

    Current Assets

               Cash and cash equivalents                                                         $174,711                            $332,868

               Trade accounts receivable                                                          980,737                             901,587

               Allowance for doubtful accounts                                                   (24,526)                           (27,641)


               Net trade accounts receivable                                                      956,211                             873,946

               Inventories                                                                        674,205                             613,644

               Deferred income taxes                                                               29,892                              22,281

               Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                          264,827                             219,556


               Total current assets                                                             2,099,846                           2,062,295



    Property, Plant and Equipment, at Cost                                                    1,258,304                           1,191,676

               Allowance for depreciation and amortization                                      (668,658)                          (658,871)


               Property, plant and equipment, net                                                 589,646                             532,805


    Other Assets

               Goodwill                                                                         1,215,688                           1,147,374

               Other intangible assets, net of amortization                                       604,130                             459,536

               Deferred income taxes, non-current                                                   5,685                               7,943

               Other                                                                              179,245                             168,412


               Total other assets                                                               2,004,748                           1,783,265



    Total Assets                                                                             $4,694,240                          $4,378,365
                                                                                             ==========                          ==========


    Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

    Current Liabilities

               Accounts payable                                                                  $512,165                            $525,680

               Current portion of long-term debt                                                    2,038                               5,662

               Accrued compensation and benefits                                                  169,370                             173,846

               Accrued loss reserves                                                               22,016                              27,487

               Other accrued liabilities                                                          197,647                             204,411

               Total current liabilities                                                          903,236                             937,086



    Long-Term Liabilities

               Long-term debt, less current maturities                                          1,654,037                           1,345,965

               Other long-term liabilities                                                        752,821                             466,659

               Deferred income taxes                                                               90,681                              50,061

               Total long-term liabilities                                                      2,497,539                           1,862,685


                  Total liabilities                                                             3,400,775                           2,799,771



    Stockholders' Equity

               Preferred stock; none issued

               Common stock (outstanding 133,203; 133,273)                                          1,332                               1,333

               Paid-in capital                                                                    872,127                             790,102

               Treasury stock, at cost                                                          (124,928)                           (85,400)

               Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)                                           (394,135)                          (156,882)

               Retained earnings                                                                  936,996                             833,691


                    Total RPM International Inc. stockholders' equity 1,291,392                           1,382,844

               Noncontrolling interest                                                              2,073                             195,750


                    Total equity                                                                1,293,465                           1,578,594


    Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                                               $4,694,240                          $4,378,365
                                                                                             ==========                          ==========

    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

    IN THOUSANDS


                                                                                               Year Ended
                                                                                               ----------

                                                                                                May 31,                May 31,

                                                                                                                  2015                  2014
                                                                                                                  ----                  ----


    Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

      Net income                                                                                            $228,328              $305,984

      Adjustments to reconcile net income to net

              cash provided by operating activities:

                   Depreciation                                                                               62,188                58,543

                   Amortization                                                                               36,988                31,526

                   Reversal of contingent consideration obligations                                        (29,665)

                   Deferred income taxes                                                                     97,502                 6,572

                   Stock-based compensation expense                                                          31,741                23,568

                   Other                                                                                     (1,114)              (1,672)

      Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect

              from purchases and sales of businesses:

                   (Increase) in receivables                                                               (90,230)             (79,080)

                   (Increase) in inventory                                                                 (31,348)             (59,001)

                   (Increase) in prepaid expenses and other

                        current and long-term assets                                                        (4,590)             (12,586)

                   (Decrease) increase in accounts payable                                                 (16,249)               42,216

                   (Decrease) increase in accrued compensation and benefits                                 (1,297)               19,193

                   (Decrease) in accrued loss reserves                                                      (7,218)                (146)

                   (Decrease) in contingent payment                                                                             (63,014)

                   Increase in other accrued liabilities                                                     57,385                14,855

                   Other                                                                                     (1,973)              (8,809)

                        Cash Provided By Operating Activities                                               330,448               278,149
                                                                                                            -------               -------

    Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

         Capital expenditures                                                                               (85,363)             (93,792)

         Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired                                                  (467,573)             (39,248)

         Purchase of marketable securities                                                                 (61,511)             (83,536)

         Proceeds from sales of marketable securities                                                        40,279                62,896

         Proceeds from sales of assets or businesses                                                          4,079                 2,794

         Other                                                                                                  10,636                 1,175

                        Cash (Used For) Investing Activities                                              (559,453)            (149,711)
                                                                                                           --------              --------

    Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

         Additions to long-term and short-term debt                                                         460,560               208,532

         Reductions of long-term and short-term debt                                                      (162,318)            (215,011)

         Cash dividends                                                                                    (136,179)            (125,743)

         Repurchase of common stock                                                                        (39,528)             (12,906)

         Payments of acquisition related contingent consideration, less fair value adjustments             (22,179)              (5,000)

         Exercise of stock options and awards, including tax benefit                                          8,560                11,934

         Other                                                                                                   1,277                   951

                        Cash Provided By (Used For) Financing Activities                                    110,193             (137,243)
                                                                                                            -------              --------


    Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and

         Cash Equivalents                                                                                  (39,345)              (1,881)
                                                                                                            -------                ------


    Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                               (158,157)             (10,686)


    Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period                                                        332,868               343,554
                                                                                                            -------               -------


    Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period                                                             $174,711              $332,868
                                                                                                           ========              ========

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SOURCE RPM International Inc.