Ballantyne Reports Diluted 2013 Q2 EPS of $0.09 on Net Revenues of $24.4 Million

Ballantyne Reports Diluted 2013 Q2 EPS of $0.09 on Net Revenues of $24.4 Million

- Lighting Segment Contributes $2.9 Million Revenue as World Trade Center LED Beacon and Uplights Project Completed -

OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ballantyne Strong, Inc. (NYSE MKT: BTN):

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. (NYSE MKT: BTN), a provider of digital equipment, screens and managed services as well as specialty lighting equipment, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013.

Second Quarter Summary

• Net revenues were $24.4 million. Screen sales rose approximately 18 percent to $3.9 million and the lighting segment achieved quarterly net revenue of $2.9 million, which includes a noteworthy contribution from the completion of the World Trade Center lighting project.

• Operating income was $1.4 million, which was positively impacted by an increase in gross profit margin to 19.2%, compared to 13.6% the prior year.

• Achieved diluted earnings per share of $0.09.

Second Quarter Results

Net revenues amounted to $24.4 million, compared to Q2 '12 net revenues of $46.7 million. The decline was largely expected as the cinema industry's shift to a digital equipment platform continues to wind down. Sales of theatre products and services were $21.5 million, versus $46.0 million a year ago.

Cinema screen sales increased 18% to $3.9 million, versus $3.3 million in Q2 '12. The rise was largely driven by increased demand from several North American exhibitors that are replacing screens as they are performing theatre upgrades.

Managed service revenues were $3.1 million, compared to $3.3 million in Q2 '12, reflecting a decline in non-recurring digital projection system installation sales, but the year-over-year shortfall was partially offset by a rise in recurring revenues from after-sale maintenance and NOC (Network Operations Center) 24/7/365 monitoring revenue.

Consolidated gross profit decreased to $4.7 million, however, gross margin on net revenues expanded significantly to 19.2%, from 13.6% in the year-ago quarter. The rise in the percentage was principally due to the combination of a decline in lower margin theatre net revenues as a percentage of total sales and an increase in the relative contribution from higher margin cinema screen manufacturing, lighting and managed services, during the period.

Selling and administrative expenses declined 25% to $3.3 million, down from $4.4 million in the year-earlier period. The lower selling and administrative expenses was due primarily to a decline in spending associated with compensation, travel, tradeshow, legal and bad debt expenses, partially offset by a rise in depreciation and acquisition-related costs. As a percentage of net revenues, year-over-year selling and administrative expenditures rose from 9.4% to 13.5%, reflecting the net revenues decline.

Ballantyne Strong's operating income was $1.4 million, and the Company recorded net earnings of $1.3 million, or $0.09 per diluted share. In the year-ago quarter, operating income was $2.5 million, net earnings were $1.8 million and diluted EPS was $0.13 per share.

Six-Month Results

Net revenues declined approximately 43% to $52.0 million. Gross profit amounted to $8.6 million, or 16.5% of net revenues, compared to gross profit of $12.7 million, or 14.0% of net revenues in the prior-year period. Net earnings were $1.8 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $4.3 million, or $0.30 per diluted share in the 2012 first half.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Update

Ballantyne's cash and cash equivalents balance at quarter-end rose to $45.1 million, up from $40.2 million at 2012 year-end, as the Company generated $5.7 million of positive cash flow from operations in the 2013 first half.

Commenting on the Company's results, President and CEO Gary L. Cavey stated, "Overall, Q2 was largely as we expected, with the completion of the prestigious World Trade Center project boosting top-line results, overall gross margins and bottom-line profitability. This one-of-a-kind contract clearly demonstrates Strong Lighting's unique LED capabilities and our team is focusing on a wide variety of additional architectural accent lighting projects and new marketing initiatives.

"Our screen business under Francois Barrette's leadership also performed well during the period, posting a solid net revenues increase, versus the prior year. Although managed service was slightly down on a year-over-year basis due to the absence of certain non-recurring installation revenue from a year ago, the service team grew both maintenance and NOC revenues in Q2."

Mr. Cavey concluded, "Although there is nothing new to report yet on the M&A front, we continue to actively seek organic and inorganic growth opportunities that will build on our organizational strengths. We appreciate the patience and confidence that our stakeholders have placed in Ballantyne team as we continue evaluating strategic alternatives that will ultimately help ensure that our organization builds upon its 80+ year legacy of success."

About Ballantyne Strong, Inc. (www.strong-world.com)

Ballantyne Strong is a provider of digital equipment, screens and managed services as well as specialty lighting equipment. The Company supplies major and independent theater chains, top arenas, theme parks and architectural sites around the world.

Except for the historical information in this press release, it includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, quarterly fluctuations in results; customer demand for the Company's products; the development of new technology for alternate means of motion picture presentation; domestic and international economic conditions; the management of growth; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Actual results may differ materially from management's expectations.