Rogers Reports Modest Sales Increase in 1Q19

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Other reported 2019 first quarter net sales of $6.8 million, a 24.1% increase compared to 2018 fourth quarter net sales of $5.4 million and a 26.0% increase compared to 2018 first quarter net sales of $5.4 million. The sequential increase in 2019 first quarter net sales was due to a last-time buy in the Durel business.

Balance Sheet and Other Highlights

Cash Position

Rogers ended the first quarter of 2019 with cash and cash equivalents of $162.1 million, a decrease of $5.6 million from $167.7 million at December 31, 2018. The primary drivers of the lower cash balance were capital expenditures of $12.6 million and repayment of debt principal of $5.0 million.

Effective Tax Rate

Rogers' effective tax rate was 14.2% for the first quarter of 2019, compared to 3.6% for the fourth quarter of 2018. The lower effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2018 was due primarily to the implementation of tax strategies which significantly lowered our foreign taxes and facilitated the reversal of reserves associated with uncertain tax positions. The first quarter effective tax rate was lower than our expected tax rate of 27% to 28% due to a change in the forecasted geographic mix of pretax income as well as certain discrete tax benefits realized in the first quarter. The Company expects the 2019 effective tax rate to be 25% to 26% before any discrete tax items.

Financial Outlook

Rogers guides its 2019 second quarter net sales to a range of $240 to $250 million and gross margin to a range of 35% to 36%. Rogers guides its 2019 second quarter earnings to a range of $1.16 to $1.31 per diluted share and adjusted earnings to a range of $1.47 to $1.62 per diluted share.

For the full year 2019, Rogers expects capital expenditures to be in a range of $50 to $60 million.

About Rogers Corporation 

Rogers Corporation is a global leader in engineered materials to power, protect, and connect our world. With more than 180 years of materials science experience, Rogers delivers high-performance solutions that enable clean energy, internet connectivity, and safety and protection applications, as well as other technologies where reliability is critical. Rogers delivers Power Electronics Solutions for energy-efficient motor drives, e-Mobility and renewable energy; Elastomeric Material Solutions for sealing, vibration management and impact protection in mobile devices, transportation interiors, industrial equipment and performance apparel; and Advanced Connectivity Solutions for wireless infrastructure, automotive safety and radar systems. Headquartered in Arizona (USA), Rogers operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, China, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, and South Korea, with joint ventures and sales offices worldwide.

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