Rogers Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results

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Rogers Corporation announced financial results for the second quarter of 2022.

“Rogers continued to deliver solid revenue growth in the second quarter led by sales in the EV/HEV, defense and portable electronics markets,” stated Bruce D. Hoechner, Rogers' President and CEO. “Supply challenges and COVID-related demand disruptions in China tempered further sales growth and impacted gross margins. Inflationary pressures continued in Q2, but our commercial actions are mitigating rising raw material input costs. Longer-term, we continue to be very encouraged by the outlook for our growth markets, especially in the EV/HEV space, where demand remains robust and our investments to capitalize on the long-term growth opportunity are on track. We continue to look forward to the combination with DuPont and the many benefits this will provide to our employees, customers and other stakeholders.”

Q2 2022 Summary of Results

Net sales of $252.0 million increased 1.5% versus the prior quarter resulting from commercial actions and higher demand in the EV/HEV, portable electronics and defense markets. Further sales growth continued to be tempered by lower demand from the downstream impacts of COVID restrictions in China, component shortages and availability of certain raw materials. AES net sales increased by 6.0% from growth in the EV/HEV and defense markets, partially offset by lower industrial market revenues. EMS net sales decreased by 4.7% resulting from lower industrial and EV/HEV revenues, partially offset by higher portable electronics market demand. Currency exchange rates unfavorably impacted total company net sales in the second quarter of 2022 by $4.0 million compared to prior quarter net sales.

Gross margin was 34.3%, compared to 34.4% in the prior quarter. The slight decrease in gross margin was primarily driven by lower throughput, resulting from raw material supply constraints. The decline in gross margin was partially offset by higher volume and commercial actions.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased by $1.6 million from the prior quarter to $56.1 million. SG&A expenses declined due to lower costs associated with DuPont's proposed acquisition of Rogers and a decline in employee-related costs, partially offset by increased professional service fees.

GAAP operating margin of 9.3% increased by 130 basis points from the prior quarter, primarily due to lower SG&A expenses and an increase in other operating income. Adjusted operating margin of 12.1% decreased by 240 basis points versus the prior quarter.

GAAP earnings per diluted share were $0.94, compared to earnings per diluted share of $0.87 in the previous quarter. The increase in GAAP earnings was due to higher operating income, partially offset by an increase in tax expense. On an adjusted basis, earnings were $1.22 per diluted share compared to adjusted earnings of $1.53 per diluted share in the prior quarter.

Ending cash and cash equivalents were $225.3 million, an increase of $43.2 million versus the prior quarter. In the second quarter, proceeds from borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility were $70.0 million, capital expenditures were $25.0 million and net cash provided by operating activities was $2.0 million. Working capital increased in the second quarter due to additional inventory for new production facilities and replenishing safety stock.

Transaction with DuPont

As previously announced on November 2, 2021, Rogers has entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by DuPont for $277.00 per share in cash. As a result of the pending acquisition, Rogers will not hold an earnings call or provide forward-looking guidance. Rogers' shareholders approved the merger agreement at a special shareholder meeting held on January 25, 2022. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2022, subject to the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, including receipt of certain regulatory approvals.