Exhibit 99.1 Worthington Reports Second Quarter Results; EPS of $0.44 vs. Record $0.54 is Second Best Q2 COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 21, 2005--Worthington Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WOR) today reported results for the three and six-month periods ended November 30, 2005. Highlights Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 were $699.5 million, a decrease of 6% from last year's record $745.2 million. Second quarter net earnings were $39.0 million and earnings per diluted share were $0.44, compared to the record $47.6 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, of the same period last year. Earnings for the quarter include the benefit of a $5.3 million reduction in insurance reserves. This reserve reduction resulted in an after tax benefit of $0.04 per share. Worthington maintains reserves to self-insure for estimated workers compensation, general liability, property damage and other claims. A majority of the benefit is attributable to improved loss history for workers compensation claims which have declined by one-half as a result of facility consolidations and management focus on and investment in safety initiatives. Emphasis on property loss prevention and product quality also contributed to the favorable loss history for property and product liability claims. For the six-month period, net sales of $1,393.7 million were 8% below the record $1,514.5 million last year. Net earnings were $67.4 million and earnings per diluted share were $0.76, compared to $105.5 million and $1.19, respectively, for the same period last year. CEO Comments "I am very pleased with our performance this quarter," John P. McConnell, Chairman and CEO, said. "We continued to keep a tight control on our inventories and a sharp focus on cost. All of our businesses performed very well." McConnell added, "Our core businesses are operating better and our development efforts are gaining momentum. We have focused on creating opportunities to produce sustainable growth and our efforts are paying off." Detailed Results In the Steel Processing segment, quarterly net sales of $364.5 million were 16%, or $71.7 million, lower than $436.2 million in the comparable quarter of fiscal 2005. The decrease in net sales was entirely the result of lower selling prices (down 18%) as volumes were up 2%. Operating income declined from the year ago period when unique market conditions contributed to record spreads between selling prices and material costs. In the Metal Framing segment, net sales increased 1%, or $1.5 million, to $192.2 million from $190.7 million in the comparable quarter of fiscal 2005. Higher volumes (up 18%) offset the effect of lower pricing (down 15%) as market pricing decreased from the elevated levels of last year. A narrower spread between selling prices and material costs was responsible for the decline in operating income from last year when unique market conditions contributed to record spreads and one of the most profitable quarters ever for Dietrich Metal Framing. In the Pressure Cylinders segment, net sales increased 13%, or $12.0 million, to $106.5 million from $94.5 million in the comparable quarter of fiscal 2005. Unit volumes were up 34%, led by strong sales in Europe and increased sales of 14.1 oz. and 16.4 oz. disposable cylinders. European revenues rose $4.8 million which, when combined with cost improvements, was primarily responsible for a $2.4 million increase in segment operating income. Worthington's unconsolidated joint ventures continued to perform well. Equity in net income of the seven unconsolidated affiliates totaled $14.2 million, up 21% from $11.7 million in the year ago quarter. The improvement was due to near record results from Worthington Armstrong Venture (WAVE). Other Organizational changes During the quarter, there were several changes to Worthington's organizational and reporting structure. -- Dietrich Metal Framing acquired the remaining 40% interest in Dietrich Metal Framing Canada from its partner, Encore Coils. The former joint venture had been consolidated into the Metal Framing segment and will remain in that segment as a wholly owned business serving the Canadian construction market with Dietrich materials. (See press release of November 30, 2005, for more details.) -- The company acquired the remaining 50% interest in Dietrich Residential Construction (DRC) from its partner, Pacific Steel Construction. DRC's core market is steel framing for military residential construction. This former unconsolidated joint venture is now wholly owned and will be part of the newly formed Dietrich Construction Group. (See press release of November 10, 2005, for more details.) -- Dietrich Construction Group was organized to include Dietrich Building Systems (DBS), the mid-rise commercial construction business; Dietrich Residential Construction; and an R&D project in China. The financial results of DBS and the China project were formerly included in the Metal Framing segment. DRC's results were formerly included in equity income of unconsolidated affiliates. Dietrich Construction Group will be included in "Other". (See press release of November 10, 2005, for more details.) -- Gerstenslager, a stamper of automotive parts focusing on past model service, has been removed from what was the Processed Steel Products segment and will report results in "Other". The former Processed Steel Products segment will be renamed Steel Processing as the activities in that segment will be concentrated on the processing of flat rolled steel. All historical results have been restated to reflect these changes, none of which were material to any business segment. Dividend declared On November 17, 2005, the board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share payable December 29, 2005, to shareholders of record December 15, 2005. This will be the 152nd consecutive quarter that Worthington has paid a dividend since it became a public company in 1968. Corporate Profile Worthington Industries is a leading diversified metal processing company with annual sales of approximately $3 billion. The Columbus, Ohio, based company is North America's premier value-added steel processor and a leader in manufactured metal products such as metal framing, pressure cylinders, automotive past model service stampings, metal ceiling grid systems and laser welded blanks. Worthington employs more than 7,500 people and operates 65 facilities in 10 countries. Founded in 1955, the company operates under a long-standing corporate philosophy rooted in the golden rule, with earning money for its shareholders as the first corporate goal. This philosophy, an unwavering commitment to the customer, and one of the strongest employee/employer partnerships in American industry serve as the company's foundation. Conference Call Worthington will review its second quarter results during its quarterly conference call today, December 21, 2005, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Details on the conference call can be found on the company's web site at www.WorthingtonIndustries.com Safe Harbor Statement The company wishes to take advantage of the Safe Harbor provisions included in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). Statements by the company relating to future sales, operating results and earnings per share; projected capacity and working capital needs; pricing trends for raw materials and finished goods; anticipated capital expenditures and asset sales; projected timing, results, costs, charges and expenditures related to facility dispositions, shutdowns and consolidations; new products and markets; expectations for the economy and markets; and other non-historical matters constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the Act. Because they are based on beliefs, estimates and assumptions, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Any number of factors could affect actual results, including, without limitation, product demand and pricing, changes in product mix and market acceptance of products; fluctuations in pricing, quality or availability of raw materials (particularly steel), supplies, utilities and other items required by operations; effects of facility closures and the consolidation of operations; the ability to realize cost savings and operational efficiencies on a timely basis; the ability to integrate newly acquired businesses and achieve synergies therefrom; capacity levels and efficiencies within facilities and within the industry as a whole; financial difficulties of customers, suppliers, joint venture partners and others with whom the company does business; the effect of national, regional and worldwide economic conditions generally and within major product markets, including a prolonged or substantial economic downturn; the effect of adverse weather on customers, markets, facilities and shipping operations; changes in customer spending patterns and supplier choices and risks associated with doing business internationally, including economic, political and social instability and foreign currency exposure; acts of war and terrorist activities; the ability to improve processes and business practices to keep pace with the economic, competitive and technological environment; deviation of actual results from estimates and/or assumptions used by the company in the application of its significant accounting policies; level of imports and import prices in the company's markets; the impact of governmental regulations, both in the United States and abroad; and other risks described from time to time in filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. EARNINGS HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited) (In Thousands, Except Per Share) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended November 30, November 30, ----------------------- ----------------------- 2005 2004 2005 2004 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net sales $699,516 $745,168 $1,393,663 $1,514,508 Cost of goods sold 596,108 620,650 1,214,903 1,230,346 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Gross margin 103,408 124,518 178,760 284,162 Selling, general & administrative expense 53,747 56,130 101,554 120,961 Impairment charges and other - - - 5,608 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Operating income 49,661 68,388 77,206 157,593 Other income (expense): Miscellaneous income (expense) (163) (2,873) 195 (6,332) Interest expense (6,555) (5,652) (13,282) (11,374) Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates 14,175 11,740 27,387 25,036 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Earnings before income taxes 57,118 71,603 91,506 164,923 Income tax expense 18,090 23,980 24,071 59,441 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net earnings $39,028 $47,623 $67,435 $105,482 =========== =========== =========== =========== Average common shares outstanding - diluted 88,986 88,665 88,729 88,389 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Earnings per share - diluted $0.44 $0.54 $0.76 $1.19 =========== =========== =========== =========== Common shares outstanding at end of period 88,285 87,811 88,285 87,811 Cash dividends declared per common share $0.17 $0.16 $0.34 $0.32 WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited, In Thousands) November 30, May 31, 2005 2005 -------------- -------------- ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $108,722 $57,249 Short-term investments 95,254 - Receivables, net 348,820 404,506 Inventories 389,504 425,723 Deferred income taxes 19,190 19,490 Other current assets 37,618 31,365 -------------- -------------- Total current assets 999,108 938,333 Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 145,140 136,856 Goodwill 175,690 168,267 Other assets 41,190 33,593 Property, plant and equipment, net 544,820 552,956 -------------- -------------- Total assets $1,905,948 $1,830,005 ============== ============== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable $314,696 $280,181 Current maturities of long-term debt 142,899 143,432 Other current liabilities 123,141 121,830 -------------- -------------- Total current liabilities 580,736 545,443 Other liabilities 93,687 99,264 Long-term debt 245,000 245,000 Deferred income taxes 118,211 119,462 Shareholders' equity 868,314 820,836 -------------- -------------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $1,905,948 $1,830,005 ============== ============== WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited, In Thousands) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended November 30, November 30, ----------------------- ----------------------- 2005 2004 2005 2004 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Operating activities Net earnings $39,028 $47,623 $67,435 $105,482 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 15,749 14,448 30,109 28,507 Impairment charges and other - - - 5,608 Other adjustments (5,659) (12,891) (9,151) (35,090) Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 2,214 61,737 59,914 53,821 Inventories (19,120) (16,963) 36,219 (99,127) Accounts payable 54,854 2,040 33,078 (12,726) Other changes (2,719) (16,269) (11,729) (15,831) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by operating activities 84,347 79,725 205,875 30,644 Investing activities Investment in property, plant and equipment, net (12,137) (7,847) (25,013) (19,331) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (6,770) (64,889) (6,770) (64,889) Investment in unconsolidated affiliate - (1,500) - (1,500) Proceeds from sale of assets 1,848 1,844 2,782 83,804 Purchases of short- term investments (175,255) - (243,254) - Sales of short-term investments 117,999 - 147,999 - ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net cash used by investing activities (74,315) (72,392) (124,256) (1,916) Financing activities Principal payments on long-term debt 23 (167) (490) (2,018) Dividends paid (14,970) (13,986) (29,920) (27,901) Other 888 7,031 263 10,357 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net cash used by financing activities (14,059) (7,122) (30,147) (19,562) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Increase in cash and cash equivalents (4,027) 211 51,472 9,166 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 112,748 10,932 57,249 1,977 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $108,721 $11,143 $108,721 $11,143 =========== =========== =========== =========== WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. SUPPLEMENTAL DATA (Unaudited, In Thousands) This supplemental information is provided to assist in the analysis of the results of operations. As required by the changes in our reporting segments, we have restated the year-to-date information for fiscal 2006 and all the information for fiscal 2005 to conform with the current reporting of our segment information. For comparative purposes, we have also presented the previously reported information for fiscal 2005 under the heading "As Reported". Three Months Ended November 30, ----------------------------------- 2004 ----------------------- 2005 Restated As Reported ----------- ----------- ----------- Volume: Steel Processing (tons) 919 905 911 Metal Framing (tons) 171 145 145 Pressure Cylinders (units) (1) 12,005 8,987 8,987 Net sales: Steel Processing $364,458 $436,158 $454,831 Metal Framing 192,197 190,685 191,772 Pressure Cylinders 106,463 94,482 94,482 Other 36,398 23,843 4,083 ----------- ----------- ----------- Total Net Sales $699,516 $745,168 $745,168 =========== =========== =========== Material cost: Steel Processing $264,234 $320,471 $327,900 Metal Framing 119,988 110,158 110,381 Pressure Cylinders 50,270 44,307 44,307 Operating income: Steel Processing (2) $24,661 $34,571 $34,610 Metal Framing 13,857 26,100 25,208 Pressure Cylinders 11,214 8,827 8,827 Other (71) (1,110) (257) ----------- ----------- ----------- Total Operating Income $49,661 $68,388 $68,388 =========== =========== =========== Six Months Ended November 30, ----------------------------------- 2004 ----------------------- 2005 Restated As Reported ----------- ----------- ----------- Volume: Steel Processing (tons) 1,756 1,863 1,875 Metal Framing (tons) 355 324 324 Pressure Cylinders (units) (1) 25,550 12,178 12,178 Net sales: Steel Processing $716,085 $866,290 $908,658 Metal Framing 397,519 428,073 430,163 Pressure Cylinders 213,516 167,708 167,708 Other 66,543 52,437 7,979 ----------- ----------- ----------- Total Net Sales $1,393,663 $1,514,508 $1,514,508 =========== =========== =========== Material cost: Steel Processing $541,396 $619,570 $637,650 Metal Framing 256,797 227,909 228,485 Pressure Cylinders 105,319 77,282 77,282 Operating income: Steel Processing (2) $33,027 $70,554 $70,404 Metal Framing 24,252 80,208 76,720 Pressure Cylinders 19,168 12,017 12,017 Other 759 (5,186) (1,548) ----------- ----------- ----------- Total Operating Income $77,206 $157,593 $157,593 =========== =========== =========== (1) The propane and specialty cylinder assets acquired from Western Industries effective September 17, 2004, contributed 8,935 and 6,017 units for the three months ended November 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. On a year-to-date basis, as of November 30, 2005 and 2004, these assets contributed 18,986 and 6,017 units, respectively. (2) The $5,608 "impairment charge and other" recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2004 relates to the sale of the Decatur facility and is included in Steel Processing's segment operating income above. CONTACT: Worthington Industries, Inc. Corporate Communications: Cathy Mayne Lyttle, 614-438-3077 cmlyttle@WorthingtonIndustries.com or Investor Relations: Allison McFerren Sanders, 614-840-3133 asanders@WorthingtonIndustries.com