Lilly Industries, Inc., one of the largest North American manufacturers of industrial coatings and specialty chemical products, has reported record sales, operating income, net income and net income p…
Lilly Industries, Inc., one of the largest North American manufacturers of industrial coatings and specialty chemical products, has reported record sales, operating income, net income and net income per share for its fiscal year ended 30 November 1999. Sales increased to a record US$ 656.2 million, up 6% over sales of US$ 619 million for fiscal 1998. Net income rose 5% to a record of US$ 33.3 million compared to US$ 31.6 million last year. Diluted net income per share of US$ 1.43 was also a record, up 6% over US$ 1.35 per share for fiscal 1998. Fourth quarter 1999 sales increased to US$ 169.2 million compared to US$ 157.1 million last year. Net income and net income per share were all-time fourth quarter records at US$ 9.4 million and US$ 0.41 per diluted share, compared to US$ 9.1 million and US$ 0.39 a year ago. Douglas W. Huemme, Lilly“s chairman and CEO, commented, “We are very pleased with the acceleration of Lilly“s top-line growth, which has resulted from many initiatives and investments over the past several years. We are also pleased with our fourth consecutive year of record earnings and earnings per share. However, we are not satisfied with the decline in operating margin this past year. During fiscal 2000, we will continue to pursue internal growth initiatives, with increased emphasis on cost reduction programmes. Supply chain management, plant closures, headcount and discretionary expense control will be areas of focus.” Lilly“s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of eight cents per common share, payable on 3 April 2000 to shareholders of record at the close of business on 10 March 2000. This represents the company“s 244th consecutive quarterly cash dividend.