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Kaman Reports Fourth Quarter, Year 2008 Results

    - Q4 SALES INCREASE 16.2% TO $316 MILLION

    - EARNINGS OF $6.6 MILLION, OR $.26 PER DILUTED SHARE

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Kaman Corp. (Nasdaq: KAMN) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2008.

For the fourth quarter of 2008, the company reported net earnings from continuing operations of $6.6 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, compared to net earnings from continuing operations of $9.0 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2007. The lower earnings are a result of continued operating issues at the Wichita facility, a softening of sales in the Industrial Distribution business, and slightly lower margins at the Specialty Bearings segment on lower volume. Net sales from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2008 increased 16.2% to $316.4 million, compared to $272.3 million reported for the fourth quarter of 2007.

For the full year 2008, the company reported net earnings from continuing operations of $35.1 million, or $1.38 per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $36.5 million, or $1.46 per diluted share, in 2007. The company's 2008 full-year results include a goodwill impairment charge of $7.8 million, which is not deductible for tax purposes, a pre-tax charge of $2.5 million to replace tooling and a pre-tax loss of $1.6 million related to the cancellation of ineffective currency-hedging contracts. The Company's 2007 full-year results include pretax charges of $6.4 million for the Australia helicopter program. There were no charges recorded in 2008 on the Australian program. Net sales from continuing operations for 2008 were $1,253.6 million, a 15.4% increase over the $1,086.0 million reported for 2007. The increase in sales was comprised of organic growth of 8.4% and growth from acquisitions of 7.0%.

Neal J. Keating, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Fourth quarter performance reflected the challenging market conditions toward the end of the quarter in Industrial Distribution and lingering effects of the Boeing strike. However, during the period we continued to execute against our operating strategy and take the necessary steps to position our business for success going forward."

Kaman Aerospace Group President Greg Steiner added, "Within Aerostructures, we continued the successful integration of Brookhouse Holdings, Limited into our operations, and are encouraged by the future business opportunities we are beginning to see for the combined operations. The Jacksonville operation is performing well on increased volume and we have taken the necessary actions to address the issues at our Wichita facility, and are now actively seeking additional sales volume for this operation. We also continued our strong production performance on the Joint Programmable Fuze (JPF) program, once again exceeding our goals and generating sales to foreign militaries during the period. In our Helicopters segment, performance remained solid, and results within our Specialty Bearings segment showed sustained high levels of performance."

Jack Cahill, President of Kaman Industrial Technologies (KIT) said, "Within our Industrial Distribution segment, we continued the integrations of ISC and INRUMEC into our operations. As was the case industry wide, the Industrial Distribution segment faced some very challenging market conditions resulting from the economic meltdown during the period. In our case, the onset of these conditions was sudden and swift, and occurred in the latter part of the quarter. While we reacted quickly and undertook a number of pre-determined initiatives to lower our costs, our business was still impacted by the speed and severity of these shifts. Although the near-term outlook for Industrial Distribution is unclear, we are focused on taking actions as necessary to further reduce our cost structure, and believe that our size and financial strength position us well to take advantage of long-term growth opportunities in the marketplace."

Segment reports follow:

Aerostructures: Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $1.2 million, compared to $3.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2007. Segment sales were $43.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $28.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Results in the segment for the quarter continued to be affected by inefficiencies at our Wichita facility, which resulted in added costs during the quarter and substantially offset ongoing solid performance at Jacksonville and Brookhouse. Sales growth of 56% in the quarter includes organic growth of 7.8%. Sustained performance on the BLACKHAWK and other programs more than offset lower sales as a result of the Boeing strike, as previously anticipated. The segment's sales growth for the quarter also reflects the contributions of Brookhouse, which was accretive to the segment's performance in the period, and contributed sales of $13.5 million.

For the full year 2008, the segment had an operating loss of $5.9 million, which includes a charge of $2.5 million for replacement tooling recorded in the first quarter and a $7.8 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge recorded in the second quarter, compared to operating income of $13.2 million for the full year 2007. Segment sales were $147.6 million in 2008, compared to $102.4 million in 2007, an increase of 44.2%. Organic growth was 12.7%, while Brookhouse contributed sales of $32.3 million for the 2008 full-year period.

Precision Products: Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $1.0 million, compared to $1.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2007. Segment sales were $34.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $22.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2007.

The increase in sales for the fourth quarter of 2008 was due primarily to solid program performance and strong sales volumes for the segment's Joint Programmable Fuze (JPF) program shipments, as the segment significantly increased shipments to the U.S. military and also recorded orders from foreign militaries. Profitability in the quarter was affected by a shift in sales mix, as JPF sales to the U.S. military, which carry lower margins, represented a higher proportion of overall sales in the period. In addition, the fourth quarter of 2007 included profit from the segment's JPF facilitization program and 40mm sales, which did not recur in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Segment operating income for the full year 2008 was $7.3 million, compared to operating income of $10.5 million for 2007. The higher income in 2007 was primarily attributable to the JPF facilitization program, which was essentially completed in 2007; and profit from the 40mm product line, which was sold at the end of 2007. Segment sales were $118.0 million, compared to $87.5 million in 2007.

Helicopters: Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $2.9 million, compared to $1.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2007, which included a $0.8 million pretax charge for the Australia helicopter program. Segment sales were $19.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $17.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2007.

The increase in sales and operating income in the fourth quarter of 2008 primarily reflects continued solid performance on the segment's subcontract work with Sikorsky and others along with higher SH-2G Egypt upgrade program activity, which more than offset the absence of service center sales resulting from the conclusion of the Australia helicopter program. The improvement in profitability versus the year-ago period also reflects the absence of a charge for the Australian helicopter program.

For the 2008 full-year period, operating income for the Helicopters segment was $10.1 million, compared to operating income of $2.6 million for 2007, which included $6.4 million in charges related to the Australia helicopter program. Segment sales were $69.4 million, compared to $72.0 million in 2007.

Specialty Bearings: Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $9.6 million, compared to $9.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2007. Segment sales were $32.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $29.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2007.

The segment's results for the quarter reflect the temporary impact, as expected, of the recent Boeing strike and normal fourth quarter cyclicality of sales volumes and a reduction in associated operating leverage, as well as a shift in business mix.

For the 2008 full-year period, segment operating income was $50.2 million, compared to operating income of $41.4 million for the full year 2007. Segment sales were $141.5 million for 2008, compared to $124.0 million in 2007.

Steiner summarized the outlook for the Aerospace Group by saying, "Despite a level of volatility in some of our markets, particularly the commercial aerospace sector, we are well positioned with a majority of our content on military platforms. We are anticipating a stable 2009 with moderate overall growth. Based on this work balance, our strong performance record, and solid strategic positioning, we are optimistic about the future growth potential of our aerospace business, and are pursuing significant quoting opportunities."

Industrial Distribution: Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $5.9 million, compared with $7.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. Segment sales increased 7.5% in the 2008 fourth quarter to $187.2 million from $174.1 million a year ago.

Sales growth in the quarter was primarily driven by the contributions of the acquisitions of ISC and INRUMEC. During the quarter, the segment experienced a sequential monthly slowdown in demand related to the overall economic environment, with demand from the mining industry and activity within the segment's national accounts slowing significantly. While the company quickly took a number of actions to adjust its cost structure, profitability in the period was affected by the sales downturn.

For the full year 2008, operating income in the Industrial Distribution segment was $35.4 million, compared with $33.0 million in 2007. Net sales for the full year 2008 were $777.0 million, compared with $700.2 million in 2007, an increase of 11%. Organic growth for the 2008 full-year period was 4.8%.

Other Matters: "During the quarter the company finalized a $50 million, four-year term loan." Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, William Denninger commented. "Despite a $121 million adjustment to shareholders' equity related to a decline in pension plan asset values in 2008, our balance sheet is solid as we enter 2009. We are well positioned to fund both investments for organic growth and strategic acquisitions. In addition, due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Australian currency, we have been successful in securing hedge contracts that will permit us to satisfy our guaranteed obligations to the Commonwealth of Australia, with a $10 million reduction in future cash outlays compared to previous estimates."

Mr. Keating concluded, "As we look into 2009 there is no doubt that market conditions will remain challenging. However, Kaman possesses a number of strengths including the diversification our two businesses provide through their mix of markets, technologies and customers. This diversity continued to serve us well in 2008 and will help see us through the challenging economic climate ahead. In Aerospace, the integration of Brookhouse has provided promising opportunities to expand the business into new platforms and programs. In addition, the mix of our Aerospace business across both the military and commercial sectors and the long-term nature of many of our programs provide additional stability and visibility in the current economic environment. While our Industrial Distribution segment has recently felt the impact of the current economic climate, we are taking the necessary steps to adjust our cost structure to meet current business levels. However, we also see opportunities to take market share through the economic downturn. With a solid balance sheet and excellent liquidity, we will continue to invest in our businesses and pursue strategic acquisitions across our businesses as opportunities arise."

Please see the MD&A section of the company's SEC Annual Report for 2008 on Form 10-K filed concurrent with the issuance of this release for greater detail on the year's results and various company programs.

A conference call has been scheduled for tomorrow, February 27, 2009 at 8:30 AM EST. Listeners may access the call live over the Internet through a link on the home page of the company's website at http://www.kaman.com. In its discussion, management may include certain non-GAAP measures related to company performance. If so, a reconciliation of that information to GAAP will be provided in the exhibits to the conference call and will be available through the Internet link provided above.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking information relating to the company's business and prospects, including the Aerospace and Industrial Distribution businesses, operating cash flow, and other matters that involve a number of uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. Those uncertainties include, but are not limited to: 1) the successful conclusion of competitions for government programs and thereafter contract negotiations with government authorities, both foreign and domestic; 2) political conditions in countries where the company does or intends to do business; 3) standard government contract provisions permitting renegotiation of terms and termination for the convenience of the government; 4) domestic and foreign economic and competitive conditions in markets served by the company, particularly the defense, commercial aviation and industrial production markets; 5) risks associated with successful implementation and ramp up of significant new programs; 6) management's success in resolving operational issues at the Aerostructures Wichita facility, including successful negotiation of the Sikorsky Canadian MH-92 program; 7) successful resale of the aircraft, equipment and spare parts obtained in connection with the Australia SH-2G (A) program termination; 8) receipt and successful execution of production orders for the JPF U.S. government contract, including the exercise of all contract options, successful negotiation of price increases with the U.S. government, and receipt of orders from allied militaries, as all have been assumed in connection with goodwill impairment evaluations; 9) satisfactory resolution of the company's litigation with the U.S. Army procurement agency relating to the FMU-143 program; 10) continued support of the existing K-MAX helicopter fleet, including sale of existing K-MAX spare parts inventory; 11) cost growth in connection with environmental remediation activities at the Bloomfield, Moosup and New Hartford, CT facilities and our recently acquired Brookhouse facilities; 12) profitable integration of acquired businesses into the company's operations; 13) changes in supplier sales or vendor incentive policies; 14) the effects of price increases or decreases; 15) pension plan assumptions and future contributions; 16) future levels of indebtedness and capital expenditures; 17) continued availability of raw materials and other commodities in adequate supplies and the effect of increased costs therefor; 18) the effects of currency exchange rates and foreign competition on future operations; 19) changes in laws and regulations, taxes, interest rates, inflation rates, general business conditions and other factors; 20) future repurchases and/or issuances of common stock; and 21) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the company's annual, quarterly and current reports, and proxy statements. Any forward-looking information provided in this report should be considered with these factors in mind. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release.


    A summary of segment information follows:



                        Summary of Segment Information
                                (In thousands)

                                 For the Three             For the Twelve
                                 Months Ended               Months Ended
                                  December 31,               December 31,
                               2008         2007          2008         2007

    Net sales:
     Aerostructures          $43,857      $28,148      $147,641      $102,362
     Precision Products       34,044       22,889       118,009        87,455
     Helicopters              19,343       17,328        69,435        72,031
     Specialty Bearings       31,955       29,830       141,540       124,009
      Subtotal Aerospace
       Segments              129,199       98,195       476,625       385,857
     Industrial
      Distribution           187,197      174,068       776,970       700,174
    Net sales from
     continuing operations  $316,396     $272,263    $1,253,595    $1,086,031

    Operating income (loss):
     Aerostructures           $1,165       $3,357       $(5,925)      $13,219
     Precision Products        1,016        1,314         7,299        10,546
     Helicopters               2,889        1,617        10,066         2,631
     Specialty Bearings        9,618        9,765        50,168        41,387
      Subtotal Aerospace
       Segments               14,688       16,053        61,608        67,783
     Industrial Distribution   5,885        6,995        35,397        33,038
     Net gain on sale
      of assets                  127        2,564           221         2,579
     Corporate expense (1)    (8,256)      (9,675)      (31,960)      (38,672)
    Operating income from
     continuing operations   $12,444      $15,937       $65,266       $64,728


    (1) "Corporate expense" decreased for the fourth quarter and twelve months
        ended December 31, 2008 compared to the same periods of 2007, as shown
        below:


                                      For the Three      For the Twelve
                                       Months Ended       Months Ended
                                        December 31,       December 31,
                                      2008      2007     2008       2007
     Corporate expenses before
      breakout items                $(4,889) $(4,555) $(17,925) $(18,212)

     Breakout items:
       Incentive compensation plans  (1,614)  (3,224)   (7,386)  (11,886)
       Supplemental employees'
        retirement plan                (930)  (1,503)   (6,017)   (6,014)
       Group insurance                 (823)    (393)     (632)   (2,560)

     Corporate expense - total      $(8,256) $(9,675) $(31,960) $(38,672)


                           KAMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
                           (In thousands except per share amounts)

                      For the Three Months Ended   For the Twelve Months Ended
                             December 31,                   December 31,
                         2008           2007             2008          2007

    Net sales          $316,396       $272,263       $1,253,595    $1,086,031

    Cost of sales       235,995        197,520          921,458       785,086
    Selling, general
     and administrative
     expense             68,084         61,370          259,282       238,796
    Goodwill impairment       -              -            7,810             -
    Net (gain) on sale
     of assets             (127)        (2,564)            (221)       (2,579)
                        303,952        256,326        1,188,329     1,021,303
    Operating income
     from continuing
     operations          12,444         15,937           65,266        64,728

    Interest expense,
     net                  1,477          1,464            3,012         6,336
    Loss on ineffective
     derivative
     contracts              306              -            1,893             -
    Other expense, net       75            574            1,195           865

    Earnings from cont.
     operations before
     income taxes        10,586         13,899           59,166        57,527
    Income tax expense   (3,967)        (4,925)         (24,059)      (21,036)
    Net earnings from
     continuing
     operations           6,619          8,974           35,107        36,491

    Earnings from
     discont. operations,
     net of taxes             -          3,536                -         7,890
    Gain on disposal of
     discont. operations,
     net of taxes           169         11,538              492        11,538
    Net earnings from
     discontinued
     operations             169         15,074              492        19,428

    Net earnings         $6,788        $24,048          $35,599       $55,919

    Net earnings per
     share:
      Basic net EPS
       from continuing
       operations          0.26           0.37             1.39          1.50
      Basic net EPS
       from discontinued
       operations             -           0.14                -          0.32
      Basic net EPS
      from disposal
      of discont. op.      0.01           0.47             0.02          0.47
      Basic net earnings
       per share          $0.27          $0.98           $ 1.41         $2.29

      Diluted net EPS
       from continuing
       operations          0.26           0.35             1.38          1.46
      Diluted net EPS
       from discontinued
       operations             -           0.14                -          0.31
      Diluted net EPS
       from disposal of
       discont. op.        0.01           0.46             0.02          0.46
      Diluted net
       earnings per share $0.27          $0.95           $ 1.40          $2.23

    Average shares
     outstanding:
      Basic              25,315         24,638           25,228         24,375
      Diluted            25,612         25,393           25,512         25,261

    Dividends declared
     per share            $0.14          $0.14           $ 0.56          $0.53



                          KAMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                   (In thousands)

                                     December 31, 2008       December 31, 2007
    Assets
    Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents                  $8,161                 $73,898
     Accounts receivable, net                  173,847                 158,435
     Inventories                               255,817                 210,341
     Deferred income taxes                      23,851                  28,724
     Other current assets                       24,840                  20,231
       Total current assets                    486,516                 491,629
    Property, plant and equipment, net          79,476                  53,645
    Goodwill                                    83,594                  45,993
    Other intangible assets, net                28,211                     195
    Deferred income taxes                       71,926                   3,594
    Overfunded pension                               -                  30,486
    Other assets                                12,890                   9,321
                                              $762,613                $634,863
    Liabilities and shareholders' equity
    Current liabilities:
     Notes payable                              $1,241                  $1,680
     Current portion of long-term debt           5,000                       -
     Accounts payable - trade                   84,059                  74,236
     Accrued salaries and wages                 21,104                  25,328
     Accrued pension costs                       5,878                  14,202
     Accrued contract losses                     9,714                   9,513
     Advances on contracts                      10,612                   9,508
     Other accruals and payables                39,467                  36,162
     Income taxes payable                        1,464                  12,002
       Total current liabilities               178,539                 182,631
    Long-term debt, excluding current portion   87,924                  11,194
    Other long-term liabilities                221,879                  46,512
    Shareholders' equity                       274,271                 394,526
                                              $762,613                $634,863
SOURCE  Kaman Corp.

    -0-                           02/26/2009
    /CONTACT:  Eric Remington, Vice President, Investor Relations,
+1-860-243-6334, Eric.Remington@kaman.com/
    /Web Site:  http://www.kaman.com /
    (KAMN)

CO:  Kaman Corp.

ST:  Connecticut
IN:  ARO
SU:  ERN CCA

PR
-- NY76080 --
6080 02/26/200916:01 ESThttp://www.prnewswire.com

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