BI Bell Industries,

Bell Industries, Inc. (AMEX:BI) today reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2006. Revenue for 2006 first quarter totaled to $27.2 million, compared with $28.7 million in the comparable 2005 period. The company's net loss amounted to $1.3 million, or $0.15 per share, compared with a net loss of $677,000, or $0.08 per share, in the year-ago quarter. For the company's largest operating unit, Bell's Technology Solutions business, 2006 first quarter revenues were $14.3 million, compared with $15.4 million in the prior-year period. Product sales amounted to $6.4 million, compared with $8.2 million in the 2005 first quarter. Services revenues rose to $7.9 million in the current first quarter from $7.2 million a year earlier, primarily attributable to continued strength in reverse logistics and depot repair business. Bell posted an operating loss of $1.2 million for the 2006 first quarter, in part, reflecting approximately $600,000 in losses from continuing higher start-up and related costs associated with a new depot services contract that commenced in the fourth quarter of 2005. The company had an operating loss of $767,000 in the corresponding prior-year period. John A. Fellows, chief executive officer of Bell Industries, said, "Recent operational changes have been initiated that are designed to enhance the division's prospects and include, among others, the recruitment of additional business development executives with strong IT backgrounds and proven sales track records. While we expect to incur higher-than-usual expenses near-term as a result of these initiatives, we believe they will help position this division to maximize its growth prospects." At Bell's Recreational Products Group (RPG), net revenues for the 2006 first quarter were $10.7 million, compared with $11.4 million in the year-ago period. The decline in sales at RPG is attributed to adverse economic conditions and higher fuel costs and the associated impact on the recreational vehicle and boating markets. Operating income declined to $190,000 for the 2006 first quarter from $218,000 a year earlier. Revenues at J. W. Miller advanced to $2.2 million in the 2006 first quarter from $1.9 million a year earlier. Operating income increased to $538,000 from $425,000 in the 2005 first quarter. Bell announced earlier this month the sale of substantially all of the assets, excluding real estate, of this division to Bourns, Inc. for $8.5 million in cash, subject to post closing adjustments. Fellows said, "With the sale of our smallest business unit, we are now completely focused on the company's core business operations. As we continue to make progress aligning our resources to become leaders in the key markets we serve, we believe we are well positioned to drive profitable revenue growth in each of our business units." Bell's balance sheet at year-end remained strong, with no bank debt. At March 31, 2006, cash and cash equivalents totaled $5.1 million, and net working capital amounted to $17.8 million. At the end of the 2006 first quarter, shareholders' equity totaled $19.0 million, or $2.22 per share. About Bell Industries, Inc. Bell is comprised of two diversified business units, Bell's Technology Solutions business and Recreational Products Group. Bell's Technology Solutions business offers a comprehensive portfolio of technology products and managed lifecycle services, including planning, product sourcing, deployment and disposal, and support services. Bell's Recreational Products Group distributes after-market parts and accessories primarily to the recreational vehicle and boating markets. Forward-Looking Statements Certain matters discussed in this news release are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current trends. These include, but are not limited to, incurring higher expenses in the near-term to maximize growth prospects, as well as other factors described in the company's public filings from time to time. -0- *T Bell Industries, Inc. Consolidated Operating Results (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three months ended March 31 2006 2005 --------------------------------------------------- ------------------ Net revenues Products $19,287 $21,484 Services 7,870 7,204 -------- --------- 27,157 28,688 -------- --------- Costs and expenses Cost of products sold 14,876 16,874 Cost of services provided 6,657 6,012 Selling and administrative 7,004 6,516 Interest, net (75) (52) -------- --------- 28,462 29,350 -------- --------- Loss before income taxes (1,305) (662) Income tax expense 15 15 -------- --------- Net loss $(1,320) $(677) ======== ========= Basic and diluted share data Net loss per share $(.15) $(.08) ======== ========= Weighted average common stock 8,563 8,454 ======== ========= --------------------------------------------------- ------------------ OPERATING RESULTS BY BUSINESS SEGMENT Net revenues Technology Solutions Products $6,436 $8,228 Services 7,870 7,204 -------- --------- 14,306 15,432 Recreational Products 10,657 11,391 Electronic Components 2,194 1,865 -------- --------- $27,157 $28,688 ======== ========= Operating income (loss) Technology Solutions $(1,244) $(767) Recreational Products 190 218 Electronic Components 538 425 Corporate costs (864) (590) -------- --------- (1,380) (714) Interest, net 75 52 Income tax expense (15) (15) -------- --------- Net loss $(1,320) $(677) ======== ========= Bell Industries, Inc. Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet (In thousands) (Unaudited) March December 31, 31, 2006 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------- --------- ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $5,111 $7,331 Accounts receivable 18,117 15,306 Inventories 12,805 12,764 Prepaid expenses and other 2,627 2,701 --------- --------- Total current assets 38,660 38,102 --------- --------- Fixed assets, net 2,591 3,143 Other assets 3,054 3,108 --------- --------- $44,305 $44,353 ========= ========= LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Floor plan payables $31 $68 Accounts payable 12,109 11,023 Accrued payroll and liabilities 8,760 8,440 --------- --------- Total current liabilities 20,900 19,531 --------- --------- Long-term liabilities 4,407 4,518 Shareholders' equity 18,998 20,304 --------- --------- $44,305 $44,353 ========= ========= *T