LMI Aerospace Announces Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2008

Guidance for 2009 is Revised

• Press Release
• Source: LMI Aerospace, Inc.
• On 5:40 pm EDT, Wednesday March 11, 2009

ST. LOUIS, March 11, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LMI Aerospace, Inc. (NasdaqGS:LMIA - News), a leading provider of design engineering services, structural components, assemblies and kits to the aerospace, defense and technology industries, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2008.

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{"s" : "lmia","k" : "c10,l10,p20,t10","o" : "","j" : ""}

Net sales in the quarter ended December 31, 2008, were $52.2 million compared to $54.6 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2007. Gross profit was $11.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 vs. $14.1 million in the year-ago quarter. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $585,000 or $0.05 per diluted share vs. $3.8 million or $0.34 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2007. Results for the fourth quarter of 2008 were negatively impacted by $2.8 million of unusual pre-tax items or $0.16 per share. These expenses include a $2.3 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge related to Tempco Engineering; a $300,000 write-off of intangibles from the discontinued TCA consulting business; and $200,000 of severance pay. Excluding these expenses, net income would have been $2.4 million or $0.21 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2008.

For the full-year 2008, net sales were $239.5 million compared to $168.5 million in 2007. Net income in 2008 was $15.3 million (including the special charges in the fourth quarter) or $1.35 per diluted share compared to $13.2 million or $1.17 per diluted share in 2007. The prior-year results include five months of operations of D3 Technologies, Inc., which was acquired July 31, 2007.

``In our news release dated January 27, 2009, we described the effects of the deferrals of certain customer orders and the Boeing strike which combined to reduce sales of our Aerostructures segment by $15.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2008,'' said Ronald S. Saks, President and Chief Executive Officer of LMI Aerospace, Inc. ``In addition, expenses related to the discontinuance of our TCA lean consulting operation, severance pay and a charge for impairment of goodwill at one of our machining divisions further reduced our operating income in the fourth quarter. This impairment charge was caused by the sudden and deep decline in semiconductor demand which is expected to last into 2010. Our inventories grew in the fourth quarter by $9.2 million as we began to make the adjustment to temporarily reduced demand from three major customers. Our adjusted net income of $0.21 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2008 was below our expectations as we began the quarter, but represented good performance given the 30 to 35 percent reduction in projected Aerostructures sales revenue.''

Net sales for the Aerostructures segment for the fourth quarter of 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

                                             % of               % of
 Category                           Q4 2008   Total   Q4 2007   Total
 -------------------------------    ---------------   ---------------
                                               ($ in millions)
 Corporate and regional aircraft    $  13.5    41.4%  $  13.4    35.8%
 Large commercial aircraft              9.4    28.8%     10.5    31.9%
 Military                               7.8    23.9%      9.0    24.0%
 Technology                             1.0     3.1%      2.3     5.3%
 Other                                  0.9     2.8%      1.0     3.0%
                                    ----------------  ----------------
 Total                              $  32.6   100.0%  $  36.2   100.0%
                                    ================  ================

Included in large commercial aircraft revenue in 2008 above are aftermarket sales for the Boeing 767 wing modification kit of $1.3 million.

Net sales for the Engineering Services segment for the fourth quarter of 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

                                             % of               % of
 Category                           Q4 2008  Total     Q4 2007  Total
 --------------------------------- ----------------   ----------------
                                               ($ in millions)
 Corporate and regional aircraft   $    5.1    26.0%  $   5.1    27.7%
 Large commercial aircraft              9.9    50.5%      9.1    49.5%
 Military                               3.8    19.4%      3.1    16.8%
 Tooling and Other                      0.8     4.1%      1.1     6.0%
                                   ----------------   ----------------
 Total                             $   19.6   100.0%  $  18.4   100.0%
                                   ================   ===============

Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $11.9 million or 22.9 percent of sales compared to $14.1 million or 25.8 percent of sales in the fourth quarter of 2007. In the fourth quarter of 2008, gross profit for the Aerostructures segment was $8.3 million or 25.8 percent of sales versus $11.0 million or 30.4 percent of sales in the year-ago quarter. Gross profit for the Engineering Services segment for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $3.6 million or 18.2 percent of sales versus $3.1 million or 16.8 percent of sales in the year-ago period.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding the goodwill impairment charge, were $8.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2008, or 16.1 percent of sales compared to $7.1 million or 13.0 percent of sales in the year-ago quarter. SG&A expenses, excluding the goodwill impairment charge, were $6.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 for the Aerostructures segment vs. $5.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, up primarily due to the TCA intangible write-off and severance pay. SG&A expenses were $2.2 million for the Engineering Services segment in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to $1.8 million in the year-ago quarter. Net interest expense in the fourth quarter of 2008 was $449,000 compared to $644,000 in the fourth quarter of 2007. Income taxes in the fourth quarter of 2008 were $0.2 million, compared to $2.5 million in the year-ago quarter. The effective tax rate in the fourth quarter of 2008 was 25.7 percent compared to 39.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007.

``LMI set records for sales and net income in 2008,'' Saks said. ``Our most noteworthy accomplishments include a smooth integration of our Aerostructures and Engineering Services segments, significantly improved relationships with our major customers on more complex engineering and build projects for newly designed aircraft, and our success in Aerostructures in balancing our work between three market segments. The continued maturity of the organizations in both segments and the diversification of our sales have helped to stabilize the overall corporate team, which will be ready to capitalize on new opportunities with our customers on both new and legacy programs offered if our competitors fail to survive the current global economic pressures.''

In 2009, the Aerostructures segment began the year with backlog of $250 million, with approximately $184 million of that amount due in 2009. Following the March 5, 2009, Gulfstream announcement reducing production rates in 2009, the segment is now expected to generate net sales of $180 million to $190 million compared to previous guidance of $193 million to $203 million. The reduction in revenue is primarily due to the Gulfstream rate reduction. The segment now anticipates gross profit ranging from 24.5 percent to 25.5 percent. Selling, general and administrative expenses are expected to be between $26.0 million and $27.0 million.

Guidance for the Engineering Services segment has also been changed to reflect the lack of visibility of customer demand in the second half of 2009 and the challenges of transitioning engineers into new projects as existing work concludes. Revenues are expected to range from $80 million to $84 million, gross profit from 17.5 percent to 18.5 percent, and selling, general and administrative expenses from $7.6 million to $8.0 million.

On a consolidated basis, revenues are expected to range from $260 million to $274 million. Gross profit is expected to range from 23 percent to 24 percent and selling, general and administrative expenses should be between $33.6 million and $35.1 million. The company also expects approximately $550,000 of certain unusual costs related to the acquisition of Integrated Technologies, Inc., using the new rules of FAS 141R, the results of the discontinued TCA operations, and restructuring costs. Interest expense is anticipated to range from $1.5 million to $1.6 million and taxes are expected to be approximately 36.5 percent.

``Our 2009 revenue estimates for Aerostructures do not include any new work statement that may be received during the year, and are based on customer supplied production rates for 2009, adjusted for the recent rate reduction announced by Gulfstream,'' Saks said. ``As the economy and our industry stabilize, we expect that 2009 and 2010 will present numerous challenges as our customers adjust production to known demand. In addition to opportunities we expect to see as a result of failing suppliers, both segments continue to work on aerospace projects offered by our customers with an emphasis at Aerostructures on the Boeing Model 747-8, Blackhawk helicopter, Gulfstream G650 and other military aircraft.

``Our Engineering Services segment has targeted several new development programs as well. This division has developed a good reputation for handling complex design projects and also expects to benefit as key customers move forward on new programs using financially capable suppliers. LMI will use the next two years to develop and execute our design and build capabilities on new programs as well as continue our commitment to productivity improvement and employee training.

``Our emphasis in Aerostructures on increasing free cash flow by reducing inventories while preserving margins, limiting capital expenditures to $5 million in 2009, and reducing selected operating expenses are expected to produce good financial performance in 2009 and future years. We recognize that every supplier to the aerospace and defense industry will not increase market share during this economic downturn. However, we have done it before and we expect to do it again,'' Saks said.

LMI Aerospace, Inc. is a leading provider of design engineering services, structural components, assemblies and kits to the aerospace, defense and technology industries. Through its Aerostructures segment, the company fabricates machines, finishes and integrates formed, close-tolerance aluminum and specialty alloy components and sheet-metal products, primarily for large commercial, corporate and military aircraft. It manufactures more than 30,000 products for integration into a variety of aircraft platforms manufactured by leading original equipment manufacturers and Tier 1 aerospace suppliers. Through its Engineering Services segment, operated by its D3 Technologies subsidiary, the company provides a complete range of design, engineering and program management services, supporting aircraft lifecycles from conceptual design, analysis and certification through production support, fleet support and service-life extensions.

The LMI Aerospace, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4971

This news release includes forward-looking statements related to LMI Aerospace, Inc.'s, outlook for 2009, which are based on current management expectations. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of LMI Aerospace, Inc. Actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of, among other things, the factors detailed from time to time in LMI Aerospace, Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Please refer to the Risk Factors contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                      LMI Aerospace, Inc.
                  Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

                                                 December 31
                                              2008          2007
                                           -----------------------
 Assets
 Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                $      29     $      82
  Trade accounts receivable - net of 
   allowance of $304 and $292 at
   December 31, 2008 and 2007, 
   respectively                               26,887        29,588
  Inventories                                 62,393        40,940
  Prepaid expenses and other current 
   assets                                      2,137         2,135
  Income taxes receivable                        364           630
                                           -----------------------
 Total current assets                         91,810        73,375
                                           -----------------------

  Property, plant and equipment, net          20,103        19,733
  Goodwill                                    46,258        48,670
  Intangible assets, net                      17,861        19,428
  Deferred income taxes                        5,148         3,962
  Other assets                                 1,167         1,429
                                           -----------------------
 Total assets                              $ 182,347     $ 166,597
                                           =======================

 Liabilities and stockholders' equity 
 Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                         $  12,363     $  10,681
  Accrued expenses                             9,936         9,997
  Short-term deferred gain on sale 
   of real estate                                233           233
  Current installments of long-term 
   debt                                          498           775
                                           -----------------------
 Total current liabilities                    23,030        21,686

  Long-term deferred gain on sale 
   of real estate                              3,540         3,773
  Long-term debt, less current 
   installments                               25,536        29,022
  Deferred income taxes                        7,441         7,289
                                           -----------------------
 Total long-term liabilities                  36,517        40,084
 Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock, $.02 par value per 
   share; authorized 28,000,000 
   shares; issued 11,926,309 shares 
   and 11,820,057 shares at December 
   31, 2008 and 2007, respectively               239           236
  Preferred stock, $.02 par value 
   per share; authorized 2,000,000
   shares; none issued in both 
   periods                                        --            --
  Additional paid-in capital                  69,855        67,244
  Treasury stock, at cost, 364,088 
   shares and 385,688 shares at
   December 31, 2008 and 2007, 
   respectively                               (1,727)       (1,830)
  Retained earnings                           54,433        39,177
                                           -----------------------
 Total stockholders' equity                  122,800       104,827
                                           -----------------------
 Total liabilities and stockholders' 
  equity                                   $ 182,347     $ 166,597
                                           =======================


                            LMI Aerospace, Inc.
                   Consolidated Statements of Operations
          (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)


                        Three Months Ended      Twelve Months Ended
                            December 31,            December 31,
                         2008        2007         2008         2007
                     ------------------------------------------------
 Sales and service  
  revenue           
  Product sales        $ 32,601    $ 36,167    $ 149,267    $ 137,074
  Service revenue        19,599      18,429       90,195       31,428
                     ------------------------------------------------
   Net sales             52,200      54,596      239,462      168,502
                     ------------------------------------------------
 Cost of sales      
  Cost of product   
   sales                 24,231      25,173      105,425       97,293
  Cost of service   
   revenues              16,031      15,298       72,922       26,295
                     ------------------------------------------------
   Cost of sales         40,262      40,471      178,347      123,588
                     ------------------------------------------------
 Gross profit            11,938      14,125       61,115       44,914
                    
 Selling, general   
  and adminis-      
  trative expenses        8,414       7,128       33,128       23,466
 Impairment of      
  goodwill                2,303          --        2,303           --
                     ------------------------------------------------
   Income from      
    operations            1,221       6,997       25,684       21,448
                    
 Other income       
  (expense)         
   Interest income  
   (expense)               (449)       (644)      (1,815)        (902)
   Other, net                15           5           10          (20)
                     ------------------------------------------------
    Total other     
     income         
     (expense)             (434)       (639)      (1,805)        (922)
                     ------------------------------------------------
 Income before      
  income taxes              787       6,358       23,879       20,526
                    
 Provision for      
  income taxes              202       2,518        8,611        7,369
                     ------------------------------------------------
                    
 Net income            $    585    $  3,840    $  15,268    $  13,157
                     ================================================
                    
                    
 Amounts per        
  common share:     
 Net income per     
  common share         $   0.05    $   0.34    $    1.36    $    1.18
                     ================================================
                    
 Net income per     
  common share      
  assuming          
  dilution             $   0.05    $   0.34    $    1.35    $    1.17
                     ================================================

                    
 Weighted average   
  common shares     
  outstanding        11,245,389  11,160,179   11,198,610   11,157,396
                     ================================================
                    
 Weighted average   
  diluted common    
  shares            
  outstanding        11,290,321  11,310,734   11,301,382   11,288,486
                     ================================================

          LMI Aerospace, Inc. 
          Ed Dickinson, Chief Financial Officer
          636.916.2150