Jarden Corporation currently anticipates fourth quarter revenue will exceed $960 million, driven by organic growth of approximately 3.5%. Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter (excluding reorganization and acquisition related costs as well as the impact of expensing stock incentive awards following the fourth quarter implementation of FAS 123R) is estimated to be in the range of $95 million to $100 million, which translates into an as adjusted earnings per share range for the year ended December 31, 2005 of $2.10 to $2.14.
Cash flow from operations in the fourth quarter exceeded $200 million. Additionally, the company's net debt declined from $1.5 billion at September 30, 2005 to approximately $1.3 billion at year end, including ordinary course debt service payments and capital expenditures during the quarter. As adjusted earnings per share for the year rose in excess of 35% as compared to the prior year.
Martin E. Franklin, chairman and CEO, commented, “2005 was an incredible year in the development of Jarden with the integration of two significant businesses bringing our annualized revenue base to approximately $3.5 billion. The integration of the American Household businesses was a major high point of the year, with both the Coleman and legacy Sunbeam businesses performing above our expectations. We ended this past year with strong sales and, as anticipated, we delivered strong cash flow from operations for the year.”
“During the fourth quarter, in aggregate, the results of our Branded Consumables, Outdoor Solutions and Other segments as well as our legacy Sunbeam business were ahead of last year and exceeded our forecast for the fourth quarter. However, the two businesses being integrated into our Consumer Solutions segment, FoodSaver and Holmes, did not meet our expectations in the fourth quarter. That said, we view this as primarily a timing and integration issue and remain confident about both businesses, particularly regarding the synergies that we have yet to realize from the Holmes acquisition.”
Fiscal 2006
For fiscal 2006, the company currently expects to generate organic sales growth in the 3% to 5% range and to meet its stated minimum as adjusted EPS growth target of 15%, while continuing to generate strong free cash flow.
Mr. Franklin continued, “While Jarden does not provide formal guidance to the street, we are still highly confident that we can achieve our stated goal of doubling Jarden's 2004 as adjusted EPS of $1.47 by 2008. We are as confident in the long-term prospects of our business as we were at this time last year. As we have previously stated, our goals will be achieved on the back of new product introductions, investing in our brands for sustainable long term growth, leveraging our cost saving initiatives and capitalizing on international, as well as domestic opportunities.”
