Full-Year 2012 Highlights Included

Note that the 2011 fiscal year had 53 weeks of commercial activity, with the extra week in the fourth quarter of 2011, while the 2012 fiscal year was the normal 52 weeks in length.

Fourth Quarter 2012 Results

Net income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $25.0 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, versus net income from continuing operations of $22.2 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, in last years fourth quarter. Adjusted total diluted earnings per share from continuing operations in the fourth quarter of 2012 were $0.641, up 14 percent from the prior years adjusted result of $0.561 and up 23 percent on a comparable 13 week basis.

Net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $513.3 million, up 27.8 percent versus the fourth quarter of 2011. Year-over-year growth was approximately 35 percent when adjusting for the extra week in the prior year. When excluding the incremental revenue from the acquired Forbo business, net revenue was flat, representing 3 percent organic growth offset by 3 percentage points of unfavorable foreign currency translation. The organic growth was comprised of a 1 percent increase in price and 2 percent growth in volume.

"The results we delivered in the final quarter of this fiscal year are impressive, even when comparing to last years reported results which included an extra week," said Jim Owens, H.B. Fuller president and chief executive officer. "Our fourth quarter revenue came in right on target and we exceeded our internal expectations for margin expansion as some business integration benefits were realized earlier than anticipated and the raw material cost environment was generally favorable. Our performance trends are good, our integration plans are on schedule and we have strong momentum as we enter the 2013 fiscal year."

Gross profit margin from continuing operations was flat compared to the prior year as the margin dilution from the acquired Forbo business was fully offset by benefits from the business integration activities and other margin enhancement initiatives. Sequentially, gross profit margin increased 120 basis points, due to the positive impact of the business integration and the favorable raw material cost environment. Relative to the prior year, Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) expense from continuing operations increased by 24 percent to $95.4 million, but was down 50 basis points as a percentage of net revenue to 18.6 percent.

About H.B. Fuller Company

For 125 years, H.B. Fuller has been a leading global adhesives provider focusing on perfecting adhesives, sealants and other specialty chemical products to improve products and lives. Recognized for unmatched technical support and innovation, H.B. Fuller brings knowledge and expertise to help its customers find precisely the right formulation for the right performance. With fiscal 2012 net revenue of $1.9 billion, H.B. Fuller serves customers in packaging, hygiene, general assembly, paper converting, woodworking, construction, automotive and consumer businesses.