Cavalier Announces Year-End 2002 Results.

Business Editors

ADDISON, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 26, 2003

Cavalier Homes, Inc. (NYSE:CAV) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2002.

Total revenue for the fourth quarter declined 20% to $87,008,000 from $109,411,000 in the year-earlier period. This decline primarily reflected lower revenue from home manufacturing sales, the largest component of the Company's revenue, which was 20% lower at $84,054,000 for the quarter versus $105,222,000 for the fourth quarter of 2001. Floor shipments declined 27% to 4,644 floors versus 6,361 floors in the same period last year. Revenue from financial services for the quarter was largely unchanged. Revenue from retail sales increased slightly during the quarter versus the same period last year, but was offset by lower other revenue for the period.

The Company's pre-tax loss for the fourth quarter was $11,649,000 compared with pre-tax income of $1,250,000 posted in the year-earlier period. The Company's pre-tax loss for the fourth quarter of 2002 included $6,064,000 in asset impairment charges and employee severance costs related to the recently announced closing of six manufacturing facilities. Additionally, the period's results did not include any goodwill amortization expense. The Company's pre-tax income for the fourth quarter of 2001 included $1,003,000 in asset impairment and other related charges and $244,000 in goodwill amortization expense.

Cavalier's net loss for the fourth quarter of 2002 totaled $20,988,000 or $1.19 per diluted share and included a charge of $15,861,000 or $0.90 per diluted share to establish a valuation allowance for the Company's net deferred tax assets. This charge was offset partially by the tax benefit of the current period's net loss recognized in the fourth quarter of 2002. In the fourth quarter of 2001, net income totaled $1,250,000 or $0.07 per diluted share.

Commenting on the results, David Roberson, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "During the final quarter of 2002, we and others in the industry witnessed a further weakening of market conditions, eroding the progress we made in the first half of the year and deepening a cyclical downturn more severe than we have seen in several decades. We believe a slowing of the general economy in the fourth quarter accounted for some of this added weakness, as the nation's gross domestic product declined significantly from the preceding third quarter. A seasonal decline in manufactured housing sales also likely contributed to the weak fourth quarter. These issues aside, our industry continues to face significant challenges brought about by a confluence of overcapacity at both the retail and manufacturing levels, along with an ongoing tightening of credit standards and a corresponding reduction in credit availability for customers and dealers. This three-year contraction has caused many financing sources to exit the industry and has closed approximately 100 manufacturing plants. Likewise, it has cut industry shipments 52% since 1999 to a 40-year low of 168,000 homes.

"Given our focus on Southeastern markets, a region that has traditionally relied on chattel mortgages for the purchase of manufactured housing, these adverse conditions have translated into even greater hurdles for Cavalier," he continued. "In other areas of the country, where home/land transactions and conventional mortgages are more prevalent, manufactured housing sales have been less affected by the turmoil that has affected customers and dealers in our geographic region.

"In light of this challenging environment, the additional deterioration seen in the fourth quarter, and the indeterminate impact of current political tensions in the Middle East on our domestic economy, we have continued to take firm action and make hard choices to reduce our manufacturing capacity in step with current demand and to control expenses," Roberson added. "These steps have involved the closing of 15 facilities over the past three years, including six in the last quarter of 2002 - actions intended to reduce the long-term risk to our Company of carrying unneeded capacity through the winter season and until there are clear signs that sales will rebound. Moreover, we have worked to stabilize our business and reduce costs over the past two years by increasing the use of standardized parts and focusing on a product line that emphasizes features and value rather than sheer number of choices. Obviously, there are market dynamics that we cannot control, but we think these initiatives are crucial to our plan to conserve and protect our capabilities and market position so that we can continue as a leading force in manufactured housing when this cyclical downturn runs its course and the stage is set for renewed industry growth."

Cavalier's revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002, increased 6% to $387,257,000 from $363,871,000 in 2001. Home manufacturing sales rose 7% to $374,273,000 for the year versus $348,235,000 last year as shipments increased 2% to 21,703 floors from 21,324 floors in 2001. The Company's higher floor shipments for the year to date compared with a decline of 11% in industry floor shipments during 2002, according to the Manufactured Housing Institute, demonstrating continued market share gains for the Company over the past two years.

The Company's pre-tax loss for 2002 was $14,792,000 versus a pre-tax loss of $14,618,000 in 2001. The pre-tax loss for 2002 included asset impairment and employee severance costs totaling $6,064,000, which was offset to some extent by a second quarter benefit from the settlement of an insurance claim totaling $1,163,000. Additionally, the 2002 results did not include any goodwill amortization expense. The pre-tax loss for 2001 included asset impairment and other related charges totaling $1,003,000 and goodwill amortization expense totaling $978,000.

Cavalier's net loss for 2002 totaled $34,670,000 or $1.96 per diluted share and included the aforementioned fourth quarter charge related to the valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets, offset to some extent by the income tax benefit of utilizing the current year's net operating loss. Additionally, the net loss for 2002 included a charge in the first quarter totaling $14,162,000 or $0.80 per diluted share to record the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, in connection with the implementation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," as of January 1, 2002. The Company's net loss for 2001 was $14,018,000 or $0.80 per diluted share.

Commenting on the Company's financial position, Barry Donnell, Cavalier's Chairman, said that Cavalier ended the year with cash totaling $34,939,000 versus $43,256,000 at the same time last year. Additionally, the Company has filed for a federal income tax refund utilizing 2002 net operating losses and expects to receive a refund of approximately $6,400,000. Year-end inventories dropped to $18,287,000 at December 31, 2002, from $20,672,000 at the end of 2001. Dealer inventory, including inventory at company-owned retail sales centers, declined 12% to approximately $151,000,000 at December 31, 2002, from $171,000,000 a year ago as the turnover of the Company's product at retail continued to improve. Year-end dealer inventory was down 6% from $161,000,000 at the end of the third quarter of 2002.

Donnell also noted Cavalier's total long-term debt at the end of 2002 declined to $22,643,000 from $23,999,000 at December 31, 2001. The amounts for both years included an outstanding balance of $15,000,000 on the Company's revolving credit facility, which matures in April 2005. Because of the costs associated with the closing of six facilities during 2002 and the establishment of a valuation allowance for the Company's net deferred tax assets, there is no additional funding capacity at this time. The Company was not in compliance with certain covenants under this facility as of December 31, 2002. The lender has waived compliance with these covenants through December 31, 2003. The Company and its lender are negotiating to restructure the facility and its covenants in light of the current operating environment. While the Company expects to complete these negotiations successfully in the near future, Cavalier can give no assurance that it will arrive at a mutually agreeable understanding with its lender to restructure the revolving credit facility and the covenants thereto.

Cavalier Homes, Inc. and its subsidiaries produce, sell, and finance manufactured housing. The Company markets its homes primarily through independent dealers, including exclusive dealers that carry only Cavalier products, and provides financial services primarily to retail purchasers of manufactured homes sold through its dealer network. A public, listen-only simulcast of Cavalier Homes' fourth quarter conference call will begin at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time tomorrow (February 27, 2003) and may be accessed via the Company's web site, www.cavhomesinc.com, or at www.viavid.com; investors are invited to access the simulcast at least 10 minutes before the start time in order to complete a brief registration form. A replay of this call will be available shortly after the call using this same link and will continue until March 27, 2003.

With the exception of historical information, the statements made in this press release, including those containing the words "believe," "know," "will," and words of similar import, and those relating to industry trends and conditions, Cavalier's expectations for its results of operations in future periods, acceptance of Cavalier's new product initiatives and the effect of these and other steps taken in the last several years on Cavalier's future sales and earnings, and Cavalier's plans and expectations for addressing current and future industry and business conditions, constitute forward-looking statements, are based upon current expectations, and are made pursuant to the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve certain known and unknown assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in or contemplated by the statements, including among other matters, significant competitive activity, including promotional and price competition; interest rates; increases in raw material and energy costs; changes in customer demand for Cavalier's products; inherent risks in the market place associated with new products and new product lines; and other risk factors listed from time to time in Cavalier's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those discussed or indicated in Cavalier's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2001, under the heading "Item 1. Business-Risk Factors," and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 28, 2002, under the heading "Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995," as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Cavalier disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the issuance of this press release.

                         Cavalier Homes, Inc.
                    Unaudited Financial Highlights
               (In thousands, except per share amounts)

                      Fourth Quarter Ended           Year Ended
                     ----------------------    ----------------------
                      Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,
                        2002         2001         2002         2001
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Revenue              $  87,008    $ 109,411    $ 387,257    $ 363,871
Income (loss)
  before income
  taxes (benefit)      (11,649)       1,250      (14,792)     (14,618)
Income taxes
  (benefit)              9,339         --          5,716         (600)
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Income (loss) before
  cumulative effect
  of change in
  accounting
  principle            (20,988)       1,250      (20,508)     (14,018)
Cumulative effect of
  change in
  accounting
  principle, net
  of tax benefit
  of $1,306               --           --        (14,162)        --
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Net income (loss)    $ (20,988)   $   1,250    $ (34,670)   $ (14,018)
                     =========    =========    =========    =========
Basic and diluted
  income (loss)
  per share:
  Income (loss)
    before cumulative
    effect of change
    in accounting
    principle        $   (1.19)   $    0.07    $   (1.16)   $   (0.80)
  Cumulative effect
    of change in
    accounting
    principle             --           --          (0.80)        --
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Net income (loss)  $   (1.19)   $    0.07    $   (1.96)   $   (0.80)
                     =========    =========    =========    =========
Weighted average
  shares - Basic        17,666       17,660       17,665       17,580
                     =========    =========    =========    =========
Weighted average
  shares - Diluted      17,666       17,691       17,665       17,580
                     =========    =========    =========    =========

              Cavalier Homes, Inc. Data Sheet - Unaudited
               (In thousands, except per share amounts)

                      Fourth Quarter Ended           Year Ended
                     ----------------------    ----------------------
                      Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,
                        2002         2001         2002         2001
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
STATEMENT OF INCOME SUMMARY
Home manufacturing
  net sales          $  84,054    $ 105,222    $ 374,273    $ 348,235
Financial services         788          884        2,690        3,088
Retail                   1,954        1,785        7,908        6,968
Other                      212        1,520        2,386        5,580
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Total revenue      $  87,008    $ 109,411    $ 387,257    $ 363,871
                     =========    =========    =========    =========
Cost of sales           76,719       88,830      332,964      309,656
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Gross profit          10,289       20,581       54,293       54,215
Selling, general and
  administrative        15,699       17,961       62,649       66,335
Impairment and other
  related charges        6,064        1,003        6,064        1,003
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Operating income
  (loss)               (11,474)       1,617      (14,420)     (13,123)
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------

Other income (expense):
  Interest expense        (373)        (371)      (1,495)      (1,935)
  Other, net               198            4        1,123          440
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
                          (175)        (367)        (372)      (1,495)
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Income (loss) before
  income taxes
  (benefit)            (11,649)       1,250      (14,792)     (14,618)
Income taxes(benefit)    9,339         --          5,716         (600)
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Income (loss) before
  cumulative effect
  of change in
  accounting
  principle            (20,988)       1,250      (20,508)     (14,018)
Cumulative effect of
  change in accounting
  principle, net of
  tax benefit
  of $1,306               --           --        (14,162)        --
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Net income (loss)    $ (20,988)   $   1,250    $ (34,670)   $ (14,018)
                     =========    =========    =========    =========

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share:
  Income (loss)
    before
    cumulative effect
    of change in
    accounting
    principle        $   (1.19)   $    0.07    $   (1.16)   $   (0.80)
  Cumulative effect
    of change in
    accounting
    principle             --           --          (0.80)        --
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Net income (loss)  $   (1.19)   $    0.07    $   (1.96)   $   (0.80)
                     =========    =========    =========    =========
Weighted average
  shares outstanding
  - basic               17,666       17,660       17,665       17,580
                     =========    =========    =========    =========
Weighted average
  shares outstanding
  - diluted             17,666       17,691       17,665       17,580
                     =========    =========    =========    =========

As Adjusted Information (SFAS No. 142):

Net income (loss)
  as reported        $ (20,988)   $   1,250    $ (34,670)   $ (14,018)
Amortization of
  goodwill                --            244         --            978
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
                       (20,988)       1,494      (34,670)     (13,040)
Cumulative effect
  of change in
  accounting
  principle, net
  of tax                  --           --         14,162         --
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Adjusted net
  income (loss)      $ (20,988)   $   1,494    $ (20,508)   $ (13,040)
                     =========    =========    =========    =========
Basic and diluted
  income (loss)
  per share:
Net income (loss)
  as reported        $   (1.19)   $    0.07    $   (1.96)   $   (0.80)
Amortization of
  goodwill                --           0.01         --           0.06
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
                         (1.19)        0.08        (1.96)       (0.74)
Cumulative effect
  of change in
  accounting
  principle               --           --           0.80         --
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Adjusted net
  income (loss)      $   (1.19)   $    0.08    $   (1.16)   $   (0.74)
                     =========    =========    =========    =========

        Cavalier Homes, Inc. Data Sheet - Unaudited (Continued)
      (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

                      Fourth Quarter Ended           Year Ended
                     ----------------------    ----------------------
                      Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,
                        2002         2001         2002         2001
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
OPERATING DATA SUMMARY
Manufacturing sales:
Floor shipments          4,644        6,361       21,703       21,324
Home shipments:
  Single section           393          968        2,235        4,013
  Multi-section          2,125        2,696        9,734        8,656
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Total shipments          2,518        3,664       11,969       12,669
Shipments to
  company-owned
  retail locations         (55)         (38)        (187)        (151)
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Wholesale shipments
  to independent
  retailers              2,463        3,626       11,782       12,518
                     =========    =========    =========    =========
Retail sales:
  Single section            20           18           73           75
  Multi-section             34           32          145          125
                     ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Total sales                 54           50          218          200
                     =========    =========    =========    =========
Cavalier produced
  homes sold                46           43          188          170
                     =========    =========    =========    =========
Used homes sold              8            7           30           29
                     =========    =========    =========    =========
Independent exclusive
  dealer locations         220          237          220          237
Company-owned stores         4            5            4            5
Home manufacturing
  facilities --
  operating                  8           14            8           14
Installment loan
  purchases          $  11,744    $   7,669    $  45,580    $  35,768
EBITDA (excludes
  cumulative effect
  of change in
  accounting
  principle)         $  (9,818)   $   3,608    $  (7,011)   $  (4,509)

BALANCE SHEET SUMMARY
Cash and cash equivalents                      $  34,939    $  43,256
Accounts receivable, less allowance for losses     3,353        7,293
Inventories                                       18,287       20,672
Notes and installment contracts receivable         6,102        1,708
Other current assets                               9,939       10,086
                                               ---------    ---------
   Total current assets                           72,620       83,015
                                               ---------    ---------
Property, plant and equipment, net                50,357       59,692
Installment contracts receivable,
  less allowance for credit losses                 4,058        3,232
Goodwill                                            --         15,468
Other assets                                       3,036       12,709
                                               ---------    ---------
   Total assets                                $ 130,071    $ 174,116
                                               =========    =========

Current portion of long-term debt              $   1,347    $   1,294
Notes payable                                         67        2,364
Other current liabilities                         58,860       61,174
                                               ---------    ---------
   Total current liabilities                      60,274       64,832
                                               ---------    ---------
Long-term debt                                    22,643       23,999
Other long-term liabilities                        1,618        5,093
Stockholders' equity                              45,536       80,192
                                               ---------    ---------
   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $ 130,071    $ 174,116
                                               =========    =========
OTHER INFORMATION
Working capital                                $  12,346    $  18,183
Current ratio                                   1.2 to 1     1.3 to 1
Number of shares outstanding                      17,666       17,660
Stockholders' equity per share                 $    2.58    $    4.54
CIS installment loan portfolio                 $  10,977    $   4,991