WINCHESTER, Va.,   - American Woodmark Corporation (NASDAQ: AMWD) today announced results for the first quarter ended July 31, 2012, of its fiscal year 2013 that ends on April 30, 2013.

Net sales rose by 13% compared with the first quarter of the prior fiscal year to $148,252,000. The Company experienced sales gains of more than 40% in its new construction business, while its remodeling sales were in line with the prior year's first quarter.

The Company generated net income excluding restructuring charges of $1.0 million, or $0.07 per diluted share during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, compared with a net loss of ($2.7 million) or ($0.19) per diluted share in the first quarter of its prior fiscal year. Results in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 included net-of-tax restructuring costs of $0.5 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, related to the permanent closure of two manufacturing plants in April 2012 and May 2012. Net income for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 inclusive of these charges was $0.6 million, or $0.04 per diluted share.

Gross profit for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 was 14.9% of net sales, compared with 14.0% of net sales in the prior year's first quarter. Gross profit was favorably impacted by reductions in fixed overhead costs associated with the plant closures and the beneficial impact of higher sales volume. This favorability was partially offset by the impact of rising materials costs and operational inefficiencies connected with the transition of production related to the plant closures.

Selling, general and administrative costs were 13.6% of net sales in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, improved from 17.0% of net sales in the prior year's first quarter. The improvement in the Company's operating expense ratio was driven by increased sales levels that enabled favorable leverage, combined with cost savings from modifications to the Company's retirement programs and reduced spending on sales promotions and product displays.

The Company generated free cash flow (defined as cash provided by operating activities net of cash used for investing activities) of ($5.6 million) during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, compared with $2.1 million in the prior year's first quarter. The Company's adverse swing in free cash flow was primarily related to plant closure and severance payments related to its recently completed restructuring activities and the resumption of contributions to its pension plans.

American Woodmark Corporation manufactures and distributes kitchen cabinets and vanities for the remodeling and new home construction markets. Its products are sold on a national basis directly to home centers, major builders and through a network of independent distributors. The Company presently operates nine manufacturing facilities and nine service centers across the country.