Benchmark reports results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2007

Benchmark Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: BHE) announced sales of $735 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2007, compared to $737 million for the same quarter in the prior year. Fourth quarter net income was $21 million, or $0.29 per diluted share. In the comparable period of 2006, net income was $28 million, or $0.43 per diluted share.

Excluding restructuring charges, integration costs, amortization of intangibles and the impact of stock-based compensation costs, the Company would have reported net income of $25 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2007. Excluding restructuring charges and the impact of stock-based compensation costs, the Company would have reported net income of $29 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Sales for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were each $2.9 billion. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $93 million, or $1.28 per diluted share. In the prior year, net income was $112 million, or $1.71 per diluted share.

Excluding restructuring charges, integration costs, amortization of intangibles, the impact of stock-based compensation costs and a discrete tax benefit related to a previously closed facility, the Company would have reported net income of $98 million, or $1.35 per diluted share, in 2007. Excluding restructuring charges, the impact of stock-based compensation expense and a tax benefit resulting from the closure of our UK facility, the Company would have reported net income of $113 million, or $1.74 per diluted share, in 2006.

"In 2007 we achieved several major goals -- we expanded our customer base, enhanced our manufacturing and engineering capabilities, completed the integration of recent acquisitions, and realigned our manufacturing facilities," said Cary T. Fu, the Company's Chief Executive Officer. "We are delighted to have the heavy lifting behind us. We are on an excellent pathway for increased business from new and existing customers in 2008."

2008 Outlook
For 2008, we expect top line growth of 5-8% for the year and earnings per share growth in the range of 15-20%, excluding amortization of intangibles and the impact of stock-based compensation expense.

Looking forward, sales for the first quarter of 2008 are expected to be between $700 million and $725 million. Diluted earnings per share for the first quarter, excluding amortization of intangibles and the impact of stock-based compensation expense, are expected to be between $0.33 and $0.37.