Questions? +1 (202) 335-3939 Login
Trusted News Since 1995
A service for technology industry professionals · Friday, March 29, 2024 · 699,696,530 Articles · 3+ Million Readers

Firan Technology Group Corporation (“FTG” or “the Corporation”) Announces Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2019 Financial Results

/EIN News/ -- TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firan Technology Group Corporation (TSX: FTG) today announced financial results for the full year and fourth quarter 2019.

  • Achieved record full year sales of $112.7M, an increase of $8.2M after excluding a $5M revenue adjustment on a development contract from Q1 last year
  • Achieved EBITDA of $14.6M, an increase of $4.1M (39%) over last year
  • Achieved net income of $6.1M and diluted earnings per share of $0.25, an increase of 111% over 2018
  • Generated $8.5M in full year free cash flow, inclusive of capital expenditures of $3.1M but exclusive of $3.8M of net cash consideration paid for the Colonial business (now referred to as FTG Circuits-Fredericksburg)
  • At year end, had net cash of $2.2M on the balance sheet.
 
Full Year Results: (twelve months ended Nov 30, 2019 compared with twelve months ended Nov 30, 2018)
 
    FY 2019       FY 2018  
Sales $ 112,653,000     $ 109,420,000  
     
Gross Margin   30,264,000       25,262,000  
Gross Margin (%)   26.9 %     23.1 %
     
Operating Earnings (1):   15,818,000       10,978,000  
     
•  Net R&D Investment   4,846,000       4,740,000  
•  R&D Tax Credits   (669,000 )     (1,016,000 )
•  Foreign Exchange Loss (Gain)   785,000       (75,000 )
•  Amortization of Intangibles   1,128,000       1,049,000  
     
Net Earnings before Tax   9,728,000       6,280,000  
     
•  Income Tax   3,746,000       3,415,000  
•  Non-controlling Interests   (76,000 )     (10,000 )
     
Net Earnings after tax $ 6,058,000     $ 2,875,000  
Earnings per share    
- basic $ 0.27     $ 0.13  
- diluted $ 0.25     $ 0.12  

Fourth Quarter Results: (three months ended Nov 30, 2019 compared with three months ended Nov 30, 2018)

    Q4 2019       Q4 2018  
Sales $ 27,075,000     $ 28,013,000  
     
Gross Margin   5,870,000       7,264,000  
Gross Margin (%)   21.7 %     25.9 %
     
Operating Earnings (1):   2,745,000       3,453,000  
     
•  Net R&D Investment   1,339,000       1,375,000  
•  R&D Tax Credits   (260,000 )     (283,000 )
•  Foreign Exchange Loss   253,000       89,000  
•  Amortization of Intangibles   301,000       266,000  
     
Net Earnings before Tax   1,112,000       2,006,000  
     
•  Income Tax   504,000       769,000  
•  Non-controlling Interests   33,000       11,000  
     
Net Earnings After Tax $ 575,000     $ 1,226,000  
     
Earnings per share    
- basic $ 0.03     $ 0.05  
- diluted $ 0.03     $ 0.05  
 
(1) Operating Earnings is not a measure recognized under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Management believes that this measure is important to many of the Corporation’s shareholders, creditors and other stakeholders. The Corporation’s method of calculating Operating Earnings may differ from other corporations and accordingly may not be comparable to measures used by other corporations.
 

Business Highlights

FTG accomplished many goals in 2019 that continue to improve the Corporation and position it for the future, including:

  • Received Canadian Technical Standard Order (TSO) approval for a Cursor Control Device enabling FTG to begin production of this product under development over the past 3 years
  • On July 15, 2019, FTG successfully closed the acquisition of Colonial Circuits Inc., in Fredericksburg Virginia
  • Achieved sales from Colonial of approximately $3.6M from July to November
  • Began the certification process for the Colonial facility to the Aerospace AS9100 certification with completion planned for early 2020, opening up significant new market opportunities for that site
  • Worked with key suppliers to achieve material cost savings for the Colonial site, in line with costs at other existing FTG sites.
  • In November, FTG reached agreement with its represented staff at FTG Aerospace Toronto. The contract is for four years, with improvements in benefits and wages in line with typical collective agreements in Ontario this year.

For FTG, overall sales increased by $3.2M or 3.0% from $109.4M in 2018 to $112.7M in 2019. Adjusting for the revenue recognition impact of $5M from the C919 program in Q1 2018, the increase in sales is $8.2M or 7.9%. In Q4, FTG was the subject of a cyber-attack that impacted all sites in North America, except the recently acquired business in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The affected sites lost production from a few days to a few weeks. This impacted the 2019 sales in the quarter and the year as deliveries were delayed beyond year end. The acquisition of FTG Circuits Fredericksburg business, which closed July 15, 2019, contributed $3.6M to 2019 sales. Also contributing to the growth was the weakening of the Canadian dollar by 3.8 cents in 2019 compared to the prior year, which added approximately $3M to annual sales. 

FTG’s China sites were not impacted by the cyber-attack in Q4. They are however being impacted by measures taken by the Chinese government in Q1 2020 to control the spread of the corona virus outbreak and are expected to lose approximately 10 days of production in the quarter.

Q4 2019 sales of $27.1M were $0.9M lower than Q4 2018, net of the contribution of $2.4M from the acquisition of the FTG Circuits Fredericksburg business. In September 2019, FTG was the subject of a cyber-attack which impacted FTG’s systems across North America. Overall lost production was approximately 10% of normal quarterly sales. Also in Q4 2019 compared to Q4 2018, shipments of products for the simulator market were down temporarily by approximately $3M as previous orders were completed and new orders could not be assembled until the arrival of longer lead components. Simulator related revenues are expected to rebound in the second half of 2020. 

The Circuits Segment sales were $71.4M, up $7.4M or 11.5% in 2019 versus 2018. In Q4 sales were $18.6M compared to $17.4M in Q4 last year. In Q4 2019, sales were impacted by the cyber-attack but offset by the incremental $2.4M in sales from the acquired business in Virginia.

For the Aerospace segment, sales in 2019 were $41.2M compared to $45.3M last year. 2018 had the $5M one-time adjustment in program revenue. In Q4 2019 sales were $8.4M compared to $10.7M in Q4 2018. The drop in Q4 2019 is due partly to the cyber-attack as well as a drop in simulator activity of $3M year-over-year. The drop in simulator activity is the result the conclusion of existing orders and a gap in shipments until longer lead components arrive. Simulator revenues are expected to rebound in the second half of 2020 as the backlog in simulator work at year end was over $8.0M.

Gross margins in 2019 were $30.3M or 26.9% compared to $25.3M or 23.1% in 2018. The benefit of increased sales was combined with improving operational efficiency across the company. The cyber-attack in Q4 2019 negatively impacted gross margins in the quarter and the full year.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for FTG for 2019 was $14.6M compared to $10.5M in 2018.

The following table reconciles EBITDA(2) to the net earnings for 2019.

    2019
   
Net earnings   6,058,000
Add:  
Interest   290,000
Income taxes/ITC   3,077,000
Depreciation/Amortization/Stock Comp   5,165,000
   
EBITDA $ 14,590,000
 
(2) EBITDA are not measures recognized under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Management believes that these measures are important to many of the Corporation’s shareholders, creditors and other stakeholders. The Corporation’s method of calculating EBITDA may differ from other corporations and accordingly may not be comparable to measures used by other corporations.
 

Net profit after tax at FTG in 2019 was $6.1M or $0.25 per diluted share compared to a net profit of $2.9M or $0.12 per diluted share in 2018. Net profit after tax in Q4 2019 was $0.6M, a decrease of $0.6M compared to Q4 2018. The decrease is the result of lower sales (cyber-attack and lower simulator activity) offset by the income from the new Virginia facility.

The Circuits segment net earnings before corporate and interest and other costs was $12.0M in 2019 compared to $9.4M in 2018.

The Aerospace net earnings before corporate and interest and other costs in the quarter was $0.7M in 2019 versus ($0.4M) in 2018.

As at November 30, 2019, the Corporation’s net working capital was $28.6M, compared to $28.7M at year end in 2018. At year-end 2019, all debt is classified as current as the bank facility agreement currently in place expires in less than 12 months. Activity is underway to obtain a new bank facility in 2020.

Net cash at the end of 2019 was $2.2M compared to net debt of $2.4M at the end of 2018. Excluding the Colonial purchase price of $3.8M, the year-end 2019 net cash position would have been $6.0M, with annual free cash flow of $8.5M.

The Corporation will host a live conference call on Friday, February 14, 2020 at 10:000 am (Eastern) to discuss the results of 2019.

Anyone wishing to participate in the call should dial 647-427-2311 or 1-866-521-4909 and identify that you are calling to participate in the FTG conference call. The Chairperson is Mr. Brad Bourne. A replay of the call will be available until March 15, 2020 and will be available on the FTG website at www.ftgcorp.com. The number to call for a rebroadcast is 416-621-4642 or 1-800-585-8367, Conference ID 8595811.

ABOUT FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION

FTG is an aerospace and defense electronics product and subsystem supplier to customers around the globe. FTG has two operating units:

FTG Circuits is a manufacturer of high technology, high reliability printed circuit boards. Our customers are leaders in the aviation, defense, and high technology industries. FTG Circuits has operations in Toronto, Ontario, Chatsworth, California, Fredericksburg, Virginia and a joint venture in Tianjin, China.

FTG Aerospace manufactures illuminated cockpit panels, keyboards and sub-assemblies for original equipment manufacturers of aerospace and defense equipment. FTG Aerospace has operations in Toronto, Ontario, Chatsworth, California, Fort Worth, Texas and Tianjin, China.

The Corporation's shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FTG.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are related to, but not limited to, FTG’s operations, anticipated financial performance, business prospects and strategies. Forward-looking information typically contains words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan” or similar words suggesting future outcomes. Such statements are based on the current expectations of management of the Corporation and inherently involve numerous risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, including economic factors and the Corporation’s industry, generally. The preceding list is not exhaustive of all possible factors. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual events and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by the Corporation. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully when making decisions with respect to the Corporation and not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Other than as may be required by law, FTG disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information please contact:

Bradley C. Bourne, President and CEO
Firan Technology Group Corporation
Tel: (416) 299-4000 x314
bradbourne@ftgcorp.com

Jamie Crichton, Vice President and CFO
Firan Technology Group Corporation
Tel:(416) 299-4000 x264
jamiecrichton@ftgcorp.com

Additional information can be found at the Corporation’s website: www.ftgcorp.com

 
FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
     
As at November 30,
  November 30,
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)   2019       2018  
ASSETS    
Current assets    
Cash $ 7,647     $ 5,026  
Accounts receivable   21,085       18,051  
Contract assets   432       645  
Taxes recoverable   -       189  
Inventories   21,990       24,634  
Prepaid expenses   1,770       1,816  
    52,924       50,361  
Non-current assets    
Plant and equipment, net   13,830       12,078  
Deferred income tax assets   724       732  
Investment tax credits receivable   3,035       4,620  
Deferred development costs   279       276  
Intangible assets and other assets, net   2,585       3,069  
Total assets $ 73,377     $ 71,136  
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY    
Current liabilities    
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 17,104     $ 16,278  
Provisions   946       849  
Contract liabilities   216       1,966  
Current portion of bank debt   5,416       2,019  
Income tax payable   639       563  
    24,321       21,675  
Non-current liabilities    
Bank debt   -       5,404  
Deferred tax payable   1,297       1,750  
Total liabilities   25,618       28,829  
Equity    
Retained earnings $ 17,745     $ 11,687  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (1,554 )     (774 )
    16,191       10,913  
Share capital    
Common Shares   19,323       19,323  
Preferred Shares   2,218       2,218  
Contributed surplus   8,933       8,672  
Total equity attributable to FTG's shareholders   46,665       41,126  
Non-controlling interest   1,094       1,181  
Total equity   47,759       42,307  
Total liabilities and equity $ 73,377     $ 71,136  


FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION      
Consolidated Statements of Earnings      
       
  Years ended
  November 30,   November 30,
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)   2019       2018  
       
Sales $ 112,653     $ 109,420  
       
Cost of sales      
Cost of sales   78,788       81,143  
Depreciation of plant and equipment   3,601       3,015  
Total cost of sales   82,389       84,158  
Gross margin   30,264       25,262  
       
Expenses      
Selling, general and administrative   13,732       13,333  
Research and development costs   4,846       4,740  
Recovery of investment tax credits   (669 )     (1,016 )
Depreciation of plant and equipment   163       134  
Amortization of intangible assets   1,128       1,049  
Interest expense on bank debt   290       521  
Stock based compensation   261       296  
Foreign exchange loss (gain)   785       (75 )
Total expenses   20,536       18,982  
       
Earnings before income taxes   9,728       6,280  
       
Current income tax expense   4,296       3,230  
Deferred income tax (recovery) expense   (550 )     185  
Total income tax expense   3,746       3,415  
       
Net earnings $ 5,982     $ 2,865  
       
Attributable to:      
Non-controlling interest $ (76 )   $ (10 )
Equity holders of FTG $ 6,058     $ 2,875  
       
Earnings per share, attributable to the equity holders of FTG      
Basic $ 0.27     $ 0.13  
Diluted $ 0.25     $ 0.12  


FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION        
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income        
         
    Years ended
    November 30,   November 30,
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)     2019       2018  
         
Net earnings   $ 5,982     $ 2,865  
         
Other comprehensive loss to be reclassified to net earnings        
in subsequent periods:        
         
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments     (308 )     421  
Change in net unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments        
designated as cash flow hedges     (644 )     (1,873 )
Change in tax impact     161       468  
         
      (791 )     (984 )
         
Total comprehensive income   $ 5,191     $ 1,881  
         
Attributable to:        
Equity holders of FTG   $ 5,278     $ 1,914  
Non-controlling interest   $ (87 )   $ (33 )


FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
                 
  Years ended November 30, 2019 and November 30, 2018
  Attributed to the equity holders of FTG
   
          Accumulated      
          other   Non-  
  Common Preferred Retained Contributed comprehensive
  controlling Total
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) shares shares earnings surplus loss Total interest equity
Balance, November 30, 2017 $ 19,295   $ 2,218   $ 8,812   $ 8,384   $ 187   $ 38,896   $ 1,214   $ 40,110  
Net earnings (loss)   -     -     2,875     -     -     2,875     (10 )   2,865  
Stock-based compensation   -     -     -     296     -     296     -     296  
Common Shares issued on exercise of                
share options   28     -     -     (8 )   -     20     -     20  
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments   -     -     -     -     443     443     (23 )   420  
Change in net unrealized loss on derivative financial                
instruments designated as cash flow hedges, net of                    
tax impact   -     -     -     -     (1,404 )   (1,404 )   -     (1,404 )
Balance, November 30, 2018 $ 19,323   $ 2,218   $ 11,687   $ 8,672   $ (774 ) $ 41,126   $ 1,181   $ 42,307  
Net earnings (loss)   -     -     6,058     -     -     6,058     (76 )   5,982  
Stock-based compensation   -     -     -     261     -     261     -     261  
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments   -     -     -     -     (297 )   (297 )   (11 )   (308 )
Change in net unrealized loss on derivative financial                    
instruments designated as cash flow hedges, net of                    
tax impact   -     -     -     -     (483 )   (483 )   -     (483 )
Balance, November 30, 2019 $ 19,323   $ 2,218   $ 17,745   $ 8,933   $ (1,554 ) $ 46,665   $ 1,094   $ 47,759  


FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
         
    Years ended
    November 30,   November 30,
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)     2019       2018  
Net inflow (outflow) of cash related to the following:        
Operating activities        
Net earnings (attributable to Equity holders of FTG)   $ 5,982     $ 2,865  
Items not affecting cash:        
Stock-based compensation     261       296  
(Gain) loss on disposal of plant and equipment     (53 )     25  
Effect of exchange rates on US dollar debt     24       284  
Depreciation of plant and equipment     3,764       3,149  
Amortization of intangible assets     1,128       1,049  
Amortization of deferred financing costs     12       12  
Investment tax credits/deferred income taxes     1,546       2,640  
Investment tax credits recovery     (669 )     (1,016 )
Increase in net unrealized loss, decrease in net unrealized gain on        
derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges     (483 )     (1,404 )
Net change in non-cash operating working capital     395       3,869  
      11,907       11,769  
Investing activities        
Additions to plant and equipment     (3,069 )     (3,021 )
Acquisition of Colonial Circuits Inc., net of cash acquired     (3,817 )     -  
(Additions to) recovery of deferred development costs, other     (11 )     143  
Proceeds from disposal of plant and equipment     53       30  
      (6,844 )     (2,848 )
Net cash flow from operating and investing activities     5,063       8,921  
Financing activities        
(Decrease) in bank indebtedness     -       (6,444 )
Proceeds from bank debt     -       1,289  
Repayments of bank debt     (2,031 )     (1,928 )
Proceeds from issue of Common Shares     -       20  
      (2,031 )     (7,063 )
Effects of foreign exchange rate changes on cash flow     (411 )     416  
Net increase in cash flow     2,621       2,274  
Cash, beginning of the year     5,026       2,752  
Cash, end of year   $ 7,647     $ 5,026  
         
Disclosure of cash payments        
Payment for interest   $ 306     $ 529  
Payments for income taxes   $ 1,750     $ 24  
         

Primary Logo

Powered by EIN News
Distribution channels: Business & Economy, Consumer Goods


EIN Presswire does not exercise editorial control over third-party content provided, uploaded, published, or distributed by users of EIN Presswire. We are a distributor, not a publisher, of 3rd party content. Such content may contain the views, opinions, statements, offers, and other material of the respective users, suppliers, participants, or authors.

Submit your press release