TORONTO, April 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firan Technology Group Corporation (TSX:FTG) today announced financial results for the first quarter 2018.

• Achieved first quarter sales of $27.5M in Q1 2018, compared to $27.2M in Q1 2017
• Booked over $40M in orders in Q1 2018
• Net loss in Q1 2018 of $0.3M versus net earnings of $0.8M in Q1 2017
• Cash usage from operations was ($0.3M) in Q1 2018 compared to cash inflow of $1.0M in Q1 last year

“The first quarter of 2018 saw very strong bookings across our customer base reflecting the strength of the aerospace and defense markets and the benefit from past acquisitions,” stated Brad Bourne, President and Chief Executive Officer. He added, “We are continuing to address costs and margins in a few of our operations to achieve the expected profitability for the Corporation.”

First Quarter Results: (three months ended March 2, 2018 compared with three months ended March 3, 2017)

		Q1 2018	Q1 2017
Sales		$27,528,000	$27,172,000
Gross Margin Gross Margin (%)		4,847,000 17.6%	6,886,000 25.3%
Operating Earnings (1):		1,561,000	3,017,000
Net R&D Investment Foreign Exchange Loss (Gain) Recovery of Investment Tax Credits Amortization of Intangibles		1,150,000 (26,000)  (152,000) 256,000	1,410,000 161,000 (141,000) 281,000
Net Earnings before Tax		333,000	1,306,000
Current Tax Expense Deferred Tax Expense Non-controlling Interests		18,000 636,000 (28,000)	17,000 488,000 1,000
Net Earnings After Tax		($293,000	$800,000
Earnings per share
-  basic -  diluted		($0.01) ($0.01)	$0.04 $0.03

(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 the first quarter of 2018 that continue to improve the Corporation and position it for the future, including:

• Signed multimillion dollar contract with FlightSafety for KC-46 simulator cockpit assemblies
• Shipped first simulator cockpit assemblies from FTG Tianjin to CAE in Montreal
• Booked and shipped simulator hardware from FTG Tianjin to Rockwell’s simulator operations also in Tianjin China
• Signed contract amendment with Shanghai Avionics for C919 cockpit product assemblies for the C919 program valued at $4M USD in total.

For FTG, overall sales increased by $0.4M or 1.3%, from $27.2M in Q1 2017 to $27.5M in Q1 2018.  In Q1 2018, as a result of new funding, some activity previously recognized as cost recovery on deferred development programs is now shown as revenue in accordance with our policy for revenue recognition on a percentage completion basis.  As a result, $5.0M in revenue was recognized in Q1 2018 which represents the percentage completed to-date for this activity.  In Q1 2018, the Canadian dollar versus the US dollar was $0.06 stronger than Q1 last year and this impacted sales by over $1.0M.

Revenues from the PhotoEtch acquisition contributed about $1.6M in incremental sales during Q1 2018 compared to $2.0M in Q1 2017 and our target of $1.5M per quarter.  The decrease from last year was due to minor fluctuations in demand from various customers.  The PhotoEtch related revenues will ramp up significantly in the second half of 2018 as shipments begin on the KC-46 simulator assembly contract.  Revenues from Teledyne PCT contributed $3.1M in Q1 2018 compared to $8.0M in Q1 last year and our target of $4M per quarter.  Sales in Q1 last year were from the Teledyne PCT facility and were high as customers purchased safety stock ahead of the plant closure.  Sales in Q1 2018 were below the target due to some temporary component shortages that delayed shipments late in the quarter from the Chatsworth facility.

The Circuits Segment sales were down $1.3M or 8.5% in Q1 2018 versus Q1 2017.  Both North America sites were down.  Demand dipped briefly in December in Toronto but has been strong after that.  In Chatsworth, Q1 started slowly as momentum had been lost due to production issues reported in Q4.  Momentum and solid production rates were achieved by the end of Q1, along with normalized scrap rates.

For the Aerospace segment, sales in Q1 2018 were $13.4M compared to $11.7M in Q1 2017 resulting in a 14.2% growth rate.  Q1 2017 was unusually high due to the production rates in the Teledyne PCT facility to support safety stock demand.  Q1 2018 had the unusually high development program revenue recognition of $5M.  As noted above, shipments from Aerospace Chatsworth were low in February due to temporary component shortages.

Gross margins in Q1 2018 were $4.8M, or 17.6% compared to $6.9M or 25.3% in Q1 2017.  Excluding the impact of the development program, which has a low margin, the margin in Q1 2018 was 21.3%.  The drop in gross margin is due partially to the decreased activity revenue this year, offset by reduced operating cost from the closure of the Teledyne PCT facility.  As noted at year end, there are activities at three FTG sites underway to improve margins including increased engineering development activities in Aerospace Toronto, reduced scrap at Circuits Chatsworth and reduced transition related costs of outsourcing, expedite fees, travel, and overtime at Aerospace Chatsworth.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for Q1 2018 was $1.4M, a decrease from $2.2M in Q1 2017.

The following table reconciles EBITDA⁽²⁾  to the net earnings for Q1 2018.

		Q1 2018			Q1 2017
Net earnings		($293,000)			$800,000
Add:
Interest		151,000			123,000
Income taxes Recovery of ITCs		654,000 (152,000)			505,000 (141,000)
Depreciation/Amortization		1,070,000			884,000
EBITDA		$1,430,000			$2,171,000

(2) EBITDA 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 EBITDA may differ from other corporations and accordingly may not be comparable to measures used by other corporations.

Net loss at FTG in Q1 2018 was $0.3M compared to a net profit of $0.8M in Q1 2017.  The loss in Q1 2018 was impacted by a $0.06 strengthening of the Canadian dollar versus the US dollar negatively impacting Canadian operations profitability. Also impacting profitability was lower activity revenue and the temporary operating cost issues noted above.  Offsetting this, SG&A and related expenses were $1.0M lower in Q1 2018 compared to Q1 2017 due primarily to the closure of the Teledyne PCT plant, and lower R&D expenses. 

The Circuits segment net earnings before corporate and interest and other costs was $0.8M in Q1 2018 compared to $2.4M in Q1 2017.  

The Aerospace net earnings before corporate and interest and other costs was $0.0M in Q1 2018 versus ($0.3M) in Q1 2017.

Cash outflow from operations after investments in capital equipment and deferred development, was ($0.3M) in Q1 2018 compared to cash inflow of $1.0M in Q1 2017.  Capital asset additions in Q1 2018 were $0.8M versus $0.9M in Q1 2017.  Accounts receivable increased $1.1M in the quarter.  Inventories increased $1.1M.  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased $2.2M.  These were offset by an increase of $3.4M in customer deposits.

As at March 2, 2018, the Corporation’s net working capital was $25.7M, an increase of $1.4M over November 30, 2017.

The Corporation will host a live conference call on Thursday April 12, 2018 at 8:30 am (EDT) to discuss the results of the first quarter of 2018.

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 April 22, 2018 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 7256909.

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, 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	Tel: (416) 299-4000 x 314
Firan Technology Group Corporation	bradbourne@ftgcorp.com
Melinda Diebel, Vice President and CFO	Tel: (416) 299-4000 x 264
Firan Technology Group Corporation	melindadiebel@ftgcorp.com

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

FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)				March 02,		November 30,
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)				2018		2017
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash				$	2,639	$	2,752
Accounts receivable					19,056		17,983
Taxes receivable					264		209
Inventories					26,222		25,079
Prepaid expenses					1,314		1,506
					49,495		47,529
Non-current assets
Plant and equipment, net					12,372		12,222
Deferred income tax assets					394		395
Investment tax credits receivable					5,977		6,420
Deferred development costs					193		681
Intangible and other assets, net					3,707		3,768
Total assets				$	72,138	$	71,015
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Bank indebtedness				$	5,801	$	6,444
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities					11,118		13,341
Provisions					281		390
Customer deposits					4,649		1,268
Current portion of long-term bank debt					1,911		1,726
					23,760		23,169
Non-current liabilities
Long-term bank debt					6,713		6,040
Deferred tax payable					1,725		1,696
Total liabilities					32,198		30,905
Equity
Retained earnings				$	8,519	$	8,812
Accumulated other comprehensive income					201		187
					8,720		8,999
Share capital
Common shares					19,312		19,295
Preferred shares					2,218		2,218
Contributed surplus					8,453		8,384
Total equity attributable to FTG's shareholders					38,703		38,896
Non-controlling interest					1,237		1,214
Total equity					39,940		40,110
Total liabilities and equity				$	72,138	$	71,015

 

FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Earnings
			Three months ended
(Unaudited)			March 02,				March 03,
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)			2018				2017
Sales			$	27,528			$	27,172
Cost of sales
	Cost of sales			21,974				19,718
	Depreciation of plant and equipment			707				568
Total cost of sales				22,681				20,286
Gross margin				4,847				6,886
Expenses
	Selling, general and administrative			3,105				3,714
	Research and development costs			1,205				1,480
	Recovery of research and development costs			(55	)			(70	)
	Recovery of investment tax credits			(152	)			(141	)
	Depreciation of plant and equipment			30				32
	Amortization of intangible assets			256				281
	Interest expense on short-term debt			86				57
	Interest expense on long-term debt			65				66
	Foreign exchange (gain) loss			(26	)			161
Total expenses				4,514				5,580
Earnings before income taxes				333				1,306
Current income tax expense				18				17
Deferred income tax expense				636				488
Total income tax expense				654				505
Net (loss) earnings			$	(321	)		$	801
Attributable to:
Non-controlling interest			$	(28	)		$	1
Equity holders of FTG			$	(293	)		$	800
(Loss) earnings per share, attributable to the equity holders of FTG
	Basic		$	(0.01	)		$	0.04
	Diluted		$	(0.01	)		$	0.03

 

FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
				Three months ended
(Unaudited)				March 02,				March 03,
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)				2018				2017
Net (loss) earnings				$	(321	)		$	801
Other comprehensive income (loss) to be reclassified to net earnings
	in subsequent periods:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments				(112	)			513
	Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments
		designated as cash flow hedges			236				(918	)
	Tax impact				(59	)			229
					65				(176	)
Total comprehensive (loss) income				$	(256	)		$	625
Attributable to:
Equity holders of FTG				$	(278	)		$	645
Non-controlling interest				$	22			$	(20	)

 

FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
Three months ended March 02, 2018		Attributed to the equity holders of FTG
												Accumulated
												Other						Non-
(Unaudited)		Common		Preferred		Retained			Contributed			Comprehensive						controlling			Total
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)		Shares		Shares		Earnings			Surplus			Income (Loss)			Total			interest			equity
Balance, November 30, 2017		$	19,295	$	2,218	$	8,812		$	8,384		$	187		$	38,896		$	1,214		$	40,110
Net (loss)			-		-		(293	)		-			-			(293	)		(28	)		(321	)
Stock-based compensation			-		-		-			74			-			74			-			74
Common shares issued on exercise of
	share options and PSU's		17		-		-			(5	)		-			12			-			12
Foreign currency translation adjustments			-		-		-			-			(163	)		(163	)		51			(112	)
Net unrealized gain on derivative financial
	instruments designated as cash flow hedges,
	net of tax impact		-		-		-			-			177			177			-			177
Balance, March 02, 2018		$	19,312	$	2,218	$	8,519		$	8,453		$	201		$	38,703		$	1,237		$	39,940
Three months ended March 03, 2017		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			Income (Loss)			Total			interest			equity
Balance, November 30, 2016		$	19,051	$	2,218	$	7,543		$	8,381		$	443		$	37,636		$	443		$	38,079
Net earnings			-		-		800			-			-			800			1			801
Common shares issued on exercise of
	share options and PSU's		144		-		-			(141	)		-			3			-			3
Foreign currency translation adjustments			-		-		-			-			534			534			(21	)		513
Net unrealized (loss) on derivative financial
	instruments designated as cash flow hedges
	net of tax impact		-		-		-			-			(689	)		(689	)		-			(689	)
Contribution from non-controlling interest			-		-		-			-			-			-			824			824
Balance, March 03, 2017		$	19,195	$	2,218	$	8,343		$	8,240		$	288		$	38,284		$	1,247		$	39,531

 

FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
					Three months ended
(Unaudited)					March 02,				March 03,
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)					2018				2017
Net inflow (outflow) of cash related to the following:
Operating activities
Net (loss) earnings					$	(321	)		$	801
Items not affecting cash:
	Non-controlling interest share of net loss (earnings)					28				(1	)
	Stock-based compensation					74				-
	(Gain) on disposal of plant and equipment					-				(3	)
	Effect of exchange rates on US dollar debt					2				(19	)
	Depreciation of plant and equipment					737				600
	Amortization of intangible assets					256				281
	Amortization of deferred financing costs					3				3
	Deferred income tax expense					625				478
	Investment tax credits (recovery)					(152	)			(141	)
	Decrease in net unrealized loss on derivative
	financial instruments designated as cash flow
	hedges					(35	)			(31	)
Net change in non-cash operating working capital						(1,253	)			(194	)
						(36	)			1,774
Investing activities
	Additions to plant and equipment					(792	)			(893	)
	Recovery (additions) of deferred development costs					488				135
	Proceeds from disposal of plant and equipment					-				3
						(304	)			(755	)
Net cash flow from operating and investing activities						(340	)			1,019
Financing activities
	(Decrease) increase in bank indebtedness					(643	)			(1,630	)
	Proceeds from long-term bank debt					1,289				-
	Repayments of long-term bank debt					(436	)			(387	)
	Funding from non-controlling interest					-				824
	Proceeds from issue of Common shares					12				3
						222				(1,190	)
Effects of foreign exchange rate changes on cash flow						5				(180	)
Net (decrease) increase in cash flow						(113	)			(351	)
Cash, beginning of the period						2,752				3,152
Cash, end of period					$	2,639			$	2,801
Disclosure of cash payments
	Payment for interest				$	156			$	129
	Payments for income taxes				$	7			$	4

 

 

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.