Firan Technology Group Corporation (“FTG” or “Corporation”) Announces Second Quarter 2017 Financial Results

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – July 17, 2017) – Firan Technology Group Corporation (TSX:FTG) today announced financial results for the second quarter of 2017.

  • Achieved sales of $25.5M, an increase of 29% over Q2 2016
  • Grew Aerospace segment sales by 60% over Q2 last year
  • Grew Circuits segment sales by 17% over Q2 last year
  • Gross margins increased by $0.9M or 18% over Q2 last year
  • Closed the Teledyne PCT facility at the end of Q2
  • Q2 profitability impacted by the extension of Teledyne PCT operations and ongoing ramp up of activity of Chatsworth operations, which are expected to continue to ramp up through Q3

“The second quarter of 2017 saw continued growth in FTG from last year’s acquisitions and progress in transitioning the work into FTG’s legacy facilities”, stated Brad Bourne, President and Chief Executive Officer. He added, “We continue to achieve the sales growth expectations from the acquisitions but did incur increased costs in the quarter related to the transition due to the extended use of the Hudson facility as well as ramp up costs in Chatsworth. We remain focused on completing all transition tasks to support customer demands and ultimately generating the anticipated returns from the acquisitions.”

Second Quarter Results: (three months ended June 2, 2017 compared with three months ended May 27, 2016)

Q2 2017 Q2 2016
Sales $ 25,513,000 $ 19,765,000
Gross Margin 5,753,000 4,860,000
Gross Margin (%) 22.5 % 24.6 %
Operating Earnings (1): 2,581,000 1,912,000
Net R&D Investment 1,846,000 807,000
Bargain Purchase Gain (1,611,000 )
Restructuring Expense 670,000
Foreign Exchange (Gain) Loss (118,000 ) 360,000
Recovery of Investment Tax Credits (188,000 ) (180,000 )
Amortization of Intangibles 286,000 32,000
Net Earnings before Tax 755,000 1,834,000
Tax Expense 650,000 478,000
Non-controlling Interests (19,000 ) 6,000
Net Earnings After Tax $ 124,000 $ 1,350,000
Earnings per share
– basic $0.01 $0.07
– diluted $0.01 $0.07

Year-to-Date Results: (six months ended June 2, 2017 compared with six months ended May 27, 2016)

YTD 2017 YTD 2016
Sales $ 52,685,000 $ 36,694,000
Gross Margin 12,639,000 8,612,000
Gross Margin (%) 24.0 % 23.5 %
Operating Earnings (1): 5,598,000 3,144,000
Net R&D Investment 3,256,000 1,524,000
Bargain Purchase Gain (1,611,000 )
Restructuring Expense 670,000
Foreign Exchange Loss 43,000 305,000
Recovery of Investment Tax Credits (329,000 ) (347,000 )
Amortization of Intangibles 567,000 44,000
Net Earnings before tax 2,061,000 2,559,000
Income Tax 1,155,000 753,000
Non-controlling Interests (18,000 ) 6,000
Net Earnings after tax $ 924,000 $ 1,800,000
Earnings per share
– basic $0.04 $0.10
– diluted $0.04 $0.09
  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 second quarter of 2017 that continue to improve the Corporation and position it for the future, including:

  • Closed the Teledyne PCT facility at the end of May
  • Achieved sales resulting from the PhotoEtch acquisition of $2.9M in the quarter versus the target of $1.5M
  • Achieved sales resulting from the Teledyne PCT acquisition of $5.0M in the quarter versus the target of $4M
  • FTG cockpit products flew on the first flight of the COMAC C919 aircraft in China.

For FTG, overall sales increased by $5.7M or 29% from $19.8M in Q2 2016 to $25.5M in Q2 2017. Both business segments participated in the growth. Revenues benefited from the PhotoEtch acquisition which closed in March 2016 and contributed $2.9M in sales in Q2 2017 compared to $1.3M in incremental sales during the same quarter last year. Revenues also benefited from the acquisition of Teledyne PCT which contributed $5.0M in incremental sales in Q2 2017. For the year-to-date, sales were up $16.0M or 44%.

The Circuits Segment sales were up $2.4M or 17% in Q2 2017 versus Q2 2016. On a year-to-date basis, Circuits sales were up $5.3M or 20%. Circuits sales in 2017 year-to-date period have been lifted slightly by the inclusion of some incremental revenue from the acquisition of Teledyne PCT.

For the Aerospace segment, sales in Q2 2017 were $8.9M compared to $5.6M in the same quarter last year resulting in a 60% growth rate. Included in the Q2 2017 results are $2.9M in sales from the acquisition of PhotoEtch and the majority of the Teledyne PCT incremental sales. From Q1 to Q2 2017, the sales related to the Teledyne PCT acquisition were down approximately $3.0M as operations wound down in the second half of the quarter and the facility was closed. Activity in Chatsworth has ramped up considerably in Q2 but will continue through Q3 as equipment is moved and installed, inventory is transferred and training continues on the handling of the new equipment and the building of new products. Year-to-date sales were up $10.7M or 107% in the Aerospace segment.

Gross margins in Q2 2017 were up $0.9M compared to Q2 2016. The benefit of increased sales were offset by increased costs related to operations of the Teledyne PCT facility to the end of Q2, as well as transition related costs.

Normalized earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for FTG for Q2 2017 was $1.8M and $8.6M for the trailing twelve months.

The following table reconciles EBITDA(2) to the net earnings for Q2, 2017.

Q2 2017 Trailing
Twelve
Months
Net earnings $ 124,000 5,039,000
Add:
Interest 130,000 456,000
Income taxes/ITC 443,000 1,442,000
Depreciation/Amortization 1,170,000 3,857,000
One-time Bargain Purchase Gain/Restructuring (2,197,000 )
EBITDA $ 1,867,000 $ 8,597,000
  1. 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 profit after tax at FTG in Q2 2017 was $0.1M compared to a net profit of $1.4M in Q2 2016. Q2 2017 had higher R&D costs substantially related to the transition of Teledyne PCT product to Chatsworth, higher operating costs related to the ongoing transition, higher amortization of intangible assets and higher income taxes. Q2 2016 results also included a one-time bargain purchase gain related to the PhotoEtch acquisition.

The Circuits segment net earnings before corporate and interest and other costs was $2.6M in Q2 2017 compared to $1.7M in Q2 2016. The Circuits joint venture in China did not have a material impact on profitability.

The Aerospace segment net loss before interest and income taxes was ($1.0M) versus $0.7M in Q2 2016. The results in Q2 last year included a net $0.9M benefit from the bargain purchase gain offset by the restructuring charge, both related to the acquisition of PhotoEtch. Q2 2017 included the costs of running the Teledyne PCT facility in parallel with ramping up the Aerospace Chatsworth facility, resulting in double costs. This combined with reduced production in the second half of Q2 as the transition of equipment and inventory was initiated hurt short term profitability. There was negligible deferred development on any programs in Q2 2107.

As at June 2, 2017, the Corporation’s net working capital was $22.8M, an increase of $0.4M over year-end 2016.

The Corporation will host a live conference call on Monday, July 17, 2017 at 11:30 am (EDT) to discuss the results of Q2 2017.

Anyone wishing to participate in the call should dial 416-340-2220 or 1-866-225-2055 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 July 27, 2017 and will be available on the FTG website at www.ftgcorp.com. The number to call for a rebroadcast is 905-694-9451 or 1-800-408-3053, pass code 8837518#.

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.

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

FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited) June 02, November 30,
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2017 2016
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash $ 3,636 $ 3,152
Accounts receivable 18,689 21,022
Taxes receivable 369 259
Inventories 22,169 22,464
Prepaid expenses 1,234 1,776
46,097 48,673
Non-current assets
Plant and equipment, net 10,974 8,851
Deferred income tax assets 278 1,327
Investment tax credits receivable 7,659 7,330
Deferred development costs 582 739
Intangible assets, net 4,521 5,066
Total assets $ 70,111 $ 71,986
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Bank indebtedness $ 6,752 $ 6,983
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 13,856 15,105
Provisions 893 2,349
Customer deposits, net of deferred development 307 308
Current portion of long-term bank debt 1,519 1,510
23,327 26,255
Non-current liabilities
Long-term bank debt 5,355 6,079
Deferred tax payable 1,635 1,573
Total liabilities 30,317 33,907
Equity
Retained earnings $ 8,467 $ 7,543
Accumulated other comprehensive income 366 443
8,833 7,986
Share capital
Common shares 19,199 19,051
Preferred shares 2,218 2,218
Contributed surplus 8,263 8,381
Total equity attributable to FTG’s shareholders 38,513 37,636
Non-controlling interest 1,281 443
Total equity 39,794 38,079
Total liabilities and equity $ 70,111 $ 71,986
FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Three months ended Six months ended
(Unaudited) June 02, May 27, June 02, May 27,
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Sales $ 25,513 $ 19,765 $ 52,685 $ 36,694
Cost of sales
Cost of sales 18,937 14,378 38,655 27,042
Depreciation of plant and equipment 823 527 1,391 1,040
Total cost of sales 19,760 14,905 40,046 28,082
Gross margin 5,753 4,860 12,639 8,612
Expenses
Selling, general and administrative 3,008 2,858 6,722 5,310
Research and development costs 1,886 877 3,366 1,664
Recovery of research and development costs (40 ) (70 ) (110 ) (140 )
Recovery of investment tax credits (188 ) (180 ) (329 ) (347 )
Depreciation of plant and equipment 34 26 66 54
Amortization of intangible assets 286 32 567 44
Interest expense on short-term debt 71 20 128 20
Interest expense on long-term debt 59 44 125 84
Foreign exchange (gain) loss (118 ) 360 43 305
Bargain purchase gain (1,611 ) (1,611 )
Restructuring expenses 670 670
Total expenses 4,998 3,026 10,578 6,053
Earnings before income taxes 755 1,834 2,061 2,559
Current income tax (recovery) expense (41 ) 15 (24 ) 31
Deferred income tax expense 691 463 1,179 722
Total income tax expense 650 478 1,155 753
Net earnings $ 105 $ 1,356 $ 906 $ 1,806
Attributable to:
Non-controlling interest $ (19 ) $ 6 $ (18 ) $ 6
Equity holders of FTG $ 124 $ 1,350 924 1,800
Earnings per share, attributable to the equity holders of FTG
Basic $ 0.01 $ 0.07 $ 0.04 $ 0.10
Diluted $ 0.01 $ 0.07 $ 0.04 $ 0.09
FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Three months ended Six months ended
(Unaudited) June 02, May 27, June 02, May 27,
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net earnings $ 105 $ 1,356 $ 906 $ 1,806
Other comprehensive income (loss) to be reclassified to net earnings in subsequent periods:
Foreign currency translation adjustments 300 (71 ) 813 788
Net unrealized (loss) gain on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges (226 ) 826 (1,144 ) 181
Tax impact 57 (206 ) 286 (45 )
131 549 (45 ) 924
Total comprehensive income $ 236 $ 1,905 $ 861 $ 2,730
Attributable to:
Equity holders of FTG $ 202 $ 1,901 $ 847 $ 2,726
Non-controlling interest $ 34 $ 4 $ 14 $ 4
FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
Six months ended June 02, 2017 Attributed to the equity holders of FTG
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) Common Shares Preferred Shares Retained Earnings Contributed Surplus Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Non-controlling interest Total equity
Balance, November 30, 2016 $ 19,051 $ 2,218 $ 7,543 $ 8,381 $ 443 $ 37,636 $ 443 $ 38,079
Net earnings 924 924 (18 ) 906
Stock-based compensation 24 24 24
Common shares issued on exercise of share options and PSU’s 148 (142 ) 6 6
Foreign currency translation adjustments 781 781 32 813
Net unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges, net of tax impact (858 ) (858 ) (858 )
Contribution from non-controlling interest 824 824
Balance, June 02, 2017 $ 19,199 $ 2,218 $ 8,467 $ 8,263 $ 366 $ 38,513 $ 1,281 $ 39,794
Six months ended May 27, 2016 Attributed to the equity holders of FTG
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) Common Shares Preferred Shares Retained Earnings Contributed Surplus Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Non-controlling interest Total equity
Balance, November 30, 2015 $ 13,075 $ 2,218 $ 1,628 $ 8,373 $ (233 ) $ 25,061 $ 29 $ 25,090
Net earnings 1,800 1,800 6 1,806
Stock-based compensation 24 24 24
Common shares issued on exercise of share options 34 (9 ) 25 25
Foreign currency translation adjustments 790 790 (2 ) 788
Net unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow 136 136 136
Balance, May 27, 2016 $ 13,109 $ 2,218 $ 3,428 $ 8,388 $ 693 $ 27,836 $ 33 $ 27,869
FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three months ended Six months ended
(Unaudited) June 02, May 27, June 02, May 27,
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net inflow (outflow) of cash related to the following
Operating activities
Net earnings $ 105 $ 1,356 $ 906 $ 1,806
Items not affecting cash:
Non-controlling interest share of net loss (earnings 19 (6 ) 18 (6 )
Stock-based compensation 24 12 24 24
(Gain) on disposal of plant and equipmen (15 ) (18 )
Effect of exchange rates on US dollar deb 84 (188 ) 65 (110 )
Depreciation of plant and equipment 857 553 1,457 1,094
Amortization of intangible assets 286 32 567 44
Amortization of deferred financing costs 3 3 6 5
Deferred income tax 633 669 1,111 1,062
Investment tax credits (recovery (188 ) (180 ) (329 ) (347 )
(Increase) decrease in net unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges (170 ) 620 (201 ) 1,019
Net change in non-cash operating working capital 594 (5,119 ) 400 (7,006 )
2,232 (2,248 ) 4,006 (2,415 )
Investing activities
Additions to plant and equipment, ne (2,594 ) (322 ) (3,487 ) (711 )
Additions to plant and equipment – acquisitions (418 ) (418 )
Additions to intangible assets – acquisitions (940 ) (940 )
(Additions) recovery of deferred development costs (19 ) 64 116 (11 )
Proceeds from disposal of plant and equipmen 15 18
(2,598 ) (1,616 ) (3,353 ) (2,080 )
Net cash flow from operating and investing activities (366 ) (3,864 ) 653 (4,495 )
Financing activities
Increase (decrease) in bank indebtedness 1,399 3,520 (231 ) 3,520
Repayments of long-term bank debt (395 ) (260 ) (782 ) (542 )
Funding from non-controlling interests 824
Proceeds from issue of Common shares 3 14 6 25
1,007 3,274 (183 ) 3,003
Effects of foreign exchange rate changes on cash flow 194 133 14 103
Net increase (decrease) in cash flow 835 (457 ) 484 (1,389 )
Cash, beginning of the period 2,801 2,228 3,152 3,160
Cash, end of the period $ 3,636 $ 1,771 3,636 $ 1,771
Disclosure of cash payments
Payment for interest $ 130 $ 64 $ 259 $ 104
Payments for income taxes $ $ 7 $ 4 $ 14
Firan Technology Group Corporation
Bradley C. Bourne
President and CEO
(416) 299-4000 x314
[email protected]

Firan Technology Group Corporation
Melinda Diebel
Vice President and CFO
(416) 299-4000 x264
[email protected]
www.ftgcorp.com