Vecima Reports Q4 and Fiscal 2016 Year-End Results

VICTORIA, BC–(Marketwired – September 26, 2016) – Vecima Networks Inc. (TSX: VCM), an experienced designer and manufacturer of innovative technology in the broadband equipment market, today reported financial results for the three and twelve months ended June 30, 2016.

“Fiscal 2016 was an extraordinary year for Vecima,” said Sumit Kumar, Vecima Networks’ President and CEO. “We generated strong year-over-year growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA as we met the needs of tier one cable MSO customers across numerous product lines and platforms. In particular, our Terrace Family, TerraceQAM and Digital Video Access Platform (DVAP) products had banner years as we supported our customers’ network evolutions with well-received product solutions.”

“I’m pleased to report that our full-year results set new records for the company and were at the high end of our guided range for revenue, gross margin and adjusted EBITDA, beating our initial guidance earlier in the year which was revised upwards.”

“We achieved our highest-ever cash balance of $74.1 Million, a significant achievement given the major investments we made during the year to strengthen our business and support future growth. These investments included ramping up R&D spending on next-generation solutions, including our new DOCSIS 3.1 distributed access solution, Entra, which positions us for the cable industry’s upcoming major shift in network architecture. We also expanded our presence in the fleet telematics market, financing our February 2016 acquisition of Contigo Systems with cash. And we invested $2.2 million in the upgrade of the YourLink network, net of the grant.”

 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(Canadian dollars in millions except percentages, employees, and per share data) Q4FY16 Q4FY15 FY2016 FY2015
Revenue $24.4 $23.2 $108.4 $90.9
Gross margin 56.5% 59.2% 57.0% 54.8%
Adjusted EBITDA1 $7.7 $8.3 $37.8 $29.0
Net income $3.4 $3.9 $22.0 $15.1
Earnings per share        
(based on weighted average number shares outstanding) $0.15 $0.17 $0.98 $0.68
Adjusted earnings per share1        
(based on weighted average number shares outstanding) $0.15 $0.20 $0.98 $0.68
Cash and short-term investments $74.1 $59.7 $74.1 $59.7
Employees 509 489 509 489
1 Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Earnings Per Share do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other issuers. See “Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Earnings Per Share” below.
     

Vecima’s fourth quarter 2016 results were in line with expectations:

  • Video and Broadband Solutions sales of $20.5 million in the fourth quarter were on par with the $20.5 million in Q4 2015.
  • YourLink sales were virtually unchanged at $2.5 million in the fourth quarter versus $2.6 million in Q4 last year.
  • Telematics sales increased significantly to $1.4 million in Q4 fiscal 2016 compared to $0.2 million in Q4 2015, reflecting the newly acquired Contigo operations.

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

The cable industry is currently undergoing a major shift under the new DOCSIS 3.1 standard. Released by CableLabs, DOCSIS 3.1 supports very fast data transmission with 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) download speeds and 1Gbps upload speeds, comparable to the bandwidth provided by fiber optic connections without incurring the high costs of fiber to the home. Cable operators globally are starting to embrace DOCSIS 3.1 as an evolution of DOCSIS technology. The new standard also provides a flexible migration for cable operators, with the ability for DOCSIS 3.1 modems to coexist with older versions and build on top of the previously deployed capacity. The higher efficiency of DOCSIS 3.1 technology also enables significant cost per bit reductions relative to DOCSIS 3.0 network solutions.

Vecima is currently engaged in a period of intense focus on next-generation solutions as it prepares for the DOCSIS 3.1 transition. The Company is confident that its product timelines and feature sets are well aligned with customer needs and introduced its new gigabit speed broadband access platform, Entra, at the INTX conference in May 2016. Vecima also recently announced its new Bravura platform for multi-screen IP-based delivery of SD, HD and 4K Ultra-HD Premium content.

“We are very well positioned as we enter fiscal 2017 where both the industry as a whole and Vecima will transition,” said Mr. Kumar. “We have strong, established relationships with the cable industry’s largest operators and a robust R&D program that is closely aligned with our customers’ needs and with the significant opportunities arising in broadband access and IP video. During this evolutionary period, we expect sales to temporarily pull back but overall financial performance to remain very strong. We are clear sighted about the future and our strong financial position enables us to pursue opportunities both organically and through acquisition as we execute on our longer-term strategy which will reignite growth.”

As previously reported, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.055 per share for the period. The dividend will be payable on November 2, 2016 to shareholders of record on October 12, 2016.

OUTLOOK FOR FISCAL 2017

As noted previously, with the industry in transition we expect demand for our legacy products to slow in fiscal 2017. As sales for our next generation products are currently forecasted to begin towards the end of fiscal 2017, we expect overall 2017 revenue and adjusted EBITDA to be lower than in fiscal 2016.

Vecima’s outlook for fiscal 2017, which is based on our current visibility into customer demand both domestically and internationally, is:

  • Sales in the range of $85.0 million to $95.0 million;
  • Gross margins in the range of 54% to 58%; and
  • Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $23 million and $28 million.

CONFERENCE CALL

A conference call and live audio webcast will be held today, September 26, 2016 at 1 p.m. ET to discuss the Company’s fourth quarter and year-end results. Vecima’s audited consolidated financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for the three months and year ended June 30, 2016 are available under the Company’s profile at www.SEDAR.com, and at www.vecima.com/financials/.

To participate in the teleconference, dial 1-800-319-4610 or 1-604-638-9020. The webcast will be available in real time at http://services.choruscall.ca/links/vecima20160926.html and will be archived on the Vecima website at www.vecima.com/shareholder-events/.

About Vecima Networks

Vecima Networks Inc. (TSX: VCM) is a globally recognized leader in creating breakthrough technology solutions that empower network service providers to connect people and enterprises to information and entertainment worldwide. Vecima products for the cable industry allow service providers a cost-effective Last Mile Solution® for both video and broadband access, especially in the demanding business services market segment. Vecima also provides fleet managers the key information and analytics they require to optimally manage their business under the Contigo, Nero Global Tracking, and FleetLynx brands. More information is available at our website at www.vecima.com.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Earnings Per Share

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Earnings Per Share do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other issuers. Accordingly, investors are cautioned that Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted Earnings Per Share should not be construed as an alternative to net income, determined in accordance with IFRS, as an indicator of the Company’s financial performance or as a measure of its liquidity and cash flows. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted Earnings Per Share, investors should refer to Vecima’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the fourth quarter and year-end of fiscal 2016.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward- looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words “believes”, “may”, “plans”, “will”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “could”, “estimates”, “expects”, “forecasts”, “projects” and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions.

Forward-looking information in this news release includes but is not limited to statements that in fiscal 2017 we believe that our current cash and short-term investments of $74.1 million and anticipated cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements and capital expenditure requirements for the foreseeable future. We believe our growth may be tied to the: development of next generation platforms such as Entra (currently in development); from strategic acquisitions; and from platform enhancements for customers. We believe that there could be decreased demand for our legacy products compared to fiscal 2016; and that overall revenue and adjusted EBITDA could be lower than in fiscal 2016.

In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, we have made numerous assumptions, regarding, among other things: the present or potential value of our core technologies, business operations and asset holdings; we are able to continue our relationships with a few key customers; we are able to deliver products associated with key contracts; we can manage our business and growth successfully; we can meet customers’ requirements for manufacturing capacity; we are able to develop new products and enhance its existing products; we can expand current distribution channels and can develop new distribution channels; we are able to recruit and retain management and other qualified personnel crucial to our business; we are not required to change our pricing models to compete successfully; our third party suppliers and contract manufacturers upon which we rely continue to meet our needs; our intellectual property is not infringed upon; we are not subject to warranty or product liability claims that harm our business; we are able to successfully implement acquisitions; we are able to manage risks associated with our international operations; currency fluctuations do not adversely affect us; growth in our key markets continues; we are able to adapt to technological change, new products and standards; we are not subject to increased competition that has an adverse effect on our business; continued growth in the converged wired solutions market; we are not subject to competition from new or existing technologies that adversely affect our business; we are not subject to any material new government regulation of our products; and, no third parties allege that we infringe on their intellectual property. While we consider these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies.

A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Vecima is disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated September 26, 2016, as well as the Company’s continuous disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at www.sedar.com. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and Vecima disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

 
 
VECIMA NETWORKS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)
 
    June 30,
2016
  June 30,
2015
Assets            
Current assets            
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 22,222   $ 12,777
  Short-term investments     51,872     46,894
  Accounts receivable     4,674     13,114
  Income tax receivable     3,009     172
  Inventories     22,172     22,948
  Assets held for sale     1,486    
  Prepaid expenses     1,359     1,297
      106,794     97,202
Non-current assets            
  Property, plant and equipment     20,214     20,011
  Goodwill     6,210     99
  Intangible assets     26,724     16,008
  Investment tax credit     20,031     24,261
  Deferred tax asset     6,272     10,491
    $ 186,245   $ 168,072
Liabilities            
Current liabilities            
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 8,746   $ 9,186
  Provisions     927     716
  Deferred revenue     2,942     2,264
  Liabilities associated with assets held for sale     707    
  Current portion of long-term debt     250     250
      13,572     12,416
Non-current liabilities            
  Other long-term liabilities     5     63
  Provisions     1,167     1,561
  Long-term debt     2,458     2,708
      17,202     16,748
Shareholders’ equity            
  Share capital     739     488
  Reserves     3,662     3,228
  Retained earnings     164,642     147,608
      169,043     151,324
    $ 186,245   $ 168,072
 
 
VECIMA NETWORKS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands of Canadian dollars except net income and per share data)
 
    Years ended
June 30,
 
       
    2016     2015  
                 
Sales   $ 108,421     $ 90,940  
Cost of sales     46,610       41,102  
Gross profit     61,811       49,838  
Operating expenses                
Research and development     10,856       9,344  
Sales and marketing     5,980       6,084  
General and administrative     14,175       13,361  
Impairment of intangible assets           1,192  
Impairment of property, plant and equipment     337        
Stock-based compensation     502       502  
Other expense (income)     37       (129 )
      31,887       30,354  
Operating income     29,924       19,484  
Finance income     878       761  
Foreign exchange gain     80       1,791  
Income before income taxes     30,882       22,036  
Income tax expense     8,320       5,972  
Net income and comprehensive income from continuing operations     22,562       16,064  
Net loss and comprehensive loss from discontinued operations     (593 )     (927 )
Net income and comprehensive income   $ 21,969     $ 15,137  
                 
Net income per share                
Continuing operations     1.01       0.72  
Discontinued operations     (0.03 )     (0.04 )
Total basic net income per share   $ 0.98     $ 0.68  
Continuing operations     1.01       0.72  
Discontinued operations     (0.03 )     (0.04 )
Total diluted net income per share   $ 0.98     $ 0.68  
                 
Weighted average number of common shares                
  Shares outstanding – basic     22,384,877       22,348,093  
  Shares outstanding – diluted     22,448,127       22,404,153  
 
 
VECIMA NETWORKS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)
    Share
Capital
  Reserves     Retained
Earnings
    Total  
Balance as at June 30, 2014   $ 171   $ 2,808     $ 136,494     $ 139,473  
Net income and total comprehensive income               15,137       15,137  
Dividends               (4,023 )     (4,023 )
Shares issued by exercising options     317     (82 )           235  
Share-based payment expense         502             502  
Balance as at June 30, 2015     488     3,228       147,608       151,324  
                               
Net income and total comprehensive income               21,969       21,969  
Dividends               (4,935 )     (4,935 )
Shares issued by exercising options     251     (68 )           183  
Share-based payment expense         502             502  
Balance as at June 30, 2016   $ 739   $ 3,662     $ 164,642     $ 169,043  
   
   
VECIMA NETWORKS INC.  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)  
    Years ended
June 30,
 
    2016     2015  
Cash flows from operating activities                
Net income and total comprehensive income   $ 22,562     $ 16,064  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operating activities     14,766       12,226  
Decrease in other long-term liabilities     (58 )     (80 )
Decrease in provisions     (183 )     (183 )
Decrease (increase) in investment tax credit     2,891       (942 )
Net change in non-cash working capital relating to operations     8,059       303  
Interest paid     (108 )     (132 )
Interest received     823       735  
Income tax received     11        
Income tax paid     (13 )     (844 )
Net cash provided by continuing operations     48,750       27,147  
Net cash used by discontinued operations     (514 )     (9 )
Net cash provided by operations     48,236       27,138  
Cash flows used in investing activities                
Purchase of property, plant and equipment     (5,154 )     (2,057 )
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment     20       19  
Proceeds from the sale of assets held for resale           500  
Purchase of short-term investments     (31,778 )     (27,362 )
Proceeds on sale of short-term investments     26,800       13,665  
Deferred development costs     (11,163 )     (8,807 )
Purchase of indefinite and finite-life intangible assets     (33 )     (1,366 )
Business acquisition     (13,479 )      
Net cash used by continuing operations     (34,787 )     (25,408 )
Net cash used by discontinued operations     (147 )     (197 )
Net cash used in investing     (34,934 )     (25,605 )
Cash flows used in financing activities                
Proceeds from shares issued through exercised options     183       235  
Proceeds from government grants     1,145        
Dividends paid     (4,935 )     (4,023 )
Repayment of long-term debt     (250 )     (250 )
Net cash used in financing     (3,857 )     (4,038 )
                 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the year     9,445       (2,505 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year     12,777       15,282  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year   $ 22,222     $ 12,777  

Vecima Networks
Investor Relations
250-881-1982
[email protected]