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Firan Technology Group (FTG) Announces First Quarter 2015 Financial Results

T.FTG

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 9, 2015) - Firan Technology Group Corporation (TSX:FTG) today announced financial results for the first quarter of 2015.

  • Booked over $20M in new orders in the quarter
  • Grew Q1 2015 sales by 16% over Q1 2014
  • Circuits segment grew by 22% in the quarter, with FTG Printronics in China growing by 280%
  • R&D spending exceeded 6% of sales
  • Profit increased by 190% in Q1 2015, compared to Q1 2014
  • Earnings of $1.1M before one-time costs related to unexpected program cancellation and inventory adjustment and increased net R&D for development of common controller card/power card for cockpit control assemblies.
  • Paid down net debt by $0.5M, after investing $1.0M in net R&D and $250K in capital equipment.

"The first quarter of 2015 saw continued progress in key initiatives across the company including our development cockpit control assembly programs in China and related R&D efforts that depressed earnings slightly but continue to position the Company for future long term success," stated Brad Bourne, President and Chief Executive Officer. He added, "Our established Circuits facilities both performed well in the quarter even with a couple of one-time costs related to a program cancellation and inventory adjustment while our Circuits Joint Venture in China began to see revenue growth resulting from the customer qualification activities over the past 18 months."

First Quarter Results: (three months ended February 27, 2015 compared with three months ended February 28, 2014)

  Q1 2015   Q1 2014  
         
Sales $ 16,307,000   $ 13,989,000  
             
Gross Margin    3,069,000     3,124,000  
Gross Margin (%)   18.8 %   22.3 %
             
Operating Earnings (1):   1,510,000     1,004,000  
             
  • Net R&D Investment   1,013,000     777,000  
               
  Net Earnings before Tax   497,000      227,000  
               
  • Tax Expense   71,000     98,000  
  • Non-controlling Interests   4,000     (16,000 )
             
Net Earnings After Tax $ 422,000   $ 145,000  
Earnings per share            
  - basic $ 0.02   $ 0.01  
  - diluted $ 0.02   $ 0.01  
(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 2015 that continue to improve the Corporation and position it for the future, including:

  • Signed Master Contract for cockpit control assemblies for C919 Heads Down Display system in China
  • Signed new enterprise sourcing agreement with Rockwell Collins for the Circuits business with an estimated 15% increase in activity
  • Achieved sales outside of North America of 18% of total sales
  • Subsequent to quarter end, completed certification of Aerospace Toronto facility in accordance with US Department of Defense MIL-DTL-7788
  • Subsequent to quarter end, completed additional certification of Circuits Toronto facility to include rigid flex technology under US Department of Defense MIL-PRF-31032 certification

For FTG, overall sales increased by $2.3M or 16.6% from $14.0M in Q1 2014 to $16.3M in Q1 2015. FTG Circuits drove the growth, aided by the new Aerospace facilities. Revenues also benefitted from the weakening of the Canadian dollar versus the US dollar which was down 11 cents or 10% in Q1 2015 versus the same quarter last year. Over 80% of FTG's revenues are denominated in US dollars.

The Circuits Segment sales were up $2.3M or 22% in Q1 2015 versus Q1 2014. Both established facilities had strong growth in the quarter.

For the Aerospace segment, sales in Q1 2015 were $3.5M compared to $3.5M in the same quarter last year. Increases at the two new facilities in Tianjin China and Chatsworth California were offset by a drop in activity in Toronto.

Gross margins in Q1 2015 were relatively flat compared to Q1 2014. In Circuits, Gross margins were up, after absorbing $0.5M in unexpected one-time costs related to a program cancellation and inventory adjustment. Gross margins in Aerospace were down due to lower sales in the Toronto facility. Also driving gross margins is total throughput which includes the change in work-in-process (WIP) and finished goods (FGI) to determine total activity in the quarter. In Q1 2015, WIP and FGI were down $0.1M as compared to being up $0.4M in Q1 2014, causing a reduction in margins this year but improving inventory turns.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for FTG for trailing twelve months is $5.0M, an increase from $4.7M from previous quarter.

Net profit at FTG in Q1 2015 was $0.4M compared to a net profit of $0.15M in Q1 2014. This improvement is the result of stable gross margin offset by higher R&D spending in the Aerospace business but benefiting from increased foreign exchange gains on balance sheet items due to the weakening of the Canadian dollar. 

The Circuits segment net earnings before corporate and interest and other costs increased to $1.2M in Q1 2015 compared to $0.9M in Q1 2014. The Circuits joint venture in China did not have a material impact on profitability.

The Aerospace net earnings before corporate and interest and other costs decreased by $0.3M due to lower sales in the Toronto facility and increased R&D costs. Costs related to the development of the C919 cockpit assemblies of $0.12M in Q1 2015 were treated as deferred development and not expensed.

As at February 27, 2015, the Corporation's primary source of liquidity included accounts receivable of $12.6M and inventory of $10.5M. Net working capital at February 27, 2015 was $12.1M.

The Corporation will host a live conference call on Friday, April 10, 2015 at 11:30am (Eastern) to discuss the results of Q1 2015.

Anyone wishing to participate in the call should dial 416-340-2216 or 1-866-223-7781 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 24, 2015 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 3332882.

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 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.

FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION        
Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets        
         
(Unaudited) February 27,   November 30,  
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2015   2014  
ASSETS        
Current assets        
Cash $ 518   $ 641  
Accounts receivable   12,628     13,289  
Taxes receivable   321     251  
Inventories   10,510     10,426  
Prepaid expenses   538     564  
    24,515     25,171  
Non-current assets            
Plant and equipment, net   5,586     5,643  
Deferred income taxes   2,085     2,145  
Intangible assets, net   136     148  
Total assets $ 32,322   $ 33,107  
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY            
Current liabilities            
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 10,432   $ 10,021  
Provisions   438     410  
Customer deposits, net of deferred development   1,418     1,531  
Current portion of long-term bank debt   152     251  
    12,440     12,213  
Non-current liabilities            
Long-term bank debt   778     1,232  
Subordinated loan   4,303     4,219  
Government assistance   226     339  
Total liabilities   17,747     18,003  
Equity            
Deficit $ (7,487 ) $ (7,909 )
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)   (1,283 )   (312 )
    (8,770 )   (8,221 )
Share capital            
  Common shares   12,681     12,681  
  Preferred shares   2,218     2,218  
Contributed surplus   8,425     8,411  
Total equity attributable to FTG's shareholders   14,554     15,089  
Non-controlling interest   21     15  
Total equity   14,575     15,104  
Total liabilities and equity $ 32,322   $ 33,107  
     
     
FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION    
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings    
     
  Three months ended  
(Unaudited) February 27,   February 28,  
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) 2015   2014  
         
Sales $ 16,307   $ 13,989  
             
Cost of sales            
  Cost of sales   12,778     10,448  
  Depreciation of plant and equipment   460     417  
Total cost of sales   13,238     10,865  
Gross margin   3,069     3,124  
             
Expenses            
  Selling, general and administrative   2,370     2,092  
  Research and development costs   1,262     847  
  Recovery of research and development costs   (249 )   (70 )
  Depreciation/amortization of plant and equipment and intangible assets   42     45  
  Interest expense on short-term debt   9     8  
  Interest expense on long-term debt   94     92  
  Foreign exchange gain   (956 )   (117 )
Total expenses   2,572     2,897  
             
Earnings before income taxes   497     227  
             
Deferred income tax expense   60     78  
Current income tax expense   11     20  
             
Net earnings $ 426   $ 129  
             
Attributable to:            
Non-controlling interest $ 4   $ (16 )
Equity holders of FTG $ 422   $ 145  
             
Earnings per share, attributable to the equity holders of FTG            
  Basic $ 0.02   $ 0.01  
  Diluted $ 0.02   $ 0.01  
   
   
FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION  
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss)  
   
  Three months ended  
(Unaudited) February 27,   February 28,  
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2015   2014  
         
Net earnings $ 426   $ 129  
             
Other comprehensive (loss) to be reclassified to net earnings in subsequent years:            
  Foreign currency translation adjustments   866     531  
  Net unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges   (1,835 )   (748 )
    (969 )   (217 )
             
Total comprehensive (loss) $ (543 ) $ (88 )
             
Attributable to:            
Equity holders of FTG $ (549 ) $ (75 )
Non-controlling interest $ 6   $ (13 )
   
   
FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION  
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity  
   
   
Three months ended February 27, 2015 Attributed to the equity holders of FTG          



(in thousands of Canadian dollars)


Common
Shares


Preferred
Shares



Deficit
 

Contributed
Surplus
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss)
 


Total
 
Non-
controlling
interest
 

Total
equity
 
                           
Balance, November 30, 2014 $ 12,681 $ 2,218 $ (7,909 ) $ 8,411 $ (312 ) $ 15,089   $ 15   $ 15,104  
Net earnings   -   -   422     -   -     422     4     426  
Stock-based compensation   -   -   -     14   -     14     -     14  
Foreign currency translation adjustments   -   -   -     -   864     864     2     866  
Net unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges   -   -   -     -   (1,835 )   (1,835 )   -     (1,835 )
Balance, February 27, 2015 $ 12,681 $ 2,218 $ (7,487 ) $ 8,425 $ (1,283 ) $ 14,554   $ 21   $ 14,575  
                                           
                                           
Three months ended February 28, 2014   Attributed to the equity holders of FTG    
 

Common
Shares


Preferred
Shares



Deficit


Contributed
Surplus
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss)



Total

Non-
controlling
interest


Total
equity
 
(unaudited)
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)
                                           
Balance, November 30, 2013 $ 12,681 $ 2,218 $ (10,102 ) $ 8,347 $ (249 ) $ 12,895   $ 48   $ 12,943  
Net earnings (loss)   -   -   145     -   -     145     (16 )   129  
Stock-based compensation   -   -   -     9   -     9     -     9  
Foreign currency translation adjustments   -   -   -     -   528     528     3     531  
Net unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges   -   -   -     -   (748 )   (748 )   -     (748 )
Balance, February 28, 2014 $ 12,681 $ 2,218 $ (9,957 ) $ 8,356 $ (469 ) $ 12,829   $ 35   $ 12,864  
   
FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION  
   
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  
  Three months ended  
  February 27,   February 28,  
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2015   2014  
Net inflow (outflow) of cash related to the following:        
Operating activities        
Net earnings $ 426   $ 129  
Items not affecting cash:            
  Non-controlling interest share of net (earnings) loss   (4 )   16  
  Stock-based compensation   14     9  
  Effect of exchange rates on US dollar debt   138     89  
  Depreciation of plant and equipment   490     450  
  Amortization of intangible assets   12     12  
  Amortization of deferred financing costs   7     7  
  Deferred income tax expense   60     78  
  AMIS interest accretion   84     78  
  Amortization of government assistance   (113 )   (112 )
  Increase in net unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges   (1,140 )   (343 )
Net change in non-cash operating working capital   863     524  
    837     937  
Investing activities            
  Additions to plant and equipment   (242 )   (197 )
    (242 )   (197 )
Net cash flow from operating and investing activities   595     740  
Financing activities            
  Repayments of long-term bank debt   (698 )   (85 )
    (698 )   (85 )
Effects of foreign exchange rate changes on cash flow   (20 )   93  
Net decrease in cash flow   (123 )   748  
Cash, beginning of the period   641     996  
Cash, end of period $ 518   $ 1,744  
             
Disclosure of cash payments            
  Payment for interest $ 20   $ 29  
  Payments for income taxes $ 2   $ 25  

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

Firan Technology Group Corporation
Joseph R. Ricci
Vice President and CFO
(416) 299-4000 x309
joericci@ftgcorp.com
www.ftgcorp.com



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