ADF GROUP INC. ANNOUNCE THE RESULTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 2023
HIGHLIGHTS
- Revenues of $250.9 million.
- Net income of $14.9 million, representing a 56% increase over the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022.
- The Corporation's order backlog (1) stood at $376.5 million on January 31, 2023.
TERREBONNE, QC, April 13, 2023 /CNW/ -
ADF GROUP INC. ("ADF" or the "Corporation") (TSX: DRX) recorded revenues of $250.9 million during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, compared with $280.7 million the previous fiscal year. This decrease in revenues is mainly attributable to the inclusion of high-volume projects with accelerated production schedules that increased the revenues of the previous fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, but with much lower margins than normally generated by our Corporation.
Gross margin, as a percentage of revenues (2), went from 8.8% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, to 14.2% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023. This increase, as a percentage of revenues, is mainly due to the projects mentioned above, as well as by internal efficiency improvement generated by the investments to automate fabrication processes at our plant in Terrebonne, Quebec.
Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) (3) for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, totalled $26.1 million, which is $8.4 million or 47% higher than at the same date a year earlier.
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, ADF posted net income of $14.9 million (or $0.46 per share, basic and diluted) compared with a net income of $9.6 million (or $0.29 per share, basic and diluted) a year earlier.
As at January 31, 2023, the Corporation had a working capital of $65.6 million, 69% more than at the same date a year ago. The Corporation remains in a sound position to continue its ongoing operations and pursue its development projects.
As at January 31, 2023, the Corporation's order backlog (1) stood at $376.5 million, compared with $373.1 million as at January 31, 2022. The majority of projects in hand will be completed progressively by the middle of the fiscal year ending January 31, 2025.
Financial Highlights
Fiscal Years Ended January 31, | 2022 | |
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, and dollars per share) | $ | $ |
Revenues | 250,890 | 280,740 |
Adjusted EBITDA (3) | 26,119 | 17,759 |
Income before income tax expense | 16,854 | 11,059 |
Net income for the year | 14,935 | 9,563 |
— Basic and diluted per share | 0.46 | 0.29 |
Cash flows from operating activities | (2,612) | 2,669 |
(In thousands) | Number | Number |
Average number of outstanding shares (basic and diluted, in thousands) | 32,640 | 32,635 |
__________________________________ | |
1 | The order backlog is an additional financial measure. Refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Financial Measures" section of this press release for the definition of this indicator. |
2 | Gross margin, as a percentage of revenues is an additional financial measure. Refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Financial Measures" section of this press release for the definition of this indicator. |
3 | Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Financial Measures" section of this press release for the definition of this indicator. |
New Financing Agreement
On February 10, 2023, the Corporation reached an agreement with its Canadian financial institution on the terms and conditions amending its Canadian operating credit facility. Once finalized, within the next few weeks, the credit facility will increase from $30.0 million to $40.0 million ; this amount remaining subject to a margination calculation but only when the Corporation draws an amount greater than $20.0 million. The other conditions will remain similar to the current ones.
Outlook
"ADF closed its fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 with encouraging results, an increase in the order backlog, better margins and a net income 56% higher than that of the previous fiscal year" said Mr. Jean Paschini, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. He concluded by pointing out that, "Our major investments in automation over the past two fiscal years have now been completed and allow us to face economic challenges with confidence".
Dividend
On April 12, 2023, ADF Group announced the payment of a semi-annual dividend of $0.01 per subordinate voting share and per multiple voting shares, which will be paid on May 17, 2023, to Shareholders of Record as at April 28, 2023.
Conference Call with Investors
A conference call with investors is scheduled for Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 10 a.m. (Montreal time) to discuss the results of Corporation's fiscal year ended January 31, 2023.
To join the conference call without operator assistance, you can register with your phone number on https://emportal.ink/3l04Il2 to receive an instant automatic reminder.
You can also join the conference call with operator assistance by dialing 1-888-390-0620 a few minutes prior to the conference call scheduled start time.
A replay of this conference call will be available from 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2023, until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023, by dialing 1-888-259-6562, followed by access code 047645 #.
The conference call (audio) will also be available at the www.adfgroup.com. Members of the media are invited to join in listening mode.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 2023
ADF Group Inc. will hold its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders via webcast, on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 11 a.m. (EST).
Shareholders' meeting details and webcasting connection instructions will be made available in the weeks preceding the meeting.
Results for the first quarter ending April 30, 2023, will also be disclosed during the Shareholders' meeting.
About ADF Group Inc. | ADF Group Inc. is a North American leader in the design and engineering of connections, fabrication, including the application of industrial coatings, and installation of complex steel structures, heavy steel built-ups, as well as in miscellaneous and architectural metals for the non-residential infrastructure sector. ADF Group Inc. is one of the few players in the industry capable of handling highly technically complex mega projects on fast-track schedules in the commercial, institutional, industrial and public sectors. The Corporation operates two fabrication plants and two paint shops, in Canada and in the United States, and a Construction Division in the United States, which specializes in the installation of steel structures and other related products.
Forward-Looking Information | This press release contains forward-looking statements reflecting ADF's objectives and expectations. These statements are identified by the use of verbs such as "expect" as well as by the use of future or conditional tenses. By their very nature these types of statements involve risks and uncertainty. Consequently, reality may differ from ADF's expectations.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Financial Measures | Are measures derived primarily from the consolidated financial statements but are not a standardized financial measure under the financial reporting framework used to prepare the Corporation's financial statements. Therefore, readers should be careful not to confuse or substitute them with performance measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, readers should avoid comparing these non-GAAP financial measures to similarly titled measures provided or used by other issuers. The definition of these indicators and their reconciliation with comparable International Financial Reporting Standards measures is as follows:
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA shows the extent to which the Corporation generates profits from operations, without considering the following items:
- Net financial expenses;
- Income tax expense ;
- Foreign exchange losses, and
- Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, and right-of-use assets.
Net income is reconciled with adjusted EBITDA in the table below:
Fiscal Years Ended January 31, | 2023 | 2022 |
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ |
Net income | 14,935 | 9,563 |
Income tax expense | 1,919 | 1,496 |
Net financial expenses | 1,999 | 1,174 |
Amortization | 5,323 | 5,054 |
Foreign exchange loss | 1,943 | 472 |
Adjusted EBITDA | 26,119 | 17,759 |
Gross Margin as a Percentage of Revenues
Gross margin as a percentage of revenue indicator is used by the Corporation to assess the level of profitability for a given period based on the project mix for that same period. This indicator is subject to fluctuations in project prices and also in the operational efficiency of the Corporation. The indicator of gross margin as a percentage of revenues results from dividing gross margin by revenues.
Order Backlog
The order backlog is a measure used by the Corporation to assess future revenue levels. The order backlog includes firm orders obtained by the Corporation, either through a firm contract or a formal notice to proceed confirmed by the client. The order backlog disclosed by the Corporation therefore includes the portion of confirmed contracts that have not been put into production.
All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at January 31, | 2023 | 2022 |
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ |
ASSETS | ||
Current assets | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 7,193 | 7,130 |
Accounts receivable | 90,921 | 40,424 |
Current income tax assets | 714 | 1,548 |
Contract assets | 42,541 | 29,998 |
Inventories | 10,679 | 9,690 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 2,332 | 2,312 |
Total current assets | 154,380 | 91,102 |
Non-current assets | ||
Property, plant and equipment | 90,378 | 83,629 |
Right-of-use assets | 21,848 | 21,587 |
Intangible assets | 3,640 | 3,357 |
Other non-current assets | 1,371 | 1,375 |
Total assets | 271,617 | 201,050 |
LIABILITIES | ||
Current liabilities | ||
Accounts payable and other current liabilities | 39,985 | 34,421 |
Current income tax liabilities | 235 | ― |
Contract liabilities | 44,533 | 13,770 |
Other current liabilities | 964 | ― |
Current portion of lease liabilities | 806 | 841 |
Current portion of long-term debt | 2,258 | 3,357 |
Total current liabilities | 88,781 | 52,389 |
Non-current liabilities | ||
Long-term debt | 44,927 | 28,702 |
Lease liabilities | 3,528 | 3,772 |
Deferred income tax liabilities | 9,240 | 7,571 |
Other non-current liabilities | 156 | 166 |
Total liabilities | 146,632 | 92,600 |
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||
Capital stock | 68,127 | 68,120 |
Contributed surplus | 6,435 | 6,435 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 8,107 | 5,861 |
Retained income | 42,316 | 28,034 |
Total shareholders' equity | 124,985 | 108,450 |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | 271,617 | 201,050 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Fiscal Years Ended January 31, | 2023 | 2022 |
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except the number of shares and the amounts per share) | $ | $ |
Revenues | 250,890 | 280,740 |
Cost of goods sold | 215,321 | 256,046 |
Gross Margin | 35,569 | 24,694 |
Selling and administrative expenses | 14,773 | 11,989 |
Net financial expenses | 1,999 | 1,174 |
Foreign exchange loss | 1,943 | 472 |
18,715 | 13,635 | |
Income before income tax expense | 16,854 | 11,059 |
Income tax expense | 1,919 | 1,496 |
Net income for the fiscal year | 14,935 | 9,563 |
Earnings per share | ||
— Basic and diluted per share | 0.46 | 0.29 |
Average number of outstanding basic and diluted shares (in thousands) | 32,640 | 32,635 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Fiscal Years Ended January 31, | 2023 | 2022 |
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ |
Net income for the fiscal year | 14,935 | 9,563 |
Other comprehensive income (loss): | ||
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (a) | 2,246 | (25) |
Comprehensive income for the fiscal year | 17,181 | 9,538 |
a) Will subsequently be reclassified to net income. |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital Stock | Contributed | Accumulated Other | Retained | Total | |
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
Balance, February 1, 2021 | 68,120 | 6,435 | 5,886 | 19,124 | 99,565 |
Net income for the fiscal year | ― | ― | ― | 9,563 | 9,563 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | ― | ― | (25) | ― | (25) |
Comprehensive income (loss) for | ― | ― | (25) | 9,563 | 9,538 |
Dividends | ― | ― | ― | (653) | (653) |
Balance, January 31, 2022 | 68,120 | 6,435 | 5,861 | 28,034 | 108,450 |
Capital Stock | Contributed | Accumulated Other | Retained | Total | |
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
Balance, February 1, 2022 | 68,120 | 6,435 | 5,861 | 28,034 | 108,450 |
Net income for the fiscal year | ― | ― | ― | 14,935 | 14,935 |
Other comprehensive income | ― | ― | 2,246 | ― | 2,246 |
Comprehensive income for the fiscal year | ― | ― | 2,246 | 14,935 | 17,181 |
Dividends | ― | ― | ― | (653) | (653) |
Shares Issuance | 7 | ― | ― | ― | 7 |
Balance, January 31, 2023 | 68,127 | 6,435 | 8,107 | 42,316 | 124,985 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Fiscal Years Ended January 31, | 2023 | 2022 |
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ |
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||
Net income for the fiscal year | 14,935 | 9,563 |
Non-cash items: | ||
Amortization of property, plant and equipment | 4,118 | 3,543 |
Amortization of right-of-use assets | 835 | 1,013 |
Amortization of intangible assets | 370 | 498 |
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment | (802) | (2,111) |
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments | 968 | 513 |
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss | (1,158) | 705 |
Share-based compensation | 724 | 361 |
Income tax expense | 1,919 | 1,496 |
Government grants | (1,280) | ― |
Net financial expenses | 1,999 | 1,174 |
Others | (250) | (148) |
Net income adjusted for non-cash items | 22,378 | 16,607 |
Change in non-cash working capital items (1) | (25,850) | (12,511) |
Income tax recovery (paid) | 860 | (1,427) |
Cash flows (used in) from operating activities | (2,612) | 2,669 |
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment | (11,463) | (21,477) |
Acquisition of intangible assets | (698) | (589) |
Others | 80 | 77 |
Cash flows used in investing activities | (12,081) | (21,989) |
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||
Issuance of long-term debt | 20,000 | 30,000 |
Repayment of long-term debt | (2,216) | (17,878) |
Payment of lease liabilities | (804) | (963) |
Dividends paid | (653) | (653) |
Interest paid | (2,177) | (988) |
Others | 7 | (316) |
Cash flows from financing activities | 14,157 | 9,202 |
Impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rate on cash flow | 599 | (558) |
Net change in cash and cash equivalents during the fiscal year | 63 | (10,676) |
Cash, and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year | 7,130 | 17,806 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year | 7,193 | 7,130 |
(1) The following table sets out in detail the components of the "Change in non-cash working capital items":
Fiscal Years Ended January 31, | 2023 | 2022 |
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ |
Accounts receivable | (48,647) | 20,342 |
Contract assets | (12,011) | (21,099) |
Inventories | (550) | (2,714) |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 103 | 2,382 |
Accounts payable and other current liabilities | 5,478 | (2,041) |
Contract liabilities | 29,787 | (9,366) |
Others | (10) | (15) |
Change in non-cash working capital items | (25,850) | (12,511) |
Segmented Information
The Corporation operates one operational sector, being, the non-residential construction industry, primarily in the United States and Canada. This sector includes the following areas of expertise: the design and engineering of connections, fabrication, including industrial coating, and installation of complex steel structures, heavy steel built-ups, as well as miscellaneous and architectural metalwork.
Fiscal Years Ended January 31, | 2023 | 2022 |
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ |
Revenues | ||
Canada | 36,913 | 39,810 |
United States | 213,977 | 240,930 |
250,890 | 280,740 | |
As at January 31, | 2023 | 2022 |
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ |
Non-current assets (1) | ||
Canada | 74,424 | 68,907 |
United States | 42,813 | 41,041 |
117,237 | 109,948 | |
(1) | The non-current assets mainly include property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, right-of-use assets, investment tax credits and others non-current assets. |
Revenues from external clients were allocated to each country on the basis of the project's location.
During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, 62% of the Corporation's revenues was realized with three (3) clients, each representing 10% and more of its revenues (86% with three (3) clients during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022).
The following table presents the breakdown of revenues for each of these clients:
Fiscal Years Ended January 31, | 2023 | 2022 |
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ |
Client A (1) | ― | 168,950 |
Client B (1) | 57,386 | 40,610 |
Client C (2) | ― | 31,381 |
Client D (1) | 46,069 | ― |
Client E (1) | 52,886 | ― |
156,341 | 240,941 | |
(1) | From the United States |
(2) | From Canada |
SOURCE ADF Group Inc.
Jean Paschini, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer; Jean-François Boursier, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, Telephone: (450) 965-1911, Website: www.adfgroup.com