Velan Inc. Reports Its Second Quarter 2023/24 Financial Results


MONTREAL, Oct. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Velan Inc. (TSX: VLN) (the “Company”), a world-leading manufacturer of industrial valves, announced today its financial results for its second quarter ended August 31, 2023.

Highlights:

  • Order backlog2 remains strong at $485.7 million, an increase of $21.3 million or 4.6% since the beginning of the year. The increase in backlog2 is primarily attributable to changes in the profile of scheduled backlog2 shipment dates. The portion of the current backlog2 deliverable in the next twelve months is $339.4 million.
  • Net new orders (“bookings”)2 of $71.5 million for the quarter, a decrease of $2.0 million or 2.7% compared to last year. The decrease in bookings2 is primarily attributable to a reduction in MRO distributor orders as well as lower process and mining orders, partially offset by a pick-up in oil and gas orders compared to last year.
  • Sales for the quarter amounted to $80.3 million, an improvement of $12.7 million or 18.7% compared to the first quarter of the current fiscal year, a decrease of $4.7 million or 5.6% compared to the second quarter of the previous fiscal year. The decrease in sales for the quarter compared to the prior year is primarily attributable to delays on certain shipments caused by customer readiness issues and a shortage of deliverable orders in the Company’s Italian operations.
  • Gross profit for the quarter amounted to $23.4 million or 29.1% compared to last year’s $23.5 million or 27.6%. Gross profit improved by $8.3 million or 690 basis points compared to the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Gross profit percentage for the quarter was a result of improved product mix offsetting the lower sales volume and unfavorable unrealized foreign exchange translations compared to last year.
  • Net loss1 of $2.1 million and EBITDA3 of $3.0 million for the quarter compared to a net loss1 of $3.7 million and EBITDA2 of $1.4 million last year. The increase in EBITDA2 is primarily attributable to a $2.1 million decrease in administration costs.
  • The Company’s net cash amounted to $39.4 million at the end of the quarter, a decrease of $19.3 million compared to the $58.6 million net cash balance at the beginning of the quarter. The decrease in net cash for the quarter is primarily related to temporary unfavorable movements in working capital, notably in accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable and accrued liabilities as the Company prepares for its ramp-up in Q3 and Q4 of the current year. The overall available liquidity remains strong with $122.1 million of available cash-on-hand and facilities.
  • The Company announced earlier today that it has been verbally informed that the French Ministry of Economy is refusing to grant its approval in connection with the change of control of Segault S.A.S. and Velan S.A.S. as part of the overall sale of Velan Inc. to Flowserve. As a result, Flowserve informed the Company that they intend to terminate the arrangement agreement on October 7, 2023.

Bruno Carbonaro, CEO and President of Velan Inc., said, “Our second quarter was an improvement in terms of results when compared to our second quarter of last year, as we partly recovered from some of the delays experienced at the start of the year. We are now focused on the ramp-up for the second half of the year. We continue to manage our business prudently with specific focus around executing on our backlog while working on a pipeline of opportunities. We will ensure to benefit from the working capital investments we made in the first half of the fiscal year by working diligently on increasing our collections and reducing our inventories on hand during the latter part of the year. Our North American commercial operations are tapping into new and emerging markets while we also continue to see growth in the nuclear business activities in France. Finally, the Board, the Velan family and Flowserve are obviously disappointed with the outcome and the decision of the French regulators. The Board recognizes, appreciates, and wants to thank the executives, the management team, the integration team, and all employees at Velan and outside stakeholders who have done everything possible and who worked tirelessly to support the transaction and make it happen. The board and executive leadership are very confident in our strong future, and we will resume operations as an independent business, free of the covenants and other restrictions of the arrangement agreement.”

Financial Highlights:

 Three-month periods ended
Six-month periods ended
(thousands of U.S. dollars, excluding per share amounts)August 31,
2023
August 31,
2022
August 31,
2023
August 31,
2022
     
Sales$80,318$85,054$147,977$160,059
Gross profit23,38523,48238,43743,555
Gross profit %29.1%27.6%26.0%27.2%
Net loss1(2,120)(3,676)(10,404)(11,028)
Net loss1 per share – basic and diluted(0.10)(0.17)(0.48)(0.51)
EBITDA22,9601,365(839)(1,513)
EBITDA2 per share – basic and diluted0.140.06(0.04)(0.07)


Second Quarter Fiscal 2024
(unless otherwise noted, all amounts are in U.S. dollars and all comparisons are to the second quarter of fiscal 2023):

  • Sales amounted to $80.3 million for the quarter, decreasing by $4.7 million or 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. The decrease in sales for the quarter is primarily attributable to lower shipments of large orders by the Company’s Italian operations due to a reduction of these orders recorded in the previous fiscal year. The decrease in sales for the quarter was also caused by delays on certain shipments caused by customer readiness issues. Otherwise, the decrease was partially offset by the positive impact of the strengthening of the euro average rate against the U.S. dollar on sales which amounted to $2.1 million for the quarter compared to last fiscal year. Finally, sales for the quarter were also positively impacted by favorable revaluations of the Company’s provision for performance guarantees and volume rebate accrual.
  • Bookings2 for the quarter amounted to $71.5 million, a decrease of $2.0 million or 2.7% compared to the second quarter of last year. The decrease for the quarter is primarily attributable to lower orders recorded by the Company’s North American operations. The decrease in North American bookings2 for the quarter is partly attributable to a reduction in MRO distributor orders, due in part to higher re-stocking orders in the previous year but also a slowdown currently observed in some covered markets. Additionally, the reduction in North American bookings2 for the quarter was also due to lower process and mining orders compared to last year. The decrease in bookings2 for the quarter was partially offset by higher oil and gas bookings2 recorded in the Company’s Italian operations. Finally, the decrease in bookings2 was also partially compensated by the strengthening of the euro average rate against the U.S. dollar on bookings2 for the Company’s European operations which resulted in a favorable impact of $2.3 million in the second quarter compared to the prior year.
  • Gross profit for the quarter amounted to $23.4 million, a decrease of $0.1 million or 0.4% compared to the second quarter of last year. The gross profit percentage for the quarter of 29.1% was an increase of 150 basis points compared to last year’s second quarter. The slight decrease in gross profit for the quarter is primarily due to the lower sales volume which impacted the absorption of fixed production overhead costs as well as unfavorable unrealized foreign exchange translations related to the fluctuation of the U.S. dollar against the euro and the Canadian dollar when compared to similar movements from the previous year. This decrease in gross profit for the quarter was offset by an improved product mix as well as favorable revaluations of the Company’s provision for performance guarantees and volume rebate accrual.
  • Administration costs for the quarter amounted to $22.6 million, a decrease of $2.1 million or 8.5%. The decrease in administration costs for the quarter is primarily attributable to the recording in the last quarter of the previous fiscal year of an asbestos provision for potential settlement value of future unknown claims. The settlement expense amounted to $3.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2023. The decrease in administration costs for the quarter is also due to lower outbound freight costs which have now stabilized and sales commissions in relation to the lower sales volume. Finally, the decrease for the quarter was partially offset by a general increase in administration costs.
  • Net loss1 amounted to $2.1 million or $0.10 per share compared to a net loss1 of $3.7 million or $0.17 per share last year. EBITDA2 for the quarter amounted to $3.0 million or $0.14 per share compared to $1.4 million or $0.06 per share last year. The favorable movement in EBITDA2 for the quarter is primarily attributable to the previously explained decrease in administration costs, partially offset by an increase in other expense. The positive movement in the Company’s results was primarily attributable to the previously mentioned factors combined with a favorable movement in income taxes and an unfavorable movement in finance costs.

First Six months Fiscal 2024 (unless otherwise noted, all amounts are in U.S. dollars and all comparisons are to the first six months of fiscal 2023):

  • Sales for the half year totaled $148.0 million, a decrease of $12.1 or 7.5% compared to the last fiscal year. The decrease in sales for the half year is primarily attributable to lower shipments of large orders by the Company’s Italian operations due to a reduction of these orders recorded in the previous fiscal year. The decrease for the half year was also due to accelerated shipments in the fourth quarter of the prior fiscal year as a result of customer demand and the Company’s increased production ramp-up. The decrease in sales for the half year was partially offset by increased shipments in the Company’s North American operations. Otherwise, the decrease was also partially offset by the positive impact of the strengthening of the euro average rate against the U.S. dollar on sales which amounted to $2.1 million for the half year compared to last fiscal year. Finally, sales for the half year were also positively impacted by favorable revaluations of the Company’s provision for performance guarantees and volume rebate accrual.
  • Bookings2 for the half year amounted to $163.4 million, a decrease of $3.6 million or 2.1% compared to the prior fiscal year. The decrease for the half year is primarily attributable to lower orders recorded by the Company’s North American operations. The decrease in North American bookings2 for the half year is partly attributable to a reduction in MRO distributor orders, due in part to higher re-stocking orders in the previous year but also a slowdown currently observed in some covered markets. Additionally, the reduction in North American bookings2 for the half year was also due to lower process orders compared to last year. The decrease in bookings2 for the half year was partially offset by higher oil and gas bookings2 recorded in the Company’s Italian operations and an increase in nuclear orders recorded by the Company’s French operations. Finally, the decrease in bookings2 was also partially compensated by the strengthening of the euro average rate against the U.S. dollar on bookings2 for the Company’s European operations which resulted in a favorable impact of $2.7 million on the half year compared to the prior year.
  • The total backlog2 increased by $21.3 million or 4.6% since the beginning of the fiscal year, settling at $485.7 million at the end of the quarter. The increase in backlog2 is primarily attributable to changes in the profile of scheduled backlog2 shipment dates. The increase in backlog2 is also due to the strengthening of the euro spot rate against the U.S. dollar since the beginning of the fiscal year which represented $6.5 million.
  • Gross profit for the half year amounted to $38.4 million, a decrease of $5.1 million or 11.8% compared to the prior fiscal year. The gross profit percentage for the six-month period of 26.0% represented a decrease of 120 basis points compared to the same period last year. The decrease in gross profit for the half year is primarily due to the lower sales volume which impacted the absorption of fixed production overhead costs as well as unfavorable unrealized foreign exchange translations related to the fluctuation of the U.S. dollar against the euro and the Canadian dollar when compared to similar movements from the previous year. This decrease in gross profit for the half year was partially offset by an improved product mix as well as favorable revaluations of the Company’s provision for performance guarantees and volume rebate accrual.
  • Administration costs for the half year amounted to $44.1 million, a decrease of $6.4 million or 12.7%. The decrease in administration costs for the half year is primarily attributable to the recording in the last quarter of the previous fiscal year of an asbestos provision for potential settlement value of future unknown claims. The settlement expense amounted to $6.3 million in the first six months of fiscal 2023. The decrease in administration costs for the half year is also due to lower outbound freight costs which have now stabilized and sales commissions in relation to the lower sales volume. Finally, the decrease for the half year was partially offset by a general increase in administration costs.
  • Net loss1 for the half year amounted to $10.4 million or $0.48 per share compared to $11.0 million or $0.51 per share last year. EBITDA2 for the half year amounted to negative $0.8 million or negative $0.04 per share compared to negative $1.5 million or negative $0.07 per share last year. The favorable movement in EBITDA2 for the six-month period is primarily attributable to the previously explained decrease in administration costs, partially offset by a decrease in gross profit and an increase in other expense. The positive movement in the Company’s results was primarily attributable to the same factors as previously explained combined with a favorable movement in income taxes and an unfavorable movement in finance costs.

Dividend

The Company opted to declare no dividend this quarter.

Conference call

Financial analysts, shareholders, and other interested individuals are invited to attend the second quarter conference call to be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. (EDT). The toll-free call-in number is 1-800-945-0427, access code 22028032. The material that will be referenced during the conference call will be made available shortly before the event on the company’s website under the Investor Relations section (https://www.velan.com/en/company/investor_relations). A recording of this conference call will be available for seven days at 1-416-626-4100 or 1-800-558-5253, access code 22028032.

About Velan

Founded in Montreal in 1950, Velan Inc. (www.velan.com) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial valves, with sales of US$370.4 million in its last reported fiscal year. The Company employs approximately 1,650 people and has manufacturing plants in 9 countries. Velan Inc. is a public company with its shares listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol VLN.

Safe harbour statement

This news release may include forward-looking statements, which generally contain words like “should”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “continue” or “estimate” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions, all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties, which are disclosed in the Company’s filings with the appropriate securities commissions. While these statements are based on management’s assumptions regarding historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that it believes are reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may differ materially from those expressed herein. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by the applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Non-IFRS and supplementary financial measures

In this press release, the Company has presented measures of performance or financial condition which are not defined under IFRS (“non-IFRS measures”) and are, therefore, unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These measures are used by management in assessing the operating results and financial condition of the Company and are reconciled with the performance measures defined under IFRS. Company has also presented supplementary financial measures which are defined at the end of this report. Reconciliation and definition can be found on the next page.

Earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA")

 Three-month periods ended
 Six-month periods ended
 
(thousands, except amount per shares)August 31,
2023

$
 August 31,
2022

$
 August 31,
2023

$
 August 31,
2022

$
 
     
Net loss1(2,120)(3,676)(10,404)(11,028)
     
Adjustments for:    
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment2,154 2,023 4,220 4,184 
Amortization of intangible assets and financing costs

514
 

556
 

1,077
 

1,124
 
Finance costs – net1,391 378 2,596 614 
Income taxes1,021 2,084 1,672 3,593 
     
EBITDA2,960 1,365 (839)(1,513)
EBITDA per share    
 -     Basic and diluted0.14 0.06 (0.04)(0.07)


The term “EBITDA” is defined as net income or loss attributable to Subordinate and Multiple Voting Shares plus depreciation of property, plant & equipment, plus amortization of intangible assets and financing costs, plus net finance costs plus income tax provision. The terms “EBITDA per share” is obtained by dividing EBITDA by the total amount of subordinate and multiple voting shares. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Definitions of supplementary financial measures

The term “Net new orders” or “bookings” is defined as firm orders, net of cancellations, recorded by the Company during a period. Bookings are impacted by the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates for a given period. The measure provides an indication of the Company’s sales operation performance for a given period as well as well as an expectation of future sales and cash flows to be achieved on these orders.

The term “backlog” is defined as the buildup of all outstanding bookings to be delivered by the Company. The Company’s backlog is impacted by the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates for a given period. The measure provides an indication of the future operational challenges of the Company as well as an expectation of future sales and cash flows to be achieved on these orders.

The term “book-to-bill” is obtained by dividing bookings by sales. The measure provides an indication of the Company’s performance and outlook for a given period.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.


1 Non-IFRS and supplementary financial measures – see explanation above
2 Net earnings or loss refer to net income or loss attributable to Subordinate and Multiple Voting Shares


     
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position    
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    
   As at 
  August 31,February 28, 
  20232023 
  $$ 
Assets    
     
Current assets    
Cash and cash equivalents 41,47450,513 
Short-term investments 1737 
Accounts receivable 99,280121,053 
Income taxes recoverable 6,3436,195 
Inventories 225,868202,649 
Deposits and prepaid expenses 9,0517,559 
Derivative assets 141107 
  382,174388,113 
     
Non-current assets    
Property, plant and equipment 70,09568,205 
Intangible assets and goodwill 16,25316,153 
Deferred income taxes 4,8494,663 
Other assets 653723 
     
  91,85089,744 
     
Total assets 474,024477,857 
     
Liabilities    
     
Current liabilities    
Bank indebtedness 2,102260 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 74,92579,408 
Income taxes payable 1,5622,832 
Customer deposits 30,16328,201 
Provisions 18,49516,485 
Derivative liabilities 31299 
Current portion of long-term lease liabilities 1,6431,298 
Current portion of long-term debt 13,3538,177 
  142,274136,960 
     
Non-current liabilities    
Long-term lease liabilities 11,4509,458 
Long-term debt 20,02921,719 
Income taxes payable 519933 
Deferred income taxes 4,1723,966 
Customer deposits 31,42027,937 
Provisions 66,04170,924 
Other liabilities 5,0845,125 
     
  138,715140,062 
     
Total liabilities 280,989277,022 
     
Total equity 193,035200,835 
     
Total liabilities and equity 474,024477,857 
     


Consolidated Statements of Loss     
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, excluding number of shares and per share amounts)   
 Three-month periods ended
  Six-month periods ended 
 August 31, August 31,  August 31, August 31, 
 2023 2022  2023 2022 
 $ $  $ $ 
      
      
Sales 80,318 85,054  147,977 160,059 
      
Cost of sales56,933 61,572  109,540 116,504 
      
Gross profit23,385 23,482  38,437 43,555 
      
Administration costs22,571 24,678  44,070 50,490 
Other expense (income)525 7  512 (134)
      
Operating income (loss)289 (1,203) (6,145)(6,801)
      
Finance income136 78  271 168 
Finance costs(1,527)(456) (2,867)(782)
      
Finance costs – net(1,391)(378) (2,596)(614)
      
Loss before income taxes(1,102)(1,581) (8,741)(7,415)
      
Income tax expense1,021 2,084  1,672 3,593 
      
Net loss for the period(2,123)(3,665) (10,413)(11,008)
      
Net income (loss) attributable to:     
Subordinate Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares(2,120)(3,676) (10,404)(11,028)
Non-controlling interest(3)11  (9)20 
      
Net loss for the period(2,123)(3,665) (10,413)(11,008)
      
Net loss per Subordinate and Multiple Voting Share     
Basic and diluted(0.10)(0.17) (0.48)(0.51)
      
      
Dividends declared per Subordinate and Multiple- -  0.02 0.02 
Voting Share(CA$ - )(CA$ - ) (CA$0.03)(CA$0.03)
      
      
Total weighted average number of Subordinate and     
Multiple Voting Shares      
Basic and diluted21,585,635 21,585,635  21,585,635 21,585,635 
      


Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss   
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)     
 Three-month periods ended
  Six-month periods ended 
 August 31, August 31,  August 31, August 31, 
 2023 2022  2023 2022 
 $ $  $ $ 
      
      
Comprehensive loss      
      
Net loss for the period(2,123)(3,665) (10,413)(11,008)
      
Other comprehensive income (loss)     
Foreign currency translation1,696 (7,760) 3,104 (13,591)
      
Comprehensive loss (427)(11,425) (7,309)(24,599)
      
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:     
Subordinate Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares(424)(11,437) (7,300)(24,619)
Non-controlling interest(3)12  (9)20 
      
Comprehensive loss (427)(11,425) (7,309)(24,599)
      
      
Other comprehensive loss is composed solely of items that may be reclassified subsequently to the consolidated statement of loss.
      


Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity     
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, excluding number of shares)      
        
        
        
 Equity attributable to the Subordinate and Multiple Voting shareholders  
 Share capitalContributed
surplus
Accumulated other
comprehensive loss
Retained
earnings
TotalNon-controlling
interest
Total equity
        
Balance - February 28, 202272,6956,260(32,126)217,995 264,824 686 265,510 
        
Net income (loss) for the period--- (11,028)(11,028)20 (11,008)
Other comprehensive loss--(13,591)- (13,591)- (13,591)
        
Comprehensive income (loss)--(13,591)(11,028)(24,619)20 (24,599)
        
Other--(97)97 - - - 
Dividends       
Multiple Voting Shares--- (366)(366)- (366)
Subordinate Voting Shares--- (131)(131)- (131)
        
Balance - August 31, 202272,6956,260(45,814)206,567 239,708 706 240,414 
        
Balance - February 28, 202372,6956,260(41,208)162,142 199,889 946 200,835 
        
Net loss for the period--- (10,404)(10,404)(9)(10,413)
Other comprehensive income--3,104 - 3,104 - 3,104 
        
Comprehensive income (loss)--3,104 (10,404)(7,300)(9)(7,309)
        
Dividends       
Multiple Voting Shares--- (354)(354)- (354)
Subordinate Voting Shares--- (137)(137)- (137)
        
Balance - August 31, 202372,6956,260(38,104)151,247 192,098 937 193,035 
        


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow    
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)     
 Three-month periods ended
  Six-month periods ended 
 August 31, August 31,  August 31, August 31, 
 2023 2022  2023 2022 
 $ $  $ $ 
      
Cash flows from     
      
Operating activities     
Net loss for the period(2,123)(3,665) (10,413)(11,008)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used by operating activities2,246 6,072  3,080 4,317 
Changes in non-cash working capital items(21,283)(13,931) (3,133)(7,898)
Cash used by operating activities(21,160)(11,524) (10,466)(14,589)
      
Investing activities     
Short-term investments1 107  20 (1,181)
Additions to property, plant and equipment(1,605)(616) (2,714)(1,536)
Additions to intangible assets(390)(1,200) (774)(1,209)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets39 24  53 40 
Net change in other assets5 14  33 28 
Cash used by investing activities (1,950)(1,671) (3,382)(3,858)
      
Financing activities     
Dividends paid to Subordinate and Multiple Voting shareholders(491)(497) (491)(497)
Net change in revolving credit facility5,000 16  5,000 16 
Increase in long-term debt- -  - 2,160 
Repayment of long-term debt(778)(2,108) (1,704)(2,677)
Repayment of long-term lease liabilities(390)(362) (752)(732)
Cash provided (used) by financing activities 3,341 (2,951) 2,053 (1,730)
      
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash 511 (1,781) 914 (3,563)
      
Net change in cash during the period(19,258)(17,927) (10,881)(23,740)
      
Net cash – Beginning of the period58,630 47,652  50,253 53,465 
      
Net cash – End of the period39,372 29,725  39,372 29,725 
      
Net cash is composed of:     
Cash and cash equivalents41,474 32,938  41,474 32,938 
Bank indebtedness(2,102)(3,213) (2,102)(3,213)
      
Net cash – End of the period39,372 29,725  39,372 29,725 
      
Supplementary information     
Interest received (paid)(53)15  (102)(208)
Income taxes paid(939)(2,180) (3,549)(3,997)


For further information please contact:
Bruno Carbonaro, Chief Executive Officer and President
Tel: (438) 817-7593
or
Rishi Sharma, Chief Financial Officer
Tel: (438) 817-4430