TORONTO and MARSEILLE, France, Nov.
3, 2017 /CNW/ - Foraco International SA (TSX:FAR) (the
"Company" or "Foraco"), a leading global provider of mineral
drilling services, today released its unaudited financial results
for the third quarter of 2017. All figures are expressed in US
Dollars (US$) unless otherwise indicated.
"The positive trend in commercial activity reported over the
last two quarters was confirmed in Q3 2017. The key mining
companies seem to widely recognize that reserves are being depleted
at such a level that new exploration programs need to be launched.
We noted a recovery in North
America in the last few quarters and this trend now appears
to be spreading to regions where the business environment is
considered less risky" commented Daniel
Simoncini, Chairman and Co-CEO of Foraco. "Thanks to our
presence in these key countries, we expect to fully benefit from
these positive trends. Our Q3 revenue was up 13% compared to the
same quarter last year and although there has not been a recovery
in selling prices yet, our profit margins have improved, driven by
increased activity and a satisfactory operating performance."
"Our profit margin including depreciation in the cost of sales
is improving quarter-by-quarter and represented 12.5% of revenue in
Q3 2017, bringing our YTD margin to 9.7% of revenue. This is a
significant improvement compared to the same period last year.
EBITDA came to US$ 3.3 million in the
third quarter and US$ 8.2 million
over the first nine months of the year. During the quarter, we
invested US$ 3 million in CAPEX to
serve newly acquired contracts. Our financial ratios are improving
and we met our covenants as at September 30,
2017" added Jean-Pierre Charmensat, Co-CEO and Chief
Financial Officer. "Notwithstanding positive market trends, we will
continue to focus on cost control, strategic CAPEX and cash
management. At this turning point, we are also aware that our
future success will depend on our capacity to select, train and
retain our dedicated workforce."
Three months Q3 2017 Highlights
Revenue
- Q3 2017 revenue was US$ 33.9
million compared to US$ 30.0
million in Q3 2016, an increase of 13%.
- The utilization rate was 35% in Q3 2017, same as in Q3
2016.
Profitability
- Q3 2017 gross margin including depreciation within cost of
sales was US$ 4.2 million (or 12.5%
of revenue) compared to US$ 2.1
million in Q3 2016 (or 7.0% of revenue). This improvement is
a combination of increased performance on contracts and higher
activity allowing a better absorption of fixed operational
costs.
- Q3 2017 EBIT was US$ (1.3)
million compared to US$ (2.5)
million in Q3 2016, a US$ 1.2
million improvement mainly attributable to an improved gross
margin.
- Q3 2017 EBITDA was US$ 3.3
million compared to US$ 2.5
million in Q3 2016.
- Capital expenditure was US$ 3.0
million in Q3 2017 compared to US$
1.3 million in Q3 2016. This Capex is mainly linked to new
contracts to be executed in the next quarters.
YTD Q3 2017 Highlights
Revenue
- YTD Q3 2017 revenue amounted to US$
100.8 million compared to US$ 86.4
million in YTD Q3 2016, an increase of 17%.
Profitability
- The YTD Q3 2017 gross margin including depreciation within cost
of sales was US$ 9.8 million compared
to US$ 1.4 million in YTD Q3 2016.
The increased activity allowed a better absorption of fixed
operational costs.
- YTD Q3 2017 EBIT was US$ (5.8)
million compared to US$ (13.0)
million in YTD Q3 2016, a US$ 7.2
million improvement mainly attributable to an improved gross
margin.
- YTD Q3 2017 EBITDA was US$ 8.2
million compared to US$ 3.5
million for the same period last year.
Cash flow and net debt
- YTD Q3 2017 cash flow from operations before working capital
was positive US$ 8.2 million vs.
US$ 2.5 million YTD Q3 2016, an
improvement mainly attributable to increased activity and
profitability.
- CAPEX for the period amounted to US$ 6.6
million compared to US$ 4.1
million. This CAPEX program is mainly linked to new
contracts.
- After working capital, interest, tax and CAPEX, YTD Q3 2017
free cash flow was US$ (6.0) million
vs. US$ (10.2) million in YTD Q3
2016.
- On May 11, 2017, the Company
completed the reorganization of its debt and obtained a new
financing of € 18.0 million (US$ 19.8
million at transaction date).
- The net debt was US$ 122.0
million as at September 30,
2017 compared to US$ 103.3
million as at December 31,
2016. This increase is mainly due to the negative free cash
flow (US$ 6.0 million) and the
adverse effect of foreign exchange rates on the debt denominated in
Euros (US$ 12.6 million).
Selected financial data
(In thousands of
US$)
(unaudited)
|
Three-month
period ended
September 30,
|
Nine-month
period ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
2017
|
2016
|
Revenue
|
33,868
|
|
30,017
|
100,759
|
86,442
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit /
(loss) (1)
|
4,233
|
|
2,099
|
9,788
|
1,436
|
As a percentage of
sales
|
12.5%
|
|
7.0%
|
9.7%
|
1.7%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA
|
3,335
|
|
2,525
|
8,247
|
3,534
|
As a percentage of
sales
|
9.8%
|
|
8.4%
|
8.2%
|
4.1%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit /
(loss)
|
(1,283)
|
|
(2,522)
|
(5,831)
|
(13,042)
|
As a percentage of
sales
|
-3.8%
|
|
-8.4%
|
-5.8%
|
-15.1%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit / (loss)
for the period
|
(2,717)
|
|
(3,213)
|
(8,710)
|
(14,832)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attributable
to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity holders of the
Company
|
(2,963)
|
|
(3,366)
|
(8,412)
|
(15,272)
|
Non-controlling
interests
|
246
|
|
153
|
(298)
|
440
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EPS (in US
cents)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
(3.31)
|
|
(3.77)
|
(9.38)
|
(17.08)
|
Diluted
|
(3.31)
|
|
(3.77)
|
(9.38)
|
(17.08)
|
(1) This line
item includes amortization and depreciation expenses related to
operations
|
Financial results
Revenue
(In thousands of US$)
-
(unaudited)
|
Q3
2017
|
%
change
|
Q3
2016
|
YTD Q3
2017
|
%
change
|
YTD Q3
2016
|
Reporting
segment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mining
|
32,750
|
15%
|
28,481
|
94,855
|
22%
|
77,821
|
Water
|
1,118
|
-27%
|
1,536
|
5,904
|
-32%
|
8,621
|
Total
revenue
|
33,868
|
13%
|
30,017
|
100,759
|
17%
|
86,442
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geographic
region
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Europe, Middle East
and Africa
|
8,969
|
25%
|
7,170
|
33,944
|
15%
|
29,450
|
North
America
|
11,181
|
47%
|
7,609
|
29,311
|
43%
|
20,522
|
South
America
|
6,884
|
-22%
|
8,796
|
22,359
|
6%
|
21,183
|
Asia
Pacific
|
6,834
|
6%
|
6,442
|
15,145
|
-1%
|
15,287
|
Total
revenue
|
33,868
|
13%
|
30,017
|
100,759
|
17%
|
86,442
|
Q3 2017
Q3 2017 revenue amounted to US$ 33.9
million compared to US$ 30.0
million in Q3 2016, an increase of 13%.
In EMEA, revenue increased by 25% from US$ 7.2 million in Q3 2016 to US$ 9.0 million in Q3 2017. The increased
activity in the mining segment in Russia has more than offset the lower activity
in the water segment in Africa.
Revenue in North America
increased by 47% from US$ 7.6 million
in Q3 2016 to US$ 11.2 million in Q3
2017. Compared to last year, the Company benefited from new
contracts with Juniors and increased activity with Majors.
Revenue in South America
decreased by 22% from US$ 8.8 million
in Q3 2016 to US$ 6.9 million in Q3
2017, mainly in Brazil where some
clients temporarily reduced their programs awaiting clarifications
on the government proposed mining reforms.
In Asia Pacific, revenue
increased by 6% from US$ 6.4 in Q3
2016 to US$ 6.8 in Q3 2017. The
increase is mainly linked to a sustained activity in New Caledonia.
YTD Q3 2017
YTD Q3 2017 revenue amounted to US$ 100.8
million compared to US$ 86.4
million in YTD Q3 2016, an increase of 17%.
In EMEA, revenue increased by 15% from US$ 29.5 million in YTD Q3 2016 to US$ 33.9 million in YTD Q3 2017. The increased
activity in the mining segment in Africa, France and Russia has more than offset the lower activity
in the water segment in Africa.
Revenue in North America
increased by 43% from US$ 20.5
million in YTD Q3 2016 to US$ 29.3
million in YTD Q3 2017. Compared to last year, the Company
benefited from new contracts with Juniors and increased activity
with Majors. Five rigs were purchased and four were transferred
from other areas to North America
to meet the increased demand.
Revenue in South America
increased by 6% from US$ 21.2 million
in YTD Q3 2016 to US$ 22.4 million in
YTD Q3 2017. The improved activity recorded during the first
semester has been partially offset by a temporary slowdown in
Brazil due to the uncertainty
surrounding the proposed mining reforms.
In Asia Pacific, revenue was
stable at US$ 15.1 million (vs
US$ 15.3 million in YTD Q3 2016).
Gross profit
(In thousands of US$)
-
(unaudited)
|
Q3
2017
|
%
change
|
Q3
2016
|
YTD Q3
2017
|
%
change
|
YTD Q3
2016
|
Reporting
segment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mining
|
4,554
|
105%
|
2,223
|
9,942
|
n/a
|
1,503
|
Water
|
-321
|
n/a
|
-124
|
(154)
|
n/a
|
(67)
|
Total gross
profit / (loss)
|
4,233
|
102%
|
2,099
|
9,788
|
n/a
|
1,436
|
Q3 2017
Q3 2017 gross margin including depreciation within cost of sales
was US$ 4.2 million (or 12.5% of
revenue) compared to US$ 2.1 million
in Q3 2016 (or 7.0% of revenue). This improvement is a combination
of increased performance on contracts and higher activity allowing
more absorption of fixed operational costs.
YTD Q3 2017
YTD Q3 2017 gross profit including depreciation within cost of
sales was US$ 9.8 million (or 9.7% of
revenue) compared to US$ 1.4 million
in YTD Q3 2016 (or 1.7% of revenue). Most of the projects performed
satisfactorily. In addition, the increase in activity allowed a
better absorption of fixed operational costs.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
(In thousands of US$)
- (unaudited)
|
Q3
2017
|
%
change
|
Q3
2016
|
YTD Q3
2017
|
%
change
|
YTD Q3
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general and
administrative expenses
|
5,356
|
30%
|
4,119
|
15,154
|
19%
|
12,716
|
Q3 2017
SG&A costs went up by US$ 1.2
million mainly due to (i) the strengthening of our structure
in North America to cope with
rising demand (US$ 0.6 million), (ii)
increased fees due to our obligations as part of the debt
renegotiation (US$ 0.3 million) and
(iii) increased provisions for retention bonuses (US$ 0.3 million).
YTD Q3 2017
SG&A costs increased by US$ 2.4
million. As a percentage of revenue, SG&A remained flat
at 15% compared to the same period last year.
Operating result
(In thousands of US$)
-
(unaudited)
|
Q3
2017
|
%
change
|
Q3
2016
|
YTD Q3
2017
|
%
change
|
YTD Q3
2016
|
Reporting
segment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mining
|
(785)
|
-64%
|
(2,187)
|
(4,795)
|
-58%
|
(11,537)
|
Water
|
(498)
|
49%
|
(335)
|
(1,036)
|
-31%
|
(1,505)
|
Total operating
profit / (loss)
|
(1,283)
|
-49%
|
(2,522)
|
(5,831)
|
-55%
|
(13,042)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q3 2017
Operating loss was US$ 1.3
million, a US$ 1.2 million
improvement mainly as a result of increased gross margin.
YTD Q3 2017
Operating loss was US$ 5.8
million, a US$ 7.2 million
improvement mainly as a result of increased gross margin.
Financial position
The following table provides a summary of the Company's cash
flows for YTD Q3 2017 and YTD Q3 2016:
(In thousands of
US$)
|
YTD Q3
2017
|
YTD Q3
2016
|
|
|
|
Cash generated
by/(used in) operations before working capital
requirements
|
8,247
|
2,479
|
Working capital
requirements
|
(4,896)
|
(5,776)
|
Interest and
tax
|
(2,706)
|
(2,830)
|
Net cash flow
generated by / (used in) operating activities
|
645
|
(6,127)
|
|
|
|
Purchase of
equipment in cash
|
(6,629)
|
(4,081)
|
|
|
|
Free cash
flow
|
(5,984)
|
(10,208)
|
|
|
|
Settlement of
dispute
|
-
|
(934)
|
Debt
variance
|
13,576
|
3,808
|
Dividends paid to
minority shareholders in affiliates
|
-
|
(500)
|
Acquisition of
treasury shares
|
(37)
|
(111)
|
Net cash generated
by / (used in) financing activities
|
13,539
|
2,263
|
|
|
|
Net cash
variation
|
7,555
|
(7,945)
|
|
|
|
Foreign exchange
differences
|
649
|
(133)
|
|
|
|
Variation in cash
and cash equivalents
|
8,204
|
(8,078)
|
|
|
|
YTD Q3 2017 cash flow from operations before working capital was
positive US$ 8.2 million vs.
US$ 2.5 million YTD Q3 2016, an
improvement mainly attributable to increased activity and
margin.
In spite of a higher level of activity, working capital
requirements was a negative US$ 4.9
million during YTD Q3 2017, an improvement of US$ 0.9 million compared to a negative
US$ 5.8 million in YTD Q3 2016.
During the period, Capex amounted to US$
6.6 million in cash, compared to US$
4.1 million in cash in YTD Q3 2016. The Company purchased 5
rigs for recently signed contracts.
After working capital, interest, tax and CAPEX, free cash flow
was US$ (6.0) million in YTD Q3 2017
compared to US$ (10.2) million in YTD
Q3 2016.
New bonds net of transaction costs generated a net cash inflow
of US$ 17.1 million. Debt
reimbursement was US$ 3.1 million
during the nine month period.
Following the debt reorganization, the maturity of financial
debt as at September 30, 2017 is as
follows:
in thousands of
US$
|
September 30,
2017
|
December 31,
2016
|
|
|
|
Credit
lines
|
6,604
|
54,337
|
Long-term
debt
|
|
|
Within one
year
|
3,974
|
23,934
|
Between 1 and 2
years
|
2,535
|
15,009
|
Between 2 and 3
years
|
2,453
|
13,643
|
Between 3 and 4
years
|
860
|
2,310
|
Between 4 and 5
years
|
120,010
|
308
|
Total
|
136,436
|
109,540
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
14,409
|
6,204
|
|
|
|
Net
debt
|
122,028
|
103,337
|
Bank guarantees as at September 30,
2017 totaled US$
5.6 million compared to US$
17.9 million as at December 31, 2016. The Company
benefits from a confirmed contract guarantee line of € 12.7 million
(US$ 15.0 million).
As at September 30, 2017, cash and
cash equivalents totaled US$
14.4 million compared to US$
6.2 million as at December 31,
2016.
Going concern and impairment testing
Current economic conditions make forecasting difficult, and
there is the possibility that the Company's actual operating
performance during the coming year may be different from
expectations. Going concern is assessed based on internal forecasts
and projections that take into account reasonably possible changes
in the Company's operating performance and the completion of the
debt reorganization.
On May 11, 2017, the Company
completed its debt reorganization mainly consisting in a new money
injection net of transaction costs paid amounting to US$ 17.1 million as at September 30, 2017.
The Company believes that it will have adequate financial
resources to continue in operation and meet its financial
commitments for a period of at least twelve months. Accordingly,
the Company continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing
its financial statements.
Currency exchange rates
The exchange rates for the periods under review are provided in
the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Q3 2017.
Non-IFRS measures
EBITDA represents Net income before interest expense, income
taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-cash share based
compensation expenses. EBITDA is a non-IFRS quantitative measure
used to assist in the assessment of the Company's ability to
generate cash from its operations. The Company believes that the
presentation of EBITDA is useful to investors because it is
frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other
interested parties in the evaluation of companies in the drilling
industry. EBITDA is not defined in IFRS and should not be
considered to be an alternative to Profit for the period or
Operating profit or any other financial metric required by such
accounting principles.
Net debt corresponds to the current and non-current portions of
borrowings and the consideration payable related to acquisitions,
net of cash and cash equivalents.
Reconciliation of EBITDA is as follows:
EBITDA
(In thousands of
US$)
(unaudited)
|
Q3
2017
|
Q3
2016
|
YTD Q3
2017
|
YTD Q3
2016
|
Operating profit /
(loss)
|
(1,283)
|
(2,522)
|
(5,831)
|
(13,042)
|
Depreciation
expense
|
4,585
|
4,961
|
13,988
|
15,413
|
Non-cash employee
share-based compensation
|
33
|
86
|
91
|
264
|
Settlement related to
the 2012 acquisition in Australia
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
900
|
EBITDA
|
3,335
|
2,525
|
8,247
|
3,535
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outlook
The Company's business strategy is to actively prepare for the
next growth phase of the metallic commodities cycle in the best
possible conditions through the development and optimization of its
services offered across its range of geographical regions, industry
sectors, commodities and customers. The Company expects it will
execute its strategy primarily through organic growth in the near
future.
Conference call and webcast
On November 3, 2017, Company
Management will conduct a conference call at 11:00 am ET to review the financial results. The
call will be hosted by Daniel
Simoncini, Chairman and co-CEO, and Jean-Pierre Charmensat,
co-CEO and CFO.
You can join the call by dialing 1-888-231-8191 or
1-647-427-7450. You will be put on hold until the conference call
begins. A live audio webcast of the Conference Call will also be
available through
http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1540684&s=1&k=34D96A180357DB663B487D42F51712BA
An archived replay of the webcast will be available for 90
days.
About Foraco International SA
Foraco International SA (TSX: FAR) is a leading global mineral
drilling services company that provides a comprehensive and
reliable service offering in mining and water projects. Supported
by its founding values of integrity, innovation and involvement,
Foraco has grown into the third largest global drilling enterprise
with a presence in 22 countries across five continents. For more
information about Foraco, visit www.foraco.com
"Neither TSX Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as
that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Exchange) accepts
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."
Caution concerning forward-looking statements
This document may contain "forward-looking statements" and
"forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable
securities laws. These statements and information include
estimates, forecasts, information and statements as to Management's
expectations with respect to, among other things, the future
financial or operating performance of the Company and capital and
operating expenditures. Often, but not always, forward-looking
statements and information can be identified by the use of words
such as "may", "will", "should", "plans", "expects", "intends",
"anticipates", "believes", "budget", and "scheduled" or the
negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology.
Forward-looking statements and information are necessarily based
upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered
reasonable by Management, are inherently subject to significant
business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.
Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements and
information are not guarantees and there can be no assurance that
such statements and information will prove to be accurate and
actual results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations
are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's
Annual Information Form dated March 31,
2017, which is filed with Canadian regulators on SEDAR
(www.sedar.com). The Company expressly disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and
information whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise. All written and oral forward-looking statements and
information attributable to Foraco or persons acting on our behalf
are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing
cautionary statements.
SOURCE Foraco International SA