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Attention Business/Financial Editors
Foraco International reports Q4 2009 and year end results
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES NOR FOR DISSEMINATION IN
THE UNITED STATES/
Continued strong operational performance and Corporate growth through
acquisitions
TORONTO, and MARSEILLE, France March 9 /CNW/ - Foraco International SA
(the "Company" or "Foraco"), a leading global provider of diversified drilling
services, today reported unaudited financial results for its fiscal 2009
fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2009. All figures are reported in
Euros ((euro)), unless otherwise indicated.
Q4 2009 Highlights:
<<
- Total revenue for Q4 2009 ((euro)18.4 million) attained an almost
equal level as in Q4 2008 ((euro)18.8 million).
- Gross profit including depreciation expense amounted to (euro)4.6
million for Q4 2009 compared to (euro)5.4 million for Q4 2008.
- Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital rose to
(euro)4.6 million in Q4 2009 from (euro)4.5 million in Q4 2008.
- Net profit Income (euro)1.6 million (or (euro)0.04 per share) for Q4
2009 compared to (euro)2.0 million (or (euro)0.03 per share) in Q4
2008.
- On January 20, 2010, the Company announced it has entered into a
binding agreement to acquire a 50% controlling interest in LLC
Eastern Drilling Company ("EDC"), a Russian company. The Company
expects EDC to generate approximately 10 million USD revenue in 2010
through EDC's existing customer contracts.
>>
Fiscal year 2009 Highlights:
Revenue in FY 2009 totaled (euro)86.1 million almost equaling revenue of
FY 2008 ((euro) 86.6 million), that was a record high year for the Company.
<<
- Gross profit including depreciation expense remained stable in FY
2009 at (euro)25.6 million compared to (euro)26.0 million in FY 2008.
- Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital increased
to (euro)24.1 million in FY 2009 from (euro)21.8 million in FY 2008.
- Net profit totaled (euro)10.0 million, or (euro)0.17 per share in FY
2009 compared to (euro)10.4 million or (euro)0.18 per share in FY
2008.
- Cash and cash equivalents net of borrowings remained constant at year
end 2009 at (euro)9.4 million compared to (euro)9.3 million at year
end 2008. During the same period the Company completed the
acquisition and fully consolidated the Australian company, Mosslake.
- The Board of Directors held on March 8, 2010 has agreed to propose to
the next shareholders Meeting a 0,028 (euro) per share dividend.
>>
"We are pleased to report that we succeeded to maintain a similar level
of revenue and profitability during 2009 compared to 2008, confirming the
relevance of our strategy in this challenging economic environment," said
Daniel Simoncini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Foraco. "Over the
last years, we have been consistently focused on delivering good financial
results that allowed us to put our long term growth strategy into action via
organic development and profitable acquisitions. The recent downturn was
equally a good time for us on that respect, and we continued our expansion
into Australia and Russia, through the acquisition of Mosslake and the recent
acquisition of a controlling interest in Eastern Drilling Company. The
transaction is expected to close this month. Furthermore, we signed yesterday
a binding agreement to purchase 100% of Adviser S.A in Chile which is fully
disclosed in another press release this morning as well."
"During the fourth quarter of 2009 we continued to uphold our operating
performance compared to the same quarter last year. Our operations have
generated a high level of cash flows which have allowed us to complete the
acquisition of Mosslake and fulfill our capital expenditure program while
maintaining our net cash position. This improvement was achieved thanks to the
excellent execution of our contracts in both our Mining and Water segments,"
said Jean-Pierre Charmensat, Vice-CEO and Chief Financial Officer of Foraco.
"We have increased our fleet's capacity firstly via the acquisition of
Mosslake's 8 drill rigs and secondly through the acquisition of an additional
5 drill rigs during the fourth quarter, dedicated to our operations in Africa
, with all of them being currently assigned to contracts. Moreover, the
integration of EDC will further add another 5 new drill rigs to our operating
fleet. We remain attentive to the monitoring of our operations and to
opportunities to further pursue our growth strategy."
Financial Results
Foraco's financial statements are prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), rather than Canadian
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("Canadian GAAP"), and as such may
not be directly comparable to the financial statements of other Canadian
issuers.
<<
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue Q4 Full year
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three- Three-
month month
period period Year Year
(in thousands ended ended ended ended
of (euro)) December % December December % December
(unaudited) 31, 2009 Change 31, 2008 31, 2009 Change 31, 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reporting Segment
Mining & Energy 12,911 -5% 13,600 62,393 -6% 66,298
Water,
Environmental &
Infrastructure 5,535 6% 5,209 23,659 17% 20,256
Total Revenue 18,446 -2% 18,809 86,052 -1% 86,554
Geographical
Region
Africa 8,935 -24% 11,781 42,217 -6% 44,757
Europe 2,315 243% 676 11,290 75% 6,453
Asia Pacific 3,065 26% 2,425 10,913 42% 7,662
Americas 4,131 5% 3,928 21,632 -22% 27,683
Total Revenue 18,446 -2% 18,809 86,052 -1% 86,554
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
For the three-month period ended December 31, 2009, revenue totaled
(euro)18.4 million compared to (euro)18.8 million for the three-month period
ended December 31, 2008. The Company's 5% revenue decrease in the Mining &
Energy ("Mining") segment is a consequence of the phasing of certain projects
in West Africa. In the Water, Environmental & Infrastructure ("Water")
segment, revenue increased by 6% to (euro)5.5 million, compared to (euro)5.2
million in last year's fourth quarter, as a result of the relocation of some
equipment from the mining segment to water projects in Africa. Revenue in Asia
Pacific increased to (euro)3.1 million for the three-month period ended
December 31, 2009, up from (euro)2.4 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2008, driven by the Company's acquisition of Mosslake in April
2009, which contributed (euro)1.6 million in revenue during the quarter.
Revenue in the Americas increased by 5% from (euro)3.9 million for the three
month period ended December 31, 2008 to (euro)4.1 million for the three month
period ended December 31, 2009. In Africa revenue decreased by 24% due to the
aforementioned phasing of projects in West African countries. Revenue in
Europe increased from (euro)0.7 million to (euro)2.3 million as a result of
the Company's activity in northwestern Russia.
In spite of the difficult economic environment which fully impacted most
of the year 2009, revenue was stable at (euro)86.1 million in 2009 compared to
(euro)86.6 million for year ended December 31, 2008. The Company's 6% revenue
decrease in the Mining segment is a result of the weak activity in the
industry. In the Water segment, revenue increased by 17% to (euro)23.7 million
as a result of new water projects in Africa. The Company also benefited from
its ability to relocate certain drilling equipment between the Mining and the
Water segments as it adapted to the changing market demand. Revenue in the
Americas decreased by 22% due to reduced activity in the mining industry.
Increased revenue in Europe was driven primarily by the Company's activity in
northwestern Russia. Revenue in Africa decreased by 6% during the period
mainly due to certain phasing of projects in some West African countries
during the last quarter. Revenue in Asia Pacific increased by 42% during the
period following the integration of Mosslake's activity.
<<
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Profit Q4 Full year
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three- Three-
month month
period period Year Year
(in thousands ended ended ended ended
of (euro)) December % December December % December
(unaudited) 31, 2009 Chg 31, 2008 31, 2009 Chg 31, 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reporting Segment
Mining & Energy 2,945 -28% 4,116 18,820 -7% 20,179
Water,
Environmental &
Infrastructure 1,704 34% 1,272 6,825 18% 5,797
Total gross
profit 4,649 -14% 5,387 25,645 -1% 25,977
Gross profit
margin 25.2% 28.6% 29.8% 30.0%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
For the three-month period ended December 31, 2009, gross profit
decreased to (euro)4.6 million (or 25.2% of revenue) from (euro)5.4 million
(or 28.6% of revenue) in the corresponding period in 2008. The decrease in
gross profit is primarily due to the higher depreciation expense as a
consequence of the 2008 significant capital expenditure program. Depreciation
expenses represented (euro)2.2 million (or 12% of revenue) for the three month
period ended December 31, 2009 compared to (euro)1.7 million (or 9% of
revenue) for the three month period ended December 31, 2008. In addition,
during the fourth quarter of 2008, the favorable settlement of a legal claim
contributed to a non recurring (euro)0.5 million of Gross Profit.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, gross profit was stable at
(euro)25.6 million (or 29.8% of revenue) compared to the Company's record high
performance of (euro)26.0 million (or 30.0% of revenue) in the corresponding
period in 2008, a record year for the Company, reflecting the overall good
performances on Mining and Water contracts. Moreover this stability in gross
profit was reached despite of the higher depreciation expense linked to the
the Company's 2008 significant capital expenditure program. Depreciation
expenses represented (euro)8.8 million (or 10.2% of revenue) for the year
ended December 31, 2009 compared to (euro)5.9 million (or 6.8% of revenue) for
the year ended December 31, 2008.
<<
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating
Expenses
(excluding
cost of sales) Q4 Full year
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three- Three-
month month
period period Year Year
(in thousands ended ended ended ended
of (euro)) December % December December % December
(unaudited) 31, 2009 Chg 31, 2008 31, 2009 Chg 31, 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selling,
general and
administrative 2,723 2% 2,662 11,213 13% 9,898
Other (income)
and expense,
net (60) n/s -- (224) n/s 180
Total operating
expenses 2,663 0% 2,662 10,989 9% 10,078
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
For the three-month period ended December 31, 2009, operating expenses
(excluding cost of sales) were be kept constant at (euro)2.7 million in spite
of the integration of Mosslake in 2009.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, operating expenses (excluding cost
of sales) increased to (euro)11.0 million from (euro)10.1 million in the
corresponding period of 2008. The increase in selling, general and
administrative expenses in 2009 is mainly due to the expansion of the
geographical coverage in Canada in September 2008 and in Australia in April
2009. The (euro)0.2 million in other income during year ended December 31,
2009, corresponded to grants received by the Company to finance certain of its
research and development activities. The Company aims to continue these
research and development activities in an attempt to further improve its
operating efficiency and safety.
<<
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating
Profit Q4 Full year
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three- Three-
month month
period period Year Year
(in thousands ended ended ended ended
of (euro)) December % December December % December
(unaudited) 31, 2009 Chg 31, 2008 31, 2009 Chg 31, 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reporting
Segment
Mining & Energy 1,081 -51% 2,191 10,859 -13% 12,494
Water,
Environmental &
Infrastructure 905 69% 535 3,796 12% 3,404
Total Operating
Profit 1,986 -27% 2,725 14,656 -8% 15,899
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
Operating profit decreased to (euro)2.0 million for the three months
ended December 31, 2009, compared to (euro)2.7 million for the three months
ended December 31, 2008. This variation is primarily due to the non recurring
favorable settlement of a legal claim which contributed (euro)0.5 million in
the Gross profit during the last quarter of 2008 and to the higher
depreciation expenses during the fourth quarter of 2009, linked to the 2008
significant capital expenditure program.
For the year ended December 31, 2009 operating profit decreased by 8% to
(euro)14.7 million compared to (euro)15.9 million in 2008, reflecting higher
selling, general and administrative expenses following the integration of the
Company's acquisitions in Canada in September 2008 and in Australia in April
2009.
<<
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Q4 Full year
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three- Three-
month month
period period Year Year
(in thousands ended ended ended ended
of (euro)) December % December December % December
(unaudited) 31, 2009 Chg 31, 2008 31, 2009 Chg 31, 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue 18,446 -2% 18,809 86,052 -1% 86,554
Gross Profit(1) 4,649 -14% 5,387 25,645 -1% 25,977
Operating
Expenses(2) 2,663 0% 2,662 10,989 9% 10,078
Operating Profit 1,986 -27% 2,725 14,656 -8% 15,899
Net Earnings 1,635 -17% 1,984 9,975 -4% 10,415
EPS before
minority
interests in
(euro) (basic
and diluted) (euro)0.03 (euro)0.03 (euro)0.17 (euro)0.18
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Includes amortization and depreciation expenses
(2) Excludes cost of sales
>>
Net earnings totaled (euro)1.6 million or (euro)0.03 per share for the
three-month period ended December 31, 2009, compared to (euro)2.0 million in
the corresponding period in 2008.
The year 2009 showed net earnings totaling (euro)10.0 million or
(euro)0.17 per share, compared to (euro)10.4 million or (euro)0.18 per share
in 2008.
Balance Sheet
As at December 31, 2009, the positive cash position net of debt amounted
to (euro)9.4 million compared to (euro)9.3 million as at December 31, 2008.
Cash and cash equivalents are mainly comprised of (euro)10.1 million of
short-term deposits held at top-tier European financial institutions. The
Company had drawn (euro)0.5 million from a total of (euro)22.6 million in
available short-term credit facilities compared to larger short-term loans of
(euro)2.9 million as at June 30, 2009, and (euro)2.2 million as at December
31, 2008.
Currency and Exchange Rate
The average exchange rate between (euro) and C$ in Q4 2009 was C$1.56 to
(euro)1.00. The closing rate at the end of December 31, 2009, was C$1.51 to
(euro)1.00. In 2008, the average exchange rate recorded for the year was
C$1.56 ti (euro)1.00.
Outlook
The Company's business strategy is to continue to grow through the
development and optimization of its service offering across geographical
regions and industry segments, as well through the expansion of its customer
base. Foraco expects it will continue to execute its strategy through a
combination of organic growth and development, and acquisitions of
complementary businesses in the drilling services industry.
As at December 31, 2009, the Company's order backlog for continuing
operations was (euro)55.7 million, of which (euro)48.8 million is expected to
be executed during the 2010 fiscal year. This compared to an order backlog as
at December 31, 2008 of (euro)56.8 million of which (euro)48.0 million was
expected to be executed during the 2009 fiscal year.
With the finalization of the EDC acquisition, (euro)6.9 million (or
US$10.0 million) will be added to the (euro)55.7 million backlog as at
December 31, 2009.
The Company's order backlog consists of sales orders. Sales orders are
subject to modification by mutual consent and in certain instances orders may
be revised by the customers. As a result, order backlog as of any particular
date may not be indicative of actual operating results for any succeeding
period.
Foraco's unaudited Financial Statements and Management's Discussion &
Analysis ("MD&A"), for the three month periods and year ended December 31,
2009, are available via Foraco's website at www.foraco.com and will be
available on www.sedar.com.
Conference Call and Webcast
On Wednesday, March 10th 2010 at 10:00 am EDT, Management of the Company
will host a conference call to review these financial results. The call will
be hosted by Daniel Simoncini, Chairman and CEO, and Jean-Pierre Charmensat,
Vice-CEO and CFO. You can join the call by dialing 1- 888 231 - 8191 or
647-427-7450. Please call in 15 minutes prior to the call to secure a line.
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://www.newswire.ca/en/webcast/viewEvent.cgi?eventID=2984080 or at
www.foraco.com.
Please connect at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure
adequate time for any software download that may be needed to hear the
webcast. An archived replay of the webcast will be available for 90 days.
About Foraco International SA
Foraco International SA (TSX: FAR) is a global leading drilling services
company that provides turnkey solutions for mining, energy, water and
infrastructure projects. Supported by its founding values of integrity,
innovation and involvement, Foraco has grown into a global enterprise with
operations in 19 countries across five continents. For more information about
Foraco, visit www.foraco.com.
To receive Company press releases, please email jeanny@chfir.com and
mention "Foraco News" on the subject line.
"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, 2009, 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.
-30-
/For further information: please contact CHF Investor Relations at:
Jeanny So, Director of Operations, Email: jeanny@chfir.com, Tel: (416)
868-1079 x 225/
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