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8-K - Q1 2012 RESULTS - Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc.rrd343539.htm

Fuel Systems Solutions Reports First Quarter 2012 Results

First Quarter Revenue of $97.4 Million Loss per Share of $0.06

NEW YORK, N.Y., May 3, 2012 -- Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSYS) reported results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2012.

Mariano Costamagna, Fuel Systems’ CEO, said, “Our first quarter revenue growth of 7% to $97.4 million versus last year and a gross margin of 23% reflect higher aftermarket volumes and continued solid performance in our industrial business. Operating margin was limited, as expected, as we make the near-term investments required to execute our long-term OEM-driven growth strategy, particularly the first CARB-certified OEM bi-fuel pickup trucks for the US market, scheduled for later in the year. Outside the US, our OEM transportation business in India, China and Venezuela remains stable and we expect Thailand to strengthen in the second half of 2012. We remain focused on applying our core technologies and expertise across our 5 key global markets – passengers, transportation, CNG and LPG infrastructure, commercial vehicles, industrial mobile and stationary markets, and auxiliary power units (APU) – to expand our leading industry position worldwide. Our global platform positions the Company to meet the growing demand in the markets we are pursuing.”

First Quarter 2012 Financial Results

Revenue for the first quarter of 2012 was $97.4 million compared to $90.8 million in the first quarter of 2011. The revenue increase is primarily attributable to continued strength in the international aftermarkets, as well as the industrial and APU markets, and growth in compressor volumes, partially offset by a decrease in the US automotive market. Foreign exchange negatively impacted revenues by $2.9 million in the first quarter.

Gross profit for the first quarter of 2012 was $22.6 million, or 23% of revenue, compared to $21.6 million, or 24% of revenue in the first quarter of 2011, primarily reflecting the increased volumes described above, and increased product costs as the business mix has changed. Operating income for the first quarter of 2012 totaled $1.0 million, or 1% of revenue, compared to an operating income of $3.0 million, or 3% of revenue, in the first quarter of 2011, reflecting greater R&D and SG&A expenses than last year’s quarter as the Company continues to invest in new technologies.

Net loss for the first quarter of 2012 was $1.2 million, or a loss of $0.06 per diluted share, compared to net income of $0.4 million, or EPS of $0.02 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2011.

On a segment basis, first quarter 2012 revenues from BRC Operations increased 5% to $61.7 million, compared to $58.5 million from the same quarter a year ago, and revenues from IMPCO Operations increased 9% to $37.6 million compared to $34.3 million the same quarter a year ago. BRC first quarter 2012 operating income was $2.6 million compared to $3.2 million in the same period a year ago, reflecting the increasing mix of aftermarket volumes and an increase in operating expenses. IMPCO first quarter 2012 operating income was $0.6 million compared to operating income of $1.1 million in the same period a year ago, which reflects increased investments in the US automotive market. A table presenting operating segment data can be found in the tables below.

Company Outlook

The Company continues to expect growth in European aftermarket products, in particular in Italy, Poland and Turkey. The price differential of alternative fuels compared to traditional fuels is expected to continue to act as a very strong catalyst, in particular in the European region. Revenue contributions are expected from OEM programs planned to begin to roll out in the second half of the year in Asian countries such as Thailand, China and India, as well as in certain Latin American automotive markets. Modest gross and operating margin expansion continues to be expected from changes in revenue mix and some operating leverage through cost control. Visibility with respect to the still-developing alternative fuel US automotive market will remain low until later in the year when scheduled models launch, with the bulk of revenue and margin contribution expected to be delivered in the second half of 2012. The Company expects to review and update its guidance with the release of its second quarter results.


Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call today, May 3rd at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time / 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time to discuss its first quarter 2012 financial results and other matters. To listen to the call live, please dial 877-356-8063 at least 10 minutes before the start of the conference. International participants may dial 706-679-2544. The conference ID will be 71201347. The call will be webcast and can be accessed from the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website at www.fuelsystemssolutions.com. A telephone replay will be available until midnight Eastern Time on May 7th by dialing 855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406 and entering pass code 71201347. A replay will also be available at the web address above for 90 days.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, expressed or implied statements concerning the Company's outlook for 2012, as well as its position in the market place, the success of products and the success and integration of recent acquisitions. Such statements represent only our opinions and predictions. The Company's actual results may differ materially. Factors that may cause the Company's results to differ include, but are not limited to, our ability to integrate recently acquired businesses and to realize the expected synergies; the unpredictable nature of the developing alternative fuel US automotive market; economic uncertainties caused by political instability in certain of the local markets we do business in; the potential growth of non-gaseous alternative fuel products and other new technologies; currency rate fluctuations and devaluations; our ability to realign costs with current market conditions; unanticipated investigations and litigations; potential changes in tax policies and government incentives and their effect on the economic benefits of our products to consumers; the weakness in financial and credit markets and the economy; and the repeal or implementation of government regulations relating to reducing vehicle emissions. Readers also should consider the risk factors set forth in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those contained in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any of its forward-looking statements or guidance even if experience or future changes show that the indicated results or events will not be realized.

About Fuel Systems Solutions

Fuel Systems Solutions (Nasdaq: FSYS) is a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of proven, cost-effective alternative fuel components and systems for use in transportation and industrial applications. Fuel Systems’ components and systems control the pressure and flow of gaseous alternative fuels, such as propane and natural gas, used in internal combustion engines. These components and systems feature the Company’s advanced fuel system technologies, which improve efficiency, enhance power output and reduce emissions by electronically sensing and regulating the proper proportion of fuel and air required by the internal combustion engine. In addition to the components and systems, the Company provides engineering and systems integration services to address unique customer requirements for performance, durability and configuration. The Company is composed of two operating subsidiaries: IMPCO Technologies and BRC. IMPCO Technologies is a leader in the heavy duty, industrial, power generation and stationary engines sectors and recently established a U.S. Automotive division. BRC is a leader in the light duty and automobile alternative fuel sectors and has established alliances with several major automobile manufacturers for OEM projects. Additional information is available at www.fuelsystemssolutions.com.

Company Contact:

Pietro Bersani, Chief Financial Officer Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc. (646) 502-7170

Investor Relations Contacts:
LHA
Carolyn M. Capaccio
ccapaccio@lhai.com
Cathy Mattison
cmattison@lhai.com (415) 433-3777


– Tables Follow –


FUEL SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS, INC.         
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS     
(In thousands, except share and per share data)     
(Unaudited)         
    March 31,    December 31, 
         2012    2011 


   ASSETS         
   Current assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents    $62,944    $96,740 
Short-term investments    12,083     
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,845 and $2,665 at March         
31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively    75,563    62,551 
Inventories    111,347    103,382 
Deferred tax assets, net    6,792    6,512 
Other current assets    16,184    19,125 
Related party receivables    9,952    10,975 


                                       Total current assets    294,865    299,285 
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net    60,939    59,051 
Goodwill, net    60,076    58,968 
Deferred tax assets, net    340    363 
Intangible assets, net    29,994    29,422 
Other assets    1,984    2,071 
Related party receivables    866    842 


                                       Total Assets    $449,064    $450,002 


   LIABILITIES AND EQUITY         
   Current liabilities:         
Accounts payable    $49,879    $54,816 
Accrued expenses    36,340    36,230 
Income taxes payable    1,947    2,517 
Current portion of term loans and debt    5,180    6,367 
Deferred tax liabilities, net    175    82 
Related party payables    4,102    4,680 


                                       Total current liabilities    97,623    104,692 
Term and other loans    3,807    3,698 
Other liabilities    9,770    7,885 
Deferred tax liabilities, net    3,549    3,905 


                                       Total Liabilities    114,749    120,180 


   Equity:         
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding         
at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011         
Common stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 200,000,000 shares; 20,091,622 issued and         
20,015,967 outstanding at March 31, 2012; and 20,089,591 issued and 20,014,065         
outstanding at December 31, 2011    20    20 
Additional paid-in capital    318,944    318,632 
Shares held in treasury, 16,184 and 16,055 shares at March 31, 2012 and December 31,         
2011, respectively    (516)    (523) 
Retained Earnings    14,155    15,357 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)    1,712    (3,664) 


                                       Total Equity    334,315    329,822 


Total Liabilities and Equity    $449,064    $450,002 




FUEL SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except share and per share data) (Unaudited)

         Three Months Ended 
                     March 31, 

    2012    2011 


 
Revenue    $97,390    $90,818 
Cost of revenue    74,828    69,192 


Gross profit    22,562    21,626 
Operating expenses:         
Research and development expense    6,900    6,387 
Selling, general and administrative expense    14,620    12,255 


Total operating expenses    21,520    18,642 


Operating income    1,042    2,984 
Other expense, net    (207)    (411) 
Interest income, net    80    188 


Income from operations before income taxes and         
non-controlling interest    915    2,761 
Income tax expense    (2,117)    (2,337) 


Net (loss) income    (1,202)    424 
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling         
interests        (50) 


Net (loss) income attributable to Fuel Systems         
Solutions, Inc.    $(1,202)    $374 


Net (loss) income per share attributable to Fuel         
Systems Solutions, Inc.:         
Basic    $(0.06)    $0.02 


Diluted    $(0.06)    $0.02 


Number of shares used in per share calculation:         
Basic    20,014,318    19,921,334 


Diluted    20,014,318    20,066,547 




FUEL SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS, INC.         
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS     
(In thousands) (Unaudited)         
 
    Three Months Ended 
             March 31,     


    2012    2011 


 
Net (loss) income    $(1,202)    $424 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:         
                 Depreciation and other amortization    2,588    2,583 
                 Amortization of intangibles arising from acquisitions    1,955    1,750 
                 Provision for doubtful accounts    236    259 
                 Write down of inventory    40    599 
                 Unrealized (gain) loss on foreign exchange transactions, net    (95)    444 
                 Compensation expense related to stock option and restricted stock grants    301    315 
                 Loss on disposal of equipment and leasehold improvements    294    11 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:         
                 Increase in accounts receivable    (10,252)    (9,827) 
                 Increase in inventories    (4,021)    (1,909) 
                 Decrease in other current assets    208    2,889 
                 Decrease in other assets    83    33 
                 Decrease in accounts payable    (4,420)    (5,104) 
                 (Decrease) increase in income taxes payable    (599)    599 
                 Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses    2,166    (113) 
                 Receivables from/payables to related party, net    395    (1,444) 
                 (Decrease) increase in deferred income taxes, net    (379)    282 
                 (Decrease) increase in long-term liabilities    (260)    157 


Net cash used in operating activities    (12,962)    (8,052) 


 
Cash flows from investing activities:         
                 Purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements    (3,811)    (2,994) 
                 Purchase of short-term investments    (11,930)     
                 Acquisitions    (5,017)     
                 Other    37    21 


Net cash used in investing activities    (20,721)    (2,973) 


 
Cash flows from financing activities:         
                 (Decrease) increase in callable revolving lines of credit, net    (1,121)    807 
                 Payments on term and other loans and capital lease obligations    (39)    (231) 
                 Increase in treasury shares due to employee tax withholding    (3)    (5) 
                 Proceeds from exercise of stock options    11     
                 Proceeds of common shares held in trust, net    10     


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities    (1,142)    571 


Decrease in cash and cash equivalents    (34,825)    (10,454) 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash    1,029    3,647 


Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents    (33,796)    (6,807) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period    96,740    124,775 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period    $62,944    $117,968 




    FUEL SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS, INC. 
    OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION 
    (In thousands) (Unaudited) 
 
         Three Months Ended 
                     March 31,     


    2012    2011 (2) 


Revenue:         
IMPCO Operations    $37,584    $34,348 
BRC Operations    61,653    58,485 
Intersegment Eliminations    (1,847)    (2,015) 


Total    $97,390    $90,818 



    Three Months Ended 
    March 31,     


    2012    2011 (2) 


Operating Income (Loss):         
IMPCO Operations    $617    $1,147 
BRC Operations    2,645    3,160 
Corporate Expenses (1)    (2,220)    (1,323) 


Total    $1,042    $2,984 



(1)      Represents corporate expense not allocated to either of the business segments.
 
(2)      Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.