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8-K - Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc.g3141608k.htm
 Exhibit 99.1

Fuel Systems Solutions Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2015 Results

Merger with Westport Innovations Anticipated to Close Within the Next Few Weeks

NEW YORK, March 14, 2016 -- Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSYS) reported results for its quarter and year ended December 31, 2015.

Highlights
 
·
Revenue of $67.3 million compared to $85.4 million for Q4 2014; revenue down 11.9% or $10.2 million, excluding foreign exchange impact
 
·
Gross profit margin 21.9% compared to 22.8% in Q4 2014
 
·
Adjusted EBITDA loss of $1.3 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $3.7 million for Q4 2014

Mariano Costamagna, Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc. (“Fuel Systems” or “FSS”) CEO, said, “We ended 2015 with automotive and industrial markets around the world remaining economically pressured  and with our newly introduced products, particularly in our profitable Industrial segment, performing well.  We are continuing to right-size our operations and increase our efficiencies through our restructuring program in keeping with the tone of our end markets, while selectively investing in technology and product to be best prepared to compete aggressively when markets again strengthen. We are also working with current and potential partners, including OEMs, to strengthen these relationships and build new ones, and our balance sheet remains strong. As we announced last week, our merger agreement with Westport Innovations has been updated for changes including a collar-based exchange ratio intended to provide Fuel Systems stockholders with greater certainty regarding the consideration they will receive upon closing of the merger, an amendment to Westport’s Cartesian Financing Agreement, and other governance provisions.”

As announced on March 7, 2016, the board of directors approved an Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 1, 2015 relating to the proposed business combination between Fuel Systems and Westport. Subject to the approval of both Westport and Fuel Systems shareholders, the merger is expected to close over the next few weeks allowing for reasonable time for the filing with the SEC and mailing to shareholders of updated disclosures.

Fourth Quarter 2015 Financial Results
Total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $67.3 million compared to $85.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. This variance includes the impact of foreign exchange on fourth quarter 2015 revenue, which was negative $7.9 million.

In constant currency, FSS Automotive revenue was negatively impacted by lower aftermarket, compressors, OEM and DOEM sales volumes as a result of difficult economic conditions in major markets (specifically in Europe and South America), lower oil prices and increased competition. In constant currency, FSS Industrial revenue decreased compared to the prior-year period primarily reflecting lower demand for stationary equipment and heavy duty sales in Thailand and lower sales of auxiliary power units in North America partially offset by increased sales of mobile equipment.

Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $14.8 million, or 21.9% of revenue, compared to $19.4 million, or 22.8% of revenue, for the fourth quarter of 2014. The lower gross profit and gross margin percentage decrease primarily reflects the decreased volumes mentioned above and the impact of foreign exchange. The impact of the revenue decreases has been partially mitigated by the cost reduction activities that have been initiated on both product costs and operating expenses. Corporate expenses increased $0.8 million compared to the prior year as a result of increases in outside services for consultants in connection with restructuring, strategic and merger related activities.
 
 
 

 
 
Operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2015 totaled $6.5 million, or 9.6% of revenue, compared to operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2014 of $2.6 million, or 3.1% of revenue. The increased loss primarily reflects the revenue decreases and additional corporate expenses described above.

Income tax benefit for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $0.1 million compared to an income tax expense of $1.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The Company’s income tax rate is primarily a result of the fluctuation of earnings in various foreign jurisdictions and losses incurred for which no tax benefits have been recorded. For the fourth quarter of 2015, there were certain foreign jurisdictions where tax benefits were not included in the Company’s income tax provision.

Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $6.9 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $4.0 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2014.

Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2015 was a loss of $1.3 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $3.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. See “Non-GAAP Measures” below for a discussion of this metric.

FSS Automotive Operations
FSS Automotive fourth quarter 2015 revenue was $45.9 million compared to $61.2 million for the same quarter a year ago. The impact of foreign exchange on FSS Automotive was negative $7.2 million; in constant currency, fourth quarter 2015 FSS Automotive revenue decreased 13.1% compared to the prior year period, reflecting the lower volumes mentioned above. FSS Automotive fourth quarter 2015 Adjusted EBITDA loss was $0.5 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $2.6 million for the same period a year ago.

FSS Industrial Operations
FSS Industrial fourth quarter 2015 revenue was $21.4 million compared to $24.2 million for the same quarter a year ago. The impact of foreign exchange on FSS Industrial was negative $0.6 million; in constant currency, fourth quarter 2015 FSS Industrial revenue decreased 8.8% compared to the prior year period. FSS Industrial fourth quarter 2015 Adjusted EBITDA was $1.5 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $3.1 million for the same period a year ago.

Full Year Ended December 31, 2015 Financial Results
For the full year ended December 31, 2015, total revenue was $263.4 million compared to $339.1 million for 2014. Net loss for 2015 was $47.1 million, or $2.55 per diluted share, including a non-cash goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charge (“impairment charge”) of $13.8 million, or $0.76 per share, recorded in the third quarter of 2015. This compares to the full year 2014 net loss of $53.4 million, or $2.66 per diluted share, including an impairment charge of $43.2 million, net of tax, or $2.15 per share, recorded in the second quarter of 2014. Adjusted EBITDA for 2015 was $3.0 million compared to $12.4 million for 2014.

FSS Automotive revenue for the full year ended December 31, 2015 was $168.2 million compared to $234.7 million for 2014. FSS Automotive operating loss was $21.1 million for 2015, including $8.6 million of the impairment charge recorded in third quarter of 2015, compared to an operating loss of $49.8 million for 2014, including $40.2 million of the impairment charge recorded in second quarter of 2014.  FSS Automotive Adjusted EBITDA for 2015 was $0.9 million compared to $7.9 million for 2014.

FSS Industrial revenue for the full year ended December 31, 2015 was $95.2 million compared to $104.4 million for 2014. FSS Industrial operating income was $2.5 million for 2015, including $5.2 million of the impairment charge recorded in third quarter of 2015, compared to operating income for 2014 of $4.2 million, including $4.1 million of the impairment charge recorded in second quarter of 2014. FSS Industrial Adjusted EBITDA for 2015 was $9.7 million compared to $11.2 million for 2014.

2015 Cost Reduction and Restructuring Program Update
During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company continued to execute the next steps in its cost reduction and restructuring program, and recorded $1.7 million for restructuring and costs related to outside services for consultants as follows: $0.5 million for severance; $0.5 million for the write-off of long-lived assets in connection with rationalization of activities; and $0.7 million for professional fees and  is on track to achieve the expected program savings.
 
 
 

 
 
2016 Outlook and Conference Call
The Company will not provide a 2016 outlook nor conduct a fourth quarter 2015 conference call in light of the expected merger with Westport Innovations.

Non-GAAP Measures
To provide investors and others with additional information regarding Fuel Systems’ results, in addition to the results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, in this press release, Fuel Systems presents Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP measure. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the closest GAAP financial measure is presented in the financial tables below under the heading “Non-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE RECONCILIATION.” Adjusted EBITDA is determined by adding the following items to Net Income/(Loss), the closest GAAP financial measure:  Depreciation & Amortization; Interest income/expense, net; and Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes, Impairments, Restructuring charges, Stock based compensation Consulting fees related to restructuring and strategy and other non-operating expenses. Fuel Systems’ management believes this non-GAAP financial measure offers additional insight into the Company’s ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons and analysis of trends in the business, as it excludes certain non-cash items. This non-GAAP financial measure also can provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating Fuel Systems’ operating results and future prospects when comparing financial results across accounting periods and to those of peer companies. Fuel Systems may not define this non-GAAP financial measure in a manner similar to other companies.

Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements are not historical facts, but instead involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our Company’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward looking statements. Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are hereby identified as “forward-looking statements” for the purpose of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Words such as: “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “seeks,” “on-going” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology often identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. You should consider statements that contain these words carefully because they describe our expectations, plans, strategies and goals and beliefs concerning future business conditions, our results of operations, financial position and our business outlook, or state other “forward-looking” information based on currently available information. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties and certain other factors which may impact our continuing business financial condition or results of operations, or which may cause actual results to differ from such forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, the unpredictable nature of the developing alternative fuel U.S. automotive market, customer dissatisfaction with our products or services, the inability to deliver our products on schedule, a further slowing of economic activity, our ability to maintain customer program relationships, our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits in connection with the Company’s cost-cutting initiatives and restructuring plan, potential changes in tax policies and government incentives and their effect on the economic benefits of our products to consumers, the continued weakness in financial and credit markets of certain countries, the growth of non-gaseous alternative fuel products and other new technologies, the price differential between alternative gaseous fuels and gasoline, and the repeal or implementation of government regulations relating to reducing vehicle emissions, economic uncertainties caused by political instability in certain of the markets we do business in, the impact of the Argentinean debt crisis on our business, our ability to realign costs with current market conditions, the risks associated with the anticipated merger with Westport Innovations, Inc. including that we will be subject to various uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the merger is pending and failure to complete the merger could negatively affect our stock price and future business and financial results, as well as the risks and uncertainties included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and our other periodic reports filed with the SEC. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. We cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove to be accurate. Furthermore, if our forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on these forward looking statements. The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate to events and state our beliefs, intent and our view of future events only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
 
 
 

 
 
About Fuel Systems Solutions
Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc. (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. 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)
 
   
December 31,
2015
   
December 31,
2014
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 60,162     $ 85,180  
Accounts receivable less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,005 and $3,129 at
December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
    44,524       46,952  
Inventories
    62,717       80,001  
Other current assets
    15,523       21,271  
Short-term investments
    1,000       6,614  
Related party receivables, net
    316       5,094  
Total current assets
    184,242       245,112  
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net
    35,583       48,937  
Goodwill
    0       7,363  
Deferred tax assets, net
    4,552       14,564  
Intangible assets, net
    2,680       6,964  
Other assets
    1,382       1,065  
                 
Total Assets
  $ 228,439     $ 324,005  
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 34,117     $ 39,918  
Accrued expenses
    26,859       33,446  
Income taxes payable
    233       445  
Term loans and debt
    9       207  
Related party payables
    2,525       2,744  
Total current liabilities
    63,743       76,760  
Other liabilities
    9,858       9,745  
Deferred tax liabilities, net
    751       765  
Total Liabilities
    74,352       87,270  
Equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding at
December 31, 2015 and 2014
    0       0  
Common stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 200,000,000 shares; 20,143,108 issued and
18,094,043 outstanding at December 31, 2015; and 20,114,427 issued and 19,769,617
outstanding at December 31, 2014
    20       20  
Additional paid-in capital
    322,144       320,820  
Shares held in treasury, 2,049,065 and 344,810 shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014,
respectively
    (20,742 )     (3,692 )
Accumulated Deficit
    (101,286 )     (54,151 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (46,049 )     (26,403 )
Total Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc. Equity
    154,087       236,594  
Non-controlling interest
    0       141  
Total Equity
    154,087       236,735  
Total Liabilities and Equity
  $ 228,439     $ 324,005  

 
 

 
 
FUEL SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share and per share data); (Unaudited)


 
  
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
  
2015
 
  
2014
   
2015
  
 
2014
 
Revenue
  
$
67,325
  
  
$
85,364
  
 
$
263,397
  
  
$
339,128
  
Cost of revenue
  
 
52,563
  
  
 
65,936
  
  
 
204,023
  
  
 
264,471
  
Gross profit
  
 
14,762
  
  
 
19,428
  
   
59,374
  
  
 
74,657
  
Operating expenses:
  
     
  
             
  
     
Research and development expense
  
 
5,154
  
  
 
6,407
  
   
21,223
  
  
 
26,194
  
Selling, general and administrative expense
  
 
16,063
  
  
 
15,662
  
   
61,862
  
  
 
58,341
  
Impairments
   
0
     
0
     
13,766
     
44,341
 
Total operating expenses
  
 
21,217
  
  
 
22,069
  
   
96,851
  
  
 
128,876
  
Operating loss
  
 
(6,455
)  
  
 
(2,641
)  
   
(37,477
)  
  
 
(54,219
)  
Other (expense) income, net
  
 
(464
  
 
(391
)
   
(141
)  
  
 
1,266
 
Interest (expense) income, net
  
 
(36
)
  
 
49
  
   
(21
)
  
 
151
  
Loss from operations before income taxes and non-controlling
interest
  
 
(6,955
)  
  
 
(2,983
)
   
(37,639
)  
  
 
(52,802
)  
Income tax benefit (expense)
  
 
57
 
  
 
(1,026
   
(9,521
)  
  
 
(610
)
Net loss
   
(6,898
)
   
(4,009
)
   
(47,160
)
   
(53,412
)
Less: Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest
   
1
     
(4
)
   
25
     
(4
)
Net loss attributable to Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc.
  
 
(6,897
)  
  
 
(4,013
)  
   
(47,135
)  
  
 
(53,416
)  
Net loss per share attributable to Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc.:
  
     
  
             
  
     
Basic
  
$
(0.38
)  
  
$
(0.20
 
$
(2.55
)  
  
$
(2.66
)  
Diluted
  
$
(0.38
)  
  
$
(0.20
 
$
(2.55
)  
  
$
(2.66
Number of shares used in per share calculation:
  
     
  
             
  
     
Basic
  
 
18,093,562
  
  
 
19,997,282
  
   
18,486,083
  
  
 
20,074,773
  
Diluted
  
 
18,093,562
  
  
 
19,997,282
  
   
18,486,083
  
  
 
20,074,773
  

 
 

 
 
FUEL SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands); (Unaudited)
 
 
  
Twelve  Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
  
2015
 
  
2014
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net loss
  
(47,135
)  
  
 $
(53,416
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
  
             
Depreciation and other amortization
  
 
9,222
  
   
10,724
 
Amortization of intangibles arising from acquisitions
  
 
1,572
  
   
2,285
 
Impairments
  
 
13,766
     
44,341
 
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
1,906
  
   
319
 
Write down of inventory
  
 
2,808
  
   
4,239
 
Other non-cash items
  
 
242
  
   
14
 
Deferred income taxes
   
7,950
  
   
(2,788
)
Unrealized loss (gain) on foreign exchange transactions
   
1,283
  
   
(685
)
Compensation expense related to equity awards
  
 
1,324
  
   
475
 
Loss on abandonment of leased property
   
0
     
1,993
 
Loss on disposal of equipment and other assets
  
 
866
  
   
1,573
 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
  
             
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable
  
 
(3,531
)  
   
11,657
 
Decrease in inventories
  
 
4,842
  
   
446
 
Decrease (increase) in other current assets
  
 
2,546
  
   
(3,365
)
Decrease in other assets
  
 
135
  
   
751
 
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable
  
 
(1,274
)  
   
4,137
 
(Decrease) increase in income taxes payable
  
 
(200
)  
   
289
 
Decrease in accrued expenses and long-term liabilities
  
 
(1,239
   
(1,488
)
Receivables from/payables to related parties, net
  
 
2,448
  
   
(3,077
)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
  
 
(2,469
   
18,424
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
  
             
Purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements
  
 
(7,417
)  
   
(13,726
)
Purchase of investments
  
 
(6,000
)  
   
(4,000
)
Redemption of investments at maturity
  
 
11,000
  
   
11,456
 
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
  
 
(440
)
   
0
 
Other
  
 
517
     
210
 
Net cash used in investing activities
  
 
(2,340
)  
   
(6,060
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
  
             
Payments on term loans and other loans
  
 
(178
)  
   
(184
)
Increase in treasury shares (share repurchase program)
   
(17,109
)  
   
(3,416
)
Other
  
 
59
  
   
19
 
Net cash used in financing activities
  
 
(17,228
)  
   
(3,581
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
  
 
(22,037
)  
   
8,783
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
  
 
(2,981
)  
   
(4,564
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
  
 
(25,018
)  
   
4,219
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  
 
85,180
  
   
80,961
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  
$
60,162
  
   
85,180
 

 
 

 
 
FUEL SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS, INC.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE RECONCILIATION
(In thousands); (Unaudited)
 

   
Three Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
                         
Net loss attributable to Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc.
  $ (6,897 )   $ (4,013 )   $ (47,135 )   $ (53,416 )
                                 
Net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interest
    (1 )     4       (25 )     4  
Interest expense (income), net
    36       (49 )     21       (151 )
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (57 )     1,026       9,521       610  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,360       3,031       10,794       13,009  
Impairments
    0       0       13,766       44,341  
Total EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
    (4,559 )     (1 )     (13,058 )     4,397  
                                 
Adjustments:
                               
                                 
Restructuring charges
    999       2,103       4,454       6,030  
Consulting fees for restructuring and strategy and transaction costs
    1,811       1,094       10,294       1,094  
Activist related charges
    0       354       0       354  
Stock-based Compensation
    429       140       1,324       475  
Total Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
    (1,320 )     3,690       3,014       12,350  
                                 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
                               
                                 
FSS Industrial
    1,513       3,058       9,659       11,233  
FSS Automotive
    (529 )     2,568       852       7,877  
Corporate
    (2,304 )     (1,936 )     (7,497 )     (6,760 )
Total Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
  $ (1,320 )   $ 3,690     $ 3,014     $ 12,350  

 
 

 
 
FUEL SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS, INC.
OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION
(In thousands); (Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
 
 
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Revenue:
                     
FSS Industrial
$ 21,443     $ 24,205     $ 95,152     $ 104,435  
FSS Automotive
  45,882       61,159       168,245       234,693  
Total
$ 67,325     $ 85,364     $ 263,397     $ 339,128  
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
 
 
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Operating Income (Loss):
                     
FSS Industrial
$ 1,144     $ 2,468     $ 2,467     $ 4,217  
FSS Automotive
  (3,711 )     (2,027 )     (21,136 )       (49,767 )
Corporate Expenses
  (3,888 )     (3,082 )     (18,808 )       (8,669 )
Total
$ (6,455 )   $ (2,641 )   $ (37,477 )   $ (54,219 )