Noveko and HerouxDevteck
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Aug 07, 2009 06:08AM
Edit this title from the Fast Facts Section
Noveko Chooses McKesson Logistics Solutions as provider of Logistics Management Services for its masks and AZURO(TM) hand sanitizers << Symbol: EKO / TSX >> MONTREAL, Aug. 6 /CNW Telbec/ - Noveko International Inc. ("the Company") is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Noveko Inc. ("Noveko") has concluded an agreement with McKesson Logistics Solutions ("MLS"), Canada's leading third party logistics provider for the healthcare industry, for its Noveko(TM) surgical masks and respirators and its AZURO(TM) hand sanitizers. Under the terms of this agreement, MLS will provide to Noveko full order-to-cash logistics management services, including order fulfillment, customer invoicing, accounts receivables management, customer care, storage, inventory and transportation management. The agreement has an initial term of three years. "The choice of McKesson Logistics Solutions as a partner is a strategic decision from which we will get many benefits operationally and administratively. Accessing the technology and infrastructure they are offering as a leading supply chain integrator, we are gaining the required flexibility to run our business more efficiently, enabling us to focus on our priorities, being the development and commercialization of our products, all of this in a cost effective way for us. This is especially crucial in light of the growing demand we are witnessing for our Noveko(TM) surgical masks and respirators and our AZURO(TM) hand sanitizers," indicated Alain Bolduc, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. "McKesson Logistics Solutions' world class expertise, leadership and proven track record were amongst the factors which contributed to their selection as our ideal provider of logistics and warehousing solutions," added Mr. Bolduc. "We are very enthusiastic to be part of Noveko's efforts to accelerate the global distribution of their innovative antimicrobial products. We look forward to working with them in delivering world-class logistics services to their customers, helping them being successful," stated Cameron Joyce, President of McKesson Logistics Solutions. McKesson Logistics Solutions is Canada's leading third party logistics (3PL) provider offering integrated supply chain services from order management and transportation to customer invoicing and A/R management focused exclusively on the healthcare manufacturing industry. Additional services include specialized 3PL services such as cold chain logistics, co-packing and literature management. Clients include manufacturers of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, medical surgical products and equipment, OTC, natural health and consumer health products. Profile Noveko International Inc. offers innovative solutions in the environmental and medical fields worldwide. Through its subsidiaries, the Company specializes primarily in the following business segments: the development, manufacturing and marketing of derivative products from its patented antimicrobial filtration technology, including air filters, surgical masks and respirators, along with other products with antimicrobial properties such as AZURO(TM) hand sanitizers - and the development, manufacturing and marketing of medical equipment, primarily portable real-time ultrasound scanners for use in human and veterinary medicine. Certain statements set forth in this press release constitute forward-looking statements. In some cases, these statements are identified by the use of terms such as "may", "could", "might", "intend", "should", "expect", "project", "plan", "believe", "estimate" or other comparable variants. These statements are based on the information available at the time they are written, on assumptions made by management and on the expectations of management, acting in good faith, regarding future events, including those relating to economic conditions, fluctuations in exchange rates and operating expenses, and the absence of unusual events entailing supplementary expenditures. Although management considers these assumptions and expectations reasonable based on the information available at the time they are written, they could prove inaccurate. Forward-looking statements are also subject, by their very nature, to known and unknown risks and uncertainties such as those related to the industry, acquisitions, labor relations, credit, key officers, supply and product liability. The actual results of Noveko International Inc. could differ materially from those indicated or underlying these forward-looking statements. The reader is therefore recommended not to unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of special items, any business combination or any other transaction that may be announced or occur subsequent to the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements to account for new events or new circumstances, except where provided for by applicable legislation. -30- /For further information: Chantal Vennat, Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, Noveko International Inc., (514) 875-0606;
Héroux-Devtek reports first quarter results << Annual meeting of shareholders later this morning - Sales of $82.2 million compared to $82.6 million last year - Operating income of $7.5 million, versus $9.8 million last year - Net income of $4.5 million, or $0.15 per share fully diluted - Funded backlog of $468 million >> LONGUEUIL, QC, Aug. 6 /CNW Telbec/ - Héroux-Devtek Inc. (TSX: HRX), a leading Canadian manufacturer of aerospace and industrial products, today reported results for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 ended June 30, 2009. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are in Canadian dollars. Consolidated sales for the quarter were $82.2 million, versus $82.6 million for the same period last year. Operating income stood at $7.5 million, or 9.1% of sales, compared with $9.8 million, or 11.9% of sales, a year ago. The Company reported net income of $4.5 million, or $0.15 per share, fully diluted, compared with net income of $5.7 million, or $0.18 per share, fully diluted, a year ago. Cash flow from operations amounted to $11.8 million this year, up 0.9% from $11.7 million last year. While the fluctuations in the value of the Canadian dollar versus the US currency increased sales in the first quarter by $7.3 million or 8.8%, compared with last year, it had basically no impact on gross profit in dollars but a negative impact of 1.3% on the gross profit margin, expressed as a percentage of sales. The impact of currency movements on the Company's gross profit is mitigated by the use of forward foreign exchange sales contracts and the natural hedging from the purchase of materials made in US dollars. "As anticipated, results reflect lower shipments in the commercial aerospace and industrial markets offset by the solid performance of our military aerospace operations," said Héroux-Devtek President and CEO Gilles Labbé. "Lower profitability mirrors decelerated production schedules as well as a favourable aftermarket sales mix in the first quarter a year ago. We are proactively implementing cost reductions measures to reflect a more difficult environment. However, time schedules have been reduced at some facilities while our three main business units in Longueuil, Kitchener and Texas have not been significantly affected." << ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial Highlights (in thousands of dollars, except per share data) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- First quarters ended June 30 2009 2008 ---------------------- Sales 82,160 82,571 Operating income 7,471 9,803 Net income 4,542 5,698 Per share - basic and diluted ($) 0.15 0.18 Cash flow from operations 11,830 11,719 Weighted-average shares outstanding ('000s) 30,946 31,645 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- >> As at June 30, 2009, Héroux-Devtek's balance sheet remained healthy with cash and cash equivalents of $15.2 million and long-term debt, including the current portion, of $87.0 million. As a result, the net debt-to-equity ratio stood at 0.35:1 at the end of the first quarter, compared with 0.24:1 three months earlier. The increase stems from working capital requirements that reduced cash and cash equivalents during the quarter. The net-debt-to-equity ratio is defined as the total long-term debt, including the current portion, less cash and cash equivalents over shareholders' equity. During the first quarter, the Company repurchased 407,000 common shares at an average cost of $4.51 per share under its normal course issuer bid program. This program allows Héroux-Devtek to repurchase a maximum of 1.5 million shares until November 23, 2009. As at June 30, 2009, the Company had repurchased a total of 941,000 shares. FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS The Aerostructure Division was awarded a multi-year contract by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company to fabricate, assemble and deliver complex structural components and assemblies for the outer wing, inner wing, and forward fuselage for all three F-35 Lightning II aircraft (JSF) variants in support of Low Rate Initial Production lots 3 through 7 over the next five years. This contract begins in the second half of calendar year 2009 and continues through the first half of 2014, at which time the JSF program enters its first multi-year procurement phase. Based on best estimated quantity production rates, the value of the contract is estimated to be in excess of $50 million. This agreement is in addition to a $135-million, multi-year contract awarded in 2007 for forged aluminum bulkheads and other complex components and confirms Héroux-Devtek's status as the largest JSF aerostructure supplier for Lockheed Martin. Noranco Inc. awarded the Aerostructure Division a multi-year contract related to electronic chassis components for the JSF aircraft. The Magtron business unit will perform operations, including brazing, heat treatment, and testing of complex avionic housings for all three JSF variants over the next eight years, beginning in calendar 2010. Based on best estimated quantity production rates, the value of the contract is estimated to be in excess of $10 million. This contract expands Héroux-Devtek's reach on the JSF program across all three sites of the Aerostructure Division. SECTOR RESULTS Aerospace sales for the first quarter rose 1.6% to $75.2 million compared with $74.0 million last year. Sales of the Landing Gear Division increased by 4.2% to $48.1 million reflecting higher military sales and favourable currency fluctuations, partially offset by the deceleration of production schedules for business jet, helicopter and, to a lesser extent, large commercial aircraft programs. Aerostructure sales declined 2.7% to $26.7 million, as greater sales from the ramp-up of the JSF program and favourable currency movements were more than offset by reduced aftermarket sales as well as by reduced business jet and regional jet activity. Operating income was $6.7 million, or 8.9% of sales, compared with $8.4 million, or 11.4% of sales, in the first quarter of last year, essentially reflecting a less favourable sales mix at the Aerostructure Division and the negative impact of reduced production schedules in the commercial aerospace market. Industrial sales totalled $7.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, representing a decrease of 18.7% over sales of $8.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. As a result of a weaker economy, the power generation industry, including wind energy, and the heavy equipment industry are experiencing softer market conditions. Reflecting a lower sales volume, operating income stood at $0.8 million, or 11.4% of sales, for the first quarter of this year compared with $1.4 million, or 16.3% of sales, last year. Operating income as a percentage of sales still remains healthy by historical standards. OUTLOOK The commercial aerospace market remains affected by persistent economic uncertainty. Given reduced levels of new orders, as well as cancellations or deferrals, production schedules are being reduced in the business jet, helicopter and, to a lesser extent, large commercial aircraft segment. The military aerospace market remains solid with major programs progressing as expected, particularly the JSF program. Still, the new US administration may reduce funding of subsequent military budgets. The power generation industry is impacted over the short-term by the financial crisis given the significant capital requirements of these projects, although wind energy still holds considerable potential over the mid-term. "Decelerations of production schedules as well as order cancellations and push-outs in the commercial aerospace market have reduced Héroux-Devtek's funded backlog to $468 million as at June 30, 2009, down from $485 million three months earlier. Despite strong customer relationships and a backlog that nevertheless remains solid, we are not anticipating any significant sales growth for fiscal 2010 considering the prevailing economic environment. It is also important to remember that our second quarter has traditionally been a somewhat slower period owing to seasonal factors, such as plant shutdowns and summer vacations. In light of the Canadian dollar's recent volatility, we will seek further productivity gains and continue to streamline our cost base to remain globally competitive," concluded Mr. Labbé. ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS The Company is holding its Annual Meeting of Shareholders this morning at 11:00 a.m. in the Salon Pierre de Coubertin of the Omni Mont-Royal Hotel, 1050 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, Québec. CONFERENCE CALL Héroux-Devtek Inc. will hold a conference call to discuss these results on Thursday, August 6 at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time. Interested parties can join the call by dialling (416) 915-5649 (Toronto or overseas) or 1-800-814-3911 (elsewhere in North America). The conference call can also be accessed via live webcast at Héroux-Devtek's website, or
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If you are unable to call in at this time, you may access a tape recording of the meeting by calling 1-877-289-8525 and entering the passcode 21311652# on your phone. This tape recording will be available on Thursday, August 6, 2009 as of 5:00 PM Eastern Time until 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, August 13, 2009. PROFILE Héroux-Devtek (TSX: HRX), a Canadian company, serves two main market segments: Aerospace and Industrial Products, specializing in the design, development, manufacture and repair and overhaul of related systems and components. Héroux-Devtek supplies both the commercial and military sectors of the Aerospace segment with landing gear (including spare parts, repair and overhaul services) and airframe structural components. The Company also supplies the Industrial segment with large components for power generation equipment and precision components for other industrial applications. Approximately 65% of the Company's sales are outside Canada, mainly in the United States. The Company's head office is located in Longueuil, Québec with facilities in the Greater Montreal area (Longueuil, Dorval, Laval and Rivière-des-Prairies); Kitchener and Toronto, Ontario; Arlington, Texas and Cincinnati, Ohio. Héroux-Devtek was recognized, in the July/August edition of The Globe & Mail's Report on Business magazine, as the fourth fastest growing company in Canada measured in terms of net earnings growth between 2003 and 2008. Forward-looking statements Except for historical information provided herein, this press release may contain information and statements of a forward-looking nature concerning the future performance of the Company. These statements are based on suppositions and uncertainties as well as on management's best possible evaluation of future events. Such factors may include, without excluding other considerations, fluctuations in quarterly results, evolution in customer demand for the Company's products and services, the impact of price pressures exerted by competitors, and general market trends or economic changes. As a result, readers are advised that actual results may differ from expected results. << Note to readers: Complete unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion & Analysis are available on Héroux-Devtek's website at
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HEROUX-DEVTEK INC.