Azure Dynamics Reports Record 3rd Quarter 2011 Revenues

By Azure Dynamics Corporation, PRNE
Sunday, November 13, 2011

OAK PARK, Michigan, November 14, 2011 -

  • Third quarter revenues up 579% to $12.4 million from $1.8 million, representing 272 units shipments
  • Q3 YTD revenues up 171% to $23.1 million from $8.5 million, representing 525 unit shipments
  • Q3 gross margin improves to 221% to $167,000 from ($138,000)
  • Q3 YTD orders for 2011 deliveries total $33.0 million, representing 719 vehicle orders
  • Reaffirms 2011 revenue range of $38 to $45 million - expects 2011 revenues to be at the lower-end of this range

Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF), a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for light and medium duty commercial vehicles, today announced its financial results for the periods ending September 30, 2011 and confirmed its 2011 financial outlook.  

Revenues for the 2011 third quarter increased 579% to $12.4 million compared to $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2010.  For the nine months ended September 2011, revenues rose 171% to $23.1 million from $8.5 million for the comparable period a year ago.  Unit sales for the 2011 third quarter increased 196% to 272 compared to 92 for the same period last year.  The 2011 third quarter included shipments of 143 Transit Connect Electric vans, which launched in April and June, 2011 in North America and Europe, respectively.  

“We made significant progress in the third quarter on a number of fronts, and are particularly pleased to report initial revenue from our European operations,” said Scott Harrison, CEO of Azure Dynamics. “Although European shipments began in late June, about one-third of our revenues were generated from outside North America in the third quarter.  As we continue to establish distribution relationships in additional countries, and subsequently increase our visibility with commercial fleet buyers, we expect the European contribution to continue to rise.”

“Meanwhile, despite sluggish municipal spending, revenue from the Balance[TM] Hybrid Electric powertrain was up 196% in the quarter to $3.7 million,” Harrison said.  ”Although we expect Balance sales to continue to be negatively impacted by tight municipal budgets, these customers have substantial product needs and we remain hopeful that they will seek our energy and environmentally efficient products when they inevitably return to market.”

Net loss for the 2011 third quarter totaled $9.8 million, or $0.01 per share, compared to a loss of $6.7 million, or $0.01 per share, in the third quarter of 2010. Net loss for the 2011 nine month period totaled $26.1 million, or $0.04 per share, compared to a loss of $17.7 million, or $0.03 per share, in the comparable period a year ago.  Unit sales for the 2011 nine month period totaled 525, including 249 Balance[TM] Hybrid Electric vehicles, 241 Transit Connect Electric vans, 34 Force Drive[TM] components and one LEEP unit.  This compares to unit sales for the 2010 nine month period of 451, including 136 Balance[TM] Hybrid Electric vehicles, 67 Force Drive[TM] and other components and 248 LEEP units.      

Gross profit for the 2011 third quarter improved 221%, to $167,000 and for the 2011 nine-month period rose to $470,000, or 2.0% of sales.  Gross profit for the 2010 third quarter was ($138,000) and for the 2010 nine-month period was ($6,000).

New orders received during the third quarter of 2011 relating to current year deliveries were $10.6 million, representing 178 vehicles, compared with second quarter 2011 orders of $5.6 million and first quarter 2011 orders of $16.8 million. For the 2011 nine-month period, new order intake for 2011 deliveries total $33.0 million, representing 719 vehicle orders.  

Engineering, research and development (”R&D”) expenses in the 2011 third quarter totaled $5.7 million (including $2.7 million in product development costs), compared to $4.0 million (including $3.8 million in product development costs, offset by $1.4 million in customer contributions and $1.3 million in government grants) for the same period in 2010.  R&D expenses for the 2011 nine-month period totaled $15.1 million (including $8.6 million in product development costs, offset by $3.4 million in customer contributions), compared to $9.5 million (including $9.6 million in product development costs, offset by $2.2 million in customer contributions and $5.6 million in government grants) for the same period in 2010.

As of September 30, 2011, the Company’s net cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.3 million, and working capital totaled $6.0 million, compared to cash and cash equivalents of $11.7 million, and working capital of $14.7 million, as of June 30, 2011.  

On November 4, 2011, Johnson Controls’ Canadian subsidiary acquired, on a private placement basis, 30,796,969 common shares of Azure, at a price of CDN$0.165 per common share, for gross proceeds to Azure of CDN$5,081,500. As a result of this investment, Johnson Controls, through its Canadian subsidiary, now holds approximately 7.2% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Azure.

On November 11, 2011, the Company filed a final short form prospectus with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities indicating the terms and pricing of its previously announced public offering of common shares and warrants for gross proceeds of up to CDN$6.1 million.  The public offering is expected to close on or about November 18, 2011, subject to customary closing conditions.  

2011 FINANCIAL OUTLOOK

“Our focus in 2011 for Transit Connect Electric was to successfully introduce the program worldwide, establish and optimize our manufacturing facilities, begin building the distribution network and realize initial sales.  We believe we have accomplished those goals and are encouraged by the interest shown for the product,” Harrison concluded.  

Based on current market conditions, orders to date and future order expectations, the Company reaffirms its previous issued 2011 revenue range of $38 to $45 million and expects 2011 revenues to be at the lower-end of this range.

The Company’s 2011 third quarter financial statements and MD&A are available at www.sedar.com or on the Company’s website at www.azuredynamics.com.

Conference Call

Management will host a webcast and conference call on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time to discuss today’s announcement in more detail.  Interested listeners can access the call toll free at 1-877-317-6789 from the United States and at 1-866-605-3852 from Canada.  Participants from outside North America can participate in the call by dialing 1-412-317-6789.  It is recommended that you access the call at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled start time.  An accompanying presentation will be posted to the company’s website, www.azuredynamics.com, immediately prior to the call.  

For those unable to participate in the live conference, a call replay will be posted on Azure’s website no later than November 17, 2011.

About Azure Dynamics

Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for light and medium duty commercial vehicles.  Azure is strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets and is currently working internationally with a variety of partners and customers. The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy management solutions.  For more information please visit www.azuredynamics.com.

The TSX Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements Advisory

Certain information included in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements and information and future-oriented financial information under applicable securities legislation and is provided for the purpose of expressing management’s current expectations and plans for the future.  Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions.

More particularly, this press release contains statements concerning Azure’s anticipated: business development strategy, customer orders, product deliveries, sales, revenue and revenue growth, production costs, gross margins, third quarter 2011 results and financial outlook for 2011. The forward-looking statements are based on a number of key expectations and assumptions made by Azure, including expectations and assumptions concerning achievement of current timetables for development programs and sales, target market acceptance of Azure’s products, current and new product performance, availability and cost of labor and expertise, and evolving markets for power for transportation vehicles. Although Azure believes that the expectations and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Azure can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve numerous risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the projections and forecasts in the forward-looking statements will not occur and that actual performance or results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with Azure’s stage of development, history of losses and lack of historical product revenues, unprecedented recent volatility in global financial and capital markets, uncertainty as to product development and sales milestones being met, product defect and performance risks, competition for capital and market share, uncertainty as to target markets, dependence upon third parties, changes in environmental laws or policies, uncertainty as to patent and proprietary rights, availability and retention of management and key personnel, exchange rate and currency fluctuations, uncertainties relating to potential delays or changes in plans with respect to product development or capital expenditures, the ability of Azure to access sufficient capital on acceptable terms, and environmental and safety risks. This is not an exhaustive list and additional information on these risks and other factors that could affect Azures operations and financial results are included in reports on file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and can be accessed through the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Azure undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.  Additionally, Azure undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties about Azure.

 

    Azure Dynamics Corporation

    Unaudited Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets

    (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts and
    number of shares)

                                                         September  December
                                                                30        31

    As at                                                     2011      2010
                                                                 $         $
    ASSETS

    Current assets
    Cash and cash equivalents                                1,291    11,737
    Accounts receivable                                      7,325    10,107
    Inventory (Note 3)                                      13,545     5,590
    Prepaid expenses                                         1,238       949
    Total current assets                                    23,399    28,383

    Non-current assets
    Restricted cash                                            629       597
    Investment in ND Solectria, LLC (Note 9)                   324       319
    Property and equipment (Note 9)                          3,514     2,781
    Other assets                                                74       114
    Intangible assets                                        4,709     5,590
    Goodwill                                                 2,932     2,932
    Total non-current assets                                12,182    12,333
    Total assets                                            35,581    40,716

    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

    Current liabilities
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                16,023    15,783
    Customer deposits & deferred revenue                       112        96
    Current portion of government financial
    obligations (Note 4, 9)                                  1,143       993
    Current portion of obligations under capital
    leases                                                     106        82
    Total current liabilities                               17,384    16,954
    Non-current liabilities
    Obligations under capital leases                            75        96
    Customer deposits & deferred revenue                       494       507
    Government financial obligations (Note 4, 9)             4,481     4,582
    Total non-current liabilities                            5,050     5,185
    Shareholders' equity
    Share capital (Note 5)                                 227,170   208,570
    Contributed surplus                                     10,040     8,271
    Cumulative translation adjustment (Note 9)                 363        32
    Deficit                                               (224,426) (198,296)
    Total equity                                            13,147    18,577
    Total equity and liabilities                            35,581    40,716

 

    Azure Dynamics Corporation

    Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

    (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts
    and number of shares)

                             For the three months        For the nine months

                               ended September 30         ended September 30
                                 2011        2010           2011        2010
                                    $           $              $           $

    Revenues                   12,426       1,830         23,125       8,545

    Cost of sales              12,259       1,968         22,655       8,551

    Gross profit                  167       (138)            470         (6)

    Expenses
    Engineering,
    research,
    development and
    related costs, net          5,703       3,952         15,100       9,452
    Selling and
    marketing                   1,036         553          2,821       1,640
    General and
    administrative              2,628       1,931          7,687       6,303
    Total expenses              9,367       6,436         25,608      17,395

    Loss from operations       (9,200)     (6,574)       (25,138)    (17,401)

    Interest and other
    income, net                    11          62            126         190
    Interest expense             (256)       (241)          (776)       (690)
    Foreign currency
    gains/(losses)               (464)          19          (540)        (52)
                                 (709)       (160)        (1,190)       (552)

    Net loss before the
    following                  (9,909)     (6,734)       (26,328)    (17,953)

    Share of profit from
    investment in ND
    Solectria, LLC (Note
    9)                             66          72            198         214

    Net loss for the
    period                     (9,843)     (6,662)       (26,130)    (17,739)

    Other comprehensive
    (loss) income
    Foreign currency
    translation
    differences of
    foreign operations            523        (19)            331         (1)

    Total comprehensive
    income (loss) for
    the period                 (9,320)     (6,681)       (25,799)    (17,740)

    Loss per share -
    basic and diluted           (0.01)      (0.01)         (0.04)      (0.03)

    Weighted average
    number of shares -
    basic and diluted     689,433,691 626,739,390    679,676,180 613,434,616

 

    Azure Dynamics Corporation

    Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

    (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts and
    number of shares)

                                      For the three              For the nine
                                             months                    months

                                    ended September           ended September
                                                 30                        30
                                      2011     2010             2011     2010
                                         $        $                $        $

    Cash flows from
    operating activities
    Net loss for the period        (9,843)  (6,662)         (26,130) (17,739)
    Adjustments for:
    Amortization of property
    and equipment                     322      252              930      707
    Amortization of
    intangible assets                 331      328              992      982
    Amortization of other
    assets                             19        -               52        -
    Unrealized foreign
    currency (gains)/losses           104     (20)               40       28
    Share of profit
    receivable from ND
    Solectria, LLC (Note 9)           (96)     (72)            (216)    (214)
    Stock option
    compensation expense              281      123            1,597      631
    Deferred share units
    compensation expense               79       63              227      180
    Accretion expense on
    government financial
    obligations                       250      235              762      669
                                   (8,553)  (5,753)         (21,746) (14,756)
    Changes in non-cash
    working capital items          (1,481)  (1,348)          (4,970)     203
    Total net cash flows
    from operating
    activities                    (10,034)  (7,101)         (26,716) (14,553)

    Cash flows from
    financing activities
    Proceeds from issue of
    common shares                       8       13           20,205    6,355
    Payment for share
    issuance costs                      -        -           (1,660)     (49)
    Principal repayments on
    government financial
    obligations                         -        -             (713)     (26)
    Repayment of obligations
    under capital lease               (15)     (36)             (66)    (129)
    Other assets                        -     (122)             (12)    (122)
    Total cash flows from
    financing activities               (7)    (145)          17,754    6,029

    Cash flows from
    investing activities
    Acquisition of property
    and equipment                    (410)    (333)          (1,525)    (868)
    Acquisition of
    intangible assets                 (36)     (46)            (111)    (114)
    Dividend received from
    ND Solectria, LLC (Note
    9)                                 71       69              207      209
    Changes in restricted
    cash                                -       (1)               -      (13)
    Total cash flows from
    investing activities             (375)    (311)          (1,429)    (786)

    Decrease in cash and
    cash equivalents              (10,416)  (7,557)         (10,391)  (9,310)

    Exchange impact on cash
    held in foreign currency          (17)       8              (55)     (14)

    Cash and cash
    equivalents,
    beginning of
    period                         11,724   31,707           11,737   33,482

    Cash and cash
    equivalents,
    end of period                   1,291   24,158            1,291   24,158

 

    Azure Dynamics Corporation

    Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

    (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts and
    number of shares)

                       For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
                                                  Cumulative   Retained
                   Number of   Share Contributed translation   earnings
                    shares   capital     surplus  adjustment  (deficit) Total
    January 1,
    2011         626,880,454 $ 208,570     $ 8,271   $ 32 $(198,296) $ 18,577
    Equity
    financing     60,984,848    20,125           -      -          -   20,125
    Share issue
    costs                  -   (1,660)           -      -          -  (1,660)
    Exercise of
    options        1,616,193        80           -      -          -       80
    Reclass on
    exercise of
    options to
    share
    capital                -        55        (55)      -          -        -
    Share-based
    compensation           -         -       1,597      -          -    1,597
    Awards of
    Deferred
    share units            -         -         227      -          -      227
    Net loss               -         -           -      -   (26,130) (26,130)
    Effects of
    foreign
    currency
    translation            -         -           -    331          -      331
    September
    30, 2011     689,481,495   227,170      10,040    363  (224,426) $ 13,147

    January 1,
    2010         605,084,932   202,250       7,150      -  (169,081)   40,319
    Equity
    financing
    (Note 5)      21,080,000     6,324           -      -          -    6,324
    Share issue
    costs                  -      (49)           -      -          -     (49)
    Exercise of
    options          702,333        31           -      -          -       31
    Reclass on
    exercise of
    options to
    share
    capital                -        18        (18)      -          -        -
    Share-based
    compensation           -         -         631      -          -      631
    Awards of
    Deferred
    share units            -         -         180      -          -      180
    Net loss               -         -           -      -   (17,739) (17,739)
    Effects of
    foreign
    currency
    translation            -         -           -     (1)          -     (1)
    September
    30, 2010     626,867,265 $ 208,574     $ 7,943   $ (1) $(186,820 $ 29,696

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Juris Pagrabs, Vice President, Investor Relations, +1(248)298-2403 ext 7570, Email: jpagrabs@azuredynamics.com

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