CALGARY, Oct. 27 /CNW/ - CE FRANKLIN LTD. (TSX.CFT, AMEX.CFK) announced its results for the third quarter of 2008.
CE Franklin reported record third quarter net income of $5.7 million or $0.31 per share (basic) for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, a 39% increase compared to net income of $4.1 million or $0.22 per share earned in the third quarter ended September 30, 2007.
Financial Highlights
--------------------
(millions of Cdn.$ except Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
per share data) September 30 September 30
------------------- -------------------
2008 2007 2008 2007
--------- -------- --------- --------
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Sales $ 149.3 $ 116.8 $ 386.2 $ 354.0
Gross Profit 27.8 21.0 73.8 64.2
Gross Profit - % of sales 18.6% 18.0% 19.1% 18.1%
EBITDA(1) 9.1 7.4 21.6 20.6
EBITDA(1) as a % of sales 6.1% 6.4% 5.6% 5.8%
Net Income $ 5.7 $ 4.1 $ 13.0 $ 11.1
Per Share
Basic $ 0.31 $ 0.22 $ 0.71 $ 0.61
Diluted $ 0.31 $ 0.22 $ 0.70 $ 0.59
Net Working Capital(2) $ 123.1 $ 134.7
Bank Operating Loan(2) $ 20.9 $ 44.3
"Net income improved in the third quarter compared to the prior year period by 39% to a record $0.31 per share, outpacing the 13% increase in industry well completions for the same period. This is a solid result and CE Franklin is well positioned to remain profitable in this volatile market," said Michael West, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Net income for the third quarter of 2008 was $5.7 million, up $1.6 million (39%) from the third quarter of 2007. Sales reached $149.3 million, an increase of $32.5 million (28%) from the third quarter of 2007. Capital project business comprised 58% of sales, and increased $22.2 million (34%) over the prior year period. Continued growth of oilsands revenues and increased tubular steel sales contributed the majority of the increase in capital project sales. Extremely tight tubular steel supply conditions have resulted in product cost increases in excess of 50% during 2008, and contributed to the increase in sales. Industry well completions increased by 13% over the prior year period, resulting in increased demand for products used in capital projects, and contributed to the remaining increase in capital project sales. The acquisition of JEN Supply in the fourth quarter of 2007 contributed to the increase in Maintenance, Repair and Operating Supply sales ("MRO"). Gross profit increased by $6.8 million (32%) over the prior year period due to the increase in sales and gross profit margins. Gross profit margins for the quarter were 18.6% up from the prior year period at 18.0%. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $5.2 million to $18.5 million for the quarter due to increased variable compensation driven by the increase in earnings, increased facility costs with the opening of the new Edmonton distribution centre during the second quarter, and the addition of the JEN Supply operating costs. Lower interest expense was associated with reduced average debt levels and floating interest rates in the third quarter of 2008. Income taxes increased by $0.5 million in the third quarter compared to the prior year period due to higher pre-tax earnings offset slightly by a reduction in income tax rates. The weighted average number of shares outstanding during the third quarter was down slightly from the prior year period. Net income per share (basic) was $0.31 in the third quarter of 2008, an increase of 41% compared to $0.22 in the third quarter of 2007.
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $13.0 million, up $1.9 million (17%) from the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Sales reached $386.2 million, up $32.2 million (9%) compared to the prior year period due to increased revenues in the 3rd quarter of 2008. Increased oilsands and tubular steel revenues, and additional sales from the acquisitions of JEN Supply, and Full Tilt Field Services Limited ("Full Tilt") at the end of the 2nd quarter of 2007, more than offset the impact of lower year to date industry activity in 2008 compared to 2007 as reflected in the decline in well completions by 12%. Gross profit increased by $9.6 million over the prior year period as gross profit margins increased from 18.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 to 19.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $9.4 million to $52.1 million due to the addition of operating expenses associated with the JEN Supply and Full Tilt acquisitions, increased variable compensation from the increase in earnings, and increased facility costs associated with the opening of the new distribution centre in Q2 of 2008. Interest expense declined due to reduced average debt levels and floating interest rates in the first nine months of 2008. Income taxes increased by $0.2 million in the first nine months of the year compared to the prior year period due to higher pre-tax earnings offset slightly by a reduction in income tax rates. The weighted average number of shares outstanding during the first nine months was comparable to the prior year period. Net income per share (basic) was $0.71 in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $0.61 in the first nine months of 2007.
Business Outlook
The Company's business is dependent on the level of conventional oil and gas capital expenditures and production activity in western Canada. Increasing oil and gas industry activity experienced in the 3rd quarter is anticipated to continue over the remainder of 2008, as capital projects initiated earlier in the year when oil and gas prices were strong, are completed. Recent global capital market volatility coupled with the decline in oil and gas commodity prices in the 3rd quarter and rising costs, suggest flat to declining industry activity in 2009 compared to 2008.
Over the longer term, the Company is optimistic that its strong competitive position will enable it to take advantage of available market share as conventional industry activity recovers and demand for the Company's products increase. Effective execution of the Company's oilsands and service diversification strategies provide further opportunities to profitably leverage its supply chain infrastructure.
(1) EBITDA represents net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization. EBITDA is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure
used by management, as well as industry analysts, to evaluate
operations. Management believes that EBITDA, as presented, represents
a useful means of assessing the performance of the Company's ongoing
operating activities, as it reflects the Company's earnings trends
without showing the impact of certain charges. The Company is also
presenting EBITDA and EBITDA as a percentage of sales because it is
used by management as supplemental measures of profitability. The use
of EBITDA by the Company has certain material limitations because it
excludes the recurring expenditures of interest, income tax, and
amortization expenses. Interest expense is a necessary component of
the Company's expenses because the Company borrows money to finance
its working capital and capital expenditures. Income tax expense is a
necessary component of the Company's expenses because the Company is
required to pay cash income taxes. Amortization expense is a
necessary component of the Company's expenses because the Company
uses property and equipment to generate sales. Management compensates
for these limitations to the use of EBITDA by using EBITDA as only a
supplementary measure of profitability. EBITDA is not used by
management as an alternative to net income, as an indicator of the
Company's operating performance, as an alternative to any other
measure of performance in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles or as an alternative to cash flow from
operating activities as a measure of liquidity. A reconciliation of
EBITDA to Net Income is provided within the Company's Management
Discussion and Analysis. Not all companies calculate EBITDA in the
same manner and EBITDA does not have a standardized meaning
prescribed by GAAP. Accordingly, EBITDA, as the term is used herein,
is unlikely to be comparable to EBITDA as reported by other entities.
(2) Net Working Capital is defined as current assets less accounts
payable and accrued liabilities, income taxes payable and other
current liabilities. Net Working Capital and Bank Operating Loan are
as at quarter end.
Additional Information
----------------------
Additional information relating to CE Franklin, including its third quarter 2008 Management Discussion and Analysis and interim consolidated financial statements and its Form 20-F / Annual Information Form, is available under the Company's profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and at www.cefranklin.com
Conference Call and Webcast Information
---------------------------------------
A conference call to review the 2008 third quarter results, which is open to the public, will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (9:00 a.m. Mountain Time).
Participants may join the call by dialing 1-416-644-3415 in Toronto or dialing 1-800-732-6179 at the scheduled time of 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. For those unable to listen to the live conference call, a replay will be available at approximately 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the same day by calling 1-416-640-1917 in Toronto or dialing 1-877-289-8525 and entering the Passcode of 21284854 followed by the pound sign and may be accessed until midnight Sunday, November 9, 2008.
The call will also be webcast live at: http://www.newswire.ca/en/webcast/viewEvent.cgi?eventID(equal sign)2427700 and will be available on the Company's website at http://www.cefranklin.com.
Michael West, President and Chief Executive Officer will lead the discussion and will be accompanied by Mark Schweitzer, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The discussion will be followed by a question and answer period.
About CE Franklin
For more than half a century, CE Franklin has been a leading supplier of products and services to the energy industry. CE Franklin distributes pipe, valves, flanges, fittings, production equipment, tubular products and other general oilfield supplies to oil and gas producers in Canada as well as to the oilsands, refining, heavy oil, petrochemical, forestry and mining industries. These products are distributed through its 44 branches, which are situated in towns and cities serving particular oil and gas fields of the western Canadian sedimentary basin.
Forward-looking Statements: The information in this news release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and other applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events, outcomes and other matters that CE Franklin plans, expects, intends, assumes, believes, budgets, predicts, forecasts, projects, estimates or anticipates (and other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current belief, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements and refer to the Form 20-F or our annual information form for further detail.
Management's Discussion and Analysis as at October 27, 2008
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") is provided to assist readers in understanding CE Franklin Ltd.'s ("CE Franklin" or the "Company") financial performance and position during the periods presented and significant trends that may impact future performance of CE Franklin. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's MD&A and consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the Company's MD&A and interim consolidated financial statements for the periods ended March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008, respectively.
All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars and in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("Canadian GAAP"), except where otherwise noted.
Overview
CE Franklin is a leading distributor of pipe, valves, flanges, fittings, production equipment, tubular products and other general industrial supplies, primarily to the oil and gas industry in Canada through its 44 branches situated in towns and cities that serve oil and gas fields of the western Canadian sedimentary basin. In addition, the Company distributes similar products to the oilsands, refining, and petrochemical industries and non-oilfield related industries such as forestry and mining.
The Company's branch operations service over 3,000 customers by providing the right materials where they are needed, on time, and for the best value. Our branches, supported by our distribution centre in Edmonton, Alberta, stock over 25,000 stock keeping units. This hub and spoke supply chain infrastructure enables us to provide our customers with the products they need on a same day or over night basis while leveraging our scale to enable industry leading purchasing and logistics capabilities. Our branches are also supported by services provided by the Company's corporate office in Calgary, Alberta including sales, marketing, product expertise, invoicing, credit and collections and other business services.
The Company's shares trade on the TSX ("CFT") and AMEX ("CFK") stock exchanges. Smith International Inc. ("Smith"), a major oilfield service company based in the United States, owns approximately 53% of the Company's shares.
Business and Operating Strategy
The Company is pursuing the following strategies to grow its business profitably:
- Grow market share in our core oilfield equipment distribution business
in western Canada through concentrated sales efforts and premium
customer service complimented by selected acquisitions such as the
acquisition of JEN Supply Inc. ("JEN Supply") in December 2007 and by
expanding our branch network. In October 2008, we have opened our 45th
branch in Red Earth, Alberta.
- Leverage our existing supply chain infrastructure, product and project
expertise by focusing on the emerging oilsands project and
Maintenance, Repair and Operating ("MRO") business.
- Expand our production equipment service capability to capture more of
the product life cycle requirements for the equipment we sell such as
down hole pump repair, oilfield engine maintenance, well optimization
and on site project management, in order to differentiate our service
offering from that of other competitors and deepen our relationship
with customers. The acquisition of Full Tilt Field Services Limited
("Full Tilt") in July 2007 provided us with the capability to service
oilfield engines and related components that we were previously
selling, and by doing so, positions us to attract new customers to our
core oilfield equipment distribution business.
Business Outlook
The Company's business is dependent on the level of conventional oil and gas capital expenditures and production activity in western Canada. Increasing oil and gas industry activity experienced in the 3rd quarter is anticipated to continue over the remainder of 2008, as capital projects initiated earlier in the year when oil and gas prices were strong, are completed. Recent global capital market volatility coupled with the decline in oil and gas commodity prices in the 3rd quarter and rising costs, suggest flat to declining industry activity in 2009 compared to 2008.
Over the longer term, the Company is optimistic that its strong competitive position will enable it to take advantage of available market share as conventional industry activity recovers and demand for the Company's products increase. Effective execution of the Company's oilsands and service diversification strategies provide further opportunities to profitably leverage its supply chain infrastructure.
Operating Results
The following table summarizes CE Franklin's results of operations:
(in millions of Cdn. dollars
except per share data)
Three Months Ended September 30
---------------------------------------
2008 2007
------------------- -------------------
Sales $ 149.3 100.0% $ 116.8 100.0%
Cost of sales (121.5) (81.4)% (95.8) (82.0)%
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit 27.8 18.6% 21.0 18.0%
Selling, general and
administrative expenses (18.5) (12.4)% (13.3) (11.3)%
Foreign exchange loss (0.1) (0.1)% (0.3) (0.3)%
--------- --------- --------- ---------
EBITDA(1) 9.1 6.1% 7.4 6.4%
Amortization (0.6) (0.4)% (0.6) (0.5)%
Interest (0.2) (0.1)% (0.5) (0.4)%
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before taxes 8.3 5.6% 6.3 5.5%
Income tax expense (2.6) (1.7)% (2.2) (1.9)%
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income 5.7 3.8% 4.1 3.6%
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income per share
Basic (Cdn. $) $ 0.31 $ 0.22
Diluted (Cdn. $) $ 0.31 $ 0.22
Weighted average number of
shares outstanding (000's)
Basic 18,254 18,392
Diluted 18,495 18,901
(in millions of Cdn. dollars
except per share data)
Nine Months Ended September 30
---------------------------------------
2008 2007
------------------- -------------------
Sales $ 386.2 100.0% $354.0 100.0%
Cost of sales (312.4) (80.9)% (289.8) (81.9)%
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit 73.8 19.1% 64.2 18.1%
Selling, general and
administrative expenses (52.1) (13.5)% (42.7) (12.0)%
Foreign exchange loss (0.1) (0.0)% (0.9) (0.3)%
--------- --------- --------- ---------
EBITDA(1) 21.6 5.6% 20.6 5.8%
Amortization (1.8) (0.5)% (2.1) (0.6)%
Interest (0.8) (0.2)% (1.6) (0.5)%
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before taxes 19.0 4.9% 16.9 4.7%
Income tax expense (6.0) (1.6)% (5.8) (1.6)%
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income 13.0 3.3% 11.1 3.1%
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income per share
Basic (Cdn. $) $ 0.71 $ 0.61
Diluted (Cdn. $) $ 0.70 $ 0.59
Weighted average number of
shares outstanding (000's)
Basic 18,290 18,283
Diluted 18,674 18,792
(1) EBITDA represents net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization. EBITDA is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure
used by management, as well as industry analysts, to evaluate
operations. Management believes that EBITDA, as presented, represents
a useful means of assessing the performance of the Company's ongoing
operating activities, as it reflects the Company's earnings trends
without showing the impact of certain charges. The Company is also
presenting EBITDA and EBITDA as a percentage of sales because it is
used by management as supplemental measures of profitability. The use
of EBITDA by the Company has certain material limitations because it
excludes the recurring expenditures of interest, income tax, and
amortization expenses. Interest expense is a necessary component of
the Company's expenses because the Company borrows money to finance
its working capital and capital expenditures. Income tax expense is a
necessary component of the Company's expenses because the Company is
required to pay cash income taxes. Amortization expense is a
necessary component of the Company's expenses because the Company
uses property and equipment to generate sales. Management compensates
for these limitations to the use of EBITDA by using EBITDA as only a
supplementary measure of profitability. EBITDA is not used by
management as an alternative to net income, as an indicator of the
Company's operating performance, as an alternative to any other
measure of performance in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles or as an alternative to cash flow from
operating activities as a measure of liquidity. A reconciliation of
EBITDA to Net Income is provided within the table above. Not all
companies calculate EBITDA in the same manner and EBITDA does not
have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. Accordingly, EBITDA,
as the term is used herein, is unlikely to be comparable to EBITDA as
reported by other entities.
Third Quarter Results
Net income for the third quarter of 2008 was $5.7 million, up $1.6 million (39%) from the third quarter of 2007. Sales reached $149.3 million, an increase of $32.5 million (28%) from the third quarter of 2007. Capital project business comprised 58% of sales, and increased $22.2 million (34%) over the prior year period. Continued growth of oilsands revenues and increased tubular steel sales contributed the majority of the increase in capital project sales. Extremely tight tubular steel supply conditions have resulted in product cost increases in excess of 50% during 2008, and contributed to the increase in sales. Industry well completions increased by 13% over the prior year period, resulting in increased demand for products used in capital projects, and contributed to the remaining increase in capital project sales. The acquisition of JEN Supply in the fourth quarter of 2007 contributed to the increase in Maintenance, Repair and Operating Supply sales ("MRO"). Gross profit increased by $6.8 million (32%) over the prior year period due to the increase in sales and gross profit margins. Gross profit margins for the quarter were 18.6% up from the prior year period at 18.0%. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $5.2 million to $18.5 million for the quarter due to increased variable compensation driven by the increase in earnings, increased facility costs with the opening of the new Edmonton distribution centre during the second quarter, and the addition of the JEN Supply operating costs. Lower interest expense was associated with reduced average debt levels and floating interest rates in the third quarter of 2008. Income taxes increased by $0.5 million in the third quarter compared to the prior year period due to higher pre-tax earnings offset slightly by a reduction in income tax rates. The weighted average number of shares outstanding during the third quarter was down slightly from the prior year period. Net income per share (basic) was $0.31 in the third quarter of 2008, an increase of 41% compared to $0.22 in the third quarter of 2007.
Year to Date Results
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $13.0 million, up $1.9 million (17%) from the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Sales reached $386.2 million, up $32.2 million (9%) compared to the prior year period due to increased revenues in the 3rd quarter of 2008. Increased oilsands and tubular steel revenues, and additional sales from the acquisitions of JEN Supply, and Full Tilt Field Services Limited ("Full Tilt") at the end of the 2nd quarter of 2007, more than offset the impact of lower year to date industry activity in 2008 compared to 2007 as reflected in the decline in well completions by 12%. Gross profit increased by $9.6 million over the prior year period as gross profit margins increased from 18.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 to 19.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $9.4 million to $52.1 million due to the addition of operating expenses associated with the JEN Supply and Full Tilt acquisitions, increased variable compensation from the increase in earnings, and increased facility costs associated with the opening of the new distribution centre in Q2 of 2008. Interest expense declined due to reduced average debt levels and floating interest rates in the first nine months of 2008. Income taxes increased by $0.2 million in the first nine months of the year compared to the prior year period due to higher pre-tax earnings offset slightly by a reduction in income tax rates. The weighted average number of shares outstanding during the first nine months was comparable to the prior year period. Net income per share (basic) was $0.71 in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $0.61 in the first nine months of 2007.
A more detailed discussion of the Company's third quarter results from operations is provided below:
Sales
Sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 were $149.3 million, up 28% from the quarter ended September 30, 2007, as detailed above in the "Third Quarter Results" discussion.
(in millions of Cdn. $)
Three months ended Sept 30 Nine months ended Sept 30
---------------------------- ---------------------------
2008 2007 2008 2007
-------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
End use sales
demand $ % $ % $ % $ %
Capital projects 86.6 58 64.4 55 216.8 56 203.7 58
Maintenance,
repair and
operating
supplies (MRO) 62.7 42 52.4 45 169.4 44 150.3 42
-------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total sales 149.3 100 116.8 100 386.2 100 354.0 100
Note: Capital project end use sales are defined by the Company as
consisting of tubulars and 80% of pipe, flanges and fittings; and valves
and accessories product sales respectively; MRO Sales are defined by the
Company as consisting of pumps and production equipment, production
services; general product and 20% of pipes, flanges and fittings; and
valves and accessory product sales respectively.
The Company uses oil and gas well completions and average rig counts as industry activity measures to assess demand for oilfield equipment used in capital projects. Oil and gas well completions require the products sold by the Company to complete a well and bring production on stream and are a good general indicator of energy industry activity levels. Average drilling rig counts are also used by management to assess industry activity levels as the number of rigs in use ultimately drives well completion requirements. The relative level of oil and gas commodity prices is a key driver of industry capital project activity as product prices directly impact the economic returns realized by oil and gas companies. Well completion, rig count and commodity price information for the third quarter and YTD 2008 and 2007 are provided in the table below.
Q3 Average YTD Average
------------------ % ------------------ %
2008 2007 change 2008 2007 change
--------- -------- ----------------- -------- --------
Gas - Cdn. $/gj
(AECO spot) $7.78 $5.22 49% $8.65 $6.58 31%
Oil - Cdn. $/bbl
(Edmonton Light) $122.84 $80.52 53% $115.65 $73.41 58%
Average rig count 454 352 29% 401 368 9%
Well completions:
Oil 1,821 1,397 30% 4,063 3,963 3%
Gas 2,571 2,480 4% 7,531 9,171 (18%)
--------- -------- ----------------- -------- --------
Total well
completions 4,392 3,877 13% 11,594 13,134 (12%)
Average statistics are shown except for well completions.
Sources: Oil and Gas prices - First Energy Capital Corp.; Rig count
data - Hughes Christensen; Well completion data - Daily Oil Bulletin
Sales of capital project related products were $86.6 million in the third quarter of 2008, up 34% ($22.2 million) from the third quarter of 2007. Total well completions increased by 13% to 4,392 in the third quarter of 2008 while the average working rig count increased to 454 (29%) compared to the third quarter of 2007. Gas wells comprised 59% of the total wells completed in western Canada in the third quarter of 2008 compared to 64% in the third quarter of 2007. Oil and gas capital expenditure activity began to recover in the second and third quarters of 2008 resulting in part from emerging gas exploration plays in northeast British Columbia and oil pool development in southeast Saskatchewan. Well completions in the third quarter increased by 13% as capital project activity returned after being delayed by adverse weather conditions experienced in the second quarter. Well completions for the remainder of 2008 should benefit from the increase in average rig counts experienced during the third quarter of 2008, which should translate into stronger demand for the Company's products. Spot gas and oil prices ended the third quarter at $6.13 per GJ (AECO spot) and $95.76 per bbl (Edmonton light), a decrease of 21% and 22%, respectively, over third quarter average prices. This, in combination with the volatility experienced across global capital markets, could result in reduced industry cash flow, access to capital and capital expenditure economics, which in turn may decrease demand for the Company's products in 2009.
MRO product sales are related to overall oil and gas industry production levels and tend to be more stable than capital project sales. MRO product sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 increased by $10.3 million (20%) to $62.7 million compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and comprised 42% of the Company's total sales. The acquisition of JEN Supply in the fourth quarter of 2007 contributed incremental sales of $5.3 million.
The Company's strategy is to grow profitability by focusing on its core western Canadian oilfield equipment service business, complemented by an increase in the product life cycle services provided to its customers, and the focus on the emerging oilsands capital project and MRO sales opportunities. Revenue results of these initiatives to date are provided below:
Q3 2008 Q3 2007 YTD 2008 YTD 2007
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Sales ($millions) $ % $ % $ % $ %
Western Canada
oilfield 125.4 84 105.1 91 345.7 90 323.4 92
Oilsands 18.8 12 6.3 5 24.9 6 19.2 5
Production
Services 4.1 3 4.0 3 11.9 3 7.4 2
International 1.0 1 1.4 1 3.7 1 4.0 1
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total Sales 149.3 100 116.8 100 386.2 100 354.0 100
Sales of oilfield products to conventional western Canada oil and gas end use applications were $125.4 million for the third quarter of 2008, up 19% from the third quarter of 2007. Over half of this increase was comprised of incremental sales from the acquisition of JEN Supply and the increased sale of tubular steel products with the remaining increase reflective of the 13% increase in well completions compared to the prior year period.
Sales to oilsands end use applications increased to $18.8 million in the third quarter compared to $6.3 million in the third quarter of 2007. The Company continues to position its sales focus and Edmonton distribution centre and Fort McMurray branch to penetrate this emerging market for capital project and MRO products. Bid quotation flow is increasing.
Production service sales were $4.1 million in the third quarter of 2008 consistent with sales in the third quarter 2007. Full Tilt was acquired at the end of the 2nd quarter of 2007, which provides oilfield engine maintenance and crane equipment services based in Lloydminster. The Company has commenced expanding Full Tilt's service to other Company branch locations in order to capture more of our customer's product life cycle expenditures while differentiating our services from other oilfield equipment distributors.
Sales to international customer projects declined $0.4 million to $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2008 and are serviced by our Edmonton distribution centre. Sales activity from the Libyan oilfield equipment joint venture established in 2007 has been minimal to date.
Q3 2008 Q3 2007 YTD 2008 YTD 2007
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross Profit
Gross profit (millions) $27.8 $21.0 $73.8 $64.2
Gross profit margin as a %
of sales 18.6% 18.0% 19.1% 18.1%
Gross profit composition by
product sales category:
Tubulars 18% 8% 11% 8%
Pipe, flanges and fittings 23% 26% 24% 28%
Valves and accessories 14% 18% 18% 19%
Pumps, production equipment
and services 15% 17% 16% 15%
General 30% 31% 31% 30%
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Gross Profit 100% 100% 100% 100%
Gross profit reached $27.8 million in the third quarter of 2008, up
$6.8 million (32%) from the third quarter of 2007 due to the increase in sales
and gross profit margins. Gross profit composition in the third quarter of
2008 remained fairly consistent with the prior year period with the exception
of tubulars, where sales and gross profit increased due in part to the product
cost inflation of steel and tight product supply conditions.
Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") Costs
Three months ended Sept 30 Nine months ended Sept 30
2008 2007 2008 2007
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Sales ($millions) $ % $ % $ % $ %
People costs 10.5 57 7.7 57 29.9 57 24.2 57
Selling costs 2.7 15 1.4 11 7.0 13 5.4 13
Facility and
office costs 3.3 18 2.3 17 9.4 18 7.3 17
Other 2.0 10 2.0 15 5.8 12 5.8 13
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
SG&A Costs 18.5 100 13.4 100 52.1 100 42.7 100
SG&A costs a
% of sales 12% 11% 14% 12%
SG&A costs increased 38% ($5.1 million) in the third quarter of 2008 from the prior year period and represented 12% of sales compared to 11% the prior year period. The increase in people costs of $2.8 million reflects increased variable compensation due to the increase in earnings and the addition of JEN Supply employees. Selling costs were up $1.3 million compared to the prior year period due to increased sales commissions and accounts receivable bad debt allowances. Facility and office costs have increased in the third quarter of 2008 as the Company moved into a new, larger distribution centre in Edmonton in the second quarter. The addition of the JEN Supply facilities and continued occupancy cost pressure in western Canada contributed the remaining increase in cost. The Company leases 40 of its 44 branch locations as well as its corporate office in Calgary and Edmonton distribution centre. The Company mitigates the cyclical nature of industry activity levels by adjusting its variable and fixed (primarily salaries and benefits) SG&A costs as activity levels change.
Amortization Expense
Amortization expense was $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2008 down slightly from $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2007.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $0.2 million in the third quarter of 2008, down $0.3 million (58%) from the third quarter of 2007 due to lower average borrowing levels and a decline in average floating interest rates.
Foreign Exchange Loss
Foreign exchange losses of $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared to a $0.3 million loss in the third quarter of 2007. Losses reflect the impact of the weakening Canadian dollar on United States dollar denominated product purchases and net working capital liabilities.
Income Tax Expense
The Company's effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2008 was 31.2%, compared to 34.3% in the third quarter of 2007 due principally to a reduction in statutory tax rates. Substantially all of the Company's tax provision is currently payable.
Summary of Quarterly Financial Data
The selected quarterly financial data presented below is presented in Canadian dollars and in accordance with Canadian GAAP. This information is derived from the Company's unaudited quarterly financial statements.
(in millions of Cdn. dollars except per share data)
Unaudited Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3
2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Sales $130.6 $154.3 $ 82.9 $116.8 $112.3 $140.6 $ 96.4 $149.3
Gross
profit 25.0 26.3 16.8 21.0 20.4 27.1 19.0 27.8
Gross
profit % 19.1% 17.0% 20.3% 18.0% 18.2% 19.3% 19.7% 18.6%
EBITDA 9.6 11.0 2.2 7.4 5.1 10.2 2.3 9.1
EBITDA
as a %
of sales 7.4% 7.1% 2.7% 6.4% 4.5% 7.2% 2.4% 6.1%
Net income 5.4 6.4 0.6 4.1 2.4 6.3 1.0 5.7
Net income
as a %
of sales 4.1% 4.1% 0.7% 3.6% 2.1% 4.5% 1.0% 3.8%
Net income
per share
Basic
(Cdn. $)$ 0.30 $ 0.35 $ 0.03 $ 0.22 $ 0.13 $ 0.34 $ 0.05 $ 0.31
Diluted
(Cdn. $)$ 0.29 $ 0.34 $ 0.03 $ 0.22 $ 0.13 $ 0.34 $ 0.05 $ 0.31
Net working
capital
(1) 120.2 124.0 127.0 128.7 134.7 117.4 114.9 123.1
Bank
operating
loan(1) 34.0 33.6 36.0 35.4 44.3 21.8 18.4 20.9
(1) Net working capital and bank operating loan amounts are as at quarter
end.
The Company's sales levels are affected by weather conditions. As warm weather returns in the spring each year the winter's frost comes out of the ground rendering many secondary roads incapable of supporting the weight of heavy equipment until they have dried out. In addition, many exploration and production areas in northern Canada are accessible only in the winter months when the ground is frozen. As a result, the first and fourth quarters typically represent the busiest time for oil and gas industry activity and the highest sales activity for the Company. Sales levels drop dramatically during the second quarter until such time as roads have dried and road bans have been lifted. This typically results in a significant reduction in earnings during the second quarter, as the Company does not reduce its SG&A expenses during the second quarter to offset the reduction in sales. Net working capital (defined as current assets less accounts payable and accrued liabilities, income taxes payable and other current liabilities) and bank operating loan borrowing levels follow similar seasonal patterns as sales.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's primary internal source of liquidity is cash flow from operating activities before net changes in non-cash working capital balances. Cash flow from operating activities and the Company's 364-day bank operating facility are used to finance the Company's net working capital, capital expenditures required to maintain its operations and growth capital expenditures.
As at September 30, 2008, borrowings under the Company's bank operating loan were $20.9 million, a decrease of $23.4 million from December 31, 2007. Borrowing levels have decreased due to the Company generating $15.8 million in cash flow from operating activities, before net changes in non-cash working capital balances, and an $11.9 million reduction in net working capital. This was offset by $1.9 million in capital and other expenditures, $0.8 million in repayments of long term debt and capital lease obligations and $1.6 million for the purchase of shares to resource stock compensation obligations.
As at September 30, 2007, borrowings under the Company's bank operating loan were $35.4 million, an increase of $1.4 million from December 31, 2006. Borrowing levels increased due to the Company generating $14.4 million in cash from cash flow from operating activities, before net change in non-cash working capital balances and $0.6 million in the issuance of capital stock from the exercise of employee stock options. This was offset by a $8.6 million increase in net working capital, $5.8 million related to business acquisitions, $0.4 million in repayment of long term debt and capital leases, $0.2 million for the purchase of shares to resource stock compensation obligations, and $1.4 million in capital and other expenditures.
Net working capital was $123.1 million at September 30, 2008, a decrease of $11.6 million from December 31, 2007 and $5.6 million from September 30, 2007. Accounts receivable increased by $11.9 million (13%) to $101.2 million at September 30, 2008 from December 31, 2007, due to increased sales in the third quarter offset by an 8% decrease in days sales outstanding in accounts receivable ("DSO") in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the fourth quarter of 2007. DSO was 57 days for the third quarter of 2008 compared to 62 days in the fourth quarter 2007 and 63 days in the third quarter 2007. The improvement in DSO performance during the third quarter was due in part to the resolution of the temporary issues associated with the implementation of a new invoicing system that negatively impacted DSO in the first half of 2008 and a general improvement in collections performance. DSO is calculated using average sales per day for the quarter compared to the period end accounts receivable balance. Inventory increased by $0.4 million (0%) at September 30, 2008 from December 31, 2007. Inventory turns for the third quarter of 2008 improved to 5.6 times compared to 4.6 times in the third quarter of 2007 and 4.3 times in the fourth quarter of 2007. Inventory turns are calculated using cost of goods sold for the quarter on an annualized basis compared to the period end inventory balance. The company will continue to adjust its investment in inventory to align with anticipated activity levels in order to improve inventory turnover efficiency. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased by $28.3 million (63%) in the third quarter of 2008 from December 31, 2007 due mainly to an increase in purchasing to resource higher sales levels.
The Company has a 364 day bank operating loan facility in the amount of $60.0 million arranged with a syndicate of three banks that matures in July 2009. The loan facility bears interest based on floating interest rates and is secured by a general security agreement covering all assets of the Company. The maximum amount available under the facility is subject to a borrowing base formula applied to accounts receivable and inventories, and a covenant restricting the Company's average debt to 2.25 times trailing twelve month EBITDA. As at September 30, 2008, the Company's average debt to EBITDA ratio was 1.0 times (September 30, 2007 - 1.2 times) which provides a maximum borrowing ability of $60 million under the facility. As at September 30, 2008, the ratio of the Company's debt to total capitalization (debt plus equity) was 14% (September 30, 2007 - 37%).
CAPITAL STOCK
The weighted average number of shares outstanding during the third quarter 2008 was 18.3 million, a decrease of 0.1 million shares over the prior year's third quarter due principally to the purchase of common shares to resource restricted share unit obligations, offset by the exercise of stock options and restricted share units. The diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding at September 30, 2008 was 18.7 million, a decrease of 0.2 million shares from the prior year's third quarter.
As at September 30, 2008 and 2007, the following shares and securities convertible into shares, were outstanding:
September 30, September 30,
2008 2007
(millions) Shares Shares
-------------- --------------
Shares outstanding 18.2 18.4
Stock Options 1.3 0.8
Restricted Share units 0.2 0.2
-------------- --------------
Shares outstanding and issuable 19.7 19.4
The Company has established an independent trust to purchase common shares of the Company on the open market to resource restricted share unit obligations. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, 100,095 and 200,095 common shares were acquired by the trust at an average cost per share of $9.22 and $8.23 respectively (2007 - nil for the three month period and 15,200 common shares for the nine month period and at an average cost per share of $11.38).
Contractual Obligations
There have been no material changes in off-balance sheet contractual commitments since December 31, 2007. Capital expenditures in 2008 are anticipated to be in the $3 million to $5 million range and will be directed towards the Company's new Edmonton distribution center, computer systems enhancements and expanding its production service capability.
Critical Accounting Estimates
There have been no material changes to critical accounting estimates since December 31, 2007. The Company is not aware of any environmental or asset retirement obligations that could have a material impact on its operations.
Change in Accounting Policies
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountant's Handbook Section 1535 - Capital Disclosures, Section 3862 - Financial Instruments - Disclosures and Section 3863 - Financial Instruments - Presentation. The standards establish presentation guidelines for financial instruments and deal with their classification, as well as providing readers of the financial statements with information pertinent to the Company's objectives, policies and processes for managing capital.
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Section 3031 - Inventories. The standard sets out to prescribe the accounting treatment for inventories and provide guidance on the determination of cost and subsequent recognition of expenses. The adoption of Section 3031 did not impact the determination of inventory cost and expenses recorded by the Company. Inventory obsolescence expense of $301,000 was recognized in the nine month period ending September 30, 2008 (2007 - $500,000). As at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 the Company had recorded reserves for inventory obsolescence of $2.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements
During the second quarter of 2008, the CICA published CICA 3064 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets, with an effective date of January 1, 2009. This standard addresses the accounting treatment of internally developed intangibles and the recognition of such assets. The Company believes that the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on its financial statements.
Controls and Procedures
Internal control over financial reporting ("ICFR") is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Company's financial reporting and its compliance with Canadian GAAP in its financial statements. The President and Chief Executive Officer and the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company have evaluated whether there were changes to its ICFR during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the ICFR. No such changes were identified through their evaluation.
Risk Factors
The Company is exposed to certain business and market risks arising from transactions that are entered into in the normal course of business, which are primarily related to interest rate changes and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. During the reporting period, no events or transactions have occurred that would materially change the information disclosed in the Company's 2007 Form 20-F.
Forward Looking Statements
The information in this MD&A may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events, outcomes and other matters that CE Franklin plans, expects, intends, assumes, believes, budgets, predicts, forecasts, projects, estimates or anticipates (and other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future are forward- looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current belief, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in this MD&A, including those in under the caption "Risk factors".
Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places and include statements with respect to, among other things:
- forecasted oil and gas industry activity levels in 2008 and 2009;
- planned capital expenditures and working capital and availability of
capital resources to fund capital expenditures and working capital;
- the Company's future financial condition or results of operations and
future revenues and expenses;
- the Company's business strategy and other plans and objectives for
future operations;
- fluctuations in worldwide prices and demand for oil and gas;
- fluctuations in the demand for the Company's products and services.
Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described above or elsewhere in this MD&A occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the Company's actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.
All forward-looking statements expressed or implied, included in this MD&A and attributable to CE Franklin are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that CE Franklin or persons acting on its behalf might issue. CE Franklin does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of filing this MD&A, except as required by law.
Other Items
Additional information relating to CE Franklin, including its Form 20- F/Annual Information Form, is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and at www.cefranklin.com.
CE Franklin Ltd.
Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets - Unaudited
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)
September 30 December 31
2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Current assets
Accounts receivable 101,214 89,305
Inventories 86,792 86,414
Other 8,218 3,781
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
196,224 179,500
Property and equipment 6,520 6,398
Goodwill 20,570 20,523
Future income taxes (note 3) 1,562 1,403
Other 586 891
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
225,462 208,715
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Bank operating loan 20,902 44,301
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 73,108 44,807
Current portion of long term debt and capital
lease obligations 197 805
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
94,207 89,913
Long term debt and capital lease obligations 500 582
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
94,707 90,495
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' Equity (note 2)
Capital stock 22,914 24,306
Contributed surplus 18,619 17,671
Retained earnings 89,222 76,243
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
130,755 118,220
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
225,462 208,715
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to these interim consolidated financial
statements.
CE Franklin Ltd.
Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations - Unaudited
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Nine months Ended
(in thousands of Canadian -------------------- --------------------
dollars except shares and September 30 September 30
per share amounts) 2008 2007 2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales 149,256 116,817 386,233 354,010
Cost of sales 121,460 95,770 312,423 289,822
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 27,796 21,047 73,810 64,188
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 18,534 13,347 52,144 42,699
Amortization 586 654 1,797 2,140
Interest expense 205 487 805 1,549
Foreign exchange loss 119 282 109 871
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
19,444 14,770 54,855 47,259
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes 8,352 6,277 18,955 16,929
Income tax expense (recovery)
(note 3)
Current 2,548 2,219 6,131 6,100
Future 58 (66) (155) (311)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,606 2,153 5,976 5,789
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net and comprehensive income
for the period 5,746 4,124 12,979 11,140
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income per share (note 2)
Basic 0.31 0.22 0.71 0.61
Diluted 0.31 0.22 0.70 0.59
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding (000's) (note 2)
Basic 18,254 18,392 18,290 18,283
Diluted 18,495 18,901 18,674 18,792
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to these interim consolidated financial
statements.
CE Franklin Ltd.
Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow - Unaudited
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Nine months ended
-------------------- --------------------
September September September September
(in thousands of Canadian 30 30 30 30
dollars) 2008 2007 2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from operating
activities
Net income for the period 5,746 4,124 12,979 11,140
Items not affecting cash -
Amortization 586 654 1,797 2,140
Future income tax
(recovery) expense 58 (66) (155) (311)
Stock based compensation
expense 303 412 1,149 1,474
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
6,693 5,124 15,770 14,443
Net change in non-cash working
capital balances related to
operations -
Accounts receivable (17,008) (20,281) (12,020) 885
Inventories (3,451) 9,977 14 11,472
Other current assets (2,176) 259 (3,931) 806
Accounts payable and accured
liabilities 15,597 3,612 28,666 (20,819)
Income taxes payable (925) 2,352 (793) (946)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1,270) 1,043 27,706 5,841
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows (used in)/from
financing activities
Increase/(Decrease) in bank
operating loan 2,506 (593) (23,399) 1,382
Decrease in long term debt and
capital lease obligations (54) (45) (759) (436)
Issuance of capital stock - 1 49 569
Purchase of capital stock in
trust for RSU Plans (919) - (1,642) (173)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,533 (637) (25,751) 1,342
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows used in investing
activities
Purchase of property and
equipment (263) (359) (2,396) (1,359)
Business acquisitions - (47) 441 (5,824)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(263) (406) (1,955) (7,183)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in cash and cash
equivalents during the period - - - -
Cash and cash equivalents -
Beginning of period - - - -
Cash and cash equivalents -
End of period - - - -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest on bank operating loan 195 478 777 1,525
Interest on capital lease
obligations and long term debt 10 9 28 24
Income taxes 3,315 27 5,884 7,212
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to these interim consolidated financial
statements.
CE Franklin Ltd.
Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity -
Unaudited
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Stock
-----------------
(in thousands of Number Share-
Canadian dollars and of Contributed Retained holders'
number of shares) Shares $ Surplus Earnings Equity
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - December 31,
2006 18,223 23,586 16,213 62,676 102,475
Stock based compensation
expense - - 1,474 - 1,474
Stock options exercised 174 827 (257) - 570
Restricted share units
(RSU's) exercised 10 204 (204) - -
Purchase of shares in
trust for RSU plans (15) (173) - - (173)
Net income - - - 11,140 11,140
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - September 30,
2007 18,392 24,444 17,226 73,816 115,486
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - December 31,
2007 18,370 24,306 17,671 76,243 118,220
Stock based compensation
expense - - 1,149 - 1,149
Stock options exercised 10 70 (20) - 50
Restricted share units
(RSU's) exercised 11 181 (181) - -
Purchase of shares in
trust for RSU Plans (200) (1,643) - - (1,643)
Net income - - - 12,979 12,979
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - September 30,
2008 18,191 22,914 18,619 89,222 130,755
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to these interim consolidated financial
statements.
CE Franklin Ltd.
Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements - Unaudited
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars except share and per
share amounts)
Note 1 - Accounting Policies
These interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada
applied on a consistent basis with CE Franklin Ltd.'s (the "Company")
annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31,
2007, with the exception of policies relating to financial instruments,
capital disclosures and inventories as noted below. The disclosures
provided below are incremental to those included in the annual
consolidated financial statements. These interim consolidated financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated
financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended
December 31, 2007.
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Section 1535 - Capital
Disclosures, Section 3862 - Financial Instruments - Disclosures and
Section 3863 - Financial Instruments - Presentation. The standards
establish presentation guidelines for financial instruments and deal with
their classification, as well as providing readers of the financial
statements with information pertinent to the Company's objectives,
policies and processes for managing capital.
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Section 3031 -
Inventories. The standard establishes the accounting treatment for
inventories and provides guidance on the determination of cost and
subsequent recognition of expenses. The adoption of Section 3031 did not
impact the determination of inventory costs and expense recorded by the
Company. Inventories consisting primarily of goods purchased for resale
are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.
Inventory obsolescence expense was recognized in the three and nine month
periods ending September 30, 2008 of $25,000 recovery and $301,000
expense respectively (2007 - $245,000 and $500,000). A recovery of
$25,000 was recorded in the three month period ended September 30, 2008
due to a general improvement in inventory turnover performance. As at
September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 the Company had recorded
reserves for inventory obsolescence of $2.1 million and $1.8 million
respectively.
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all
adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair
presentation of the results for the interim periods presented; all such
adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.
The Company's sales typically peak in the first quarter when drilling
activity is at its highest levels. They then decline through the second
and third quarters, rising again in the fourth quarter when preparation
for the new drilling season commences. Similarly, net working capital
levels are typically at seasonally high levels at the end of the first
quarter, declining in the second and third quarters, and then rising
again in the fourth quarter.
Note 2 - Share Data
At September 30, 2008, the Company had 18.2 million common shares and
1.3 million options outstanding to acquire common shares at a weighted
average exercise price of $5.85 per common share, of which 667,164
options were vested and exercisable at a weighted average exercise price
of $4.23 per common share.
a) Stock options
Option activity for each of the nine month periods ended September 30 was
as follows:
000's 2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at January 1 1,262 804
Granted 75 220
Exercised (10) (174)
Forfeited (1) (1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at September 30 1,326 849
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
There were no options granted during the three month period ended
September 30, 2008. A total of 110,683 share options were granted at a
weighted average strike price of $10.30 in the three month period ended
September 30, 2007 for a fair value of $507,000. The fair value of the
options granted during the nine month period ended September 30, 2008 was
$274,000 (September 30, 2007 - $1,027,000) and were estimated as at the
grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, using the
following assumptions:
2008
------
Dividend yield Nil
Risk-free interest rate 3.88%
Expected life 5 years
Expected volatility 50%
Stock Option compensation expense recorded in the three and nine month
periods ended September 30, 2008 was $170,000 (2007 - $144,000) and
$520,000, (2007 - $379,000), respectively.
b) Restricted share units
The Company has Restricted Share Unit ("RSU") and Deferred Share Unit
("DSU") plans (collectively the "RSU Plans"), where by RSU's and DSU's
are granted entitling the participant, at the Company's option, to
receive either a common share or cash equivalent value in exchange for a
vested unit. The vesting period for RSU's is three years from the grant
date. DSU's vest on the date of grant. Compensation expense related to
the units granted is recognized over the vesting period based on the fair
value of the units at the date of the grant and is recorded to
compensation expense and contributed surplus. The contributed surplus
balance is reduced as the vested units are exchanged for either common
shares or cash.
000's 2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
RSU DSU RSU DSU
Outstanding at January 1 178 37 120 12
Granted 1 30 79 25
Exercised (11) - (10) -
Forfeited - - (9) -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at September 30 168 67 180 37
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
RSU plan compensation expense recorded in the three and nine month
periods ended September 30, 2008 was $133,000 (2007 - $269,000) and
$629,000 (2007 - $1,095,000) respectively.
The Company purchases its common shares on the open market to satisfy
restricted share unit obligations through an independent trust. The trust
is considered to be a variable interest entity and is consolidated in the
Company's financial statements with the number and cost of shares held in
trust, reported as a reduction of capital stock. During the three and
nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, 100,095 and 200,095 common
shares were acquired respectively by the trust (2007 - nil for the three
month period and 15,200 common shares for the nine month period) at a
cost of $922,000 for the three month period and $1,643,000 for the nine
month period (2007 - $173,000).
c) Reconciliation of weighted average number of diluted common shares
outstanding (in 000's)
The following table summarizes the common shares in calculating net
earnings per share.
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
--------------------- ---------------------
September September September September
30 30 30 30
2008 2007 2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average common
shares outstanding - basic 18,254 18,392 18,290 18,283
Effect of Stock options and
RSU Plans 241 509 384 509
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average common shares
outstanding - diluted 18,495 18,901 18,674 18,792
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 3 - Income taxes
a) The difference between the income tax provision recorded and the
provision obtained by applying the combined federal and provincial
statutory rates is as follows:
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
--------------------------- ---------------------------
September 30 September 30
2008 % 2007 % 2008 % 2007 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before
income taxes 8,351 6,279 18,955 16,930
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income taxes
calculated
at expected
rates 2,498 29.9 2,048 32.6 5,670 29.9 5,522 32.6
Non-deductible
items 122 1.5 97 1.6 319 1.7 345 2.0
Capital and
large
corporations
taxes 13 0.2 - 0.0 35 0.2 22 0.1
Adjustments on
filing returns
& other (27) (0.4) 8 0.1 (48) (0.3) (100) (0.6)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,606 31.2 2,153 34.3 5,976 31.5 5,789 34.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at September 30, 2008, income taxes receivable included in other
current assets are $0.524 million (December 31 2007 - Income taxes
receivable $0.848 million).
b) Future income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary difference
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purpose.
Significant components of future income tax assets and liabilities
are as follows:
September 30 December 31
2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Financing charges 71 103
Property and equipment 910 874
Stock compensation expense & Other 934 786
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,915 1,763
Liabilities
Goodwill 353 360
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net future income tax asset 1,562 1,403
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company believes it is more likely than not that all future income
tax assets will be realized.
Note 4 - Capital Management
The Company's primary source of capital is its shareholders equity and
cash flow from operating activities before net changes in non-cash
working capital balances. The Company augments these capital sources with
a $60 million, 364 day bank operating loan facility which is used to
finance its net working capital and general corporate requirements. The
bank operating facility is arranged through a syndicate of three banks
and matures in July 2009.
The maximum amount available to borrow under this facility is subject to
a borrowing base formula applied to accounts receivable and inventories,
and a covenant restricting the Company's debt to 2.25 times trailing
12 month earnings before interest, amortization and taxes. As at
September 30, 2008, this ratio was 1.0 times (December 31, 2007 - 1.4
times) and the maximum amount available to be borrowed under the facility
was $60 million. In management's opinion, the Company's available
borrowing capacity under its bank operating facility and ongoing cash
flow from operations, are sufficient to resource its anticipated
contractual commitments. The facility contains certain other restrictive
covenants, which the Company was in compliance with as at September 30,
2008.
Note 5 - Financial Instruments and Risk Management
a) Fair Values
The Company's financial instruments recognized on the consolidated
balance sheet consist of accounts receivable, accounts payable and
accrued liabilities, bank operating loan, long term debt and obligations
under capital leases. The fair values of these financial instruments,
excluding the bank operating loan, long term debt and obligations under
capital leases, approximate their carrying amounts due to their short-
term maturity. At September 30, 2008, the fair value of the bank
operating loan, long term debt and obligations under capital leases
approximated their carrying values due to their floating interest rate
nature and short term maturity.
b) Credit Risk
A substantial portion of the Company's accounts receivable balance is
with customers in the oil and gas industry and is subject to normal
industry credit risks.
c) Market Risk
The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in the Canadian prime
interest rate which can impact its borrowing costs. The Company purchases
certain products in US dollars and sells such products to its customer
typically priced in Canadian dollars. As a result, fluctuations in the
value of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar can result in
foreign exchange gains and losses.
d) Risk Management
From time to time the Company enters into foreign exchange forward
contracts to manage its foreign exchange market risk by fixing the value
of its liabilities and future commitments. The Company's foreign exchange
risk arises principally from the settlement of United States dollar
denominated net working capital balances as a result of product purchases
denominated in United States dollars. As at September 30, 2008, the
Company had contracted to purchase US$5.1 million at fixed exchange rates
with terms not exceeding six months. The fair market values of the
contracts are nominal.
Note 6 - Related Party Transactions
Smith International Inc. ("Smith") owns approximately 53% of the
Company's outstanding shares. The Company is the exclusive distributor in
Canada of down hole pump production equipment manufactured by Wilson
Supply, a division of Smith. Purchase of such equipment conducted in the
normal course on commercial terms were as follows:
September 30 September 30
2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of sales for the three months ended 2,570 2,498
Cost of sales for the nine months ended 7,938 7,041
Inventory 4,849 4,074
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 535 1,064
Note 7 - Segmented reporting
The Company distributes oilfield products principally through its
networks of 44 branches located in western Canada to oil and gas industry
customers. Accordingly, the Company has determined that it operated
through a single operating segment and geographic jurisdiction.