MONTREAL, July 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Velan Inc. (TSX:VLN) ("Velan" or the "Company"), a world-leading manufacturer of industrial valves, announced today financial results for its first quarter ended May 31, 2024. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars unless indicated otherwise. FIRST-QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS AND RECENT EVENTS Order backlog of $528.3 million, up $36.8 million from the beginning of the year. Bookings1 of $109.8 million compared to $91.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. Book-to-bill ratio1 of 1.42 versus 1.36 in the same period last year. Sales of $77.5 million, up 14.5% from $67.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. Gross profit of $23.8 million, or 30.7% of sales, versus $15.1 million, or 22.2% of sales, in the same period last year. Net loss2 of $1.1 million compared to a net loss of $8.3 million in the first quarter of 2024. Net cash and cash equivalents of $34.0 million. On July 8, Velan announced a CA$50-million alliance agreement with Bruce Power to provide valve and valve support over the next 10 years. FINANCIAL RESULTS(‘000s of U.S. dollars, excluding per share amounts) Three-month periods ended May 31, 2024 May 31, 2023 Sales $77,500 $67,659 Gross profit $23,812 $15,052 Gross margin 30.7% 22.2% Net income (loss) ($1,104) ($8,284) per share - basic and diluted ($0.05) ($0.38) Adjusted EBITDA1 $3,862 ($3,290) Adjusted net income1 (loss) ($1,015) ($7,910) per share - basic and diluted ($0.05) ($0.37) Weighted average share outstanding (‘000s) 21,586 21,586 "Velan opened fiscal 2025 with a robust performance across its core markets, generating double-digit year-over-year sales growth, an order backlog of $528 million, and a gross margin above 30% in the first quarter," said James A. Mannebach, Chairman and CEO of Velan. "We are particularly excited about expanded opportunities in the nuclear sector based on heightened interest in small modular reactors that are gaining traction in Europe and North America. As a whole, nuclear power deployments, which are critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, were recently fast-tracked by a bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate. In Canada, we strengthened our position in the nuclear market by signing a 10-year strategic agreement with Bruce Power earlier this week to supply industrial valves for asset management and life-extension projects. Looking ahead, we anticipate a nuclear power growth cycle for at least the next decade on a global basis." "We significantly improved our gross margin in the first quarter, driven by increased sales volume and a favourable mix delivering substantial growth year-over-year in Adjusted EBITDA," said Rishi Sharma, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of Velan. "Based on a net cash position of $34.0 million at the end of the quarter, Velan has the financial strength to maintain investments in key growth areas and build long-term shareholder value." BACKLOG(‘000s of U.S. dollars, excluding ratio) As at May 31, 2024 Feb. 29, 2024 Backlog $528,278 $491,525 for delivery within the next 12 months $372,250 $360,669       BOOKINGS (‘000s of U.S. dollars, excluding ratio) Three-month periods ended May 31, 2024 May 31, 2023 Bookings $109,768 $91,811 Book-to-bill ratio 1.42 1.36 As at May 31, 2024, the backlog stood at $528.3 million, up $36.8 million, or 7.5%, from $491.5 million at the beginning of the fiscal year, reflecting solid first quarter bookings. As at May 31, 2024, 70.5% of the backlog, representing orders of $372.3 million, is deliverable within the next 12 months versus 73.4% of last year's backlog. Currency movements had a positive effect of $1.1 million on the backlog during the period. Bookings in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 amounted to $109.8 million, up 19.6% over bookings of $91.8 million last year. This growth mainly reflects higher bookings in North America driven by new projects and the MRO business, along with higher bookings for oil refinery projects in Germany and for the nuclear power market in France. These factors were partially offset by reduced oil and gas orders in Italy given large orders recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. Currency movements had a positive effect of $1.1 million on bookings in the quarter. As bookings outpaced sales, the Company's book-to-bill ratio was 1.42 in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to 1.36 in the corresponding period of fiscal 2024. FIRST QUARTER RESULTS Sales reached $77.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, up 14.5% from the same period last year. The growth is mainly attributable to an increase in shipments from Velan's North American operations, including important project deliveries and a solid performance from its MRO business, as well as from Italian operations which delivered on a solid backlog despite shipment delays due to supply-chain issues. Currency movements had a $0.6 million negative effect on sales in the quarter. Gross profit totaled $23.8 million in the first quarter of 2025, up significantly from $15.1 million last year. The increase is primarily due to the higher sales volume, which positively impacted the absorption of fixed production overhead costs, a more favorable product mix compared to last year, and production efficiency gains. Currency movements had a $0.1 million negative effect on gross profit in the first quarter of 2025. As a percentage of sales, gross profit reached 30.7% compared to 22.2% last year. Administration costs totaled $21.8 million, or 28.1% of sales, in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to $21.5 million, or 31.8% of sales, a year ago. This year's administration costs included $0.1 million in restructuring expenses, mainly consisting of severance payments, while last year's costs included $0.5 million in expenses related to the proposed transaction with Flowserve Corporation. Excluding these items, administration costs amounted to $21.7 million, or 28.0% of sales, in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 versus $21.0 million, or 31.0% of sales, last year. The year-over-year decrease mainly reflects cost-containment initiatives throughout the Company's operations and leverage from higher sales. EBITDA amounted to $3.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to negative $3.8 million last year. Excluding this year's restructuring costs and last year's expenses related to the proposed Flowserve transaction, adjusted EBITDA reached $3.9 million, up from a negative $3.3 million last year. The year-over-year increase was mainly driven by higher sales volume combined with the significant improvement in gross profit and cost containment initiatives. Net loss totaled $1.1 million, or $0.05 per share, in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to a net loss of $8.3 million, or $0.38 per share, last year. Excluding the after-tax effect of restructuring costs and expenses related to the proposed transaction, adjusted net loss was $1.0 million, or $0.05 per share, versus an adjusted net loss of $7.9 million, or $0.37 per share, last year. The year-over-year variation can be attributed to higher adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter of 2025, partially offset by greater net finance costs and income tax expense. FINANCIAL POSITION As at May 31, 2024, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $35.8 million and short-term investments of $5.7 million, while long-term debt, including the current portion, amounted to $24.8 million. OUTLOOK Velan delivered strong first quarter results, highlighted by a growing order backlog of $528.3 million and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.42. As at May 31, 2024, orders amounting to $372.3 million, which represents 70.5% of the total backlog, are expected to be delivered within the next 12 months. Given these orders, the Company is reiterating its expectations to deliver sales growth in fiscal 2025. CONFERENCE CALL NOTICE Financial analysts, shareholders, and other interested individuals are invited to attend the first quarter conference call to be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. (EDT). The toll-free call-in number is 1-800-836-8184 or by RapidConnect URL: https://emportal.ink/3z8pLbF. The material that will be referenced during the conference call will be made available shortly before the event on the company's website under the Investor Relations section (https://www.velan.com/en/company/investor_relations). A recording of this conference call will be available for seven days at 1-289-819-1450 or 1-888-660-6345, access code 87075. ABOUT VELAN Founded in Montreal in 1950, Velan Inc. (www.velan.com) is one of the world's leading manufacturers of industrial valves, with sales of US$346.8 million in its last reported fiscal year. The Company employs 1,654 people and has manufacturing plants in 9 countries. Velan Inc. is a public company with its shares listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol VLN. SAFE HARBOUR STATEMENT This news release may include forward-looking statements, which generally contain words like "should", "believe", "anticipate", "plan", "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "continue" or "estimate" or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions, all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties, which are disclosed in the Company's filings with the appropriate securities commissions. While these statements are based on management's assumptions regarding historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that it believes are reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may differ materially from those expressed herein. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by the applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. NON-IFRS AND SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL MEASURES In this press release, the Company has presented measures of performance or financial condition which are not defined under IFRS ("non-IFRS measures") and are, therefore, unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These measures are used by management in assessing the operating results and financial condition of the Company and are reconciled with the performance measures defined under IFRS. The Company has also presented supplementary financial measures which are defined at the end of this report. Reconciliation and definition can be found below. Adjusted net income (loss), Adjusted net income (loss) per share, Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands, except amount per shares) Three-month periods ended May 31, 2024 May 31, 2023   $   $   Reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) & adjusted net income (loss) per share     Net income (loss) (1,104 ) (8,284 ) Adjustment for:     Restructuring costs 89   -   Proposed transaction related costs -   374   Adjusted net income (loss) (1,015 ) (7,910 ) per share - basic and diluted (0.05 ) (0.37 )       Reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA     Net income (loss) (1,104 ) (8,284 ) Adjustments for:     Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 1,685   2,066   Amortization of intangible assets and financing costs 771   563   Finance costs – net 1,341   1,205   Income taxes 1,048   651   EBITDA 3,741   (3,799 )       Adjustments for:     Restructuring costs 121   -   Proposed transaction related costs -   509   Adjusted EBITDA 3,862   (3,290 ) The term "Adjusted net income (loss)" is defined as net income or loss attributable to Subordinate and Multiple Voting Shares plus adjustment, net of income taxes, for costs related to restructuring and to the proposed transaction. The terms "Adjusted net income (loss) per share" is obtained by dividing Adjusted net income (loss) by the total amount of subordinate and multiple voting shares. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The term "EBITDA" is defined as adjusted net income plus depreciation of property, plant & equipment, plus amortization of intangible assets, plus net finance costs, plus income tax provision. The term "Adjusted EBITDA" is defined as EBITDA plus adjustment for costs related to restructuring and to the proposed transaction. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Definitions of supplementary financial measures The term "Net new orders" or "bookings" is defined as firm orders, net of cancellations, recorded by the Company during a period. Bookings are impacted by the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates for a given period. The measure provides an indication of the Company's sales operation performance for a given period as well as well as an expectation of future sales and cash flows to be achieved on these orders. The term "backlog" is defined as the buildup of all outstanding bookings to be delivered by the Company. The Company's backlog is impacted by the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates for a given period. The measure provides an indication of the future operational challenges of the Company as well as an expectation of future sales and cash flows to be achieved on these orders. The term "book-to-bill" is obtained by dividing bookings by sales. The measure provides an indication of the Company's performance and outlook for a given period. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Contact: Rishi Sharma, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Martin Goulet, M.Sc., CFA Velan Inc. MBC Capital Markets Advisors Tel: (438) 817-4430 Tel.: (514) 731-0000, ext. 229 1 Non-IFRS and supplementary financial measure. Refer to the Non-IFRS and Supplementary Financial Measures section for definitions and reconciliations.2 Net income or loss refer to net income or loss attributable to Subordinate and Multiple Voting Shares. Consolidated Statements of Financial Position     (in thousands of U.S. dollars)         As ...