Release – CVG Reports Second Quarter 2023 Results

Research News and Market Data on CVGI

AUGUST, 01, 2023

Strong quarterly revenues of $262 million, up 4.5% year-over-year
EPS of $0.30, adjusted EBITDA of $20.8 million or 7.9% of revenue
Continued strategy execution and operational excellence driving improved results

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, Aug. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CVG (NASDAQ: CVGI), a diversified industrial products and services company, today announced financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Second Quarter 2023 Highlights (Compared with prior year, where comparisons are noted)

  • Revenues of $262.2 million, up 4.5% primarily driven by strong price realization.
  • Operating income of $15.9 million, up 156.0%; adjusted operating income of $16.7 million, up 106.2%. Improved operating income was driven primarily by improved pricing and cost management.
  • Net income of $10.1 million, or $0.30 per diluted share. Adjusted net income of $10.7 million, or $0.32 per diluted share.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $20.8 million, up 67.7% with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 7.9%, tracking further towards the Company’s long-term profitability target.
  • Net new business wins year-to-date are $124 million. The majority of the new business awards continue to be in the Electrical Systems segment.
  • Our cost reduction program continues to deliver cost savings through process improvements, footprint changes and organizational streamlining.

Robert C. Griffin, Chairman of the Board and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “CVG delivered solid second quarter results and we continued to execute well on our long-term strategy. The team’s efforts to drive the Company’s strategic plan are delivering improved financial results, highlighted by strong improvements in revenue, operating income, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow during the quarter. Additionally, I am pleased to report that our Electrical Systems plant expansions are on track and the Aldama, Mexico plant is open and ramping up production. We remain on track to deliver record revenues in 2023 and continue to expect our full year Adjusted EBITDA margins to show significant expansion versus last year, based on the current vehicle production outlook for the second half of the year. We also believe we continue to be on track to deliver our 2027 targets of $1.5 billion in revenue and 9% EBITDA margin.”

Mr. Griffin concluded, “I would like to thank our team of employees who helped us improve CVG this quarter and continue to execute our strategy of growing and diversifying our revenue, optimizing our cost structure through process automation and cost reduction, and increasing our margins to become a bigger, more profitable company.”

Andy Cheung, Chief Financial Officer, added, “The continued execution of our strategy is delivering improved financial results for CVG.   Our focus on winning new business, improved price realization and cost reduction has allowed us to continue to improve our margins and profit.   Additionally, we remain heavily focused on optimizing working capital, increasing cash flows, and paying down our debt.”

Consolidated Results

Second Quarter 2023 Results

  • Second quarter 2023 revenues were $262.2 million, compared to $250.8 million in the prior year period, an increase of 4.5%. The increase in revenues was primarily driven by increased pricing and volume from new Electrical Systems business, partially offset by lower volumes in the Industrial Automation segment. Foreign currency translation also favorably impacted second quarter 2023 revenues by $0.7 million, or 0.3%.
  • Operating income in the second quarter 2023 was $15.9 million compared to $6.2 million in the prior year period. The increase in operating income was attributable to higher margins, partially offset by higher SG&A. The second quarter 2023 adjusted operating income was $16.7 million, excluding special charges.
  • Interest associated with debt and other expenses was $2.8 million and $2.1 million for the second quarter 2023 and 2022, respectively.
  • Net income was $10.1 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, for the second quarter 2023 compared to net income of $2.5 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, in the prior year period.

At June 30, 2023, the Company had $9.0 million of outstanding borrowings on its U.S. revolving credit facility and $4.1 million outstanding on its China credit facility, $42.4 million of cash and $148.1 million of availability from the credit facilities, resulting in total liquidity of $190.5 million.

Second Quarter 2023 Segment Results

Vehicle Solutions Segment

  • Revenues were $152.7 million compared to $142.8 million for the prior year period, an increase of 7.0%, primarily resulting from increased pricing.
  • Operating income was $14.1 million, compared to $1.5 million in the prior year period, an increase of 836.7%, primarily attributable to price increases with customers and cost reduction initiatives. Adjusted operating income was $14.5 million.

   Electrical Systems Segment

  • Revenues were $63.6 million compared to $47.3 million in the prior year period, an increase of 34.4%, primarily resulting from increased sales volume and pricing.
  • Operating income was $7.7 million compared to $5.9 million in the prior year period, an increase of 28.9%. The increase in operating income was primarily attributable to increased sales volume and pricing.

Aftermarket & Accessories Segment

  • Revenues were $36.8 million compared to $32.2 million in the prior year period, an increase 14.5%, primarily resulting from increased pricing.
  • Operating income was $5.5 million compared to $1.1 million in the prior year period, an increase of 388.2%. The increase in operating income was primarily attributable to increased pricing and cost reduction.

Industrial Automation Segment

  • Revenues were $9.0 million compared to $28.5 million in the prior year period, a decrease of 68.4%, primarily due to decreased customer demand which is expected to continue in the third quarter.
  • Operating loss was $2.1 million compared to operating income of $1.3 million in the prior year period. The decrease in operating income was primarily attributable to volume reduction and an inventory charge of $1.6 million. Adjusted operating loss was $1.7 million.

2023 Demand Outlook

According to ACT Research, 2023 North American Class 8 truck production levels are expected to be at 339,000 units and Class 5-7 production levels are expected to be at 258,000 units. Estimates from FTR for 2023 are 325,000 units, slightly lower than ACT Research for Class 8 truck builds. The 2022 actual Class 8 truck builds according to the ACT Research was 315,128 units.

The global commercial and automotive vehicle wire harness market is growing at approximately 4.5%.​ The global electric truck market expected to grow approximately 15% CAGR.

According to Interact Analysis, the Global Off-Highway vehicle market is expected to increase approximately 4% to 6.2 million units in 2023 from 5.9 million units in 2022. Beyond 2023, the Off-Highway vehicle market is expected to grow in the 4-5% range. We expect our legacy business growth rates to be in line with this outlook.

Industry forecasts are expecting at least 4% growth in 2023 for North American aftermarket truck parts. Compounded annual growth of at least 4% is forecasted for 2023-2027​.

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation

A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures referenced in this release is included as Appendix A to this release.

Conference Call

A conference call to discuss this press release is scheduled for Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. ET. Management intends to reference the Q2 2023 Earnings Call Presentation during the conference call. To participate, dial (888) 259-6580 using conference code 34051647. International participants dial (416) 764-8624 using conference code 34051647.

This call is being webcast and can be accessed through the “Investors” section of CVG’s website at ir.cvgrp.com, where it will be archived for one year.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available for a period of two weeks following the call. To access the replay, dial (877) 674-7070 using access code 051647 and international callers can dial (416) 764-8692 using access code 051647.

Company Contact
Andy Cheung
Chief Financial Officer
CVG
IR@cvgrp.com

Investor Relations Contact
Ross Collins or Stephen Poe
Alpha IR Group
CVGI@alpha-ir.com

About CVG

At CVG, we deliver real solutions to complex design, engineering and manufacturing problems while creating positive change for our customers, industries and communities we serve. Information about the Company and its products is available on the internet at www.cvgrp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements often include words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “project”, “continue”, “likely”, and similar expressions. In particular, this press release may contain forward-looking statements about the Company’s expectations for future periods with respect to its plans to improve financial results, the future of the Company’s end markets, changes in the Class 8 and Class 5-7 North America truck build rates, performance of the global construction equipment business, the Company’s prospects in the wire harness, warehouse automation and electric vehicle markets, the Company’s initiatives to address customer needs, organic growth, the Company’s strategic plans and plans to focus on certain segments, competition faced by the Company, volatility in and disruption to the global economic environment and the Company’s financial position or other financial information. These statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company has made in light of its experience as well as its perspective on historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results because of certain risks and uncertainties, including those included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. There can be no assurance that statements made in this press release relating to future events will be achieved. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on behalf of the Company are expressly qualified in their entirety by such cautionary statements.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

This earnings release contains financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). In general, the non-GAAP measures exclude items that (i) management believes reflect the Company’s multi-year corporate activities; or (ii) relate to activities or actions that may have occurred over multiple or in prior periods without predictable trends. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally to evaluate the Company’s performance, engage in financial and operational planning and to determine incentive compensation.

Management provides these non-GAAP financial measures to investors as supplemental metrics to assist readers in assessing the effects of items and events on the Company’s financial and operating results and in comparing the Company’s performance to that of its competitors and to comparable reporting periods. The non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.

The non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by the Company should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. The financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations to those financial statements set forth above should be carefully evaluated.

Source: Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.

Release – CVG Announces First Quarter 2023 Earnings Call

Research News and Market Data on CVGI

APRIL, 21, 2023

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, April 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CVG (NASDAQ: CVGI) will hold its quarterly conference call on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. ET, to discuss first quarter 2023 financial results. CVG will issue a press release and presentation prior to the conference call.

Toll-free participants dial (888) 886-7786 using conference code 74688048. International participants dial (416) 764-8658 using conference code 74688048. This call is being webcast and can be accessed through the “Investors” section of CVG’s website at ir.cvgrp.com where it will be archived for one year.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until May 17, 2023. To access the replay, toll-free callers can dial (877) 674-7070 using access code 688048.

About CVG

At CVG, we deliver real solutions to complex design, engineering and manufacturing problems while creating positive change for our customers, industries, and communities we serve. Information about the Company and its products is available on the internet at www.cvgrp.com.

Investor Relations Contact:
Ross Collins or Stephen Poe
Alpha IR Group
CVGI@alpha-ir.com

Source: Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.

Release – CVG Announces Participation In The Sidoti Virtual Small-Cap Investor Conference

Research, News, and Market Data on CVGI

DECEMBER, 01, 2022

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, Dec. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CVG (NASDAQ: CVGI) announced today that Harold Bevis, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Andy Cheung, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will present virtually at the Sidoti December Small-Cap Virtual Conference on December 7, 2022, at 9:15 a.m. ET. A link to the webcast can be accessed through the investor section of the Company’s website at cvgrp.com. The presentation materials will be posted on the Company Website and be archived there for a period of 30 days.

Management will also meet virtually with investors registered for the conference.

For further information, please contact CVGI@alpha-ir.com

About CVG

At CVG, we deliver real solutions to complex design, engineering and manufacturing problems while creating positive change for our customers, industries, and communities we serve. Information about the Company and its products is available on the internet at www.cvgrp.com.

Investor Relations Contact:
Ross Collins or Stephen Poe
Alpha IR Group
CVGI@alpha-ir.com

Source: Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.

Kandi Technologies Group, Inc. (KNDI) – Kandi results move to the positive on shift to off-road vehicles


Wednesday, November 09, 2022

Kandi Technologies Group, Inc. (KNDI), headquartered in Jinhua Economic Development Zone, Zhejiang Province, is engaged in the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of various vehicular products. Kandi conducts its primary business operations through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Zhejiang Kandi Technologies Group Co., Ltd. (“Zhejiang Kandi Technologies”), formerly, Zhejiang Kandi Vehicles Co., Ltd.) and its subsidiaries including Zhejiang Kandi Smart Battery Swap Technology Co., Ltd, and SC Autosports, LLC (d/b/a Kandi America), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Kandi in the United States, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Kandi America Investment, LLC. Zhejiang Kandi Technologies has established itself as one of China’s leading manufacturers of pure electric vehicle parts and off-road vehicles.

Michael Heim, CFA, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Kandi reports positive earnings. 2022-3Q net income was $1.1 million or $0.01 per share up from ($7.9 million) or ($0.10) and surpassing our ($2.4 million) or ($0.03) estimate. Positive results reflect improved results for off-road vehicles (UTVs, Golf Carts, etc.). Off-road vehicles reported revenues of $21.7 million versus $6.8 million last year and our $7.5 million estimate. Kandi began emphasizing off-road vehicles last spring. Kandi golf carts can now be found at Lowes Corporation in addition to licensed dealers. The company continues to develop new models including cross over UTV-golf cart vehicles.

Positive net income comes despite operating income losses. Operating income for the third quarter was ($2.2 million) versus ($9.0 million). The difference between operating income and net income can be explained by positive interest and other income as well as negative tax expense. The company reported $210 million in cash or approximately $2.75 per share at the end of the quarter positively contributing to interest income. The company believes it is prudent to maintain a large cash position to fund research and development as markets develop. That said, it has authorized a share repurchase program which we believe it will utilize if its share price drops below $2.50 per share.


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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Will Europe’s Natural Gas Dilemma Permanently Bring Manufacturing to the U.S.?

Image Credit: Kateryna Babaieva (Flickr)

Natural Gas Intensive Manufacturing’s Latest Move from Europe to the U.S. is a “No-Brainer”

Is Europe moving manufacturing jobs to the U.S.?

As Russia’s Nord Stream 1 pipeline gas shipments have been curtailed by 89%, and European countries have agreed to sweeping cuts in natural gas consumption, some manufacturing in Europe has had to make difficult decisions. For them to stay in business or to protect profitability, moving to where the supply chain flows more freely may be a choice forced on companies.

The industries most impacted by unpredictable supply and skyrocketing gas prices are those that make steel, fertilizer, chemicals, and other feedstocks. Many of these same industries have been (unintentionally) incentivized to relocate operations to the U.S. by Washington’s growing menu of incentives for manufacturing and green energy. This government support, if their operations comply with certain standards, and the need for stable energy availability has already caused some businesses to cross over to the U.S.

Some economists have suggested that this could bring a new era of deindustrialization to Europe, and industrial jobs to the U.S.

The Decision to Make the Move

This month Ahmed El-Hoshy, chief executive of Amsterdam-based chemical firm OCI NV announced an expansion of an ammonia plant in Texas. “It’s a no-brainer to go and do that in the United States,” El-Hoshy told the Wall Street Journal.

Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal SA, said this month it would cut production at two German plants, then reported better-than-expected performance by an investment earlier this year in a Texas facility. ArcelorMittal makes hot briquetted iron, a raw material for steel production. In their July earnings call, Chief Executive Aditya Mittal attributed the facility’s value in part to being in a “region that offers highly competitive energy and, ultimately, competitive hydrogen.” The facility that Mr. Mittal moved operations to has plenty of room for growth, Mr. Mittal explained to shareholders they own 100% of expansion rights.

Pandora A/S the Danish Jewelry maker, and Volkswagen AG announced U.S. expansions earlier in 2022. Even U.S. headquartered companies are making changes. Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported Tesla is pausing its plans to make battery cells in Germany as it reviews qualifying for tax credits under a new act  signed by President Biden in August.

“We are increasing our investments [in the U.S.] also in order to stay with all of our partners who are investing,” said Stefan Borgas, chief executive of RHI Magnesita NV. The company, which makes materials used by factories such as steelmakers that must withstand intense heat, is spending $8 million on its European plants so that certain processes run on alternative fuel, such as coal or oil meet European guidelines. Borgas has said that they are also very positive about steel demand in the U.S., where incentives have helped pave the way for green-energy changes. Manufacturers like RHI Magnesita see hydrogen as the key to replacing fossil fuels and reducing emissions in plants.  Promised spending on projects by Washington is expected to boost the production of hydrogen and eventually lower its price.

Many companies remain cautious about changing their strategies because of the cost, difficulty, and time involved in building projects such as smelters for aluminum production. But they are also realistic about the potential for natural gas to never again flow through the Nord Stream pipeline at levels previously experienced. Those that have decided to relocate are likely not moving operations back, it just wouldn’t be practical. This would lead to a permanent increase in North America for manufacturing requiring energy from natural gas and blue hydrogen produced by natural gas.

Take Away

Industries that rely heavily on natural gas or other products derived from natural gas are having a tough time in Europe. Some have moved operations to North America, and many more are considering the move. Helping to make the decision to locate manufacturing operations in the U.S. comes from the recently signed Inflation Reduction Act, which incentivizes building greener processes. These incentives would hep reduce the cost of building a new plant or factory in the U.S.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Sources:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/high-natural-gas-prices-push-european-manufacturers-to-shift-to-the-u-s-11663707594?mod=hp_lead_pos3

https://www.wsj.com/articles/europe-checks-its-thermostats-as-russia-crimps-natural-gas-supplies-11658827804?mod=series_europeenergyshortage

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/europe-is-facing-an-energy-crisis-as-russia-cuts-gas-heres-why#:~:text=DID%20RUSSIA%20CUT%20OFF%20GAS,a%20pillar%20of%20the%20economy.

https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/climate-solutions/hydrogen#:~:text=What%20is%20blue%20hydrogen%3F,that%20produces%20no%20CO2.