North American Construction Group Ltd. Announces Record Results for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2022
North American Construction Group announced Q3 2022 results, reporting a 15% revenue increase to $191.4 million compared to Q3 2021. Equipment utilization surged to 62% from 52% year-over-year, bolstered by contractually adjusted rates. Combined revenue reached $269.6 million, a 29% rise, aided by joint ventures. Adjusted EBITDA grew 27% to $60.1 million. The quarter ended with a positive free cash flow of $3.4 million. Notably, a $0.08 quarterly dividend was declared. The firm also announced an acquisition for $15 million and extended its credit facility.
- Q3 2022 revenue increased by 15% to $191.4 million.
- Adjusted EBITDA rose by 27% to $60.1 million.
- Combined revenue of $269.6 million, up 29% from Q3 2021.
- Equipment utilization improved to 62% from 52% year-over-year.
- Positive free cash flow of $3.4 million.
- Nuna Group achieved its best financial quarter on record.
- Gross profit margin decreased to 12.8% from 13.1% year-over-year.
- Increased interest expense due to rising rates, impacting earnings per share.
ACHESON, Alberta, Oct. 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- North American Construction Group Ltd. (“NACG”) today announced results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022. Unless otherwise indicated, financial figures are expressed in Canadian dollars, and comparisons are to the prior period ended September 30, 2021.
Third Quarter 2022 Highlights:
- Strong consistent operating performance & equipment utilization resulted in third quarter records for combined revenue and adjusted EBITDA, EBIT and earnings per share.
- Revenue was
$191.4 million , up from$166.0 million in the same period last year. Revenue generated by NACG’s core heavy equipment fleet was up18% quarter over quarter, with the driver of this increase being equitable contributions from updated equipment and unit rates as well as improved utilization (62% compared to52% in Q3 2021). Equipment and unit rates were contractually adjusted in the quarter to reflect the specific inflationary cost pressures being experienced in the Fort McMurray region. - Combined revenue of
$269.6 million represented a$60.4 million (or29% ) increase as our share of revenue generated in Q3 2022 by joint ventures and affiliates was$78.2 million compared to$43.3 million in Q3 2021. Nuna Group of Companies had its best financial quarter on record driven by the activity at the gold mine in Northern Ontario and the core businesses operating at better than historical levels. The joint ventures dedicated to the Fargo-Moorhead flood diversion project were secondary drivers of quarter-over-quarter improvements. - Adjusted EBITDA of
$60.1 million represents a$12.6 million increase over the prior year. The adjusted EBITDA margin of22.3% reflected strong operational performance supported by predictable and productive weather conditions in the Fort McMurray, Northern Canada, and Northern Ontario regions as well as the updated equipment and unit rates allowed for operating margins to trend towards historical precedents. - Free cash flow ("FCF") in the quarter was positive
$3.4 million as adjusted EBITDA of$60.1 million netted against sustaining capital additions ($30.6 million ) and cash interest paid ($6.9 million ) produced positive cash of$22.6 million but was heavily impacted by cash flow timing which is expected to reverse in the fourth quarter. - On April 6, 2022, we announced a Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") to purchase, for cancellation, up to 2,113,054 common shares. This NCIB commenced on April 11, 2022 and was completed in September 2022 with the maximum number of shares purchased and cancelled.
- On September 20, 2022, we announced an amendment and extension of our senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) to October 8, 2025. In addition to the extension of existing favourable terms, the overall capacity has been allocated to provide greater flexibility in operating the Company’s joint ventures.
- On October 1, 2022, we acquired a privately-owned company specializing in mobile fuel, lube, and steaming services for an estimated purchase price of
$15.0 million . The acquisition was premised on our continued drive to lower operating costs by maximizing our internal maintenance capabilities. - On October 4, 2022, we entered into a total return swap agreement for up to 1,000,000 of NACG's common shares with a notional value of
$15.0 million for a twelve-month period. This agreement provides an opportunity to capitalize on what we believe is a current share price that does not properly reflect underlying value.
NACG President and CEO, Joe Lambert, commented: "Operating performance was very encouraging in Q3 with equipment utilization trending in the right direction and the Nuna Group of Companies executing the largest scopes of work they've ever completed in three months. The Fargo-Moorhead project is progressing as expected and our various diversified initiatives remain profitable and on target. We are excited about the recent momentum we've generated and are proud to be able to share a 2023 financial outlook which is based on contracts in place and reflects our commitment to steady diversified growth."
Consolidated Financial Highlights
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 191,383 | $ | 165,962 | $ | 536,122 | $ | 473,142 | ||||||||
Total combined revenue(i) | 269,617 | 209,236 | 734,157 | 577,328 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit | 24,567 | 21,711 | 58,958 | 67,353 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit margin | 12.8 | % | 13.1 | % | 11.0 | % | 14.2 | % | ||||||||
Combined gross profit(i) | 39,651 | 32,644 | 93,998 | 91,807 | ||||||||||||
Combined gross profit margin(i)(ii) | 14.7 | % | 15.6 | % | 12.8 | % | 15.9 | % | ||||||||
Operating income | 17,649 | 14,373 | 39,592 | 37,664 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(i) | 60,110 | 47,538 | 159,499 | 151,049 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin(i)(iii) | 22.3 | % | 22.7 | % | 21.7 | % | 26.2 | % | ||||||||
Net income | 20,220 | 13,973 | 41,291 | 36,100 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted net earnings(i) | 17,558 | 14,127 | 36,875 | 41,467 | ||||||||||||
Cash provided by operating activities | 31,432 | 32,185 | 91,102 | 99,285 | ||||||||||||
Cash provided by operating activities prior to change in working capital(i) | 39,810 | 31,516 | 118,037 | 119,637 | ||||||||||||
Free cash flow(i) | 3,390 | 9,985 | 2,462 | 18,903 | ||||||||||||
Purchase of PPE | 31,205 | 28,557 | 83,591 | 86,626 | ||||||||||||
Sustaining capital additions(i) | 30,578 | 19,763 | 87,158 | 81,991 | ||||||||||||
Growth capital additions(i) | — | 13 | — | 60 | ||||||||||||
Basic net income per share | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.49 | $ | 1.49 | $ | 1.28 | ||||||||
Adjusted EPS(i) | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.50 | $ | 1.33 | $ | 1.47 |
(i)See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
(ii)Combined gross profit margin is calculated using combined gross profit over total combined revenue.
(iii)Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated using adjusted EBITDA over total combined revenue.
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Cash provided by operating activities | $ | 31,432 | $ | 32,185 | $ | 91,102 | $ | 99,285 | ||||||||
Cash used in investing activities | (28,042 | ) | (31,762 | ) | (79,945 | ) | (74,968 | ) | ||||||||
Capital additions financed by leases | — | (4,175 | ) | (8,695 | ) | (19,198 | ) | |||||||||
Add back: | ||||||||||||||||
Growth capital additions | — | 13 | — | 60 | ||||||||||||
Acquisition of DGI Trading Pty Limited | — | 13,724 | — | 13,724 | ||||||||||||
Free cash flow(i) | $ | 3,390 | $ | 9,985 | $ | 2,462 | $ | 18,903 |
(i)See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
Declaration of Quarterly Dividend
On October 25th, 2022, the NACG Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend (the “Dividend”) of eight Canadian cents (
Financial Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
Revenue of
Combined revenue of
Adjusted EBITDA of
General and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation) were
Adjusted EPS of
Free cash flow was
BUSINESS UPDATES
Business Objectives
Safety - Focus on people and relationships, maintain an uncompromising commitment to health and safety while elevating the standard of excellence in the field.
Sustainability - Commitment to the continued development of sustainability targets and constant measurement of progress to those targets.
Diversification - Continue to pursue diversification of customer, resource and geography through acquisition and/or strategic partnerships, industry expertise and our investment in Nuna.
Execution - Enhancement of operational excellence in fleet utilization and maintenance through reliability programs and technical improvements. We continue to specifically prioritize the sourcing and staffing of our critical heavy equipment technician roles.
Total Return Swap Agreement
On October 4, 2022, we entered into a total return swap agreement in relation to up to 1,000,000 of NACG's common shares with a notional value of approximately
Acquisition of ML Northern Services Ltd.
On October 1, 2022, we acquired a privately-owned heavy equipment servicing company specializing in mobile fuel, lube, and steaming services based in Fort McMurray, Alberta, for an estimated purchase price of
Credit Facility Amended and Extended
On September 20, 2022, we announced an amendment and extension of our senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). The facility maturity date has been extended by one year with a new maturity date of October 8, 2025. In addition to the extension of existing favourable terms, the overall capacity has been allocated to provide greater flexibility in operating the Company’s joint ventures.
Normal Course Issuer Bid
On April 6, 2022, we announced a Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") to purchase, for cancellation, up to 2,113,054 of our voting common shares, representing
Liquidity
September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||
Credit Facility limit | $ | 300,000 | $ | 325,000 | ||||
Finance lease borrowing limit | 175,000 | 150,000 | ||||||
Other debt borrowing limit | 20,000 | 20,000 | ||||||
Total borrowing limit | $ | 495,000 | $ | 495,000 | ||||
Senior debt(i) | (272,169 | ) | (225,876 | ) | ||||
Letters of credit | (32,413 | ) | (33,884 | ) | ||||
Joint venture guarantee | (51,956 | ) | (18,719 | ) | ||||
Cash | 23,187 | 16,601 | ||||||
Total capital liquidity | $ | 161,649 | $ | 233,122 |
(i)See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
NACG’s Outlook for 2022 & 2023
Given our backlog and visibility through 2023, management has decided to provide stakeholders with guidance through 2022 and initial key measures for 2023. This guidance is predicated on contracts currently in place and the heavy equipment fleet that we own and operate.
Key measures | 2022 | 2023 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | ||||
Adjusted EPS | ||||
Sustaining capital | ||||
Free cash flow | ||||
Capital allocation | ||||
Deleverage | ||||
Shareholder activity (dividends, NCIB, trust purchases) | ~ | |||
Growth spending | ~ | |||
Share count reduction | ~ | |||
Leverage ratios | ||||
Senior debt | 1.1x - 1.5x | |||
Net debt | 1.4x - 1.8x |
Conference Call and Webcast
Management will hold a conference call and webcast to discuss our financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 tomorrow, Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 7:00 am Mountain Time (9:00 am Eastern Time).
The call can be accessed by dialing:
Toll free: 1-888-886-7786
Conference ID: 62963278
A replay will be available through November 24, 2022, by dialing:
Toll Free: 1-877-674-7070
Conference ID: 62963278
Playback Passcode: 963278
The Q3 2022 earnings presentation for the webcast will be available for download on the company’s website at www.nacg.ca/presentations/
The live presentation and webcast can be accessed at:
https://app.webinar.net/pjd8EG3E0z6
A replay will be available until November 24, 2022 using the link provided.
Basis of Presentation
We have prepared our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("US GAAP"). Unless otherwise specified, all dollar amounts discussed are in Canadian dollars. Please see the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 for further detail on the matters discussed in this release. In addition to the MD&A, please reference the dedicated Q3 2022 Results Presentation for more information on our results and projections which can be found on our website under Investors - Presentations.
Forward-Looking Information
The information provided in this release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “should” or similar expressions and include all information provided under the above heading "NACG's outlook for 2022 & 2023".
The material factors or assumptions used to develop the above forward-looking statements and the risks and uncertainties to which such forward-looking statements are subject, are highlighted in the MD&A for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements because of any number of factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond NACG’s control. Undue reliance should not be placed upon forward-looking statements and NACG undertakes no obligation, other than those required by applicable law, to update or revise those statements. For more complete information about NACG, please read our disclosure documents filed with the SEC and the CSA. These free documents can be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or on the CSA website at www.sedar.com.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release presents certain non-GAAP financial measures because management believes that they may be useful to investors in analyzing our business performance, leverage and liquidity. The non-GAAP financial measures we present include "gross profit", "adjusted net earnings", "adjusted EBIT", "equity investment EBIT", "adjusted EBITDA", "adjusted EBITDA margin", "equity investment depreciation and amortization", "adjusted EPS", "margin", "liquidity", "net debt", "senior debt", "sustaining capital", "growth capital", "cash provided by operating activities prior to change in working capital", "combined gross profit", "combined gross profit margin", and "free cash flow". A non-GAAP financial measure is defined by relevant regulatory authorities as a numerical measure of an issuer's historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flow that is not specified, defined or determined under the issuer’s GAAP and that is not presented in an issuer’s financial statements. These non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. They should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Each non-GAAP financial measure used in this press release is defined and reconciled to its most directly comparable GAAP measure in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of our Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed concurrently with this press release.
Reconciliation of total reported revenue to total combined revenue
Three months ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
Revenue from wholly-owned entities per financial statements | $ | 191,383 | $ | 165,962 | ||||
Share of revenue from investments in affiliates and joint ventures | 161,823 | 88,531 | ||||||
Adjustments for joint ventures | (83,589 | ) | (45,257 | ) | ||||
Total combined revenue(i) | $ | 269,617 | $ | 209,236 |
(i)See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
A reconciliation of net income to adjusted net earnings, adjusted EBIT and adjusted EBITDA is as follows:
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 20,220 | $ | 13,973 | $ | 41,291 | $ | 36,100 | ||||||||
Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | (95 | ) | 264 | 1,069 | (348 | ) | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense (benefit) | 437 | (62 | ) | (129 | ) | 9,963 | ||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments | — | — | — | (2,737 | ) | |||||||||||
Write-down on assets held for sale | — | — | — | 700 | ||||||||||||
Equity investment net realized and unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments | (2,925 | ) | — | (5,140 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Tax effect of the above items | (79 | ) | (48 | ) | (216 | ) | (2,211 | ) | ||||||||
Adjusted net earnings(i) | 17,558 | 14,127 | 36,875 | 41,467 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||
Tax effect of the above items | 79 | 48 | 216 | 2,211 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 6,522 | 4,845 | 16,769 | 13,782 | ||||||||||||
Income tax (benefit) expense | 4,983 | 2,388 | 10,184 | 6,798 | ||||||||||||
Equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures(i) | (14,076 | ) | (6,833 | ) | (28,652 | ) | (16,279 | ) | ||||||||
Equity investment EBIT(i) | 15,676 | 9,489 | 32,785 | 19,544 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBIT(i) | 30,742 | 24,064 | 68,177 | 67,523 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 26,592 | 21,617 | 84,051 | 79,092 | ||||||||||||
Write-down on assets held for sale | — | — | — | (700 | ) | |||||||||||
Equity investment depreciation and amortization(i) | 2,776 | 1,857 | 7,271 | 5,134 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(i) | $ | 60,110 | $ | 47,538 | $ | 159,499 | $ | 151,049 |
(i)See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
A reconciliation of equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures to equity investment EBIT and depreciation and amortization is as follows:
Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
Equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures | $ | 14,076 | $ | 6,833 | $ | 28,652 | $ | 16,279 | |||||
Adjustments: | |||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 589 | (94 | ) | 1,901 | 70 | ||||||||
Income tax expense | 997 | 2,768 | 2,167 | 3,081 | |||||||||
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment | 14 | (18 | ) | 65 | 114 | ||||||||
Equity investment EBIT(i) | $ | 15,676 | $ | 9,489 | $ | 32,785 | $ | 19,544 | |||||
Depreciation | $ | 2,600 | $ | 1,812 | $ | 6,743 | $ | 4,915 | |||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 176 | 45 | 528 | 219 | |||||||||
Equity investment depreciation and amortization(i) | $ | 2,776 | $ | 1,857 | $ | 7,271 | $ | 5,134 |
(i)See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
About the Company
North American Construction Group Ltd. (www.nacg.ca) is one of Canada’s largest providers of heavy civil construction and mining contractors. For more than 65 years, NACG has provided services to large oil, natural gas and resource companies.
For further information contact:
Jason Veenstra, CPA, CA
Chief Financial Officer
North American Construction Group Ltd.
(780) 960-7171
IR@nacg.ca
www.nacg.ca
Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars)
(Unaudited)
Note | September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||
Assets | |||||||||
Current assets | |||||||||
Cash | $ | 23,187 | $ | 16,601 | |||||
Accounts receivable | 4 | 87,192 | 68,787 | ||||||
Contract assets | 5(b) | 10,938 | 9,759 | ||||||
Inventories | 6 | 44,142 | 44,544 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and deposits | 11,150 | 6,828 | |||||||
Assets held for sale | 384 | 660 | |||||||
176,993 | 147,179 | ||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of | 645,454 | 640,950 | |||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 15,540 | 14,768 | |||||||
Investments in affiliates and joint ventures | 7 | 69,363 | 55,974 | ||||||
Other assets | 2,602 | 6,000 | |||||||
Goodwill and intangible assets | 7,043 | 4,407 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets | 374 | — | |||||||
Total assets | $ | 917,369 | $ | 869,278 | |||||
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity | |||||||||
Current liabilities | |||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 85,116 | $ | 76,251 | |||||
Accrued liabilities | 23,440 | 33,389 | |||||||
Contract liabilities | 5(b) | 157 | 3,349 | ||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 8 | 20,557 | 19,693 | ||||||
Current portion of finance lease obligations | 21,285 | 25,035 | |||||||
Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 2,971 | 3,317 | |||||||
153,526 | 161,034 | ||||||||
Long-term debt | 8 | 363,237 | 306,034 | ||||||
Finance lease obligations | 21,690 | 29,686 | |||||||
Operating lease liabilities | 12,730 | 11,461 | |||||||
Other long-term obligations | 19,917 | 26,400 | |||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | 65,210 | 56,200 | |||||||
636,310 | 590,815 | ||||||||
Shareholders' equity | |||||||||
Common shares (authorized – unlimited number of voting common shares; issued and outstanding – September 30, 2022 - 27,827,282 (December 31, 2021 – 30,022,928)) | 9(a) | 229,455 | 246,944 | ||||||
Treasury shares (September 30, 2022 - 1,398,621 (December 31, 2021 - 1,564,813)) | 9(a) | (16,324 | ) | (17,802 | ) | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | 21,046 | 37,456 | |||||||
Retained earnings | 46,482 | 11,863 | |||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 400 | 2 | |||||||
Shareholders' equity | 281,059 | 278,463 | |||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 917,369 | $ | 869,278 |
See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.
Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and
Comprehensive Income
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
Note | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | 5 | $ | 191,383 | $ | 165,962 | $ | 536,122 | $ | 473,142 | ||||||||
Cost of sales | 10(b) | 140,440 | 122,825 | 393,756 | 326,823 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation | 26,376 | 21,426 | 83,408 | 78,966 | |||||||||||||
Gross profit | 24,567 | 21,711 | 58,958 | 67,353 | |||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 10(b) | 7,013 | 7,074 | 18,297 | 30,037 | ||||||||||||
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | (95 | ) | 264 | 1,069 | (348 | ) | |||||||||||
Operating income | 17,649 | 14,373 | 39,592 | 37,664 | |||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 11 | 6,522 | 4,845 | 16,769 | 13,782 | ||||||||||||
Equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures | 7 | (14,076 | ) | (6,833 | ) | (28,652 | ) | (16,279 | ) | ||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments | — | — | — | (2,737 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 25,203 | 16,361 | 51,475 | 42,898 | |||||||||||||
Current income tax expense | 701 | 572 | 1,198 | 572 | |||||||||||||
Deferred income tax expense | 4,282 | 1,816 | 8,986 | 6,226 | |||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 20,220 | $ | 13,973 | $ | 41,291 | $ | 36,100 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||
Unrealized foreign currency translation gain (loss) | 382 | (6 | ) | 398 | (6 | ) | |||||||||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 20,602 | $ | 13,967 | $ | 41,689 | $ | 36,094 | |||||||||
Per share information | |||||||||||||||||
Basic net income per share | 9(b) | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.49 | $ | 1.49 | $ | 1.28 | ||||||||
Diluted net income per share | 9(b) | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.44 | $ | 1.33 | $ | 1.16 |
See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.
FAQ
What were North American Construction Group's Q3 2022 revenues?
How much did adjusted EBITDA increase in Q3 2022?
What is the significance of the $0.08 dividend declared in October 2022?
How did equipment utilization change in Q3 2022?