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8-K - FORM 8-K - Highpower International, Inc.v386524_8k.htm

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

Highpower International Reports 2014 Second Quarter

and Six Months Financial Results

 

Company to Hold Conference Call on August 13, 2014, at 10:00 AM ET / 7:00 AM PT

 

SAN FRANCISCO, USA and SHENZHEN, CHINA - August 13, 2014 - Highpower International, Inc. (NASDAQ: HPJ), a developer, manufacturer, and marketer of lithium and nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable batteries, and a battery management systems and battery recycling provider, today announced its financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014.

 

2014 Second Quarter Operating and Financial Highlights (all results are compared to prior year period)

·Net sales increased 22.3% to $38.1 million, driven by sales increases across all of Highpower’s product lines
·Lithium battery net sales increased 42.0% with total lithium battery pieces sold increasing by 28.8%
·Gross margin improved to 20.3% from 18.4%
·EBITDA increased 124.6% to $2.4 million from $1.1 million, adjusted EBITDA increased 161.5% to $2.9 million from $1.1 million
·Net income attributable to the Company increased 643.4% to $0.8 million, or $0.05 per share, from $0.1 million, or $0.01 per share
·Non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company increased 756.9% to $1.3 million, or $0.09 per share, from $0.2 million, or $0.01 per share

 

Outlook for 2014

·The Company reiterates its 2014 guidance of revenues of between $150 million to $170 million
·Net income attributable to the Company of between $1.5 million to $3.0 million
·Non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company of between $2.5 million to $4.0 million

 

Management Commentary

Mr. George Pan, Chairman and CEO of the Company, commented, "We are pleased to report improved sales and gross margin in the second quarter of 2014, which was the result from increased volume sold of both lithium batteries and Ni-MH batteries. We have expanded our customer base through growing global demand for our lithium battery products in many areas including mobile, portable, wearable, industrial, solar, and electrical vehicle markets, and new sales channels for our Ni-MH products.”

 

2014 Second Quarter and Six Month Financial Review

Net Sales

Net sales for the second quarter ended June 30, 2014 increased 22.3% to $38.1 millioncompared with $31.2 million for the same period in 2013. The increase in net sales was mainly due to a $5.2 million increase in net sales of lithium batteries. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company’s net sales increased to $67.3 million compared with $55.6 million in the first half of 2013.

 

 
2/11

 

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the second quarter ended June 30, 2014 increased to $7.7 million, as compared with $5.7 million for the same period in 2013. The increase was due to increase in the average selling price of lithium batteries. Gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased to $13.7 million, as compared with $10.5 million for the same period in 2013.

 

Gross Margin

Gross margin was 20.3% for the second quarter ended June 30, 2014, as compared with 18.4% for the same period in 2013. The increase in gross margin was largely due to higher selling prices in the Company’s lithium battery segment. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, gross margin was 20.3%, as compared with 18.9% for the same period in 2013.

 

Net sales, cost of sales, and gross profit by segments is set out as follows:

 

   Three months ended June 30,       Six months ended June 30,     
   2014   2013       2014   2013     
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)     
    $    $    Change in %    $    $    Change in % 
Net sales                              
Ni-MH Batteries   19,153,435    17,866,800    7.2%   34,640,938    32,916,770    5.2%
Lithium Batteries   17,511,963    12,328,277    42.0%   30,902,207    21,580,499    43.2%
New Materials   1,469,238    982,539    49.5%   1,751,805    1,079,719    62.2%
Total   38,134,636    31,177,616    22.3%   67,294,950    55,576,988    21.1%
                               
Cost of Sales                              
Ni-MH Batteries   15,224,391    14,174,402    7.4%   27,514,189    26,271,502    4.7%
Lithium Batteries   13,877,599    10,363,888    33.9%   24,580,425    17,805,800    38.0%
New Materials   1,303,155    904,867    44.0%   1,539,900    1,002,047    53.7%
Total   30,405,145    25,443,157    19.5%   53,634,514    45,079,349    19.0%
                               
Gross Profit                              
Ni-MH Batteries   3,929,044    3,692,398    6.4%   7,126,749    6,645,268    7.2%
Lithium Batteries   3,634,364    1,964,389    85.0%   6,321,782    3,774,699    67.5%
New Materials   166,083    77,672    113.8%   211,905    77,672    172.8%
Total   7,729,491    5,734,459    34.8%   13,660,436    10,497,639    30.1%

 

Research and Development (R&D)

R&D spending was $2.0 million, or 5.2% of total revenue, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2014, compared to $1.4 million, or 4.3% of total revenue, for the same period in 2013.The increase was primarily a result of the expansion of our workforce to expand new product development for the electrical vehicles and energy storage sectors. R&D spending was $3.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $2.5 million for the same period in 2013.

 

Selling & Distribution

Selling and distribution expenses were $1.6 million, or 4.2% of total revenue, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2014, as compared with $1.4 million, or 4.5% of total revenue, for the same period in 2013. The increase was due to the expansion of Highpower’s sales force and increased marketing activities. Selling and distribution expenses were $3.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared with $2.8 million for the same period in 2013.

 

 
3/11

 

General & Administrative

General and administrative expenses were $3.3 million, or 8.7% of total revenue, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2014, as compared with $2.6 million, or 8.4% of total revenue, for the second quarter of 2013. The increase was due to the expansion of workforce at the Company’s Huizhou facility, included in this amount was non-cash share-based compensation expense of $0.5 million, up from $45,671 in the second quarter of 2013. General and administrative expenses were $6.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared with $5.4 million for the same period in 2013. The primary reason for the increase was due to the expansion of our workforce at our Huizhou facility, included in this amount was non-cash share-based compensation expense of $0.9 million, up from $94,710 in the first half of 2013.

 

Net Income

Net income attributable to the Company for the second quarter ended June 30, 2014 was $812,498, or $0.05 per diluted share based on 15.3 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding, compared to net income of $109,289, or $0.01 per diluted share based on 13.6 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding.

 

Net loss attributable to the Company for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $122,651, or $0.01 per diluted share based on 14.4 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding, compared to net lossof $499,591, or $0.04 per diluted share based on 13.6 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding.

 

EBITDA

EBITDA for the second quarter ended June 30, 2014 increased 124.6% to $2.4 million from $1.1 million in the prior year period. For the six month period, EBITDA increased 112.0% to $2.7 million from $1.3 million in the first half of 2013. A table reconciling EBITDA, a non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measure, to the appropriate GAAP measure is included with the Company’s financial information below.

 

Balance Sheet Highlights

($ in millions, except per share data)  6/30/2014
(Unaudited)
   12/31/2013
(Audited)
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents  $12.8   $8.0 
Total Current Assets  $96.6   $97.3 
Total Assets  $151.6   $151.8 
Total Current Liabilities  $109.2   $113.2 
Total Liabilities  $113.2   $117.1 
Shareholders’ Equity  $38.4   $34.7 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity  $151.6   $151.8 
Book Value Per Share  $2.66   $2.55 

 

Outlook for 2014

Based on current expectations for global demand in the rechargeable battery market in 2014 and our continued shift toward mobile power sources, higher-value energy storage systems and transportation products, the Company reiterates the 2014 guidance of revenues of between $150 million to $170 million. The Company also clarified its 2014 net income guidance to include non-GAAP net income of between $2.5 million to $4.0 million, and net income of between $1.5 million to $3.0 million. This clarification is largely due to additional anticipated stock based compensation expense as a result of the Company’s capital offering in April 2014.

 

Chairman Pan continued, “We are beginning to see considerable traction across both our lithium and Ni-MH markets, which began to accelerate during the second quarter. As a result, we are confident in achieving our previously announced sales guidance for the year. We are also continuing to re-invest in our business, as evidenced by increases in our research and development through the first six months, which we believe will continue to both position Highpower for short and long-term growth by continually providing an opportunity to re-engage our loyal customer base with the latest in battery technology. The Company is in a strong financial position as a result of our recent capital offering, and is utilizing those resources to expand our global sales platform and enter new markets. There are numerous applications that a nimble company with operational leverage like Highpower can take advantage of, and we look forward to keeping investors updated on our progress.”

 

 
4/11

 

Conference Call Details

The Company will host a conference call today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time / 7:00 a.m. Pacific time to discuss these results.

 

The dial-in numbers are:  
Live Participant Dial In (Toll Free):         877-407-3108
Live Participant Dial In (International):       201-493-6797

 

To listen to the live webcast, please go to at www.highpowertech.com and click on the conference call link, or go to: http://highpowertech.equisolvewebcast.com/q2-2014. This webcast will be archived and accessible through the Company’s website for approximately 30 days following the call. The Company will also have an accompanying slide presentation available in PDF format on its homepage prior to the conference call.

 

 

About Highpower International, Inc.

Highpower International was founded in 2001 and produces high-quality Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) and lithium-based rechargeable batteries used in a wide range of applications such as electric buses, bikes, energy storage systems, power tools, medical equipment, digital and electronic devices, personal care products, and lighting, etc. Highpower’s target customers are Fortune 500 companies, and top 10 companies in each vertical segment. With advanced manufacturing facilities located in Shenzhen, Huizhou, and Ganzhou of China, Highpower is committed to clean technology, not only in the products it makes, but also in the processes of production. The majority of Highpower International's products are distributed to worldwide markets mainly in the United States, Europe, China and Southeast Asia.

 

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

The Company has supplemented its reported GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) financial information with non-GAAP measures. EBITDA was derived by taking earnings before interest expense (net), taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP net income exclude stock-based compensation expense.  Adjusted EBITDA, as defined above, may not be similar to Adjusted EBITDA measures used by other companies. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.   The Company believes these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors as they provide a basis for evaluating the Company's operating results in the ordinary course of its operations.

 

These non-GAAP measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles.  The Company believes that non-GAAP measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the amounts associated with its results of operations as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and that these measures should only be used to evaluate the Company's results of operations in conjunction with, and not in lieu of, the corresponding GAAP measures. These non-GAAP financial measures are reconciled in the accompanying tables to the most directly comparable measures as reported in accordance with GAAP.

 

 
5/11

 

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the “safe-harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are not historical facts. These statements  can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “project,” “plan,” “seek,” “intend,” or “anticipate” or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, and include discussions of strategy, and statements about industry trends and the Company's future performance, operations and products. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such statements, including, without limitation, fluctuations in the cost of raw materials; our dependence on, or inability to attract additional, major customers for a significant portion of our net sales; our ability to increase manufacturing capabilities to satisfy orders from new customers; our ability to maintain increased margins; our dependence on the growth in demand for portable electronic devices and the success of manufacturers of the end applications that use our battery products; our responsiveness to competitive market conditions; our ability to successfully manufacture our products in the time frame and amounts expected; the market acceptance of our battery products, including our lithium products; our ability to successfully develop products for and penetrate the electric transportation market; our ability to continue R&D development to keep up with technological changes. For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties see "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's public filings with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company has no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.

 

CONTACT:

Highpower International, Inc.

Henry Sun

CFO

+86-755-8968-6521

ir@highpowertech.com

 

INVESTOR RELATIONS:

The Equity Group Inc.

 

In China

Katherine Yao, Associate

86 10 6587 6435

 

 

kyao@equityny.com

 

In U.S.

Adam Prior, Senior Vice President

(212) 836-9606

aprior@equityny.com

 

 
6/11

 

HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Stated in US Dollars except Number of Shares)

 

   Three months ended
June 30,
   Six months ended
June 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
   $   $   $   $ 
                 
Net sales   38,134,636    31,177,616    67,294,950    55,576,988 
Cost of sales   (30,405,145)   (25,443,157)   (53,634,514)   (45,079,349)
Gross profit   7,729,491    5,734,459    13,660,436    10,497,639 
                     
Research and development expenses   (1,976,965)   (1,350,997)   (3,788,917)   (2,453,465)
Selling and distribution expenses   (1,587,726)   (1,392,576)   (3,124,886)   (2,787,978)
General and administrative expenses, including stock-based compensation   (3,312,296)   (2,612,855)   (6,883,576)   (5,418,246)
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)   247,102    (180,010)   349,695    (219,957)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments   21,147    112,335    (116,134)   222,283 
Total operating expenses   (6,608,738)   (5,424,103)   (13,563,818)   (10,657,363)
                     
Income (loss) from operations   1,120,753    310,356    96,618    (159,724)
                     
Gain on change of fair value of warrant liability   74,548    -    74,548    - 
Other income   361,954    281,236    903,374    497,385 
Interest expenses   (474,162)   (365,146)   (1,069,543)   (701,412)
Income (loss) before taxes   1,083,093    226,446    4,997    (363,751)
                     
Income taxes expenses   (281,364)   (159,110)   (189,213)   (207,329)
Net income (loss)   801,729    67,336    (184,216)   (571,080)
                     
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interest   (10,769)   (41,953)   (61,565)   (71,489)
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company   812,498    109,289    (122,651)   (499,591)
                     
Comprehensive income (loss)                    
Net income (loss)   801,729    67,336    (184,216)   (571,080)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)   (19,936)   526,996    (361,122)   298,942 
Comprehensive income (loss)   781,793    594,332    (545,338)   (272,138)
                     
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest   (11,294)   (31,257)   (72,727)   (65,475)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company   793,087    625,589    (472,611)   (206,663)
                     
Earnings (loss) per share of common stock attributable to the Company                    
- Basic   0.05    0.01    (0.01)   (0.04)
- Diluted   0.05    0.01    (0.01)   (0.04)
Weighted average number of common stock outstanding                    
- Basic   14,853,219    13,582,106    14,415,662    13,582,106 
- Diluted   15,277,743    13,582,106    14,415,662    13,582,106 

 

 
7/11

  

HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC.AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Stated in US Dollars except Number of Shares)

 

  June 30,      December 31,  
    2014     2013  
     (Unaudited)        
    $     $  
ASSETS            
Current Assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents     12,820,421       7,973,459  
Restricted cash     20,053,350       28,586,121  
Accounts receivable, net     33,544,964       33,961,014  
Notes receivable     2,564,585       1,014,891  
Prepayments     6,127,204       4,969,743  
Other receivables     800,986       1,063,656  
Inventories     20,654,074       19,739,360  
                 
Total Current Assets     96,565,584       97,308,244  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net     48,699,905       48,548,203  
Land use right, net     4,334,591       4,421,415  
Intangible asset, net     625,000       650,000  
Deferred tax assets     1,343,954       802,225  
Foreign currency derivatives assets     -       63,289  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS     151,569,034       151,793,376  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                
                 
LIABILITIES                
Current Liabilities:                
Foreign currency derivatives liabilities     68,007       -  
Accounts payable     46,370,345       40,026,698  
Deferred income     1,007,753       675,521  
Short-term loan     31,216,964       36,142,105  
Notes payable     21,616,432       25,271,256  
Other payables and accrued liabilities     5,564,376       7,801,431  
Income taxes payable     1,357,123       1,279,658  
Current portion of long-term loan     1,950,490       1,967,536  
                 
Total Current Liabilities     109,151,490       113,164,205  
                 
Warrant liability     1,099,404       -  
Long-term loan     2,925,735       3,935,071  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES     113,176,629       117,099,276  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES     -       -  

 

 
8/11

 

HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)

(Stated in US Dollars except Number of Shares)

 

 

    June 30,      December 31,  
    2014     2013  
     (Unaudited)        
    $     $  
EQUITY                
Stockholders’ equity                
Preferred stock                
(Par value: $0.0001, Authorized: 10,000,000 shares, Issued and outstanding: none)     -       -  
                 
Common stock                
(Par value: $0.0001, Authorized: 100,000,000 shares, 15,052,158 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2014 and 13,978,106 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013)     1,505       1,398  
Additional paid-in capital     10,254,841       6,011,305  
Statutory and other reserves     3,142,411       3,142,411  
Retained earnings     18,268,224       18,390,875  
Accumulated other comprehensive income     5,498,899       5,848,859  
                 
Total equity for the Company’s stockholders     37,165,880       33,394,848  
                 
Non-controlling interest     1,226,525       1,299,252  
                 
TOTAL EQUITY     38,392,405       34,694,100  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY     151,569,034       151,793,376  

 

 
9/11

 

HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Stated in US Dollars)

 

   Six months ended June 30, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
   $   $ 
Cash flows from operating activities        
Net income   (184,216)   (571,080)
Adjustments to reconcile net income  to net cash provided by operating activities          
Depreciation and amortization   2,053,486    1,182,314 
Allowance for doubtful accounts   266    (3,965)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment   151,237    102,926 
Loss on derivative instruments   130,948    123,333 
Deferred income tax   (549,140)   (137,726)
Share based payment   916,244    94,710 
Gain on change of fair value of warrant liability   (74,548)   - 
Accounts receivable   159,094    (41,371)
Notes receivable   (1,560,871)   (167,535)
Prepayments   (1,200,028)   (1,372,932)
Other receivable   253,843    8,451 
Inventories   (1,086,899)   (1,924,454)
Accounts payable   6,887,622    1,414,867 
Deferred income   1,009,295    - 
Other payables and accrued liabilities   (2,175,844)   1,725,062 
Income taxes payable   88,688    (228,533)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities   4,819,177    204,067 
           
Cash flows from investing activities          
Acquisition of plant and equipment   (3,503,027)   (7,335,376)
Net cash flows used in investing activities   (3,503,027)   (7,335,376)
           
Cash flows from financing activities          
Proceeds from short-term bank loans   9,611,198    15,581,691 
Repayment of short-term bank loans   (14,367,008)   (8,515,280)
Repayment of long-term bank loans   (976,737)   (962,603)
Proceeds from notes payable   21,753,902    20,038,103 
Repayment of notes payable   (25,195,047)   (26,517,924)
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock, net   4,633,164    - 
Change in restricted cash   8,316,169    3,280,806 
Net cash flows provided by financing activities   3,775,641    2,904,793 
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents   (244,829)   265,988 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   4,846,962    (3,960,528)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period   7,973,459    6,627,334 
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period   12,820,421    2,666,806 
           
Supplemental disclosures for cash flow information:          
Cash paid for:          
Income taxes   649,665    573,588 
Interest expenses   1,061,904    701,412 
Non-cash transactions          
Accounts payable for construction in progress   794,356    1,649,807 
Offset of deferred income and property, plant and equipment   669,668    - 

 

 
10/11

  

HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)

(Stated in US Dollars)

 

Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA

 

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   June 30   June 30   June 30   June 30 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
   $   $   $   $ 
Net Income (Loss) attributable to the Company   812,498    109,289    (122,651)   (499,591)
Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss)(1)   1,327,796    154,960    793,593    (404,881)
                     
Interest expenses, net   270,351    189,379    592,500    389,504 
Income tax expenses   281,364    159,110    189,213    207,329 
Depreciation and Amortization   1,041,685    613,595    2,053,486    1,182,314 
                     
EBITDA   2,405,898    1,071,373    2,712,548    1,279,556 
Non-GAAP EBITDA(2)   2,921,196    1,117,044    3,628,792    1,374,266 

 

 

(1) See table below for reconciliation of net income attributable to the Company to Non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company.

 

(2) Excludes share-based compensation expense as set forth in the following table.

 

 
11/11


HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)

(Stated in US Dollars)

 

Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to the Company to Non-GAAP Net Income Attributable to the Company

 

   Three months ended
June 30,
   Six months ended
June 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
   $   $   $   $ 
                 
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company   812,498    109,289    (122,651)   (499,591)
Stock-based compensation expense   515,298    45,671    916,244    94,710 
Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to the Company   1,327,796    154,960    793,593    (404,881)
                     
Basic net income (loss) per share of common stock attributable to the Company   0.05    0.01    (0.01)   (0.04)
Stock-based compensation expense   0.04    -    0.07    0.01 
Non-GAAP income (loss) per share of common stock attributable to the Company   0.09    0.01    0.06    (0.03)
                     
Diluted net income (loss) per share of common stock attributable to the Company   0.05    0.01    (0.01)   (0.04)
Stock-based compensation expense   0.04    -    0.07    0.01 
Non-GAAP income (loss) per share of common stock attributable to the Company   0.09    0.01    0.06    (0.03)
                     
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding                    
- Basic   14,853,219    13,582,106    14,415,662    13,582,106 
- Diluted   15,277,743    13,582,106    14,415,662    13,582,106