China Automotive Systems Reports 2019 First Quarter Results

WUHAN, China, May 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- China Automotive Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CAAS) ("CAAS" or the "Company"), a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019.

First Quarter 2019 Highlights

    --  Net sales decreased 18.5% to $109.2 million from $134.0 million in the
        first quarter of 2018
    --  Net sales of electric power steering ("EPS") products were $22.2
        million, a 11.2% decrease year-over-year
    --  Net income attributable to parent company's common shareholders was $1.5
        million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.05, compared to $4.3
        million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.14, in the first quarter of
        2018
    --  Total cash and cash equivalents and pledged cash were $91.7 million

Mr. Qizhou Wu, chief executive officer of CAAS, commented, "Our sales continue to reflect the challenges in the domestic Chinese market. We continue to invest in other advanced steering technologies to broaden our portfolio of steering products to provide a greater range of solutions for our customers."

First Quarter of 2019

In the first quarter of 2019, net sales were $109.2 million compared to $134.0 million in the same quarter of 2018, reflecting an 18.5% year-over-year decline. The decrease in net sales was mainly due to lower sales volume for legacy products in the domestic and North American passenger markets and the domestic heavy-duty vehicle market, as well as the effect of foreign currency exchange.

Gross profit was $14.0 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared with $21.6 million in the first quarter of 2018. The gross margin was 12.8% in the first quarter of 2019 compared to 16.1% in the first quarter of 2018 mainly due to the changes in the product mix.

Gain on other sales was $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared to $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2018, reflecting lower scrap volume.

Selling expenses were $3.1 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $5.8 million in the first quarter of 2018. The decrease was primarily due to reduced logistics fees reflecting lower sales volume and the use of lower-price shippers. Selling expenses represented 2.8% of net sales in the first quarter of 2019 compared to 4.3% in the first quarter of 2018.

General and administrative expenses ("G&A expenses") were $4.6 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $4.4 million in the same quarter of 2018. The increase primarily reflected higher personnel expenses. G&A expenses represented 4.2% of net sales in the first quarter of 2019 and 3.3% in the first quarter of 2018.

Research and development expenses ("R&D expenses") were $6.6 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $8.3 million in the first quarter of 2018. R&D expenses represented 6.0% of net sales in the first quarter of 2019 compared to 6.2% in the first quarter of 2018. The reduction in R&D expenses was due to increased cost controls.

Other income, net was $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to other income, net of $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, representing an increase of $0.8 million, primarily due to an increase in the unspecific purpose subsidies being recognized in the first quarter of 2019.

Income from operations was $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $4.6 million in the same quarter of 2018. The decrease was primarily due to lower gross profit and gross margin.

Interest expense was $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared to $0.4 million in the same quarter of 2018. The increase was due to increased bank borrowings at higher interest rates.

Net financial expense was $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared to net financial income of $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2018. The decrease in net financial expense was primarily due to an increase in financial income in the first quarter of 2019.

Income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies was $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2018. The decrease in income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies was mainly due to lower income from operations.

Net income attributable to parent company's common shareholders was $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $4.3 million in the first quarter of 2018. Diluted earnings per share were $0.05 per share in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $0.14 in the first quarter of 2018.

The weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding was 31,513,297 in the first quarter of 2019, compared to 31,644,044 in the first quarter of 2018.

Balance Sheet

As of March 31, 2019, total cash and cash equivalents and pledged cash were $91.7 million, total accounts receivable including notes receivable were $264.3 million, accounts payable were $193.3 million and short-term bank and government loans were $65.9 million. Total parent company stockholders' equity was $292.9 million as of March 31, 2019, compared to $285.9 million as of December 31, 2018.

Business Outlook

Management reiterates its revenue guidance for the full year 2019 of US$510 million. This target is based on the Company's current views on operating and market conditions, which are subject to change.

About China Automotive Systems, Inc.

Based in Hubei Province, the People's Republic of China, China Automotive Systems, Inc. is a leading supplier of power steering components and systems to the Chinese automotive industry, operating through nine Sino-foreign joint ventures. The Company offers a full range of steering system parts for passenger automobiles and commercial vehicles. The Company currently offers four separate series of power steering with an annual production capacity of over 6 million sets of steering gears, columns and steering hoses. Its customer base is comprised of leading auto manufacturers, such as China FAW Group, Corp., Dongfeng Auto Group Co., Ltd., BYD Auto Company Limited, Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. and Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. in China, and Chrysler Group LLC in North America. For more information, please visit: http://www.caasauto.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are "forward-looking statements" as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the qualitative and quantitative effects of the accounting errors, the periods involved, the nature of the Company's review and any anticipated conclusions of the Company or its management and other statements that are not historical facts. Our actual results may differ materially from the results described in or anticipated by our forward-looking statements due to certain risks and uncertainties. As a result, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2019, and in documents subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We expressly disclaim any duty to provide updates to any forward-looking statements made in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Jie Li
Chief Financial Officer
China Automotive Systems, Inc.
Email: jieli@chl.com.cn

Kevin Theiss
Investor Relations
+1-212-521-4050
Email: Kevin.Theiss@awakenlab.com

-Tables Follow -


                                                                       
            
              China Automotive Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries


                                                      
            
              Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income


                                                                  
            
              (In thousands of USD, except share and per share amounts)




                                                                                                                                                                         Three Months Ended March 31,



                                                                                                                                                             2019                           2018

                                                                                                                                                                                            ---


            Net product sales ($12,836 and $10,846 sold to related parties for the                                                                               $
            109,193                   $
            134,018
    three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018)



            Cost of products sold ($5,504 and $8,249 purchased from related                                                                                               95,148                             112,379
    parties for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018)




            
              Gross profit                                                                                                                                       14,045                              21,639




            Gain on other sales                                                                                                                                            1,269                               1,513




            Less: Operating expenses



            Selling expenses                                                                                                                                               3,085                               5,827



            General and administrative expenses                                                                                                                            4,590                               4,424



            Research and development expenses                                                                                                                              6,602                               8,307




            Total operating expenses                                                                                                                                      14,277                              18,558




            
              Income from operations                                                                                                                              1,037                               4,594



            Other income, net                                                                                                                                              1,407                                 621



            Interest expense                                                                                                                                               (568)                              (415)



            Financial expense, net                                                                                                                                         (665)                              (765)




            Income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated                                                                                         1,211                               4,035
    companies



            Less: Income taxes                                                                                                                                               198                                 588



            Equity in earnings of affiliated companies                                                                                                                       211                                 585




            Net income                                                                                                                                                     1,224                               4,032



            Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests                                                                                                             (243)                              (280)




            
              Net income attributable to parent company's                                                                                                 $
            1,467                     $
            4,312


            
                 common shareholders

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ===


            Comprehensive income:



            Net income                                                                                                                                             $
            1,224                     $
            4,032



            Other comprehensive income:



            Foreign currency translation gain, net of tax                                                                                                                  6,363                              13,242




            Comprehensive income                                                                                                                                           7,587                              17,274



            Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests                                                                                                   214                                 236




            Comprehensive income attributable to parent company                                                                                                    $
            7,373                    $
            17,038

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ===




            Net income attributable to parent company's common shareholders per
    share





            Basic -                                                                                                                                                 $
            0.05                      $
            0.14

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ===




            Diluted -                                                                                                                                               $
            0.05                      $
            0.14

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ===


            Weighted average number of common shares outstanding



            Basic                                                                                                                                                     31,507,487                          31,644,004



            Diluted                                                                                                                                                   31,513,297                          31,644,004


                                                                                
     
     China Automotive Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries


                                                                                
     
     Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets


                                                                                
     
     (In thousands of USD unless otherwise indicated)




                                                                                                                                     March 31, 2019                  December 31, 2018

                                                                                                                                                                                   ---


              ASSETS



              Current assets:



              Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                             $
           65,471                    $
            86,346



              Pledged cash                                                                                                                                 26,205                              29,623



              Accounts and notes receivable, net - unrelated parties                                                                                      242,574                             237,519



              Accounts and notes receivable, net - related parties                                                                                         21,701                              18,825



              Inventories                                                                                                                                  90,202                              88,021



              Other current assets                                                                                                                         34,076                              35,094




              
                Total current assets                                                                                                           480,229                             495,428



              Non-current assets:



              Property, plant and equipment, net                                                                                                          137,033                             129,853



              Long-term investments                                                                                                                        33,433                              32,620



              Other non-current assets                                                                                                                     34,621                              32,598




              
                Total assets                                                                                                            $
           685,316                   $
            690,499

                                                                                                                                                                                                    ===




              LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY



              Current liabilities:



              Short-term loans                                                                                                                      $
           65,888                    $
            60,952



              Accounts and notes payable - unrelated parties                                                                                              187,612                             205,643



              Accounts and notes payable - related parties                                                                                                  5,668                               4,477



              Accrued expenses and other payables                                                                                                          45,897                              47,032



              Other current liabilities                                                                                                                    24,181                              23,196



              
                Total current liabilities                                                                                                      329,246                             341,300



              Long-term liabilities:



              Long-term government loan                                                                                                                       297                                 291



              Other long-term payable                                                                                                                       7,977                               8,726



              Long-term tax payable                                                                                                                        29,503                              29,503



              Other non-current liabilities                                                                                                                 6,221                               5,852




              
                Total liabilities                                                                                                       $
           373,244                   $
            385,672

                                                                                                                                                                                                    ---




              Stockholders' equity:



              Common stock, $0.0001 par value - Authorized - 80,000,000                                                                                $
             3                       $
              3
    shares; Issued - 32,338,302 and 32,338,302 shares as of March 31,
    2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively



              Additional paid-in capital                                                                                                                   64,429                              64,429



              Retained earnings-



              Appropriated                                                                                                                                 11,104                              11,104



              Unappropriated                                                                                                                              212,906                             211,439



              Accumulated other comprehensive income                                                                                                        7,761                               1,855



              Treasury stock - 840,579 and 711,698 shares as of March 31, 2019                                                                            (3,295)                            (2,953)
    and December 31, 2018, respectively




              Total parent company stockholders' equity                                                                                                   292,908                             285,877



              Non-controlling interests                                                                                                                    19,164                              18,950




              
                Total stockholders' equity                                                                                                     312,072                             304,827




              
                Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                                                              $
           685,316                   $
            690,499

                                                                                                                                                                                                    ===


                                                          
              
                China Automotive Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries


                                                     
              
                Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows


                                                          
              
                (In thousands of USD unless otherwise indicated)




                                                                                                                                                   Three Months Ended March 31,



                                                                                                                                       2019                        2018

                                                                                                                                                                   ---


              Cash flows from operating activities:



              Net income                                                                                                                    $
          1,224                            $
           4,032



              Adjustments to reconcile net income from operations to
    net cash provided by operating activities:



              Depreciation and amortization                                                                                                       3,987                                     4,342



              (Reversal)/accrual of provision for doubtful accounts                                                                               (355)                                      275



              Inventory write downs                                                                                                               1,112                                     1,543



              Deferred income taxes                                                                                                                (84)                                       33



              Equity in earnings of affiliated companies                                                                                          (211)                                    (585)



              Gain on fixed assets disposals                                                                                                                                    12



              Changes in operating assets and liabilities



              (Increase)/decrease in:



              Accounts and notes receivable                                                                                                     (1,977)                                      559



              Inventories                                                                                                                       (1,233)                                  (6,592)



              Other current assets                                                                                                                2,387                                     (128)



              Increase/(decrease) in:



              Accounts and notes payable                                                                                                       (21,299)                                 (11,950)



              Accrued expenses and other payables                                                                                               (2,208)                                  (4,031)



              Other current liabilities                                                                                                             443                                     4,988



              
                Net cash used in operating activities                                                                               (18,214)                                  (7,502)




              Cash flows from investing activities:



              (Decrease)/increase in other receivables                                                                                            (249)                                      647



              Cash received from property, plant and equipment sales                                                                                834                                        26



              Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment                                                                                 (8,777)                                  (8,192)
    (including $760 and $5,224 paid to related parties for the
    three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018,
    respectively)



              Payments to acquire intangible assets                                                                                             (1,194)



              Purchase of short-term investments                                                                                               (15,563)                                  (1,414)



              Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments                                                                                 14,901                                    19,108



              Cash received from repayment of the loan to a related party                                                                                                   20,430




              
                Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities                                                                 (10,048)                                   30,605




              Cash flows from financing activities:



              Proceeds from bank loans                                                                                                           15,275                                    19,672



              Repayments of bank loans                                                                                                         (11,881)                                 (31,037)



              Repayments of the borrowing for sale and leaseback                                                                                (1,063)
    transaction



              Repurchase of common shares                                                                                                         (342)




              
                Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities                                                                    1,989                                  (11,365)




              Effects of exchange rate on cash, cash equivalents and                                                                              1,980                                     3,595
    pledged cash




              Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and                                                                            (24,293)                                   15,333
    pledged cash



              Cash, cash equivalents and pledged cash at beginning of                                                                           115,969                                    96,093
    the period




              Cash, cash equivalents and pledged cash at end of the                                                                        $
          91,676                          $
           111,426
    period

                                                                                                                                                                                                ===

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SOURCE China Automotive Systems, Inc.