Technology
5N Plus Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results
Published
1 year agoon
By
19% growth in annual revenue to $289.3 million39% growth in annual Adjusted EBITDA1 to a record $53.3 millionAnnual Adjusted gross margin percentage1 of 31.6%Backlog1 of $252.8 million, representing 326 days of annualized revenue, as at December 31, 2024Increases 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance to a range of $55 to $60 million
MONTREAL, Feb. 25, 2025 /CNW/ – 5N Plus Inc. (TSX: VNP) (“5N+” or “the Company”), a leading global producer of specialty semiconductors and performance materials, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 (“Q4 2024”) and fiscal year (“FY 2024”) ended December 31, 2024. All amounts in this press release are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.
“We had an outstanding year in FY 2024, generating stellar financial and operational results. We generated record annual Adjusted EBITDA representing 39% growth over the previous year, delivered on our margin expansion efforts, and sustained an elevated backlog and a solid balance sheet. We also successfully increased capacity at several sites to meet demand in strategic sectors, with work underway to increase solar cell capacity at AZUR by an additional 30% this year, on top of the 35% achieved last year. Looking at our segments, in Specialty Semiconductors, we continued to benefit from our unique position as the leading supplier outside China and trusted partner in the growing terrestrial renewable energy and space solar power sectors. In Performance Materials, our improved product mix and solid operational execution also contributed to strong profitability,” said Gervais Jacques, President and CEO of 5N+.
“Our strategic focus on higher margin, value-added advanced materials and on being a critical supplier without being a critical cost to customers operating in growing markets continues to pay off. This is further supported by our recognition as a reliable partner and market leader with unique expertise and manufacturing capabilities. With our resilient and agile business model as our foundation, we will continue to leverage our strategic positioning and competitive advantages to build on our FY 2024 momentum as we enter 2025 and forge ahead on our profitable growth path,” concluded Mr. Jacques.
Financial Highlights
Revenue in Q4 2024 increased by 9% to $70.9 million, compared to $65.1 million in Q4 2023, driven by strong growth under Specialty Semiconductors. Revenue in FY 2024 reached $289.3 million, compared to $242.4 million in FY 2023, supported by the terrestrial renewable energy and space solar power sectors under Specialty Semiconductors.Adjusted EBITDA in Q4 2024 increased by 38% to $12.5 million, compared to $9.0 million in Q4 2023, driven by higher volume from the terrestrial renewable energy and space solar power sectors, and better prices over inflation. Adjusted EBITDA was $53.3 million in FY 2024, representing a 39% increase compared to $38.3 million in FY 2023.Adjusted gross margin1 increased by 26% to $23.4 million in Q4 2024, favourably impacted by the same factors as above. Adjusted gross margin as a percentage of sales was 33.0% in Q4 2024, compared to 28.5% in Q4 2023. Adjusted gross margin reached $91.3 million for FY 2024, or 31.6% of sales, compared to $70.2 million in FY 2023, or 29.0% of sales.Net earnings in Q4 2024 were $1.0 million, compared to $2.3 million in Q4 2023. For FY 2024, net earnings were $14.7 million, compared to $15.4 million in FY 2023.Backlog stood at $252.8 million, representing 326 days of annualized revenue as at December 31, 2024, 37 days higher than the previous quarter and 34 days higher than at the end of last year, primarily due to the timing of contract signings and renewals.Net debt1 was $100.1 million as at December 31, 2024, compared to $73.8 million as at December 31, 2023, reflecting an increase in working capital1 and planned capital expenditures in 2024 under Specialty Semiconductors. The Company’s net debt to EBITDA ratio1 stood at 2.02x as at December 31, 2024.
____________________________
1 These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. See Non-IFRS Measures for more information.
Market Outlook
In Specialty Semiconductors, 5N+ continues to benefit from its unique position as the leading global supplier of ultra-high purity semiconductor compounds outside China, with long-term partnerships with key customers. Growing demand remains the rule, particularly in terrestrial renewable energy and space solar power. 5N+ is well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities in these high-growth sectors.
The Company also anticipates growth under imaging and sensing applications including in the security, defence and medical sectors. The anticipated transition to photon counting detector (PCD) technology for medical imaging is anticipated to provide a promising growth avenue in the medium term.
Management expects growth in the Performance Materials segment to be primarily driven by the health and pharmaceutical sector, which provides high profitability and predictable cashflows. We expect demand for bismuth chemicals to continue to grow in line with GDP in respective markets.
As a result of increased production capacity and operational flexibility, 5N+ is in a position to efficiently capture additional organic growth opportunities in the near term, while it also actively pursues external growth opportunities.
Based on under-contract and anticipated near-term demand primarily driven by the Specialty Semiconductors segment, management anticipates generating Adjusted EBITDA in a range of $55 to $60 million in 2025, representing an upward revision of its previously disclosed range of $50 to $55 million.
The recent change in administration in the U.S. creates uncertainty in the global economic outlook, particularly regarding potential trade protectionist measures that could trigger retaliatory actions from affected countries. Given the rapidly evolving landscape and the potential impact of these measures, the Company has elected to defer providing guidance for 2026 until it has had the opportunity to further assess the direct and indirect impacts on its business and operations. The Company remains committed to its long-term objectives and the execution of its strategic initiatives.
The Company intends to leverage its strategic positioning and competitive advantages to build on its FY 2024 momentum as it enters 2025 and to navigate any potential headwinds that result from the evolving macro-economic and geopolitical environment.
Conference Call
5N+ will host a conference call on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss Q4 and FY 2024 financial results. All interested parties are invited to participate in the live broadcast on the Company’s website at www.5nplus.com.
To participate in the conference call:
Toronto area: 289-819-1299Toll‐Free: 1-800-990-4777Enter access code: 71321
A replay of the conference call will be available two hours after the event and until March 5, 2025. To access the recording, please dial 1-888-660-6345 and enter access code 71321.
________________________________
1 These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. See Non-IFRS Measures for more information.
About 5N+
5N+ is a leading global producer of specialty semiconductors and performance materials. The Company’s ultra‐pure materials often form the core element of its customers’ products. These customers rely on 5N+’s products to enable performance and sustainability in their own products. 5N+ deploys a range of proprietary and proven technologies to develop and manufacture its products. The Company’s products enable various applications in several key industries, including renewable energy, security, space, pharmaceutical, medical imaging and industrial. Headquartered in Montréal, Quebec, 5N+ operates R&D, manufacturing and commercial centers in strategically located facilities around the world including Europe, North America and Asia.
Forward‐Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may be forward‐looking within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward‐looking statements are based on a number of estimates and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable when made, including that 5N+ will be able to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and other business partners, that 5N+ will continue to operate its business in the normal course, that 5N+ will be able to implement its growth strategy, that 5N+ will be able to successfully and timely complete the realization of its backlog, that 5N+ will not suffer any supply chain challenges or any material disruption in the supply of raw materials on competitive terms, that 5N+ will be able to generate new sales, produce, deliver, and sell its expected product volumes at the expected prices and control its costs, as well as other factors believed to be appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. However, there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward‐looking statements. A description of the risks affecting the Company’s business and activities appears under the heading “Risk and Uncertainties” of the Company’s 2024 MD&A dated February 25, 2025, available on www.sedarplus.ca.
Forward‐looking statements can generally be identified by the use of terms such as “may”, “should”, “would”, “believe”, “expect”, the negative of these terms, variations of them or any similar terms. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward‐looking statements in this press release will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that 5N+ will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to the future financial performance of 5N+. The forward‐looking statements contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and the Company has no obligation to publicly update such forward‐looking information to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The reader is warned against placing undue reliance on these forward‐looking statements. Forward-looking statements are presented in this press release for the purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding certain key elements of the Company’s expected financial results, as well as the Company’s objectives, strategic priorities and outlook, and in obtaining a better understanding of the Company’s anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.
5N PLUS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Years ended December 31
(in thousands of United States dollars, except per share information)
2024
2023
$
$
Revenue
289,281
242,371
Cost of sales
211,413
184,833
Selling, general and administrative expenses
34,026
29,410
Other expenses (income), net
11,614
756
257,053
214,999
Operating earnings
32,228
27,372
Financial expenses
Interest on long-term debt
8,210
8,262
Imputed interest and other interest expense
959
572
Foreign exchange gain
(549)
(136)
8,620
8,698
Earnings before income taxes
23,608
18,674
Income tax expense (recovery)
Current
6,945
6,674
Deferred
1,991
(3,399)
8,936
3,275
Net earnings
14,672
15,399
Basic earnings per share
0.17
0.17
Diluted earnings per share
0.16
0.17
Net earnings are completely attributable to equity holders of 5N+.
5N PLUS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(in thousands of United States dollars)
December 31
2024
December 31
2023
$
$
Assets
Current
Cash
22,142
34,706
Accounts receivable
42,172
33,437
Inventories
137,823
105,850
Income tax receivable
1,811
1,672
Derivative financial assets
6,978
591
Other current assets
6,469
5,707
Total current assets
217,395
181,963
Property, plant and equipment
85,995
84,600
Right-of-use assets
28,583
29,290
Intangible assets
22,929
29,304
Goodwill
10,665
11,825
Deferred tax assets
7,358
8,261
Other assets
3,982
4,959
Total non-current assets
159,512
168,239
Total assets
376,907
350,202
Liabilities
Current
Trade and accrued liabilities
42,116
37,024
Income tax payable
5,207
4,535
Current portion of deferred revenue
11,206
13,437
Current portion of lease liabilities
1,952
1,811
Current portion of long-term debt
–
25,000
Total current liabilities
60,481
81,807
Long-term debt
122,203
83,500
Deferred tax liabilities
5,737
5,284
Employee benefit plan obligations
12,624
13,393
Lease liabilities
27,450
28,328
Deferred revenue
8,688
5,629
Other liabilities
706
3,669
Total non-current liabilities
177,408
139,803
Total liabilities
237,889
221,610
Equity
139,018
128,592
Total liabilities and equity
376,907
350,202
Non‐IFRS Measures
EBITDA means net earnings (loss) before interest expenses, income tax expense (recovery), depreciation and amortization. 5N+ uses EBITDA because it believes it is a meaningful measure of the operating performance of its ongoing business, without the effects of certain expenses. The definition of this non-IFRS measure used by the Company may differ from that used by other companies.
EBITDA is reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure:
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
FY 2024
FY 2023
$
$
$
$
Net earnings
1,006
2,284
14,672
15,399
Interest on long-term debt, imputed interest and other interest expense
2,446
2,129
9,169
8,834
Income tax expense (recovery)
2,415
(734)
8,936
3,275
Depreciation and amortization
4,373
4,057
16,791
16,110
EBITDA
10,240
7,736
49,568
43,618
EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA divided by revenues.
Adjusted EBITDA means operating earnings (loss) as defined before the effect of impairment of inventories, share-based compensation expense (recovery), loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment, loss (gain) on remeasurement of financial instrument, impairment (reversal of impairment) of non-current assets, litigation and restructuring costs (income), and depreciation and amortization. 5N+ uses Adjusted EBITDA because it believes it is a meaningful measure of the operating performance of its ongoing business without the effects of certain expenses. The definition of this non-IFRS measure used by the Company may differ from that used by other companies.
Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenues.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure:
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
FY 2024
FY 2023
$
$
$
$
Revenues
70,854
65,063
289,281
242,371
Operating expenses
(64,701)
(61,023)
(257,053)
(214,999)
Operating earnings
6,153
4,040
32,228
27,372
Share-based compensation expense
309
414
906
1,432
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
–
–
(2,089)
1,051
Loss on remeasurement of financial instrument
1,000
–
1,000
–
(Reversal of impairment) impairment of non-current assets
(120)
64
2,706
672
Litigation and restructuring costs (income)
769
458
1,790
(8,314)
Depreciation and amortization
4,373
4,057
16,791
16,110
Adjusted EBITDA
12,484
9,033
53,332
38,323
Adjusted EBITDA margin
17.6 %
13.9 %
18.4 %
15.8 %
Adjusted gross margin is a measure used to monitor the sales contribution after paying cost of sales, excluding depreciation and inventory impairment charges. 5N+ also expressed this measure in percentage of revenues by dividing the adjusted gross margin value by the total revenue.
Adjusted gross margin is reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure:
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
FY 2024
FY 2023
$
$
$
$
Total revenue
70,854
65,063
289,281
242,371
Cost of sales
(51,104)
(49,677)
(211,413)
(184,833)
Gross margin
19,750
15,386
77,868
57,538
Depreciation included in cost of sales
3,643
3,189
13,445
12,656
Adjusted gross margin
23,393
18,575
91,313
70,194
Adjusted gross margin percentage
33.0 %
28.5 %
31.6 %
29.0 %
Backlog represents the expected orders the Company has received, but has not yet executed, and that are expected to translate into sales within the next twelve months, expressed in dollars and estimated in number of days not to exceed 365 days. Bookings represent orders received during the period considered, expressed in number of days, and calculated by adding revenues to the increase or decrease in backlog for the period considered, divided by annualized year revenues. 5N+ uses backlog to provide an indication of expected future revenues in days, and bookings to determine its ability to sustain and increase its revenues.
Net debt is calculated as total debt less cash. Any introduced IFRS 16 reporting measures in reference to lease liabilities are excluded from the calculation. 5N+ uses this measure as an indicator of its overall financial position.
The net debt to EBITDA ratio is defined as net debt divided by the trailing 12 months EBITDA.
Total debt and Net debt are reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure:
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
As at December 31, 2024
As at December 31, 2023
$
$
Bank indebtedness
–
–
Long-term debt including current portion
122,203
108,500
Lease liabilities including current portion
29,402
30,139
Subtotal Debt
151,605
138,639
Lease liabilities including current portion
(29,402)
(30,139)
Total Debt
122,203
108,500
Cash
(22,142)
(34,706)
Net Debt
100,061
73,794
Working capital is a measure of liquid assets that is calculated by taking current assets and subtracting current liabilities. Given that the Company is currently indebted, it uses it as an indicator of its financial efficiency and aims to maintain it at the lowest possible level.
Working capital ratio is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities.
Working capital is reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure:
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
As at December 31, 2024
As at December 31, 2023
$
$
Inventories
137,823
105,850
Other current assets excluding inventories
79,572
76,113
Current assets
217,395
181,963
Current liabilities
(60,481)
(81,807)
Working capital
156,914
100,156
Working capital ratio
3.59
2.22
SOURCE 5N Plus Inc.
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Biocomputation is a field focused on curbing the AI energy crises by replacing inefficient silicon chips with low energy biological processors. Biostack is the most tactile and publicly accessible demonstration yet to emerge from the field of biocomputation. Play today at play.intactis.bio.
A biocomputer you can rack
Biostack runs on the Intactis BPU (Biohybrid Processing Unit), a biocomputer built into the same form factor as the GPUs widely distributed in data centers today. Living neurons at its core are wrapped in the cooling, life support, and signal hardware needed to keep the neurons healthy while they compute. The unit pairs the living substrate with silicon and rack mountable networking, which allows the systems to scale out using existing data center infrastructure.
The map that makes neurons playable
What makes the tissue controllable is a computational neuroscience model. Intactis ran a comprehensive screen to map how electrical stimulus drives neural outputs, cataloguing more than 150 statistically significant relationships and accounting for up to 96% of the tissue’s response. “Biocomputation is not a black box. We have the actual equation,” said Daniel Rodriguez-Granrose, PhD, Founder and CEO of Intactis Bio. This design space lets the company map neural responses onto specific game controls, so the biocomputer can directly learn the Biostack board state and ideal responses in a closed loop.
How a dish of neurons plays
Each turn, Biostack compresses the board (the current piece, the height of every column, and any gaps) into a compact code and delivers it to the tissue as a timed sequence of electrical pulses. The neurons respond, and the system reads their answer as a six-bit placement: four bits choose one of ten columns, two bits choose one of four rotations. Together this represents over 1000 unique electrical inputs to encode the board space and up to 40 possible destinations for every piece. Intactis has successfully transmitted this information to the neurons, and mapped their response back to the live game. In this demo, game performance held and even improved across overnight gaps between sessions. The living network is genuinely shaped by use.
Why a game matters
The stakes reach well beyond the screen. AI’s appetite for electricity is on track to outrun global electricity production. A supercomputer can draw on the order of 20 megawatts; a human brain runs on about 20 watts. The company projects energy-cost reductions around 95%, total-cost reductions around 90%, and data center footprint reductions around 88% versus exaflop-scale silicon.
From demo to business
Intactis sells the capability as Cloud Biocompute as a Service, targeting gaming, robotics, AI and LLM developers already spending $20,000 or more per month on GPUs. The company has secured more than $1 million in early capital and non-dilutive support and is raising a $5 million seed round to bring the BPU to data center partners. Intactis is built by a team with more than $900 million in prior exits.
About Intactis Bio
Intactis Bio builds biohybrid computers that run living human neurons alongside silicon to deliver compute with dramatically lower energy, cost, and footprint. Its rack-mountable Biohybrid Processing Unit (BPU) targets the widening gap between AI compute demand and available power. Learn more at intactis.bio.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/play-a-video-game-against-a-dish-of-living-neurons-intactis-bio-launches-biostack-302831095.html
SOURCE Intactis Bio Corp
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