JST Jinpan International Limited

CARLSTADT, N.J., Nov. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Jinpan International Limited. (Nasdaq: JST), a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of cast resin transformers, today reported unaudited consolidated financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2015. This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. All translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB6.3613 to US$1.00, the rate published by China administration of foreign exchange on September 30, 2015.

Third Quarter 2015 Results

Net sales for the third quarter were RMB462.6 million (US$72.7 million), a 22.3% increase from RMB 378.3 million (US$59.5 million) in the same period last year.  The increase was driven by continued strength in sales of switchgear and unit substations, an increase in sales to the Company's newest OEM customer, and moderate growth in sales of transformers. 

In the third quarter, China sales increased 16.7% year-over-year to RMB391.3 million (US$61.5 million), or 84.6% of net sales, compared to RMB335.3 million (US$52.7 million), or 88.6% of net sales in the same period last year. Net sales outside of China for the third quarter increased 65.9% year-over-year to RMB 71.3 million (US$11.2 million), or 15.4% of net sales, compared to RMB43.0 million (US$6.8 million), or 11.4% of net sales, for the same period last year.

Sales of cast resin transformers increased 4.8% year-over-year to RMB245.2 million (US$38.5 million), or 53.0% of net sales, compared to RMB233.9 million (US$36.8 million) or 61.8% of net sales, for the same period last year. Sales of our integrated products, including switchgear and unit substations, increased 99.2% year-over-year to RMB134.6 million (US$21.2 million), or 29.1% of sales, compared to RMB67.6 million (US$10.6 million), or 17.9% of net sales, for the same period last year. 

Sales to OEM customers increased 64% year-over-year to RMB94.4 million (US$14.8 million), or 20.4% of net sales, compared to RMB 57.5 million (US$ 9.0 million), or 15.2% of net sales in the same period last year.

Gross profit in the third quarter increased 9.2% year over year to RMB135.3 million (US$21.3 million) from RMB123.9 million (US$19.5 million) in the same period last year.  Third quarter 2015 gross profit margin was 29.2%, compared to 32.8% in the prior year period. Gross margin in the third quarter decreased compared to the same period last year primarily due to increased materials prices and an increased mix of sales of switchgear and unit substations, which carry lower gross margins.

Selling and administrative expenses in the third quarter were RMB111.5 million (US$17.5 million), or 24.1% of net sales, compared to RMB92.2 million (US$14.5 million), or 24.4% of net sales, in the same period last year.  Selling and administrative expenses increased from the same period last year due to increase in bad debt reservation and increased in research and development expense. 

Operating income for the third quarter decreased 25% to RMB23.8 million (US$3.7 million), or 5.1% of net sales, from RMB31.7 million (US$5.0 million), or 8.4% of net sales, in the same period last year.

Net income for the third quarter decreased 25% to RMB19.6 million (US$3.1 million), or RMB1.21 (US$0.19) per diluted share, compared to RMB26.1 million (US$4.1 million), or RMB1.61 (US$0.25) per diluted share, in the same period last year.  Third quarter net income, as a percentage of net sales, was 4.2% compared to 6.9% in the same period last year.

Mr. Zhiyuan Li, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, stated, "Our third quarter sales of RMB 462.6 million (US$72.7 million) exceeded our expectations. The strong sales performance reflects the results of our concerted effort to increase sales volume to offset margin pressure within the industry.  This strategy is enabled by the increased production capacity and competitive cost structure of our Guilin production facility." 

"During the third quarter we experienced the same positive dynamics that we have seen over the past several quarters. Our product sales continued to diversify, driven by a strong increase in sales of switchgear and unit substations.  Sales to our OEM customers increased as our newest OEM, a leading global wind turbine manufacturer, ramped up shipments during the quarter." 

"While our gross margins improved from the second quarter, we continued to experience margin pressure due to rising competition and product mix. We remained focused on managing our working capital and our days sales outstanding."   

"We operate in a cyclical industry closely tied to China's economic environment, which is experiencing decelerating growth.  We are focused on navigating the current industry down-cycle through disciplined execution and fiscal conservatism, with a vision to enter the recovery period in a more dominant competitive position within the market."

"At the end of October 2015, our backlog equaled RMB888 million (US$140 million), up 10.2% from the end of September last year and down 5.2% from the second quarter of 2015." 

Balance Sheet

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had RMB219.9 million (US$34.6 million) in cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short term investments, compared to RMB168.5 million (US$27.5 million) as of December 31, 2014. The Company's net accounts receivable on September 30, 2015 totaled RMB1.09 billion (US$171.4 million), compared to RMB858.0 million (US$140.2 million) as of December 31, 2014.  Total bank loans outstanding at September 30, 2015 were RMB185.9 million (US$29.2 million), compared to RMB160.6 million (US$26.2 million) at December 31, 2014. 

Financial Outlook

For the full year 2015, the Company projects revenue growth of approximately 15-20% compared to 2014.  Net sales are expected to be approximately RMB1.70 billion to RMB1.76 billion (US$267 million to US$277 million). Net income is expected to be in a range of approximately RMB89 million to RMB92.2 million (US$14 million to US$14.5 million).  Earnings per share are expected to be RMB5.48 to RMB5.68 (US$0.86 to US$0.89) per share. This earnings guidance excludes expenses associated with the proposed going private transaction.

Recent Developments

On September 15, 2015, the Company announced that its Board of Directors has received a preliminary, non-binding proposal letter dated September 15, 2015 from Li Zhiyuan, the Company's Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer and Forebright Smart Connection Technology Limited  (collectively, with Mr. Li, the "Buyer Parties"), to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of the Company not currently owned by the Buyer Parties in a going private transaction for $4.50 per common share, subject to certain conditions (the "Proposal").

The Company's Board of Directors formed a committee of independent directors (the "Special Committee") on September 29, 2015 to evaluate the Proposal.  The Special Committee has retained a legal counsel and a financial advisor. The Board of Directors cautions the Company's shareholders and others considering trading in its securities that no decisions have been made by the Special Committee with respect to the Company's response to the proposal. No assurance can be given that the Proposal, or any other transaction, will be consummated.  The Company does not intend to disclose developments regarding these matters unless and until its Board of Directors determines there is a need to update the market.

Conference Call Information

Jinpan's management will host a conference call and webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. The conference call can be accessed by dialing 1-888-576-4398 (toll free) or 1-719-325-2215 (international).  A webcast will also be available via http://public.viavid.com, with event ID: 117040.  A replay of the call will be available through November 18, 2015, by dialing 1-877-870-5176, access code 242815.   

ABOUT JINPAN INTERNATIONAL

Jinpan International Limited (NASDAQ: JST) designs, manufactures, and markets electrical control and distribution equipment used in demanding industrial applications, utility projects, renewable energy installations, and infrastructure projects.  Major products include cast resin transformers, VPI transformers and reactors, switchgears, and unit substations.  Jinpan serves a wide range of customers in China and reaches international markets as a qualified supplier to leading global industrial electrical equipment manufacturers. Jinpan's four manufacturing facilities in China are located in the cities of Haikou, Wuhan, Shanghai and Guilin.  The Company's manufacturing facilities in China comprise the largest cast resin transformer production capacity in that country. The Company was founded in 1993.  Its principal executive offices are located in Haikou, Hainan, China and its United States office is based in Carlstadt, New Jersey.  For more information, visit www.jinpaninternational.com. 

Safe Harbor Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and observations and involve known and unknown risks, and uncertainties or other factors not under the Company's control, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from the results, performance or other expectations implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors are listed from time-to-time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the period ended December 31, 2014 and our subsequent reports on Form 6-K.  Except as required by law, we are not under any obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOLLOW:

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SOURCE Jinpan International Limited