Australia's Matrix Sees a 5% Fall in FY2016 Revenue to $70M

Australia's Matrix Composites & Engineering Ltd. reported Wednesday that in a challenging oil and gas services market, demand for drilling equipment has remained low as customers delay orders and project delivery dates. As a result, Matrix has moderated production more than previously anticipated and is expecting revenue of approximately $69.8 million (AUD 95 million) for FY16 compared to previous guidance of approximately $73.4 million (AUD 100 million).

Given the reduced revenue and costs associated with disrupted production, Matrix expects to report underlying EBITDA (before non-recurring costs and foreign exchange gains/losses) of approximately $15.4 million (AUD 11.3 million) for FY16. Up to 30 April 2016, Matrix recorded non-recurring costs of $2.4 million (AUD 3.2 million), primarily attributed to redundancies and loss on sale of surplus property assets.

Matrix successfully launched its new LGS product range in February – a unique product that reduces drag and vortex induced vibration for floating drill rigs and platforms operating in strong ocean current conditions. Matrix has delivered its first contract of LGS buoyancy which is expected to be deployed in the Gulf of Mexico by June. Matrix has assessed the attributable market for this product in excess of $400 million and currently has outstanding quotations of $70 million.

Matrix has signed a centralizer distributor agreement with Abu Dhabi Oilfield Services, a United Arab Emirates-based oil & gas engineering service provider. Matrix continues to target the Middle East and Asia as developing markets for well construction products, with the potential for significantly increased volumes.

Matrix Chief Executive Officer Aaron Begley said while the low oil price was causing ongoing market uncertainty, Matrix was responding to this environment by moderating production and continuing to rationalize its costs base.

“Despite the market conditions we are gaining traction with innovative products that allow producers to cut costs in the current environment, such as LGS," Begley said.

“Meanwhile, Matrix’s outlook remains positive over the medium to long term despite the short-term uncertainty.”

Matrix has continued to de-leverage its balance sheet during 2H FY16, with further reduction of its term debt to $1.5 million and a cash balance of $8 million at April 30. Matrix expects term debt to be completely repaid by June 30.

Matrix has reached agreement with its bankers for ongoing facilities of $14.7 million (AUD 20 million) on revised terms to support the business and ensure it is well positioned to respond to the ongoing weak oil price environment and market outlook.

Matrix refers to its announcement of Feb. 16 in relation to a request from a shipyard customer to cancel two contracted orders. As previously advised, Matrix has completed production of one of these orders, valued at $8 million (AUD 10.89 million). Matrix is in discussions with the shipyard in order to resolve matters and notes there has been no formal announcement of the cancellation of the project by either the shipyard or the intended owner of the vessel.



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