• Consolidated second quarter sales of $11.95M are $0.28M or 2.4% favourable to same quarter of the prior year
• Quarterly net income of $102 and EPS of $0.02
• Strong balance sheet with working capital increase of $3.4M over prior year

(Windsor, Ontario – March 7, 2024) – Reko International Group Inc. (TSX-V: REKO) today announced results for its  fiscal quarter of 2024.

Consolidated sales in the second quarter were $11,948 compared to $11,666 in the same quarter of the prior year, an increase of $282 or 2.4%.  Year to date sales for fiscal 2024 were $25,651 compared to $25,462 in the previous fiscal, an improvement of 0.7% or $189.

Earned revenue for the quarter declined $463 or 5.6% compared to the same period of the prior year. This decrease was driven by material and subcontracting cost overruns for projects initiated, progressed or completed during the quarter and persistent pricing pressures.

Gross profit for the quarter ended January 31, 2024 was $1,502 or 12.6% of sales, compared to $2,227 or 19.1% in the preceding year. The decline is attributed to decreased earned revenue and unforeseen challenges affecting labour costs on a certain multi-year fixed price project. Continued skilled labour shortages have compounded recruitment, retention and throughput challenges consequently leading to increased labour expenses.  This, in turn, has also impacted margins when compared to the prior year.

Selling and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) were $1,453 or 12.2% of sales which is improved by $116 or 7.4% when compared to SG&A expenses of $1,569 in the same period of the prior year.

Net income for the quarter ended January 31, 2024 was $102 or $0.02 per share compared to $483 or $0.08 a share in the prior year.

“This quarter reflects the impact of what might be called “the perfect storm”, stated Diane Reko, CEO. “As we see the impact of a timing failure in the introduction of new electric vehicles, both material and labour costs are rising rapidly, while many new projects are on hold.  Additionally, fixed price contracts have impacted margins due to the unexpected labour cost increase rates and skilled labour shortages.  We are taking action to improve our margins, but this will require time due to our project timelines and existing contracts.”

During the quarter, the Company purchased and subsequently cancelled 71,800 shares under the normal course issuer bid which expired on January 8, 2024 at a net cost of $358. No shares have been repurchased under the renewed bid announced on January 5, 2024.

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