Category: Canada

Teck cuts forecast again as it encounters more problems at anchor QB2 mine in Chile

Teck Resources Ltd. is cutting its full year forecast yet again owing to setbacks at multiple mines, including at its giant QB2 copper operation in Chile.

Vancouver-based Teck said on Thursday that its full year copper production will come in at between 420,000 tonnes and 455,000 tonnes this year, about 6.5 per cent lower than predicted. The downgrade was driven in part by haul truck issues at its Highland Valley mine in British Columbia, including labour availability and issues with its autonomous system. Teck also cut its guidance for the QB2 mine in Chile, reducing its forecast by 6 per cent to roughly 205,000 tonnes.

Teck in the summer had already cut its 2024 copper forecast by 7 per cent owing in part to geotechnical challenges at QB2.

QB2 has been pitched to investors as the anchor mine for the newly revamped critical minerals-focused Teck after the recent sale of its coal business. But QB2 has been a disappointment with major cost overruns during construction and now myriad problems with the ramp up.

Teck on Thursday reduced its 2025 outlook for QB2 by 12 per cent as it encounters equipment reliability issues and challenges regarding ore recoveries.

In a note to clients, RBC Dominion Securities Inc. analyst Sam Crittenden said the guidance downgrades at Teck “cast a shadow on the first quarter in the post-coal era.”

Shares in Teck fell by more than 6 per cent in early trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Thursday.

Teck in July closed the sale of 77 per cent of its metallurgical coal business to Glencore PLC of Switzerland for US$7.3-billon.  Teck had already sold the other 23 per cent to Japan’s Nippon Steel and South Korea’s POSCO. The sale of the dirty coal business has allowed Teck to reduce its debt significantly and given it increased firepower to buy back stock to boost its share price. But the company continues to be plagued by issues at QB2.

Teck put the copper mine in the high mountains of northern Chile into production last year after a difficult construction period. Commissioned in 2018, its construction costs were revised upward multiple times, as Teck dealt with myriad issues, including engineering setbacks, COVID-19-induced inflation, and challenges in building some of the port’s infrastructure. QB2′s costs eventually spiralled to about US$8.7-billion, or 85 per cent higher than predicted.

The company in July said it was experiencing grade problems at QB2 because of geotechnical issues and pit dewatering. Teck on Thursday said that the geotechnical issues have stabilized.

AM Craft’s New Advisory Board Draws Experience from Airbus, Stratasys, and Government


AM Craft’s New Advisory Board Draws Experience from Airbus, Stratasys, and Government – Toronto Stock Exchange News Today – EIN Presswire

























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Orezone Provides Hard Rock Expansion Update for Its Bomboré Gold Mine

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (“Orezone”) is pleased to provide an update on the hard rock expansion at its Bomboré Gold Mine. The hard rock expansion is forecasted to increase annual gold production to over 170,000 ounces, an approximate 50% increase from current levels, with first gold planned in Q4-2025.

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Site works are well-advanced with the plant-site area cleared and all major earthworks complete. Laydown areas have been prepared and are ready to receive construction equipment, offices, and major plant deliveries. Camp upgrades for construction supervision and teams are also now operational.

Engineering and Procurement

Lycopodium Minerals Canada (“Lycopodium”) was awarded the engineering and procurement contract and is ahead of schedule on both activities. Lycopodium was selected due to their successful track record of designing and constructing numerous gold plants in West Africa, including the Company’s Phase I oxide plant that is currently in operation and exceeding nameplate design.

In terms of procurement, the Company has placed over 50% of all packages including CIL tank platework and 95% of all process equipment. This includes the purchase of a 9MW 26’ diameter SAG mill. The SAG mill is a new, pre-owned mill that was never installed and carries a full warranty by the supplier. Substantial savings in costs and schedule are being realized from the purchase of this manufactured mill. The mill shells, heads and ring gear are now being packaged for shipment later this quarter which is well ahead of schedule.

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Site Construction Activities

The concrete installation contract was recently awarded with mobilization of the batch plant and equipment scheduled for mid-November, three months ahead of schedule.

The tank platework supply was awarded in September, and bids for the structural steel and general platework are under evaluation and will be awarded in November.

The main Structural, Mechanical, and Piping installation contract is expected to be awarded in Q1-2025, which again will be ahead of schedule.

Mining Fleet and Explosives Magazine

The first shipment of the hard rock fleet by the mining contractor, which includes new trucks and excavators, has arrived in Burkina Faso and will be transported to site in late October. This early delivery will allow for systematic training of operators well ahead of the start of hard rock mining and will facilitate more cost-effective mining of the lower transition material in the near-term. The remaining hard rock fleet will be delivered to site over the coming six to eight months.

The explosives magazine is in the final stages of completion. Once in service, the Company will be able to purchase and store bulk explosives for mixing and preparation at site, eliminating the need for the more costly pre-mix batch deliveries. A full-service team from AECI will be on site to mix and supply the downhole explosives for blasting of transition and hard rock material.

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Patrick Downey, President & CEO stated, “I am extremely pleased with the fast progress made to date on the hard rock expansion. The team has focused on critical areas to accelerate site activities and to meet or exceed key milestones. We look forward to sharing regular updates on this important expansion.”

Figure 1: Hard Rock Plant Area

Figure 1: Hard Rock Plant Area

About Orezone Gold Corporation

Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring its flagship Bomboré Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. The Bomboré mine achieved commercial production on its oxide operations on December 1, 2022, and is now focused on its staged hard rock expansion that is expected to materially increase annual and life-of-mine gold production from the processing of hard rock mineral reserves. Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets and M&A.

The technical report entitled Bomboré Phase II Expansion, Definitive Feasibility Study is available on SEDAR+ and the Company’s website.

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Patrick Downey
President and Chief Executive Officer

Vanessa Pickering
Manager, Investor Relations

Tel: 1 778 945 8977 / Toll Free: 1 888 673 0663
info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com

For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945 8977 or visit the Company’s website at www.orezone.com.

The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release.

QUALIFIED PERSONS

Dale Tweed, P. Eng., VP Engineering and Rob Henderson, P. Eng. VP Technical Services of Orezone, are Qualified Persons under NI 43-101 and have reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain information that may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian Securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “potential”, “possible” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may”, “will”, “could”, or “should” occur. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the hard rock expansion including the increase in gold production.

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All such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management and the qualified persons believe are appropriate in the circumstances.

All forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, delays caused by pandemics, terrorist or other violent attacks (including cyber security attacks), the failure of parties to contracts to honour contractual commitments, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, the possibility of unanticipated costs and expenses, accidents and equipment breakdowns, political risk, unanticipated changes in key management personnel and general economic, market or business conditions, the failure of exploration programs, including drilling programs, to deliver anticipated results and the failure of ongoing and uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, and other factors described in the Company’s most recent annual information form and management discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

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Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a33214c6-4db5-42c0-8910-83291abd3045


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Harvest High Income Shares ETFs Announces October 2024 Distributions

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OAKVILLE, Ontario — Harvest Portfolios Group Inc. (“Harvest”) announces the following distributions for Harvest High Income Shares ETFs for the month ending October 31, 2024. The distribution will be paid on or about November 8, 2024 to unitholders of record on October 31, 2024 with an ex-dividend date of October 31, 2024.

Harvest has established a Distribution Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”) for all classes of Harvest High Income Shares ETFs, allowing investors to easily benefit from compounding their distributions on a monthly basis. Harvest High Income Shares ETFs listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) are eligible for the Distribution Reinvestment Plan, provided that their investment dealer supports participation in the DRIP. Investors may opt into the DRIP by contacting their investment dealer, otherwise distributions will be paid in cash.

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For additional information: Please visit www.harvestportfolios.com, e-mail info@harvestetfs.com or call toll free 1-866-998-8298.

Harvest ETFs invites you to subscribe to our monthly commentary newsletter. By subscribing through the following link, you will receive timely insights, analyses and perspectives directly to your inbox: https://harvestportfolios.com/subscribe

For media inquiries: Contact Caroline Grimont, VP Marketing at cgrimont@HarvestETFs.com

About Harvest Portfolios Group Inc.

Founded in 2009, Harvest is an independent Canadian Investment Fund Manager managing $5.1 billion in assets for Canadian Investors. At Harvest ETFs, we believe that investors can build and preserve wealth through the long-term ownership of high-quality businesses. This fundamental philosophy is at the core of our investment approach across our range of ETFs. Our core offerings center around covered call strategies, available in four variations: Equity, Enhanced, Fixed Income, and Balanced. In August 2024, we launched Harvest High Income Shares ETFs, which are designed to generate high monthly cash distributions and exposure to long-term growth through single-stock ownership.

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For Additional Information:
Website: www.harvestetfs.com
E-mail: info@harvestetfs.com
Toll free: 1-866-998-8298

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Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter:
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You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell shares of the investment fund on the TSX. If the shares are purchased or sold on the TSX, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying shares of the investment fund and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning shares of an investment fund. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the investment fund. You can find more detailed information about the investment fund in these documents.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241024999636/en/

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Website: www.harvestetfs.com
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XORTX Sponsored Study Presented at the American Society of Nephrology – Kidney Week 2024


XORTX Sponsored Study Presented at the American Society of Nephrology – Kidney Week 2024 – Toronto Stock Exchange News Today – EIN Presswire




















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New York’s RTS awards NFI subsidiary New Flyer order for 44 Xcelsior heavy-duty transit buses


New York’s RTS awards NFI subsidiary New Flyer order for 44 Xcelsior heavy-duty transit buses – Toronto Stock Exchange News Today – EIN Presswire


















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Mullen Group Ltd. Reports Solid Third Quarter Financial Results including Record Quarterly Revenues

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OKOTOKS, Alberta, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX: MTL) Mullen Group Ltd. (“Mullen Group“, “We“, “Our” and/or the “Corporation“), one of Canada’s largest logistics providers today reported its financial and operating results for the period ended September 30, 2024, with comparisons to the same period last year. Full details of the results may be found within our Third Quarter Interim Report, which is available on the Corporation’s issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or at www.mullen-group.com.

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“An excellent quarter for our group even though the economy remains in neutral. Acquisitions continue to drive growth, however, I was really pleased with the performance of our Business Units, where the real difficult work is handled. All of our teams did a great job navigating the difficult market and controlling costs. As a result, we generated record revenues and near record operating profitability,” commented Mr. Murray K. Mullen, Chair and Senior Executive Officer.

“This is a very frustrating time for anyone involved in the private sector. There is limited growth in most verticals, which is contributing to ultra competitive markets. It is within this backdrop that the Mullen Group stands apart from most of our peers. We have a long history of acquiring good companies at a fair price. Of equal importance is that we have the balance sheet to execute the deal. But we will not lose our discipline just because we can, choosing to only pursue transactions that add value to Mullen Group shareholders. After 75 years in business, we know how to handle difficult and challenging markets,” added Mr. Mullen.

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Financial Highlights      
(unaudited)
($ millions, except per share amounts)
Three month periods ended
September 30
  Nine month periods ended
September 30
2024   2023   Change   2024   2023   Change
  $   $   %     $   $   %  
Revenue 532.0   504.0   5.6     1,490.2   1,496.1   (0.4 )
               
Operating income before depreciation and amortization 95.3   88.6   7.6     247.2   249.0   (0.7 )
Net foreign exchange (gain) loss (2.8 ) (0.2 ) 1,300.0     (2.4 ) (3.4 ) (29.4 )
Decrease (increase) in fair value of investments   (0.2 ) (100.0 )   (0.3 )    
Net income 38.3   39.1   (2.0 )   93.4   107.3   (12.9 )
Net Income – adjusted1 35.8   38.0   (5.8 )   91.1   104.0   (12.4 )
Earnings per share – basic 0.44   0.44       1.06   1.19   (10.9 )
Earnings per share – diluted 0.41   0.42   (2.4 )   1.02   1.13   (9.7 )
Earnings per share – adjusted1 0.41   0.43   (4.7 )   1.04   1.15   (9.6 )
Net cash from operating activities 66.2   49.6   33.5     184.7   171.8   7.5  
Net cash from operating activities per share 0.75   0.56   33.9     2.10   1.90   10.5  
Cash dividends declared per Common Share 0.20   0.18   11.1     0.56   0.54   3.7  
1 Refer to the section entitled “Non-IFRS Financial Measures”.
 

Third Quarter Highlights

  • Generated record quarterly revenue of $532.0 million – acquisitions drove revenue growth while our diversified business model led to greater demand for certain services within the S&I segment. These increases were somewhat offset by the completion of major capital construction projects including the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (“TMX“) and the Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project (“CGL“), from demarketing some underperforming LTL business, a lack of private sector capital investment in Canada, competitive pricing pressures in certain markets due to excess capacity in the freight markets, lower freight demand as manufacturers continued to be reluctant to increase inventory levels, and a decline in fuel surcharge revenue.
  • Operating income before depreciation and amortization (“OIBDA“) of $95.3 million – up 7.6 percent from prior year on $6.4 million of incremental OIBDA from acquisitions and improved results in the LTL segment and the L&W segment (excluding acquisitions). These increases were somewhat offset by lower OIBDA in the S&I and US 3PL segments and from higher Corporate costs.
  • Operating margin1 improved to 17.9 percent from 17.6 percent on lower direct operating expenses (“DOE“) as a percentage of consolidated revenue despite more competitive pricing conditions in certain markets and a reduction in higher margin specialized business. Selling and administrative (“S&A“) expenses increased as a percentage of consolidated revenue resulting from a negative variance in foreign exchange and higher costs experienced at our most recent acquisition, ContainerWorld Forwarding Services Inc.

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Third Quarter Commentary

(unaudited)
($ millions)
Three month periods ended
September 30
2024   2023   Change  
  $   $   %  
Revenue      
Less-Than-Truckload 188.7   194.2   (2.8 )
Logistics & Warehousing 168.9   137.1   23.2  
Specialized & Industrial Services 131.8   125.4   5.1  
U.S. & International Logistics 45.7   48.8   (6.4 )
Corporate and intersegment eliminations (3.1 ) (1.5 )  
Total Revenue 532.0   504.0   5.6  
Operating income before depreciation and amortization      
Less-Than-Truckload 35.7   34.5   3.5  
Logistics & Warehousing 35.2   26.8   31.3  
Specialized & Industrial Services 28.5   29.7   (4.0 )
U.S. & International Logistics 0.3   1.1   (72.7 )
Corporate (4.4 ) (3.5 )  
Total Operating income before depreciation and amortization 95.3   88.6   7.6  
       

Revenue: An increase of $28.0 million or 5.6 percent to $532.0 million, led by incremental revenue from acquisitions and higher revenue in the S&I segment being somewhat offset by lower revenue in the LTL and US 3PL segments.

  • LTL segment down $5.5 million, or 2.8 percent, to $188.7 million – revenues were down due to a softening in overall freight demand, from demarketing underperforming business and from a $1.6 million decrease in fuel surcharge revenue to $33.8 million.
    • L&W segment up $31.8 million, or 23.2 percent, to $168.9 million – revenues improved as acquisitions added $33.6 million of incremental revenue, which was somewhat offset by $1.4 million of lower revenue from our Business Units (excluding acquisitions and fuel surcharge) due to a lack of capital investment in the private sector, from competitive pricing pressures in certain markets and from shippers electing to keep a tight rein on inventory levels. Fuel surcharge revenue also declined by $0.4 million to $15.8 million.

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1
Refer to the sections entitled “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” and “Other Financial Measures”.

  • S&I segment up $6.4 million, or 5.1 percent, to $131.8 million – revenues increased on greater activity levels in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin resulting in higher revenue generated by our production services Business Units due to the commencement of plant turnaround and maintenance projects undertaken by large E&P companies in western Canada and from our drilling related services Business Units. Fuel surcharge revenue increased by $0.4 million to $2.2 million. These increases were somewhat offset by a $4.4 million reduction in revenue for pipeline hauling and stringing services at Premay Pipeline Hauling L.P. (“Premay Pipeline“) as construction of TMX and CGL has virtually been completed. Smook Contractors Ltd. and Canadian Dewatering L.P. (“Canadian Dewatering“) also experienced lower demand for civil construction and dewatering services, respectively.
  • US 3PL segment down $3.1 million, or 6.4 percent to $45.7 million – revenue decreased due to a combination of freight volumes remaining stagnant with an excess supply of trucking capacity creating a competitive operating environment. Competitive pricing and lower freight volumes, particularly for full truckload shipments resulted in lower revenue.

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OIBDA: An increase of $6.7 million or 7.6 percent to $95.3 million, led by higher OIBDA in the L&W and LTL segments being somewhat offset by higher Corporate costs and lower OIBDA in the S&I and US 3PL segments.

  • LTL segment up $1.2 million, or 3.5 percent, to $35.7 million – OIBDA increased despite the $5.5 million decline in segment revenues and was primarily due to the integration of B. & R. Eckel’s Transport Ltd.’s LTL operations into Grimshaw Trucking L.P. and Hi-Way 9 Express Ltd. as well as cost control measures implemented at our other Business Units, which resulted in lower DOE and S&A expenses. Operating margin1 increased by 1.1 percent to 18.9 percent as compared to the prior year period due to more efficient operations and from implementing cost control measures.
  • L&W segment up $8.4 million, or 31.3 percent, to $35.2 million – OIBDA increased due to $6.4 million of incremental OIBDA from acquisitions and from more efficient operations resulting in lower DOE. These increases were somewhat offset by a decline in demand for certain services within the segment. Operating margin1 improved by 1.3 percent to 20.8 percent as compared to 19.5 percent in the prior year, primarily due to the impact of lower DOE being somewhat offset by higher S&A costs.
  • S&I segment down $1.2 million, or 4.0 percent, to $28.5 million – Greater OIBDA was experienced by our production services Business Units due to the commencement of certain turnaround and maintenance projects. This increase was somewhat offset by lower OIBDA being recognized at Premay Pipeline and Canadian Dewatering on decreased demand for their services. Lower OIBDA was also experienced at our drilling related services Business Units. Operating margin1 declined by 2.1 percent to 21.6 percent as compared to the prior year period due to the loss of higher margin pipeline construction work and from lower margins generated by our drilling related services Business Units being somewhat offset by higher margins generated from certain plant turnaround projects.
  • US 3PL segment down $0.8 million to $0.3 million – OIBDA declined on a year over year basis due to lower segment revenues. Operating margin1 declined by 1.6 percent to 0.7 percent, primarily due to slightly higher DOE as a percentage of segment revenue and from higher S&A costs resulting from a $0.3 million negative variance in foreign exchange. Operating margin1 as a percentage of net revenue1 was 7.5 percent as compared to 25.0 percent in the prior year.
  • Corporate costs up $0.9 million to $4.4 million – Corporate costs increased due to a $1.6 million negative variance in foreign exchange being somewhat offset by cost control measures.

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1
Refer to the sections entitled “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” and “Other Financial Measures”.

Net income: Net income decreased by $0.8 million, or 2.0 percent to $38.3 million, or $0.44 per Common Share due to:

  • A $4.9 million increase in depreciation of right-of-use assets, a $2.6 million increase in finance costs, a $0.7 million increase in loss on sale of property, plant and equipment, a $0.6 million increase in depreciation of property, plant and equipment, a $0.5 million increase in amortization of intangible assets and a $0.3 million decrease in earnings from equity investments.
  • These factors were somewhat offset by a $6.7 million increase in OIBDA and a $2.6 million positive variance in net foreign exchange.

Financial Position

The following summarizes our financial position as at September 30, 2024, along with some key changes that occurred subsequent to the end of the third quarter:

  • On July 10, 2024, the Corporation closed a private placement by issuing $300.0 million of Series M notes at 5.93 percent per annum and US$75.0 million of Series N notes at 6.5 percent per annum (collectively, the “2024 Notes“).
  • On July 10, 2024, in conjunction with closing the 2024 Notes, we increased the borrowing capacity on the Bank Credit Facilities by amending and restating the credit facilities with the current Bank Credit Facilities lending group (the “Amended Bank Credit Facilities“) and entering into a new $125.0 million credit agreement with the Toronto-Dominion Bank (and together with the Amended Bank Credit Facilities, the “New Bank Credit Facilities“). The New Bank Credit Facilities provide revolving demand credit and upsizes the borrowing capacity to the Corporation to an aggregate of $525.0 million, including increasing its borrowing capacity with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from $100.0 million to $125.0 million.
  • Working capital at September 30, 2024, was $296.8 million including $344.4 million of cash, some of which was used to repay $217.2 million of Private Placement Debt that matured on October 22, 2024.
  • Total net debt1 ($1,056.7 million) to operating cash flow ($330.7 million) of 3.20:1 as defined per our Private Placement Debt agreement (threshold of 3.50:1). After repaying the notes that matured on October 22, 2024, our total net debt1 to operating cash flow ratio decreased to 2.54:1.
  • Total net debt1 ($965.5 million) to operating cash flow ($330.7 million) of 2.92:1 as defined per our 2024 Note agreement (threshold of 3.50:1). After repaying the notes that matured on October 22, 2024, our total net debt1 to operating cash flow ratio decreased to 2.26:1.
  • Book value of Derivative Financial Instruments down $2.4 million to $51.1 million, which swaps our $229.0 million of U.S. dollar debt at an average foreign exchange rate of $1.1096.
  • Net book value of property, plant and equipment of $1.0 billion, which includes $653.2 million of carrying costs of owned real property.
  • Repurchased and cancelled 147,920 Common Shares for $2.0 million representing an average price of $13.36.

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1 Refer to the section entitled “Other Financial Measures”.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

Mullen Group reports its financial results in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS“). Mullen Group reports on certain non-IFRS financial measures and ratios, which do not have a standard meaning under IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Management uses these non-IFRS financial measures and ratios in its evaluation of performance and believes these are useful supplementary measures. We provide shareholders and potential investors with certain non-IFRS financial measures and ratios to evaluate our ability to fund our operations and provide information regarding liquidity. Specifically, net income – adjusted, earnings per share – adjusted, and net revenue are not measures recognized by IFRS and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS. For the reader’s reference, the definition, calculation and reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures are provided in this section. These non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. Investors are cautioned that these indicators should not replace the forgoing IFRS terms: net income, earnings per share, and revenue.

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Net Income – Adjusted and Earnings per Share – Adjusted

The following table illustrates net income and basic earnings per share before considering the impact of the net foreign exchange gains or losses, the change in fair value of investments, and the loss on fair value of equity investment. Management adjusts net income and earnings per share by excluding these specific factors to more clearly reflect earnings from an operating perspective.

 
(unaudited)
($ millions, except share and per share amounts)
Three month periods
ended

September 30
  Nine month periods
ended

September 30
  2024     2023       2024     2023  
Income before income taxes $ 50.5   $ 51.0     $ 124.1   $ 141.4  
Add (deduct):                  
  Net foreign exchange (gain) loss   (2.8)     (0.2)       (2.4)     (3.4)  
  Change in fair value of investments       (0.2)       (0.3)      
  Loss on fair value of equity investment                 0.6  
Income before income taxes – adjusted   47.7     50.6       121.4     138.6  
Income tax rate   25%     25%       25%     25%  
Computed expected income tax expense   11.9     12.6       30.3     34.6  
Net income – adjusted   35.8     38.0       91.1     104.0  
Weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding – basic   87,703,145     88,737,882       87,917,375     90,439,968  
Earnings per share – adjusted $ 0.41   $ 0.43     $ 1.04   $ 1.15  
 

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Net Revenue

Net revenue is calculated by subtracting DOE (primarily comprised of expenses associated with the use of Contractors) from revenue. Management calculates and measures net revenue within the US 3PL segment as it provides an important measurement in evaluating our financial performance as well as our ability to generate an appropriate return in the 3PL market.

 
(unaudited)
($ millions)
Three month periods ended
September 30
  Nine month periods ended
September 30
  2024     2023     2024     2023  
Revenue $ 45.7   $ 48.8   $ 137.0   $ 150.6  
Direct operating expenses   41.7     44.4     125.1     136.6  
Net Revenue $ 4.0   $ 4.4   $ 11.9   $ 14.0  
 

Other Financial Measures

Other financial measures consist of supplementary financial measures and capital management measures.

Supplementary Financial Measures

Supplementary financial measures are financial measures disclosed by a company that (a) are, or are intended to be, disclosed on a periodic basis to depict the historical or expected future financial performance, financial position or cash flow of a company, (b) are not disclosed in the financial statements of a company, (c) are not non-IFRS financial measures, and (d) are not non-IFRS ratios. The Corporation has disclosed the following supplementary financial measure.

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Operating Margin

Operating margin is a supplementary financial measure and is defined as OIBDA divided by revenue. Management relies on operating margin as a measurement since it provides an indication of our ability to generate an appropriate return as compared to the associated risk and the amount of assets employed within our principal business activities.

 
(unaudited)
($ millions)
Three month periods ended
September 30
  Nine month periods ended
September 30
  2024     2023       2024    

2023

 
OIBDA $ 95.3   $ 88.6     $ 247.2   $ 249.0  
Revenue $ 532.0   $ 504.0     $ 1,490.2   $ 1,496.1  
Operating margin   17.9 %   17.6 %     16.6 %   16.6%  
 

Capital Management Measures

Capital management measures are financial measures disclosed by a company that (a) are intended to enable users to evaluate a company’s objectives, policies and processes for managing the entity’s capital, (b) are not a component of a line item disclosed in the primary financial statements of the company, (c) are disclosed in the notes of the financial statements of the company, and (d) are not disclosed in the primary financial statements of the company. The Corporation has disclosed the following capital management measures.

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Total Net Debt – Private Placement Debt Calculation

The term “total net debt” is defined in the Private Placement Agreement as all debt including the Private Placement Debt, the 2024 Notes, lease liabilities, the New Bank Credit Facilities and letters of credit less any unrealized gain on Cross-Currency Swaps plus any unrealized loss on Cross-Currency Swaps, as disclosed within Derivatives on the condensed consolidated statement of financial position. Total net debt specifically excludes the Debentures. Total net debt is defined within our Private Placement Debt agreement and is used to calculate our total net debt to operating cash flow covenant. Management calculates and discloses total net debt to provide users with an understanding of how our debt covenant is calculated.

 
(unaudited)
($ millions)
  September 30, 2024
Private Placement Debt (including the current portion)     $ 878.4  
Lease liabilities (including the current portion)       225.9  
Bank indebtedness        
Letters of credit       3.4  
Long-term debt (including the current portion)       0.1  
Total debt       1,107.8  
Less: unrealized gain on Cross-Currency Swaps       (51.1 )
Add: unrealized loss on Cross-Currency Swaps        
Total net debt     $ 1,056.7  
 

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Total Net Debt – 2024 Notes Calculation

The term “total net debt” is defined in the 2024 Note agreement as all debt including the Debentures, the Private Placement Debt, the 2024 Notes, lease liabilities associated with operating equipment, the New Bank Credit Facilities and letters of credit less any unrealized gain on Cross-Currency Swaps plus any unrealized loss on Cross-Currency Swaps, as disclosed within Derivatives on the condensed consolidated statement of financial position. Total net debt specifically excludes any real property lease liabilities. Total net debt is defined within our 2024 Note agreement and is used to calculate our total net debt to operating cash flow covenant. Management calculates and discloses total net debt to provide users with an understanding of how our debt covenant is calculated.

 
(unaudited)
($ millions)
  September 30, 2024
Private Placement Debt (including the current portion)     $ 878.4  
Lease liabilities (including the current portion)       225.9  
Debentures       119.9  
Bank indebtedness        
Letters of credit       3.4  
Long-term debt (including the current portion)       0.1  
Total debt       1,227.7  
Less: Real property lease liabilities       (211.1 )
Less: unrealized gain on Cross-Currency Swaps       (51.1 )
Add: unrealized loss on Cross-Currency Swaps        
Total net debt     $ 965.5  
 

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About Mullen Group Ltd.

Mullen Group is one of Canada’s largest logistics providers. Our network of independently operated businesses provide a wide range of service offerings including less-than-truckload, truckload, warehousing, logistics, transload, oversized, third-party logistics and specialized hauling transportation. In addition, we provide a diverse set of specialized services related to the energy, mining, forestry and construction industries in western Canada, including water management, fluid hauling and environmental reclamation. The corporate office provides the capital and financial expertise, legal support, technology and systems support, shared services and strategic planning to its independent businesses.

Mullen Group is a publicly traded corporation listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “MTL“. Additional information is available on our website at www.mullen-group.com or on the Corporation’s issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Contact Information

Mr. Murray K. Mullen – Chair, Senior Executive Officer and President
Mr. Richard J. Maloney – Senior Operating Officer
Mr. Carson P. Urlacher – Senior Financial Officer
Ms. Joanna K. Scott – Senior Corporate Officer

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121A – 31 Southridge Drive
Okotoks, Alberta, Canada T1S 2N3
Telephone: 403-995-5200
Fax: 403-995-5296

Disclaimer

Mullen Group may make statements in this news release that reflect its current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to it and contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This news release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risk factors associated with the overall economy and the oil and natural gas business. These forward-looking statements relate to future events and Mullen Group’s future performance. All forward looking statements and information contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature constitute forward-looking statements, and the words “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “propose”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue”, “aim”, or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent Mullen Group’s internal projections, estimates, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. These forward-looking statements involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Mullen Group believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. In particular, forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) our expectation that we will continue to be an acquisitive company; and (ii) our belief that we will not lose our discipline in our pursuit of transactions. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Mullen Group in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. These assumptions include but are not limited to the following: (i) that acquisition opportunities will present themselves to Mullen Group, (ii) that we have a long history of acquiring good companies at a fair price; (iii) that we have the balance sheet to execute acquisitions; and (iv) that we will choose to only pursue transactions that add value to Mullen Group shareholders. For further information on any strategic, financial, operational and other outlook on Mullen Group’s business please refer to Mullen Group’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis available for viewing on Mullen Group’s issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Additional information on risks that could affect the operations or financial results of Mullen Group may be found under the heading “Principal Risks and Uncertainties” starting on page 50 of the 2023 Annual Financial Review as well as in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through Mullen Group’s issuer profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and Mullen Group disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable Canadian securities laws. Mullen Group relies on litigation protection for forward-looking statements.

A PDF accompanying this announcement is available at: 

http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/52c4ddb4-da4f-413e-96c7-ce994497ba24


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Featured Local Savings

Capital Group Canada launches ETFs as financial advisers look beyond mutual funds

Independent asset manager Capital Group Canada is launching a group of exchange-traded funds as it looks to expand its product shelf to serve advisers who want to work with fewer managers offering broader options.

On Thursday, Capital Group Canada will begin trading two equity and two fixed income actively managed ETFs on the Toronto Stock Exchange, adding to the suite of mutual funds the company has traditionally sold.

The business is a subsidiary of U.S.-based parent The Capital Group of Companies Inc., a privately owned investment company that operates in the United States, Canada, Asia, Australia and Europe and manages about US$2.7-trillion in assets globally.

The ETF launch follows new Canadian regulations requiring financial advisers to have more expertise on products they sell. Capital Group Canada’s president Rick Headrick says many advisers want to deal with a smaller number of companies that can offer a full array of products beyond just traditional mutual funds, particularly ETFs that are often requested by clients.

“We need to let investors access what we do on their terms and increasingly over the last couple of years, investors and their advisers have been asking to make our investment services – such as our global equity – available to them in an ETF format,” Mr. Headrick said.

He added that while some in the industry may think Capital Group is late to the game in entering the Canadian ETF market – which saw a major boom in fund companies launching ETFs nearly a decade ago as many investors pivoted to lower cost options – Capital Group is known in taking its time to examine the landscape before diving into new endeavours.

“We would rather do things right than be first,“ he said in an interview. “Because we need to ensure that whatever we’re doing is right for the investor.”

Currently there are 44 ETF providers in Canada – including Capital Group and J.P Morgan, which also launched this month. Together, the industry manages more than $480-billion in assets.

Daniel Straus, managing director of ETFs for National Bank Financial, says while he thought the market may have been getting a bit saturated a few years ago, investors today are signalling more interest and “a greater appetite” for a variety of ETFs, including “active management, exotic strategies like buffers and new asset classes like different pockets of the fixed income market and perhaps even private equity.”

Adding to the product shelf is a rare occasion for the Capital Group Canada, which, on average, only launches a new fund every two years. Over the past two decades of operating in Canada, the company has managed a small group of 10 traditional investment funds focused on equities, fixed income and emerging markets investments.

Capital Group launched its first investment fund in Canada in 2000. Mr. Headrick stepped in as head of the Canadian operation in 2019 and now oversees more than 75 employees who help manage about $23-billion in assets.

Holly Framsted, Capital Group’s head of global product strategy and development, has spent the last several years helping develop the ETF strategy for both Canada and for the U.S. business, which launched its first group of ETFs in 2022.

“ETFs open and close all the time but when we think about how Capital Group approaches product development, we have a long legacy of not closing funds,” Ms. Framsted said in an interview. “When we decide to come to market, we need to make sure that we’re very committed, and you can expect that our offering is going to be durable and future proof.”

In the U.S., Capital Group now has 21 ETFs listed on the New York Stock Exchange with more than US$42-billion in assets, giving it about 5 per cent of the U.S. market share for actively managed ETFs, according to a recent Morningstar report.

Ms. Framsted says the company’s delay in launching in the U.S. allowed it to fully understand the regulatory regime, which in turn accounts for some of the company’s rapid growth in the U.S. market.

Many ETF providers launched before Capital Group in a “semi-transparent way in the U.S. market,” she said, meaning investors couldn’t see all the stocks held in the funds.

“Daily transparency into holdings is an expectation in the U.S.,” Ms. Framsted said. “Those that chose to be fast and didn’t wait for the regulations to shift, launched in a way that wasn’t fully disclosing of holdings and in the U.S. marketplace, that’s not the expectation. That led to those funds having not scaled to quite the same extent.”

Mr. Headrick compares the addition of ETFs in Canada to the company’s launch several years ago of separately managed accounts, which allowed investors and their advisers to access the company’s investment strategies outside the traditional mutual fund product.

Less than two years later, separately managed accounts now make up $3-billion in the firm’s assets, and represent about 25 per cent of the company’s sales.

“I’m not suggesting that it’s moving away from mutual funds because mutual funds are still very popular, and are right for a lot of Canadians,” Mr. Headrick said. “But increasingly we’re seeing financial advisers pick less of their own securities and then look to separately managed accounts and now, more recently, ETFs.”

Capital Group Canada launches ETFs as financial advisers look beyond mutual funds

Independent asset manager Capital Group Canada is launching a group of exchange-traded funds as it looks to expand its product shelf to serve advisers who want to work with fewer managers offering broader options.

On Thursday, Capital Group Canada will begin trading two equity and two fixed income actively managed ETFs on the Toronto Stock Exchange, adding to the suite of mutual funds the company has traditionally sold.

The business is a subsidiary of U.S.-based parent The Capital Group of Companies Inc., a privately owned investment company that operates in the United States, Canada, Asia, Australia and Europe and manages about US$2.7-trillion in assets globally.

The ETF launch follows new Canadian regulations requiring financial advisers to have more expertise on products they sell. Capital Group Canada’s president Rick Headrick says many advisers want to deal with a smaller number of companies that can offer a full array of products beyond just traditional mutual funds, particularly ETFs that are often requested by clients.

“We need to let investors access what we do on their terms and increasingly over the last couple of years, investors and their advisers have been asking to make our investment services – such as our global equity – available to them in an ETF format,” Mr. Headrick said.

He added that while some in the industry may think Capital Group is late to the game in entering the Canadian ETF market – which saw a major boom in fund companies launching ETFs nearly a decade ago as many investors pivoted to lower cost options – Capital Group is known in taking its time to examine the landscape before diving into new endeavours.

“We would rather do things right than be first,“ he said in an interview. “Because we need to ensure that whatever we’re doing is right for the investor.”

Currently there are 44 ETF providers in Canada – including Capital Group and J.P Morgan, which also launched this month. Together, the industry manages more than $480-billion in assets.

Daniel Straus, managing director of ETFs for National Bank Financial, says while he thought the market may have been getting a bit saturated a few years ago, investors today are signalling more interest and “a greater appetite” for a variety of ETFs, including “active management, exotic strategies like buffers and new asset classes like different pockets of the fixed income market and perhaps even private equity.”

Adding to the product shelf is a rare occasion for the Capital Group Canada, which, on average, only launches a new fund every two years. Over the past two decades of operating in Canada, the company has managed a small group of 10 traditional investment funds focused on equities, fixed income and emerging markets investments.

Capital Group launched its first investment fund in Canada in 2000. Mr. Headrick stepped in as head of the Canadian operation in 2019 and now oversees more than 75 employees who help manage about $23-billion in assets.

Holly Framsted, Capital Group’s head of global product strategy and development, has spent the last several years helping develop the ETF strategy for both Canada and for the U.S. business, which launched its first group of ETFs in 2022.

“ETFs open and close all the time but when we think about how Capital Group approaches product development, we have a long legacy of not closing funds,” Ms. Framsted said in an interview. “When we decide to come to market, we need to make sure that we’re very committed, and you can expect that our offering is going to be durable and future proof.”

In the U.S., Capital Group now has 21 ETFs listed on the New York Stock Exchange with more than US$42-billion in assets, giving it about 5 per cent of the U.S. market share for actively managed ETFs, according to a recent Morningstar report.

Ms. Framsted says the company’s delay in launching in the U.S. allowed it to fully understand the regulatory regime, which in turn accounts for some of the company’s rapid growth in the U.S. market.

Many ETF providers launched before Capital Group in a “semi-transparent way in the U.S. market,” she said, meaning investors couldn’t see all the stocks held in the funds.

“Daily transparency into holdings is an expectation in the U.S.,” Ms. Framsted said. “Those that chose to be fast and didn’t wait for the regulations to shift, launched in a way that wasn’t fully disclosing of holdings and in the U.S. marketplace, that’s not the expectation. That led to those funds having not scaled to quite the same extent.”

Mr. Headrick compares the addition of ETFs in Canada to the company’s launch several years ago of separately managed accounts, which allowed investors and their advisers to access the company’s investment strategies outside the traditional mutual fund product.

Less than two years later, separately managed accounts now make up $3-billion in the firm’s assets, and represent about 25 per cent of the company’s sales.

“I’m not suggesting that it’s moving away from mutual funds because mutual funds are still very popular, and are right for a lot of Canadians,” Mr. Headrick said. “But increasingly we’re seeing financial advisers pick less of their own securities and then look to separately managed accounts and now, more recently, ETFs.”

Trading Central And TMX Datalinx Close The Market


(MENAFN– Newsfile Corp)
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – October 23, 2024) – Jay Rajarathinam, Chief Operating Officer, TMX Group, along with TMX Datalinx representatives and Trading Central, closed the market today to celebrate the Future of Retail Investing seminar.

Cannot view this video? Visit:

Key topics covered during The Future of Retail Investing seminar included the use of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence in Canadian online brokerages, enhancing the investor experience through new service offerings, and analyzing the competitive landscape and future trends in retail investing.

TMX Datalinx will collaborate with their Online Trading Platform clients, Trading Central and TMX VettaFi to explore innovative strategies to create more value for retail investors through education, market insights, and tailored services.

TMX Datalinx is the information services division of TMX Group.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Catherine Kee
Head of Media Relations, TMX Group

To view the source version of this press release, please visit

SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange

MENAFN23102024004218003983ID1108813285


Newsfile Corp

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