ALTIUS REPORTS Q1 2018 ALTIUS REPORTS Q1 2018 REVENUE OF $15.8M AND ADJUSTED EBITDA OF $12.7M
St. John’s - Altius Minerals Corporation (“Altius” or the “Corporation”) reports attributable royalty revenue(1) of $15.8 million ($0.37 per share) for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 compared to $13.4 million ($0.31 per share) for the three month period ended April 30, 2017. The strong revenue growth of 18% over the prior year period is mainly attributable to improved prices for most base metal and bulk mined commodities as well as significant growth in production from Chapada and the potash royalty portfolio.
Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $12.7 million ($0.29 per share) for the three months represents a margin of approximately 80%, and compares to $10.3 million ($0.24 per share) or 77% for the three months ended April 30, 2017. Net earnings for the three months were $2.5 million ($0.06 per share) including a $2.2 million non-cash unrealized loss adjustment for the changes in the value of a convertible debenture and share purchase warrants. The earnings per share in the first quarter of 2018 compared to a net loss of $0.96 million ($0.02 per share) in the three months ended April 30, 2017.
- Base metal royalty revenue was up by 14% period over period and accounted for 45% (36% copper and 9% zinc) of royalty revenue with higher copper and zinc prices and higher production volumes at Chapada more than offsetting reduced copper production at 777.
- Thermal coal royalty revenue was up 10% (as mining moved onto higher royalty rate lands at Sheerness) and represented 26% of total royalty revenue.
- Potash royalty revenue increased 45% due largely to improved prices and continuing royalty volume increases, particularly at Rocanville, to represent 15% of total royalty revenue.
- Indirect iron ore revenue related to dividends paid by Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation was up by 29% period over period and represented 7% of total royalty revenue.
The link here as the table that summarizes the financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.
The Corporation’s junior equities portfolio value was $49.8 million at quarter end compared to $44.1 million at January 1, 2018. This includes an additional $5.1 million purchase of Alderon Iron Ore Corp. shares that was announced in late March 2018. In addition, Altius holds a $10 million, 8% debenture that is convertible into Champion Iron Ore common shares at $1.00 per share and certain other share purchase warrants that are not included in this quarter end total.
Additional information on the Corporation’s results of operations and developments in its project generation division are included in the Corporation’s MD&A and Financial Statements which were filed on SEDAR today and are also available on the Corporation’s website at www.altiusminerals.com.
Outlook
Royalty revenue guidance for the year remains unchanged from $64 - $69 million. Altius has recently agreed to partner with Great Bay Renewables, a US based boutique renewable energy investment firm whose principals have an extensive track record as successful renewable energy developers and operators, to co-found Blue Sky Renewable Energy Royalties (“Blue Sky”). Great Bay will provide fully dedicated technical expertise, capital, and an existing royalty on a small-scale producing renewable energy project. Altius expects to contribute its royalty creation expertise and acquisition capital to the venture as opportunities are identified. Blue Sky may also add additional strategic investors.
Altius is also considering the contribution or designation of some or all of its portfolio of Alberta electrical coal based royalties into Blue Sky. These royalties relate to electrical generating facilities that are proposed to be phased out by 2030 under recently adopted government policies. Altius believes that the reinvestment of coal phase-out royalty cash flows as royalty-based financing for the next generation of renewable energy projects could innovatively transform this medium life part of its current portfolio into long life royalties.
Balance sheet liquidity remains strong with approximately $57 million in cash after debt repayment of $3.25 million in the quarter. Combined cash and revolving credit facility availability stood at approximately $62 million, which does not include the junior equity portfolio of $49.8 million or the Corporation’s equity holding in Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corp of $67 million at March 31, 2018.
The Corporation also advises that its board of directors has declared a cash dividend on its common shares of four cents per common share payable to all shareholders of record at the close of business on June 6, 2018. The dividend is expected to be paid on or about June 20, 2018. The declaration, timing and payment of future dividends will largely depend on the Corporation’s financial results as well as other factors. Dividends paid by Altius on its common shares are eligible dividends for Canadian income tax purposes unless otherwise stated.
A conference call will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, starting at 8:00 a.m. EST to further discuss the quarter and guidance for 2018. To participate in the conference call, use the following dial-in numbers and conference ID, or join the webcast on-line as detailed below.
Time: 8.00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Dial-In Numbers: +1 844-473-0974 local or +1-480-696-7316 international
Pass code: 9885598
Conference Title: Altius Q1 2018 results
Webcast URL: https://edge.media-server.com/m6/p