MBN announces first quarter results
3/16/2009 11:52 AM - Canada NewsWire
TORONTO, Mar 16, 2009 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX News Network) --
Message to Shareholders
During the first quarter of 2009, Middlefield Bancorp Limited ("MBN" or the "Company") generated net income of $742,000, or $0.08 per share, down slightly from $785,000, or $0.09 per share in the comparable quarter last year. The Company realized gains of approximately $1.2 million during the quarter despite the much reduced capital available for investment as a result of the $9.0 million special dividend that was paid in July 2008. The Company was successful in generating these gains despite the ongoing credit market turmoil and volatility in the equity markets in general.
As of January 31, 2009, MBN's balance sheet remained strong with no debt and net current assets of approximately $1.90 per share. Consolidated financial results are attached.
<<
Financial Summary
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the periods ended January 31
(all amounts in thousands, except
per share amounts) 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue $ 1,439 $ 2,322
Net income 742 785
Diluted earnings per share 0.08 0.09
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management's Discussion and Analysis
January 31, 2009 and 2008 (unaudited)
>>
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") should be read in conjunction with the attached unaudited interim consolidated financial statements that have been prepared by management and approved by the board of directors. These statements have not been reviewed by MBN's external auditors. Readers should also refer to the MD&A in MBN's 2008 Annual Report. Additional information relating to MBN, including MBN's annual information form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
The reader should be aware that historical results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. This MD&A contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expected future events, financial results, objectives and opportunities of MBN, government actions and industry performance, which are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events, results, expectations and performance, or that include words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "will" or negative versions thereof and other similar wording. MBN cautions that actual events, results, expectations or performance will be affected by a number of factors (many of which are beyond its control) and may differ materially from those based upon the forward-looking statements in the MD&A, including as a result of: general economic, political, market and business factors and conditions; commodity price fluctuations; interest and foreign exchange rate fluctuations; statutory and regulatory developments; unexpected judicial or regulatory proceedings; and catastrophic events. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and to avoid placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of MBN's management at the time the statements were made. MBN does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Results of Operations
MBN generated revenue of $1.4 million during the first quarter of 2009, representing a decrease of $0.9 million from the prior year comparable period. The decrease in investment income resulted primarily from reduced gains realized on the Company's investment portfolio, which is consistent with the 30% reduction in the capital of the Company resulting from the special dividend payment in July 2008. In addition, the Company's share of revenue of the variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which it invested declined $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2009 compared to last year due to its reduced capital.
2M Energy Corp.'s ("2M") production expenses in the first quarter of 2009 were a nominal amount and primarily reflect fixed expenses related to maintaining the Company's remaining oil and gas properties. General and administrative expenses in the first quarter of 2009 decreased $0.1 million to $0.4 million relative to the first quarter of 2008, primarily as a result of the Company's decreased share of expenses of the VIEs in which it invested. Transaction costs, which include brokerage commissions and fees, amounted to $14,000 in the first quarter of 2009 compared to $43,000 in the comparable quarter last year. The decrease stemmed from the reduced trading activity during the first quarter of 2009.
Depreciation, depletion and accretion ("DD&A") expenses in the first quarter of 2009 were nominal and reflect accretion expenses in respect of the Company's asset retirement obligations. DD&A expenses in the 2008 first quarter amounted to $68,000 which includes the cost of reclamation of the oil and gas properties in which 2M has an interest. There were no reclamation costs for the first quarter of 2009.
An income tax expense of $150,000 was recorded in the 2009 first quarter in respect of the investment gains realized. This expense represents the reversal of a future income tax asset that was previously recorded and as a result does not reflect an actual cash outlay. There is no current income tax expense since the Company can utilize its loss carryforwards to shelter all current taxable income. The comparable quarter in 2008 reflects an income tax expense of $150,000, also in respect of investment gains. Due to the Company's consolidation of VIEs, revenue and expenses increased by $0.2 million and $0.1 million respectively, in the first quarter of 2009 and by $0.6 million and $0.2 million respectively, in the first quarter of last year. These adjustments were offset by the deduction of the non-controlling interest and thus, there was no impact on the net income of the Company.
MBN recorded net income of $0.7 million or $0.08 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2009 compared to $0.8 million or $0.09 per share on a diluted basis in the prior year comparable quarter.
<<
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009 2008 2007
Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
Revenue
(Loss) 1,439 (15) (1,026) (5,830) 2,322 385 497 806
Net Income
(Loss):
- Total 742 (1,775) (1,727) (6,147) 785 (343) (6) 215
- Per Common
Share
- Basic and
Diluted 0.08 (0.20) (0.19) (0.67) 0.09 (0.04) - 0.02
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
Capital Resources, Liquidity and Capital Expenditures
Cash provided by operating activities, including changes in non-cash operating working capital, amounted to $1.5 million in the 2009 first quarter compared to cash used of $22.7 million in the comparable 2008 period. The increase in cash in the 2009 first quarter stems primarily from collecting amounts previously held by third parties. The decrease last year stemmed from depositing margin with brokers.
Cash used in investing activities amounted to $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2009 compared to cash provided of $20.2 million in the comparable quarter in 2008. The Company added to its investments in the first quarter of 2009 thus reducing its cash reserves.
Financial Position
MBN's working capital position was $17.2 million at January 31, 2009, up slightly from $16.5 million at the 2008 year end primarily due to earnings generated in the first quarter of 2009. Short-term investments increased $9.9 million to $11.9 million at January 31, 2009 and were comprised of investments in money-market securities. Marketable securities of $4.0 million at January 31, 2009 were down 61% from the 2008 year end as a result of a movement into short-term investments. Deposits with brokers in respect of short positions amounted to $0.2 million at January 31, 2009 and the liability associated with covering the positions also amounted to $0.2 million. Receivables and loans amounted to $1.2 million at the end of the 2009 first quarter compared to $2.2 million at the 2008 year end. The decrease reflects the collection of receivables during the quarter. Income taxes recoverable remained unchanged at $0.6 million at January 31, 2009 and reflects the carryback of a loss for tax purposes to offset taxes paid in prior years. Future income tax assets of $150,000 at October 31, 2008 were realized by January 31, 2009 when investments were sold and the gains resulting from the reversal of previously recorded unrealized losses, were recognized.
The January 31, 2009 payables amounted to $1.2 million compared to $0.2 million at October 31, 2008. The increase was due primarily to an investment in marketable securities for which settlement occurred after quarter end. Deferred revenue at January 31, 2009 reflects the unearned financing fee in respect of a loan receivable. The January 31, 2009 current and long-term portions of asset retirement obligations ("ARO") remain virtually unchanged from the 2008 year end at $0.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively. ARO reflects the estimated costs associated with the abandonment and reclamation of the 2M oil and gas properties. Changes in respect of all other balance sheet items during the quarter ended January 31, 2009 were minimal.
The total number of common shares outstanding at January 31, 2009 and March 16, 2009 was 9.0 million.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Changes in Accounting Policies
Critical accounting estimates have been disclosed in the MD&A of the Company in its October 31, 2008 Annual Report.
<< Future Accounting Changes International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") >>
The Company has developed a conversion plan to meet the timetable published by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants ("CICA") for the changeover to IFRS. The Company will begin reporting its financial statements in accordance with IFRS on November 1, 2011. The key elements of the plan include the disclosures of the qualitative impact in the 2009 and 2010 financial statements, disclosures of the quantitative impact, if any, in the 2010 financial statements and the preparation of the 2011 financial statements in accordance with IFRS. The impact the conversion from Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") to IFRS will have on the Company's assets and liabilities, accounting policies, financial statements and other business arrangements is being evaluated by the Company in accordance with the IFRS conversion plan. The key elements of the plan and progress to date are outlined below