Diversified Royalty Corp. Announces Third Quarter 2024 Results

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diversified Royalty Corp. (TSX: DIV and DIV.DB.A) (the “Corporation” or “DIV”) is pleased to announce its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2024 (“Q3 2024”) and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Highlights

• The weighted average organic royalty growth1 of DIV’s diversified royalty portfolio was 4.3% in Q3 2024 and 4.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 6.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 (“Q3 2023”) and 9.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The weighted average organic royalty growth1 on a constant currency basis was 4.0% in Q3 2024 and 4.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
• Revenue of $16.1 million in Q3 2024 and $48.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, up 18.3% and 19.6%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023.
• Adjusted revenue1 of $17.4 million in Q3 2024 and $51.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, up 16.9% and 18.1%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023.
• Distributable cash1 of $11.0 million in Q3 2024 and $32.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, up 20.5% and 16.1%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023.
• Payout ratio1 of 94.1% in Q3 2024 based on dividends of $0.0625 per share for the quarter, compared to 94.4% in Q3 2023 based on dividends of $0.0602 per share for the comparable quarter and 93.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 based on dividends of $0.1862 per share for the period, compared to 92.5% based on dividends of $0.1802 per share for the comparable period.
• DIV celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the closing of its first royalty transaction.

Third Quarter Results

In Q3 2024, DIV generated $16.1 million of revenue compared to $13.6 million in Q3 2023. After taking into account the DIV Royalty Entitlement1 (defined below) related to DIV’s royalty arrangements with Nurse Next Door, DIV’s adjusted revenue was $17.4 million in Q3 2024, compared to $14.9 million in Q3 2023. Adjusted revenue increased primarily due to incremental revenue received through the acquisition of the BarBurrito rights on October 4, 2023, positive SSSG1 (defined below) at Mr. Lube + Tires and Oxford, the annual contractual royalty increases at Stratus, Nurse Next Door and Sutton, partially offset by negative SSSG from Mr. Mikes and lower royalty income from AIR MILES®, all as discussed in further detail below.

1. Adjusted revenue, distributable cash and DIV Royalty Entitlement are non-IFRS financial measures, payout ratio is a non-IFRS ratio and weighted average organic royalty growth and SSSG are supplementary financial measures – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

Royalty Partner Business Updates

Mr. Lube + Tires: Mr. Lube Canada Limited Partnership (“Mr. Lube + Tires”) generated SSSG2 of 7.7% for the Mr. Lube + Tires stores in the royalty pool for Q3 2024, compared to SSSG of 16.4% in Q3 2023.

2. Same-store-sales growth or SSSG is a supplementary financial measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

Stratus: Royalty income from SBS Franchising LLC (“Stratus”) was $2.2 million (US$1.6 million translated at an average foreign exchange rate of $1.3634 to US$1.00) for Q3 2024. The fixed royalty payable by Stratus increases each November at a rate of 5% until and including November 2026 and 4% each November thereafter during the term of the license, with the most recent increase effective November 15, 2023.

Nurse Next Door: The royalty entitlement to DIV (the “DIV Royalty Entitlement3”) from Nurse Next Door Professional Homecare Services Inc. (“Nurse Next Door”) was $1.3 million in Q3 2024. The DIV Royalty Entitlement from Nurse Next Door grows at a fixed rate of 2.0% per annum during the term of the license, with the most recent increase effective October 1, 2024.

3. DIV Royalty Entitlement is a non-IFRS measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

Mr. Mikes: SSSG4 for the Mr. Mikes Restaurants Corporation (“Mr. Mikes”) restaurants in the Mr. Mikes royalty pool was -3.1% in Q3 2024, compared to SSSG of 3.6% in Q3 2023. The lower SSSG percentage in the current period is due to lower restaurant guest traffic.

Royalty income and management fees of $1.1 million were generated from Mr. Mikes in Q3 2024, compared to $1.2 million in Q3 2023.

4. Same-store-sales growth or SSSG is a supplementary financial measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

Oxford: The Oxford Learning Centres, Inc. (“Oxford”) locations in the Oxford royalty pool generated SSSG5 (on a constant currency basis) of 1.8% in Q3 2024, compared to SSSG of -0.9% in Q3 2023. Oxford’s SSSG has returned to being positive after lapping the completion of the Ontario Government funding of student learning support, which included private tutoring, which funding completed in the first half of 2023.

5. Same-store-sales growth or SSSG is a supplementary financial measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

AIR MILES®: In Q3 2024, royalty income of $0.9 million was generated from the AIR MILES® Licenses compared to $1.1 million generated in Q3 2023, a decrease of 13.7% from the comparable quarter. The decrease is largely due to continued softness in the AIR MILES® Rewards Program.

Sutton: In Q3 2024, royalty income of $1.1 million was generated from Sutton. The fixed royalty payable by Sutton increases at a rate of 2% per year, with the most recent increase effective July 1, 2024.

BarBurrito: Royalty income from BarBurrito Restaurants Inc. (“BarBurrito”) was $2.1 million for Q3 2024. The royalty payable by BarBurrito initially grows at a fixed rate of 4% per annum for the first seven years and, commencing on January 1, 2031, will fluctuate based on the gross sales of the BarBurrito locations in the royalty pool.

Third Quarter Commentary

Sean Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer of DIV stated, “DIV is pleased with how its royalty partners performed in the third quarter of 2024. Mr. Lube, our largest royalty partner, continued to see growth, generating SSSG6 of 7.7% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024. Oxford returned to positive SSSG of 1.8% in the third quarter after two quarters of mildly negative SSSG, while Mr. Mikes continued to show a slight decline similar to its Q1 and Q2 2024 performance. However, Mr. Mikes’ management remains optimistic about its future opportunities for the business, including incremental location growth. Royalty partners Nurse Next Door, Sutton, Stratus and BarBurrito made their fixed royalty payments. DIV continues to see a decrease in royalty income from AIR MILES as a result of softness in the AIR MILES® Rewards Program. However, DIV management recently met with the President of AIR MILES and he highlighted their substantial commitment and continued investment in AIR MILES Rewards Program under BMO’s ownership.”

6. Same-store-sales growth or SSSG is a supplementary financial measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

Distributable Cash and Dividends Declared

In Q3 2024, distributable cash7 increased to $11.0 million ($0.0665 per share), compared to $9.1 million ($0.0638 per share) in Q3 2023. The increase in distributable cash7 for the quarter was primarily due to higher adjusted revenue7, and lower professional fees and general and administrative expenses, partially offset by higher interest expense, and salaries and benefits. The increase in distributable cash per share7 for the quarter was primarily due to an increase in distributable cash, partially offset by a higher weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

In Q3 2024, the payout ratio7 was 94.1% on dividends of $0.0625 per share, compared to the payout ratio of 94.4% on dividends of $0.0600 per share for the same respective period in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to higher distributable cash per share, partially offset by higher dividends declared per share 7.

7. Adjusted revenue and distributable cash are non-IFRS financial measures and distributable cash per share and payout ratio are non-IFRS ratios – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

Net Income

Net income for Q3 2024 was $6.9 million compared to net income of $6.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in net income in Q3 2024 was primarily due to higher adjusted revenue8, lower professional fees and general and administrative expenses, partially offset by higher share-based compensation expenses, interest expense on credit facilities, and income tax expense.

8. Adjusted revenue is a non-IFRS financial measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

Diversified Royalty Corp. 10-Year Anniversary

DIV is proud to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its first royalty transaction. On September 26, 2014, the Company completed its first royalty transaction and was renamed Diversified Royalty Corp. In conjunction with this, the Company began trading on the TSX under the stock symbol “DIV”. Subsequently, DIV has completed 8 further royalty transactions with a diversified group of royalty partners. Since November 2014, DIV has paid a monthly dividend every month, without exception. These cumulative dividends total over $2.21 per share as of November 5, 2024. The combination of these dividends and share price appreciation equates to approximately a 15.9% annualized IRR9 since December 2013. With a diversified portfolio of royalty partners and proven business model, DIV is optimistic about its prospects over the next 10 years.

9. IRR is a supplementary financial measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

About Diversified Royalty Corp.

DIV is a multi-royalty corporation, engaged in the business of acquiring top-line royalties from well-managed multi-location businesses and franchisors in North America. DIV’s objective is to acquire predictable, growing royalty streams from a diverse group of multi-location businesses and franchisors.

DIV currently owns the Mr. Lube + Tires, AIR MILES®, Sutton, Mr. Mikes, Nurse Next Door, Oxford Learning Centres, Stratus Building Solutions and BarBurrito trademarks. Mr. Lube + Tires is the leading quick lube service business in Canada, with locations across Canada. AIR MILES® is Canada’s largest coalition loyalty program. Sutton is among the leading residential real estate brokerage franchisor businesses in Canada. Mr. Mikes operates casual steakhouse restaurants primarily in western Canadian communities. Nurse Next Door is a home care provider with locations across Canada and the United States as well as in Australia. Oxford Learning Centres is one of Canada’s leading franchisee supplemental education services. Stratus Building Solutions is a leading commercial cleaning service franchise company providing comprehensive building cleaning, and office cleaning services primarily in the United States. BarBurrito is the largest quick service Mexican restaurant food chain in Canada.

DIV’s objective is to increase cash flow per share by making accretive royalty purchases and through the growth of purchased royalties. DIV intends to continue to pay a predictable and stable monthly dividend to shareholders and increase the dividend over time, in each case as cash flow per share allows.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “will”, ”project”, “should”, “believe”, “confident”, “plan” and “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information, although not all forward-looking information contains these identifying words. Specifically, forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements made in relation to: DIV being optimistic about its prospects over the next 10 years; Mr. Mikes management being optimistic about future opportunities for its business, including incremental location growth; AIR MILES® substantial commitment and continued investment in the AIR MILES® Reward Program under BMO’s ownership; DIV’s intention to pay monthly dividends to shareholders; and DIV’s corporate objectives. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events, performance, or achievements of DIV to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by such forward-looking information. DIV believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information included in this news release are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In particular, risks and uncertainties include: DIV’s royalty partners may not make their respective royalty payments to DIV, in whole or in part; the decline in royalties received under the AIR MILES® licenses could cause AM Royalties Limited Partnership (“AM LP”) to be required to make partial or full repayment of the outstanding principal amount under its credit agreement, or cause AM LP to be in default under its credit agreement; current positive trends being experienced by certain of DIV’s royalty partners (and their respective franchisees) may not continue and may regress, and current negative trends experienced by certain of DIV’s royalty partners (including their respective franchisees) may continue and may regress; DIV and its royalty partners performance may not meet management’s expectations; DIV may not be able to make monthly dividend payments to the holders of its common shares; AIR MILES® investment in the AIR MILES® Reward Program may not result in improved performance of the AIR MILES® royalty, and such investments may be reduced or cease; dividends are not guaranteed and may be reduced, suspended or terminated at any time; or DIV may not achieve any of its corporate objectives. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned that forward-looking information included in this news release is not a guarantee of future performance, and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. More information about the risks and uncertainties affecting DIV’s business and the businesses of its royalty partners can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of its Annual Information Form dated March 21, 2024 and in DIV’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, copies of which are available under DIV’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

In formulating the forward-looking information contained herein, management has assumed that DIV will generate sufficient cash flows from its royalties to service its debt and pay dividends to shareholders; lenders will provide any necessary waivers required in order to allow DIV to continue to pay dividends; lenders will provide any other necessary covenant waivers to DIV and its royalty partners; the performance of DIV’s royalty partners will be consistent with DIV’s and its royalty partners’ respective expectations; recent positive trends for certain of DIV’s royalty partners (including their respective franchisees) will continue and not regress; current negative trends experienced by certain of DIV’s royalty partners (including their respective franchisees) will not materially regress; the businesses of DIV’s respective royalty partners will not suffer any material adverse effect; and the business and economic conditions affecting DIV and its royalty partners will continue substantially in the ordinary course, including without limitation with respect to general industry conditions, general levels of economic activity and regulations. These assumptions, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect.

All of the forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that it will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, DIV. The forward-looking information in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and DIV assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

Non-IFRS Measures

Management believes that disclosing certain non-IFRS financial measures, non-IFRS ratios and supplementary financial measures provides readers with important information regarding the Corporation’s financial performance and its ability to pay dividends and the performance of its royalty partners. By considering these measures in combination with the most closely comparable IFRS measure, management believes that investors are provided with additional and more useful information about the Corporation and its royalty partners than investors would have if they simply considered IFRS measures alone. The non-IFRS financial measures, non-IFRS ratios and supplementary financial measures do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Investors are cautioned that non-IFRS measures should not be construed as a substitute or an alternative to net income or cash flows from operating activities as determined in accordance with IFRS.

“Adjusted revenue”, “adjusted royalty income”, “DIV Royalty Entitlement” and “distributable cash” are used as non-IFRS financial measures in this news release.

Adjusted revenue is calculated as royalty income plus DIV Royalty Entitlement and management fees. The following table reconciles adjusted revenue and adjusted royalty income to royalty income, the most directly comparable IFRS measure disclosed in the financial statements:

For further details with respect to adjusted revenue and adjusted royalty income, refer to the subsection “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” under “Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures” in the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

The most closely comparable IFRS measure to DIV Royalty Entitlement is “distributions received from NND LP”. DIV Royalty Entitlement is calculated as distributions received from NND LP, before any deduction for expenses incurred by NND Holdings Limited Partnership (“NND LP”), which expenses include legal, audit, tax and advisory services. Note that distributions received from NND LP is derived from the royalty paid by Nurse Next Door to NND LP. The following table reconciles DIV Royalty Entitlement to distributions received from NND LP in the financial statements:

For further details with respect to DIV Royalty Entitlement, refer to the subsection “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” under “Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures” in the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

The following table reconciles distributable cash to cash flows generated from operating activities, the most directly comparable IFRS measure disclosed in the financial statements:

For further details with respect to distributable cash, refer to the subsection “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” under “Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures” in the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

“Distributable cash per share” and “payout ratio” are non-IFRS ratios that do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to similar ratios presented by other issuers.Distributable cash per share is defined as distributable cash, a non-IFRS measure, divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.The payout ratio is calculated by dividing the dividends per share during the period by the distributable cash per share, a non-IFRS measure, generated in that period. For further details, refer to the subsection entitled “Non-IFRS Ratios” under “Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures” in the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

“Weighted average organic royalty growth” is the average same store sales growth percentage related to Mr. Lube + Tires, Oxford and Mr. Mikes (excluding the collection of Mr. Mikes deferred royalty management fees) plus the average increase in adjusted royalty income from AIR MILES®, Sutton, Nurse Next Door and Stratus over the prior comparable period taking into account the percentage weighting of each royalty partner’s adjusted royalty income in proportion of the total adjusted royalty income for the period, excluding BarBurrito as there was no adjusted royalty income generated from BarBurrito in the prior period. Weighted average organic royalty growth is a supplementary financial measure and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. However, the Corporation believes that weighted average organic royalty growth is a useful measure as it provides investors with an indication of the change in year-over-year growth of each royalty partner, taking into account the percentage weighting of royalty partner’s growth in proportion of total growth, as applicable. The Corporation’s method of calculating weighted average organic royalty growth may differ from those of other issuers or companies and, accordingly, weighted average organic royalty growth may not be comparable to similar measures used by other issuers or companies.

“Same store sales growth” or “SSSG” and “system sales” are supplementary financial measures and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. SSSG and system sales figures are reported to DIV by its Royalty Partners – see “Third Party Information”. For further details, refer to the subsection entitled “Supplementary Financial Measures” under “Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures” in the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

“IRR” or Internal Rate of Return, is the compound annual rate of return that would have been generated on an investment in shares of DIV, calculated using the annual rate of return from all monthly dividends per share paid by DIV, plus the DIV share price appreciation per share over the relevant period. IRR is a supplementary financial measure and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

Third Party Information

This news release includes information obtained from third party company filings and reports and other publicly available sources as well as financial statements and other reports provided to DIV by its royalty partners. Although DIV believes these sources to be generally reliable, such information cannot be verified with complete certainty. Accordingly, the accuracy and completeness of this information is not guaranteed. DIV has not independently verified any of the information from third party sources referred to in this news release nor ascertained the underlying assumptions relied upon by such sources.

THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR THE ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Additional Information

The information in this news release should be read in conjunction with DIV’s consolidated financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

Additional information relating to the Corporation and other public filings, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

Contact:
Sean Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer
Diversified Royalty Corp.
(236) 521-8470

Greg Gutmanis, Chief Financial Officer and VP Acquisitions
Diversified Royalty Corp.
(236) 521-8471