Millipore Corporation : MFC Industrial Ltd. Reports First Quarter Results For 2013

NEW YORK, May 15, 2013/PRNewswire/ -- MFC Industrial Ltd. ("MFC" or the "Company") (NYSE: MIL) announces its results for the three months ended March 31, 2013and provides an update on its recent corporate developments. The Company's financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

Unless otherwise noted, all dollar amounts are in United Statesdollars.

In the first quarter of 2013, we saw marginal improvements in the pricing of certain of our commodities. Natural gas prices increased slightly, but such gains were offset by weaker than expected pricing for iron ore and other products. Our revenues grew by over 40% in the first quarter, compared to the same period in 2012. This was good, but we know we can do better. Earnings were quite disappointing as a result of various factors including timing issues on commodities shipments and higher expenses relating to the integration of our recent acquisitions.

We have completed the initial stages of the integration of Compton Petroleum Corporation's ("CPC") production of natural gas and natural gas liquids into our company. This reflected our strategy to increase our captive commodities sources and met our stated investment objectives. We are in the process of expanding our gas processing facility at Mazzeppa,consisting of thedevelopment of midstream projects that will help reduce our exposure to the volatility of natural gas prices, and also have the potential to create long-term stable processing income as well as a value-added component for our natural gas.

We are also in negotiations with interested parties to obtain the greatest value for our Niton property. The Niton area includes multi-zone, liquids-rich, tight gas plays, as well as other productive zones that provide the opportunities to expand our development base by moving into other geological horizons. Niton also includes our McLeod Rivergas processing plant.

ACC Resources Inc. ("ACCR") and Possehl Mexico S.A. de C.V. ("Possehl"), which are commodity supply chain companies, specializing in industrial raw materials, chemicals and various other products are being integrated into our group and we will complete this process shortly.

RESULTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2013

Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2013increased 40% to $207.3 millioncompared to $147.6 millionin 2012.  Our net income for the first three months of 2013 decreased to $5.0 million, or $0.08per share on a diluted basis, from $16.9 million, or $0.27per share on a diluted basis for the same period last year.

The income statement for the three months ended March 31, 2013includes non-cash depletion and depreciation expenses of approximately $7.7 millionand other non-cash related expenses of approximately $2.7 millionprimarily related to our natural gas operations.

Depletion and depreciation are non-cash expenses and represent the amortization of the historic cost of our natural gas assets and other fixed assets over their economical productive life.

Revenues were up for the three months ended March 31, 2013because of several factors, including the integration of our new acquisitions and increases in volumes and pricing for some of our commodities. As well, we realized additional revenue from the introduction of new products. Our revenue numbers were a positive move, however we still need to complete the integration of our new acquisitions into our operations.

Revenues for our commodities and resources business were $199.3 millionfor the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to $138.5 millionfor the same period in 2012. Included are the gross revenues generated by our royalty interest, which for the three months ended March 31, 2013were approximately $3.7 million, compared to $4.6 millionin 2012. A total of 392,735 tons of iron ore pellets and concentrate were shipped during the first three months of 2013, compared to 482,189 tons shipped during the same period in 2012.

Revenues for our merchant banking business were $3.6 millionfor the three months ended March 31, 2013compared to $4.6 millionfor the same period in 2012.

Other revenues, which encompass our corporate and other investments, were $4.4 millionfor the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to $4.6 millionfor the same period in 2012.

Costs of sales increased to $180.4 millionduring the three months ended March 31, 2013from $121.6 millionfor the same period in 2012. Selling, general and administrativeexpenses increased to $15.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013from $9.4 million for the same period in 2012. 

OVERVIEW OF OUR RESULTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2013

The table below shows our revenues by operating segments for the three months ended March 31, 2013and 2012.

The table below shows our income from operations for each of the three months ended March 31, 2013and 2012.

FINANCIAL

The following table highlights certain selected key financial numbers and ratios as at March 31, 2013.

LIQUIDITY

Liquidity is of great importance to companies in our business. As at March 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents of $341.8 million. Our objectives when managing capital are: to safeguard our ability to do business so that we can continue to provide returns to shareholders; and to provide an adequate return by pricing products and services commensurately with the level of risk. We also maintain a flexible capital structure which optimizes the cost of capital at acceptable risk. We set the amount allocated proportionate to risk. We manage our capital structure and make adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets.

LONG-TERM DEBT

The following table sets forth our long-term debt and long-term debt-to-equity ratio as of March 31, 2013and December 31, 2012.

As at March 31, 2013, the majority of our long-term debt, less current portion in the amount of $155.4 million, consists of borrowing from banks. All-in costs for these unsecured loans are 2.53% annually.

CREDIT FACILITIES

We maintain various types of credit lines and facilities with various banks, and most of these are short-term.  These facilities are used for day-to-day business, structured solutions and various other activities in both the commodities and finance areas.

As at March 31, 2013, we had credit facilities aggregating $405.2 millionas follows: (i) revolving credit facilities aggregating $177.3 millionfrom banks; (ii) revolving credit facilities aggregating $51.8 millionfrom banks for structured solutions. The related margin is negotiable when the facility is used; (iii) a structured factoring arrangement with a bank for up to $119.4 millionfor our commodities activities. Generally, we can factor our commodity receivables upon invoicing at the inter-bank rate plus a margin; and (iv) a foreign exchange credit facility of $56.6 millionwith a bank. All of these bank lines and facilities are renewable on a yearly basis.

UPDATE ON OUR NATURAL GAS & MIDSTREAM FACILITIES

We have expanded our commodities platform into natural gas and midstream facilities. This is will be a major factor in our future growth, for, among other things:

• it significantly expanded our global commodities platform into the energy sector; and
• our operations include significant under-utilized midstream facilities, which present an opportunity for growth through value-added projects and the consolidation of regional gas production.

Developing midstream operations

We are completing plans for our gas processing facility at Mazzeppa,which include development of midstream projects that will help reduce our exposure to the volatility of natural gas prices and have the potential to create long-term stable processing income as well as a value-added component to our natural gas.

Using our facility as the main base, our strategy involves pursuing bolt-on or value-added projects. These may involve potential aggregate investments of over $360 million, including the following endeavors:

Partner

We have entered into a preliminary letter agreement respecting the joint development of properties surrounding our midstream operations with a group who has an excellent track record in this area. This would involve equal ownership of the project. A definitive agreement has not been finalized or completed and would be subject to certain conditions being satisfied. When these various conditions are satisfied, we will be able disclose such agreement in detail. We are now proceeding with the initial planning, design and contracting phases and the current timing for execution is expected to be approximately 24 to 36 months.

Wells and other processing facilities

The following table sets forth our average sales prices, operating costs, royalty amounts and transportation costs for the first three months of 2013:

Undeveloped land bank

At March 31, 2013, we had 292,077 net undeveloped acres on which, due to the current pricing environment in natural gas, we do not intend to carry out any drilling at this time.

ENTERED NEW MARKETS AND EXPENDED OUR COMMODITIES PLATFORM

We are integrating our two new businesses Park Ridge, NJ-based ACCR and its affiliated company, Mexico City-based, Possehl into MFC. 

MFC's financial strength and our substantial global reach will be resources that will enable growth and agility for the combined companies. It is ACCR, Possehl and MFC's belief that Chinawill be an excellent sourcing market for us. As the Chinese slowdown continues, their commodities prices should start to come down and they will appreciate relationships with reliable counterparties from international supply chain organizations with ready financing.

UPDATE ON THE ROYALTY INTEREST AT THE WABUSHMINE

In March, Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. ("Cliffs") announced that, due to high production costs and lower pellet premium pricing, which is expected to persist in certain markets during the year, it will idle production at its Pointe Noire Quebec iron ore pellet plant. They will continue to produce an iron ore concentrate from its Scully Mine in Wabushlocated in the Province of Newfoundlandand Labrador.  

We do not expect that this will affect the royalty payment that we receive from Cliffs, as our royalties are paid on all iron ore products (i.e. pellets, concentrate and chips) shipped from the Wabush Mine.

Cliffs also disclosed that, for 2013, it is maintaining its full-year sales and production volume expectations of 9 to 10 million tons out of its Eastern Canada business segment. This includes approximately 3 million tons of iron ore pellets and/or concentrate products from its Wabushoperation. We believe it is a positive development that Cliffs has maintained its 2013 guidance at the same production levels as 2012. On the other hand, we were disappointed with the lower than expected shipment volumes from Wabushduring the period.

UPDATE ON OUR CAPTIVE SOURCES OF FERROUS METALS AT PEA RIDGE

MFC currently holds an indirect 50% interest in the Pea Ridge Iron Ore project ("Project"), a past-producing iron ore mine located in Sullivan, Missouri. The Project is a 50/50 joint venture between MFC and Alberici Group Inc. who joined forces with the goal to re-open and further develop the former Pea Ridge Iron Ore Mine. Our total investment in the Project to date is approximately $18.3 million.

Together with our consultants, we are continuing to conduct additional analysis and investigation regarding the re-opening of the mine, including commencing confirmatory work in connection with the large tonnage of tailings materials present at the Project site. If we determine to move forward with the Project, significant additional investment would be required. We currently expect that development activities would take place in two main phases:

• The first phase will focus on the tailings materials. This would likely require construction of a beneficiation plant to process the tailings at the project.
• The second phase would center on re-opening of the historic underground mine. This will involve dewatering the mine, substantial new development work, installing new equipment and, in part, will require construction of additional beneficiating facilities.

The Project is currently at a preliminary stage and, any decision on proceeding, including development activities, is dependent on the completion of further analysis, including feasibility studies. Activities at the Project are proceeding in an orderly fashion. It is currently anticipated that substantial additional expenditures will be incurred in order to determine the feasibility of the Project.

CORPORATE TAXATION

We are a company that strives to be fiscally responsible. The corporate income tax paid in cash was approximately $0.6 millionfor the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

ANNUAL CASH DIVIDEND

In January, we declared an annual cash dividend for 2013 of $0.24per common share. The dividend is 9% higher than the dividend paid in 2012 and represents a yield of approximately 2.81% compared to an annual dividend yield of approximately 2.5% for the NYSE Composite Index in 2012. Details of the dividend are as follows:

• The 2013 cash dividend will be paid in equal quarterly installments of $0.06per common share.
• The first payment of $0.06per common share was paid on February 8, 2013to shareholders of record on January 25, 2013.
• The second payment of $0.06per common share was paid on April 22, 2013to shareholders of record on April 12, 2013.
• The remaining quarterly dividend payments of $0.06per common share in 2013 are expected to be made to shareholders of record in June and September.

COMMENTS

Chairman Michael Smithcommented: "Integrating our newly acquired businesses has been both a challenge and an opportunity. The opportunities have allowed us to enlarge our commodities footprint, enter new markets and expand our supply chain platform,offering further potential growth. We still have a way to go to fully integrate these new businesses. However, we believe that we have a good business platform and a very sound financial foundation."

Mr. Smith concluded: "MFC will continue to focus on increasing its efforts to acquire undervalued captive commodities assets and operating businesses, as well as streamlining its existing operations. Our strong financial foundation will allow us to expand and diversify our commodities business, as long as we are disciplined and patient.  Our goal with these and other acquisitions is not to dilute our shareholders by issuing new shares and we must maintain our balance sheet and financial ratios."

Shareholders are encouraged to read the entire Form 6-K, which includes our unaudited financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2013and was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and Canadian securities regulators today, for a greater understanding of the Company.

Today at 10:00 a.m. EDT(7:00 a.m. PDT), a conference call will be held to review MFC's announcement and results. This call will be broadcast live over the Internet at www.mfcindustrial.com.  An online archive will be available immediately following the call and will continue for seven days. You may also to listen to the audio replay by phone by dialing: 1 (888) 286 8010, using conference number 32984531. International callers dial: 1 (617) 801 6888.

About MFC Industrial Ltd.

MFC is a global commodity supply chain company and is active in a broad spectrum of activities related to the integrated combination of commodities and resources interests. We also provide logistics, financial and risk management services to producers and consumers of commodities. To obtain further information on the Company, please visit our website at: http://www.mfcindustrial.com.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This document contains statements which are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements" which are prospective in nature, including, without limitation, statements regarding our future plans, including in respect of CPC, partnerships and joint ventures respecting our processing facilities and related expansion projects,  implementation of current strategies and our plans for our projects and the outcome of proceedings. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events, and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "projects",  "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, revenues, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results, revenues, performance or achievements to differ materially from our expectations include, among other things:(i) periodic fluctuations in financial results as a result of the nature of our business; (ii) commodities price volatility; (iii) economic and market conditions; (iv) competition in our business segments; (v) decisions and activities of operators of our resource interests; (vi) the availability of commodities for our commodities and resources operations; (vii) the availability of suitable acquisition or merger or other proprietary investment candidates and the availability of financing necessary to complete such acquisitions or development plans; (viii) our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions; (ix) additional risks and uncertainties resulting from strategic investments, acquisitions or joint ventures; (x) counterparty risks related to our trading activities; (xi) unanticipated grade, geological, metallurgical, processing or other problems experienced by the operators of our resource interests (xii) delays in obtaining requisite environmental and other permits or project approvals; (xiii) potential title and litigation risks inherent with the acquisition of distressed assets; (xiv) risks related to exploration, development and construction of a previously shut-down mine project, including the suitability and integrity of historic mine structures; (xv) the availability of services and supplies; (xvi) operating hazards; (xvii) our ability to enter into definitive agreements on acceptable terms respecting joint ventures and partnerships relating to our processing facilities; and (xviii) other factors beyond our control. Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in light of such factors. Other than in accordance with its legal or regulatory obligations, the Company is not under any obligation and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  Additional information about these and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties are set out in our Annual Report on Form 20-F and our Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the Canadian securities regulators.

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW -

SOURCE MFC Industrial Ltd.