LIF.TO · 2018-03-31 12:00:00

Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation - Results for the First

Corporate Updates

Quarter Ended March 31, 2018

TORONTO

May 7, 2018

/CNW/ - Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation ("LIORC", TSX: LIF) announced today its operation and cash flow

results for the first quarter ended

March 31, 2018

Royalty revenue for the first quarter of 2018 amounted to

$33.8 million

as compared to

$42.8 million

for the first quarter of 2017. Equity earnings

from Iron Ore Company of

Canada

("IOC") amounted to

$14.6 million

$0.23

per share in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to

$22.2

million

$0.35

per share in the first quarter of 2017. Net income was

$30.3 million

$0.47

per share for the first quarter of 2018 compared to

$42.9 million

$0.67

per share for the same period in 2017. Cash flow from operations for the first quarter was

$20.3 million

$0.32

per share

as compared to

$28.2 million

$0.44

per share for the same period in 2017.

The cash flow from operations, equity earnings and net income for the first quarter of 2018 were lower than the first quarter of 2017 mainly due to

reduced sales tonnages and reduced prices for concentrate and pellets. The average index price for 62% fines decreased 13% to

US$74

per

tonne CFR China in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the average price in the first quarter of 2017 of

US$86

per tonne. Total IOC's sales for

calculating the royalty to LIORC - pellets plus concentrate for sale ("CFS") - of 3.9 million tonnes was 17% lower in the first quarter of 2018

compared to the same period in 2017, driven largely by lower CFS tonnage sales being 38% lower than in the same period in 2017. The pellet

sales tonnages in the first quarter of 2018 were slightly higher (2%) than in the first quarter of 2017. LIORC received an IOC dividend in the first

quarter of 2017 in the amount of

$10.0 million

$0.16

per share, whereas LIORC received no IOC dividend in the first quarter of 2018.

LIORC's results for the three months ended

March 31

are summarized below:

(in millions except per share information)

3 Months

Ended

Mar. 31,

2018

3 Months

Ended

Mar. 31,

2017

Revenue

$34.3

$43.4

Cash flow from operations

$20.3

$28.2

Operating cash flow per share

$0.32

$0.44

Net income

$30.3

$42.9

Net income per share

$0.47

$0.67

Iron Ore Company of Canada Operations

Production

Issues with the parallel ore delivery system, increased ore hardness, and a work stoppage, which commenced on

March 27, 2018

, adversely

affected concentrate production in the first quarter. Consequently, total concentrate production in the first quarter of 2018 of 4.2 million tonnes

was 13% lower than the first quarter of 2017 and was 15% lower than the fourth quarter of 2017. The first quarter of 2017 was a record for first

quarter concentrate production.

The decreased concentrate production in the first quarter primarily affected CFS production since pellet production was favoured due to continued

strong demand and premiums. CFS production in the first quarter of 2018 was 28% lower than in the first quarter of 2017 and 31% lower than

the previous quarter. Pellet production in the first quarter of 2018 was 7% higher than in the first quarter of 2017; pellet production in the first

quarter of 2018 was approximately the same as the previous quarter. The pellet plant operated well in the first quarter of 2018.

Sales as Reported for the LIORC Royalty

First quarter 2018 total iron ore tonnage sold by IOC (CFS plus pellets) of 3.9 million tonnes was 17% below the total sales tonnage in the first

quarter of 2017 and 28% below the fourth quarter of 2017. In the first quarter of 2018, the pellet sales tonnage was 8% lower and CFS sales

tonnage was 49% lower than the fourth quarter of 2017.

The benchmark price for 62% Fe CFR China was 13% lower in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the first quarter of 2017. The lower

benchmark prices were somewhat offset by the improved year-over-year pellet premiums and also the improved differential between 62% and

65% concentrate. The higher premiums were driven by the Chinese governments enacting and enforcing measures to reduce pollution; these

measures favour higher quality products such as the CFS and pellets produced by IOC. The Canadian dollar was 4% stronger in the first quarter

of 2018 as compared to the first quarter of 2017. As a result of the lower benchmark prices, reduced sales tonnages and the effect of the stronger

Canadian dollar, somewhat offset by improved premiums, the royalty revenue for LIORC in the first quarter of 2018 was 21% lower than the

revenue in last year's first quarter.

A summary of IOC's sales for calculating the royalty to LIORC in millions of tonnes is as follows:

3 Months

Ended

Mar. 31,

2018

3 Months

Ended

Mar. 31,

2017

Year

Ended

Dec. 31,

2017

Pellets

2.54

2.48

10.48

Concentrates

(1)

1.35

2.19

8.67

Total

(2)

3.89

4.67

19.15

(1)

Excludes third party ore sales

(2)

Totals may not add up due to rounding

Outlook

The outlook for LIORC is clouded by the labour disruption at IOC, which started on

March 27, 2018

, and at the time of this writing is not

resolved. IOC had operational issues in the fourth quarter of 2017 and in the first quarter of 2018, but the benchmark prices for concentrate and

pellet premiums were good and the demand for pellets remained strong. When operations resume at IOC, LIORC can expect strong royalty

revenue and the possibility of IOC dividends, if these market conditions continue. The labour disruption will also affect the timing of capital

investments, including the refurbishment of the No. 4 pellet line and the development of the

Wabush

3 open pit.

It is the stated objective of IOC management to achieve fair and equitable agreements with the workforce. However, IOC must be positioned for

the highs and the lows of the mining cycle in order to remain a responsible and competitive business in the global market for the long term.

The LIORC cash balance at

March 31, 2018

stood at

$25.6 million

before LIORC dividends payable on

April 25, 2018

$0.35

per share or

$22.4 million

. The net royalty from IOC was paid on the same date, maintaining the Corporation's strong cash balance. The duration of the labour

disruption at IOC, the production achieved over the balance of 2018 after a settlement has been reached, and the iron ore prices and premiums

during that time period will be the main factors that determine future LIORC dividends.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Directors of Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation,

William H. McNeil

President and Chief Executive Officer

May 7, 2018

Management's Discussion and Analysis

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of the Corporation's

2017 Annual Report, & the financial statements and notes contained therein and the

March 31, 2018

interim condensed consolidated financial

statements. The Corporation's revenues are entirely dependent on the operations of IOC as its principal assets relate to the operations of IOC and

its principal source of revenue is the 7% royalty it receives on all sales of iron ore products by IOC. In addition to the volume of iron ore sold, the

Corporation's royalty revenue is affected by the price of iron ore and the Canadian – U.S. dollar exchange rate.

The first quarter sales of IOC are traditionally adversely affected by the closing of the St. Lawrence Seaway and general winter operating

conditions and are usually 15% – 20% of the annual volume, with the balance spread fairly evenly throughout the other three quarters. Because of

the size of individual shipments, some quarters may be affected by the timing of the loading of ships that can be delayed from one quarter to the

next.

Royalty revenue for the first quarter of 2018 amounted to

$33.8 million

as compared to

$42.8 million

for the first quarter of 2017. Equity earnings

from Iron Ore Company of

Canada

("IOC") amounted to

$14.6 million

$0.23

per share in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to

$22.2

million

$0.35

per share in the first quarter of 2017. Net income was

$30.5 million

$0.47

per share for the first quarter of 2018 compared to

$42.9 million

$0.67

per share for the same period in 2017. Cash flow from operations for the first quarter was

$20.3 million

$0.32

per share

as compared to

$28.2 million

$0.44

per share for the same period in 2017.

The cash flow from operations, equity earnings and net income for the first quarter of 2018 were lower than the first quarter of 2017 mainly due to

reduced sales tonnages and reduced prices for concentrate and pellets. The average index price for 62% fines decreased 13% to

US$74

per

tonne CFR China in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the average price in the first quarter of 2017 of

US$86

per tonne. Total IOC's sales for

calculating the royalty to LIOR – pellets plus concentrate for sale ("CFS") - of 3.9 million tonnes was 17% lower in the first quarter of 2018

compared to the same period in 2017, driven largely by lower CFS tonnage sales being 38% lower than in the same period in 2017. The pellet

sales tonnages in the first quarter of 2018 were slightly higher (2%) than in the first quarter of 2017. LIORC received an IOC dividend in the first

quarter of 2017 in the amount of

$10.0 million

$0.16

per share, whereas LIORC received no IOC dividend in the first quarter of 2018.

Issues with the parallel ore delivery system, increased ore hardness, and a work stoppage, which commenced on

March 27, 2018

, adversely

affected concentrate production in the first quarter. Consequently, total concentrate production in the first quarter of 2018 of 4.2 million tonnes

was 13% lower than the first quarter of 2017 and was 15% lower than the fourth quarter of 2017. The first quarter of 2017 was a record for first

quarter concentrate production.

The decreased concentrate production in the first quarter primarily affected CFS production since pellet production was favoured due to continued

strong demand and premiums. CFS production in the first quarter of 2018 was 28% lower than in the first quarter of 2017 and 31% lower than

the previous quarter. Pellet production in the first quarter of 2018 was 7% higher than in the first quarter of 2017; pellet production in the first

quarter of 2018 was approximately the same as the previous quarter. The pellet plant operated well in the first quarter of 2018.

First quarter 2018 total iron ore tonnage sold by IOC (CFS plus pellets) of 3.9 million tonnes was 17% below the total sales tonnage in the first

quarter of 2017 and 28% below the fourth quarter of 2017. In the first quarter of 2018, the pellet sales tonnage was 8% lower and CFS sales

tonnage was 49% lower than the fourth quarter of 2017.

The benchmark price for 62% Fe CFR China was 13% lower in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the first quarter of 2017. The lower

benchmark prices were somewhat offset by the improved year-over-year pellet premiums and also the improved differential between 62% and

65% concentrate. The higher premiums were driven by the Chinese governments enacting and enforcing measures to reduce pollution; these

measures favour higher quality products such as the CFS and pellets produced by IOC. The Canadian dollar was 4% stronger in the first quarter

of 2018 as compared to the first quarter of 2017. As a result of the lower benchmark prices, reduced sales tonnages and the effect of the stronger

Canadian dollar, somewhat offset by improved premiums, the royalty revenue for LIORC in the first quarter of 2018 was 21% lower than the

revenue in last year's first quarter.

The following table sets out quarterly revenue, net income and cash flow data for 2018, 2017 and 2016.

Revenue

Net

Income

Net

Income

per Share

Cash Flow

from

Operations

per Share

Adjusted

Cash Flow

per Share

(1)

Dividends

Declared per

(in millions except per share information)

2018

First Quarter

$34.3

$30.3

$0.47

$20.3

$0.32

$0.29

$0.35

2017

First Quarter

$43.4

$42.9

$0.67

$28.2

(2)

$0.44

(2)

$0.53

(2)

$0.50

Second Quarter

$34.2

$32.3

$0.50

$45.6

(3)

$0.71

(3)

$0.53

(3)

$0.60

Third Quarter

$40.4

$43.8

$0.69

$53.6

(4)

$0.84

(4)

$0.85

(4)

$1.00

Fourth Quarter

$40.6

$38.3

$0.60

$39.6

(5)

$0.62

(5)

$0.65

(5)

$0.55

2016

First Quarter

$22.3

$11.0

$0.17

$12.5

$0.19

$0.25

Second Quarter

$25.8

$8.3

$0.13

$7.6

$0.12

$0.22

$0.25

Third Quarter

$28.4

$21.2

$0.33

$15.2

$0.24

$0.25

Fourth Quarter

$38.6

$37.7

$0.59

$28.3

(6)

$0.44

(6)

$0.57

(6)

$0.25

(1)

"Adjusted cash flow" (see below)

(2)

Includes $10.0 million IOC dividend.

(3)

Includes $15.3 million IOC dividend.

(4)

Includes $32.2 million IOC dividend.

(5)

Includes $19.3 million IOC dividend.

(6)

Includes $15.1 million IOC dividend.

Standardized Cash Flow and Adjusted Cash Flow

For the Corporation, standardized cash flow is the same as cash flow from operating activities as recorded in the Corporation's consolidated

statements of cash flow as the Corporation does not incur capital expenditures or have any restrictions on dividends. Standardized cash flow per

share was

$0.32

for the quarter (2017 -

$0.44

). Cumulative standardized cash flow from inception of the Corporation is

$25.47

per share and

total cash distributions since inception is

$24.94

per share, for a payout ratio of 98%.

The Corporation also reports "Adjusted cash flow" which is defined as cash flow from operating activities after adjustments for changes in amounts

receivable, accounts payable and income taxes recoverable and payable. It is not a recognized measure under International Financial Reporting

Standards ('IFRS"). The Directors believe that adjusted cash flow is a useful analytical measure as it better reflects cash available for dividends to

shareholders.

The following reconciles standardized cash flow from operating activities to adjusted cash flow (in '000's).

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Standardized cash flow from operating activities

$20,277

$28,183

Changes in amounts receivable, accounts payable and income taxes payable

(1,591)

5,441

Adjusted cash flow

$18,686

$33,624

Adjusted cash flow per share

$0.29

$0.53

Adjusted cash flow, which better reflects cash available for dividends, was

$18.7 million

, or

$0.29

per share, compared to

$33.6 million

$0.53

per share in the previous year. The standardized cash flow from operating activities in the first quarter of 2017 included a

$10 million

$0.16

per

share cash dividend from IOC; IOC did not pay a dividend in the first quarter of 2018.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Corporation had

$25.6 million

in cash as at

March 31, 2018

(

December 31, 2017

$40.5 million

) with total current assets of

$60.0 million

(

December 31, 2017

$82.6 million

). The Corporation had working capital of

$29.4 million

as at

March 31, 2018

(

December 31, 2017

$33.1

million

). The Corporation's operating cash flow for the quarter was

$20.3 million

and the dividend paid during the quarter was

$35.2 million

resulting in cash balances decreasing by

$14.9 million

during the first quarter of 2018.

Cash balances consist of deposits in Canadian dollars with Canadian chartered banks. Amounts receivable primarily consist of royalty payments

from IOC. Royalty payments are received in U.S. dollars and converted to Canadian dollars on receipt, usually 25 days after the quarter end. The

Corporation does not normally attempt to hedge this short-term foreign currency exposure.

Operating cash flow of the Corporation is sourced entirely from IOC through the Corporation's 7% royalty,

10 cents

commission per tonne and

dividends from its 15.10% equity interest in IOC. The Corporation intends to pay cash dividends of the net income derived from IOC to the

maximum extent possible, subject to the maintenance of appropriate levels of working capital.

The Corporation has a

$50 million

revolving credit facility with a term ending

September 18, 2019

with provision for annual one-year extensions.

No amount is currently drawn under this facility (2017 – nil) leaving

$50.0 million

available to provide for any capital required by IOC or

requirements of the Corporation.

Outlook

The outlook for LIORC is clouded by the labour disruption at IOC, which started on

March 27, 2018

, and at the time of this writing is not

resolved. IOC had operational issues in the fourth quarter of 2017 and in the first quarter of 2018, but the benchmark prices for concentrate and

pellet premiums were good and the demand for pellets remained strong. When operations resume at IOC, LIORC can expect strong royalty

revenue and the possibility of IOC dividends, if these market conditions continue. The labour disruption will also affect the timing of capital

investments, including the refurbishment of the No. 4 pellet line and the development of the

Wabush

3 open pit.

It is the stated objective of IOC management to achieve fair and equitable agreements with the workforce. However, IOC must be positioned for

the highs and the lows of the mining cycle in order to remain a responsible and competitive business in the global market for the long term.

The LIORC cash balance at

March 31, 2018

stood at

$25.6 million

before LIORC dividends payable on

April 25, 2018

$0.35

per share or

$22.4 million

. The net royalty from IOC was paid on the same date, maintaining the Corporation's strong cash balance. The duration of the labour

disruption at IOC, the production achieved over the balance of 2018 after a settlement has been reached, and the iron ore prices and premiums

during that time period will be the main factors that determine future LIORC dividends.

William H. McNeil

President and Chief Executive Officer

Toronto, Ontario

May 7, 2018

Forward-Looking Statements

This report may contain "forward-looking" statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that 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 statements. Words such as "may", "will", "expect", "believe", "plan", "intend", "should", "would", "anticipate" and other similar

terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future

events and operating performance as of the date of this report. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not

be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be

achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly, including iron ore price and volume volatility, exchange rates, the

performance of IOC, market conditions in the steel industry, mining risks and insurance, relationships with aboriginal groups, changes affecting

IOC's customers, competition from other iron ore producers, estimates of reserves and resources and government regulation and taxation. A

discussion of these factors is contained in LIORC's annual information form dated

March 8, 2018

under the heading, "Risk Factors". Although the

forward-looking statements contained in this report are based upon what management of LIORC believes are reasonable assumptions, LIORC

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 report and LIORC assumes no obligation, except as required by law, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new

events or circumstances. This report should be viewed in conjunction with LIORC's other publicly available filings, copies of which can be

obtained electronically on SEDAR at

www.sedar.com

Notice:

The following unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Corporation have been prepared by and are the responsibility

of the Corporation's management. The Corporation's independent auditor has not reviewed these interim financial statements.

LABRADOR IRON ORE ROYALTY CORPORATION

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As at

March 31,

December 31,

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

2018

2017

Assets

Current Assets

Cash

25,575

40,498

Amounts receivable

34,425

42,092

Total Current Assets

60,000

82,590

Non-Current Assets

Iron Ore Company of Canada ("IOC")

royalty and commission interests

257,703

259,032

Investment in IOC

423,308

408,691

Total Non-Current Assets

681,011

667,723

Total Assets

741,011

750,313

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

Current Liabilities

Accounts payable

7,075

8,601

Dividend payable

22,400

35,200

Taxes payable

1,153

5,703

Total Current Liabilities

30,628

49,504

Non-Current Liabilities

Deferred income taxes

128,970

127,220

Total Liabilities

159,598

176,724

Shareholders' Equity

Share capital

317,708

Retained earnings

272,123

264,272

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(8,418)

(8,391)

581,413

573,589

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

741,011

750,313

Approved by the Directors,

William H. McNeil

Patricia M. Volker

Director

LABRADOR IRON ORE ROYALTY CORPORATION

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the Three Months Ended

March 31,

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

2018

2017

Revenue

IOC royalties

33,811

42,837

IOC commissions

383

460

Interest and other income

119

34,313

43,356

Expenses

Newfoundland royalty taxes

6,762

8,567

Amortization of royalty and commission interests

1,329

1,544

Administrative expenses

862

1,049

8,953

11,160

Income before equity earnings and income taxes

25,360

32,196

Equity earnings in IOC

14,649

22,237

Income before income taxes

40,009

54,433

Provision for income taxes

Current

8,003

10,132

Deferred

1,755

1,387

9,758

11,519

Net income for the period

30,251

42,914

Other comprehensive loss

Share of other comprehensive loss of IOC that will not be

reclassified subsequently to profit or loss (net of income taxes

of 2018 - $5; 2017 - $17)

(27)

(96)

Comprehensive income for the period

30,224

42,818

Net income per share

0.47

0.67

LABRADOR IRON ORE ROYALTY CORPORATION

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Three Months Ended

March 31,

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

2018

2017

Net inflow (outflow) of cash related

to the following activities

Operating

Net income for the period

30,251

42,914

Items not affecting cash:

Equity earnings in IOC

(14,649)

(22,237)

Current income taxes

8,003

10,132

Deferred income taxes

1,755

1,387

Amortization of royalty and commission interests

1,329

1,544

Common share dividend from IOC

10,016

Change in amounts receivable

7,667

(9,789)

Change in accounts payable

(1,526)

1,741

Income taxes paid

(12,553)

(7,526)

Cash flow from operating activities

20,277

28,182

Financing

Dividends paid to shareholders

(35,200)

(16,000)

Cash flow used in financing activities

(35,200)

(16,000)

(Decrease) increase in cash, during the period

(14,923)

12,182

Cash, beginning of period

40,498

23,937

Cash, end of period

25,575

36,119

LABRADOR IRON ORE ROYALTY CORPORATION

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Accumulated

other

Retained

comprehensive

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

capital

earnings

loss

Total

Balance as at December 31, 2016

317,708

276,588

(10,451)

583,845

Net income for the year

42,914

Dividends declared to shareholders

(32,000)

Share of other comprehensive loss from investment in IOC (net of taxes)

(96)

Balance as at March 31, 2017

317,708

287,502

(10,547)

594,663

Balance as at December 31, 2017

317,708

264,272

(8,391)

573,589

Net income for the year

30,251

Dividends declared to shareholders

(22,400)

Share of other comprehensive loss from investment in IOC (net of taxes)

(27)

Balance as at March 31, 2018

317,708

272,123

(8,418)

581,413

The complete consolidated financial statements for the first quarter ended

March 31, 2018

, including the notes thereto, are posted on

sedar.com

and

labradorironore.com

SOURCE

Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2018/07/c2419.html

%SEDAR: 00030172E

For further information:

William H. McNeil, President & Chief Executive Officer, (416) 863-7133

CO: Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation

CNW 17:44e 07-MAY-18

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