LIF.TO · 2021-03-31 12:00:00

Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation - Results for the First Quarter Ended

Financials

Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation -

Results for the First Quarter Ended March 31,

2021

TORONTO

May 6, 2021

/CNW/ - Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation ("LIORC") (TSX: LIF)

announced today its operation and cash flow results for the first quarter ended

March 31, 2021

Financial Performance

In the first quarter of 2021, LIORC's financial results benefited from higher iron ore prices and pellet

premiums, partially offset by lower volumes of pellet sales. Royalty revenue for the first quarter of

2021 amounted to

$65.2 million

compared to

$47.6 million

for the first quarter of 2020. Equity

earnings from Iron Ore Company of

Canada

("IOC") were

$57.0 million

in the first quarter of 2021

compared to

$24.7 million

in the first quarter of 2020. Net income per share for the first quarter of

2021 was

$1.35

per share, which was a 86% increase over the same period in 2020. The adjusted

cash flow per share for the first quarter of 2021 was

$0.87

per share, which was 107% higher than

in the same period in 2020, as a result of higher royalty revenues and the decision by IOC to pay a

dividend. In the first quarter of 2021, LIORC received a dividend in the amount of

$19.0 million

from

IOC.

Increased demand for iron ore by steel producers and a lack of expected growth of supply led to

higher iron ore prices in the first quarter of 2021. Increased steel demand, partly as a result of

stimulus spending on infrastructure and construction, resulted in higher steel prices and strong profit

margins for steel producers, which in turn translated to increased demand for seaborne iron ore.

According to the World Steel Association, global crude steel production in the first quarter of 2021

increased 10% over the first quarter of 2020, and crude steel production in

China

, which accounts

for over 70% of all seaborne iron ore demand, was 16% higher in the first quarter of 2021 compared

to the same quarter of 2020. At the same time, the expected growth in supply of seaborne iron

ore did not materialize as the world's three largest suppliers of seaborne iron ore all reported lower

production in the first quarter of 2021, compared to the last quarter of 2020. Iron ore production by

Rio Tinto and BHP was lower by 11% and 5%, predominantly due to adverse weather in

Australia

and iron ore production by Vale was lower by 19.5%, predominantly due to maintenance work at its

S11D mine.

IOC sells concentrate for sale ("CFS") based on the Platts index for 65% Fe, CFR China ("65% Fe

index"). In the first quarter of 2021, the 65% Fe index averaged

US$191

per tonne, an 85%

increase over the average of

US$104

per tonne in the first quarter of 2020. The monthly Atlantic

Blast Furnace 65% Fe pellet premium index as quoted by Platts (the "pellet premium") averaged

US$43

per tonne in the first quarter of 2021, up substantially from an average of

US$29

in the same

quarter of 2020, which had been negatively impacted by a reduction in demand from European steel

producers due to COVID-19. Overall, the average price realized by IOC for CFS and pellets, FOB

Sept-Îles, net of selling costs was approximately

C$226

per tonne in the first quarter of 2021,

compared to approximately

C$145

per tonne in the first quarter of 2020.

Iron Ore Company of Canada Operations

Operations

Throughout 2021, IOC has continued to take measures in order to protect IOC's people and to

prevent COVID-19 outbreaks within IOC's operations which could affect IOC's capacity to operate.

These measures include limiting on-site presence of personnel to essential operational activities

(remote work for administration and supports) and reducing the number of contractors on-site

(favouring local rather than out-of-province when possible). In parallel, several protocols remain in

place including strict approval processes for all travel between sites and out-of-province contractors,

mandatory on-line health questionnaire linked to gate access, COVID-19 screening for all out-of-

province contractors and employees and daily temperature checks at all site access points. As a

result of these and other procedures and protocols, IOC has been able to continue to safely operate

throughout 2021. The IOC saleable production (CFS plus pellets) of 4.0 million tonnes in the first

quarter of 2021 was 8% lower than the same period in 2020, and 14% lower than the fourth quarter

of 2020, predominantly due to the impacts of weather, loading unit availability on mine feed and

reduced concentrator mill availability.

CFS production of 1.5 million tonnes was 6% lower than the same quarter last year and 33% lower

than the fourth quarter of 2020 due to an increased focus on the production of pellets (the pellet

plant returned to operating six lines in

December 2020

resulting in a corresponding reduction in

CFS), feed related issues from the mine (weather, loading unit utilization/availability), and

concentrator reliability. Pellet production of 2.5 million tonnes was 10% lower than the corresponding

quarter in 2020 and 2% higher than the fourth quarter of 2020, as reliability issues with filtering

equipment, feed system motors and regrind mills restricted production throughput during the quarter.

Sales as Reported for the LIORC Royalty

Total iron ore sales tonnage by IOC (CFS plus pellets) of 4.1 million tonnes in the first quarter of

2021 was 12% lower than the total sales tonnage for the same period in 2020, and 6% lower than

the fourth quarter of 2020, predominantly due to limited product availability, weather related delays

and and equipment reliability. Pellet sales were 19% lower than the same quarter last year and 4%

lower than the fourth quarter of 2020. CFS sales were consistent with the same quarter last year

and 7% lower than the fourth quarter of 2020.

Outlook

Rio Tinto's 2021 guidance for IOC's saleable production (CFS plus pellets) remains at 17.9 million to

20.4 million tonnes. This compares to 17.7 million tonnes of saleable production in 2020. At the end

of March, there was a significant fire event at the port in Sept-Îles which will impact shipments in the

second quarter of 2021. However, the 2021 saleable production guidance for IOC remains

unchanged and IOC expects that any sales tonnage shortfalls will be recovered over the remainder

of the year.

The price outlook for seaborne iron ore remains robust. Since the end of the first quarter iron ore

prices have strengthened. So far in April (

April 1, 2021

April 28, 2021

), the average price of the

65% Fe index has been

US$210

per tonne, or 10% higher than the average of the 65% Fe index for

the first quarter of 2021. The pellet premium for April was

US$66

per tonne compared to the

average of

US$43

per tonne in the first quarter of 2021. With a possible global economic recovery

and a positive outlook for domestic growth in

China

, the near-term outlook for global steel production

looks positive. While there is expected to be some increase in the supply of seaborne iron ore over

the remainder of 2021, any increase should be absorbed by the strong demand. In addition, as a

result of higher steel prices and strong profit margins and in order to keep up with the downstream

demand for steel, steel producers are utilizing higher grade iron ore products, like those sold by

IOC, in an effort to prioritize production efficiency.

LIORC is well positioned to continue to benefit from the strong iron ore pricing environment through

royalty revenues and expected future dividends from IOC.

The LIORC cash balance at

March 31, 2021

stood at

$33.6 million

before LIORC dividends payable

April 26, 2021

$1.00

per share or

$64.0 million

. The net royalty from IOC was received by

LIORC on the same date, maintaining the Corporation's strong cash balance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Directors of the Corporation,

John F. Tuer

President and Chief Executive Officer

May 6, 2021

Management's Discussion and Analysis

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Management's

Discussion and Analysis section of Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation's ("LIORC" or the

"Corporation") 2020 Annual Report, and the financial statements and notes contained therein and the

March 31, 2021

interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Overview of the Business

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 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.

Financial Highlights

Three Months Ended

March 31,

($ in millions except per share information)

2021

2020

(unaudited)

Revenue

65.7

48.3

Equity earnings from IOC

57.0

24.7

Net income

86.6

46.7

Net income per share

$ 1.35

$ 0.73

Dividend(s) from IOC

19.0

Cash flow from operations

42.7

10.7

Cash flow from operations per share

$ 0.67

$ 0.17

Adjusted cash flow

55.4

26.8

Adjusted cash flow per share

$ 0.87

$ 0.42

Dividends declared per share

$ 1.00

$ 0.35

This is a non-IFRS financial measure and does not have a standard meaning under IFRS.

Please refer to Standardized Cash Flow and Adjusted Cash Flow section in the MD&A.

The higher revenue, net income and equity earnings achieved in the first quarter of 2021 as

compared to 2020 were mainly due to higher iron ore prices, partly offset by lower sales of pellets.

The first quarter of 2021 sales tonnages (pellets and CFS) were lower by 12% predominantly due to

limited product availability, weather related delays and equipment reliability. Pellet sales were 19%

lower and CFS sales were consistent with the same quarter last year. Pellet sales were lower

mainly due to lower pellet production as a result of availability constraints on concentrate, as well as

reliability issues with filtering equipment, feed system motors and regrind mills which restricted

production throughput during the quarter.

However, the lower sales tonnages were more than offset by an increase in the realized sales price

of pellets and CFS, resulting in royalty income of

$65.2 million

for the quarter as compared to

$47.6

million

for the same period in 2020. First quarter 2021 cash flow from operations was

$42.7 million

$0.67

per share compared to

$10.7 million

$0.17

per share for the same period in 2020.

LIORC received an IOC dividend in the first quarter of 2021 in the amount of

$19.0 million

$0.30

per share. Equity earnings from IOC amounted to

$57.0 million

$1.35

per share in the first quarter

of 2021 compared to

$24.7 million

$0.39

per share for the same period in 2020.

Operating Highlights

Three Months Ended

IOC Operations

March 31,

(in millions of tonnes)

2021

2020

Sales

Pellets

2.44

3.02

Concentrate for sale ("CFS")

1.68

Total

4.12

4.70

Production

Concentrate produced

4.40

4.69

Saleable production

Pellets

2.51

2.79

CFS

1.48

1.57

Total

3.99

4.36

Average index prices per tonne

65% Fe index

$ 191

$ 104

62% Fe index

$ 167

$ 89

Pellet premium

$ 43

$ 29

(1)

For calculating the royalty to LIORC.

(2)

Excludes third party ore sales.

(3)

Totals may not add up due to rounding.

(4)

The Platts index for 65% Fe, CFR China.

(5)

The Platts index for 62% Fe, CFR China.

(6)

The Platts Atlantic Blast Furnace 65% Fe pellet premium index.

IOC sells CFS based on the 65% Fe index. In the first quarter of 2021, the 65% Fe index averaged

US$191

per tonne, an 85% increase over the average of

US$104

per tonne in the first quarter of

2020. Iron ore prices increased as strong domestic steel demand in

China

and the beginnings of a

global economic recovery from COVID-19 increased the demand for seaborne iron ore. At the

same time, the expected growth in supply of the seaborne iron ore did not materialize as large

producers experienced lower output because of weather issues in

Australia

and maintenance issues

at Vale's S11D mine. The monthly pellet premium averaged

US$43

per tonne in the first quarter of

2021, up substantially from an average of

US$29

in the same quarter of 2020, which had been

negatively impacted by a reduction in demand from European steel producers due to COVID-19.

The average price realized by IOC for CFS and pellets, FOB Sept-Îles, net of selling costs was

approximately

C$226

per tonne in the first quarter of 2021 compared to

C$145

per tonne in the first

quarter of 2020. The increase in the average realized price FOB Sept-Îles in 2020 was a result of

higher CFS prices and higher pellet premiums.

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 cash flow statements as the Corporation does not incur capital

expenditures or have any restrictions on dividends. Standardized cash flow per share was

$0.67

for

the quarter (2020 -

$0.17

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

$34.39

per share and total cash distributions since inception is

$34.39

per share, for a payout ratio

of 100%.

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

millions).

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Standardized cash flow from operating activities

$42,686

$10,653

Changes in amounts receivable, accounts payable and income taxes payable

12,724

16,173

Adjusted cash flow

$55,410

$26,826

Adjusted cash flow per share

$0.87

$0.42

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Corporation had

$33.6 million

in cash as at

March 31, 2021

(

December 31, 2020

$106.1

million

) with total current assets of

$104.8 million

(

December 31, 2020

$164.4 million

). The

Corporation had working capital of

$22.4 million

as at

March 31, 2021

(

December 31, 2020

$31.0

million

). The Corporation's operating cash flow was

$42.7 million

and the dividend paid during the

quarter was

$115.2 million

, resulting in cash balances decreasing by

$72.5 million

during the first

quarter of 2021.

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 normally pays cash dividends from its net income to the maximum extent possible,

subject to the maintenance of appropriate levels of working capital.

The Corporation has a

$30 million

revolving credit facility with a term ending

September 18, 2022

with provision for annual one-year extensions. No amount is currently drawn under this facility (2020

– nil) leaving

$30.0 million

available to provide for any capital required by IOC or requirements of the

Corporation.

John F. Tuer

President and Chief Executive Officer

Toronto, Ontario

May 6, 2021

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 indigenous groups, natural disasters, severe weather conditions and

public health crises, changes affecting IOC's customers, competition from other iron ore producers,

estimates of reserves and resources, government regulation and taxation and cybersecurity. A

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

March 4, 2021

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)

2021

2020

(Unaudited)

Assets

Current Assets

Cash and short-term investments

33,577

106,091

Amounts receivable

71,194

58,336

Total Current Assets

104,771

164,427

Non-Current Assets

Iron Ore Company of Canada ("IOC")

royalty and commission interests

240,045

241,511

Investment in IOC

455,248

417,284

Total Non-Current Assets

695,293

658,795

Total Assets

800,064

823,222

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

Current Liabilities

Accounts payable

14,567

12,533

Dividend payable

64,000

115,200

Taxes payable

3,791

5,691

Total Current Liabilities

82,358

133,424

Non-Current Liabilities

Deferred income taxes

128,690

123,430

Total Liabilities

211,048

256,854

Shareholders' Equity

Share capital

317,708

Retained earnings

284,648

262,000

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(13,340)

589,016

566,368

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

800,064

823,222

Approved by the Directors,

John F. Tuer

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 except for per share information)

2021

2020

(Unaudited)

Revenue

IOC royalties

65,248

47,615

IOC commissions

406

462

Interest and other income

222

65,719

48,299

Expenses

Newfoundland royalty taxes

13,050

9,523

Amortization of royalty and commission interests

1,466

1,625

Administrative expenses

771

557

15,287

11,705

Income before equity earnings and income taxes

50,432

36,594

Equity earnings in IOC

56,977

24,669

Income before income taxes

107,409

61,263

Provision for income taxes

Current

15,501

11,393

Deferred

5,260

3,220

20,761

14,613

Net income for the period

86,648

46,650

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 2021 - nil; 2020 - $40)

(226)

Comprehensive income for the period

86,648

46,424

Net income per share

1.35

0.73

LABRADOR IRON ORE ROYALTY CORPORATION

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Three Months Ended

March 31,

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

2021

2020

(Unaudited)

Net inflow (outflow) of cash related

to the following activities

Operating

Net income for the year

86,648

46,650

Items not affecting cash:

Equity earnings in IOC

(56,977)

(24,669)

Current income taxes

15,501

11,393

Deferred income taxes

5,260

3,220

Amortization of royalty and commission interests

1,466

1,625

Common share dividend from IOC

19,013

Change in amounts receivable

(12,858)

(11,906)

Change in accounts payable

2,034

2,056

Income taxes paid

(17,401)

(17,716)

Cash flow from operating activities

42,686

10,653

Financing

Dividend paid to shareholders

(115,200)

(67,200)

Cash flow used in financing activities

(115,200)

(67,200)

Decrease in cash, during the period

(72,514)

(56,547)

Cash, beginning of period

106,091

77,859

Cash, end of period

33,577

21,312

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

(Unaudited)

Balance as at December 31, 2019

$ 317,708

$ 230,005

$ (10,376)

$ 537,337

Net income for the period

46,650

Dividend declared to shareholders

(22,400)

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

(226)

Balance as at March 31, 2020

$ 317,708

$ 254,255

$ (10,602)

$ 561,361

Balance as at December 31, 2020

$ 317,708

$ 262,000

$ (13,340)

$ 566,368

Net income for the period

86,648

Dividend declared to shareholders

(64,000)

Balance as at March 31, 2021

$ 317,708

$ 284,648

$ (13,340)

$ 589,016

The complete consolidated financial statements for the first quarter ended

March 31, 2021

, 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/May2021/06/c4121.html

%SEDAR: 00030172E

For further information:

John F. Tuer, President & Chief Executive Officer, (416) 362-0066

CO: Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation

CNW 19:18e 06-MAY-21

← Back to feed