Labrador Iron ORE Royalty Corporation - Results FOR the Second Quarter Ended
P R E S S R E L E A S E
Toronto, August 6, 2025
LABRADOR IRON ORE ROYALTY CORPORATION - RESULTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2025
To the Holders of Common Shares of Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation
The Directors of Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation ("LIORC" or the "Corporation") present the second quarter report
for the period ended June 30, 2025.
Financial Performance
In the second quarter of 2025, LIORC’s financial results were negatively affected by lower iron ore prices and lower pellet
premiums, partly offset by higher concentrate for sale (“CFS”) sales tonnages. Royalty revenue for the second quarter of
2025 of $46.2 million was 12% lower than the second quarter of 2024 and 30% higher than the first quarter of 2025.
Equity earnings from Iron Ore Company of Canada (“IOC”) were $2.3 million in the second quarter of 2025 compared to
$18.5 million in the second qu arter of 2024 and $3.3 million in the first quarter of 2025. Net inc ome per share for the
second quarter of 2025 was $0.42 per share, which was a 46% decrease over the same period in 2024 and a 27% increase
over the first quarter of 2025. The adjusted cash flow per share for the second quarter of 2025 was $0.40 per share, which
was 64% lower than in the same period in 2024 and 30% higher than the first quarter of 2025. LIORC received no dividend
from IOC in the second quarter of 202 5, compared to a dividend from IOC in the amount of $41. 5 million in the second
quarter of 2024. While adjusted cash flow is not a recognized measure under IFRS Accounting Standards, the Directors
believe that it is a useful analytical measure as it better reflects cash available for dividends to shareholders.
Iron ore prices decreased during the second quarter of 2025 as a result of lower steel demand, particularly from within
China due to continuing issues with China’s property sector. At the same time, the supply of global seaborne iron ore
remained robust. According to the World Steel Association, global crude steel production was down 1% in the second
quarter of 2025 compared to the prior quarter and was down 3% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the second
quarter of 2024, with most of that decline c oming from China which was down 5%. On the supply side, shipments in the
quarter ended June 30, 202 5 for the world’s three largest iron ore producers (Rio Tinto, Vale and BHP) were relatively
consistent year over year ( -1%, -3% and +2%, respectively) and increased over the last quarter by 15%, 17% and 15%,
respectively.
IOC sells CFS based on the Platts index for 65% Fe, CFR China (“65% Fe index”). All references to tonnes and per tonne
prices in this report refer to wet metric tonnes, other than references to Platts quoted pricing, which refer to dry metric
tonnes. Historically, IOC’s wet ore contains approximately 3% less ore per equivalent volume than dry ore. In the second
quarter of 2025, the 65% Fe index averaged US$108 per tonne, a 7% decrease over the prior quarter and a 14% decrease
over the average of US$126 per tonne in the second quarter of 2024. The monthly Atlantic Blast Furnace 65% Fe p ellet
premium index as quoted by Platts (the “pellet premium”) averaged US$35 per tonne in the second quarter of 2025,
down 18% from an average of US$43 per tonne in the same quarter of 2024, as lower steel margins continued to cause
steel producers to substitute higher quality pellets with less expensive lower quality iron ore.
Rio Tinto has disclosed that the average realised price achieved for IOC pellets, FOB Sept Îles, in the second quarter of
2025 was US$127 per tonne, compared to US$148 per tonne in the same quarter of 2024. Based on sales as reported for
the LIORC royalty, the overall average price realized by IOC for CFS and pellets, FOB Sept -Îles, net of freight charges was
approximately US$107 per tonne in the second quarter of 202 5, compared to approximately US$ 127 per tonne in the
second quarter of 2024.
Iron Ore Company of Canada Operations
Operations
IOC concentrate production in the second quarter of 2025 of 4.5 million tonnes was 16% higher than the same quarter of
2024, and 5% higher than the first quarter of 2025. In the second quarter of 2025 IOC continued to focus on improving
the pit health of the mining operations. Total mine material moved increased by 24% over the same quarter last year, as
a result of increased truck payloads and higher contractor movement of material. However, the higher material
movement was partially offset by a higher strip ratio as a result of limited ore availability, resulting in a 13% increase over
the same quarter of 2024 in ore delivered to the concentrator. While concentrate production in the second quarter of
2025 continued to be negatively impacted by a lower weight yield due to a lower spiral plant performance, there was a
slight improvement relative to recent prior quarters.
IOC saleable production (CFS plus pellets) of 4.2 million tonnes in the second quarter of 2025 was 14% higher than the
same quarter of 2024. Pellet production of 2.2 million tonnes was 4% higher than the corresponding quarter in 202 4,
predominantly as a result of equipment reliability issues and a site wide power outage that negatively impacted
operations in the second quarter of 2024. CFS production of 2.0 million tonnes was 27% higher than the same quarter of
2024 mainly due to the higher production of concentrate referred to above.
Sales as Reported for the LIORC Royalty
Total iron ore sales tonnage by IOC (CFS plus pellets) of 4.6 million tonnes in the second quarter of 2025 was 10% higher
than the total sales tonnage for the same period in 2024 and 43% higher than the first quarter of 2025. The increase in
IOC sales tonnage was largely a result of increased availability of inventory and timing of vessels. Pellet sales tonnages
were 2% lower than the same quarter of 2024 and 15% higher than the first quarter of 2025 . CFS sales tonnages were
28% higher than the same quarter of 2024 and 98% higher than the first quarter of 2025.
Outlook
In its second quarter production report, Rio Tinto disclosed that the 2025 guidance for IOC’s saleable production (CFS plus
pellets) remains at 16.5 million to 19.4 million tonnes. This compares to 16.1 million tonnes of saleable production in 2024
and 8.2 million tonnes of saleable production in the first half of 2025. IOC has updated its outlook for capital expenditures
in 2025. IOC is now forecasting that its 2025 capital expenditure will be US$299 million, down from the originally budgeted
US$342 million. To date, IOC’s capital expenditures are on track with the updated forecast.
Since the end of the second quarter , iron ore prices have remained relatively stable, while pellet premiums have
continued to decline. In July 2025, the 65% Fe index averaged US$112 per tonne and the July pellet premium was US$27
per tonne. Longer term the outlook for iron ore prices remains challenging. According to S&P Global Commodity Insights
prices for the Platts index for 62% Fe, CFR China (“6 2% Fe index”) are projected to average $97 per tonne in 2025 gradually
declining to $80 per tonne by 2029, as a result of a combination of increasing global supply and softening steel demand ,
especially from China, before recovering to $95 per tonne by 2035 as trade balances tighten. The expected surplus in seaborne
iron ore is largely driven by the launch of the Simandou greenfield project in Guinea and increasing exports from Brazil. The
demand for steel in China is expected to remain muted as a result of the protracted slowdown in the domestic property sector,
and the rising trade tensions from US-China tariffs. The recent anti-dumping measures imposed by India and Southeast Asian
nations are anticipated to restrict China's steel exports. On a more optimistic note, S&P Global Commodity Insights expects
the premium for high-grade iron ore (65% Fe Index over the 62% Fe Index) to increase in the long run as the steel industry
increases the use of high-grade iron ore as a means to lower carbon emissions.
LIORC has no debt and at June 30, 2025 had positive net working capital (current assets less current liabilities) of $29
million, which included the second quarter net royalty payment received from IOC on July 25, 2025 and the LIORC dividend
in the amount of $0.30 per share paid to shareholders on the next day.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Directors of the Corporation,
John F. Tuer
President and Chief Executive Officer
August 6, 2025
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”) 202 4 Annual Report, and the financial
statements and notes contained therein and the June 30, 2025 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 th e 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
The lower revenue, net income and equity earnings from IOC achieved in the second quarter of 2025 as compared to
2024 were mainly due to lower iron ore prices and lower pellet premiums, partly offset by higher sales tonnages. The
second quarter of 2025 sales tonnages (CFS plus pellets) were higher by 10% , predominantly due to an increase in the
2025 2024 2025 2024
Revenue 46.8 53.1 83.0 109.8
Equity earnings from IOC 2.3 18.5 5.5 52.8
Net income 26.5 50.2 47.9 109.5
Net income per share $ 0.42 $ 0.78 $ 0.75 $ 1.71
Dividend from IOC - 41.5 - 41.5
Cash flow from operations 17.7 82.1 42.5 112.1
Cash flow from operations per share (1) $ 0.28 $ 1.28 $ 0.66 $ 1.75
Adjusted cash flow (1) 25.8 70.9 45.6 102.2
Adjusted cash flow per share (1) $ 0.40 $ 1.11 $ 0.71 $ 1.60
Dividends declared per share $ 0.30 $ 1.10 $ 0.80 $ 1.55
(1) 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.
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
($ in millions except per share information)
availability of inventory as a result of increased production levels . While CFS sales tonnages were 28% higher than the
same quarter in 2024, pellet sales tonnages were 2% lower.
The lower iron ore prices and pellet premiums, partly offset by higher sales tonnages, resulted in royalty revenue of $46.2
million for the quarter as compared to $52.3 million for the same period in 2024. Second quarter 2025 cash flow from
operations was $17.7 million or $0.28 per share compared to $82.1 million or $1.28 per share for the same period in 2024.
LIORC received no IOC dividend in the second quarter of 2025 compared to $41.5 million or $0.65 per share for the same
period in 2024. Equity earnings from IOC amounted to $2.3 million or $0.04 per share in the second quarter of 2025
compared to $18.5 million or $0.29 per share for the same period in 2024.
Operating Highlights
IOC sells CFS based on the 65% Fe index. In the second quarter of 2025, the 65% Fe index averaged US$108 per tonne, a
14% decrease over the average of US$126 per tonne in the second quarter of 2024, as a result of lower steel demand,
particularly from within China due to continuing issues with China’s property sector. At the same time, the supply of
global seaborne iron ore remained robust. The monthly pellet premium averaged US$35 per tonne in the second quarter
of 2025, down 18% from an a verage of US$43 per tonne in the same quarter of 202 4, as lower steel margins continued
to cause steel producers to substitute higher quality pellets with less expensive lower quality iron ore.
Based on sales as reported for the LIORC royalty, the overall average price realized by IOC for CFS and pellets, FOB Sept -
Îles, net of freight charges was approximately US$107 per tonne in the second quarter of 2025 compared to approximately
IOC Operations 2025 2024 2025 2024
Sales(1)
Pellets 2.47 2.54 4.62 4.98
Concentrate for sale ("CFS") (2) 2.17 1.70 3.27 3.61
Total(3) 4.65 4.23 7.89 8.60
Production
Concentrate produced 4.47 3.87 8.72 8.61
Saleable production
Pellets 2.23 2.14 4.56 4.66
CFS 2.01 1.58 3.62 3.51
Total(3) 4.24 3.72 8.18 8.17
Average index prices per tonne (US$)
65% Fe index(4) $ 108 $ 126 $ 113 $ 131
62% Fe index(5) $ 98 $ 112 $ 101 $ 118
Pellet premium(6) $ 35 $ 43 $ 35 $ 42
(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.
(in millions of tonnes)
Six Months Ended
June 30,June 30,
Three Months Ended
US$127 per tonne in the second quarter of 2024. The decrease in the average realized price FOB Sept -Îles in 2025 was a
result of lower CFS prices and lower pellet premiums, as well as a lower percentage of pellet sales.
The following table sets out quarterly revenue, net income, cash flow and dividend data for 2025, 2024 and 2023. Due to
seasonal weather patterns the first and fourth quarters generally have lower production and sales. Royalty revenues and
equity earnings in IOC track iron ore spot prices, which can be very volatile. Dividends, included in cash flow, are declared
and paid by IOC irregularly according to the availability of cash.
Revenue
Net
Income
Net
Income
per
Share
Cash Flow
from
Operations
Cash Flow
from
Operations
per Share
Adjusted
Cash Flow
per Share (1)
Dividends
Declared
per Share
($ in millions except per share information)
2025
First Quarter 36.2
21.4 $0.33 24.7 $0.39 $0.31 $0.50
Second Quarter 46.8
26.5 $0.42 17.7 $0.28 $0.40 $0.30
2024
First Quarter 56.7
59.3 $0.93 30.0 $0.47 $0.49 $0.45
Second Quarter 53.1 50.2 $0.78 82.1(2) $1.28(2) $1.11(2) $1.10
Third Quarter 42.3 33.6 $0.53 43.0(3) $0.67(3) $0.68(3) $0.70
Fourth Quarter 56.9 31.9 $0.50 46.8(4) $0.73(4) $0.83(4) $0.75
2023
First Quarter 47.2
43.6 $0.68 19.5 $0.30 $0.41 $0.50
Second Quarter 51.5 41.9 $0.65 40.9(5) $0.64(5) $0.75(5) $0.65
Third Quarter 47.7 49.4 $0.77 65.7(6) $1.03(6) $0.89(6) $0.95
Fourth Quarter 54.9 51.4 $0.80 26.4 $0.41 $0.47 $0.45
(1) “Adjusted cash flow” (see below).
(2) Includes $41.5 million IOC dividend.
(3) Includes $20.3 million IOC dividend.
(4) Includes $21.8 million IOC dividend.
(5) Includes $19.9 million IOC dividend.
(6) Includes $30.5 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 cash flow statements as the Corporation does not incur capital expenditures or have any restrictions on
dividends. Standardized cash flow per share was $0.28 for the quarter (2024 - $1.28).
The Corporation also reports “Adjusted cash flow” which is defined as cash flow from operating activities after
adjustments for changes in amounts receivable, accounts payable and income taxes recoverable and payable. It is not a
recognized measure under IFRS. The Directors believe that adjusted cash flow is a useful analytical measure as it better
reflects the cash available for dividends to shareholders.
The following reconciles standardized cash flow from operating activities to adjusted cash flow.
3 Months
Ended
Jun. 30, 2025
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2025
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
($ in millions except per share information)
Standardized cash flow from operating activities 17.7 82.1 42.5 112.1
Changes in amounts receivable, accounts payable
and income taxes recoverable and payable
8.06
(11.1)
3.1
(9.9)
Adjusted cash flow 25.8 70.9 45.6 102.2
Adjusted cash flow per share $0.40 $1.11 $0.71 $1.60
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Corporation had $4.8 million in cash as at June 30, 2025 (December 31, 2024 - $42.3 million) with total current assets
of $57.5 million (December 31, 2024 - $95.1 million). The Corporation had working capital of $28.5 million as at June 30,
2025 (December 31, 2024 - $34.1 million). The Corporation’s operating cash flow was $17.7 million and the dividend paid
during the quarter was $32.0 million, resulting in cash balances decreasing by $14.3 million during the second quarter of
2025.
Cash balances consist of deposits in Canadian dollars with a Canadian chartered bank. 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 free cash flow generated from IOC 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, 2026 with provision for
annual one-year extensions. No amount is currently drawn under this facility (202 4 – nil) leaving $30.0 million available
to provide for any capital required by IOC or requirements of the Corporation.
Disclosure Controls and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures and internal
control over financial reporting as defined in National Instrument 52 -109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual
and Interim Filings. Internal control, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance
of achieving the desired control objectives and due to its inherent limitations, may not prevent or detect all
misrepresentations.
There have been no changes in the Corporation’s internal controls over financial reporting during the three-month period
ended June 30, 2025, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal
control over financial reporting. For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial
Officer concluded that Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures, and internal control
over financial reporting are designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of information disclosed in
its filings, including its interim financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.
John F. Tuer
President and Chief Executive Officer
Toronto, Ontario
August 6, 2025
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; the perfo rmance of IOC; market
conditions in the steel industry; fluctuations in the value of the Canadian and U.S. dollar; mining risks that cause a disruption in operations and
availability of insurance; disruption in IOC’s operations caused by natural disasters, severe weather conditions and public health crises, including the
COVID-19 outbreak; failure of information systems or damage from cyber security attacks; adverse changes in domestic and global eco nomic and
political conditions; changes in government regulation and taxation; national , provincial and international laws, regulations and policies regarding
climate change that further limit the emissions of greenhouse gases or increase the costs of operations for IOC or its custom ers; changes affecting
IOC’s customers; competition from other iron ore producers; renewal of mining licenses and leases; relationships with indigenous groups; litigation;
and uncertainty in the estimates of reserves and resources. A discussion of these factors is contained in LIORC’s annual info rmation form dated
March 11, 2025 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.sedarplus.ca.
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
June 30, December 31,
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2025 2024
Assets
Current Assets
Cash 4,760$ 42,300$
Amounts receivable 47,781 52,843
Income taxes recoverable 4,982 -
Total Current Assets 57,523 95,143
Non-Current Assets
Iron Ore Company of Canada ("IOC")
royalty and commission interests 213,318 216,644
Investment in IOC 530,224 524,340
Total Non-Current Assets 743,542 740,984
Total Assets 801,065$ 836,127$
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 9,816$ 11,205$
Dividend payable 19,200 48,000
Income taxes payable - 1,800
Total Current Liabilities 29,016 61,005
Non-Current Liabilities
Deferred income taxes 132,080 132,190
Total Liabilities 161,096 193,195
Shareholders' Equity
Share capital 317,708 317,708
Retained earnings 327,707 330,966
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (5,446) (5,742)
639,969 642,932
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity 801,065$ 836,127$
-
Approved by the Directors,
John F. Tuer Patricia M. Volker
Director Director
As at
(Unaudited)