T. ROWE PRICE OHA SELECT PRIVATE CREDIT FUND ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS AND DECLARED TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF $0.84 PER SHARE IN Q3 2024
NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — T. Rowe Price OHA Select Private Credit Fund (the “Company” or “OCREDIT”) today announced financial results and declared total distributions of $0.84 per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. In addition to the regular monthly distribution, this quarter’s distribution also included a special quarterly distribution of $0.15 per share, representing the fourth consecutive quarter of special distributions.
As borrowers continued to access private credit markets for their financing solutions, OCREDIT was a beneficiary of OHA’s robust investment platform, allowing it to invest in 10 new portfolio companies throughout the third quarter, representing portfolio net growth of $285.3 million. OCREDIT is well diversified across 22 unique sectors with exposure to 103 portfolio companies, and a portfolio yield of 11.6%. “We are satisfied with the overall construct and health of the portfolio and its ability to generate income in an environment where investors are increasingly focused on yield”, said Eric Muller, OCREDIT’s Chief Executive Officer.
Additionally, OCREDIT continues to expand and diversify its borrowing facilities to ensure they are sized appropriately and to ensure appropriate terms and conditions. “Subsequent to quarter-end, in October, OCREDIT continued to demonstrate its access to debt capital by upsizing its JPM Credit Facility to $665 million from $475 million, representing an increase of $190 million. Additionally, we negotiated a reduction in the cost of the BNP Credit Facility to S+225 from S+3001“, said Gerard Waldt, OCREDIT’s Chief Financial Officer. “We are pleased with both the upsize and repricing, as it highlights our banking relationships across multiple lenders and provides us the necessary capacity for our capital pipeline as we head into year end and 2025.”
QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS5
- Net investment income per share was $0.77 with weighted average yield on debt and income producing investments, at amortized cost of 11.6%2;
- Earnings per share were $0.69 with inception-to-date3 annualized total return of 14.31%4;
- Net asset value per share as of September 30, 2024 was $27.83, down 0.5% from $27.98 as of June 30, 2024;
- Gross and net investment fundings were $356.5 million and $285.3 million, respectively;
- Ending debt-to-equity was 0.79x, as compared to 0.74x as of June 30, 2024;
- The Company had total net debt outstanding of $850.5 million with a decrease in weighted average interest rate of debt from 7.8% to 7.6% quarter over quarter. Subsequent to quarter end, the Company entered into a Commitment Increase Agreement5 (the “Commitment Increase Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank (“JPM” or the “JPM Credit Facility”). The Commitment Increase Agreement increased total commitments from $475 million to $665 million.
- During the third quarter of 2024, the Company issued 2,294,172 of Class I common shares for proceeds of $64.2 million and 619,647 of Class S common shares for proceeds of $17.3 million. From October 1, 2024 through November 7, 2024, the Company received total proceeds of $66.7 million from common shareholders in connection with its public offering.6
- Subsequent to quarter end on October 24, 2024, the Company declared a regular distribution of $0.20 per share and a variable supplemental distribution of $0.03 per share for total distributions of $0.23 per share, which is payable on or about November 29, 2024 to common shareholders of record as of October 31, 2024.
DISTRIBUTIONS8
During the third quarter of 2024, the Company declared total distributions of $0.84 per share, of which $0.15 per share was a special distribution. As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s annualized distribution yield (excluding special distributions) was 9.9%.7
From October 1, 2024 through November 7, 2024, the Company declared the following distributions:
($ per share) |
October 24, 2024 |
Base Distribution |
$0.20 |
Variable Distribution |
$0.03 |
Total Distribution |
$0.23 |
SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
($ in thousands, unless otherwise noted) |
Q3 2024 |
Q2 2024 |
|
Net investment income per share |
$0.77 |
$0.77 |
|
Net investment income |
$29,599 |
$25,065 |
|
Earnings per share |
$0.69 |
$0.68 |
|
($ in thousands, unless otherwise noted) |
As of September 30, 2024 |
As of June 30, 2024 |
|
Total fair value of investments |
$1,937,619 |
$1,649,749 |
|
Total assets |
$2,035,072 |
$1,860,020 |
|
Total net assets |
$1,079,558 |
$1,002,126 |
|
Net asset value per share |
$27.83 |
$27.98 |
|
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, net investment fundings were $285.3 million. The Company invested $356.5 million during the quarter, including $259.3 million in 10 new companies and $97.2 million in existing companies. The Company had $71.2 million of principal repayments and sales during the quarter.
($ in millions, unless otherwise noted) |
Q3 2024 |
Q2 2024 |
|
Investment Fundings |
$356.5 |
$412.6 |
|
Sales and Repayments |
$71.2 |
$119.5 |
|
Net Investment Activity |
$285.3 |
$293.1 |
As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s investment portfolio had a fair value of $1,937.6 million, comprised of investments in 103 portfolio companies operating across 22 different industries. The investment portfolio at fair value was comprised of 94.5% first lien loans, 5.2% second lien loans and 0.3% equity investments. In addition, as of September 30, 2024, 99.7% of the Company’s debt investments based on fair value were at floating rates and 0.3% were at fixed rates. There were no investments on non-accrual status.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain information contained in this communication constitutes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “outlook,” “indicator,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “can,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates”, “confident,” “conviction,” “identified” or the negative versions of these words or other comparable words thereof. These may include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements about plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, statements regarding future performance, statements regarding economic and market trends and statements regarding identified but not yet closed investments. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and there are or may be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements. OCREDIT believes these factors also include but are not limited to those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its prospectus, and any such updated factors included in its periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this document (or OCREDIT’s prospectus and other filings). Except as otherwise required by federal securities laws, OCREDIT undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
ABOUT T. ROWE PRICE OHA SELECT PRIVATE CREDIT FUND
T. Rowe Price OHA Select Private Credit Fund (the “Company” or “OCREDIT”) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Company also intends to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). OHA Private Credit Advisors LLC (the “Adviser”) is the investment adviser of the Company. The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. OCREDIT’s registration statement became effective on September 29, 2023. From inception through September 30, 2024, the Company has invested approximately $2,244.8 million in aggregate cost of debt investments prior to any subsequent exits or repayments. The Company’s investment objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns, predominately in the form of current income, with select investments capturing long-term capital appreciation, while maintaining a strong focus on risk management. OCREDIT invests primarily in directly originated and customized private financing solutions, including loans and other debt securities with a strong focus on senior secured lending to larger companies.
Please visit www.ocreditfund.com for additional information.
ABOUT OAK HILL ADVISORS
Oak Hill Advisors (“OHA”) is a leading global credit-focused alternative asset manager with over 30 years of investment experience. OHA works with institutions and individuals and seeks to deliver a consistent track record of risk-adjusted returns with downside focus. The firm manages approximately $70 billion of capital across credit strategies, including private credit, high yield bonds, leveraged loans, stressed and distressed debt and collateralized loan obligations as of September 30, 2024. OHA’s emphasis on long-term partnerships with companies, sponsors and other partners provides access to a proprietary opportunity set allowing for customized credit solutions with strength across market cycles.
With over 410 experienced professionals across six global offices, OHA brings a collaborative approach to offering investors a single platform to meet their diverse credit needs. OHA is the private markets platform of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ – GS: TROW). For more information, please visit oakhilladvisors.com.
ABOUT T. ROWE PRICE
Founded in 1937, T. Rowe Price (NASDAQ – GS: TROW) helps individuals and institutions around the world achieve their long-term investment goals. As a large global asset management company known for investment excellence, retirement leadership, and independent proprietary research, the firm is built on a culture of integrity that puts client interests first. Clients rely on the award-winning firm for its retirement expertise and active management of equity, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset investment capabilities. T. Rowe Price has $1.63 trillion in assets under management as of September 30, 2024, and serves millions of clients globally. News and other updates can be found on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and troweprice.com/newsroom.
T. Rowe Price OHA Select Private Credit Fund |
||
Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities |
||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) |
||
As of |
As of |
|
September 30, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
|
ASSETS |
(unaudited) |
|
Investments at fair value: |
||
Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments (cost of $1,927,465 |
$ 1,937,619
|
$ 1,148,412 |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
37,087 |
105,456 |
Interest receivable |
21,392 |
15,498 |
Deferred financing costs |
5,184 |
6,021 |
Deferred offering costs |
520 |
1,705 |
Receivable for investments sold |
33,246 |
9,044 |
Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency contracts |
24 |
– |
Total assets |
$ 2,035,072 |
$ 1,286,136 |
LIABILITIES |
||
Debt (net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $3,118 and |
$ 850,528 |
$ 558,630 |
Payable for investments purchased |
63,600 |
151 |
Interest and debt fee payable |
16,047 |
4,846 |
Distribution payable |
14,725 |
11,573 |
Management fee payable |
3,254 |
– |
Income incentive fee payable |
4,306 |
– |
Distribution and/or shareholder servicing fees payable |
17 |
– |
Unrealized depreciation on foreign currency forward contracts |
– |
1,048 |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
3,037 |
5,457 |
Total liabilities |
$ 955,514 |
$ 581,705 |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8) |
||
NET ASSETS |
||
Class I shares, $0.01 par value (38,796,477 and 25,158,870 |
$ 388 |
$ 252 |
Additional paid in capital |
1,069,860 |
687,139 |
Distributable earnings (loss) |
9,310 |
17,040 |
Total net assets |
$ 1,079,558 |
$ 704,431 |
Total liabilities and net assets |
$ 2,035,072 |
$ 1,286,136 |
Net asset value per share |
$ 27.83 |
$ 28.00 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. |
||
T. Rowe Price OHA Select Private Credit Fund |
||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations |
||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) |
||||
(unaudited) |
||||
For the Three Months Ended |
For the Nine Months Ended |
|||
September 30, 2024 |
September 30, |
September 30, |
September 30, |
|
Investment income from non-controlled / |
||||
Interest income |
$ 53,285 |
$ 20,285 |
$ 137,033 |
$ 24,730 |
Other income |
3,195 |
664 |
9,672 |
796 |
Total investment income |
56,480 |
20,949 |
146,705 |
25,526 |
Expenses: |
||||
Interest and debt fee expense |
16,363 |
7,273 |
41,049 |
8,402 |
Management fees |
3,254 |
962 |
8,299 |
962 |
Income incentive fees |
4,306 |
1,543 |
11,155 |
1,543 |
Distribution and shareholder servicing fees |
||||
Class S |
39 |
– |
45 |
– |
Professional fees |
888 |
504 |
1,704 |
1,051 |
Board of Trustees fees |
98 |
97 |
292 |
291 |
Administrative service expenses |
359 |
225 |
1,109 |
310 |
Organizational costs |
– |
– |
– |
94 |
Other general & administrative expenses |
1,223 |
396 |
3,705 |
694 |
Amortization of deferred offering costs |
429 |
486 |
2,040 |
486 |
Total expenses before fee waivers and |
26,959 |
11,486 |
69,398 |
13,833 |
Expense support |
(78) |
(324) |
(1,306) |
(324) |
Management fees waiver |
– |
(962) |
(2,344) |
(962) |
Income incentive fee waiver |
– |
(1,543) |
(3,363) |
(1,543) |
Total expenses net of fee waivers and |
26,881 |
8,657 |
62,385 |
11,004 |
Net investment income |
29,599 |
12,292 |
84,320 |
14,522 |
Realized and unrealized gain (loss): |
||||
Realized gain (loss): |
||||
Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments |
285 |
159 |
(34) |
181 |
Foreign currency transactions |
172 |
(69) |
438 |
(69) |
Foreign currency forward contracts |
(2,558) |
325 |
(2,078) |
325 |
Net realized gain (loss) |
(2,101) |
415 |
(1,674) |
437 |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation): |
||||
Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments |
(1,272) |
7,251 |
(6,532) |
7,960 |
Foreign currency translation |
27 |
– |
27 |
– |
Foreign currency forward contracts |
30 |
132 |
1,072 |
141 |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
(1,215) |
7,383 |
(5,433) |
8,101 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(3,316) |
7,798 |
(7,107) |
8,538 |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets |
$ 26,283 |
$ 20,090 |
$ 77,213 |
$ 23,060 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. |
||||
For a more detailed description of OCREDIT’s investment guidelines and risk factors, please refer to the prospectus. Consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses carefully before investing or sending money. For a free prospectus containing this and other information, call 1-855-405-6488 or visit www.ocreditfund.com. Read it carefully.
OCREDIT is a non-exchange traded business development company (“BDC”) that expects to invest at least 80% of its total assets (net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes) in private credit investments. An investment in OCREDIT involves a high degree of risk. An investor should purchase securities of OCREDIT only if they can afford the complete loss of the investment.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities regulator has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Securities regulators have also not passed upon whether this offering can be sold in compliance with existing or future suitability or Regulation Best Interest standard to any or all purchasers.
As of March 26, 2024, OCREDIT is available in 54 states and territories.
As of March 26, 2024, OCREDIT is not registered for offer or sale outside of the United States.
BDCs may charge management fees, incentive fees, as well as other fees associated with servicing loans. These fees will detract from the total return.
OCREDIT may in certain circumstances invest in companies experiencing distress increasing the risk of default or failure. OCREDIT is not listed on an exchange which heightens liquidity risk for an investor. OCREDIT has limited prior operating history and there is no assurance that it will achieve its investment objectives. The Company’s public offering is a “blind pool” offering and thus investors will not have the opportunity to evaluate the Company’s investments before they are made. Investors should not expect to be able to sell shares regardless of performance and should consider that they may not have access to the money invested for an extended period of time and may be unable to reduce their exposure in a market downturn.
OCREDIT employs leverage, which increases the volatility of OCREDIT’s investments and will magnify the potential for loss. Fixed-income securities are subject to credit risk, call risk, and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Investments in high-yield bonds involve greater risk. International investments can be riskier than U.S. investments and subject to foreign exchange risk.
OCREDIT is “non-diversified,” meaning it may invest a greater portion of its assets in a single company. OCREDIT’s share price can be expected to fluctuate more than that of a comparable diversified fund. OCREDIT may invest in derivatives, which may be riskier or more volatile than other types of investments because they are generally more sensitive to changes in market or economic conditions.
Account opening and closing fees may apply depending on the amount invested and the timing of the account closure. There may be costs associated with the investments in the account such as periodic management fees, incentive fees, loads, other expenses or brokerage commissions. Fees for optional services may also apply.
Opinions and estimates offered herein constitute the judgment of Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. as of the date this document is provided to an investor and are subject to change as are statements about market trends. All opinions and estimates are based on assumptions, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. In preparing this document, Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. has relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of all information. Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. believes that the information provided herein is reliable; however, it does not warrant its accuracy or completeness. Certain information contained in the press release discusses general market activity, industry or sector trends, or other broad-based economic, market or political conditions and should not be construed as research or investment advice.
Diversification cannot assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. Potential investors are urged to consult a tax professional regarding the possible economic, tax, legal, or other consequences of investing in OCREDIT in light of their particular circumstances.
In the United States, the Company’s securities are offered through T. Rowe Price Investment Services Inc., a broker-dealer registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and a member of FINRA. OHA is a T. Rowe Price company.
© 2024 Oak Hill Advisors. All Rights Reserved. OHA is a trademark of Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. T. ROWE PRICE is a trademark of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. All other trademarks shown are the property of their respective owners. Use does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation of Oak Hill Advisors with any of the trademark owners.
202411-3892273
__________________________________ |
1 Figures represent borrowings that bear interest at a rate of SOFR + a determined amount. SOFR = Secured Overnight Financing Rate. |
2 Computed as (a) the annual stated interest rate or yield plus the annual accretion of discounts or less the annual amortization of premiums, as applicable, on income producing securities, divided by (b) the total relevant investments at amortized cost or fair value, as applicable. |
3 Inception is November 14, 2022. |
4 Annualized total return based on net asset value calculated as the change in net asset value per share during the respective period, assuming distributions that have been declared are reinvested on the effects of the performance of the Company during the period. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
5 The Commitment Increase Agreement provides for, among other things, an increase in the total aggregate commitments from lenders under the revolving credit facility governed by the Credit Agreement. |
6 Does not include common shares sold through the Company’s distribution reinvestment plan. |
7 Performance and share activity shown is indicative of Class I only, unless otherwise indicated. |
8 Future distribution payments are not guaranteed. |
SOURCE OHA; T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Decoding Arista Networks's Options Activity: What's the Big Picture?
Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Arista Networks.
Looking at options history for Arista Networks ANET we detected 26 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 38% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 23% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 5 are puts, for a total amount of $522,189 and 21, calls, for a total amount of $964,976.
Predicted Price Range
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $370.0 to $600.0 for Arista Networks during the past quarter.
Volume & Open Interest Development
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Arista Networks’s options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Arista Networks’s whale activity within a strike price range from $370.0 to $600.0 in the last 30 days.
Arista Networks Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview
Significant Options Trades Detected:
Symbol | PUT/CALL | Trade Type | Sentiment | Exp. Date | Ask | Bid | Price | Strike Price | Total Trade Price | Open Interest | Volume |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ANET | PUT | SWEEP | NEUTRAL | 01/17/25 | $9.5 | $9.2 | $9.36 | $370.00 | $362.4K | 115 | 392 |
ANET | CALL | TRADE | NEUTRAL | 01/16/26 | $88.5 | $86.2 | $87.3 | $430.00 | $87.3K | 60 | 49 |
ANET | CALL | TRADE | NEUTRAL | 01/16/26 | $88.3 | $84.9 | $86.65 | $430.00 | $86.6K | 60 | 24 |
ANET | CALL | SWEEP | BULLISH | 01/16/26 | $88.4 | $88.0 | $88.0 | $430.00 | $70.4K | 60 | 115 |
ANET | CALL | TRADE | BULLISH | 11/08/24 | $14.0 | $14.0 | $14.0 | $440.00 | $70.0K | 692 | 51 |
About Arista Networks
Arista Networks is a networking equipment provider that primarily sells Ethernet switches and software to data centers. Its marquee product is its extensible operating system, or EOS, that runs a single image across every single one of its devices. The firm operates as one reportable segment. It has steadily gained market share since its founding in 2004, with a focus on high-speed applications. Arista counts Microsoft and Meta Platforms as its largest customers and derives roughly three quarters of its sales from North America.
In light of the recent options history for Arista Networks, it’s now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
Where Is Arista Networks Standing Right Now?
- Trading volume stands at 1,293,445, with ANET’s price up by 1.21%, positioned at $428.26.
- RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.
- Earnings announcement expected in 0 days.
What Analysts Are Saying About Arista Networks
A total of 1 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $460.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge’s Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. Click here for access.
* Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Wells Fargo keeps a Overweight rating on Arista Networks with a target price of $460.
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Arista Networks, Benzinga Pro gives you real-time options trades alerts.
Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
ACT Energy Technologies Reports 2024 Q3 Interim Results
/NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/
CALGARY, AB, Nov. 7, 2024 /CNW/ – ACX ACT Energy Technologies Ltd, formerly Cathedral Energy Services Ltd., (the “Company” or “ACT”) news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. For a full disclosure of forward-looking statements and the risks to which they are subject, see the “Forward-Looking Statements” section in this news release. This news release contains references to Adjusted gross margin, Adjusted gross margin %, Adjusted EBITDAS, Adjusted EBITDAS margin %, Free cash flow, Working capital and Net capital expenditures. These terms do not have standardized meanings prescribed under International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS Accounting Standards”) and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. See the “Non-GAAP Measures” section in this news release for definitions and tabular calculations.
2024 Q3 KEY HIGHLIGHTS
The Company achieved the following 2024 Q3 results and highlights:
- Revenues of $148.4 million in 2024 Q3, were the highest for any third quarter in the Company’s history and increased 2%, compared to $145.6 million in 2023 Q3.
- Adjusted EBITDAS (1) of $30.2 million in 2024 Q3 was comparable to $30.1 million in 2023 Q3. Lost-in-hole equipment net reimbursements were lower in 2024 Q3, compared to 2023 Q3.
- Canadian operating days increased 34% in 2024 Q3, compared to 2023 Q3, which was favourable to a 12% increase in the Western Canadian rig count (2). ACT remains extremely active in oil plays where wells have a high multilateral count.
- U.S. operating days decreased 22% in 2024 Q3, compared to 2023 Q3, mainly due to a 10% decline in the U.S. land rig count (2).
- An increase in the Canadian average revenue per operating day of 2% in 2024 Q3, compared to 2023 Q3.
- An increase in the U.S. average revenue per operating day of 11% in 2024 Q3, compared to 2023 Q3.
- Net income of $26.2 million in 2024 Q3, compared to $5.7 million in 2023 Q3. The increase is mainly due to the recognition of previously unrecorded Canadian tax pools, resulting in a deferred income tax recovery of $11.1 million. Refer to the ‘Income tax’ section of this news release.
- Cash flow – operating activities of $19.4 million in 2024 Q3, compared to $9.1 million in 2023 Q3, mainly attributable to the change in non-cash working capital.
- Free cash flow (1) of $8.7 million in 2024 Q3, compared to Free cash flow (1) of $6.1 million in 2023 Q3.
- The Company purchased 506,800 common shares of ACT under its Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”) for a total amount of $3.0 million, at an average price of $5.91 per common share. As at September 30, 2024, the Company recognized $1.1 million as an accrued liability for the maximum common shares to be purchased under the plan. Subsequent to September 30, 2024, the Company purchased 179,800 common shares for a total purchase amount of $1.1 million, at an average purchase price of $6.04 per common share.
- Loans and borrowings less cash was $49.9 million as at September 30, 2024, compared to $67.9 million as at December 31, 2023. The Company will remain focused on reducing its loans and borrowings and generating Free cash flow (1) for the remainder of 2024.
- The Company continues to see a significant opportunity for margin expansion in its U.S. directional business by using Rime Downhole Technologies (“Rime”) supplied Measurement-While-Drilling (“MWD”) systems to reduce its third-party rental costs. To date, ten Rime MWD systems have been deployed with an additional forty MWD systems expected to be deployed by the first half of 2025.
- The Company purchased five additional Rotary Steerable Systems (“RSS”) Orbit tools, expanding its U.S. fleet to twenty-six RSS tools.
(1) |
As defined in the “Non-GAAP measures” section of this news release. |
(2) |
Per Baker Hughes and Rig Locator. |
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Comments from President & CEO Tom Connors:
“Despite a more challenging market for drilling activity in the U.S., ACT delivered another quarter with solid and consistent results. Consolidated revenues were the second highest for any quarter in the Company’s history with Adjusted EBITDA of $30.2 million being among the highest of any quarter to date. Low natural gas prices and market uncertainty provided some headwinds in the quarter, particularly in the U.S. where the land rig count declined 10% (source: Baker Hughes) on a year-over-year basis. The quarter was also impacted by significantly lower lost-in-hole revenue or reimbursements versus historical averages. We believe our positioning and focus on the higher value, high-performance rotary steerable market in the U.S. and the multi-lateral drilling market in Canada helped propel the company to strong and consistent financial performance in the quarter despite these challenges. The benefits of ACT’s size and scale strategy continues to produce sound results by leveraging leading technology and exceptional service delivery in the North American directional drilling industry.
“We were one of the most active service providers in the directional market in Canada in the third quarter, resulting in record quarterly revenues of $61.5 million, also a 36% increase from 2023 Q3. Third quarter Canadian revenues also exceeded the $58.4 million generated in 2024 Q1, which is a rare achievement in the seasonal Canadian energy services sector. ACT’s activity and performance in the quarter was further buoyed with technology that is ideally suited for multilateral drilling combined with vast field experience that has grown from the onset of this burgeoning method of drilling.
“Due to higher levels of demand and utilization we increased the size of our RSS fleet by five additional tools to a total of twenty-six in our U.S. division in the third quarter. The addition of ten incremental tools this year has allowed us to increase our revenue per operating day by roughly 11% versus the same quarter last year, despite a 22% decrease in operating days year-over-year.
“The successful deployment of a sizable MWD fleet remains the top priority and focus for management in 2024 and 2025, with the potential to further expand our business, improve our margins and EBITDA profile, while generating very attractive returns on our investment. The MWD buildout is expected to provide increased resiliency through expanded margins in a weaker macro environment and position the Company with more flexibility to further pay down debt and potentially initiate return of capital strategy in 2025. The execution of the plan remains on track with delivery of completed MWD tools beginning in 2024 Q4 and continuing into the first half of 2025. With a significant portion of our revenue in our U.S. business going to third-parties to rent essential technology, there is a substantial opportunity to recapture margins even if we are only able to achieve relatively moderate levels of operational success in 2025.
“We continued with our NCIB program in the quarter to return capital back to shareholders at a relatively low purchase price. In 2024, we purchased approximately 0.7 million common shares at an average purchase price of $5.94 per common share as of the date of this news release. Management believes that buying shares at current share price levels represents good value and a sensible use of capital. In addition, we strengthened our balance sheet with reduced debt levels and increased our cash balance which will continue to be a focus into 2025.
“With a constructive outlook in our Canadian business, improving outlook in the longer-term for the U.S., market, improving EBITDA and cash flow profiles, and a clear strategy, I am confident we can deliver higher returns for our shareholders and increasing value for our customers as we go forward. I would like to thank our team for their continued focus, dedication, and exceptional operational execution,” stated Tom Connors, ACT President and Chief Executive Officer.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(unaudited)
Canadian dollars in 000’s (except for otherwise noted)
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
Revenues |
$ 148,449 |
$ 145,591 |
$ 443,702 |
$ 399,878 |
Gross margin % |
25 % |
23 % |
23 % |
19 % |
Adjusted gross margin % (1) |
30 % |
31 % |
28 % |
27 % |
Adjusted EBITDAS (1) |
$ 30,169 |
$ 30,106 |
$ 76,223 |
$ 63,515 |
Per share – basic (2) |
$ 0.86 |
$ 0.86 |
$ 2.19 |
$ 1.88 |
Per share – diluted (2) |
$ 0.78 |
$ 0.79 |
$ 1.98 |
$ 1.81 |
Adjusted EBITDAS margin % (1) |
20 % |
21 % |
17 % |
16 % |
Cash flow – operating activities |
$ 19,377 |
$ 9,128 |
$ 69,243 |
$ 53,395 |
Free cash flow (1) |
$ 8,654 |
$ 6,085 |
$ 9,107 |
$ 10,372 |
Net income |
$ 26,175 |
$ 5,650 |
$ 43,015 |
$ 8,861 |
Per share – basic (2) |
$ 0.75 |
$ 0.16 |
$ 1.24 |
$ 0.26 |
Per share – diluted (2) |
$ 0.68 |
$ 0.15 |
$ 1.12 |
$ 0.25 |
Weighted average shares outstanding: |
||||
Basic (000s) (2) |
34,965 |
34,939 |
34,770 |
33,711 |
Diluted (000s) (2) |
38,772 |
38,207 |
38,559 |
35,137 |
Balance, |
September 30, |
December 31, |
Working capital, excluding current portion of loans and borrowings (1) |
$ 78,766 |
$ 74,865 |
Total assets |
$ 442,592 |
$ 403,733 |
Loans and borrowings |
$ 67,343 |
$ 78,598 |
Shareholders’ equity |
$ 225,825 |
$ 179,468 |
(1) |
Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures” section in this news release. |
(2) |
Restated to reflect the 7:1 share consolidation on July 3, 2024. Refer to the “Share Consolidation” section in this news release. |
OUTLOOK
The outlook for global energy demand remains robust in the coming years due to rising intensity of energy use in developing countries and the prospect of a soft landing for economic growth among industrialized nations as central banks co-ordinate to bring interest rates down. The rising prominence of natural gas as the transition fuel for power generation in the decades to come is also supportive even before any additional demand caused by growth in AI-driven datacenters.
In the short term, oil markets continue to be impacted by a number of factors. Bearish factors include a relatively weak Chinese economy and the possibility of OPEC adding more oil production to the market in 2025. Bullish factors include continued solid global gross domestic product growth as noted, low U.S. oil and product inventories in relation to five-year averages and ongoing Middle Eastern tensions that could affect oil supply. The U.S. election is also adding uncertainty as it relates to possible changes to U.S. energy policy. On the whole, WTI oil prices have trended lower by roughly U.S. $10 per barrel since the release of our second quarter results in August 2024, which has caused a slow drift downward in U.S. land drilling levels. By contrast, U.S. natural gas prices have improved over the last three months as the market awaits the beginning of the North American winter heating season as well as the start-up of exports from a number of new U.S. liquified natural gas (“LNG”) projects in 2025 and 2026.
Owing to higher levels of uncertainty in both oil and natural gas markets, ACT is seeing varying impact on its job counts in Canada and the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2024. In Canada, ACT continues to run at levels close to those achieved in the record-setting third quarter. ACT’s Canadian exploration and production (“E&P”) clients have done an excellent job at repairing balance sheets to withstand oil and gas price volatility and have also been helped by a continued weakening of the Canadian dollar, which increases their realized pricing. We remain very constructive on Canada in the years to come and are encouraged by reports that testing continues with respect to bringing the major LNG Canada project online sometime in 2025. With relatively steady levels of activity forecasted for the Canadian market it is also important to note the fourth quarter is likely to be impacted by budget exhaustion and holiday seasonality in early-to-mid- December.
ACT’s U.S. job count has softened modestly in the fourth quarter, in keeping with the continued softness in underlying U.S. rig activity. ACT continues to increase its presence in the premium part of the directional drilling market by way of adding RSS systems to its fleet. Maximizing available revenue per operating day is our immediate focus as well as beginning the margin recapture process as we introduce our new MWD systems to clients. Holiday seasonality also starts to become a factor in late November with the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. Lower benchmark U.S. oil and gas prices to date in the fourth quarter may also accelerate the timing of the typical end-of-year budget exhaustion process.
2023 ACQUISITION
On July 11, 2023, ACT, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired Rime, a privately-held, Texas-based, engineering business that specializes in building products for the downhole MWD industry (the “Rime acquisition”) in exchange for approximately USD $41.0 million (approximately CAD $54.1 million) comprised of: i) the payment of USD $21.0 million in cash (approximately CAD $28.0 million); and ii) the issuance of principal amount of USD $20.0 million (approximately CAD $26.4 million) of subordinated exchangeable promissory notes (“EP Notes”) that are exchangeable into a maximum of 3,510,000 common shares of ACT at an issue price of CAD $7.70 per common share. The EP notes have a three-year term and accrue interest quarterly at a rate of 5% per annum. In accordance with International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) 32 and IFRS 13, the EP Notes were determined to be a compound instrument and, accordingly, recognized at the fair value of their respective debt component of $23.4 million and equity component of $1.2 million totaling $24.6 million.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
Revenues |
||||
United States |
$ 86,948 |
$ 100,338 |
$ 292,579 |
$ 283,798 |
Canada |
61,501 |
45,253 |
151,123 |
116,080 |
Total revenues |
148,449 |
145,591 |
443,702 |
399,878 |
Cost of sales |
||||
Direct costs |
(104,359) |
(101,629) |
(318,723) |
(293,815) |
Depreciation and amortization |
(6,432) |
(10,508) |
(24,247) |
(29,848) |
Share-based compensation |
(73) |
(429) |
(465) |
(669) |
Cost of sales |
(110,864) |
(112,566) |
(343,435) |
(324,332) |
Gross margin |
$ 37,585 |
$ 33,025 |
$ 100,267 |
$ 75,546 |
Gross margin % |
25 % |
23 % |
23 % |
19 % |
Adjusted gross margin % (1) |
30 % |
31 % |
28 % |
27 % |
(1) |
Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures” section in this news release. |
SEGMENTED INFORMATION
United States
Revenues
U.S. revenues were $86.9 million in 2024 Q3, a decrease of $13.4 million or 13%, compared to $100.3 million in 2023 Q3. The Company realized a 22% decrease in operating days to 3,080 days in 2024 Q3, compared to 3,953 days in 2023 Q3. The decrease in operating days was due to a declining market in 2024 Q3. The average revenue per operating day increased 11% to $28,230 per day in 2024 Q3, compared to $25,383 per day in 2023 Q3, mainly due to job mix.
U.S. revenues were $292.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $8.8 million or 3%, compared to $283.8 million for the same period in 2023. The Company realized a 7% decrease in operating days to 10,496 days in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 11,233 days for the same period in 2023. The decrease is mainly related to a declining market in the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The average revenue per operating day increased 10% to $27,875 per day in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $25,265 per day for the same period in 2023, mainly due to a change in job mix.
Direct costs
U.S. direct costs included in cost of sales were $64.9 million in 2024 Q3, a decrease of $9.8 million or 13%, compared to $74.7 million in 2023 Q3. The decrease is mainly due to lower third-party rental and labour costs. As a percentage of revenues, direct costs increased to 75% in 2024 Q3, compared to 74% in 2023 Q3 mainly due to higher labour and repair costs as a percentage of revenues.
U.S. direct costs included in cost of sales were $221.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $5.1 million or 2%, compared to $216.2 million for the same period in 2023. The increase is mainly due to higher repairs and manufacturing costs, offset by third-party rental costs. The manufacturing costs are attributable to the Rime acquisition (acquired in July 2023). As a percentage of revenues, direct costs were 76% in both the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 as a result of higher repair costs, offset by lower labour and rental costs as a percentage of revenues.
Canadian
Revenues
Canadian revenues were $61.5 million in 2024 Q3, an increase of $16.2 million or 36%, compared to $45.3 million in 2023 Q3. The Company realized a 34% increase in operating days to 4,527 days in 2024 Q3, compared to 3,388 days in 2023 Q3. The increase in operating days is mainly attributable to higher market demand in 2024 Q3. The average revenue per operating day increased 2% to $13,585 per day in 2024 Q3, compared to $13,357 per day in 2023 Q3. The increase in the average revenue per operating day is mainly attributed to higher proceeds from lost-in-hole reimbursements from customers and a change in job mix, including higher charges for premium tools.
Canadian revenues were $151.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $35.0 million or 30%, compared to $116.1 million for the same period in 2023. The Company realized a 27% increase in operating days to 11,031 days in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 8,709 days for the same period in 2023. The increase in operating days is mainly attributable to higher market demand in the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The average revenue per operating day increased 3% to $13,700 per day in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $13,329 per day for the same period in 2023. The increase in the average revenue per operating day is mainly attributed to higher proceeds from lost-in-hole reimbursements from customers and a change in job mix, including higher charges for premium tools.
Direct costs
Canadian direct costs included in cost of sales were $39.5 million in 2024 Q3, an increase of $12.5 million or 46%, compared to $27.0 million in 2023 Q3. The increase is mainly due to higher labour, repair, and third-party rental costs in 2024 Q3. As a percentage of revenues, direct costs were 64% in 2024 Q3, compared to 60% in 2023 Q3 mainly due to higher rental costs as a percentage of revenues.
Canadian direct costs included in cost of sales were $97.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $19.8 million or 26%, compared to $77.6 million for the same period in 2023. The increase is mainly due to higher labour, repair, and third-party rental costs in the nine months ended September 30, 2024. As a percentage of revenues, direct costs were 64% in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 67% for the same period in 2023 mainly due to lower labour and repair costs as a percentage of revenues.
CONSOLIDATED
Revenues
The Company recognized $148.4 million of revenues in 2024 Q3, an increase of $2.8 million or 2%, compared to $145.6 million in 2023 Q3. The increase is due to a 4% increase in operating days (2024 – 7,607 days; 2023 – 7,341 days), offset by a decrease of 2% in the average revenue per operating day (2024 – $19,515; 2023 – $19,833). The decrease in the average revenue per operating day is mainly due to lower lost-in-hole reimbursements from the Company’s customers.
The Company recognized $443.7 million of revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $43.8 million or 11%, compared to $399.9 million for the same period in 2023. The increase is due to an 8% increase in operating days (2024 – 21,527 days; 2023 – 19,942 days) and an increase of 3% in the average revenue per operating day (2024 – $20,611; 2023 – $20,052).
Direct costs
The Company recognized $104.4 million of direct costs in 2024 Q3, an increase of $2.8 million or 3%, compared to $101.6 million in 2023 Q3. The increase is mainly due to higher repair and labour costs related to an increase in operating days, offset by lower third-party rental costs.
The Company recognized $318.7 million of direct costs in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $24.9 million or 8%, compared to $293.8 million for the same period in 2023. The increase is mainly due to higher repairs and labour costs related to the increase in operating days, and the inclusion of manufacturing costs related to Rime (acquired in July 2023), offset by lower third-party rental costs.
Direct costs as a percentage of revenues was 70% in 2024 Q3, which is comparable to 2023 Q3. Direct costs as a percentage of revenue decreased to 72% in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, from 73% for the same period in 2023, mainly due to decreased labour and third-party rental costs as a percentage of revenues.
Gross margin and adjusted gross margin
The Gross margin % increased to 25% in 2024 Q3, compared to 23% in 2023 Q3. The Gross margin % increased to 23% in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 19% for the same period in 2023.
The Adjusted gross margin % decreased to 30% in 2024 Q3, compared to 31% in 2023 Q3. The Adjusted gross margin % increased to 28% in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 27% for the same period in 2023.
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense included in cost of sales decreased to $6.4 million and $24.2 million in 2024 Q3 and the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $10.5 million and $29.8 million for the same periods in 2023, respectively. The decrease is mainly due to a change in depreciation methodology, as described below.
In 2024 Q1, the Company assessed its depreciation methodology related to its property, plant and equipment. As a result, the Company determined that using a straight-line method of depreciation, rather than the declining balance method, more accurately reflects the future economic benefits of the related assets. The depreciation expense included in cost of sales decreased due to the change in methodology.
Depreciation and amortization expense included in cost of sales as a percentage of revenues was 4% and 5% in 2024 Q3 and the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 7% for the same periods in 2023, respectively.
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses: |
||||
Direct costs |
$ 13,147 |
$ 11,611 |
$ 43,981 |
$ 37,701 |
Depreciation and amortization |
2,630 |
2,299 |
7,439 |
5,307 |
Share-based compensation |
311 |
1,731 |
1,960 |
3,179 |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
$ 16,088 |
$ 15,641 |
$ 53,380 |
$ 46,187 |
The Company recognized direct costs included in SG&A expenses of $13.1 million and $44.0 million in 2024 Q3 and the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $1.5 million and $6.3 million, compared to $11.6 million and $37.7 million for the same periods in 2023, respectively. The increase is mainly related to higher professional services and promotional costs in 2024. In addition, a portion of the increased direct costs included in SG&A for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 is attributable to the acquisition of Rime.
Direct costs included in SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenues were 9% and 10% in 2024 Q3 and the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 8% and 9% for the same periods in 2023, respectively.
Depreciation and amortization included in SG&A expenses were $2.6 million and $7.4 million in 2024 Q3 and the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $2.3 million and $5.3 million for the same periods in 2023, respectively, mainly due to amortization expense related to the intangible assets acquired in the Rime transaction.
Stock-based compensation included in SG&A expenses were $0.3 million and $2.0 million in 2024 Q3 and the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $1.7 million and $3.2 million for the same periods in 2023, respectively. The decrease is mainly due to certain stock options being fully vested in 2024.
Research and development (“R&D”) costs
The Company recognized R&D costs of $0.8 million and $2.4 million in 2024 Q3 and the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $0.4 million and $1.4 million for the same periods in 2023, respectively. R&D costs are salaries, benefits, purchased materials and shop supply costs related to new product development and technology.
Write-off of property, plant and equipment
The Company recognized a write-off of property, plant and equipment of $0.6 million and $2.9 million in 2024 Q3 and the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $1.6 million and $3.9 million for the same periods in 2023, respectively. The write-offs related to equipment lost-in-hole and damaged beyond repair. Reimbursements on lost-in-hole equipment and damaged beyond repair are based on service agreements held with clients and are recognized as revenues.
Finance costs
Finance costs – loans and borrowings and EP Notes were $1.9 million in 2024 Q3, a decrease of $0.4 million, compared to $2.3 million in 2023 Q3. The decrease is mainly due to a lower outstanding balance of loans and borrowings in 2024 Q3 compared to 2023 Q3. Finance costs – loans and borrowings and EP Notes were $6.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $1.3 million, compared to $5.5 million for the same period in 2023. The increase is mainly due to higher interest rates in 2024 and finance costs related to the Company’s EP notes issued as part of the Rime transaction in July 2023.
In addition, the Company had finance costs of $0.2 million and $0.6 million in 2024 Q3 and the nine months ended September 30, 2024 related to lease liabilities, which is consistent with the same periods in 2023, respectively.
Foreign exchange
The Company recognized a foreign exchange loss of $1.3 million in 2024 Q3, compared to a foreign exchange loss of $0.8 million in 2023 Q3. The Company recognized a foreign exchange gain of $1.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a foreign exchange gain of $0.1 million for the same period in 2023. The impact of foreign exchange is due to fluctuations of the Canadian dollar relative to the USD related to foreign currency transactions recognized in net income.
The Company recognized a foreign currency translation loss on foreign operations of $0.9 million in 2024 Q3, compared to a gain of $4.8 million in 2023 Q3. The Company recognized a foreign currency translation gain on foreign operations of $1.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a gain of $0.6 million for the same period in 2023. The Company’s foreign operations are denominated in USD and differences due to fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates are recorded in other comprehensive income.
Income tax
The Company recognized an income tax expense of $9.5 million and $6.6 million in 2024 Q3 and the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to an income tax expense of $1.4 million and $3.9 million for the same periods in 2023, respectively. Income tax expense is booked based upon expected annualized rates using the statutory rates of 23% for both Canada and the U.S.
The Company recognized a portion of its Canadian tax pools in 2024 Q3 due to management’s assessment and estimates that they will likely be utilized within the next twelve to eighteen months. The tax effected amount recognized was $11.1 million. The remaining tax pools remain unrecognized as at September 30, 2024.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Annually, the Company’s principal source of liquidity is cash generated from its operations. In addition, the Company has the ability to fund liquidity requirements through its credit facility and the issuance of additional debt and/or equity, if available.
In order to facilitate the management of its liquidity, the Company prepares an annual budget, which is updated, as necessary, depending on varying factors, including changes in capital structure, execution of the Company’s business plan and general industry conditions. The annual budget is approved by the Board of Directors and updated forecasts are prepared as the fiscal year progresses with changes reviewed by the Board of Directors.
Cash flow – operating activities was $19.4 million and $69.2 million in 2024 Q3 and the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $9.1 million and $53.4 million for the same periods in 2023, respectively. ACT remains focused on reducing its loans and borrowings and generating Free cash flow, as defined in the ‘Non-GAAP measures’ section of this news release. In addition, the Company will remain opportunistic in executing its NCIB and making strategic and accretive acquisitions.
At September 30, 2024, the Company had working capital, excluding current portion of loans and borrowings of $78.8 million (December 31, 2023 – $74.9 million).
Normal course issuer bid
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, 506,800 (2023 – 347,843) common shares were purchased under the NCIB for a total purchase amount of $3.0 million (2023 – $2.2 million) at an average price of $5.91 (2023 – $5.74) per common share. A portion of the purchase amount reduced share capital by $2.9 million (2023 – $2.0 million), and the residual purchase amount of $0.1 million (2023 – $0.2 million) was recorded to the deficit.
In connection with the NCIB, the Company established an automatic securities purchase plan (“the Plan”). Accordingly, the Company may repurchase its common shares under the Plan on any trading day during the NCIB, including during regulatory restrictions or self-imposed trading blackout periods. The Plan commenced on July 29, 2024 and will terminate on July 28, 2025. As at September 30, 2024, the Company recognized $1.1 million as an accrued liability ($1.0 million reduced share capital, and $0.1 million was recorded to the deficit) for the maximum common shares to be purchased under the Plan. Subsequent to September 30, 2024, the Company purchased 179,800 common shares for a total purchase amount o $1.1 million, at an average purchase price of $6.04 per common share.
Syndicated and revolving credit facilities
On May 30, 2024, LTD and Holdco entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with its lenders (“Credit Agreement”) which provided for various administrative changes and the addition of a U.S. domiciled USD Revolving Operating Facility in the amount of $10.0 million. The terms of the Credit Agreement, including payment terms, interest rate and financial covenants remained unchanged. At September 30, 2024, the USD Revolving Operating Facility was undrawn.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company withdrew $10.0 million of its Syndicated Operating Facility and repaid $5.0 million, resulting in an outstanding balance of $5.0 million as at September 30, 2024. As at September 30, 2024, $30.0 million of the $35.0 million Syndicated Operating Facility remained undrawn.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company repaid $1.6 million of its CAD Revolving Operating Facility. As at September 30, 2024, the $15.0 million CAD Revolving Operating Facility remained undrawn.
In addition, the Company held its Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (“HASCAP”) loan with a balance of $0.7 million.
At September 30, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all covenants, including its financial covenants, which were as follows:
- Consolidated Funded Debt to Consolidated Credit Agreement EBITDA ratio shall not exceed 2.5:1; and
- Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage ratio shall not be less than 1.25:1.
Contractual obligations and contingencies
As at September 30, 2024, the Company’s commitment to purchase property, plant and equipment is approximately $4.0 million, which is expected to be incurred in the remainder of 2024.
The Company also holds six letters of credit totaling $1.7 million related to rent payments, corporate credit cards and a utilities deposit.
The Company is involved in various other legal claims associated with the normal course of operations. The Company believes that any liabilities that may arise pertaining to such matters would not have a material impact on its financial position.
The following table outlines the anticipated payments related to contractual commitments subsequent to September 30, 2024:
Carrying amount |
One year |
1-2 years |
3-5 years |
Thereafter |
|
Loans and borrowings – principal |
$ 67,743 |
$ 21,141 |
$ 46,602 |
$ — |
$ — |
EP Notes – principal |
27,050 |
— |
27,050 |
— |
— |
Interest payments on loans and borrowings and EP Notes |
12,320 |
5,924 |
6,396 |
— |
— |
Lease liabilities – undiscounted |
13,734 |
3,955 |
2,922 |
6,443 |
414 |
Trade and other payables |
97,698 |
97,698 |
— |
— |
— |
Total |
$ 218,545 |
$ 128,718 |
$ 82,970 |
$ 6,443 |
$ 414 |
Capital structure
As at November 7, 2024, the Company has 34,876,425 common shares, 3,010,817 stock options and EP Notes that are exchangeable into a maximum of 3,510,000 common shares outstanding.
Share Consolidation
On May 9, 2024, the shareholders of the Company approved the consolidation of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company, on the basis of one post-consolidation common share for a range of five to ten pre-consolidation common shares. On June 10, 2024, the Board of Directors approved a consolidation ratio of one post-consolidation share for seven pre-consolidation common shares (the “Consolidation”). As a result, on July 3, 2024, 243,383,392 common shares issued and outstanding prior to the Consolidation were reduced to 34,769,056 common shares. No fractional common shares were issued in connection with the Consolidation, and all fractional common shares that otherwise would have been issued was rounded to the nearest whole common share. The share units and per share amounts in this news release were restated to reflect the Consolidation.
NET CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
The following table details the Company’s Net capital expenditures:
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
Motors and related equipment |
$ 2,465 |
$ 8,005 |
$ 16,409 |
$ 22,786 |
MWD and related equipment |
5,159 |
6,581 |
19,378 |
9,854 |
Shop and automotive equipment |
98 |
335 |
480 |
2,084 |
Other |
1,386 |
481 |
2,824 |
3,126 |
Gross capital expenditures |
9,108 |
15,402 |
39,091 |
37,850 |
Less: net lost-in-hole equipment reimbursements |
(4,827) |
(7,399) |
(20,215) |
(19,288) |
Net capital expenditures (1) |
$ 4,281 |
$ 8,003 |
$ 18,876 |
$ 18,562 |
(1) |
Refer to the ‘Non-GAAP Measures’ section in this news release. |
In 2024 Q3 and the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company had capitalized costs recognized as intangible assets related to RSS licenses of $7.4 million and $13.5 million (2023 – $nil), respectively.
As at September 30, 2024, property, plant and equipment included $13.6 million (December 31, 2023 – $4.6 million) of directional drilling equipment not yet being depreciated as they are currently being manufactured and tested. Depreciation of the assets will commence upon the assets being fully operational.
The Company’s 2024 Net capital expenditure budget, including capital costs related to RSS licenses, is expected to be approximately $30 million to $35 million (2023 – $27 million to $32 million), excluding any potential acquisitions. The Net capital expenditure budget is targeted at growing ACT’s high-performance mud motors, MWD in both Canada and the U.S., and RSS in the U.S. ACT intends to fund its 2024 capital plan from cash flow – operating activities.
NON-GAAP MEASURES
ACT uses certain performance measures throughout this news release that are not defined under IFRS Accounting Standards or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP measures do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from that of other organizations, and accordingly, may not be comparable. Investors should be cautioned that these measures should not be construed as alternatives to IFRS Accounting Standards measures as an indicator of ACT’s performance.
These measures include the Adjusted gross margin, Adjusted gross margin %, Adjusted EBITDAS, Adjusted EBITDAS margin %, Adjusted EBITDAS per diluted share, Free cash flow, Working capital and Net capital expenditures. Management believes these measures provide supplemental financial information that is useful in the evaluation of ACT’s operations.
These non-GAAP measures are defined as follows:
i) “Adjusted gross margin” – calculated as gross margin before non-cash costs (write-down of inventory, depreciation, amortization and share-based compensation); is considered a primary indicator of operating performance (see tabular calculation);
ii) “Adjusted gross margin %” – calculated as Adjusted gross margin divided by revenues; is considered a primary indicator of operating performance (see tabular calculation);
iii) “Adjusted EBITDAS” – calculated as net income before finance costs, unrealized foreign exchange on intercompany balances, income tax expense, depreciation, amortization, gain on settlement of lease liabilities, non-recurring costs, write-down of inventory and share-based compensation; provides supplemental information to net income that is useful in evaluating the results and financing of the Company’s business activities before considering certain charges (see tabular calculation);
iv) “Adjusted EBITDAS margin %” – calculated as Adjusted EBITDAS divided by revenues; provides supplemental information to net income that is useful in evaluating the results and financing of the Company’s business activities before considering certain charges as a percentage of revenues (see tabular calculation);
v) “Adjusted EBITDAS per basic and diluted share” – calculated as Adjusted EBITDAS divided by the basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding; provides supplemental information to net income that is useful in evaluating the results and financing of the Company’s business activities before considering certain charges on a per basic and diluted common share basis;
vi) “Free cash flow” – calculated as cash flow – operating activities prior to: i) changes in non-cash working capital, ii) income tax paid (refund) and iii) non-recurring costs less: i) PP&E and intangible asset additions, excluding assets acquired in business combinations, ii) required repayments on loans and borrowings, in accordance with the Company’s credit facility agreement, and iii) repayments of lease liabilities, net of finance costs, offset by proceeds on disposal of PP&E. Management uses this measure as an indication of the Company’s ability to generate funds from its operations to support future capital expenditures, additional repayments of loans and borrowings or other initiatives (see tabular calculation).
The Company has deducted intangible asset additions from its Free cash flow calculation in 2024 Q1, compared to being excluded in prior periods. The change of the calculation is mainly due to more significant additions in the period as the Company expanded its RSS tool fleet and the related licenses, as well as expected cash outflows in the future related to intangible assets as the Company expands its technology offerings.
vii) “Working capital” – calculated as current assets less current liabilities, excluding the current portion of loans and borrowings. Management uses this measure as an indication of the Company’s financial and cash liquidity position.
viii) “Net capital expenditures” – calculated as the gross capital expenditures less reimbursements from customers and insurance proceeds related to equipment lost-in-hole and damaged beyond repair, net of payments to vendors for insurance coverage and third-party rental equipment lost-in-hole or damaged beyond repair – refer to the “Capital expenditures” section of this news release.
The following tables provide reconciliations from the IFRS Accounting Standards to non-GAAP measures.
Adjusted gross margin
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
Gross margin |
$ 37,585 |
$ 33,025 |
$ 100,267 |
$ 75,546 |
Add non-cash items included in cost of sales: |
||||
Write-down of inventory included in cost of sales |
366 |
599 |
427 |
977 |
Depreciation and amortization |
6,432 |
10,508 |
24,247 |
29,848 |
Share-based compensation |
73 |
429 |
465 |
669 |
Adjusted gross margin |
$ 44,456 |
$ 44,561 |
$ 125,406 |
$ 107,040 |
Adjusted gross margin % |
30 % |
31 % |
28 % |
27 % |
Adjusted EBITDAS
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
Net income |
$ 26,175 |
$ 5,650 |
$ 43,015 |
$ 8,861 |
Add (deduct): |
||||
Income tax expense |
(9,458) |
1,359 |
(6,645) |
3,942 |
Depreciation and amortization – cost of sales |
6,432 |
10,508 |
24,247 |
29,848 |
Depreciation and amortization – selling, general and administrative expenses |
2,630 |
2,299 |
7,439 |
5,307 |
Share-based compensation – cost of sales |
73 |
429 |
465 |
669 |
Share-based compensation – selling, general and administrative expenses |
311 |
1,731 |
1,960 |
3,179 |
Finance costs – loans and borrowings and exchangeable promissory notes |
1,924 |
2,286 |
6,808 |
5,502 |
Finance costs – lease liabilities |
185 |
215 |
591 |
634 |
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) on intercompany balances |
1,531 |
(100) |
(2,117) |
(999) |
Gain on settlement of lease liabilities |
— |
— |
(391) |
— |
Non-recurring expenses, including inventory write off |
366 |
5,729 |
851 |
6,572 |
Adjusted EBITDAS |
$ 30,169 |
$ 30,106 |
$ 76,223 |
$ 63,515 |
Adjusted EBITDAS margin % |
20 % |
21 % |
17 % |
16 % |
Free cash flow
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
Cash flow – operating activities |
$ 19,377 |
$ 9,128 |
$ 69,243 |
$ 53,395 |
Add (deduct): |
||||
Income tax paid |
172 |
198 |
3,965 |
846 |
Changes in non-cash operating working capital |
11,227 |
17,200 |
5,426 |
7,213 |
Non-recurring expenses |
391 |
839 |
424 |
1,304 |
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
— |
70 |
1,533 |
733 |
Less: |
||||
Property, plant and equipment and intangible asset additions(1) |
(16,649) |
(15,385) |
(53,491) |
(37,850) |
Required repayments on loans and borrowings(2) |
(5,148) |
(5,154) |
(15,461) |
(12,609) |
Repayments of lease liabilities, net of finance costs |
(716) |
(811) |
(2,532) |
(2,660) |
Free cash flow |
$ 8,654 |
$ 6,085 |
$ 9,107 |
$ 10,372 |
(1) |
Property, plant and equipment additions exclude any non-cash additions. |
(2) |
Required repayments on loans and borrowings in accordance with the credit facility agreement, which excludes discretionary debt repayments. |
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should” or similar words suggesting future outcomes. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements relating to, among other things:
- Future commitments;
- The 2024 Net capital expenditure budget and financing thereof;
- We believe our positioning and focus on the higher value, high-performance rotary steerable market in the U.S. and the multi-lateral drilling market in Canada helped propel the company to strong and consistent financial performance in the quarter despite these challenges.
- The benefits of ACT’s size and scale strategy continues to produce sound results by leveraging leading technology and exceptional service delivery in the North American directional drilling industry.
- The successful deployment of a sizable MWD fleet management remains the top priority and focus for management in 2024 and 2025, with the potential to further expand our business, improve our margins and EBITDA profile, while generating very attractive returns on our investment.
- The MWD buildout is expected to provide increased resiliency through expanded margins in a weaker macro environment and position the Company with more flexibility to further pay down debt and potentially initiate return of capital strategy in 2025.
- The execution of the plan remains on track with delivery of completed MWD tools beginning in 2024 Q4 and continuing into the first half of 2025.
- With a significant portion of our revenue in our U.S. business going to third parties to rent essential technology, there is a substantial opportunity to recapture margins even if we are only able to achieve relatively moderate levels of operational success in 2025.
- Management believes that buying shares at current share price levels represents good value and a sensible use of capital. In addition, we strengthened our balance sheet with reduced debt levels and increased our cash balance which will continue to be a focus into 2025.
- With a constructive outlook in our Canadian business, improving outlook in the longer-term for the U.S., market, improving EBITDA and cash flow profiles, and a clear strategy, I am confident we can deliver higher returns for our shareholders and increasing value for our customers as we go forward.
- The outlook for global energy demand remains robust in the coming years due to rising intensity of energy use in developing countries and the prospect of a soft landing for economic growth among industrialized nations as central banks co-ordinate to bring interest rates down.
- The rising prominence of natural gas as the transition fuel for power generation in the decades to come is also supportive even before any additional demand caused by growth in AI-driven datacenters.
- Bearish factors include a relatively weak Chinese economy and the possibility of OPEC adding more oil production to the market in 2025.
- Bullish factors include continued solid global gross domestic product growth as noted, low U.S. oil and product inventories in relation to five-year averages and ongoing Middle Eastern tensions that could affect oil supply.
- By contrast, U.S. natural gas prices have improved over the last three months as the market awaits the beginning of the North American winter heating season as well as the start-up of exports from a number of new U.S. liquified natural gas projects in 2025 and 2026.
- Owing to higher levels of uncertainty in both oil and natural gas markets, ACT is seeing varying impact on its job counts in Canada and the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2024.
- In Canada, ACT continues to run at levels close to those achieved in the record-setting third quarter.
- We remain very constructive on Canada in the years to come and are encouraged by reports that testing continues with respect to bringing the major LNG Canada project online sometime in 2025.
- With relatively steady levels of activity forecasted for the Canadian market it is also important to note the fourth quarter is likely to be impacted by budget exhaustion and holiday seasonality in early-to-mid-December.
- ACT’s U.S. job count has softened modestly in the fourth quarter, in keeping with the continued softness in underlying U.S. rig activity.
- Maximizing available revenue per operating day is our immediate focus as well as beginning the margin recapture process as we introduce our new MWD systems to clients.
- Holiday seasonality also starts to become a factor in late November with the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.
- Lower benchmark U.S. oil and gas prices to date in the fourth quarter may also accelerate the timing of the typical end-of-year budget exhaustion process.
The Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date hereof but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon.
Various material factors and assumptions are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking statements. Those material factors and assumptions are based on information currently available to the Company, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources. In some instances, material assumptions and material factors are presented elsewhere in this news release in connection with the forward-looking statements. You are cautioned that the following list of material factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. Specific material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to:
- the performance of ACT’s business;
- impact of economic and social trends;
- oil and natural gas commodity prices and production levels;
- capital expenditure programs and other expenditures by ACT and its customers;
- the ability of ACT to attract and retain key management personnel;
- the ability of ACT to retain and hire qualified personnel;
- the ability of ACT to obtain parts, consumables, equipment, technology, and supplies in a timely manner to carry out its activities;
- the ability of ACT to maintain good working relationships with key suppliers;
- the ability of ACT to retain customers, market its services successfully to existing and new customers and reliance on major customers;
- risks associated with technology development and intellectual property rights;
- obsolescence of ACT’s equipment and/or technology;
- the ability of ACT to maintain safety performance;
- the ability of ACT to obtain adequate and timely financing on acceptable terms;
- the ability of ACT to comply with the terms and conditions of its credit facility;
- the ability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage to mitigate operational risks;
- currency exchange and interest rates;
- risks associated with future foreign operations;
- the ability of ACT to integrate its transactions and the benefits of any acquisitions, dispositions and business development efforts;
- environmental risks;
- business risks resulting from weather, disasters and related to information technology;
- changes under governmental regulatory regimes and tax, environmental, climate and other laws in Canada and the U.S.; and
- competitive risks.
Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties some of which are described herein. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company’s actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks identified in this news release and in the Company’s Annual Information Form under the heading “Risk Factors”. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.
All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Further information about the factors affecting forward-looking statements is available in the Company’s current Annual Information Form that has been filed with Canadian provincial securities commissions and is available on www.sedarplus.ca and the Company’s website (www.actenergy.com).
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023
Canadian dollars in ‘000s
(unaudited)
September 30, |
December 31, |
|
As at |
2024 |
2023 |
Assets |
||
Current assets: |
||
Cash |
$ 17,492 |
$ 10,731 |
Trade receivables |
110,520 |
111,846 |
Prepaid expenses |
4,376 |
5,839 |
Inventories |
47,410 |
44,976 |
Total current assets |
179,798 |
173,392 |
Property, plant and equipment |
127,800 |
113,853 |
Intangible assets |
74,433 |
66,366 |
Right-of-use assets |
8,667 |
10,138 |
Goodwill |
40,835 |
39,984 |
Deferred tax asset |
11,059 |
— |
Total non-current assets |
262,794 |
230,341 |
Total assets |
$ 442,592 |
$ 403,733 |
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity |
||
Current liabilities: |
||
Trade and other payables |
$ 97,698 |
$ 93,661 |
Current taxes payable |
— |
1,425 |
Loans and borrowings, current |
21,089 |
21,023 |
Lease liabilities, current |
3,334 |
3,441 |
Total current liabilities |
122,121 |
119,550 |
Loans and borrowings, long-term |
46,254 |
57,575 |
Exchangeable promissory notes |
25,110 |
23,923 |
Lease liabilities, long-term |
10,217 |
12,323 |
Deferred tax liability |
13,065 |
10,894 |
Total non-current liabilities |
94,646 |
104,715 |
Total liabilities |
216,767 |
224,265 |
Shareholders’ equity: |
||
Share capital |
199,471 |
197,380 |
Treasury shares |
(469) |
(709) |
Exchangeable promissory notes |
1,242 |
1,242 |
Contributed surplus |
16,854 |
17,002 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
14,392 |
13,088 |
Deficit |
(5,665) |
(48,535) |
Total shareholders’ equity |
225,825 |
179,468 |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity |
$ 442,592 |
$ 403,733 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
Canadian dollars in ‘000s except per share amounts
(unaudited)
Three months ended |
Nine months ended |
|||
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
Revenues |
$ 148,449 |
$ 145,591 |
$ 443,702 |
$ 399,878 |
Cost of sales: |
||||
Direct costs |
(104,359) |
(101,629) |
(318,723) |
(293,815) |
Depreciation and amortization |
(6,432) |
(10,508) |
(24,247) |
(29,848) |
Share-based compensation |
(73) |
(429) |
(465) |
(669) |
Total cost of sales |
(110,864) |
(112,566) |
(343,435) |
(324,332) |
Gross margin |
37,585 |
33,025 |
100,267 |
75,546 |
Selling, general and administrative expenses: |
||||
Direct costs |
(13,147) |
(11,611) |
(43,981) |
(37,701) |
Depreciation and amortization |
(2,630) |
(2,299) |
(7,439) |
(5,307) |
Share-based compensation |
(311) |
(1,731) |
(1,960) |
(3,179) |
Total selling, general and administrative expenses |
(16,088) |
(15,641) |
(53,380) |
(46,187) |
Provision |
— |
(4,291) |
— |
(4,291) |
Research and development costs |
(805) |
(427) |
(2,445) |
(1,437) |
Write-off of property, plant and equipment |
(618) |
(1,555) |
(2,866) |
(3,924) |
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
11 |
5 |
31 |
390 |
Gain on settlement of lease liabilities |
— |
— |
391 |
— |
Income from operating activities |
20,085 |
11,116 |
41,998 |
20,097 |
Finance costs – loans and borrowings and exchangeable promissory notes |
(1,924) |
(2,286) |
(6,808) |
(5,502) |
Finance costs – lease liabilities |
(185) |
(215) |
(591) |
(634) |
Foreign exchange (loss) gain |
(1,259) |
(767) |
1,771 |
146 |
Acquisition and restructuring costs |
— |
(839) |
— |
(1,304) |
Income before income taxes |
16,717 |
7,009 |
36,370 |
12,803 |
Income tax recovery (expenses): |
||||
Current |
(804) |
(3,687) |
(2,459) |
(4,248) |
Deferred |
10,262 |
2,328 |
9,104 |
306 |
Income tax recovery (expenses) |
9,458 |
(1,359) |
6,645 |
(3,942) |
Net income |
26,175 |
5,650 |
43,015 |
8,861 |
Other comprehensive (loss) income |
||||
Foreign currency translation differences on foreign operations |
(889) |
4,842 |
1,304 |
591 |
Total comprehensive income |
$ 25,286 |
$ 10,492 |
$ 44,319 |
$ 9,452 |
Net income per share – basic (1) |
$ 0.75 |
$ 0.16 |
$ 1.24 |
$ 0.26 |
Net income per share – diluted (1) |
$ 0.68 |
$ 0.15 |
$ 1.12 |
$ 0.25 |
(1) |
Restated to reflect the 7:1 share consolidation on July 3, 2024. Refer to the ‘Share Consolidation’ section in this news release. |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
Canadian dollars in ‘000s
(unaudited)
Share |
Treasury shares |
Contributed surplus |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
Deficit |
Total shareholders’ equity |
|
Balance, December 31, 2022 |
$ 180,484 |
$ (959) |
$ 15,854 |
$ 17,389 |
$ (58,871) |
$ 153,897 |
Comprehensive income |
— |
— |
— |
591 |
8,861 |
9,452 |
Contributed surplus on treasury shares vested |
— |
250 |
(250) |
— |
— |
— |
Issued pursuant to warrant exercises |
19,843 |
— |
(3,433) |
— |
— |
16,410 |
Issued pursuant to stock options exercised |
673 |
— |
(251) |
— |
— |
422 |
Share-based compensation |
— |
— |
3,848 |
— |
— |
3,848 |
Balance, June 30, 2023 |
$ 197,344 |
$ (709) |
$ 15,768 |
$ 17,980 |
$ (50,313) |
$ 181,344 |
Share |
Treasury shares |
EP notes |
Contributed surplus |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
Deficit |
Total shareholders’ equity |
|
Balance, December 31, 2023 |
$ 197,380 |
$ (709) |
$ 1,242 |
$ 17,002 |
$ 13,088 |
$ (48,535) |
$ 179,468 |
Comprehensive income |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1,304 |
43,015 |
44,319 |
Repurchased pursuant to normal course issuer bid |
(2,899) |
— |
— |
— |
— |
(94) |
(2,993) |
Accrued purchases under the normal course issuer bid |
(1,033) |
— |
— |
— |
— |
(51) |
(1,084) |
Contributed surplus on treasury shares vested |
— |
240 |
— |
(240) |
— |
— |
— |
Issued pursuant to stock options exercised |
6,023 |
— |
— |
(2,333) |
— |
— |
3,690 |
Share-based compensation |
— |
— |
— |
2,425 |
— |
— |
2,425 |
Balance, September 30, 2024 |
$ 199,471 |
$ (469) |
$ 1,242 |
$ 16,854 |
$ 14,392 |
$ (5,665) |
$ 225,825 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
Canadian dollars in ‘000s
(unaudited)
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
Cash provided by (used in): |
||||
Operating activities: |
||||
Net income |
$ 26,175 |
$ 5,650 |
$ 43,015 |
$ 8,861 |
Non-cash adjustments: |
||||
Income tax expenses |
(9,458) |
1,359 |
(6,645) |
3,942 |
Depreciation and amortization |
9,062 |
12,807 |
31,686 |
35,155 |
Share-based compensation |
384 |
2,160 |
2,425 |
3,848 |
Write-off of property, plant and equipment |
618 |
1,555 |
2,866 |
3,924 |
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
(11) |
(5) |
(31) |
(390) |
Gain on settlement of lease liabilities |
— |
— |
(391) |
— |
Write-down of inventory included in cost of sales |
366 |
599 |
427 |
977 |
Finance costs – loans and borrowings and exchangeable promissory notes |
1,924 |
2,286 |
6,808 |
5,502 |
Finance costs – lease liabilities |
185 |
215 |
591 |
634 |
Income tax refund (paid) |
(172) |
(198) |
(3,965) |
(846) |
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) on foreign currency balances |
1,531 |
(100) |
(2,117) |
(999) |
30,604 |
26,328 |
74,669 |
60,608 |
|
Changes in non-cash operating working capital |
(11,227) |
(17,200) |
(5,426) |
(7,213) |
Cash flow – operating activities |
19,377 |
9,128 |
69,243 |
53,395 |
Investing activities: |
||||
Cash paid on acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
— |
(27,426) |
— |
(27,426) |
Property, plant and equipment additions |
(9,108) |
(15,385) |
(39,091) |
(37,850) |
Intangible asset additions |
(7,541) |
(14) |
(14,400) |
(158) |
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
— |
70 |
1,533 |
733 |
Changes in non-cash investing working capital |
5,508 |
4,023 |
9,497 |
2,268 |
Cash flow – investing activities |
(11,141) |
(38,732) |
(42,461) |
(62,433) |
Financing activities: |
||||
Advances of loans and borrowings, net of upfront financing fees |
— |
27,298 |
10,000 |
27,298 |
Repayments on loans and borrowings |
(5,148) |
(5,471) |
(22,016) |
(25,926) |
Payments on lease liabilities, net of finance costs |
(716) |
(811) |
(2,532) |
(2,660) |
Interest paid |
(1,812) |
(2,500) |
(6,501) |
(6,136) |
Common shares repurchased pursuant to normal course issuer bid |
(2,000) |
(3,955) |
(4,077) |
(3,955) |
Proceeds on common share and warrant issuances, net of issuance costs |
1,460 |
1,465 |
3,690 |
16,832 |
Changes in non-cash financing working capital |
1,084 |
1,765 |
1,084 |
1,765 |
Cash flow – financing activities |
(7,132) |
17,791 |
(20,352) |
7,218 |
Effect of exchange rate on changes on cash |
(604) |
2,862 |
331 |
1,817 |
Change in cash |
500 |
(8,951) |
6,761 |
(3) |
Cash, beginning of period |
16,992 |
20,123 |
10,731 |
11,175 |
Cash, end of period |
$ 17,492 |
$ 11,172 |
$ 17,492 |
$ 11,172 |
ACT Energy Technologies Ltd., based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) and operates in the U.S. and Canada under Altitude Energy Partners, Discovery Downhole Services in the U.S., and Rime Downhole Technologies, LLC in the U.S.. ACT’s common shares are publicly-traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “ACX”.
ACT is a trusted partner to North American energy companies requiring high performance directional drilling services and related downhole technologies. We work in partnership with our customers to tailor our equipment and expertise to meet their specific geographical and technical needs. Our experience, technologies and responsive personnel enable our customers to achieve higher efficiencies and lower project costs. For more information, visit www.actenergy.com.
SOURCE ACT Energy Technologies LTD.
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2024/07/c8053.html
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
SolarEdge Q3 Results Miss Expectations; Analysts Warn Of Cash Flow Challenges And Need For Cost Cuts
SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. SEDG shares are trading relatively flat on Thursday.
Yesterday, the company reported third-quarter results, with revenues of $260.9 million, down 2% from $265.4 million in the prior quarter and down 64% from $725.3 million in the same quarter last year.
Revenues from the solar segment were $247.5 million, down 63% from $676.9 million in the same quarter last year.
Here are the analysts’ takes on the earnings results:
Piper Sandler analyst Kashy Harrison downgraded the stock to Underweight from Neutral, lowering the price forecast to $9 from $17.
The analyst sees cash flow challenges ahead due to normal DSOs/DPOs, weak sales, rising U.S. manufacturing costs, European issues, and the Tesla threat.
The analyst suggests a capital raise and major cost cuts are necessary for survival. Harrison widens the FY24 loss estimate per share to $(21.08) from $(7.20).
Truist Securities analyst Jordan Levy reiterated the Hold rating on the stock, with an unchanged price forecast of $20.
According to the analyst, the topline miss is primarily due to continued weakness in Europe, where MW volumes fell over 30%, while North American volumes rose by a similar percentage.
Further, topline and the gross margin guidance for the fourth quarter fell short of Street estimates, while the Opex guidance was slightly below the Street estimates.
Also Read: Microsoft Shows Room To Climb As Tesla, Nvidia, Amazon Near 52-Week Highs
Roth MKM analyst Philip Shen reiterated the Neutral rating on the stock, loweing the price forecast to $12 from $20.
The largest third-quarter writedowns were for excess and obsolete inventory, as the company no longer expects to sell it due to reduced demand in the EU, Shen notes.
The analyst writes that the company aims to return to profitability by focusing on financial stability, regaining market share, and refocusing on core businesses.
It is also reducing costs, streamlining operations in profitable markets, and investing in technology for future growth, Shen notes.
KeyBanc Capital Markets analyst Sophie Karp noted that the company is banking on strong demand for U.S.-made products, alongside new offerings and software, to fuel growth in the next industry cycle.
However, the ongoing demand slump, coupled with recent election developments, is likely to dampen investor interest for now, the analyst writes. The analyst rates SEDG shares Sector Weight.
Price Action: SEDG shares are trading lower by 1.41% to $14.47 at last check Thursday.
Image via Pixabay
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Insider Decision: Brooks J Klimley Offloads $146K Worth Of Antero Midstream Stock
Revealing a significant insider sell on November 7, Brooks J Klimley, Board Member at Antero Midstream AM, as per the latest SEC filing.
What Happened: According to a Form 4 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday, Klimley sold 10,000 shares of Antero Midstream. The total transaction value is $146,600.
During Thursday’s morning session, Antero Midstream shares up by 0.07%, currently priced at $15.19.
Discovering Antero Midstream: A Closer Look
Antero Midstream Corp is a midstream company that owns, operates, and develops midstream energy infrastructure services and production activity in the Appalachian Basin’s Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale located in West Virginia and Ohio. The company has two operating segments; the Gathering and Processing segment includes a network of gathering pipelines and compressor stations that collect and process production from Antero Resources wells in West Virginia and Ohio and the Water Handling segment includes two independent systems that deliver water from sources including the Ohio River, local reservoirs and several regional waterways. It derives a majority of its revenue from the Gathering and Processing segment.
Antero Midstream’s Financial Performance
Revenue Growth: Antero Midstream’s remarkable performance in 3 months is evident. As of 30 September, 2024, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 2.14%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company’s top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Energy sector.
Profitability Metrics: Unlocking Value
-
Gross Margin: The company maintains a high gross margin of 64.55%, indicating strong cost management and profitability compared to its peers.
-
Earnings per Share (EPS): With an EPS below industry norms, Antero Midstream exhibits below-average bottom-line performance with a current EPS of 0.21.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 1.49.
Financial Valuation Breakdown:
-
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The current Price to Earnings ratio of 18.98 is higher than the industry average, indicating the stock is priced at a premium level according to the market sentiment.
-
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: A higher-than-average P/S ratio of 6.4 suggests overvaluation in the eyes of investors, considering sales performance.
-
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation & Amortization): A high EV/EBITDA ratio of 11.07 positions the company as being more valued compared to industry benchmarks.
Market Capitalization Analysis: Positioned below industry benchmarks, the company’s market capitalization faces constraints in size. This could be influenced by factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
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Unmasking the Significance of Insider Transactions
While insider transactions provide valuable information, they should be part of a broader analysis in making investment decisions.
When discussing legal matters, the term “insider” refers to any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company’s equity securities, as stipulated in Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and significant hedge funds. Such insiders are required to report their transactions through a Form 4 filing, which must be completed within two business days of the transaction.
A new purchase by a company insider is a indication that they anticipate the stock will rise.
On the other hand, insider sells may not necessarily indicate a bearish view and can be motivated by various factors.
Navigating the World of Insider Transaction Codes
Investors prefer focusing on transactions that take place in the open market, indicated in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 indicates a purchase, while S indicates a sale. Transaction code C indicates the conversion of an option, and transaction code A indicates grant, award or other acquisition of securities from the company.
Check Out The Full List Of Antero Midstream’s Insider Trades.
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
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This article was generated by Benzinga’s automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.
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ShaMaran Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results
VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 7, 2024 /CNW/ – ShaMaran Petroleum Corp. (“ShaMaran” or the “Company”) SNM (Nasdaq First North: SNM) today released its financial and operating results and related management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. View PDF
Garrett Soden, President and CEO of ShaMaran, commented: “This is another strong quarter for ShaMaran, with the benefits of the TAQA/HKN transaction starting to show through our higher share of production and local sales at Atrush. We remain focused on minimizing our cost base and deleveraging the Company while reviewing further consolidation opportunities in Kurdistan. Long-term, we look forward to a commercial solution for the restart of exports through the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline.”
Corporate Highlights:
- On August 6, 2024, the Company closed the acquisition of TAQA Atrush B.V. and the subsequent sale of an indirect interest in the Atrush Block to HKN Energy IV, Ltd. announced on January 22, 2024. The two-step transaction increased the Company’s indirect 27.6% stake in the Atrush Block to a 50% working interest (66.67% paying interest) following the sale of an indirect 25% working interest (33.33% paying interest) to HKN Energy IV, Ltd. An affiliate of HKN Energy is now operator of Atrush, and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s 25% working interest in the block has been converted to a carried interest;
- On July 1, 2024, the Company’s amended bond terms became effective, including a two-year extension of the maturity date to July 2027;
- The closure of the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline (“ITP”) since March 25, 2023, continues to have a material impact on ShaMaran’s operations and financial results. The Company is actively engaging with the relevant parties to resume pipeline exports;
- In Q3 2024, average gross daily oil production from Atrush and Sarsang combined was 59,300 bopd, 114% higher than Q3 2023 (27,700 bopd from Sarsang only as Atrush was shut-in after the ITP closure) due to local sales achieved from both blocks; and
- Revenue in Q3 2024 was $29.4 million, 133% higher than Q3 2023 ($12.6 million) due to local oil sales, the restart of Atrush production in Q4 2023 and an increased working interest in the Atrush Block since August 7, 2024.
Financial Highlights:
Three months ended Sept 30 |
Nine months ended Sept 30 |
|||
USD Thousands |
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Revenue |
29,425 |
12,644 |
74,643 |
62,566 |
Gross margin on oil sales |
9,955 |
1,595 |
24,200 |
19,494 |
Cash flow from operations |
29,127 |
13,126 |
63,272 |
30,658 |
EBITDAX |
21,509 |
5,834 |
50,450 |
31,185 |
- The Company generated $29.1 million in operating cash flow during Q3 2024 from local sales, 122% higher than Q3 2023 ($13.1 million);
- ShaMaran generated $21.6 million of free cash flow before debt service1 in Q3 2024 due to the strength of local sales and proactive cost-cutting, 112% higher than Q3 2023 ($10.2 million);
- EBITDAX2 has consistently increased since the ITP shutdown, with Q3 2024 EBITDAX at $21.5 million, 270% higher than Q3 2023 ($5.8 million);
- Q3 2024 oil sales to the Kurdistan local market averaged a net oil price of $35.65/bbl from the two blocks, 10% lower than Q3 2023 ($39.41/bbl from Sarsang only);
- At September 30, 2024, the Company had cash of $46.8 million and gross debt of $217.7 million (including the $202.1 million bond and $15.6 million related-party loan). Net debt3 was $170.9 million; and
- At November 7, 2024, the Company had cash of $56.9 million and gross debt of $215.5 million (including the $199.9 million bond and $15.6 million related-party loan). Net debt³ was $158.6 million.
Operational Highlights:
Three months ended Sept 30 |
Nine months ended Sept 30 |
||||||
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
||||
Average daily oil production – gross 100% field (Mbopd) |
|||||||
– Atrush |
26.8 |
– |
23.9 |
10.1 |
|||
– Sarsang |
32.5 |
27.7 |
33.2 |
27.3 |
|||
Total |
59.3 |
27.7 |
57.1 |
37.4 |
|||
Average daily oil production – Company net (Mbopd) |
|||||||
– Atrush (27.6% until August 6, 2024; 50% thereafter) |
11.1 |
– |
7.9 |
2.8 |
|||
– Sarsang (18%) |
5.9 |
5.0 |
6.0 |
4.9 |
|||
Total |
17.0 |
5.0 |
13.9 |
7.7 |
|||
Oil sales – gross 100% field (Mbbl) |
|||||||
– Atrush |
2,463 |
– |
6,559 |
2,729 |
|||
– Sarsang |
2,949 |
2,947 |
8,916 |
7,333 |
|||
Total |
5,412 |
2,947 |
15,475 |
10,062 |
- Atrush had average production in Q3 2024 of 26.8 Mbopd, including an increase in production beyond 30 Mbopd in September 2024 under the new operator; and
- At Sarsang, despite maintenance and facility downtime, average production in Q3 2024 was 32.5 Mbopd. Sarsang is expected to have higher production in Q4 2024 with ongoing drilling and completion operations, as well as improved facility uptime.
Subsequent Events:
- The Company announced on October 28, 2024, the market purchase and cancellation of $2.1 million of the Company’s bond. The total outstanding amount of the Company’s bond as of the date of this press release is $199.9 million; and
- Mr. Alex Lengyel, Chief Commercial Officer and Corporate Secretary, will be leaving the Company at the end of 2024. Mr. Elvis Pellumbi, Chief Financial Officer, will take over the corporate secretarial responsibilities effective today.
Abbreviations:
bbl |
Barrels of crude oil |
bopd |
Barrels of crude oil per day |
Mbbl |
Thousand barrels of crude oil |
Mbopd |
Thousand barrels of crude oil per day |
ShaMaran plans to publish its financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2024, on March 12, 2025. Except as otherwise indicated, all currency amounts indicated as “$” in this news release are expressed in United States dollars.
About ShaMaran Petroleum Corp.
ShaMaran is a Canadian independent oil and gas company focused on the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The Company indirectly holds a 50% working interest (66.67% paying interest) in the Atrush Block and an 18% working interest (22.5% paying interest) in the Sarsang Block. The Company is listed in Toronto on the TSX Venture Exchange and in Stockholm on Nasdaq First North Growth Market (ticker “SNM”). ShaMaran is part of the Lundin Group of Companies.
Important Information
ShaMaran is obliged to make this information public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. This information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact person set out below on November 7, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Company’s certified advisor on Nasdaq First North Growth Market is FNCA Sweden AB.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or the Company’s future performance, business prospects and opportunities, which are based on assumptions of management.
The use of any of the words “will”, “expected”, “planned” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company’s current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of certain future events. Certain information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things, changes in oil prices, results of exploration and development activities, including results, timing and costs of seismic, drilling and development related activity in the Company’s area of operations, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of funds required to participate in the development activities, availability of financing on reasonable terms, availability of materials and equipment on satisfactory terms, outcome of commercial negotiations with government and other regulatory authorities, timeliness of government or other regulatory approvals, actual performance of facilities, availability of third party service providers, equipment and processes relative to specifications and expectations and unanticipated environmental impacts on operations. The risks outlined above should not be construed as exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect the Company’s operations and financial results are included in the Company’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023, and other reports on file with the Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities that can be accessed on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+. Actual future results may differ materially. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
___________________________________ |
|
1 Free cash flow before debt service is a non-IFRS financial measure. Refer to the MD&A for more information. |
|
2 EBITDAX is a non-IFRS financial measure. Refer to the MD&A for more information. |
|
3 Net debt is a non-IFRS financial measure. Refer to the MD&A for more information. |
SOURCE ShaMaran Petroleum Corp.
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A Look Into Expedia Group Inc's Price Over Earnings
In the current session, the stock is trading at $173.19, after a 0.78% increase. Over the past month, Expedia Group Inc. EXPE stock increased by 14.80%, and in the past year, by 45.93%. With performance like this, long-term shareholders are optimistic but others are more likely to look into the price-to-earnings ratio to see if the stock might be overvalued.
Expedia Group P/E Ratio Analysis in Relation to Industry Peers
The P/E ratio is used by long-term shareholders to assess the company’s market performance against aggregate market data, historical earnings, and the industry at large. A lower P/E could indicate that shareholders do not expect the stock to perform better in the future or it could mean that the company is undervalued.
Expedia Group has a lower P/E than the aggregate P/E of 33.63 of the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry. Ideally, one might believe that the stock might perform worse than its peers, but it’s also probable that the stock is undervalued.
In conclusion, the price-to-earnings ratio is a useful metric for analyzing a company’s market performance, but it has its limitations. While a lower P/E can indicate that a company is undervalued, it can also suggest that shareholders do not expect future growth. Additionally, the P/E ratio should not be used in isolation, as other factors such as industry trends and business cycles can also impact a company’s stock price. Therefore, investors should use the P/E ratio in conjunction with other financial metrics and qualitative analysis to make informed investment decisions.
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Asian Stocks Echo US Gains as Focus Turns to China: Markets Wrap
(Bloomberg) — Asian equities rallied after stocks and bonds and commodities all gained in the US as the Federal Reserve cut interest rates.
Most Read from Bloomberg
Australian, South Korean and Chinese shares all advanced, supporting a second day of gains for a region-wide equity gauge. That was after the S&P 500 rose 0.7% and the Nasdaq 100 climbed 1.5%, both setting fresh peaks. Treasuries ticked lower in Asia while US equity futures were little changed.
Investors are shifting focus from the Fed to China, where lawmakers are expected to approve a fiscal package worth trillions of yuan, potentially offsetting the impact of possible US trade tariffs under Donald Trump.
Such measures may include support for local government debt and consumer spending, according to Michelle Lam, greater China economist for Societe Generale. Any new policies must be balanced against the prospect of potential tariffs, she said, noting that the 60% levies mooted by Trump may fail to emerge.
“We have so much uncertainty coming from the US tariffs,” Lam said. “We might see some smaller increase in tariffs of around 15% to 20% and that is more reasonable” for the Chinese economy to absorb, she said.
Thursday’s cross-asset rally was helped along by comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell who pointed to the strength of the US economy and said he doesn’t rule “out or in” a December rate cut. Powell added the election will have no effect on policy in the near term, and said he would not step aside if asked by Trump.
“Powell & Co. reminded investors about the solid economic footing the US continues to stand on,” said Bret Kenwell at eToro. “Powell would not tip his hand on whether the Fed would likely cut rates in December, which shouldn’t surprise investors. However, the Fed appears more comfortable with the labor market and the current US economic backdrop than they did a few months ago.”
Elsewhere in Asia, Nissan Motor’s shares fell as much as 10% in Tokyo, touching their lowest since October 2020, after the automaker said it will dismiss 9,000 workers and cut a fifth of its manufacturing capacity after net income plummeted in the first half.
Local Chinese banks are joining more higher-yielding offshore loans of mainland firms as rates fall at home amid monetary easing measures. South Korea said it will bolster its monitoring of financial markets and respond “actively” to ease any excessive volatility.
Could Trump's 'Go Wild On Health' Invite To RFK Jr. Drive Changes For Cannabis And Psychedelics?
President-elect Donald Trump has publicly suggested that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could play a key role in his administration to drive forward his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. While the exact nature of Kennedy’s appointment remains uncertain, Trump’s statements have stirred discussions about potential shifts in U.S. drug policy, particularly regarding cannabis and psychedelics, which Kennedy has been vocal about supporting.
What To Know: Trump’s Open Invitation For Kennedy To ‘Go Wild On Health’
Trump recently indicated that Kennedy would have significant influence, saying he would let him “go wild on health” and allow him to “do pretty much what he wants.” However, details remain unconfirmed, and no specific role has been formally announced.
Kennedy’s outspoken stances on cannabis and psychedelics suggest that, if given the authority, he could champion regulatory changes in these areas. However, his potential appointment has also prompted concerns, especially from public health advocates, about his past assertions on vaccines. Kennedy has previously promoted the debunked theory that vaccines are linked to autism, a claim thoroughly discredited by scientific studies, according to The New York Times. The U.S. has seen an increase in measles outbreaks recently, with the CDC reporting thirteen outbreaks in 2024 compared to four the previous year, a trend some link to declining vaccination rates.
Potential Influence On Cannabis Policy
Kennedy has expressed support for federal decriminalization of cannabis. In previous interviews, he proposed a model allowing states to regulate cannabis as they see fit while generating federal revenue from cannabis taxes to fund rehabilitation centers. These centers, which Kennedy envisions in rural areas, would focus on holistic recovery practices, including activities like gardening and forestry. His approach to cannabis reform centers on reducing federal barriers while using tax revenues for public health initiatives.
Another priority for Kennedy, should he influence federal cannabis policy, is securing safe banking access for the industry. Many cannabis businesses operate on a cash-only basis due to federal restrictions, increasing security risks and limiting financial service access. Kennedy has advocated for reforms that would integrate cannabis businesses into the formal banking sector, aiming to improve safety and efficiency within the industry.
Psychedelics Policy: Personal Experience Shapes Kennedy’s Stance
Kennedy’s views on psychedelics have been shaped by personal experiences and the growing acceptance of psychedelics as potential treatments for mental health conditions. In a podcast interview with the Genius Network, he recounted his son’s transformative experience with ayahuasca, a psychoactive substance, which Kennedy said helped him process grief. This experience, along with testimonies from veterans and athletes, has led Kennedy to support the decriminalization of psychedelics, particularly in therapeutic settings.
“My inclination would be to make them available, at least in therapeutic settings and maybe more generally, but in ways that would discourage corporate control and exploitation,” Kennedy shared, signaling a cautious approach to psychedelics legalization.
Looking Ahead: Will Kennedy Reshape Cannabis and Psychedelics Policy?
While Trump has promised Kennedy significant influence, the exact role and scope of his authority remain unclear. As details emerge, many will be watching to see if Kennedy can advance his pro-cannabis and psychedelics agenda within the new administration. His focus on individual liberties and health agency reform suggests he may push for more liberal policies regarding cannabis and psychedelics, though it’s unclear how these initiatives might align with broader federal policy.
Kennedy has hinted that he could serve as a “White House health czar,” giving him the latitude to guide health policy without directly leading any specific agency. However, the specifics remain fluid, and public health experts and investors alike will continue monitoring developments closely.
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Veterans United Salutes America's Most Patriotic Cities
High marks for Veterans Day search trends, voting rate and Veteran-owned businesses place Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, Fla, Spokane, Wash., and Colorado Springs, Colo., as the Top 3
COLUMBIA, Mo., Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — With Veterans Day approaching, Veterans United Home Loans, the nation’s largest VA lender, today unveiled its list of The 10 Most Patriotic Cities in the U.S., showcasing the metros that are committed to their Veteran communities and the democratic process – two of the most patriotic qualities an American can demonstrate.
The top 10 in rank order are: Crestview-Fort Walton Beach Destin, Fla.; Spokane, Wash.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Madison, Wis.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Columbia, S.C.; Springfield, Mo.; Allentown–Bethlehem–Easton, Pa.-N.J.; Minneapolis-St. Paul–Bloomington, Minn-Wis. and Columbus, Ga-Ala.
“The markets we’ve highlighted as the top patriotic cities in the U.S. stand out for the support they provide Veterans on a daily basis as well as for their community’s strong commitment to the democratic process,” Chris Birk, vice president of mortgage insight at Veterans United, said. “These are truly special places to live that showcase the best of what our nation offers, not just to the broader community, but especially to the Veterans and service members who’ve served and sacrificed to safeguard our freedoms.”
The most patriotic cities were identified based on Veteran population, the presence of VA health facilities and Veteran-owned businesses, voter turnout rate and the number of searches related to Veterans Day.
Although the top 10 cities rank high in each of the categories, they each show their patriotism in different ways.
Where Veterans call home
The Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin and Colorado Springs metros have the largest Veteran populations, ranging around 17%. Columbus also has a strong Veteran presence with 13% of its residents having served in the military.*
Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin is home to Eglin Air Force Base, one of the largest military bases in the country. The base offers a number of Veterans services, such as financial counseling, transition assistance and employment workshops offered by the base’s Airman and Family Readiness Center, making it a good place for Veterans to call home.
In addition to three military installations – the Air Force Academy, Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base – Colorado Springs offers service members employment and educational opportunities after their time in service. Major defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon have locations in Colorado Springs, while the University of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak State College offer dedicated Veteran service centers and advisors.
The Army’s largest training facility, Fort Jackson, is in Columbia. The base trains about half of all incoming soldiers entering the Army each year. The town’s Veterans Day parade is one of the largest in the Southeast.
Support for Veteran businesses
With relatively small numbers of Veteran populations, the Minneapolis, Allentown and Salt Lake City MSAs have a proportionally high number of Veteran-owned businesses. Estimates show that Veterans make up between 4-5% of Minneapolis’ population, and the metro is home to more than 3,500 Veteran-owned businesses. Allentown is home to 875 Veteran-owned businesses and Salt Lake boasts nearly 1,300, with Veteran populations about 5% and 4.2%, respectively.
Caring for our Veterans
With eight VA healthcare facilities in the metro, including the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison scored highest among the top cities for access to healthcare relative to its Veteran population. Springfield ranked second for Veteran healthcare with the Gene Taylor Veterans’ Outpatient Clinic in the heart of the metro and four other health facilities throughout the surrounding area.
Also ranking high for VA healthcare facilities per Veteran was Spokane, with the Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center offering care alongside six other locations, providing healthcare for around 40,000 Veterans. Despite its high number of Veterans, Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin scored lower for VA health facilities.
Voter turnout
Voter participation in each of the top 10 metros was higher than the 66% national turnout for the 2020 election. Salt Lake City, Madison and Springfield had the highest turnouts with 90.1%, 89.3% and 83% of residents casting ballots in 2020, respectively.
The standard voter turnout metric considers the turnout of voters, compared to the number of registered voters in the area. When comparing the number of voters to the entire population, Springfield still scores exceptionally high at 67.7%, and nine of the 10 most patriotic cities score higher than the average for the 100 evaluated MSAs, which was 46.4% of the population.
Google: Where can I find Veterans Day celebrations?
Columbus led the most patriotic cities in Veterans Day searches on Google, most likely as result of the metro being home to the National Infantry Museum, events like the Tri-City Veterans Day Parade and initiatives such as “Veterans on Veterans,” a series of panel discussions where Veterans share their stories and connect with the community.
Colorado Springs placed second in Google queries due to a surge of searches for Veterans Day terms, as the Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade. Initially canceled this year due to a lack of funding and participation, the parade was back on only a few days later due to public outcry. In announcing the event would take place, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade said, “Let’s show the world that Colorado Springs is a city that honors its Veterans not just with words but with actions. Let’s make this year’s parade the biggest and the best yet.”
Columbia ranked third for Google search trends among the top 10 patriotic cities, likely based on its large concentration of military retirees and the presence of Fort Jackson.
To read more about The 10 Most Patriotic Cities in the U.S., including city profiles and methodology, visit: https://www.veteransunited.com/education/most-patriotic-cities/
*Population estimates are based on the U.S. Census data.
About Veterans United Home Loans
Based in Columbia, Missouri, the full-service national direct lender financed more than $17 billion in loans in Fiscal Year 2023 and is the country’s largest VA lender, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs Lender Statistics. The company’s mission is to help Veterans and service members take advantage of the home loan benefits earned by their service.
VeteransUnited.com | 1-800-884-5560 | 550 Veterans United Drive, Columbia, MO 65201 | Veterans United Home Loans NMLS # 1907 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). A VA approved lender; Not endorsed or sponsored by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. Licensed in all 50 states. For State Licensing information, please visit https://www.veteransunited.com/licenses/. Equal Opportunity Lender.
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SOURCE Veterans United Home Loans
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