Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
3Q23 Loss Was Less Than Projected. Eledon reported 3Q23 loss of $10.3 million or ($0.35) per share, compared with our estimate of a loss of $14.5 million or $(0.57) per share. The difference was mostly due to R&D expense of $7.9 million compared with our estimate of $11.9 million. Cash and equivalents at the end of the quarter were $59.6 million.
Phase 1b Data Shows Protection and Strong Function. As discussed in our Research Note on November 3, data from the Phase 1b trial testing tegoprubart in prevention of renal transplant rejection was presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week. The data from 11 patients showed tegoprubart was safe, well-tolerated, and had no rejection. Importantly, all of the patients that were evaluated at least 90 days after transplantation had eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) above 70 ml/min/1.72 m2. This is above 50th percentile of 50 ml/min/1.72 m2 average in published studies, and is a strong predicator of graft survival. One patient who completed the 1-year treatment period had a eGFR of 91 ml/min/1.72 m2 and went into the open-label extension study.
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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via InvestorWire — Noble Capital Markets, Inc. (“Noble”) today announces that Seeking Alpha (https://seekingalpha.com/), the world’s leading investing community, will be a prominent sponsor at NobleCon19 (NobleCon19.com), Noble’s 19th Annual Emerging Growth Equity Conference, to be held at Florida Atlantic University, College of Business, Executive Education, Dec. 3-5, 2023, in Boca Raton, Florida. NobleCon19 will feature 200 public company executives, corporate presentations, breakouts, 1×1 meetings with qualified attendees, provocative panels, and a keynote fireside chat featuring the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, moderated by Noble’s Director of Research, Michael Kupinski.
As a sponsor, Seeking Alpha will play a significant role in enhancing the conference experience for attendees. Participants can look forward to engaging discussions, expert insights, and valuable networking opportunities facilitated by Seeking Alpha’s presence. The company’s participation underscores its dedication to empowering investors with high-quality, actionable research and analysis. As part of the sponsorship, Steven Cress, Seeking Alpha’s Head of Quantitative Strategies, will dive deeper into Seeking Alpha’s Quant System and its top picks for 2024, in a presentation preceding the George W. Bush keynote.
“We are thrilled to have Seeking Alpha on board as a sponsor for NobleCon19,” said Nico P. Pronk, CEO of Noble Capital Markets, the host of NobleCon19. “Their research and analysis tools and resources for the investment community align perfectly with the objectives of our conference. We believe their involvement will enhance the overall event, providing attendees with valuable perspectives and knowledge.”
During the conference, Seeking Alpha representatives will be available at their booth, which will also be the official NobleCon19 coffee station, to interact with attendees, demonstrate their platform’s capabilities, and discuss the latest trends in investment research. Attendees are encouraged to visit the Seeking Alpha booth to learn more about their innovative solutions and how they can benefit individual investors, financial professionals and institutions alike.
“We are excited to sponsor NobleCon19 and engage with industry experts, investors and thought leaders,” said Mayer Reich, Vice President of Marketing at Seeking Alpha. “This conference represents an excellent opportunity for us to connect with our community and share insights. We look forward to productive discussions and meaningful interactions throughout the event.”
To register to attend NobleCon19: NobleCon19.com. To receive NobleCon agenda updates and registration opportunities, join Channelchek.com, Noble’s online investment community, listing more than 6,000 public emerging growth companies. This is an open-access site with no cost (ever) to join. Companies with market capitalization of $3 billion or less wishing to learn more about presenting at NobleCon19 can Inquire Here.
About Seeking Alpha: Seeking Alpha is the world’s leading investing community, where investors connect daily to discover and share new investing ideas, discuss the latest news, debate the merits of stocks, and make informed investment decisions. Seeking Alpha’s content has unparalleled breadth and depth: from stocks, ETFs and mutual funds to commodities and cryptocurrency. Seeking Alpha gives investors access to professional-caliber research tools – including factor grades and quant ratings that summarize each stock’s characteristics. Seeking Alpha empowers investors to make the absolute best investing decisions by leveraging independent and balanced stock research, fundamental analysis tools, crowdsourced debate, news and actionable market data. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or U.S. investment adviser or investment bank.
About Noble Capital Markets: Noble Capital Markets, Inc. was incorporated in 1984 as a full-service SEC / FINRA registered broker-dealer, dedicated exclusively to serving underfollowed emerging growth companies through investment banking, wealth management, trading & execution, and equity research activities. Over the past 39 years, Noble has raised billions of dollars for companies and published more than 45,000 equity research reports. www.noblecapitalmarkets.com contact@noblecapitalmarkets.com.
Major stock indexes posted modest gains Friday, but new data reflects growing unease among consumers about the state of the U.S. economy.
The University of Michigan’s preliminary November reading on consumer sentiment fell to 60.4, below economist expectations and the lowest level since May. This marked the fourth straight monthly decline for the index, highlighting continued erosion in economic optimism.
“Consumers cited high interest rates and ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine as factors weighing on the economic outlook,” said Joanne Hsu, director of Surveys of Consumers.
Inflation expectations also edged up to 3.2% over the next five years, levels not seen since 2011. This suggests the Federal Reserve still has work to do in getting inflation under control after aggressive interest rate hikes this year.
Earlier this week, Fed Chair Jerome Powell reiterated that further rate increases may be necessary to keep inflation on a sustainable downward trajectory. Other Fed officials echoed Powell’s sentiments that policy may need to become even more restrictive to tame inflationary pressures.
For investors, the deteriorating consumer outlook and stubborn inflation signal more churn ahead for markets after October’s volatile swings. While stocks have rebounded from last month’s lows, lingering economic concerns could spur renewed volatility ahead.
This uncertain environment calls for careful navigation by investors. Maintaining discipline and focusing on quality will be key to weathering potential market swings.
With slower growth on the horizon, investors should emphasize companies with strong fundamentals, steady earnings and lower debt levels. Searching for value opportunities and dividend payers can also pay off as markets turn choppy.
Diversification remains critical to mitigate risk. Ensuring portfolios are balanced across asset classes, market caps, sectors and geographies can smooth out volatility when conditions invariably shift. Regular rebalancing to bring allocations back in line with targets is prudent as well.
Staying invested for the long haul is important too. Bailing out of the market can backfire if it recovers and gains are missed. A buy-and-hold approach with a multi-year time horizon allows compounding to work its magic.
Of course, maintaining some dry powder in cash provides flexibility to scoop up bargains if stocks retreat again. Dollar-cost averaging into new positions can limit downside risk.
Above all, patience and discipline will serve investors well in navigating uncertainty. Sticking to a plan and avoiding emotional reactions to market swings can help anchor portfolios for the long run.
While the path ahead may be bumpy, historic market performance shows long-term returns can overcome short-term volatility. Bear markets eventually give way to new bulls. Maintaining perspective and focusing on the horizon can guide investors through uncertain times.
Of course, there are no guarantees in investing. Stocks could see more declines before recovery takes hold. But diversification, quality tilt and balanced allocations can help smooth out the ride.
And investors with long time horizons can actually take advantage of market dips. Regular investing through 401(k)s means buying more shares when prices are depressed, which will pay off handsomely when markets rebound.
The key is tuning out the noise and sticking to smart principles: diversify, rebalance, emphasize quality, maintain perspective and stay the course. This disciplined approach can serve investors well in volatile times.
Though the path forward may remain bumpy, patient investors focused on the long view stand to be rewarded in time.
CALGARY AB, Nov. 8, 2023 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) announces its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. InPlay’s condensed unaudited interim financial statements and notes, as well as Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 will be available at “www.sedar.com” and our website at “www.inplayoil.com“.
Third Quarter 2023 Financial & Operating Highlights
Realized average quarterly production of 9,003 boe/d(1) (57% light crude oil and NGLs), a 6% increase compared to 8,474 boe/d (57% light crude oil and NGLs) in the second quarter of 2023 despite extended curtailments and unplanned downtime experienced in the quarter of approximately 550 boe/d.
Generated strong quarterly adjusted funds flow (“AFF”)(2) of $25.2 million ($0.28 per basic share(3)), an increase of 16% from the second quarter of 2023.
Returned $4.0 million ($12.0 million in the first nine months of 2023) directly to shareholders through our monthly base dividend.
Increased revenues by 17% to $46.7 million compared to $39.8 million in the second quarter of 2023.
Improved field operating netbacks(3) by 8% compared to the second quarter of 2023.
Achieved net income of $7.5 million ($0.08 per basic share; $0.08 per diluted share). InPlay has now returned to a retained earnings position on the balance sheet demonstrating that the Company has generated positive earnings since inception (net of dividends paid).
Invested $27.5 million to drill, complete and equip three (2.9 net) Extended Reach Horizontal (“ERH”) wells in Willesden Green, three (3.0 net) ERH wells in Pembina and one (0.35 net) non-operated ERH well in Willesden Green.
Fourth Quarter Operational Update:
Drilled and completed two (1.6 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green which were recently put on production.
The three (3.0 net) Pembina ERH wells brought on production shortly before start of the quarter are producing at strong rates of approximately 260 boe/d(1) (87% light crude oil and NGLs) per well.
Brought online our second natural gas facility upgrade at Leafland, which has increased operated facility capacity by 66% while improving our liquids yield by 40%. Production benefits are already being realized through reduced back pressure on wells, lower declines and providing more consistent runtimes.
Current production is 9,700 boe/d(1) (60% light crude oil and NGLs) based on field estimates., excluding the impact of the two (1.6 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green showing strong flowback rates in the early clean up stage.
Third Quarter 2023 Financial & Operations Overview:
The third quarter of 2023 was a capital intensive quarter for the Company. InPlay invested $27.5 million drilling, completing and equipping three (2.9 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green and three (3.0 net) ERH wells in Pembina. The Company also participated in one (0.35 net) non-operated ERH well in Willesden Green not previously budgeted.
In addition to the upgrade of a natural gas facility in the second quarter, the Company completed a second material upgrade of a gas facility during the third quarter which was brought back on-line in early October. This project modernized existing infrastructure in the Leafland area of Willesden Green and has resulted in an approximate 66% increase to the natural gas processing capability of this facility. The addition of a refrigeration plant to this facility has also improved NGL recoveries by approximately 40%. This additional capacity has lowered field pressures in the area which is expected to improve production and reduce declines on existing wells and future drilling locations. This upgrade is expected to accommodate future development in Leafland and provide more consistent and reliable processing capacity within the Company’s operational control.
The Company has been focused on a high oil weighted drilling program. Three (2.9 net) Willesden Green ERH wells came on production in August into high pressure pipeline systems with average initial production (“IP”) rates per well of 203 boe/d(1) (94% light crude oil and NGLs) over their first 30 days and 215 boe/d(1) (93% light crude oil and NGLs) over their first 60 days. The impact of our facility improvements has enabled these wells to have multiple weeks of flat to improving production rates and after two months they continue to produce at an average rate of approximately 280 boe/d(1) (87% light crude oil and NGLs) per well. The production witnessed from the most recent six wells drilled in Willesden Green have recently benefitted from reduced field pressures and consistent facility runtimes resulting from our operated natural gas facility expansions.
In addition, three (3.0 net) Pembina ERH wells came on production at the end of September with average initial production (“IP”) rates per well of 227 boe/d(1) (88% light crude oil and NGLs) over their first 30 days. These wells have also continued to clean up after completions and are currently producing approximately 260 boe/d(1) (87% light crude oil and NGLs) per well.
Production for the three months ended September 30, 2023 averaged 9,003 boe/d(1) (57% light crude oil and NGLs), 6% higher compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023. Third quarter production was impacted by approximately 550 boe/d (52% light crude oil and NGLs) primarily due to the continuation of multiple third-party natural gas takeaway constraints on our operations and the commissioning of our expanded gas facility that slightly exceeded the anticipated startup timeline. The continued third-party facility outages forced the redirection of associated natural gas to less favorable third-party facilities impacting production through increased back pressure on producing wells as well as higher operating costs.
InPlay generated AFF(2) of $25.2 million ($0.28 per basic share) an increase of 16% from the second quarter of 2023. The Company achieved net income of $7.5 million ($0.08 per basic share; $0.08 per diluted share) and has returned to a retained earnings position on the balance sheet. This is evidence of the long-term sustainability of the Company as positive earnings have been generated since inception (net of dividends paid).
Outlook and Operations Update(5)
The majority of InPlay’s capital program for the year has been completed. The Company’s drilling program for the fourth quarter is underway with two (1.6 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green having been drilled to date. These two wells have been completed and are in the early stages of production. In addition, a 1.0 net Belly River well is now planned to be drilled in the fourth quarter and anticipated to come online in December with its first full month of production expected to commence in January 2024. This well replaces a previously planned one (0.8 net) Willesden Green well.
The investments made in increasing natural gas takeaway capacity through the two facility upgrades in Willesden Green will be important in alleviating potential production issues from third party facility outages going forward. These upgrades have increased our natural gas processing and takeaway capacity in Leafland from approximately 8,400 mcf/d to 17,300 mcf/d. These projects have already shown their importance by reducing back pressure on wells, lowering declines and providing more consistent runtimes, and the reduction in field pressures has the added benefit of improving our liquids weighting. Current production is approximately 9,700 boe/d(1) (60% light crude oil and NGLs) based on field estimates, excluding the impact of two (1.6 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green which are in early stage cleanup and with only four days of production are showing strong flowback rates.
As a result, the fourth quarter is forecasted to be our highest production quarter of the year and given the strong crude oil pricing environment and weak Canadian dollar, the fourth quarter is also projected to be our highest AFF quarter for the year. As the majority of the 2023 capital program was completed by the end of the third quarter, significant free adjusted funds flow (“FAFF”)(3) is expected to be generated in the fourth quarter resulting in a sizeable reduction to net debt prior to year-end.
The Company’s updated 2023 drilling program will be more active than previously planned by approximately 0.6 net wells consisting of 21 (17.1 net) horizontal wells. The changes include an additional one (0.35 net) non-op ERH Willesden Green well and a 1.0 net Belly River well instead of a previously planned one (0.8 net) Willesden Green well. As a result, InPlay has revised its 2023 development capital expenditure guidance to approximately $83 million(5). The timing of the Belly River well will not materially add to 2023 production but will pave the way for potentially an increased Belly River program in 2024 given the high oil weighting and high netback nature of this play. This area is defined by high light-oil weightings that receive a premium to the Mixed Sweet Blend (“MSW”), our pricing benchmark. Our two recent horizontal wells drilled in the area came online in November 2022 and have had operating netbacks of approximately $71.25/boe since being brought on production, and light oil and liquids weightings of approximately 94% to date. These wells have had very low decline rates over this period with average IP rates per well of 98 boe/d (97% light crude oil and NGLs) and 115 boe/d (92% light crude oil and NGLs) over their first 90 and 335 days respectively.
The Company remains committed to providing strong returns to shareholders. Our monthly base dividend of $0.015/share represents approximately a 7% yield at the current share price. To date, the Company has returned $16 million to shareholders through dividends since our inaugural dividend was declared in November 2022, representing approximately 7% of our current market capitalization while maintaining a strong financial position. The generation of shareholder returns through significant FAFF, top-tier production per share growth while maintaining low leverage all remain top priorities of InPlay.
InPlay would like to thank our staff, contractors, and suppliers for their continued dedication and execution, and thank the Board of Directors and shareholders for their continued guidance and support. We look forward to releasing our 2024 capital budget and associated guidance in January.
For further information please contact:
Doug Bartole President and Chief Executive Officer InPlay Oil Corp. Telephone: (587) 955-0632
See “Production Breakdown by Product Type” at the end of this press release.
2.
Capital management measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” contained within this press release.
3.
Non-GAAP financial measure or ratio that does not have a standardized meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and GAAP and therefore may not be comparable with the calculations of similar measures for other companies. Please refer to “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” contained within this press release.
4.
Supplementary financial measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” contained within this press release.
5.
See “Reader Advisories – Forward Looking Information and Statements” for key budget and underlying assumptions related to our previous and updated 2023 capital program and associated guidance.
Reader Advisories
Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures
Throughout this press release and other materials disclosed by the Company, InPlay uses certain measures to analyze financial performance, financial position and cash flow. These non-GAAP and other financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. The non-GAAP and other financial measures should not be considered alternatives to, or more meaningful than, financial measures that are determined in accordance with GAAP as indicators of the Company performance. Management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP and other financial measures provides useful information to shareholders and investors in understanding and evaluating the Company’s ongoing operating performance, and the measures provide increased transparency and the ability to better analyze InPlay’s business performance against prior periods on a comparable basis.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Ratios
Included in this document are references to the terms “free adjusted funds flow”, “operating income”, “operating netback per boe”, “operating income profit margin”, “Net Debt to EBITDA”, “Net Corporate Acquisitions”, “Debt adjusted production per share” and “EV / DAAFF”. Management believes these measures and ratios are helpful supplementary measures of financial and operating performance and provide users with similar, but potentially not comparable, information that is commonly used by other oil and natural gas companies. These terms do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than “profit (loss) before taxes”, “profit (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)”, “adjusted funds flow”, “capital expenditures”, “corporate acquisitions, net of cash acquired”, “net debt”, “weighted average number of common shares (basic)” or assets and liabilities as determined in accordance with GAAP as a measure of the Company’s performance and financial position.
Free Adjusted Funds Flow
Management considers FAFF an important measure to identify the Company’s ability to improve its financial condition through debt repayment and its ability to provide returns to shareholders. FAFF should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than AFF as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. FAFF is calculated by the Company as AFF less exploration and development capital expenditures and property dispositions (acquisitions) and is a measure of the cashflows remaining after capital expenditures before corporate acquisitions that can be used for additional capital activity, corporate acquisitions, repayment of debt or decommissioning expenditures or potentially return of capital to shareholders. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast FAFF.
Operating Income/Operating Netback per boe/Operating Income Profit Margin
InPlay uses “operating income”, “operating netback per boe” and “operating income profit margin” as key performance indicators. Operating income is calculated by the Company as oil and natural gas sales less royalties, operating expenses and transportation expenses and is a measure of the profitability of operations before administrative, share-based compensation, financing and other non-cash items. Management considers operating income an important measure to evaluate its operational performance as it demonstrates its field level profitability. Operating income should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than net income as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Operating netback per boe is calculated by the Company as operating income divided by average production for the respective period. Management considers operating netback per boe an important measure to evaluate its operational performance as it demonstrates its field level profitability per unit of production. Operating income profit margin is calculated by the Company as operating income as a percentage of oil and natural gas sales. Management considers operating income profit margin an important measure to evaluate its operational performance as it demonstrates how efficiently the Company generates field level profits from its sales revenue. Refer below for a calculation of operating income, operating netback per boe and operating income profit margin.
(thousands of dollars)
Three Months Ended September 30
Nine Months Ended September 30
2023
2022
2023
2022
Revenue
46,672
56,985
131,735
180,429
Royalties
(5,387)
(10,607)
(16,178)
(28,017)
Operating expenses
(12,677)
(10,946)
(36,343)
(30,660)
Transportation expenses
(698)
(888)
(2,190)
(2,802)
Operating income
27,910
34,544
77,024
118,950
Sales volume (Mboe)
828.3
873.5
2,411.2
2,438.1
Per boe
Revenue
56.35
65.24
54.63
74.00
Royalties
(6.50)
(12.14)
(6.71)
(11.49)
Operating expenses
(15.31)
(12.53)
(15.07)
(12.58)
Transportation expenses
(0.85)
(1.02)
(0.90)
(1.15)
Operating netback per boe
33.69
39.55
31.95
48.78
Operating income profit margin
60 %
61 %
58 %
66 %
Net Debt to EBITDA
Management considers Net Debt to EBITDA an important measure as it is a key metric to identify the Company’s ability to fund financing expenses, net debt reductions and other obligations. EBITDA is calculated by the Company as adjusted funds flow before interest expense. When this measure is presented quarterly, EBITDA is annualized by multiplying by four. When this measure is presented on a trailing twelve month basis, EBITDA for the twelve months preceding the net debt date is used in the calculation. This measure is consistent with the EBITDA formula prescribed under the Company’s Senior Credit Facility. Net Debt to EBITDA is calculated as Net Debt divided by EBITDA. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast Net Debt to EBITDA.
Net Corporate Acquisitions
Management considers Net corporate acquisitions an important measure as it is a key metric to evaluate the corporate acquisition in comparison to other transactions using the negotiated consideration value and ignoring changes to the fair value of the share consideration between the signing of the definitive agreement and the closing of the transaction. Net corporate acquisitions should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than “Corporate acquisitions, net of cash acquired” as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Net corporate acquisitions is calculated as total consideration with share consideration adjusted to the value negotiated with the counterparty, less working capital balances assumed on the corporate acquisition. Refer below for a calculation of Net corporate acquisitions and reconciliation to the nearest GAAP measure, “Corporate acquisitions, net of cash acquired”.
(thousands of dollars)
Three Months Ended September 30
Nine Months Ended September 30
2023
2022
2023
2022
Corporate acquisitions, net of cash acquired
–
89
–
501
Share consideration
–
–
–
–
Non-cash working capital acquired
–
–
–
–
Derivative contracts
–
–
–
–
Net Corporate acquisitions
–
89
–
501(1)
(1) During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the acquired amount of Property, plant and equipment was adjusted by $0.5 million as a result of adjustments relating to the acquisition of Prairie Storm, with a corresponding increase in the recognized amounts of Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Production per Debt Adjusted Share
InPlay uses “Production per debt adjusted share” as a key performance indicator. Debt adjusted shares should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than common shares as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Debt adjusted shares is a non-GAAP measure used in the calculation of Production per debt adjusted share and is calculated by the Company as common shares outstanding plus the change in net debt divided by the Company’s current trading price on the TSX, converting net debt to equity. Debt adjusted shares should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than weighted average number of common shares (basic) as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Management considers Debt adjusted share to be a key performance indicator as it adjusts for the effects of capital structure in relation to the Company’s peers. Production per debt adjusted share is calculated by the Company as production divided by debt adjusted shares. Management considers Production per debt adjusted share is a key performance indicator as it adjusts for the effects of changes in annual production in relation to the Company’s capital structure. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast Production per debt adjusted share.
EV / DAAFF
InPlay uses “enterprise value to debt adjusted AFF” or “EV/DAAFF” as a key performance indicator. EV/DAAFF is calculated by the Company as enterprise value divided by debt adjusted AFF for the relevant period. Debt adjusted AFF (“DAAFF”) is calculated by the Company as adjusted funds flow plus financing costs. Enterprise value is a capital management measure that is used in the calculation of EV/DAAFF. Enterprise value is calculated as the Company’s market capitalization plus working capital (net debt). Management considers enterprise value a key performance indicator as it identifies the total capital structure of the Company. Management considers EV/DAAFF a key performance indicator as it is a key metric used to evaluate the sustainability of the Company relative to other companies while incorporating the impact of differing capital structures. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast EV/DAAFF.
Capital Management Measures
Adjusted Funds Flow
Management considers adjusted funds flow to be an important measure of InPlay’s ability to generate the funds necessary to finance capital expenditures. Adjusted funds flow is a GAAP measure and is disclosed in the notes to the Company’s financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2023. All references to adjusted funds flow throughout this MD&A are calculated as funds flow adjusting for decommissioning expenditures and transaction and integration costs. Decommissioning expenditures are adjusted from funds flow as they are incurred on a discretionary and irregular basis and are primarily incurred on previous operating assets. Transaction costs are non-recurring costs for the purposes of an acquisition, making the exclusion of these items relevant in Management’s view to the reader in the evaluation of InPlay’s operating performance. The Company also presents adjusted funds flow per share whereby per share amounts are calculated using weighted average shares outstanding consistent with the calculation of profit per common share.
Net Debt / Working Capital
Net debt / working capital is a GAAP measure and is disclosed in the notes to the Company’s financial statements for three months ended March 31, 2023. The Company closely monitors its capital structure with the goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet to fund the future growth of the Company. The Company monitors net debt / working capital as part of its capital structure. The Company uses net debt / working capital (bank debt plus accounts payable and accrued liabilities less accounts receivables and accrued receivables, prepaid expenses and deposits and inventory) as an alternative measure of outstanding debt. Management considers net debt / working capital an important measure to assist in assessing the liquidity of the Company.
Supplementary Measures
“Average realized crude oil price” is comprised of crude oil commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s crude oil production. Average prices are before deduction of transportation costs and do not include gains and losses on financial instruments.
“Average realized NGL price” is comprised of NGL commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s NGL production. Average prices are before deduction of transportation costs and do not include gains and losses on financial instruments.
“Average realized natural gas price” is comprised of natural gas commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s natural gas production. Average prices are before deduction of transportation costs and do not include gains and losses on financial instruments.
“Average realized commodity price” is comprised of commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s production. Average prices are before deduction of transportation costs and do not include gains and losses on financial instruments.
“Adjusted funds flow per weighted average basic share” is comprised of adjusted funds flow divided by the basic weighted average common shares.
“Adjusted funds flow per weighted average diluted share” is comprised of adjusted funds flow divided by the diluted weighted average common shares.
“Adjusted funds flow per boe” is comprised of adjusted funds flow divided by total production.
Forward-Looking Information and Statements
This news release contains certain forward–looking information and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends”, “forecast” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this news release contains forward-looking information and statements pertaining to the following: the Company’s business strategy, milestones and objectives; the Company’s planned 2023 capital program including wells to be drilled and completed and the timing of the same; the expectation that our Leafland gas facility upgrade will accommodate full development, provide consistent and reliable processing capacity, improve production on existing wells and future drilling locations and reduce production declines; accommodate full development in Leafland and provide consistent and reliable processing capacity within the Company’s operational control; 2023 guidance based on the planned capital program and all associated underlying assumptions set forth in this press release including, without limitation, forecasts of 2023 annual average production levels, debt adjusted production levels, adjusted funds flow, free adjusted funds flow, Net Debt/EBITDA ratio, operating income profit margin, and Management’s belief that the Company can grow some or all of these attributes and specified measures; light crude oil and NGLs weighting estimates; that the fourth quarter is forecasted to be our highest production and AFF quarter of the year with significant FAFF generated resulting in a sizeable reduction to net debt and a material reduction to our leverage metrics; expectations regarding future commodity prices; future oil and natural gas prices; future liquidity and financial capacity; future results from operations and operating metrics; future costs, expenses and royalty rates; future interest costs; the exchange rate between the $US and $Cdn; future development, exploration, acquisition, development and infrastructure activities and related capital expenditures, including our planned 2023 capital program; the amount and timing of capital projects; forecasted spending on decommissioning; expectations regarding third party processing constraints and maintenance shut ins and the timing and impact of the same; that the Company has the financial capability to deliver consistent return to shareholders and the dividend is supportable at a $55 WTI pricing environment until 2025; the potential for an increased Belly River program in 2024; the timing of the release of the Company’s 2024 capital budget and associated guidance; and methods of funding our capital program.
Without limitation of the foregoing, readers are cautioned that the Company’s future dividend payments to shareholders of the Company, if any, and the level thereof will be subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors of InPlay. The Company’s dividend policy and funds available for the payment of dividends, if any, from time to time, is dependent upon, among other things, levels of FAFF, leverage ratios, financial requirements for the Company’s operations and execution of its growth strategy, fluctuations in commodity prices and working capital, the timing and amount of capital expenditures, credit facility availability and limitations on distributions existing thereunder, and other factors beyond the Company’s control. Further, the ability of the Company to pay dividends will be subject to applicable laws, including satisfaction of solvency tests under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), and satisfaction of certain applicable contractual restrictions contained in the agreements governing the Company’s outstanding indebtedness.
Forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of material factors, expectations or assumptions of InPlay which have been used to develop such statements and information but which may prove to be incorrect. Although InPlay believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because InPlay can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified herein, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the impact of increasing competition; the general stability of the economic and political environment in which InPlay operates; the timely receipt of any required regulatory approvals; the ability of InPlay to obtain qualified staff, equipment and services in a timely and cost efficient manner; drilling results; the ability of the operator of the projects in which InPlay has an interest in to operate the field in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the ability of InPlay to obtain debt financing on acceptable terms; the anticipated tax treatment of the monthly base dividend; field production rates and decline rates; the ability to replace and expand oil and natural gas reserves through acquisition, development and exploration; the timing and cost of pipeline, storage and facility construction and the ability of InPlay to secure adequate product transportation; future commodity prices; that various conditions to a shareholder return strategy can be satisfied; the ongoing impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict and war in the Middle East; currency, exchange and interest rates; regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which InPlay operates; and the ability of InPlay to successfully market its oil and natural gas products.
The forward-looking information and statements included herein are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such information and statements, including the assumptions made in respect thereof, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to defer materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information or statements including, without limitation: the continuing impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict and war in the Middle East; inflation and the risk of a global recession; changes in our planned 2023 capital program; changes in our long range plan; changes in our approach to shareholder returns; changes in commodity prices and other assumptions outlined herein; the risk that dividend payments may be reduced, suspended or cancelled; the potential for variation in the quality of the reservoirs in which we operate; changes in the demand for or supply of our products; unanticipated operating results or production declines; changes in tax or environmental laws, royalty rates or other regulatory matters; changes in development plans or strategies of InPlay or by third party operators of our properties; changes in our credit structure, increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of our light crude oil and natural gas reserve and resource volumes; limited, unfavorable or a lack of access to capital markets; increased costs; a lack of adequate insurance coverage; the impact of competitors; and certain other risks detailed from time-to-time in InPlay’s continuous disclosure documents filed on SEDAR including our Annual Information Form and our MD&A.
This press release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, “FOFI”) about InPlay’s financial and leverage targets and objectives, InPlay’s long-term forecast, and potential dividends, all of which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set forth in the above paragraphs. The actual results of operations of InPlay and the resulting financial results will likely vary from the amounts set forth in this press release and such variation may be material. InPlay and its management believe that the FOFI has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s reasonable estimates and judgments. However, because this information is subjective and subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Except as required by applicable securities laws, InPlay undertakes no obligation to update such FOFI. FOFI contained in this press release was made as of the date of this press release and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about InPlay’s anticipated future business operations and strategy. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained in this press release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.
The internal projections, expectations, or beliefs underlying our Board approved 2023 capital budget and associated guidance, as well as management’s preliminary estimates and targets in respect of plans for 2024 and beyond (which are not based on Board approved budgets at this time), are subject to change in light of, among other factors, the impact of world events including the Russia/Ukraine conflict, ongoing results, prevailing economic circumstances, volatile commodity prices, and industry conditions and regulations. InPlay’s financial outlook and guidance provides shareholders with relevant information on management’s expectations for results of operations, excluding any potential acquisitions or dispositions, for such time periods based upon the key assumptions outlined herein. In this document reference is made to the Company’s longer range 2024 and beyond internal plan and associated economic model. Such information reflects internal estimates and targets used by management for the purposes of making capital investment decisions and for internal long-range planning and budget preparation. Readers are cautioned that events or circumstances could cause capital plans and associated results to differ materially from those predicted and InPlay’s guidance for 2023, and more particularly 2024 and beyond, may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on same.
The forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date hereof and InPlay does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the included forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
Risk Factors to FLI
Risk factors that could materially impact successful execution and actual results of the Company’s 2023 capital program and associated guidance and long-term preliminary plans and estimates include:
volatility of petroleum and natural gas prices and inherent difficulty in the accuracy of predictions related thereto;
the extent of any unfavourable impacts of wildfires in the province of Alberta.
changes in Federal and Provincial regulations;
the Company’s ability to secure financing for the Board approved 2023 capital program and longer-term capital plans sourced from AFF, bank or other debt instruments, asset sales, equity issuance, infrastructure financing or some combination thereof; and
those additional risk factors set forth in the Company’s MD&A and most recent Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR
Key Budget and Underlying Material Assumptions to FLI
The Company’s 2023 guidance remains the same as previously released August 14, 2023, with updated capital expenditures to $83 million. The 2023 guidance calculations which are impacted by this change are outlined below.
Actuals FY 2022
Updated Guidance FY 2023
Previous Guidance FY 2023(1)
Adjusted Funds Flow
$ millions
$131
$103 – $108
$103 – $108
Capital Expenditures
$ millions
$77.6
$83
$75 – $80
Free Adjusted Funds Flow
$ millions
$53
$20 – $25
$23 – $33
Actuals FY 2022
Updated Guidance FY 2023
Previous Guidance FY 2023(1)
Adjusted Funds Flow
$ millions
$131
$103 – $108
$103 – $108
Interest
$/boe
1.49
1.00 – 1.50
1.00 – 1.50
EBITDA
$ millions
$136
$108 – $113
$108 – $113
Working Capital (Net Debt)
$ millions
($33)
($35) – ($30)
($31) – ($27)
Net Debt/EBITDA
0.2
0.2 – 0.3
0.2 – 0.3
Actuals FY 2022
Updated Guidance FY 2023
Previous Guidance FY 2023(1)
Production
Boe/d
9,105
9,100 – 9,500
9,100 – 9,500
Opening Working Cap. (Net Debt)
$ millions
($80.2)
($33)
($33)
Ending Working Cap. (Net Debt)
$ millions
($33)
($35) – ($30)
($31) – ($27)
Weighted avg. outstanding shares
# millions
86.9
88.7
88.7
Assumed Share price
$
3.39(4)
2.75
2.75
Prod. per debt adj. share growth(3)
51 %
(3%) – 3%
0% – 5%
Actuals FY 2022
Updated Guidance FY 2023
Previous Guidance FY 2023(1)
Share outstanding, end of year
# millions
87.0
89.4
89.4
Assumed Share price
$
3.03(5)
2.75
2.75
Market capitalization
$ millions
$263
$246
$246
Working Capital (Net Debt)
$ millions
($33)
($35) – ($30)
($31) – ($27)
Enterprise value
$millions
$296
$276 – $281
$273 – $277
Adjusted Funds Flow
$ millions
$131
$103 – $108
$103 – $108
Interest
$/boe
1.49
1.00 – 1.50
1.00 – 1.50
Debt Adjusted AFF
$ millions
$136
$108 – $113
$108 – $113
EV/DAAFF
2.2
2.7 – 2.5
2.6 – 2.4
The Company’s 2024 and 2025 preliminary plans remains the same as previously released January 18, 2023, with net debt (working capital) updated to reflect the updated forecast 2023 ending net debt. The 2024 and 2025 preliminary plan guidance calculations which are impacted by this change are outlined below.
Updated Preliminary Plan FY 2024(6)
Updated Preliminary Plan FY 2025(6)
Previous Preliminary Plan FY 2024(2)(6)
Previous Preliminary Plan FY 2025(2)(6)
Adjusted Funds Flow
$ millions
$138 – $150
$144 – $154
$138 – $150
$144 – $154
Interest
$/boe
0.00 – 0.10
0.00 – 0.10
0.00 – 0.10
0.00 – 0.10
EBITDA
$ millions
$138 – $150
$144 – $154
$138 – $150
$144 – $154
Working Capital (Net Debt)
$ millions
$2 – $14
$45 – $56
$5 – $17
$48 – $59
Net Debt/EBITDA
(0.0) – (0.1)
(0.3) – (0.4)
(0.0) – (0.2)
(0.3) – (0.5)
Updated Preliminary Plan FY 2024(6)
Updated Preliminary Plan FY 2025(6)
Previous Preliminary Plan FY 2024(2)(6)
Previous Preliminary Plan FY 2025(2)(6)
Production
Boe/d
10,250 – 11,250
10,950 – 11,950
10,250 – 11,250
10,950 – 11,950
Opening Working Cap. (Net Debt)
$ millions
($35) – ($30)
$2 – $14
($31) – ($27)
$5 – $17
Ending Working Cap. (Net Debt)
$ millions
$2 – $14
$45 – $56
$5 – $17
$48 – $59
Weighted avg. outstanding shares
# millions
89.1
89.1
89.1
89.1
Assumed Share price
$
2.75
2.75
2.75
2.75
Prod. per debt adj. share growth(3)
28% – 48%
21% – 39%
28% – 48%
21% – 39%
Updated Preliminary Plan FY 2024(6)
Updated Preliminary Plan FY 2025(6)
Previous Preliminary Plan FY 2024(2)(6)
Previous Preliminary Plan FY 2025(2)(6)
Share outstanding, end of year
# millions
89.4
89.4
89.4
89.4
Assumed Share price
$
2.75
2.75
2.75
2.75
Market capitalization
$ millions
$246
$246
$246
$246
Working Capital (Net Debt)
$ millions
$2 – $14
$45 – $56
$5 – $17
$48 – $59
Enterprise value
$millions
$232 – $244
$190 – $201
$229 – $241
$187 – $198
Adjusted Funds Flow
$ millions
$138 – $150
$144 – $154
$138 – $150
$144 – $154
Interest
$/boe
0.00 – 0.10
0.00 – 0.10
0.00 – 0.10
0.00 – 0.10
Debt Adjusted AFF
$ millions
$138 – $150
$144 – $154
$138 – $150
$144 – $154
EV/DAAFF
1.8 – 1.5
1.4 – 1.2
1.8 – 1.5
1.4 – 1.2
(1)
As previously released August 14, 2023.
(2)
As previously released January 18, 2023.
(3)
Production per debt adjusted share is calculated by the Company as production divided by debt adjusted shares. Debt adjusted shares is calculated by the Company as common shares outstanding plus the change in working capital (net debt) divided by the Company’s current trading price on the TSX, converting working capital (net debt) to equity. Future share prices are assumed to be consistent with the current share price.
(4)
Weighted average share price throughout 2022.
(5)
Ending share price at December 31, 2022.
(6)
InPlay’s estimates and plans for 2024 and beyond remain preliminary in nature and do not, at this time, reflect a Board approved capital expenditure budget.
See “Production Breakdown by Product Type” below
Quality and pipeline transmission adjustments may impact realized oil prices in addition to the MSW Differential provided above
Changes in working capital (net debt) are not assumed to have a material impact between the years presented above.
Test Results and Initial Production Rates
Test results and initial production (“IP”) rates disclosed herein, particularly those short in duration, may not necessarily be indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. A pressure transient analysis or well-test interpretation has not been carried out and thus certain of the test results provided herein should be considered to be preliminary until such analysis or interpretation has been completed.
Production Breakdown by Product Type
Disclosure of production on a per boe basis in this press release consists of the constituent product types as defined in NI 51–101 and their respective quantities disclosed in the table below:
Light and Medium Crude oil(bbls/d)
NGLs(boe/d)
Conventional Natural gas(Mcf/d)
Total(boe/d)
Q1 2022 Average Production
3,571
1,307
20,054
8,221
Q2 2022 Average Production
3,865
1,333
23,191
9,063
Q3 2022 Average Production
3,717
1,432
26,075
9,495
2022 Average Production
3,766
1,402
23,623
9,105
Q1 2023 Average Production
3,788
1,458
22,648
9,020
Q2 2023 Average Production
3,658
1,187
21,772
8,474
Q3 2023 Average Production
3,697
1,420
23,316
9,003
2023 Annual Guidance
4,105
1,332
23,175
9,300(1)
2024 Annual Preliminary Plan
4,655
1,565
27,180
10,750(2)
2025 Annual Preliminary Plan
4,900
1,685
29,190
11,450(2)
Current Production
4,365
1,455
23,280
9,700
Q3 Pembina Wells (per well) – IP30
197
4
156
227
Q3 Pembina Wells (per well) – Current
220
5
210
260
Q3 WG Wells (per well) – IP30
188
3
72
203
Q3 WG Wells (per well) – IP60
196
3
96
215
Q3 WG Wells (per well) – Current
236
8
215
280
Notes:
1.
This reflects the mid-point of the Company’s 2023 production guidance range of 9,100 to 9,500 boe/d.
2.
This reflects the midpoint of the Company’s annual production preliminary estimate range.
3.
With respect to forward–looking production guidance, product type breakdown is based upon management’s expectations based on reasonable assumptions but are subject to variability based on actual well results.
References to crude oil, light oil, NGLs or natural gas production in this press release refer to the light and medium crude oil, natural gas liquids and conventional natural gas product types, respectively, as defined in National Instrument 51-101, Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“Nl 51-101”).
BOE equivalent Barrel of oil equivalents or BOEs may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of 6 mcf: 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different than the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a 6:1 conversion basis may be misleading as an indication of value.
BY THE COMTECH EDITORIAL TEAM – NOV 9, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
MELVILLE, N.Y. — November 9, 2023 — Comtech (NASDAQ: CMTL), a global technology leader, announced today, the receipt of a $20.0 million order from the company’s UK-based partners, Spectra Group. The order will allow Spectra Group, the appointed regional distributor of Comtech’s Compact Over-the-Horizon Transportable Terminal (COMET), to service multiple orders already received, and several expected follow-on orders from undisclosed customers in the NATO and European regions.
Comtech’s feature-rich, network agnostic COMET system is designed to be easily integrated with other Department of Defense (DoD) and coalition tactical, mobile, and fixed communications systems to provide resilient, secure beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) capabilities in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Each Comtech COMET is an end-to-end, rapidly deployable BLOS system that utilizes a single fully integrated Troposcatter hub, which includes the company’s CS67PLUS Troposcatter radio. The CS67PLUS is also embedded across each of Comtech’s next generation Family of Systems (FoS).
“Through this order from Spectra Group, Comtech is helping expand network agnostic, secure, and interoperable BLOS communications capabilities for our NATO and EU regional partners,” said Ken Peterman, President and CEO, Comtech. “As the DoD looks to enhance interoperable communications capabilities for coalition operations, Comtech’s Troposcatter FoS are uniquely designed to bring forward blended BLOS capabilities needed to enhance mission effectiveness and deter near-peer threats in all-domain environments.”
“These multiple customers for whom we’ve placed this order for stock, prove the confidence in Comtech’s COMET Troposcatter system and underline Comtech as being a world leader in this technology,” said Simon Davies, CEO, Spectra Group. “The COMET Troposcatter system provides low latency, high throughput BLOS communications in austere environments in what is a challenging satellite denied environment against a sophisticated enemy with a high electronic warfare capability. I’m delighted to be working with Comtech as their appointed distributor helping them to reach new customers with COMET.”
Comtech’s next generation Troposcatter FoS, which includes the company’s market leading COMET systems, provide military operators and other end users with innovative BLOS capabilities by scattering microwave radio signals off the upper layers of the troposphere. Today, we believe Comtech has the most deployed next generation Troposcatter systems in the world, which will help the DoD and coalition nations move to blended networks that can support Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) operations.
In September 2023, Spectra Group announced the receipt of a $8.0 million order from UK MoD to equip 3 (UK) Division with Comtech’s COMET systems. Spectra Group is now close to receiving additional orders for large quantities of Comtech’s COMET systems from other key NATO and European regional customers.
About Comtech
Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is a leading global technology company providing terrestrial and wireless network solutions, next-generation 9-1-1 emergency services, satellite and space communications technologies, and cloud native capabilities to commercial and government customers around the world. Our unique culture of innovation and employee empowerment unleashes a relentless passion for customer success. With multiple facilities located in technology corridors throughout the United States and around the world, Comtech leverages our global presence, technology leadership, and decades of experience to create the world’s most innovative communications solutions.For more information, please visit www.comtech.com.
About Spectra Group (UK) Ltd
Spectra has a proven record of accomplishment – with over 15 years of experience in delivering solutions for governments around the globe; elite militaries; and private enterprises of all sizes. As a dynamic, agile, security accredited organisation, Spectra can leverage this experience to deliver Cyber Advisory and secure Hosted and Managed Solutions on time, to spec and on budget, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices. Spectra’s gold-level partnerships with third-party vendors ensure best value and leading edge technology is used. On 23 November 2017, Spectra Group (UK) Ltd announced that it had recently been listed as a Top 100 Government SME Supplier for 2015-2016 by the UK Crown Commercial Services. Spectra Group (US) Inc was established in 2018 to directly support the US market.
Spectra Group were awarded the 5-year contact to be the UK distributor of Troposcatter COMET for US company COMTECH Systems Inc in late 2019. Comtech is a leading global provider of next-generation 911 emergency systems and critical wireless and satellite communication technologies.
Spectra’s CEO, Simon Davies, was awarded 2017 Businessman of the Year by Battlespace magazine.
Spectra was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise (Innovation) in 2019 for SlingShot. Founded in 2002, the Company is based in Hereford, UK and holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking in nature and involve certain significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and performance could differ materially from such forward-looking information. The Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings identify many such risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking information in this press release is qualified in its entirety by the risks and uncertainties described in such Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
ATLANTA, Nov. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot Inc. (“Bitcoin Depot” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BTM), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM operator and leading fintech company, today announced its partnership with CORD Financial Services, LLC (CORD), a leading provider of innovative ATM solutions, to distribute Bitcoin Depot kiosks across the U.S.
CORD and Bitcoin Depot will secure Bitcoin ATM placements within CORD’s established base of customers and to customers new to CORD. In addition to now offering Bitcoin ATM services, CORD is a leader in the ATM Services Business, offering full-service ATM placements, cash management, transaction processing, merchant services, ATM equipment, sales, and 24/7 customer and technical support.
“This partnership will allow Bitcoin Depot to expand our retail locations while leveraging CORD’s expertise and customer relationships in the ATM industry,” said Bitcoin Depot CEO Brandon Mintz. “CORD has an impressive history of reliable ATM services and a demonstrated mastery of the conventional ATM space. We look forward to leveraging their relationship network and brand awareness to drive additional placement opportunities for our business.”
“Our mission is to deliver comprehensive ATM business solutions with the highest value and professional integrity,” said CORD Financial President Kenneth Gilbert. “Bitcoin Depot is the ideal partner to advance that objective, and we look forward to bringing a financial technology-driven Bitcoin ATM solution to our customer base.”
The combination of CORD’s robust infrastructure and network positions them as a fitting partner for distributing Bitcoin Depot’s state-of-the-art Bitcoin ATMs to the market, broadening Bitcoin Depot’s mission of bringing Bitcoin to the masses.
About Bitcoin Depot Bitcoin Depot (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to Bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot’s kiosks and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 48 U.S. states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America with approximately 6,400 kiosk locations as of June 30, 2023. Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com.
About Cord Financial: CORD Financial Services is a leading provider of innovative ATM solutions, products, and services that support merchants with responsive, knowledgeable, and caring people. CORD offers full -service ATM placements, cash management, ATM transaction processing, ATM equipment sales, ATM parts, and outstanding 24/7 customer and technical support.
Contacts:
Investors Cody Slach, Alex Kovtun Gateway Group, Inc. 949-574-3860 BTM@gateway-grp.com
Media Zach Kadletz, Brenlyn Motlagh, Ryan Deloney Gateway Group, Inc. 949-574-3860 BTM@gateway-grp.com
75% of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) naïve patients remain alive at 36 months; published median overall survival (OS) in similar patients is 7-11 months
12-month survival rate in ICI resistant patients is 72%
Median OS in ICI resistant patients is approximately 20 months; published median OS is 3.4 months
PRINCETON, N.J., Nov. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB) (“PDS Biotech” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of targeted cancer immunotherapies and infectious disease vaccines based on the Company’s proprietary T cell activating platforms, today announced updated survival data from the Phase 2 clinical trial investigating the triple combination of PDS0101, PDS0301 (IL-12 antibody-drug conjugate) and an investigational immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in two groups of advanced cancer patients with various types of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16-positive cancers. The ICI naïve group had not responded to standard-of-care treatments but had not yet been treated with an ICI. The ICI resistant group included patients who had not responded to multiple prior treatments, including ICI therapy. Investigators at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, have completed the primary endpoint analysis of the Phase 2 trial.
In the ICI naïve group, final survival data from the trial indicated that 75% (6/8) of these patients were still alive at 36 months, and the median overall survival (OS) has not yet been reached. Published data on standard-of-care ICIs report 30-50% of these patients typically remain alive at 12 months, and less than 30% of the patients remain alive at 24 months.
In the ICI resistant group, the 12-month OS rate was 72% and the triple combination achieved a median OS of approximately 20 months. In addition:
For PDS0101 plus high doses of ICI and PDS0301, the overall response rate (ORR) was 63% (5/8).
For PDS0101 plus low doses of ICI and/or PDS0301, the ORR was 5% (1/21).
The historical median survival for ICI therapy in HPV-positive cancer ICI resistant patients is reported to be 3.4 months.
“We are encouraged by the survival rates for both ICI naïve and ICI resistant patients with HPV16-positive cancers who were treated with the triple combination therapy,” said Frank Bedu-Addo, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of PDS Biotech. “The ICI resistant data from the VERSATILE-002 trial evaluating PDS0101 in combination with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) that were reported October 3, 2023, further clarify the path forward for a potential registrational clinical trial of PDS0101 and PDS0301 in combination with a commercial ICI. With this exciting information, we will be finalizing the regulatory and clinical pathway for the triple combination with OS as the primary endpoint.”
PDS0101, PDS Biotech’s lead candidate, is a Versamune® based investigational immunotherapy designed to stimulate a potent targeted T cell attack against HPV16-positive cancers. PDS0301 is a novel, proprietary investigational tumor-targeting IL-12 antibody-drug conjugate that enhances the proliferation, potency, and longevity of T cells in the tumor microenvironment formulated to overcome tumor immune suppression utilizing a different mechanism from checkpoint inhibitors. PDS Biotech has patented the combination of Versamune® and IL-12. The investigational ICI used in the triple combination therapy is Bintrafusp alfa, a bifunctional fusion protein targeting two independent immunosuppressive pathways (PD-L1 and TGF-β).
About PDS0101 PDS0101, PDS Biotech’s lead candidate, is a novel investigational human papillomavirus (HPV)-targeted immunotherapy that stimulates a potent targeted T cell attack against HPV-positive cancers. PDS0101 is given by subcutaneous injection alone or in combination with other immunotherapies and cancer treatments. In a Phase 1 study of PDS0101 in monotherapy, the treatment demonstrated the ability to generate multifunctional HPV16-targeted CD8 and CD4 T cells with minimal toxicity. Interim data suggests PDS0101 generates clinically active immune responses, and the combination of PDS0101 with other treatments can demonstrate significant disease control by reducing or shrinking tumors, delaying disease progression and/or prolonging survival. The combination of PDS0101 with other treatments does not appear to compound the toxicity of other agents.
About PDS0301 PDS0301 is a novel investigational tumor-targeting IL-12 antibody-drug conjugate IL-12 that enhances the proliferation, potency and longevity of T cells in the tumor microenvironment. PDS0301 is given by a subcutaneous injection. PDS0301 is designed to improve the safety profile of IL-12 and to enhance the anti-tumor response.
About PDS Biotechnology PDS Biotech is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of targeted cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies based on our proprietary Versamune®, Versamune® plus PDS0301, and Infectimune® T cell-activating platforms. We believe our targeted immunotherapies have the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy approaches through the activation of the right type, quantity and potency of T cells. To date, our lead Versamune® clinical candidate, PDS0101, has demonstrated the ability to reduce and shrink tumors and stabilize disease in combination with approved and investigational therapeutics in patients with a broad range of HPV16-associated cancers in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials and will be advancing into a Phase 3 clinical trial in combination with KEYTRUDA® for the treatment of recurrent/metastatic HPV16-positive head and neck cancer in 2023. Our Infectimune® based vaccines have also demonstrated the potential to induce not only robust and durable neutralizing antibody responses, but also powerful T cell responses, including long-lasting memory T cell responses in pre-clinical studies to date. To learn more, please visit www.pdsbiotech.com or follow us on Twitter at @PDSBiotech.
References: Strauss J et al. Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer 2020;8:e001395 Burtness B et al., Lancet. 2019; 394:1915-1928 Ferris RL, et al. NEJM. 2016;375:1856-67
Forward Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended) concerning PDS Biotechnology Corporation (the “Company”) and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the Company’s management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “forecast,” “guidance”, “outlook” and other similar expressions among others. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights; the Company’s anticipated capital requirements, including the Company’s anticipated cash runway and the Company’s current expectations regarding its plans for future equity financings; the Company’s dependence on additional financing to fund its operations and complete the development and commercialization of its product candidates, and the risks that raising such additional capital may restrict the Company’s operations or require the Company to relinquish rights to the Company’s technologies or product candidates; the Company’s limited operating history in the Company’s current line of business, which makes it difficult to evaluate the Company’s prospects, the Company’s business plan or the likelihood of the Company’s successful implementation of such business plan; the timing for the Company or its partners to initiate the planned clinical trials for PDS0101, PDS0203 and other Versamune® and Infectimune® based product candidates; the future success of such trials; the successful implementation of the Company’s research and development programs and collaborations, including any collaboration studies concerning PDS0101, PDS0203 and other Versamune® and Infectimune® based product candidates and the Company’s interpretation of the results and findings of such programs and collaborations and whether such results are sufficient to support the future success of the Company’s product candidates; the success, timing and cost of the Company’s ongoing clinical trials and anticipated clinical trials for the Company’s current product candidates, including statements regarding the timing of initiation, pace of enrollment and completion of the trials (including the Company’s ability to fully fund its disclosed clinical trials, which assumes no material changes to the Company’s currently projected expenses), futility analyses, presentations at conferences and data reported in an abstract, and receipt of interim or preliminary results (including, without limitation, any preclinical results or data), which are not necessarily indicative of the final results of the Company’s ongoing clinical trials; any Company statements about its understanding of product candidates mechanisms of action and interpretation of preclinical and early clinical results from its clinical development programs and any collaboration studies; and other factors, including legislative, regulatory, political and economic developments not within the Company’s control. The foregoing review of important factors that could cause actual events to differ from expectations should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the other risks, uncertainties, and other factors described under “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in the documents we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Versamune® is a registered trademark and Infectimune® is a trademark of PDS Biotechnology Corporation.
KEYTRUDA® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp and Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell doused investor hopes of a near-term pause in interest rate hikes, stating “we are not confident that we have achieved such a stance” that would allow inflation to drift down towards the Fed’s 2% target.
In remarks at an International Monetary Fund event, Powell said bringing inflation sustainably down to 2% still has “a long way to go”. His tone cast serious doubt on market expectations that the Fed is almost done raising rates in this cycle.
Traders have priced in a greater than 90% chance of just a 25 basis point December hike, followed by rate cuts commencing in mid-2023. But Powell stressed the Fed stands ready to tighten policy further if economic conditions warrant.
Powell acknowledged recent positive developments, including moderating inflation readings, strong GDP growth, and improvements in supply chains. However, he noted it is unclear how much more progress supply-side factors can drive.
That puts the onus on the Fed to ensure slowing demand prevents inflation from reaccelerating. Powell made clear the Fed will stay the course, even if that means defying market hopes for a dovish pivot.
How High Could Rates Go?
Markets are currently priced for Fed Funds to peak under 5% after a quarter point December increase. But Powell’s insistence on not letting up prematurely raises the specter of a higher terminal rate.
Powell was adamant the Fed cannot be swayed by a few months of data, given the fickle nature of inflation. Premature rate cuts could allow inflation to become re-entrenched, requiring even more aggressive hikes down the road.
With Powell determined to avoid that scenario, investors may need to brace for interest rates cresting above current expectations before the Fed finally stops tightening.
Growth and Jobs Still Too Hot?
Behind Powell’s hawkish messaging is a still-hot economy that could be fueling inflation pressures beneath the surface. The U.S. unemployment rate remains near 50-year lows at 3.7%, with job openings still far exceeding available workers.
Meanwhile, GDP growth rebounded to a strong 2.6% rate in the third quarter, defying recession predictions. Consumer spending has remained remarkably resilient as well.
Powell recognizes the Fed may need to cool economic activity more meaningfully to align demand with constrained supply. That explains his lack of confidence on inflation without further rate increases.
Powell succeeded in resetting market assumptions, making clear the Fed has no intentions of reversing course anytime soon just because inflation has shown initial signs of improvement.
Until policymakers have high confidence lasting 2% inflation is in sight, Powell indicated the Fed’s tightening campaign will continue. That may disappoint stock and bond investors banking on rate cuts next year, but fighting inflation remains Powell’s top priority.
With the Fed Chair throwing cold water on pivot hopes, markets will likely undergo a reassessment of just how high the Fed may yet raise rates. Powell’s tone hints investors should brace for more tightening ahead, even if that delays the desired easing cycle.
BOTHELL, Wash., Nov. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: COCP) (“Cocrystal” or the “Company”), announces that President and co-CEO Sam Lee, PhD will discuss progress in developing the novel, broad-spectrum PB2 inhibitor CC-42344 in an oral presentation, “Taking a new route: Development of novel inhaled and oral influenza antiviral, CC-42344” at the World Vaccine Congress West Coast on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 3:20 p.m. Pacific Time. The conference is being held November 27-30 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, Calif.
“It is highly gratifying to be selected for an oral presentation at this prestigious gathering to discuss the significant progress we’ve made in developing CC-42344 for the treatment of pandemic and seasonal influenza A,” said Dr. Lee. “We recently announced authorization by the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to initiate a Phase 2a human challenge trial with orally administered CC-42344 and we expect to begin treating influenza-infected patients later in this quarter. Additionally, preparations are underway to begin a Phase 1 clinical trial in the first half of 2024 with an inhaled CC-42344 formulation as a potential treatment and prophylaxis for influenza A.”
Following the presentation, Cocrystal will issue a press release with highlights from Dr. Lee’s discussion and the slide presentation will be available on the Company’s website.
About CC-42344 CC-42344 is an PB2 inhibitor that blocks an essential step of viral replication and was discovered using Cocrystal’s proprietary structure-based drug discovery platform technology. It is specifically designed to be effective against all significant pandemic and seasonal influenza A strains and to have a high barrier to resistance due to the way the virus’ replication machinery is targeted. CC-42344 targets the influenza polymerase, an essential replication enzyme with several highly essential regions common to multiple influenza strains. In vitro testing showed CC-42344’s excellent antiviral activity against influenza A strains, including pandemic and seasonal strains, as well as against strains resistant to certain approved influenza antivirals, while also demonstrating favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles.
About Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication process of influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2) noroviruses and hepatitis C viruses. Cocrystal employs unique structure-based technologies and Nobel Prize-winning expertise to create first- and best-in-class antiviral drugs. For further information about Cocrystal, please visit www.cocrystalpharma.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the initiation and characteristics of a Phase 2a human challenge trial in 2023 for CC-42344 as a product candidate for oral treatment of influenza A, and a Phase 1 clinical trial in 2024 for CC-42344 as a product candidate for inhaled treatment of influenza A, and the potential efficacy and clinical benefits of, and market for, such product candidate. The words “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events. Some or all of the events anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks relating to the manufacturing and research delays arising from labor shortages and other factors, the ability of our Clinical Research Organization partners to recruit volunteers for, and to proceed with, clinical trials, and general risks arising from or involved in conducting clinical studies for CC-42344, including the results of such studies. Further information on our risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract affecting 1 in 100 Americans (around 2.4 million people) that can lead to disabling bowel symptoms and progressive bowel damage.
Study provides direct evidence that NLRP3 signaling is over-activated in IBD, and that its inhibition attenuates intestinal inflammation and tissue damage, leading to significant improvements in IBD symptoms, and restoration of normal intestinal microbial flora.
ZyVersa is developing Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100 which can inhibit up to 12 different inflammasomes (including NLRP3 inflammasomes) and their associated ASC specks which perpetuate damaging inflammation.
WESTON, Fla., Nov. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZVSA, or “ZyVersa”), a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class drugs for treatment of inflammatory and renal diseases, announces publication of an article in the peer-reviewed Biomedical Journal demonstrating that inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasomes in an IBD animal model attenuates intestinal inflammation and tissue damage, leading to significant improvements in IBD symptoms, and restoration of normal intestinal microbial flora.
In the paper titled, “Inhibition of NLRP3 attenuates sodium dextran sulfate-induced inflammatory bowel disease through gut microbiota regulation,” the authors evaluated human colon biopsy samples from patients with IBD and healthy controls, and conducted a study in an IBD mouse model. Following are key findings reported in the paper:
NLRP3 and IL-1β expression is increased in the colon of IBD patients.
NLRP3 inhibition in the IBD animal model:
Inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in the colon, resulting in significantly reduced levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1b, IL-6, and TNF-α.
Alleviated severe diarrhea and significantly improved IBD symptoms, based on the disease activity index score.
Attenuated histopathological changes indicative of tissue damage (goblet cell reduction, crypt destruction, and epithelial barrier disruption).
Restored gut microbiota to normal.
The authors stated, “In conclusion, this study provides direct evidence that NLRP3 signaling is over-activated in IBD patients. The inhibition of NLRP3 reverses the IBD-like symptoms in DSS-induced mice, which the regulatory effects on gut microbiota might mediate. Overall, this present study provides a basis for the clinical application of NLRP3 as a target for IBD treatment.” To read the article, Click Here.
“Restoration of quality of life is the ultimate long-term goal in IBD management. Although disease remission can often be achieved with current therapies, bothersome symptoms can still prevail,” stated Stephen C. Glover, ZyVersa’s Co-founder, Chairman, CEO and President. “The research published in the Biomedical Journal provides support for inflammasome inhibition as a promising treatment option for IBD. ZyVersa is developing Inflammasome ASC inhibitor IC 100. Unlike NLRP3 inhibitors, designed to inhibit formation of one inflammasome to block initiation of the inflammatory cascade, IC 100 was designed to inhibit multiple types of inflammasomes and their associated ASC specks to uniquely block both initiation and perpetuation of damaging inflammation, which we believe is necessary to control chronic inflammation.” To review a white paper summarizing the mechanism of action and preclinical data for IC 100, Click Here.
About Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100
IC 100 is a novel humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that inhibits the inflammasome adaptor protein ASC. IC 100 was designed to attenuate both initiation and perpetuation of the inflammatory response. It does so by binding to a specific region of the ASC component of multiple types of inflammasomes, including NLRP1, NLRP2, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2, Pyrin. Intracellularly, IC 100 binds to ASC monomers, inhibiting inflammasome formation, thereby blocking activation of IL-1β early in the inflammatory cascade. IC 100 also binds to ASC in ASC Specks, both intracellularly and extracellularly, further blocking activation of IL-1β and the perpetuation of the inflammatory response that is pathogenic in inflammatory diseases. Because active cytokines amplify adaptive immunity through various mechanisms, IC 100, by attenuating cytokine activation, also attenuates the adaptive immune response.
About ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc.
ZyVersa (Nasdaq: ZVSA) is a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company leveraging advanced, proprietary technologies to develop first-in-class drugs for patients with renal and inflammatory diseases who have significant unmet medical needs. The Company is currently advancing a therapeutic development pipeline with multiple programs built around its two proprietary technologies – Cholesterol Efflux Mediator™ VAR 200 for treatment of kidney diseases, and Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100, targeting damaging inflammation associated with numerous CNS and other inflammatory diseases. For more information, please visit www.zyversa.com.
Certain statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements regarding management’s intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations, or forecasts for the future, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc (“ZyVersa”) uses words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “future,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “guidance,” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions. Such forward-looking statements are based on ZyVersa’s expectations and involve risks and uncertainties; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements due to a number of factors, including ZyVersa’s plans to develop and commercialize its product candidates, the timing of initiation of ZyVersa’s planned preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of the availability of data from ZyVersa’s preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of any planned investigational new drug application or new drug application; ZyVersa’s plans to research, develop, and commercialize its current and future product candidates; the clinical utility, potential benefits and market acceptance of ZyVersa’s product candidates; ZyVersa’s commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; ZyVersa’s ability to protect its intellectual property position; and ZyVersa’s estimates regarding future revenue, expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing.
New factors emerge from time-to-time, and it is not possible for ZyVersa to predict all such factors, nor can ZyVersa assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to ZyVersa as of the date of this press release. ZyVersa disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release, except as required by applicable law.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.
Corporate and IR Contact: Karen Cashmere Chief Commercial Officer kcashmere@zyversa.com 786-251-9641
Q3 operating earnings were break-even, or up 60% to $15.5 million on an adjusted basis
Q3 revenue down 4.3%; down 5.8% in constant currency
Q3 adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 2.3% compared to 1.6% in the prior year driven by meaningful reduction in operating expenses resulting from business transformation initiative
Company expects sale of European staffing operations and near-term outcome from growth initiatives to drive further expansion of adjusted EBITDA margin
TROY, Mich., Nov. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Kelly (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB), a leading global specialty talent solutions provider, today announced results for the third quarter of 2023.
Peter Quigley, president and chief executive officer, announced revenue for the third quarter of 2023 totaled $1.1 billion, a 4.3% decrease, or 5.8% decrease in constant currency, compared to the corresponding quarter of 2022. Year-over-year revenue trends were impacted by customers’ more guarded approach to hiring and initiating new projects or capital spending, partially offset by favorable currency impacts.
“In the third quarter, persistent macroeconomic uncertainty continued to temper demand for temporary and permanent staffing services,” said Quigley. “As expected, results in SET and P&I reflected these challenges, while our Education segment and more resilient outcome-based solutions in P&I once again delivered year-over-year growth. We continued to focus on what we can control in this challenging operating environment, driving significant progress in the execution of our transformation initiatives – the benefits of which are evident in our operating results.”
Kelly reported break-even operating earnings in the third quarter of 2023 compared to a loss of $21.4 million reported in the third quarter of 2022. Earnings in the third quarter of 2023 include $15.4 million of transformation-related charges. Excluding the transformation-related charges, adjusted earnings from operations were $15.5 million. Loss from operations in the third quarter of 2022 included a $30.7 million goodwill impairment charge and adjusted earnings were $9.5 million. Adjusted earnings improved 60% year-over-year primarily as a result of lower operating expenses due to our ongoing transformation initiatives.
Earnings per share in the third quarter of 2023 were $0.18 compared to a loss per share of $0.43 in the third quarter of 2022. Included in the earnings per share in the third quarter of 2023 is a $0.32 loss per share related to transformation-related charges, net of tax. Included in the third quarter of 2022 was a $0.67 loss per share, net of tax, from a goodwill impairment charge. On an adjusted basis, earnings per share were $0.50 in the third quarter of 2023, double the $0.25 earnings per share in the corresponding quarter of 2022.
Quigley went on to provide an update on the company’s business transformation initiative.
“Following the implementation of strategic restructuring activities at the outset of the third quarter, we remained focused on sustaining these structural improvements across the enterprise. We also made progress on several initiatives that are positioning Kelly to accelerate profitable growth over the long term. With the efficiency phase of our transformation on-track, our growth initiatives delivering encouraging early results, and the sale of our European staffing business poised to benefit both of these efforts, we remain committed to driving continued improvement of our adjusted EBITDA margin and maximizing value creation.”
In the fourth quarter of 2023, Kelly expects to achieve an adjusted EBITDA margin in the range of 2.8% to 3.0%, reflecting the impact of market conditions that are more challenging than anticipated. Assuming the benefit of a full year of its transformation-related savings, the sale of its European staffing business and current top-line trends, the company would expect to reach a normalized, adjusted EBITDA margin in the range of 3.3 to 3.5%.
Kelly also reported that on November 7, its board of directors declared a dividend of $0.075 per share. The dividend is payable on December 6, 2023, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 22, 2023.
In conjunction with its third-quarter earnings release, Kelly has published a financial presentation on the Investor Relations page of its public website and will host a conference call at 9 a.m. ET on November 9 to review the results and answer questions. The call may be accessed in one of the following ways:
Via the Telephone (877) 692-8955 (toll free) or (234) 720-6979 (caller paid) Enter access code 5728672 After the prompt, please enter ”#”
A recording of the conference call will be available after 2:30 p.m. ET on November 9, 2023, at (866) 207-1041 (toll-free) and (402) 970-0847 (caller-paid). The access code is 7027637#. The recording will also be available at kellyservices.com during this period.
This release contains statements that are forward looking in nature and, accordingly, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Kelly’s financial expectations, are forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in this release include, but are not limited to, (i) changing market and economic conditions, (ii) disruption in the labor market and weakened demand for human capital resulting from technological advances, loss of large corporate customers and government contractor requirements, (iii) the impact of laws and regulations (including federal, state and international tax laws), (iv) unexpected changes in claim trends on workers’ compensation, unemployment, disability and medical benefit plans, (v) litigation and other legal liabilities (including tax liabilities) in excess of our estimates, (vi) our ability to achieve our business’s anticipated growth strategies, (vii) our future business development, results of operations and financial condition, (viii) damage to our brands, (ix) dependency on third parties for the execution of critical functions, (x) conducting business in foreign countries, including foreign currency fluctuations, (xi) availability of temporary workers with appropriate skills required by customers, (xii) cyberattacks or other breaches of network or information technology security, and (xiii) other risks, uncertainties and factors discussed in this release and in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release and we undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company’s expectations.
About Kelly®
Kelly Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) helps companies recruit and manage skilled workers and helps job seekers find great work. Since inventing the staffing industry in 1946, we have become experts in the many industries and local and global markets we serve. With a network of suppliers and partners around the world, we connect more than 450,000 people with work every year. Our suite of outsourcing and consulting services ensures companies have the people they need, when and where they are needed most. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, we empower businesses and individuals to access limitless opportunities in industries such as science, engineering, technology, education, manufacturing, retail, finance, and energy. Revenue in 2022 was $5.0 billion. Learn more at kellyservices.com.
FOR THE 13 WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 1, 2023 AND OCTOBER 2, 2022
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions of dollars except per share data)
%
CC %
2023
2022
Change
Change
Change
Revenue from services
$
1,118.0
$
1,167.9
$
(49.9)
(4.3)
%
(5.8)
%
Cost of services
889.5
927.3
(37.8)
(4.1)
Gross profit
228.5
240.6
(12.1)
(5.1)
(6.3)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
228.4
231.1
(2.7)
(1.2)
(2.4)
Goodwill impairment charge
—
30.7
(30.7)
NM
Loss on disposal
—
0.2
(0.2)
NM
Earnings (loss) from operations
0.1
(21.4)
21.5
NM
Other income (expense), net
1.6
0.2
1.4
NM
Earnings (loss) before taxes
1.7
(21.2)
22.9
NM
Income tax expense (benefit)
(4.9)
(5.0)
0.1
0.1
Net earnings (loss)
$
6.6
$
(16.2)
$
22.8
NM
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
0.18
$
(0.43)
$
0.61
NM
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
0.18
$
(0.43)
$
0.61
NM
STATISTICS:
Permanent placement revenue (included in revenue from services)
$
14.6
$
19.8
$
(5.2)
(26.3)
%
(28.5)
%
Gross profit rate
20.4
%
20.6
%
(0.2)
pts.
Conversion rate
0.0
%
(8.9)
%
8.9
pts.
Adjusted EBITDA
$
25.5
$
19.1
$
6.4
Adjusted EBITDA margin
2.3
%
1.6
%
0.7
pts.
Effective income tax rate
(299.3)
%
23.4
%
(322.7)
pts.
Average number of shares outstanding (millions):
Basic
35.4
37.9
Diluted
35.8
37.9
KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
FOR THE 39 WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 1, 2023 AND OCTOBER 2, 2022
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions of dollars except per share data)
%
CC %
2023
2022
Change
Change
Change
Revenue from services
$
3,603.5
$
3,731.6
$
(128.1)
(3.4)
%
(3.8)
%
Cost of services
2,880.3
2,970.0
(89.7)
(3.0)
Gross profit
723.2
761.6
(38.4)
(5.0)
(5.2)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
703.8
707.3
(3.5)
(0.5)
(0.8)
Asset impairment charge
2.4
—
2.4
NM
Goodwill impairment charge
—
30.7
(30.7)
NM
Loss on disposal
—
18.7
(18.7)
NM
Gain on sale of assets
—
(5.3)
5.3
NM
Earnings from operations
17.0
10.2
6.8
67.0
Loss on investment in Persol Holdings
—
(67.2)
67.2
NM
Loss on currency translation from liquidation of subsidiary(1)
—
(20.4)
20.4
NM
Other income (expense), net
3.0
1.9
1.1
55.9
Earnings (loss) before taxes and equity in net earnings of affiliate
20.0
(75.5)
95.5
NM
Income tax expense (benefit)
(5.0)
(13.1)
8.1
61.8
Net earnings (loss) before equity in net earnings of affiliate
25.0
(62.4)
87.4
NM
Equity in net earnings of affiliate
—
0.8
(0.8)
NM
Net earnings (loss)
$
25.0
$
(61.6)
$
86.6
NM
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
0.68
$
(1.62)
$
2.30
NM
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
0.67
$
(1.62)
$
2.29
NM
STATISTICS:
Permanent placement revenue (included in revenue from services)
$
47.8
$
71.2
$
(23.4)
(32.9)
%
(33.3)
%
Gross profit rate
20.1
%
20.4
%
(0.3)
pts.
Conversion rate
2.4
%
1.3
%
1.1
pts.
Adjusted EBITDA
$
76.9
$
81.5
$
(4.6)
Adjusted EBITDA margin
2.1
%
2.2
%
(0.1)
pts.
Effective income tax rate
(25.1)
%
17.4
%
(42.5)
pts.
Average number of shares outstanding (millions):
Basic
36.2
38.2
Diluted
36.5
38.2
(1) Subsequent to the sale of the Persol Holdings investment, the Company commenced the dissolution process of the Kelly Services Japan subsidiary, which was considered substantially liquidated as of the first quarter-end 2022, resulting in the recognition of the $20.4 million loss on currency translation from liquidation of this subsidiary in the first quarter of 2022.
KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions of dollars)
Third Quarter
%
CC %
2023
2022
Change
Change
Professional & Industrial
Revenue from services
$
364.5
$
408.6
(10.8)
%
(10.5)
%
Gross profit
65.5
70.3
(6.9)
(6.5)
SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges
53.7
65.3
(17.7)
(17.6)
Restructuring charges
4.0
—
NM
NM
Total SG&A expenses
57.7
65.3
(11.6)
(11.4)
Earnings from operations
7.8
5.0
54.2
Earnings from operations excluding restructuring charges
11.8
5.0
133.7
Gross profit rate
17.9
%
17.2
%
0.7
pts.
Science, Engineering & Technology
Revenue from services
$
295.7
$
321.3
(8.0)
%
(8.0)
%
Gross profit
68.0
76.3
(10.8)
(10.9)
Total SG&A expenses
47.8
53.4
(10.4)
(10.5)
Earnings from operations
20.2
22.9
(11.7)
Gross profit rate
23.0
%
23.7
%
(0.7)
pts.
Education
Revenue from services
$
128.1
$
104.3
22.9
%
22.9
%
Gross profit
19.8
16.6
19.2
19.2
Total SG&A expenses
22.4
21.4
5.0
5.0
Earnings (loss) from operations
(2.6)
(4.8)
44.8
Gross profit rate
15.5
%
15.9
%
(0.4)
pts.
Outsourcing & Consulting
Revenue from services
$
114.1
$
118.5
(3.8)
%
(4.0)
%
Gross profit
41.5
44.1
(6.0)
(6.7)
SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges
37.2
37.7
(1.5)
(2.4)
Restructuring charges
1.8
—
NM
NM
Total SG&A expenses
39.0
37.7
3.3
2.2
Goodwill impairment charge
—
30.7
NM
Earnings (loss) from operations
2.5
(24.3)
NM
Earnings (loss) from operations excluding restructuring charges
4.3
(24.3)
NM
Gross profit rate
36.4
%
37.2
%
(0.8)
pts.
International
Revenue from services
$
220.6
$
215.5
2.4
%
(6.2)
%
Gross profit
33.7
33.3
1.0
(7.6)
Total SG&A expenses
31.2
31.4
(0.7)
(8.7)
Earnings from operations
2.5
1.9
27.5
Gross profit rate
15.3
%
15.5
%
(0.2)
pts.
KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions of dollars)
September Year to Date
%
CC %
2023
2022
Change
Change
Professional & Industrial
Revenue from services
$
1,131.3
$
1,268.7
(10.8)
%
(10.4)
%
Gross profit
200.4
231.2
(13.3)
(12.8)
SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges
176.5
203.8
(13.4)
(13.1)
Restructuring charges
7.3
0.3
NM
NM
Total SG&A expenses
183.8
204.1
(9.9)
(9.6)
Asset impairment charge
0.3
—
NM
Earnings from operations
16.3
27.1
(40.4)
Earnings from operations excluding restructuring charges
23.6
27.4
(14.4)
Gross profit rate
17.7
%
18.2
%
(0.5)
pts.
Science, Engineering & Technology
Revenue from services
$
903.5
$
962.7
(6.2)
%
(6.1)
%
Gross profit
207.4
225.3
(7.9)
(7.9)
Total SG&A expenses
150.6
161.4
(6.7)
(6.7)
Asset impairment charge
0.1
—
NM
Earnings from operations
56.7
63.9
(11.2)
Gross profit rate
23.0
%
23.4
%
(0.4)
pts.
Education
Revenue from services
$
583.9
$
433.2
34.8
%
34.8
%
Gross profit
91.6
69.2
32.4
32.4
Total SG&A expenses
69.3
60.4
14.8
14.8
Earnings from operations
22.3
8.8
152.7
Gross profit rate
15.7
%
16.0
%
(0.3)
pts.
Outsourcing & Consulting
Revenue from services
$
342.4
$
352.0
(2.7)
%
(2.3)
%
Gross profit
124.4
127.6
(2.5)
(2.0)
SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges
114.9
111.7
2.8
2.7
Restructuring charges
2.3
0.1
NM
NM
Total SG&A expenses
117.2
111.8
4.7
4.6
Asset impairment charge
2.0
—
NM
Goodwill impairment charge
—
30.7
NM
Earnings from operations
5.2
(14.9)
NM
Earnings from operations excluding restructuring charges
7.5
(14.8)
NM
Gross profit rate
36.3
%
36.3
%
—
pts.
International
Revenue from services
$
657.5
$
715.9
(8.2)
%
(11.2)
%
Gross profit
99.4
108.3
(8.2)
(11.1)
Total SG&A expenses
96.2
99.2
(3.0)
(5.8)
Earnings from operations
3.2
9.1
(64.9)
Gross profit rate
15.1
%
15.1
%
—
pts.
KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions of dollars)
October 1, 2023
January 1, 2023
October 2, 2022
Current Assets
Cash and equivalents
$
117.2
$
153.7
$
122.4
Trade accounts receivable, less allowances of
$11.1, $11.2, and $12.1, respectively
1,388.2
1,491.6
1,519.9
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
86.1
69.9
83.1
Assets held for sale
—
—
4.7
Total current assets
1,591.5
1,715.2
1,730.1
Noncurrent Assets
Property and equipment, net
28.8
27.8
24.9
Operating lease right-of-use assets
59.9
66.8
67.3
Deferred taxes
315.3
299.7
300.7
Goodwill, net
151.1
151.1
161.4
Other assets
403.4
403.2
397.5
Total noncurrent assets
958.5
948.6
951.8
Total Assets
$
2,550.0
$
2,663.8
$
2,681.9
Current Liabilities
Short-term borrowings
$
—
$
0.7
$
0.1
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
647.5
723.3
735.2
Operating lease liabilities
13.2
14.7
14.4
Accrued payroll and related taxes
287.8
315.8
321.4
Accrued workers’ compensation and other claims
22.8
22.9
24.4
Income and other taxes
54.0
51.4
47.5
Total current liabilities
1,025.3
1,128.8
1,143.0
Noncurrent Liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
51.5
55.0
55.6
Accrued workers’ compensation and other claims
40.5
40.7
43.4
Accrued retirement benefits
185.6
174.1
172.7
Other long-term liabilities
11.4
11.0
14.5
Total noncurrent liabilities
289.0
280.8
286.2
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock
38.5
38.5
38.5
Treasury stock
(57.4)
(20.1)
(12.4)
Paid-in capital
29.3
28.0
26.6
Earnings invested in the business
1,233.0
1,216.3
1,220.1
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(7.7)
(8.5)
(20.1)
Total stockholders’ equity
1,235.7
1,254.2
1,252.7
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
$
2,550.0
$
2,663.8
$
2,681.9
STATISTICS:
Working Capital
$
566.2
$
586.4
$
587.1
Current Ratio
1.6
1.5
1.5
Debt-to-capital %
0.0
%
0.1
%
0.0
%
Global Days Sales Outstanding
63
61
64
Year-to-Date Free Cash Flow
$
21.0
$
(88.3)
$
(117.3)
KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE 39 WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 1, 2023 AND OCTOBER 2, 2022
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions of dollars)
2023
2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)
$
25.0
$
(61.6)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash from operating activities:
Asset impairment charge
2.4
—
Goodwill impairment charge
—
30.7
Deferred income taxes on goodwill impairment charge
—
(5.3)
Loss on disposal
—
18.7
Depreciation and amortization
25.6
24.7
Operating lease asset amortization
12.4
14.2
Provision for credit losses and sales allowances
1.4
1.7
Stock-based compensation
7.9
5.9
Gain on sale of equity securities
(2.0)
—
Loss on investment in Persol Holdings
—
67.2
Loss on currency translation from liquidation of subsidiary
—
20.4
Gain on foreign currency remeasurement
—
(5.5)
Gain on sale of assets
—
(5.3)
Equity in net earnings of PersolKelly Asia Pacific
—
(0.8)
Other, net
0.5
3.5
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisition
(39.8)
(220.2)
Net cash from (used in) operating activities
33.4
(111.7)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures
(12.4)
(5.6)
Proceeds from sale of assets
—
4.5
Acquisition of company, net of cash received
—
(143.1)
Cash disposed from sale of Russia, net of proceeds
—
(6.0)
Proceeds from company-owned life insurance
—
1.5
Proceeds from sale of Persol Holdings investment
—
196.9
Proceeds from sale of equity method investment
—
119.5
Proceeds from equity securities
2.0
—
Other investing activities
(0.4)
—
Net cash (used in) from investing activities
(10.8)
167.7
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in short-term borrowings
(0.7)
0.2
Financing lease payments
(1.0)
(1.2)
Dividend payments
(8.3)
(7.7)
Payments of tax withholding for stock awards
(1.7)
(0.9)
Buyback of common shares
(42.2)
(27.2)
Contingent consideration payments
(2.5)
(0.7)
Other financing activities
(0.2)
0.1
Net cash used in financing activities
(56.6)
(37.4)
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(1.9)
(7.4)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(35.9)
11.2
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
162.4
119.5
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
126.5
$
130.7
KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
REVENUE FROM SERVICES BY GEOGRAPHY
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions of dollars)
Third Quarter
%
CC %
2023
2022
Change
Change
Americas
United States
$
795.5
$
861.0
(7.6)
%
(7.6)
%
Canada
50.9
43.3
17.5
20.7
Puerto Rico
26.5
28.3
(6.2)
(6.2)
Mexico
18.4
10.9
68.4
41.9
Total Americas Region
891.3
943.5
(5.5)
(5.7)
Europe
Switzerland
57.0
55.2
3.3
(5.6)
Portugal
48.6
41.9
15.9
7.2
France
47.0
45.8
2.8
(5.0)
Italy
16.1
16.4
(2.3)
(9.6)
Russia
—
5.0
(100.0)
(100.0)
Other
47.1
49.8
(5.5)
(12.3)
Total Europe Region
215.8
214.1
0.8
(7.0)
Total Asia-Pacific Region
10.9
10.3
5.8
9.7
Total Kelly Services, Inc.
$
1,118.0
$
1,167.9
(4.3)
%
(5.8)
%
KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
REVENUE FROM SERVICES BY GEOGRAPHY
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions of dollars)
September Year to Date
%
CC %
2023
2022
Change
Change
Americas
United States
$
2,647.1
$
2,746.5
(3.6)
%
(3.6)
%
Canada
142.2
122.7
15.9
21.4
Puerto Rico
81.1
84.8
(4.3)
(4.3)
Mexico
55.1
32.4
70.0
49.1
Total Americas Region
2,925.5
2,986.4
(2.0)
(2.0)
Europe
Switzerland
165.9
165.5
0.3
(5.0)
France
145.0
150.8
(3.8)
(5.5)
Portugal
142.3
125.8
13.2
10.9
Italy
49.5
54.3
(8.8)
(10.4)
Russia
—
63.4
(100.0)
(100.0)
Other
142.4
152.8
(6.8)
(7.2)
Total Europe Region
645.1
712.6
(9.5)
(11.6)
Total Asia-Pacific Region
32.9
32.6
1.0
5.8
Total Kelly Services, Inc.
$
3,603.5
$
3,731.6
(3.4)
%
(3.8)
%
KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
THIRD QUARTER
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions of dollars)
2023
2022
SG&A Expenses:
As Reported
Restructuring(7)
Adjusted
As Reported
Professional & Industrial
$ 57.7
$ (4.0)
$ 53.7
$ 65.3
Science, Engineering & Technology
47.8
(0.7)
47.1
53.4
Education
22.4
(0.6)
21.8
21.4
Outsourcing & Consulting
39.0
(1.8)
37.2
37.7
International
31.2
—
31.2
31.4
Corporate
30.3
(8.3)
22.0
21.9
Total Company
$ 228.4
$ (15.4)
$ 213.0
$ 231.1
2023
2022
Earnings from Operations:
As Reported
Restructuring(7)
Adjusted
Adjusted
Professional & Industrial
$ 7.8
$ 4.0
$ 11.8
$ 5.0
Science, Engineering & Technology
20.2
0.7
20.9
22.9
Education
(2.6)
0.6
(2.0)
(4.8)
Outsourcing & Consulting
2.5
1.8
4.3
6.4
International
2.5
—
2.5
1.9
Corporate
(30.3)
8.3
(22.0)
(21.9)
Total Company
$ 0.1
$ 15.4
$ 15.5
$ 9.5
KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESRECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURESTHIRD QUARTER(UNAUDITED)(In millions of dollars)
2022
Earnings from Operations:
As Reported
Loss on disposal(4)
Goodwill impairment charge(6)
Adjusted
Professional & Industrial
$ 5.0
$ —
$ —
$ 5.0
Science, Engineering & Technology
22.9
—
—
22.9
Education
(4.8)
—
—
(4.8)
Outsourcing & Consulting
(24.3)
—
30.7
6.4
International
1.9
—
—
1.9
Corporate
(21.9)
—
—
(21.9)
Loss on disposal
(0.2)
0.2
—
—
Total Company
$ (21.4)
$ 0.2
$ 30.7
$ 9.5
KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
SEPTEMBER YEAR TO DATE
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions of dollars)
2023
2022
SG&A Expenses:
As Reported
Restructuring(7)
Adjusted
As Reported
Professional & Industrial
$ 183.8
$ (7.3)
$ 176.5
$ 204.1
Science, Engineering & Technology
150.6
(1.2)
149.4
161.4
Education
69.3
(1.0)
68.3
60.4
Outsourcing & Consulting
117.2
(2.3)
114.9
111.8
International
96.2
(0.6)
95.6
99.2
Corporate
86.7
(15.2)
71.5
70.4
Total Company
$ 703.8
$ (27.6)
$ 676.2
$ 707.3
2023
2022
Earnings from Operations:
As Reported
Asset impairment(5)
Restructuring(7)
Adjusted
Adjusted
Professional & Industrial
$ 16.3
$ 0.3
$ 7.3
$ 23.9
$ 27.1
Science, Engineering & Technology
56.7
0.1
1.2
58.0
63.9
Education
22.3
—
1.0
23.3
8.8
Outsourcing & Consulting
5.2
2.0
2.3
9.5
15.8
International
3.2
—
0.6
3.8
9.1
Corporate
(86.7)
—
15.2
(71.5)
(70.4)
Total Company
$ 17.0
$ 2.4
$ 27.6
$ 47.0
$ 54.3
KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESRECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURESSEPTEMBER YEAR TO DATE(UNAUDITED)(In millions of dollars)
2022
Earnings from Operations:
As Reported
Gain on sale of assets(3)
Loss on disposal(4)
Goodwill impairment charge(6)
Adjusted
Professional & Industrial
$ 27.1
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ 27.1
Science, Engineering & Technology
63.9
—
—
—
63.9
Education
8.8
—
—
—
8.8
Outsourcing & Consulting
(14.9)
—
—
30.7
15.8
International
9.1
—
—
—
9.1
Corporate
(70.4)
—
—
—
(70.4)
Loss on disposal
(18.7)
18.7
—
—
Gain on sale of assets
5.3
(5.3)
—
—
—
Total Company
$ 10.2
$ (5.3)
$ 18.7
$ 30.7
$ 54.3
KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions of dollars except per share data)
Third Quarter
September Year to Date
2023
2022
2023
2022
Income tax expense (benefit)
$ (4.9)
$ (5.0)
$ (5.0)
$ (13.1)
Taxes on investment in Persol Holdings(1)
—
—
—
18.4
Taxes on foreign currency matters(2)
—
—
—
(1.5)
Taxes on gain on sale of assets(3)
—
—
—
(1.3)
Taxes on loss on disposal(4)
—
—
—
—
Taxes on asset impairment charge(5)
—
—
0.6
—
Taxes on goodwill impairment charge(6)
—
5.3
—
5.3
Taxes on restructuring charges(7)
3.9
—
6.9
—
Adjusted income tax expense
$ (1.0)
$ 0.3
$ 2.5
$ 7.8
Third Quarter
September Year to Date
2023
2022
2023
2022
Net earnings (loss)
$ 6.6
$ (16.2)
$ 25.0
$ (61.6)
Loss on investment in Persol Holdings, net of taxes(1)
—
—
—
48.8
Loss on foreign currency matters, net of taxes(2)
—
—
—
16.4
Gain on sale of assets, net of taxes(3)
—
—
—
(4.0)
Loss on disposal, net of taxes(4)
—
0.2
—
18.7
Asset impairment charge, net of taxes(5)
—
—
1.8
—
Goodwill impairment charge, net of taxes(6)
—
25.4
—
25.4
Restructuring charges, net of taxes(7)
11.5
—
20.7
—
Adjusted net earnings
$ 18.1
$ 9.4
$ 47.5
$ 43.7
Third Quarter
September Year to Date
2023
2022
2023
2022
Per Share
Per Share
Net earnings (loss)
$ 0.18
$ (0.43)
$ 0.67
$ (1.62)
Loss on investment in Persol Holdings, net of taxes(1)
—
—
—
1.28
Loss on foreign currency matters, net of taxes(2)
—
—
—
0.43
Gain on sale of assets, net of taxes(3)
—
—
—
(0.10)
Loss on disposal, net of taxes(4)
—
0.01
—
0.49
Asset impairment charge, net of taxes(5)
—
—
0.05
—
Goodwill impairment charge, net of taxes(6)
—
0.67
—
0.67
Restructuring charges, net of taxes(7)
0.32
—
0.56
—
Adjusted net earnings
$ 0.50
$ 0.25
$ 1.28
$ 1.15
Note: Earnings per share amounts for each quarter are required to be computed independently and may not equal the amounts computed for the total year.
KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
(UNAUDITED)
(In millions of dollars)
Third Quarter
September Year to Date
2023
2022
2023
2022
Net earnings (loss)
$ 6.6
$ (16.2)
$ 25.0
$ (61.6)
Other (income) expense, net(2)
(1.6)
(0.2)
(3.0)
(1.9)
Income tax expense (benefit)
(4.9)
(5.0)
(5.0)
(13.1)
Depreciation and amortization
8.4
8.6
25.6
24.7
EBITDA
8.5
(12.8)
42.6
(51.9)
Equity in net earnings of affiliate
—
—
—
(0.8)
Loss on investment in Persol Holdings(1)
—
—
—
67.2
Loss on foreign currency matters(2)
—
—
—
20.4
Gain on sale of assets(3)
—
—
—
(5.3)
Loss on disposal(4)
—
0.2
—
18.7
Asset impairment charge(5)
—
—
2.4
—
Goodwill impairment charge(6)
—
30.7
—
30.7
Restructuring(7)
15.4
—
27.6
—
Other, net(8)
1.6
1.0
4.3
2.5
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 25.5
$ 19.1
$ 76.9
$ 81.5
Adjusted EBITDA margin
2.3 %
1.6 %
2.1 %
2.2 %
KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES (UNAUDITED)
Management believes that the non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) information excluding the 2023 restructuring charges, the 2023 impairment charge, the 2022 sale of the Persol Holdings investment, the 2022 losses on the fair value changes of the investment in Persol Holdings, the 2022 losses on foreign currency matters, the 2022 gain on sale of assets, the 2022 loss on disposal, and the 2022 goodwill impairment charge, are useful to understand the Company’s fiscal 2023 financial performance and increases comparability. Specifically, Management believes that removing the impact of these items allows for a meaningful comparison of current period operating performance with the operating results of prior periods. Management also believes that such measures are used by those analyzing performance of companies in the staffing industry to compare current performance to prior periods and to assess future performance.
Management uses Adjusted EBITDA (adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and Adjusted EBITDA Margin (percent of total GAAP revenue) which Management believes is useful to compare operating performance compared to prior periods and uses it in conjunction with GAAP measures to assess performance. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be consistent with similarly titled measures of other companies and should be used in conjunction with GAAP measurements. Management also uses year-to-date free cash flow (operating cash flows less capital expenditures) to indicate the change in cash balances arising from operating activities, net of working capital needs and expenditures on fixed assets.
These non-GAAP measures may have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude items which can have a material impact on cash flow and earnings per share. As a result, Management considers these measures, along with reported results, when it reviews and evaluates the Company’s financial performance. Management believes that these measures provide greater transparency to investors and provide insight into how Management is evaluating the Company’s financial performance. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
(1) In 2022, the loss on the investment in Persol Holdings represents the change in fair value up until the date of the sale of the investment on February 15, 2022 as well as the loss on the sale of the investment during the period presented and the related tax benefit.
(2) In 2022, the loss on foreign currency matters includes a $20.4 million loss on currency translation resulting from the substantially complete liquidation of the Company’s Japan entity, partially offset by a $5.5 million foreign exchange gain on the Japan entity’s USD-denominated cash balance. The foreign exchange gain is included in other (income) expense, net in the EBITDA calculation.
(3) Gain on sale of assets in 2022 is related to the sale of under-utilized real property in the second quarter of 2022 and other real property sold in the first quarter of 2022.
(4) Loss on disposal in 2022 represents the write-off of the net assets of our Russian operations that were sold in the third quarter of 2022.
(5) Asset impairment charge in the second quarter of 2023 represents the impairment of right-of-use assets related to an unoccupied existing office space lease.
(6) Goodwill impairment charge in 2022 is the result of an interim impairment test the Company performed related to RocketPower due to a triggering event caused by changes in market conditions.
(7) Restructuring charges in the second and third quarters of 2023 relate to a comprehensive transformation initiative that includes actions that will further streamline the Company’s operating model to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness. These restructuring charges include $10.4 million of severance, $4.5 million of costs to execute the transformation, and $0.5 million of lease termination expenses in the third quarter of 2023 and $4.5 million of costs to execute the transformation and $1.1 million of severance in the second quarter of 2023. Restructuring charges in the first quarter of 2023 represent severance costs and lease and other terminations as a result of management undertaking actions to further our cost management efforts in response to the current demand levels and reflects a repositioning of our P&I staffing business to better capitalize on opportunities in local markets.
(8) Other, net primarily represents amortization of capitalized hosted software implementation costs.
OCU400 demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability profile in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Leber congenial amaurosis (LCA) subjects
Completed dosing of three LCA patients including a pediatric patient
OCU400 Phase 1/2 study results suggest stabilization or improvement of Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) or Multi-Luminance Mobility Testing (MLMT) or Low-Luminance Visual Acuity (LLVA) in treated eyes of 83% (10/12) subjects
Stabilization or improvement in MLMT scores from baseline in 86% (6/7) of RHO subjects demonstrated gene-agnostic property of OCU400 modifier gene therapy and its potential benefits in broader RP and LCA subjects
Ocugen’s inhaled mucosal vaccine candidate for COVID-19—OCU500—selected by National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ (NIAID) Project NextGen for inclusion in clinical trials
MALVERN, Pa., Nov. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (Ocugen or the Company) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines, today reported third quarter 2023 financial results along with a general business update.
“Ocugen has made significant pipeline progress in the third quarter,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Founder of Ocugen. “In particular, based on the OCU400 data presented in September, I am as enthusiastic as ever regarding the potential for our modifier gene therapy approach to make an important difference in the lives of people living with blindness diseases. OCU400—our lead candidate—has the potential to address multiple genetic mutations with a single product compared to traditional gene therapies that target one gene at a time.”
This clinical efficacy update provided in September 2023 included data for 12 subjects who have completed a minimum of 6 months follow up. 83%, 83%, and 75% of subjects demonstrated stabilization or improvements in OCU400 treated eyes on BCVA, LLVA, and MLMT scores, respectively from baseline. 86% of subjects with the RHO gene mutation experienced either stabilization or increase in MLMT scores from baseline, including a subset of 29% that demonstrated a three Lux luminance level improvement. Preservation of remaining vision, slowing disease progression, or improving the vision can significantly impact patients’ quality of life.
“The improvements in BCVA, LLVA and MLMT in RHO patients—a disease affecting more than 10,000 people in the U.S. alone—supports the gene-agnostic mechanism of action for OCU400,” said Dr. Musunuri.
In October 2023, OCU500, was selected by the NIAID Project NextGen for inclusion in clinical trials. OCU500 will be tested via two different mucosal routes, inhalation into the lungs and as a nasal spray. Currently used injected vaccines, including mRNA vaccines, are not effective in preventing infection and spread although effective against severe infection. Generating mucosal immunity in nasal and respiratory airways could help block the infection at its origin, thus limiting spread.
“NIAID support for our mucosal vaccine platform is the result of many months of hard work and dedicated effort by our Ocugen team and is a first step in potentially expanding the platform to flu and other respiratory viral diseases and infections,” said Dr. Musunuri. “Additionally, this funding makes it possible to focus the majority of Ocugen’s R&D and clinical resources on our first-in-class gene and cell therapies.”
As Ocugen prepares to start Phase 3 for OCU400, begin dosing patients for OCU410 and OCU410ST, and initiate the Phase 1 trial for OCU500 in collaboration with NIAID, the company is making meaningful progress toward its long-term strategy and delivering on each of its scientific platforms in the near-term.
Ophthalmic Gene Therapies—First-in-class
OCU400 – Completed dosing adult RP patients in the dose-escalation and dose-expansion portions of the trial; completed dosing three LCA patients including a pediatric patient. Phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of RP to be initiated in early 2024 following FDA concurrence on study design. Subsequently, the Company is expecting to expand the OCU400 Phase 3 clinical trial for LCA patients in the second half of 2024 based on Phase 1/2 study results in LCA patients and alignment with the FDA.
OCU410 and OCU410ST – IND applications to initiate Phase 1/2 trials for both OCU410 and OCU410ST were cleared by the FDA and the Company intends to dose patients in Phase 1/2 trials by the end of 2023.
Ophthalmic Biologic Product
OCU200 – Continuing to work on the Company’s response to the FDA regarding the IND application and expect to initiate the Phase 1 clinical trial in the first half of 2024, contingent on the lift of the FDA hold and adequate availability of funding.
Regenerative Cell Therapies—First-in-class
NeoCart® – Ocugen’s autologous regenerative cell therapy (using patients’ own cartilage cells) remains on track to begin its Phase 3 clinical trial in the second half of 2024. A cGMP facility for manufacturing NeoCart is expected to be completed at the end of 2023 and qualification is expected in the first half of 2024.
Vaccines Portfolio—First-in-class
Mucosal Vaccine Platform – The Company is collaborating with NIAID to initiate clinical trials of OCU500 in early 2024.
Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results
The Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and investments totaled $53.5 million as of September 30, 2023, compared to $90.9 million as of December 31, 2022. The Company had 256.5 million shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2023.
Total operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023 were $15.4 million and included research and development expenses of $6.3 million and general and administrative expenses of $9.1 million. This compares to total operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2022 of $23.1 million that included research and development expenses of $15.6 million and general and administrative expenses of $7.5 million.
Ocugen reported a $0.06 net loss per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to a $0.10 net loss per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Conference Call and Webcast Details
Ocugen has scheduled a conference call and webcast for 8:30 a.m. ET today to discuss the financial results and recent business highlights. Ocugen’s senior management team will host the call, which will be open to all listeners. There will also be a question-and-answer session following the prepared remarks.
Attendees are invited to participate on the call or webcast using the following details:
Dial-in Numbers: (800) 715-9871 for U.S. callers and (646) 307-1963 for international callers Conference ID: 1787631 Webcast: Available on the events section of the Ocugen investor site
A replay of the call and archived webcast will be available for approximately 45 days following the event on the Ocugen investor site.
About Ocugen, Inc. Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patient’s lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.
Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s clinical development activities and related anticipated timelines;strategy, business plans and objectives for its clinical stage programs; plans and timelines for the preclinical and clinical development of its product candidates, including the therapeutic potential, clinical benefits and safety thereof; expectations regarding timing, success and data announcements of current ongoing preclinical and clinical trials; the ability to initiate new clinical programs; and Ocugen’s financial condition. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Ocugen’s subsequent filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.
Contact: Tiffany Hamilton Head of Communications IR@ocugen.com
CALGARY, AB, Nov. 8, 2023 /CNW/ – Alvopetro Energy Ltd. (TSXV: ALV) (OTCQX: ALVOF) is pleased to announce financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and an operational update.
All references herein to $ refer to United States dollars, unless otherwise stated and all tabular amounts are in thousands of United States dollars, except as otherwise noted.
President & CEO, Corey C. Ruttan commented:
“While sales volumes were lower in Q3 2023 due to temporary reductions in demand, we were still able to generate record operating netbacks of $70.34/boe and $9.6 million of funds flow from operations. Our production rates in October increased back up to 1,839 boepd. Capital expenditures in Q3 were focused on drilling our 183-A3 well, the first fit-for-purpose development well on our Murucututu natural gas field. The initial results from drilling are promising and we look forward to completing the well and bringing it on production later in the year.”
Operational Update
We completed drilling the 183-A3 well on our 100% owned Murucututu natural gas field in October. The well was drilled to a total measured depth of 3,540 metres and, based on open-hole logs, the well encountered potential net natural gas pay in both the Caruaçu Member of the Maracangalha Formation and the Gomo Member of the Candeias Formation, with an aggregate 127.7 metres total vertical depth of potential natural gas pay, using a 6% porosity cut-off, 50% Vshale cut-off and 50% water saturation cutoff. Subject to equipment availability and regulatory approvals, we expect to commence completion operations on the well later this month. The well will then be put on production directly into the adjacent field production facility.
October sales volumes increased to 1,839 boepd, an 8% increase from Q3 2023. October sales included natural gas sales of 10.6 MMcfpd, associated natural gas liquids sales from condensate of 67 bopd and oil sales of 8 bopd, based on field estimates.
In October we completed the BL-06 well on our Bom Lugar field and brought the well on production. October production volumes are expected to be sold in November. Based on field production data, the well is currently producing at an average of 14 bopd.
Financial and Operating Highlights – Third Quarter of 2023
With reduced offtake from Bahiagás during the quarter following reductions in end user consumption, our average daily sales decreased to 1,696 boepd (-14% from Q2 2023 and -36% from Q3 2022).
Our average realized natural gas price increased to $13.06/Mcf, a 17% increase from Q3 2022 with the 3% increase in our contracted natural gas price, enhanced sales tax credits available in 2023 and a 7% appreciation in the average BRL to USD in Q3 2023 compared to Q3 2022. With the higher natural gas price, our overall realized price per boe increased to $78.90 (+15% from Q3 2022 and +2% from Q2 2023).
Our natural gas, condensate and oil revenue was $12.3 million in Q3 2023, a decrease of $4.4 million (-26%) compared to Q3 2022 and a decrease of $1.6 million (-12%) compared to Q2 2023.
Our operating netback improved to $70.34 per boe (+$10.51 per boe from Q3 2022 and +$0.73 per boe from Q2 2023) with higher realized sales prices, partially offset by the impact of fixed operating costs with lower sales volumes.
We generated funds flows from operations of $9.6 million ($0.26 per basic and $0.25 per diluted share), a decrease of $3.7 million compared to Q3 2022 and $1.4 million compared to Q2 2023.
We reported net income of $5.8 million in Q3 2023, a decrease of $3.0 million (-34%) compared to Q3 2022 and $4.0 million (-41%) compared to Q2 2023.
Capital expenditures totaled $10.7 million, including drilling costs for the 183-A3 well on our Murucututu natural gas field, drilling and completion costs for the BL-06 well on our Bom Lugar field, and long-lead purchases for future capital projects.
Our working capital surplus was $11.4 million as of September 30, 2023, decreasing $6.7 million from June 30, 2023 and $3.3 million from December 31, 2022.
The following table provides a summary of Alvopetro’s financial and operating results for three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022. The consolidated financial statements with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) are available on our website at www.alvopetro.com and will be available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.
As at and Three Months EndedSeptember 30,
As at and Nine Months EndedSeptember 30,
2023
2022
Change (%)
2023
2022
Change (%)
Financial
($000s, except where noted)
Natural gas, oil and condensate sales
12,313
16,672
(26)
44,387
46,431
(4)
Net income
5,819
8,795
(34)
27,873
26,541
5
Per share – basic ($)(1)
0.16
0.26
(38)
0.75
0.78
(4)
Per share – diluted ($)(1)
0.15
0.24
(38)
0.74
0.72
3
Cash flows from operating activities
12,469
13,838
(10)
39,798
35,168
13
Per share – basic ($)(1)
0.34
0.40
(15)
1.07
1.03
4
Per share – diluted ($)(1)
0.33
0.37
(11)
1.05
0.96
9
Funds flow from operations (2)
9,618
13,348
(28)
35,637
36,686
(3)
Per share – basic ($)(1)
0.26
0.39
(33)
0.96
1.08
(11)
Per share – diluted ($)(1)
0.25
0.36
(31)
0.94
1.00
(6)
Dividends declared
5,122
2,896
77
15,335
8,340
84
Per share(1)
0.14
0.08
75
0.42
0.24
75
Capital expenditures
10,703
8,713
23
22,515
18,851
19
Cash and cash equivalents
22,779
17,380
31
22,779
17,380
31
Net working capital surplus(2)
11,392
12,225
(7)
11,392
12,225
(7)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic (000s)(1)
37,138
34,434
8
37,086
34,107
9
Diluted (000s)(1)
37,868
36,939
3
37,748
36,693
3
Operations
Natural gas, NGLs and crude oil sales:
Natural gas (Mcfpd), by field:
Caburé (Mcfpd)
8,949
15,139
(41)
11,757
14,344
(18)
Murucututu (Mcfpd)
726
–
–
467
–
–
Total natural gas (Mcfpd)
9,675
15,139
(36)
12,224
14,344
(15)
NGLs – condensate (bopd)
81
117
(31)
101
104
(3)
Oil (bopd)
3
2
50
4
6
(33)
Total (boepd)
1,696
2,642
(36)
2,142
2,501
(14)
Average realized prices(2):
Natural gas ($/Mcf)
13.06
11.18
17
12.57
11.03
14
NGLs – condensate ($/bbl)
89.43
101.57
(12)
85.31
109.38
(22)
Oil ($/bbl)
73.08
80.92
(10)
69.18
83.59
(17)
Total ($/boe)
78.90
68.59
15
75.90
68.00
12
Operating netback ($/boe)(2)
Realized sales price
78.90
68.59
15
75.90
68.00
12
Royalties
(2.04)
(5.42)
(62)
(2.14)
(5.05)
(58)
Production expenses
(6.52)
(3.34)
95
(5.22)
(3.77)
38
Operating netback
70.34
59.83
18
68.54
59.18
16
Operating netback margin(2)
89 %
87 %
2
90 %
87 %
3
Notes:
(1)
Per share amounts are based on weighted average shares outstanding other than dividends per share, which is based on the number of common shares outstanding at each dividend record date. The weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding in the computation of funds flow from operations and cash flows from operating activities per share is the same as for net income per share.
(2)
See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section within this news release.
Q3 2023 Results Webcast
Alvopetro will host a live webcast to discuss our Q3 2023 financial results at 9:00 am Mountain time on Thursday November 9, 2023. Details for joining the event are as follows:
The webcast will include a question and answer period. Online participants will be able to ask questions through the Zoom portal. Dial-in participants can email questions directly to socialmedia@alvopetro.com.
Long-term Incentive Compensation Grants
In connection with our long-term incentive compensation program, Alvopetro’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has approved the annual rolling grants to officers, directors and certain employees under Alvopetro’s Omnibus Incentive Plan. A total of 638,000 stock options, 107,000 restricted share units (“RSUs”) and 31,000 deferred share units (“DSUs”) were approved by the Board and are expected to be granted on November 17, 2023. Of the total grants, 271,000 stock options, 70,000 RSUs and 31,000 DSUs will be granted to directors and officers. Each stock option, RSU and DSU entitles the holder to purchase one common share. Each stock option granted will have an exercise price based on the volume weighted average trading price of Alvopetro’s shares on the TSX Venture Exchange for the five (5) consecutive trading days up to and including November 17, 2023. All stock options granted expire five (5) years from the date of the grant. All RSUs and DSUs granted expire ten (10) years from the date of the grant.
Alvopetro Energy Ltd.’svision is to become a leading independent upstream and midstream operator in Brazil. Our strategy is to unlock the on-shore natural gas potential in the state of Bahia in Brazil, building off the development of our Caburé and Murucututu natural gas fields and our strategic midstream infrastructure.
Neither the 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 news release.
Abbreviations:
$000s
=
thousands of U.S. dollars
bbls
=
barrels
boepd
=
barrels of oil equivalent (“boe”) per day
bopd
=
barrels of oil and/or natural gas liquids (condensate) per day
BRL
=
Brazilian Real
Mcf
=
thousand cubic feet
Mcfpd
=
thousand cubic feet per day
MMcf
=
million cubic feet
MMcfpd
=
million cubic feet per day
NGLs
=
natural gas liquids
Q2 2023
=
three months ended June 30, 2023
Q3 2022
=
three months ended September 30, 2022
Q3 2023
=
three months ended September 30, 2023
USD
=
United States dollars
Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures
This news release contains references to various non-GAAP financial measures, non-GAAP ratios, capital management measures and supplementary financial measures as such terms are defined in National Instrument 52-112 Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure. Such measures are not recognized measures under GAAP and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. While these measures may be common in the oil and gas industry, the Company’s use of these terms may not be comparable to similarly defined measures presented by other companies. The non-GAAP and other financial measures referred to in this report should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than measures prescribed by IFRS and they are not meant to enhance the Company’s reported financial performance or position. These are complementary measures that are used by management in assessing the Company’s financial performance, efficiency and liquidity and they may be used by investors or other users of this document for the same purpose. Below is a description of the non-GAAP financial measures, non-GAAP ratios, capital management measures and supplementary financial measures used in this news release. For more information with respect to financial measures which have not been defined by GAAP, including reconciliations to the closest comparable GAAP measure, see the “Non-GAAP Measures and Other Financial Measures” section of the Company’s MD&A which may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Operating netback
Operating netback is calculated as natural gas, oil and condensate revenues less royalties and production expenses. This calculation is provided in the “Operating Netback” section of the Company’s MD&A using our IFRS measures. The Company’s MD&A may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Operating netback is a common metric used in the oil and gas industry used to demonstrate profitability from operations.
Non-GAAP Financial Ratios
Operating netback per boe
Operating netback is calculated on a per unit basis, which is per barrel of oil equivalent (“boe”). It is a common non-GAAP measure used in the oil and gas industry and management believes this measurement assists in evaluating the operating performance of the Company. It is a measure of the economic quality of the Company’s producing assets and is useful for evaluating variable costs as it provides a reliable measure regardless of fluctuations in production. Alvopetro calculated operating netback per boe as operating netback divided by total sales volumes (barrels of oil equivalent). This calculation is provided in the “Operating Netback” section of the Company’s MD&A using our IFRS measures. The Company’s MD&A may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Operating netback is a common metric used in the oil and gas industry used to demonstrate profitability from operations on a per unit basis (boe).
Operating netback margin
Operating netback margin is calculated as operating netback per boe divided by the realized sales price per boe. Operating netback margin is a measure of the profitability per boe relative to natural gas, oil and condensate sales revenues per boe and is calculated as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months EndedSeptember 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Operating netback – $ per boe
70.34
59.83
68.54
59.18
Average realized price – $ per boe
78.90
68.59
75.90
68.00
Operating netback margin
89 %
87 %
90 %
87 %
Funds Flow from Operations Per Share
Funds flow from operations per share is a non-GAAP ratio that includes all cash generated from operating activities and is calculated before changes in non-cash working capital, divided by the weighted the weighted average shares outstanding for the respective period. For the periods reported in this news release the cash flows from operating activities per share and funds flow from operations per share is as follows:
Three Months EndedSeptember 30,
Nine Months EndedSeptember 30,
$ per share
2023
2022
2023
2022
Per basic share:
Cash flows from operating activities
0.34
0.40
1.07
1.03
Funds flow from operations
0.26
0.39
0.96
1.08
Per diluted share:
Cash flows from operating activities
0.33
0.37
1.05
0.96
Funds flow from operations
0.25
0.36
0.94
1.00
Capital Management Measures
Funds Flow from Operations
Funds flow from operations is a non-GAAP capital management measure that includes all cash generated from operating activities and is calculated before changes in non-cash working capital. The most comparable GAAP measure to funds flow from operations is cash flows from operating activities. Management considers funds flow from operations important as it helps evaluate financial performance and demonstrates the Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash to fund future growth opportunities. Funds flow from operations should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, cash flows from operating activities however management finds that the impact of working capital items on the cash flows reduces the comparability of the metric from period to period. A reconciliation of funds flow from operations to cash flows from operating activities is as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months EndedSeptember 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Cash flows from operating activities
12,469
13,838
39,798
35,168
(Deduct) add back changes in non-cash working capital
(2,851)
(490)
(4,161)
1,518
Funds flow from operations
9,618
13,348
35,637
36,686
Net Working Capital
Net working capital is computed as current assets less current liabilities. Net working capital is a measure of liquidity, is used to evaluate financial resources, and is calculated as follows:
As at September 30,
2023
2022
Total current assets
27,354
24,545
Total current liabilities
(15,962)
(12,320)
Net working capital
11,392
12,225
Supplementary Financial Measures
“Average realized natural gas price – $/Mcf” is comprised of natural gas sales as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s natural gas sales volumes.
“Average realized NGL – condensate price – $/bbl” is comprised of condensate sales as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s NGL sales volumes from condensate.
“Average realized oil price – $/bbl” is comprised of oil sales as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s oil sales volumes.
“Average realized price – $/boe” is comprised of natural gas, condensate and oil sales as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s total natural gas, NGL and oil sales volumes (barrels of oil equivalent).
“Dividends per share” is comprised of dividends declared, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the number of shares outstanding at the dividend record date.
“Royalties per boe” is comprised of royalties, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the total natural gas, NGL and oil sales volumes (barrels of oil equivalent).
“Production expenses per boe” is comprised of production expenses, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the total natural gas, NGL and oil sales volumes (barrels of oil equivalent).
BOE Disclosure
The term barrels of oil equivalent (“boe”) may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet per barrel (6 Mcf/bbl) of natural gas to barrels of oil equivalence is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. All boe conversions in this news release are derived from converting gas to oil in the ratio mix of six thousand cubic feet of gas to one barrel of oil.
Testing and Well Results
Data obtained from the 183-A3 well identified in this press release, including hydrocarbon shows, open-hole logging, net pay and porosities should be considered to be preliminary until testing, detailed analysis and interpretation has been completed. Hydrocarbon shows can be seen during the drilling of a well in numerous circumstances and do not necessarily indicate a commercial discovery or the presence of commercial hydrocarbons in a well. There is no representation by Alvopetro that the data relating to the 183-A3 well contained in this press release is necessarily indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery. The reader is cautioned not to unduly rely on such data as such data may not be indicative of future performance of the well or of expected production or operational results for Alvopetro in the future.
Forward-Looking Statements and Cautionary Language
This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words “will”, “expect”, “intend” and other similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward‐looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly from the expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events. Accordingly, when relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, Alvopetro cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements concerning potential net natural gas pay in the 183-A3 well, the timing of competion of the 183-A3 well, anticipated timing of commencing production from the 183-A3 well, expectations regarding future development plans for the Murucututu natural gas field , plans relating to the Company’s operational activities, proposed exploration development activities and the timing for such activities, exploration and development prospects of Alvopetro, capital spending levels, future capital and operating costs, future production and sales volumes, production allocations from the Caburé natural gas field, the expected natural gas price, gas sales and gas deliveries under Alvopetro’s long-term gas sales agreement, anticipated timing for upcoming drilling and testing of other wells, projected financial results, the expected timing and outcomes of certain of Alvopetro’s testing activities, and sources and availability of capital. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon assumptions and judgments with respect to the future including, but not limited to, expectations and assumptions concerning the timing of regulatory licenses and approvals, equipment availability, the success of future drilling, completion, testing, recompletion and development activities and the timing of such activities, the performance of producing wells and reservoirs, well development and operating performance, expectations regarding Alvopetro’s working interest and the outcome of any redeterminations, environmental regulation, including regulation relating to hydraulic fracturing and stimulation, the ability to monetize hydrocarbons discovered, the outlook for commodity markets and ability to access capital markets, foreign exchange rates, general economic and business conditions, forecasted demand for oil and natural gas, the impact of global pandemics, weather and access to drilling locations, the availability and cost of labour and services, the regulatory and legal environment and other risks associated with oil and gas operations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. Actual results achieved during the forecast period will vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. In addition, the declaration, timing, amount and payment of future dividends remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Although we believe that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because we can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, reliance on industry partners, availability of equipment and personnel, uncertainty surrounding timing for drilling and completion activities resulting from weather and other factors, changes in applicable regulatory regimes and health, safety and environmental risks), commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, market uncertainty associated with financial institution instability, and general economic conditions. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. Although Alvopetro believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Alvopetro can give no assurance that it will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on factors that could affect the operations or financial results of Alvopetro are included in our annual information form which may be accessed on Alvopetro’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and Alvopetro undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.
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