Algoma Central Corporation - Operating Results

(In thousand of dollars except per share data)
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012

ALC-T

ST. CATHARINES, ON, Feb. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - The Corporation is reporting revenues for the 2013 fourth quarter of $148,864 compared to $148,667 for the fourth quarter of 2012.

The segment earnings after income taxes were $21,573 compared to earnings of $27,911 for the fourth quarter in 2012.  Strong demand continued to drive increased earnings for Product Tankers; however, these were more than offset by decreases in earnings for the Domestic Dry-Bulk segment related to the revenue shortfall. Ocean Shipping and Real Estate segments had minor decreases in earnings for the quarter.

The increase in interest expense was due to interest on a tax settlement, which also resulted in an increase in the income tax expense. Interest income for 2013 includes $2,006 of interest on the refunded portion of the income tax instalment and $3,849 on interest received on our recovered international tanker construction deposits.

The net earnings and basic earnings per share were $22,849 and $0.59, respectively, compared to $24,243 and $0.62, respectively, for the same period last year.

For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012

The Corporation is reporting 2013 revenues of $491,499 compared to $527,871 for the same period in 2012.  The decrease is mainly attributable to the domestic dry-bulk business for which volumes shipped decreased compared to prior years.  This was only partially offset by strong volumes for domestic tankers and by improved ocean shipping results tied to dry-docking schedules.

Segment earnings after income taxes were $46,146 in 2013 compared to $59,807 for 2012.  Revenue decreases in Domestic Dry-Bulk and Real Estate drove operating income lower for those segments, which was only partially offset by improved earnings from Product Tankers.  Earnings of the Ocean Shipping segment remained approximately the same.

Net earnings and basic earnings per share were $41,923 and $1.08, respectively, compared to $42,156 and $1.08, respectively, for the same period last year.  Lower segment earnings were largely offset by reduced foreign exchange losses and an increase in interest income.  Net earnings for 2013 include a foreign exchange translation gain of $5,587 compared to a loss of $3,901 for the same period in 2012. The increase in interest income is due primarily to interest received on the recovery of vessel deposits and interest on refunded income tax installments.

The results from operations are as follows:

				Three Months Ended						Twelve Months Ended
				December 31						December 31
				2013			2012			2013			2012
Revenues
	Domestic Dry-Bulk			$	102,610		$	112,390		$	323,023		$	375,554
	Product Tankers				29,188			22,322			100,635			87,164
	Ocean Shipping				9,760			6,690			39,513			35,966
	Real Estate				7,307			7,264			28,328			29,187
				$	148,865		$	148,666		$	491,499		$	527,871
Operating earnings net of income tax
	Domestic Dry-Bulk			$	14,563		$	21,519		$	14,909		$	32,424
	Product Tankers				3,119			2,024			13,694			9,270
	Ocean Shipping				3,421			3,552			15,335			14,999
	Real Estate				470			816			2,208			3,114
					21,573			27,911			46,146			59,807
Not specifically identifiable to segments
	Net loss on translation of foreign-denominated
	monetary assets and liabilities				3,243			813			5,587			(3,901)
	Interest expense ,net				(5,630)			(3,274)			(12,434)			(12,947)
	Interest income				7,105			407			7,105			407
	Income tax (expense) recovery				(3,442)			(1,614)			(4,481)			(1,210)
				$	22,849		$	24,243		$	41,923		$	42,156
Basic earnings per common share				$	0.59		$	0.62		$	1.08		$	1.08

Conference Call

Algoma will hold a conference call on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at 11:00 am EST to discuss the results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2013.

This call will be webcast live at: http://www.newswire.ca/en/webcast/detail/1303167/1437953, following which it will be available in archived format.

About Algoma Central Corporation

Algoma Central Corporation owns and operates the largest Canadian flag fleet of dry and liquid bulk carriers operating on the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Waterway, including 18 self-unloading dry-bulk carriers, six gearless dry bulk carriers and seven product tankers. Algoma also has interests in ocean dry-bulk and product tanker vessels operating in international markets. Algoma owns a diversified ship repair and steel fabricating facility active in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence regions of Canada. In addition, Algoma owns and manages commercial real estate properties in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Catharines and Waterloo, Ontario.

Cautionary Statements

This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws including information concerning the business and future results of Algoma. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements about the purchase of vessels by Algoma. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by this information. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release and are based on current expectations. Algoma undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information, other than as required by law, or to comment on analyses, expectations, or statements made by third-parties in respect of Algoma, its financial or operating results or its securities. Algoma cautions that all forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from the assumptions, estimates or expectations reflected or contained in the forward-looking information, and that actual future results could be affected by a number of factors, many of which are beyond Algoma's control, including economic circumstances, technological changes, weather conditions and the material risks and uncertainties identified by Algoma and discussed on pages 13 to 17 of Algoma's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2013, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

 

SOURCE: Algoma Central Corporation

Greg D. Wight, FCPA, FCA
President and Chief Executive Officer
905-687-7850

Peter D. Winkley, CPA, CA
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
905-687-7897