TORONTO, May 6, 2014 /CNW/ - Royalty income for the first quarter of 2014 amounted to $26.9 million as compared to $26.1 million for the first quarter of 2013. The shareholders' adjusted cash flow (see below for definition) for the first quarter was $27.7 million or $0.43 per share as compared to $14.4 million or $0.22 per share for the same period in 2013. The higher cash flow for the quarter reflected an IOC dividend of which our share was $12.6 million or $0.20 per share. Net income was $27.1 million or $0.42 per share compared to $21.7 million or $0.34 per share for the same period in 2013. Equity earnings from Iron Ore Company of Canada ("IOC") amounted to $12.6 million or $0.20 per share as compared to $9.4 million or $0.15 per share in 2013.

IOC production in the first quarter is normally reduced due to the problems associated with winter weather conditions and production is usually 15-20% of annual production. The 2014 first quarter was subjected to disruptively cold weather associated with a "polar vortex" weather pattern, which caused an external power outage and unplanned equipment downtime. As a result, saleable production was 12% below last year's first quarter. Sales for the quarter, which were slightly below last year's quarter, were restricted by the availability of product and IOC had to declare a temporary force majeure. Despite the weather challenges, IOC established new records for February ex-pit mine production and Ore Delivery System crushed ore. Average U.S. dollar index prices for concentrate in the quarter were about 11% below 2013 fourth quarter and the average for the year. The lower price was largely offset by higher pellet premiums and the weakness of the Canadian dollar against its U.S counterpart.

Results for the three months ended March 31 are summarized below:

"Adjusted cash flow" (defined as cash flow from operating activities as shown on the attached financial statements adjusted for changes in amounts receivable, accounts payable and income taxes payable) is not a recognized measure under IFRS.  The Directors believe that adjusted cash flow is a useful analytical measure as it better reflects cash available for dividends to shareholders.

A summary of IOC's sales in millions of tonnes is as follows:

Outlook

The IOC expansion program should be completed during the second quarter of the year. On the assumption that production for the balance of the year gradually approaches the nominal annual capacity of 23.3 million tonnes, 2014 concentrate production could exceed 18 million tonnes, if weather and other factors do not intervene. Prices are currently lower than the 2013 average prices, but this is partially offset by the weaker Canadian dollar. IOC expects to be able to sell all the concentrate and pellets it can produce during the year. Increased production and sales should result in increased royalty revenue for Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation and increased cash flow for IOC.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Directors of Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation,
Bruce C. Bone
President and Chief Executive Officer
May 6, 2014

Management's Discussion and Analysis

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of the Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation's ("LIORC" or the "Corporation") 2013 Annual Report and the interim financial statements and notes contained in this report.  Although management believes that expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risk and uncertainties including the factors discussed in the Corporation's 2013 Annual Report.

The Corporation's revenues are entirely dependent on the operations of Iron Ore Company of Canada ("IOC") as its principal assets relate to the operations of IOC and its principal source of revenue is the 7% royalty it receives on all sales of iron ore products by IOC.  In addition to the volume of iron ore sold, the Corporation's royalty revenue is affected by the price of iron ore and the Canadian - U.S. dollar exchange rate.

The first quarter sales of IOC are traditionally adversely affected by the closing of the St. Lawrence Seaway and general winter operating conditions and are usually 15% - 20% of the annual volume, with the balance spread fairly evenly throughout the other three quarters.  Because of the size of individual shipments some quarters may be affected by the timing of the loading of ships that can be delayed from one quarter to the next.

Royalty income for the first quarter of 2014 amounted to $26.9 million as compared to $26.1 million for the first quarter of 2013. The shareholders' adjusted cash flow (see below for definition and calculation) for the first quarter was $27.7 million or $0.43 per share as compared to $14.4 million or $0.22 per share for the same period in 2013. The higher cash flow for the quarter reflected an IOC dividend of which our share was $12.6 million or $0.20 per share. Net income was $27.1 million or $0.42 per share compared to $21.7 million or $0.34 per share for the same period in 2013. Equity earnings from IOC amounted to $12.6 million or $0.20 per share as compared to $9.4 million or $0.15 per share in 2013.

IOC production in the first quarter is normally reduced due to the problems associated with winter weather conditions and production is usually 15-20% of annual production. The 2014 first quarter was subjected to disruptively cold weather associated with a "polar vortex" weather pattern, which caused an external power outage and unplanned equipment downtime. As a result, saleable production was 12% below last year's first quarter. Sales for the quarter, which were slightly below last year's quarter, were restricted by the availability of product and IOC had to declare a temporary force majeure. Despite the weather challenges, IOC established new records for February ex-pit mine production and Ore Delivery System crushed ore. Average U.S. dollar index prices for concentrate in the quarter were about 11% below 2013 fourth quarter and the average for the year. The lower price was largely offset by higher pellet premiums and the weakness of the Canadian dollar against its U.S counterpart.

The following table sets out quarterly revenue, net income and cash flow data for 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Standardized Cash Flow and Adjusted Cash Flow
For the Corporation, standardized cash flow is the same as cash flow from operating activities as recorded in the Corporation's cash flow statements as the Corporation does not incur capital expenditures or have any restrictions on distributions.  Standardized cash flow per share was $0.40 for the quarter (2013 - $0.22). Cumulative standardized cash flow from inception of the Corporation is $19.24 per share and total cash distributions since inception are $18.69 per share, for a payout ratio of 97%.

"Adjusted cash flow" is defined as cash flow from operating activities as shown on the attached financial statements adjusted for changes in amounts receivable, accounts payable and income taxes payable.  It is not a recognized measure under IFRS.  The Directors believe that adjusted cash flow is a useful analytical measure as it better reflects cash available for dividends to shareholders.

The following reconciles cash flow from operating activities to adjusted cash flow.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Corporation has $30.5 million in cash as at March 31, 2014 with total current assets of $57.7 million and working capital of $26.7 million. During the quarter, the Corporation earned operating cash flows of $25.8 million with the cash balance declining $22.1 million as a result of dividends paid.

Cash balances consist of deposits in Canadian dollars with Canadian chartered banks. Accounts receivable primarily consist of royalty payments from IOC. Royalty payments are received in U.S. dollars and converted to Canadian dollars on receipt, usually 25 days after the quarter end. The Corporation does not normally attempt to hedge this short term foreign currency exposure.

Operating cash flow of the Corporation is sourced entirely from IOC through the Corporation's 7% royalty, 10 cents commission per tonne and dividends from its 15.10% equity interest in IOC. The Corporation intends to pay cash dividends of the net income derived from IOC to the maximum extent possible, subject to the maintenance of appropriate levels of working capital and debt.

The Corporation has a $50 million revolving credit facility with a term ending September 18, 2016 with provision for annual one-year extensions.  No amount is currently drawn under this facility (2013 - nil) leaving $50.0 million available to provide for any capital required by IOC or requirements of the Corporation.

Outlook

The IOC expansion program should be completed during the second quarter of the year. On the assumption that production for the balance of the year gradually approaches the nominal annual capacity of 23.3 million tonnes, 2014 concentrate production could exceed 18 million tonnes, if weather and other factors do not intervene. Prices are currently lower than the 2013 average prices, but this is partially offset by the weaker Canadian dollar. IOC expects to be able to sell all the concentrate and pellets it can produce during the year. Increased production and sales should result in increased royalty revenue for LIORC and increased cash flow for IOC.

Bruce C. Bone
President and Chief Executive Officer
Toronto, Ontario
May 6, 2014

Notice:

The following unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Corporation have been prepared by and are the responsibility of the Corporation's management. The Corporation's independent auditor has not reviewed these financial statements.

The complete consolidated financial statements for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, including the notes thereto, are posted on sedar.com and labradorironore.com.

SOURCE Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation