Manulife declares preferred share dividends

PR Newswire

C$ unless otherwise stated 
TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC  SEHK: 945

TORONTO, Nov. 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – Manulife’s Board of Directors today announced quarterly shareholders’ dividends on the following non-cumulative preferred shares of Manulife Financial Corporation, payable on or after December 19, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 23, 2020:

  • Class A Shares Series 2 – $0.29063 per share
  • Class A Shares Series 3 – $0.28125 per share
  • Class 1 Shares Series 3 – $0.136125 per share
  • Class 1 Shares Series 4 – $0.09767 per share
  • Class 1 Shares Series 5 – $0.243188 per share
  • Class 1 Shares Series 7 – $0.2695 per share
  • Class 1 Shares Series 9 – $0.271938 per share
  • Class 1 Shares Series 11 – $0.295688 per share
  • Class 1 Shares Series 13 – $0.275875 per share
  • Class 1 Shares Series 15 – $0.236625 per share
  • Class 1 Shares Series 17 – $0.2375 per share
  • Class 1 Shares Series 19 – $0.229688 per share
  • Class 1 Shares Series 21 – $0.35 per share
  • Class 1 Shares Series 23 – $0.303125 per share
  • Class 1 Shares Series 25 – $0.29375 per share

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services group that helps people make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we operate as Manulife across our offices in Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. We provide financial advice, insurance, and wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups and institutions. At the end of 2019, we had more than 35,000 employees, over 98,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving almost 30 million customers. As of September 30, 2020, we had $1.3 trillion (US$943 billion) in assets under management and administration, and in the previous 12 months we made $31.2 billion in payments to our customers. Our principal operations are in Asia, Canada and the United States where we have served customers for more than 155 years. We trade as ‘MFC’ on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges and under ‘945’ in Hong Kong.

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SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Pomerantz Law Firm Investigates Claims On Behalf of Investors of Turquoise Hills Resources Ltd. – TRQ

NEW YORK, Nov. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Turquoise Hills Resources Ltd. (“Turquoise Hills” or the “Company”) (NYSE: TRQ).  Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Turquoise Hills and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. 



[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On February 26, 2019, Turquoise Hill disclosed that although “the project cost” for the Company’s Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia “was expected to remain within the $5.3 billion budget,” a review had determined that “there was an increasingly likely risk of a further delay to sustainable first production beyond Q3‘21.”  Turquoise Hill attributed the “likely risk” to productivity delays in completing Shaft 2 and “challenging ground conditions that have had a direct impact on the project’s critical path.”  On this news, Turquoise Hill’s stock price fell $2.10 per share, or 12.68%, to close at $1.83 per share on February 27, 2019. 

Then, on July 15, 2019, Turquoise Hill issued a press release announcing a further delay and that the underground project would cost substantially more than the Company had earlier stated.  Sustainable first production from the underground development of Oyu Tolgoi would now be delayed by a further nine to twenty-one months until May 2022 to June 2023, and “the development capital spend for the project may increase by $1.2 to $1.9 billion over the $5.3 billion previously disclosed.”  Turquoise Hill attributed the change to “[i]mproved rock mass information and geotechnical data modelling,” which “confirmed that there are stability risks associated with components of the existing mine design.”  Turquoise Hill disclosed that the issues with the mine design were sufficiently unsettled that it would take until the second half of 2020 to develop a revised design for the mine.

Finally, on July 31, 2019, Turquoise Hill issued a press release and Management Discussion & Analysis making further disclosures about the status of the project, including that Turquoise Hill took a $600 million impairment charge and a substantial “deferred income tax recognition adjustment” tied to the Oyu Tolgoi project, and that it suffered a loss in the second quarter.  The next day, pre-market, Rio Tinto issued a release concerning in part the project status, disclosing that it had also taken an impairment charge of $800 million related to the Oyu Tolgoi project.  On this news, Turquoise Hill’s stock price fell $0.05 per share, or 8.62%, to close at $0.53 per share on August 1, 2019.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation.  Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions.  Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct.  The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members.  See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

CONTACT:
Robert S. Willoughby
Pomerantz LLP
[email protected]
888-476-6529 ext. 7980

Manulife declares common share dividend

PR Newswire

C$ unless otherwise stated
TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC     SEHK: 945

TORONTO, Nov. 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – Manulife’s Board of Directors today announced a quarterly shareholders’ dividend of $0.28 per share on the common shares of Manulife Financial Corporation (the “Company”), payable on and after December 21, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 23, 2020.

In respect of the Company’s Canadian Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan and its U.S. Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan, the Company will purchase common shares on the open market in connection with the reinvestment of dividends and optional cash purchases under these plans. The purchase price of these common shares will be based on the average of the actual cost to purchase them and there are no applicable discounts.

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services group that helps people make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we operate as Manulife across our offices in Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. We provide financial advice, insurance, and wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups and institutions. At the end of 2019, we had more than 35,000 employees, over 98,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving almost 30 million customers. As of September 30, 2020, we had $1.3 trillion (US$943 billion) in assets under management and administration, and in the previous 12 months we made $31.2 billion in payments to our customers. Our principal operations are in Asia, Canada and the United States where we have served customers for more than 155 years. We trade as ‘MFC’ on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges and under ‘945’ in Hong Kong.

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SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation

Institutional Property Advisors Closes $55 Million Phoenix-Area Multifamily Sale

Institutional Property Advisors Closes $55 Million Phoenix-Area Multifamily Sale

GLENDALE, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Institutional Property Advisors (IPA), a division of Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI), announced today the sale of Eagle Crest, a 408-unit multifamily asset located near the Arrowhead Ranch master-planned community in Glendale, Arizona. The property sold for $55 million, which equates to $134,804 per unit.

“The global health crisis has not eroded the appeal of Greater Phoenix’s low population density and cost of living,” said Cliff David, IPA executive managing director. “With more than 77,000 new residents in 2019, Phoenix led the nation in net in-migration and this trend is likely to accelerate in the current environment.” David, Steve Gebing, IPA executive managing director, and Marty Cohan, senior vice president investments in Marcus & Millichap’s West Los Angeles office, represented the seller, a private family trust, and procured the buyer, S2 Capital. Ryan Sarbinoff, vice president and regional manager is the firm’s broker of record in Arizona. “Companies also continue to move and expand in the Phoenix area,” added Gebing. “Expanding logistical operations in the market and the metro’s industrial sector are benefiting from an increased presence among manufacturers.”

Constructed in 1987 on a 16-acre park-like setting, Eagle Crest is 20 miles northwest of Downtown Phoenix near Arrowhead Towne Center, P83 Entertainment District and the dynamic Bell Road Retail Corridor. The area is easily accessible from Loop 101, Interstates 17 and 10, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Arizona State University West Campus and Midwestern University are within five miles of the property.

“The affluent Arrowhead community surrounding Eagle Crest safeguards the property against future multifamily development,” said Cohan. “This, coupled with the preservation of the asset and care displayed by the seller over their 30-year ownership is tremendous, making the value-add potential for this property unequivocal.”

About Institutional Property Advisors (IPA)

Institutional Property Advisors (IPA) is a division of Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI), a leading commercial real estate services firm in North America. IPA’s combination of real estate investment and capital markets expertise, industry-leading technology, and acclaimed research offer customized solutions for the acquisition, disposition and financing of institutional properties and portfolios. For more information, please visit www.institutionalpropertyadvisors.com.

About Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI)

With over 2,000 investment sales and financing professionals located throughout the United States and Canada, Marcus & Millichap is a leading specialist in commercial real estate investment sales, financing, research and advisory services. Founded in 1971, the firm closed 9,726 transactions in 2019 with a value of approximately $50 billion. Marcus & Millichap has perfected a powerful system for marketing properties that combines investment specialization, local market expertise, the industry’s most comprehensive research, state-of-the-art technology, and relationships with the largest pool of qualified investors. To learn more, please visit: www.MarcusMillichap.com.

Gina Relva, Public Relations Director

925-953-1716

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Arizona United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Residential Building & Real Estate Commercial Building & Real Estate Construction & Property

MEDIA:

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Manulife reports 3Q20 net income of $2.1 billion, core earnings of $1.5 billion, APE sales of $1.4 billion, and a strong LICAT capital ratio of 155%

PR Newswire

C$ unless otherwise stated

TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC

SEHK: 945

This earnings news release for Manulife Financial Corporation (“Manulife” or the “Company”) should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Third
Quarter 2020 Report to Shareholders, including our unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2020, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board (“IASB”), which are available on our website at www.manulife.com/en/investors/results-and-reports. Additional information relating
to the Company is available on the SEDAR website at http://www.sedar.com and on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”)
website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

TORONTO, Nov. 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – Today, Manulife announced its 3Q20 results. Key highlights include:

  • Net income attributed to shareholders of $2.1 billion in 3Q20, up $1.3 billion from 3Q19
  • Core earnings1 of $1.5 billion in 3Q20, down 6%2 from 3Q19
  • Strong LICAT ratio3 of 155%
  • Core ROE1 of 11.4% and ROE of 16.4% in 3Q20
  • NBV1 of $460 million in 3Q20, down 14% from 3Q19
  • APE sales1 of $1.4 billion in 3Q20, down 2% from 3Q19
  • Global WAM net outflows1 of $2.2 billion in 3Q20 compared with net outflows of $4.4 billion in 3Q19
  • The impact to net income of the annual actuarial review was a net charge of $198 million

“While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt economies worldwide, the overall demand for our products was robust. Our strong digital capabilities have enabled us to fulfill customers’ insurance and wealth management needs across all of our markets globally. The global diversity of our franchise, strength of our offerings, and quality of our distribution capabilities were evident in Manulife’s third quarter APE sales, which were down only 2% from the prior year quarter, despite the challenging environment. In addition, we delivered core earnings of $1.5 billion and net income of $2.1 billion for the quarter, which reflects the resilience of our business,” said Manulife President & Chief Executive Officer Roy Gori.

“I am confident that Manulife is well positioned to navigate the challenges of the current environment. Our balance sheet and capital levels are strong and we continue to execute on our five priorities.4 We’ve made significant progress on our portfolio optimization and expense efficiency objectives, whilst accelerating growth in our highest potential businesses, notably Asia and Global WAM. Our efforts to enhance our digital capabilities over the last few years have enabled us to pivot quickly in the current environment, and position us well to serve our customers in a more digitally enabled world,” added Mr. Gori.

Phil Witherington, Chief Financial Officer, said, “Our LICAT ratio of 155% is strong and we continue to have substantial financial flexibility. We released over $450 million of incremental capital during the quarter by executing a reinsurance agreement in the U.S., bringing the cumulative capital benefits released from our legacy businesses through portfolio optimization activities to $5.8 billion since 2018.”

____________________________________


1

Core earnings, core return on common shareholders’ equity (“core ROE”), new business value (“NBV”), annualized premium equivalent (“APE”) sales and net flows are
non-GAAP measures. See “Performance and Non-GAAP Measures” below and in our Third Quarter 2020 Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“3Q20 MD&A”) for
additional information.


2

All percentage growth / declines in financial metrics in this news release are reported on a constant exchange rate basis. Constant exchange rate basis excludes the impact
of currency fluctuations and is a non-GAAP measure. See “Performance and Non-GAAP Measures” below and in our 3Q20 MD&A for additional information.


3

Life Insurance Capital Adequacy Test (“LICAT”) ratio of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (“MLI”).


4

Our strategic priorities include Portfolio Optimization, Expense Efficiency, Accelerate Growth, Digital Customer Leader and High Performing Team. For more information,
please refer to “Strategic priorities progress update” in our 2019 Annual Report.

“Expense discipline continues to be a strategic priority and we reduced core general expenses1 by 5% compared with the prior year quarter. Furthermore, the core EBITDA margin1 in our Global WAM business exceeded 30% this quarter, which reflects our scale and commitment to expense efficiency,” added Mr. Witherington.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS:

We continued to make progress on our portfolio optimization initiative by executing an agreement with Global Atlantic Financial Group to reinsure approximately $3.4 billion of policy liabilities related to John Hancock’s legacy U.S. Bank-Owned Life Insurance business. John Hancock has retained administration of the policies. The transaction closed on September 30, 2020, released $465 million in capital, and generated a gain of $262 million that was reported outside of core earnings in 3Q20.

In 3Q20, we continued to extend our product and distribution reach to fulfill the financial health and well-being needs of our customers. In Asia, we sold our first policy in Myanmar, a digitally savvy market with one of the lowest insurance penetration rates in Asia. In Vietnam, we entered into a partnership with Cong Dong Bau, a community with more than 5 million members that improves access to financial advice and solutions for expectant and new mothers. In Canada, we launched a new travel insurance product that covers emergency medical costs and trip interruption expenses from COVID-19 and related conditions. We further enhanced our Group Benefits product offering with the introduction of Health by Design, a proactive approach using the latest science, technology and predictive analytics to help each member with their unique health journey. In the U.S., we continued to make progress on our objective of transforming the experience of owning life insurance for our customers. We announced a strategic collaboration with Amazon which adds the Halo wellness band to the devices supported by John Hancock’s Vitality Program. In Global WAM, we continued to earn top scores on the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (“PRI”) annual assessment report for integrating environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) considerations into our investment practices across a range of asset classes.2 In addition, Manulife Investment Management was also recognized in the PRI Leaders’ Group 2020, a 10-year initiative honouring signatories at the cutting edge of responsible investment. This year, 36 signatories, including Manulife Investment Management, were recognized for demonstrating responsible investment excellence in climate reporting throughout their organizations and portfolios. Finally, in Canada we accelerated our Retail wealth digital transformation by launching several online tools and automations that make account maintenance, accessing forms and statements easier for advisors to service their customers. 

____________________________________


1

Core general expenses and core EBITDA margin are non-GAAP measures. See “Performance and Non-GAAP Measures” below and in our 3Q20 MD&A for additional
information.


2

A+ awarded for strategy and governance, listed equity incorporation, and fixed-income Sovereign, Supranational, and Agency modules.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:


Quarterly Results


YTD Results

($ millions, unless otherwise stated)


3Q20

3Q19


2020

2019


Profitability:

Net income attributed to shareholders


$


2,068

$

723


$


4,091

$

4,374

Core earnings(1)


$


1,453

$

1,527


$


4,042

$

4,527

Diluted earnings per common share ($)


$


1.04

$

0.35


$


2.04

$

2.16

Diluted core earnings per common share ($)(1)


$


0.73

$

0.76


$


2.01

$

2.24

Return on common shareholders’ equity (“ROE”)


16.4%

5.9%


10.8%

12.8%

Core ROE(1)


11.4%

13.0%


10.6%

13.3%

Expense efficiency ratio(1)


51.2%

51.4%


52.9%

51.2%


Performance:

Asia new business value


$


365

$

430


$


1,019

$

1,205

Canada new business value


$


67

$

51


$


190

$

178

U.S. new business value


$


28

$

45


$


104

$

141

Total new business value(1)


$


460

$

526


$


1,313

$

1,524

Asia APE sales


$


1,005

$

1,052


$


2,873

$

3,303

Canada APE sales


$


289

$

235


$


903

$

786

U.S. APE sales


$


136

$

156


$


431

$

453

Total APE sales(1)


$


1,430

$

1,443


$


4,207

$

4,542

Global Wealth and Asset Management net flows ($ billions)(1)


$


(2.2)

$

(4.4)


$


6.1

$

(5.8)

Global Wealth and Asset Management gross flows ($ billions)(1)


$


27.5

$

28.0


$


98.7

$

81.3

Global Wealth and Asset Management assets under management


$


715.4

$

659.2


$


715.4

$

659.2

and administration ($ billions)(1)


Financial Strength:

MLI’s LICAT ratio


155%

146%


155%

146%

Financial leverage ratio


26.7%

26.1%


26.7%

26.1%

Book value per common share ($)


$


25.49

$

23.51


$


25.49

$

23.51

Book value per common share excluding AOCI ($)


$


21.13

$

19.60


$


21.13

$

19.60


(1)  

This item is a non-GAAP measure. See “Performance and Non-GAAP Measures” below and in our 3Q20 MD&A for additional information.

PROFITABILITY:

Reported net income attributed to shareholders of $2.1 billion in 3Q20, up $1.3 billion from 3Q19
The increase was driven by gains from investment-related experience compared with losses in the prior year quarter, gains from the direct impact of equity markets and interest rates and variable annuity guarantee liabilities (compared with losses in the prior year quarter, which included a $0.5 billion charge related to updated Ultimate Reinvestment Rate assumptions issued by the Canadian Actuarial Standards Board), and the impact of a reinsurance transaction to improve the capital efficiency of our legacy business, partially offset by a $198 million charge from the annual review of actuarial methods and assumptions. Investment-related experience in 3Q20 reflected the favourable impact of fixed income reinvestment activities and higher-than-expected returns (including fair value changes) on our alternative long-duration assets driven primarily by fair value gains on private equities.

Delivered core earnings of $1.5 billion in 3Q20, a decrease of 6% compared with 3Q19
The decrease in core earnings in 3Q20 compared with 3Q19 reflects the absence of core investment gains1 in the quarter (compared with gains in the prior year quarter), lower investment income in Corporate and Other, unfavourable policyholder experience in our Canadian insurance businesses, and lower new business volumes as a result of COVID-19. These items were partially offset by the impact of in-force business growth, favourable product mix in Hong Kong and Asia Other2, and average AUMA growth in Global WAM.

____________________________________


1

This item is a non-GAAP measure. See “Performance and non-GAAP measures” below and in our 3Q20 MD&A for additional information.


2

Asia Other excludes Hong Kong and Japan.

ANNUAL REVIEW OF ACTUARIAL METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS:
We completed our annual review of actuarial methods and assumptions, resulting in a net charge to net income attributed to shareholders of $198 million, which was consistent with the previously disclosed estimate. Assumptions reviewed this year included lapse assumptions for Canada and Japan life insurance, certain mortality and morbidity assumptions in all insurance segments, a complete review of our Canada variable annuities assumptions, as well as certain methodology refinements.

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE:

New business value (“NBV”) of $460 million in 3Q20, a decrease of 14% compared with 3Q19
In Asia, NBV of $365 million was down 16% compared with the prior year quarter, primarily driven by lower APE sales and a decline in interest rates in Hong Kong. In Canada, NBV of $67 million was up 31% from 3Q19, primarily due to higher sales volumes in large-case group insurance. In the U.S., NBV of $28 million was down 38% compared with the prior year quarter, primarily driven by lower international universal life sales due to COVID-19.

Annualized premium equivalent (“APE”) sales of $1.4 billion in 3Q20, a decrease of 2% compared with 3Q19
In Asia, APE sales decreased 6% compared with the prior year quarter as growth in Japan and Asia Other was more than offset by lower sales in Hong Kong. Hong Kong APE sales decreased 26% driven by the adverse impact of COVID-19, a decrease in sales to mainland Chinese visitors, as well as strong prior year quarter sales of our Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme and Qualifying Deferred Annuity Policy products. Japan APE sales increased 9% as we gained traction in the corporate-owned life insurance (“COLI”) market following the launch of our re-designed COLI product in 3Q19, partially offset by the adverse impact of COVID-19. Asia Other APE sales increased 3% driven by higher agency sales, partially offset by lower bancassurance sales due to restricted activities in bank branches and temporary bank closures. In Canada, APE sales increased 23% primarily driven by higher large-case group insurance sales, partially offset by lower individual insurance sales due to the adverse impact of COVID-19. In the U.S., APE sales declined 14% compared with the prior year quarter largely due to the adverse impacts of COVID-19. In addition, lower international universal life, domestic protection universal life, and variable universal life sales were partially offset by higher domestic indexed universal life and term life sales.

Reported Global Wealth and Asset Management net outflows of $2.2 billion in 3Q20, compared with 3Q19 net outflows of $4.4 billion
Net inflows in Asia were $1.1 billion in 3Q20, compared with net inflows of $2.3 billion in 3Q19, driven by higher retail redemptions in mainland China. Net inflows in Canada were $1.2 billion in 3Q20 compared with net outflows of $6.9 billion in 3Q19, driven by the non-recurrence of an $8.5 billion redemption in Institutional Asset Management. Net outflows in the U.S. were $4.5 billion in 3Q20 compared with net inflows of $0.1 billion in 3Q19, driven by a $5.0 billion redemption of an equity mandate in Institutional Asset Management, coupled with lower plan sales and recurring deposits, as well as higher member withdrawals in Retirement.

QUARTERLY EARNINGS RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL

Manulife Financial Corporation will host a Third Quarter Earnings Results Conference Call at 8:00 a.m. ET on November 12, 2020. For local and international locations, please call 416-340-2217 or toll free, North America 1-800-806-5484 (Passcode: 8503281#). Please call in 15 minutes before the call starts. You will be required to provide your name and organization to the operator. A replay of this call will be available by 11:00 a.m. ET on November 12, 2020 through February 12, 2021 by calling 905-694-9451 or 1-800-408-3053 (Passcode: 5440418#).

The conference call will also be webcast through Manulife’s website at 8:00 a.m. ET on November 12, 2020. You may access the webcast at: manulife.com/en/investors/results-and-reports. An archived version of the webcast will be available on the website following the call at the same URL as above.

The Third Quarter 2020 Statistical Information Package is also available on the Manulife website at: www.manulife.com/en/investors/results-and-reports.

EARNINGS:

The following table reconciles core earnings to net income attributed to shareholders:


Quarterly Results


YTD Results

($ millions)


3Q20

2Q20

3Q19


2020

2019


Core earnings
(1)

Global Wealth and Asset Management


$


308

$

238

$

281


$


796

$

756

Asia


559

489

520


1,539

1,511

Canada


279

342

318


858

913

U.S.


498

602

471


1,516

1,387

Corporate and Other (excluding core investment gains)


(191)

(110)

(163)


(667)

(340)

Core investment gains(1)



100



300


Total core earnings


$


1,453

$

1,561

$

1,527


$


4,042

$

4,527


Items excluded from core earnings:

Investment-related experience outside of core earnings


147

(916)

(289)


(1,377)

184

Direct impact of equity markets and interest rates and


390

73

(494)


1,255

(389)

variable annuity guarantee liabilities

Change in actuarial methods and assumptions


(198)

(21)


(198)

(21)

Reinsurance transactions


276

9


297

115

Tax-related items and other




72

(42)


Net income attributed to shareholders
 


$


2,068

$

727

$

723


$


4,091

$

4,374


(1) 

This item is a non-GAAP measure. See “Performance and Non-GAAP Measures” below and in our 3Q20 MD&A for additional information.

PERFORMANCE AND NON-GAAP MEASURES:

We use a number of non-GAAP financial measures to measure overall performance and to assess each of our businesses. A financial measure is considered a non-GAAP measure if it is presented other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles used for the Company’s audited financial statements. Non-GAAP measures referenced in this news release include: core earnings; core ROE; diluted core earnings per common share; core investment gains; core general expenses; core EBITDA margin, expense efficiency ratio; APE sales; new business value; gross flows; net flows; assets under management and administration; average assets under management and administration and constant exchange rate basis (measures that are reported on a constant exchange rate basis include percentage growth/decline in core earnings, core general expenses, APE sales, new business value, and gross flows). Non-GAAP financial measures are not defined terms under GAAP and, therefore, are unlikely to be comparable to similar terms used by other issuers. Therefore, they should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any other financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. For more information on non-GAAP financial measures, including those referred to above, see “Performance and Non-GAAP Measures” in our Third Quarter 2020 MD&A and 2019 MD&A.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

From time to time, Manulife makes written and/or oral forward-looking statements, including in this document. In addition, our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally to analysts, investors, the media and others. All such statements are made pursuant to the “safe harbour” provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

The forward-looking statements in this document include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to our objectives, goals, strategies, intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations and estimates, and can generally be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “likely”, “outlook”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “forecast”, “objective”, “seek”, “aim”, “continue”, “goal”, and “restore” (or the negative thereof) and words and expressions of similar import, and include statements concerning possible or assumed future results. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and they should not be interpreted as confirming market or analysts’ expectations in any way.

Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include but are not limited to: general business and economic conditions (including but not limited to the performance, volatility and correlation of equity markets, interest rates, credit and swap spreads, currency rates, investment losses and defaults, market liquidity and creditworthiness of guarantors, reinsurers and counterparties); the severity, duration and spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as actions that have been or may be taken by governmental authorities to contain COVID-19 or to treat its impact; changes in laws and regulations; changes in accounting standards applicable in any of the territories in which we operate; changes in regulatory capital requirements; our ability to execute strategic plans and changes to strategic plans; downgrades in our financial strength or credit ratings; our ability to maintain our reputation; impairments of goodwill or intangible assets or the establishment of provisions against future tax assets; the accuracy of estimates relating to morbidity, mortality and policyholder behaviour; the accuracy of other estimates used in applying accounting policies, actuarial methods and embedded value methods; our ability to implement effective hedging strategies and unforeseen consequences arising from such strategies; our ability to source appropriate assets to back our long-dated liabilities; level of competition and consolidation; our ability to market and distribute products through current and future distribution channels; unforeseen liabilities or asset impairments arising from acquisitions and dispositions of businesses; the realization of losses arising from the sale of investments classified as available-for-sale; our liquidity, including the availability of financing to satisfy existing financial liabilities on expected maturity dates when required; obligations to pledge additional collateral; the availability of letters of credit to provide capital management flexibility; accuracy of information received from counterparties and the ability of counterparties to meet their obligations; the availability, affordability and adequacy of reinsurance; legal and regulatory proceedings, including tax audits, tax litigation or similar proceedings; our ability to adapt products and services to the changing market; our ability to attract and retain key executives, employees and agents; the appropriate use and interpretation of complex models or deficiencies in models used; political, legal, operational and other risks associated with our non-North American operations; acquisitions and our ability to complete acquisitions including the availability of equity and debt financing for this purpose; the disruption of or changes to key elements of the Company’s or public infrastructure systems; environmental concerns; our ability to protect our intellectual property and exposure to claims of infringement; and our inability to withdraw cash from subsidiaries.

Additional information about material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations and about material factors or assumptions applied in making forward-looking statements may be found under “Risk Management”, “Risk Factors” and “Critical Actuarial and Accounting Policies” in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis in our most recent annual report, under “Risk Management and Risk Factors Update” and “Critical Actuarial and Accounting Policies” in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis in our most recent interim report, in the “Risk Management” note to the consolidated financial statements in our most recent annual and interim reports and elsewhere in our filings with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

The forward-looking statements in this document are, unless otherwise indicated, stated as of the date hereof and are presented for the purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding our financial position and results of operations, our future operations, as well as our objectives and strategic priorities, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/manulife-reports-3q20-net-income-of-2-1-billion-core-earnings-of-1-5-billion-ape-sales-of-1-4-billion-and-a-strong-licat-capital-ratio-of-155-301171374.html

SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation

Petrolympic Acquire 100% Interest in the Evangelic Lake Gold Property, Near Sudbury, Ontario

TORONTO, Nov. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Petrolympic Ltd. (TSX.V:PCQ) (OTC:PCQRF) (the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an agreement to acquire a gold property located in the south of the Sudbury mining camp, Province of Ontario (the “Property”). The Property consists of 24 map designated mining claims (cells) covering 600 Ha property in Southwest of Espanola, Ontario, District of Sudbury (NTS 41/04F) approximately 70 km Southwest of the town of Sudbury, a major gold mining center in Central Ontario.

On execution of the purchase agreement the Company paid the vendors an aggregate cash payment of $25,000.00 as part of the purchase price. The remainder of the purchase price will be satisfied through the issuance of an aggregate of 500,000 common shares of the Company. Upon the completion of the transaction the Company will have acquired 100% interest in the mineral rights of the Property. The vendors will also receive a 2.0% NSR royalty from all eventual commercial mineral production on the project.

The issuance of the common shares under the transaction shall be subject to applicable securities laws, any securities regulatory authority having jurisdiction, and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, and the common shares shall be subject to a four-month hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Completion of the acquisition remains subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Evangeline property is situated in McKinnon Township in the Sudbury Mining District. The claims are located approximately 20 km southwest of Espanola on the north shore of Evangeline Lake. The area is reached by a 30 km gravel road which branches south from Highway 17 West at Webwood.

The property lies within a belt of Huronian metasediments which strikes east-west for a distance of 53 kilometers. Numerous gold occurrences are found within this belt adjacent to the Charlton Lake Fault in association with diabase dykes. Several old gold and silver producing mines exist within this metasedimentary belt. These mines were active during the late 1930’s and early 1940’s. These include the McMillan Gold Mine, Majestic Mine, Bousquet Mine, Hawry Creek Mine, Upsala Mine and Bob Tough Mines which one is the closest to the property.

Tough Gold Mines Limited carried out surface exploration and diamond drilling on the property. Based on these results, a three-compartment shaft was sunk to the 150-foot level, where 118 feet of cross cutting was completed. Gold values up to 6.6 g/t Au over 1.36m were recorded for holes drilled by the company during the late 1930’s.

The Evangeline Lake property is similar to the before-mentioned gold properties in the mineralogical and structural nature of the gold mineralization. The gold bearing quartz-carbonate veins in the area are apparently associated within and at the contacts of folded quartzite and pelite units in close proximity to diabase sills and dikes. Gold occurs in its native state and intimately associated with arsenopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. The gold bearing vein systems are associated with fault/shear zone environments and at pelite/quartzite contacts.

Grab samples taken from the rock dump and old pits on the Bob Tough Mine have yielded gold value from trace to 25.9 grams per ton (Report 41I04NW0046).

In June of 1984, J. K. Filo (1984) mapped the area. In his report Filo reports assay values from dump material samples near an old shaft. Gold values range between 0.0125 and 112.8 g/t of gold in this samples (Report 41I04NW0045).

In 1988 a geophysical survey was done on the property. The contoured Magnetometer/VLF-KM surveys outlined numerous EW trending conductors and magnetic anomalies.

The Property is located within a favorable geological and structural environment already hosting several gold-bearing zones. An exploration program including geological and geophysical surveys is necessary to generate targets for more detailed exploration works.

Qualified Person

The technical contents of this press release were approved by George Yordanov, professional geologist, an Independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Cautionary notes related to news release

This news release contains information about adjacent properties on which the Company has no right to explore or mine. Readers are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company’s properties.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information regarding the proposed acquisition, constitutes “forward-looking statements.” All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, geological and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include but are not limited to: economic and global market impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuations in market prices, exploration and exploitation successes, continued availability of capital and financing, changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations, expropriation or nationalization of property and general political, economic, market or business conditions. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release, or incorporated by reference, are qualified by these cautionary statements. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

For further information please contact:

Mendel Ekstein
President

82 Richmond St East

Toronto, ON M5C 1P1

Tel. 845-656-0184 Fax 845-231-6665

Brookdale Wins in 2020 J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Study

PR Newswire

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 11, 2020  /PRNewswire/ — Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE: BKD) has received a J.D. Power Award for ranking highest in the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study. This was a survey of resident/family member/friend’s satisfaction with senior living communities. J.D. Power announced earlier today that Brookdale ranked #1/Highest in Customer Satisfaction (in a tie) with Assisted Living/Memory Care communities. Brookdale was ranked #1 in these four factors: Community Staff, Resident Activities, Resident Apartment/Living Unit, and Community Buildings and Grounds.

“I am so proud of our over 46,000 associates, who have earned this recognition. They have worked tirelessly during these extraordinary times on behalf of our residents and patients, focusing on what matters most,” said Brookdale President and Chief Executive Officer Lucinda (Cindy) Baier. She added, “While maintaining high quality standards during the pandemic, our teams made huge extra efforts to help protect our residents from hurricanes and wildfires, including evacuating residents and their pets when necessary. This is an incredible testament to the resilience and dedication of our teams. They have made countless sacrifices to successfully lead through the largest global health crisis in our lifetimes and an economic crisis while serving those most vulnerable to coronavirus. My gratitude continues for the Brookdale Everyday Heroes and the personal sacrifices they make to help support the health and wellbeing of our residents twenty-four hours a day, every single day.”

Survey collection for the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study was conducted June through August 2020.

About Brookdale

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the leading operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions primarily within properties that are designed, purpose-built, and operated to provide the highest-quality service, care, and living accommodations for residents. Brookdale operates and manages independent living, assisted living, memory care, and continuing care retirement communities, with 726 communities in 44 states and the ability to serve approximately 65,000 residents as of September 30, 2020. The Company also offers a range of home health, hospice, and outpatient therapy services to over 17,000 patients as of that date. Brookdale’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BKD.  For more Brookdale news, go to

brookdalenews.com

.

About J.D. Power

J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world’s leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies.

J.D. Power is headquartered in Troy, Mich., and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The J.D. Power auto shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com.

Contact: Media Relations, (615) 564-8666, [email protected]

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brookdale-wins-in-2020-jd-power-customer-satisfaction-study-301171377.html

SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living

IIROC Trading Halt – DND

Canada NewsWire

TORONTO, Nov. 11, 2020 /CNW/ – The following issues have been halted by IIROC:

Company: Dye & Durham Limited

TSX Symbol: DND

All Issues: Yes

Reason: Pending News

Halt Time (ET): 4:53 PM

IIROC can make a decision to impose a temporary suspension (halt) of trading in a security of a publicly-listed company. Trading halts are implemented to ensure a fair and orderly market. IIROC is the national self-regulatory organization which oversees all investment dealers and trading activity on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada.

SOURCE Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) – Halts/Resumptions

Andrew Peller Limited Reports Increased Earnings in Second Quarter of Fiscal 2021

GRIMSBY, Ontario, Nov. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Andrew Peller Limited ADW.A/ADW.B (“APL” or the “Company”) announced solid performance for the three and six months ended September 30, 2020.

SIX MONTHS
FISCAL 202
1
HIGHLIGHTS:                                                                                

  • Sales up by 1.0% in Q2 and 2.1% year to date on strong performance in majority of trade channels;
  • Launch of new e-commerce portal contributes to sales growth;
  • Gross margin impacted by change in sales mix due to COVID-19 pandemic;
  • Selling and administration expenses decrease due to reduced spending as a result of pandemic;
  • EBITA increases by 4.7% in Q2 to $22.4 million from $18.9 million last year and 4.2% year to date to $45.0 million from $35.7 million last year; and
  • Net earnings rise to $23.9 million from $16.4 million last year.

“We are very pleased with our operating performance through the first six months of fiscal 2021. We have adjusted well to the changing business environment resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am proud of the contribution our people have made during these challenging times,” commented John Peller, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Looking ahead, we are focused on maintaining this momentum, however we remain cautious as to how the ongoing pandemic will impact our results over the remainder of the fiscal year.”

S
olid
Operating
Performance

Sales for the three and six months ended September 30, 2020 increased compared to the same prior year periods. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer purchasing patterns changed resulting in an increase in sales to provincial liquor stores, other retail channels and the Company’s new e-commerce platform, www.thewineshops.com. Partially offsetting the increase was the reduction in hospitality and licensee sales due to COVID-19 and lower duty-free export sales due to restricted travel. Sales for the three and six months ended September 30, 2020 were $104.4 million and $202.9 million, respectively, up from $103.4 million and $198.6 million in the same prior year periods.

Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 42.3% and 42.8% for the three and six months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, compared to 44.8% and 44.7%, in the prior year due to the impact of COVID-19. Gross margin in fiscal 2021 has declined as a result of higher imported wine costs, an increase in consumption of lower margin products, and revenue decline in high margin trade channels. The Company expects margin to improve in post COVID-19 periods.

Selling and administrative expenses were lower in the first three and six months of fiscal 2021, due to a deliberate effort to conserve cash resources by temporarily reducing advertising and promotional spending, and staffing levels due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a percentage of sales, selling and administrative expenses were reduced to 20.8% and 20.6% for the first three and six months of fiscal 2021, respectively, compared to 28.0% and 26.7% in the same prior year periods.

Earnings before interest, amortization, net unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, other (income) expenses, and income taxes (“EBITA”) were $45.0 million for the six months ended September 30, 2020, up from $35.7 million in the prior year. Second quarter fiscal 2021 EBITA was $22.4 million, up from $17.3 million last year. The increase in EBITA this year is due primarily to the lower selling and administrative costs.

Net earnings for the first three and six months of fiscal 2021 increased to $12.7 million ($0.30 per Class A Share) and $23.9 million ($0.56 per Class A Share), respectively, from $7.6 million ($0.18 per Class A Share) and $16.4 million ($0.38 per Class A Share), respectively, in the prior year. Adjusted earnings, defined as net earnings not including net unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, other (income) expenses, nonrecurring, non-operating (gains) and losses, and the related income tax effect were $12.4 million and $25.0 million for the three and six months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, compared to $8.7 million and $18.6 million, respectively, in the prior year.

Interest expense decreased in the first three and six months of fiscal 2021 compared to the prior year due to lower interest rates and lower debt levels.

COVID-19 Pandemic

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the outbreak of COVID-19 as a global pandemic.  The Company has demonstrated its ability to respond to new developments and continues to closely assess the risks and uncertainties associated with the pandemic, including industry, market and internal factors, as well as regulations enacted by governments across Canada. Businesses selling beer, wine and other alcohol products were deemed essential services, as well as those businesses that supply them. As a result, all of the Company’s production facilities, retail locations and retail estate locations remained open throughout the first six months of fiscal 2021 with new protocols related to cleanliness and physical distancing deployed.  The Company’s export and estate property hospitality sales have been affected by the pandemic. However, consumption of alcohol beverages remains stable in Canada with consumers purchasing products through alternative trade channels available during the pandemic, benefiting the Company’s sales through provincial liquor stores and its other retail channels. The Company has also enhanced its capabilities to support increased demand for direct-to-home purchases through a new on-line platform, www.thewineshops.com. In response to COVID-19, the Company has implemented enhanced protocols to address potential impacts to its operations, employees and customers and will take further measures, if required. These practices have been permanently established to enhance the ability for the Company to respond in the future.

Maintaining a
Strong
Financial Position

Overall bank debt decreased to $143.8 million at September 30, 2020 from $165.2 million at March 31, 2020 due to higher cash flows from operations in fiscal 2021 and regularly scheduled debt repayments. With the decrease in debt, the Company’s debt to equity ratio was 0.54:1 at September 30, 2020 compared to 0.67:1 at March 31, 2020. At September 30, 2020, the Company had unutilized debt capacity in the amount of $41.0 million on its operating facility and $117.2 million on its investment facility.   For the six months ended September 30, 2020, the Company generated cash from operating activities, after changes in non-cash working capital items, of $41.2 million compared to $21.2 million in the prior year.

Working capital at September 30, 2020 was $91.3 million compared to $83.7 million at March 31, 2020. Shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2020 was $264.3 million or $6.05 per common share compared to $245.5 million or $5.63 per common share at March 31, 2020. The increase in shareholders’ equity was due to the increased net earnings in the period partially offset by the payment of dividends.

Common Share Dividends

On June 10, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a common share dividend, consistent with prior year to preserve capital as a result of COVID-19. The annual dividend on Class A Shares of $0.215 per share and the dividend on Class B Shares of $0.187 will be paid quarterly to shareholders. The third quarter dividend is payable to shareholders of record on December 31, 2020 and will be paid on January 8, 2021. The Company has consistently paid common share dividends since 1979. APL currently designates all dividends paid as “eligible dividends” for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) unless indicated otherwise.

Financial Highlights

(Financial Statements and the Company’s Management Discussion and Analysis for the period can be obtained on the Company’s web site at www.andrewpeller.com)

For the
three and six months
ended
September 30
,
Three Months Six Months
(in $000 ) 2020
2019 2020
2019
Sales 10
4,410
103,375 202,850 198,592
Gross margin 4
4,165
46,311 8
6,892
88,732
Gross margin (% of sales) 4
2.3
%
44.8% 4
2.8
%
44.7%
Selling and administrative expenses 2
1,727
28,976 41,884 53,047
EBITA 22,438 17,335 45,008 35,685
Interest 1,813 2,222 3,852 4,450
Net unrealized loss (gains) on derivative financial instruments (
540
)
(497) 191 68
Other expenses 195 1,106 881 1,190
Adjusted net earnings 12,419 8,716 24,971 18,563
Net earnings 12,674 7,643 23,876 16,435
Earnings per share – Class A $
0.
30
$0.18 $
0.
5
6
$0.38
Earnings per share – Class B $
0.
26
$0.15 $
0.
4
9
$0.33
Dividend per share – Class A (annual)     $
0.215
$0.215
Dividend per share – Class B (annual)     $
0.187
$0.187
Cash provided by operations        
(after changes in non-cash working capital items)     41,187 21,227
Shareholders’ equity per share     $
6.05
$5.63

Investor Conference Call
An investor conference call hosted by John Peller, Chief Executive Officer, and Steve Attridge, CFO, will be held Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. ET. The telephone numbers for the conference call are Local/International: (416) 406-0743, North American Toll Free: (800) 898-3989. Please enter the access code 4858445# when requested. The telephone numbers to listen to the call after it is completed (Instant Replay) are local/international (905) 694-9451 or North American toll free (800) 408-3053. The Passcode for the Instant Replay is 1859795#. The Instant Replay will be available until midnight, December 12, 2020. The call will also be archived on the Company’s website at www.andrewpeller.com.

About Andrew Peller Limited

Andrew Peller Limited is one of Canada’s leading producers and marketers of quality wines and craft beverage alcohol products. The Company’s award-winning premium and ultra-premium VQA brands include Peller Estates, Trius, Thirty Bench, Wayne Gretzky, Sandhill, Red Rooster, Black Hills Estate Winery, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Gray Monk Estate Winery, Raven Conspiracy, and Conviction. Complementing these premium brands are a number of popularly priced varietal offerings, wine based liqueurs, craft ciders, beer and craft spirits. The Company owns and operates 101 well-positioned independent retail locations in Ontario under The Wine Shop, Wine Country Vintners, and Wine Country Merchants store names. The Company also operates Andrew Peller Import Agency and The Small Winemaker’s Collection Inc., importers and marketing agents of premium wines from around the world. With a focus on serving the needs of all wine consumers, the Company produces and markets premium personal winemaking products through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Global Vintners Inc. (“GVI”), the recognized leader in personal winemaking products. More information about the Company can be found at www.andrewpeller.com.

The Company utilizes EBITA (defined as earnings before interest, amortization, net unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, other (income) expenses, and income taxes) to measure its financial performance. EBITA is not a recognized measure under IFRS. Management believes that EBITA is a useful supplemental measure to net earnings, as it provides readers with an indication of earnings available for investment prior to debt service, capital expenditures, and income taxes, as well as provide an indication of recurring earnings compared to prior periods. Readers are cautioned that EBITA should not be construed as an alternative to net earnings determined in accordance with IFRS as indicators of the Company’s performance or to cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities as a measure of liquidity and cash flows. The Company also utilizes gross margin (defined as sales less cost of goods sold, excluding amortization) and adjusted earnings. The Company’s method of calculating EBITA, gross margin, and adjusted earnings may differ from the methods used by other companies and, accordingly, may not be comparable to measures used by other companies.

Andrew Peller Limited common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbols ADW.A and ADW.B).

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements in this
news release
may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws including the “safe
harbour
provisions” of the Securities Act (Ontario) with respect to APL and its subsidiaries. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the growth of the business in light of the Company’s acquisitions; its launch of new premium wines and craft beverage alcohol products; sales trends in foreign markets; its supply of domestically grown grapes; and current economic conditions. These statements are subject to certain risks, assumptions, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. The words “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “expect”, or “anticipate”, and similar expressions, as well as future or conditional verbs such as “will”, “should”, “would”, “could”, and similar verbs often identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this
news release
, the Company has made assumptions and applied certain factors regarding, among other things: future grape, glass bottle, and wine and spirit prices; its ability to obtain grapes, imported wine, glass, and other raw materials; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; its ability to market products successfully to its anticipated customers; the trade balance within the domestic Canadian and international wine markets; market trends; reliance on key personnel; protection of its intellectual property rights; the economic environment; the regulatory requirements regarding producing, marketing, advertising, and labelling of its products; the regulation of liquor distribution and retailing in Ontario; the application of federal and provincial environmental laws; and the impact of increasing competition.

These forward-looking statements are also subject to the risks and uncertainties discussed in this news release, in the “Risk
s and Uncertainties
” section and elsewhere in the Company’s MD&A and other risks detailed from time to time in the publicly filed disclosure documents of Andrew Peller Limited which are available at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties
,
and assumptions which could cause actual results to differ materially from those conclusions, forecasts
,
or projections anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company’s forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this news release, and except as required by applicable law, the
Company undertakes
no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

For more information, please contact:        
Mr. Steve Attridge, CFO and Executive Vice-President, IT
(905) 643-4131

 

SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust Releases Third Quarter Results for 2020

Focused on Growth

  • Transit City Condominium Closings Contribute to 13.1% Increase in FFO (12.3% Growth in FFO per Unit) with Continued Growth of FFO Expected in Q4
  • Mixed-use Intensification Program Increasing with Construction on Transit City Condominiums, High-rise Residential Rentals at SmartVMC and Laval, Retirement Homes, Self-Storage Projects and Recently Received Approval to Permit an Additional 12.0 Million Sq. Ft. of Mixed-use Space in Cambridge
  • Walmart-anchored Open-format Shopping Centres Providing Recurring Income with Committed Occupancy Rate of 97.4%
  • Tenant Rent Collection Levels Continue to Improve

TORONTO, Nov. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust (“SmartCentres” or the “Trust”) (TSX: SRU.UN) is pleased to report its financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020.

“We describe SmartCentres as a real estate company enjoying substantial, secure and reliable recurring income while on a path  forward to higher and better uses. Reliable income starting with our largest tenant, Walmart; higher and better uses from our onsite intensification and development program, which is well underway, on our excellent locations. Our third quarter is the strongest signal yet of things to come with the initial closings of 766 units in the first two phases of our Transit City condominiums, with the balance of 344 units expected to close before year end.  After the repayment of our share of project level debt of $45 million, these closings have contributed approximately $30 million in FFO, or in excess of $0.17 in FFO per Unit to our Q3 results.  We anticipate that these new development opportunities will continue to generate growth in FFO and NAV into the future,” said Mitchell Goldhar, Executive Chairman of SmartCentres.

“COVID-19 has not altered our long-term strategy as we remain intently focused on our initiatives to grow the business through mixed-use development. SmartVMC is just one of the many mixed-use communities that we are in the process of developing.  We have more than 256 projects in our mixed-use development pipeline representing approximately 28 million square feet and more than 196 of these projects are expected to provide recurring income. During this pandemic period, we have accelerated our pursuit of many of our near-term planning and development initiatives such that over the next several years, we expect to grow SmartCentres’ vision in well-established communities including mid-town and downtown Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Vaughan, Scarborough, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Markham, Burlington, Barrie, Brampton, Oshawa, London, Cambridge, Montreal, Laval, Pointe-Claire, and Ottawa. Our intent is to replicate the achievements and success of SmartVMC in these various Canadian communities, resulting in continued earnings and NAV growth,” said Peter Forde, President and CEO of SmartCentres.

The Trust’s core business of owning and managing approximately 33.8 million square feet of predominately Walmart-anchored shopping centres was built for ‘heavy weather’. During this pandemic period, Walmart Canada’s sales levels have increased considerably and Walmart continues to demonstrate its industry-leading ability to drive high traffic levels to the Trust’s shopping centres across Canada. This has created industry-leading occupancy levels. When including committed deals, the Trust’s overall occupancy level was 97.4% in Q3, reflecting the resilience and strength of the Trust’s core portfolio.

The Trust has continued to work with each of its tenants to establish, where appropriate, mutually satisfactory arrangements that will allow for some relief of their rental obligations that are expected to permit these organizations to re-establish their operations as Canadians begin to ‘get back to normalcy’. These collaborative efforts have resulted in the following improving collection experience (up to October 23, 2020) over the last six months:

Month(1) % of Gross Monthly Billings Collected Before Application of CECRA Related Arrangements


  % of Gross Monthly Billings Collected After Application of CECRA Related Arrangements
April 75.7 %   82.2 %
May 73.6 %   80.0 %
June 78.2 %   84.7 %
July 86.7 %   93.1 %
August 89.0 %   95.6 %
September(2) 89.5 %   96.1 %

(1) As of October 23, 2020, the Trust collected 90.8% of gross monthly billings for October.
(2) The CECRA program ended on September 30, 2020.

The table below provides additional details on the continued improvement in collections associated with the Trust’s tenant billings, amounts received (up to October 23, 2020), expected recovery and related provisions for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and June 30, 2020.

(in thousands of dollars) Three Months Ended

September 30, 2020
As a % Three Months Ended

June 30, 2020
As a % Total for the Six

Months Ended

September 30, 2020
As a %
Total tenant billings 199,587 100.0 202,072 100.0 401,659 100.0
Less: Amounts received directly from tenants to date 176,434 88.4 153,241 75.8 329,675 82.1
Balance outstanding 23,153 11.6 48,831 24.2 71,984 17.9
Less:            
Recovery from governments for CECRA 7,706 3.9 7,706 3.8 15,412 3.8
Amounts forgiven by the Trust for CECRA 3,853 1.9 3,853 1.9 7,706 1.9
Sales tax on CECRA 1,488 0.7 1,488 0.7 2,976 0.7
Tenant rent deferral arrangements negotiated or near completion 2,680 1.3 20,269 10.0 22,949 5.7
Rents to be collected before expected credit loss (“ECL”) provision 7,426 3.7 15,515 7.7 22,941 5.7
Less: ECL provision for uncollectible amounts 5,564 2.8 7,920 3.9 13,484 3.4
Balance to be collected 1,862 0.9 7,595 3.8 9,457 2.4

Highlights

Mixed-Use Development and Intensification at SmartVMC

  • Occupancy of both 55-storey Transit City 1 and 2 condo towers representing 1,110 residential units commenced on August 5th, with 766 units closed by the end of September and 100% of units expected to be closed by year-end. These closings contributed approximately $30.0 million in FFO ($0.17 in FFO per Unit) for the third quarter of 2020, and are expected to contribute over $49.0 million in FFO for the second half of 2020.(2) In addition, the 1,098 unit multi-level parking facility providing parking for both these condominium buildings and the neighbouring PwC/YMCA mixed-use facility is now fully functional.
     
  • Construction of the 55-storey Transit City 3 condo tower representing 631 residential units continues to be on schedule and ahead of budget. The tower is now topped-off and closings are expected to commence in spring 2021.
     
  • Construction is well underway on Transit City 4 (45 storeys) and 5 (50 storeys) condo towers, representing 1,026 sold residential units, with bulk excavation complete and tower cranes erected. Concrete and formwork for the multi-level underground parking garage is in progress.
     
  • Construction is well underway on a 35-storey, 454-unit purpose-built residential rental building at SmartVMC, with the tower crane erected and concrete and formwork for the multi-level underground parking garage is in progress.
     
  • Construction of the new Walmart store is complete, with Walmart’s grand opening having taken place on October 22, 2020, allowing for the closing of the existing store on the SmartVMC site, and freeing up approximately 15.5 acres of valuable land for future mixed-use development close to the TTC subway station.
     
  • Pre-sold 100% of the 22 townhomes, as part of the Transit City 1 & 2 project, with construction expected to commence later in 2020 and delivery of units expected in late 2021.

Other Business Development

  • The completed first phase of the two-phase, purpose-built residential rental project in Laval, Quebec, which had initial move-ins by tenants commencing in March and, to date, approximately 80% of the 171-unit building has been leased. Construction of the next phase is expected in early 2021.
     
  • The Trust completed construction of its first self-storage facility in Toronto (Leaside) which has been very well received by the local community with current occupancy levels ahead of expectations.
     
  • Based on planning and rezoning work completed to date, the Trust expects to commence construction on two retirement home initiatives over the next six months with its joint venture partners, Revera and Selection Group in Barrie and Ottawa, respectively.
     
  • Four additional self-storage facilities in Brampton, Vaughan, Oshawa, and Scarborough are currently under construction with completion expected later this year or in 2021. Additional self-storage facilities have been approved by the Board and we are in the process of obtaining municipal approvals in Aurora, Whitby, Toronto, Markham and an additional location in Brampton.
     
  • With the newly issued Minister’s Zoning Order, the Trust will immediately begin work to redevelop its 73-acre Cambridge retail property with various forms of residential, retail, office, institutional, and commercial uses to create a complete vibrant urban community representing over 12.0 million square feet.
     
  • During the COVID-19 “shutdown”, the Trust has been aggressively pursuing final municipal approvals for mixed-use density on many of its shopping centres during the past few months. Details are provided in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

Financial

  • The Trust further improved its unsecured/secured debt ratio from 65%/35% to 67%/33%, as it repaid $63.2 million of secured debt and $13.4 million of unsecured debt and credit facilities this quarter, and is expected to repay the Series R unsecured floating-rate debentures with existing cash on hand when they mature on December 21, 2020.
     
  • The Trust continues to add to its unencumbered pool of high-quality assets. As at September 30, 2020, its portfolio consisted of income properties valued at $5.8 billion (September 30, 2019 – $4.7 billion).
     
  • Debt metrics continue to demonstrate the Trust’s commitment to its balance sheet, including Debt to Total Assets of 44.3%, Interest Coverage multiple of 3.3X, Interest Coverage net of capitalized interest multiple of 3.8X, and Adjusted Debt to Adjusted EBITDA multiple of 8.5X.(3)
     
  • Net income and comprehensive income was $111.0 million as compared to net income and comprehensive income of $95.1 million in the same period in 2019, representing an increase of $15.9 million. This increase was primarily attributed to earnings from equity accounted investment on the closings of Transit City 1 and 2 units of $31.8 million, partially offset by a $9.7 million increase in expected credit losses principally resulting from the impact of COVID-19.(1)
     
  • FFO increased by $0.07 per Unit or $12.8 million to $110.1 million as compared to the same period in 2019, principally as a result of the Trust’s share of profit on the closings of Transit City 1 and 2 units, which represented an increase in FFO per Unit of approximately $0.17.(2)
     
  • ACFO increased by $14.7 million or 16.6% to $103.2 million as compared to the same period in 2019 principally as a result of distributions from equity accounted investment on the closings of Transit City 1 and 2 units of $29.2 million, partially offset by a $9.7 million increase in expected credit losses principally resulting from the impact of COVID-19.(2)
     
  • ACFO exceeded both distributions declared and distributions paid by $23.6 million, as compared to the same period in 2019 of $11.3 million and $29.6 million, respectively. The change is primarily due to the Trust’s share of profit on the closings of Transit City 1 and 2, partially offset by COVID-19 related expected credit loss provisions of $9.7 million and their associated impact on the Trust’s cashflows from operations. Note also that the Trust suspended its DRIP program in April 2020.(2)

Operational

  • Both committed and in-place occupancy rates maintained industry-leading levels of 97.4% and 97.1%, respectively, as at September 30, 2020, which are lower than the prior comparable quarter and reflect tenant closings during COVID-19. 
     
  • Rentals from investment properties and other was $186.3 million, as compared to $195.5 million in the same period in 2019, representing a decrease of $9.2 million or 4.7%. This decrease was primarily due to: i) lower CAM and realty tax recoveries as a result of lower recoverable costs incurred during the quarter, and ii) lower percentage rent, short-term rentals and other miscellaneous revenues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
     
  • Same Properties NOI for the three months ended September 30, 2020 decreased by $10.7 million or 8.3% as compared to the same period in 2019. This decrease was primarily due to an increase in expected credit losses recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2020 as a result of COVID-19. Excluding the higher expected credit losses of $9.7 million recorded in the three months ended September 30, 2020, Same Properties NOI would have been $127.5 million representing a decrease of $1.0 million or 0.8% as compared to the same period in 2019.(2)
(1) Represents a GAAP measure.
(2) Represents a non-GAAP measure.
(3) Net of cash-on-hand of $413.1 million as at September 30, 2020 for the purposes of calculating the ratio.

Selected Consolidated Operational, Development and Financial Information

Key consolidated operational, development and financial information shown in the table below includes the Trust’s proportionate share of equity accounted investments as at September 30, 2020, December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019.

(in thousands of dollars, except per Unit and other non-financial data) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 September 30, 2019
Operational Information      
Total number of properties with an ownership interest 166 165 166
Gross leasable area including both retail and office space (in thousands of sq. ft.) 34,051 34,337 34,277
Occupied area including both retail and office space (in thousands of sq. ft.) 33,076 33,678 33,617
Vacant area including both retail and office space (in thousands of sq. ft.) 975 659 659
Committed occupancy rate 97.4
%
98.2% 98.2%
In-place occupancy rate 97.1
%
98.1% 98.1%
Average lease term to maturity (in years) 4.7 4.9 5.1
Net retail rental rate (per occupied sq. ft.) $
15.45
$15.49 $15.44
Net retail rental rate excluding Anchors (per occupied sq. ft.) $
22.15
$22.13 $22.04
       
Mixed-use Development Information      
Future development area (in thousands of sq. ft.) 27,900 27,900 N/A(5)
Total number of future projects currently in development planning stage 256 256 N/A(5)
Trust’s share of estimated costs of future projects 5,400,000 5,500,000 N/A(5)
       
Financial Information      
Investment properties(2)(3) 9,354,927 9,466,501 9,280,212
Total assets(1) 10,365,651 9,928,467 9,704,677
Total unencumbered assets(2) 5,763,400 5,696,100 4,652,700
Debt(2)(3) 4,908,808 4,290,826 4,132,699
Debt to Aggregate Assets(2)(3)(4) 44.3
%
42.3% 41.8%
Debt to Gross Book Value(2)(3)(4) 49.8
%
49.0% 48.5%
Unsecured to Secured Debt Ratio(2)(3)(4) 67%/33% 63%/37% 55%/45%
Unencumbered assets to unsecured debt(2)(3)(4) 1.9X 2.1X 2.1X
Weighted average interest rate(2)(3) 3.37
%
3.55% 3.66%
Weighted average term of debt (in years) 4.9 5.0 4.5
Interest Coverage Ratio(2)(3)(4) 3.3X 3.5X 3.3X
Interest coverage (net of capitalized interest expense)(2)(3)(4) 3.8X 4.0X 3.9X
Adjusted Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (net of cash)(2)(3)(4) 8.5X 8.0X 7.8X
Equity (book value)(1) 5,197,315 5,367,752 5,324,196
Weighted average number of units outstanding – diluted 173,120,316 171,858,434 171,255,329

(1) Represents a GAAP measure.
(2) Represents a non-GAAP measure. The Trust’s method of calculating non-GAAP measures may differ from other reporting issuers’ methods and, accordingly, may not be comparable.
(3) Includes the Trust’s proportionate share of equity accounted investments.
(4) As at September 30, 2020, cash-on-hand of $413.1 million was excluded for the purposes of calculating the applicable ratios (December 31, 2019 – $37.0 million).
(5) N/A – information not available.

Quarterly Comparison to Prior Year

The following table represents key financial, per Unit, and payout ratio information for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019:

(in thousands of dollars, except per Unit information) September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Variance
  (A) (B) (A–B)
Financial Information      
Rentals from investment properties and other(1) 186,344 195,531 (9,187)
Net income and comprehensive income(1)(3) 111,033 95,138 15,895
Net income and comprehensive income excluding fair value adjustments(2)(3) 105,214 91,520 13,694
Cash flows provided by operating activities(1) 79,100 80,615 (1,515)
NOI(2) 147,612 128,645 18,967
FFO(2)(3)(4)(5) 110,107 97,330 12,777
ACFO(2)(3)(4)(5) 103,200 88,537 14,663
Distributions declared 79,621 77,264 2,357
Surplus of ACFO over distributions declared(2) 23,579 11,273 12,306
Surplus of ACFO over distributions paid(2) 23,579 29,647 (6,068)
Units outstanding(6) 172,220,387 170,689,152 1,531,235
Weighted average – basic 172,112,821 170,400,281 1,712,540
Weighted average – diluted(7) 173,120,316 171,255,329 1,864,987
       
Per Unit Information (Basic/Diluted)      
Net income and comprehensive income(1) $0.65/$0.64 $0.56/$0.56 $0.09/$0.08
Net income and comprehensive income excluding fair value adjustments(2)(3) $0.61/$0.61 $0.54/$0.53 $0.07/$0.08
FFO(2)(3)(4)(5) $0.64/$0.64 $0.57/$0.57 $0.07/$0.07
Distributions declared $
0.463
$0.450 $0.013
       
Payout Ratio Information      
Payout ratio to FFO(2)(3)(4)(5) 72.3 
%
79.4 % (7.1)%
Payout ratio to ACFO(2)(3)(4)(5) 77.2 
%
87.3 % (10.1)%

(1) Represents a GAAP measure.
(2) Represents a non-GAAP measure. The Trust’s method of calculating non-GAAP measures may differ from other reporting issuers’ methods and, accordingly, may not be comparable.
(3) Includes the Trust’s proportionate share of equity accounted investments.
(4) See “Other Measures of Performance” section in the MD&A for a reconciliation of these measures to the nearest consolidated financial statement measure.
(5) The calculation of the Trust’s FFO and ACFO and related payout ratios, including comparative amounts, are financial metrics that were determined based on the February 2019 REALpac White Paper on FFO and ACFO, respectively. Comparison with other reporting issuers may not be appropriate. The payout ratio to FFO and the payout ratio to ACFO are calculated as declared distributions divided by FFO and ACFO, respectively.
(6) Total Units outstanding include Trust Units and LP Units, including Units classified as liabilities. LP Units classified as equity in the consolidated financial statements are presented as non-controlling interests.
(7) The diluted weighted average includes the vested portion of the deferred units issued pursuant to the deferred unit plan.

Year-to-Date Comparison to Prior Year

The following table represents key financial, per Unit, and payout ratio information for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019:

(in thousands of dollars, except per Unit information) September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Variance
  (A) (B) (A–B)
Financial Information      
Rentals from investment properties and other(1) 583,356 598,710 (15,354)
Net income and comprehensive income(1)(3) 41,560 270,619 (229,059)
Net income and comprehensive income excluding fair value adjustments(2)(3) 258,017 261,216 (3,199)
Cash flows provided by operating activities(1) 204,611 213,964 (9,353)
NOI(2) 382,103 382,630 (527)
FFO(2)(3)(4)(5) 281,270 277,403 3,867
ACFO(2)(3)(4)(5) 269,407 262,850 6,557
Distributions declared 239,101 230,969 8,132
Surplus of ACFO over distributions declared(2) 30,306 31,881 (1,575)
Surplus of ACFO over distributions paid(2) 47,783 84,330 (36,547)
Units outstanding(6) 172,220,387 170,689,152 1,531,235
Weighted average – basic 171,890,163 169,277,340 2,612,823
Weighted average – diluted(7) 172,873,206 170,151,053 2,722,153
       
Per Unit Information (Basic/Diluted)      
Net income and comprehensive income(1) $0.24/$0.24 $1.60/$1.59 $-1.36/$-1.35
Net income and comprehensive income excluding fair value adjustments(2)(3) $1.50/$1.49 $1.54/$1.54 $-0.04/$-0.05
FFO(2)(3)(4)(5) $1.64/$1.63 $1.64/$1.63 $—/$—
Distributions declared $
1.388
$1.350 $0.038
       
Payout Ratio Information      
Payout ratio to FFO(2)(3)(4)(5) 85.0 
%
83.3 % 1.7 %
Payout ratio to ACFO(2)(3)(4)(5) 88.8 
%
87.9 % 0.9 %

(1) Represents a GAAP measure.
(2) Represents a non-GAAP measure. The Trust’s method of calculating non-GAAP measures may differ from other reporting issuers’ methods and, accordingly, may not be comparable.
(3) Includes the Trust’s proportionate share of equity accounted investments.
(4) See “Other Measures of Performance” section in the MD&A for a reconciliation of these measures to the nearest consolidated financial statement measure.
(5) The calculation of the Trust’s FFO and ACFO and related payout ratios, including comparative amounts, are financial metrics that were determined based on the February 2019 REALpac White Paper on FFO and ACFO, respectively. Comparison with other reporting issuers may not be appropriate. The payout ratio to FFO and the payout ratio to ACFO are calculated as declared distributions divided by FFO and ACFO, respectively.
(6) Total Units outstanding include Trust Units and LP Units, including Units classified as liabilities. LP Units classified as equity in the consolidated financial statements are presented as non-controlling interests.
(7) The diluted weighted average includes the vested portion of the deferred units issued pursuant to the deferred unit plan.


Operational Highlights

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, net income and comprehensive income (as noted in the table above) increased by $15.9 million as compared to the same period in 2019. This increase was primarily attributed to the following:

  • $19.0 million increase in NOI (see further details in the “Net Operating Income” subsection);
  • $1.8 million increase in fair value adjustments on revaluation of investment properties;
  • $1.0 million increase in interest income, which was primarily due to an increase in bank interest as a result of the increase in cash and cash equivalents;
  • $0.5 million increase in fair value adjustment on financial instruments;
  • $0.4 million increase in gain on sale of investment properties; and
  • $0.2 million decrease in supplemental costs;

Partially offset by the following:

  • $3.9 million increase in interest expense which was primarily due to the increase in average debt balance; and
  • $3.1 million increase in net general and administrative expenses.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, net income and comprehensive income (as noted in the table above) decreased by $229.1 million as compared to the same period last year. This decrease was primarily attributed to the following:

  • $266.7 million decrease in fair value adjustments on revaluation of investment properties principally due to changes in leasing and cash flow assumptions such as rental rates, lease renewal rates, leasing costs, downtime on lease expiries, vacancy allowance, among others, to reflect the impact of COVID-19;
  • $5.1 million increase in general and administrative expenses (net);
  • $2.2 million increase in acquisition-related costs;
  • $0.5 million decrease in NOI (see further details in the “Net Operating Income” subsection); and
  • $0.2 million decrease in gain on sale of investment properties;

Partially offset by the following:

  • $40.9 million increase in fair value adjustment on financial instruments principally due to the fluctuation in the Trust’s Unit price as compared to the same period in 2019;
  • $3.4 million increase in interest income which was principally due to the increase in average interest-bearing loan receivable balance and cash and cash equivalents; and
  • $1.3 million net decrease in interest expense which was primarily due to $7.9 million of higher yield maintenance costs incurred as compared to the same period in 2019.


FFO Highlights

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, FFO increased by $12.8 million or 13.1% to $110.1 million. This increase was primarily attributed to:

  • $19.0 million increase in NOI (see further details in the “Net Operating Income” subsection);
  • $1.5 million increase in add back for indirect interest incurred in respect of equity accounted development projects which was primarily due to the development property acquisitions completed subsequent to Q3 2019;
  • $1.0 million increase in interest income, which was primarily due to an increase in bank interest as a result of the increase in cash and cash equivalents as compared to the same period in 2019; and
  • $0.2 million increase in FFO add back for both salaries and related costs attributed to leasing activities, and distributions on Units classified as liabilities;

Partially offset by:

  • $3.9 million net increase in interest expense;
  • $3.1 million net increase in net general and administrative expense;
  • $1.2 million net decrease in changes in fair value of financial instruments and other adjustments; and
  • $0.7 million decrease in adjustment of indirect interest incurred in respect of equity accounted development projects which was principally due to the Transit City condominium closings in 2020.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, FFO increased by $3.9 million or 1.4% to $281.3 million. This increase was primarily attributed to:

  • $4.6 million increase in add back for indirect interest incurred in respect of equity accounted development projects which was primarily due to the development property acquisitions completed subsequent to Q3 2019;
  • $3.4 million increase in interest income, which was principally due to the increase in average interest-bearing loan receivable balance and cash and cash equivalents as compared to the same period in 2019;
  • $1.3 million net decrease in interest expense; and
  • $0.4 million increase in FFO add back for salaries and related costs attributed to leasing activities;

Partially offset by:

  • $5.1 million increase in net general and administrative expense; and
  • $0.7 million decrease in add back for indirect interest incurred in respect of equity accounted development projects which was principally due to the Transit City condominium closings in 2020.


ACFO Highlights

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, ACFO increased by $14.7 million or 16.6% to $103.2 million compared to the same period in 2019, which was primarily due to the items previously identified.

The Payout Ratio relating to ACFO for the three months ended September 30, 2020 decreased to 77.2% as compared to the same period in 2019, which was largely the result of distributions from condominium closings of $29.2 million and the other items previously identified.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, ACFO increased by $6.6 million or 2.5% to $269.4 million compared to the same period in 2019, which was primarily due to the items previously identified.

The Payout Ratio relating to ACFO for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 increased by 0.9% to 88.8% as compared to the same period in 2019, which was primarily due to the items previously identified.

Development and Intensification Summary

Included in the Trust’s large development pipeline are 256 identified mixed-use development initiatives, which are summarized in the following table:

  Underway Active Future  
         
Description (Construction underway or
expected to commence
within next 2 years)
(Construction expected to
commence within next 3–5
years)
(Construction expected to
commence after 5 years)
Total
Trust’s share of number of projects        
Residential Rental 7 23 58 88
Seniors’ Housing 4 13 28 45
Self-storage 10 16 22 48
Office Buildings 1 9 10
Hotels 5 5
Subtotal – Recurring income initiatives 21 53 122 196
Condominium developments 9 12 25 46
Townhome developments 2 5 7 14
Subtotal –
Development income initiatives
11 17 32 60
Total 32 70 154 256
Trust’s share of project area (in thousands of sq. ft.)        
Recurring income initiatives 3,500 5,000 12,500 21,000
Development income initiatives 2,200 1,600 3,100 6,900
Total Trust’s share of project area (in thousands of sq. ft.) 5,700 6,600 15,600 27,900
Trust’s share of such estimated costs (in millions of dollars) 2,300 3,100 (1) 5,400

(1) The Trust has not yet fully determined the costs attributable to future projects and as such they are not included in this table.

As noted in the table above, the Trust is currently working on initiatives for the development of many properties, including the following mixed-use development initiatives for which final municipal approvals have or are being actively pursued:

  1. the development of up to 5.3 million square feet of predominately residential space, in various forms, at Highway 400 & Highway 7, in Vaughan, Ontario, with a rezoning application submitted in December 2019 and a site plan application for the first four buildings totalling 1,742 units submitted in October 2020;
  2. the development of up to 5.0 million square feet of predominately residential space, in various forms over the long term, in Pickering, Ontario, with the site plan application for a two-tower mixed-use phase, approximating 650,000 square feet, submitted in April 2020;
  3. the development of up to 5.5 million square feet of predominately residential space, in various forms, at Oakville North in Oakville, Ontario, with the rezoning application for a three-tower 1,200-unit residential phase expected to be submitted in late fall 2020;
  4. the development of up to 3.0 million square feet of predominately residential space, in various forms, at Westside Mall in Toronto, Ontario, with an application for the first mixed-use tower expected to be submitted in the late fall 2020;
  5. the development of up to 1.7 million square feet of residential space in various forms at the Vaughan NW shopping centre in Vaughan, Ontario. Residential development includes townhomes, to be developed in partnership with Fieldgate; a seniors’ apartment building and separate retirement residence to be developed in partnership with Revera, along with condominiums and residential rental buildings. Applications for these six towers have been submitted. In addition, a 100,000 square-foot self-storage facility is under construction and scheduled to open early in 2021;
  6. the development of up to 1.5 million square feet of residential space, in various forms, in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, with the first phase, a two-tower rental project, being actively pursued;
  7. the development of up to 318,000 square feet of residential space at Oakville South in Oakville, Ontario, including 158 units in a retirement residence project with Revera and townhomes;
  8. the intensification of the Toronto StudioCentre (“StudioCentre”) in Toronto, Ontario (zoning allows for up to 1.2 million square feet);
  9. the development of four high-rise purpose-built residential rental buildings comprising approximately 1,800 units with Greenwin, in Barrie, Ontario, for which a zoning application was submitted in December 2019 and a phase one site plan submitted in August 2020;
  10. the development of a high-rise purpose-built residential rental tower, on Balliol Street in midtown Toronto, Ontario, with applications submitted in September 2020;
  11. the development of up to 200,000 square feet of residential space in 137 townhomes at London Fox Hollow in London, Ontario, with site plan approval applications expected to be submitted in the late fall 2020;
  12. the development of up to 1,600 residential units, in various forms, in Mascouche, Quebec, with the first phase consisting of two 10-storey rental towers approved by municipal council in August, with a construction start in early 2021;
  13. the development of the first phase, 42-unit rental building, which is part of a multi-phase masterplan in Alliston, Ontario, with a rezoning application submitted in February and a site plan application submitted in May 2020;
  14. the development of four additional self-storage facilities with the Trust’s partner, SmartStop, in Aurora, Brampton, Markham, and Whitby with zoning and/or site plan applications submitted in the last several months;
  15. the development of residential density at the Trust’s shopping centre at 1900 Eglinton in Scarborough with rezoning and site plan applications for the first two residential towers are expected to be submitted in late 2020;
  16. the development of residential density at the Trust’s shopping centre in Kirkland, Quebec, with zoning approvals expected in the late fall 2020;
  17. the development of residential density at the Trust’s shopping centre at Bayview and Major Mackenzie in Richmond Hill, with the rezoning application for the first tower expected to be submitted in early 2021;
  18. the development of more than four million square feet (4,600 units) of residential density on the land at SmartVMC previously occupied by a Walmart store, with the rezoning and site plan applications to be submitted for phase one of 550,000 square feet later in 2020; and
  19. the development of 1.2 million square feet of mixed-use density – office, retail, and residential – on the SmartVMC lands immediately south of the Transit City 4 & 5 towers, with the rezoning and site plan applications submitted in September 2020.


Non-GAAP Measures

The non-GAAP measures used in this Press Release, including but not limited FFO, Transactional FFO, ACFO, NOI, Same Property NOI, average yield rates, and payout ratio do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These non-GAAP measures are more fully defined and discussed in ‘Management’s Discussion and Analysis’ (“MD&A”) of the Trust for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Full reports of the financial results of the Trust for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 are outlined in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the related MD&A of the Trust for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. In addition, supplemental information is available on the Trust’s website at www.smartcentres.com.


Conference Call

SmartCentres will hold a conference call on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. (ET). Participating on the call will be members of SmartCentres’ senior management.

Investors are invited to access the call by dialing 1-855-353-9183 and then keying in the participant access code 93397#. You will be required to identify yourself and the organization on whose behalf you are participating.

A recording of this call will be made available Thursday, November 12, 2020 beginning at 8:30 p.m. (ET) through to 8:30 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, November 19, 2020. To access the recording, please call 1-855-201-2300, enter the Conference Reference Number 1252433# and then key in the participant access code 93397#.


About SmartCentres

SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust is one of Canada’s largest fully integrated REITs, with a best-in-class portfolio featuring 166 strategically located properties in communities across the country. SmartCentres has approximately $10.4 billion in assets and owns 33.8 million square feet of income producing value-oriented retail space with 97.4% occupancy, on 3,500 acres of owned land across Canada.

SmartCentres continues to focus on enhancing the lives of Canadians by planning and developing complete, connected, mixed-use communities on its existing retail properties. A publicly announced $11.9 billion intensification program ($5.4 billion at SmartCentres’ share) represents the REIT’s current major development focus on which construction is expected to commence within the next five years. This intensification program consists of rental apartments, condos, seniors’ residences and hotels, to be developed under the SmartLiving banner, and retail, office, and storage facilities, to be developed under the SmartCentres banner.

SmartCentres’ intensification program is expected to produce an additional 59.3 million square feet (27.9 million square feet at SmartCentres’ share) of space, 27.1 million square feet (12.3 million square feet at SmartCentres’ share) of which has or will commence construction within next five years. From shopping centres to city centres, SmartCentres is uniquely positioned to reshape the Canadian urban and urban-suburban landscape.

Included in this intensification program is the Trust’s share of SmartVMC which, when completed, is expected to include approximately 11.0 million square feet of mixed-use space in Vaughan, Ontario. Construction of the first five sold-out phases of Transit City Condominiums that represent 2,789 residential units continues to progress. Final closings of the first two phases of Transit City Condominiums began ahead of budget and ahead of schedule in August 2020 and as at September 30, 2020, 766 units (representing approximately 70% of all 1,110 units in the first and second phases) had closed with the balance of units expected to close before year end. In addition, the presold 631 units in the third phase along with 22 townhomes, all of which are sold out and currently under construction, are expected to close in 2021. The fourth and fifth sold-out phases representing 1,026 units are currently under construction and are expected to close in 2023. For more information, visit www.smartcentres.com.

Certain statements in this Press Release are “forward-looking statements” that reflect management’s expectations regarding the Trust’s future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities as further outlined under the headings “Business Overview and Strategic Direction”, “Other Measures of Performance” and “Outlook” in Management’s Discussion & Analysis of the Trust for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. More specifically, certain statements contained in this Press Release, including statements related to the Trust’s maintenance of productive capacity, estimated future development plans and costs, view of term mortgage renewals including rates and upfinancing amounts, timing of future payments of obligations, intentions to secure additional financing and potential financing sources, and vacancy and leasing assumptions, and statements that contain words such as “could”, “should”, “can”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe”, “will”, “may” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, constitute “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of assisting the Trust’s Unitholders and financial analysts in understanding the Trust’s operating environment, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. However, such forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” and elsewhere in Management’s Discussion & Analysis of the Trust for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and under the heading “Risk Factors” in its Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2019. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this Press Release are based on what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Trust cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. These forward-looking statements are made as at the date of this Press Release and the Trust assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances unless otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

However, such forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties.

For more information, please contact:

Mitchell Goldhar   Peter Forde   Peter Sweeney
Executive Chairman     President & CEO  Chief Financial Officer
SmartCentres SmartCentres SmartCentres
(905) 326-6400 ext. 7674  (905) 326-6400 ext. 7615 (905) 326-6400 ext. 7865
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves of the contents of this Press Release.