BEL: Q Revenues beat the consensus by almost 6% and are up nearly 17% according to my quick calculation. Did US$.29 for the quarter, missed by US$.02, but were up 16% Got hurt by weak dollar? Profit up 17%
Guidance of C$1.45 to $1.55 equates to about US$1.15 for next year, vs. US$.83 this year (would be an increase of 38%.)
Yearly revenue up 45%, profits up 54%, and earnings up 76% (US$.83 vs. US$.47)
I thought this was interesting: "Accounts receivable of $29,012,175 has increased by $16,506,230 and reflects a high level of $19.0 million relating to work completed for the Government of Canada as part of the negotiated payment schedule on the Saglek Labrador project. This amount will be paid over the next three quarters"
So we get about $1/share spread out over the next three quarters for work already completed.
Also this: "Construction on the Belledune plant is progressing on schedule and is more than 65% complete. Following successful source testing and an operational permit, full production is anticipated by mid-year 2004."
Missed the first few minutes of the con call but heard they have $160mil(C) in signed P.O.s and per some sensitive clients BEL was not allowed to talk about some contracts.
CEO Bennett CEO: Looking at new technology opportunities, especially in US. Don't want to say more. We have quite a war chest and we didn't raise it for nothing.
Re: recent Bought Deal to raise cash when they earlier indicated they had the cash for Belledune project -- We have other uses for the funds for early in the year.... because of government bonding requirement, we didn't want to lower our cash flow so we raised money to do what we want to do. |
