Noranda Income Fund Reports Fourth Quarter and FY2016 Financial Results

SALABERRY-DE-VALLEYFIELD, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Mar 1, 2017) - Noranda Income Fund (TSX:NIF.UN) (the "Fund") today reported its financial results for the three month period and full year ended December 31, 2016. All amounts are in Canadian currency unless otherwise stated.

2016 Fiscal Year Highlights

  • The Fund's Supply and Processing Agreement was renewed, on market terms, with Glencore Canada Corporation ("Glencore Canada") to May 2022.

  • The Fund repaid the remaining $22.5 million of Senior Secured Notes in 2016.

  • The Fund's asset-based revolving credit facility was extended to November 15, 2017.

  • Zinc metal sales increased 4% to 273,052 tonnes, in line with the Fund's target for the year.

  • Adjusted Net Revenues1 were $285.8 million, down 5% from $301.0 million for 2015.

  • Production costs per tonne of zinc produced were down 2% from 2015.

  • Loss before income taxes of $38.5 million, compared to earnings before income taxes of $49.8 million, due largely to non-cash asset impairment charges of $73 million recorded in 2016.

  • Zinc metal production increased 2% to 277,022 tonnes, exceeding the Fund's target for the year.

"Against a backdrop of tightening zinc concentrate supply and resulting reduced treatment charges, we prepared for market terms effective May 2017 through our focus in 2016 on improving plant efficiency, reducing operating costs and improving plant safety," said Ms. Eva Carissimi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Electrolytic Zinc Limited. "Our efforts were reflected in near-record production of 277,022 tonnes, a 2% reduction in production costs and a strengthening of our balance sheet through debt repayments of $22.5 million. Most significantly, our Supply and Processing Agreement was renewed, removing considerable uncertainty relating to the supply of feed for our operations."

Ms. Carissimi added, "While our recent progress will help us to mitigate some of the near-term challenges facing our industry, we expect our financial results in 2017 will be adversely impacted by the transition to market terms at a time when spot treatment charges are near historic lows. Management is confident that with the contribution of all stakeholders, the Fund will continue to reduce costs, improve capacity and improve safety to remain competitive in the tight zinc concentrate market."

Fourth Quarter 2016 Highlights

  • Adjusted Net Revenues1 were $83.0 million, down from $91.2 million for Q4 2015.

  • Production costs per tonne of zinc produced were 2% lower than Q4 2015.

  • Zinc metal production increased to 72,291 from 71,971 tonnes for Q4 2015.

  • Zinc metal sales were 69,196, down from 79,552 tonnes for Q4 2015