Divestco Reports Q3 2012 Results


CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Nov. 29, 2012) - Divestco Inc. (TSX VENTURE:DVT) ("Divestco" or the "Company") announces its operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Three months ended September 30, 2012

Divestco generated a net loss for the third quarter of 2012 of $1.1 million ($0.02 per share - basic and diluted) compared to net income of $255,000 ($nil per share - basic and diluted) for the same period in 2011. EBITDA was $356,000 in Q3 2012, a $1.3 million (79%) decrease from $1.7 million for the same period in 2011. The Company generated funds from operations of $191,000 ($nil per share - basic and diluted) for the third quarter of 2012, a decrease of $1.4 million (88%) as compared to $1.6 million ($0.03 per share - basic and diluted) for the same period in 2011. EBITDA and funds from operations do not include capital expenditures of $567,000, mainly comprised of leasehold improvements during the three months ended September 30, 2012.

During Q3 2012, Divestco generated revenue of $6.4 million compared to $9.6 million in Q3 2011, a decrease of $3.2 million (33%). Revenue in the Seismic Data segment decreased by $3.2 million (85%) attributable to the timing of multi-client surveys. In Q3 2011, the Company was in the process of acquiring a new survey while in Q3 2012 there were no surveys in progress or completed. Revenue in the Software and Data segment increased by $1.9 million (82%) due to a large data transaction completed during Q3 2012. Revenue in the Services segment decreased by $1.9 million (53%) as demand for seismic processing land management services was weaker while demand for geomatics was slightly stronger.

Operating expenses decreased by $1.9 million (24%) to $6 million in Q3 2012 from $7.9 million in Q3 2011. Salaries and wages were down $177,000 (4%) due to a slightly lower headcount and lower severance costs. G&A expenses were down $1.7 million (46%) as occupancy costs decreased by $1.1 million (91%) due to the Company surrendering a portion of its office space lease in 2011. Professional fees decreased by $171,000 (33%), bad debt expense decreased by $107,000 (653%) and direct selling costs decreased by $331,000 (87%). Depreciation and amortization increased by $11,000 (1%) mainly due to lower depreciation on property and equipment offset by higher amortization on deferred development costs.

Nine months ended September 30, 2012

Divestco generated net income for the first nine months of 2012 of $2.5 million ($0.04 per share - basic and diluted) compared to a net loss of $3.8 million ($0.06 per share - basic and diluted) for the same period in 2011. EBITDA was $12.1 million, a $9.3 million (331%) increase from $2.8 million for the same period in 2011. The Company generated funds from operations of $11.7 million ($0.17 per share - basic and diluted) for the first nine months of 2012, an increase of $8.9 million (311%) as compared to $2.8 million ($0.05 per share - basic and diluted) for the same period in 2011. EBITDA and funds from operations do not include capital expenditures of $10.4 million, mainly comprised of the cost of acquiring new seismic surveys data during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

During the first three quarters of 2012, Divestco generated revenue of $32.4 million compared to $29 million during the same period in 2011, an increase of $3.4 million (12%). Revenue in the Seismic Data segment increased by $3.4 million (37%) as the Company completed three seismic participation surveys and a large data library sale, as well as entered into a settlement agreement concerning one of its legal actions. Revenue in the Software and Data segment increased by $1.6 million (23%) primarily due to a significant data transaction completed in 2012. Revenue in the Services segment decreased by $1.6 million (12%) as demand for geomatics was stronger, while demand for seismic processing and land management services was weaker.

Operating expenses decreased by $6 million (23%) to $20.2 million in the first nine months of 2012 from $26.2 million during the same period in 2011. Salaries and wages were down $1.2 million (8%) due to lower headcounts and a significant decrease in severance costs. G&A expenses were down $4.8 million (41%) as occupancy costs decreased by $3.8 million (54%) due to the Company surrendering a portion of its office space lease in 2011. Communication expenses were down $148,000 (41%), professional fees decreased by $400,000 (24%) and direct selling costs decreased by $747,000 (71%), partially offset by an increase in bad debt expense by $111,000. Depreciation and amortization increased by $3.3 million (54%) mainly due to the completion of three seismic participation surveys in during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, partially offset by lower depreciation on property and equipment.

Working Capital

As at September 30, 2012, Divestco had a working capital deficit of $2.9 million (excluding deferred revenue of $2.8 million) compared to working capital of $297,000 (excluding deferred revenue of $4.6 million) as at December 31, 2011. The decline in working capital from the end of 2011 was primarily due to an unpredictably slow summer which directly impacted the Services segment and delayed the signing and delivery of several contracts. While the Company has significantly reduced its payables since the end of 2011, receivables fell as well. In addition, $1.4 million of the subordinated loan was reclassified from long-term to current liabilities as compared to December 31, 2011 as the loan matures on April 30, 2013. The Company's funded debt to equity ratio at September 30, 2012 was 0.60:1 (December 31, 2011 - 0.64:1), with the improvement due to better operating results for the year offset by slightly higher debt.

Seismic Update

During the first nine months of 2012, Divestco completed three 3D seismic participation surveys (Brazeau, Big Valley and Ante Creek), covering an area of approximately 389 square kilometers. Total cost for the three seismic surveys was $14.3 million, with $5.1 million incurred in 2011.

Mr. Stephen Popadynetz, CEO, President and CFO: "Over the last two years Divestco has made great strides to improve its efficiencies and cut costs. Unfortunately, in the third quarter of 2012, we saw an unexpected slowdown in the industry which resulted in a net loss. As activity levels in the fourth quarter return to more traditional levels for this time of year and with other additional cost cutting measures, mostly centered on lease optimization set to take effect in January 2013, the Company expects to return back to profitability. As well, Divestco remains committed to strengthening its financial position and balance sheet. We are also pleased with the progress we have made towards rebuilding our seismic data library. To date, we have added more than 770 square kilometers of seismic to our library. Overall demand for seismic data and general activity levels in the industry is trending positively and Divestco is currently reviewing a number of new seismic programs for the coming year. With the strong cost cutting measures taken over the last two years in place, Divestco is on a well positioned path for sustained profitability and growth. We look forward to continue delivering positive earnings and better results for our shareholders."

Additional GAAP Measures

The Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. Certain measures in this document do not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by IFRS and are considered additional GAAP measures. While these measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers, they are described and presented in this MD&A to provide shareholders and potential investors with additional information regarding the Company's results, liquidity, and its ability to generate funds to finance its operations. These measures include:

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA")

Divestco uses EBITDA as a key measure to evaluate the performance of its segments and divisions as well as the Company overall, with the closest IFRS measure being net income or loss. EBITDA is a measure commonly reported and widely used by investors as indicators of the Company's operating performance and ability to incur and service debt, and as a valuation metric. The Company believes EBITDA assists investors in comparing the Company's performance on a consistent basis without regard to financing decisions and depreciation and amortization, which are non-cash in nature and can vary significantly depending upon accounting methods or non-operating factors such as historical cost.

EBITDA is not a calculation based on IFRS and should not be considered an alternative to net income or loss in measuring the Company's performance. As well, EBITDA should not be used as an exclusive measure of cash flow, because it does not consider the impact of working capital growth, capital expenditures, debt principal reductions and other sources and uses of cash, which are disclosed in the consolidated statements of cash flows. While EBITDA has been disclosed herein to permit a more complete comparative analysis of the Company's operating performance and debt servicing ability relative to other companies, investors should be cautioned that EBITDA as reported by Divestco may not be comparable in all instances to EBITDA as reported by other companies. Investors should also carefully consider the specific items included in Divestco's computation of EBITDA.

The following is a reconciliation of EBITDA with net income (loss):

Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30
(Thousands) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Net Income (Loss) $ (1,080 ) $ 255 $ 2,505 $ (3,842 )
Income Tax Expense (51 ) (4 ) (51 ) 61
Finance Costs 309 303 280 507
Depreciation and Amortization 1,178 1,167 9,354 6,081
EBITDA $ 356 $ 1,721 $ 12,088 $ 2,807

Funds from operations

Divestco reports funds from operations because it is a key measure used by management to evaluate its performance and to assess the ability of the Company to finance operating and investing activities. Funds from operations excludes certain working capital changes and other sources and uses of cash, which are disclosed in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Funds from operations is not a calculation based on IFRS and should not be considered an alternative to the consolidated statements of cash flows. Funds from operations is a measure that can be used to gauge Divestco's capacity to generate discretionary cash flow. Investors should be cautioned that funds from operations as reported by Divestco may not be comparable in all instances to funds from operations as reported by other companies. While the closest IFRS measure is cash from operating activities, funds from operations is considered relevant because it provides an indication of how much cash generated by operations is available before proceeds from divested assets and changes in certain working capital items.

The following reconciles funds from operations with cash from operating activities:

Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30
(Thousands) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Cash from Operating Activities $ 2,162 $ 2,238 $ 15,047 $ 5,090
Changes in non-cash Working Capital Balances Related to Operating Activities (2,007 ) (548 ) (3,323 ) (2,292 )
Interest Paid 273 250 155 391
Income Taxes Refunded (237 ) (301 ) (215 ) (352 )
Funds from Operations $ 191 $ 1,639 $ 11,664 $ 2,837

Working capital

Working Capital is calculated as current assets minus current liabilities (excluding deferred revenue). Working capital provides a measure that can be used to gauge Divestco's ability to meet its current obligations.

Financial Highlights
Financial Results (Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30
2012 2011 $ Change % Change 2012 2011 $ Change % Change
Revenue $ 6,409 $ 9,565 $ (3,156 ) -33 % $ 32,358 $ 29,017 $ 3,341 12 %
Operating Expenses 6,013 7,873 (1,860 ) -24 % 20,229 26,237 (6,008 ) -23 %
Other Loss (Income) 40 (29 ) 69 N/A 41 (27 ) 68 N/A
EBITDA 356 1,721 (1,365 ) -79 % 12,088 2,807 9,281 331 %
Finance Costs 309 303 6 2 % 280 507 (227 ) -45 %
Depreciation and Amortization 1,178 1,167 11 1 % 9,354 6,081 3,273 54 %
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes (1,131 ) 251 (1,382 ) N/A 2,454 (3,781 ) 6,235 N/A
Income Tax Expense (51 ) (4 ) (47 ) N/A (51 ) 61 (112 ) N/A
Net Income (Loss) $ (1,080 ) $ 255 $ (1,335 ) N/A $ 2,505 $ (3,842 ) $ 6,347 N/A
Per Share - Basic and Diluted (0.02 ) - (0.02 ) N/A 0.04 (0.06 ) 0.10 N/A
Funds from Operations $ 191 $ 1,639 $ (1,448 ) -88 % $ 11,664 $ 2,837 $ 8,827 311 %
Per Share - Basic and Diluted - 0.03 (0.03 ) -100 % 0.17 0.05 0.12 240 %
Shares Outstanding 66,717 59,903 N/A N/A 66,717 59,903 N/A N/A
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
Basic 66,715 59,785 N/A N/A 66,657 59,535 N/A N/A
Diluted 66,715 59,785 N/A N/A 66,657 59,535 N/A N/A
Financial Position (Thousands)
Balance at Balance at Balance at
Sep 30 Dec 31 Dec 31
2012 2011 2010
Total Assets $ 39,258 $ 43,761 $ 34,984
Working Capital (Deficit) (1) (2,910 ) 297 3,599
Long-Term Financial Liabilities (2) 8,068 8,610 3,907
  1. Excludes the current portion of deferred revenue of $2.8 million (December 31, 2011: $4.6 million; December 31, 2010: $3.9 million)
  2. Includes long-term debt obligations, deferred rent obligations, sublease loss provision and other long-term liabilities. The long-term debt obligations are comprised of the Company's subordinated debt, shareholder loans and finance leases
Segment Review Summary
For the three months ended September 30, 2012 (Thousands)
Software and Data Services Seismic Data Corporate & Other Total
Revenue $ 4,203 $ 1,643 $ 563 $ - $ 6,409
EBITDA 2,571 (1,028 ) (207 ) (980 ) 356
Finance costs (income) - - (2 ) 311 309
Depreciation and Amortization 772 223 62 121 1,178
Income (loss)
before income
taxes 1,799 (1,251 ) (267 ) (1,412 ) (1,131 )
For the three months ended September 30, 2011 (Thousands)
Software Services Data Corporate & Other Total
Revenue $ 2,309 $ 3,464 $ 3,792 $ - $ 9,565
EBITDA 966 122 2,942 (2,309 ) 1,721
Finance costs
(income) - (1 ) (1 ) 305 303
Depreciation and Amortization 710 241 29 187 1,167
Income (loss)
before income
taxes 256 (118 ) 2,914 (2,801 ) 251
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 (Thousands)
Software Services Data Corporate & Other Total
Revenue $ 8,423 $ 11,446 $ 12,489 $ - $ 32,358
EBITDA 3,524 1,890 9,802 (3,128 ) 12,088
Finance costs
(income) - (1 ) (8 ) 289 280
Depreciation and Amortization 2,363 672 5,877 442 9,354
Income (loss)
before income
taxes 1,161 1,219 3,933 (3,859 ) 2,454
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 (Thousands)
Software Services Data Corporate & Other Total
Revenue $ 6,848 $ 13,070 $ 9,099 $ - $ 29,017
EBITDA 2,398 2,435 6,685 (8,711 ) 2,807
Finance costs
(income) - (2 ) (5 ) 514 507
Depreciation and Amortization 2,747 805 1,001 1,528 6,081
Income (loss)
before income
taxes (349 ) 1,632 5,689 (10,753 ) (3,781 )

Divestco Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Financial Position

September 30 December 31
(Thousands - Unaudited) 2012 2011
Assets
Current Assets
Cash $ 2,966 $ 1,547
Funds held in trust 108 40
Accounts receivable 5,584 11,810
Prepaid expenses, supplies and deposits 312 235
Income taxes receivable 81 110
Asset held for sale - 2,500
Total current assets 9,051 16,242
Investment in affiliated company 143 141
Participation surveys in progress - 5,108
Property and equipment 4,529 4,147
Intangible assets 25,535 18,123
Total assets $ 39,258 $ 43,761
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current Liabilities
Bank indebtedness $ 4,350 $ 3,700
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 4,911 10,669
Deferred revenue 2,793 4,561
Current loss on sublease loss provision 326 320
Current portion of long-term debt obligations 2,252 1,143
Current portion of tenant inducement 122 113
Total current liabilities 14,754 20,506
Deferred rent obligations 421 1,124
Long-term debt obligations 3,982 4,591
Sublease loss provision 1,087 1,332
Tenant Inducements 1,420 1,397
Other long-term liabilities - 100
Total liabilities 21,664 29,050
Shareholders' Equity
Equity instruments 9,069 76,431
Contributed surplus 6,020 5,663
Deficit 2,505 (67,383 )
Total shareholders' equity 17,594 14,711
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 39,258 $ 43,761

Divestco Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30
(Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts - Unaudited) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Revenue $ 6,409 $ 9,565 $ 32,358 $ 29,017
Operating expenses
Salaries and benefits 4,054 4,231 13,314 14,497
General and administrative 1,845 3,588 6,555 11,686
Stock compensation expense 114 54 360 54
Total operating expenses 6,013 7,873 20,229 26,237
Finance costs 309 303 280 507
Depreciation and amortization 1,178 1,167 9,354 6,081
Other loss (income) 40 (29 ) 41 (27 )
Income (loss) before income taxes (1,131 ) 251 2,454 (3,781 )
Income taxes
Current (51 ) (4 ) (51 ) 61
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) for the period (1,080 ) 255 $ 2,505 $ (3,842 )
Net income (loss) per share
Basic and Diluted $ (0.02 ) $ - $ 0.04 $ (0.06 )
Weighted average number of shares
Basic and Diluted 66,715 59,785 66,657 59,535

Divestco Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Equity

(Thousands - Unaudited) Number of Shares Issued Share Capital Number of Warrants Issued Warrants Equity Instruments Contributed Surplus Retained Earnings
(Deficit
) Total Equity
Balance as at January 1, 2011 58,938 $ 73,445 15,825 $ 1,808 $ 75,253 $ 5,590 $ (62,773 ) $ 18,070
Net loss and comprehensive loss for the period (3,842 ) (3,842)
Transactions with owners, recorded in equity contributions by and distributions to owners:
Issue of Class A common shares 965 129 455 52 181 181
Share-based payment transactions 54 54
Share issue costs (1 ) (1 ) (1 )
Balance as at September 30, 2011 59,903 $ 73,573 16,280 $ 1,860 $ 75,433 $ 5,644 $ (66,615 ) $ 14,462
Balance as at January 1, 2012 66,610 $ 74,571 16,280 $ 1,860 $ 76,431 $ 5,663 $ (67,383 ) $ 14,711
Reduction of stated capital and deficit (67,383 ) (67,383 ) 67,383
Net income and comprehensive income for the period 2,505 2,505
Transactions with owners, recorded in equity contributions by and distributions to owners:
Issue of Class A common shares 87 18 18 18
Issue on exercise of PSUs 20 3 3 3
Reclassification on exercise of PSUs (3 ) (3 )
Share-based payment transactions 360 360
Balance as at September 30, 2012 66,717 $ 7,209 16,280 $ 1,860 $ 9,069 $ 6,020 $ 2,505 $ 17,594

Divestco Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows

Nine months ended September 30
(Thousands - Unaudited) 2012 2011
Cash from (used in) operating activities
Net income (loss) for the period $ 2,505 $ (3,842 )
Items not affecting cash:
Equity investment income (16 ) (21 )
Depreciation and amortization 9,354 6,081
Sublease loss - (607 )
Amortization of tenant inducements (86 ) (113 )
Deferred rent obligations (703 ) 638
Income taxes (51 ) 61
Unrealized foreign exchange loss 3 (2 )
Non-cash employment benefits 18 81
Share-based payments 360 54
Finance costs (income) 280 507
Funds from operations 11,664 2,837
Changes in non-cash working capital balances 3,323 2,292
Interest received (paid) (155 ) (391 )
Income taxes refunded (paid) 215 352
Net cash from operating activities 15,047 5,090
Cash from (used in) financing activities
Bank indebtedness 650 1,050
Advances to affiliated company 14 -
Issue of common shares (net of related costs) - 99
Repayment of long-term debt obligations (1,657 ) (321 )
Deferred financing costs - (153 )
Proceeds received from long-term debt obligations (net of committed revolver repayments) 2,060 5,000
Net cash from (used in) financing activities 1,067 5,675
Cash from (used in) investing activities
Additions to intangible assets (14,460 ) (2,465 )
Decrease (increase) in participation surveys in progress 5,108 (4,610 )
Purchase of property and equipment (1,054 ) (5,562 )
Additions to tenant inducements 118 3,424
Payments towards sublease loss provision (268 ) (488 )
Investment in affiliates - (29 )
Deferred development costs (1,770 ) (1,883 )
Changes in non-cash working capital balances (2,369 ) (1,759 )
Net cash from (used in) investing activities (14,695 ) (13,372 )
Increase (decrease) in cash 1,419 (2,607 )
Cash, beginning of period 1,547 3,696
Cash, end of period $ 2,966 $ 1,089

About the Company

Divestco is an exploration services company that provides a comprehensive and integrated portfolio of data, software, and services to the oil and gas industry. Through continued commitment to align and bundle products and services to generate value for customers, Divestco is creating an unparalleled set of integrated solutions and unique benefits for the marketplace. Divestco's breadth of data, software and services offers customers the ability to access and analyze the information required to make business decisions and to optimize their success in the upstream oil and gas industry. Divestco is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "DVT".

This press release contains forward-looking information related to the Company's capital expenditures, projected growth, view and outlook with respect to future oil and gas prices and market conditions, and demand for its products and services. 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 information" within the meaning applicable by Canadian securities legislation. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct because, should one or more of the risks materialize, or should the assumptions underlying forward-looking statements or forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this press release as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. All of the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information of the Company contained in this press release are expressly qualified, in their entirety, by this cautionary statement. Except where required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information if conditions or opinions should change.

In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the following: Company's ability to keep debt and liquidity at acceptable levels, improve/maintain its working capital position and maintain profitability in the current economy; availability of external and internal funding for future operations; relative future competitive position of the Company; nature and timing of growth; oil and natural gas production levels; planned capital expenditure programs; supply and demand for oil and natural gas; future demand for products/services; commodity prices; impact of Canadian federal and provincial governmental regulation on the Company; expected levels of operating costs, finance costs and other costs and expenses; future ability to execute acquisitions and dispositions of assets or businesses; expectations regarding the Company's ability to raise capital and to add to seismic data through new seismic shoots and acquisition of existing seismic data; treatment under tax laws; and new accounting pronouncements.

These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions including: future prices for crude oil and natural gas; future interest rates and future availability of debt and equity financing will be at levels and costs that allow the Company to manage, operate and finance its business and develop its software products and various oil and gas datasets including its seismic data library, and meet its future obligations; the regulatory framework in respect of royalties, taxes and environmental matters applicable to the Company and its customers will not become so onerous on both the Company and its customers as to preclude the Company and its customers from viably managing, operating and financing its business and the development of its software and data; and that the Company will continue to be able to identify, attract and employ qualified staff and obtain the outside expertise as well as specialized and other equipment it requires to manage, operate and finance its business and develop its properties.

These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control, including: general economic, market and business conditions; volatility in market prices for crude oil and natural gas; ability of Divestco's clients to explore for, develop and produce oil and gas; availability of financing and capital; fluctuations in interest rates; demand for the Company's product and services; weather and climate conditions; competitive actions by other companies; availability of skilled labour; failure to obtain regulatory approvals in a timely manner; adverse conditions in the debt and equity markets; and government actions including changes in environment and other regulation.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Contact Information:

Divestco Inc.
Mr. Stephen Popadynetz
CEO, President and CFO
587-952-8152

Divestco Inc.
Mr. Danny Chiarastella
Vice President, Finance
587-952-8027
www.divestco.com