Black Diamond Group Limited Reports Results for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2012

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Nov. 5, 2012) - (TSX:BDI) Black Diamond Group Limited ("Black Diamond" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its financial and operational results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Third Quarter 2012 Highlights

Revenue generation in the third quarter of 2012 was $74.9 million with EBITDA of $31.2 million for the period, compared to revenue of $63.1 million and EBITDA of $25.2 million for the same period in 2011.

Rental revenue generated of $29.3 million was 44% higher than the prior year's comparable period due to the increase in the rental fleet of the Company as well as utilization and rental rate increases for many of the asset classes and branch operations of the Company. Non-rental revenue of $30.5 million represented a slight increase from the prior year. Lodging revenue was $15.1 million, a slight increase from the prior year.

EBITDA margins of 42% for the quarter were up from the 40% generated in the prior year. This was due to increasing gross margins as a result of a higher percentage of revenues coming from rental activity. Highlights from each of the operating divisions for the quarter are as follows:

Camps:

The division ended the quarter with 2,652 units representing approximately 10,815 accommodation beds in the rental fleet which averaged 93% utilization for the period. The division generated $25.5 million in revenue compared to $19.3 million in the same quarter of 2011. Rental revenues increased by 59% over the second quarter of 2011 to $17.3 million as a result of the larger fleet of assets and rental rate increases. Non-rental revenues decreased slightly in the quarter due to a decline in the volume of sales of newly manufactured products in the quarter. EBITDA generated in the quarter was $16.2 million or 32% higher than that generated in the same period last year.

Logistics:

The division ended the quarter with 2,641 beds in the operated camps, which were fully utilized during the period. Lodging revenues from these operated camps for the period were $15.1 million, an 8% increase from the third quarter of 2011. Operational revenues saw a 376% increase as compared to the third quarter of 2011 due to the initial operational activity associated with the deployment of several substantial projects requiring transportation and installation. EBITDA generated in the quarter was $7.8 million or 30% higher than that generated in the same period last year.

BOXX Modular:

The division ended the quarter with 3,024 units in the rental fleet which averaged 75% utilization for the period. The division generated $13.2 million in revenue compared to $18.1 million in the same quarter of 2011. The decrease in revenues was due to fewer sales of custom product. Rental revenue was 36% higher year over year as a result of an increased rental fleet. The EBITDA for the quarter was $5.7 million, a small increase from the prior year third quarter EBITDA of $5.6 million.

Energy Services:

The division ended the quarter with 2,328 units in the surface rental fleet which averaged 46% utilization for the period and 269 pieces of drilling accommodations fleet representing 954 accommodation beds which averaged 67% utilization during the quarter. The division generated $9.2 million in revenue, a minimal change from the same quarter of 2011. There was a slight increase in rental revenue for the current quarter as compared with the third quarter of 2011. The increase in rental revenue was offset by a decrease in non-rental revenue. Non-rental revenue for the period was $4.1 million compared with $4.8 million. As such, the EBITDA generated by this division for the quarter was $3.6 million, an increase from $3.4 million from the same period of 2011.

Balance Sheet

The Company ended the period with net debt of $25.1 million, comprised of $25 million drawn on its capital facility, senior secured notes of $61.3 million, net of amortized set up costs, and a working capital surplus of $61.2 million.

The current number of common shares outstanding is 41.1 million, with 3.4 million common shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the exercise of options which have been granted pursuant to the share option plan.

Dividends

The Company paid dividends of $0.06 for July, August, and September (equivalent to $0.72 per share when annualized) resulting in a payout ratio for the period of 24%, comparable with the same period in 2011. The Board of Directors of Black Diamond is confident that the cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet the dividend obligations.

Outlook

The third quarter of 2012 has delivered both record revenue and EBITDA generation. The strong results are related to the Company's continued capital program coupled with strong utilization. Field level operations related to the installation of new facilities were also very strong in the quarter. Management expects similar strength in Q4 and anticipates results to be generally in line with the current quarter.

The resource industry continues to have very strong demand for workforce lodging and temporary workspace. This demand is being generated from oilsands development projects, unconventional oil and gas development, resource related infrastructure projects and mining developments. Black Diamond is also experiencing steady demand for drilling and completions support equipment and wellsite accommodation assets. The ongoing demand from all three of our asset-based operating divisions has lead to the approval of an initial 2013 capital expenditure budget of $90 million. This compares to $135 million of capital expenditures approved and committed in 2012. Management anticipates that the 2013 capex will be allocated in the typical non-speculative manner followed in previous years with roughly the same weighting between business units. It is expected that this capital program will translate into revenue and EBITDA growth as corresponding operations and rental revenues build.

Continued high utilization, fleet growth and strong pricing will characterize both our Camps and Logistics divisions over the next several quarters. The operated lodges' revenue will be similar or slightly lower in Q4 as the Sunday Creek Lodge is being retrofitted with two-storey dormitory complexes. Lodging revenue is expected to rise in 2013 after the retrofit of Sunday Creek is completed and additional facilities have been brought on stream. The space rentals business is expected to continue to grow in western Canada with continued strong demand. Eastern Canada and the US are expected to generate similar revenue as the current quarter through to 2013. And, the Energy Services division will experience strengthened rental and operations revenue as we enter the higher activity winter drilling months and continue to assets to the fleet.

Our balance sheet continues to have significant capacity to meet current and anticipated market demand for fleet additions as well as potential strategic opportunities.

Summary Financial Statements

The following is a summary of the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position as at September 30, 2012 and the audited consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 2011 and the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of net income and cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. These summary statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements including the accompanying notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 as filed on SEDAR.

Black Diamond Group Limited

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands)
	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
As at
	$		$
ASSETS
Current
Cash and cash equivalents	18,989		22,990
Trade and accrued receivables	70,280		47,641
Due from related parties	-		1,313
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,908		7,978
	101,177		79,922
Non-Current
Long term receivables	4,504		-
Property and equipment	387,197		301,073
Intangible assets and other non-current assets	9,946		10,778
Goodwill	34,525		34,657
	537,349		426,430
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	38,509		24,708
Due to related parties	973		1,415
Dividends payable	2,469		1,771
Income taxes payable	7,157		44
	49,108		27,938
Non-Current
Long-term debt	86,300		86,130
Deferred revenue	65		80
Risk management liability	1,498		2,074
Asset retirement obligations	1,945		1,907
Deferred income taxes	43,235		38,892
	182,151		157,021
Shareholders' equity
Share capital	308,439		240,350
Non-controlling interest	4,442		1,359
Contributed surplus	3,688		4,778
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(3,909	)	(2,889	)
Retained earnings	42,538		25,811
	355,198		269,409
	537,349		426,430

Black Diamond Group Limited

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME

(unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Three month period ended			Nine month period ended
	September 30, 2012	September 30, 2011		September 30, 2012	September 30, 2011
	$	$		$	$
Revenue	74,901	63,070		195,832	175,602
Direct costs	35,497	31,582		88,530	87,607
Gross Profit	39,404	31,488		107,302	87,995
Expenses
Administrative expenses	9,176	6,802		25,550	20,796
Depreciation of property and equipment	9,412	6,912		24,621	19,567
Amortization of intangible assets	219	375		659	1,138
	18,807	14,089		50,830	41,501
Operating profit	20,597	17,399		56,472	46,494
Finance costs	1,426	1,466		4,171	3,507
Income before income taxes	19,171	15,933		52,301	42,987
Income tax
Current	2,377	12		7,114	48
Deferred	2,230	3,724		5,622	10,517
	4,607	3,736		12,736	10,565
Net income	14,564	12,197		39,565	32,422
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	1,582	1,186		2,564	2,131
Net income attributable to Black Diamond Group Limited	12,982	11,011		37,001	30,291
Net income per share
Basic	0.32	0.30		0.96	0.84
Diluted	0.32	0.29		0.94	0.82

Black Diamond Group Limited

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands)		Three month period ended				Nine month period ended
		September 30, 2012		September 30, 2011		September 30, 2012		September 30, 2011
		$		$		$		$
Operating activities
Net income attributable to Black Diamond Group Limited		12,982		11,011		37,001		30,291
Add (deduct) non-cash items:
	Depreciation of property and equipment	9,412		6,912		24,621		19,567
	Amortization of intangible assets	219		375		659		1,138
	Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	1,582		1,186		2,564		2,131
	Unrealized foreign exchange (gain)/loss	15		(9	)	(27	)	(13	)
	Finance costs	1,426		1,466		4,171		3,507
	Deferred income taxes	2,230		3,724		5,622		10,517
	Share-based compensation expense	967		489		2,423		1,390
		28,833		25,154		77,034		68,528
Book value of used fleet sales in operating activities		1,968		7,727		5,426		11,125
Long term trade receivables		(4,504	)	-		(4,504	)	-
Change in non-cash working capital related to operating activities
		(1,046	)	(14,080	)	(9,465	)	(51,095	)
Net cash from/ (used in) operating activities		25,251		18,801		68,491		28,558
Investing activities
Purchase of property and equipment		(49,407	)	(17,551	)	(117,012	)	(66,084	)
Change in non-cash working capital related to investing activities		(1,993	)	4,015		4,965		10,301
Net cash used in investing activities		(51,400	)	(13,536	)	(112,047	)	(55,783	)
Financing activities
Proceeds from long-term debt		-		40,072		-		86,072
Repayment of long-term debt		-		(16,969	)	-		(66,000	)
Sale of shares held in trust		-		-		100		-
Repayment of finance lease		-		(157	)	-		(504	)
Interest in period		(1,365	)	(1,447	)	(3,962	)	(3,453	)
Net proceeds from issuance of shares		57,465		(117	)	57,465		48,772
Dividend payments		(7,230	)	(5,304	)	(19,576	)	(14,830	)
Distribution to non-controlling interests		-		(557	)	(393	)	(1,483	)
Purchase of shares in trust		-		-		(993	)	(74	)
Share options exercised		1,072		286		7,146		1,555
Advances/(repayment) of operating facility		(4,239	)	(5,036	)	-		(6,776	)
Change in non-cash working capital related to financing activities		(555	)	-		(174	)	-
Net cash from/(used in) financing activites		45,148		10,771		39,613		43,279
Increase/ (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		18,999		16,036		(3,943	)	16,054
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		-		-		22,990		-
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(10	)	13		(58	)	(5	)
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		18,989		16,049		18,989		16,049

Additional Information

A copy of the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 and related management's discussion and analysis have been filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com).

Conference Call

Black Diamond will host a conference call for analysts, investors and interested parties to discuss its financial and operational results at 4:00 p.m. MST on November 5, 2012. Trevor Haynes, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Michael Burnyeat, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will be in attendance. The call can be accessed by calling 416-340-8530 or toll free 1-877-240-9772 prior to the scheduled start time. Digital playback of the conference call will be available under the investor relations tab on the Company's website at www.blackdiamondlimited.com.

About Black Diamond

Founded in 2003, Black Diamond Group Limited is one of North America's fastest growing remote lodging, modular building and energy services companies. With its corporate head office located in Calgary, Black Diamond provides world-class services to a full spectrum of industries including oil and gas, mining, power, construction, engineering, military, government and education.

Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Black Diamond Limited Partnership, BOXX Modular Inc. and through its 50% equity participation in the Black Diamond Dene Limited Partnership, Black Diamond West Moberly Limited Partnership, and Black Diamond Nehiyawak Limited Partnership, Black Diamond operates four complementary divisions in thirteen strategic locations across Canada and the USA.

Black Diamond Camps rents and sells remote workforce housing and provides associated services; Black Diamond Logistics provides turnkey lodging services, remote facility management and supply chain solutions; BOXX Modular specializes in renting and selling a broad range of modular work space solutions and Black Diamond Energy Services rents and sells a complement of oilfield equipment and services.

Reader Advisory

Certain information in this news release contains forward-looking statements including management's assessment of future plans and operations of Black Diamond including, without limitation, statements relating to utilization rates, fleet size, revenue, EBITDA, margins, cash flows, capital expenditures, further deployment of equipment, demand from existing and new customers and future dividends. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond Black Diamond's control including, without limitation, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, fluctuation of commodity prices, fluctuation of exchange rates, environmental risks, industry competition, availability of qualified personnel and management, stock market volatility, timely and cost effective access to sufficient capital from internal and external sources. As a consequence, actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that the forgoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Black Diamond's operations and financial results are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com) and at Black Diamond's website (www.blackdiamondlimited.com). Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and Black Diamond does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

In this news release, the following terms have been referenced: EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortization), gross profit margin and payout ratio. Readers are cautioned that these measures are not defined under Generally Accepted accounting Principles ("GAAP"). Readers are cautioned that these non-GAAP measures are not alternatives to measures under GAAP and should not, on their own, be construed as an indicator of the Company's performance or cash flows, a measure of liquidity or as a measure of actual return on the common shares of the Company. These Non-GAAP measures should only be used in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company. A reconciliation between these measures and measures defined under GAAP is included in management's discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 filed on SEDAR.