DALLAS, Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dorchester Minerals, L.P. (the “Partnership”) (NASDAQ-DMLP) announced today the Partnership’s net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 of $36,413,000, or $0.87 per common unit. A comparison of the Partnership’s consolidated results for the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 are set forth below:  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023Operating Revenues$53,472,000  $42,594,000 $121,811,000  $113,380,000N ...

About this content About Angela Harmantas Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government ...

Core Viewpoint - Aura Minerals Inc. is acquiring Bluestone Resources Inc. through a definitive arrangement agreement, which includes a premium for Bluestone shareholders and aims to enhance Aura's growth pipeline and asset portfolio [1][2][4]. Transaction Highlights - Aura will acquire a 100% interest in Bluestone's Cerro Blanco gold project and the Mita Geothermal project [2]. - Bluestone is valued at approximately C$0.50 per share, representing a 51% premium to the current market price and a 40% premium to the 25-day volume weighted average price [2]. - Shareholders of Bluestone can choose between a cash payment of C$0.287, 0.0179 of an Aura common share, or a combination of both [2][6]. - A contingent value right (CVR) will provide potential cash payments of up to C$0.2120 per share, payable in three annual installments upon commercial production at Cerro Blanco [2][6]. Project Details - Cerro Blanco is a high-grade gold deposit located in Jutiapa, Guatemala, with a technical report filed in April 2022 [3]. - The Mita Geothermal project is licensed to produce up to 50 megawatts of power [3]. - Aura plans to evaluate future development options for Cerro Blanco after the transaction closes [3]. Benefits to Bluestone Shareholders - The transaction offers a total consideration premium of 40% based on the 25-day VWAP of Bluestone shares [5]. - Shareholders can maintain exposure to Cerro Blanco through Aura, a proven developer with a strong balance sheet [6]. Benefits to Aura Shareholders - The acquisition reinforces Aura's growth pipeline, aiming to exceed 450,000 gold equivalent ounces in production [7]. - Potential synergies exist due to the proximity of Cerro Blanco to Aura's existing operations in Honduras [7]. Transaction Approval Process - The transaction requires approval from at least 66-⅔% of Bluestone shareholders and is subject to regulatory and court approvals [8][12]. - The Board of Directors of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction [12]. Advisory and Legal Counsel - GenCap Mining Advisory Ltd. provided a fairness opinion to Bluestone's Board of Directors [13]. - Various legal advisors are engaged for both companies to facilitate the transaction [14]. Closing Timeline - The transaction is expected to close in January 2025, pending the satisfaction of all conditions [11].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record operating income and earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 2024, with operating income rising by 3% year-over-year to $79 million and EPS increasing by 1% to $1.51, excluding special items [14][16] - Sales for Q3 2024 were $525 million, down 2% from the previous year, primarily due to lower sales in the Engineered Solutions segment [14][15] - Operating cash flow increased to $60 million for the quarter, contributing to a year-to-date total of $166 million, a 20% increase over the prior year [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Consumer and Specialties segment, sales increased by 1% year-over-year to $280 million, with notable growth in personal care (up 7%), edible oil purification (up 4%), and animal health (up 13%) [16][17] - The Engineered Solutions segment saw sales decline by 5% to $244 million, with high-temperature technologies sales at $175 million, down 1% due to softer demand [18][19] - Specialty additives sales were up 1%, driven by growth in paper and packaging markets, while demand in automotive and construction markets was more tempered [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a general slowdown in industrial markets, particularly affecting the Engineered Solutions segment, while consumer-based businesses showed growth [4][14] - The agricultural and heavy equipment markets have softened, impacting demand in foundries, while automotive demand remains stable [27][29] - The environmental and infrastructure product line saw a 12% decline in sales year-over-year, attributed to continued softness in commercial construction [19][41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation and has launched new products such as the SIVO brand for cat litter and EMforce Bio for bioplastics, aligning with sustainable solutions [7][8] - A balanced approach to capital allocation is maintained, with 50% of free cash flow returned to shareholders and the other 50% retained for inorganic growth opportunities [5][6] - The company is optimistic about future growth, particularly in the Consumer and Specialties segment, with expectations for mid-to-high single-digit growth next year [25][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while industrial market conditions are currently soft, there is potential for improvement as interest rates stabilize [20][26] - The company anticipates a stronger fourth quarter for household and personal care products, particularly in the cat litter business, which is entering its seasonal strong period [22][23] - Overall, the company expects to deliver another quarter of year-over-year margin improvement, with operating income projected between $70 million and $75 million for Q4 [23] Other Important Information - The company completed a $75 million share repurchase program and announced a new $200 million initiative, alongside a 10% increase in dividends, reflecting confidence in financial strength [6][21] - The company is actively deploying AI-based tools to enhance operational efficiency and predictive maintenance, which are expected to contribute to long-term cost savings [10][49] - The FLUORO-SORB PFAS remediation solution is in the implementation stage, with promising results from pilot programs, indicating potential for accelerated adoption [9][51] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the growth outlook for the Consumer and Specialties segment? - Management indicated expectations for mid-to-high single-digit growth next year, driven by strong performance in personal care and other high-margin specialties [25][26] Question: How much of the slowdown is due to customer inventory adjustments versus softening demand? - Management noted that the slowdown is a combination of both factors, with significant weakness in commercial construction and some industrial markets [27][28] Question: Can you elaborate on the performance of the fabric care product line? - The fabric care line experienced slower growth due to order pattern changes, particularly in Asia, but long-term prospects remain strong [36][37] Question: What is the outlook for the environmental and infrastructure business? - Management expressed optimism for 2025, anticipating increased activity as interest rates drop and political stability improves [41][42] Question: How will the new AI applications impact margins? - The company expects that AI tools will enhance productivity and asset utilization, contributing to long-term cost savings and potentially improving margins [49]

Financial Performance - Third quarter earnings per share reached a record $1.45, or $1.51 excluding special items, marking a significant achievement for the company[1]. - Worldwide net sales totaled $525 million, reflecting a 4% decline as reported and a 2% decline on an underlying basis compared to the prior year[2]. - Operating income excluding special items was $79 million, a record for the third quarter, representing a 3% increase year-over-year and 15.1% of sales[2]. - The company reported a net income of $46.7 million, a 128% increase compared to the prior year, with net income attributable to MTI increasing by 137%[9]. - Net income attributable to the company for the quarter ended September 29, 2024, was $46.7 million, representing 8.9% of sales, compared to a net income of $19.7 million (3.6% of sales) for the quarter ended June 30, 2024[13]. - For the nine months ended September 29, 2024, net income attributable to the company was $113.1 million, compared to $44.4 million for the same period in 2023[13]. - Total sales for the nine months ended September 29, 2024, were $1,600.4 million, a decrease of 3% from $1,645.4 million in the same period last year[23]. Segment Performance - The Consumer & Specialties segment reported sales of $280 million, up 1% on an underlying basis, with operating income increasing by 9% to $42 million[3]. - The Engineered Solutions segment sales were $244 million, down 5% from the prior year, with operating income decreasing by 4% to $39 million[5]. - The Consumer & Specialties Segment reported operating income of $41.7 million, down 5% from $43.9 million in the prior quarter[25]. - The Engineered Solutions Segment's operating income was $38.8 million, a decrease of 13% from $44.7 million in the previous quarter[27]. - Year-over-year sales growth for the Specialty Additives segment was reported at (8)% as compared to a 9% impact from the deconsolidation of Oldco[18]. Cash Flow and Expenses - Free cash flow for the quarter ended September 29, 2024, was $35.3 million, up from $29.9 million in the previous quarter, with cash flow from operations at $60.0 million[17]. - Research and development expenses increased by 2% to $5.9 million, reflecting a 13% increase year-over-year[9]. - The company recorded a non-cash impairment of assets charge of $71.7 million in the third quarter of 2023 due to the Chapter 11 filing of BMI Oldco Inc.[15]. - The company initiated a restructuring and cost savings program in the second quarter of 2023, incurring restructuring charges of $6.6 million[15]. - The company recorded a $30.0 million provision for credit losses in the second quarter of 2024 related to Oldco's bankruptcy proceedings[14]. Shareholder Returns - The company announced a 10% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.11 per share, payable on December 5, 2024[6]. - A new $200 million share repurchase program was authorized by the Board of Directors, reflecting confidence in the company's financial strength[7]. Balance Sheet Highlights - Total current assets increased to $1,140.8 million from $1,099.0 million, reflecting a growth of 3.1%[28]. - Accounts receivable, net rose to $412.5 million, up from $399.1 million, indicating a 3.4% increase[28]. - Total liabilities decreased to $1,649.2 million from $1,659.9 million, a reduction of 0.6%[28]. - Total shareholders' equity increased to $1,744.8 million from $1,686.7 million, representing a growth of 3.4%[28]. - Short-term debt decreased significantly to $60.0 million from $85.4 million, a decline of 29.0%[28]. - Long-term debt reduced to $894.7 million from $911.1 million, showing a decrease of 1.5%[28]. - Cash and cash equivalents remained stable at $317.1 million compared to $317.2 million[28]. - Inventories increased to $342.2 million from $325.4 million, reflecting a growth of 5.0%[28]. - Prepaid expenses and other current assets rose to $61.6 million from $53.0 million, an increase of 16.3%[28]. - Net property, plant, and equipment increased to $993.7 million from $986.8 million, a growth of 0.9%[28]. Market and Sales Insights - Total net sales for the quarter ended September 29, 2024, were $524.7 million, a decrease of 3% compared to $541.2 million in the previous quarter[23]. - Sales in the United States accounted for 51% of total sales, totaling $268.3 million, down 5% from $281.3 million in the prior quarter[23]. - International sales were $256.4 million, representing 49% of total sales, with a slight decrease of 1% from $259.9 million in the previous quarter[23]. Future Outlook - The company expects to continue driving shareholder value through margin expansion and innovative product introductions[2]. - The company plans to discuss operating results for the third quarter in a conference call scheduled for October 25, 2024[22].

Spark Energy Minerals Identifies Priority Targets and Accelerates "Boots on the Ground" Exploration at its Arapaima Lithium ProjectOctober 23, 2024 6:15 PM EDT | Source: Spark Energy Minerals Inc.Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 23, 2024) - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. (CSE: SPRK) (OTC Pink: SPARF) (FSE: 8PC) ("Spark" or the "Company"), an exploration Company focused on the discovery of battery metals in Brazil's prestigious Lithium Valley, is pleased to announce a progress ...

About this content About Angela Harmantas Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government ...

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 22, 2024) - Pure Energy Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: PE) (OTCQB: PEMIF) ("Pure Energy" or "the Company") announces that Mary Little has resigned as a director of the Company, effective October 21, 2024. The Company extends its appreciation to Mary for her contributions during her tenure and wishes her well in her future endeavors. Joseph Mullin, CEO & Director, noted that "Mary Little has been instrumental to the Company in the nine years since she joined our ...

NEW YORK, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Minerals Technologies Inc. (NYSE: MTX) (MTI), a global specialty minerals company, has expanded its partnership with AIM Intelligent Machines Inc. (AIM), a technology company specializing in AI-enabled safety, productivity, and analytics for mining equipment. AIM enables mining operations to run continuously at peak performance in all weather conditions, unlocking value across fuel savings, fleet availability, and optimal site planning. This innovative technology ...

ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aura Minerals Inc. (TSX: ORA) (B3: AURA33) (OTCQX: ORAAF) (“Company” or “Aura”) in continuation to the Press Releases disclosed by the Company on September 8th and September 25th, 2024, informs its shareholders and the market in general that its subsidiary, Aura Almas Mineração S.A. (“Almas”), has settled and closed the public offering of its 2nd (second) issuance of simple debentures, non-convertible into shares, secured and with addition ...