Vancouver, BC, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aben Minerals Ltd. (TSX-V: ABM) (OTCQB: ABNAF) (Frankfurt: R26) (“Aben” or “the Company”) announces change of name to Aben Gold Corp., effective at market open on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, as approved by the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company’s share capitalization and trading symbol will remain the same. The Company’s new CUSIP number is 00289A109 and the transfer agent of the Company continues to be Computershare Investor Services Inc. No action will be require ...

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It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores. What are t ...

Aben Minerals is a Canadian gold exploration company with exploration projects in the Yukon Territory and British Columbia. The Company's flagship, the 7,400-hectare, 100% owned Justin Gold Project is located in the southeast Yukon in the Tintina Gold Belt adjacent to Seabridge Gold's 3 Aces Project. Aben Minerals also owns 100% of the Forrest Kerr Gold Project located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia and shares claims borders with Skeena's KSP Project, and Seabridge Gold's Iskut Project. The Comp ...

Core Viewpoint - ABM reported strong first-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with earnings per share (EPS) and revenues exceeding expectations, yet the stock declined post-release [1][2]. Financial Performance - EPS (excluding non-recurring items) was 87 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 11.5% and increasing 1.2% year-over-year [2]. - Total revenues reached $2.1 billion, slightly surpassing consensus and up 2.2% from the previous year [2]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $120.6 million, reflecting a 3.3% increase from the year-ago quarter, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.9% [7]. Segment Performance - Business & Industry segment revenues declined 1% year-over-year to $1 billion, meeting estimates [4]. - Manufacturing & Distribution segment revenues decreased 1.6% to $394.3 million, exceeding projections [4]. - Aviation segment revenues increased 8.2% to $270.1 million, driven by healthy travel markets [5]. - Education segment revenues rose 2.4% to $225.3 million, supported by favorable net pricing and increased work orders [5]. - Technical solutions segment revenues grew 21.9% to $202.3 million, although it missed estimates [6]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter were $59 million, down from $64.6 million [8]. - Long-term debt increased to $1.5 billion from $1.3 billion in the previous quarter [8]. - Net cash utilized by operating activities was $106.2 million, with free cash flow utilized at $122.9 million [8]. Guidance - ABM updated its EPS guidance for fiscal 2025 to a range of $3.65-$3.80, with the midpoint aligning with the Zacks Consensus Estimate [9].

Core Insights - ABM Industries experienced a 13.9% decline in share price following a disappointing fiscal first-quarter earnings report [1] - The company has transitioned from window washing to a leading provider of facility solutions, with business and industry being its largest market, accounting for 48% of sales in the first quarter [2] Financial Performance - The first-quarter earnings report showed satisfactory results, with management raising the low end of the full-year earnings-per-share (EPS) guidance from $3.60 to $3.80 to a new range of $3.65 to $3.80 [3] - A significant concern for investors was the $100 million cash outflow during the quarter, which is alarming for a company with a market cap of $2.93 billion and debt of $1.59 billion [3] Operational Challenges - The negative cash flow was attributed to the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) IT system, which caused delays in invoicing and pressured cash flow [4] - The cautious approach to invoicing during the quarter is expected to improve as invoices will be sent out throughout the year [5] Future Outlook - The potential return of workers to offices may create a positive tailwind for ABM Industries [5] - The company presents an interesting opportunity for enterprising investors despite the current challenges [6]

Revenue and Growth - Revenues increased by $45.3 million, or 2.2%, to $2,114.9 million during the three months ended January 31, 2025, compared to the prior year period, driven by organic growth of 1.6% and acquisition growth of 0.6%[107] - Total revenues for the three months ended January 31, 2025, increased by $45.3 million, or 2.2%, to $2,114.9 million compared to the prior year period[120] - Acquisition growth included a $12.7 million revenue increase from the Quality Uptime Acquisition, completed in June 2024[109] - Aviation segment revenues increased by $20.6 million, or 8.2%, to $270.1 million, driven by new business and scope expansions with existing clients[125] - Education segment revenues increased by $5.2 million, or 2.4%, to $225.3 million, primarily due to new business wins and increased work orders[127] - Technical Solutions segment revenues increased by $36.4 million, or 21.9%, to $202.3 million, with organic growth of 14.2% and acquisition growth of 7.7%[129] Profitability and Margins - Operating profit rose by $3.5 million, or 4.7%, to $77.6 million during the same period, attributed to revenue increases and operational efficiencies[107] - Gross margin improved by 53 basis points to 12.3% for the three months ended January 31, 2025, from 11.8% in the prior year period[110] - Operating profit for the Technical Solutions segment increased by $10.0 million to $16.6 million, with an operating profit margin increase of 424 bps to 8.2%[130] Expenses and Cash Flow - Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $14.4 million, or 9.3%, to $169.0 million, primarily due to higher compensation expenses from headcount expansion and legal settlements[111] - Corporate expenses increased by $8.5 million, or 11.4%, to $83.2 million, primarily due to higher legal settlements and compensation expenses[131] - Net cash used in operating activities was $106.2 million during the three months ended January 31, 2025, compared to $0.1 million in the prior year period, driven by increased working capital needs[107] - Net cash provided by financing activities increased to $116.9 million during the three months ended January 31, 2025, from $0.5 million in the prior year[150] - Net cash used in investing activities increased by $1.4 million during the three months ended January 31, 2025, primarily due to purchases of property, plant, and equipment[149] Debt and Financing - Total outstanding borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility were $1.5 billion as of January 31, 2025, with a borrowing capacity of up to $238.0 million[107] - Total outstanding borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility were $1.5 billion in cash borrowings and $29.7 million in standby letters of credit, with a weighted average interest rate of 6.17%[140] - Principal payments under the term loan amounted to $8.1 million during the three months ended January 31, 2025[140] - As of January 31, 2025, the company was in compliance with its credit facility covenants, which include a maximum total net leverage ratio of 5.00 to 1.00[139] Strategic Initiatives - The ELEVATE strategy involves investments totaling $200 - $215 million aimed at strengthening industry leadership and enhancing core services[100] - The company anticipates long-term cash uses may include strategic acquisitions and ongoing technology transformation initiatives under the ELEVATE strategy[133] - The company plans to reinvest foreign earnings to fund future non-U.S. growth and expansion, without remitting such earnings to the United States[141] Market and Risk - A foreign currency translation loss of $7.6 million was recorded during the three months ended January 31, 2025, compared to a gain of $5.4 million in the prior year period[118] - There are no material changes related to market risk from the disclosures in the Annual Report for the year ended October 31, 2024[155]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q1 2025 revenue of $2.1 billion, an increase of 2.2%, with 1.6% organic growth and the remainder from the acquisition of Quality Uptime Services [29] - Adjusted EPS was $0.87, up from $0.86 in the prior year, while adjusted net income increased to $55.3 million from $54.8 million [31] - Adjusted EBITDA rose 3% to $120.6 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin remaining flat at 5.9% [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Business & Industry (B&I)**: Revenue was $1 billion, slightly below last year, but operating profit and margin remained consistent due to cost controls [33] - **Aviation**: Revenue grew 8% to $270.1 million, with operating profit up 26% to $12.2 million, reflecting strong travel markets [34] - **Manufacturing & Distribution (M&D)**: Revenue decreased to $394.3 million due to a client exit, but new wins are expected to drive mid-single-digit organic growth later in 2025 [36] - **Education**: Revenue grew 2% to $225.3 million, with operating profit increasing 10% to $14 million [37] - **Technical Solutions**: Revenue surged 22% to $202.3 million, driven by strong microgrid project activity, with operating profit more than doubling to $16.6 million [39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial office leasing activity in the US increased by 24% in Q4 2024, indicating a positive trend for B&I [19] - Strong performance in the semiconductor and data center markets is supporting growth in M&D [22] - The aviation sector is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with strong domestic flight volumes and TSA screenings indicating mid-single-digit market growth [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on implementing a new ERP system to drive cost efficiencies and improve analytics for commercial growth opportunities [11][12] - A new brand platform was launched to reflect the company's evolution into a tech-enabled solution provider [13][14] - Continued investment in client-facing technology, such as ABM Connect, aims to enhance operational efficiency and user experience [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery of commercial real estate markets and anticipates growth in B&I in the latter half of fiscal 2025 [10] - The company is closely monitoring immigration policy changes but remains confident in its talent acquisition strategies [17] - Full-year adjusted EPS guidance has been raised to a range of $3.65 to $3.80, reflecting a strong start to the year [45] Other Important Information - The company expanded its credit facility to $2.2 billion, reflecting strong growth and lender confidence [15][41] - Free cash flow for Q1 was negative $123 million due to increased working capital related to the ERP transition, but normalization is expected in the coming months [42][43] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the recent improvement in commercial office leasing activity compare to previous quarters? - Management noted that there is no real seasonality in leasing activity, and the recent increase represents a positive trend in net absorption rates [52][54] Question: What is the company's exposure to federal projects? - Management indicated minimal risk from federal projects, as most work is in mission-critical areas that are not being cut [58][59] Question: How does the company plan to manage potential increases in labor costs? - Management stated that half of revenues come from union labor with set rates, and they typically pass labor increases to clients [66][67] Question: What is the expected impact of the new ERP system on cash flow? - Management anticipates a significant increase in cash flow in Q2 as invoicing delays are resolved [73][74] Question: Can you provide insights on the win rates for new business? - Management reported improved win rates due to increased business development efforts and the use of AI in responding to RFPs [84][85] Question: What is the outlook for the Technical Solutions segment? - Management expressed optimism for the microgrid business, supported by a strong backlog and sales pipeline [88][89] Question: How is the company addressing the impact of large client rebalancing in M&D? - Management indicated that the impact has been largely mitigated and expects incremental positive growth in the second half of the year [95][96] Question: What is the strategy for share repurchases? - Management clarified that share repurchases are aimed at offsetting dilution from share-based compensation and will evaluate further opportunities as they arise [108]

Group 1: Earnings Performance - ABM Industries reported quarterly earnings of $0.87 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.78 per share, and showing a slight increase from $0.86 per share a year ago [1] - The earnings surprise for this quarter was 11.54%, following a previous quarter where the company also surpassed expectations with earnings of $0.90 per share against an estimate of $0.86, resulting in a surprise of 4.65% [2] - Over the last four quarters, ABM Industries has consistently surpassed consensus EPS estimates [2] Group 2: Revenue Performance - The company posted revenues of $2.11 billion for the quarter ended January 2025, which was 0.69% above the Zacks Consensus Estimate and an increase from $2.07 billion in the same quarter last year [3] - ABM Industries has also topped consensus revenue estimates in each of the last four quarters [3] Group 3: Stock Performance and Outlook - Since the beginning of the year, ABM Industries shares have declined by approximately 2.6%, while the S&P 500 has seen a decline of 5.3% [4] - The company's future stock performance will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the trends in earnings estimate revisions [4][5] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.88 on revenues of $2.07 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $3.71 on revenues of $8.56 billion [8] Group 4: Industry Context - The Business - Services industry, to which ABM Industries belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 32% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges ahead [9] - The performance of ABM Industries may also be influenced by the outlook for the industry as a whole, with research indicating that the top 50% of Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by more than 2 to 1 [9]

First Quarter 2025 Earnings Presentation March 12, 2025 Forward Looking Statements This press release contains both historical and forward-looking statements about ABM Industries Incorporated ("ABM") and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "ABM," "we," "us," "our," or the "Company"). We make forward-looking statements related to future expectations, estimates and projections that are uncertain, and often contain words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "int ...