OKOTOKS, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Feb. 10, 2016) - Mullen Group Ltd. (TSX:MTL) ("Mullen Group" and/or the "Corporation"), one of Canada's largest suppliers of trucking and logistics services as well as specialized transportation services to the oil and natural gas industry in Canada, today reported its financial and operating results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2015, with comparisons to the same periods last year.
Key financial highlights for the fourth quarter and year end of 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
| HIGHLIGHTS | |||||||
| Three month periods ended December 31 |
Twelve month periods ended December 31 |
||||||
| (unaudited) ($ millions, except per share amounts) |
2015 | 2014 | Change | 2015 | 2014 | Change | |
| $ | $ | % | $ | $ | % | ||
| Revenue | |||||||
| Trucking/Logistics | 177.5 | 146.1 | 21.5 | 714.8 | 570.9 | 25.2 | |
| Oilfield Services | 109.7 | 199.6 | (45.0) | 501.1 | 858.9 | (41.7) | |
| Corporate and intersegment eliminations | 0.5 | (0.5) | - | (1.5) | (1.9) | - | |
| Total Revenue | 287.7 | 345.2 | (16.7) | 1,214.4 | 1,427.9 | (15.0) | |
| Operating income before depreciation and amortization (1) (2) | |||||||
| Trucking/Logistics | 29.8 | 24.2 | 23.1 | 117.9 | 92.4 | 27.6 | |
| Oilfield Services | 20.8 | 41.1 | (49.4) | 101.2 | 196.4 | (48.5) | |
| Corporate | 2.1 | (0.4) | - | 10.3 | (4.1) | - | |
| Total Operating income before depreciation and amortization (1 (2)) | 52.7 | 64.9 | (18.8) | 229.4 | 284.7 | (19.4) | |
| Net income | 2.4 | 22.2 | (89.2) | 13.4 | 94.6 | (85.8) | |
| Net income - adjusted (1) | 13.4 | 32.4 | (58.6) | 73.6 | 131.1 | (43.9) | |
| Earnings per share (1) | 0.03 | 0.25 | (88.0) | 0.15 | 1.04 | (85.6) | |
| Earnings per share - adjusted (1) | 0.15 | 0.36 | (58.3) | 0.80 | 1.44 | (44.4) | |
| (1) | Refer to notes section of Summary |
| (2) | Prior to this News Release, Mullen Group used the term "Operating Income", which has been replaced by the additional GAAP term "Operating income before depreciation and amortization" |
For the three month period ended December 31, 2015, Mullen Group generated revenue of $287.7 million, operating income before depreciation and amortization ("OIBDA") of $52.7 million and net cash from operations of $64.8 million. During the quarter Mullen Group paid dividends of $27.5 million, paid semi-annual interest obligations of $13.6 million and invested a total of $19.4 million predominately within the Trucking/Logistics segment consisting of net capital expenditures and an acquisition to complement the January 2015 acquisition of Gardewine Group Limited Partnership ("Gardewine"). The Corporate office also continued to further develop its new transload facility in Edmonton, Alberta.
Consolidated revenue in the fourth quarter of 2015 decreased by $57.5 million or 16.7 percent as compared to $345.2 million in 2014, due to an $89.9 million decline in revenue in the Oilfield Services segment offset by a $31.4 million increase in the Trucking/Logistics segment. The steep and rapid decline in commodity prices negatively impacted industry cash flows reducing capital investment and drilling activity in western Canada. As a result virtually all Business Units within this segment experienced revenue decreases. Segment revenue declined during the quarter by 45.0 percent to $109.7 million as compared to $199.6 million last year. Specifically, the decrease was due to a reduction in revenue generated by those Business Units involved in the transportation of fluids and the servicing of wells, and from lower revenue generated by those Business Units most directly tied to oil and natural gas drilling activity in western Canada due to low customer demand, intense competition and pricing pressures. Revenue also decreased due to a reduction in demand for services related to dewatering and heavy haul freight services. These decreases were somewhat offset by greater demand for pipeline hauling associated with large diameter pipeline construction projects. Conversely, revenue in the Trucking/Logistics segment increased by $31.4 million or 21.5 percent to $177.5 million as compared to $146.1 million last year. This increase in segment revenue is attributable to incremental revenue generated by the acquisition of Gardewine and Courtesy Freight Systems Ltd. ("Courtesy"), offset by a reduction in demand for most freight services particularly within Alberta, coupled with the loss of revenue associated with the disposition of Mill Creek Motor Freight L.P. ("Mill Creek").
OIBDA for the fourth quarter was $52.7 million, a decrease of $12.2 million or 18.8 percent over the same period in 2014. The decrease was attributable to the Oilfield Services segment that experienced a $20.3 million decrease in OIBDA, primarily due to the negative impact of low commodity prices on customer demand for the services offered by those Business Units involved in the transportation of fluids and the servicing of wells, from those Business Units most directly tied to oil and natural gas drilling activity in western Canada, and from dewatering services. The declines in the Oilfield Services segment were somewhat offset by gains of $5.6 million in the Trucking/Logistics segment, which mainly resulted from the acquisition of Gardewine being somewhat offset by lower demand for most freight services in Alberta and the disposition of Mill Creek. OIBDA in the Trucking/Logistics segment increased by 23.1 percent to $29.8 million as compared to $24.2 million last year. Corporate costs decreased by $2.5 million on a year over year basis, which was mainly attributable to a $3.4 million foreign exchange gain recorded in 2015. As a percentage of consolidated revenue, OIBDA decreased to 18.3 percent as compared to 18.8 percent in 2014. This 0.5 percent decrease in operating margin was mainly due to a reduction in operating margin in the Oilfield Services segment due to the loss of revenue and a generally more competitive environment. This decrease was somewhat offset by the foreign exchange gain in Corporate and slightly improved operating margin within the Trucking/Logistics segment, which benefitted from lower direct operating expenses being somewhat offset by the acquisition of Gardewine that generated an operating margin below the segment average.
In the fourth quarter of 2015, Mullen Group generated net income of $2.4 million or $0.03 per share, a decrease of $19.8 million compared to $22.2 million or $0.25 per share in 2014. The $19.8 million decrease in net income was mainly attributable to a $12.2 million decrease in OIBDA, a $10.8 million decrease in gain on sale of property, plant and equipment, a $10.8 million gain on sale of Mill Creek recorded in 2014 and a $6.0 million negative variance in net unrealized foreign exchange. These decreases were somewhat offset by a $14.5 million positive variance in the fair value of investments, a $4.2 million decrease in income tax expense and a $3.0 million gain on contingent consideration recorded in 2015. Adjusting Mullen Group's net income and earnings per share to eliminate the impact of the one-time expense in 2014 related to the prepayment of the Series A and Series B Notes, the net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses, the gain on sale of Mill Creek in 2014, the gain on contingent consideration in 2015 and the change in fair value of investments resulted in adjusted net income of $13.4 million and adjusted earnings per share of $0.15, as compared to $32.4 million and $0.36 per share in 2014, respectively. These adjustments more clearly reflect earnings from an operating perspective.
Mr. Murray K. Mullen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented, "The oil and gas sector is quite simply a mess. Commodity prices have been decimated by the continued over supply situation, lack of demand and now ruthless financial markets, which always look to take advantage of any opportunity. The results are both evident and devastating to anyone involved in the oil and gas sector. Producers' cash flows have declined significantly, negatively impacting capital investment projects, drilling activity and overall industry demand levels for all services. In addition, the prolonged downturn has stretched industry balance sheets, another drag on investment and spending levels by the producers. Here at Mullen Group we have not been spared from the industry slowdown. Revenue and profitability have been negatively impacted, particularly in those Business Units in our Oilfield Services segment. Even our Business Units in our Trucking/Logistics segment leveraged to the Alberta and Saskatchewan markets are negatively impacted by the slowing economy. In spite of all of these challenges, our 27 Business Units in 2015 still managed to generate nearly $290.0 million in revenue in the fourth quarter, positive earnings and cash flow, allowing Mullen Group to pay the annual dividend of $1.20 per share to shareholders."
For the year ended December 31, 2015, Mullen Group generated revenue of $1,214.4 million, a decrease of $213.5 million or 15.0 percent as compared to $1,427.9 million in 2014. The decrease in revenue was due to a significant decline in revenue generated by the Oilfield Services segment being partially offset by a rise in revenue generated by the Trucking/Logistics segment. Revenue decreased by $74.8 million, $28.6 million, $52.6 million and $57.5 million in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively. Revenue in the Oilfield Services segment decreased by $357.8 million, or 41.7 percent, to $501.1 million as compared to $858.9 million in 2014. This decrease was primarily due to lower demand for oilfield services in western Canada due to the steep and rapid decline in crude oil and natural gas pricing, which began in the last half of 2014, that negatively impacted industry cash flows resulting in significant reductions in drilling activity and investments into capital projects including core drilling in the oil sands. Revenue in the Trucking/Logistics segment increased by $143.9 million, or 25.2 percent, to $714.8 million from $570.9 million in 2014. This $143.9 million increase was largely due to incremental revenue resulting from the acquisition of Gardewine, Courtesy and Bernard Transport Ltd. This increase was partially offset by the loss of revenue associated with the disposition of Mill Creek and a reduction in demand for most freight services, particularly in western Canada. On a consolidated basis, fuel surcharge revenue also decreased by $17.4 million as compared to 2014, which resulted from lower diesel fuel prices.
In 2015 Mullen Group generated OIBDA of $229.4 million, a decrease of $55.3 million or 19.4 percent from the $284.7 million generated in 2014. The decrease of $55.3 million was mainly due to the Oilfield Services segment that experienced a $95.2 million decrease in OIBDA. This was somewhat offset by the Trucking/Logistics segment that experienced a $25.5 million increase in OIBDA. In addition, Corporate costs declined by $14.4 million on a year over year basis primarily due to a $15.8 million foreign exchange gain. As a percentage of revenue, OIBDA decreased to 18.9 percent as compared to 19.9 percent in 2014. This 1.0 percent decrease in operating margin was largely due to a generally more competitive environment in the Oilfield Services segment. Adjusted for the $15.8 million foreign exchange gain, OIBDA would have been $213.6 million or 17.6 percent of consolidated revenue.
In 2015 Mullen Group generated net income of $13.4 million, or $0.15 per share, a decrease of $81.2 million as compared to the $94.6 million or $1.04 per share in 2014. The decrease of $81.2 million was mainly attributable to a $55.3 million decrease in OIBDA, a $24.2 million negative variance in unrealized foreign exchange, a $10.8 million gain on sale of Mill Creek recorded in 2014, a $6.8 million decrease in gain on sale of property, plant and equipment and a $6.0 million increase in depreciation of property, plant and equipment. These decreases were somewhat offset by a $20.0 million one-time expense in 2014 related to the prepayment of the Series A and Series B Notes, a $7.1 million decrease in income tax expense and a $3.0 million gain on contingent consideration recorded in 2015. Mullen Group's adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share in 2015 were $73.6 million and $0.80 per share, a decrease of $57.5 million or $0.64 per share compared to the $131.1 million and $1.44 per share generated in 2014, respectively.
From a balance sheet perspective, at December 31, 2015, Mullen Group had $187.1 million of working capital, which included $147.2 million of cash and cash equivalents and a current liability of $70.0 million related to the Series C Notes, which mature on June 30, 2016. Mullen Group had $522.0 million of net debt at December 31, 2015. Mullen Group also has access to additional funding of $75.0 million from its bank credit facility, which continues to remain undrawn. The long-term debt consists mainly of its private placement debt of U.S. $314.0 million and Canadian $331.0 million. The weighted average interest rate on our U.S. dollar debt and our Canadian debt is 4.43 percent and 4.80 percent, respectively. The majority of this debt matures on October 22, 2024 and October 22, 2026. In July 2014 Mullen Group entered into two cross-currency swap contracts to swap the principal portion of $229.0 million of U.S. dollar debt into a Canadian currency equivalent of $254.1 million. At December 31, 2015, the carrying value of these cross-currency swaps was $39.9 million and is recorded within derivative financial instruments on Mullen Group's balance sheet. The net book value of property, plant and equipment was $992.2 million, the majority of which consists of $465.2 million of real property (carrying cost of $511.5 million) and $422.3 million of trucks and trailers.
Mr. Mullen added, "2015 was a very interesting year for our company. Firstly, it was a challenging year, a fact clearly reflected in our financial performance last year. The type of cyclical downturn the oil and gas sector is experiencing spares no one. And of course the real tragedy of downturns like this is the toll it takes on people and families. Jobs are lost. Salaries and benefits for the survivors are cut, quite significantly in many instances. Many people are struggling to cope with the downturn. But there will be a recovery, jobs will once again be in demand and the industry will be stronger. Unfortunately, the cure is often preceded by much pain. Secondly, it was a year in which our diversified business model and conservative nature, and by this I am referring to our balance sheet and cash position, were validated. We always take a long term view, looking for opportunities to build sustainable competitive advantage. A perfect example of this strategy is related to the Regional Less Than Truckload business in Canada. Our latest acquisitions have now positioned Mullen Group with the largest terminal networks in Canada, serving customers and communities alike. From this perspective I am quite proud of the steps and initiatives we undertook over the course of the last couple of years. We prepared for a cyclical downturn in the oil and gas industry and undertook initiatives to grow for the future."
A summary of Mullen Group's results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2015, are as follows:
| SUMMARY | ||||||
| Three month periods ended December 31 |
Twelve month periods ended December 31 |
|||||
| (unaudited) ($ millions, except per share amounts) |
2015 | 2014 | Change | 2015 | 2014 | Change |
| $ | $ | % | $ | $ | % | |
| Revenue | 287.7 | 345.2 | (16.7) | 1,214.4 | 1,427.9 | (15.0) |
| Operating income before depreciation and amortization(1) | 52.7 | 64.9 | (18.8) | 229.4 | 284.7 | (19.4) |
| Net unrealized foreign exchange loss | 10.6 | 4.6 | 130.4 | 39.7 | 15.5 | 156.1 |
| Decrease in fair value of investments | 3.5 | 18.0 | (80.6) | 19.4 | 20.7 | (6.3) |
| Net income | 2.4 | 22.2 | (89.2) | 13.4 | 94.6 | (85.8) |
| Net income - adjusted(2) | 13.4 | 32.4 | (58.6) | 73.6 | 131.1 | (43.9) |
| Earnings per share(3) | 0.03 | 0.25 | (88.0) | 0.15 | 1.04 | (85.6) |
| Earnings per share - adjusted(2) | 0.15 | 0.36 | (58.3) | 0.80 | 1.44 | (44.4) |
| Net cash from operating activities | 64.8 | 79.1 | (18.1) | 211.6 | 248.6 | (14.9) |
| Net cash from operating activities per share(3) | 0.71 | 0.86 | (17.4) | 2.31 | 2.72 | (15.1) |
| Cash dividends declared per Common Share | 0.30 | 0.30 | - | 1.20 | 1.20 | - |
| Notes: | |
| (1) | Operating income before depreciation and amortization ("OIBDA") is defined as net income before depreciation of property, plant and equipment, amortization of intangible assets, finance costs, net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses, other (income) expense and income taxes. |
| (2) | Net income - adjusted and earnings per share - adjusted are calculated by adjusting net income and basic earnings per share by the impact of the one-time expense in 2014 related to the prepayment of the Series A and Series B Notes, the amount of any net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses, the gain on sale of Mill Creek, the gain on contingent consideration and the change in fair value of investments. |
| (3) | Earnings per share and net cash from operating activities per share are calculated based on the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding for the period. |
OIBDA, net income - adjusted and earnings per share - adjusted are not recognized terms under IFRS and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS. Management believes these measures are useful supplemental measures. Investors should be cautioned that these indicators should not replace net income and earnings per share as an indicator of performance.
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION | |||
| December 31 | |||
| (thousands) | 2015 | 2014 | |
| $ | $ | ||
| Assets | |||
| Current assets: | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 147,243 | 325,365 | |
| Trade and other receivables | 159,963 | 209,835 | |
| Inventory | 30,278 | 38,147 | |
| Prepaid expenses | 9,620 | 10,010 | |
| Current tax receivable | 6,019 | 5,835 | |
| 353,123 | 589,192 | ||
| Non-current assets: | |||
| Property, plant and equipment | 992,206 | 911,699 | |
| Goodwill | 344,186 | 257,795 | |
| Intangible assets | 30,107 | 31,437 | |
| Investments | 42,495 | 52,792 | |
| Deferred tax assets | 9,807 | 9,078 | |
| Derivative financial instruments | 39,949 | 9,345 | |
| Other assets | 5,162 | 799 | |
| 1,463,912 | 1,272,945 | ||
| Total Assets | 1,817,035 | 1,862,137 | |
| Liabilities and Equity | |||
| Current liabilities: | |||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 83,156 | 117,438 | |
| Dividends payable | 9,166 | 9,161 | |
| Current tax payable | 1,878 | 2,102 | |
| Current portion of long-term debt | 71,856 | - | |
| 166,056 | 128,701 | ||
| Non-current liabilities: | |||
| Long-term debt | 696,859 | 692,909 | |
| Convertible debentures - debt component | 12,186 | 12,083 | |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 135,290 | 127,501 | |
| 844,335 | 832,493 | ||
| Equity: | |||
| Share capital | 778,448 | 777,262 | |
| Convertible debentures - equity component | 550 | 550 | |
| Contributed surplus | 11,597 | 10,463 | |
| Retained earnings | 16,049 | 112,668 | |
| 806,644 | 900,943 | ||
| Total Liabilities and Equity | 1,817,035 | 1,862,137 | |
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS | |||||
| Three month periods ended December 31 |
Twelve month periods ended December 31 |
||||
| (thousands, except per share amounts) | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |
| $ | $ | $ | $ | ||
| (unaudited) | |||||
| Revenue | 287,686 | 345,160 | 1,214,372 | 1,427,851 | |
| Direct operating expenses | 200,369 | 241,510 | 844,025 | 985,163 | |
| Selling and administrative expenses | 34,612 | 38,700 | 140,928 | 157,947 | |
| Operating income before depreciation and amortization | 52,705 | 64,950 | 229,419 | 284,741 | |
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | 19,534 | 17,924 | 75,275 | 69,295 | |
| Amortization of intangible assets | 4,725 | 4,306 | 18,972 | 15,866 | |
| Finance costs | 9,024 | 8,665 | 35,815 | 47,370 | |
| Net unrealized foreign exchange loss | 10,619 | 4,639 | 39,701 | 15,570 | |
| Other (income) expense | 1,784 | (1,639) | 16,289 | 4,897 | |
| Income before income taxes | 7,019 | 31,055 | 43,367 | 131,743 | |
| Income tax expense | 4,658 | 8,784 | 30,001 | 37,110 | |
| Net income and total comprehensive income | 2,361 | 22,271 | 13,366 | 94,633 | |
| Retained earnings, beginning of period | 41,186 | 117,879 | 112,668 | 127,737 | |
| Dividends declared to common shareholders | (27,498) | (27,482) | (109,985) | (109,702) | |
| Retained earnings, end of period | 16,049 | 112,668 | 16,049 | 112,668 | |
| Earnings per share: | |||||
| Basic | 0.03 | 0.25 | 0.15 | 1.04 | |
| Diluted | 0.03 | 0.24 | 0.15 | 1.02 | |
| Weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding: | |||||
| Basic | 91,661 | 91,608 | 91,653 | 91,377 | |
| Diluted | 91,661 | 92,888 | 91,687 | 93,027 | |
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||
| Three month periods ended December 31 |
Twelve month periods ended December 31 |
|||||
| (thousands) | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||
| (unaudited) | ||||||
| Cash provided by (used in): | ||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||
| Net income | 2,361 | 22,271 | 13,366 | 94,633 | ||
| Adjustments for: | ||||||
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | 19,534 | 17,924 | 75,275 | 69,295 | ||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 4,725 | 4,306 | 18,972 | 15,866 | ||
| Finance costs | 9,024 | 8,665 | 35,815 | 47,370 | ||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 333 | 281 | 1,470 | 1,633 | ||
| Unrealized foreign exchange gain on cross-currency swaps | (4,924) | (7,022) | (30,604) | (9,345) | ||
| Foreign exchange | 11,815 | 10,157 | 53,585 | 22,770 | ||
| Change in fair value of investments | 3,546 | 17,969 | 19,432 | 20,726 | ||
| Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment | 2,043 | (8,819) | 2,367 | (4,523) | ||
| Income tax expense | 4,658 | 8,784 | 30,001 | 37,110 | ||
| Earnings from equity investments | (805) | 5 | (2,510) | (512) | ||
| Gain on sale of subsidiary | - | (10,794) | - | (10,794) | ||
| Gain on contingent consideration | (3,000) | - | (3,000) | - | ||
| 49,310 | 63,727 | 214,169 | 284,229 | |||
| Changes in non-cash working capital items from operating activities: | ||||||
| Trade and other receivables | 21,976 | 24,869 | 77,791 | 22,995 | ||
| Inventory | 1,645 | (590) | 83 | (4,107) | ||
| Prepaid expenses | 4,148 | 4,468 | 1,714 | 804 | ||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (9,872) | 377 | (43,540) | 2,520 | ||
| Cash generated from operating activities | 67,207 | 92,851 | 250,217 | 306,441 | ||
| Income tax paid | (2,449) | (13,665) | (38,645) | (57,856) | ||
| Net cash from operating activities | 64,758 | 79,186 | 211,572 | 248,585 | ||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||
| Cash dividends paid to common shareholders | (27,498) | (27,482) | (109,980) | (109,607) | ||
| Interest paid | (13,613) | (7,670) | (35,210) | (24,403) | ||
| Proceeds of long-term debt | - | 426,415 | - | 426,415 | ||
| Repayment of long-term debt and loans | (1,466) | (188,513) | (4,789) | (188,904) | ||
| Net proceeds from Common Share issuances | - | 28 | 850 | 10,076 | ||
| Changes in non-cash working capital items from financing activities | (179) | 189 | 663 | 394 | ||
| Net cash (used in) from financing activities | (42,756) | 202,967 | (148,466) | 113,971 | ||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||
| Acquisitions | (10,797) | (28,606) | (176,776) | (28,606) | ||
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (10,017) | (50,477) | (73,293) | (125,743) | ||
| Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment | 2,620 | 35,459 | 7,744 | 56,272 | ||
| Purchase of investments | - | - | (6,625) | (3,543) | ||
| Cash contribution to equity investee | - | (2,560) | - | (2,560) | ||
| Interest received | 129 | 523 | 507 | 1,112 | ||
| Other assets | 17 | 743 | (4,363) | 770 | ||
| Changes in non-cash working capital items from investment activities | (1,019) | 3,947 | (5,142) | 4,231 | ||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (19,067) | (40,971) | (257,948) | (98,067) | ||
| Change in cash and cash equivalents | 2,935 | 241,182 | (194,842) | 264,489 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 140,580 | 82,184 | 325,365 | 58,236 | ||
| Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held | 3,728 | 1,999 | 16,720 | 2,640 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | 147,243 | 325,365 | 147,243 | 325,365 | ||
This news release may contain forward-looking information that is subject to risk factors associated with the oil and natural gas business and the overall economy. This information relates to future events and Mullen Group's future performance. All information and statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature constitute forward-looking information, and the words "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "propose", "predict", "potential", "continue", "aim", or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking information. Such information represents Mullen Group's internal projections, estimates, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. This information involves known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Mullen Group believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable; however, undue reliance should not be placed on this forward-looking information, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. For further information on any strategic, financial, operational and other outlook on Mullen Group's business please refer to Mullen Group's Management's Discussion and Analysis available for viewing on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The risks and other factors are described under "Principal Risks and Uncertainties" in Mullen Group's Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion and Analysis. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and Mullen Group disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable Canadian securities laws. Mullen Group relies on litigation protection for "forward-looking" statements.
Mullen Group is a company that owns a network of independently operated businesses. The Corporation is recognized as one of the leading suppliers of trucking and logistics services in Canada and provides a wide range of specialized transportation and related services to the oil and natural gas industry in western Canada - two sectors of the economy in which Mullen Group has strong business relationships and industry leadership. The corporate office provides management and financial expertise, technology and systems support, shared services and strategic planning to its independent businesses.
Mullen Group is a publicly traded corporation listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MTL". Additional information is available on our website at www.mullen-group.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
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