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Foremost Income Fund Reports 2020 Results

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Calgary, Alberta–(Newsfile Corp. – March 22, 2021) – Foremost Income Fund (“Foremost” or the “Fund“) announces the financial results for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Overview

The Fund is an unincorporated open end mutual fund trust conducting its business through three operating segments, Foremost Energy Equipment (FEE), Foremost Mobile Equipment (FME), and Corporate. FEE, with its focus on the oil and gas industry in Western Canada, consists of three active manufacturing and service locations across Alberta. The locations manufacture oil-treating systems, shop tanks, field tanks, agriculture equipment, oil and gas process-treating equipment, and gas separators. FME manufactures and services hydrovac and vacuum trucks and equipment; off-highway, large-wheeled and tracked vehicles; and equipment for the custom drilling, construction, water well, and mining sectors. FME focuses on custom-built vehicles for its global clientele whom it serves through two manufacturing and service locations across Alberta.

Message to Unitholders

Foremost delivered cash positive results in 2020 despite challenging market conditions caused by uncertainty in the energy markets and the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. Strong cost management and government support programs allowed Foremost to deliver better than expected results.

Foremost Mobile Equipment (FME) produced revenues of $84.4 million versus $93.6 million in 2019, and gross margin of $15.9 million, which was consistent with 2019. Demand for the key Hydrovac and Mining tools product lines was negatively impacted by reduced economic activity in our markets. Steady sales in the dual rotary drill line helped offset some of this weakness, as equipment purchases in North and South America were strong in 2020. Despite lower FME revenue, gross margin rates were higher from hydrovacs, dual rotary water-well drills, and the mining product lines.

Foremost Energy Equipment (FEE) recognized material revenue decline to $27.5 million versus $56.5M million in 2019, and gross margin of negative $0.2 million compared to $0.1 million in 2019. Despite this very negative market context, Foremost was able to significantly reduce the losses in FEE compared with 2019 through careful cost containment. Sales of Oil and Gas production and processing equipment in Western Canada were affected by the continued restrained drilling and production activity in this sector in 2020. The ramp-up of the Agriculture and Fuel tank businesses continues with sales in both categories showing increases over 2019.

Foremost received $8.9 million in government assistance in 2020 through the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) programs. This allowed Foremost to retain staffing and mitigate some of the impact of the business downturn.

The safety of everyone who works at Foremost remains the highest priority for management. We are fortunate to only have had a single positive Covid-19 case among our employees in 2020. Foremost remains fully compliant with all provincial and municipal mandates and laws related to workplace and public safety instituted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The overview: key measurements
Revenue is $111.9 million, a decrease of 25.5% from the 2019 revenue of $150.1 million.
Gross margin shows a slight decrease to $15.7 million, down from $16.0 million in 2019.
SG&A expenses are 9% of revenue. Total spend in 2020 in this category was $10.5 million compared to $12.7 million or 8% of revenue in 2019.
Adjusted EBIDTA is $5.0 million, an increase from the 2019 value of $3.4 million.

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2021 outlook

Markets remain unpredictable as the response to the novel Covid-19 virus continues to evolve. Foremost is actively monitoring the latest developments and assessing the impact of the outbreak and the unprecedented drop in global economic activity. Significant uncertainty remains around the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the impact it will have on the Fund’s operations, the demand for the Fund’s products, global supply chains, and economic activity in general.

Kevin Johnson
President

2020 Highlights

  • During 2020, the oil and gas industry experienced an unprecedented decline in commodity prices due to significant deterioration in oil demand stemming from the global pandemic. For Foremost, this contributed to the decrease in revenue of $38.2 million when comparing 2020 to 2019. The FME segment recognized $9.2 million less revenue in 2020 over 2019, while the FEE segment recognized a $29.0 million decrease in revenue. More information is in the Segmented Results of Operations section of the MD&A.
  • Gross profit for 2020 was $15.7 million and 14% of revenue. More information is in the Segmented Results of Operations section of the MD&A.
  • Administration costs decreased to $10.5 million or 9% of revenue, down from $12.7 million in 2019. The majority of spend in this category is related to personnel costs. Reductions in headcount and reduced working hours resulted in a decrease of personnel costs of $1.2 million. The COVID-19 pandemic also caused a decline in administration costs related to travel and general office supplies.
  • Adjusted EBITDA (defined on page 12) was $5.0 million for 2020 compared to $3.4 million in 2019.
  • The Board of Trustees reviews the stated redemption price quarterly; the stated redemption price was $6.35 at December 31, 2020. Effective January 1, 2021, the redemption price decreased to $6.00.

Trust Unit Redemptions

The Fund redeemed 34,292 Trust Units during the year ended December 31, 2020, through its normal redemption program resulting cash payments of $0.2 million.

The Trustees have determined that, as of March 19, 2021, the Fund will redeem tendered Trust Units at tangible book value of $6.10 per unit.

Distribution

On December 15, 2020, the Fund announced an estimated $7.1 million distribution, or $0.40 per unit, for the 2020 fiscal year which was paid in early 2021.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT

Certain statements in this news release may constitute “forward-looking” statements which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Fund to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, such statements use words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “plan” and other similar terminology. These statements include statements the Fund’s intention to proceed with a Unitholders’ meeting and information regarding the Trustees’ views of the future prospects and tax treatment of the Fund and tax treatment of the Special Redemption, the Fund’s expectations regarding the future availability of cash to meet redemption requests and the Trustee’s expectations for redemption prices in December 2011 and January 2012. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this news release. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including: the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, changes in laws and regulations, increased competition, fluctuations in commodity prices and foreign exchange, and interest rates and stock market volatility.

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For further Investor Relations information please contact:
Jackie Schenn, CA
Tel: (403) 295-5800 or toll free 1-800-661-9190 (Canada/US) – Fax: (403) 295-5832 E-mail: [email protected] – Website: www.foremost.ca

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78242

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Fintech Pulse: Daily Industry Brief – A Dive into Today’s Emerging Trends and Innovations

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The fintech landscape continues to redefine itself, driven by innovation, partnerships, and groundbreaking strategies. Today’s roundup focuses on the latest digital wallet offerings, evolving payment trends, strategic collaborations, and notable funding achievements. This editorial explores the broader implications of these developments, casting light on how they shape the future of fintech and beyond.


Beacon’s Digital Wallet for Immigrants: A Gateway to Financial Inclusion

Beacon Financial, a leading player in financial technology, recently launched a digital wallet tailored to meet the unique needs of immigrants moving to Canada. This offering bridges a critical gap, enabling seamless financial integration for newcomers navigating a foreign system.

By combining intuitive technology with user-centric features, Beacon aims to empower immigrants with tools for payments, savings, and remittances. This aligns with the growing demand for tailored financial products that resonate with specific demographics.

Op-Ed Insight:
Financial inclusion is more than just a buzzword; it’s a moral imperative in the fintech space. Products like Beacon’s digital wallet highlight the industry’s potential to create tangible change. As global migration trends increase, such offerings could inspire similar initiatives worldwide.

Source: Fintech Futures.


Juniper Research Highlights 2025’s Payment Trends

Juniper Research’s latest report unveils pivotal payment trends poised to dominate in 2025. Central themes include the adoption of instant payment networks, a surge in embedded finance solutions, and the rise of crypto-backed financial products.

The research underscores the rapid adoption of real-time payment systems, fueled by increasing consumer demand for speed and efficiency. Meanwhile, embedded finance promises to blur the lines between traditional banking and non-financial services, delivering personalized and context-specific solutions.

Op-Ed Insight:
As the lines between financial services and technology continue to blur, these trends emphasize the industry’s shift toward convenience and personalization. The growing role of crypto-based solutions reflects an evolving consumer mindset, where decentralization and digital-first experiences gain precedence.

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Source: Juniper Research.


MeaWallet and Integrated Finance Partner to Revolutionize Digital Wallets

MeaWallet, a prominent fintech solutions provider, has partnered with Integrated Finance to advance digital wallet capabilities and secure card data access for fintech companies. This collaboration focuses on empowering fintechs to deliver better, safer digital payment experiences.

MeaWallet’s role as a technology enabler aligns seamlessly with Integrated Finance’s goal of simplifying complex financial infrastructures. Together, they aim to create scalable, robust platforms for secure payment solutions.

Op-Ed Insight:
Partnerships like this underscore the importance of collaboration in driving innovation. As security concerns grow in tandem with digital payment adoption, solutions addressing these challenges are essential for maintaining consumer trust. The fintech ecosystem thrives when synergy and innovation coalesce.

Source: MeaWallet News.


Nucleus Security Among Deloitte’s Fastest-Growing Companies

Nucleus Security has achieved a remarkable milestone, ranking 85th on Deloitte’s 2024 Technology Fast 500 list. This achievement is attributed to its robust cybersecurity solutions, which cater to the increasingly digital fintech environment.

With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, fintech companies are under immense pressure to safeguard their platforms. Nucleus Security’s growth reflects the rising demand for comprehensive, scalable security solutions that protect sensitive financial data.

Op-Ed Insight:
In a digital-first world, robust cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s fundamental. The recognition of companies like Nucleus Security signals the growing importance of protecting fintech infrastructure as the industry scales globally.

Source: PR Newswire.


OpenYield Secures Funding to Transform the Bond Market

OpenYield has announced a successful funding round, aiming to revolutionize the bond market through innovative technology. The platform promises greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in fixed-income investments.

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This funding underscores the growing appetite for digitizing traditionally opaque financial markets. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, OpenYield seeks to democratize bond investments, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Op-Ed Insight:
The bond market, long viewed as complex and inaccessible, is ripe for disruption. OpenYield’s efforts to modernize this space highlight fintech’s transformative potential to democratize finance and empower individual investors.

Source: PR Newswire.


Key Takeaways: Shaping the Future of Fintech

Today’s developments underscore several critical themes in the fintech landscape:

  1. Personalization and Inclusion: Products like Beacon’s wallet highlight the importance of understanding and addressing specific user needs.
  2. Collaborative Ecosystems: Partnerships, like that of MeaWallet and Integrated Finance, emphasize the power of collaboration in solving industry challenges.
  3. Emerging Technologies: Juniper Research’s predictions affirm the continued influence of blockchain, embedded finance, and instant payment networks.
  4. Security at the Core: The recognition of Nucleus Security underscores the essential role of cybersecurity in fintech.
  5. Market Transformation: OpenYield’s funding signifies the ongoing disruption of traditional financial markets, paving the way for broader accessibility.

 

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Fintech Pulse: Industry Updates, Innovations, and Strategic Moves

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As fintech continues to reshape the global financial landscape, today’s briefing highlights pivotal developments, strategic expansions, and innovative launches across the industry. This op-ed explores the latest advancements with commentary on their potential impacts and challenges.


Finastra Data Breach: A Wake-Up Call for Fintech Security

Source: KrebsOnSecurity

The cybersecurity landscape is buzzing after Finastra, one of the largest financial technology providers globally, confirmed an investigation into a potential data breach. Reports suggest unauthorized access to its systems, raising concerns about data security across its client base, which includes thousands of banks and financial institutions worldwide.

Implications and Challenges

While the details of the breach remain sparse, this incident underscores a glaring vulnerability in the fintech sector—cybersecurity. As financial services increasingly rely on interconnected ecosystems, breaches like these threaten not only individual institutions but also the trust customers place in fintech platforms.

The key takeaway for the fintech industry is clear: proactive cybersecurity strategies must go beyond compliance. Real-time threat detection, robust encryption standards, and regular audits are no longer optional but essential for maintaining operational integrity.

Future Considerations

This breach could trigger a domino effect, prompting regulators to tighten security standards and requiring fintech companies to double down on investments in data protection. Startups and mid-tier players, often lacking extensive cybersecurity budgets, may face significant pressure to keep pace.


PayPal Resurrects Money Pooling Feature

Source: TechCrunch

In a bid to stay ahead of the competition, PayPal is reintroducing its Money Pooling feature, a popular tool that was discontinued in 2021. The feature allows users to pool funds collectively, catering to families, small businesses, and social groups.

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Strategic Revival

This move reflects PayPal’s commitment to customer-centric innovation. By reinstating a feature beloved by its user base, the company seeks to reclaim market share lost to emerging competitors offering similar functionalities.

Broader Industry Impacts

Money pooling represents a broader trend in fintech—customized solutions that cater to niche needs. This reintroduction may inspire competitors like Venmo and CashApp to refine their collaborative payment offerings.

While this move strengthens PayPal’s ecosystem, its success will depend on seamless integration with existing services and robust fraud prevention mechanisms to avoid abuse of the feature.


Santander Expands Fintech Reach in Mexico

Source: Yahoo Finance

Santander is making waves in the Latin American fintech space with the launch of a dedicated fintech unit in Mexico. The initiative aims to capitalize on Mexico’s growing fintech adoption and digital payments market, valued at billions of dollars annually.

Strategic Significance

Santander’s expansion into Mexico highlights the region’s untapped potential. Latin America is a burgeoning market for fintech, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, a youthful demographic, and demand for accessible financial services.

Challenges on the Horizon

While Mexico offers immense opportunities, regulatory complexities and market competition from local players like Clip and Konfío pose significant challenges. Santander will need to blend its global expertise with local adaptability to succeed in this dynamic market.


2024 Global Fintech Awards: Spotlighting Excellence

Source: PRNewswire

Benzinga has announced the winners of the 2024 Global Fintech Awards, honoring companies and individuals driving innovation in financial technology. This year’s winners spanned categories like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and payment solutions.

Recognizing Industry Leaders

Awards like these highlight the collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial drive fueling fintech growth. Recognizing trailblazers not only motivates incumbents but also inspires startups to push the boundaries of innovation.

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What It Means for the Ecosystem

The awards also bring attention to emerging technologies. Categories such as blockchain and AI signal the industry’s continued focus on leveraging cutting-edge tech for efficiency and scalability.


Commonwealth Central Credit Union Partners with Jack Henry

Source: FinTech Futures

Commonwealth Central Credit Union (CCCU) has announced a partnership with Jack Henry, a leading financial technology provider, for a comprehensive tech upgrade. The collaboration focuses on enhancing member experience through improved digital services.

Modernizing Member Experiences

Credit unions have often lagged behind major banks in adopting advanced digital solutions. By partnering with Jack Henry, CCCU aims to bridge this gap, offering members streamlined services such as mobile banking, automated lending, and personalized financial tools.

A Growing Trend

This partnership reflects a broader trend in the financial industry—credit unions and smaller banks embracing fintech to remain competitive. As customer expectations evolve, partnerships like this may become the norm rather than the exception.


Key Takeaways for the Fintech Industry

  1. Cybersecurity is Critical: The Finastra breach underscores the need for robust security measures.
  2. Innovation Drives Loyalty: PayPal’s revival of its Money Pooling feature highlights the importance of listening to customers.
  3. Regional Opportunities: Santander’s expansion into Mexico showcases the untapped potential of emerging markets.
  4. Recognition Matters: Awards like Benzinga’s provide valuable visibility for companies and individuals shaping the industry.
  5. Partnerships Foster Growth: Collaborations between credit unions and fintech companies signify a trend towards modernized financial solutions.

 

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Fintech Pulse: Milestones, Partnerships, and Transformations in Fintech

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The fintech sector continues its relentless drive toward innovation and market dominance. Today’s highlights include a record-breaking customer milestone for Revolut, groundbreaking fintech solutions for women in the EU, open entries for the PayTech Awards 2025, implications of political shifts on funding, and notable recognition at the US FinTech Awards.

Revolut Hits 50 Million Customers: A Global Fintech Giant’s Milestone

Source: Revolut

Revolut, the UK-based financial super app, has achieved a monumental feat: surpassing 50 million customers worldwide. This milestone underscores its position as a leader in the global fintech landscape, furthering its ambition to create the world’s first truly global bank.

Key to this success has been Revolut’s strategy of expanding its offerings, from banking to travel and crypto services, all within a seamless user experience. The company’s recent ventures into emerging markets such as Latin America and Asia demonstrate its intent to bridge financial services gaps while retaining competitive differentiation through technology.

This milestone is not just a triumph for Revolut but a signal of fintech’s capacity to redefine traditional banking. It reinforces the narrative that digital-first strategies, customer-centric innovation, and international scalability can challenge long-standing financial institutions.

PayTech Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Innovation

Source: FinTech Futures

The PayTech Awards 2025 are officially open for entries, promising to spotlight the brightest minds and most innovative projects in the payment technology sector. These awards are a testament to the industry’s commitment to advancing secure, seamless, and scalable payment systems.

This year, the focus is on emerging technologies that redefine how businesses and consumers interact financially. Categories will recognize achievements across multiple domains, including sustainability in payments, AI-driven solutions, and partnerships that push boundaries.

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As fintech companies prepare their entries, the awards provide a timely reminder of the sector’s ongoing evolution and the collaborative efforts required to achieve meaningful breakthroughs.

U.S. Politics and the Fintech Sector: A New Era of Funding?

Source: American Banker

The U.S. fintech sector might witness an infusion of optimism as speculation about a second Trump presidency gains momentum. The Trump-era policies of deregulation and venture capital encouragement are remembered as catalysts for unprecedented fintech growth during his first term.

While it remains uncertain how regulatory landscapes will shift, the possibility of a more relaxed approach toward fintech compliance could rejuvenate funding inflows. Investors and startups alike are watching closely, weighing the potential benefits against long-term risks tied to reduced oversight.

A politically charged backdrop often spells volatility, but for fintech, it may also spell opportunity. Preparing to adapt quickly will be crucial for startups and established players in the face of any regulatory pivot.

Klara AI and Unlimit: Addressing the €1.3 Trillion Female Economy

Source: FF News

Klara AI has teamed up with Unlimit to launch a fintech solution aimed at empowering women across the EU. This collaboration targets the €1.3 trillion female economy by addressing the unique financial needs of women entrepreneurs and consumers.

The solution promises to integrate AI-powered tools with streamlined financial management services, enabling users to access credit, manage investments, and scale businesses effectively. By tailoring services to the underserved female demographic, the partnership hopes to drive financial inclusion and support economic growth.

This initiative stands as a blueprint for fintechs exploring niche markets, proving that innovation tailored to specific segments can yield transformative results.

Autire: Accounting Tech of the Year at US FinTech Awards

Source: Business Wire

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Autire, a rising star in financial technology, has been crowned ‘Accounting Tech of the Year’ at the US FinTech Awards 2024. The award recognizes Autire’s ability to blend cutting-edge AI with intuitive user interfaces, delivering unparalleled accounting solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Autire’s platform has gained traction for automating complex accounting tasks, ensuring compliance, and delivering actionable insights through real-time analytics. Its emphasis on reducing administrative burdens for SMEs has been particularly impactful, enabling entrepreneurs to focus on growth rather than bookkeeping.

The recognition not only cements Autire’s reputation but also highlights the role of AI-driven accounting solutions in reshaping business operations globally.

Final Thoughts: A Fintech Revolution in Full Swing

From customer milestones to policy-driven opportunities, the fintech ecosystem is in constant evolution. Revolut’s ascent to 50 million users signals growing consumer trust in digital platforms. The PayTech Awards continue to inspire innovation, while political shifts could redefine the regulatory landscape. Initiatives like Klara AI and Unlimit emphasize the power of targeted solutions, and companies like Autire show how niche technologies can achieve broad impact.

The next phase of fintech growth will likely hinge on inclusivity, adaptability, and innovation—pillars that today’s news stories exemplify.

 

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