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  • Canada Goose lowers financial guidance forecast amid ‘increasingly challenging’ global landscape

    Canada Goose Holdings Inc. GOOS-T -9.85%decrease cut its financial guidance for its full year as it warned an “uncertain” and “increasingly challenging” global landscape along with an unseasonably warm September could hamper sales.

    “The first cold snap prompts business,” chief financial officer Jonathan Sinclair said on a Wednesday call with analysts.

    “It sort of reminds the consumer that this is the time that they should go and buy cold weather gear, so the longer you wait for that, the later (the sales period) starts, and I think that is what we’ve experienced this year.”

    Sinclair’s comments allude to just one of the headwinds facing the Toronto-based luxury apparel company best known for its parkas.

    Inflation has remained high, pushing many consumers to rethink their spending and perhaps, put off or nix any plans to purchase pricey coats. At the same time, geopolitical tensions are flaring between Canada and China, a market the company has long targeted for expansion.

    Canada Goose has 21 stores in the region and celebrated the fifth anniversary of its Chinese presence recently with a big bash, which coincided with rising sales there as COVID-19 restrictions lifted and led to a rebound in domestic spending.

    Despite the increased spending, the company still warned its woes in the Chinese market have not completely cleared.

    “When it comes to China, we’re seeing an environment which is still somewhat challenged,” Sinclair said.

    As a result, Canada Goose now expects total revenue for its 2024 financial year between $1.2-billion and $1.4-billion, compared with its earlier guidance for between $1.4-billion and $1.5-billion.

    The company also said it expects adjusted net income per diluted share between 60 cents and $1.40 for its full year, compared with its earlier guidance for between $1.20 and $1.48.

    Canada Goose arrived at that guidance because it saw momentum around its business slow noticeably in September.

    “While we began to see some improvement in late October, visibility remains reduced to reflect the increased uncertainty in the macro environment,” Sinclair said.

    Canada Goose’s reduced financial guidance comes after the company’s stock fell to a record low last month as analysts downgraded the business over concerns that warm weather and high inflation would weigh on sales.

    The stock price fell $1.59 or roughly 13 per cent to $13.79 by mid-morning Wednesday.

    To counter some of the headwinds, chief executive officer Dani Reiss said the company would focus on three goals: driving consumer-focused growth, building out its direct-to-consumer network and expanding product categories.

    In recent months, it noticed rainwear was among its fastest-growing category, though knit jackets were its most popular pieces of apparel, and sneakers – a rather new category for Canada Goose – were performing well.

    Those successes helped the company report a second-quarter profit attributable to shareholders of $3.9-million, up from $3.3-million a year earlier.

    Canada Goose earned four cents per share for the quarter ended Oct. 1 compared with three cents per share in the same quarter last year.

    Revenue for the quarter totalled $281.1-million, up from $277.2-million a year earlier.

    On an adjusted basis, the company said it earned 16 cents per share in its latest quarter compared with an adjusted profit of 19 cents per share for the same quarter last year.

  • Thomson Reuters reports Q3 profit rises to US$367M, revenue edges higher

    Thomson Reuters Corp. reported a third-quarter profit of US$367 million, up from US$228 million in the same quarter last year.

    The company, which keeps its books in U.S. dollars, says the profit amounted to 80 cents per diluted share for the quarter ended Sept. 30.

    The result compared with a profit of 47 cents per diluted share a year earlier.

    Revenue totalled US$1.59 billion compared with US$1.57 billion in the same quarter last year.

    The company says the increase was helped by growth in recurring revenues, offset in part by net divestitures.

    On an adjusted basis, Thomson Reuters says it earned 82 cents per share, up from an adjusted profit of 58 cents per share a year earlier.

    This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 1, 2023.

  • Cameco shares up after reporting Q3 profit and raising revenue outlook for 2023

    SASKATOON — Shares in Cameco Corp. rose nearly 10 per cent after it raised its revenue outlook for 2023 and reported a profit of $148 million in its latest quarter compared with a loss a year ago.

    The uranium miner says the profit amounted to 34 cents per diluted share for the quarter ended Sept. 30 compared with a loss of $20 million or five cents per diluted share a year earlier.

    Revenue for the quarter totalled $575 million, up from $389 million in the same quarter last year.

    On an adjusted basis, Cameco says it earned 32 cents per diluted share, up from an adjusted profit of three cents per diluted share a year earlier.

    In its updated outlook, Cameco says it now expects consolidated revenue between $2.43 billion and $2.58 billion for 2023, up from its earlier expectations for between $2.38 billion and $2.53 billion, primarily driven by higher expected average realized prices under its contract portfolio.

    Cameco shares were up $4.85 at $57.21 in early Tuesday trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

    This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 31, 2023.

  • Canadian economy flatlines as higher interest rates weigh on growth

    The Canadian economy has flatlined in recent months as higher interest rates weigh on growth, bringing the country to the brink of a mild recession.

    Real gross domestic product was essentially unchanged in September, according to a preliminary estimate that Statistics Canada published on Tuesday. While the numbers will be revised on Nov. 30, GDP is on track to fall by 0.1 per cent annualized in the third quarter, following a 0.2-per-cent drop in the second quarter.

    If those figures hold, Canada would post two consecutive quarters of declining GDP – what some economists refer to as a “technical recession.” Output would also be considerably weaker than the Bank of Canada’s most recent projection, published last week, which expected 0.8-per-cent growth in the third quarter.

    The numbers provide further evidence that Canada’s economy is slowing quickly as higher interest rates curb spending and investment. The Bank of Canada has rapidly raised interest rates – its policy rate stands at 5 per cent, up from 0.25 per cent in early 2022 – to subdue the biggest inflationary surge in four decades.

    But as economic activity wanes, analysts are Bay Street are increasingly convinced that the central bank is finished with its rate-hike campaign.

    “This is yet one more crystal clear sign that the Bank of Canada should be done hiking,” Benjamin Reitzes, a Bank of Montreal strategist, wrote in a client note. “The potential for a second consecutive negative quarterly GDP reading will cause recession chatter to ramp up quickly. The soft economic backdrop, which still has downside, will drive inflation down over time … it’s just a question of how quickly.”

    In August, eight of 20 industrial sectors posted increases in real GDP. (The Statscan report offered detailed figures for August, but just an overall estimate for September.) Services-producing industries edged up 0.1 per cent, while the goods-producing industries fell 0.2 per cent.

    Mining, oil and gas extraction jumped by 1.2 per cent in August, although this was partially a recovery from the disruption of forest fires earlier in the year. Manufacturing fell for a third consecutive month, while the hospitality sector slid by 1.8 per cent, with particular weakness at restaurants and bars.

    In its latest projections, the Bank of Canada downgraded its outlook for economic growth, though officials are not predicting a recession.

    “We’re expecting growth below 1 per cent for the next three, four quarters,” Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem explained at a press conference last week. “Is that a recession? No, it’s not a recession. It’s low positive growth.”

    Mr. Macklem said you can’t rule out “some small negative numbers” in the near future – although this wouldn’t necessarily qualify as a recession.

    “When people say the word ‘recession,’ I think what they have in mind is a steep contraction in output and a large rise in unemployment. That’s not what we’re forecasting.”

    Canada’s labour market has softened in recent months, as seen with declining job postings and a slower pace of hiring. Still, the unemployment rate (5.5 per cent) is low by historical standards. Statscan will publish the next results from its Labour Force Survey on Friday.

    The annual inflation rate has fallen to 3.8 per cent from a peak of 8.1 per cent last summer. Despite that progress, the Bank of Canada has warned of various risks to the outlook, including volatile oil prices and sharp increases in housing costs, owing to a supply shortage.

    Mr. Macklem told the parliamentary finance committee on Monday that the BoC could begin cutting interest rates before inflation returns to its 2-per-cent target. The central bank projects a return to target by mid-2025. Many analysts expect rate cuts to start sometime next year.

    If GDP declines slightly for two consecutive quarters, it could lead to a hearty debate about whether Canada is in recession – particularly if the labour market continues to exhibit strength.

    In 2015, for instance, Canada posted two consecutive quarters of GDP decline, owing to a plummet in oil prices that hammered Alberta’s economy. Many analysts referred to the situation as a “technical recession.”

    The C.D. Howe Institute did not agree. In 2018, the think tank’s business cycle council took a final vote on the 2015 downturn and narrowly decided it wasn’t a recession. The council said the breadth of the GDP contraction was narrow and that employment rose during the period in question.

  • TOROMONT ANNOUNCES RESULTS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2023 AND QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

    HIGHLIGHTS:

    Consolidated Results

    • Revenue increased $87.5 million or 8% in the third quarter compared to the similar period last year, with higher revenues in both groups. Equipment Group was up 7% in the quarter on higher equipment sales (up 7%), product support revenues (up 7%) and rental activity (up 11%). CIMCO revenue increased 15%, with progress on package sales (up 2%) and strong product support growth (up 29%).
    • Revenue increased $408.5 million (14%) to $3.4 billion for the year-to-date period. Revenue increased in both groups, with the Equipment Group up 13% and CIMCO up 17% year-to-date, on similar trends as noted for the quarter.
    • Operating income(1) increased 17% in the quarter reflecting the higher revenue and gross margins, along with the lower relative expense ratio. Operating income as a percentage of sales increased to 16.4% from 15.3% in the prior year.
    • Operating income increased 22% in the year-to-date period, and was 14.7% of revenue compared to 13.7% in the similar period last year, reflecting similar trends as noted for the quarter.
    • Net earnings from continuing operations increased $25.1 million or 21% in the quarter versus a year ago to $145.6 million or $1.77 EPS (basic) and $1.76 EPS (fully diluted).
    • For the year-to-date period, net earnings from continuing operations increased $83.2 million or 29% to $375.1 million, or $4.56 EPS (basic) and $4.52 EPS (fully diluted).
    • Bookings(1) for the third quarter decreased 5% compared to last year and increased 5% on a year‑to‑date basis. The Equipment Group reported lower bookings during the quarter (down 10%), after a strong start to the year and given the uncertain economic conditions. CIMCO reported increased bookings (up 18%) on good demand for our products and services. Year-to-date both groups reported increased bookings, with the Equipment Group up 4% and CIMCO up 17%.
    • Backlog(1) was $1.2 billion as at September 30, 2023, compared to $1.4 billion as at September 30, 2022, reflecting good order intake, progress on construction and delivery schedules as well as some improvement in equipment flow through the supply chain.

    https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/toromont-announces-results-for-the-third-quarter-of-2023-and-quarterly-dividend-850755229.html

  • Canada Interest Rate Forecast 2023-2028

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Interest rate forecast for 2023: 5.00%*

    For more information about the 2023 Bank of Canada rate announcement schedule and upcoming 2024 announcement schedule, read more here 

    Key Takeaways (updated October 2023)

    • The prime rate in Canada as of October 25, 2023 is 7.20%. (last change: +0.00% on October 25, 2023)
    • On Wednesday, October 25th, 2023, The Bank of Canada announced that it will be holding its rate, keeping the policy rate at 5.00%.
    • The Statistics Canada report published on October 17, shows that Canada’s inflation rate slowed in September to 3.8% from 4.0% in August, which was lower than expected by economists. This decrease was attributed to lower prices for various goods and services, such as travel, durable goods, and some grocery items, leading to a “broad-based” deceleration in the cost of living. On a monthly basis, the cost of living declined by 0.1% in September, the first decrease since November of the previous year. Gasoline prices contributed significantly to the annual rate, falling by 1.3% during the month but still up 7.5% over the past 12 months. Excluding gasoline, the inflation rate would have been 3.7%, down from 4.1% the previous month.
    • Statistics Canada reported that the Canadian unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.5%, following three consecutive monthly increases in May, June and July.

    2023 Predictions (updated October 2023)

    • In 2024, it is expected that the Bank of Canada will cut rates by up to 2% and another 1% in 2025. This will result in lower payments for adjustable rate mortgage holders. We predict that key interest rate will hover around mid 4% in 2024 and mid 3% in 2025. TD economists predict the policy rate can reach 2.25% by 2025 as inflation slows and economic growth decelerates (Source: TD)

    https://myperch.io/canada-interest-rate-forecast/

  • Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening

    The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5¼% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.

    The global economy is slowing and growth is forecast to moderate further as past increases in policy rates and the recent surge in global bond yields weigh on demand. The Bank projects global GDP growth of 2.9% this year, 2.3% in 2024 and 2.6% in 2025. While this global growth outlook is little changed from the July Monetary Policy Report (MPR), the composition has shifted, with the US economy proving stronger and economic activity in China weaker than expected. Growth in the euro area has slowed further. Inflation has been easing in most economies, as supply bottlenecks resolve and weaker demand relieves price pressures. However, with underlying inflation persisting, central banks continue to be vigilant. Oil prices are higher than was assumed in July, and the war in Israel and Gaza is a new source of geopolitical uncertainty.

    https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2023/10/fad-press-release-2023-10-25/

  • Gold Dips Below $2,000 As Gaza Tensions Ease

    Published: 10/30/2023 6:10 AM ET

    Gold prices traded mixed on Monday, after having hit five-month highs last week on heightened geopolitical tensions.

    Spot gold dropped half a percent to $1,996.34 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures were up 0.4 percent at $2,006.

    Israeli troops have entered the Gaza Strip for the first time in nearly two decades, but it’s unclear whether the maneuvers mark the official start of an invasion.

    After U.S. airstrikes targeted Iranian targets in Syria last week, there were fears that tensions could spread into a wider conflict.

    The U.S. has advised Israel to delay ground invasion in Gaza to allow hostage negotiations.

    The United Nations Security Council is due to be briefed on the humanitarian situation in Gaza today.

    The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision along with reports on manufacturing and service sector activity remain in the spotlight this week amid fears of a looming recession.

    The highly anticipated Federal Reserve interest-rate decision is due on Wednesday, with no change expected.

    Traders expect the Bank of Japan to tweak its yield curve control policy when it wraps up a two-day policy meeting on Tuesday.

    The Bank of England is to hold its penultimate meeting of the year on Thursday, with economists anticipating a ‘status quo policy update.’

  • Oil Prices Decline As Middle East Worries Ease

    Published: 10/30/2023 5:51 AM ET

    Oil prices tumbled on Monday as Middle East worries eased, and investors looked ahead to a busy week of economic data and central bank meetings.

    Benchmark Brent crude futures fell 1.6 percent to $87.75 per barrel, while WTI crude futures were down 1.7 percent at $84.06.

    Israeli troops have entered the Gaza Strip for the first time in nearly two decades, but it’s unclear whether the maneuvers mark the official start of an invasion.

    After U.S. airstrikes targeted Iranian targets in Syria last week, there were fears that tensions could spread into a wider conflict and disrupt global crude supplies.

    The attack by the U.S. was in response to a flurry of recent rocket and drone assaults against American soldiers in Iraq and Syria.

    On the economic front, investors await global manufacturing data and the all-important U.S. jobs report this week for clarity on the economic outlook.

    The U.S. Federal Reserve, Bank of England and Bank of Japan are set to hold their monetary policy meetings this week, with economists expecting a status quo policy from the U.S. central bank and the U.K. central bank.

    Analysts expect the Bank of Japan to potentially further tweak its yield curve control (YCC) policy when it meets on Tuesday.