Our roundup of Canadian small-caps of between $100-million and $2.5-billion in market capitalization making news and on the move today.
Home Capital Group Inc. (HCG-T) pre-announced preliminary, unaudited first-quarter earnings per share of 90 cents, compared to 92 cents a year ago.
Adjusted EPS is expected to be $1.02 versus 96 cents a year ago.
Analysts are expecting EPS of 97 cents.
"The increase in adjusted diluted earnings per share was driven by strong results in the company's core residential mortgage business and progress made in improving mortgage discharges, which together produced an increase in loans under administration," the company said. "The company also made strides on expense savings initiatives."
Home Capital also said its credit quality "remains high" and net non-performing loans are 0.24 per cent compared to 0.34 per cent a year ago.
It plans to report full results as scheduled on May 3.
Chairman Kevin Smith also wrote a message to shareholders in which he recognized the company has had "our share of challenges recently and the confidence of our stakeholders has been understandably shaken."
He said the best way to move forward is to "regain your confidence and our strong reputation."
He said the board believes the business "could and should be doing even better," which is why the company recently replaced the CEO.
"In closing, we will continue to vigorously defend our approach to disclosure in the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) proceeding. While the OSC process may take some time, management and the board are focused on continued profitable growth and industry leading customer service."
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PolyMet Mining Corp. (POM-T; PLM-N) reported a loss of $9.2-million (U.S.) or 3 cents per share for the year ended Jan. 31.
That compared with $9.3-million or 3 cents a year earlier.
Analysts were expecting a loss of 4 cents per share.
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