GPR Q3 Financials
posted on
Nov 07, 2013 01:09AM
Fastest growing primary silver producer in Mexico.
GREAT PANTHER SILVER LIMITED (TSX: GPR) (NYSE MKT: GPL) ("Great Panther"; the "Company") today reported financial results for the Company's three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. The full version of the Company's financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis can be viewed on the Company's website at www.greatpanther.com, or on SEDAR atwww.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. All financial information is prepared in accordance with IFRS and all dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
"We are very pleased to report that the cost cutting and grade control initiatives undertaken throughout the year have resulted in a significant improvement in our operating margins and cash-flow compared to the second quarter of 2013," stated Robert Archer, President & CEO. "The improved financial results were achieved alongside a second successive quarterly record in total metal production. While I recognize and appreciate the efforts and dedication of all our employees and contractors, we realize that there is still more to do and we will continue to pursue cost reductions across all of our operations to further improve margins."
Overall cash cost per payable ounce decreased to US $9.89 from $18.14 in the prior quarter and gross profit, or income from mining operations (before non-cash items), improved to $5.5 million or 39% of revenues from break-even levels in the second quarter of 2013. Furthermore, cash-flow from operating activities rose to $5.7 million from negative $0.7 million in the prior quarter. Guanajuato's cash cost per payable ounce saw the most significant improvement, declining to US$3.92 from US $17.26 in the prior quarter.
Initiatives taken to reduce operating costs included a reduction in the number of mining contractors at Guanajuato, renegotiation of mining contracts to create greater accountability for material and labor costs, improvements in mine planning and coordination with geology, and overall improvement of grade control.
Topia's operating costs have also been reduced but by a smaller margin than Guanajuato's. The Company will continue to focus on cost reductions at Topia with a primary focus on grade control. The number of operating mines at Topia has been reduced to eleven (from fourteen) and will be further reduced to nine by year-end. Production at the remaining mines will be increased in order to maintain overall production levels and improve efficiency.
The Company also made reductions to exploration, general and administrative expenditures, and reduced capital expenditure and development programs, focusing on those with the greatest return on investment. These initiatives all contributed to improved cash-flow in the third quarter of 2013 as compared to the prior quarter.
THIRD QUARTER 2013 FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Highlights | ||||||
(in 000s of CAD except ounces, amounts per share and per ounce) | 2013 Q3 | 2013 Q2 | Change | 2013 Q3 | 2012 Q3 | Change |
Revenue | $ 14,313 | $ 11,165 | 28% | $ 14,313 | $ 15,286 | -6% |
Gross profit (loss) (Earnings from miningoperations) | $ 2,645 | $ (3,842) | 169% | $ 2,645 | $ 5,791 | -54% |
Net income (loss) | $ (1,523) | $ (5,124) | 70% | $ (1,523) | $ 1,758 | -187% |
Adjusted EBITDA 1 | $ 3,865 | $ (3,323) | 216% | $ 3,865 | $ 4,961 | -22% |
Earnings (loss) per share - basic | $ (0.01) | $ (0.04) | 75% | $ (0.01) | $ 0.01 | -200% |
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted | $ (0.01) | $ (0.04) | 75% | $ (0.01) | $ 0.01 | -200% |
Silver ounces produced | 459,924 | 396,730 | 16% | 459,924 | 371,857 | 24% |
Silver equivalent ounces produced 2 | 789,250 | 680,212 | 16% | 789,250 | 592,586 | 33% |
Silver payable ounces | 369,672 | 406,787 | -9% | 369,672 | 314,146 | 18% |
Total cash cost per silver ounce (USD) 3 | $ 9.89 | $ 18.14 | -45% | $ 9.89 | $ 13.16 | -25% |
Average realized silver price (USD) 4 | $ 21.85 | $ 21.58 | 1% | $ 21.85 | $ 31.92 | -32% |
1 "Adjusted EBITDA" is a non-IFRS measure in which standard EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is adjusted for share-based payments expense, foreign exchange gains or losses, and non-recurring items. Refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures" section for the definition and a reconciliation of standardized and adjusted EBITDA to the financial statements.
2 Silver equivalent ounces in 2013 were established using prices of US$28 per oz, US$1,680 per oz, US$0.85 per lb, and US$0.85per lb for silver, gold, lead and zinc, respectively, and applied to the recovered metal content of the concentrates that were produced by the two operations. For consistency, these prices will be used for the balance of 2013.
3 "Cash cost per silver ounce" is a non-IFRS measure and is used by the Company to manage and evaluate operating performance at each of the Company's mines and is widely reported in the silver mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but does not have a standardized meaning. Refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures" section.
4 Average realized silver price is prior to treatment, refining and smelting charges.
T HIRD QUARTER 2013 FINANCIAL DISCUSSION
For the three months ended September 30, 2013 (the "third quarter of 2013"), the Company realized metal sales of 621,353 silver equivalent ounces, a 32% increase compared to the same period in the prior year. Despite this, revenue for the third quarter of 2013 decreased 6%, to $14.3 million, compared to $15.3 million for the same period in 2012. The decrease was the result of significantly lower average metal prices which offset the increase in unit metal sales. The average realized silver price wasUS$21.85 for the third quarter of 2013 compared to US$31.92 in the third quarter of 2012.
Average realized silver prices were marginally higher in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the second quarter of 2013, however metal sales on a silver equivalent ounce basis were 6% lower due primarily to an increase in in-transit concentrate shipments which are not counted as revenue. Despite the lower unit metal sales, revenue for the third quarter of 2013 increased by $3.1 million, or 28% when compared to the prior quarter. This was due to a positive revaluation adjustment of approximately$0.9 million to account for the impact of higher metal prices at the end of the third quarter on concentrate shipments from the prior quarter still subject to final settlement. In contrast, a negative revaluation adjustment of $1.3 million was recorded in the second quarter of 2013 as a result of the sharp decline in metal prices in the later part of that quarter.
For the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded a gross profit of $2.6 million (18% of revenue) compared to a gross profit of $5.8 million (38% of revenue) for the same period in 2012. The decrease in gross profit is due primarily to lower average realized metal prices and higher amortization and depletion charges. These factors were partly offset by lower unit production costs. Gross profit before non-cash items1, was $5.5 million (39% of revenue) for the third quarter of 2013, compared to $7.7 million (51% of revenue) for the same period in the prior year.
1 "Gross profit before non-cash items" is a non-IFRS measure in which gross profit is adjusted to exclude amortization and depletion and share-based payments. Refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures" section for the definition and a reconciliation of standardized and adjusted EBITDA to the financial statements.
Compared to the second quarter of 2013, gross profit increased by $6.5 million mainly as a result of lower unit production costs atGuanajuato. Also contributing to the quarter over quarter increase were improved average metal prices and a positive revaluation adjustment of $0.9 million on concentrate shipments from the prior quarter subject to final settlement.
Consolidated cash cost per silver ounce payable was US$9.89 for the three months ended September 30, 2013, a 25% decrease compared to US$13.16 for the same period in 2012, and a 45% decrease compared to US$18.14 in the previous quarter. The decrease in the consolidated cash cost per silver ounce payable, compared to the third quarter of 2012, was due to lower cash costs at Guanajuato as a result of reduced site costs and higher by-product credits. These same factors, along with improved grades over the second quarter of 2013, accounted for the improvement in cash costs on a quarter-over-quarter basis.
General and administrative expenses were $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $3.0 millionfor the comparable quarter of 2012. The decrease was largely attributable to a $0.6 million decrease in share-based payments expense, a $0.3 million decrease in severance charges over the prior year period, and other general and administrative expense reductions that were part of the Company's overall cost reduction initiatives. Compared to the second quarter of 2013, general and administrative expenses decreased by $0.7 million mainly due to $0.4 million in non-recurring severance charges incurred in the previous quarter and other general and administrative expense reductions as noted.
Exploration and evaluation expenses of $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 were 24% lower than the third quarter of 2012 and 48% lower than the second quarter of 2013. The decrease in both cases was due to the curtailment of exploration activities outside of the Company's operating mines, staff reductions, and a redeployment of exploration staff to operations. The completion of the El Horcon drill program in the second quarter of 2013 also contributed to the quarter-over-quarter decline in exploration and evaluation expenses.
The Company recorded an income tax recovery of $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to a recovery of $0.1 million for the same period in 2012. The recovery is mainly attributable to pre-tax losses sustained in the Mexican operating entity during the period, due primarily to foreign exchange losses Unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized for tax purposes in Mexico. The Company has net operating tax losses in Canada and has not recognized the benefit of any of these losses in the financial statements of the Company.
Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was $1.5 million compared to net income of $1.8 million for the same period in 2012. The decrease in net income is primarily attributable to a decrease in gross profit of $3.1 million and an increase in finance and other expense of $2.6 million, largely the result of foreign exchange losses. These factors were partially offset by a$1.2 million decrease in general and administrative expenses and a smaller reduction in exploration and evaluation expenditures. The decrease in net loss from the second quarter net loss of $5.1 million was due primarily to an increase in gross profit of $6.5 million and decrease in general and administrative expenses of $0.7 million. These factors however were offset by higher foreign exchange losses.
Adjusted EBITDA1 was $3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to adjusted EBITDA of $5.0 millionfor the comparable period in 2012. The lower adjusted EBITDA is primarily accounted for by lower metal prices which reduced gross profit before non-cash items. This was partly offset by lower general and administrative expenditures (excluding non-cash items) and lower exploration and evaluation expenditures.
Adjusted EBITDA1 of $3.9 million for the third quarter of 2013 marked a significant increase over the negative $3.3 millionadjusted EBITDA recorded in the second quarter of 2013. The increase is attributable to significantly higher gross profit before non-cash items due primarily to lower unit costs, and lower general and administrative expenses.
1 "Adjusted EBITDA" is a non-IFRS measure in which standard EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is adjusted for share-based payments expense, foreign exchange gains or losses, and non-recurring items. Refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures" section for the definition and a reconciliation of standardized and adjusted EBITDA to the financial statements.
At September 30, 2013 the Company had net working capital of $35.9 million and cash and cash equivalents of $23.7 millioncompared to net working capital of $44.5 million and cash and cash equivalents of $20.7 million at December 31, 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 the Company generated $8.3 million in cash from operating activities and used $6.0 million of cash in investing activities. During this period, the Company also received $0.4 million of proceeds from the exercise of options in shares of the Company.
THIRD QUARTER 2013 OPERATIONAL SUMMARY
Further discussion of the Company's operational and financial results is contained in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
THIRD QUARTER 2013 BUSINESS UPDATE
The Company announced the appointment of Mr. James Mullin to its Board of Directors, effective August 7, 2013. Mr. Mullin's former role was Senior Vice President of North American Operations at Newmont Mining Corporation from which he retired after a successful 33 year career with the company. He holds a degree in Mining Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and is a retired Professional Engineer in British Columbia.
Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, on October 8, 2013, the Company announced the receipt of the Environmental Impact Permit for the San Ignacio Project. The Company has since completed Phase I construction of a two-kilometre road and has commenced initial work on the new portal for ramp and mine development. The Company also commenced an infill drill program in October to more accurately define the resource. Production at San Ignacio is expected to begin in early 2014.
On October 21, 2013, the Company announced it had completed an internal resource estimate for the El Horcon Project with sufficiently encouraging results to justify the next phase of exploration. The drill program tested 650 metres of strike length on the Diamantillo vein and various splays and nearby parallel structures and veins, which occur within a NW -SE trending structural corridor six kilometres long by 2.5 kilometres wide. The resource estimate was prepared based upon the initial 2,156 metre, 24 hole surface drill program completed during the second quarter of 2013. (Refer to news release dated October 21, 2013 for further details.)
OUTLOOK
The Company expects to exceed its guidance of 2.4 to 2.5 million silver equivalent ounces for the 2013 fiscal year, based on its production results to the end of October and production outlook for November and December. The Company's production for nine months ended September 30, 2013 totalled 2,076,963 silver equivalent ounces, representing growth of 22% over the same period in 2012.
Given the improvement in cash cost during the third quarter and the most recent production and grade results, the Company expects its cash cost for 2013 to come in below its guidance of US$15 to US$16 per silver ounce for the 2013 fiscal year.
The Company will continue to pursue cost reductions and focus on grade control. It is cautioned that the Guanajuato and Topia mines have complex geology which makes them prone to grade variability. The measures taken to mitigate grade variability to date cannot serve to completely eliminate this factor in the future.
Initial production from San Ignacio is expected to commence in the first half of 2014 at approximately 100 tonnes per day, and is expected to increase to approximately 250 tonnes per day by the end of 2014. Ore will be trucked to and processed at the Company's Cata plant at the main Guanajuato Mine Complex 22 kilometres away. The ability to increase throughput atGuanajuato, with no further capital expenditures, is expected to have a positive impact on site production costs and ultimately cash costs.
Subsequent to the third quarter, the Mexican Congress approved a tax reform package for the 2014 year. Based on an initial assessment, these reforms may have a material impact on the Company's financial results in 2014. The Company continues to monitor this closely and expects to provide an update on the impacts at year end.
WEBCAST AND CONFERENCE CALL TO DISCUSS THIRD QUARTER 2013 FINANCIAL RESULTS
The Company will hold a live webcast and conference call to discuss the financial results on November 7, 2013 at 7:00 AM Pacific Standard Time, 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time. Hosting the call will be Mr. Robert Archer , President and Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Jim Zadra , Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary.
Shareholders, analysts, investors and media are invited to join the live webcast and conference call by logging in or dialing in just prior to the start time.
Great Panther's live and archived webcast can be accessed by visiting the company website at www.greatpanther.com. Participants will be connected to the broadcast audio after joining the meeting.
As an alternative, participants may connect to the conference call by telephone:
U.S. & Canada Toll-Free | 1 800 754 1382 |
International Toll-Free | +1 212 231 2911 |
NON-IFRS MEASURES
The discussion of financial results in this press release includes reference to Gross profit before non-cash items, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Cost per Silver Ounce which are non-IFRS measures. The Company provides these measures as additional information regarding the Company's financial results and performance. Please refer to the Company's MD&A for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 for a definition and reconciliation of these measures to the Company's financial statements.