Teck Reports Unaudited Third Quarter Results for 2015
(firmenpresse) - VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/22/15 -- Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TCK.A and TCK.B, NYSE: TCK) ("Teck") reported adjusted profit attributable to shareholders of $29 million, or $0.05 per share, in the third quarter of 2015. Teck also reported non-cash after-tax impairment charges of $2.2 billion resulting in a third quarter loss attributable to shareholders of $2.1 billion, or $3.73 per share. The impairment charges are non-cash revaluations of assets to reflect lower market expectations of commodity prices.
"We are taking significant steps to meet the challenge of low commodity prices," said Don Lindsay, President and CEO. "We have reduced costs throughout the company and we''ve raised nearly $1 billion in two streaming transactions. We used a portion of those proceeds to reduce debt by $400 million and our current cash balance of $1.8 billion exceeds our remaining $1.5 billion share of capital required for Fort Hills."
Highlights and Significant Items
This management''s discussion and analysis is dated as at October 22, 2015 and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Teck Resources Limited ("Teck") and the notes thereto for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and with the audited consolidated financial statements of Teck and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2014. In this news release, unless the context otherwise dictates, a reference to "the company" or "us," "we" or "our" refers to Teck and its subsidiaries. Additional information, including our annual information form and management''s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2014, is available on SEDAR at .
This document contains forward-looking statements. Please refer to the cautionary language under the heading "CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION" below.
Overview
Prices for our products continued to fall in the third quarter. These declines have had a significant effect on our reported earnings this period, as we recorded $141 million of negative pricing adjustments in addition to the direct effect of lower prices on gross profit. Furthermore, we recorded $2.9 billion (pre-tax) ($2.2 billion after-tax) of impairment charges based on market expectations of lower prices over the short, medium and long terms. The details of these charges are noted below. Lower price forecasts also resulted in negative credit rating actions. More details on our credit rating impacts are included in the "Financial Position and Liquidity" section below.
To meet the challenge of low prices, we have taken significant steps. We reduced costs across all aspects of our organization in an ongoing and highly focused program. We reduced capital expenditures in the current year and are reducing our planned spending in future years. After the end of the quarter, we completed the sale of a silver stream linked to our share of the Antamina mine. Taken together with the gold stream sold from the Carmen de Andacollo Operation which closed during the third quarter, these transactions have increased our cash position by approximately $1 billion. Subsequent to quarter end we reduced our debt, repaying US$300 million on October 1.
While we have reduced spending, we continue to advance our growth plans on a selective basis. The construction of the Fort Hills project remains on time and on budget and we continue to advance permitting and design optimization activities for the Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 project with a clear focus on capital expenditure reduction. In the longer term, the merging of our Relincho project with Goldcorp''s El Morro project in Project Corridor is expected to result in a less capital intensive project with higher potential returns. We continue to focus on capital discipline and cost reduction.
Profit and Adjusted Profit(1)
Profit (loss) attributable to shareholders was $(2.1) billion, or $(3.73) per share, in the third quarter compared with $84 million or $0.14 per share in the same period last year.
Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders, before items identified in the table below, was $29 million, or $0.05 per share, in the third quarter compared with $159 million or $0.28 per share in the same period last year.
Profit and Adjusted Profit
During the quarter we recorded asset and goodwill impairment charges on a number of our operating assets, including our investment in the Fort Hills project, the Carmen de Andacollo and the Pend Oreille zinc mines and a number of our steelmaking coal mines. These charges total $2.9 billion on a pre-tax basis and $2.2 billion on an after-tax basis. The write-downs were triggered primarily by lowered expectations for commodity prices in both the short and long-term. The economic models we use in determining the amount of impairment charges use current prices in the initial years and transition to longer term prices in years three to five. Long-term assumptions are as follows; steelmaking coal US$130 per tonne, copper US$3.00 per pound, zinc US$1.00 per pound, WTI US$75 per barrel and $1.25 Canadian to U.S. dollar exchange rate.
A 5.8% real, 7.9% nominal, post-tax discount rate was used to discount our cash flow projections. Discount rates are based on the weighted average cost of capital for a mining industry peer group.
Adjusted profit of $29 million includes inventory write-downs totaling $61 million resulting from low commodity prices, and final pricing adjustments of $141 million primarily on our copper and zinc receivables. These total $129 million on an after-tax basis and are included in reported adjusted profits.
BUSINESS UNIT RESULTS
Our revenue, gross profit before depreciation and amortization, and gross profit by business unit are summarized in the table below.
STEELMAKING COAL BUSINESS UNIT
Performance
Gross profit before depreciation and amortization from our steelmaking coal business unit increased from year ago levels as the benefits of our cost reduction program and lower diesel prices more than offset lower sales volumes and realized steelmaking coal prices.
The average realized steelmaking coal price of US$88 per tonne was 20% lower than the third quarter of 2014, reflecting oversupplied steelmaking coal market conditions and a decline in spot price assessments. The favourable effect of a stronger U.S. dollar in the third quarter partly offset the lower price, which weakened by 3% in Canadian dollar terms compared with the same period a year ago.
Third quarter production of 5.5 million tonnes was 19% lower than the same period a year ago matching our guidance for the period as all of our sites completed the three week shutdown previously announced. Unit production costs at the mines were 10% lower this quarter than in the comparative period, despite the lower production rates as a result of the ongoing effects of existing and new initiatives undertaken through our cost reduction program, and lower diesel prices.
The table below summarizes the gross profit changes, before depreciation and amortization, in our steelmaking coal business unit for the quarter:
Property, plant and equipment expenditures totaled $21 million in the third quarter, of which $13 million was spent on sustaining capital. Capitalized stripping costs were $84 million in the third quarter compared with $81 million a year ago.
We continue to implement the water quality management measures contemplated by our Elk Valley Water Quality Plan. The water treatment facility built at our Line Creek Operations is now in the process of being commissioned and is expected to be operating at design capacity in early 2016.
Markets
Steelmaking coal prices declined further during the quarter. Although Chinese imports have declined substantially compared to the prior year, demand in the rest of the world continues to be strong for our products. However, given oversupply in the market, we do not expect a substantial recovery in price until additional supply cuts occur or demand increases.
Steelmaking coal prices for the fourth quarter of 2015 have been agreed with the majority of our quarterly priced customers based on US$89 per tonne for the highest quality products. This is consistent with prices reportedly achieved by our competitors. Additional sales priced on a spot basis will reflect market conditions when sales are concluded.
Operations
Each of the mines were shut down for three weeks during the quarter with shipments to customers fulfilled from existing inventories where required. Line Creek recovered quickly and efficiently from the landslide event they experienced in early July and by the end of the quarter had made up the vast majority of the production lost while down for repairs to the critical infrastructure including the site''s main access road and raw steelmaking coal conveyance system. In addition, the business unit''s processing yields remained higher than budget and site costs were lower than in the comparative period.
Our cost reduction initiatives continue to produce significant results and remain focused on improvements in equipment and labour productivity, reduced use of contractors, reduced consumable usage and limiting the use of higher cost equipment. However, a number of factors have partially offset the strong performance of our cost reduction program. These included the effects of the strengthening U.S. dollar on some inputs and higher electricity costs.
In the third quarter of 2015, we continued to experience the positive effects of lower diesel prices. Combined with reduced usage from a number of our cost reduction initiatives and slightly shorter haul distances, diesel costs per tonne produced have decreased by 38% compared to the third quarter of 2014.
Cost of Sales
Site cost of sales in the third quarter of 2015, before depreciation and inventory write-downs, was $45 per tonne, $5 per tonne or 10% lower than a year ago.
Our total cost of sales for the quarter also included a $10 per tonne charge for the amortization of capitalized stripping costs and $18 per tonne for other depreciation. In U.S. dollar terms, unit costs have fallen by $20 per tonne from $84 per tonne to $64 per tonne due to reductions in the site costs as shown in the Canadian dollar unit cost table and the change in exchange rates.
Outlook
Vessel nominations for quarterly contract shipments are determined by customers and final sales and average prices for the quarter will depend on product mix, market direction for spot priced sales, timely arrival of vessels, as well as the performance of the rail transportation network and steelmaking coal-loading facilities.
We continue to expect our 2015 steelmaking coal production to be in the range of 25 to 26 million tonnes and now expect unit costs to be in the range of $83 to $86 per tonne (US$64 to US$66 per tonne). In addition, capital expenditures are now expected to total $500 million, including $395 million of capitalized mining.
COPPER BUSINESS UNIT
Performance
Gross profit before depreciation and amortization from our copper business unit decreased by $91 million in the third quarter compared with a year ago (see table below). This was primarily due to lower realized copper prices and inventory write-downs, which was partially offset by lower unit operating costs and the positive effects of the stronger U.S. dollar.
Copper production increased by 13% (10,000 tonnes) compared to a year ago, despite reduced production as a result of ground movement at Quebrada Blanca in June and the closure of Duck Pond which ceased operating on June 30, 2015. Copper production at Highland Valley Copper was 10,500 tonnes higher than a year ago primarily due to higher grade and recoveries while our share of production from Antamina increased by 6,500 tonnes as a result of record mill throughput during the quarter. Copper production was also higher at Carmen de Andacollo, although production was lower at Quebrada Blanca after processing facilities were temporarily shut down due to unanticipated ground movement in late June.
The table below summarizes the changes in gross profit, before depreciation and amortization, in our copper business unit for the quarter:
Capital expenditures totaled $69 million, including $37 million for sustaining capital and $25 million for new mine development, of which $21 million was for the Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 project. Capitalized stripping costs were $51 million in the third quarter, lower than the $55 million a year ago.
Markets
LME copper prices averaged US$2.39 per pound in the third quarter of 2015, down 13% over the prior period. Copper prices remained volatile trading to the lowest levels since 2009.
Total reported exchange stocks rose 51,872 tonnes during the quarter to 0.5 million tonnes. Total reported global copper stocks are now estimated to be 8.3 days of global consumption, below the estimated 25 year average of 28 days of global consumption.
Operational issues at copper mines continue to impact current and future mine production. As a result of these supply disruptions and price related mine suspensions, large copper surpluses originally forecast for 2015 and 2016 have moved closer to balance despite weaker demand growth. Market fundamentals remain positive over the medium to long-term with supply constrained by lower grades, ongoing operational difficulties and project delays or deferrals due to the current low prices.
Operations
Highland Valley Copper
Copper production was 40,200 tonnes in the third quarter or 35% higher than a year ago, due to higher copper grades and higher recoveries. Mill throughput was lower than a year ago due to harder ore in the current phase of the Valley pit. Molybdenum production declined to 0.7 million pounds from 1.6 million pounds a year ago primarily due to lower grade, partially offset by higher recovery.
Operating costs increased $18 million or 16% compared to the same period a year ago as a result of higher sales. Unit costs declined significantly compared to a year ago due to higher sales and substantial progress on cost savings programs.
As we continue to mine the higher grade but harder ore in the current phase of the Valley pit, throughput is expected to remain similar for the remainder of 2015. Grades are expected to be lower in the final quarter compared to the previous quarter, but will remain above reserve grade. The crusher relocation project for the Valley pit was successfully completed in the third quarter for a total cost of $56 million, well below the budget of $69 million. This project provides access to over 30 million tonnes of reserves as part of our current life of mine plan.
Antamina
Copper production in the third quarter increased by 36% compared with a year ago primarily as a result of higher mill throughput. The mix of mill feed in the quarter was 57% copper-only ore and 43% copper-zinc ore compared to 63% and 37%, respectively, in the same period a year ago. Our share of zinc production of 16,300 tonnes in the third quarter decreased by 1% compared with a year ago due to lower grades, partially offset by higher mill throughput and greater copper-zinc ore processed.
Antamina achieved mill throughput of 14.3 million tonnes for the quarter, an average of 155,400 tonnes per day, 16% higher than the same period last year. Recent debottlenecking projects focused primarily on the crushing and conveying system have enabled throughputs much higher than the 130,000 tonnes per day design capacity of the original expansion project. Throughput rates going forward will be dependent on ore hardness and the mix of ore feeds to the plant, but are expected to continue above original design capacity rates.
Operating costs in the third quarter were 14% higher compared to a year ago due to higher sales. Significant progress has been made in reducing U.S. dollar unit costs, with savings more than offset by foreign currency translation and the effects of the weaker Canadian dollar.
On October 7, 2015, we announced that we and a subsidiary had entered into a long-term streaming agreement with a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation (Franco-Nevada) linked to production at the Antamina mine. Compania Minera Antamina S.A., in which we hold a 22.5% interest and which owns and operates Antamina is not a party to the agreement and operations will not be affected. Franco-Nevada made a payment of US$610 million and will pay 5% of the spot price at the time of delivery for each ounce of silver delivered under the agreement. We will deliver silver to Franco-Nevada equivalent to 22.5% of payable silver sold by CMA, using a silver payability factor of 90%. After 86 million ounces of silver have been delivered under the agreement, the stream will be reduced by one third.
Quebrada Blanca
Copper production in the third quarter decreased by 46% compared with a year ago due to the precautionary suspension of mining in the area adjacent to the SX/EW plant and a temporary shutdown of the processing facilities. Heap leach ore placed decreased by 37% as a result of the ground movement. Normal operations resumed in August, although mining continues to be restricted and stable operations were achieved for the month of September at better than planned unit costs. We will continue to operate the south side of the EW plant only which has sufficient production capacity for the remainder of the mine life.
Production for 2015 is expected to be about 38,000 tonnes of copper cathode. The full impact on the mine life and future operating plans continues to be assessed in conjunction with remedial plans to ensure stability of the mine, plant and associated infrastructure. These plans will be finalized by the end of the year as we complete our engineering assessments, budgeting and further cost reduction processes.
Operating costs increased by $32 million or 49% compared with the same period a year ago primarily as a result of inventory write-downs to reflect lower copper prices and the effects of the weaker Canadian dollar.
We continue to progress the updating of environmental permits for the existing facilities for the supergene operation. The review and indigenous consultation processes by the relevant regulatory agencies are still in progress as we await approval.
All three labour agreements at Quebrada Blanca were successfully negotiated during the quarter, each with a term of two years.
Carmen de Andacollo
Copper production in the third quarter increased by 9% compared with a year ago primarily as a result of higher copper recovery and higher throughput.
In late September, a major earthquake in the region damaged our ship loading facilities at the port of Coquimbo. To date production has not been materially affected, but shipments of concentrate have been temporarily suspended through the port facility while the operator completes damage assessments and repairs. Alternate loading arrangements are being arranged with resumption of shipping anticipated within the next two weeks. There is sufficient storage capacity at the port and mine site through to the end of October.
Operating costs decreased by $4 million or 5% compared with a year ago due to lower sales, and partially offset by the effect of the stronger U.S. dollar. U.S. dollar unit costs were similar to the same period a year ago.
During the quarter and extending into early October, both Carmen de Andacollo labour agreements were successfully re-negotiated for a four-year term.
On July 8th, 2015, our subsidiary Compania Minera Teck Carmen de Andacollo (Carmen de Andacollo) sold an interest in gold reserves and resources from the Carmen de Andacollo mine to RGLD Gold AG (RGLDAG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Gold, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, RGLDAG is entitled to an amount of gold equal to 100% of the payable gold produced from the Andacollo mine until 900,000 ounces have been delivered, and 50% thereafter. RGLDAG will pay a cash price of 15% of the monthly average gold price at the time of each delivery. Carmen de Andacollo and Royal Gold Chile Limitada, a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Gold, Inc., terminated an earlier royalty agreement entered into in 2010. Royal Gold Chile Limitada was entitled to a payment based on 75% of payable gold produced from the Andacollo mine until 910,000 ounces had been delivered, and 50% thereafter. Approximately 260,000 ounces of payable gold subject to the royalty agreement were produced through June 30, 2015, the effective date of the termination. Net cash proceeds to us from the transaction were US$162 million.
Cost of Sales
Unit cash costs of product sold in the third quarter of 2015 as reported in U.S. dollars, before cash margins for by-products, decreased primarily due to higher sales volumes, continued cost reduction efforts and the favourable effects of a stronger U.S. dollar at our Canadian operations.
Copper Development Projects
Quebrada Blanca Phase 2
During the third quarter of 2015, activities continued to focus on capital optimization and permitting for the Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 project. A decision has been made to move the proposed tailings facility to a location closer to the mine site. The proposed facility is expected to provide sufficient capacity for tailings from ore mined during the first 25 years of the mine life. This decision, as well as other plant and infrastructure optimizations in the current design, is expected to materially reduce initial capital costs for the project. We expect to complete a new cost estimate in the first half of 2016 as engineering on these design changes progresses. The design is expected to have a lower capital intensity as throughput and production rates are not anticipated to be lower. Additional baseline work is required as a result of these changes and we now anticipate submitting an Environmental Impact Assessment to the authorities mid to late 2016.
Project Corridor
In August we announced an agreement with Goldcorp Inc. to combine the El Morro and Relincho projects, located approximately 40 kilometres apart in the Huasco Province in the Atacama region of Chile, into a single project. Teck and Goldcorp will contribute their respective project interests into a 50/50 joint venture with closing of the transaction anticipated in the fourth quarter. In combination with community consultation, a pre-feasibility study is expected to commence in early 2016 and be completed in approximately 18 months.
Other Copper Projects
We continue to minimize expenditures on all other copper projects. Targeted studies continue at the Galore Creek, Schaft Creek and Mesaba projects as we further explore ways to enhance the value of these projects. The pre-feasibility study continued to progress at our 50% owned Zafranal copper-gold project located in southern Peru and is now anticipated to be complete at the end of the first quarter in 2016.
Outlook
We expect full year production for copper in the range of 345 to 350 thousand tonnes.
ZINC BUSINESS UNIT
Performance
Gross profit before depreciation and amortization from our zinc business unit was unchanged year over year. A lower realized zinc price in U.S. dollars and lower contributions from co-products and by-products were offset by the favourable impact of a stronger U.S. dollar, lower royalties, higher sales and lower operating costs.
Refined zinc production from our Trail Operations increased by 11% compared to last year due to improved operating efficiencies in the electrolytic plant and to the improved reliability of the new acid plant, leading to higher throughput.
The table below summarizes the gross profit change, before depreciation and amortization, in our zinc business unit for the quarter.
Capital expenditures include $30 million for sustaining capital.
Markets
LME zinc prices averaged US$0.84 per pound in the third quarter of 2015, down 16% over the prior quarter. Zinc prices fell to a low of US$0.71 per pound in the quarter, the lowest level since 2009.
Reported zinc exchange stocks rose 111,560 tonnes during the quarter to end at 756,060 tonnes. Total global reported stocks are now estimated at 19 days of global consumption down from the 25 year average of 42 days. Demand for refined zinc in our key North American markets remains weaker again this quarter with our customers facing headwinds from reduced demand and continued imports of low-cost galvanized sheet. Zinc stocks continue to decline in both metal and concentrates year to date. Zinc supply will become further constrained later in 2015 and into 2016 with planned mine closures including the recently announced closures from major suppliers taking effect.
Operations
Red Dog
Zinc grade and recovery was similar to 2014, however, mill throughput was lower than the third quarter of 2014 due to lower throughput rate and unplanned mill downtime resulting in 12% less zinc production. Higher lead grade offset by lower recovery and throughput than in 2014 resulted in 8% less lead production.
Zinc sales volumes were similar to the third quarter of 2014.
Operating costs in the current quarter increased due to the effects of the stronger U.S. dollar. Capitalized stripping costs were $11 million in the third quarter compared with $9 million a year ago.
Trail
Zinc production was 11% higher this quarter than in the third quarter of 2014 as a result of improved reliability of the new acid plants and good current efficiency in the zinc cell house. Lead production was 8% lower than a year ago as the annual KIVCET shutdown was advanced from the fourth quarter to the third quarter.
Cost of sales increased by 5%, largely related to higher zinc production and sales during the quarter.
Pend Oreille
Mill throughput was 81% of design capacity of 2,000 tonnes per day during the third quarter due to delays in fully implementing pillar recovery mining. The concentrator is performing as anticipated with recoveries expected to improve as mill feed variability is reduced.
Outlook
The Pend Oreille mine is forecasted to reach the full production rate of 44,000 tonnes per year of zinc metal at the end of the fourth quarter of 2015 once pillar recovery mining is fully implemented.
The 2015 shipping season is expected to be completed on October 22, 2015 following the shipment of 1,048,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate and 216,000 tonnes of lead concentrate compared with 1,025,000 tonnes and 205,000 tonnes, respectively, for the 2014 season. This represents all of Red Dog''s concentrates available to be shipped from the operation. Sales volumes of contained zinc are estimated at approximately 200,000 tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2015.
ENERGY BUSINESS UNIT
Fort Hills Project
Construction of the Fort Hills project is progressing substantially in accordance with the project schedule. In the third quarter of 2015 our capital expenditures were $217 million compared with a cash spending estimate of $213 million. Our capital expenditures in 2015 were $664 million to date compared with our cash forecast spending estimate which was $691 million. Our share of Fort Hills cash expenditures in 2015 is estimated at $850 million.
Since sanction, the project has achieved and continues to track to key milestones. Engineering activity is progressing well, and is now 94% complete, construction is progressing per plan and is now approximately 43% complete. Equipment and material deliveries are continuing and off-site modular fabrication, site civil works and process facility construction are well underway. Site construction workforce is currently approximately 4,800 and will continue to ramp-up to peak in 2016. The capital cost and schedule outlook have not changed since we announced project sanction in October 2013. We continue to target first oil in the fourth quarter of 2017, with 90% of our planned production capacity of 180,000 barrels per day (bpd) expected within 12 months. Our share of production is expected to be 36,000 bpd (13 million barrels per year) of bitumen.
We are continuing to review options to sell diluted bitumen into the North American and overseas markets which may include the use of pipelines from Hardisty or rail to access tidewater ports and U.S. Gulf Coast refineries.
Frontier Energy Project
The Frontier regulatory application review continues with the provincial and federal regulators. We responded to the regulators'' information requests and provided a project update in June 2015. The project update improves the economic and social benefits and overall environmental performance of the project. We expect responses from the regulators on the updated project in the fourth quarter of 2015. The earliest anticipated first oil date for our Frontier Project is now 2026, which reflects additional time required for updates to the project in light of the lease exchange transaction and revisions to the project scope. The regulatory review process is expected to continue through 2015; making late 2016 or early 2017 the earliest date in which a decision is expected. Our expenditures on Frontier are limited to supporting this process.
Wintering Hills Wind Power Facility
During the third quarter, our share of the power generation from Wintering Hills was 28 GWhs, resulting in 18,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent offsets. Our share of expected power generation in 2015 is 135 GWhs, resulting in approximately 85,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent offsets, although actual generation will depend on weather conditions and other factors.
OTHER OPERATING COST AND EXPENSES
Other operating expenses, net of other income, were $174 million in the third quarter compared with $41 million a year ago. This includes negative pricing adjustments of $141 million, including adjustments, on copper and zinc of $98 million and $34 million, respectively. We also made additional environmental provisions of $15 million.
The table below outlines our outstanding receivable positions, provisionally valued at September 30 and June 30, 2015.
Finance expense was $79 million in the third quarter, similar to a year ago. Debt interest expense increased due to the effect of the stronger U.S. dollar, as all our debt and related interest expense is U.S. dollar denominated. We capitalized a total of $59 million in interest in the quarter. Other non-operating expense of $44 million included foreign exchange losses of $35 million on that portion of our debt which is not offset by investments in U.S. dollar denominated foreign subsidiaries and a loss on marketable securities of $13 million.
The income and resource recovery for the third quarter was $767 million, or 26% of pre-tax loss. This effective tax rate reflects the effect of impairment charges and is not comparable with our historical and expected future tax rates. Impairment charges of $2,895 million including an impairment of goodwill, which is not tax-deductible, resulted in a tax recovery of $741 million. Before impairment charges, we recorded a tax recovery of $27 million on pre-tax loss of $27 million. This unusual result comes about, in part, as a higher proportion of our earnings have come from lower tax rate jurisdictions or bear lower rates of tax due to the nature of the underlying items. We also evaluate tax assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis based on facts and circumstances, expected future earnings levels, and assessments and resolutions of tax matters and changes in these evaluations can significantly affect our tax rate at lower income levels.
Due to available tax pools, we are currently shielded from cash income taxes, but not resource taxes in Canada. We remain subject to cash taxes in foreign jurisdictions.
FINANCIAL POSITION AND LIQUIDITY
Our financial position and liquidity remains strong. Our debt position and credit ratios are summarized in the table below:
Our cash position increased from $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion in the quarter. Significant outflows included $217 million on Fort Hills project expenditures. Significant inflows included a net $209 million (US$162 million) on our share of the Carmen de Andacollo gold stream transaction. Subsequent to quarter end, we received an additional $789 million (US$610 million) in October from the silver streaming agreement with Franco-Nevada related to our Antamina mine and repaid US$300 million on a note due October 1. Our cash flow in the last quarter of the year will be affected by the seasonality of Red Dog sales and the reduction of inventories. Based on the repayment of US$300 million of notes that were due October 1 and cash received from the silver streaming agreement, as well as current commodity prices and exchange rates, we now expect our year-end cash balance to be approximately $1.8 billion, assuming existing debt levels.
We maintain various committed and uncommitted credit facilities for liquidity and for the issuance of letters of credit. All of our bank credit facilities are unsecured and any borrowings rank pari passu with our outstanding public notes. None of our notes or credit facilities are guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. We maintain two primary revolving committed credit facilities. Our US$3 billion facility matures in July 2020 and has a letter of credit sub-limit of US$1 billion. Any letters of credit issued under this facility would reduce the amount of the facility that can be drawn for cash. Our US$1.2 billion facility matures in June 2017 and can be drawn fully for cash or for letters of credit. Both facilities require us to pay a commitment fee on undrawn amounts and a specified spread above LIBOR on any drawn amounts, which varies with our credit rating, but does not further vary if our ratings from both Moody''s and S&P are below Ba1 or BB high, respectively. Drawings under both facilities are available for general corporate purposes. Both facilities were undrawn at September 30, 2015.
Borrowing under our primary committed credit facilities is subject to our compliance with the covenants in the agreement and our ability to make certain representations and warranties at the time of the borrowing request. Our credit facilities, but not our public notes, include a financial covenant that requires us to maintain our debt to debt-plus-equity ratio below 50%. Borrowing under the credit facilities is not conditioned on us maintaining any particular credit rating or there being no general developments that could be expected to have a material adverse effect on us.
While we have no current intention to incur secured debt, we are restricted under our bank and public note covenants from creating liens on certain assets to secure indebtedness unless those liens also secure our credit facilities and notes. We are restricted from creating liens on major assets. There are a number of exceptions from these negative pledge covenants, including an exception for liens securing debt that does not exceed 10% of consolidated net tangible assets. As at September 30, 2015, our consolidated net tangible assets for the purposes of our credit facilities and public notes totaled approximately $32.3 billion, 10%, of which is approximately $3.2 billion.
In addition to our two primary revolving committed credit facilities, we also maintain uncommitted bilateral credit facilities with various banks and with Export Development Canada for the issuance of letters of credit, primarily to support our future reclamation obligations. At September 30, 2015 these facilities totaled $1.5 billion and outstanding letters of credit issued thereunder were $1.15 billion. We expect these amounts to increase by approximately $225 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 for an increased reclamation estimate at our Red Dog mine and for water related permitting in the Elk Valley. These facilities are typically renewed on an annual basis. From time to time, at our election, we may reduce the fees paid to banks issuing letters of credit by making short-term deposits of excess cash with those banks. The deposits earn a competitive rate of interest and are generally refundable on demand. At September 30 we had US$400 million of such deposits.
Our reclamation obligations are included in "Other Liabilities and Provisions" on our balance sheet. Associated letters of credit would not become a liability unless the letter of credit is drawn by the beneficiary, which drawing would be triggered if we did not perform our obligations under the relevant contact or permit. In the event of the drawing, we would be required to reimburse the issuing bank for the amount drawn on the letter of credit. Issued letters of credit do not constitute debt for the purpose of the debt-to-debt plus equity covenant in our bank credit agreements.
Since the end of the second quarter, Moody''s, S&P and Fitch revised our credit ratings to Ba1, BB and BB+, respectively, in each case with a negative outlook. DBRS currently rates us BBB with a negative outlook. As a consequence of these ratings actions, we are required to deliver an aggregate of US$672 million of letters of credit pursuant to long-term power purchase agreements for the Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 project. We are in discussions with our counterparty regarding deferring the issuance of these letters of credit, which are otherwise required to be issued before the end of October, however, there is no assurance that this deferral will be permitted. The letters of credit would be terminated if and when we regain investment grade ratings. We may also be required to post letters of credit under certain pipeline and storage agreements we entered into in connection with the Fort Hills project. If required, these letters of credit would be in amounts up to approximately $425 million and increasing to approximately $650 million in 2017 prior to the relevant in-service date. Following such in-service date, the letter of credit amount would reduce to up to approximately $450 million. These Fort Hills related letters of credit would also be terminated if and when we regain investment grade ratings.
The ratings actions described above do not affect our credit facilities beyond the rate of the commitment fee and cost of borrowing. There are no restrictions on borrowing, or additional covenants, triggered under our credit facilities as a result of the downgrade.
Operating Cash Flow
Cash flow from operations, before changes in non-cash working capital items, was $302 million in the third quarter compared with $553 million a year ago.
Changes in working capital items increased cash by $258 million in the third quarter. The decrease in working capital in the quarter was due to lower inventory and receivables compared to the second quarter. This is a matter of the timing of a number of operating items.
Investing Activities
Expenditures on property, plant and equipment were $217 million in the third quarter for the Fort Hills oil sands project, $83 million on sustaining capital and $18 million on major enhancement projects. The largest components of sustaining expenditures were $17 million at our Red Dog Operations and $14 million at Highland Valley Copper. Major enhancement expenditures included approximately $7 million at our steelmaking coal operations.
Capitalized stripping expenditures were $146 million in the third quarter compared with $145 million a year ago. The majority of this item constitutes the advancement of pits for future production at our steelmaking coal mines.
The table below summarizes our year-to-date capital spending for 2015:
Financing Activities
Financing activities in the third quarter consisted of capital lease repayments of $13 million (2014 - $16 million) and debt interest payments of $188 million (2014 - $156 million). We distributed $21 million to minority interests in our operations (2014 - $6 million) and paid dividends of $86 million (2014 - $259 million). We repaid US$300 million on a note on October 1.
OUTLOOK
We continue to experience challenging markets for our products and prices for some of our products have declined and lower prices may persist for some time. Commodity markets have historically been volatile, prices can change rapidly and customers can alter shipment plans. This can have a substantial effect on our business. Reduced supply of steelmaking coal from U.S. and Canada is offset by weaker demand, particularly in China, and by increased Australian supply, maintaining downward pressure on prices. We are also significantly affected by foreign exchange rates. In the last nine months, the U.S. dollar strengthened by approximately 15% against the Canadian dollar, which has had a positive effect on the profitability of our Canadian operations. It will, to a lesser extent, put upward pressure on the portion of our operating costs and capital spending that is denominated in U.S. dollars.
In October 2013, we approved an estimated $2.9 billion (our share) to complete the development of the Fort Hills oil sands project, of which approximately $1.5 billion remains to be spent. We have access to cash and credit lines which are expected to be sufficient to meet our capital commitments and working capital needs over this period. We are taking further steps to manage our capital spending profile and we continuously monitor all aspects of our cost reduction program, our capital spending and key markets as conditions evolve.
In addition, we could be subject to labour unrest or other disturbances as a result of delays in or the failure of negotiations of new contracts, which could limit our ability to maintain steelmaking coal or copper production in accordance with our plans. If this were to occur, the potential shortfall in planned production could be material.
We continue to monitor market conditions for steelmaking coal and currently expect production rates to match our sales projections for the fourth quarter.
Foreign Exchange, Debt Revaluation and Interest Expense
The sales of our products are denominated in U.S. dollars, while a significant portion of our expenses are incurred in local currencies, particularly the Canadian dollar and the Chilean peso. Foreign exchange fluctuations can have a significant effect on our operating margins, unless such fluctuations are offset by related changes to commodity prices.
Our U.S. dollar denominated debt is subject to revaluation based on changes in the Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rate. As at September 30, 2015, $6.1 billion of our U.S. dollar denominated debt is designated as a hedge against our foreign operations that have a U.S. dollar functional currency. As a result, any foreign exchange gains or losses arising on that amount of our U.S. dollar debt are recorded in other comprehensive income, with the remainder being charged to profit.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES
We hold a number of financial instruments and derivatives which are recorded on our balance sheet at fair value with gains and losses in each period included in other comprehensive income and profit for the period as appropriate. The most significant of these instruments are marketable securities, foreign exchange forward sales contracts, metal-related forward contracts and settlements receivable and payable. Some of our gains and losses on metal-related financial instruments are affected by smelter price participation and are taken into account in determining royalties and other expenses. All are subject to varying rates of taxation depending on their nature and jurisdiction.
QUARTERLY PROFIT AND CASH FLOW
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
As at October 21, 2015 there were 566.8 million Class B subordinate voting shares and 9.4 million Class A common shares outstanding. In addition, there were 16.0 million stock options outstanding with exercise prices ranging between $4.15 and $58.80 per share. More information on these instruments and the terms of their conversion is set out in Note 19 of our 2014 audited financial statements.
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Any system of internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. There have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS - IMPAIRMENT TESTING
In preparing consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses across all reportable segments. Management makes estimates and judgments that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our estimates and judgments are based on historical experience and other factors we consider to be reasonable, including expectations of future events. Critical accounting estimates and judgments are those that could affect the consolidated financial statements materially, are highly uncertain and where changes are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Impairment testing is an area that requires significant judgment, both in assessing whether certain factors would be considered an indicator of impairment and when an indicator is present, determining the assumptions used in preparing discounted cash models.
We consider both internal and external information to determine whether there is an indicator of impairment present and accordingly, when impairment testing is required. When impairment testing is required, discounted cash flow models are used to estimate the recoverable amounts of respective assets. Significant assumptions used in preparing these discounted cash flow models include commodity prices, reserves and resources, operating costs, capital expenditures, discount rates, foreign exchange rates, tax assumptions and inflation rates. These inputs are based on management''s best estimates of what an independent market participant would consider appropriate and are reviewed by senior management. Changes in these inputs may alter the results of impairment testing, the amount of impairment charges recorded in the statement of income and the resulting carrying values of assets.
In light of current economic conditions we have revised our market participant long-term price expectations for copper, zinc, steelmaking coal and oil and performed a detailed review of impairment indicators across all of our operations and assets. Where required, we have estimated the recoverable amount of our assets on a fair value less costs of disposal basis (FVLCD) and have determined that this was higher than the value in use of these assets. In our copper, zinc, steelmaking coal and energy business units we have identified Cash Generating Units with carrying values that exceed the estimated recoverable amounts. FVLCD was estimated using a discounted cash flow methodology taking into account assumptions likely to be made by market participants. Cash flow projections are based on current life of mine plans and exploration potential.
The impairment charges are as follows:
The key inputs, where applicable, used to estimate the FVLCD of each CGU are determined as follows:
Commodity Prices
Commodity price assumptions are based on a number of factors, including forward curves in the near term, and are benchmarked with external sources of information, including information published by our peers and where possible, market transactions, to ensure they are within the range of values used by market participants.
Our key commodity price assumptions are based on current prices over the next three years escalating to a real long-term price. For steelmaking coal, copper and zinc, we start with a 2016 price of US$96 per tonne, US$2.50 per pound and US$0.85 per pound for each respective commodity. These prices are gradually escalated over the next three years, reaching a real long-term price in 2020 of US$130 per tonne, US$3.00 per pound and US$1.00 per pound for steelmaking coal, copper and zinc, respectively.
For impairment testing of assets within our energy business unit, we have used a long-term West Texas Intermediate (WTI) price of US$75 per barrel and a Western Canadian Select (WCS) differential of US$10.50 per barrel.
Reserves and Resources
Future mineral production is included in projected cash flows based on mineral reserve and resource estimates and exploration and evaluation work, undertaken by appropriately qualified persons.
Operating Costs and Capital Expenditures
Operating costs and capital expenditures are based on life of mine plans and internal management forecasts. Cost estimates incorporate management experience and expertise, current operating costs, the nature and location of each operation and the risks associated with each operation. Future capital expenditures are based on management''s best estimate of expected future capital requirements, which are generally for the extraction and processing of existing reserves and resources. All committed and anticipated capital expenditures based on future cost estimates have been included in the projected cash flows. Operating cost and capital expenditure assumptions are continuously subject to on-going optimization and review by management.
Discount Rates
Discount rates used are based on the weighted average cost of capital for a mining industry peer group and are calculated with reference to current market information. Adjustments to the rate are made for any risks that are not reflected in the underlying cash flows. A 5.8% real, 7.9% nominal, post-tax discount rate was used to discount cash flow projections in all of our FVLCD discounted cash flows.
Foreign Exchange Rates
Foreign exchange rates are benchmarked with external sources of information based on a range used by market participants. The long-term Canadian - U.S. dollar foreign exchange assumption used was 1 U.S. dollar to 1.25 Canadian dollars.
Inflation Rates
Inflation rates are based on average historical inflation for the location of each operation and long-term government bond yields. Inflation rates are benchmarked with external sources of information and are within a range used by market participants. The inflation rate for all FVLCD calculations is 2%.
ADOPTION OF NEW AND AMENDED IFRS PRONOUNCEMENTS
Accounting Developments
New IFRS pronouncements that have been issued but are not yet effective are listed below. We plan to apply the new standard or interpretation in the annual period for which it is required.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the IASB and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) completed their joint project to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for IFRS and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). As a result of the joint project, the IASB issued IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15) to replace IAS 18, Revenue and IAS 11, Construction Contracts and the related interpretations on revenue recognition.
The new revenue standard introduces a single principles-based five-step model for the recognition of revenue when control of a good or service is transferred to the customer. The five steps are: identify the contract(s) with the customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine transaction price, allocate the transaction price, and recognize revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied. IFRS 15 also requires enhanced disclosures about revenue to help investors better understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows from contracts with customers, and improves the comparability of revenue from contracts with customers.
In September 2015, the IASB issued an amendment to IFRS 15 to delay the effective date by one year to annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 to align with the timing of the new U.S. GAAP revenue standard.
We are assessing the effect of this standard on our financial statements.
Financial Instruments
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (IFRS 9), addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. The IASB has previously issued versions of IFRS 9 that introduced new classification and measurement requirements (in 2009 and 2010) and a new hedge accounting model (in 2013). The July 2014 publication of IFRS 9 is the completed version of the Standard, replacing earlier versions of IFRS 9 and superseding the guidance relating to the classification and measurement of financial instruments in IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (IAS 39).
IFRS 9 requires financial assets to be classified into three measurement categories on initial recognition: those measured at fair value through profit and loss, those measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, and those measured at amortized cost. Investments in equity instruments are required to be measured by default at fair value through profit or loss. However, there is an irrevocable option to present fair value changes in other comprehensive income. Measurement and classification of financial assets is dependent on the entity''s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset. For financial liabilities, the standard retains most of the IAS 39 requirements. The main change is that, in cases where the fair value option is taken for financial liabilities, the part of a fair value change relating to an entity''s own credit risk is recorded in other comprehensive income rather than the income statement, unless this creates an accounting mismatch.
IFRS 9 introduces a new three-stage expected credit loss model for calculating impairment for financial assets. IFRS 9 no longer requires a triggering event to have occurred before credit losses are recognized. An entity is required to recognize expected credit losses when financial instruments are initially recognized and to update the amount of expected credit losses recognized at each reporting date to reflect changes in the credit risk of the financial instruments. In addition, IFRS 9 requires additional disclosure requirements about expected credit losses and credit risk.
The new hedging section of the final IFRS 9 standard remains relatively unchanged from when the new hedging accounting section of IFRS 9 was introduced in November 2013. The new hedge accounting model aligns hedge accounting with risk management activities undertaken by an entity. Components of both financial and non-financial items will now be eligible for hedge accounting, as long as the risk component can be identified and measured. The new hedge accounting model includes eligibility criteria that must be met, but these criteria are based on an economic assessment of the strength of the hedging relationship. New disclosure requirements relating to hedge accounting will be required and are meant to simplify existing disclosure. The IASB currently has a separate project on macro hedging activities and until the project is completed, the IASB has provided a policy choice for entities to either apply the hedge accounting model in IFRS 9 or IAS 39 in full. Additionally, there is a hybrid option to use IAS 39 to account for macro hedges only and to use IFRS 9 for all other hedges.
The completed version of IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the effect of this standard and its related amendments on our financial statements.
REVENUE AND GROSS PROFIT
Our revenue and gross profit by business unit are summarized in the tables below:
COST OF SALES SUMMARY
Our cost of sales information by business unit is summarized in the table below:
CAPITALIZED STRIPPING COSTS
PRODUCTION AND SALES STATISTICS
Production statistics for each of our operations are presented in the tables below. Operating results are on a 100% basis.
USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
Our financial results are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This document refers to gross profit before depreciation and amortization, gross profit margins before depreciation, EBITDA, adjusted profit, adjusted earnings per share, cash unit costs, adjusted cash costs of sales, cash margins for by-products, adjusted revenue, net debt, debt to debt-plus-equity ratio, and the net debt to net debt-plus-equity ratio, which are not measures recognized under IFRS in Canada and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in the United States.
Gross profit before depreciation and amortization is gross profit with the depreciation and amortization expense added back. EBITDA is profit attributable to shareholders before net finance expense, income and resource taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA before impairment charges. For adjusted profit, we adjust profit attributable to shareholders as reported to remove the effect of certain types of transactions that in our judgment are not indicative of our normal operating activities or do not necessarily occur on a regular basis. This both highlights these items and allows us to analyze the rest of our results more clearly. We believe that disclosing these measures assists readers in understanding the cash generating potential of our business in order to provide liquidity to fund working capital needs, service outstanding debt, fund future capital expenditures and investment opportunities, and pay dividends.
Gross profit margins before depreciation are gross profit before depreciation and amortization, divided by revenue for each respective business unit.
Unit costs are calculated by dividing the cost of sales for the principal product by sales volumes. We include this information as it is frequently requested by investors and investment analysts who use it to assess our cost structure and margins and compare it to similar information provided by many companies in our industry.
We sell both copper concentrates and refined copper cathodes. The price for concentrates sold to smelters is based on average London Metal Exchange prices over a defined quotational period, from which processing and refining deductions are made. In addition, we are paid for an agreed percentage of the copper contained in concentrates, which constitutes payable pounds. Adjusted revenue excludes the revenue from co-products and by-products, but adds back the processing and refining allowances to arrive at the value of the underlying payable pounds of copper. Readers may compare this on a per unit basis with the price of copper on the London Metal Exchange.
Adjusted cash cost of sales for our steelmaking coal operations is defined as the cost of the product as it leaves the mine excluding depreciation and amortization charges. Adjusted cash cost of sales for our copper operations is defined as the cost of the product delivered to the port of shipment, excluding depreciation and amortization charges. It is common practice in the industry to exclude depreciation and amortization as these costs are ''non-cash'' and discounted cash flow valuation models used in the industry substitute expectations of future capital spending for these amounts. In order to arrive at adjusted cash costs of sales for copper we also deduct the costs of by-products and co-products. Total cash unit costs include the smelter and refining allowances added back in determining adjusted revenue. This presentation allows a comparison of unit costs, including smelter allowances, to the underlying price of copper in order to assess the margin. Unit costs, after deducting co-product and by-product margins, are also a common industry measure. By deducting the co- and by-product margin per unit of the principal product, the margin for the mine on a per unit basis may be presented in a single metric for comparison to other operations. Readers should be aware that this metric, by excluding certain items and reclassifying cost and revenue items, distorts our actual production costs as determined under GAAP.
Net debt is total debt less cash and cash equivalents. The debt to debt-plus-equity ratio takes total debt as reported and divides that by the sum of total debt plus total equity. The net debt to net debt-plus-equity ratio is net debt divided by the sum of net debt plus total equity, expressed as a percentage. These measures are disclosed as we believe they provide readers with information that allows them to assess our credit capacity and the ability to meet our short and long-term financial obligations. The pro forma net debt to net-debt-plus-equity ratio and the pro forma debt to debt-plus-equity ratio are calculated as above, but after giving effect to the transactions noted on the indicated date.
The measures described above do not have standardized meanings under IFRS, may differ from those used by other issuers, and may not be comparable to such measures as reported by others. These measures have been derived from our financial statements and applied on a consistent basis as appropriate. We disclose these measures because we believe they assist readers in understanding the results of our operations and financial position and are meant to provide further information about our financial results to investors. These measures should not be considered in isolation or used in substitute for other measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
Reconciliation of Gross Profit Before Depreciation and Amortization
Steelmaking Coal Unit Cost Reconciliation
Copper Unit Cost Reconciliation
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements as defined in applicable securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, principally under the headings "Outlook," that appear in this release but also elsewhere in this document, include estimates, forecasts, and statements as to management''s expectations with respect to, among other things, our plans to address the challenges of low prices, including planned spending reductions, expectations around our development projects, including that Project Corridor is expected to result in a less capital intense project with higher projected returns, production guidance for our products, our expected cash balance at year-end, anticipated sales for the fourth quarter, capital requirements for our Fort Hills project, timing of oil production at Fort Hills, the expectation that our cash and credit lines are sufficient to meet our capital commitments and working capital needs, cost and production forecasts at our business units and individual operations
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Datum: 22.10.2015 - 03:00 Uhr
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