Teck Reports Unaudited Second Quarter Results for 2017
All dollar amounts expressed in this news release are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.
(firmenpresse) - VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/27/17 -- Teck Resources Limited (TSX:TECK.A and TECK.B)(NYSE: TECK) ("Teck") reported profit attributable to shareholders of $577 million ($1.00 per share) in the second quarter compared with $15 million ($0.03 per share) a year ago.
"I''m pleased with our results," said Don Lindsay, President and CEO. "We generated adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 billion in the second quarter and $5.4 billion over the last twelve months. After a challenging first quarter we set second quarter steelmaking coal sales and production records of 6.9 and 6.8 million tonnes, respectively, and we reduced our outstanding notes to US$4.8 billion, achieving our target of less than US$5 billion."
Highlights and Significant Items
This management''s discussion and analysis is dated as at July 26, 2017 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 six months ended June 30, 2017 and with the audited consolidated financial statements of Teck and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2016. 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, 2016, 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."
Overview
In the second quarter our operational performance improved. Production for most of our principal products increased. Steelmaking coal production rose to a second quarter record of 6.8 million tonnes, up from 6.1 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2017, and also exceeded the 6.7 million tonnes produced in the second quarter of 2016. However, steelmaking coal unit costs rose as a result of high input costs and our decision to advance annual plant maintenance shutdowns, originally planned for later in the year. As anticipated in the mine plans, copper production in the second quarter rose 9% from the first quarter to 70,000 tonnes as grades at Highland Valley Copper improved. Our zinc in concentrate production rose by 8% from the first quarter as a result of record zinc production from Antamina.
In commodity markets, prices moved higher year-over-year with copper, zinc and lead prices rising 20%, 35%, and 26% in U.S. dollars, respectively, from the same period a year ago. Our realized steelmaking coal price in the second quarter doubled from a year ago and averaged US$169 per tonne. Steelmaking coal spot prices retreated from above US$300 per tonne in mid-April after Cyclone Debbie disrupted key Australian supplies and are now trading above US$170 per tonne. The higher commodity prices combined with increased sales volumes for most of our principal products, including record second quarter sales of 6.9 million tonnes of steelmaking coal, contributed to our improved financial results compared with a year ago.
We announced the sale of our two-thirds interest in the Waneta Dam and related transmission assets to Fortis for $1.2 billion cash. Under the agreement, we will be granted a 20-year lease with an option to extend for an additional ten years to use Fortis'' two-thirds interest in the power generated by Waneta for our Trail Operations. BC Hydro has a right of first offer with respect to the sale of our two-thirds interest in Waneta. Closing of the transaction is subject to receipt of certain consents and other customary conditions and is not expected before the fourth quarter of 2017. Closing of the transaction will further strengthen our balance sheet and provide significant new capital that can be reinvested to enhance our overall business, including our Trail Operations.
Construction progress on the Fort Hills oil sands project has surpassed 92%. Four of the six major project areas have now been turned over to operations. The project remains on track to produce first oil in late 2017.
We established a new dividend policy that reflects our commitment to return cash to shareholders balanced against the needs and opportunities to invest in, and the inherent cyclicality of, our underlying businesses. The policy will be anchored by an annual base dividend of $0.20 per share, which we intend to declare and pay quarterly, commencing in the third quarter of this year. Each year the Board will review the free cash flow generated by the business, the outlook for business conditions and priorities regarding capital allocation and determine whether a supplemental dividend should be paid. If declared, supplemental dividends may be highly variable from year to year, given the volatility of commodity prices and the potential need to conserve cash for certain project capital expenditures or other corporate priorities. The $0.10 base dividend declared and paid in the second quarter of 2017 reflects the quarterly dividends for both the first and second quarters of 2017.
Profit and Adjusted Profit(1)
Profit attributable to shareholders was $577 million, or $1.00 per share, in the second quarter compared with $15 million, or $0.03 per share in the same period a year ago.
Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders in the second quarter, after adjusting for the items identified in the table below was $577 million, or $1.00 per share, compared with $3 million, or $0.01 per share, in the same period last year.
The substantial increase in our profit in the second quarter of 2017 was primarily the result of significantly higher contribution from our steelmaking coal business unit due to higher prices and sales volumes, partly offset by higher unit operating costs. In addition, our profit was also positively affected by higher base metal prices as well as the weaker U.S./Canadian dollar average exchange rate compared with a year ago.
Profit and Adjusted Profit
In addition to the items described above, our results include gains and losses due to changes in market prices and interest rates in respect of pricing adjustments, commodity derivatives, share based compensation and changes in the discounted value of decommissioning and restoration costs of closed mines. Taken together, these items resulted in a $5 million charge to our after-tax profits ($7 million before tax) in the second quarter, or $0.01 per share. We do not adjust our reported profit for these items as they occur on a regular basis.
BUSINESS UNIT RESULTS
Our revenues, 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 in the second quarter from our steelmaking coal business unit was $785 million compared with $52 million a year ago. Gross profit before depreciation and amortization increased by $777 million from a year ago (see table below) as the benefits of significantly higher realized steelmaking coal prices and record second quarter sales of 6.9 million tonnes more than offset the effect of higher unit production costs. The average realized steelmaking coal price of US$169 per tonne was US$86 per tonne higher than the second quarter of 2016, reflecting improved steelmaking coal market conditions and supply constraints in the quarter due to a cyclone in Queensland.
Second quarter production of 6.8 million tonnes was slightly higher than the same period a year ago, setting a new record for this quarter of the year. However, production was slightly lower than our expected run rate of approximately 7.0 million tonnes. This was the result of our decision to advance annual processing plant maintenance shutdowns, originally planned for later in the year, into the second quarter. This decision reduced onsite inventories, restoring operational flexibility going forward. With the majority of our processing plant shutdowns behind us, we expect production to be stronger in the second half of 2017.
The advancing of plant maintenance activities into the quarter resulted in increased use of contractors and repair parts. Costs also increased relative to the year ago period due to increased strip ratios and cost pressures from labour, diesel, power and natural gas.
The table below summarizes the year-over-year gross profit changes, before depreciation and amortization, in our steelmaking coal business unit for the quarter:
Property, plant and equipment expenditures totaled $10 million in the second quarter. Capitalized stripping costs were $132 million in the second quarter compared with $76 million a year ago.
Markets
Record second quarter sales volumes of 6.9 million tonnes were 10% higher than a year ago, reflecting improved steelmaking coal market conditions. This record was achieved despite irregular purchasing during a period of rapidly changing prices in the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie in Queensland, Australia. Very few transactions were observed in the five-week period from mid-April to mid-May when spot prices exceeded US$300 per tonne for the fourth time since 2008. Customers covered short-term requirements and then retreated from the market until spot prices returned nearer to pre cyclone levels. As a result, we also experienced weak sales during that five-week period, slightly reducing total volumes shipped in the quarter.
Cyclone Debbie also delayed the quarterly benchmark price negotiations and triggered changes to that pricing system. Steel mills, and the majority of steelmaking coal producers, have now agreed to an index-linked pricing mechanism based on the average of key premium steelmaking coal spot price assessments to replace the negotiated quarterly benchmark, effective April 1, 2017. Lower grade semi-soft coals and PCI coal pricing will continue to be negotiated on a quarterly benchmark basis and we will continue to make spot sales reflecting market conditions as sales are concluded.
While the index-linked mechanism varies between customers, we expect our realized price relative to the premium steelmaking coal assessments to be similar to our historical relationship to the negotiated quarterly benchmark. This change in the pricing mechanism affects approximately 40% of our sales and further changes may occur. Our product mix and timing of sales will continue to affect our realized pricing, as was previously the case.
Operations
Significantly improved logistics performance combined with earlier than planned processing plant maintenance shutdowns have substantially reduced onsite steelmaking coal stockpiles and returned operational flexibility to each of our operations. Unfortunately, challenging winter weather conditions in southern British Columbia and northwestern Alberta, above average employee turnover and geotechnical issues in two pits affected our ability to move planned waste volumes in both of the first two quarters of 2017 and has negatively affected production. We fully anticipate recovering that shortfall in waste volumes through the second half of the year and will be back on plan by year end.
Cost of Sales
Unit cost of sales in the second quarter were $53 per tonne compared with $42 per tonne a year ago, exceeding the top of our guidance range for the quarter of $51 per tonne. The decision to advance scheduled maintenance increased repair and maintenance costs while reducing production. Strip ratios increased, as we are mining in recently permitted areas at a number of our operations, contributing to the cost increases, along with higher labour and energy costs. Higher costs were also attributed to the increased use of contractors to address employee turnover and to accelerate waste removal. In addition, higher equipment utilization resulted in cost increases. The decision to advance scheduled maintenance and reduce production in the quarter allowed us to draw down inventories at the mine sites and provide more flexibility for production and shipping in the second half of the year.
The tables below report the components of our unit costs in Canadian and equivalent U.S. dollars.
Our total cost of sales for the quarter also included a $12 per tonne charge for the amortization of capitalized stripping costs and $16 per tonne for other depreciation.
Outlook
The markets have stabilized over the past month and we are seeing good demand for our products. Spot prices for top quality products have moved up by more than US$30 per tonne and are currently trading above US$170 per tonne, well up from the lows near US$140 per tonne in mid-June.
We expect coal sales in the third quarter of 2017 of at least 7.0 million tonnes. Vessel nominations for 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 port-loading facilities.
We expect total production for the year in the range of 27 to 27.5 million tonnes. Our previous guidance was 27 to 28 million tonnes. We expect unit cost of sales in the range of $49 to $53 per tonne, up from our previous guidance of $46 to $50 per tonne. Our original guidance for transportation costs remains unchanged at $35 to $37 per tonne.
COPPER BUSINESS UNIT
Performance
Gross profit from our copper business unit for the quarter was $128 million compared with $62 million a year ago. Gross profit before depreciation and amortization increased by $47 million in the second quarter compared with a year ago (see table below). This was primarily due to higher realized prices and substantially higher zinc sales from Antamina as a result of record zinc production. These items were partially offset by lower copper sales volumes and associated higher unit costs.
Copper production declined by 23% from a year ago primarily due to lower ore grades at Highland Valley Copper as anticipated in the mine plan. Production was expected to be lower in the first half of 2017 and is anticipated to gradually improve as the year progresses. Due to the lower copper production and despite continued good site cost performance, our cash unit costs before by-products increased 17% to US$1.69 per pound compared to US$1.44 per pound during the same period a year ago. Significantly higher production of zinc and molybdenum resulted in cash unit costs after by-products decreasing 6% to US$1.26 per pound compared to US$1.34 per pound during the same period last year.
The table below summarizes the changes in gross profit, before depreciation and amortization, in our copper business unit for the quarter:
Property, plant and equipment expenditures totaled $58 million, including $19 million for sustaining capital and $29 million for new mine development related to the Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 project. Capitalized stripping costs were $35 million in the second quarter, the same as a year ago.
Markets
London Metal Exchange (LME) copper prices in the second quarter of 2017 averaged US$2.57 per pound, down 3% from the prior quarter but up 20% from the same quarter a year ago. Year to date prices have averaged US$2.61 per pound, a 22% increase over the same period last year. Copper prices peaked in the first quarter at US$2.80 per pound due to production disruptions at two of the world''s largest copper mines, but then drifted lower in the second quarter to US$2.45 per pound as production resumed at these mines. An improved outlook for demand in Europe and Asia combined with reported exchange stocks falling during the second quarter by 145,000 tonnes, allowed prices to recover back above US$2.60 per pound by the end of the quarter.
Total reported exchange stocks fell 145,850 tonnes during the second quarter to 572,500 tonnes. Total reported global copper exchange stocks are now estimated to be 9.2 days of global consumption, below the estimated 25 year average of 11.9 days of global consumption. Stocks on the LME declined by 42,000 tonnes and stocks at SHFE warehouses also declined 130,000 tonnes and currently stand at 177,000 tonnes, their lowest level since the end of January. The reduction in year to date refined imports into China, lower Chinese domestic production due to smelter maintenance as well as improved domestic consumption, combined to draw down inventories through the second quarter.
Mine production disruptions continued from the first quarter into the second quarter with labour disruptions curtailing the majority of production. With several ongoing issues remaining unresolved, the potential for additional unplanned interruptions remains. We expect the lack of investment made over the past six years due to the downtrend in copper prices to constrain new mine production growth to the end of this decade.
Operations
Highland Valley Copper
Copper production was significantly reduced in the second quarter at 21,100 tonnes, or 45% lower than a year ago. This was primarily due to planned lower grades and recoveries as a higher grade phase of the Valley pit was exhausted in 2016 and significantly more lower-grade ore from the Lornex pit was processed than in the same period last year. As previously disclosed, ore grades and recoveries are expected to remain lower than in prior years, but are anticipated to gradually improve as the year progresses. Molybdenum production of 2.2 million pounds was more than twice the production of a year ago due to higher grades.
Operating costs, before a $2 million inventory writedown, were $108 million in the second quarter, 5% lower than a year ago. Unit costs rose substantially as a result of lower production.
Our labour agreement at Highland Valley Copper expired at the end of the third quarter of 2016 and negotiations are ongoing. A strike vote was approved by union members on July 16, 2017, but no strike notice has yet been delivered to the company.
Antamina
Antamina processed significantly less copper-only ore while the processing of copper-zinc ore almost tripled from the same period a year ago, which was anticipated in the mine plan. The mix of mill feed in the quarter was 58% copper-only ore and 42% copper-zinc ore, compared with 87% and 13% respectively a year ago. As a result, copper production in the second quarter of 118,500 tonnes was similar to a year ago, while second quarter zinc production increased by 79,500 tonnes to a record 102,300 tonnes, primarily due to increased processing of copper-zinc ores combined with higher grades and recoveries.
Operating costs in the second quarter, as reported in U.S. dollars, were 6% higher than a year ago, primarily due to processing more copper-zinc ores and higher maintenance costs.
Carmen de Andacollo
Copper production in the second quarter of 17,000 tonnes was similar to a year ago as improved grades were offset by lower mill throughput.
Operating costs rose by US$5 million in the second quarter compared with a year ago due to higher milling costs related to processing harder ore and the timing of maintenance activities.
Quebrada Blanca
As previously announced, all supergene ore mined is now being sent directly to the dump leach circuit. This results in lower recovery and a longer leaching cycle at reduced operating costs. As a result of these changes, copper production in the second quarter decreased by 37% to 5,300 tonnes compared with a year ago.
Operating costs in the second quarter were US$13 million lower than a year ago, primarily as a result of suspending the crushing, agglomeration and stacking circuits associated with the previous heap leaching operation.
Depreciation and amortization charges decreased by $18 million compared to a year ago as a result of lower production levels.
Cost of Sales
Unit cash costs of product sold in the second quarter of 2017 as reported in U.S. dollars, before cash margins for by-products, were US$1.69 per pound compared to US$1.44 per pound in the same period a year ago. The higher unit costs were primarily due to the significant decline in production at Highland Valley Copper as a result of lower grades.
Cash margin for by-products increased significantly to US$0.43 per pound compared with US$0.10 per pound in the same period a year ago. This was primarily due to higher zinc prices as well as significantly higher sales volumes of zinc from Antamina and molybdenum from Highland Valley Copper. The higher by-product credits more than offset the significantly lower copper production in the quarter resulting in unit cash costs for copper, after by-products, of US$1.26 per pound compared to US$1.34 in the same period a year ago.
Copper Development Projects
Quebrada Blanca Phase 2
Project activities during the quarter focused primarily on execution readiness activities including advancing detailed engineering and design, as well as continuing progress on the Social and Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) regulatory approval process.
Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 is expected to have an annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnes of copper equivalent production per year for the first five years of mine life, equating to a capital intensity of approximately US$16,000 per annual tonne. A decision to proceed with development would be contingent upon regulatory approvals and market conditions, among other considerations. Given the timeline of the regulatory process, such a decision is not expected before mid-2018.
NuevaUnion
Activities continued to advance the pre-feasibility study in the quarter, including environmental baseline studies and ongoing community engagement with indigenous and non-indigenous communities. We expect to complete the pre-feasibility study by the end of the fourth quarter of 2017.
Other Copper Projects
In March 2017, we launched our Project Satellite initiative, the focus of which is to surface value from five substantial base metals assets - Zafranal, San Nicolas, Galore Creek, Schaft Creek, and Mesaba - all of which are located in stable mining-friendly jurisdictions in the Americas. Our approach is to work with existing and potentially new partners on appropriate and prudently-funded work to advance engineering and design as well as social and environmental activities. Value capture could be achieved through various commercial or development options, including full divestment, further investment by Teck, partnering, vend-in or public offering.
Zafranal
In January 2017, we increased our ownership of Compania Minera Zafranal S.A.C., which owns the Zafranal copper-gold project located in Southern Peru, to 80% through an acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of AQM Copper Inc. not already owned by us. Additional drilling and engineering studies began in the second quarter along with additional community engagement activities, environmental and archaeological studies, and permitting work necessary to potentially prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment and initiate a Feasibility Study of the project.
San Nicolas
On June 29, 2017, we entered into an agreement with Goldcorp Inc. to acquire their 21% interest in the San Nicolas copper-zinc asset for cash consideration of US$50 million. As a result of the transaction, we will hold a 100% interest in the San Nicolas copper-zinc asset. The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2017. Planning for the environmental and social baseline studies and hydrologic and hydrogeological studies began in the second quarter, along with early community engagement work and drill program planning in support of preparation and submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Outlook
We continue to expect 2017 copper production to be in the range of 275,000 to 290,000 tonnes and full year copper unit costs to be in the range of US$1.75 to US$1.85 per pound before margins from by-products and US$1.40 to US$1.50 per pound after by-products.
Full year molybdenum production at Highland Valley Copper is also unchanged at 6.0 to 6.5 million pounds contained in concentrate.
ZINC BUSINESS UNIT
Performance
Gross profit from our zinc business unit was $153 million in the second quarter compared with $99 million a year ago. Gross profit before depreciation and amortization increased by $65 million due primarily to higher zinc prices.
Refined zinc production at our Trail Operations was 6% higher than the same period a year ago primarily due to higher feed rates. At Red Dog, zinc production was 16% lower than the same period a year ago due to lower zinc grade and recoveries, which were partially offset by higher mill throughput.
The table below summarizes the gross profit change, before depreciation and amortization, in our zinc business unit for the quarter in comparison to the same period in 2016.
Property, plant and equipment expenditures include $42 million for sustaining capital, which included $29 million at Trail Operations and $11 million at Red Dog.
Markets
LME zinc prices averaged US$1.18 per pound in the second quarter of 2017, a decrease of 7% from the first quarter, but 35% higher than the second quarter of 2016. Year to date LME zinc prices have averaged US$1.22 per pound, up US$0.40 per pound or 50% over the same period last year.
Total reported zinc exchange stocks fell 198,800 tonnes during the second quarter to 356,180 tonnes. Total exchange stocks are down almost 300,000 tonnes from the same point last year and are now estimated at 9.5 days of global consumption, well below the 25 year average of 23.4 days.
Global demand for refined zinc remained strong in the second quarter of 2017 with galvanized steel production up 4.6% year to date over the same period last year according to CRU. In China, CRU estimates that galvanized steel production rose 8.1% in the first half of 2017 compared with the same period last year. Galvanized steel prices have fallen slightly in the quarter in most regions. Slightly lower, but still-steady, demand contributed to this as well as higher imports in the U.S.
Wood Mackenzie is forecasting an increase in global refined zinc demand in 2017 of 3.0% to 14.7 million tonnes, and that refined zinc production will be limited to a 2.0% increase, to 13.8 million tonnes, leaving the market in deficit again this year. Even with mine production increases, production is not keeping pace with prior smelter capacity growth, leaving refined zinc production constrained by lack of concentrates. A series of smelter maintenance shutdowns at the end of the first quarter and into the second provided temporary relief to the smelters with spot treatment charges rising slightly in China. However, as smelter production comes back on line, concentrate availability will again be limited by near-term supply. We remain of the view that zinc prices are likely to remain strong in the short and medium-term.
Operations
Red Dog
Zinc production of 127,800 tonnes in the second quarter was 16% lower than the same period a year ago primarily due to lower grades and recoveries which were partially offset by higher mill throughput. Lead production increased 17% compared to last year, primarily due to higher grades.
During the quarter, we lowered the amount of higher-grade Qanaiyaq ore processed as this ore is metallurgically complex, particularly in the early stages of pit development where ores are highly oxidized. Qanaiyaq ore is expected to become less oxidized as the pit is deepened, and we expect to include more of this higher grade material in the feed as we gain more processing experience with this ore.
Zinc sales of 83,300 tonnes in the second quarter were slightly ahead of our guidance for the quarter as smelters continued to accelerate the treatment of inventory due to the general tightness in the global concentrate market. This tightness is reflected in spot treatment charges, which continue to be significantly below annual contract terms. Offsite zinc inventory available for sale as of July 1, 2017 was approximately 28,000 tonnes of contained metal.
Operating costs in the second quarter of US$20 million were the same as a year ago. Capitalized stripping costs were US$5 million in the second quarter compared with US$9 million a year ago due to reduced waste movement.
Trail Operations
Refined zinc production of 73,400 tonnes in the second quarter was 6% higher than the same period a year ago as higher feed rates were partially offset by increases in in-process inventories.
Refined lead production was 17% lower in the second quarter compared with a year ago. This was partly due to an increase in maintenance downtime and changes to the feed mix due to operating disruptions at some mines that supply lead concentrates, which required alternative concentrates to be processed. Silver production was also affected, resulting in production being 8% lower than a year ago.
Operating costs in the second quarter of $111 million were $14 million higher than a year ago, primarily as a result of increased energy prices and repair expenses.
Sustaining capital expenditures in the quarter included $16 million for advancing the Number 2 Acid Plant and $13 million for various small projects.
A mediated settlement for a new five-year collective agreement is currently in the voting process for unionized employees at Trail Operations.
Pend Oreille
Zinc production during the second quarter of 7,200 tonnes was 9% lower than a year ago due to lower mill throughput, partially offset by higher grades.
The current mine plan sustains the operation through to early 2018, although there is still significant potential to extend the mine life. In 2016, we identified highly prospective areas in the currently producing East Mine area and we are continuing a major exploration and drilling program with good success so far.
Outlook
We continue to expect zinc in concentrate production in 2017, including co-product zinc production from our copper business unit, to be in the range of 590,000 to 615,000 tonnes.
The Red Dog concentrate shipping season commenced on July 1, with the first sailing on July 4. We expect sales of 145,000 tonnes of contained zinc in the third quarter and 165,000 tonnes in the fourth quarter, reflecting the normal seasonal pattern of Red Dog sales.
In accordance with the operating agreement governing the Red Dog mine between Teck and NANA Regional Corporation Inc. (NANA), we currently pay a 30% royalty on net proceeds of production to NANA. This royalty increases by 5% every fifth year to a maximum of 50%, with the next adjustment to 35% occurring in the fourth quarter of 2017.
ENERGY BUSINESS UNIT
Fort Hills Project
Overall construction of the Fort Hills oil sands project has surpassed 92% completion. Four of the six major project areas (mining, ore preparation plant, primary extraction and infrastructure) have been turned over to operations. The construction of utilities is greater than 95% complete and the focus is on mechanical completion and commissioning. First oil facilities in secondary extraction are 81% complete. At the end of the second quarter, over 90% of this year''s budgeted operations personnel had been hired. In September, Suncor plans to initiate froth production in order to accelerate plant commissioning.
In the second quarter, our share of capital expenditures was $201 million. Our share of Fort Hills cash expenditures in 2017 is estimated at $780 million. A disagreement has recently arisen among the Fort Hills partners regarding future funding for the project and discussions are ongoing regarding the partners'' relative funding obligations. Suncor advises that the disagreement is not expected to affect the plan to achieve first oil by the end of 2017.
Oil production from the first of three secondary extraction units is expected near the end of 2017. The other two secondary extraction units are scheduled to be completed and commissioned in the first half of 2018 and production is expected to reach 90% of nameplate capacity by the end of 2018. Suncor, as the operator of the Fort Hills project, is also exploring the opportunity to reduce the ramp-up period.
The Fort Hills partners have executed long-term blend service and pipeline transportation agreements for the delivery of diluent from Edmonton to Fort Hills and blended bitumen to Hardisty from Fort Hills. Construction activities for the regional bitumen, diluent and blend pipelines and the East Tank Farm blending facility are complete and will be in service prior to mine start-up.
Each Fort Hills partner will be responsible for meeting its diluent blend requirements, transporting and selling its share of diluted bitumen to the market. The development of our comprehensive diluent acquisition and blended bitumen sales strategies is ongoing and we continue to review options to sell diluted bitumen into the North American and overseas markets.
Fort Hills blended bitumen is anticipated to have similar quality characteristics to production recently introduced into the marketplace from other large-scale oil sands mining projects. Our share of Fort Hills production will be marketed through a combination of long and short-term contracts. To this end, we are currently reviewing draft contract provisions with prospective customers. In support of our diverse market access strategy, we have contracted for 425,000 blended bitumen barrels of terminal storage at Hardisty.
Frontier Energy Project
The regulatory review for Frontier is continuing with a federal-provincial panel reviewing information filed to date. The process is expected to continue through 2017, making 2018 the earliest a federal decision statement is expected, for Frontier. Our expenditures are limited to supporting this process. We are evaluating the future project schedule and development options as part of our ongoing capital review and prioritization process.
OTHER OPERATING INCOME AND EXPENSES
Other operating expense, net of other income, was $45 million in the second quarter compared with $28 million a year ago. The most significant of these items was $21 million of commodity derivative losses related to derivatives embedded in our gold and silver streaming agreements and to our zinc and lead positions related to Red Dog, which matches our economic exposure to the average zinc and lead prices over our shipping season. Pricing adjustments in the current quarter and prior year were minimal, as copper and zinc prices were relatively unchanged during those quarters.
The table below outlines our outstanding receivable positions, provisionally valued at June 30, 2017 and March 31, 2017.
Our finance expense of $59 million in the second quarter decreased by $25 million from a year ago. Our finance expense includes the interest expense on our debt, finance fees and amortization, interest components of our pension obligations and accretion on our decommissioning and restoration provisions, less any interest that we capitalize against our development projects. The primary reasons for the decrease in our finance expense was due to a higher amount of interest capitalized against our development projects, including $40 million for Fort Hills and $38 million for Quebrada Blanca Phase 2, reflecting our increased carrying values of both of these projects compared with a year ago and lower debt interest as a result of lower outstanding debt balances. Interest capitalization will cease when each project reaches completion. These were partly offset by higher letter of credit fees and accretion on our decommissioning and restoration provisions.
Non-operating expense in the second quarter of 2017 was $4 million, which included a $38 million loss on the repurchase of our debt, partly offset by foreign exchange gains of $10 million and a $23 million gain on the revaluation of our call options on certain long-term debt notes.
Income and resource taxes for the second quarter were $330 million, or 36% of pre-tax profits. This rate is higher than the Canadian statutory rate of 26% as a result of resource taxes and higher rates in foreign jurisdictions. 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, net debt, and credit ratios are summarized in the table below:
In the first half of 2017, we retired US$1.3 billion of our term notes pursuant to cash tender offers, make-whole redemptions and open market repurchases, of which US$260 million was completed in the second quarter. As a result, the principal balance of our public notes is now US$4.8 billion. At June 30, 2017 our debt to debt-plus-equity ratio was 26%.
Our committed credit facilities comprised of a US$3.0 billion revolving credit facility maturing July 2020 and a US$1.2 billion revolving credit facility maturing June 2019.
As at June 30, 2017, there were no amounts outstanding under the US$3.0 billion facility and US$804 million of letters of credit were outstanding under the US$1.2 billion facility. Of those letters of credit, an aggregate of US$672 million were issued in respect of long-term power purchase agreements for the Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 project and $167 million in respect of long-term transport service agreements for our share of the Fort Hills oil sands project.
We also have various other credit facilities and arrangements that secure our reclamation obligations in the amount of approximately $1.9 billion.
We may be required to post additional security in respect of reclamation at our sites in future periods as regulatory requirements change and closure plans are updated.
Operating Cash Flow
Cash flow from operations was $1.4 billion in the second quarter compared with $339 million a year ago with the increase primarily due to substantially higher steelmaking coal prices and sales volumes.
Changes in working capital items provided a source of funds of $382 million in the second quarter compared with a use of cash of $109 million a year ago. The source of cash in the quarter was primarily due to a reduction in accounts receivables in our steelmaking coal business unit. With the settlement of the second quarter''s steelmaking coal prices, provisional payments of US$144 million made by our customers on second quarter coal sales will be repaid in the third quarter of the year.
Investing Activities
Expenditures on property, plant and equipment were $329 million in the second quarter, including $201 million of new mine development for the Fort Hills oil sands project, $71 million on sustaining capital and $11 million on major enhancement projects. The largest components of sustaining expenditures were $29 million at our Trail Operations and $11 million each at Antamina and Red Dog.
Capitalized production stripping costs were $173 million in the second quarter compared with $122 million a year ago. The majority of this item represents the advancement of pits for future production at our steelmaking coal mines.
The table below summarizes our year-to-date capital spending for 2017:
Financing Activities
In the second quarter we repurchased US$260 million principal amount of our outstanding notes by way of make-whole redemptions and open market repurchases, reducing the balance of our outstanding notes to US$4.8 billion.
Debt interest and finance charges paid were $87 million in the second quarter compared with $74 million a year ago.
OUTLOOK
Foreign Exchange and Debt Revaluation
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 June 30, 2017, $4.2 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, metal-related forward contracts including those embedded in our silver and gold streaming agreements, and settlements receivable and payable, and prepayment rights on certain long-term debt notes. 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
ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS
New IFRS pronouncements that have been issued but are not yet effective are listed below. We plan to apply the new standards or interpretations in the annual period for which they are first required.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15) as a result of a joint revenue project with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).
The new revenue standard introduces a single principles-based five-step model for the recognition of revenue when control of goods is transferred to, or a service is performed, for the customer. The five steps are to: identify the contract(s) with the customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price, and recognize revenue when the 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.
The standard initially has an effective date of January 1, 2018. We are required to adopt the provisions of IFRS 15 on either a full or modified retrospective basis. We are currently assessing our transition approach and expect to make a determination by the third quarter of 2017.
As at June 30, 2017 we have gathered relevant facts and identified our significant revenue contracts. Through the evaluation of the facts and contracts, we have established possible areas where changes to revenue recognition or presentation may be required. This issue identification has provided a framework for our contract review. We will continue to perform our contract review process and evaluate possible areas of change as identified in the third quarter of 2017.
The most significant item that we are continuing to review is in relation to the treatment of insurance and freight costs. In many of our sales contracts, we are responsible for arranging shipping and insurance services which occur after the date at which control of the product passes to the customer. Under IFRS 15, these services likely represent a separate performance obligation which would require separate accounting and disclosure. We are also evaluating whether we are a principal or an agent to these transactions and consequently whether the revenue should be reported on a gross or net basis, which is a presentation issue only on our statement of income. We are also evaluating whether there is any effect of IFRS 15 on our gold and silver streaming arrangements.
In addition to potential changes in recognition and measurement, IFRS 15 will require additional financial statement disclosures about revenue from contracts with customers than is currently required under existing IFRS. Once we complete our accounting analysis, we will focus on updating systems and processes to facilitate this additional reporting as well as any changes relating to revenue recognition that may be required.
Financial Instruments
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (IFRS 9), addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. 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 for each equity instrument 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 hedge accounting model in IFRS 9 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 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 disclosures. 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 us on January 1, 2018. We are currently assessing the effect of this standard and its related amendments on our financial statements. As at June 30, 2017, we have completed our initial review of the new standard and have identified a limited number of potential differences relevant to Teck. In particular, we are reviewing our portfolio of investments to consider the application of the irrevocable classification choice related to fair value changes and we are reviewing our processes for managing and estimating provisions for credit loss on our trade receivables. At this stage, we do not expect this standard to have a material effect on our financial statements.
Leases
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16, Leases (IFRS 16), which eliminates the classification of leases as either operating or finance leases for a lessee. Under IFRS 16, all leases are considered finance leases and will be recorded on the balance sheet. The only exemptions to this classification will be for leases that are 12 months or less in duration or for leases of low-value assets. The requirement to record all leases as finance leases under IFRS 16 will increase lease assets and lease liabilities on an entity''s financial statements. IFRS 16 will also change the nature of expenses relating to leases as the straight-line lease expense previously recognized for operating leases will be replaced with depreciation expense for lease assets and finance expense for lease liabilities. IFRS 16 includes an overall disclosure objective and requires a company to disclose (a) information about lease assets and expenses and cash flows related to leases; (b) a maturity analysis of lease liabilities; and (c) any additional company-specific information that is relevant to satisfying the disclosure objective. IFRS 16 is effective from January 1, 2019 and can be applied before that date but only if IFRS 15 is also applied. We are currently assessing the effect of this standard on our financial statements. As at June 30, 2017, we have developed an understanding of the requirements of IFRS 16 but have not commenced analysis of existing arrangements or possible changes that may result from adoption of IFRS 16.
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
As at July 26, 2017 there were 570.0 million Class B subordinate voting shares and 7.8 million Class A common shares outstanding. In addition, there were approximately 24 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 21 of our 2016 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 controls during the quarter ended June 30, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
In preparing consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses across all reportable segments. Management makes estimates that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our estimates are based on historical experience and other factors we consider to be reasonable, including expectations of future events. Critical accounting estimates 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. Our critical accounting estimates that have a risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next year include the recoverable amounts of long-lived assets, fair value of embedded derivatives associated with streaming transactions, estimated recoverable reserves and resources and the valuation of other assets and liabilities such as decommissioning and restoration provisions and the accounting for income taxes. These critical accounting estimates are consistent with those outlined in more detail in our 2016 annual consolidated financial statements and Management''s Discussion and Analysis.
REVENUES 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 tables 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.
Carmen de Andacollo
USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
Our financial results are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This document refers to adjusted profit, adjusted earnings per share, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, gross profit before depreciation and amortization, gross profit margins before depreciation, 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.
For adjusted profit, we adjust profit attributable to shareholders as reported to remove the effect (after taxes) 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. EBITDA is profit attributable to shareholders before net finance expense, income and resource taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA before the pre-tax effect of the adjustments that we make to profit attributable to shareholders described above. These adjustments to profit attributable to shareholders and EBITDA highlight items and allow us and readers to analyze the rest of our results more clearly. We believe that disclosing these measures assist readers in understanding the ongoing 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 before depreciation and amortization is gross profit with the depreciation and amortization expense added back. 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 LME.
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 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 Earnings per share to Adjusted Earnings per share
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 STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to in this news release as "forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Teck to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, including under the headings "Outlook," that appear in various places in this release, include estimates, forecasts, and statements as to management''s expectations with respect to, among other things, anticipated cost and production forecasts at our business units and individual operations and expectation that we will meet our production guidance, sales volume and selling prices for our products (including settlement of steelmaking coal contracts with customers), our expectations regarding future dividends, the timing of the closing of the Waneta Dam sale, expectation that coal production will improve in the second half of the year, the expectation that our realized price for premium steelmaking coal under the evolving index-linked pricing system will be similar to our historical relationship to the quarterly benchmark, anticipation of recovery in shortfall in coal waste volumes, expectation that copper production will increase in the second half of the year, plans and expectations for our development projects, expectation that grades at Highland Valley Copper will improve, expected production capacity of Quebrada Blanca Phase 2, goal of surfacing value through our Project Satellite initiative, the impact of currency exchange rates, the expected timing and amount of production at the Fort Hills oil sands project, total Fort Hills project capital costs, the expected amount and timing of Teck''s share of costs, the expectation that the Fort Hills plan to achieve first oil by the end of 2017 will not be affected by the disagreement among the Fort Hills partners regarding future funding, the timing of completion and commissioning of the secondary extraction units, the expected timing of achieving 90% of the expected production rate and demand and market outlook for commodities. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties and actual results may vary materially.
These statements are based on a number of assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, the supply and demand for, deliveries of, and the level and volatility of prices of, zinc, copper and steelmaking coal and other primary metals and minerals as well as oil, and related products, the timing of the receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals for our development projects and other operations, our costs of production and production and productivity levels, as well as those of our competitors, power prices, continuing availability of water and power resources for our operations, market competition, the accuracy of our reserve estimates (including with respect to size, grade and recoverability) and the geological, operational and price assumptions on which these are based, conditions in financial markets, the future financial performance of the company, our ability to attract and retain skilled staff, our ability to procure equipment and operating supplies, positive results from the studies on our expansion projects, our steelmaking coal and other product inventories, our ability to secure adequate transportation for our products, our ability to obtain permits for our operations and expansions, our ongoing relations with our employees and business partners and joint venturers, and an assumption that no strike will take place at our Highland Valley Copper or Trail Operations. Assumptions regarding Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 are based on current project assumptions and the final feasibility study. Assumptions regarding Fort Hills are based on the approved project development plan and the assumption that the project will be developed and operated in accordance with that plan, assumptions regarding the performance of the plant and other facilities at Fort Hills and the operation of the project, as well as the assumption that the future funding discussions will not impact the plan to achieve first oil by the end of 2017. Assumptions regarding the impact of foreign exchange are based on current commodity prices. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. Events or circumstances could cause actual results to vary materially.
Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity and power prices, changes in market demand for our products, changes in interest and currency ex
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Datum: 27.07.2017 - 01:01 Uhr
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