GREAT PANTHER SILVER LIMITED (TSX: GPR)(NYSE MKT: GPL) (“Great Panther”; the “Company”) today reported financial results for the Company’s three months ended
“Great Panther’s operations processed record tonnage and delivered year-over-year production growth in the first quarter of 2013 but significantly lower silver grades at
In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company commenced several initiatives to improve and strengthen the operational efficiency of the
With the recent lower silver grades and continued grade variability, particular emphasis is also being placed on improving grade control as this is key to increased production and lower unit costs. A recently completed structural analysis of the
Our key objective for 2013 is to reduce our unit cash costs. In addition, we are preparing to commence the development of our
FIRST QUARTER 2013 FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Highlights (in 000s except ounces, amounts per share and per ounce) | 2013 Q1 | 2012 Q1 | Change |
Revenue | $ 12,639 | $ 13,625 | -7% |
Gross profit (Earnings from mining operations) | $ 313 | $ 6,325 | -95% |
Net income | $ 1,276 | $ 4,683 | -68% |
Adjusted EBITDA 1 | $ 521 | $ 4,441 | -88% |
Earnings per share – basic | $ 0.01 | $ 0.03 | -67% |
Earnings per share – diluted | $ 0.01 | $ 0.03 | -67% |
Silver ounces produced | 369,624 | 359,526 | 3% |
Silver equivalent ounces produced 2 | 607,501 | 557,606 | 9% |
Silver payable ounces | 339,874 | 316,641 | 7% |
Total cash cost per silver ounce (USD) 1 | $ 18.60 | $ 9.05 | 106% |
Average realized silver price (USD) 3 | $ 29.71 | $ 32.65 | -9% |
1 Adjusted EBITDA” and “cash cost per silver ounce” are non-IFRS measures. Refer to the “Non-IFRS Measures” sections of this Press Release and of the Company’s MD&A.
2 Silver equivalent ounces in 2013 were established using prices of
3 Average realized silver price is prior to treatment, refining and smelting charges.
FIRST QUARTER 2013 FINANCIAL DISCUSSION
- For the three months ended
March 31, 2013 , the Company earned revenues of$12.6 million , compared to$13.6 million for the same period in 2012, a decrease of 7%. The decrease was the result of a 9% decrease in average realized silver prices (US$29.71 compared toUS$32.65 ) and a negative revaluation adjustment for lower silver prices on shipments which were still subject to final settlement at the end of the quarter. These factors offset an increase in metal sales on a silver equivalent ounce basis. The Company also had a significant in-transit shipment of concentrate at the end of the quarter which was not included in revenue. The shipment contained 162,178 silver equivalent ounces representing revenue of approximately$4.5 million . For the three months endedMarch 31, 2013 , the Company recognized revenue on shipments representing 506,637 silver equivalent ounces compared to 475,046 silver equivalent ounces for the same period in 2012;
- Revenue for the first quarter of 2013 decreased by
$5.2 million , or 29%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2012. The decrease was primarily the result of a 26% decrease in silver equivalent ounces sold (506,637 silver equivalent ounces sold in the first quarter of 2013 compared to 681,343 silver equivalent ounces sold in the fourth quarter of 2012) and a 7% decrease in average realized silver prices (US$29.71 in the first quarter of 2013 compared toUS$31.94 in the fourth quarter of 2012). The decrease in silver equivalent ounces sold is primarily attributed to the previously mentioned in transit shipment at the end of the first quarter;
- Gross profit for the first quarter of 2013 was
$0.3 million (3% of revenues) compared to$6.3 million (46% of revenues) for the same period in 2012. The decrease in gross profit is primarily due to higher unit costs resulting from lower silver grades, mainly at theGuanajuato Mine Complex . Silver grades atGuanajuato were 148g/t for the first quarter of 2013, a 31% decrease from the silver grades realized in the first quarter of 2012. Gold grades were 1.93g/t for the first quarter of 2013, a 16% decrease from the gold grades realized in the first quarter of 2012. In addition, higher amortization and depletion charges were realized in the quarter as a result of increased investment in mine development and capital equipment over the past year. Gross profit before non-cash charges was$3.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2013 as compared to$7.8 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2012 ;
- Total cash cost per silver ounce for the first quarter of 2013 was
US$18.60 , a 106% increase compared toUS$9.05 for the same period in 2012 and a 28% increase compared toUS$14.58 in the fourth quarter of 2012. The increase in cash cost per silver ounce over the comparative periods is mainly due to lower grades of metals mined at theGuanajuato Mine Complex , which resulted in higher unit production costs as throughput increased without the corresponding increase in silver equivalent ounces produced. The increases also reflect lower by-product credits per ounce sold as a result of lower gold prices;
- General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2013 totalled
$2.0 million , as compared to$3.0 million for the same period in 2012 and$1.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2012. The decrease from the first quarter of 2012 is primarily the result of a one-time payment of$0.7 million in connection with the retirement of a director and executive of the Company;
- Net income for the first quarter of 2013 totalled
$1.3 million , compared to net income of$4.7 million for the same quarter in 2012 and a net loss of$1.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. The decrease from the first quarter of 2012 was the result of a decrease in gross profit of$6.0 million , offset by a decrease in general and administrative expenses of$1.0 million , an increase in the foreign exchange gain of$0.6 million , and a decrease in income tax expense of$1.2 million . The increase in net income from the fourth quarter of 2012 is primarily attributable to an increase in the foreign exchange gain of$3.7 million and a decrease in income tax expense of$1.5 million , which were partially offset by a decrease in gross profit of$3.0 million ;
- Adjusted EBITDA1 was
$0.5 million for the first quarter of 2013, compared to$4.4 million for the same period in 2012 and$3.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2012. The decreases from each comparative period are due to the decrease in gross profit discussed above;
1 “Adjusted EBITDA” is a non-IFRS measure. Refer to the “Non-IFRS Measures” sections of this Press Release and of the Company’s MD&A.
- At
March 31, 2013 , the Company had cash and cash equivalents (including short-term investments) of$25.6 million , a decrease of$0.3 million from the quarter endedDecember 31, 2012 . During the first quarter of 2013 the Company generated net cash flows from operating activities of$3.4 million . Net cash outflows from investing activities were$4.0 million during the first quarter of 2013, primarily related to the development of mineral properties, capitalized exploration and evaluation, and the purchase of plant and equipment relating to the two operating mines; and
- At
March 31, 2013 , the Company’s net working capital position remained strong at$42.2 million , compared to$44.5 million atDecember 31, 2012 .
FIRST QUARTER 2013 OPERATIONAL SUMMARY
- Processed ore increased 36% to 69,540 tonnes compared to the first quarter of 2012, and increased 3% over the fourth quarter of 2012 due to a concerted effort to increase production;
- Metal production increased 9% to 607,501 silver equivalent ounces (“Ag eq oz”) compared to the first quarter of 2012 but decreased 10% from the record production set in the fourth quarter of 2012;
- Gold production increased 15% to 3,144 ounces compared to the first quarter of 2012;
- Silver production increased 3% to 369,624 ounces compared to the first quarter of 2012;
Guanajuato ore grades of 148g/t Ag and 1.93g/t Au were down 31% and 16% from the first quarter of 2012, respectively;
Guanajuato achieved strong metallurgical recoveries of 89.2% and 90.3% for silver and gold respectively;
- Ore processed at Topia was up 37% from the first quarter of 2012 to 16,995 tonnes;
- Topia silver grades of 300g/t were down 8% compared to the same period in the prior year while gold grades of 0.65g/t were up 44%.
Further discussion of the Company’s operational and financial results is contained in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended
OUTLOOK
In the first quarter of 2013, cash costs per ounce were significantly impacted by lower silver grades at
Silver and gold prices experienced significant declines in mid-April after the completion of the Company’s first quarter. If metal prices at the date of this news release are sustained through the balance of the second quarter of 2013, management anticipates that gross margins will be very low, or negative, for the period. Also, should these metal prices continue, or go lower, into the second half of the year, it is likely that cash flow from operations will not cover currently projected capital investments for the year.
Management continues to plan cost reduction initiatives and, with the recent lower silver grades and continued grade variability, particular emphasis is being placed on improving grade control as this is key to increased production and lower unit costs. Results from many of these initiatives will take time to have an effect but Great Panther remains committed to long term profitability and growth. With working capital in excess of
At the
The Company commenced a surface drill program at El Horcon in
In light of the recent drop in metal prices, the Company is reviewing its M&A strategy.
WEBCAST AND CONFERENCE CALL TO DISCUSS FINANCIAL RESULTS
The Company will host a webcast and conference call on
Shareholders, analysts, investors and media are invited to join the live webcast and conference call by dialing in just prior to the start time.
Dial in number (Toll Free): 1-877-407-9205
Dial in number (International): +1-201-689-8054
No passcode is required
To access the webcast please visit our website at www.greatpanther.com.
A replay of the teleconference call will be available until
Replay number (Toll Free): 1-877-660-6853
Replay number (International): +1-201-612-7415
Conference ID #: 412943
NON-IFRS MEASURES
The discussion of financial results in this press release includes reference to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Cost per Silver Ounce which are non-IFRS measures. The Company provides these measures as additional information regarding the Company’s financial results and performance. Please refer to the Company’s MD&A for the three months ended
ABOUT GREAT PANTHER
All shareholders have the ability to receive a hard copy of the Company’s complete financial statements free of charge upon request. Should you wish to receive
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”). Such forward-looking statements may include but are not limited to the Company’s plans for production at its
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)
March 31, | December 31, | ||
2013 | 2012 | ||
Assets | |||
Current assets: | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 20,484 | $ 20,735 | |
Short term investments | 5,120 | 5,164 | |
Trade and other receivables | 13,129 | 18,099 | |
Income taxes recoverable | 140 | 130 | |
Inventories | 8,141 | 6,927 | |
Prepaid expenses, deposits and advances | 1,628 | 1,995 | |
48,642 | 53,050 | ||
Non-current assets: | |||
Mineral properties, plant and equipment | 59,975 | 55,451 | |
Exploration and evaluation assets | 7,890 | 7,270 | |
Intangible assets | 822 | 705 | |
Deferred tax asset | 250 | 253 | |
$ 117,579 | $ 116,729 | ||
Liabilities and Shareholders’ equity | |||
Current liabilities: | |||
Trade and other payables | $ 5,841 | $ 8,111 | |
Current tax liability | 598 | 400 | |
6,439 | 8,511 | ||
Non-current liabilities: | |||
Reclamation and remediation provision | 2,539 | 2,447 | |
Deferred tax liability | 6,637 | 5,746 | |
15,615 | 16,704 | ||
Shareholders’ equity: | |||
Share capital | 122,459 | 122,444 | |
Reserves | 8,234 | 7,586 | |
Deficit | (28,729) | (30,005) | |
101,964 | 100,025 | ||
$ 117,579 | $ 116,729 |
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)
For the three months ended
For the three months ended March 31, | |||
2013 | 2012 | ||
Revenue | $ 12,639 | $ 13,625 | |
Cost of sales | |||
Production costs | 9,532 | 5,835 | |
Amortization and depletion | 2,715 | 1,457 | |
Share-based payments | 79 | 8 | |
12,326 | 7,300 | ||
Gross profit | 313 | 6,325 | |
General and administrative expenses | |||
Administrative expenses | 1,971 | 2,851 | |
Amortization and depletion | 37 | 33 | |
Share-based payments | 26 | 130 | |
2,034 | 3,014 | ||
Exploration and evaluation expenses | 641 | 592 | |
Income (loss) before the undernoted | (2,362) | 2,719 | |
Finance and other income (expense) | |||
Interest income | 86 | 173 | |
Finance costs | (9) | (10) | |
Foreign exchange gain | 4,295 | 3,655 | |
Other income | 27 | 94 | |
4,399 | 3,912 | ||
Income before income taxes | 2,037 | 6,631 | |
Income tax expense | |||
Current | (239) | – | |
Deferred | (522) | (1,948) | |
(761) | (1,948) | ||
Net income for the period | $ 1,276 | $ 4,683 | |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax | |||
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: | |||
Foreign currency translation | 604 | 136 | |
Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets | (56) | 17 | |
548 | 153 | ||
Total comprehensive income for the period | $ 1,824 | $ 4,836 | |
Earnings per share | |||
Basic | $ 0.01 | $ 0.03 | |
Diluted | $ 0.01 | $ 0.03 | |
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)
For the three months ended
Three months ended | ||||
March 31, | ||||
2013 | 2012 | |||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||
Net income for the period | $ 1,276 | $ 4,683 | ||
Items not involving cash: | ||||
Amortization and depletion | 2,752 | 1,490 | ||
Unrealized foreign exchange gains | (4,216) | (3,196) | ||
Deferred income taxes | 522 | 1,948 | ||
Accretion on reclamation and remediation provision | 9 | 7 | ||
Share-based payments | 105 | 138 | ||
Other non-cash items | (78) | (15) | ||
370 | 5,055 | |||
Interest received | 55 | 151 | ||
Interest paid | – | (3) | ||
Income taxes paid | (196) | (252) | ||
Net cash from operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital | 229 | 4,951 | ||
Changes in non-cash working capital: | ||||
Trade and other receivables | 5,001 | 4,484 | ||
Income taxes recoverable | (7) | (26) | ||
Inventories | (320) | (1,855) | ||
Prepaid expenses, deposits and advances | 367 | (1,150) | ||
Trade and other payables | (2,231) | 20 | ||
Current tax liability | 394 | – | ||
Net cash from operating activities | 3,433 | 6,424 | ||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||
Purchase of intangible assets | (143) | (200) | ||
Purchase of mineral properties, plant and equipment | (3,826) | (6,072) | ||
Proceeds from disposal of mineral properties, plant and equipment | 5 | 17 | ||
Net cash used in investing activities | (3,964) | (6,255) | ||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||
Repayment of capital lease obligations | – | (53) | ||
Proceeds from exercise of options | 10 | 321 | ||
Net cash from financing activities | 10 | 268 | ||
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash | 270 | 448 | ||
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (251) | 885 | ||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 20,735 | 39,437 | ||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ 20,484 | $ 40,322 |