Great Panther Silver Reports First Quarter 2013 Financial Results
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/08/13 -- GREAT PANTHER SILVER LIMITED (TSX: GPR)(NYSE MKT: GPL) ("Great Panther"; the "Company") today reported financial results for the Company's three months ended March 31, 2013. The full version of the Company's financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis can be viewed on the Company's website at www.greatpanther.com, or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All financial information is prepared in accordance with IFRS and all dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
"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 Guanajuato translated into higher costs and lower margins," stated Robert Archer, CEO. "The Company also had a significant in-transit shipment of concentrate containing 162,178 silver equivalent ounces and representing approximately $4.5 million at the end of the quarter which was not included in revenue. While the concentrate shipment will be booked in the second quarter and grade and site cost issues are being addressed, the Company is reviewing the impact of this on its cash cost guidance for 2013.
In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company commenced several initiatives to improve and strengthen the operational efficiency of the Guanajuato Mine Complex and the Topia Mine. Costs have started to decline at Topia but Guanajuato saw similarly high site costs as in the previous quarter. All of the mining in Guanajuato is conducted by contract miners, and contractors and materials are the largest cost centres for the Company. Consequently, these areas are under review with the aim of reducing overall site costs. During the first quarter some contractors were replaced by employees and the Company is evaluating making further changes as well as modifying existing contracts.
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 Guanajuato vein zones by a prominent structural geologist is being used to better understand grade distribution and assist with geological modeling and exploration drilling. Results from many of these initiatives will take time to have an effect but Great Panther remains committed to long term profitability and growth.
Our key objective for 2013 is to reduce our unit cash costs. In addition, we are preparing to commence the development of our San Ignacio Project and have started drilling at the El Horcon Project. Despite the challenging times for the industry overall, Great Panther continues to maintain a strong balance sheet with $42.2 million in working capital, and no long term debt."
FIRST QUARTER 2013 FINANCIAL SUMMARY
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Highlights
(in 000s except ounces, amounts per share and per
ounce) 2013 Q1 2012 Q1 Change
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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%
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(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 US$28
per oz, US$1,680 per oz, US$0.85 per lb and US$0.85 per lb for silver,
gold, lead and zinc, respectively, and applied to the recovered metal
content of the concentrates that were produced by the two operations.
(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 to US$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 ended March
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 to US$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 the Guanajuato Mine
Complex. Silver grades at Guanajuato 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 ended
March 31, 2013 as compared to $7.8 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2012;
-- Total cash cost per silver ounce for the first quarter of 2013 was
US$18.60, a 106% increase compared to US$9.05 for the same period in
2012 and a 28% increase compared to US$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 the Guanajuato
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 EBITDA(1) 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 ended December 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 at December 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 March 31, 2013.
OUTLOOK
In the first quarter of 2013, cash costs per ounce were significantly impacted by lower silver grades at Guanajuato. As a result, the Company is reviewing its cash cost guidance for 2013. The key objectives at Great Panther's operations are to increase grades and lower costs while maintaining production goals. Existing capacity and continued improvements at the Guanajuato and Topia processing plants will help provide the foundation for growth in 2014 and beyond.
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 $40 million, and no long term debt, management believes that the Company has sufficient funds to manage through the cost restructuring.
At the San Ignacio Project in Guanajuato, Mexico, the Company has acquired additional surface rights allowing sufficient space for the development of a ramp and waste dumps and for auxiliary infrastructure, and has applied for the permits required for underground development. During the first quarter of 2013, the Company received the explosives permit and began rehabilitation of the surface infrastructure to prepare for the commencement of mining development activities. It is expected that the land use permit and the Environmental Impact Assessment approvals will be received in the third quarter of 2013.
The Company commenced a surface drill program at El Horcon in April 2013 which includes plans for 30 drill holes for a total of 3,000 metres. The program is laid out along an 800-metre length of the Diamantillo vein and will test the Diamantillo vein as well as various splays and nearby parallel structures and veins.
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 May 9, 2013, at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time, 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Hosting the call will be Mr. Robert Archer, Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Jim Zadra, Chief Financial Officer.
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 May 16, 2013 by dialing the numbers below. In addition, the call and webcast will be archived on the Company's website.
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 March 31, 2013 for a definition and reconciliation of these measures to the Company's financial statements.
ABOUT GREAT PANTHER
Great Panther Silver Limited is a profitable, primary silver mining and exploration company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange trading under the symbol GPR, and on the NYSE MKT trading under the symbol GPL. The Company's current activities are focused on the mining of precious metals from its two wholly-owned operating mines in Mexico, Topia and Guanajuato. Great Panther is also in the process of developing its San Ignacio Project and has two exploration projects, El Horcon and Santa Rosa. The Company is also pursuing additional mining opportunities within Latin America, with the goal of adding to its portfolio of mineral properties.
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 Great Panther Silver's Financial Statements or the Annual Information Form in hard copy, please contact us at the Company toll free at 1-888-355-1766 or 604-608-1766, or e-mail info@greatpanther.com.
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 Guanajuato and Topia Mines in Mexico, exploring its other properties in Mexico, the overall economic potential of its properties, the availability of adequate financing and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements to be materially different. Such factors include, among others, risks and uncertainties relating to potential political risks involving the Company's operations in a foreign jurisdiction, uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, physical risks inherent in mining operations, currency fluctuations, fluctuations in the price of silver, gold and base metals, completion of economic evaluations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, the inability or failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis, and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2012 and Material Change Reports filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators available at www.sedar.com and reports on Form 40-F and Form 6-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov.
GREAT PANTHER SILVER LIMITED
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)
March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (Unaudited)
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March 31, December 31,
2013 2012
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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
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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
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$117,579 $116,729
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Liabilities and Shareholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Trade and other payables $ 5,841 $ 8,111
Current tax liability 598 400
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6,439 8,511
Non-current liabilities:
Reclamation and remediation provision 2,539 2,447
Deferred tax liability 6,637 5,746
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15,615 16,704
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Shareholders' equity:
Share capital 122,459 122,444
Reserves 8,234 7,586
Deficit (28,729) (30,005)
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101,964 100,025
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$117,579 $116,729
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GREAT PANTHER SILVER LIMITED
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 March 31, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)
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For the three months
ended March 31,
2013 2012
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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
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12,326 7,300
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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
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2,034 3,014
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Exploration and evaluation expenses 641 592
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Income (loss) before the undernoted (2,362) 2,719
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Finance and other income (expense)
Interest income 86 173
Finance costs (9) (10)
Foreign exchange gain 4,295 3,655
Other income 27 94
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4,399 3,912
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Income before income taxes 2,037 6,631
Income tax expense
Current (239) -
Deferred (522) (1,948)
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(761) (1,948)
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Net income for the period $ 1,276 $ 4,683
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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
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548 153
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Total comprehensive income for the period $ 1,824 $ 4,836
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Earnings per share
Basic $ 0.01 $ 0.03
Diluted $ 0.01 $ 0.03
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GREAT PANTHER SILVER LIMITED
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)
For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)
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Three months ended
March 31,
2013 2012
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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)
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370 5,055
Interest received 55 151
Interest paid - (3)
Income taxes paid (196) (252)
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Net cash from operating activities before changes
in non-cash working capital 229 4,951
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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 -
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Net cash from operating activities 3,433 6,424
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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
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Net cash used in investing activities (3,964) (6,255)
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Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of capital lease obligations - (53)
Proceeds from exercise of options 10 321
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Net cash from financing activities 10 268
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Effect of foreign currency translation on cash 270 448
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Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (251) 885
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 20,735 39,437
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Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 20,484 $ 40,322
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Contacts:
Great Panther Silver Limited
Robert A. Archer
Chief Executive Officer
1-888-355-1766
Great Panther Silver Limited
Rhonda Bennetto
Vice President Corporate Communications
1-888-355-1766
info@greatpanther.com
www.greatpanther.com