Primero Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Results; Generates Record Revenues and Operating Cash Flow and Significant Free Cash Flow
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 02/21/13 -- (Please note that all dollar amounts in this news release are expressed in U.S. dollars. Refer to the 2012 year-end management discussion and analysis (MD&A) and audited financial statements for more information.)
Primero Mining Corp. ("Primero" or the "Company") (TSX: P)(NYSE: PPP) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2012. The Company reported record revenues of $182.9 million in 2012 and strong net earnings of $49.6 million ($0.54 per share). The Company had a cash position of $139.2 million as of December 31, 2012 and generated record operating cash flows(1) of $88.8 million ($0.97 per share).
"We are very proud of Primero's success in 2012 and the results achieved by our operating team," stated Joseph F. Conway, President and C.E.O. "We built significant value in Primero during the year, increasing reserves, resources and production while being one of the few producers to reduce cash costs. The Company also significantly increased free cash flow as the result of a positive tax ruling while also significantly reducing its debt. These achievements translated into a superior share price performance, with Primero shares appreciating 97% in 2012, as well as inclusion into the S&P/TSX Gold Index. We look forward to 2013 and continuing to focus on per share growth in production, reserves, earnings and cash flow. We expect to complete the acquisition of the Cerro Del Gallo development project in Mexico during the second quarter, which will further enhance our position in the region, and substantially increase our reserves, resources and near-term production. Primero is well positioned to deliver over 250,000 gold equivalent ounces at below average cash costs by 2016."
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Highlights:
-- Record Revenues and Operating Cash Flow: Annual 2012 revenues increased
by 17% over 2011 and operating cash flows(1) increased by 14% over 2011;
-- Record Annual Production: Strong fourth quarter production contributed
to record annual production of 111,132 gold equivalent ounces(2), within
the Company's increased guidance range(2);
-- Excellent Cost Control: The Company lowered full year cash costs(3)
compared to 2011;
-- Strong Balance Sheet: Grew cash position to $139.2 million at December
31, 2012 while significantly reducing its debt;
-- Positive Exploration Results: Discovered two new high-grade veins in
2012 and increased mid-year gold reserves and resources;
-- Positive Tax Ruling: Substantially increasing the Company's cash flow;
-- Increased Silver Sales At Spot: Increased silver sales at spot prices in
2012 by 40% over 2011;
-- San Dimas Expansion Announced: Expansion expected to increase production
by approximately 60% and reduces cash costs, with a potential further
expansion possible;
-- Cerro Del Gallo Acquisition Announced: Expected to increase medium-term
production to over 250,000 gold equivalent ounces per year and more than
triples the Company's resource base(4).
Growing Earnings and Cash Flow Per Share
Revenues in the fourth quarter of 2012 were $43.6 million compared to $35.6 million in the fourth quarter 2011 as a result of selling 20% more gold equivalent ounces at 1% and 2% higher gold and silver prices, respectively(5). The Company sold 22,404 ounces of gold at an average realized price of $1,715 per ounce and 1.25 million ounces of silver at an average realized price of $4.12 per ounce in the fourth quarter 2012, in accordance with the silver purchase agreement(5).
Operating cash flow before working capital changes increased in the fourth quarter of 2012 to $17.8 million ($0.19 per share), compared to $14.6 million ($0.17 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2011.
The Company earned net income of $1.2 million ($0.01 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared with net income of $31.2 million ($0.35 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2011, lower mainly due to the income tax recovery of $28.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 as a result of the timing of the Company's advance tax ruling application.
Adjusted net income(6) for the fourth quarter was $4.5 million ($0.05 per share), compared to an adjusted net income of $4.7 million ($0.05 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2011. Adjusted net income for the fourth quarter of 2011 and 2012 primarily excludes the impact of foreign exchange on deferred income tax assets and liabilities. The 2011 adjusted net income also excludes the benefit of the APA ruling that relates to the period from August 6, 2010 to September 30, 2011 (in the fourth quarter 2011, after filing the APA application, the Company recorded the benefit of the APA retroactive to August 2010, the date of the purchase of the San Dimas mine). Non-cash share-based payment expenses of $6.0 million (2011 - $1.5 million), or $0.06 per share (2011 - $0.02 per share) has not been excluded in calculating adjusted net earnings.
Revenue increased to a record $182.9 million in 2012 compared to $156.5 million in 2011 as a result of selling 13% more gold ounces and 8% more silver ounces at 6% higher and 2% lower gold and silver prices respectively. Primero sold 87,384 ounces of gold at an average realized price of $1,662 per ounce, and 5.02 million ounces of silver at an average realized price of $7.52 per ounce. In total the Company sold 716,229 ounces of silver at spot prices in 2012, compared to 511,752 ounces in 2011.
Operating cash flow before working capital changes also increased to a record $88.8 million ($0.97 per share) in 2012, from $77.6 million ($0.88 per share) in 2011.
The Company earned net income of $49.6 million ($0.54 per share) in 2012 compared with $49.6 million ($0.56 per share) in 2011. Net income in 2012 was not higher than in 2011 mainly due the receipt in 2011 of a transaction related break fee and increased general and administration expenses in 2012 mainly related to stock-based compensation.
Adjusted net income for 2012 was $41.3 million ($0.45 per share) compared with adjusted net income of $28.3 million ($0.32 per share) in 2011. Adjusted net income for both years excludes the impact of foreign exchange on deferred income tax assets and liabilities. The 2011 adjusted net income also excludes the benefit of the APA filing pertaining to 2010 as well as the transaction break-fee. A non-cash share-based payment expense of $15.0 million (2011 - $8.1 million), or $0.16 per share (2011 - $0.09 per share), has not been excluded in calculating adjusted net income in 2012.
Record San Dimas Throughput Drives Production Increase
Primero produced 26,310 gold equivalent ounces during the fourth quarter of 2012. This resulted in record annual production (since Primero's acquisition of San Dimas) in 2012 of 111,132 gold equivalent ounces, 9% higher than 2011 and within the Company's increased guidance range(2).
The Company produced 23,143 ounces of gold and 1.32 million ounces of silver in the fourth quarter 2012, 15% and 10% higher, respectively, than the fourth quarter 2011, due mainly to higher throughput. This resulted in the Company producing 87,900 ounces of gold and 5.13 million ounces of silver in full year 2012, 10% and 12% higher than 2011 respectively.
Production at San Dimas in 2012 was higher than 2011 primarily as a result of mining more ore at similar grades. San Dimas achieved record throughput in 2012, an increase of approximately 9% over 2011, averaging 1,976 tonnes per day ("TPD") (based on 365 day availability), mainly as a result of the Company's mining optimization program that was initiated mid-year. The optimization program has been successful at reducing process variation, increasing throughput and has also improved mining dilution.
The Company was also successful at controlling costs, slightly lowering 2012 costs per tonne compared to 2011. Fourth quarter 2012 cash costs were $677 per gold equivalent ounce, or $535 per gold ounce on a by-product basis. Total cash costs for the full year 2012 were $636 per gold equivalent ounce, or $366 per gold ounce on a by-product basis, compared to $640 per gold equivalent ounce, or $384 per gold ounce on a by-product basis in 2011.
Cash Position Continues to Build
The Company's cash position increased to $139.2 million at December 31, 2012 from the September 30, 2012 balance of $133.1 million. During 2012 the Company continued to illustrate its ability to generate significant free cash flow while repaying debt and also internally funding future growth by increasing its cash position considerably from the December 31, 2011 balance of $80.8 million.
Capital expenditures during the fourth quarter were $17.1 million resulting in full year 2012 capital expenditures of $39.7 million. In 2013, capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $42.0 million excluding capitalized exploration costs, which are estimated at $15.4 million. With its cash balance and anticipated cash flows, Primero management believe it is fully funded to expand production at San Dimas by over 60% and build the Cerro Del Gallo project while also remaining well positioned to take advantage of other strategic growth opportunities.
Tax Ruling Increases Free Cash Flow
On October 4, 2012 the Company announced that its Mexican subsidiary received a positive ruling from the Mexican tax authorities (Servicio de Administracion Tributaria) on its advance pricing agreement ("APA") filing made in October 2011. The ruling confirms that the Company's Mexican subsidiary appropriately records revenue and taxes from sales under the silver purchase agreement(5) at realized prices rather than spot prices effective from August 6, 2010. This ruling significantly improves the Company's free cash flow. Under Mexican tax law, an APA ruling is generally applicable for up to a five year period. For Primero this applies to the fiscal years 2010 to 2014. Assuming the Company continues to sell silver from its San Dimas mine on the same terms and there are no changes in the application of Mexican tax laws relative to the APA ruling, the Company expects to pay taxes on realized silver prices for the life of the San Dimas mine.
During 2012 the Company received $22.2 million as a full refund of previously overpaid taxes.
Robust Outlook for 2013
Primero expects to increase production in 2013 to between 120,000 and 130,000 gold equivalent ounces, up to 17% higher than 2012, based on higher throughput at slightly higher grades. Production is expected to ramp-up at the end of the first quarter when the current maximum milling capacity of 2,150 TPD is achieved.
Cash costs for 2013 are expected to be in the range of $620 to $640 per gold equivalent ounce or between $280 and $300 per gold ounce on a by-product basis, similar to or below 2012 cash costs.
Capital expenditures during 2013 are expected to be approximately $42 million excluding capitalized exploration costs. Underground development capital and sustaining capital remain at similar levels to 2012. Underground development in 2013 will again be focused in the main mining (Central Block and Sinaloa Graben) blocks. In 2013 the majority of the ore is anticipated to come from the Central Block with approximately 30% from the higher-grade Sinaloa Graben block.
Primero's 2013 outlook is summarized in the following table:
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Outlook 2013
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Attributable gold equivalent production(1) (gold
equivalent ounces) 120,000-130,000
Gold production (ounces) 90,000-100,000
Silver production(6) (ounces) 6,000,000-6,500,000
Total cash costs(3) (per gold equivalent ounce) $620 - $640
Total cash costs(3) - by-product (per gold ounce) $280 - $300
Capital Expenditures ($ millions) $42
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Material assumptions used to forecast total cash costs for 2013 include: an average gold price of $1,700 per ounce; an average silver price of $8.52 per ounce (calculated using the silver agreement contract price of $4.12 per ounce and assuming excess silver beyond contract requirements is sold at an average silver price of $30 per ounce); and foreign exchange rates of 1.00 Canadian dollars and 13 Mexican pesos to the US dollar.
Cerro Del Gallo Acquisition Diversifies Production Base and Enhances Growth
Primero's proposed acquisition of the Cerro Del Gallo asset, announced in early December 2012(4), will create a diversified, high growth, competitive-cost precious metals producer in Mexico.(4) The acquisition is consistent with the Company's strategy of growth in low risk regions of the Americas. Cerro Resources NL shareholders will own approximately 15% of the issued common shares of Primero on a pro-forma basis.
The proposed acquisition will double Primero's reserves and triple its measured and indicated resources(7) and will diversify and improve its production profile. The Company's combined plan forecasts production to increase by 125% to over 250,000 gold equivalent ounces in 2016(4). The first production from Cerro de Gallo is expected to occur in mid-2015(4).
At flat metals prices of $1,700 per ounce of gold and $30 per ounce of silver, the forecast 2016 combined cash costs are expected to be approximately $650 per gold equivalent ounce, or below $450 per ounce on a by-product basis.
Assuming the transaction closes in May 2013 as expected, Primero estimates 2013 capital expenditures of between $50 and $60 million on the Cerro Del Gallo project.
San Dimas Expansion to 2,500 TPD On-Track
The Company's expansion of the San Dimas mine and mill from 2,150 TPD to 2,500 TPD is on track to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2014.
Mine throughput has increased from an average 1,815 TPD in 2011 to an average 1,976 TPD in 2012, with the mine operating at over 2,066 TPD during the fourth quarter 2012. The Company expects the mine to be operating at the mill's current capacity of 2,150 TPD by the end of the first quarter 2013.
Construction of the mill circuit expansion began in October 2012, and is progressing on plan. Key components of the expansion are on-site, including a third ball mill and an additional tailings pump. The Company spent $2.6 million on the mill circuit expansion during 2012.
Exploration Update and Long-Hole Mining Testing Results Encouraging
Primero's successful $13.5 million 2012 exploration program resulted in the discovery of two new high-grade veins in the Sinaloa Graben and a 16% increase in gold contained in Mineral Reserves at mid-year 2012. The Company expects to release year-end 2012 Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources in early March 2013.
The Company has a $15.4 million exploration program planned for 2013, including 74,000 metres of drilling. The Company plans to continue to explore for the extension into the Sinaloa Graben of the prolific, producing, high-grade veins from the adjacent Central Block.
Commitment to Corporate Responsibility and the Safety of its Workers
Primero is committed to the safety, health and well-being of its workers and their families. The Company is striving to achieve a zero-incident work environment with a strong safety culture.
Primero was proud to be recognized by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy (CEMEFI) and the Alliance for Corporate Social Responsibility (AliaRSE) with the Empresa Socialmente Responsable (Socially Responsible Business Distinction) distinction during 2012.
Conference Call and Webcast RESCHEDULED TO 10:00 AM (E.S.T.) Today, as Previously Announced
The Company's senior management will host a conference call today, Thursday, February 21, 2013, at 10:00 AM (E.S.T.) to discuss the fourth quarter and full year financial results, and provide an update on the Company's corporate strategy and future growth plans.
Participants may join the call by dialing North America toll free 1-855-410-0553 or 1-646-583-7389 for calls outside Canada and the U.S. and entering the participant passcode 685097#.
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at www.primeromining.com under the News and Events section or by clicking here:
http://event.onlineseminarsolutions.com/r.htm?e=579693&s=1&k=308ED2AF1067128B6E2CFD481FC39329.
A recorded playback of the call will be available until, Monday, May 20, 2013 by dialing North America toll free 1-855-410-0556 or 646-583-7395 for calls outside Canada and the U.S. and entering the call back passcode 336555#.
This release should be read in conjunction with Primero's audited year-end 2012 financial statements and MD&A report on the Company's website, www.primeromining.com, in the "Financial Reports" section under "Investors", or on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.
(1) "Operating cash flow" is operating cash flow before working capital
changes. This and operating cash flows before working capital changes
per share are non-GAAP measures which the Company believes provides a
better indicator of the Company's ability to generate cash flow from
its mining operations. See the 2012 MD&A for a reconciliation of
operating cash flows to GAAP.
(2) "Gold equivalent ounces" include silver ounces produced, and converted
to a gold equivalent based on a ratio of the average commodity prices
realized for each period. The ratio for the fourth quarter 2012 was
416:1 based on the average realized prices of $1,715 per ounce of gold
and $4.12 per ounce of silver. The ratio for full year 2012 was 221:1
based on the average realized prices of $1,662 per ounce of gold and
$7.52 per ounce of silver. The ratio used for the 2013 guidance
projection is 200:1 based on estimated average prices of $1,700 per
ounce of gold and $8.52 per ounce of silver.
(3) Total cash costs per gold equivalent ounce and total cash costs on a
by-product basis are non-GAAP measures. Total cash costs per gold
equivalent ounce is defined as cost of production (including refining
costs) divided by the total number of gold equivalent ounces produced.
Total cash costs on a by-product basis are calculated by deducting the
by-product silver (and copper in the case of Cerro de Gallo) credits
from operating costs. The Company reports total cash costs on a
production basis. In the gold mining industry, these are common
performance measures but do not have any standardized meaning, and are
non-GAAP measures. The Company follows the recommendations of the Gold
Institute standard. The Company believes that, in addition to
conventional measures, prepared in accordance with GAAP, certain
investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance
and ability to generate cash flow. Accordingly, it is intended to
provide additional information and should not be considered in
isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in
accordance with GAAP.
(4) Assuming the successful closing of the Cerro Del Gallo acquisition as
announced by the Company on December 12, 2012 in the news release
"Primero to Acquire Cerro Del Gallo", available on the Company's
website http://www.primeromining.com/ or Sedar http://www.sedar.com/
and that it begins production in mid-2015 in addition to the successful
expansion of San Dimas to over 160,000 gold equivalent ounces per
annum.
(5) According to the silver purchase agreement between the Company and
Silver Wheaton Corp., until August 6, 2014 Primero will deliver to
Silver Wheaton a per annum amount equal to the first 3.5 million ounces
of silver produced at San Dimas and 50% of any excess at $4.12 per
ounce (increasing by 1% per year). Thereafter Primero will deliver to
Silver Wheaton a per annum amount equal to the first 6.0 million ounces
of silver produced at San Dimas and 50% of any excess at $4.20 per
ounce (increasing by 1% per year). The Company will receive silver spot
prices only after the annual threshold amount has been delivered.
(6) Adjusted net earnings/income and adjusted net earnings/income per share
are non-GAAP measures. Neither of these non-GAAP performance measures
has any standardized meaning and is therefore unlikely to be comparable
to other measures presented by other issuers. The Company believes
that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with
GAAP, the Company and certain investors use this information to
evaluate the Company's performance. Accordingly, it is intended to
provide additional information and should not be considered in
isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in
accordance with GAAP. Refer to the 2012 MD&A for a reconciliation of
adjusted net earnings/income to reported net income.
(7) Assuming Goldcorp Inc. converts their 30.8% position in Cerro Del Gallo
to a Net Profit Interest and that resources include reserves. Cerro
Resources NL has filed a technical report under National Instrument 43-
101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101")
entitled "Technical Report, First Stage Heap Leach Feasibility Study,
Cerro del Gallo Gold Silver Project, Guanajuato, Mexico" (the
"Technical Report") with an effective date of May 11, 2012. Mr. Gabriel
Voicu, Vice President, Geology and Exploration, who is a "qualified
person" for the purposes of NI 43-101, has reviewed the Technical
Report on behalf of Primero. To the best of Primero's knowledge,
information and belief, there is no new material scientific or
technical information that would make the Technical Report inaccurate
or misleading. Primero plans to file a technical report on the Cerro
Del Gallo project within 180 days of December 13, 2012 in accordance
with the requirements of NI 43-101.
About Primero
Primero Mining Corp. is a Canadian-based precious metals producer and owns 100% of the San Dimas gold-silver mine in Mexico. Primero is focused on delivering superior, sustainable value for all stakeholders with low-risk exposure to gold. The Company has intentions to become an intermediate gold producer by building a portfolio of high quality, low cost precious metals assets in the Americas.
Primero's website is www.primeromining.com.
CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This news release contains "forward-looking statements", within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business and operations of Primero Mining Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, "Primero" or the "Company"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "is possible "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "are anticipated", "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will require", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof.
Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the level of gold equivalent production at San Dimas; the realization of silver sales at spot prices; the amount of gold equivalent ounces production in 2013, the cash costs for 2013; the capital expenditures in 2013; the underground development in 2013; the amount of ore from the Company's operations in 2013; three-year plan forecasts; the pending acquisition of the Cerro del Gallo asset and the amount and timing of anticipated production from that asset; the probability of encountering high grade mineralization in, and the exploration potential of, the Company's exploration targets; the ability to generate significant free cash flow while repaying debt and also internally funding future growth; optimization and expansion initiatives; and the Company's intentions to become an intermediate gold producer.
The assumptions made by the Company in preparing the forward-looking information contained in this news release, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to: the expectations and beliefs of management; the specific assumptions set forth above in this news release; that there are no significant disruptions affecting operations; that development and expansion at San Dimas proceeds on a basis consistent with current expectations and the Company does not change its development and exploration plans; that the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar, Mexican peso and the United States dollar remain consistent with current levels or as set out in this news release; that prices for gold and silver remain consistent with the Company's expectations; that production meets expectations; that the Company will sell some of its silver production at spot prices in 2013; that the Company identifies higher grade veins in sufficient quantities of minable ore in the Central Block and in Sinaloa Graben; that there are no material variations in the current tax and regulatory environment; that the Company will receive required permits and access to surface rights; that the Company can access financing, appropriate equipment and sufficient labour; that the political environment within Mexico will continue to support the development of environmentally safe mining projects.
Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Primero to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including: the Company may not be able to achieve planned production levels; or generate significant free cash flow, the Company may not be able to expand production at San Dimas, or close the acquisition of the Cerro Del Gallo asset or develop it to realize anticipated production levels, the Company may be required to change its development and exploration plans with a negative impact on production; the Company may not discover mineralization in minable quantities; the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar, the Mexican peso and the United States dollar may change with an adverse impact on the Company's financial results; the optimization and expansion initiatives may not provide the benefits anticipated; the Company may not be able to become an intermediate gold producer by building a portfolio of high quality, low cost precious metals assets in the Americas. Certain of these factors are discussed in greater detail in Primero's registration statement on Form 40-F on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and its most recent Annual Information Form on file with the Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedar.com.
Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. In addition, although Primero has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and accordingly are subject to change after such date. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of our operating environment. Primero does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are included in this document, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOLLOW
SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL & OPERATING RESULTS
(in thousands of United States dollars, except per share and per ounce amounts - unaudited)
SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL DATA
Three months
ended Year ended
December 31, December 31,
2012 2012 2011 2010
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Operating Data
Tonnes of ore milled 190,073 721,264 662,612 257,230
Produced
Gold equivalent (ounces) 26,310 111,132 102,224 37,378
Gold (ounces) 23,143 87,900 79,564 31,943
Silver (million ounces) 1.32 5.13 4.60 1.79
Sold
Gold equivalent (ounces) 25,416 110,078 100,138 45,394
Gold (ounces) 22,404 87,384 77,490 39,174
Silver (million ounces) 1.25 5.02 4.63 2.04
Average realized prices
Gold ($/ounce) $ 1,715 $ 1,662 $ 1,561 $ 1,328
Silver ($/ounce) $ 4.12 $ 7.52 $ 7.69 $ 4.04
Total cash costs (per gold
ounce)
Gold equivalent basis $ 677 $ 636 $ 640 $ 642
By-product basis $ 535 $ 366 $ 384 $ 525
Financial Data (Restated) (Restated)
(in thousands of US dollars
except per share amounts)
Revenues 43,597 182,939 156,542 60,278
Earnings from mine
operations 17,471 79,389 65,090 14,145
Net income/(loss) 1,245 49,553 49,644 (28,711)
Basic income/(loss) per
share 0.01 0.54 0.56 (0.78)
Diluted income/(loss) per
share 0.01 0.54 0.54 (0.78)
Operating cash flows before
working capital changes 17,775 88,808 77,591 12,221
Assets
Mining interests 496,132 496,132 486,424 484,360
Total assets 670,506 670,506 609,259 659,480
Liabilities
Long-term liabilities 45,071 45,071 52,299 114,329
Total liabilities 98,768 98,768 121,419 226,687
Equity 571,738 571,738 487,840 432,793
Weighted average shares
outstanding (basic)
(000's) 91,469 91,469 88,049 37,031
Weighted average shares
outstanding (diluted)
(000's) 91,635 91,635 96,562 37,031
SUMMARIZED OPERATING DATA
Year ended
December 31
2012 2011
-------------------------------------------
Operating Data
Tonnes of ore milled 721,264 662,612
Average mill head
grade (grams/tonne)
Gold 3.90 3.86
Silver 234 226
Average recovery rate
(%)
Gold 97% 97%
Silver 95% 94%
Produced
Gold equivalent
(ounces) 111,132 102,224
Gold (ounces) 87,900 79,564
Silver (million
ounces) 5.13 4.60
Sold
Gold equivalent
(ounces) 110,078 100,138
Gold (ounces) 87,384 77,490
Silver at fixed
price (million
ounces) 4.30 4.12
Silver at spot
(million ounces) 0.72 0.51
Average realized
price (per ounce)
Gold $ 1,662 $ 1,561
Silver $ 7.52 $ 7.69
Total cash operating
costs ($000s) $ 70,716 $ 65,410
Total cash costs
(per gold ounce)
Gold equivalent
basis $ 636 $ 640
By-product basis $ 366 $ 384
Three months ended
31-Dec-12 30-Sep-12 30-Jun-12 31-Mar-12 31-Dec-11
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Operating Data
Tonnes of ore milled 190,073 177,926 174,742 178,523 176,633
Average mill head
grade (grams/tonne)
Gold 3.90 3.40 4.25 4.05 3.70
Silver 228 210 256 242 223
Average recovery rate
(%)
Gold 97% 97% 97% 97% 98%
Silver 95% 95% 95% 95% 95%
Produced
Gold equivalent
(ounces) 26,310 25,582 33,598 25,793 23,115
Gold (ounces) 23,143 18,892 23,277 22,588 20,191
Silver (million
ounces) 1.32 1.14 1.36 1.32 1.20
Sold
Gold equivalent
(ounces) 25,416 23,251 35,442 26,229 21,192
Gold (ounces) 22,404 17,100 24,876 23,004 18,487
Silver at fixed
price (million
ounces) 1.25 0.80 0.92 1.33 1.11
Silver at spot
(million ounces) - 0.25 0.47 - -
Average realized
price (per ounce)
Gold $ 1,715 $ 1,646 $ 1,610 $ 1,678 $ 1,679
Silver $ 4.12 $ 9.66 $ 12.24 $ 4.08 $ 4.08
Total cash operating
costs ($000s) $ 17,818 $ 17,872 $ 17,645 $ 17,381 $ 16,622
Total cash costs
(per gold ounce)
Gold equivalent
basis $ 677 $ 699 $ 525 $ 674 $ 719
By-product basis $ 535 $ 363 $ 44 $ 532 $ 580
(1) Total cash costs per gold ounce on a gold equivalent and by-product
basis are non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to "Non-GAAP measure -
Total cash costs per gold ounce calculation" in the Company's year-end
2012 MD&A for a reconciliation to operating expenses.
PRIMERO MINING CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
THREE MONTHS AND YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011
(In thousands of United States dollars, except for share and per share
amounts)
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Unaudited Audited
Three months ended Year ended
December 31 December 31
2012 2011 2012 2011
(Restated) (Restated)
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$ $ $ $
Revenue 43,597 35,645 182,939 156,542
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Operating expenses (19,328) (15,825) (75,495) (64,845)
Depreciation and depletion (6,798) (6,534) (28,055) (26,607)
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Total cost of sales (26,126) (22,359) (103,550) (91,452)
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Earnings from mine operations 17,471 13,286 79,389 65,090
General and administrative
expenses (11,064) (5,066) (30,003) (18,872)
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Earnings from operations 6,407 8,220 49,386 46,218
Other (expense) income (1,129) (1,129) (1,842) 17,407
Foreign exchange (loss) gain (1,250) (3,723) (948) 912
Finance income 172 139 1,192 2,795
Finance expense (769) (181) (2,887) (7,810)
Loss on derivative contracts (750) (899) (226) (1,284)
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Earnings before income taxes 2,681 2,427 44,675 58,238
Income tax recovery (expense) (1,436) 28,789 4,878 (8,594)
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Net income for the period 1,245 31,216 49,553 49,644
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Other comprehensive income
Exchange differences on
translation of foreign
operations 197 (106) 386 (1,588)
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Total comprehensive income for
the period 1,442 31,110 49,939 48,056
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Basic income per share 0.01 0.35 0.54 0.56
Diluted income per share 0.01 0.32 0.54 0.54
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Weighted average number of
common shares outstanding
Basic 93,406,583 88,253,347 91,469,356 88,049,171
Diluted 94,784,589 96,719,907 91,635,428 96,562,288
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PRIMERO MINING CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands of United States dollars)
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December 31, December 31,
2012 2011
(Restated)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ $
Assets
Current assets
Cash 139,244 80,761
Trade and other receivables 3,792 5,526
Taxes receivable 5,914 20,969
Prepaid expenses 4,607 5,570
Inventories 11,044 9,463
Derivative asset - 203
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Total current assets 164,601 122,492
Non-current assets
Mining interests 496,132 486,424
Deferred tax asset 9,773 343
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Total assets 670,506 609,259
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Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 36,520 24,907
Taxes payable 2,209 4,213
Current portion of decommissioning liability 2,182 -
Current portion of long-term debt 12,786 40,000
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Total current liabilities 53,697 69,120
Non-current liabilities
Taxes payable 6,055 -
Decommissioning liability 6,101 9,373
Long-term debt 27,214 40,000
Other long-term liabilities 5,701 2,926
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Total liabilities 98,768 121,419
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Equity
Share capital 456,734 423,250
Warrant reserve 34,237 34,237
Share-based payment reserve 15,120 14,645
Foreign currency translation reserve (1,064) (1,450)
Retained earnings 66,711 17,158
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Total equity 571,738 487,840
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Total liabilities and equity 670,506 609,259
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PRIMERO MINING CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
THREE MONTHS AND YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011
(In thousands Of United States dollars)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unaudited Audited
Three months ended Year ended
December 31 December 31
2012 2011 2012 2011
(Restated) (Restated)
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Operating activities
Earnings before income taxes 2,681 2,427 44,675 58,238
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and depletion 6,798 6,534 28,055 26,607
Changes to decommissioning
liability (161) (1,619) (161) (851)
Share-based payments 6,527 1,557 16,233 8,073
Payments made under the
phantom share unit plan (499) - (877) -
Cash paid for unrealized
derivative contracts (net
of sales proceeds) 271 - (23) (4,118)
Loss on derivative asset 750 874 226 1,284
Assets written off 477 931 811 931
Unrealized foreign exchange
loss (gain) 803 3,742 175 (153)
Taxes paid (469) (1,135) (2,001) (17,435)
Other adjustments
Finance income (disclosed in
investing activities) (172) (139) (1,192) (2,795)
Finance expense 769 1,430 2,887 7,810
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17,775 14,602 88,808 77,591
Changes in non-cash working
capital 10,734 (1,565) 25,402 74,974
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Cash provided by operating
activities 28,509 13,037 114,210 152,565
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Investing activities
Acquisition of San Dimas - - - (3,928)
Expenditures on exploration
and evaluation assets (15,665) (3,856) (35,267) (8,171)
Expenditures on mining
interests (1,422) (4,974) (4,473) (18,994)
Interest received 172 139 1,192 2,795
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Cash used in investing
activities (16,915) (8,691) (38,548) (28,298)
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Financing activities
Repayment of VAT loan - - - (70,000)
Repayment of debt (5,000) (30,000) (10,050) (30,000)
Proceeds on exercise of
options and warrants 2,532 26 2,532 1,047
Interest paid (2,760) (1,103) (9,024) (2,154)
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Cash used in financing
activities (5,228) (31,077) (16,542) (101,107)
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Effect of foreign exchange rate
changes on cash (252) 265 (637) (697)
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Increase in cash 6,114 (26,466) 58,483 22,463
Cash, beginning of period 133,130 107,227 80,761 58,298
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Cash, end of period 139,244 80,761 139,244 80,761
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Contacts:
Primero Mining Corp.
Tamara Brown
VP, Investor Relations
(416) 814 3168
tbrown@primeromining.com
www.primeromining.com