TSX: WPM
NYSE: WPM
VANCOUVER,British Columbia,May 9,2019 -- Wheaton Precious Metals™ Corp. ("Wheaton" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its results for the first quarter ended March 31,2019. All figures are presented in United States dollars unless otherwise noted.
In the first quarter of 2019,Wheaton generated almost $120 million in operating cash flow,driven by record gold sales volumes.
Operational Overview
Q1 2019
Q1 2018
Change
Ounces produced
Gold
93,585
76,691
22.0 %
Silver
5,614
7,414
(24.3)%
Palladium
4,729
-
n.a.
Ounces sold
Gold
115,020
69,973
64.4 %
Silver
4,294
6,343
(32.3)%
Palladium
5,189
-
n.a.
Sales price per ounce
Gold
$
1,308
$
1,330
(1.7)%
Silver
$
15.64
$
16.73
(6.5)%
Palladium
$
1,443
$
n.a.
n.a.
Cash costs per ounce 1
Gold 1
$
417
$
399
4.5 %
Silver 1
$
4.64
$
4.49
3.3 %
Palladium 1
$
254
$
n.a.
n.a.
Cash operating margin per ounce 1
Gold 1
$
891
$
931
(4.3)%
Silver 1
$
11.00
$
12.24
(10.1)%
Palladium 1
$
1,189
$
n.a.
n.a.
Revenue
$
225,049
$
199,252
12.9 %
Net earnings (loss)
$
57,349
$
68,123
(15.8)%
Per share
$
0.13
$
0.15
(13.3)%
Adjusted net earnings 1
$
56,540
$
69,563
(18.7)%
Per share 1
$
0.13
$
0.16
(19.0)%
Operating cash flows
$
118,194
$
125,340
(5.7)%
Per share 1
$
0.27
$
0.28
(3.6)%
Dividends declared 1
$
40,074
$
39,851
0.6 %
Per share
$
0.09
$
0.09
0.0 %
All amounts in thousands except gold and palladium ounces produced and sold,per ounce amounts and per share amounts.1
Highlights
The increase in attributable gold production was primarily due to the commencement of the San Dimas gold stream effective May 10,2018,and the Stillwater precious metals stream effective July 1,as well as higher production at Sudbury.
The decrease in attributable silver production was primarily due to the termination of the San Dimas silver stream effective May 10,and all deliveries from the Lagunas Norte,Veladero and Pierina mines ceasing effective March 31,in accordance with the Pascua-Lama precious metals purchase agreement ("Pascua-Lama PMPA").
The increase in gold sales was due to the higher production levels coupled with positive changes in the balance of payable gold produced but not yet delivered to Wheaton.
The decrease in silver sales volume was due to the lower production levels coupled with negative changes in the balance of payable silver produced but not yet delivered to Wheaton.
Declared quarterly dividend of $0.09 per common share in accordance with Wheaton's setting of a minimum quarterly dividend of $0.09 per common share for the duration of 2019,subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Hudbay Minerals Inc. ("Hudbay") announced its receipt of the approved Mine Plan of Operations ("MPO") for the Rosemont project from the U.S. Forest Service on March 19,2019. Hudbay subsequently indicated that it plans to move ahead with an early works program and financing activities in parallel in 2019 with the intent of achieving first production by the end of 2022.
"Wheaton's core assets delivered strong results in the first quarter of 2019 with gold sales exceeding 115,000 ounces—the most gold we have ever sold in a single quarter," said Randy Smallwood,President and Chief Executive Officer of Wheaton Precious Metals. "In addition,we also saw one of our key growth projects move forward with Hudbay announcing the conclusion of the permitting process at Rosemont and their intent to begin early development work later this year. Hudbay indicated first production could commence as early as 2022,and we look forward to Rosemont contributing to our future growth profile."
Financial Review
Revenues
Revenue was $225 million in the first quarter of 2019,on sales volume of 115,000 ounces of gold,4.3 million ounces of silver and 5,200 ounces of palladium. This represents a 13% increase from the $199 million of revenue generated in the first quarter of 2018 due primarily to (i) a 64% increase in the number of gold ounces sold; and (ii) the introduction of palladium sales effective Q3 2018,partially offset by (iii) a 32% decrease in the number of silver ounces sold,(iv) a 7% decrease in the average realized silver price ($15.64 in Q1 2019 compared with $16.73 in Q1 2018); and (v) a 2% decrease in the averagerealized gold price ($1,308 in Q1 2019 compared with $1,330in Q1 2018).
Costs and Expenses
Average cash costs¹ in the first quarter of 2019 were $417 per gold ounce sold,$4.64 per silver ounce sold and $254 per palladium ounce sold,as compared with $399 per gold ounce and $4.49 per silver ounce during the comparable period of 2018. This resulted in a cash operating margin¹ of $891 per gold ounce sold,$11.00 per silver ounce sold and $1,189 per palladium ounce sold,a reduction of 4% and 10% for gold and silver,respectively,as compared with Q1 2018. The decrease in the cash operating margin was primarily due to a 2% decrease in the average realized gold price and a 7% decrease in the averagerealized silver price in Q1 2019 compared with Q1 2018.
Earnings and Operating Cash Flows
Adjusted net earnings¹ and cash flow from operations in the first quarter of 2019 were $57 million ($0.13 per share) and $118 million ($0.27 per share¹),compared with adjusted net earnings¹ of $70 million ($0.16 per share) and cash flow from operations of $125 million ($0.28 per share¹) for the same period in 2018,a decrease of 19% and 6%,respectively.
Balance Sheet
At March 31,2019,the Company had approximately $126 million of cash on hand and $1.2 billion outstanding under the Company's $2 billion revolving term loan (the "Revolving Facility"). The average effective interest rate for the first quarter of 2019 was 4.28%.
First Quarter Asset Highlights
During the first quarter of 2019 attributable production was 93,600 ounces of gold,5.6 million ounces of silver and 4,700 ounces of palladium,representing an increase of 22% and a decrease of 24% for gold and silver,as compared with the first quarter of 2018.
Operational highlights for the quarter ended March 31,are as follows:
Salobo
In the first quarter of 2019,Salobo produced 60,800 ounces of attributable gold,in line with the first quarter of 2018as lower throughput and grades were offset by higher recoveries. Sales of 84,160 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2019 were higher than production as a result of a significant draw down of produced but not yet delivered ounces.
Peñasquito
In the first quarter of 2019,Peñasquito produced 1.6 million ounces of attributable silver,an increase of approximately 10% relative to the first quarter of 2018 primarily due to higher grades partially offset by lower throughput and recovery as higher than expected ore hardness impacted mill performance in the quarter. Following the start of commercial production on December 31,the Pyrite Leach Projectwas operated successfully through the quarter.
In April 2019,Newmont Mining Corporation and Goldcorp Inc. merged to form Newmont Goldcorp Corporation ("Newmont Goldcorp"). Newmont Goldcorp has highlighted their expected future improvements are focused on increasing mill throughput and improving plant reliability at Peñasquito.
Subsequent to the quarter,on April 29,Newmont Goldcorp announced that it intended to temporarily suspend operations at the Peñasquito mine pending resolution of an illegal blockade.
Antamina
In the first quarter of 2019,Antamina produced 1.2 million ounces of attributable silver,a decrease of approximately 10% relative to the first quarter of 2018 as expected due to mine sequencing in the open pit and lower mill throughput as a result of the timing of maintenance.
San Dimas
In the first quarter of 2019,San Dimas produced 10,300 ounces of attributable gold. According to First Majestic Silver Corp.'s ("First Majestic") first quarter of 2019 production report,the San Dimas mill processed a total of 163,264 tonnes with average silver and gold grades of 287 g/t and 4.18 g/t,respectively. According to First Majestic,silver and gold grades improved 10% and 8%,compared to the prior quarter due to higher grades in the Victoria and Jessica areas along with improvements in mine dilution controls.
Sudbury
In the first quarter of 2019,Vale's Sudbury mines produced 10,000 ounces of attributable gold,an increase of approximately 186% relative to the first quarter of 2018 primarily due to higher throughput. As a reminder,production in the first quarter of 2018 was impacted due to the Coleman mine being shutdown down for unscheduled maintenance from November 2017 to April 2018.
Constancia
In the first quarter of 2019,Constancia produced 0.6 million ounces of attributable silver and 4,a decrease of approximately 2% for silver production and an increase of approximately 46% for gold production relative to the first quarter of 2018. As per Wheaton's precious metals purchase agreement with Hudbay relating to Constancia (the "Constancia PMPA"),should Hudbay fail to achieve a minimum level of throughput at the Pampacancha satellite deposit during 2018,2019 and 2020,Wheaton will be entitled to an increased portion of gold from Hudbay. As per Hudbay's MD&A for the first quarter of 2019,mining of the Pampacancha deposit is not expected to begin until 2020. Assuming ore production does not begin until 2020,the Company will be entitled to receive an additional 8,020 ounces of gold in 2019 and 2020 relative to the Constancia PMPA,with the deliveries to be made in quarterly installments,of which 2,005 ounces were received during the first quarter of 2019 and reported as production.
Stillwater
In the first quarter of 2019,the Stillwater mines produced 3,100 ounces of attributable gold and 4,700 ounces of attributable palladium. While production was slightly lower than expected due to several factors,Sibanye-Stillwater has indicated that additional resources have been deployed with the focus on recovering the lower production over the remainder of the year.
Other Gold
In the first quarter of 2019,total Other Gold attributable production was 4,400 ounces,a decrease of approximately 47% relative to the first quarter of 2018. The decrease was due primarily to lower production at the Minto mine which was placed on care and maintenance in the fourth quarter of 2018 and lower production from the 777 mine.
Other Silver
In the first quarter of 2019,total Other Silver attributable production was 2.3 million ounces,a decrease of approximately 8% relative to the first quarter of 2018. The decrease was driven primarily by the cessation of attributable production from the Lagunas Norte,Veladero and Pierina mines as these streaming interests expired on March 31,in accordance with the PMPA with Barrick Gold Corp. ("Barrick"),partially offset by the start-up of attributable production at the Aljustrel mine in the second quarter of 2018.
Development Update - Rosemont
In March 2019,Hudbay announced the conclusion of the permitting process for Rosemont with its receipt of the Section 404 Water Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the MPO from the U.S. Forest Service. On March 28,Hudbay indicated that it plans to move ahead with an early works program and financing activities in parallel in 2019 and expects to seek from its board approval to commence the construction of Rosemont by the end of the year,which should enable first production by the end of 2022. The early works program includes construction of a water pipeline and power transmission line to site,advancing critical path engineering and geotechnical work,archaeological site work,and spending on permit-related mitigation activities. Hudbay further reports that it intends to evaluate a variety of financing options,including the addition of a new,committed joint venture partner for the development of Rosemont.
As a reminder,Wheatonhas a precious metals purchase agreement with Hudbay on Rosemont,which in consideration for total upfront payments of $230 million,entitles the Company to 100% of payable silver and gold produced from Rosemont at a cash price of $450 per ounce of gold and $3.90 per ounce of silver,subject to an annual adjustment for inflation.
Produced But Not Yet Delivered 2
As at March 31,payable ounces attributable to the Company produced but not yet delivered amounted to 51,500 payable gold ounces,3.5 million payable silver ounces and 4,800 payable palladium ounces,representing a decrease of 25,600 payable gold ounces,an increase of 0.4 million payable silver ounces and a decrease of 500 payable palladium ounces during the three month period ended March 31,2019. Payable gold ounces produced but not yet delivered decreased primarily as a result of a decrease related to the Salobo gold interest partially offset by an increase related to the Sudbury gold interest. Payable silver ounces produced but not yet delivered increased slightly primarily as a result of increases related to the Yauliyacu and Peñasquito silver interests partially offset by a decrease related to the Constancia silver interest. Payable ounces produced but not yet delivered to the Wheaton group of companies are expected to average approximately two months of annualized production for silver and two to three months for both gold and palladium but may vary from quarter to quarter due to a number of mining operation factors including mine ramp-up and timing of shipments.
Detailed mine-by-mine production and sales figures can be found in the Appendix to this press release and in Wheaton's consolidated MD&A in the 'Results of Operations and Operational Review' section.
Dividend
Second Quarterly Dividend
The secondquarterly cash dividend for 2019 of US$0.09 will be paid to holders of record of Wheaton Precious Metals common shares as of the close of business on May 24,2019 and will be distributed on or about June 6,2019.
Under the Company's dividend policy,the quarterly dividend per common share is targeted to equal approximately 30% of the average cash generated by operating activities in the previous four quarters divided by the Company's then outstanding common shares,all rounded to the nearest cent. To minimize volatility in quarterly dividends,the Company has set a minimum quarterly dividend of $0.09 per common share for the duration of 2019.
The declaration,timing,amount and payment of future dividends remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors. This dividend qualifies as an 'eligible dividend' for Canadian income tax purposes.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
The Company has previously implemented a Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("DRIP"). Participation in the DRIP is optional. For the purposes of this second quarterly dividend,the Company has elected toissue common shares under the DRIP through treasury at a 3% discount to the Average Market Price,as defined in the DRIP. However,the Company may,from time to time,in its discretion,change or eliminate the discount applicable to Treasury Acquisitions,as defined in the DRIP,or direct that such common shares be purchased in Market Acquisitions,as defined in the DRIP, at the prevailing market price,any of which would be publicly announced.
The DRIP and enrollment forms,including direct deposit,are available for download on the Company's website at www.wheatonpm.com,accessible by quick links directly from the home page,and can also be found in the 'investors' section,under the 'dividends' tab.
Registered shareholders may also enroll in the DRIP online through the plan agent's self-service web portal at: https://www.canstockta.com/en/InvestorServices/Investor_Information/Issuer_List/IssuerDetail.jsp?companyCode=1501.
Beneficial shareholders should contact their financial intermediary to arrange enrollment. All shareholders considering enrollment in the DRIP should carefully review the terms of the DRIP and consult with their advisors as to the implications of enrollment in the DRIP.
This press release is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer of securities. A registration statement relating to the DRIP has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and may be obtained under the Company's profile on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. A written copy of the prospectus included in the registration statement may be obtained by contacting the Corporate Secretary of the Company at 1021 West Hastings Street,Suite 3500,Vancouver,Canada V6E 0C3.
Outlook
Wheaton's forecast production for 2019 and for the average annual production over the next five years remain unchanged. In 2019,Wheaton's productionis forecast to be approximately 365,24.5 million ounces of silver and 22,000 ounces of palladium,resulting in gold equivalent production3of approximately 690,000 ounces. For the five-year period ending in 2023,the Company estimates that average annual gold equivalent production3will amount to 750,000 ounces. As a reminder,Wheaton does not currently include any production from Hudbay's Rosemont project nor the announced expansion at Salobo in its estimated average five-year production guidance4.
From a liquidity perspective,the $126 million of cash and cash equivalents as at March 31,combined with the liquidity provided by the available credit under the $2 billion Revolving Facility and ongoing operating cash flows positions the Company well to fund all outstanding commitments and known contingencies as well as providing flexibility to acquire additional accretive precious metal stream interests.
Webcast and Conference Call Details
A conference call and webcast will be held Thursday,starting at 11:00 am (Eastern Time) to discuss these results. To participate in the live call,please use one of the following methods:
Dial toll free from Canada or the US:
888-231-8191
Dial from outside Canada or the US:
647-427-7450
Pass code:
7896205
Live audio webcast:
www.wheatonpm.com
Participants should dial in five to ten minutes before the call.
The conference call will be recorded and available until May 16,2019 at 11:59 pm (Eastern Time). The webcast will be available for one year. You can listen to an archive of the call by one of the following methods:
Dial toll free from Canada or the US:
855-859-2056
Dial from outside Canada or the US:
416-849-0833
Pass code:
7896205
Archived audio webcast:
www.wheatonpm.com
This earnings release should be read in conjunction with Wheaton Precious Metals' MD&A and Financial Statements,which are available on the Company's website at www.wheatonpm.comand have been posted on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Mr. Wes Carson,P. Eng.,Vice President,Mining Operations is a "qualified person" as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101,and has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed in this news release.
Wheaton Precious Metals believes that there are no significant differences between its corporategovernance practices and those required to be followed by United States domestic issuers under the NYSE listing standards. This confirmation is located on the Wheaton Precious Metals website at http://www.wheatonpm.com/Company/corporate-governance/default.aspx
End Notes
________________________
1Please refer to non-IFRS measures at the end of this press release. Dividends declared in the referenced calendar quarter,relative to the financial results of the prior quarter.
2Payable gold,silver and palladium ounces produced but not yet delivered are based on management estimates and may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.
3 Gold equivalent production forecasts for 2019 and the five-year average are based on the following commodity price assumptions: $1,300 / ounce gold,$16 / ounce silver,$1,350 / ounce palladium,and $21 / pound of cobalt.
4In preparing the long-term production forecast,Wheaton has considered the impact of Vale's announced approval of the Salobo III copper project,a brownfield expansion,which if completed as proposed,would increase processing throughput capacity from 24 Mtpa to 36 Mtpa once fully ramped up (the "Salobo Expansion"). However,readers are cautioned that Vale has not finalized its mine plan and as such,Wheaton has not included any production growth as a result of the Salobo Expansion.
Condensed Interim Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Three Months Ended
March 31
(US dollars and shares in thousands,except per share amounts - unaudited)
2019
2018
Sales
$
225,049
$
199,252
Cost of sales
Cost of sales,excluding depletion
$
69,214
$
56,414
Depletion
68,381
57,265
Total cost of sales
$
137,595
$
113,679
Gross margin
$
87,454
$
85,573
General and administrative 1
16,535
9,757
Earnings from operations
$
70,919
$
75,816
Other (income) expense
(266)
1,071
Earnings before finance costs and income taxes
$
71,185
$
74,745
Finance costs
13,946
7,107
Earnings before income taxes
$
57,239
$
67,638
Income tax recovery
110
485
Net earnings
$
57,349
$
68,123
Basic earnings per share
$
0.13
$
0.15
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.13
$
0.15
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
Basic
444,389
442,728
Diluted
445,121
443,181
1) Equity settled stock based compensation (a non-cash item) included in general and administrative expenses.
$
1,357
$
1,249
Condensed Interim Condensed Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at
March 31
As at
December 31
(US dollars in thousands - unaudited)
2019
2018
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
125,781
$
75,767
Accounts receivable
1,998
2,396
Other
1,478
1,541
Total current assets
$
129,257
$
79,704
Non-current assets
Mineral stream interests
$
6,088,454
$
6,156,839
Early deposit mineral stream interests
30,241
30,241
Mineral royalty interest
9,107
9,107
Long-term equity investments
185,400
164,753
Investment in associates
2,500
2,562
Convertible note receivable
13,770
12,899
Property,plant and equipment
7,925
3,626
Other
12,046
10,315
Total non-current assets
$
6,349,443
$
6,390,342
Total assets
$
6,478,700
$
6,470,046
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
14,120
$
19,883
Dividends payable
40,074
-
Current taxes payable
-
3,361
Current portion of performance share units
7,519
5,578
Current portion of lease liabilities
627
-
Other
18
19
Total current liabilities
$
62,358
$
28,841
Non-current liabilities
Bank debt
$
1,183,500
$
1,264,000
Lease liabilities
3,945
-
Deferred income taxes
119
111
Performance share units
2,830
5,178
Total non-current liabilities
$
1,190,394
$
1,269,289
Total liabilities
$
1,252,752
$
1,298,130
Shareholders' equity
Issued capital
$
3,537,833
$
3,516,437
Reserves
23,254
7,893
Retained earnings
1,664,861
1,647,586
Total shareholders' equity
$
5,225,948
$
5,171,916
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
6,046
Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended
March 31
(US dollars in thousands - unaudited)
2019
2018
Operating activities
Net earnings
$
57,123
Adjustments for
Depreciation and depletion
68,874
57,505
Interest expense
13,152
5,591
Equity settled stock based compensation
1,357
1,249
Performance share units
(592)
184
Income tax expense (recovery)
(110)
(485)
Loss on fair value adjustment of share purchase warrants held
-
99
Share in losses of associate
62
201
Fair value (gain) loss on convertible note receivable
(871)
1,388
Investment income recognized in net earnings
(242)
(203)
Other
428
226
Change in non-cash working capital
(7,170)
(3,075)
Cash generated from operations before income taxes and interest
$
132,237
$
130,803
Income taxes paid
(3,562)
(50)
Interest paid
(10,707)
(5,596)
Interest received
226
183
Cash generated from operating activities
$
118,194
$
125,340
Financing activities
Bank debt repaid
$
(80,500)
$
(107,000)
Credit facility extension fees
(1,100)
(1,200)
Share purchase options exercised
14,891
149
Lease payments
(170)
-
Cash (used for) generated from financing activities
$
(66,879)
$
(108,051)
Investing activities
Mineral stream interests
$
(174)
$
-
Early deposit mineral stream interests
-
(203)
Dividend income received
16
20
Other
(1,154)
(41)
Cash used for investing activities
$
(1,312)
$
(224)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
$
11
$
(18)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
$
50,014
$
17,047
Cash and cash equivalents,beginning of period
75,767
98,521
Cash and cash equivalents,end of period
$
125,781
$
115,568
Summary of Ounces Produced
Q1 2019
Q4 2018
Q3 2018
Q2 2018
Q1 2018
Q4 2017
Q3 2017
Q2 2017
Gold ounces produced ²
Sudbury 3
10,041
6,646
6,510
6,476
3,511
8,568
8,519
7,468
Salobo
60,846
76,995
68,648
63,949
61,513
76,153
72,980
57,514
Constancia
4,826
4,266
3,261
3,187
3,315
2,947
2,498
2,332
San Dimas 4
10,290
10,092
10,642
5,726
-
-
-
-
Stillwater
3,137
3,472
6,376
-
-
-
-
-
Other
Minto 5
-
1,441
2,546
2,554
2,707
3,328
6,105
6,063
777
4,445
4,248
4,124
4,982
5,645
5,478
5,114
6,259
Total Other
4,445
5,689
6,670
7,536
8,352
8,806
11,219
12,322
Total gold ounces produced
93,585
107,160
102,107
86,874
76,691
96,474
95,216
79,636
Silver ounces produced 2
San Dimas 4
-
-
-
607
1,606
1,324
1,043
973
Peñasquito
1,595
1,455
1,050
1,267
1,450
1,561
1,641
1,483
Antamina
1,180
1,225
1,406
1,394
1,304
1,434
1,686
1,832
Constancia
588
695
682
552
598
621
572
506
Other
Los Filos
38
29
21
33
29
48
43
42
Zinkgruvan
479
608
530
453
565
619
710
493
Yauliyacu
528
233
597
719
550
335
588
607
Stratoni
143
149
165
211
137
131
137
171
Minto 5
-
8
25
30
35
30
43
42
Neves-Corvo
498
509
458
421
405
305
341
316
Aljustrel
470
475
514
138
-
-
-
-
Cozamin 6
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
17
Lagunas Norte 7
-
-
-
-
217
253
243
218
Pierina 7
-
-
-
-
107
111
107
114
Veladero 7
-
-
-
-
265
211
201
144
777
95
113
136
152
146
146
145
138
Total Other
2,251
2,124
2,446
2,157
2,456
2,189
2,558
2,302
Total silver ounces produced
5,614
5,499
5,584
5,977
7,414
7,129
7,500
7,096
Palladium ounces produced ²
Stillwater
4,729
5,869
8,817
-
-
-
-
-
GEOs produced 8
165,819
177,808
178,126
162,522
170,203
189,909
194,019
176,786
SEOs produced 8
13,888
15,009
14,394
12,840
13,495
14,491
14,728
12,913
Gold / Silver Ratio 8
83.8
84.4
80.8
79.0
79.3
76.3
75.9
73.0
Palladium / Silver Ratio 8
92.1
79.1
63.4
59.2
61.8
59.3
53.5
47.7
Gold / Palladium Ratio 8
0.9
1.1
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.4
1.5
Average payable rate 2
Gold
95.6%
95.5%
95.2%
94.7%
94.4%
94.8%
94.8%
94.5%
Silver
82.9%
83.1%
83.5%
86.8%
89.7%
90.1%
90.0%
91.0%
Palladium
98.5%
96.4%
94.6%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
1)
All figures in thousands except gold and palladium ounces produced.
2)
Ounces produced represent the quantity of gold,silver and palladium contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining deductions. Production figures and average payable rates are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the mineral stream interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available. Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.
3)
Comprised of the Coleman,Copper Cliff,Garson,Stobie,Creighton and Totten gold interests. The Stobie gold interest was placed into care and maintenance as of May 2017.
4)
Pursuant to the San Dimas SPA with Primero,the Company acquired 100% of the payable silver produced at San Dimas up to 6 million ounces annually,and 50% of any excess for the life of the mine. The San Dimas SPA was terminated on May 10,2018 and concurrently the Company entered into the new San Dimas PMPA.
5)
The Minto mine was placed into care and maintenance in October 2018.
6)
The Cozamin precious metal purchase agreement expired on April 4,2017.
7)
In accordance with the Pascua-Lama precious metal purchase agreement,all deliveries from Lagunas Norte,Pierina and Veladero ceased effective March 31,2018.
8)
GEOs and SEOs are provided to assist the reader. GEOs are calculated by converting silver to a gold equivalent by using the ratio of the average price of gold to the average price of silver and by converting palladium to a gold equivalent by using the average price of gold to the average price of palladium. SEOs are calculated by converting gold to a silver equivalent by using the ratio of the average price of gold to the average price of silver and by converting palladium to a silver equivalent by using the average price of palladium to the average price of silver. Average prices are as per the LBMA during the period.
Summary of Ounces Sold
Q1 2019
Q4 2018
Q3 2018
Q2 2018
Q1 2018
Q4 2017
Q3 2017
Q2 2017
Gold ounces sold
Sudbury 2
4,061
4,864
2,560
4,400
5,186
12,059
3,237
5,822
Salobo
84,160
75,351
65,139
70,734
54,645
71,683
67,198
50,478
Constancia
5,512
3,645
2,980
2,172
3,247
1,965
2,206
2,356
San Dimas 3
11,510
8,453
9,771
3,738
-
-
-
-
Stillwater
2,856
3,473
2,075
-
-
-
-
-
Other
Minto 4
3,307
2,674
796
2,284
1,763
2,020
4,603
6,988
777
3,614
4,353
5,921
3,812
5,132
6,568
5,304
6,321
Total Other
6,921
7,027
6,717
6,096
6,895
8,588
9,907
13,309
Total gold ounces sold
115,020
102,813
89,242
87,140
69,973
94,295
82,548
71,965
Silver ounces sold
San Dimas 3
-
-
-
1,070
1,372
1,299
962
845
Peñasquito
1,164
901
1,241
1,547
1,227
1,537
1,109
1,639
Antamina
1,255
1,300
1,333
1,422
1,413
1,769
1,453
Constancia
735
629
567
410
574
491
491
559
Other
Los Filos
38
15
27
35
52
16
43
42
Zinkgruvan
232
543
326
297
391
597
305
398
Yauliyacu
15
317
697
521
360
642
364
423
Stratoni
80
78
125
171
148
110
84
123
Minto 4
30
22
-
28
(1)
34
43
39
Cozamin 5
-
-
-
-
-
-
23
125
Neves-Corvo
265
240
234
178
169
119
117
114
Aljustrel
381
226
302
-
-
-
-
-
Lagunas Norte 6
-
-
1
65
236
237
242
204
Pierina 6
-
-
-
54
88
106
102
136
Veladero 6
-
-
2
104
161
211
201
144
777
99
129
163
70
153
124
135
125
Total Other
1,140
1,570
1,877
1,523
1,757
2,196
1,659
1,873
Total silver ounces sold
4,294
4,018
5,972
6,343
7,292
5,758
6,369
Palladium ounces sold
Stillwater
5,189
5,049
3,668
-
-
-
-
-
GEOs sold 7
171,992
159,667
154,222
162,715
149,987
189,882
158,401
159,161
SEOs sold 7
14,405
13,478
12,462
12,855
11,892
14,488
12,024
11,625
Cumulative payable gold ounces PBND 8
51,515
77,074
77,588
70,259
75,707
75,862
67,827
Cumulative payable silver ounces PBND 8
3,544
3,184
3,015
3,375
4,126
3,828
4,661
3,662
Cumulative payable palladium ounces PBND 8
4,754
5,282
4,671
-
-
-
-
-
Gold / Silver Ratio 7
83.8
84.4
80.8
79.0
79.3
76.3
75.9
73.0
Palladium / Silver Ratio 7
92.1
79.1
63.4
59.2
61.8
59.3
53.5
47.7
Gold / Palladium Ratio 7
0.9
1.1
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.4
1.5
1)
All figures in thousands except gold and palladium ounces sold.
2)
Comprised of the Coleman,Creighton and Totten gold interests.The Stobie gold interest was placed into care and maintenance as of May 2017.
3)
Pursuant to the San Dimas SPA with Primero,2018 and concurrently the Company entered into the new San Dimas PMPA.
4)
The Minto mine was placed into care and maintenance in October 2018.
5)
The Cozamin precious metal purchase agreement expired on April 4,2017.
6)
In accordance with the Pascua-Lama precious metal purchase agreement,2018.
7)
GEOs and SEOs are provided to assist the reader. GEOs are calculated by converting silver to a gold equivalent by using the ratio of the average price of gold to the average price of silver and by converting palladium to a gold equivalent by using the average price of gold to the average price of palladium. SEOs are calculated by converting gold to a silver equivalent by using the ratio of the average price of gold to the average price of silver and by converting palladium to a silver equivalent by using the average price of palladium to the average price of silver. Average prices are as per the LBMA during the period.
8)
Payable gold,silver and palladium ounces produced but not yet delivered ("PBND") are based on management estimates.These figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.
Results of Operations
The operating results of the Company's reportable operating segments are summarized in the tables and commentary below.
Three Months Ended March 31,2019
Ounces
Produced²
Ounces
Sold
Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)
Average
Cash Cost
($'s Per
Ounce)3
Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)
Sales
Net
Earnings
Cash Flow
From
Operations
Total
Assets
Gold
Sudbury 4
10,041
4,061
$
1,297
$
400
$
819
$
5,267
$
315
$
3,642
$
363,136
Salobo
60,846
84,160
1,308
404
383
110,070
43,822
76,070
2,673,812
Constancia
4,826
5,512
1,311
400
361
7,227
3,031
5,135
115,556
San Dimas
10,290
11,510
1,314
600
310
15,130
4,661
8,224
204,632
Stillwater
3,137
2,856
1,303
234
519
3,721
1,570
3,052
234,946
Other 5
4,445
6,921
1,298
372
241
8,984
4,739
6,733
19,691
93,585
115,020
$
1,308
$
417
$
385
$
150,399
$
58,138
$
102,856
$
3,611,773
Silver
Peñasquito
1,164
$
15.72
$
4.21
$
3.06
$
18,301
$
9,835
$
13,401
$
385,156
Antamina
1,255
15.63
3.10
8.73
19,614
4,770
15,580
699,120
Constancia
588
735
15.48
5.90
7.50
11,372
1,528
7,684
240,721
Other 6
2,251
1,140
15.68
5.96
1.43
17,875
9,450
10,805
501,012
5,294
$
15.64
$
4.64
$
5.05
$
67,162
$
25,583
$
47,470
$
1,826,009
Palladium
Stillwater
4,189
$
1,443
$
254
$
470
$
7,488
$
3,733
$
6,171
$
257,250
Cobalt
Voisey's Bay
-
-
$
n.a.
$
n.a.
$
n.a.
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
393,422
Operating results
$
225,049
$
87,454
$
156,497
$
6,454
Other
General and administrative
$
(16,535)
$
(24,700)
Finance costs
(13,946)
(11,246)
Other
266
1,205
Income tax recovery
110
(3,562)
Total Other
$
(30,105)
$
(38,303)
$
390,246
$
57,349
$
118,194
$
6,700
1)
All figures in thousands except gold and palladium ounces produced and sold and per ounce amounts.
2)
Ounces produced represent the quantity of gold,silver and palladium contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining deductions. Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the mineral stream interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available. Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.
3)
Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.
4)
Comprised of the operating Coleman,Creighton and Totten gold interests,the non-operating Stobie and Victor gold interests.
5)
Comprised of the operating 777 gold interest in addition to the non-operating Rosemont and Minto gold interests. The Minto mine was placed into care and maintenance in October 2018.
6)
Comprised of the operating Los Filos,Zinkgruvan,Yauliyacu,Stratoni,Neves-Corvo,Aljustrel and 777 silver interests as well as the non-operating Keno Hill,Minto,Loma de La Plata,Pascua-Lama and Rosemont silver interests. The Minto mine was placed into care and maintenance in October 2018.
On a gold equivalent and silver equivalent basis,results for the Company for the three months ended March 31,2019 were as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,2019
Ounces
Produced 1,2
Ounces
Sold 2
Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)
Average
Cash Cost
($'s Per
Ounce) 3
Cash
Operating
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce) 4
Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)
Gross
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce)
Gold equivalent basis
165,819
171,992
$ 1,308
$ 402
$ 906
$ 398
$ 508
Silver equivalent basis
13,888
14,405
$ 15.62
$ 4.80
$ 10.82
$ 4.75
$ 6.07
1)
Ounces produced represent the quantity of gold,silver and palladium contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining deductions. Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the mineral stream interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available. Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.
2)
Silver ounces produced and sold in thousands.
3)
Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.
4)
Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iv) at the end of this press release.
Three Months Ended March 31,2018
Ounces
Produced²
Ounces
Sold
Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)
Average
Cash
Cost
($'s Per
Ounce)3
Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)
Sales
Net
Earnings
Cash Flow
From
Operations
Total
Assets
Gold
Sudbury 4
3,511
5,186
$
1,331
$
400
$
795
$
6,901
$
702
$
4,949
$
375,864
Salobo
61,513
54,645
1,333
400
386
72,835
29,875
50,977
2,787,630
Constancia
3,315
3,247
1,328
400
374
4,311
1,798
3,012
120,837
Other 5
8,352
6,895
1,311
389
405
9,039
3,564
5,150
29,025
76,691
69,973
$
1,330
$
399
$
418
$
93,086
$
35,939
$
64,088
$
3,313,356
Silver
San Dimas 6
1,372
$
16.71
$
4.32
$
1.46
$
22,921
$
14,986
$
16,994
$
132,853
Peñasquito
1,227
16.81
4.17
2.96
20,620
11,878
15,504
399,624
Antamina
1,413
16.82
3.41
8.70
23,771
6,660
18,951
745,348
Constancia
598
574
16.68
5.90
7.14
9,579
2,087
6,190
257,700
Other 7
2,456
1,757
16.65
5.26
3.42
29,275
14,023
20,023
517,131
7,414
6,343
$
16.73
$
4.49
$
4.42
$
106,166
$
49,634
$
77,662
$
2,052,656
Operating results
$
199,252
$
85,573
$
141,750
$
5,366,012
Other
General and administrative
$
(9,757)
$
(9,818)
Finance costs
(7,107)
(6,536)
Other
(1,071)
(6)
Income tax recovery
485
(50)
Total other
$
(17,450)
$
(16,410)
$
271,715
$
68,123
$
125,340
$
5,637,727
1)
All figures in thousands except gold ounces produced and sold and per ounce amounts.
2)
Ounces produced represent the quantity of gold and silver contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining deductions. Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the mineral stream interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available. Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.
3)
Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.
4)
Comprised of the operating Coleman,the non-operating Stobie and Victor gold interests.
5)
Comprised of the operating Minto and 777 gold interests in addition to the non-operating Rosemont gold interest. The Minto mine was placed into care and maintenance in October 2018.
6)
Pursuant to the San Dimas SPA with Primero,and 50% of any excess for the life of the mine. On May 10,the Company terminated the San Dimas SPA and concurrently entered into the new San Dimas PMPA.
7)
Comprised of the operating Los Filos,Lagunas Norte,Pierina,Veladero and 777 silver interests as well as the non-operating Keno Hill,Aljustrel,Pascua-Lama and Rosemont silver interests. In accordance with the Pascua-Lama PMPA,2018. Additionally,the Minto mine was placed into care and maintenance in October 2018.
On a gold equivalent and silver equivalent basis,2018 were as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,2018
Ounces Produced 1,2
Ounces
Sold 2
Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)
Average
Cash Cost
($'s Per
Ounce) 3
Cash
Operating
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce) 4
Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)
Gross
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce)
Gold equivalent basis
170,203
149,987
$ 1,328
$ 376
$ 952
$ 382
$ 570
Silver equivalent basis
13,495
11,892
$ 16.75
$ 4.74
$ 12.01
$ 4.82
$ 7.19
1)
Ounces produced represent the quantity of gold and silver contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining deductions. Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the mineral stream interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available. Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.
2)
Silver ounces produced and sold in thousands.
3)
Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.
4)
Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iv) at the end of this press release.
Non-IFRS Measures
Wheaton Precious Metals has included,throughout this document,certain non-IFRS performance measures,including (i) adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share; (ii) operating cash flow per share (basic and diluted); (iii) average cash costs of gold,silver and palladium on a per ounce basis and; (iv) cash operating margin.
i.Adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share are calculated by removing the effects of the non-cash impairment charges,non-cash fair value (gains) losses,non-cash share of losses of associates and other one-time (income) expenses. The Company believes that,in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS,management and certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance.
The following table provides a reconciliation of adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share (basic and diluted).
Three Months Ended
March 31
(in thousands,except for per share amounts)
2019
2018
Net earnings
$
57,123
Add back (deduct):
Share in losses of associate
62
201
Loss on fair value adjustment of share purchase warrants held
-
99
(Gain) loss on fair value adjustment of Kutcho Convertible Note
(871)
1,388
Fees for contract amendments and reconciliations
-
(248)
Adjusted net earnings
$
56,563
Divided by:
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding
444,728
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding
445,181
Equals:
Adjusted earnings per share - basic
$
0.13
$
0.16
Adjusted earnings per share - diluted
$
0.13
$
0.16
ii.Operating cash flow per share (basic and diluted) is calculated by dividing cash generated by operating activities by the weighted average number of shares outstanding (basic and diluted). The Company presents operating cash flow per share as management and certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other companies in the precious metal mining industry who present results on a similar basis.
The following table provides a reconciliation of operating cash flow per share (basic and diluted).
Three Months Ended
March 31
(in thousands,except for per share amounts)
2019
2018
Cash generated by operating activities
$
118,340
Divided by:
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding
444,181
Equals:
Operating cash flow per share - basic
$
0.27
$
0.28
Operating cash flow per share - diluted
$
0.27
$
0.28
iii.Average cash cost of gold,silver and palladium on a per ounce basis is calculated by dividing the total cost of sales,less depletion,by the ounces sold. In the precious metal mining industry,this is a common performance measure but does not have any standardized meaning. In addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS,management and certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow.
The following table provides a reconciliation of average cash cost of gold,silver and palladium on a per ounce basis.
Three Months Ended
March 31
(in thousands,except for gold and palladium ounces sold and per ounce amounts)
2019
2018
Cost of sales
$
137,595
$
113,679
Less: depletion
(68,381)
(57,265)
Cash cost of sales
$
69,214
$
56,414
Cash cost of sales is comprised of:
Total cash cost of gold sold
$
47,982
$
27,914
Total cash cost of silver sold
19,915
28,500
Total cash cost of palladium sold
1,317
-
Total cash cost of sales
$
69,414
Divided by:
Total gold ounces sold
115,973
Total silver ounces sold
4,343
Total palladium ounces sold
5,189
-
Equals:
Average cash cost of gold (per ounce)
$
417
$
399
Average cash cost of silver (per ounce)
$
4.64
$
4.49
Average cash cost of palladium (per ounce)
$
254
$
n.a.
iv.Cash operating margin is calculated by subtracting the average cash cost of gold,silver and palladium on a per ounce basis from the average realized selling price of gold,silver and palladium on a per ounce basis. The Company presents cash operating margin as management and certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other companies in the precious metal mining industry who present results on a similar basis as well as to evaluate the Company's ability to generate cash flow.
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash operating margin.
Three Months Ended
March 31
(in thousands,except for gold and palladium ounces sold and per ounce amounts)
2019
2018
Total sales:
Gold
$
150,399
$
93,086
Silver
$
67,162
$
106,166
Palladium
$
7,488
$
-
Divided by:
Total gold ounces sold
115,189
-
Equals:
Average realized price of gold (per ounce)
$
1,330
Average realized price of silver (per ounce)
$
15.64
$
16.73
Average realized price of palladium (per ounce)
$
1,443
$
n.a.
Less:
Average cash cost of gold 1 (per ounce)
$
(417)
$
(399)
Average cash cost of silver 1 (per ounce)
$
(4.64)
$
(4.49)
Average cash cost of palladium 1 (per ounce)
$
(254)
$
n.a.
Equals:
Cash operating margin per gold ounce sold
$
891
$
931
As a percentage of realized price of gold
68%
70%
Cash operating margin per silver ounce sold
$
11.00
$
12.24
As a percentage of realized price of silver
70%
73%
Cash operating margin per palladium ounce sold
$
1,189
$
n.a.
As a percentage of realized price of palladium
82%
n.a.
1) Please refer to non-IFRS measure (iii),above.
These non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS,and other companies may calculate these measures differently. The presentation of these non-IFRS measures 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 IFRS. For more detailed information,please refer to Wheaton Precious Metals' MD&A available on the Company's website at www.wheatonpm.com and posted on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING-STATEMENTS
The information contained herein 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 applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements,which are all statements other than statements of historical fact,include,but are not limited to,statements with respect to:
estimated future production as a result of the Salobo Expansion;
the construction timeline,including completion,of the mine expansion,including the underground mines,at Voisey's Bay by Vale and the commencement and timing of delivery of cobalt by Vale under the Voisey's Bay cobalt purchase agreement;
the commencement of production at the Rosemont project;
the impact of the suspension of operations at the Peñasquito mine
the effect of the Servicio de Administraciόn Tributaria ("SAT") legal claim on the business,financial condition,results of operations and cash flows for 2010-2014 and 2015-2019 in respect of the San Dimas mine;
the proposed recovery of lost production over the remainder of the year by Sibanye-Stillwater in respect of the Stillwater mines;
the repayment of the Kutcho convertible note;
the ability of Barrick to advance the Pascua-Lama project (as defined herein);
the development and commencement of mining of the Pampacancha deposit at the Constancia mine;
proposed improvements at mining operations,including the San Dimas mine;
future payments by the Company in accordance with precious metal purchase agreements,including any acceleration of payments,estimated throughput and exploration potential;
projected increases to Wheaton's production and cash flow profile;
the expansion and exploration potential at the Salobo and Peñasquito mines,including Newmont Goldcorp's expected future improvements focused on increasing mill throughput and improving plant reliability at the Peñasquito mine;
projected changes to Wheaton's production mix;
anticipated increases in total throughput;
the estimated future production (including increases in production,estimated grades and recoveries);
the future price of commodities;
the estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources;
the realization of mineral reserve estimates;
the timing and amount of estimated future production (including 2019 and average attributable annual production over the next five years);
the costs of future production;
reserve determination;
estimated reserve conversion rates and produced but not yet delivered ounces;
any statements as to future dividends,the ability to fund outstanding commitments and the ability to continue to acquire accretive precious metal stream interests;
confidence in the Company's business structure;
the Company's estimation of the cash taxes payable in respect of the 2005 to 2010 taxation years as a result of the CRA Settlement;
the Company's assessment of the impact of the CRA Settlement for years subsequent to 2010;
possible audits for taxation years subsequent to 2015;
the Company's intention to file future tax returns in a manner consistent with the CRA Settlement; and
assessments of the impact and resolution of various legal and tax matters,including but not limited to outstanding class actions.
Generally,these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans","expects" or "does not expect","is expected","budget","scheduled","estimates","forecasts","projects","intends","anticipates" or "does not anticipate",or "believes","potential",or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions,events or results "may","could","would","might" or "will be taken","occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks,uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results,level of activity,performance or achievements of Wheaton to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements,including but not limited to:
Vale is unable to produce the estimated future production in connection with the Salobo Expansion;
Vale does not meet the construction timeline,including anticipated completion,at Voisey's Bay or Vale is unable to commence,or the timing of delivery of cobalt by Vale is delayed or deferred under the Voisey's Bay cobalt purchase agreement;
Wheaton is unable to sell its cobalt production delivered under the Voisey's Bay cobalt purchase agreement at acceptable prices or at all or there is a decrease in demand for cobalt,the decrease in uses for cobalt or the discovery of new supplies of cobalt,any or all of which could result in a decrease to the price of cobalt or a decrease in the ability to sell cobalt;
Newmont Goldcorp is required to continue suspending operations at the Peñasquito mine because it is unable to resolve the illegal blockade in a safe,fair or timely manner;
First Majestic being able to defend the validity of the 2012 APA,is unable to pay taxes in Mexico based on realized silver prices or the SAT proceedings or actions otherwise having an adverse impact on the business,financial condition or results of operation in respect of the San Dimas mine;
Sibanye-Stillwater is unable to recover lost production over the remainder of the year in respect of the Stillwater mines;
Kutcho not being able to make payments under the Kutcho Convertible Note;
Hudbay will not commence development and /or mining of the Pampacancha deposit at the Constancia mine;
proposed improvements at mining operations,including the San Dimas mine,will not be achieved;
that each party does not satisfy its obligations in accordance with the terms of the precious metal purchase agreements;
risks related to the satisfaction of each party's obligations in accordance with the terms of the Company's precious metal purchase agreements,including the ability of the companies with which the Company has precious metal purchase agreements to perform their obligations under those precious metal purchase agreements in the event of a material adverse effect on the results of operations,cash flows or business of such companies,any acceleration of payments,estimated throughput and exploration potential;
fluctuations in the price of commodities;
risks related to the mining operations including risks related to fluctuations in the price of the primary commodities mined at such operations,actual results of mining and exploration activities,environmental,economic and political risks of the jurisdictions in which the mining operations are located,and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined;
absence of control over the mining operations and having to rely on the accuracy of the public disclosure and other information Wheaton receives from the owners and operators of the mining operations as the basis for its analyses,forecasts and assessments relating to its own business;
differences in the interpretation or application of tax laws and regulations or accounting policies and rules;
Wheaton's interpretation of,or compliance with,tax laws and regulations or accounting policies and rules,being found to be incorrect or the tax impact to the Company's business operations being materially different than currently contemplated;
any challenge by the CRA of the Company's tax filings being successful and the potential negative impact to the Company's previous and future tax filings;
any reassessment of the Company's tax filings and the continuation or timing of any such process being outside the Company's control;
any requirement to pay reassessed tax,and the amount of any tax,interest and penalties that may be payable changing due to currency fluctuations;
risks in estimating cash taxes payable in respect of the 2005 to 2010 taxation years and assessing the impact of the CRA Settlement for years subsequent to 2010,including whether there will be any material change in the Company's facts or change in law or jurisprudence;
credit and liquidity risks;
indebtedness and guarantees risks;
mine operator concentration risks;
hedging risk;
competition in the streaming industry;
risks related to Wheaton's acquisition strategy;
risks related to the market price of the common shares of Wheaton (the "Common Shares");
equity price risks related to Wheaton's holding of long‑term investments in other companies;
risks related to interest rates;
risks related to the declaration,timing and payment of dividends;
the ability of Wheaton and the mining operations to retain key management employees or procure the services of skilled and experienced personnel;
litigation risk associated with outstanding legal matters;
risks related to claims and legal proceedings against Wheaton or the mining operations;
risks relating to activist shareholders;
risks relating to reputational damage;
risks relating to unknown defects and impairments;
risks relating to security over underlying assets;
risks related to ensuring the security and safety of information systems,including cyber security risks;
risks related to the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting;
risks related to fluctuations in commodity prices of metals produced from the mining operations other than precious metals or cobalt;
risks related to governmental regulations;
risks related to international operations of Wheaton and the mining operations;
risks relating to exploration,development and operations at the mining operations;
risks related to environmental regulations and climate change;
the ability of Wheaton and the mining operations to obtain and maintain necessary licenses,permits,approvals and rulings;
the ability of Wheaton and the mining operations to comply with applicable laws,regulations and permitting requirements;
lack of suitable infrastructure and employees to support the mining operations;
uncertainty in the accuracy of mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates;
inability to replace and expand mineral reserves;
risks relating to production estimates from mining operations,including anticipated timing of the commencement of production by certain mining operations (including increases in production,estimated grades and recoveries);
uncertainties related to title and indigenous rights with respect to the mineral properties of the mining operations;
the ability of Wheaton and the mining operations to obtain adequate financing;
the ability of the mining operations to complete permitting,construction,development and expansion;
challenges related to global financial conditions;
risks relating to future sales or the issuance of equity securities; and
other risks discussed in the section entitled "Description of the Business – Risk Factors" in Wheaton's Annual Information Form available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com,and in Wheaton's Form 40-F for the year ended December 31,2018 and Form 6-K filed March 20,2019 both on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington,D.C. (the "Disclosure").
Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management currently believes to be reasonable,including but not limited to:
Vale is able to produce the estimated future production as a result of the Salobo Expansion;
Vale is able to meet the construction timeline,at Voisey's Bay and Vale is able to commence and meet its timing for delivery of cobalt under the Voisey's Bay cobalt purchase agreement;
Wheaton is able to sell cobalt production delivered under the Voisey's Bay cobalt purchase agreement at acceptable prices and the demand and uses for cobalt will not significantly decrease and the supply of cobalt will not significantly increase;
that Newmont Goldcorp will be able to resolve the illegal blockade at the Peñasquito mine and resume operations;
that Sibanye-Stillwater is able to recover lost production over the remainder of the year in respect of the Stillwater mines;
that Kutcho will make all required payments and not be in default under the Kutcho Convertible Note;
Hudbay will commence development and /or mining of the Pampacancha deposit at the Constancia mine or will deliver a delay payment in accordance with the precious metals purchase agreement;
proposed improvements at mining operations,will be achieved;
that Wheaton will be able to terminate the Pascua-Lama precious metal purchase agreement in accordance with its terms;
that each party will satisfy their obligations in accordance with the precious metal purchase agreements;
that there will be no material adverse change in the market price of commodities;
that the mining operations will continue to operate and the mining projects will be completed in accordance with public statements and achieve their stated production estimates;
that Wheaton will continue to be able to fund or obtain funding for outstanding commitments;
that Wheaton will be able to source and obtain accretive precious metal stream interests;
expectations regarding the resolution of legal and tax matters,including the ongoing class action litigation and CRA audits involving the Company;
that Wheaton will be successful in challenging any reassessment by the CRA;
that Wheaton has properly considered the application of Canadian tax law to its structure and operations;
that Wheaton has filed its tax returns and paid applicable taxes in compliance with Canadian tax law;
that Wheaton's ability to enter into new precious metal purchase agreements will not be impacted by any CRA reassessment;
expectations and assumptions concerning prevailing tax laws and the potential amount that could be reassessed as additional tax,penalties and interest by the CRA;
that Wheaton's estimation of cash taxes payable in respect of the 2005 to 2010 taxation years as a result of the CRA Settlement and the Company's assessment of the impact of the CRA Settlement for years subsequent to 2010 are accurate,including the Company's assessment that there will be no material change in the Company's facts or change in law or jurisprudence for years subsequent to 2010;
the estimate of the recoverable amount for any precious metal purchase agreement with an indicator of impairment; and
such other assumptions and factors as set out in the Disclosure.
Although Wheaton has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results,performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements,there may be other factors that cause results,performance or achievements not to be as anticipated,estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and even if events or results described in the forward-looking statements are realized or substantially realized,there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to,or effects on,Wheaton. Accordingly,readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and are cautioned that actual outcomes may vary. The forward-looking statements included herein are for the purpose of providing investors with information to assist them in understanding Wheaton's expected financial and operational performance and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any forward looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Wheaton does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are included or incorporated by reference herein,except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Cautionary Language Regarding Reserves And Resources
For further information on Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources and on Wheaton more generally,readers should refer to Wheaton's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31,2017 and other continuous disclosure documents filed by Wheaton since January 1,available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Wheaton's Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are subject to the qualifications and notes set forth therein. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured,Indicated and Inferred Resources:The information contained herein has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada,which differ from the requirements of United States securities laws. The terms "mineral reserve","proven mineral reserve" and "probable mineral reserve" are Canadian mining terms defined in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining,Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") – CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves,adopted by the CIM Council,as amended (the "CIM Standards"). These definitions differ from the definitions in Industry Guide 7 ("SEC Industry Guide 7") under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933,as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"). Under U.S. standards,mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. Also,under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards,a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves,the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. In addition,the terms "mineral resource","measured mineral resource","indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however,these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules,estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies,except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however,the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly,information contained herein that describes Wheaton's mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. United States investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in Wheaton's Form 40-F,a copy of which may be obtained from Wheaton or from http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
In accordance with the Company's MD&A and financial statements,reference to the Company includes the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries.
Tags: Mining Mining/Metals Precious Metals
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