10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2002

NEWMONT Corp /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2002

Filed August 14, 2002For Securities:NEMNEMCL

Summary

Newmont Mining Corporation (NEM) reported a significant turnaround in its financial performance for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, compared to the same period in 2001. The company posted a net income applicable to common shares of $64.8 million ($0.16 per share) in Q2 2002, a substantial improvement from a net loss of $33.5 million ($0.17 per share) in Q2 2001. This positive shift was driven by increased revenues from higher gold prices and a notable gain of $47.3 million from the sale of its interest in Lihir Gold Limited. Operationally, the company benefited from the inclusion of results from its recent acquisitions of Normandy and Franco-Nevada, which were completed in February 2002. These acquisitions, along with higher gold prices, contributed to a significant increase in sales and other income. Despite these positive developments, the company also recorded a non-cash mark-to-market loss on derivative instruments of $8.0 million in Q2 2002, which partially offset the gains. For the first half of 2002, Newmont reported a net income of $54.1 million ($0.16 per share), a stark contrast to a net loss of $72.6 million ($0.37 per share) in the first half of 2001.

Key Highlights

  • 1Significant profitability improvement: Net income applicable to common shares turned positive at $64.8 million in Q2 2002 from a net loss of $33.5 million in Q2 2001.
  • 2Record gain on asset sale: A $47.3 million gain was recognized from the sale of Newmont's stake in Lihir Gold Limited.
  • 3Acquisition integration: Results from the recently acquired Normandy and Franco-Nevada are now being consolidated, significantly expanding the company's operational footprint.
  • 4Increased revenue drivers: Higher gold prices and improved sales volumes contributed to a substantial rise in total sales and other income.
  • 5Strong cash flow from operations: Operating activities generated $198.1 million in cash for the first half of 2002, supporting investments and debt reduction.
  • 6Robust cash position: Cash and cash equivalents increased to $285.4 million at June 30, 2002, from $149.4 million at December 31, 2001.
  • 7Strategic debt management: The company repaid significant debt obligations and refinanced credit facilities, improving its financial flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the significant improvement in net income is the combination of higher gold prices, a substantial gain of $47.3 million from the sale of Newmont's interest in Lihir Gold Limited, and the inclusion of operational results from the recent acquisitions of Normandy and Franco-Nevada. These factors more than offset a non-cash mark-to-market loss on derivative instruments.

The acquisitions of Normandy and Franco-Nevada, completed in February 2002, have been accounted for using the purchase method. Their results of operations are included in the financial statements from February 16, 2002, onwards. This has led to a substantial increase in assets, liabilities, and equity, particularly the recognition of $2.6 billion in goodwill. It also expanded the company's operational base and is expected to generate over $75 million annually in synergies starting in 2003.

Newmont forecasts equity gold sales of approximately 7.5 million ounces for the full year 2002, with an estimated total cash cost of $180 to $185 per ounce. The company anticipates higher production and lower cash costs in the second half of 2002, driven by higher grade ore in Nevada, Peru, and Australia.

The primary risks highlighted include fluctuations in the market price of gold and copper, which significantly impact profitability. Other factors include environmental and reclamation obligations, potential litigation related to past mining activities and environmental incidents (such as the mercury spill in Peru), and the successful integration and realization of synergies from the recent large acquisitions. The company also continues to manage a substantial derivative instrument position inherited from the Normandy acquisition.