10-Q/APeriod: Q2 FY2003

NEWMONT Corp /DE/ Quarterly Report (Amendment) for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2003

Filed July 28, 2004For Securities:NEMNEMCL

Summary

Newmont Mining Corporation (NEM) filed an amendment (10-Q/A) to its quarterly report for the period ending June 30, 2003. The filing highlights a significant increase in net income applicable to common shares to $90.8 million ($0.22 per share) for the three months ended June 30, 2003, compared to $67.1 million ($0.17 per share) for the same period in the prior year. This improvement was driven by higher gold prices and strategic gains, including a substantial gain on the extinguishment of NYOL bonds and derivative liabilities. However, the report also details a significant write-down related to the investment in Australian Magnesium Corporation, impacting overall profitability. Operationally, the company saw increased gold sales driven by higher average realized gold prices per ounce. Despite a slight increase in total cash costs per ounce for several operations, overall financial performance demonstrated resilience. The company is actively managing its debt, with ongoing efforts to reduce outstanding balances, and is focused on strategic capital expenditures for mine development and expansion, particularly at its Nevada operations. The report also addresses ongoing environmental compliance, legal matters, and the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on its global operations.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income applicable to common shares significantly increased to $90.8 million ($0.22 per share) for Q2 2003 from $67.1 million ($0.17 per share) in Q2 2002.
  • 2The company recognized substantial gains from the extinguishment of NYOL bonds ($94.4 million) and NYOL derivatives liability ($76.6 million).
  • 3A significant investment write-down of $107.8 million was recorded for Australian Magnesium Corporation (AMC) due to project viability issues.
  • 4Gold sales increased to $724.0 million in Q2 2003 from $609.5 million in Q2 2002, driven by higher gold prices and increased production from certain operations.
  • 5Total cash costs per ounce saw an increase in several key operating segments due to factors like currency fluctuations, higher fuel costs, and operational adjustments.
  • 6Newmont is actively managing its debt, with a decrease in outstanding long-term debt and consistent compliance with debt covenants.
  • 7Capital expenditures were focused on mine development and expansion, notably at Nevada operations with projects like Gold Quarry South Layback and Leeville.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the increase in net income for the second quarter of 2003 was higher gold prices, which boosted gold sales revenue, and significant gains recognized from the extinguishment of NYOL bonds and derivative liabilities. These financial gains significantly outweighed the negative impact of an investment write-down in Australian Magnesium Corporation.

Newmont made significant progress in reducing its debt. During the first half of 2003, the company repurchased substantial amounts of its outstanding debt. Overall, long-term debt decreased, and Newmont reported compliance with all its debt covenants, indicating strong liquidity management.

Newmont's capital expenditures are focused on mine development and expansion. Key projects include the Gold Quarry South Layback (GQSL) in Nevada, expected to yield significant production starting in late 2003, and the Leeville project, which is projected to commence production by the end of 2005. The company anticipates significant capital spending for the full year 2003 across its global operations.

The company adopted SFAS No. 143, 'Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,' effective January 1, 2003, which impacted the accounting for reclamation liabilities. Additionally, a change in accounting policy for depreciation, depletion, and amortization (DD&A) was implemented in Q3 2002, aiming to better match DD&A with associated gold sales. The filing also noted a restatement of the Consolidated Cash Flows for prior periods due to classification errors.