10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2003

NEWMONT Corp /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2003

Filed November 3, 2003For Securities:NEMNEMCL

Summary

Newmont Mining Corporation's (NEM) Q3 2003 report shows a significant turnaround, with net income applicable to common shares soaring to $114.4 million ($0.28 per share) compared to $20.8 million ($0.05 per share) in the same period of 2002. This substantial improvement is driven by higher gold prices, increased production from key operations like Yanacocha, and strategic debt reduction efforts. The company also benefited from significant gains related to the extinguishment of NYOL bonds and derivatives liabilities, contributing positively to the bottom line. Operationally, Newmont saw strong performance in its South American segment, particularly at Yanacocha, Peru, where higher ore grades and increased sales ounces boosted results. Australian operations also showed improved gold sales, though higher costs due to currency fluctuations and increased development activity impacted margins. The company continues to manage its diverse portfolio through its Merchant Banking segment, which realized gains on investments and royalty income. Newmont's financial position appears robust, with substantial operating cash flow generation. However, the company is navigating ongoing environmental liabilities and various legal matters, which are disclosed in the notes. The company also made progress on its acquisitions, including the full acquisition of Newmont NFM Limited and continued investment in exploration for future reserve replacement. Overall, the report signals a positive operational and financial trajectory for Newmont.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income applicable to common shares increased significantly to $114.4 million ($0.28/share) for Q3 2003 from $20.8 million ($0.05/share) in Q3 2002.
  • 2Nine-month net income applicable to common shares rose to $322.5 million ($0.80/share basic) from $79.2 million ($0.22/share basic) in the prior year.
  • 3Strong performance in South America, particularly at Minera Yanacocha, Peru, with higher gold sales and reduced cash costs.
  • 4Significant gains were realized from the extinguishment of NYOL bonds ($19.6 million for Q3) and NYOL derivatives liability ($29.9 million for Q3).
  • 5Total gold sales revenue increased year-over-year due to higher gold prices and increased production from key operations.
  • 6Exploration, research, and development expenditures increased, reflecting ongoing investment in reserve replacement.
  • 7The company continues to manage its debt, with significant repayments and proactive tender offers for outstanding debentures and notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers behind the significant increase in net income were higher gold prices realized ($366/oz in Q3 2003 vs. $315/oz in Q3 2002) and increased production from key operations like Minera Yanacocha in Peru. Additionally, substantial gains from the extinguishment of NYOL bonds and derivative liabilities contributed significantly to the improved profitability.

The report details the ongoing integration of acquisitions, including the full acquisition of Newmont NFM Limited, which contributed to increased gold sales and operational scale. The company also benefited from gains on investments, such as the exchange of Echo Bay shares for Kinross shares, though it also recorded a loss on the sale of a portion of its Kinross investment in Q3 2003. The overall strategy appears focused on consolidating operations and realizing synergies.

Key operational highlights include strong performance from Yanacocha in South America, with higher ore grades and sales volumes. Australian operations saw increased gold sales but faced higher costs due to currency fluctuations and increased development activity. Challenges include managing higher total cash costs at certain North American and Australian operations due to factors like currency, labor, and fuel costs, as well as ongoing labor negotiations at Carlin, Nevada.

Newmont is actively managing its debt portfolio, evidenced by significant debt repayments and proactive tender offers for outstanding debentures and notes. The company generated substantial operating cash flow, which it expects to use to fund ongoing obligations, exploration expenditures, and investments. Newmont also maintains access to credit facilities, indicating a solid liquidity position.