Summary
Southern Copper Corporation (SCCO) reported a decrease in net sales and net earnings for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same periods in 2007. This decline was primarily attributed to lower sales volumes resulting from the ongoing strike at its Cananea mine and depressed copper and zinc prices, partially offset by higher molybdenum prices. Despite these challenges, the company maintained a strong cash position exceeding $1.1 billion, which supports its operational needs and ongoing capital expenditure programs. Management highlighted the turbulent economic environment as a significant factor impacting metal prices, particularly copper, which saw a substantial decline in the latter part of the third quarter and into the fourth quarter. SCCO emphasized its operational strengths, including quality assets, low cost structure, and manageable debt, positioning it to navigate the economic downturn. The company is continuing with its expansion projects, anticipating significant increases in copper production by 2011, which are expected to drive future value creation.
Financial Highlights
27 data points| Cost of Revenue | $645.80M |
| SG&A Expenses | $25.94M |
| Operating Expenses | $764.13M |
| Operating Income | $675.95M |
| Net Income | $420.36M |
| EPS (Basic) | $0.47 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $0.47 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 882.70M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 882.70M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2008, decreased by 10.4% to $1.44 billion, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, decreased by 8.1% to $4.40 billion, year-over-year.
- 2Net earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2008, decreased by 33.5% to $417.8 million, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, decreased by 19.6% to $1.53 billion, year-over-year.
- 3The Cananea mine strike significantly impacted production volumes, contributing to the decline in copper and zinc sales, while higher molybdenum prices provided some offset.
- 4The company maintained a strong liquidity position with $1.176 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2008.
- 5Capital expenditures totaled $134.2 million for the third quarter and $314.9 million for the first nine months of 2008, with investments focused on expansion projects like Tia Maria and Toquepala.
- 6Metal prices, particularly copper, experienced a significant decline in the latter part of the third quarter and into the fourth quarter, posing a challenge for future profitability.
- 7The company repurchased 3.3 million shares of its common stock for $68.5 million during the third quarter under its authorized repurchase program.