10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2009

SOUTHERN COPPER CORP/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2009

Filed August 3, 2009For Securities:SCCO

Summary

Southern Copper Corporation (SCCO) reported a significant decline in net sales and net income for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to the same period in 2008, primarily driven by lower commodity prices, particularly for copper and molybdenum. Despite the revenue drop, the company managed to reduce its operating costs and expenses, leading to a substantial decrease in the operating income loss for the period. The company's balance sheet shows a reduction in cash and cash equivalents and a slight decrease in total assets, while maintaining a stable debt-to-capitalization ratio. Key operational challenges include ongoing labor disputes, particularly at the Cananea mine, which continued to impact production. However, SCCO is progressing with its capital expansion projects, such as the Tia Maria and Toquepala concentrator expansion, aimed at increasing future copper production. The company's financial strategy focuses on cost control and maintaining a prudent capital structure to navigate the volatile commodity market.

Financial Statements
Beta
Cost of Revenue$419.48M
SG&A Expenses$18.10M
Operating Expenses$521.31M
Operating Income$303.20M
Net Income$174.97M
EPS (Basic)$0.21
EPS (Diluted)$0.21
Shares Outstanding (Basic)850.01M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)850.01M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales decreased significantly by 51.1% to $1,446.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $2,961.0 million in the prior year period, largely due to lower commodity prices.
  • 2Net income attributable to SCCO plummeted by 77.3% to $253.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, from $1,113.5 million in the comparable 2008 period.
  • 3Operating costs and expenses decreased by 23.4% to $999.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, from $1,303.9 million in the prior year period, indicating effective cost control measures.
  • 4The company reported ongoing labor disputes at its Cananea mine, which continued to impact production, along with strikes at the Taxco and San Martin mines.
  • 5Despite market challenges, SCCO continued to invest in capital projects, including the Tia Maria project and Toquepala concentrator expansion, aiming to increase future production capacity.
  • 6Cash and cash equivalents decreased substantially to $235.5 million as of June 30, 2009, from $716.7 million as of December 31, 2008, reflecting reduced cash generation and continued capital expenditures.
  • 7The company's debt-to-capitalization ratio remained stable at 27.2% as of June 30, 2009, indicating a prudent approach to managing its capital structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver behind the substantial decrease in net sales and net income for the first half of 2009 was the significant decline in commodity prices, particularly for copper and molybdenum, compared to the same period in 2008. Lower realized prices for its key products directly impacted the company's top-line revenue and bottom-line profitability.

Southern Copper is facing significant operational challenges, most notably ongoing labor disputes. The strike at the Cananea mine has continued to affect production. Additionally, strikes at the Taxco and San Martin mines have also led to suspended operations. These labor issues disrupt production, can lead to increased costs, and negatively impact operational efficiency and revenue generation.

Yes, despite the challenging market conditions and lower commodity prices, Southern Copper is continuing to invest in its long-term growth initiatives. The company is progressing with significant capital projects, including the Tia Maria project and the Toquepala concentrator expansion, which are designed to increase future copper production capacity and enhance operational efficiency.

Southern Copper's liquidity position has weakened, with cash and cash equivalents decreasing significantly by the end of the second quarter of 2009. This is primarily due to lower earnings from reduced commodity prices and ongoing capital expenditures. However, the company expects to meet its cash requirements for 2009 and beyond through a combination of cash on hand, internally generated funds, and potentially additional external financing if necessary. The debt-to-capitalization ratio remains stable, indicating a managed approach to its capital structure.