10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2012

SOUTHERN COPPER CORP/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2012

Filed August 3, 2012For Securities:SCCO

Summary

Southern Copper Corporation (SCCO) reported its financial results for the second quarter and first six months ending June 30, 2012. While net sales saw a decrease in the second quarter compared to the prior year due to lower commodity prices, the company achieved an overall increase in net sales for the first six months. This was driven by higher copper sales volume, which offset the impact of declining metal prices. The company demonstrated strong production growth across its key metals, including copper, molybdenum, zinc, and silver. Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, SCCO maintained a focus on operational efficiency and strategic capital expenditures to drive future growth, particularly at its Buenavista mine. The company's financial position remains robust, supported by solid operating cash flow and strategic investments in expansion projects. Investors should note the continued emphasis on cost control and production enhancement as key drivers of profitability in the current market conditions.

Financial Highlights

49 data points
Beta

Revenue

$1.66B

55.0% Gross Margin

Net Income

$563.50M

33.9% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.66

Total Assets

$8.37B

Cash & Equivalents

$1.08B

Free Cash Flow

$146.76M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.66B
Cost of Revenue$667.88M
Gross Profit$913.60M
SG&A Expenses$25.36M
Operating Expenses$784.27M
Operating Income$875.60M
Net Income$563.50M
EPS (Basic)$0.66
Shares Outstanding (Basic)849.46M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)849.46M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the first six months of 2012 increased by 1.8% to $3.466 billion, driven by higher copper sales volume despite lower commodity prices.
  • 2Net income attributable to SCCO for the first six months of 2012 was $1.185 billion, a 4.3% increase compared to the same period in 2011.
  • 3Total copper production increased by 15.9% to 691.1 million pounds in the first six months of 2012 compared to the prior year.
  • 4The company significantly increased capital expenditures, investing $407.7 million in the first six months of 2012, primarily for expansion projects at the Buenavista, Toquepala, and Cuajone mines.
  • 5Operating cash cost per pound of copper produced (with by-product revenues) increased to $0.56 in the first six months of 2012 from $0.39 in the same period of 2011, largely due to lower by-product credits and higher copper production.
  • 6The company's cash and cash equivalents increased to $1.079 billion as of June 30, 2012, from $848.1 million as of December 31, 2011.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lower metal prices, particularly for copper, negatively impacted net sales on a quarterly basis. However, for the first six months of 2012, higher sales volumes from increased production at open-pit mines offset the effect of lower prices, resulting in a slight increase in net sales and a 4.3% rise in net income attributable to SCCO.

Southern Copper is focusing on strategic capital expenditures for expansion projects, notably at the Buenavista, Toquepala, and Cuajone mines. They are also emphasizing operational efficiency and cost control to maximize performance, especially in a volatile commodity price environment.

The company sees a mixed global market. While China's demand growth is expected to support the copper market, demand in Europe and the US remains weak due to macroeconomic concerns. Supply is expected to be constrained, supporting market tightness. Molybdenum prices are anticipated to improve as supply-demand balance tightens, and silver prices are expected to be supported by industrial uses and its role as a value shelter.

The company is involved in various legal proceedings, including labor-related lawsuits in Peru and a significant class-action lawsuit in Delaware concerning a past merger where damages and attorneys' fees were awarded, which is currently under appeal. Additionally, the Tia Maria project in Peru remains suspended, pending a new environmental impact assessment, impacting its potential start-up to 2015.