Early Access

10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2023

SOUTHERN COPPER CORP/ Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2023

Filed May 2, 2023For Securities:SCCO

Summary

Southern Copper Corporation (SCCO) reported a modest increase in net sales for the first quarter of 2023, reaching $2.79 billion, a slight uptick from $2.76 billion in the prior year period. This growth was primarily driven by increased sales volumes of copper, silver, and zinc, alongside a significant surge in molybdenum prices. However, lower copper prices, coupled with reduced molybdenum sales volumes, tempered overall performance. Net income attributable to SCC saw a positive increase of 3.6% to $813.2 million, or $1.05 per diluted share, up from $784.7 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, in Q1 2022, indicating improved profitability despite a challenging pricing environment for key commodities. The company demonstrated strong operational execution with a 4.1% increase in mined copper production, largely due to improved performance at the Cuajone mine and normalized operations at Toquepala. Despite rising operating costs, particularly in its Mexican underground operations (IMMSA), SCCO managed its overall cost structure effectively, with operating cash costs per pound of copper produced (net of by-products) increasing to $0.76 from $0.55 year-over-year. Significant capital investments continue, with $238.1 million deployed in Q1 2023 towards growth projects in Mexico and Peru, underscoring the company's commitment to long-term production expansion.

Financial Statements
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Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased slightly to $2.79 billion, driven by higher sales volumes of copper, silver, and zinc, and a significant jump in molybdenum prices.
  • 2Net income attributable to SCC rose by 3.6% to $813.2 million ($1.05 per diluted share), reflecting improved profitability despite lower copper prices.
  • 3Mined copper production increased by 4.1% year-over-year, primarily due to strong performance at the Cuajone mine.
  • 4Operating cash costs, net of by-product revenues, increased to $0.76 per pound of copper produced, up from $0.55 in Q1 2022, largely due to higher production costs.
  • 5Capital expenditures totaled $238.1 million in Q1 2023, reflecting ongoing investment in growth projects.
  • 6The company ended the quarter with a strong cash position of $2.3 billion, providing ample liquidity.
  • 7A new fast-track bill impacting the mining industry was approved by the Mexican Senate in late April 2023, introducing changes to concession periods, water use, environmental guarantees, and exploration governance, the full impact of which is still under analysis.

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