VANCOUVER, May 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
TSX: SLW
NYSE: SLW
Silver Wheaton Corp. ("Silver Wheaton" or the "Company") (TSX:SLW) (NYSE:SLW) is pleased to announce its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017. All figures are presented in United States dollars unless otherwise noted.
In the first quarter of 2017, Silver Wheaton's gold production and sales volumes climbed over 35% relative to the first quarter of 2016, putting the Company on track to meet or exceed full-year gold production guidance. First quarter silver production and silver sales were impacted by strike action at San Dimas. For the third consecutive quarter, revenue was roughly evenly split between silver and gold, aligning well with the proposed name change to Wheaton Precious Metals.
FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
"Silver Wheaton had a solid start to 2017 with our gold business once again delivering strong results," said Randy Smallwood, President and Chief Executive Officer of Silver Wheaton. "For the third quarter in a row, revenue was roughly balanced between silver and gold, further supporting the proposed name change to Wheaton Precious Metals.While our name may be changing, our focus remains on being the premier investment option for precious metals."
Financial Review
Revenues
Revenue was $198 million in the first quarter of 2017, on sales volume of 5.2 million ounces of silver and 88,400 ounces of gold. This represents a 6% increase from the $188 million of revenue generated in the first quarter of 2016 due primarily to (i) a 35% increase in the number of gold ounces sold; (ii) a 19% increase in the average realized silver price ($17.45 in Q1 2017 compared with $14.68 in Q1 2016); (iii) a 3% increase in the average realized gold price ($1,208 in Q1 2017 compared with $1,175 in Q1 2016); partially offset by (iv) a 31% decrease in the number of silver ounces sold.
Costs and Expenses
Average cash costs ? in the first quarter of 2017 were $4.54 per silver ounce sold and $391 per gold ounce sold, as compared with $4.14 per silver ounce and $389 per gold ounce during the comparable period of 2016. This resulted in a cash operating margin ? of $12.91 per silver ounce sold and $817 per gold ounce sold, an increase of 22% and 4%, respectively, as compared with Q1 2016. The increase in the cash operating margin was primarily due to a 19% increase in the average realized silver price and a 3% increase in the average realized gold price in Q1 2017 compared with Q1 2016.
Earnings and Operating Cash Flows
Net earnings and cash flow from operations in the first quarter of 2017 were $61 million ($0.14 per share) and $120 million ($0.27 per share ?), compared with $41 million ($0.10 per share) and $114 million ($0.28 per share ?) for the same period in 2016, an increase of 49% and 5%, respectively.
Balance Sheet
At March 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $115 million of cash on hand and $1.1 billion outstanding under the Company's $2 billion revolving term loan (the "Revolving Facility"). On February 27, 2017, the term of the revolving term loan was extended so that it now matures on February 27, 2022.
First Quarter Asset Highlights
During the first quarter of 2017, attributable production was 6.5 million ounces of silver and 84,900 ounces of gold, respectively, representing a decrease of 14% and an increase of 37%, as compared with the first quarter of 2016.
Operational highlights for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, based upon counterparties' reporting, are as follows:
Salobo
In the first quarter of 2017, Salobo produced 53,200 ounces of attributable gold, an increase of approximately 38% relative to the first quarter of 2016. This growth was primarily due to the acquisition of an additional 25% of attributable gold from the Salobo mine in the third quarter of 2016.According to Vale S.A.'s first quarter of 2017 production report, production was impacted by conveyor belt and plant repairs in February, as well as by lower grades.
Antamina
In the first quarter of 2017, Antamina produced 1.5 million ounces of attributable silver, a decrease of approximately 28% relative to the first quarter of 2016. This decrease was primarily the result of lower throughput, grades and recovery. The mine site was reportedly well prepared for the major floods and mudslides that affected Peru during the month of March, with no long-term impacts to production expected in 2017. Antamina is on track to meet the six million ounce silver forecast for full-year 2017.
Pe??asquito
In the first quarter of 2017, Pe??asquito produced 1.3 million ounces of attributable silver, a decrease of approximately 1% relative to the first quarter of 2016. According to Goldcorp Inc.'s ("Goldcorp") first quarter of 2017 MD&A, higher grade ore is expected in the second quarter of 2017 as further mining occurs in Phase 5, after which mill feed is expected to consist of lower grade ore and stockpiled material for the remainder of 2017. Goldcorp further reports that it expects increased productivity throughout 2017 as a result of ongoing initiatives, including improved pit conditions with large and wide cut-backs, a continued focus on balancing truck haulage with available shovels, and an optimization of drill-and-blast activities. Finally, pre-stripping of the Chile Colorado pit has reportedly commenced ahead of schedule with the first two benches being mined. Goldcorp has indicated that mining of ore is expected to start in 2018.
According to Goldcorp, the Pyrite Leach Project ("PLP") achieved construction progress of 6% and engineering progress of 81% by the end of the first quarter of 2017, with major procurement activities nearing completion, material and equipment arriving on site and major works contractors having mobilized to site. Goldcorp also reports that earthwork activities are now complete, concrete works are underway, and mechanical works installation will commence in the second quarter of 2017. As part of the PLP, a carbon pre-flotation facility is being constructed which will reportedly allow Pe??asquito to process ore which was previously considered uneconomic, including significant amounts already in stockpiles.
San Dimas
In the first quarter of 2017, San Dimas produced 0.6 million ounces of attributable silver, a decrease of approximately 33% relative to the first quarter of 2016. Operations at San Dimas resumed on April 18, 2017, after Primero resolved the work stoppage of unionized employees that began on February 15, 2017. Primero announced that it has a new CBA with the National Union of Mine, Metal, Steel and Allied Workers of the Mexican Republic. Primero believes the new CBA allows for a competitive cost structure and improved performance bonus parameters aligned to the future success of San Dimas operations. A phased restart of the San Dimas operation is currently underway, and Primero is guiding for 2017 silver production of between 4.5 to 5.5 million ounces.
On March 30, 2017, Silver Wheaton and certain of its subsidiaries provided a guarantee to the lenders under Primero's existing revolving credit facility, which is set to mature on November 23, 2017, capped at a maximum of $81.5 million, plus interest, fees and expenses. Primero will pay Silver Wheaton a fee of 5% per annum in connection with the guarantee.
Sudbury
In the first quarter of 2017, Vale's Sudbury mines produced 15,100 ounces of attributable gold, an increase of approximately 91% relative to the first quarter of 2016. This increase was attributable to higher grades and recovery more than offsetting lower throughput. According to Vale's first quarter of 2017 production report, production in the second quarter of 2017 will be impacted as Vale took furnace #2 offline mid-March for a three-month long rebuild and expansion in its' capacity as this will be the furnace in operation when Sudbury officially transitions to a single furnace in the fourth quarter of 2017. Furthermore, in the second quarter, Sudbury will have its three-week long surface plant wide scheduled maintenance shutdown, which occurs every 18 months.
Constancia
In the first quarter of 2017, Constancia produced 0.5 million ounces of attributable silver and 2,400 ounces of attributable gold, an increase of approximately 6% for silver production and a decrease of approximately 29% for gold production relative to the first quarter of 2016. Lower grades were more than offset for silver and partially offset for gold by increased throughput and recovery. According to Hudbay Minerals Inc.'s ("Hudbay") first quarter of 2017 MD&A, ore mined at Constancia during the first quarter of 2017 increased by 6% compared to the same period in 2016 as the company wanted to increase stockpiles to improve the ability to blend ore at the processing plant.
Other Gold
In the first quarter of 2017, total Other Gold attributable production was 14,200 ounces, an increase of approximately 17% relative to the first quarter of 2016. The increase was driven primarily by higher grades at Minto, partially offset by lower attributable production at 777.
Other Silver
In the first quarter of 2017, total Other Silver attributable production was 2.5 million ounces, a decrease of approximately 7% relative to the first quarter of 2016. The decrease was driven primarily due to lower grades, throughput, and recovery at Yauliyacu and Zinkgruvan, partially offset by higher throughput and grades at Pierina.
In March 2017, the Company amended its silver purchase agreement with Alexco Resource Corp. ("Alexco") to make the production payment a function of the silver head grade and silver spot price in the month in which the silver is produced. In addition, the area of interest was expanded to include properties currently owned by Alexco and properties acquired by Alexco in the future which fall within a one kilometer radius of existing Alexco holdings in the Keno Hill Silver District. As consideration of the amendments, on April 10, 2017 Alexco issued 3 million shares to Silver Wheaton with a fair value of $5 million.
Development Update - Rosemont
Hudbay has completed an updated feasibility study for its Rosemont project in Arizona, United States. Since their acquisition of Rosemont, Hudbay has completed an extensive work program, including in-fill drilling, detailed metallurgical test work, and a bottom-up approach to cost estimation, along with other feasibility-level work, as detailed in the National Instrument 43-101 technical report ("Rosemont Technical Report") in respect to the Rosemont project dated March 30, 2017. Rosemont will be a traditional open pit, shovel and truck operation with an expected 19-year mine life. Project capital cost for Rosemont is now estimated at approximately $1.9 billion (100% basis) and is expected to be spent over a three-year construction period.
Subsequent to the quarter, Hudbay announced in its news release dated May 8, 2017, that the U.S. Forest Service has published a notice to the U.S. Federal Register regarding the Rosemont project. The notice states that, "The Record of Decision (ROD) for the Rosemont Copper Project is expected to be signed in early June, 2017 by (the) Coronado National Forest Supervisor." The Final Record of Decision is one of the two key federal permits outstanding, the other being the Section 404 Water Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
As per the precious metals streaming agreement, Silver Wheaton (Caymans) Ltd. will provide a payment of a $230 million deposit upon achievement of certain milestones in exchange for an amount equal to 100% of the life of mine silver and gold production from Rosemont[3].
Produced But Not Yet Delivered [4]
As at March 31, 2017, payable ounces attributable to the Company produced but not yet delivered ? amounted to 3.9 million payable silver ounces and 51,500 payable gold ounces, representing an increase of 0.6 million payable silver ouncesand a decrease of 8,100 payable gold ounces during the three month period ended March 31, 2017. Payable silver ounces produced but not yet delivered increased primarily as a result of increases related to the Pe??asquito, Antamina, Zinkgruvan, and Yauliyacu silver interests, partially offset by a decrease related to the San Dimas silver interest. Payable gold ounces produced but not yet delivered decreased primarily as a result of decreases related to the Salobo and 777 gold interests, offset partially by an increase related to the Sudbury gold interest. Payable ounces produced but not yet delivered to Silver Wheaton companies are expected to average approximately two months of annualized production but may vary from quarter to quarter due to a number of mining operation factors including mine ramp-up and timing of shipments.
Detailed mine-by-mine production and sales figures can be found in the Appendix to this press release and in Silver Wheaton's consolidated MD&A in the 'Results of Operations and Operational Review' section.
Outlook
Silver Wheaton's estimated attributable silver and gold production in 2017 is forecast to be 28 million silver ounces and 340,000 gold ounces. Estimated average annual attributable silver and gold production over the next five years (including 2017) is anticipated to be approximately 29 million silver ounces and 340,000 gold ounces per year. As a reminder, Silver Wheaton does not include any production from Barrick's Pascua-Lama project or Hudbay's Rosemont project in its guidance.
From a liquidity perspective, the $115 million of cash and cash equivalents as at March 31, 2017 combined with the liquidity provided by the available credit under the $2 billion Revolving Facility and ongoing operating cash flows positions the Company well to fund all outstanding commitments and known contingencies as well as providing flexibility to acquire additional accretive precious metal stream interests.
Webcast and Conference Call Details
A conference call and webcast will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2017, starting at 11:00 am (Eastern Time) to discuss these results. To participate in the live call, please use one of the following methods:
Dial toll free from Canada or the US:888-231-8191 Dial from outside Canada or the US: 647-427-7450 Pass code:3204939 Live audio webcast:http://www.silverwheaton.com
Participants should dial in five to ten minutes before the call.
The conference call will be recorded and available until May 17, 2017 at 11:59 pm ET. The webcast will be available for one year. You can listen to an archive of the call by one of the following methods:
Dial toll free from Canada or the US: 855-859-2056 Dial from outside Canada or the US:416-849-0833 Pass code: 3204939 Archived audio webcast:http://www.silverwheaton.com
This earnings release should be read in conjunction with Silver Wheaton's MD&A and Financial Statements, which are available on the Company's website at http://www.silverwheaton.com and have been posted on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com.
Mr. Neil Burns, Vice President, Technical Services for Silver Wheaton, is a "qualified person" as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical information including information on mineral reserves and mineral resources disclosed in this news release.
Silver Wheaton believes that there are no significant differences between its corporate governance practices and those required to be followed by United States domestic issuers under the NYSE listing standards. This confirmation is located on the Silver Wheaton website at http://www.silverwheaton.com/company/corporate-governance/default.aspx.
End Notes
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Please refer to the table on the bottom of pages 12 and 13 for the methodology of converting production and sales volumes to silver and gold equivalent ounces, [1] which are provided to assist the reader. [2] Please refer to non-IFRS measures at the end of this press release. In the Rosemont Technical Report, including the effect of the stream, Hudbay estimates silver to represent only approximately 2% of the mines revenue, while the financial impact of gold was not estimated as it is currently thought to be [3] negligible to the overall economics of the mine. Payable silver and gold ounces produced but not yet delivered are based on management estimates, and may be updated in future periods as additional [4] information is received.
Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Three Months Ended March 31 (US dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts - unaudited)20172016 Sales$197,951$187,511 Cost of sales Cost of sales, excluding depletion$58,291$56,636 Depletion 63,94371,344 Total cost of sales$122,234$127,980 Gross margin $75,717$59,531 Expenses General and administrative [1]$ 7,898$10,844 Interest expense 6,373 6,932 Other expense 94 1,160 $14,365$18,936 Earnings before income taxes$61,352$40,595 Income tax (expense) recovery (128)384 Net earnings $61,224$40,979 Basic earnings per share $0.14$0.10 Diluted earnings per share$0.14$0.10 Weighted average number of shares outstanding Basic 441,484402,952 Diluted441,955403,125 1) Equity settled stock based compensation (a non-cash item) included in general and administrative expenses. $ 1,196$ 1,397
Condensed Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets
As atAs at March 31December 31 (US dollars in thousands - unaudited)20172016 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents$114,749$124,295 Accounts receivable 3,3182,316 Other1,4141,481 Total current assets$119,481$128,092 Non-current assets Silver and gold interests$ 5,855,329$ 5,919,272 Early deposit - silver and gold interests 20,712 20,064 Royalty interest 9,1079,107 Long-term investments 68,185 64,621 Other12,895 12,163 Total non-current assets$ 5,966,228$ 6,025,227 Total assets$ 6,085,709$ 6,153,319 Liabilities Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 13,770$ 18,829 Dividends payable30,906- Current portion of performance share units114 228 Total current liabilities $ 44,790$ 19,057 Non-current liabilities Bank debt$ 1,064,000$ 1,193,000 Deferred income taxes 264 262 Performance share units7011,012 Total non-current liabilities$ 1,064,965$ 1,194,274 Total liabilities$ 1,109,755$ 1,213,331 Shareholders' equity Issued capital$ 3,447,213$ 3,445,914 Reserves59,650 55,301 Retained earnings1,469,091 1,438,773 Total shareholders' equity$ 4,975,954$ 4,939,988 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$ 6,085,709$ 6,153,319
Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31 (US dollars in thousands - unaudited)20172016 Operating activities Net earnings$ 61,224$ 40,979 Adjustments for Depreciation and depletion 64,186 71,575 Amortization of credit facility origination fees: Interest expense 200 257 Amortization of credit facility origination fees - undrawn facilities 161 107 Interest expense6,1736,675 Equity settled stock based compensation 1,1961,397 Performance share units(434)2,321 Deferred income tax expense (recovery) 115(371) Investment income recognized in net earnings(76)(31) Other(1,031)30 Change in non-cash working capital(5,463)(3,091) Cash generated from operations before interest paid and received $126,251$119,848 Interest paid - expensed (6,389)(6,119) Interest received 6125 Cash generated from operating activities$119,923$113,754 Financing activities Bank debt repaid$ (129,000)$(95,000) Credit facility origination fees(1,300)(1,300) Repurchase of share capital -(33,126) Share purchase options exercised722- Cash generated from financing activities$ (129,578)$ (129,426) Investing activities Silver and gold interests$-$(273) Interest paid - capitalized to silver interests-(615) Early deposit - silver and gold interests (879) (1) Proceeds on disposal of silver interest [1]1,022- Dividend income received156 Other(54)(47) Cash used for investing activities$ 104$(930) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents$5$81 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents$(9,546)$(16,521) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period124,295103,297 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$114,749$ 86,776 During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company received an additional $1 million settlement related to the November 4, 2014 bankruptcy of Mercator Minerals Ltd. ("Mercator") with whom Silver Wheaton had a silver purchase agreement relative to Mercator's 1) Mineral Park mine in the United States.
Summary of Ounces Produced and Sold
2017 20162015 Q1Q4Q3Q2Q1Q4Q3Q2 Silver ounces produced [2] San Dimas6231,4291,2641,5969232,3171,4181,786 Pe??asquito1,3391,3281,4878671,3521,7662,0921,932 Antamina1,4641,5991,4691,7072,0212,403 - - Constancia540723749778509637664591 Other [3] 2,5472,5102,6822,6592,7273,1612,7162,892 Total silver ounces produced6,5137,5897,6517,6077,53210,2846,8907,201 Gold ounces produced squared Sudbury [4] 15,0838,90110,77915,0547,89513,6787,3008,195 Salobo53,19371,32868,16835,62738,47439,39535,71734,036 Constancia2,4313,1513,7374,6223,4354,6174,3413,510 Other [5]14,15621,82530,64215,88512,05314,67611,25010,572 Total gold ounces produced84,863 105,205 113,32671,18861,85772,36658,60856,313 SEOs produced [6]12,45415,06715,36512,94712,45315,69911,30911,299 GEOs produced [6]177,916 211,970 225,712 172,566 156,513 209,783 149,941 155,303 Silver ounces sold San Dimas7961,5711,0651,4261,3452,0972,0141,265 Pe??asquito8601,2701,0788869492,0862,0531,420 Antamina1,1701,4881,5982,2021,8791,340 - - Constancia383702536520666511329320 Other [3] 2,0162,4751,8452,1082,7132,7172,1792,570 Total silver ounces sold5,2257,5066,1227,1427,5528,7516,5755,575 Gold ounces sold Sudbury [4]6,88710,18312,29411,3519,0076,2566,67412,518 Salobo63,00773,64650,04345,39635,36644,49121,95732,156 Constancia2,3153,3433,3963,6104,9334,4732,7013,223 Other [5]16,18821,75919,33010,40015,9529,67916,74513,077 Total gold ounces sold 88,397 108,93185,06370,75765,25864,89948,07760,974 SEOs sold [6] 11,41215,24911,91312,45112,74513,60710,20110,010 GEOs sold [6]163,032 214,529 175,008 165,945 160,180 181,838 135,243 137,591 Cumulative payable silver ounces produced but not yet delivered [7]3,8503,2243,7832,9993,2303,8723,3203,747 Cumulative payable gold ounces produced but not yet delivered [7]51,47859,53663,93544,78049,67956,86754,46246,809 Silver / Gold Ratio [8]70.0 71.1 68.1 75.0 79.6 74.8 75.4 72.8 1) All figures in thousands except gold ounces produced and sold. Ounces produced represent the quantity of silver and gold contained in concentrate or dor?(C) prior to smelting or refining deductions. Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the silver or gold interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available. Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information 2) is received. Comprised of the Los Filos, Zinkgruvan, Yauliyacu, Stratoni, Keno Hill, Cozamin, Neves-Corvo, Minto, Aljustrel, Lagunas Norte, 3) Pierina, Veladero and 777 silver interests. Comprised of the Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Stobie, Creighton 4) and Totten gold interests. 5) Comprised of the Minto and 777 gold interests. Silver equivalent ounces (SEOs) and gold equivalent ounces (GEOs), which are provided to assist the reader, are calculated by converting gold (in the case of SEOs) or silver (in the case of GEOs) using the ratio of the average price of silver to the average price of gold per the London Bullion Metal Exchange during 6) the period. Payable silver and gold ounces produced but not yet delivered are based on management estimates. These figures may be updated in 7) future periods as additional information is received. The silver / gold ratio is the ratio of the average price of silver to the average price of gold per the London Bullion Metal 8) Exchange during the period.
Results of Operations
The Company currently has eight reportable operating segments: the silver produced by the San Dimas, Pe??asquito and Antamina mines, the gold produced by the Sudbury and Salobo mines, the silver and gold produced by the Constancia mine and the Other mines and corporate operations.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Average Ounces RealizedAverageAverage Produc PriceCash CostDepletion edsqua Ounces($'s Per ($'s Per ($'s Per redSoldOunce)Ounce)[3]Ounce) Silver San Dimas623 796 $ 17.56$4.28$1.46 Pe??asquito1,339 86017.094.132.88 Antamina1,4641,17017.083.469.81 Constancia540 38317.455.907.36 Other [4] 2,5472,01617.785.183.83 6,5135,225 $ 17.45$4.54$4.91 Gold Sudbury [5]15,0836,887 $ 1,216$400$769 Salobo53,193 63,0071,216400381 Constancia2,4312,3151,212400409 Other [6]14,156 16,1881,172353497 84,863 88,397 $ 1,208$391$433 Operating results Corporate costs General and administra tive Interest expense Other Income tax expense Total corporate costs (Table continued) Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Cash Flow NetFromTotal SalesEarningsOperationsAssets Silver San Dimas$13,968 $ 9,398$10,563$139,410 Pe??asquito14,6968,66611,144 415,599 Antamina 19,9774,45519,988 804,330 Constancia6,6871,604 4,223 273,149 Other [4]35,83717,67823,478 777,848 $91,165 $41,801$69,396$ 2,410,336 Gold Sudbury [5]$8,374 $321$ 5,593$396,236 Salobo76,62827,43251,4262,880,842 Constancia2,806933 1,867 124,723 Other [6]18,9785,230 8,99443,192 $ 106,786 $33,916$67,880$ 3,444,993 Operating results $ 197,951 $75,717$137,276$ 5,855,329 Corporate costs General and administra tive$(7,898)$ (10,472) Interest expense(6,373)(6,389) Other(94) (492) Income tax expense(128)- Total corporate costs $ (14,493)$ (17,353)$230,380 $61,224$119,923$ 6,085,709 1) All figures in thousands except gold ounces produced and sold and per ounce amounts. Ounces produced represent the quantity of silver and gold contained in concentrate or dor?(C) prior to smelting or refining deductions. Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the silver or gold interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available. Certain 2) production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received. 3) Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release. Comprised of the operating Los Filos, Zinkgruvan, Yauliyacu, Stratoni, Cozamin, Neves-Corvo, Minto, Lagunas Norte, Pierina, Veladero and 777 silver interests in addition to the non-operating Keno Hill, Aljustrel, Loma de La Plata, Pascua-Lama and Rosemont silver 4) interests. Comprised of the operating Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Stobie, Creighton and Totten gold 5) interests in addition to the non-operating Victor gold interest. Comprised of the operating Minto and 777 gold interests in addition to the non-operating 6) Rosemont gold interest.
On a silver equivalent and gold equivalent basis, results for the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Average SilverAverageCashCash Gross / RealizedCostOperatingAverageMargin Gold Ounces OuncesPrice($'s PerMarginDepletion($'s RatioProducedSold($'s Per Ounce) ($'s Per ($'s PerPer [1][2],[3] [3]Ounce) [4]Ounce) [5]Ounce)Ounce) Silver equivalent basis70.012,45411,412 $ 17.35 $ 5.11$ 12.24 $5.60$ 6.64 Gold equivalent basis70.0177,916 163,032 $ 1,214 $358$856 $392$464 The silver / gold ratio is the ratio of the average price of silver to the average price of gold per the London Bullion Metal 1) Exchange during the period. Ounces produced represent the quantity of silver and gold contained in concentrate or dor?(C) prior to smelting or refining deductions. Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the silver or gold interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available. Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as 2) additional information is received. 3) Silver ounces produced and sold in thousands. Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this 4) press release. Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iv) at the end of this 5) press release.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Average RealizedAverageAverage PriceCash CostDepletion Ounces Ounces($'s Per ($'s Per ($'s Per ProducedsquaredSoldOunce)Ounce)[3]Ounce) Silver San Dimas9231,345 $ 14.85$4.24$1.11 Pe??asquito1,352 94914.374.093.05 Antamina2,0211,87914.472.989.94 Constancia509 66614.595.907.41 Other [4] 2,7272,71314.864.483.93 7,5327,552 $ 14.68$4.14$5.12 Gold Sudbury [5] 7,8959,007 $ 1,174$400$787 Salobo38,474 35,3661,160400423 Constancia3,4354,9331,145400409 Other [6]12,053 15,9521,218355539 61,857 65,258 $ 1,175$389$501 Operating results Corporate costs General and administra tive Interest expense Other Income tax recovery Total corporate costs (table continued) Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Cash Flow NetFromTotal SalesEarningsOperationsAssets Silver San Dimas$19,972 $12,781$14,269$145,067 Pe??asquito13,6326,855 9,751 427,951 Antamina 27,1942,92721,603 868,348 Constancia9,717850 5,787 288,990 Other [4]40,33217,51827,748 817,689 $ 110,847 $40,931$79,158$ 2,548,045 Gold Sudbury [5]$10,573 $ (119)$ 7,074$499,161 Salobo41,01811,90226,8712,141,788 Constancia5,6491,657 3,676 129,906 Other [6]19,4245,16014,38479,211 $76,664 $18,600$52,005$ 2,850,066 Operating results $ 187,511 $59,531$131,163$ 5,398,111 Corporate costs General and administra tive$ (10,844)$ (10,461) Interest expense(6,932)(6,119) Other(1,160) (829) Income tax recovery384- Total corporate costs $ (18,552)$ (17,409)$165,033 $40,979$113,754$ 5,563,144
1) All figures in thousands except gold ounces produced and sold and per ounce amounts.
Ounces produced represent the quantity of silver and gold contained in concentrate or dor?(C) prior to
smelting or refining deductions. Production figures are based on information provided by the operators
of the mining operations to which the silver or gold interests relate or management estimates in those
situations where other information is not available. Certain production figures may be updated in
2) future periods as additional information is received.
3) Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.
Comprised of the operating Los Filos, Zinkgruvan, Yauliyacu, Stratoni, Cozamin, Neves-Corvo, Minto,
Lagunas Norte, Pierina, Veladero and 777 silver interests in addition to the non-operating Keno Hill,
4) Aljustrel, Loma de La Plata, Pascua-Lama and Rosemont silver interests.
Comprised of the operating Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Stobie, Totten and Creighton gold interests
5) in addition to the non-operating Victor gold interest.
Comprised of the operating Minto and 777 gold interests in addition to the non-operating Rosemont gold
6) interest.
On a silver equivalent and gold equivalent basis, results for the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 AverageCash RealizedAverageOperatingAverage Gross Silver / OuncesPriceCash Cost MarginDepletionMargin GoldProduced Ounces ($'s Per ($'s Per ($'s Per ($'s Per ($'s Per Ratio [1][2],[3]Sold [3]Ounce)Ounce) [4]Ounce) [5]Ounce)Ounce) Silver equivalent basis79.612,45312,745 $ 14.71$4.44$ 10.27$5.60$ 4.67 Gold equivalent basis79.6156,513160,180 $ 1,171$354$817$445$372
The silver / gold ratio is the ratio of the average price of silver to the
1) average price of gold per the London Bullion Metal Exchange during the period.
Ounces produced represent the quantity of silver and gold contained in
concentrate or dor?(C) prior to smelting or refining deductions. Production figures
are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to
which the silver or gold interests relate or management estimates in those
situations where other information is not available. Certain production figures
2) may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.
3) Silver ounces produced and sold in thousands.
4) Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.
5) Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iv) at the end of this press release.
Non-IFRS Measures
Silver Wheaton has included, throughout this document, certain non-IFRS performance measures, including (i) operating cash flow per share (basic and diluted); (ii) average cash costs of silver and gold on a per ounce basis and; (iii) cash operating margin.
Operating cash flow per share (basic and diluted) is calculated by dividing cash generated by operating activities by the weighted average number of shares outstanding (basic and diluted). The Company presents operating cash flow per share as management and certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other companies in the precious metal mining industry who present results on a i. similar basis. The following table provides a reconciliation of operating cash flow per share (basic and diluted). Three Months Ended March 31 (in thousands, except for per share amounts) 20172016 Cash generated by operating activities$119,923$113,754 Divided by: Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding 441,484402,952 Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding441,955403,125 Equals: Operating cash flow per share - basic $0.27$0.28 Operating cash flow per share - diluted$0.27$0.28
Average cash cost of silver and gold on a per ounce basis is calculated by dividing the total cost of sales, less depletion, by the ounces sold. In the precious metal mining industry, this is a common performance measure but does not have any standardized meaning. In addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, management and certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ii. ability to generate cash flow. The following table provides a reconciliation of average cash cost of silver and gold on a per ounce basis. Three Months Ended March 31 (in thousands, except for gold ounces sold and per ounce amounts) 20172016 Cost of sales$122,234$127,980 Less: depletion(63,943) (71,344) Cash cost of sales$58,291$56,636 Cash cost of sales is comprised of: Total cash cost of silver sold $23,701$31,252 Total cash cost of gold sold 34,59025,384 Total cash cost of sales $58,291$56,636 Divided by: Total silver ounces sold5,225 7,552 Total gold ounces sold 88,39765,258 Equals: Average cash cost of silver (per ounce) $4.54$4.14 Average cash cost of gold (per ounce)$391$389
Cash operating margin is calculated by subtracting the average cash cost of silver and gold on a per ounce basis from the average realized selling price of silver and gold on a per ounce basis. The Company presents cash operating margin as management and certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other companies in the precious metal mining industry who present results on a similar basis as well as to evaluate the Company's iii.ability to generate cash flow. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash operating margin. Three Months Ended March 31 (in thousands, except for gold ounces sold and per ounce amounts) 2017 2016 Total sales: Silver $91,165$ 110,847 Gold$ 106,786$76,664 Divided by: Total silver ounces sold5,2257,552 Total gold ounces sold88,39765,258 Equals: Average realized price of silver (per ounce)$17.45$14.68 Average realized price of gold (per ounce)$1,208$1,175 Less: Average cash cost of silver [1] (per ounce)$(4.54)$(4.14) Average cash cost of gold [1] (per ounce)$(391)$(389) Equals: Cash operating margin per silver ounce sold$12.91$10.54 Cash operating margin per gold ounce sold$817$786
1) Please refer to non-IFRS measure (ii), above.
These non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and other companies may calculate these measures differently.The presentation of these non-IFRS measures is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. For more detailed information, please refer to Silver Wheaton's MD&A available on the Company's website at http://www.silverwheaton.com and posted on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING-STATEMENTS
The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements, which are all statements other than statements of historical fact, include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:
Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "projects", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", "potential", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Silver Wheaton to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to:
Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management currently believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to:
Although Silver Wheaton has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results, level of activity, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and even if events or results described in the forward-looking statements are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Silver Wheaton. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and are cautioned that actual outcomes may vary. The forward-looking statements included herein are for the purpose of providing investors with information to assist them in understanding Silver Wheaton's expected financial and operational performance and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any forward looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Silver Wheaton does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are included or incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Cautionary Language Regarding Reserves And Resources
For further information on Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources and on Silver Wheaton more generally, readers should refer to Silver Wheaton's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2016 and other continuous disclosure documents filed by Silver Wheaton since January 1, 2017, available on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com. Silver Wheaton's Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are subject to the qualifications and notes set forth therein. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources: The information contained herein has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of United States securities laws. The terms "mineral reserve", "proven mineral reserve" and "probable mineral reserve" are Canadian mining terms defined in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") - CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the "CIM Standards"). These definitions differ from the definitions in Industry Guide 7 ("SEC Industry Guide 7") under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"). Under U.S. standards, mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. Also, under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. In addition, the terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information contained herein that describes Silver Wheaton's mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. United States investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in Silver Wheaton's Form 40-F, a copy of which may be obtained from Silver Wheaton or from http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
In accordance with the Company's MD&A and financial statements, reference to the Company includes the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries.
Patrick Drouin, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, Silver Wheaton Corp., Tel: +1-844-288-9878, Email: info@silverwheaton.com, Website: http://www.silverwheaton.com