Stock Symbol: AEM (NYSE and TSX) For further information: Investor Relations
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Stock Symbol: AEM (NYSE and TSX)
For further information: Investor Relations
(416) 947-1212
(All amounts expressed in U.S. dollars ("$" or "US$") unless otherwise noted)
AGNICO EAGLE REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2017 RESULTS –
RECORD ANNUAL GOLD OUTPUT; PRODUCTION GUIDANCE INCREASED FOR
2018 AND 2019; RESERVES INCREASE YEAR-OVER-YEAR
Toronto (February 14, 2018) – Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM, TSX:AEM)
("Agnico Eagle" or the "Company") today reported quarterly net income of $35.1 million, or
net income of $0.15 per share for the fourth quarter of 2017. This result includes mark-to-
market adjustments and derivative losses of $1.0 million ($0.01 per share), non-recurring
losses of $6.8 million ($0.03 per share) and non- cash foreign currency translation losses
of $5.5 million ($0.02 per share). Excluding these items would result in adjusted net
income1 of $48.4 million ($0.21 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2017. In the fourth
quarter of 2016, the Company reported net income of $62.7 million or $0.28 per share.
Not included in the fourth quarter of 2017 adjusted net income above is non- cash stock
option expense of $4.1 million ($0.02 per share).
Fourth quarter 2017 cash provided by operating activities was $166.9 million ($209.5
million before changes in non -cash components of working capital). This compares to
cash provided by operating activities of $120.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 ($120.3
million before changes in non-cash components of working capital). The increase in cash
provided by operating activities before changes in non-cash components of working capital
during the current period, as compared to the prior period, was mainly due to higher gold
sales (up 5%) and a higher realized gold price (up 7%).
"In 2017, we had another strong year of operating performance exceeding our production
forecast and beating our cost guidance for the sixth consecutive year. We set a new annual
production record while recording the fewest number of lost time accidents, and we al so
increased our gold reserves", said Sean Boyd, Agnico Eagle’s Chief Executive Officer.
"Furthermore, we continue to make excellent progress on our Nunavut development
projects which has allowed us to advance the expected start-up of Meliadine and increase
our production guidance for 2018 and 2019. With projected production on track to reach
1Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP measure. For a discussion regarding the Company’s use of non-GAAP
measures, please see "Note Regarding Certain Measures of Performance".
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approximately 2.0 million ounces with lower unit costs in 2020, the Company will be
focusing on increasing its reserve base and advancing its development pipeline to enhance
the production profile and grow free cash flow", added Mr. Boyd.
Fourth quarter and full year 2017 highlights include:
• Gold production and costs better than forecast for sixth consecutive year –
Payable production2 in 2017 was 1,713,533 ounces of gold on production costs per
ounce of gold of $621, with total cash costs per ounce3 of $558, compared to most
recent guidance of 1,680,000 ounces of gold at total cash costs per ounce of $585.
All-in sustaining costs per ounce 4 ("AISC") for 2017 were $804, compared to most
recent guidance of $845 per ounce
• Gold production forecasts increased for 2018 and 2019 as Meliadine start up
advanced and Meadowbank extended into 2019; production guidance for 2020
is unchanged at 2.0 million ounces – The production forecast for 2018 is now
1.53 million ounces, compared to previous guidance of 1.5 million ounces. The
midpoint of production guidance for 2019 is now 1.7 million ounces, compared to
previous guidance of 1.6 million ounces. First production at Meliadine is now
expected in the second quarter of 2019, which is approximately one quarter ahead
of the initial schedule. The midpoint of production guidance for 2020 is 2.0 million
ounces, which is unchanged from previous guidance
• Transitioning to lower unit c osts by 2020 as production ramps up – In 2018,
total cash costs per ounce are forecast to be between $625 and $675 and AISC are
forecast to be between $890 and $940 per ounce. The increased unit costs over
the 2017 period are largely due to lower expected gold production in 2018 than in
2017. As the Nunavut business transitions from the Meadowbank deposit to
Amaruq and Meliadine, with much higher gold production expected in 2020, total
cash costs per ounce are forecast to decline to between $600 and $650, while AISC
are forecast to decline to between $825 and $875 per ounce
• Gold Reserves continue to grow as average grade increases – 2017 mineral
reserves, net of 2017 production, increased by 3.1% to 20.6 million ounces (257
million tonnes grading 2.49 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold), while the gold reserve
grade increased by approximately 7.7% from the previous year. A large portion of
the increase comes from mineral resource conversion at Amaruq. Measured and
2Payable production of a miner al means the quantity of mineral produced during a period contained in
products that are sold by the Company , whether such products are shipped during the period or held as
inventory at the end of the period.
3Total cash costs per ounce is a non-GAAP measure, and unless otherwise specified, is reported on a by -
product basis. For a reconciliation to production costs and for total cash costs on a co- product basis, see
"Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures " below. See also "Note Regarding Certain
Measures of Performance".
4All-in-sustaining costs per ounce is a non-GAAP measure, and unless otherwise specified, is reported on a
by-product basis. For a reconciliation to production costs and for all -in sustaining costs on a co- product
basis, see "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures" below. See also "Note Regarding
Certain Measures of Performance".
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indicated mineral resources declined by 2.6% a nd inferred mineral resources
declined by 4.3%, however, grades of these mineral resources increased.
• Kittila Shaft Approved for Construction – The Company’s Board of Directors has
approved an expansion to add a 1,044 metre deep shaft and increase expected mill
throughput by 25 percent to 2.0 million tonnes per annum ("mtpa") at Kittila. The
expansion will be phased in over four years at a capital cost of approximately 160
million euros and is expected to result in a 50,000 to 70,000 ounce annual increase
in gold production at reduced operating costs beginning in 2021. The shaft is
expected to provide access to the mineral resource areas below 1,150 metres which
could further extend the mine life
• A quarterly dividend of $0.11 per share has been declared
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Financial and Production Highlights
In the fourth quarter of 2017, strong operational performance continued at the Company's
mines. Payable production in the fourth quarter of 2017 was 413,212 ounces of gold,
compared to 426,433 ounces in the fourth quarter of 2016. A detailed description of the
production performance of each mine is set out below.
Production costs per ounce for the fourth quarter of 2017 were $697, compared to $598 in
the fourth quarter of 2016. Total cash costs per ounce for the fourth quarter of 2017 were
$592, compared to $552 in the fourth quarter of 2016. The increase in production costs
per ounce and cash costs per ounce for the fourth quarter , when compared to the prior -
year period, is as a re sult of higher minesite costs and lower production in the quarter.
AISC for the fourth quarter of 2017 were $905, compared to $832 in the fourth quarter of
2016 due to higher total cash costs and increased sustaining capital spending. A detailed
description of the cost performance of each mine is set out below.
For the full year 2017, the Company recorded net income of $243.9 million, or $1.06 per
share. In 2016, the Company recorded net income of $158.8 million, or $0.71 per share.
The increase was primarily due to higher revenue as a result of higher realized metal prices
and higher metal sales volumes.
For the full year 2017, cash provided by operating activities was $767.6 million ($839.4
million before changes in non-cash components of working capital), as compared with the
full year 2016, when cash provided by operating activities was $778.6 million ($714.2
million before changes in non-cash components of working capital). The increase in cash
provided by operating activities before changes in working capital for the full year 2017
were mainly due to higher revenue as a result of higher realized metal prices and higher
metal sales volumes.
For the sixth consecutive year, Agnico Eagle has reported annual gold production in excess
of annual guidanc e. The Company's payable production for the full year 2017 was
1,713,533 ounces of gold, compared to most recent guidance of 1,680,000 ounces. In
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2016, full year production was 1,662,888 ounces. A detailed description of the production
performance of each mine is set out below.
Production costs per ounce for the full year 2017 were $621, which was the same as 2016.
Total cash costs per ounce for the full year 2017 were $558, below most recent guidance
of between $570 and $600. In 2016, total cash costs per ounce were $573. The decrease
in cash costs per ounce for full year 2017, when compared to the prior -year period, is
primarily due to higher production in 2017.
AISC for 2017 was $804 per ounce, below most recent guidance of between $820 and
$870. This compares with AISC of $824 per ounce in 2016. The lower AISC in 2017
period is primarily due to lower total cash costs per ounce and higher production. A
detailed description of the cost performance of each mine is set out below.
Capital Spending and Liquidity - Existing Cash and Undrawn Credit Facility Provide
Financial Flexibility
The Company continues to maintain its investment grade balance sheet and has adequate
financial flexibility to finance capital requirements at its various mines and d evelopment
projects from operating cash flow, cash and cash equivalents, short term investments and
undrawn credit lines.
Cash and cash equivalents and short term investments increased to $643.9 million at
December 31, 2017, from the December 31, 2016 balance of $548.4 million.
The outstanding balance on the Company’s credit facility remained nil at December 31,
2017. This results in available credit lines of approximately $1.2 billion, not including the
uncommitted $300 million accordion feature.
In the first quarter of 2018, the Company marketed notes to institutional investors on a
private placement basis. The Company expects to issue $350 million of notes with a
weighted average maturity of 13.9 years and a weighted average interest rate of 4.57% in
April. The other terms of the notes are expected to be substantially the same as the terms
of the existing outstanding notes of the Company.
Total capital expenditures for the full year 2017 were $875 million, compared to most recent
guidance of $895 million. The lower capital expenditures largely related to a reduction in
development capital spending at LaRonde Zone 5 and Goldex, offset by higher
development capital spending at Canadian Malartic. A portion of the capital not spent in
2017 has been rolled forward into the 2018 capital forecast.
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Quarterly Dividend Declared
Agnico Eagle's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per
common share, payable on March 15, 2018 to shareholders of record as of March 1, 2018.
Agnico Eagle has now declared a cash dividend every year since 1983.
Expected Dividend Record and Payment Dates for 2018
Record Date Payment Date
March 1* March 15*
June 1 June 15
August 31 September 14
November 30 December 14
*Declared
Capital Expenditures
(In thousands of US dollars)
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2017 December 31, 2017
Sustaining Capital
LaRonde mine 16,883$ 67,128$
Canadian Malartic mine 27,281 67,878
Meadowbank mine 6,008 22,720
Kittila mine 20,679 57,079
Goldex mine 11,709 30,061
Lapa mine - -
Pinos Altos mine 12,501 39,986
Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos 2,446 6,753
La India mine 1,750 8,159
Meliadine project - -
Development Capital
LaRonde mine 10,302$ 22,621$
Canadian Malartic mine 10,714 18,671
Meadowbank mine 12,173 88,796
Kittila mine 11,096 30,710
Goldex mine 3,060 26,989
Lapa mine - -
Pinos Altos mine 851 9,351
Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos 909 1,355
La India mine 29 2,624
Meliadine project 87,175 372,071
Other 1,041 1,924
Total Capital Expenditures 236,607$ 874,876$
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Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Shareholders should use the following link for information on the Company's dividend
reinvestment plan: Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Conference Call Tomorrow
The Company's senior management will host a conference call on Thursday, February 15,
2018 at 11:00 AM (E.S.T.) to discuss the Company’s fourth quarter and full-year financial
and operating results.
Via Webcast:
A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's website
www.agnicoeagle.com.
Via Telephone:
For those preferring to listen by telephone, please dial 647- 427-7450 or toll -free 1-888-
231-8191. To ensure your participation, please call approximately five minutes prior to the
scheduled start of the call.
Replay Archive:
Please dial 1- 416-849-0833 or toll -free 1 -855-859-2056, access code 5699104. The
conference call replay will expire on Thursday, March 15, 2018.
The webcast along with presentation slides will be archived for 180 days on the Company’s
website www.agnicoeagle.com.
New Three Year Guidance – Production Forecasts Inc reased for 2018 and 2019;
while 2020 Remains on Track for Production of Approximately 2.0 million ounces
The Company is announcing its detailed production and cost guidance for 2018, and mine
by mine production forecasts for 2018 through 2020. Production in 2018 is now forecast
to be 1.53 million ounces (previously 1.5 million ounces). Given the expected start up of
several new operations, the Company is now providing a range of production guidance for
2019 and 2020. Production in 2019 is now forecast t o be between 1.63 and 1.77 million
ounces (mid point of 1.7 million ounces), which compares to previous guidance of 1.6
million ounces. Production in 2020 is now forecast to be between 1.95 and 2.05 million
ounces (mid point of 2.0 million ounces), which compares to previous guidance of
approximately 2.0 million ounces.
The increased production guidance for 2019 is partly due to advancing the expected start-
up of production at Meliadine to the second quarter of 2019 (previously the third quarter of
2019) and extension of production at Meadowbank (largely through the processing of
stockpiles).
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Total cash costs per ounce in 2018 are expected to be between $625 and $675 using a
C$/US$ foreign exchange rate assumption of 1.25 . Total cash costs per ounce in 2018
are expected to be higher than in the 2017 period primarily due to lower production
volumes, stronger operating currencies (Canadian dollar and euro), and slightly higher
minesite costs per tonne 5 at several operations (Meadowbank, Pinos Altos and Cres ton
Mascota). In 2020, using a C$/US$ foreign exchange rate assumption of 1.25, total cash
costs per ounce are forecast to decline to between $600 and $650, largely due to higher
production volumes.
AISC for 2018 are expected to be between $890 and $940 per ounce. The AISC per ounce
in 2018 are expected to be higher than in the 2017 period due to lower production and
higher total cash costs. In 2020, using a C$/US$ foreign exchange rate assumption of
1.25, AISC are forecast to decline to between $825 an d $875 per ounce, largely due to
higher production and lower total cash costs per ounce.
By 2019, the Company expects to have four cornerstone production assets (the LaRonde
Complex, Canadian Malartic, Meliadine and the Meadowbank Complex, which includes
the Amaruq satellite deposit) each with annual production rates of approximately 250,000
to 400,000 ounces of gold. Beyond 2019, the Company anticipates the Meadowbank
Complex production levels to increase as gold grades mined are expected to rise at the
Amaruq satellite deposit. In addition, at Kittila, with the proposed expansion, annual
production in 2021 and beyond is expected to increase by approximately 25- 30% over
current levels, to more than 250,000 ounces as new sources of ore are developed
underground.
Following a period of increased development capital spending, largely due to the
construction of the Meliadine and Amaruq projects in Nunavut, the Company is forecasting
a return to free cash generation in the second half of 2019. At current foreign exchange
rate assumptions (1.2 5 C$/US$, 1.20 EUR/US$, 18.00 US$/MXP) t otal capital
expenditures are forecast to be approximately $1.08 billion in 2018 and between $650 and
$700 million in 201 9 and 2020. A nnual sustaining capital expenditures (included in the
above) for 2019 and beyond are expected to remain stable at approximately $300 to $325
million.
"We are excited to transition into a larger production base in Nunavut next year. We have
also built a platform to drive further production growth bey ond 2020. We expect that this
increase in production will result in growth in free cash flow per share, which could
potentially translate into higher dividends", said David Smith, Agnico Eagle’s Senior Vice
President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer.
5 Minesite costs per tonne is a non-GAAP measure. For a reconciliation of this measure to production
costs as reported in the financial statements, see "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Performance
Measures" below. See also "Note Regarding Certain Measures of Performance.
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Additional Near-Term Production Potential (2019 to 2022)
The Company is evaluating several potential opportunities (none of which has yet been
approved for construction with the exception of the Kittila shaft ) at a number of existing
operations to build further value and enhance the production profile in 2019 through 2022.
These opportunities are summarized in the table below.
Minesite/Region Opportunity
LaRonde Complex Potential for phased development of LaRonde 3 (located below a depth of 3.1
kilometres) where recent drilling continues to encounter high grade gold
intersections. Also the potential to mine additional ounces from LaRonde
Zone 5 and other nearby satellite zones
Goldex Potential for increased throughput from Deep Zone 1 and potential for
advanced development of Deep Zone 2. Also potential for increased
production from the South Zone and Akasaba West once permitting is
complete
Canadian Malartic (50%) Potential production from near pit zones and/or Odyssey South underground
Meadowbank Complex Potential to accelerate development schedule and drilling to expand known
open pit deposits and evaluate the underground potential at the Whale Tail
and V zones
Meliadine Potential to accelerate original construction schedule, advancement of Phase
2 pit implementation and testing the depth and lateral extensions of the
Wesmeg, Normeg and Tiriganiaq zones
Kittila Expansion to 2.0 mtpa, including optimization of the Rimpi and Sisar zones
via a new shaft
Pinos Altos/Creston
Mascota
Evaluation of satellite zones including Cubiro, Reyna de Plata and Madrono.
La India Evaluation of satellite zones including El Realito
Development Pipeline Expected to Provide Further Production Growth Beyond 2022
Agnico Eagle has a strong pipeline of development pr ojects that could provide further
production growth beyond 2022. These opportunities are typically at an earlier stage than
those outlined above. A summary of the longer term opportunities are presented in the
table below.