Amerigo Announces Annual 2017 and Q4-2017 Financial Results
February 21, 2018
N.R. 2018- 2
Amerigo Announces Annual 2017 and Q4-2017 Financial Results
Cash of $26.4 million generated from operations
Net income of $8.0 million
Phase Two Cauquenes expansion on schedule
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – February 21, 2018/Amerigo Resources Ltd. (TSX: ARG)
(“Amerigo” or the “Company”) announced today financial results for the year 2017. Stronger copper
prices and increased copper production resulted in a 47% increase in revenue in the year. The
Company posted revenue of $134.0 million and net income of $8.0 million. Cash of $26.4 million was
generated from operations before working capital changes. Debt proceeds for the second phase of
the Cauquenes expansion (“Phase Two”) were $10.7 million, and debt repayments on existing loans
were $18.7 million. At December 31, 2017, cash balance was $27.5 million.
In Q4-2017 the Company posted revenue of $37.0 million and net income of $3.1 million. Operating
cash flow before working capital changes was $6.6 million.
Rob Henderson, Amerigo’s President and CEO, stated “I believe the foundations for future growth
are now well established. In 2018, we are focused on safely increasing production to 85.0 to 90.0
million pounds of copper per year and are well pos itioned to benefit from increases in the copper
price while continuing to work hard to reduce costs.”
Annual Financial Results
Revenue was $134.0 million (2016: $91.4 million) , including copper tolling revenue of $119.5
million (2016: $83.0 million) and molybdenum and other revenue of $14.5 million (2016: $8.4
million).
Copper tolling revenue is calculated from MV C’s gross value of copper produced of $179.8
million (2016: $124.4 million) less notional items inc luding DET royalties of $36.4 million (2016:
$20.6 million), smelting and refining of $21.7 m illion (2016: $19.2 million) and transportation of
$2.2 million (2016: $1.6 million).
In 2017, MVC’s copper price was $2.83/lb (2016: $2.25/lb). MVC’s copper price is the market
price for copper produced, before smelting and refining, DET copper royalties, transportation
costs and settlement adjustments to prior period sales.
Tolling and production costs were $108.0 million (2016: $92.0 million), driven by higher power
and lime costs. Unit tolling and production costs were $1.72/lb (2016: $1.64/lb).
Cash cost (a non-GAAP measure equal to the aggregate of smelting and refining charges,
tolling/production costs net of inventory adjustments and administration costs, net of by-product
credits.) before DET notional copper royalties and DET molybdenum royalties decreased to
$1.64/lb (2016: $1.73/lb) due to higher by-product credits.
Page 2
Total cost (a non-GAAP measure equal to the aggregate of cash cost, DET notional copper
royalties and DET molybdenum royalties of $0.62/lb and depreciation of $0.24/lb.) increased to
$2.50/lb (2016: $2.36/lb), due to higher DET notional royalties.
Gross profit was $26.0 million (2016: gross loss of $0.6 million). Net income was $8.0 million
(2016: net loss of $7.5 million), as a result of stronger metal prices and higher production.
In 2017, the Group generated operating cash before changes in non-cash working capital of
$26.4 million (2016: $9.6 million).
Production
2017 production was 62.5 million pounds of copper, within the Company’s guidance of 60.0 to
65.0 million pounds, and 10% higher than the 56.8 million pounds produced in 2016.
2017 copper production includes 39.3 million pounds from Cauquenes, 21.8 million pounds from
fresh tailings and 1.5 million from Maricunga.
Molybdenum production was 1.6 million pounds (2016: 0.5 million pounds).
At December 31, 2017, the Cauquenes Phase Two expansion project was on time, on budget
and 34% complete.
Cash and Working Capital
At December 31, 2017, the Group’s cash balance was $27.5 million (2016: $15.9 million),
including $20.2 million in operating accounts and $7.3 million in a debt service reserve account.
At December 31, 2017, the Group had a working capital deficiency of $4.5 million (2016: working
capital of $0.6 million), caused by the Group’s current estimated DET Price Support Facility
repayment schedule (January to September 2018), which may change depending on MVC’s
actual cash flows. The Group does not consider its working capital deficiency constitutes a
liquidity risk, as it is only required to repay the DET Price Support Facility by December 2019 and
at a rate of $1.0 million per month, and the Group anticipates generating sufficient operating
cash flow to meet current liabilities as they come due. Working capital deficiencies are not
uncommon in companies with short-term debt.
At December 31, 2017, the Company had a $13.0 million undrawn standby Line of Credit.
Outlook
In 2018, the Company expects to produce 65.0 to 70.0 million pounds of copper at a cash cost
of $1.45 to $1.60/lb. Annual molybdenum production is expected to be 1.5 million pounds. The
Group expects to post stronger production and lower cash costs in H2-2018 when MVC
accesses better quality material in Cauquenes and plant recoveries improve on completion of
Phase Two of the Cauquenes expansion.
Construction of Phase Two is underway and on track for completion in Q3-2018, with full
production expected in Q4-2018. MVC expects to complete the project within budget of $35.3
million including contingencies. Phase Two will improve flotation recovery efficiency, allowing
MVC to increase production to 85.0 to 90.0 million pounds of copper per year, at an estimated
cash cost of $1.45 to $1.60/lb.
Page 3
In 2018, MVC expects to incur up to $23.5 million of the remaining Phase Two capital
expenditures (“Capex”) and $5.5 million in sustaining Capex. MVC is also planning to invest an
additional $1.5 million in various smaller Capex projects to improve safety and process
efficiencies at MVC. In addition, MVC plans to undertake an expansion of its molybdenum plant
at a Capex of $7.9 million financed by way of a seven-year lease and operating contract.
Amounts in this news release are reported in U.S. dollars except where indicated otherwise. The
information and data contained in this news release should be read in conjunction with the
Company’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis
(“MD&A) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, which will be available at the
Company’s website and at www.sedar.com.
Conference Call Participation
The Company will hold an investor conference call on Thursday February 22, 2018 at 11:00 am
Pacific Standard Time/2:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.
To participate in the call, please dial 1-866-225-0198 (Toll-Free North America) and let the operator
know you wish to participate in the Amerigo Res ources conference call. Media are invited to attend
on a listen-only basis. Following management's discussion of the quarterly results, the analyst and
investment community will be invited to ask questions.
About the Company
Amerigo Resources Ltd. is an innovative copper producer with a long-term relationship with
Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile (“Codelco”), the world’s largest copper producer. Amerigo
produces copper concentrate at its 100% owned Minera Valle Central (“MVC”) operation in Chile by
processing fresh and historic tailings from Codelco’s El Teniente mine, the world's largest
underground copper mine. Tel: (604) 681-2802; Fax: (604) 682-2802; Web:
www.amerigoresources.com; Listing: ARG:TSX.
For further information, please contact:
Rob Henderson, President and CEO (604) 697-6203
Aurora Davidson, Executive Vice-President and CFO (604) 697-6207
Page 4
Comparative Annual Overview
2017 2016 Change %
Copper produced (million pounds) 1 62.5 56.8 5.7 10%
Copper delivered (million pounds) 62.9 56.3 6.6 12%
Percentage of production from historic tailings 63% 58% 5%
Revenue ($ thousands) 2 134,027 91,388 42,639 47%
DET notional copper royalties ($ thousands) 36,388 20,646 15,742 76%
Tolling and production costs ($ thousands) 107,986 92,011 15,975 17%
Gross profit (loss) ($ thousands) 26,041 (623) 26,664 -
Net income (loss) ($ thousands) 7,989 (7,531) 15,520 -
Operating cash flow ($ thousands) 3 26,387 9,555 16,832 176%
Cash flow paid for purchase of plant and equipment ($ thousands ) (14,693) (8,339) 6,354 76%
Cash and cash equivalents ($ thousands) 4 27,524 15,921 11,603 73%
Borrowings ($ thousands) 5 63,067 69,847 (6,780) (10%)
MVC's copper price ($/lb) 2.83 2.25 0.58 26%
Years ended December 31,
1 Copper production is conducted under tolling agreements with DET and in 2016 and H1-2017, Maricunga.
2 Revenue is reported net of notional items (smelting and refining charges, DET notio nal copper royalties and
transportation costs).
3 Operating cash flows before changes in non-cash working capital.
4 Includes $20.2 million held in operating cash accounts and $7.3 million held in a debt service reserve account.
5 Includes short and long-term portions of $20.8 and $42.3 million respectively.
6 Copper price before smelting and refining, DET notiona l copper royalties, transportation costs and settlement
adjustments to prior period sales.
Page 5
December 31, December 31,
2017 2016
$$
Cash and cash equivalents 27,524 15,921
Property plant and equipment 176,011 174,222
Other assets 27,014 31,543
Total assets 230,549 221,686
Total liabilities 132,373 133,809
Shareholders' equity 98,176 87,877
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 230,549 221,686
2017 2016
$$
Revenue 134,027 91,388
Tolling and production costs (107,986) (92,011)
Other expenses (8,089) (2,626)
Finance expense (5,112) (4,955)
Income tax (expense) recovery (4,851) 673
Net income (loss) 7,989 (7,531)
Other comprehensive income 1,055 245
Comprehensive income (loss) 9,044 (7,286)
Earnings (loss) per share - basic 0.05 (0.04)
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted 0.04 (0.04)
2017 2016
$$
Cash flows from operating acitivities 26,387 9,555
Changes in non-cash working capital 6,357 9,851
Net cash from operating activ ities 32,744 19,406
Net cash used in investing acitivities (14,693) (8,339)
Net cash used in financing acitivites (7,565) (4,659)
Net increase in cash 10,486 6,408
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash 1,117 481
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 15,921 9,032
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 27,524 15,921
Year ended
December 31,
Summary Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
Summary Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Summary Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Year ended
December 31,
Page 6
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain forwar d-looking information and statements as defi ned in applicable securities laws (collect ively
referred to as "forward-looking statements"). These statements rela te to future events or the Company’s future performance. All
statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", " plan",
"continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "pr edict", "potential", "should", "believe" and similar expressions is intended to
identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believe s that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because
these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to pr edict and
are beyond the Company’s control, the Company cannot assure that it will achieve or accomplish the expectations, beliefs or projections
described in the forward-looking statements. These forward-look ing statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties an d
other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. These for ward-
looking statements include but are not limited to, statements concerning:
• a forecasted increase in production and a reduction in operating costs;
• our strategies and objectives;
• the expected improvement of flotation recove ry efficiency from the Phase Two expansion;
• our estimates of the availability and quantity of tailings, and the quality of our mine plan estimates;
• prices and price volatility for copper and other co mmodities and of materials we use in our operations;
• the demand for and supply of copper and other commodi ties and materials that we produce, sell and use;
• sensitivity of our financial results and s hare price to changes in commodity prices;
• our financial resources and our expected ability to meet our obligations for the next 12 months;
• interest and other expenses;
• domestic and foreign laws affecting our operations;
• our tax position and the tax rates applicable to us;
• the timing and costs of construction and tolling/production of, and the issuance and ma intenance of the necessary permits and
other authorizations required for, our ex pansion projects, including t he expansion for the Cauquenes deposit and the timing of
ramp-up to full production from Cauquenes;
• our ability to procure or have access to fi nancing and to comply with our loan covenants;
• the production capacity of our operations, our planned production levels and future production;
• potential impact of production and transportation disruptions;
• hazards inherent in the mining industry c ausing personal injury or loss of life, se vere damage to or destruction of property and
equipment, pollution or environmental damage, claims by third parties and suspension of operations
• our planned capital expenditures (includi ng our plan to upgrade our existing plant and operations) including the timing and c ost
of completion of our capital projects;
• estimates of asset retirement obligations and other costs related to environmental protection;
• our future capital and production costs, including the cost s and potential impact of complying with existing and proposed
environmental laws and regulations in the operation and closure of our operations;
• repudiation, nullification, modification or renegotiation of contracts;
• our financial and operating objectives;
• our environmental, health and safety initiatives;
• the outcome of legal proceedings and other disputes in which we may be involved;
• the outcome of negotiations concerning meta l sales, treatment charges and royalties;
• disruptions to the Company's information technology systems, including those related to cybersecurity;
• our dividend policy; and
• general business and economic conditions.
Inherent in forward-looking statements are risks and uncertainties beyond our ability to predict or control, including risks th at may affect
our operating or capital plans; risks generally encountered in the permitting and development of mi neral projects such as unusu al or
unexpected geological formations, negotiations with government and other third parties, unanticipated metallurgical difficultie s, delays
associated with permits, approvals and permit appeals, ground contro l problems, adverse weather conditions, process upsets and
equipment malfunctions; risks associated with labour disturbances and availability of skilled labour and management; fluctuatio ns in the
market prices of our principal commodities , which are cyclical and subj ect to substantial price fl uctuations; risks created thr ough
competition for mining projects and properties; risks associated with lack of access to markets; risks associated with availability of and our
ability to obtain both tailings from Codelco’s Division El Teniente’s current production and historic tailings from tailings deposit; risks with
respect to completion of all phases of the Cauquenes expansion, th e ability of the Company to draw down funds from bank facilit ies and
lines of credit, the availability of and ability of the Com pany to obtain adequate funding on r easonable terms for expansions a nd
acquisitions, including all phases of the C auquenes expansion; mine plan estimates; ri sks posed by fluctuations in exchange rat es and
interest rates, as well as general econom ic conditions; risks associated with envir onmental compliance and changes in environme ntal
legislation and regulation; risks associated with our dependence on third parties for the provision of critical services; risks associated
with non-performance by contractual counterpar ties; title risks; social and political ri sks associated with operations in foreign countries;
risks of changes in laws affecting our operations or their interpretation, including foreign exchange controls; and risks assoc iated with tax
reassessments and legal proceedings. Many of these risks and uncerta inties apply not only to the Company and its operations, bu t also
to Codelco and its operations. Codelco’s ongoing mining operations provi de a significant portion of the materials the Company
processes and its resulting metals production, therefore these risks and uncertainties may also affect their operations and in turn have a
material effect on the Company.
Page 7
Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward -looking
statements contained in this news release. Such statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect ,
including, but not limited to, assumptions about:
• general business and economic conditions;
• interest rates;
• changes in commodity and power prices;
• acts of foreign governments and the outcome of legal proceedings;
• the supply and demand for, deliveries of, and the level and vola tility of prices of copper and other commodities and products
used in our operations;
• the ongoing supply of material for processi ng from Codelco’s current mining operations;
• the ability of the Company to profitably extract and process material from the Cauquenes tailings deposit;
• the timing of the receipt of and retention of per mits and other regulatory and governmental approvals;
• the availability of and ability of the Company to obtain adequate funding on reasonable term s for expansions and acquisitions ,
Including all phases of the Cauquenes expansion;
• the ability of the Company to draw down funds from bank facilities and lines of credit;
• our costs of production and our production and productivi ty levels, as well as those of our competitors;
• changes in credit market conditions and conditions in financial markets generally;
• our ability to procure equipment and operating supp lies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis;
• the availability of qualified employees and contractors for our operations;
• our ability to attract and retain skilled staff;
• the satisfactory negotiation of colle ctive agreements with unionized employees;
• the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates an d capital repatriation on our costs and results;
• engineering and construction ti metables and capital costs for our expansion projects;
• costs of closure of various operations;
• market competition;
• the accuracy of our preliminary economic assessment (incl uding with respect to size, grade and recoverability) and the
geological, operational and price assumptions on which these are based;
• tax benefits and tax rates;
• the outcome of our copper concentrate sales and treatment and refining charge negotiations;
• the resolution of environmental an d other proceedings or disputes;
• the future supply of reasonably priced power;
• our ability to obtain, comply with and renew permits and licenses in a timely manner; and
• our ongoing relations with our employees and entities with which we do business.
Future production levels and cost estimates assume there are no adverse mining or other events which significantly affect budgeted
production levels.
We caution you that the foregoing list of important factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. Ot her events or circumstances co uld
cause our actual results to differ material ly from those estimated or projected and expressed in, or implied by, our forward-lo oking
statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements
or the foregoing list of factors, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise.