TSX, NYSE – HBM 2017 No. 16 Hudbay Announces Third Quarter 2017 Results
TSX, NYSE – HBM
2017 No. 16
Hudbay Announces Third Quarter 2017 Results
Toronto, Ontario, November 1, 2017 – Hudbay Minerals Inc. (“Hudbay” or the “company”) (TSX, NYSE:HBM)
today released its third quarter 2017 financial results. All amounts are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted.
Summary:
Operating cash flow1 of $154 million, a 24% increase from the second quarter 2017
Consolidated copper production of 40,445 tonnes, essentially unchanged from the second quarter 2017
Consolidated zinc production of 36,635 tonnes, a 5% increase from the second quarter 2017
Consolidated cash cost2, net of by -product credits, of $0.8 6 per pound of copper , a 1% increase from the
second quarter 2017
Consolidated all-in sustaining cash cost2, net of by -product credits, of $1. 64 per pound of copper , a 10%
increase from the second quarter 2017
Completed equity offering of 24 million common shares for gross proceeds of C$242 million
Continued reduction of net debt2 to $650 million from June 30, 2017 net debt levels of $950 million
Fully repaid remaining cash borrowings on senior secured credit facilities ; total available liquidity of $750
million, including $329 million in cash, at September 30, 2017
Peru operations on track to meet production, operating cost and capital cost guidance for 2017
Manitoba operations on track to meet production guidance for 2017, at moderately higher operating costs
relative to guidance
Net profit and earnings per share in the third quarter of 2017 were $40.9 million and $0.17, respectively, compared to
a net profit and earnings per share of $33.6 million and $0.14, respectively, in the third quarter of 2016.
In the third quarter of 2017, o perating cash flow before change in non -cash working capital increased to $ 153.9
million from $124.1 million in the second quarter of 2017. The increase in operating cash flow is the result of growth in
sales volumes of zinc and gold and higher realized copper and zinc prices , partially offset b y decreases in the sales
volumes of copper.
“We continued to generate growing positive free cash flow and we significantly reduced our debt balances during the
quarter,” said Alan Hair, president and chief executive officer. “ We remain committed to delivering on our operating
1 Operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital.
2 Cash cost and all-in sustaining cash cost per pound, net of by-product credits, and net debt are not recognized under IFRS. For a
detailed description of each of these non-IFRS financial performance measures used in this news release, please see the
discussion under “Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures” beginning on page 6 of this news release.
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targets and advancing the in-house brownfield opportunities at Lalor and Pampacancha, while continuing to progress
the Rosemont project.”
Net profit and earnings per share in the third quarter of 201 7 were affected by, among other things, the following
items:
Pre-tax gain
(loss) After-tax gain
(loss) Per share
gain (loss)
($ millions) ($ millions) ($/share)
Foreign exchange loss (6.5) (6.0) (0.02)
Mark-to-market adjustments of various items (9.4) (8.4) (0.04)
Transaction costs written-off due to debt refinancing (3.6) (2.4) (0.01)
Recovery for damages during commissioning of
Constancia mill 4.2 2.7 0.01
Non-cash deferred tax adjustments - 4.2 0.02
Compared to the same quarter of 2016, production of zinc in concentrate increased as a result of higher zinc grades
in Manitoba, while copper production declined due to expected lower copper grades in Peru.
In the third quarter of 2017, consolidated cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by -product credits, was
$0.86, a decrease compared to $0. 91 in the same period of last year. Incorporating sustaining capital, capitalized
exploration, royalties and corporate se lling and administrative expenses, consolidated all -in sustaining cash cost per
pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, in the third quarter of 2017 was $1.64, up from $1.46 in the third
quarter of 2016. The increase in all -in sustaining cash cost was driven by higher planned sustaining capital
expenditures in Peru and lower copper production compared to the third quarter of 2016.
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $176.3 million in the third quarter to $328.9 million compared to June 30,
2017. This increase was a result of cash generated from operating activities of $ 167.9 million, net proceeds from an
equity issuance of $187.4 million, and gross proceeds from a sale and leaseback equipment refinancing of $67.3
million. These inflows were partly offset by $ 69.9 million of capital investments primarily at Hudbay’s Peru and
Manitoba operations, debt repayments net of borrowings of $125.2 million and interest payments of $36.9 million.
Net debt declined by $ 300.2 million from June 30, 2017 to $649.6 million at September 30, 2017, as a result of cash
flow from Hudbay’s operations and $187.4 million of net proceeds from the equity issuance. At September 30, 2017,
total liquidity , including cash and available credit facilities , was $ 749.9 million, up from $ 496.8 million at June 30 ,
2017.
1 Net debt is a non-IFRS financial performance measure with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please
see page 6 of this news release.
Financial Condition ($000s) Sep. 30, 2017 Jun. 30, 2017 Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and cash equivalents 328,927 152,672 146,864
Total long-term debt 978,494 1,102,426 1,232,164
Net debt1 649,567 949,754 1,085,300
Working capital 260,305 86,112 121,539
Total assets 4,591,631 4,359,827 4,456,556
Equity 2,047,615 1,794,305 1,763,212
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Production and Cost Performance Three months ended Three months ended
Sep. 30, 2017 Sep. 30, 2016
Peru Manitoba Total Peru Manitoba Total
Contained metal in concentrate produced1
Copper tonnes 30,936 9,509 40,445 35,604 10,333 45,937
Gold oz 4,702 23,975 28,677 6,867 22,998 29,865
Silver oz 617,959 317,567 935,526 749,498 294,293 1,043,791
Zinc tonnes - 36,635 36,635 - 31,606 31,606
Payable metal in concentrate sold
Copper tonnes 30,128 11,384 41,512 38,859 9,647 48,506
Gold oz 3,103 24,526 27,629 6,479 19,235 25,714
Silver oz 465,251 292,261 757,512 573,097 207,156 780,253
Zinc2 tonnes - 27,804 27,804 - 26,211 26,211
Cash cost3 $/lb 1.19 (0.20) 0.86 1.13 0.18 0.91
Sustaining cash cost3 $/lb 1.80 0.59 1.60 0.69
All-in sustaining cash cost3 $/lb 1.64 1.46
Realized copper price4 $/lb 2.88 2.20
Nine months ended Nine months ended
Sep. 30, 2017 Sep. 30, 2016
Peru Manitoba Total Peru Manitoba Total
Contained metal in concentrate produced1
Copper tonnes 87,944 28,073 116,017 99,446 31,262 130,708
Gold oz 12,440 63,625 76,065 21,243 65,571 86,814
Silver oz 1,703,789 779,978 2,483,767 2,036,940 726,278 2,763,218
Zinc tonnes - 102,101 102,101 - 81,438 81,438
Payable metal in concentrate sold
Copper tonnes 77,175 30,001 107,176 96,694 30,565 127,259
Gold oz 8,022 70,527 78,549 18,016 52,170 70,186
Silver oz 1,407,130 817,653 2,224,783 1,721,512 548,923 2,270,435
Zinc2 tonnes - 84,059 84,059 - 75,359 75,359
Cash cost3 $/lb 1.24 (0.31) 0.86 1.08 0.55 0.95
Sustaining cash cost3 $/lb 1.74 0.42 1.49 1.34
All-in sustaining cash cost3 $/lb 1.53 1.54
Realized copper price4 $/lb 2.70 2.16
1 Metal reported in concentrate is prior to deductions associated with smelter contract terms.
2 Includes refined zinc metal sold and payable zinc in concentrate sold.
3 Cash cost, sustaining cash cost and all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, are
non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please see page
6 of this news release.
4 Realized prices exclude refining and treatment charges and are on the sale of finished metal or metal in concentrate. Realized
prices include the effect of provisional pricing adjustments on prior period sales.
Financial Performance Three months ended Nine months ended
($000s except per share and cash cost amounts) Sep. 30 Sep. 30
2017 2016 2017 2016
Revenue 370,356 311,424 948,410 812,024
Cost of sales 259,391 242,965 710,317 667,351
Profit before tax 58,681 42,001 113,188 31,670
Profit 40,942 33,571 64,223 12,080
Basic and diluted earnings per share 0.17 0.14 0.27 0.05
Operating cash flow before change in non-cash
working capital 153,943 124,236 358,662 265,611
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Peru Operations Review
During the third quarter of 2017, the Peru operations produced 30,936 tonnes of copper, which was approximately
4% higher than production in the second quarter of 2017 as a result of improved mill throughput, but lower than
production in the same quarter of 2016 due to expected grade decline as per the mine plan . Production in Peru is
expected to be within guidance ranges for 2017.
Ore mined at Constancia during the third quarter of 2017 increased by 18% compared to the same period in 2016 as
the company continues to increase stockpiles to improve its ability to blend ore at the processing plant. As expected,
milled copper grades in the third quarter were approximately 21% lower than the same period in 2016 as Constancia
entered lower grade phases of the mine plan. Mill throughput significantly improved due to increased plant availability
as well as plant optimization initiatives during the third quarter of 2017.
Recoveries of copper and silver were lower in the third quarter of 2017, compared to the same period in 20 16
primarily due to expected lower head grade s and normal ore type variability . Optimization in process recoveries
continues to be implemented and evaluated along with consistent positive grade reconciliations.
Combined mine, mill and G&A unit operating costs in the third quarter of 2017 were 14% lower than the same period
in 2016 as a result of increased throughput and lower operating costs . Combined unit operating costs in Peru are
expected to be within the guidance range for 2017.
Cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by -product credits, for the three months ended September 30, 2017
was $1.19, an increase of 5% from the same period in 2016 mainly as a result of decreased copper grades.
Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, for the three months ended September
30, 2017 was $1.80, an increase of 13% from the same period in 2016 as a result of the factors noted above, as well
as expected higher sustaining capital expenditures.
Manitoba Operations Review
During the third quarter of 2017, the Manitoba operations produced 36,635 tonnes of zinc, 9,509 tonnes of copper
and 28,512 ounces of gold-equivalent precious metals. Production of zinc and precious metals was higher than the
same quarter in 2016 by approximately 16% and 5%, respectively, as a result of higher grades at 777 and Lalor as
well as higher production at Lalor. Production of copper during the quarter decreased by approximately 8% from the
same period in 2016 because of lower production at 777 . Due to increased Lalor mine throughput and higher zinc
grades at 777, zinc concentrate production is exceeding the processing capacity of the Flin Flon zinc plant. As a
result, sales of excess zinc concentrate inventory began in the second quarter of 2017 and will continue as long as
concentrate production exceeds zinc plant processing capacity. Production in Manitoba is expected to be within
guidance ranges for 2017.
Ore mined at Hudbay’s Manitoba operations during the third quarter of 2017 was consistent with ore mined in the
same period in 2016. Increased production at the Lalor and Reed mines was partially offset by decreased production
at the 777 mine. Overall, copper, zinc, gold and silver grades were 3%, 20%, 9% and 10% higher, respectively, in the
third quarter of 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. Grade variances were due to planned stope sequencing,
including the re-sequencing of the 777 mine plan to prioritize higher grade zinc stopes in 2017.
Unit operating costs for all Manitoba mines for the third quarter of 2017 increased by 33% compared to the same
period in 2016. Hudbay ceased capitalizing Reed development costs in the third quarter of 2017 as a result of the
mine’s expected closure in th e third quarter of 2018 , resulting in higher Reed unit operating costs compared to prior
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periods. The 777 mine experienced a plugged paste backfill line at the start of the third quarter of 2017, which has
since been restored; however, the lack of paste backfill reduced the number of production stopes in the quarter , and
777 costs were affected by the cleaning and re -drilling of backfill holes and the cost of cemented rock fill to mitigat e
the lack of paste. The impact on production rates is expected to continue into the fourth quarter of 2017 , with the
mine expected to return to normal production rates and expected costs towards the end of the year. Consistent with
our revised mine plan, Lalor’s unit costs reflect increased cement rock filling costs as well as substantial operating
and capital development work that was undertaken to increase Lalor’s production rate to 4,500 tonnes per day. The
strong ramp up of ore production from the Lalo r mine in 2017 has resulted in the accumulation of an ore stockpile as
Lalor’s mine production has exceeded the Stall concentrator’s current milling capacity. The company intends to take
advantage of higher metals prices and increase revenues at a slightly higher unit cost by trucking excess Lalor ore to
the Flin Flon mill for processing for the remainder of the year.
Ore processed in Flin Flon in the third quarter of 2017 was 10% lower than the same period in 2016 as a result of
lower production at the 777 mine, which was partially offset by processing 63,936 tonnes of ore from the Lalor mine.
Copper recovery in the third quarter of 2017 was consistent with the same period in 2016, while zinc, gold, and silver
recoveries were 6%, 7%, and 8% higher, respe ctively, due to higher head grades. Unit operating costs at the Flin
Flon concentrator were 20% lower in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 as a result of
lower maintenance expenditures. Ore processed and recoveries at the Stall concentrator in the third quarter of 2017
were consistent with the same period in 2016. Unit operating costs at the Stall concentrator were 12% higher in the
third quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 as a result of higher maintenance expenditures.
Manitoba combined mine, mill and G&A unit operating costs in the third quarter were 30% higher than in the same
period in 2016 for the reasons outlined above. In addition, the stockpiling of Lalor ore described above increased
combined mine/mill unit costs as that metric is expressed as total costs during the period (irrespective of inventory
changes), divided by the tonnes of ore milled. This factor should reverse as stockpiles reduce, although future costs
will be affected by higher Reed mine un it costs as the capitalization of development costs has ceased, and additional
costs will be incurred to truck Lalor ore to the Flin Flon mill. Processing the additional Lalor production in Flin Flon is
expected to drive economies of scale and additional r evenues through a faster ramp up. Combined unit operating
costs in Manitoba for the full year 2017 are expected to be moderately higher than the guidance range of C$88-108
per tonne.
Cash cost, net of by -product credits, in the third quarter of 2017 was negative $0. 20 per pound of copper produced
compared to $0.18 in the third quarter of 2016. The decrease is primarily a result of significantly increased by -product
credits for all metals, which were partially offset by expected higher costs at the 777 and Reed mines during this part
of their mine lives.
Sustaining cash cost, net of by -product credits, in the third quarter of 2017 decreased to $0. 59 per pound of copper
produced compared to $0.69 in the third quarter of 2016 as a result of the same factors described above which were
partially offset by planned increased capital spending.
Rosemont Developments
Work continues with the U.S. Forest Service on the draft Mine Plan of Operations, which is progressing as planned.
The remaining key federal permit outstanding is the Section 404 Water Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers.
On September 25, 2017, an opponent of the Rosemont project filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and U.S. Forest Service c hallenging, among other things, the issuance of the Final Record of Decision in
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respect of Rosemont. This lawsuit is one of many challenges against the Rosemont permitting process and Hudbay is
confident the permits will be upheld.
Equity Issuance
On Sep tember 27, 2017, Hudbay completed an equity offering of 24,000,000 common shares at a price
of C$10.10 per share, for gross proceeds of C$242.4 million ($195.3 million).
Hudbay intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to advance its current growth projects, enhance its financial
flexibility to pursue other growth opportunities, reduce debt and for general corporate purposes.
Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures
Net debt is shown in this news release because it is a p erformance measure used by the c ompany to assess its
financial position. Cash cost, sustaining and all -in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced are shown
because the company believes they help investors and management assess the performance of its operations,
including the margin generated by the operations and the company. These measures do not have a meaning
prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.
These measures should not be consider ed in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with
IFRS and are not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under IFRS.
Other companies may calculate these measures differently. For fur ther details on these measures, including
reconciliations to the most comparable IFRS measures, please refer to page 29 of Hudbay’s management’s
discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
Website Links
Hudbay:
www.hudbay.com
Management’s Discussion and Analysis:
http://www.hudbayminerals.com/files/doc_financials/2017/Q3/MDA317.pdf
Financial Statements:
http://www.hudbayminerals.com/files/doc_financials/2017/Q3/FS317.pdf
Conference Call and Webcast
Date: Thursday, November 2, 2017
Time: 10 a.m. ET
Webcast: www.hudbay.com
Dial in: 416-849-1847 or 1-866-530-1554
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Qualified Person
The technical and scientific information in this news release related to the Constancia mine and Rosemont project
has been approved by Cashel Meagher, P. Geo, Hudbay’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer . The
technical and scientific information related to the Manitoba sites and projects contained in this news release has been
approved by Robert Carter, P. Eng, Hudbay’s Lalor Mine Manager . Messrs. Meagher and Car ter are qualified
persons pursuant to NI 43 -101. For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate
mineral reserves and resources, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to
which the e stimates of scientific and technical information may be affected by any known environmental, permitting,
legal title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant factors, please see the Technical Reports for the
company’s material properties as filed by Hudbay on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States
securities legislation. All information contained in this news release, other than statements of current and historical
fact, is forward-looking information. Often, but not always, forward -looking information can be identified by the use of
words such as “plans”, “expects”, “budget”, “guidance”, “scheduled”, “estimate s”, “forecasts”, “strategy”, “target”,
“intends”, “objective”, “goal”, “understands”, “anticipates” and “believes” (and variations of these or similar words) and
statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” “occur” or “be achieved” or
“will be taken” (and variations of these or similar expressions). All of the forward -looking information in this news
release is qualified by this cautionary note.
Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, pr oduction, cost and capital and exploration expenditure
guidance, anticipated production at Hudbay’s mines and processing facilities, the anticipated timing, cost and benefits
of developing the Rosemont project, Pampacancha deposit and Lalor growth projects , anticipated exploration plans,
anticipated mine plans, anticipated metals prices and the anticipated sensitivity of the company’s financial
performance to metals prices, the anticipated use of proceeds from the recent common equity offering, events that
may affect its operations and development projects, the permitting, development and financing of the Rosemont
project, the potential to increase throughput at the Stall mill and to refurbish the New Britannia mill, anticipated cash
flows from operations and related liquidity requirements, the anticipated effect of external factors on revenue, such as
commodity prices, estimation of mineral reserves and resources, mine life projections, reclamation costs, economic
outlook, government regulation of mining ope rations, and business and acquisition strategies. Forward -looking
information is not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward -looking information is based on,
among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates and analyses that, w hile considered reasonable by the
company at the date the forward -looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks,
uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from
those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.
The material factors or assumptions that Hudbay identified and were applied by the company in drawing conclusions
or making forecasts or projections set out in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to:
the success of mining, processing, exploration and development activities;
the scheduled maintenance and availability of the processing facilities;
the sustainability and success of Hudbay’s cost reduction initiatives;
the accuracy of geological, mining and metallurgical estimates;
anticipated metals prices and the costs of production;
the supply and demand for metals the company produces;
the supply and availability of all forms of energy and fuels at reasonable prices;
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no significant unanticipated operational or technical difficulties;
the execution of Hudbay’s business and growth strategies, including the success of its strategic investments
and initiatives;
the availability of additional financing, if needed;
the ability to complete project targets on time and on budget and other events that may affect the company’s
ability to develop its projects;
the timing and receipt of various regulatory, governmental and joint venture partner approvals;
the availability of personnel for the exploration, development and operational projects and ongoing employee
relations;
the ability to secure required land rights to develop the Pampacancha deposit;
maintaining good relations with the communities in which the company operates, including the communities
surrounding the Constancia mine and Rosemont project and First Nations communities surrounding the
Lalor and Reed mines;
no significant unanticipated challenges with stakeholders at the company’s various projects;
no significant unanticipated events or changes relating to regulatory, environmental, health and safety
matters;
no contests over title to the company’s properties, including as a result of rights or claimed rights of
aboriginal peoples;
the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation and no significant unanticipated litigation;
certain tax matters, including, but not limited to current tax laws and regulations and the refund of certain
value added taxes from the Canadian and Peruvian governments; and
no significant and continuing adverse changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial
markets (including commodity prices and foreign exchange rates).
The risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those
expressed or implied by the forward-looking information may include, but are not limited to, risks generally associated
with the mining industry, such as economic factors (including future commodity prices, currency fluctuations, energy
prices and general cost escalation), uncertainties related to the development and operation of the company’s projects
(including risks associated with the permitting, development and economics of the Rosemont project and related legal
challenges), risks related to the maturing natur e of the 777 and Reed mines and their impact on the related Flin Flon
metallurgical complex, dependence on key personnel and employee and union relations, risks related to the schedule
for mining the Pampacancha deposit (including the timing and cost of ac quiring the required surface rights), risks
related to the cost, schedule and economics of the capital projects intended to increase processing capacity for Lalor
ore, risks related to political or social unrest or change, risks in respect of aboriginal an d community relations, rights
and title claims, operational risks and hazards, including unanticipated environmental, industrial and geological
events and developments and the inability to insure against all risks, failure of plant, equipment, processes,
transportation and other infrastructure to operate as anticipated, compliance with government and environmental
regulations, including permitting requirements and anti -bribery legislation, depletion of the company’s reserves,
volatile financial markets that may affect the company’s ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, the
failure to obtain required approvals or clearances from government authorities on a timely basis, uncertainties related
to the geology, continuity, grade and estimate s of mineral reserves and resources, and the potential for variations in
grade and recovery rates, uncertain costs of reclamation activities, the company’s ability to comply with its pension
and other post -retirement obligations, the company’s ability to a bide by the covenants in its debt instruments and
other material contracts, tax refunds, hedging transactions, as well as the risks discussed under the heading “Risk
Factors” in Hudbay’s most recent Annual Information Form.
Should one or more risk, uncertainty, contingency or other factor materialize or should any factor or assumption prove
incorrect, actual results could vary materially from those expressed or implied in the forward -looking information.
Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Hudbay does not assume any