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Sierra Metals Reports Second Quarter 2024 Consolidated Financial Results

Businesswire ·  08/10 05:00

Q2 2024 Highlights:

  • Based on H1-2024 performance and expected production in H2-2024, Sierra Metals reaffirms 2024 annual guidance
  • Development below the 1120 Level at Yauricocha remains on schedule to achieve full production by Q4
  • Revenues of $57.5 million, a 2% decrease from Q2 2023
  • Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $12.9 million in Q2 2024 was 11% lower when compared with the adjusted EBITDA of Q2 2023, mainly driven by the increase in G&A costs related to severance payments and organizational changes
  • Cash flow generated from operating activities before movements in working capital of $14.9 million for Q2 2024 as compared to $11.6 million in Q2 2023
  • Cash and cash equivalents of $22.5 million as at June 30, 2024 increased by almost 150% when compared to the $9.1 million at the end of 2023
  • Cusi Mine binding agreement announced and sold in July for US$2.5 million in cash and a 2.0% net smelter royalty
  • Commenced trading on the Lima Stock Exchange on June 28, 2024

Management will host a conference call and webcast at 11:00 am ET on August 12, 2024.

All dollar figures are in USD.
(1) This is a non-IFRS performance measure, see non-IFRS Performance Measures section of this press release

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sierra Metals Inc. (TSX:SMT | OTCQX:SMTSF | BVL:SMT) ("Sierra Metals" or the "Company") reports consolidated financial results for the three-month ("Q2") and six- month ("H1") periods ending June 30, 2024. The information provided below are excerpts from the Company's Q2 2024 financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A"), which are available on the Company's website () and on SEDAR+ () under the Company's profile. Consolidated results include results from the Company's Yauricocha Mine ("Yauricocha") in Peru and the Bolivar Mine ("Bolivar") in Mexico.

Ernesto Balarezo, Sierra Metals' CEO, comments, "The operating results and financial performance during the second quarter demonstrate the continued momentum in our business. Operationally, we saw improved performance and throughput increases at Yauricocha, mainly driven by the increased access to mining areas and higher levels of extraction. Throughput volumes are expected to continue to improve as development below the 1120 level progresses and we access the massive ore body continuations at depth, allowing us to reach full capacity in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Bolivar had a lower throughput during Q2 2024 which was mainly attributable to the scheduled plant maintenance combined with the lower availability of water for the concentration process. The issue of water availability has been resolved, and we anticipate improved production levels in the second half of the year, supported by the new plant equipment and the regularized rainy season.

We completed the sale of our Cusi property, allowing us to concentrate our focus on Yauricocha and Bolivar moving forward. As well, our shares began trading on the Lima Stock Exchange last month offering increased investor exposure and liquidity potential into the Chilean, Colombian, and Peruvian markets. Overall, we are delighted with our performance in the first half of 2024 as we continue to execute our strategy and maintain momentum into the second half of the year."

Conference Call & Webcast
Management will host a conference call and webcast at 11:00 am ET on August 12, 2024 to discuss Q2 2024 consolidated operating and financial results. Participate on the telephone at 1-844-763-8276 (North America) or +1-647-484-8814 (rest of world) or register for the English webcast HERE or the Spanish webcast HERE.

Q2 2024 CONSOLIDATED OPERATING AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(In thousands of dollars, except per share and cash cost amounts, consolidated figures unless noted otherwise)

Six months ended June 30,

Q2 2024

Q1 2024

Q2 2023

2024

2023

Operating
Ore Processed / Tonnes Milled

627,015

638,916

650,302

1,265,931

1,168,464

Copper Pounds Produced (000's)

8,531

11,247

10,459

19,778

18,744

Zinc Pounds Produced (000's)

11,272

10,132

12,228

21,404

22,807

Silver Ounces Produced (000's)

387

427

523

814

912

Gold Ounces Produced

3,438

4,505

4,311

7,943

8,102

Lead Pounds Produced (000's)

3,053

3,049

3,930

6,102

6,708

Cash Cost per CuEqLb (Yauricocha)1,2

$

3.44

$

3.27

$

3.38

$

3.32

$

3.13

AISC per CuEqLb (Yauricocha)1,2

$

3.79

$

3.69

$

3.85

$

3.60

$

3.43

Cash Cost per CuEqLb (Bolivar)1,2

$

2.76

$

2.44

$

2.22

$

2.55

$

2.35

AISC per CuEqLb (Bolivar)1,2

$

3.53

$

3.12

$

2.97

$

3.27

$

3.01

Financial
Revenues

$

57,524

$

63,140

$

58,411

$

120,664

$

111,948

Net income (loss)
- Continuing operations

$

4,912

$

1,630

$

3,897

$

6,542

$

7,606

- Discontinued Operations

$

(810)

$

(865)

$

(2,824)

$

(1,675)

$

(4,394)

Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders, including discontinued operations

$

4,115

$

1,159

$

1,638

$

5,274

$

3,691

Adjusted EBITDA1 from continuing operations

$

12,949

$

17,913

$

14,494

$

30,862

$

29,976

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

$

14,923

$

16,486

$

11,588

$

31,408

$

24,439

Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to shareholders1
- Continuing operations

$

5,022

$

5,174

$

5,984

$

10,196

$

11,525

- Discontinued Operations

$

(810)

$

(865)

$

(1,676)

$

(1,675)

$

(2,471)

Cash and cash equivalents

$

22,477

$

11,220

$

4,393

$

22,477

$

4,393

(1) This is a non-IFRS performance measure, see Non-IFRS Performance Measures section of this press release.

(2) Copper equivalent payable pounds for the purpose of cash cost and AISC were calculated using the following realized prices:

Q2 2024: $4.43/lb Cu, $1.28/lb Zn, $28.61/oz Ag, $2,334/oz Au, $0.99/lb Pb.

Q1 2024: $3.84/lb Cu, $1.12/lb Zn, $23.41/oz Ag, $2,069/oz Au, $0.94/lb Pb.

Q2 2023: $3.99/lb Cu, $1.16/lb Zn, $24.17/oz Ag, $1,977/oz Au, $0.96/lb Pb.

H1 2024: $4.08/lb Cu, $1.20/lb Zn, $25.73/oz Ag, $2,177/oz Au, $0.96/lb Pb.

H1 2023: $4.02/lb Cu, $1.29/lb Zn, $23.37/oz Ag, $1,934/oz Au, $0.96/lb Pb.

Q2 2024 Operational Highlights

  • Consolidated quarterly throughput during Q2 2024 was 627,015 tonnes. On a year-to-date basis, consolidated throughput is 8% higher in 2024 than in 2023, mainly driven by the stabilization and ramp up of Bolivar.
  • Lower grades at Yauricocha for Q2 2024 compared to Q1 2024 and Q2 2023 were partially compensated for by the increase in throughput. Lower grades from Yauricocha were primarily due to the limited available ore above the 1120 level. The Company expects that grades and throughput will improve from the current levels as the development below 1120 level progresses.
  • In Q2 2024, Bolivar experienced a decrease in throughput and grades as compared to Q1 2024 and Q2 2023. The lower throughput rates in Q2 2024 were a result of the planned maintenance downtime required for the commissioning of the new primary crusher and due to lower water availability as a dry season hit the region, which has been resolved as the rainy season has commenced.
  • Yauricocha's cash cost per copper equivalent payable pound(1) was $3.44 (Q2 2023 - $3.38), and All-In Sustaining Cost ("AISC") per copper equivalent payable pound(1) of $3.79 (Q2 2023 - $3.85). Cash costs for Q2 2024 were slightly higher than Q2 2023, given that lower costs compensated for the 23% decrease in copper equivalent payable pounds. The decrease in the Q2 2024 AISC resulted from 41% lower capital expenditure when compared to Q2 2023.
  • Bolivar's cash cost per copper equivalent payable pound(1) was $2.76 (Q2 2023 - $2.22), and AISC per copper equivalent payable pound(1) was $3.53 (Q2 2023 - $2.97) for Q2 2024. Lower grades resulted in a drop in metal sales, representing a 21% decrease in copper equivalent payable pounds; therefore, leading to higher unit costs when compared to Q1 2024 and Q2 2023.

Q2 2024 Consolidated Financial Highlights

  • Revenue from metals payable of $57.5 million in Q2 2024 represented a 2% decrease from the Q2 2023 revenue of $58.4 million, as the impact of lower grades was largely offset by higher realized metal prices when compared to the previous year. Higher realized metal prices could not offset the impact of the lower metal sales when compared to Q1 2024, resulting in a revenue decrease of 9% from the prior quarter.
  • Cash and cash equivalents of $22.5 million as at June 30, 2024 increased by almost 150% when compared to the $9.1 million at December 31, 2023. Cash and cash equivalents increased during the six-month period as cash generated from operating activities of $23.8 million and from the loan refinancing of $18.2 million were partially offset by cash used for capital expenditures of $24.2 million and loan interest payments of $3.9 million.

(1) This is a non-IFRS performance measure, see non-IFRS Performance Measures section of this press release

H1 ACHIEVEMENTS AND COMPARISON TO 2024 GUIDANCE

During the first half of 2024, the Company successfully achieved the following major targets, which in the Management's opinion has laid the foundation for its future growth:

  • In February 2024, the Company obtained the government's permit to develop and operate below the 1120 level at the Yauricocha Mine. This permit provides several significant catalysts for Sierra Metals, such as operational enhancements, maximized operating capacity, and cost efficiencies. Using a modest development capital investment, the Company anticipates ramping up to full production levels of 3,600 tonnes per day ("tpd") (40% higher than current levels) by Q4 2024.
  • On May 7, 2024, the Company announced the results of an updated mineral reserves and resources under National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") for both its mines. These updated results reconfirm the presence of substantial reserves and resources in both mines. Additionally, this is a relevant indicator that the Company has been able to convert resources to reserves replacing what has been mined throughout the years. The Company filed the corresponding NI 43-101 technical reports on June 20, 2024, which are available on SEDAR+ and the Company's website.
  • On June 3, 2024, the Company signed a new credit agreement with a syndicate of banks, led by Banco Santander Peru S.A ("Santander", together with the other banks referred as "lenders" or "the syndicate"), for a senior secured credit facility ("New Facility") of $95.0 million. The proceeds from the New Facility were used to repay the balance of $75.0 million of the original loans with Banco de Credito del Peru ("BCP") and Santander. The additional $20.0 million will be assigned to high-return capital projects as well as for all the transaction fees and expenses. The capital expenditures include the development below the 1120 level and the completion of the new shaft at the Yauricocha mine in Peru, which is expected to commence operations in early 2025, as well as mine developments of over 8,000 meters, a new ore pass, and the initial engineering works on a new tailings dam facility at Bolivar.

After the end of Q2 2024, the Company also completed the sale of the Cusi Mine and the surrounding mineral concessions (please refer to 'note 17 – subsequent events' to the financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2024). Apart from adding $2.1 million net of fees to the Company's cash balance, the Cusi sale will also help the Company avoid the fixed monthly care and maintenance costs of around $0.3 million.

Additionally, the Company will continue with the construction of the new tailings dam at Bolivar, which is expected to be completed over the next three years, allowing the mine to increase its production capacity to 7,500 tpd in the future.

Despite reduced production during Q2 2024, metal production for H1 2024 remained within anticipated the levels. With the development activities below the 1120 level at Yauricocha progressing as planned, the Company remains on track to achieve its previously announced production, costs, and capital expenditure guidance for 2024. The tables below compare the 2024 production versus annual production guidance from the Yauricocha and the Bolivar mines.

Production Guidance

Consolidated2024 GuidanceH1 2024
LowHighActual
Copper (000 lbs)

37,500

43,300

19,778

Zinc (000 lbs)

38,600

44,500

21,404

Silver (000 oz)

1,500

1,750

814

Gold (oz)

10,100

11,600

7,943

Lead (000 lbs)

10,200

11,800

6,102

By Mine

Yauricocha2024 GuidanceH1 2024
LowHighActual
Copper (000 lbs)

13,600

15,700

5,671

Zinc (000 lbs)

38,600

44,500

21,404

Silver (000 oz)

850

1,000

420

Gold (oz)

2,100

2,400

936

Lead (000 lbs)

10,200

11,800

6,102

Bolivar2024 GuidanceH1 2024
LowHighActual
Copper (000 lbs)

23,900

27,600

14,107

Silver (000 oz)

650

750

394

Gold (oz)

8,000

9,200

7,007

2024 Cost Guidance

A per mine breakdown of 2024 production guidance, cash costs, and AISC are included in the table below. Starting 2024, the Company modified its definition of cash cost to include treatment and refining charges, selling costs and, site G&A costs. AISC includes cash costs and sustaining capital expenditure and is calculated on the basis of copper equivalent payable pounds.

2024 Guidance

H1 Actual

Cash costs(1)(2) range

AISC(1)(2) range

Cash costs(1)(2)

AISC(1)(2)

Mine

per CuEqLb

per CuEqLb

per CuEqLb

per CuEqLb

YauricochaPer Copper Payable Eq Lbs ('000)

$3.31 - $3.41

$3.75 - $3.86

$3.28

$3.57

BolivarPer Copper Payable Eq Lbs ('000)

$2.56 - $2.72

$3.28 - $3.36

$2.60

$3.33

(1) This is a non-IFRS performance measure, see Non-IFRS Performance Measures section of this press release. Cash Cost comprises operating costs, selling expenses, administrative expenses, commercial terms and discounts. AISC is comprised of cash costs and sustaining capex.

(2) Copper equivalent payable pounds for guidance AISC were calculated using the following metal prices: $3.91/lb Cu, $1.20/lb Zn, $23.66/oz Ag, $0.94/lb Pb, $1,921/oz Au. H1 2024 actual cash costs and AISC have been recalculated for comparison purposes.

NON-IFRS PERFORMANCE MEASURES

The following table provides a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

Three months ended June 30,

Six months ended June 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net income

$

4,102

$

1,073

$

4,867

$

3,212

Adjusted for:
Depletion and depreciation

8,194

9,267

17,828

16,810

Interest expense and other finance costs

2,742

2,788

5,147

4,987

NRV adjustments on inventory

-

1,079

-

1,555

Share-based compensation

800

86

1,434

188

Foreign currency exchange and other provisions

(1,309)

689

855

2,061

Income taxes

(2,390)

(1,456)

(944)

(82)

Adjusted EBITDA

$

12,139

$

13,526

$

29,187

$

28,731

Less: Adjusted EBITDA from discontinued operations

(810)

(968)

(1,675)

(1,245)

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations

12,949

14,494

30,862

29,976

The following table provides a reconciliation of adjusted net income to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

Three months ended June 30,

Six months ended June 30,

(In thousands of United States dollars)

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net income attributable to shareholders

$

4,115

$

1,638

$

5,274

$

3,691

Non-cash depletion charge on Corona's acquisition

455

$

1,175

1,500

2,245

Deferred tax recovery on Corona's acquisition depletion charge

151

$

(359)

(542)

(686)

NRV adjustments on inventory

-

$

1,079

-

1,555

Share-based compensation

800

$

86

1,434

188

Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)

(1,309)

$

689

855

2,061

Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to shareholders

$

4,212

$

4,308

$

8,521

$

9,054

Less: Adjusted net loss from discontinued operations

(810)

(1,676)

(1,675)

(2,471)

Adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations

5,022

5,984

10,196

11,525

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash costs to cost of sales, as reported in the Company's condensed interim consolidated statement of income for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

Three months endedThree months ended
(In thousand of US dollars, unless stated)June 30, 2024June 30, 2023
YauricochaBolivarYauricochaBolivar
Cash Cost per Tonne of Processed Ore
Cost of Sales

21,400

20,847

24,630

19,439

Reverse: Workers Profit Sharing

-

105

-

-

Reverse: D&A/Other adjustments

(5,687)

(4,138)

(5,648)

(3,414)

Reverse: Variation in Inventory

5,318

(673)

718

850

Total Cash Cost

21,031

16,141

19,700

16,875

Tonnes Processed

253,148

373,867

244,315

405,987

Cash Cost per Tonne ProcessedUS$83.08

43.17

80.63

41.57

Six months endedSix months ended
(In thousand of US dollars, unless stated)June 30, 2024June 30, 2023
YauricochaBolivarYauricochaBolivar
Cash Cost per Tonne of Processed Ore
Cost of Sales

45,263

43,035

46,522

34,371

Reverse: Workers Profit Sharing

-

(497)

-

-

Reverse: D&A/Other adjustments

(11,679)

(6,604)

(10,771)

(5,715)

Reverse: Variation in Inventory

5,624

(347)

1,126

1,374

Total Cash Cost

39,208

35,587

36,877

30,030

Tonnes Processed

493,834

772,097

463,460

705,004

Cash Cost per Tonne ProcessedUS$79.40

46.09

79.57

42.60

The following table provides detailed information on Yauricocha's cash cost and all-in sustaining cost per copper equivalent payable pound for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

YAURICOCHAThree months endedSix months ended
(In thousand of US dollars, unless stated)June 30, 2024June 30, 2023June 30, 2024June 30, 2023
Cash Cost per zinc equivalent payable pound
Total Cash Cost

21,031

19,700

39,208

36,877

Variation in Finished inventory

(5,318)

(718)

(5,624)

(1,126)

Treatment and Refining Charges

4,009

6,697

9,634

11,438

Selling Costs

710

803

1,350

1,418

G&A Costs(1)

1,616

1,487

3,136

3,127

Total Cash Cost of Sales

22,048

27,969

47,704

51,734

Sustaining Capital Expenditures

2,252

3,897

4,098

4,941

All-In Sustaining Cash Costs

24,300

31,866

51,802

56,675

Copper Equivalent Payable Pounds (000's)(2)

6,409

8,279

14,370

16,516

Cash Cost per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound(US$)3.44

3.38

3.32

3.13

All-In Sustaining Cash Cost per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound(US$)3.79

3.85

3.60

3.43

(1) G&A Costs for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2023 have been adjusted to include site G&A only. Allocation of corporate G&A costs have been excluded for consistency with the G&A costs for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024 and those used in the 2024 guidance cash costs and AISC.

(2) Copper equivalent payable pounds were calculated using the following realized prices:

Q2 2024: $4.43/lb Cu, $1.28/lb Zn, $28.61/oz Ag, $2,334/oz Au, $0.99/lb Pb.

Q2 2023: $3.99/lb Cu, $1.16/lb Zn, $24.17/oz Ag, $1,977/oz Au, $0.96/lb Pb.

6M 2024: $4.08/lb Cu, $1.20/lb Zn, $25.73/oz Ag, $2,177/oz Au, $0.96/lb Pb.

6M 2023: $4.02/lb Cu, $1.29/lb Zn, $23.37/oz Ag, $1,934/oz Au, $0.96/lb Pb.

The following table provides detailed information on Bolivar's cash cost, and all-in sustaining cost per copper equivalent payable pound for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

BOLIVARThree months endedSix months ended
(In thousand of US dollars, unless stated)June 30, 2024June 30, 2023June 30, 2024June 30, 2023
Cash Cost per copper equivalent payable pound
Total Cash Cost

16,141

16,875

35,587

30,030

Variation in Finished inventory

673

(850)

347

(1,374)

Treatment and Refining Charges

1,856

2,819

4,710

4,984

Selling Costs

1,976

2,335

4,615

3,871

G&A Costs(1)

1,019

853

2,576

1,873

Total Cash Cost of Sales

21,665

22,032

47,835

39,384

Sustaining Capital Expenditures

6,022

7,350

13,405

10,898

All-In Sustaining Cash Costs

27,687

29,382

61,240

50,282

Copper Equivalent Payable Pounds (000's)(2)

7,841

9,908

18,734

16,726

Cash Cost per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound(US$)2.76

2.22

2.55

2.35

All-In Sustaining Cash Cost per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound(US$)3.53

2.97

3.27

3.01

(1) G&A Costs for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2023 have been adjusted to include site G&A only. Allocation of corporate G&A costs have been excluded for consistency with the G&A costs for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024 and those used in the 2024 guidance cash costs and AISC.

(2) Copper equivalent payable pounds were calculated using the following realized prices:

Q2 2024: $4.43/lb Cu, $1.28/lb Zn, $28.61/oz Ag, $2,334/oz Au, $0.99/lb Pb.

Q2 2023: $3.99/lb Cu, $1.16/lb Zn, $24.17/oz Ag, $1,977/oz Au, $0.96/lb Pb.

6M 2024: $4.08/lb Cu, $1.20/lb Zn, $25.73/oz Ag, $2,177/oz Au, $0.96/lb Pb.

6M 2023: $4.02/lb Cu, $1.29/lb Zn, $23.37/oz Ag, $1,934/oz Au, $0.96/lb Pb.

The non-IFRS performance measures presented do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be directly comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

Non-IFRS reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA

EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure that represents an indication of the Company's continuing capacity to generate earnings from operations before taking into account management's financing decisions and costs of consuming capital assets, which vary according to their vintage, technological currency, and management's estimate of their useful life. EBITDA comprises revenue less operating expenses before interest expense (income), property, plant and equipment amortization and depletion, and income taxes. Adjusted EBITDA has been included in this document. Under IFRS, entities must reflect in compensation expense the cost of share-based payments. In the Company's circumstances, share-based payments involve a significant accrual of amounts that will not be settled in cash but are settled by the issuance of shares in exchange for cash. As such, the Company has made an entity specific adjustment to EBITDA for these expenses. The Company has also made an entity-specific adjustment to the foreign currency exchange (gain)/loss. The Company considers cash flow before movements in working capital to be the IFRS performance measure that is most closely comparable to adjusted EBITDA.

Non-IFRS reconciliation of adjusted net income

The Company has included the non-IFRS financial performance measure of adjusted net income, defined by management as the net income attributable to shareholders shown in the statement of earnings plus the non-cash depletion charge due to the acquisition of Corona and the corresponding deferred tax recovery and certain non-recurring or non-cash items such as share-based compensation and foreign currency exchange (gains) losses. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors may want to use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flows. Accordingly, it is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with IFRS.

Cash cost per copper equivalent payable pound

The Company uses the non-IFRS measure of cash cost per copper equivalent payable pound to manage and evaluate operating performance. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flows. Accordingly, it 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.


Contacts

Investor Relations
Sierra Metals Inc.
+1 (866) 721-7437
info@sierrametals.com


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