Location

TORONTO, Aug. 8, 2013 /CNW/ – AuRico Gold Inc. (TSX: AUQ) (NYSE: AUQ), (“AuRico” or the “Company”) reports financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013. The Company will host a conference call on Friday, August 9, 2013 beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (details below).


Financial Highlights






For the second quarter, the Company reported the following results:



  • Revenues of $57.7 million

  • Adjusted net earnings(1) of $6.1 million, or $0.02 per share

  • Net loss of $103.5 million, or ($0.42) per share, including non-cash impairment charges and net realizable value adjustments of $104.9 million, or ($0.42) per share, net of taxes

  • Production of 48,003 gold ounces(2)

  • Cash costs of $655 per gold ounce(1)

  • All-in sustaining costs of $1,189 per gold ounce(3)

  • Operating cash flow before changes in working capital(1) of $18.7 million, or $0.08 per share















(1)


See the table at the end of this press release for a reconciliation of adjusted net earnings and adjusted operating cash flow and refer to the discussion of Non-GAAP measures below.


(2)


Includes 9,817 pre-production gold ounces produced at Young-Davidson during the three months  ended June 30, 2013


(3) 


See the discussion of All-in Sustaining Costs and Non-GAAP measures provided below.


 


 


Recent Highlights







  • Mr. Alan Edwards was appointed non-executive Chairman of the Board effective July 1, 2013. Mr. Edwards was appointed as an independent director on May 13, 2010.

  • The Company’s quarterly dividend payment of $0.04 per share for the second quarter was paid on July 29, 2013. The Company also introduced an optional dividend reinvestment plan to acquire additional common shares by reinvesting cash dividends. Further information on the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan is available through the following link: www.auricogold.com/DRIP. The next dividend payment is scheduled to be paid on October 29, 2013 to shareholders of record on October 11, 2013.

“With another quarter of solid results reported from both operations we continue to demonstrate the potential of our high quality asset base. The mid-shaft crushing and hoisting system is progressing on schedule and remains on target to commission during September. The shaft and hoisting system is the key catalyst that will drive significant improvements in underground productivities and further cost efficiencies,” stated Scott Perry, President and Chief Executive Officer. He continued, “With quality operations, a strong cash position and a fully-funded growth profile, the Company is well positioned for success even in this challenging market environment.”


Impairment Charges and Net Realizable Value Adjustment






Due to the lower metal price environment currently being experienced, the Company’s second quarter net earnings were adjusted by $104.9 million, net of taxes, for non-cash impairments and revaluations.  Of that amount, $80 million, net of tax, is related to an impairment charge associated with the El Chanate mine. This impairment charge was related to a reduction in the estimated short and long-term metal prices used in life-of-mine plans, and was charged entirely against goodwill.  The Company also determined that an impairment charge of $16.5 million, net of tax, was required for the retained interest royalty in the future life-of-mine free cash flows of the Fosterville and Stawell mines, which were disposed of in 2012.  The remaining $8.4 million, net of tax, is related to net realizable value adjustments for heap leach and long-term, low-grade stockpile inventories.


Operational Highlights – Continuing Operations


































































































































































 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Young-Davidson


El Chanate


Total


(in thousands, except ounces, average realized prices and total cash costs)


Quarter Ended
June 30, 2013


Quarter Ended
June 30, 2012


Quarter Ended
June 30, 2013


Quarter Ended
June 30, 2012


Quarter Ended
June 30, 2013


Quarter Ended
June 30, 2012


Gold ounces produced


19,435



18,751


17,882


38,186


17,882


Pre-production gold ounces produced(3)


9,817


11,950




9,817


11,950


Total gold ounces produced


29,252


11,950


18,751


17,882


48,003


29,832


Total cash costs per gold ounce(1)(2)(3)


$716



$602


$457


$655


$457


Revenue from mining operations


$26,670



$30,990


$27,458


$57,660


$27,458


Average realized gold price per ounce


$1,366



$1,373


$1,610


$1,369


$1,610


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Young-Davidson


El Chanate


Total


(in thousands, except ounces, average realized prices and total cash costs)


Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013


Six Months Ended
June 30, 2012


Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013


Six Months Ended
June 30, 2012


Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013


Six Months Ended
June 30, 2012


Gold ounces produced


39,987



36,640


36,975


76,627


36,975


Pre-production gold ounces produced(3)


17,546


11,950




17,546


11,950


Total gold ounces produced


57,533


11,950


36,640


36,975


94,173


48,925


Total cash costs per gold ounce(1)(2)(3)


$705



$585


$435


$645


$435


Revenue from mining operations


$63,435



$59,110


$60,731


$122,545


$60,731


Average realized gold price per ounce


$1,507



$1,481


$1,670


$1,494


$1,670


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 






 


Financial Highlights – Continuing Operations




































































 


 


 


(in thousands, except per share amounts)


Quarter Ended
June 30, 2013


Quarter Ended
June 30, 2012(2)


Adjusted net earnings(1)


$6,122


($921)


Adjusted net earnings per share, basic(1)


$0.02


($0.00)


Net (loss) / earnings


($103,491)


$6,640


Net (loss) / earnings per share, basic


($0.42)


$0.03


Adjusted operating cash flow(1)


$18,691


$987


 


 


 


 


 


(in thousands, except per share amounts)


Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013


Six Months Ended
June 30, 2012(2)


Adjusted net earnings(1)


$17,719


$4,578


Adjusted net earnings per share, basic(1)


$0.07


$0.02


Net (loss) / earnings


($85,217)


($6,958)


Net (loss) / earnings per share, basic


($0.34)


($0.02)


Adjusted operating cash flow(1)


$38,813


$6,865


 













(1) 


See the tables at the end of this press release for a reconciliation of adjusted net earnings and adjusted operating cash flow and refer to the discussion of Non-GAAP measures below.  Total cash costs per gold ounce have been presented prior to net realizable value adjustments on the Young-Davidson low-grade long-term stockpile inventory and the El Chanate heap leach ore in process inventory.  The Company has restated adjusted net earnings for 2012.


(2) 


Certain comparative information has been restated as a result of the adoption of IFRIC 20, Stripping Costs in the Production Phase of a Surface Mine, which was applied prospectively to production stripping costs incurred on or after January 1, 2012. For further details, refer to the Critical Accounting Estimates, Policies and Changes section on page 21 in the Company’s Management’s Discussion & Analysis or note 3(a) to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013.


(3) 


The Young-Davidson open pit mine declared commercial production on September 1, 2012, and is therefore excluded from consolidated cash costs prior to this date. Pre-production ounces produced are excluded from consolidated ounces produced as these ounces are credited against capitalized project costs when sold.


 


Adjusted Net Earnings Reconciliation




















































































































 


 


 


(in thousands, except per share metrics)


Quarter Ended


Quarter Ended


 


June 30, 2013


June 30, 2012


Net (loss) / earnings from continuing operations


($103,491)


$6,640


Adjustments:


 


 


Impairment charges


98,688



Net realizable value adjustments on inventory


12,245



Foreign exchange loss on translation of tax basis recorded in deferred income tax expense


11,852


5,688


Unrealized foreign exchange gain


(8,741)


(4,813)


Gain on option component of convertible notes


(4,106)


(9,618)


Unrealized gain on derivatives


123


(896)


Unrealized loss on contingent consideration


4,060



Other


(4,508)


2,078


Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations


$6,122


($921)


Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations, per share


$0.02


($0.00)


 


 


 


Net earnings from discontinued operations



$15,043


Adjustments:


 


 


Unrealized foreign exchange gain



(2,636)


Net realizable value adjustments on inventory



14,366


Loss on disposition of Australian Operations



1,736


Other



(791)


Adjusted net earnings from discontinued operations



$27,718


Adjusted net earnings from discontinued operations, per share



$0.10


 


 


 


Adjusted net earnings


$6,122


$26,797


Adjusted net earnings, per share


$0.02


$0.09


 























































































































 


 


 


(in thousands, except per share metrics)


Six Months Ended


Six Months Ended


June 30, 2013


June 30, 2012


Net loss from continuing operations


($85,217)


($6,958)


Adjustments:


 


 


Impairment charges


98,688



Net realizable value adjustments on inventory


12,245



Foreign exchange loss / (gain) on translation of tax basis recorded in deferred income tax expense


12,553


1,097


Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) / loss


(9,677)


5,009


(Gain) / loss on option component of convertible notes


(10,975)


4,184


Unrealized gain on derivatives


(2,071)


(1,193)


Unrealized loss on contingent consideration


6,849



Other


(4,675)


2,439


Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations


$17,719


$4,578


Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations, per share


$0.07


$0.02


 


 


 


Net earnings from discontinued operations



$29,856


Adjustments:


 


 


Unrealized foreign exchange loss



7,281


Net realizable value adjustments on inventory



14,366


Loss on disposition of Australian Operations



1,736


Impairment of Australian Operations



22,857


Other



(791)


Adjusted net earnings from discontinued operations



$75,305


Adjusted net earnings from discontinued operations, per share



$0.27


 


 


 


Adjusted net earnings


$17,719


$79,883


Adjusted net earnings, per share


$0.07


$0.28


 


 


 


Adjusted Operating Cash Flow Reconciliation



































 


 


 


(in thousands, except per share metrics)


Quarter Ended


Quarter Ended


June 30, 2013


June 30, 2012


Operating cash flow from continuing operations


$13,875


($4,235)


Add back: Non-cash change in operating working capital


4,816


5,222


Adjusted operating cash flow from continuing operations


$18,691


$987


Adjusted operating cash flow from continuing operations, per share


$0.08


$0.00


 



































 


 


 


(in thousands, except per share metrics)


Six Months Ended


Six Months Ended


June 30, 2013


June 30, 2012


Operating cash flow from continuing operations


$26,974


$6,235


Add back: Non-cash change in operating working capital


11,839


630


Adjusted operating cash flow from continuing operations


$38,813


$6,865


Adjusted operating cash flow from continuing operations, per share


$0.15


$0.02


 


 


 


Non-GAAP Measures


The Company uses the measures adjusted net earnings, cash costs per ounce, all-in sustaining costs, adjusted operating cash flow and net free cash flow in this press release, which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS” or “GAAP”).  They are, therefore, considered to be non-GAAP measures and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The non-GAAP measures cash costs per ounce, all-in sustaining costs per ounce and net free cash flow are reconciled to the Company’s financial statements beginning on page 18 of the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013.


Adjusted net earnings is comprised of net earnings from both continuing and discontinued operations, adjusted for specific items. While the adjustments to net earnings in this measure include items that are recurring, adjusted net earnings is a useful measure as the unrealized gains / losses on foreign exchange, fair value adjustments on contingent consideration and derivatives, impairment charges, net realizable value adjustments, and other non-recurring items do not reflect the underlying operating performance of the Company’s core mining business in the periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.


Adjusted operating cash flow excludes the change in non-cash operating working capital, which includes changes in receivables, inventories, prepaid assets, and payables.


Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis


The financial statements and related Management’s Discussion and Analysis can be found on the Company’s website at www.auricogold.com or under the Company’s profile on www.sedar.com and with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml (“Edgar”).


Second Quarter Conference Call and Webcast






A webcast and conference call will be held on Friday, August 9, 2013 starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Senior management will be on the call to discuss the results.


Conference Call Access



  • International & Toronto:  1-647-427-7450

  • Canada & U.S. Toll Free:  1-888-231-8191

When the Operator answers, please ask to be placed into the AuRico Gold Second Quarter Results Conference Call.


Conference Call Live Webcast


The conference call will be broadcast live on the internet via webcast. To access the webcast, please follow this link: http://www.newswire.ca/en/webcast/detail/1192183/1307011


Archive Call Access


If you are unable to attend the conference call, a replay will be available until midnight, August 16, 2013 by dialing the appropriate number below:



  • International & Toronto: 1-416-849-0833  Passcode:  #13657313

  • Canada & U.S. Toll Free: 1-855-859-2056  Passcode: #13657313

Archive Webcast


The webcast will be archived for 90 days. To access the archived webcast, visit the Company’s website at www.auricogold.com or follow this link: http://www.newswire.ca/en/webcast/detail/1192183/1307011


About AuRico Gold


AuRico Gold is a leading Canadian gold producer with mines and projects in North America that have solid production growth and exploration potential. The Company is focused on its core operations including the Young-Davidson gold mine in northern Ontario and the El Chanate mine in Sonora State, Mexico. AuRico’s project pipeline also includes development opportunities in Canada and Mexico. AuRico’s head office is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.


Cautionary Statement


Certain information included in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements, including any information as to our projects, plans and future financial and operating performance.  All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements.  The words “expect”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “will”, “intend”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “budget” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies.  Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, but are not limited to: changes to current estimates of mineral reserves and resources; fluctuations in the price of gold; changes in foreign exchange rates (particularly the Canadian dollar, Mexican peso and U.S. dollar); the impact of inflation; changes in our credit rating; any decision to declare a quarterly dividend; employee relations; litigation; disruptions affecting operations; availability of and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labour; development delays at the Young-Davidson mine; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; inherent risks associated with mining and mineral processing; the risk that the Young-Davidson and El Chanate mines may not perform as planned; uncertainty with respect to the future potential of the Kemess project, uncertainty with the Company’s ability to secure capital to execute its business plans; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits; contests over title to properties; changes in national and local government legislation in Canada, Mexico and other jurisdictions in which the Company does or may carry on business in the future; risk of loss due to sabotage and civil disturbances; the impact of global liquidity and credit availability and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future cash flows; risks arising from holding derivative instruments; and business opportunities that may be pursued by the Company.  Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results, dividend policy, development and operating plans and other elements of our business and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.  All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements.  Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements.


The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. 


Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources


This press release uses the terms “measured,” “indicated” and “inferred” resources.  We advise investors that while those terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them.  Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.


SOURCE AuRico Gold Inc.


For further information please visit the AuRico Gold website at www.auricogold.com or contact:


Rob Chausse
Chief Financial Officer
AuRico Gold Inc.
1-647-260-8880 

Anne Day
Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications
AuRico Gold Inc.
1-647-260-8880

SHARE THIS POST?

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email

Maza Drilling is a Mexican company established in 2007 in Mazatlán, Sinaloa. Our Canadian founder, Mr. Guy de Launiere, has over 20 years of international experience managing diverse drilling operations. Maza Drilling strives to compete at the highest levels in terms of recovery, effectiveness, efficiency, and affordability at every project while keeping at the forefront of technology to meet our customer’s needs in this demanding market.