Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2018

 

or

 

o         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from           to           

 

Commission File Number: 1-14066

 

SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

13-3849074

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

1440 East Missouri Avenue Suite 160 Phoenix, AZ

 

85014

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (602) 264-1375

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes  x   No  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer

x

 

Accelerated filer

o

Non-accelerated filer

o

 

Smaller reporting company

o

Emerging growth company

o

 

 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o   No x

 

As of October 26, 2018 there were outstanding 773,044,469 shares of Southern Copper Corporation common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

 

Southern Copper Corporation (“SCC”)

 

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

Page No.

Part I. Financial Information:

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

4

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017

5

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

6

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

7-33

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

34-50

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

51-52

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and procedures

53

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

54

 

 

 

Part II. Other Information:

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

55

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

55

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

55

 

 

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

55

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

56-58

 

 

 

 

List of Exhibits

59-61

 

 

 

 

Signatures

62

 

 

 

Exhibit 15

Independent Accountants’ Awareness Letter

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.1

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

2


Table of Contents

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Southern Copper Corporation

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales (including sales to related parties, see Note 7)

 

$

1,723.7

 

$

1,676.5

 

$

5,402.1

 

$

4,790.2

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion shown separately below)

 

824.0

 

781.5

 

2,552.2

 

2,430.2

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

26.4

 

25.0

 

76.7

 

68.6

 

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

170.6

 

169.3

 

495.2

 

493.8

 

Exploration

 

6.0

 

8.1

 

20.3

 

18.9

 

Environmental remediation

 

 

 

 

(10.2

)

Total operating costs and expenses

 

1,027.0

 

983.9

 

3,144.4

 

3,001.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

696.7

 

692.6

 

2,257.7

 

1,788.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(90.1

)

(90.3

)

(270.6

)

(285.1

)

Capitalized interest

 

20.9

 

18.7

 

63.6

 

49.7

 

Other income (expense)

 

(7.6

)

(6.2

)

(13.1

)

1.6

 

Interest income

 

4.4

 

1.8

 

9.8

 

4.0

 

Income before income taxes

 

624.3

 

616.6

 

2,047.4

 

1,559.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes (including royalty taxes, see Note 4)

 

257.9

 

220.1

 

803.6

 

556.6

 

Net income before equity earnings of affiliate

 

366.4

 

396.5

 

1,243.8

 

1,002.5

 

Equity earnings of affiliate, net of income tax

 

4.3

 

6.3

 

9.9

 

16.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

370.7

 

402.8

 

1,253.7

 

1,018.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest

 

1.3

 

1.0

 

3.9

 

2.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to SCC

 

$

369.4

 

$

401.8

 

$

1,249.8

 

$

1,016.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per common share amounts attributable to SCC:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings - basic and diluted

 

$

0.48

 

$

0.52

 

$

1.62

 

$

1.31

 

Dividends paid

 

$

0.40

 

$

0.14

 

$

1.00

 

$

0.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted

 

773.0

 

773.0

 

773.0

 

773.0

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

 

Southern Copper Corporation

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net income and comprehensive income

 

$

370.7

 

$

402.8

 

$

1,253.7

 

$

1,018.6

 

Comprehensive income attributable to the non-controlling interest

 

1.3

 

1.0

 

3.9

 

2.6

 

Comprehensive income attributable to SCC

 

$

369.4

 

$

401.8

 

$

1,249.8

 

$

1,016.0

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

 

Southern Copper Corporation

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

967.3

 

$

1,004.8

 

Short-term investments

 

236.5

 

50.5

 

Accounts receivable trade

 

778.4

 

890.6

 

Accounts receivable other (including related parties 2018 - $90.7 and 2017 - $26.1)

 

164.6

 

85.8

 

Inventories

 

1,007.6

 

1,041.9

 

Prepaid taxes

 

87.6

 

85.5

 

Other current assets

 

31.2

 

11.0

 

Total current assets

 

3,273.2

 

3,170.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and mine development, net

 

9,311.8

 

9,099.6

 

Ore stockpiles on leach pads

 

1,143.0

 

977.4

 

Intangible assets, net

 

150.8

 

152.5

 

Deferred income tax

 

181.3

 

164.9

 

Equity method investment

 

103.6

 

99.7

 

Other assets

 

153.0

 

115.9

 

Total assets

 

$

14,316.7

 

$

13,780.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable (including related parties 2018 - $79.5 and 2017 - $90.1)

 

$

688.5

 

$

659.8

 

Accrued income taxes

 

187.8

 

226.4

 

Accrued workers’ participation

 

164.6

 

176.9

 

Accrued interest

 

133.1

 

83.9

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

33.9

 

21.3

 

Total current liabilities

 

1,207.9

 

1,168.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

5,959.3

 

5,957.1

 

Deferred income taxes

 

37.7

 

38.5

 

Non-current taxes payable

 

207.1

 

207.1

 

Other liabilities and reserves

 

58.4

 

37.2

 

Asset retirement obligation

 

215.8

 

222.5

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

6,478.3

 

6,462.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

8.8

 

8.8

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

3,391.8

 

3,373.3

 

Retained earnings

 

6,203.0

 

5,726.2

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

0.5

 

0.5

 

Treasury stock, at cost, common shares

 

(3,018.0

)

(3,001.1

)

Total Southern Copper Corporation stockholders’ equity

 

6,586.1

 

6,107.7

 

Non-controlling interest

 

44.4

 

41.7

 

Total equity

 

6,630.5

 

6,149.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

14,316.7

 

$

13,780.1

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Southern Copper Corporation

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

370.7

 

$

402.8

 

$

1,253.7

 

$

1,018.6

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

170.6

 

169.3

 

495.2

 

493.8

 

Equity earnings of affiliate, net of dividends received

 

(3.4

)

(4.3

)

(3.9

)

(8.3

)

Loss (gain) on foreign currency transaction effect

 

4.8

 

(2.0

)

31.2

 

50.8

 

(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes

 

(2.2

)

(20.9

)

(17.7

)

(61.7

)

Other, net

 

3.5

 

3.6

 

(4.4

)

11.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable

 

34.8

 

(210.1

)

112.3

 

(238.3

)

Decrease (increase) in inventories

 

(43.6

)

(72.3

)

(131.2

)

(120.5

)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

175.1

 

113.9

 

80.5

 

(9.5

)

Decrease (increase) in other operating assets and liabilities

 

22.5

 

56.1

 

(26.8

)

143.9

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

732.8

 

436.1

 

1,788.9

 

1,280.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital investments

 

(282.3

)

(212.7

)

(831.8

)

(710.4

)

Proceeds from sale (purchase) of short-term investments, net

 

(185.8

)

9.6

 

(186.0

)

20.8

 

Other

 

0.2

 

(0.1

)

(12.0

)

1.0

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(467.9

)

(203.2

)

(1,029.8

)

(688.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends paid to common stockholders

 

(309.2

)

(108.2

)

(773.0

)

(262.8

)

Other

 

(0.2

)

(0.2

)

(1.0

)

0.1

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(309.4

)

(108.4

)

(774.0

)

(262.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(20.7

)

(14.7

)

(22.6

)

(76.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(65.2

)

109.8

 

(37.5

)

252.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period

 

1,032.5

 

688.7

 

1,004.8

 

546.0

 

Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period

 

$

967.3

 

$

798.5

 

$

967.3

 

$

798.5

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Southern Copper Corporation

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 — DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS:

 

The Company is a majority-owned, indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. (“Grupo Mexico”). At September 30, 2018, Grupo Mexico through its wholly-owned subsidiary Americas Mining Corporation (“AMC”) owned 88.9% of the Company’s capital stock. The condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein consist of the accounts of Southern Copper Corporation (“SCC”, “Southern Copper” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries. The Company is an integrated producer of copper and other minerals, and operates mining, smelting and refining facilities in Peru and Mexico. The Company conducts its primary operations in Peru through a registered branch (the “Peruvian Branch” or “Branch” or “SPCC Peru Branch”). The Peruvian Branch is not a corporation separate from the Company. The Company’s Mexican operations are conducted through subsidiaries. The Company also conducts exploration activities in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru.

 

In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to state fairly the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2018 and the results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The December 31, 2017 balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2017 and notes included in the Company’s 2017 annual report on Form 10-K.

 

NOTE 2 — SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:

 

Short-term investments were as follows ($ in millions):

 

 

 

At September 30,

 

At December 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Trading securities

 

$

235.8

 

$

49.5

 

Weighted average interest rate

 

2.2

%

1.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale

 

$

0.7

 

$

1.0

 

Weighted average interest rate

 

0.7

%

0.7

%

Total

 

$

236.5

 

$

50.5

 

 

Trading securities consist of bonds issued by public companies and are publicly traded. Each financial instrument is independent of the others. The Company has the intention to sell these bonds in the short-term.

 

Available-for-sale investments consist of securities issued by public companies. Each security is independent of the others and at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, included corporate bonds and asset and mortgage backed obligations. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, gross unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were not material.

 

Related to these investments the Company earned interest, which was recorded as interest income in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings. Also the Company redeemed some of these securities and recognized gains (losses) due to changes in fair value, which were recorded as other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The following table summarizes the activity of these investments by category (in millions):

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

Trading securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest earned

 

$

0.1

 

$

0.2

 

$

0.2

 

$

0.6

 

Unrealized gain (loss) at the end of the period

 

$

(0.2

)

$

0.1

 

$

(0.2

)

$

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest earned

 

(*

)

(*

)

(*

)

(*

)

Investment redeemed

 

$

0.1

 

$

0.1

 

$

0.3

 

$

1.1

 

 


(*) Less than $0.1 million.

 

NOTE 3 - INVENTORIES:

 

Inventories were as follows:

 

(in millions)

 

At September 30,
2018

 

At December 31,
2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory, current:

 

 

 

 

 

Metals at average cost:

 

 

 

 

 

Finished goods

 

$

50.7

 

$

48.8

 

Work-in-process

 

269.8

 

308.0

 

Ore stockpiles on leach pads

 

308.9

 

320.9

 

Supplies at average cost:

 

378.2

 

364.2

 

Total current inventory

 

$

1,007.6

 

$

1,041.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory, non-current:

 

 

 

 

 

Ore stockpiles on leach pads

 

$

1,143.0

 

$

977.4

 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 total leaching costs capitalized as non-current inventory of ore stockpiles on leach pads amounted to $393.6 million and $386.4 million, respectively. Leaching inventories recognized in cost of sales amounted to $240.0 million and $246.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

NOTE 4 — INCOME TAXES:

 

The income tax provision and the effective income tax rate for the nine months of 2018 and 2017 consisted of (in millions):

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Statutory income tax provision

 

$

698.5

 

$

473.0

 

GILTI tax

 

15.2

 

 

Peruvian royalty

 

6.7

 

0.5

 

Mexican royalty

 

60.9

 

67.7

 

Peruvian special mining tax

 

22.3

 

15.4

 

Total income tax provision

 

$

803.6

 

$

556.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

 

39.2

%

35.7

%

 

These provisions include income taxes for Peru, Mexico and the United States. In addition, a Mexican royalty tax, a portion of the Peruvian royalty tax and the Peruvian special mining tax are included in the income tax provision. The increase in the effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2018 from the same period in the prior year is primarily due to the Company no longer recording the benefit for 100% of the foreign tax credits generated annually, as well as the effect of the Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (GILTI). Both the GILTI provision and the reduced benefit to the Company for foreign tax credits are the result of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”), enacted on December 22, 2017.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The Act includes significant changes to existing U.S. tax laws and creates new complex tax provisions. Some of these provisions are still under legislative review and are subject to change. As of December 31, 2017, the Company recorded provisional impacts of the tax effects related to specific provisions and continues to evaluate and await further IRS guidance on other provisions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, no significant adjustments were made to the provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2017. The Company has not fully completed its analysis of the Act and will continue to assess the impact of the final calculations during the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Act. The Company has adopted SAB 118. Accordingly, the provisions of the Act deemed most relevant to the Company have been considered in preparation of its condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Peruvian royalty and special mining tax: The mining royalty charge is based on operating income margins with graduated rates ranging from 1% to 12% of operating profits, with a minimum royalty charge assessed at 1% of net sales. If the operating income margin is 10% or less, the royalty charge is 1% and for each 5% increment in the operating income margin, the royalty charge rate increases by 0.75%, up to a maximum of 12%. The minimum royalty charge assessed at 1% of net sales is recorded as cost of sales and those amounts assessed against operating income are included in the income tax provision. The Company has accrued $24.2 million and $15.4 million of royalty charge in the nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively, of which $6.7 million and $0.5 million were included in income taxes in 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

The special mining tax is based on operating income and its rate ranges from 2% to 8.4%. It begins at 2% for operating income margin up to 10% and increases by 0.4% of operating income for each additional 5% of operating income until 85% of operating income is reached. The Company has accrued $22.3 million and $15.4 million of special mining tax as part of the income tax provision for the nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Mexican mining royalty: Mexico has a mining royalty charge of 7.5% on earnings before taxes as defined by Mexican tax regulations and an additional royalty charge of 0.5% over gross income from sales of gold, silver and platinum. The Company has accrued $60.9 million and $67.7 million of royalty taxes as part of the income tax provision for the nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes: In the nine months of 2018, there were no changes in the Company’s uncertain tax positions.

 

NOTE 5 — REVENUE RECOGNITION:

 

The Company’s net sales were $5,402.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $4,790.2 million in the same period of 2017. The geographic breakdown of the Company’s sales is as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

 

Mexican
Open-Pit

 

Mexican
IMMSA Unit

 

Peruvian
Operations

 

Corporate &
Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

The Americas:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico

 

$

329.3

 

$

86.4

 

$

 

$

(17.2

)

$

398.5

 

United States

 

263.1

 

0.5

 

40.8

 

 

304.4

 

Peru

 

 

 

92.6

 

 

92.6

 

Brazil

 

 

6.6

 

55.9

 

 

62.5

 

Chile

 

 

 

42.4

 

 

42.4

 

Other American countries

 

15.2

 

0.5

 

 

 

15.7

 

Europe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Switzerland

 

141.4

 

6.8

 

31.4

 

 

179.6

 

Italy

 

5.1

 

3.4

 

64.3

 

 

72.8

 

Spain

 

42.0

 

 

 

 

42.0

 

Other European countries

 

74.0

 

2.9

 

24.3

 

 

101.2

 

Asia:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Singapore

 

104.9

 

 

164.1

 

 

269.0

 

Japan

 

(4.7

)

 

114.0

 

 

109.3

 

Other Asian countries

 

24.8

 

0.2

 

8.7

 

 

33.7

 

Total

 

$

995.1

 

$

107.3

 

$

638.5

 

$

(17.2

)

$

1,723.7

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

 

 

Mexican
Open-Pit

 

Mexican
IMMSA Unit

 

Peruvian
Operations

 

Corporate &
Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

The Americas:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico

 

$

332.9

 

$

77.2

 

$

2.8

 

$

(16.0

)

$

396.9

 

United States

 

272.3

 

10.1

 

47.5

 

 

329.9

 

Peru

 

 

 

94.5

 

 

94.5

 

Brazil

 

 

5.7

 

52.8

 

 

58.5

 

Chile

 

 

 

26.5

 

 

26.5

 

Other American countries

 

19.4

 

0.7

 

6.6

 

 

26.7

 

Europe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Switzerland

 

91.1

 

1.8

 

29.0

 

 

121.9

 

Italy

 

7.9

 

3.7

 

62.3

 

 

73.9

 

Spain

 

34.8

 

 

 

 

34.8

 

Other European countries

 

35.1

 

4.2

 

19.4

 

 

58.7

 

Asia:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Singapore

 

172.1

 

 

115.4

 

 

287.5

 

Japan

 

35.5

 

 

98.9

 

 

134.4

 

Other Asian countries

 

22.2

 

0.1

 

10.0

 

 

32.3

 

Total

 

$

1,023.3

 

$

103.5

 

$

565.7

 

$

(16.0

)

$

1,676.5

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

 

Mexican
Open-Pit

 

Mexican
IMMSA Unit

 

Peruvian
Operations

 

Corporate &
Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

The Americas:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico

 

$

1,026.2

 

$

307.0

 

$

 

$

(55.6

)

$

1,277.6

 

United States

 

782.4

 

6.1

 

139.1

 

 

927.6

 

Peru

 

 

 

292.7

 

 

292.7

 

Brazil

 

 

28.8

 

183.2

 

 

212.0

 

Chile

 

 

 

102.1

 

 

102.1

 

Other American countries

 

41.6

 

2.9

 

1.2

 

 

45.7

 

Europe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Switzerland

 

340.4

 

33.9

 

105.8

 

 

480.1

 

Italy

 

18.2

 

16.8

 

224.6

 

 

259.6

 

Spain

 

130.7

 

 

 

 

130.7

 

Other European countries

 

195.7

 

13.4

 

72.4

 

 

281.5

 

Asia:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Singapore

 

389.0

 

 

443.1

 

 

832.1

 

Japan

 

68.7

 

 

333.2

 

 

401.9

 

Other Asian countries

 

132.0

 

0.7

 

25.8

 

 

158.5

 

Total

 

$

3,124.9

 

$

409.6

 

$

1,923.2

 

$

(55.6

)

$

5,402.1

 

 

10


Table of Contents

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

 

 

Mexican
Open-Pit

 

Mexican
IMMSA Unit

 

Peruvian
Operations

 

Corporate &
Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

The Americas:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico

 

$

897.1

 

$

253.2

 

$

5.1

 

$

(54.1

)

$

1,101.3

 

United States

 

733.0

 

33.7

 

105.8

 

 

872.5

 

Peru

 

 

0.8

 

264.4

 

 

265.2

 

Brazil

 

 

29.7

 

142.1

 

 

171.8

 

Chile

 

 

 

77.8

 

 

77.8

 

Other American countries

 

50.5

 

2.4

 

12.9

 

 

65.8

 

Europe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Switzerland

 

316.9

 

7.6

 

55.1

 

 

379.6

 

Italy

 

22.2

 

12.1

 

205.7

 

 

240.0

 

Spain

 

100.2

 

 

 

 

100.2

 

Other European countries

 

162.4

 

17.8

 

55.7

 

 

235.9

 

Asia:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Singapore

 

427.6

 

1.4

 

378.6

 

 

807.6

 

Japan

 

70.0

 

 

281.0

 

 

351.0

 

Other Asian countries

 

95.4

 

0.4

 

25.7

 

 

121.5

 

Total

 

$

2,875.3

 

$

359.1

 

$

1,609.9

 

$

(54.1

)

$

4,790.2

 

 

The following table presents information regarding the sales value by reporting segment of the Company’s significant products for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

 

Mexican
Open-Pit

 

Mexican
IMMSA Unit

 

Peruvian
Operations

 

Corporate &
Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

Copper

 

$

840.8

 

$

9.9

 

$

550.8

 

$

(10.0

)

$

1,391.5

 

Molybdenum

 

89.2

 

 

48.4

 

 

137.6

 

Zinc

 

 

63.2

 

 

 

63.2

 

Silver

 

42.5

 

19.0

 

16.8

 

(6.6

)

71.7

 

Other

 

22.6

 

15.2

 

22.5

 

(0.6

)

59.7

 

Total

 

$

995.1

 

$

107.3

 

$

638.5

 

$

(17.2

)

$

1,723.7

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

 

 

Mexican
Open-Pit

 

Mexican
IMMSA Unit

 

Peruvian
Operations

 

Corporate &
Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

Copper

 

$

898.9

 

$

9.2

 

$

502.6

 

$

(9.2

)

$

1,401.5

 

Molybdenum

 

57.3

 

 

33.9

 

 

91.2

 

Zinc

 

 

59.8

 

 

0.2

 

60.0

 

Silver

 

42.3

 

16.5

 

17.7

 

(5.8

)

70.7

 

Other

 

24.8

 

18.0

 

11.5

 

(1.2

)

53.1

 

Total

 

$

1,023.3

 

$

103.5

 

$

565.7

 

$

(16.0

)

$

1,676.5

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

 

Mexican
Open-Pit

 

Mexican
IMMSA Unit

 

Peruvian
Operations

 

Corporate &
Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

Copper

 

$

2,661.9

 

$

37.0

 

$

1,686.7

 

$

(32.2

)

$

4,353.4

 

Molybdenum

 

254.2

 

 

124.3

 

 

378.5

 

Zinc

 

 

253.0

 

 

(0.1

)

252.9

 

Silver

 

133.2

 

63.4

 

50.6

 

(21.2

)

226.0

 

Other

 

75.6

 

56.2

 

61.6

 

(2.1

)

191.3

 

Total

 

$

3,124.9

 

$

409.6

 

$

1,923.2

 

$

(55.6

)

$

5,402.1

 

 

11


Table of Contents

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

 

 

Mexican
Open-Pit

 

Mexican
IMMSA Unit

 

Peruvian
Operations

 

Corporate &
Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

Copper

 

$

2,515.5

 

$

28.1

 

$

1,428.0

 

$

(28.2

)

$

3,943.4

 

Molybdenum

 

153.9

 

 

97.2

 

 

251.1

 

Zinc

 

 

215.5

 

 

0.2

 

215.7

 

Silver

 

132.7

 

56.4

 

51.6

 

(20.7

)

220.0

 

Other

 

73.2

 

59.1

 

33.1

 

(5.4

)

160.0

 

Total

 

$

2,875.3

 

$

359.1

 

$

1,609.9

 

$

(54.1

)

$

4,790.2

 

 

The following table presents information regarding the opening and closing balances of receivables by reporting segment of the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in millions):

 

 

 

Mexican
Open-Pit

 

Mexican
IMMSA Unit

 

Peruvian
Operations

 

Corporate &
Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

As of September 30, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

 

$

459.7

 

$

47.3

 

$

271.4

 

$

 

$

778.4

 

Related parties

 

81.8

 

 

 

8.9

 

90.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

 

$

556.2

 

$

79.7

 

$

254.7

 

$

 

$

890.6

 

Related parties

 

18.0

 

 

 

8.1

 

26.1

 

 

Provisionally priced sales:  At September 30, 2018, the Company has recorded provisionally priced sales of copper at average forward prices per pound, and molybdenum at the September 30, 2018 market price per pound. These sales are subject to final pricing based on the average monthly London Metal Exchange (“LME”), or New York Commodities Exchange (“COMEX”), copper prices and Dealer Oxide molybdenum prices in the future month of settlement.

 

Following are the provisionally priced copper and molybdenum sales outstanding at September 30, 2018:

 

 

 

Sales volume
(million lbs.)

 

Priced at
(per pound)

 

Month of settlement

 

Copper

 

51.3

 

$

2.80

 

October 2018 through January 2019

 

Molybdenum

 

11.4

 

$

11.80

 

October through December 2018

 

 

The provisional sales price adjustment included in accounts receivable and net sales at September 30, 2018 includes positive adjustments of $2.0 million and $0.3 million for copper and molybdenum, respectively.

 

Management believes that the final pricing of these sales will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

NOTE 6 - ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION:

 

The Company maintains an asset retirement obligation for its mining properties in Peru, as required by the Peruvian Mine Closure Law. In accordance with the requirements of this law the Company’s closure plans were approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines (“MINEM”). As part of the closure plans, the Company is required to provide annual guarantees over the estimated life of the mines, based on a present value approach, and to furnish the funds for the asset retirement obligation. This law requires a review of closing plans every five years. Currently and for the near-term future, the Company has pledged the value of its Lima office complex as support for this obligation. The accepted value of the Lima office building, for this purpose, is $36.9 million. Through September 2018, the Company has provided guarantees of $32.3 million. The closure cost recognized for this liability includes the cost, as outlined in its closure plans, of dismantling the Toquepala and Cuajone concentrators, the Ilo smelter and refinery, and the shops and auxiliary facilities at the three units. In March 2016, MINEM approved the Mining Closure Plan for the Toquepala expansion project. The closure plan for the Tia Maria project was approved in February 2017. The Company, however, has not recorded a retirement obligation for the project as the construction permit has not been received, and work on the project is on hold. The Company believes that under these circumstances the recording of a retirement obligation is not appropriate. In accordance with requirements of Peruvian law, the Company in December 2017 and February 2018, submitted to MINEM revised closure plans for the Cuajone mine and the Ilo facilities respectively, which at

 

12


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September 30, 2018 are pending approval. As a result of these new estimates, the Company has reduced the asset retirement obligation by $11.6 million in December 2017 and $5.2 million in the first quarter of 2018.

 

In 2010, the Company announced to the Mexican federal environmental authorities its closure plans for the copper smelter plant at San Luis Potosi. The Company developed a program for plant demolition and soil remediation with a cost of $66.2 million. In 2016, the environmental authorities approved the conclusion of the remediation effort. The Company continues studying the possibilities for this property in order to decide whether to sell or develop the property. The Company has recognized an estimated asset retirement obligation for its mining properties in Mexico as part of its environmental commitment. Even though there is currently no enacted law, statute, ordinance, written or oral contract requiring the Company to carry out mine closure and environmental remediation activities, the Company believes that a constructive obligation presently exists based on the remediation requirements caused by the closure of any facility. The overall cost recognized for mining closure in Mexico includes the estimated costs of dismantling concentrators, smelter and refinery plants, shops and other facilities. During 2018, the Company made a change in the estimate for the asset retirement obligation in its Mexican operations, mainly due to a change in the discount rate used to determine such obligation. The effect of this change was $10.4 million, which was recorded in the second quarter of 2018.

 

The following table summarizes the asset retirement obligation activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Balance as of January 1

 

$

222.5

 

$

216.5

 

Changes in estimates

 

(15.6

)

 

Payments

 

 

(0.3

)

Accretion expense

 

8.9

 

9.4

 

Balance as of September 30,

 

$

215.8

 

$

225.6

 

 

NOTE 7 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:

 

The Company has entered into certain transactions in the ordinary course of business with parties that are controlling shareholders or their affiliates. These transactions include the lease of office space, air transportation and construction services and products and services related to mining and refining. The Company lends and borrows funds among affiliates for acquisitions and other corporate purposes. These financial transactions bear interest and are subject to review and approval by senior management, as are all related party transactions. It is the Company’s policy that the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors shall review all related party transactions. The Company is prohibited from entering or continuing a material related party transaction that has not been reviewed and approved or ratified by the Audit Committee.

 

Receivable and payable balances with related parties are shown below (in millions):

 

 

 

At September 30,
2018

 

At December 31,
2017

 

Related parties receivable:

 

 

 

 

 

Grupo Mexico and affiliates:

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico Generadora de Energia, S. de R.L. (“MGE”)

 

$

11.1

 

$

16.2

 

Asarco LLC

 

74.1

 

4.1

 

Grupo Mexico

 

2.7

 

2.8

 

Compañia Perforadora Mexico, S.A.P.I. de C.V. and affiliates

 

1.4

 

1.4

 

Mexico Proyectos y Desarrollos, S.A. de C.V. and affiliates

 

0.5

 

1.1

 

Related to the controlling group:

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico Transportes Aereos, S.A. de C.V. (“Mextransport”)

 

0.2

 

 

Operadora de Cinemas, S.A. de C.V.

 

0.4

 

0.3

 

Boutique Bowling de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.

 

0.3

 

0.2

 

 

 

$

90.7

 

$

26.1

 

 

13


Table of Contents

 

 

 

At September 30,
2018

 

At December 31,
2017

 

Related parties payable:

 

 

 

 

 

Grupo Mexico and affiliates:

 

 

 

 

 

MGE

 

$

37.3

 

$

38.5

 

Asarco LLC

 

10.4

 

24.2

 

Mexico Proyectos y Desarrollos, S.A. de C.V. and affiliates

 

16.2

 

21.7

 

Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A. de C.V.

 

7.0

 

2.6

 

Eolica El Retiro, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (“Eolica el Retiro”)

 

0.9

 

0.8

 

Grupo Mexico

 

7.0

 

0.7

 

Related to the controlling group:

 

 

 

 

 

Operadora de Cinemas, S.A. de C.V.

 

0.2

 

0.7

 

Boutique Bowling de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.

 

0.2

 

0.6

 

Mextransport

 

0.3

 

0.3

 

 

 

$

79.5

 

$

90.1

 

 

Purchase and sale activity:

 

Grupo Mexico and affiliates:

 

The following table summarizes the purchase and sale activities with Grupo Mexico and its affiliates in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Purchase activity

 

 

 

 

 

Asarco LLC

 

$

30.0

 

$

29.6

 

Eolica El Retiro, S.A.P.I. de C.V.

 

2.2

 

2.4

 

Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A de C.V.

 

33.0

 

34.2

 

Grupo Mexico

 

13.5

 

10.5

 

MGE

 

144.4

 

168.5

 

Mexico Proyectos y Desarrollos, S.A. de C.V. and affiliates

 

63.1

 

92.8

 

Total purchases

 

$

286.2

 

$

338.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales activity

 

 

 

 

 

Asarco LLC

 

$

82.8

 

$

94.1

 

Compania Perforadora Mexico, S.A.P.I. de C.V and affiliates

 

 

0.2

 

Grupo Mexico

 

 

0.1

 

MGE

 

52.3

 

77.8

 

Total sales

 

$

135.1

 

$

172.2

 

 

Grupo Mexico, the parent and the majority indirect stockholder of the Company, and its affiliates provide various services to the Company. These services are primarily related to accounting, legal, tax, financial, treasury, human resources, price risk assessment and hedging, purchasing, procurement and logistics, sales and administrative and other support services. The Company pays Grupo Mexico for these services and expects to continue requiring these services in the future.

 

In the nine months ended September 30, 2018 the Company made donations of $5.5 million to Fundacion Grupo Mexico, A.C., an organization dedicated to promoting the social and economic development of the communities close to the Company’s Mexican operations.

 

The Company’s Mexican operations paid fees for freight services provided by Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A de C.V. and for construction services provided by Mexico Proyectos y Desarrollos, S.A. de C.V. and its affiliates. All of these companies are subsidiaries of Grupo Mexico.

 

The Company’s Mexican operations purchased scrap and other residual copper mineral from Asarco LLC, and power from MGE. Both companies are subsidiaries of Grupo Mexico.

 

In 2005, the Company organized MGE, as a subsidiary of Minera Mexico, for the construction of two power plants to supply power to the Company’s Mexican operations. In May 2010, the Company’s Mexican operations granted a $350 million line of credit to MGE for the construction of the power plants. That line of credit was due on December 31, 2012 and carried an interest rate of 4.4%. In the first quarter of 2012, an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, acquired 99.999% of MGE through a capital subscription of 1,928.6 million of Mexican pesos (approximately $150 million), reducing Minera Mexico’s participation

 

14


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to less than 0.001%. As consequence of this change in control, MGE became an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico. Additionally, at the same time, MGE paid $150 million to the Company’s Mexican operations, partially reducing the total debt. The remaining balance was repaid in the third quarter of 2016.

 

In 2012, the Company signed a power purchase agreement with MGE, whereby MGE will supply some of the Company’s Mexican operations with power through 2032. MGE has two natural gas-fired combined cycle power generating units, with a net total capacity of 516.2 megawatts and has been supplying power to the Company since December 2013. Currently, MGE is supplying 22% of its power output to third-party energy users; compared to 14% at September 30, 2017.

 

In 2014, Mexico Generadora de Energia Eolica, S. de R.L. de C.V, an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, located in Oaxaca, Mexico, acquired Eolica el Retiro, a windfarm with 37 wind turbines. This company started operations in January 2014 and started to sell power to Industrial Minera Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries (IMMSA) and other subsidiaries of Grupo Mexico in the third quarter of 2014. Currently, Eolica el Retiro is supplying approximately 17% of its power output to IMMSA; compared to 27% at September 30, 2017.

 

The Company sold copper cathodes, rod and anodes, as well as sulfuric acid, silver, gold and lime to Asarco LLC. In addition, the Company received fees for building rental and maintenance services provided to Mexico Proyectos y Desarrollos, S.A. de C.V. and its affiliates and to Perforadora Mexico, S.A.P.I. de C.V., and for natural gas and services provided to MGE; all subsidiaries of Grupo Mexico.

 

Companies with relationships to the controlling group:

 

The following table summarizes the purchase and sales activities with other Larrea family companies in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Purchase activity

 

 

 

 

 

Boutique Bowling de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.

 

$

0.2

 

$

0.2

 

Mextransport

 

1.1

 

0.4

 

Operadora de Cinemas, S.A. de C.V.

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Total purchases

 

$

1.4

 

$

0.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales activity

 

 

 

 

 

Boutique Bowling de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.

 

$

0.2

 

$

0.2

 

Mextransport

 

1.2

 

0.3

 

Operadora de Cinemas, S.A. de C.V.

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Total sales

 

$

1.5

 

$

0.6

 

 

The Larrea family controls a majority of the capital stock of Grupo Mexico, and has extensive interests in other businesses, including transportation, real estate and entertainment. The Company engages in certain transactions in the ordinary course of business with other entities controlled by the Larrea family relating to the lease of office space, air transportation and entertainment.

 

The Company’s Mexican operations paid fees for entertainment services provided by Boutique Bowling de Mexico, S.A de C.V. and Operadora de Cinemas, S.A. de C.V. Both companies are controlled by the Larrea family.

 

Mextransport provides aviation services to the Company’s Mexican operations. This is a company controlled by the Larrea family.

 

In addition, the Company received fees for building rental and maintenance provided to Boutique Bowling de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., Operadora de Cinemas, S.A. de C.V and Mextransport.

 

Equity Investment in Affiliate: The Company has a 44.2% participation in Compania Minera Coimolache, S.A. (“Coimolache”), which it accounts for on the equity method. Coimolache owns Tantahuatay, a gold mine located in the northern part of Peru.

 

It is anticipated that in the future the Company will enter into similar transactions with these same parties.

 

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NOTE 8 — BENEFIT PLANS:

 

Post retirement defined benefit plans:

 

The Company has two noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering former salaried employees in the United States and certain former expatriate employees in Peru. Effective October 31, 2000, the Board of Directors amended the qualified pension plan to suspend the accrual of benefits.

 

In addition, the Company’s Mexican subsidiaries have a defined contribution pension plan for salaried employees and a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan for union employees.

 

The components of net periodic benefit costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Service cost

 

$

0.8

 

$

0.6

 

Interest cost

 

1.2

 

1.1

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(2.7

)

(2.3

)

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

 

0.2

 

0.1

 

Amortization of net loss

 

0.1

 

0.2

 

Net periodic benefit costs

 

$

(0.4

)

$

(0.3

)

 

Post-retirement Health care plans:

 

United States: The Company adopted a post-retirement health care plan for retired salaried employees eligible for Medicare in 1996. The Company manages the plan and is currently providing health benefits to retirees. The plan is accounted for in accordance with ASC 715 “Compensation retirement benefits”.

 

In Mexico, health services are provided by the Mexican Social Security Institute.

 

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Interest cost

 

$

0.7

 

$

0.7

 

Amortization of net loss (gain)

 

(0.2

)

(0.1

)

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

 

(*

)

(*

)

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

0.5

 

$

0.6

 

 


(*) amount is lower than $0.1 million

 

NOTE 9 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

 

Environmental matters:

 

The Company has instituted extensive environmental conservation programs at its mining facilities in Peru and Mexico. The Company’s environmental programs include, among others, water recovery systems to conserve water and minimize the impact on nearby streams, reforestation programs to stabilize the surface of the tailings dams and the implementation of scrubbing technology in the mines to reduce dust emissions.

 

Environmental capital investments in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Peruvian operations

 

$

38.0

 

$

60.5

 

Mexican operations

 

35.3

 

95.1

 

 

 

$

73.3

 

$

155.6

 

 

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Peruvian operations: The Company’s operations are subject to applicable Peruvian environmental laws and regulations. The Peruvian government, through the Ministry of Environment (“MINAM”) conducts annual audits of the Company’s Peruvian mining and metallurgical operations. Through these environmental audits, matters related to environmental obligation, compliance with legal requirements, atmospheric emissions, effluent monitoring and waste management are reviewed. The Company believes that it is in material compliance with applicable Peruvian environmental laws and regulations. Peruvian law requires that companies in the mining industry provide assurances for future mine closure and remediation. In accordance with the requirements of this law, the Company’s closure plans were approved by MINEM. See Note 6 “Asset retirement obligation,” for further discussion of this matter.

 

Air Quality Standards (“AQS”): In 2008, the Peruvian government enacted environmental regulations establishing AQS for daily sulfur dioxide (“SO2”) in the air for the Peruvian territory. These regulations were amended in 2013 and 2017. In June 2017, MINAM enacted a supreme decree which defines new AQS. The Company believes that these new AQS will allow Peruvian industry to be more competitive with other countries. As of September 30, 2018, the Company maintains a lower daily average level of µg/m3 of SO2, than those required by the new AQS.

 

Soil Environmental Quality Standards (“SQS”): In 2013, the Peruvian government enacted SQS applicable to any existing facility or project that generates or could generate the risk of soil contamination in its area of operation or influence. In March 2014, MINAM issued a supreme decree, which establishes additional provisions for the gradual implementation of SQS. Under this rule the Company had twelve months to identify contaminated sites in and around its facilities and present a report of identified contaminated sites. These documents were submitted to MINEM for approval in April 2015, and were fully approved in July 2017. The next step is for the Company to prepare a characterization study to determine the depth, extent and physio-chemical composition of the contaminated areas and define an appropriate remediation plan with a time-frame for completion. In addition, the Company must submit for approval a Soil Decontamination Plan (SDP) within 30 months after being notified by the authority. This SDP must include remediation actions, a schedule and compliance deadlines. Also under this rule, if deemed necessary and given reasonable justification, the Company may request a one year extension for the decontamination plan.

 

Soil confirmation tests must be carried out after completion of decontamination actions (within the approved schedule) and results must be presented to authorities within 30 days after receiving such results. Non-compliance with this obligation or with decontamination goals will carry penalties, although no specific sanctions have been established yet. During compliance with this schedule, companies cannot be penalized for non-compliance with the SQS.

 

While the Company believes that there is a reasonable possibility that a potential loss contingency may exist, it cannot currently reasonably estimate the amount of the contingency. The Company believes that a reasonable determination of the loss will be possible once the characterization study and the SDP are substantially completed, which is expected for the first quarter of 2020. At that time the Company will be in a position to estimate the remediation cost. Further, the Company does not believe that it can estimate a reasonable range of possible costs until the noted studies have substantially progressed and therefore is not able to disclose a range of costs that is meaningful.

 

Water Quality Standards (“WQS”): In June 2017, MINAM enacted a supreme decree which establishes water quality standards in the Peruvian territory. The Company has reviewed this decree and considers that its adoption will not have a material impact on its financial position.

 

Mexican operations: The Company’s operations are subject to applicable Mexican federal, state and municipal environmental laws, to Mexican official standards, and to regulations for the protection of the environment, including regulations relating to water supply, water quality, air quality, noise levels and hazardous and solid waste.

 

The principal legislation applicable to the Company’s Mexican operations is the Federal General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection (the “General Law”), which is enforced by the Federal Bureau of Environmental Protection (“PROFEPA”). PROFEPA monitors compliance with environmental legislation and enforces Mexican environmental laws, regulations and official standards. It may also initiate administrative proceedings against companies that violate environmental laws, which in the most extreme cases may result in the temporary or permanent shutdown of non-complying facilities, the revocation of operating licenses and/or other sanctions or fines.

 

In 2011, the General Law was amended, giving an individual or entity the ability to contest administrative acts, including environmental authorizations, permits or concessions granted, without the need to demonstrate the actual existence of harm to the environment as long as it can be argued that the harm may be caused. In addition, in 2011, amendments to the Civil Federal Procedures Code (“CFPC”) were enacted. These amendments establish three categories of collective actions by means of which 30 or more people claiming injury derived from environmental, consumer protection, financial services and economic

 

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competition issues will be considered to be sufficient in order to have a legitimate interest to seek through a civil procedure restitution or economic compensation or suspension of the activities from which the alleged injury derived. The amendments to the CFPC may result in more litigation, with plaintiffs seeking remedies, including suspension of the activities alleged to cause harm.

 

In 2013, the Environmental Liability Federal Law was enacted. The law establishes general guidelines for actions to be considered to likely cause environmental harm. If a possible determination regarding harm occurs, environmental clean-up and remedial actions sufficient to restore environment to a pre-existing condition should be taken. Under this law, if restoration is not possible, compensation measures should be provided. Criminal penalties and monetary fines can be imposed under this law.

 

The Company believes that all of its facilities in Peru and Mexico are in material compliance with applicable environmental, mining and other laws and regulations. The Company also believes that continued compliance with environmental laws of Mexico and Peru will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, properties, result of operations, financial condition or prospects and will not result in material capital investments.

 

Litigation matters:

 

Peruvian operations

 

The Tia Maria Mining Project

 

There are three lawsuits filed against the Peruvian Branch of the Company related to the Tia Maria project. The lawsuits seek (i) to declare null and void the resolution which approved the Environmental Impact Assessment of the project; (ii) the cancellation of the project and the withdrawal of mining activities in the area and (iii) to declare null and void the mining concession application of the Tia Maria project. The lawsuits were filed by Messrs. Jorge Isaac del Carpio Lazo (filed May 22, 2015), Ernesto Mendoza Padilla (filed May 26, 2015) and Juan Alberto Guillen Lopez (filed June 18, 2015).

 

The del Carpio Lazio case was rejected by the court of first instance on November 14, 2016. The plaintiff filed an appeal before the Superior Court on January 3, 2017. On January 9, 2018, the lawyers of both parties presented their respective positions before the Appellate Court. On March 8th, 2018, the Appellate Court issued its final decision, which upholds the first instance ruling. On April 27, 2018, the plaintiff filed an extraordinary appeal before the Supreme Court. As of September 30, 2018, the case remains pending resolution.

 

The Mendoza Padilla case was rejected by the lower court on July 8, 2015. This ruling was confirmed by the Superior Court on June 14, 2016. On July 12, 2016, the case was appealed before the Constitutional Court. As of September 30, 2018, the case remains pending resolution without further developments.

 

The Guillen Lopez case is currently before the lower court. As of September 30, 2018, the case remains pending resolution without further developments.

 

The Company asserts that the remaining lawsuits are without merit and is vigorously defending against them. The potential contingency amount for these cases cannot be reasonably estimated by management at this time.

 

Special Regional Pasto Grande Project (“Pasto Grande Project”)

 

In 2012, the Pasto Grande Project, an entity of the Regional Government of Moquegua, filed a lawsuit against SCC’s Peruvian Branch alleging property rights over a certain area used by the Peruvian Branch and seeking the demolition of the tailings dam where SCC’s Peruvian Branch has deposited its tailings from the Toquepala and Cuajone operations since 1995. The Peruvian Branch has had title to use the area in question since 1960 and has constructed and operated the tailing dams with proper governmental authorization, since 1995. Upon a motion filed by the Peruvian Branch, the lower court has included MINEM as a defendant in this lawsuit. MINEM has answered the complaint and denied the validity of the claim. As of September 30, 2018, the case remains pending resolution without further developments. SCC’s Peruvian Branch asserts that the lawsuit is without merit and is vigorously defending against it. The amount of this contingency cannot be reasonably estimated by management at this time.

 

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Mexican operations

 

The 2014 Accidental Spill at Buenavista Mine

 

In relation to the 2014 accidental spill of copper sulfate solution that occurred at a leaching pond of the Buenavista mine, the following legal procedures are pending against the Company:

 

On August 19, 2014, PROFEPA, as part of the administrative proceeding initiated after the spill, announced the filing of a criminal complaint against Buenavista del Cobre S.A. de C.V. (“BVC”), a subsidiary of the Company, in order to determine those responsible for the environmental damages. During the second quarter of 2018, the criminal complaint was dismissed with no further consequences.

 

Through the first half of 2015, six collective action lawsuits were filed in federal courts in Mexico City and Sonora against two subsidiaries of the Company seeking economic compensation, clean up and remedial activities in order to restore the environment to its pre-existing conditions. Two of the collective action lawsuits have been dismissed by the court. The plaintiffs in the four remaining lawsuits are: Acciones Colectivas de Sinaloa, A.C. which established two collective actions, Defensa Colectiva A.C.; and Ana Luisa Salazar Medina et al. which has been granted a collective action certification. The remaining plaintiffs have requested cautionary measures on the construction of facilities for the monitoring of public health services and the prohibition of the closure of the Río Sonora Trust. As of September 30, 2018, these cases remain pending resolution.

 

Similarly, during 2015, eight civil action lawsuits were filed against BVC in the state courts of Sonora seeking damages for alleged injuries and for moral damages as a consequence of the spill. The plaintiffs in the state court lawsuits are: Jose Vicente Arriola Nunez et al; Santana Ruiz Molina et al; Andres Nogales Romero et al; Teodoro Javier Robles et al; Gildardo Vasquez Carvajal et al; Rafael Noriega Souffle et al; Grupo Banamichi Unido de Sonora El Dorado, S.C. de R.L. de C.V; and Marcelino Mercado Cruz. In 2016, three additional civil action lawsuits, claiming similar damages, were filed by Juan Melquicedec Lebaron; Blanca Lidia Valenzuela Rivera et al and Ramona Franco Quijada et al. In 2017, BVC was served with thirty-three additional civil action lawsuits, claiming similar damages. The lawsuits were filed by Francisco Javier Molina Peralta et al; Anacleto Cohen Machini et al; Francisco Rafael Alvarez Ruiz et al; Jose Alberto Martinez Bracamonte et al; Gloria del Carmen Ramirez Duarte et al; Flor Margarita Sabori et al; Blanca Esthela Ruiz Toledo et al; Julio Alfonso Corral Domínguez et al; Maria Eduwiges Bracamonte Villa et al; Francisca Marquez Dominguez et al; Jose Juan Romo Bravo et al; Jose Alfredo Garcia Leyva et al; Gloria Irma Dominguez Perez et al; Maria del Refugio Romero et al; Miguel Rivas Medina et al; Yolanda Valenzuela Garrobo et al; Maria Elena Garcia Leyva et al; Manuel Alfonso Ortiz Valenzuela et al; Francisco Alberto Arvayo Romero et al; Maria del Carmen Villanueva Lopez et al; Manuel Martin Garcia Salazar; Miguel Garcia Arguelles et al; Dora Elena Rodriguez Ochoa et al; Honora Eduwiges Ortiz Rodriguez et al; Francisco Jose Martinez Lopez et al; Maria Eduwiges Lopez Bustamante; Rodolfo Barron Villa et al, Jose Carlos Martinez Fernandez et al, Maria de los Angeles Fabela et al; Rafaela Edith Haro et al; Luz Mercedes Cruz et al; Juan Pedro Montaño et al; and Juana Irma Alday Villa. During the first quarter of 2018, BVC was served with another civil action lawsuit, claiming similar damages. The lawsuit was filed by Alma Angelina Del Cid Rivera et al. As of September 30, 2018, these cases remain pending resolution.

 

During 2015, four constitutional lawsuits (juicios de amparo) were filed before Federal Courts against various authorities and against a subsidiary of the Company, arguing; (i) the alleged lack of a waste management program approved by SEMARNAT; (ii) the alleged lack of a remediation plan approved by SEMARNAT with regard to the August 2014 spill; (iii) the alleged lack of community approval regarding the environmental impact authorizations granted by SEMARNAT to one subsidiary of the Company; and (iv) the alleged inactivity of the authorities with regard of the spill in August 2014. The plaintiffs of these lawsuits are: Francisca Garcia Enriquez, et al which established two lawsuits, Francisco Ramon Miranda, et al and Jesus David Lopez Peralta et al. During the third quarter of 2016, four additional constitutional lawsuits, claiming similar damages were filed by Mario Alberto Salcido et al; Maria Elena Heredia Bustamante et al; Martin Eligio Ortiz Gamez et al; and Maria de los Angeles Enriquez Bacame et al. During the third quarter of 2017, BVC was served with another constitutional lawsuit filed by Francisca García Enriquez et al. In 2018, BVC was served with two additional constitutional lawsuits that were filed against SEMARNAT by Norberto Bustamante et al. Regarding the constitutional lawsuit filed by Maria Elena Heredia Bustamante et al; in which it was claimed the lack of community approval regarding the authorization granted by SEMARNAT to build the new BVC tailings dam, on September 5, 2018, the Supreme Court of Justice issued a resolution which established that such authorization was granted to BVC in compliance with the applicable legislation. However, SEMARNAT must carry out a public meeting to inform the community of the technical aspects to build the dam, potential impacts and prevention measures, with no material effects to BVC’s operations. As of September 30, 2018, the remaining cases are still pending resolution.

 

It is not currently possible to determine the extent of the damages sought in these state and federal lawsuits but the Company considers that these lawsuits are without merit. Accordingly, the Company is vigorously defending against them. Nevertheless,

 

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the Company considers that none of the legal proceedings resulting from the spill, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

 

Corporate operations

 

Carla Lacey, on behalf of herself and all other similarly situated stockholders of Southern Copper Corporation, and derivatively on behalf of Southern Copper Corporation

 

As previously reported, a purported class action derivative lawsuit filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery was served on the Company and its Directors in February 2016 relating to the 2012 capitalization of 99.999% of MGE by Controladora de Infraestructura Energetica Mexico, S.A. de C.V., an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico (the “CIEM Capitalization”), the Company’s entry into a power purchase agreement with MGE in 2012 (the “MGE Power Purchase Agreement”), and the 2012 restructuring of a loan from the Company’s Mexican Operations to MGE for the construction of two power plants to supply power to the Company’s Mexican operations (the “MGE Loan Restructuring”). The action purports to be brought on behalf of the Company and its common stockholders. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the CIEM Capitalization, the MGE Power Purchase Agreement and the MGE Loan Restructuring were the result of breaches of fiduciary duties and the Company’s charter.

 

On March 20, 2018, as a result of post-mediation negotiations conducted through the parties and a mediator, the parties reached an agreement-in-principle to settle the action. On March 23, 2018, the parties informed the Court of the settlement-in-principle to resolve all claims asserted by Plaintiff against Defendants in the action and requested that the Court stay the action in its entirety pending filing by the parties of a stipulation of settlement. The Parties filed the executed stipulation on August 22, 2018. Under the proposed settlement, Grupo Mexico or Americas Mining would pay to the Company $50 million in cash less any attorneys’ fees (including costs) awarded by the Court to Plaintiff’s counsel (the “Net Settlement Amount”) in return for a release of all derivative and direct claims. The Company will distribute the Net Settlement Amount via a special dividend to the Company’s public stockholders (other than the director defendants, Grupo Mexico, Americas Mining, or any entity in which Grupo Mexico or Americas Mining has or had a direct or indirect controlling interest) who hold shares of common stock of the Company as of the date that is three days prior to the funding date, which funding date will be no later than ten days after a judgment approving the settlement becomes a final judgment. A settlement hearing is scheduled for November 27, 2018. The settlement is subject to the approval of the Court. The Company can offer no assurance that the settlement will be approved or the timing or amount of any funding or dividend.

 

Labor matters:

 

Peruvian operations: 71% of the Company’s 4,867 Peruvian employees were unionized at September 30, 2018. Currently, there are six separate unions, one large union and five smaller unions. In the first quarter of 2016, the Company signed three-year agreements with all the existing unions at that time. These agreements include, among other things, annual salary increases of 5% for each of the three years. In June 2018, the Company signed a three-year collective bargain agreement with one of the smaller unions. This agreement includes, among other things, annual salary increases of 5% for each year starting September 2018, and a signing bonus which was recorded as labor expense.

 

In August 2018, the Company signed a three-year collective bargain agreement with three additional unions. This agreement includes, among other things, annual salary increases of 5% for each year starting December 2018, and a signing bonus which was recorded as labor expense. As of September 30, 2018, the Company continues negotiations with the two unsigned unions.

 

Mexican operations: In recent years, the Mexican operations have experienced a positive improvement of their labor environment, as its workers opted to change their affiliation from the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores Mineros, Metalurgicos y Similares de la Republica Mexicana (the “National Mining Union”) to other less politicized unions.

 

However, some of the workers of the San Martin and Taxco mines, are affiliated with the National Mining Union and have been on strike since July 2007. On December 10, 2009, a federal court confirmed the legality of the San Martin strike. In order to recover the control of the San Martin mine and resume operations, the Company filed a court petition on January 27, 2011 requesting that the court, among other things, define the termination payment for each unionized worker. The court denied the petition alleging that, according to federal labor law, the union was the only legitimate party to file such petition. On appeal by the Company, on May 13, 2011, the Mexican federal tribunal accepted the petition. In July 2011, the National Mining Union appealed the favorable court decision before the Supreme Court. On November 7, 2012, the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the federal tribunal. The Company filed a new proceeding before the labor court on the basis of the Supreme Court decision, which recognized the right of the labor court to define responsibility for the strike and the termination payment for each unionized worker.

 

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On February 28, 2018, the striking workers of the San Martín mine of IMMSA held an election to vote on the union that will hold the collective bargaining agreement at the San Martín mine. The Federacion Nacional de Sindicatos Independientes (the National Federation of Independent Unions), won the vote by a majority. Nevertheless, the vote was challenged by the National Mining Union. On June 26, 2018, the Federal Mediation and Arbitration Board issued a ruling recognizing the election results. Due to the agreement between workers and the Company to end the protracted strike, on August 22 2018, the Federal Mediation and Arbitration Board authorized the restart of operations of the San Martín mine. Such authorization was challenged by the National Mining Union. As of September 30, 2018, the rehabilitation of San Martin mine is in progress with a budgeted cost of $77 million.

 

In the case of the Taxco mine, following the workers refusal to allow exploration of new reserves, the Company commenced litigation seeking to terminate the labor relationship with workers at the mine (including termination of the related collective bargaining agreement). On September 1, 2010, the federal labor court issued a ruling approving the termination of the collective bargaining agreement and all the individual labor contracts of the workers affiliated with the National mining union at the Taxco mine. The mining union appealed the labor court ruling before a federal court. In September 2011, the federal court accepted the union’s appeal and remanded the case to the federal labor court for reconsideration. After several legal proceedings on January 25, 2013, the Company filed a new proceeding before the labor court. On June 16, 2014, the labor court denied the petition of the Company. The resolution issued by the labor court was challenged by the Company before a federal court. In August 2015, the Supreme Court decided to assert jurisdiction over the case and to rule on it directly. As of September 30, 2018, the case remains pending resolution without further developments.

 

It is expected that operations at the Taxco mine will remain suspended until the labor issues are resolved. In view of the lengthy strike, the Company has reviewed the carrying value of the Taxco mine to ascertain whether impairment exists. The Company concluded that there is a non-material impairment of the assets located at this mine.

 

Other legal matters:

 

The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings incidental to its operations, but the Company does not believe that decisions adverse to it in any such proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

 

Other commitments:

 

Peruvian Operations

 

Tia Maria:

 

On August 1, 2014, the Company received the final approval of Tia Maria´s Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”). However, the issuance of the project´s construction permit has been delayed due to pressures from anti-mining groups. The Company continues working with community groups in order to resolve open issues concerning the project. The Company is also working jointly with the Peruvian government to obtain the construction license for this 120,000 ton (annual) SX-EW copper greenfield project. The Company expects the license to be issued in 2018.

 

Tia Maria´s project budget is approximately $1.4 billion, of which $355.0 million has been invested through September 30, 2018. When completed, it is expected to produce 120,000 tons of copper cathodes per year. This project will use state-of-the-art SX-EW technology with the highest international environmental standards. SX-EW facilities are the most environmentally friendly in the industry as they do not require a smelting process and consequently, no emissions are released into the atmosphere. The project will only use seawater, transporting it more than 25 kilometers to 1,000 meters above sea level, and includes a desalinization plant which will be constructed at a cost of $95 million. Consequently, the Tambo river water resources will be used solely for farming and human consumption.

 

The Company expects the project to generate 3,600 jobs during the construction phase. When in operation, Tia Maria will directly employ 600 workers and indirectly provide jobs to another 4,200. Through its expected twenty-year life, the project related services will create significant business opportunities in the Arequipa region.

 

In view of the delay in this project, the Company continues to review the carrying value of this asset to ascertain whether impairment exists. Should the Tia Maria project not move forward, the Company is confident that most of the project equipment will continue to be used productively, through reassignment to other mine locations operated by the Company. The Company believes that an impairment loss, if any, will not be material.

 

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Michiquillay:

 

In June 2018, the Company signed a contract for the acquisition of the Michiquillay copper project in Cajamarca, Peru, at a purchase price of $400 million. Michiquillay is a world class mining project with estimated mineralized material of 1,150 million tons and a copper grade of 0.63%. It is expected to produce 225,000 tons of copper per year (along with by-products of molybdenum, gold and silver) for an initial mine life of more than 25 years.

 

The Company paid $12.5 million at the signing of the contract. An additional $12.5 million has been accrued by the Company as it evaluates the project for development, over a three to five year period. This amount is classified in other non-current liabilities in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The balance of $375 million will be paid if the Company decides to develop the project.

 

Toquepala Concentrator Expansion:

 

In April 2015, the construction permit for the Toquepala expansion project was approved by the MINEM. The project budget is $1.3 billion, of which $1,192.4 million has been invested through September 30, 2018. When completed, this project is expected to increase annual production capacity by 100,000 tons of copper and 3,100 tons of molybdenum. The project has reached 98% progress and is expected to initiate production in the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

Corporate Social Responsibility:

 

The Company has a corporate social responsibility policy to maintain and promote continuity of its mining operations and obtain the best results. The main objective of this policy is to integrate its operations with the local communities in the areas of influence of its operations by creating a permanent positive relationship with them, in order to develop the optimum social conditions and to promote sustainable development in the area. Accordingly, the Company has made the following commitments:

 

Tacna Region: In connection with the Toquepala concentrator expansion, the Company has committed to fund various social and infrastructure improvement projects in Toquepala’s neighboring communities. The total amount committed for these purposes is S/ 445.0 million (approximately $132 million).

 

Moquegua Region: In the Moquegua region, the Company is part of a “development roundtable” in which the local municipal authorities, the community representatives and the Company discuss the social needs and the way the Company could contribute to sustainable development in the region. As part of this, the roundtable is discussing the creation of a Moquegua Region Development Fund for which the Company has offered a contribution of S/ 700 million (approximately $209 million). While final funding is not yet settled, the Company has committed to contribute S/ 108.5 million (approximately $32 million) in advance, which is being utilized in an educational project and S/ 48.4 million (approximately $14 million) for a residual water treatment plant in Ilo, a sea-wall embankment and a fresh water facility at El Algarrobal.

 

In addition, the Company has committed S/ 143.0 million (approximately $43 million) for the construction of five infrastructure projects in the Moquegua region under the “social investment for taxes” (obras por impuestos) program which allows the Company to use these amounts as an advance payment of taxes.

 

These commitments are subject to the continuity of the respective mine operations and, as such, are not considered to be present obligations of the Company. Therefore, the Company has not recorded a liability in its condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Power purchase agreements:

 

Peruvian operations

 

·                  Electroperu S.A.: In June 2014, the Company entered into a power purchase agreement for 120 megawatt (“MW”) with the state power company Electroperu S.A., under which Electroperu S.A. began supplying energy for the Peruvian operations for twenty years starting on April 17, 2017.

 

·                  Kallpa Generacion S.A. (“Kallpa”): In July 2014, the Company entered into a power purchase agreement for 120MW with Kallpa, an independent Israeli owned power company, under which Kallpa will supply energy for the Peruvian operations for ten years starting on April 17, 2017 and ending on April 30, 2027. In May 2016, the Company signed an additional power purchase agreement for a maximum of 80MW with Kallpa, under which Kallpa began supplying energy for the Peruvian operations related to the Toquepala Expansion and other minor projects for ten years starting on May 1, 2017 and ending after ten years of commercial operation of the Toquepala Expansion or on April 30, 2029; whichever occurs first.

 

Mexican operations

 

·                  MGE: In 2012, the Company signed a power purchase agreement with MGE, an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, to supply power to some of the Company’s Mexican operations through 2032. For further information, please see Note 7 “Related party transactions”.

 

·                  Eolica el Retiro: In 2013, the Company signed a power purchase agreement with Eolica el Retiro, a windfarm energy producer that is an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, to supply power to some of the Company´s Mexican operations. For further information, please see Note 7 “Related party transactions”.

 

Corporate operations

 

Commitment for Capital projects:

 

As of September 30, 2018, the Company has committed approximately $1,382.7 million for the development of its capital investment projects at its operations.

 

Tax contingency matters:

 

Tax contingencies are provided for under ASC 740-10-50-15 Uncertain tax position (see Note 4 “Income taxes”).

 

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NOTE 10 — SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION:

 

Company management views Southern Copper as having three reportable segments and manages it on the basis of these segments.  The reportable segments identified by the Company are: the Peruvian operations, the Mexican open-pit operations and the Mexican underground mining operations segment identified as the IMMSA unit.

 

The three reportable segments identified are groups of mines, each of which constitute an operating segment, with similar economic characteristics, type of products, processes and support facilities, similar regulatory environments, similar employee bargaining contracts and similar currency risks. In addition, each mine within the individual group earns revenues from similar type of customers for their products and services and each group incurs expenses independently, including commercial transactions between groups.

 

Financial information is regularly prepared for each of the three segments and the results of the Company’s operations are regularly reported to Senior Management on the segment basis. Senior Management of the Company focus on operating income and on total assets as measures of performance to evaluate different segments and to make decisions to allocate resources to the reported segments. These are common measures in the mining industry.

 

Financial information relating to Southern Copper’s segments is as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

Mexican
Open-Pit

 

Mexican
IMMSA Unit

 

Peruvian
Operations

 

Corporate, other
and eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales outside of segments

 

$

995.1

 

$

90.1

 

$

638.5

 

 

$

1,723.7

 

Intersegment sales

 

 

17.2

 

 

$

(17.2

)

 

Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion)

 

398.8

 

74.7

 

369.3

 

(18.8

)

824.0

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

15.8

 

1.9

 

8.5

 

0.2

 

26.4

 

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

95.1

 

11.5

 

61.6

 

2.4

 

170.6

 

Exploration

 

0.4

 

1.1

 

2.2

 

2.3

 

6.0

 

Operating income

 

$

485.0

 

$

18.1

 

$

196.9

 

$

(3.3

)

696.7

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(64.8

)

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7.6

)

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(257.9

)

Equity earnings of affiliate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.3

 

Non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.3

)

Net income attributable to SCC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

369.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital investment

 

$

53.7

 

$

10.2

 

$

217.7

 

$

0.7

 

$

282.3

 

Property and mine development, net

 

$

4,579.5

 

$

433.4

 

$

3,745.6

 

$

553.3

 

$

9,311.8

 

Total assets

 

$

8,122.7

 

$

974.1

 

$

4,754.9

 

$

465.0

 

$

14,316.7

 

 

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Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

Mexican
Open-Pit

 

Mexican
IMMSA Unit

 

Peruvian
Operations

 

Corporate, other
and eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales outside of segments

 

$

1,023.3

 

$

87.5

 

$

565.7

 

 

$

1,676.5

 

Intersegment sales

 

 

 

16.0

 

 

 

$

(16.0

)

 

Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion)

 

373.6

 

73.8

 

350.6

 

(16.5

)

781.5

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

15.3

 

1.5

 

8.9

 

(0.7

)

25.0

 

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

97.1

 

13.1

 

55.1

 

4.0

 

169.3

 

Exploration

 

0.7

 

1.9

 

4.9

 

0.6

 

8.1

 

Operating income

 

$

536.6

 

$

13.2

 

$

146.2

 

$

(3.4

)

692.6

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(69.8

)

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6.2

)

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(220.1

)

Equity earnings of affiliate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.3

 

Non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.0

)

Net income attributable to SCC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

401.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital investment

 

$

71.6

 

$

12.8

 

$

127.2

 

$

1.1

 

$

212.7

 

Property and mine development, net

 

$

5,109.2

 

$

374.1

 

$

3,198.7

 

$

246.3

 

$

8,928.3

 

Total assets

 

$

8,466.8

 

$

887.2

 

$

4,613.5

 

$

14.9

 

$

13,982.4

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

Mexican
Open-Pit

 

Mexican
IMMSA Unit

 

Peruvian
Operations

 

Corporate, other
and eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales outside of segments

 

$

3,124.9

 

$

354.0

 

$

1,923.2

 

 

$

5,402.1

 

Intersegment sales

 

 

55.6

 

 

$

(55.6

)

 

Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion)

 

1,214.8

 

271.2

 

1,126.7

 

(60.5

)

2,552.2

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

41.4

 

6.8

 

26.9

 

1.6

 

76.7

 

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

269.5

 

33.6

 

171.3

 

20.8

 

495.2

 

Exploration

 

1.5

 

3.6

 

11.7

 

3.5

 

20.3

 

Operating income

 

$

1,597.7

 

$

94.4

 

$

586.6

 

$

(21.0

)

2,257.7

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(197.2

)

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(13.1

)

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(803.6

)

Equity earnings of affiliate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.9

 

Non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3.9

)

Net income attributable to SCC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,249.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital investment

 

$

197.9

 

$

32.6

 

$

581.9

 

$

19.4

 

$

831.8

 

Property and mine development, net

 

$

4,579.5

 

$

433.4

 

$

3,745.6

 

$

553.3

 

$

9,311.8

 

Total assets

 

$

8,122.7

 

$

974.1

 

$

4,754.9

 

$

465.0

 

$

14,316.7

 

 

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

Mexican
Open-Pit

 

Mexican
IMMSA Unit

 

Peruvian
Operations

 

Corporate, other
and eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales outside of segments

 

$

2,875.3

 

$

305.0

 

$

1,609.9

 

 

$

4,790.2

 

Intersegment sales

 

 

 

54.1

 

 

 

$

(54.1

)

 

Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion)

 

1,230.0

 

248.2

 

1,009.8

 

(57.8

)

2,430.2

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

36.4

 

5.7

 

26.4

 

0.1

 

68.6

 

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

295.7

 

39.0

 

147.5

 

11.6

 

493.8

 

Exploration

 

1.9

 

3.5

 

9.2

 

4.3

 

18.9

 

Environmental remediation

 

(10.2

)

 

 

 

(10.2

)

Operating income

 

$

1,321.5

 

$

62.7

 

$

417.0

 

$

(12.3

)

1,788.9

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(231.4

)

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.6

 

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(556.6

)

Equity earnings of affiliate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16.1

 

Non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2.6

)

Net income attributable to SCC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,016.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital investment

 

$

217.7

 

$

25.8

 

$

464.0

 

$

2.9

 

$

710.4

 

Property and mine development, net

 

$

5,109.2

 

$

374.1

 

$

3,198.7

 

$

246.3

 

$

8,928.3

 

Total assets

 

$

8,466.8

 

$

887.2

 

$

4,613.5

 

$

14.9

 

$

13,982.4

 

 

NOTE 11 — STOCKHOLDERS’EQUITY:

 

Treasury Stock:

 

Activity in treasury stock in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Southern Copper common shares

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of January 1,

 

$

2,768.7

 

$

2,769.0

 

Purchase of shares

 

 

 

Used for corporate purposes

 

(0.4

)

(0.3

)

Balance as of September 30,

 

2,768.3

 

2,768.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent Company (Grupo Mexico) common shares

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of January 1,

 

232.4

 

218.6

 

Other activity, including dividend, interest and foreign currency transaction effect

 

17.3

 

9.4

 

Balance as of September 30,

 

249.7

 

228.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury stock balance as of September 30,

 

$

3,018.0

 

$

2,996.7

 

 

The following table summarizes share distributions in the nine months of 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Southern Copper common shares

 

 

 

 

 

Directors’ Stock Award Plan

 

16,000

 

12,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent Company (Grupo Mexico) common shares

 

 

 

 

 

Employee stock purchase plan (shares in millions)

 

1.3

 

0.3

 

 

Southern Copper Common Shares:

 

At September 30, 2018 and 2017, there were in treasury 111,551,617 and 111,567,617 SCC’s common shares, respectively.

 

SCC share repurchase program:

 

In 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors (“BOD”) authorized a $500 million share repurchase program that has since been increased by the BOD and is currently authorized to $3 billion. Pursuant to this program, the Company has purchased 119.5 million shares of common stock at a cost of $2.9 billion. These shares are available for general corporate purposes. The

 

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Table of Contents

 

Company may purchase additional shares of its common stock from time to time, based on market conditions and other factors. This repurchase program has no expiration date and may be modified or discontinued at any time.

 

There has not been activity in the SCC share repurchase program since the third quarter of 2016. The NYSE closing price of SCC common shares at September 30, 2018 was $43.14 and the maximum number of shares that the Company could purchase at that price is 1.9 million shares.

 

Grupo Mexico’s direct and indirect ownership remains at 88.9% as of September 30, 2018.

 

Directors’ Stock Award Plan:

 

The Company established a stock award compensation plan for certain directors who are not compensated as employees of the Company. Under this plan, participants received 1,200 shares of common stock upon election and 1,200 additional shares following each annual meeting of stockholders thereafter. 600,000 shares of Southern Copper common stock have been reserved for this plan. On April 26, 2018, the Company’s stockholders approved a five-year extension of the Plan until January 28, 2023 and an increase of the shares award from 1,200 to 1,600. The fair value of the award is measured each year at the date of the grant.

 

The activity of the plan in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Total SCC shares reserved for the plan

 

600,000

 

600,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shares granted at January 1,

 

(346,800

)

(334,800

)

Granted in the period

 

(16,000

)

(12,000

)

Total shares granted at September 30,

 

(362,800

)

(346,800

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining shares reserved

 

237.200

 

253,200

 

 

Parent Company common shares:

 

At September 30, 2018 and 2017 there were in treasury 100,248,326 and 110,941,769 of Grupo Mexico’s common shares, respectively.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan:

 

2010 Plan: During 2010, the Company offered to eligible employees a stock purchase plan through a trust that acquires series B shares of Grupo Mexico stock for sale to its employees, employees of subsidiaries, and certain affiliated companies. The purchase price was established at 26.51 Mexican pesos (approximately $1.28) for the initial subscription. Every two years employees were able to acquire title to 50% of the shares paid in the previous two years. The employees paid for shares purchased through monthly payroll deductions over the eight year period of the plan. At the end of the eight year period, the Company granted the participant a bonus of one share for every ten shares purchased by the employee.

 

The participants were entitled to receive dividends in cash for dividends paid by Grupo Mexico for all shares that were fully purchased and paid by the employee as of the date that the dividend is paid. If the participant had only partially paid for shares, the entitled dividends were used to reduce the remaining liability owed for purchased shares.

 

In the case of voluntary or involuntary resignation/termination of the employee, the Company paid to the employee the fair market sales price at the date of resignation/termination of the fully paid shares, net of costs and taxes. When the fair market sales value of the shares was higher than the purchase price, the Company applied a deduction over the amount to be paid to the employee based on a decreasing schedule specified in the plan.

 

In case of retirement or death of the employee, the Company rendered the buyer or his legal beneficiary, the fair market sales value as of the date of retirement or death of the shares effectively paid, net of costs and taxes.

 

The stock based compensation expense for the nine months 2018 and 2017 and the unrecognized compensation expense under this plan were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Stock based compensation expense

 

$

0.2

 

$

0.4

 

Unrecognized compensation expense

 

$

 

$

0.4

 

 

The plan ended on January 29, 2018.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The following table presents the activity of this plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

Shares

 

Unit Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares at January 1, 2018

 

1,393,663

 

$

2.05

 

Granted

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(1,263,136

)

2.05

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

Outstanding shares at September 30, 2018

 

130,527

 

$

2.05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares at January 1, 2017

 

1,401,096

 

$

2.05

 

Granted

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(7,433

)

2.05

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

Outstanding shares at September 30, 2017

 

1,393,663

 

$

2.05

 

 

2015 Plan: In January 2015, the Company offered to eligible employees a new stock purchase plan (the “New Employee Stock Purchase Plan”) through a trust that acquires series B of shares of Grupo Mexico stock for sale to its employees, and employees of subsidiaries, and certain affiliated companies.

 

The purchase price was established at 38.44 Mexican pesos (approximately $1.86) for the initial subscription, which expires on January 2023. Every two years employees will be able to acquire title to 50% of the shares paid in the previous two years. The employees will pay for shares purchased through monthly payroll deductions over the eight year period of the plan. At the end of the eight year period, the Company will grant the participant a bonus of 1 share for every 10 shares purchased by the employee. Any future subscription will be at the average market price at the date of acquisition or the grant date.

 

If Grupo Mexico pays dividends on shares during the eight year period, the participants will be entitled to receive the dividend in cash for all shares that have been fully purchased and paid as of the date that the dividend is paid. If the participant has only partially paid for shares, the entitled dividends will be used to reduce the remaining liability owed for purchased shares.

 

In the case of voluntary or involuntary resignation/termination of the employee, the Company will pay to the employee the fair market sales price at the date of resignation of the fully paid shares, net of costs and taxes. When the fair market sales value of the shares is higher than the purchase price, the Company will apply a deduction over the amount to be paid to the employee based on a decreasing schedule specified in the plan.

 

In case of retirement or death of the employee, the Company will render the buyer or his legal beneficiary, the fair market sales value as of the date of retirement or death of the shares effectively paid, net of costs and taxes.

 

The stock based compensation expense for the nine months of 2018 and 2017 and the unrecognized compensation expense under this plan were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Stock based compensation expense

 

$

0.4

 

$

0.4

 

Unrecognized compensation expense

 

$

2.8

 

$

3.4

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

The following table presents the activity of this plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

Shares

 

Unit Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares at January 1, 2018

 

2,293,120

 

$

2.63

 

Granted

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(306,817

)

2.63

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

Outstanding shares at September 30, 2018

 

1,986,303

 

$

2.63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares at January 1, 2017

 

2,540,223

 

$

2.63

 

Granted

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(248,992

)

2.63

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

Outstanding shares at September 30, 2017

 

2,291,231

 

$

2.63

 

 

Non-controlling interest:

 

The following table presents the non-controlling interest activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Balance as of January 1,

 

$

41.7

 

$

38.6

 

Net earnings

 

3.9

 

2.6

 

Dividend paid

 

(1.2

)

(0.6

)

Balance as of September 30,

 

$

44.4

 

$

40.6

 

 

NOTE 12 — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

 

Subtopic 820-10 of ASC “Fair value measurement and disclosures — Overall” establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under Subtopic 820-10 are described below:

 

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 - Inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, but do not qualify as Level 1 inputs. (i.e., quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities).

 

Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

 

The carrying amounts of certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable (other than accounts receivable associated with provisionally priced sales) and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short maturities. Consequently, such financial instruments are not included in the following table that provides information about the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of other financial instruments that are not measured at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in millions):

 

 

 

At September 30, 2018

 

At December 31, 2017

 

 

 

Carrying Value

 

Fair Value

 

Carrying Value

 

Fair Value

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt level 1

 

$

5,210.1

 

$

5,880.7

 

$

5,208.4

 

$

6,488.9

 

Long-term debt level 2

 

749.2

 

772.4

 

748.7

 

806.1

 

Total long-term debt

 

$

5,959.3

 

$

6,653.1

 

$

5,957.1

 

$

7,295.0

 

 

Long-term debt is carried at amortized cost and its estimated fair value is based on quoted market prices classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy except for the cases of the Yankee bonds, the notes due 2020 and the notes due 2022, which qualify as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as they are based on quoted priced in market that are not active.

 

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Fair values of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were calculated as follows as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in millions):

 

 

 

Fair Value at Measurement Date Using:

 

Description

 

Fair Value
as of
September
30, 2018

 

Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)

 

Significant other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short term investment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Trading securities

 

$

235.8

 

$

235.8

 

$

 

$

 

- Available-for-sale debt securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

0.1

 

 

0.1

 

 

Asset backed securities

 

0.3

 

 

0.3

 

 

Mortgage backed securities

 

0.3

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Embedded derivatives - Not classified as hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provisionally priced sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

 

143.8

 

143.8

 

 

 

Molybdenum

 

134.8

 

134.8

 

 

 

Total

 

$

515.1

 

$

514.4

 

$

0.7

 

$

 

 

 

 

Fair Value at Measurement Date Using:

 

Description

 

Fair Value
as of
December
31, 2017

 

Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)

 

Significant
other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short term investment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Trading securities

 

$

49.5

 

$

49.5

 

$

 

$

 

- Available-for-sale debt securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

Asset backed securities

 

0.5

 

 

0.5

 

 

Mortgage backed securities

 

0.4

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Embedded derivatives - Not classified as hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provisionally priced sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

 

184.6

 

184.6

 

 

 

Molybdenum

 

102.8

 

102.8

 

 

 

Total

 

$

337.9

 

$

336.9

 

$

1.0

 

$

 

 

The Company’s short-term trading securities investments are classified as Level 1 because they are valued using quoted prices of the same securities as they consist of bonds issued by public companies and publicly traded. The Company’s short-term available-for-sale investments are classified as Level 2 because they are valued using quoted prices for similar investments.

 

The Company’s accounts receivables associated with provisionally priced copper sales are valued using quoted market prices based on the forward price on the LME or on the COMEX. Such value is classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Molybdenum prices are established by reference to the publication Platt’s Metals Week and are considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

NOTE 13 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

 

ADOPTION OF REVENUE RECOGNITION STANDARD

 

The Company has adopted FASB ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, effective January 1, 2018, applying the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, the results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 have been presented in the consolidated financial statements under the guidance, while prior period amounts have not been adjusted

 

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and will continue to be reported under the guidance in effect for those periods. Upon adoption by the Company, no cumulative effect adjustment was required to be recognized at January 1, 2018, as the adoption of the standard has not resulted in a change to the way the Company recognizes its revenue. The Company has applied the related disclosure requirements of the new standard beginning in 2018.

 

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

With the exception of the change in the Company’s Revenue Recognition policy as a result of the adoption of ASC 606, there have been no new or material changes to the significant accounting policies discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, that are of significance, or potential significance to the Company.

 

Revenue recognition -

 

The Company adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, effective January 1, 2018. The Company’s revenue consists of product revenue resulting from the sale of copper and non-copper products, such as molybdenum, silver, zinc, lead and gold.

 

The Company accounts for a contract with a customer when there is a legally enforceable contract between the Company and the customer, the rights of the parties are identified, the contract has commercial substance, and collectability of the contract consideration is probable. The Company’s revenues are measured based on consideration specified in the contract with each customer.

 

The Company’s marketing strategy and annual sales planning emphasize developing and maintaining long-term customer relationships. Generally, 80% to 90% of the Company’s metal production is sold under annual or longer-term contracts. The Company considers each contract to be a single performance obligation, represented by the delivery of a series of distinct goods that are substantially the same, with the same pattern of transfer to the Company’s customers.  Accordingly, the Company recognizes revenues for each contract over a period of time, applying the invoice practical expedient. The Company considers that it has a right to consideration from its customers in an amount that corresponds directly to the value transferred to those customers, for which reason it believes that this method is a faithful depiction of the transfer of goods to its customers. Because the duration of the majority of these contracts is one year or more, and because the Company has applied the invoice practical expedient, it does not disclose the remaining performance obligations as of the end of each reporting period.

 

The remainder of the Company’s revenues are generated by spot sales that are recognized at a point in time.

 

Under both sales models, revenue is recognized as the performance obligations are satisfied, when the Company transfers control of the goods and title passes to the customer. Considering the International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) utilized by the Company, control is transferred generally upon the completion of loading the material at the point of origin. This is the point at which the customer obtains legal title to the product as well as the ability to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits of ownership of the asset. Additionally, payment is generally due upon the delivery of the shipping and title documents at the point of origin. Copper and non-copper revenues are measured based on the monthly average of prevailing commodity prices according to the terms of the contracts. The Company provides allowances for doubtful accounts based upon historical bad debt and claims experience and periodic evaluation of specific customer accounts.

 

Substantially all of the Company’s sales are made under cost and freight, or cost, insurance and freight Incoterms, whereby the Company is responsible for providing shipping and insurance after control of the inventory has been transferred to the customer. Per the terms of the Company’s contracts, these services are not distinct within the context of the contract, as they are not separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. It is the Company policy and it has a long-standing history of arranging and providing shipping and insurance services to its customers. Accordingly, shipping and insurance are not considered separate performance obligations. The related costs of shipping and insurance are presented within the cost of sales line in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

Furthermore, the Company considered the impact of the shipping and insurance services on the determination of when control is transferred to its customers. It has concluded that the terms of these services do not impact its customers’ ability to sell, pledge, or otherwise use the products in shipment. Also, there is a small likelihood and minimal history of lost or damaged goods during shipment. Considering these factors, combined with the other indicators of control previously mentioned, the Company has concluded that these services do not impact the determination that control is transferred at the point of origin.

 

For certain of the Company’s sales of copper and molybdenum products, customer contracts allow for pricing based on a month subsequent to shipping, in most cases within the following three months and occasionally in some cases a few additional

 

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months. In such cases, revenue is recorded at a provisional price at the time of shipment. The provisionally priced copper sales are adjusted to reflect forward LME or COMEX copper prices at the end of each month until a final adjustment is made to the price of the shipments upon settlement with customers pursuant to the terms of the contract. In the case of molybdenum sales, for which there are no published forward prices, the provisionally priced sales are adjusted to reflect the market prices at the end of each month until a final adjustment is made to the price of the shipments upon settlement with customers pursuant to the terms of the contract.

 

These provisional pricing arrangements are accounted for separately from the contract as an embedded derivative instrument under ASC 815-30 ‘‘Derivatives and Hedging—Cash Flow Hedges.’’ The Company sells copper in concentrate, anode, blister and refined form at industry standard commercial terms. Net sales include the invoiced value of copper, zinc, silver, molybdenum, sulfuric acid and other metals and the corresponding fair value adjustment of the related forward contract of copper and molybdenum.

 

IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 ‘‘Leases’’ (Topic 842). This update significantly modifies the accounting model of leases for lessees; as it requires them to recognize assets and liabilities in the balance sheet for virtually all leases. However, the classification of leases as finance leases or operating leases is maintained for lessees. In addition, for leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee can elect by class of underlying asset not to record assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, and recognize lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

The lessor accounting model for leases remains mostly unchanged from previous guidance, except for specific profit recognition requirements which were modified in order to align them to the new revenue recognition standard issued by the FASB, and the lease classification criteria, to ensure consistency with those for a lessee.

 

The amendments in this update will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. The Company has designed an implementation plan and has formed a cross-functional implementation team; which is performing a completeness assessment over the lease contracts of the Company; started to establish new policies, procedures and internal controls related to the new standard.

 

At September 30, 2018, the Company has decided to apply the new leases standard at the adoption date and to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Consequently, the financial statements for prior periods will not be modified. The Company is also in the process of assessing the required disclosures of the new standard, and expects to provide additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures related to leasing arrangements upon adoption. The Company continues with the analysis of the new guidance and the impact it will have on the consolidated financial statements and disclosures, and expects to complete it during the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

Also, during the third quarter of 2018, the FASB issued among others, the following three new accounting updates to the Codification:

 

ASU 2018-11: In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11 “Leases — Targeted Improvements”. This update provides the Company with an additional transition method to adopt the new leases standard. Under this new transition method, an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Consequently, the financial statements for prior periods will not be affected. The amendments in this update will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2019.

 

ASU 2018-13: In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13 “Fair Value Measurement — Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement”. This update is part of the FASB´s project to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements. Some of the amendments are the removal of the following requeriments: the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of transfers between levels and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. Additionally the disclosure requeriment of the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period was added. The amendments in this update are effective for the Company in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019.

 

ASU 2018-14: In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14 “Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General”. This update modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The amendments in this update will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2021.

 

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NOTE 14 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

 

Dividends:

 

On October 18, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized a dividend of $0.40 per share payable on November 21, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 7, 2018.

 

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Item 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion provides information that management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the condensed consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Southern Copper Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, “SCC”, “the Company”, “our”, and “we”). This item should be read in conjunction with our interim unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in this quarterly report. Additionally, the following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

 

Business: Our business is primarily the production and sale of copper. In the process of producing copper, a number of valuable metallurgical by-products are recovered, which we also produce and sell. Market forces outside of our control largely determine the sale prices for our products. Our management, therefore, focuses on value creation through copper production, cost control, production enhancement and maintaining a prudent capital structure to remain profitable. We endeavor to achieve these goals through capital spending programs, exploration efforts and cost reduction programs. Our aim is to remain profitable during periods of low copper prices and to maximize financial performance in periods of high copper prices.

 

We are one of the world’s largest copper mining companies in terms of production and sales with our principal operations in Peru and Mexico. We also have active ongoing exploration programs in Chile, Argentina and Ecuador. In addition to copper, we produce significant amounts of other metals, either as a by-product of the copper process or in a number of dedicated mining facilities in Mexico.

 

Outlook: Various key factors will affect our outcome. These include, but are not limited to, some of the following:

 

·                  Changes in copper, molybdenum, silver and zinc prices: In the nine-month period of 2018, the average LME and COMEX copper prices were $3.01 per pound and $2.99 per pound, about 12% and 10% higher than in the same period of 2017, respectively. During the nine months of 2018 per pound LME spot copper prices ranged from $2.64 to $3.29. Average molybdenum and zinc prices in the first nine months of 2018 increased 48.9% and 8.7% respectively, when compared to the average prices in the first nine months of 2017, while silver prices decreased 6.5% between these two periods.

 

·                  Sales structure: In the nine months of 2018, approximately 81% of our revenue came from the sale of copper, 7% from molybdenum, 5% from zinc, 4% from silver, and 3% from various other products, including gold, sulfuric acid and other materials.

 

·                  Copper: During the 2018 third quarter, the LME per pound copper price decreased 3.8%, from an average of $2.88 in the third quarter of 2017 to $2.77 in the third quarter of 2018. We view this fall in copper prices as the reflection of market sentiment for a possible escalation of trade protectionism between the United States and China. However, we strongly believe that copper market fundamentals are solid and that these disputes will not be a long-term detriment to the copper market. We expect a recovery in copper prices in the coming months.

 

As a result of the economic performance of the world´s major economies, refined copper demand is currently growing at about 2.9% worldwide, and China’s consumption growing at 4.9%. Demand growth is outperforming our initial forecast and industry experts are currently forecasting an increase in demand of about 2.5% to 3.0% for the year.

 

In 2018, we have not had significant supply disruptions, leading to a balanced market for the year. However, due to price volatility, the required investments to provide new production in coming years have not materialized, giving support to better future prices.

 

·                  Silver: Represented 4.2% of our sales in the third quarter of 2018. We believe that silver prices will have support due to its industrial uses as well as its linkage to gold as a value shelter in times of economic uncertainty.

 

·                  Molybdenum: Represented 8.0% of our sales in the third quarter of 2018. During the third quarter of 2018, the molybdenum price improved its level by 1.6% when compared to the second quarter of 2018.

 

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Molybdenum is mainly used for the production of special alloys of stainless steel that require significant hardness, corrosion and heat resistance. A new use for this metal is in lubricants and sulfur filtering of heavy oils and shale gas production.

 

·                  Zinc: Represented 3.7% of our sales in the third quarter of 2018. We also believe that zinc has very good long term fundamentals due to its significant industrial consumption and expected mine production shutdowns.

 

·                  Production: In the fourth quarter of 2018, we began operations at the new Toquepala concentrator and expect this facility to produce 14,000 tons of copper in 2018. For 2018 our total copper production is expected at 885,000 tons.

 

We also expect to produce 17.1 million ounces of silver, about 8% higher than the 2017 production of 15.9 million ounces. In 2018, we expect to produce 73,200 tons of zinc from our mines, up 7% from 2017 production of 68,665 tons, as a result of the recovery of production at the Santa Eulalia and Santa Barbara mines. Additionally, we expect to produce 21,900 tons of molybdenum, an increase of 1.8% due to additional production from Buenavista and increases at our Peruvian operations.

 

·                  Cost: Our operating costs and expenses for the nine months of 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Value

 

%

 

Operating costs and expenses ($ in millions)

 

$

3,144.4

 

$

3,001.3

 

$

143.1

 

4.8

%

 

The increase was mainly due to higher cost of sales at our Peruvian operations and higher selling, general and administrative expense at our three operating segments, partially offset by lower cost of sales at our Mexican open-pit operations.

 

·            Capital Investments: In the first nine months of 2018 we spent $831.8 million on capital investments, 17.1% higher than in the same period of 2017, and represented 66.6% of net income. The year 2018 is the starting point of a new strategic plan: we will increase copper production capacity to exceed the one million ton milestone in 2018, and by 2025 we expect to reach 1.5 million tons of copper production.

 

KEY MATTERS:

 

We discuss below several matters that we believe are important to understand our results of operations and financial condition. These matters include, (i) our earnings, (ii) our production, (iii) our “operating cash costs” as a measure of our performance, (iv) metal prices, (v) business segments, (vi) the effect of inflation and other local currency issues, and (vii) our capital investment and exploration program.

 

Earnings: The table below highlights key financial and operational data of our Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in millions, except copper price, percentages and per share amounts):

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

Copper price LME

 

2.77

 

2.88

 

(0.11

)

(3.8

)%

3.01

 

2.70

 

0.31

 

11.5

%

Pounds of copper sold

 

502.8

 

488.2

 

14.6

 

3.0

%

1,452.3

 

1,468.8

 

(16.5

)

(1.1

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

1,723.7

 

$

1,676.5

 

$

47.2

 

2.8

%

$

5,402.1

 

$

4,790.2

 

$

611.9

 

12.8

%

Operating income

 

$

696.7

 

$

692.6

 

$

4.1

 

0.6

%

$

2,257.7

 

$

1,788.9

 

$

468.8

 

26.2

%

Net income attributable to SCC

 

$

369.4

 

$

401.8

 

$

(32.4

)

(8.1

)%

$

1,249.8

 

$

1,016.0

 

$

233.8

 

23.0

%

Earnings per share

 

$

0.48

 

$

0.52

 

$

(0.04

)

(7.7

)%

$

1.62

 

$

1.31

 

$

0.31

 

23.7

%

Dividends per share

 

$

0.40

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.26

 

185.7

%

$

1.00

 

$

0.34

 

$

0.66

 

194.1

%

 

Net sales in the nine months of 2018 were higher than in the same period of 2017 by $611.9 million. This increase was mainly the result of higher metal prices and higher sales volumes of silver (+10.1%) and zinc (+6.2%), partially offset by a slightly lower sales volume of copper (-1.1%).

 

Net income in the nine months of 2018 was higher than in the same period of 2017 by $233.8 million. This increase was principally due to higher sales.

 

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Production: The table below highlights our mine production data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volume

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

Volume

 

%

 

Copper (in million pounds)

 

493.7

 

488.5

 

5.2

 

1.1

%

1,430.1

 

1,435.1

 

(5.0

)

(0.3

)%

Molybdenum (in million pounds)

 

12.7

 

11.9

 

0.8

 

6.8

%

36.0

 

35.4

 

0.6

 

1.6

%

Silver (in million ounces)

 

4.2

 

4.2

 

 

 

13.0

 

12.2

 

0.8

 

7.1

%

Zinc (in million pounds)

 

38.5

 

40.5

 

(2.0

)

(4.9

)%

117.3

 

120.8

 

(3.5

)

(2.9

)%

 

The table below highlights our copper production data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in million pounds):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volume

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

Volume

 

%

 

Toquepala

 

96.3

 

82.6

 

13.7

 

16.6

%

270.1

 

239.2

 

30.9

 

12.9

%

Cuajone

 

96.4

 

87.8

 

8.6

 

9.8

%

257.7

 

253.6

 

4.1

 

1.6

%

La Caridad

 

73.6

 

73.5

 

0.1

 

0.2

%

218.3

 

220.9

 

(2.6

)

(1.2

)%

Buenavista

 

223.9

 

241.4

 

(17.5

)

(7.3

)%

673.7

 

711.7

 

(38.0

)

(5.3

)%

IMMSA

 

3.5

 

3.2

 

0.3

 

7.4

%

10.3

 

9.7

 

0.6

 

6.5

%

Total

 

493.7

 

488.5

 

5.2

 

1.1

%

1,430.1

 

1,435.1

 

(5.0

)

(0.3

)%

 

Third quarter: Mined copper production in the third quarter of 2018 increased by 1.1% to 493.7 million pounds compared to 488.5 million pounds in the third quarter of 2017. This increase was principally due to:

 

·                  Higher production at our Peruvian operations because of higher ore grades at both mines.

·                  Higher production at the Caridad mine that was offset by lower SX-EW copper production due to lower ore grade in the pregnant leaching solution. This was partially offset by

·                  Lower production at the Buenavista mine principally due to lower SX-EW copper production.

 

Molybdenum production increased by 6.8% in the third quarter of 2018 to 12.7 million pounds, principally due to higher production at the Toquepala mine (+9.5%), where the grades were higher; and higher production at the Buenavista mine (+24.7%) as a result of higher output principally at the new concentrator.

 

Silver mine production increased by 1.4% in the third quarter of 2018 principally due to higher production at the Toquepala mine as a result of higher grades; this was partially offset by lower production at the Cuajone mine and the Buenavista mine.

 

Zinc production decreased 4.9% in the third quarter of 2018, due to lower production at the Santa Eulalia mine (lower grades and recoveries) and Santa Barbara mine (lower grades) that was partially offset by higher production at the Charcas mine (higher recoveries).

 

Nine months: Mined copper production in the nine months of 2018 decreased slightly by 0.3%, to 1,430.1 million pounds from 1,435.1 million pounds in the same period of 2017. This decrease was due to:

 

·                  Lower production at the Buenavista mine principally due to lower SX-EW copper production (-25.2%). We have been obtaining lower ore grade in the pregnant leaching solution at this plant, due to the lower solubility index in our new leach pads and the characteristics of the ore that is being deposited in such pads. The Company initiated a 12-month corrective program to overcome this temporary reduction in production. The program includes depositing the minerals in different leaching pads depending on the characteristics of the ore. The Company has also implemented improvements and controls in the ore fragmentation that occurs in the blasting, to avoid the fine materials that may be causing clogging in the recovery process. In addition,

·                  Higher production at the Toquepala and Cuajone mines due to higher ore grades and recoveries helped to reduce the decrease noted above.

 

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Molybdenum production increased 1.6% in the nine months of 2018 compared to the same period of 2017, due to higher production at the Buenavista mine, as a result of higher output principally at the new concentrator. This was partially reduced by lower production at our Peruvian mines due to lower ore grades and recoveries.

 

Silver mine production increased 7.1% in the nine months of 2018 compared to the same period of 2017, as we had increased silver production at all of our mines.

 

Zinc production decreased 2.9% in the nine months of 2018 due to lower production at our Santa Eulalia and Santa Barbara mines because of lower grades and recoveries.

 

Operating Cash Costs: An overall benchmark used by us and a common industry metric to measure performance is operating cash costs per pound of copper produced. Operating cash cost is a non-GAAP measure that does not have a standardized meaning and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures provided by other companies. This non-GAAP information should not be considered in isolation or as substitute for measures of performance determined in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of our operating cash cost per pound of copper produced to the cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) as presented in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings is presented under the subheading, “Non-GAAP Information Reconciliation” on page 50. We disclose operating cash cost per pound of copper produced, both before and net of by-product revenues.

 

We define operating cash cost per pound of copper produced before by-product revenues as cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion), plus selling, general and administrative charges, treatment and refining charges net of sales premiums; less the cost of purchased concentrates, workers’ participation and other miscellaneous charges, including royalty charges, and the change in inventory levels; divided by total pounds of copper produced by our own mines.

 

In our calculation of operating cash cost per pound of copper produced, we exclude depreciation, amortization and depletion, which are considered non-cash expenses. Exploration is considered a discretionary expenditure and is also excluded. Workers’ participation provisions are determined on the basis of pre-tax earnings and are also excluded. Additionally excluded from operating cash costs are items of a non-recurring nature and the mining royalty charge as it is based on various calculations of taxable income, depending on which jurisdiction, Peru or Mexico, is imposing the charge. We believe these adjustments will allow our management and stakeholders to see a presentation of our controllable cash cost, which we consider is one of the lowest of copper producing companies of similar size.

 

We define operating cash cost per pound of copper produced net of by-product revenues as operating cash cost per pound of copper produced, as defined in the previous paragraph, less by-product revenues and net revenue (loss) on sale of metal purchased from third parties.

 

In our calculation of operating cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product revenues, we credit against our costs the revenues from the sale of all our by-products, including, molybdenum, zinc, silver, gold, etc. and the net revenue (loss) on sale of metals purchased from third parties. We disclose this measure including the by-product revenues in this way because we consider our principal business to be the production and sale of copper. As part of our copper production process, much of our by-products are recovered. These by-products, as well as the processing of copper purchased from third parties, are a supplemental part of our production process and their sales value contribute to cover part of our incurred fixed costs incurred. We believe that our Company is viewed by the investment community as a copper company, and is valued, in large part, by the investment community’s view of the copper market and our ability to produce copper at a reasonable cost.

 

We believe that both of these measures are useful tools for our management and our stakeholders. Our cash costs before by-product revenues allow us to monitor our cost structure and address with operating management areas of concern. The measure operating cash cost per pound of copper produced net of by-product revenues is a common measure used in the copper industry and is a useful management tool that allows us to track our performance and better allocate our resources. This measure is also used in our investment project evaluation process to determine a project’s potential contribution to our operations, its competitiveness and its relative strength in different price scenarios. The expected contribution of by-products is generally a significant factor used by the copper industry in determining whether to move forward with the development of a new mining project. As the price of our by-product commodities can have significant fluctuations from period to period, the value of its contribution to our costs can be volatile.

 

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Our operating cash cost per pound of copper produced, before and net of by-product revenues, is presented in the table below for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

Operating cash cost per pound of copper produced (1)

(In millions, except cost per pound and percentages)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

Value

 

%

 

Total operating cash cost before by-product revenues

 

$

739.2

 

$

694.1

 

$

45.1

 

6.5

%

$

2,117.7

 

$

2,077.1

 

$

40.6

 

2.0

%

Total by-product revenues

 

$

(310.1

)

$

(257.3

)

$

(52.8

)

20.5

%

$

(961.3

)

$

(787.4

)

$

(173.9

)

22.1

%

Total operating cash cost net of by-product revenues

 

$

429.1

 

$

436.8

 

$

(7.7

)

(1.8

)%

$

1,156.4

 

$

1,289.7

 

$

(133.3

)

(10.3

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total pounds of copper produced (2)

 

478.3

 

473.7

 

4.6

 

1.0

%

1,385.7

 

1,393.0

 

(7.3

)

(0.5

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating cash cost per pound before by-product revenues

 

$

1.55

 

$

1.47

 

$

0.08

 

5.4

%

$

1.53

 

$

1.49

 

$

0.04

 

2.7

%

By-products per pound revenues

 

$

(0.65

)

$

(0.55

)

$

(0.10

)

18.2

%

$

(0.70

)

$

(0.56

)

$

(0.14

)

25.0

%

Operating cash cost per pound net of by-product revenues

 

$

0.90

 

$

0.92

 

$

(0.02

)

(2.2

)%

$

0.83

 

$

0.93

 

$

(0.10

)

(10.8

)%

 


(1)   These are non-GAAP measures. Please see page 50 for reconciliation to GAAP measure.

(2)   Net of metallurgical losses.

 

As seen on the table above, our cash cost per pound before by-product revenues in the third quarter and for the nine months of 2018 was eight cents and four cents higher than in the same periods of 2017, respectively. The increase in both periods was the result of higher production cost, principally at our Peruvian operations. Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the unit cost effect of 0.5% lower production affected our cash cost per pound before by-product revenues.

 

However, our per pound cash cost for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, when calculated net of by-product revenues, were two cents and ten cents lower than in the same period of 2017, respectively. This improvement was mainly the result of the higher prices for our major by-products.

 

Metal Prices: The profitability of our operations is dependent on, and our financial performance is significantly affected by, the international market prices for the products we produce, especially for copper, molybdenum, zinc and silver.

 

We are subject to market risks arising from the volatility of copper and other metal prices. For the remaining three months of 2018, assuming that expected metal production and sales are achieved, that tax rates are unchanged and giving no effect to potential hedging programs, metal price sensitivity factors would indicate the following change in estimated net income attributable to SCC resulting from metal price changes:

 

 

 

Copper

 

Zinc

 

Molybdenum

 

Silver

 

Change in metal prices (per pound except silver — per ounce)

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.10

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

Change in net earnings (in millions)

 

$

30.9

 

$

3.6

 

$

7.1

 

$

2.4

 

 

Business Segments: We view our Company as having three reportable segments and manage it on the basis of these segments. These segments are (1) our Peruvian operations, (2) our Mexican open-pit operations and (3) our Mexican underground operations, known as our IMMSA unit. Our Peruvian operations include the Toquepala and Cuajone mine complexes and the smelting and refining plants, industrial railroad and port facilities that service both mines. The Peruvian operations produce copper, with significant by-product production of molybdenum, silver and other material. Our Mexican open-pit operations include La Caridad and Buenavista mine complexes, the smelting and refining plants and support facilities, which service both mines. The Mexican open pit operations produce copper, with significant by-product production of molybdenum, silver and other material. Our IMMSA unit includes five underground mines that produce zinc, lead, copper, silver and gold, a coal mine which produces coal and coke, and several industrial processing facilities for zinc, copper and silver.

 

Segment information is included in our review of “Results of Operations” in this item and also in Note 10 “Segment and Related Information” of our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Inflation and Exchange Rate Effect of the Peruvian Sol and the Mexican Peso: Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar and our revenues are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. Significant portions of our operating costs are denominated in Peruvian sol and Mexican pesos. Accordingly, when inflation and currency devaluation/appreciation of the Peruvian currency and Mexican currency occur, our operating results can be affected. In recent years, we do believe such changes have not had a

 

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material effect on our results and financial position. Please see Item 3. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” for more detailed information.

 

Capital Investment Programs: We made capital investments of $831.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared with $710.4 million in the same period of 2017. In general, the capital investments and investment projects described below are intended to increase production, decrease costs or address social and environmental commitments.

 

Set forth below are descriptions of some of our current expected capital investment programs. We expect to meet the cash requirements for these projects from cash on hand, internally generated funds and from additional external financing, if necessary. All capital spending plans will continue to be reviewed and adjusted to respond to changes in the economy or market conditions.

 

Projects in Mexico:

 

Buenavista Zinc - Sonora: This project is located within the Buenavista facility and includes the development of a new concentrator to produce approximately 80,000 tons of zinc per year which will allow us to double our current zinc production capacity. Also, the project will produce 20,000 tons of additional copper per year. We have completed the basic engineering and we are working on the purchasing process for the main project components. We estimate an investment of $413 million for this project and expect to initiate operations in 2021.

 

Pilares - Sonora: This project, located six kilometers from La Caridad, will be developed as an open-pit mine operation.

 

The ore will be transported from the pit to the primary crushers of the La Caridad copper concentrator through a new 25-meter wide off-road facility for mining trucks, and will significantly improve the over-all mineral ore grade (combining the 0.78% expected from Pilares with 0.34% at La Caridad). Environmental permit studies were presented to the government’s environmental authorities. An investment of $159 million is estimated to produce 35,000 tons of copper in concentrates per year. We expect this project to start producing in early 2020.

 

Projects in Peru:

 

We currently have a portfolio of Board approved projects in Peru, with a total capital budget of $2,900 million, out of which $1,900 million have already been invested.

 

Toquepala Expansion Project - Tacna: This $1,255 million project includes a new state-of-the-art concentrator which will increase Toquepala’s annual copper production by 100,000 tons to reach 258,000 tons in 2019, a 74% production increase, when compared to 2017. Through September 30, 2018, we have invested $1,192.4 million in this expansion. The project has reached 98% progress and began production in the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

The project to improve the crushing process at Toquepala with the installation of a High Pressure Grinding Roll (HPGR) system, has as its main objective, to ensure that our existing concentrator will operate at its maximum annual production capacity of 117,000 tons of copper while reducing operating costs through ore crushing efficiencies, even with an increase of the ore material hardness index. The budget for this project is $50 million and as of September 30, 2018, we have invested $43.2 million in the project. We are in the commissioning process and expect to start the ramping up and production during the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

Cuajone tailing thickeners project — Moquegua: This project will replace two of the three existing thickeners at the concentrator with a new hi-rate thickener. The purpose is to streamline the concentrator flotation process and improve water recovery efficiency, increasing the tailings solids content from 54% to 61%, thereby reducing fresh water consumption and replacing it with recovered water. Equipment assembly is completed and we are in the commissioning process. As of September 30, 2018, we have invested $28.7 million in this project out of the approved capital budget of $30 million. We expect the project to be completed by the end of 2018.

 

Tailings disposal at Quebrada Honda - Moquegua: This project increases the height of the existing Quebrada Honda dam to impound future tailings from the Toquepala and Cuajone mills and will extend the expected life of this tailings facility by 25 years. The first stage and construction of the drainage system for the lateral dam is finished. We finished the second stage with the installation of a new cyclone battery station that allows us to place more slurry at the dams. We are working to improve several operational processes of this facility. The project has a total budgeted cost of $116 million. We have invested $102.9 million through September 30, 2018 and expect the project to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

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Potential projects

 

We have a number of other projects that we may develop in the future. We evaluate new projects on the basis of our long-term corporate objectives, expected return on investment, environmental concerns, required investment and estimated production, among other considerations. All capital spending plans will continue to be reviewed and adjusted to respond to changes in the economy or market conditions.

 

El Arco — Baja California: This is a world class copper deposit located in the central part of the Baja California peninsula, with ore reserves of over 2.7 billion tons with an ore grade of 0.399% and 0.11 grams of gold per ton. This project, includes an open-pit mine combining concentrator and SX-EW operations with an estimated production of 190,000 tons of copper and 105,000 ounces of gold annually. Between July 2015 and February 2016, we conducted a drilling program of 20,170 meters in order to further define the deposit at lower depths of between 300 and 600 meters.

 

El Pilar - Sonora: This is a fully permitted, low capital intensity copper development project strategically located in Sonora, Mexico, approximately 45 kilometers from our Buenavista mine. Its copper oxide mineralization contains estimated proven and probable reserves of 325 million tons of ore with an average copper grade of 0.287%. El Pilar will operate as a conventional open-pit mine and copper cathodes will be produced using the highly cost efficient and environmentally friendly SX-EW technology. Average annual production is currently estimated at 35,000 tons of copper cathodes over an initial 13-year mine life. On a preliminary basis, we estimate a development investment of approximately $310 million. During 2018 we continued with the metallurgical testing program, as well as with social development work with local communities. We are also concluding a preliminary economic study of the project.

 

Tia Maria - Arequipa: We have completed engineering and after having complied with all environmental requirements, we have obtained the approval of the environmental impact assessment. We are working jointly with the Peruvian government to obtain the construction license for this 120,000 tons of SX-EW copper per year greenfield project with a total capital investment of $1,400 million. We expect the license to be issued in 2018.

 

This greenfield project, located in Arequipa, Peru, will use state of the art SX-EW technology with the highest international environmental standards. SX-EW facilities are the most environmentally friendly in the industry due to their technical process with no emissions released into the atmosphere. The project will use seawater, transporting it more than 25 kilometers to an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level. The construction of the desalinization plant requires an investment of approximately $95 million.

 

We expect the project to generate 3,600 jobs during the construction phase. When in operation, Tia Maria will directly employ 600 workers and indirectly provide jobs to another 4,200. Through its expected twenty-year life, the project related services will create significant business opportunities in the Arequipa region.

 

Los Chancas - Apurimac: This greenfield project, located in Apurimac, Peru, is a copper and molybdenum porphyry deposit. Current estimates indicate the presence of 545 million tons of mineralized material with a copper content of 0.59%, molybdenum content of 0.04% and 0.039 grams of gold per ton, as well as 181 million tons of mineralized leachable material with a total copper content of 0.357%.  Los Chancas project envisions an open-pit mine with a combined operation of concentrator and SX-EW processes to annually produce 130,000 tons of copper and 7,500 tons of molybdenum. The estimated capital investment is $2,800 million and is expected to be in operation in 2022. We have continued with the development of social and environmental improvements for the local communities while we are conducting the environmental impact assessment during 2018.

 

Michiquillay Project - Cajamarca: On June 12, 2018, Southern Copper signed a contract and made an initial payment of $12.5 million for the acquisition of the Michiquillay project in Cajamarca, Peru. The Company has created a multidisciplinary management team to plan the development of this project.

 

Michiquillay is a world class mining project with estimated mineralized material of 1,150 million tons with an estimated copper grade of 0.63%. When developed, we expect Michiquillay to produce 225,000 tons of copper per year (along with by-products of molybdenum, gold and silver) for an initial mine life of more than 25 years, at a competitive cash-cost. We estimate an investment of approximately $2.5 billion will be required and expect production start-up by 2025, with Michiquillay becoming one of Peru´s largest copper mines. The project will create significant business opportunities in the Cajamarca region, generate new jobs for the local communities and contribute with taxes and royalties to the national, regional and local governments.

 

The above information is based on estimates only. We cannot make any assurances that we will undertake any of these projects or that the information noted is accurate.

 

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ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, as well as quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risks, are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We make our best estimate of the ultimate outcome for these items based on historical trends and other information available when the condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared. Changes in estimates are recognized in accordance with the accounting rules for the estimate, which is typically in the period when new information becomes available to management. Areas where the nature of the estimate makes it reasonably possible that actual results could materially differ from amounts estimated include: ore reserves, revenue recognition, ore stockpiles on leach pads and related amortization, estimated impairment of assets, asset retirement obligations, valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, unrecognized tax benefits and fair value of financial instruments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table highlights key financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

Net sales

 

$

1,723.7

 

$

1,676.5

 

$

47.2

 

2.8

%

$

5,402.1

 

$

4,790.2

 

$

611.9

 

12.8

%

Operating costs and expenses

 

(1,027.0

)

(983.9

)

(43.1

)

4.4

%

(3,144.4

)

(3,001.3

)

(143.1

)

4.8

%

Operating income

 

696.7

 

692.6

 

4.1

 

0.6

%

2,257.7

 

1,788.9

 

468.8

 

26.2

%

Non-operating income (expense)

 

(72.4

)

(76.0

)

3.6

 

(4.7

)%

(210.3

)

(229.8

)

19.5

 

(8.5

)%

Income before income taxes

 

624.3

 

616.6

 

7.7

 

1.2

%

2,047.4

 

1,559.1

 

488.3

 

31.3

%

Income taxes

 

(257.9

)

(220.1

)

(37.8

)

17.2

%

(803.6

)

(556.6

)

(247.0

)

44.4

%

Equity earnings of affiliate

 

4.3

 

6.3

 

(2.0

)

(31.7

)%

9.9

 

16.1

 

(6.2

)

(38.5

)%

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

(1.3

)

(1.0

)

(0.3

)

30.0

%

(3.9

)

(2.6

)

(1.3

)

50.0

%

Net income attributable to SCC

 

$

369.4

 

$

401.8

 

$

(32.4

)

(8.1

)%

$

1,249.8

 

$

1,016.0

 

$

233.8

 

23.0

%

 

NET SALES

 

Net sales for the third quarter of 2018 were $1,723.7 million, compared to $1,676.5 million in the third quarter of 2017, an increase of $47.2 million. This 2.8% increase was principally the result of higher molybdenum prices as shown below; and higher sales volume of copper (+3.0%), silver (+14.2%) and zinc (+21.3%).

 

Net sales in the nine months of 2018 were $5,402.1 million, compared to $4,790.2 million in the first same period of 2017, an increase of $611.9 million. This 12.8% increase was principally the result of higher metal prices as shown below, and also due to higher sales volume of zinc (+6.2%) and silver (+10.1%); partially offset by lower sales volume of copper (-1.1%).

 

The table below outlines the average published market metals prices for our metals for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

% Change

 

2018

 

2017

 

% Change

 

Copper ($ per pound — LME)

 

$

2.77

 

$

2.88

 

(3.8

)%

$

3.01

 

$

2.70

 

11.5

%

Copper ($ per pound — COMEX)

 

$

2.73

 

$

2.89

 

(5.5

)%

$

2.99

 

$

2.71

 

10.3

%

Molybdenum ($ per pound) (1)

 

$

11.74

 

$

8.05

 

45.8

%

$

11.81

 

$

7.93

 

48.9

%

Zinc ($ per pound — LME)

 

$

1.15

 

$

1.34

 

(14.2

)%

$

1.37

 

$

1.26

 

8.7

%

Silver ($ per ounce — COMEX)

 

$

14.92

 

$

16.80

 

(11.2

)%

$

16.03

 

$

17.15

 

(6.5

)%

 


(1)         Platt’s Metals Week Dealer Oxide

 

41


Table of Contents

 

The table below provides our metal sales as a percentage of our total net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

Copper

 

80.7

%

83.6

%

80.6

%

82.3

%

Molybdenum

 

8.0

%

5.4

%

7.0

%

5.2

%

Silver

 

4.2

%

4.2

%

4.2

%

4.6

%

Zinc

 

3.7

%

3.6

%

4.7

%

4.5

%

Other by-products

 

3.4

%

3.2

%

3.5

%

3.4

%

Total

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

The table below provides our copper sales by type of product for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in million pounds):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Copper Sales

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

Refined (including SX-EW)

 

294.9

 

297.4

 

(2.5

)

(0.8

)%

861.8

 

900.5

 

(38.7

)

(4.3

)%

Rod

 

89.9

 

87.2

 

2.7

 

3.1

%

253.8

 

231.0

 

22.8

 

9.9

%

Concentrates and other

 

118.0

 

103.6

 

14.4

 

13.9

%

336.7

 

337.3

 

(0.6

)

(0.2

)%

Total

 

502.8

 

488.2

 

14.6

 

3.0

%

1,452.3

 

1,468.8

 

(16.5

)

(1.1

)%

 

The table below provides our copper sales volume by type of product as a percentage of our total copper sales volume for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

Copper Sales by product type

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

Refined (including SX-EW)

 

58.6

%

60.9

%

59.3

%

61.3

%

Rod

 

17.9

%

17.9

%

17.5

%

15.7

%

Concentrates and other

 

23.5

%

21.2

%

23.2

%

23.0

%

Total

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

 

The table below summarizes the production cost structure by major components as a percentage of total production cost:

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

Power

 

13.9

%

14.6

%

14.3

%

17.1

%

Fuel

 

14.9

%

14.0

%

14.8

%

13.7

%

Labor

 

14.5

%

14.7

%

14.1

%

14.0

%

Maintenance

 

19.4

%

19.4

%

19.3

%

19.0

%

Operating material

 

18.4

%

19.9

%

18.8

%

19.3

%

Other

 

18.9

%

17.4

%

18.7

%

16.9

%

Total Production Cost

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

Third quarter: Operating costs and expenses were $1,027.0 million in the third quarter of 2018 compared to $983.9 million in the third quarter of 2017. The increase of $43.1 million was primarily due to:

 

Operating cost and expenses for the third quarter 2017

 

$

983.9

 

Plus:

 

 

 

·     Higher cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) mainly due to higher inventory consumption, higher fuel and operating contractors costs; partially offset by lower cost of metals purchased from third parties.

 

42.5

 

·     Higher depreciation, amortization and depletion expense.

 

1.3

 

·     Higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

1.4

 

Less:

 

 

 

·     Lower exploration expense.

 

(2.1

)

Operating cost and expenses for the third quarter 2018

 

$

1,027.0

 

 

42


Table of Contents

 

Nine months: Operating costs and expenses were $3,144.4 million in the nine months of 2018 compared to $3,001.3 million in the same period of 2017. The increase of $143.1 million was primarily due to:

 

Operating cost and expenses for the nine months 2017

 

$

3,001.3

 

Plus:

 

 

 

·     Higher cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) mainly due to higher cost of metals purchased from third parties, higher workers’ participation expense and higher fuel costs, partially offset by lower power costs and foreign currency transaction effect,.

 

122.0

 

·     Higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

8.1

 

·     Reversal in 2017 of over-accrual of Sonora River remediation costs.

 

10.2

 

·     Higher depreciation, amortization and depletion.

 

1.4

 

·     Higher exploration expense.

 

1.4

 

Operating cost and expenses for the nine months 2018

 

$

3,144.4

 

 

NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

Non-operating income and expense were a net expense of $72.4 million and $210.3 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to a net expense of $76.0 million and $229.8 million in the comparable periods of 2017.

 

Third quarter: The lower expense of $3.6 million was primarily due to:

 

·                  $ 2.6 million of higher interest income,

·                  $ 2.3 million of higher capitalized interest; partially offset by

·                  $ (1.3) million of higher miscellaneous and other expense.

 

Nine months: The lower expense of $19.5 million was primarily due to:

 

·                  $ 14.6 million of lower interest expense mainly due to an adjustment in capitalized interest computation recorded in 2017,

·                  $ 13.8 million of higher capitalized interest.

·                  $ 5.8 million of lower interest income; partially offset by

·                  $ (14.7) million of higher miscellaneous expense.

 

INCOME TAXES

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Provision for income taxes (in millions)

 

$

803.6

 

$

556.6

 

Effective income tax rate

 

39.2

%

35.7

%

 

These provisions include income taxes for Peru, Mexico and the United States. In addition, a Mexican royalty tax, a portion of the Peruvian royalty tax and the Peruvian special mining tax are included in the income tax provision. The increase in the effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2018 from the same period in the prior year is primarily due to the Company no longer recording the benefit for 100% of the foreign tax credits generated annually, as well as the recording of the effect of the Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (GILTI) which is a result of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of December 22, 2017. For further information, please see Note 4 “Income taxes”.

 

43


Table of Contents

 

SEGMENT RESULT ANALYSIS

 

We have three segments: the Peruvian operations, the Mexican open-pit operations and the Mexican underground mining operations.

 

The table below presents information regarding the volume of our copper sales by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Copper Sales (million pounds):

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

Peruvian operations

 

193.0

 

176.5

 

16.5

 

9.3

%

553.5

 

527.9

 

25.6

 

4.8

%

Mexican open-pit

 

309.8

 

311.7

 

(1.9

)

(0.6

)%

898.8

 

941.0

 

(42.2

)

(4.5

)%

Mexican IMMSA unit

 

4.3

 

3.8

 

0.5

 

12.8

%

14.5

 

12.3

 

2.2

 

17.6

%

Other and intersegment elimination

 

(4.3

)

(3.8

)

(0.5

)

12.8

%

(14.5

)

(12.3

)

(2.2

)

17.6

%

Total

 

502.8

 

488.2

 

14.6

 

3.0

%

1,452.3

 

1,468.9

 

(16.6

)

(1.1

)%

 

The table below presents information regarding the volume of sales by segment of our significant by-products for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

By-product Sales (in million pounds,
except silver – in million ounces)

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

%
Change

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

%
Change

 

Peruvian operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Molybdenum contained in concentrates

 

4.4

 

4.4

 

 

 

11.8

 

13.8

 

(2.0

)

(13.6

)%

Silver

 

1.1

 

1.1

 

 

 

3.1

 

3.0

 

0.1

 

3.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexican open-pit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Molybdenum contained in concentrates

 

8.1

 

7.5

 

0.6

 

7.1

%

24.2

 

21.9

 

2.3

 

10.5

%

Silver

 

2.9

 

2.5

 

0.4

 

14.8

%

8.4

 

7.8

 

0.6

 

7.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexican IMMSA unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zinc — refined and in concentrate

 

52.4

 

43.1

 

9.3

 

21.3

%

174.6

 

164.3

 

10.3

 

6.2

%

Silver

 

1.3

 

1.0

 

0.3

 

25.6

%

4.1

 

3.4

 

0.7

 

18.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other and intersegment elimination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver

 

(0.4

)

(0.4

)

 

 

(1.3

)

(1.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total by-product sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Molybdenum contained in concentrates

 

12.5

 

11.9

 

0.6

 

5.0

%

36.0

 

35.7

 

0.3

 

1.1

%

Zinc — refined and in concentrate

 

52.4

 

43.1

 

9.3

 

21.3

%

174.6

 

164.3

 

10.3

 

6.2

%

Silver

 

4.9

 

4.2

 

0.7

 

14.2

%

14.3

 

12.9

 

1.4

 

10.1

%

 

Peruvian Operations:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(in millions)

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

Net sales

 

$

638.5

 

$

565.7

 

$

72.8

 

12.9

%

$

1,923.2

 

$

1,609.9

 

$

313.3

 

19.5

%

Operating costs and expenses

 

(441.6

)

(419.5

)

(22.1

)

5.3

%

(1,336.6

)

(1,192.9

)

(143.7

)

12.0

%

Operating income

 

$

196.9

 

$

146.2

 

$

50.7

 

34.7

%

$

586.6

 

$

417.0

 

$

169.6

 

40.7

%

 

Third quarter: Net sales in the third quarter of 2018 were $638.5 million compared to $565.7 million in the third quarter of 2017. The increase in net sales was mainly the result of higher copper (+9.3%) and silver (+2.0%) sales volumes.

 

Operating costs and expenses in the third quarter of 2018 increased by $22.1 million to $441.6 million from $419.5 million in the third quarter of 2017, primarily due to:

 

Operating cost and expenses for the third quarter 2017

 

$

419.5

 

Plus:

 

 

 

·     Higher cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) mainly due to higher inventory consumption, workers’ participation expense, higher labor and fuel costs; partially offset by lower cost of metals purchased from third parties.

 

18.7

 

·     Higher depreciation, amortization and depletion expense.

 

6.5

 

Less:

 

 

 

·     Lower exploration expenses.

 

(2.7

)

·     Lower selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

(0.4

)

Operating cost and expenses for the third quarter 2018

 

$

441.6

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Nine months: Net sales in the nine months of 2018 were $1,923.2 million compared to $1,609.9 million in the comparable period of 2017. The increase in net sales was mainly the result higher metal prices and higher copper (+4.8%) and silver sales volume (+3.3%), partially offset by lower molybdenum sales volume.

 

Operating costs and expenses in the nine months of 2018 increased by $143.7 million to $1,336.6 million from $1,192.9 million in the same period of 2017, primarily due to:

 

Operating cost and expenses for the nine months 2017

 

$

1,192.9

 

Plus:

 

 

 

·     Higher cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) mainly due to higher inventory consumption, workers’ participation expense, higher labor and fuel costs; partially offset by lower cost of metals purchased from third parties and lower energy costs.

 

116.9

 

·     Higher depreciation, amortization and depletion expense due to our expansion and maintenance investments.

 

23.8

 

·     Higher exploration expenses.

 

2.5

 

·     Higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

0.5

 

Operating cost and expenses for the nine months 2018

 

$

1,336.6

 

 

Mexican Open-pit Operations:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(in millions)

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

Net sales

 

$

995.1

 

$

1,023.3

 

$

(28.2

)

(2.8

)%

$

3,124.9

 

$

2,875.3

 

$

249.6

 

8.7

%

Operating costs and expenses

 

(510.1

)

(486.7

)

(23.4

)

4.8

%

(1,527.2

)

(1,553.8

)

26.6

 

(1.7

)%

Operating income

 

$

485.0

 

$

536.6

 

$

(51.6

)

(9.6

)%

$

1,597.7

 

$

1,321.5

 

$

276.2

 

20.9

%

 

Third quarter: Net sales in the third quarter of 2018 were $995.1 million, compared to $1,023.3 million in the third quarter of 2017. The decrease of $28.2 million was principally due to lower copper and silver prices, and a slightly lower copper sales volume (-0.6%).

 

Operating costs and expenses in the third quarter of 2018 increased by $23.4 million to $510.1 million from $486.7 million in the same 2017 period, primarily due to:

 

Operating cost and expenses for the third quarter 2017

 

$

486.7

 

Plus:

 

 

 

·     Higher cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) mainly due to foreign currency transaction effect, higher sales expenses and higher cost of metals purchased from third parties; partially offset by lower inventory consumption and lower energy costs.

 

25.2

 

·     Higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

0.5

 

Less:

 

 

 

·     Lower depreciation, amortization and depletion expense volume and; partially offset by,

 

(2.0

)

·     Lower exploration expenses.

 

(0.3

)

Operating cost and expenses for the third quarter 2018

 

$

510.1

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Nine months: Net sales in the nine months of 2018 were $3,124.9 million, compared to $2,875.3 million in the same period of 2017. The increase of $249.6 million was principally due to higher metal prices and higher molybdenum (+10.5%) and silver (+7.6%) sales volumes, slightly offset by lower copper sales volume (-4.5%).

 

Operating costs and expenses in the nine months of 2018 decreased by $26.6 million to $1,527.2 million from $1,553.8 million in the comparable 2017 period, primarily due to:

 

Operating cost and expenses for the nine months 2017

 

$

1,553.8

 

Less:

 

 

 

·     Lower inventory consumption.

 

(87.3

)

·     Lower other cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) mainly due to lower power costs; partially offset by higher workers’ participation expense and higher fuel costs.

 

(10.2

)

·     Lower depreciation, amortization and depletion expense.

 

(26.2

)

·     Lower exploration expenses.

 

(0.4

)

Plus:

 

 

 

·     Higher volume and cost of metals purchased from third parties.

 

82.3

 

·     Reversal in 2017 of over-accrual of Sonora River remediation costs.

 

10.2

 

·     Higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

5.0

 

Operating cost and expenses for the nine months 2018

 

$

1,527.2

 

 

Mexican Underground Operations (IMMSA):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

($ in millions)

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

Net sales

 

$

107.3

 

$

103.5

 

$

3.8

 

3.7

%

$

409.6

 

$

359.1

 

$

50.5

 

14.1

%

Operating costs and expenses

 

(89.2

)

(90.3

)

1.1

 

(1.2

)%

(315.2

)

(296.4

)

(18.8

)

6.3

%

Operating income

 

$

18.1

 

$

13.2

 

$

4.9

 

37.1

%

$

94.4

 

$

62.7

 

$

31.7

 

50.6

%

 

Third quarter: Net sales in the third quarter of 2018 were $107.3 million, compared to $103.5 million in the third quarter of 2017. This increase of $3.8 million was primarily due to higher zinc (+21.3%) and silver (+25.6%) sales volumes.

 

Operating costs and expenses in the third quarter of 2018 decreased by $1.1 million to $89.2 million from $90.3 million in the third quarter of 2017, primarily due to:

 

Operating cost and expenses for the third quarter 2017

 

$

90.3

 

Less:

 

 

 

·     Lower depreciation, amortization and depletion expense.

 

(1.6

)

·     Lower exploration expenses.

 

(0.8

)

Plus:

 

 

 

·     Higher cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) mainly due to higher inventory consumption and power costs, partially offset by lower cost of metals purchased from third parties.

 

0.9

 

·     Higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

0.4

 

Operating cost and expenses for the third quarter 2018

 

$

89.2

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Nine months: Net sales in the nine months of 2018 were $409.6 million, compared to $359.1 million in the comparable period of 2017. This increase of $50.5 million was primarily due to higher metal prices and sales volumes.

 

Operating costs and expenses in the nine months of 2018 increased by $18.8 million to $315.2 million from $296.4 million in the comparable period of 2017, primarily due to:

 

Operating cost and expenses for the nine months 2017

 

$

296.4

 

Plus:

 

 

 

·     Higher cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) mainly due to higher inventory consumption and higher workers’ participation expense.

 

23.0

 

·     Higher selling, general and administrative expenses .

 

1.1

 

·     Higher exploration expense.

 

0.1

 

Less:

 

 

 

·     Lower depreciation, amortization and depletion expense.

 

(5.4

)

Operating cost and expenses for the nine months 2018

 

$

315.2

 

 

Intersegment Eliminations and Adjustments:

 

The net sales, operating costs and expenses and operating income discussed above will not be directly equal to amounts in our condensed consolidated statement of earnings because the adjustments of intersegment operating revenues and expenses must be taken into account. Please see Note 10 “Segment and Related Information” of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Cash flow:

 

The following table shows the cash flow for the nine months of 2018 and 2017 (in millions):

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

1,788.9

 

$

1,280.0

 

$

508.9

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

$

(1,029.8

)

$

(688.6

)

$

(341.2

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

$

(774.0

)

$

(262.7

)

$

(511.3

)

 

Net cash provided by operating activities:

 

The change in net cash from operating activities for the nine months of 2018 and 2017 include (in millions):

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

Net income

 

$

1,253.7

 

$

1,018.6

 

235.1

 

23.1

%

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

495.2

 

493.8

 

1.4

 

0.3

%

Deferred income taxes

 

(17.7

)

(61.7

)

44.0

 

(71.3

)%

Loss (income) on foreign currency transaction effect

 

31.2

 

50.8

 

(19.6

)

(38.6

)%

Other adjustments to net income

 

(8.3

)

2.9

 

(11.2

)

(386.2

)%

Change in operating assets and liabilities

 

34.8

 

(224.4

)

259.2

 

(115.5

)%

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

1,788.9

 

$

1,280.0

 

$

508.9

 

39.8

%

 

Significant items added to (deducted from) net income to arrive at operating cash flow include depreciation, amortization and depletion, deferred tax amounts and changes in operating assets and liabilities.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2018: Net income was $1,253.7 million, approximately 70.1% of the net operating cash flow. A net decrease in operating assets and liabilities increased operating cash flow by $34.8 million and included:

 

·                  $112.3 million decrease in accounts receivable.

·                  $(131.2) million of net increase in inventory, which included $(165.6) million of higher non-current leaching inventory, $(14.0) million of higher supplies inventories and $(1.8) million of higher finished goods inventory, partially offset by $50.2 million of lower metals in process.

·                  $80.5 million increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, which included $49.2 million of interest accrual, $16.6 million higher trade accounts payable, and $14.6 higher other liabilities.

·                  $(26.8) million increase in other operating assets and liabilities.

 

47


Table of Contents

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2017: Net income was $1,018.6 million, approximately 79.6% of the net operating cash flow. A net increase in operating assets and liabilities decreased operating cash flow by $224.4 million and included:

 

·                  $(238.3) million increase in accounts receivable.

·                  $(120.5) million of net increase in inventory, which included $(133.6) million of higher non-current leaching inventory, $(22.4) million of higher supplies inventories for our operations and $(48.4) million of higher metals in process, partially offset by $83.9 million of lower finished goods inventory.

·                  $(9.5) million decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, which included $(66.8) million of lower accrued income taxes, partially offset by higher accrued interest of $47.5 million and $9.8 million of higher other liabilities.

·                  $143.9 million decrease in other operating assets and liabilities, which included principally $126.8 million of lower prepaid taxes, mainly due to the use of tax credits from previous years.

 

Net cash used for investing activities:

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2018: Net cash used for investing activities included $831.8 million for capital investments. The capital investments included:

 

·                  $249.9 million of investments at our Mexican operations:

·                  $48.7 million for the new tailing disposal deposit at the Buenavista mine,

·                  $12.0 million for the over elevation of tailings deposit N° 7 at the La Caridad Mine,

·                  $9.8 million for the new Buenavista concentrator,

·                  $4.3 million for the Sonora River water restitution system located in the Moritas basin,

·                  $34.5 million at our IMMSA unit,

·                  $134.4 million for various other replacement and maintenance expenditures, and

·                  $6.2 million decrease in capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid.

 

·                  $581.9 million of investments at our Peruvian operations:

·                  $329.0 million for the Toquepala concentrator expansion project,

·                  $18.7 million for the tailings disposal at Quebrada Honda project,

·                  $18.6 million for mine trucks replacement in Cuajone,

·                  $8.9 million for the Toquepala mine equipment acquisition,

·                  $165.8 million for various other replacement and maintenance expenditures, and

·                  $40.9 million decrease in capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid.

 

The first nine months of 2018 investment activities also include $186.0 million of net purchases of short-term investments, and $12.5 million for the initial payment for the acquisition of the Michiquillay project.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2017: Net cash used for investing activities included $710.4 million for capital investments. The capital investments included:

 

·                  $248.8 million of investments at our Mexican operations:

·                  $26.2 million for the new Buenavista concentrator,

·                  $39.0 million for the new tailing disposal deposit at the Buenavista mine,

·                  $20.1 million for the Quebalix IV project,

·                  $10.3 million for the solutions system improvements of Tinajas,

·                  $8.9 million for the tailings discharge line and reclaimed water system at the Bueanvista mine,

·                  $23.3 million at our IMMSA unit, and

·                  $121.0 million for various other replacement expenditures.

 

·                  $461.6 million of investments at our Peruvian operations:

·                  $193.1 million for the Toquepala concentrator expansion project,

·                  $44.1 million for the Heavy Mineral Management Optimizing Project in Cuajone,

·                  $10.0 million for the Tailing Thickener replacement project in Cuajone,

·                  $23.9 million for the Toquepala mine equipment acquisition,

·                  $28.5 million for the Ilo 3 substation, and

·                  $162.0 million for various other replacement expenditures.

 

The nine months of 2017 investment activities include $9.6 million of net proceeds from short-term investments.

 

48


Table of Contents

 

Net cash used for financing activities:

 

Net cash used for financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $774.0 million, compared to $262.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The nine months of 2018 included a dividend distribution of $773.0 million, compared to a distribution of $262.8 million in the same period of 2017.

 

Dividends:

 

On August 21, 2018, we paid a dividend of $0.40 per share totaling $309.2 million. On October 18, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share, expected to total $309.2 million, to be paid on November 21, 2018 to SCC shareholders of record at the close of business on November 7, 2018.

 

Capital Investment and Exploration Programs:

 

A discussion of our capital investment programs is an important part of understanding our liquidity and capital resources. We expect to meet the cash requirements for these capital investments from cash on hand, internally generated funds and from additional external financing if required. For information regarding our capital investment programs, please see the discussion under the caption “Capital Investment Programs” under this Item 2.

 

Contractual Obligations:

 

There have been no material changes in our contractual obligations in the nine months of 2018. Please see item 7 in Part II of our 2017 annual report on Form 10-K.

 

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NON-GAAP INFORMATION RECONCILIATION

 

Operating cash cost: Following is a reconciliation of “Operating Cash Cost” (see page 37) to cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) as reported in our consolidated statement of earnings, in millions of dollars and dollars per pound of copper in the table below.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

September 30, 2017

 

September 30, 2018

 

September 30, 2017

 

 

 

$ million

 

$ per pound

 

$ million

 

$ per pound

 

$ million

 

$ per pound

 

$ million

 

$ per pound

 

Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion)

 

$

824.0

 

$

1.72

 

$

781.5

 

$

1.65

 

$

2,552.2

 

$

1.84

 

$

2,430.2

 

$

1.75

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

26.4

 

0.06

 

25.0

 

0.05

 

76.7

 

0.06

 

68.6

 

0.05

 

Sales premiums, net of treatment and refining charges

 

0.6

 

 

2.4

 

0.01

 

3.9

 

 

18.9

 

0.01

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workers’ participation

 

(45.1

)

(0.09

)

(44.0

)

(0.09

)

(162.4

)

(0.12

)

(128.9

)

(0.09

)

Cost of metal purchased from third parties

 

(60.0

)

(0.13

)

(103.1

)

(0.22

)

(312.8

)

(0.22

)

(238.8

)

(0.17

)

Other cost of sales, net

 

(31.2

)

(0.06

)

(25.2

)

(0.05

)

(109.5

)

(0.08

)

(143.3

)

(0.10

)

Inventory change

 

24.5

 

0.05

 

57.5

 

0.12

 

69.6

 

0.05

 

70.4

 

0.04

 

Operating cash cost before by-products revenues

 

$

739.2

 

$

1.55

 

$

694.1

 

$

1.47

 

$

2,117.7

 

$

1.53

 

$

2,077.1

 

$

1.49

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By-product revenues (1)

 

(303.8

)

(0.64

)

(243.5

)

(0.51

)

(919.7

)

(0.67

)

(750.7

)

(0.54

)

Net revenue on sale of metal purchased from third parties

 

(6.3

)

(0.01

)

(13.8

)

(0.04

)

(41.6

)

(0.03

)

(36.7

)

(0.02

)

Total by-product revenues

 

(310.1

)

(0.65

)

(257.3

)

(0.55

)

(961.3

)

(0.70

)

(787.4

)

(0.56

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating cash cost, net of by-product revenues

 

$

429.1

 

0.90

 

$

436.8

 

0.92

 

$

1,156.4

 

0.83

 

$

1,289.7

 

0.93

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total pounds of copper produced (in millions)

 

478.3

 

 

 

473.7

 

 

 

1,385.7

 

 

 

1,393.0

 

 

 

 


(1)

 

By-product revenues included in our presentation of operating cash cost contain the following:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

September 30, 2017

 

September 30, 2018

 

September 30, 2017

 

 

 

$ million

 

$ per pound

 

$ million

 

$ per pound

 

$ million

 

$ per pound

 

$ million

 

$ per pound

 

Molybdenum

 

$

(137.6

)

$

(0.29

)

$

(91.2

)

$

(0.19

)

$

(378.5

)

$

(0.27

)

$

(251.1

)

$

(0.18

)

Silver

 

(58.8

)

(0.12

)

(64.0

)

(0.14

)

(181.8

)

(0.13

)

(195.8

)

(0.14

)

Zinc

 

(53.0

)

(0.11

)

(38.1

)

(0.08

)

(182.1

)

(0.13

)

(152.6

)

(0.11

)

Sulfuric Acid

 

(28.8

)

(0.06

)

(18.5

)

(0.04

)

(81.5

)

(0.06

)

(52.6

)

(0.04

)

Gold and others

 

(25.6

)

(0.06

)

(31.7

)

(0.06

)

(95.8

)

(0.08

)

(98.6

)

(0.07

)

Total

 

$

(303.8

)

$

(0.64

)

$

(243.5

)

$

(0.51

)

$

(919.7

)

$

(0.67

)

$

(750.7

)

$

(0.54

)

 

50


Table of Contents

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

 

Commodity price risk:

 

For additional information on metal price sensitivity, refer to “Metal Prices” in Part I, Item 2 of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2018.

 

Foreign currency exchange rate risk:

 

Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Portions of our operating costs are denominated in Peruvian soles and Mexican pesos. Since our revenues are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, when inflation or deflation in our Mexican or Peruvian operations is not offset by a change in the exchange rate of the sol or the peso to the dollar, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be affected by local cost conversion when expressed in U.S. dollars. In addition, the dollar value of our net monetary assets denominated in soles or pesos can be affected by exchange rate variances of the sol or the peso, resulting in a re-measurement gain or loss in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Recent inflation and exchange rate variances are provided in the table below for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

Peru:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peruvian inflation rate

 

0.8

%

0.9

%

2.0

%

2.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial exchange rate

 

3.274

 

3.255

 

3.245

 

3.360

 

Closing exchange rate

 

3.302

 

3.267

 

3.302

 

3.267

 

Appreciation/(devaluation)

 

(0.9

)%

(0.4

)%

(1.8

)%

2.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexican inflation rate

 

1.6

%

1.2

%

2.7

%

4.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial exchange rate

 

19.863

 

17.897

 

19.735

 

20.664

 

Closing exchange rate

 

18.812

 

18.198

 

18.812

 

18.198

 

Appreciation/(devaluation)

 

5.3

%

(1.7

)%

4.7

%

11.9

%

 

Change in monetary position:

 

Assuming an exchange rate variance of 10% at September 30, 2018 we estimate our net monetary position in Peruvian sol and Mexican peso would increase (decrease) our net earnings as follows:

 

 

 

Effect on net
earnings

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Appreciation of 10% in U.S. dollar vs. Peruvian sol

 

$

12.1

 

Devaluation of 10% in U.S. dollar vs. Peruvian sol

 

$

(14.8

)

Appreciation of 10% in U.S. dollar vs. Mexican peso

 

$

17.0

 

Devaluation of 10% in U.S. dollar vs. Mexican peso

 

$

(20.7

)

 

Open sales risk:

 

Our provisional copper and molybdenum sales contain an embedded derivative that is required to be separate from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of copper and molybdenum concentrates at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale. The embedded derivative, which does not qualify for hedge accounting, is marked to market through earnings each period prior to settlement. See Note 5 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further information about these provisional sales.

 

Short-term Investments:

 

For additional information on our trading securities and available-for-sale investments, refer to “Short-term Investments” in Part I, Item 1 of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2018.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Cautionary Statement:

 

Forward-looking statements in this report and in other Company statements include statements regarding expected commencement dates of mining or metal production operations, projected quantities of future metal production, anticipated production rates, operating efficiencies, costs and expenditures as well as projected demand or supply for the Company’s products. Actual results could differ materially depending upon factors including the risks and uncertainties relating to general U.S. and international economic and political conditions, the cyclical and volatile prices of copper, other commodities and supplies, including fuel and electricity, availability of materials, insurance coverage, equipment, required permits or approvals and financing, the occurrence of unusual weather or operating conditions, lower than expected ore grades, water and geological problems, the failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications, failure to obtain financial assurance to meet closure and remediation obligations, labor relations, litigation and environmental risks as well as political and economic risk associated with foreign operations. Results of operations are directly affected by metal prices on commodity exchanges that can be volatile.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

As of September 30, 2018, the Company conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s disclosure committee and the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness and the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of September 30, 2018, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is:

 

1.              Recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and

 

2.              Accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Southern Copper Corporation:

 

Results of Review of Interim Financial Statements.

 

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Southern Copper Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2018, the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income and cash flows for the three-month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “interim financial information”). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim financial information for it to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2017, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 1, 2018, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

Basis for Review Results

 

This interim financial information is the responsibility of the Company’s management. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards of the PCAOB. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the condensed consolidated interim financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

 

Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C.

Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited

 

/s/ Daniel Toledo Antonio

 

C.P.C. Daniel Toledo Antonio

 

Mexico City, Mexico

 

October 31, 2018

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings:

 

The information provided in Note 9 “Commitments and Contingencies” to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Part I of this Form 10-Q, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors:

 

There have been no material changes to our risk factors during the three months ended September 30, 2018. For additional information on risk factors, refer to “Risk Factors”  included in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds:

 

SCC share repurchase program:

 

In 2008, the Company’s BOD authorized a $500 million share repurchase program that has since been increased by the BOD and is currently authorized to $3 billion. Pursuant to this program, the Company has purchased 119.5 million shares of common stock at a cost of $2.9 billion. These shares are available for general corporate purposes. The Company may purchase additional shares of its common stock from time to time, based on market conditions and other factors. This repurchase program has no expiration date and may be modified or discontinued at any time.

 

There has not been activity in the SCC share repurchase program since the third quarter of 2016. The NYSE closing price of SCC common shares at September 30, 2018 was $43.14 and the maximum number of shares that the Company could purchase at that price is 1.9 million shares.

 

As a result of the repurchase of shares of SCC’s common stock, Grupo Mexico’s direct and indirect ownership was 88.9% as of September 30, 2018.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures:

 

Not applicable.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description of Exhibit

 

 

 

3.1

 

(a) Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed on October 11, 2005. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
(b) Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated May 2, 2006. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-135170) filed on June 20, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).
(c) Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated May 28, 2008. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

3.2

 

By-Laws, as last amended on January 27, 2011. (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.1

 

Indenture governing $200 million 6.375% Notes due 2015, by and among Southern Copper Corporation, The Bank of New York and the Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 1, 2005 and incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

4.2

 

(a) Indenture governing $600 million 7.500% Notes due 2035, by and among Southern Copper Corporation, the Bank of New York and The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 1, 2005) and incorporated herein by reference).
(b) Indenture governing $400 million 7.500% Notes due 2035, by and between Southern Copper Corporation, The Bank of New York, The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A.(Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 1, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.3

 

Form of 6.375% Note (included in Exhibit 4.1).

 

 

 

4.4

 

Form of New 7.500% Note (included in Exhibit 4.2(a)).

 

 

 

4.5

 

Form of New 7.500% Note (included in Exhibit 4.2(b)).

 

 

 

4.6

 

Indenture, dated as of April 16, 2010, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which $400 million of 5.375% Notes due 2020 and $1.1 billion of 6.750% Notes due 2040 were issued (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.7

 

First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 16, 2010, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 5.375% Notes due 2020 were issued (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.8

 

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 16, 2010, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 6.750% Notes due 2040 were issued. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.9

 

Form of 5.375% Notes due 2020 (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.10

 

Form of 6.750% Notes due 2040 (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.11

 

Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 8, 2012, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 3.500% Notes due 2022 were issued (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.12

 

Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 8, 2012, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 5.250% Notes due 2042 were issued. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.13

 

Form of 3.500% Notes due 2022. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed

 

56


Table of Contents

 

 

 

on November 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.14

 

Form of 5.250% Notes due 2042. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.15

 

Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 23, 2015, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 3.875% Notes due 2025 were issued. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.16

 

Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 23, 2015, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 5.875% Notes due 2045 were issued. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.17

 

Form of 3.875% Notes due 2025. (Filed as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.18

 

Form of 5.875% Notes due 2045. (Filed as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

10.1

 

Directors’ Stock Award Plan of the Company, as amended through January 28, 2023. (Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s 2018 Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

10.2

 

Service Agreement entered into by the Company with a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C. V., assigned upon the same terms and conditions to Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. in February 2004 (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

10.3

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 21, 2004, by and among Southern Copper Corporation, SCC Merger Sub., Inc., Americas Sales Company, Inc., Americas Mining Corporation and Minera Mexico S.A. de C.V., (Filed as an Exhibit to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 22, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

10.4

 

Tax Agreement entered into by the Company and Americas Mining Corporation, effective as of February 20, 2017. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter of 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

14.0

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics adopted by the Board of Directors on May 8, 2003 and amended on April 23, 2015. (Filed as Exhibit 14 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 29, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

15.0

 

Consent of Registered Public Accounting Firm (Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C. - Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Limited) (filed herewith).

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C., Section 1350. This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release No. 33-8238.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C., Section 1350. This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release No. 33-8238.

 

 

 

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document (submitted electronically with this report).

 

 

 

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (submitted electronically with this report).

 

 

 

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).

 

 

 

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).

 

 

 

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).

 

 

 

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).

 

Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30,

 

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2018 and 2017; (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017; (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017; and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements tagged in detail.  Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T that this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

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Table of Contents

 

SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION

 

List of Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description of Exhibit

 

 

 

3.1

 

(a) Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed on October 11, 2005. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
(b) Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated May 2, 2006. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-135170) filed on June 20, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).
(c) Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated May 28, 2008. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

3.2

 

By-Laws, as last amended on January 27, 2011. (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.1

 

Indenture governing $200 million 6.375% Notes due 2015, by and among Southern Copper Corporation, The Bank of New York and the Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 1, 2005 and incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

4.2

 

(a) Indenture governing $600 million 7.500% Notes due 2035, by and among Southern Copper Corporation, the Bank of New York and The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 1, 2005) and incorporated herein by reference).
(b) Indenture governing $400 million 7.500% Notes due 2035, by and between Southern Copper Corporation, The Bank of New York, The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A.(Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 1, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.3

 

Form of 6.375% Note (included in Exhibit 4.1).

 

 

 

4.4

 

Form of New 7.500% Note (included in Exhibit 4.2(a)).

 

 

 

4.5

 

Form of New 7.500% Note (included in Exhibit 4.2(b)).

 

 

 

4.6

 

Indenture, dated as of April 16, 2010, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which $400 million of 5.375% Notes due 2020 and $1.1 billion of 6.750% Notes due 2040 were issued (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.7

 

First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 16, 2010, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 5.375% Notes due 2020 were issued (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.8

 

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 16, 2010, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 6.750% Notes due 2040 were issued. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.9

 

Form of 5.375% Notes due 2020 (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.10

 

Form of 6.750% Notes due 2040 (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.11

 

Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 8, 2012, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 3.500% Notes due 2022 were issued (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.12

 

Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 8, 2012, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 5.250% Notes due 2042 were issued. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

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4.13

 

Form of 3.500% Notes due 2022. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.14

 

Form of 5.250% Notes due 2042. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.15

 

Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 23, 2015, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 3.875% Notes due 2025 were issued. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.16

 

Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 23, 2015, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 5.875% Notes due 2045 were issued. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.17

 

Form of 3.875% Notes due 2025. (Filed as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4.18

 

Form of 5.875% Notes due 2045. (Filed as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

10.1

 

Directors’ Stock Award Plan of the Company, as amended through January 28, 2023. (Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s 2018 Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

10.2

 

Service Agreement entered into by the Company with a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C. V., assigned upon the same terms and conditions to Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. in February 2004 (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

10.3

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 21, 2004, by and among Southern Copper Corporation, SCC Merger Sub., Inc., Americas Sales Company, Inc., Americas Mining Corporation and Minera Mexico S.A. de C.V., (Filed as an Exhibit to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 22, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

10.4

 

Tax Agreement entered into by the Company and Americas Mining Corporation, effective as of February 20, 2017. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter of 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

14.0

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics adopted by the Board of Directors on May 8, 2003 and amended on April 23, 2015. (Filed as Exhibit 14 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 29, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

15.0

 

Consent of Registered Public Accounting Firm (Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C. - Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Limited) (filed herewith).

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C., Section 1350. This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release No. 33-8238.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C., Section 1350. This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release No. 33-8238.

 

 

 

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document (submitted electronically with this report).

 

 

 

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (submitted electronically with this report).

 

 

 

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).

 

 

 

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).

 

 

 

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).

 

 

 

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).

 

Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30,

 

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2018 and 2017; (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017; (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017; and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements tagged in detail.  Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T that this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION
(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Oscar Gonzalez Rocha

 

Oscar Gonzalez Rocha

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

October 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

/s/ Raul Jacob

 

Raul Jacob

 

Vice President, Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

October 31, 2018

 

 

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