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: March 31, 2012

 

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 C-175 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 and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post 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 or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer x

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company 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 April 30, 2012 there were outstanding 849,700,000 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 Statement of Earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

7-24

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

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

 

25-37

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

 

38-40

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and procedures

 

41

 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

42

 

 

 

 

Part II. Other Information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

43

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

43

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

43

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

43-44

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

45

 

 

 

 

 

List of Exhibits

 

46-47

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 15

Independent Accountants’ Awareness Letter

 

48

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.1

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

 

49

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

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

 

50

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

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

 

51

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

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

 

52

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 101

Financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 Formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in detail.

 

Submitted electronically with this report

 

2


 

 


Table of Contents

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Southern Copper Corporation

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

3 Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per
share amounts)

 

Net sales (including sales to related parties 2012 - $10,972 and 2011 - $17,885)

 

$

1,805,936

 

$

1,602,019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

721,927

 

736,860

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

25,431

 

24,572

 

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

76,944

 

70,644

 

Exploration

 

8,725

 

7,218

 

Total operating costs and expenses

 

833,027

 

839,294

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

972,909

 

762,725

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(47,175

)

(47,564

)

Capitalized interest

 

2,861

 

936

 

Gain on short-term investment

 

5,835

 

 

Other income (expense)

 

1,400

 

(580

)

Interest income

 

3,847

 

2,711

 

Income before income taxes

 

939,677

 

718,228

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

318,769

 

238,081

 

Equity earnings of affiliate

 

2,654

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

623,562

 

480,147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest

 

2,132

 

1,771

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to SCC

 

$

621,430

 

$

478,376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per common share amounts attributable to SCC (1):

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings - basic and diluted

 

$

0.73

 

$

0.56

 

Dividends paid (2)

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.57

 

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted

 

849,978

 

858,998

 

 


(1) Number of shares and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted in the financial statements to reflect the effect of the 9.0 million shares paid as stock dividend on February 28, 2012.

 

(2) Dividends paid in the first quarter of 2012 include a cash dividend of $0.19 and a stock dividend of $0.35.

 

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

 

3



Table of Contents

 

Southern Copper Corporation

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

3 Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Net income

 

$

623,562

 

$

480,147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in prior period accumulated unrealized loss (gain) (net of income taxes of 2012 -$3,459 and 2011 - $23,987)

 

(5,447

)

43,779

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income (net of income taxes of $13,816)

 

 

21,948

 

Unrealized net gain (loss) on derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges

 

(5,447

)

65,727

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

 

$

618,115

 

$

545,874

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to the non-controlling interest

 

$

2,154

 

$

1,949

 

Comprehensive income attributable to SCC

 

$

615,961

 

$

543,925

 

 

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

 

4



Table of Contents

 

Southern Copper Corporation

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,518,181

 

$

848,118

 

Short-term investments

 

227,261

 

521,955

 

Accounts receivable trade

 

713,269

 

695,104

 

Accounts receivable other (including related parties 2012 - $1,024 and 2011 - $1,988)

 

111,265

 

188,477

 

Inventories

 

609,079

 

651,896

 

Deferred income tax

 

127,803

 

88,797

 

Other current assets

 

99,719

 

107,156

 

Total current assets

 

3,406,577

 

3,101,503

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, net

 

4,495,890

 

4,419,885

 

Leachable material, net

 

153,990

 

122,985

 

Intangible assets, net

 

109,961

 

110,436

 

Deferred income tax

 

158,415

 

145,251

 

Other assets

 

169,022

 

162,641

 

Total assets

 

$

8,493,855

 

$

8,062,701

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

10,000

 

$

10,000

 

Accounts payable (including related parties 2012 -$12,033 and 2011 - $4,392)

 

450,793

 

443,132

 

Accrued income taxes

 

144,929

 

182,491

 

Deferred income tax

 

39,860

 

39,860

 

Accrued workers’ participation

 

223,080

 

245,139

 

Accrued interest

 

62,756

 

59,906

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

26,604

 

12,349

 

Total current liabilities

 

958,022

 

992,877

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

2,735,885

 

2,735,732

 

Deferred income taxes

 

131,193

 

125,191

 

Non-current taxes payable

 

66,982

 

66,982

 

Other liabilities and reserves

 

44,191

 

43,665

 

Asset retirement obligation

 

62,832

 

61,971

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

3,041,083

 

3,033,541

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

8,846

 

8,846

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

1,198,873

 

1,039,382

 

Retained earnings

 

4,017,084

 

3,852,054

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

7,427

 

12,874

 

Treasury stock, at cost, common shares

 

(760,088

)

(897,852

)

Total Southern Copper Corporation stockholders’ equity

 

4,472,142

 

4,015,304

 

Non-controlling interest

 

22,608

 

20,979

 

Total equity

 

4,494,750

 

4,036,283

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

8,493,855

 

$

8,062,701

 

 

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

 

5



Table of Contents

 

Southern Copper Corporation

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

3 Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

623,562

 

$

480,147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

76,944

 

70,644

 

Loss on currency translation effect

 

7,531

 

8,179

 

Deferred income taxes benefit

 

(12,509

)

(37,743

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash provided from (used for) operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

59,047

 

74,374

 

Inventories

 

11,812

 

(88,002

)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(34,855

)

(24,254

)

Other operating assets and liabilities

 

(11,125

)

31,727

 

Net cash provided from operating activities

 

720,407

 

515,072

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(177,417

)

(72,989

)

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

 

294,694

 

(144,629

)

Payments to development stage properties accounted for as equity method investments

 

 

(11,318

)

Other

 

98

 

723

 

Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities

 

117,375

 

(228,213

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Debt repaid

 

 

(5,250

)

Cash dividends paid to common stockholders

 

(159,811

)

(493,004

)

Distributions to non-controlling interest

 

(472

)

(2,193

)

Other

 

153

 

(1,218

)

Net cash used for financing activities

 

(160,130

)

(501,665

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(7,589

)

(4,574

)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

670,063

 

(219,380

)

Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period

 

848,118

 

2,192,677

 

Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period

 

$

1,518,181

 

$

1,973,297

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Cash transactions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of common stock dividend:

 

 

 

 

 

-  Retained earnings

 

$

296,590

 

 

-  Treasury stock

 

(151,458

)

 

-  Additional paid-in capital

 

(145,132

)

 

 

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

 

6



Table of Contents

 

Southern Copper Corporation

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 — DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS:

 

In the opinion of Southern Copper Corporation, (the “Company” or “SCC”), 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 March 31, 2012 and the results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.  The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  The December 31, 2011 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, 2011 and notes included in the Company’s 2011 annual report on Form 10-K.

 

NOTE 2 — SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:

 

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

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Trading securities

 

$

220.0

 

$

514.6

 

Weighted average interest rate

 

1.33

%

1.37

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale

 

7.3

 

7.3

 

Weighted average interest rate

 

0.52

%

0.58

%

Total

 

$

227.3

 

$

521.9

 

 

Trading securities: consist of bonds issued by public companies.  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, as of March 31, 2012, included corporate bonds and asset and mortgage backed obligations.  As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 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 gain on short-term investment in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings.

 

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

 

 

 

Three months ended
 March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Trading:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest earned

 

$

0.8

 

$

0.4

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

2.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest earned

 

(*

)

(*

)

Investment redeemed

 

$

0.3

 

$

0.4

 

 


(*) Less than $0.1 million.

 

7



Table of Contents

 

NOTE 3 - INVENTORIES:

 

Inventories were as follows:

 

(in millions)

 

March 31,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory, current:

 

 

 

 

 

Metals at lower of average cost or market:

 

 

 

 

 

Finished goods

 

$

76.5

 

$

93.3

 

Work-in-process

 

258.5

 

296.1

 

Supplies at average cost

 

274.1

 

262.5

 

Total current inventory

 

$

609.1

 

$

651.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory, long-term:

 

 

 

 

 

Leach stockpiles

 

$

154.0

 

$

123.0

 

 

In the first quarter 2012 and 2011 total leaching costs capitalized as long-term inventory of leachable material amounted to $52.7 million and $25.2 million, respectively. Long-term leaching inventories recognized as cost of sales amounted to $18.4 million and $10.6 million for the first quarter 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

NOTE 4 — INCOME TAXES:

 

The income tax provision and the effective income tax rate for the first quarter 2012 and 2011 were as follows ($ in millions):

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Income tax provision

 

$

318.8

 

$

238.1

 

Effective income tax rate

 

33.9

%

33.1

%

 

These provisions include income taxes for Peru, Mexico and the United States.  The increase in the effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2012 is primarily due to the effect of the new Peruvian special mining tax (please see below).

 

For United States federal income tax reporting the operating results of SCC are included in the Americas Mining Corporation (“AMC”) U.S. federal income tax return.  In accordance with paragraph 30-27 of ASC 740-10-30, current and deferred taxes are allocated to members of the AMC group as if each were a separate taxpayer.  SCC provides current and deferred income taxes as if it was a separate filer.

 

Special Mining Tax:

 

In September 2011, the Peruvian government enacted a new tax for the mining industry.  This tax is based on operating income and its rate ranges from 2% to 8.4%. It begins at 2% for the first 10% of operating income and for each additional 5% of operating income is increased by 0.4% until 85% of operating income is reached.  The Company has accrued $11.9 million for the special mining tax as part of the income tax provision for the first quarter 2012.

 

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes:

 

The Company files tax returns in Peru and Mexico and files a tax return in the United States as a member of the AMC consolidated group.  These tax returns are examined by the tax authorities of those countries.  It is reasonably possible that during the next 12 months there could be an increase of approximately $30 to $50 million in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits due to expected activity from tax examinations and audits by the tax authorities.

 

NOTE 5 — PROVISIONALLY PRICED SALES:

 

At March 31, 2012, the Company has recorded provisionally priced sales of copper at average forward prices per pound, and molybdenum at the March 31, 2012 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.

 

8



Table of Contents

 

Following are the provisionally priced copper and molybdenum sales outstanding at March 31, 2012:

 

Copper
(million lbs.)

 

Priced at

 

Month of
Settlement

 

14.1

 

$

3.84

 

April 2012

 

1.5

 

3.83

 

May 2012

 

15.6

 

$

3.84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Molybdenum
(million lbs.)

 

Priced at

 

Month of
Settlement

 

3.3

 

$

14.00

 

April 2012

 

3.3

 

14.00

 

May 2012

 

2.4

 

14.00

 

June 2012

 

9.0

 

$

14.00

 

 

 

 

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 — DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS:

 

As part of its risk management policy, the Company occasionally uses derivative instruments to (i) safeguard corporate assets, (ii) insure the value of its future revenue stream, and (iii) lessen the impact of unforeseen market swings of its sales revenues.  To comply with these objectives the Company, from time to time, enters into commodity price derivatives, interest rate derivatives, exchange rate derivatives and other instruments.  The Company does not enter into derivative contracts unless it anticipates a future activity that is likely to occur that will result in exposing the Company to market risk.

 

Copper hedges:

 

In 2011, the Company entered into copper swaps and zero cost collar derivative contracts to reduce price volatility and to protect its sales value as shown below. These transactions meet the requirements of hedge accounting.  The realized gains and losses from these derivatives were recorded in net sales on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings and included in operating activities on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flow.

 

The following table summarizes the copper derivative activity related to copper sales transactions realized in the first quarter 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Zero cost collar contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

Pounds (in millions)

 

46.3

 

105.8

 

Average LME cap price

 

$

5.18

 

$

4.84

 

Average LME floor price

 

$

3.50

 

$

3.02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swap contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

Pounds (in millions)

 

 

119.6

 

Weighted average COMEX price

 

 

$

4.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized loss on copper derivatives (in millions)

 

 

$

(35.8

)

 

The hedge instruments are based on LME copper prices.  The Company performed statistical analysis on the difference between the average monthly copper price on the LME and the COMEX exchanges and determined that the correlation coefficient is greater than 0.999.  Based on this analysis, the Company considers that the LME underlying price matches its sales priced at COMEX prices.  These cash flow hedge relationships qualify as critical matched terms hedge relationships and as a result have no ineffectiveness.  The Company performs periodic quantitative assessments to confirm that the relationship was highly effective and that the ineffectiveness was de minimis.

 

As of March 31, 2012 the Company does not hold copper derivative contracts.

 

9



Table of Contents

 

Transactions under these metal price protection programs are accounted for as cash flow hedges under ASC 815-30 “Derivatives and Hedging-Cash Flow Hedges” as they meet the requirements for this treatment and are adjusted to fair market value based on the metal prices as of the last day of the respective reporting period with the gain or loss recorded in other comprehensive income until settlement, at which time the gain or loss, if realized, is reclassified to net sales in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

 

NOTE 7 - ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION:

 

The Company maintains an estimated 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, commencing in January 2010 the Company is required to provide annual guarantees of $2.6 million over a 34 year period to furnish the funds for the asset retirement obligation.  In 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 $17 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 smelter and refinery in Ilo, and the shops and auxiliary facilities at the three units, including the Ilo marine trestle.

 

The following table summarizes the asset retirement obligation activity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (in millions):

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Balance as of January 1

 

$

62.0

 

$

59.1

 

Changes in estimates

 

 

 

Additions

 

 

 

Accretion expense

 

0.8

 

0.8

 

Balance as of March 31,

 

$

62.8

 

$

59.9

 

 

NOTE 8 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:

 

Receivable and payable balances with affiliated companies are shown below (in millions):

 

 

 

As of

 

 

 

March 31, 2012

 

December 31, 2011

 

Affiliate receivable:

 

 

 

 

 

Grupo Mexico S.A.B de C.V. and affiliates

 

$

0.8

 

$

0.7

 

Asarco LLC.

 

 

0.2

 

Compania Perforadora Mexico S.A.P.I. de C.V.

 

0.2

 

0.1

 

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

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

$

1.0

 

$

2.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliate payable:

 

 

 

 

 

Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. and affiliates

 

$

2.7

 

$

2.0

 

Asarco LLC

 

4.9

 

 

Higher Technology S.A.C.

 

 

0.1

 

Breaker S.A. de C.V

 

0.4

 

0.2

 

Exploraciones Mineras del Peru S.A.C.

 

0.1

 

0.3

 

Mexico transportes aereos S.A. de C.V. (“Mextransport”)

 

1.2

 

0.5

 

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

 

1.5

 

 

Ferrocarril Mexicano S.A. de C.V.

 

1.2

 

1.3

 

 

 

$

12.0

 

$

4.4

 

 

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 relating 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.

 

10



Table of Contents

 

Purchase Activity:

 

The following table summarizes the purchase activity with related parties in the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (in millions):

 

 

 

As of March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Grupo Mexico and affiliates:

 

 

 

 

 

Grupo Mexico Servicios S.A de C.V

 

$

3.5

 

$

3.5

 

Asarco LLC.

 

5.6

 

7.7

 

Ferrocarril Mexicano S.A de C.V.

 

4.1

 

0.5

 

Mexico Constructora Industrial S.A. de C.V.

 

11.2

 

7.2

 

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

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Consortio Tricobre

 

 

0.1

 

Other Larrea family companies:

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico Compania de Productos Automotrices S.A. de C.V.

 

 

0.1

 

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

 

0.7

 

0.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Companies with relationships to SCC executive officers families:

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Technology S.A.C.

 

0.3

 

0.3

 

Servicios y Fabricaciones Mecanicas S.A.C.

 

 

0.1

 

Sempertrans France Belting Technology

 

 

0.2

 

PIGOBA S.A. de C.V.

 

 

0.1

 

Breaker S.A. de C.V.

 

0.5

 

1.1

 

Total purchases

 

$

26.0

 

$

21.7

 

 

Grupo Mexico, the Company’s ultimate 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.  The Company expects to continue to pay for these services in the future.

 

The Company’s Mexican operations paid fees for freight services provided by Ferrocarril Mexicano S.A de C.V., for construction services provided by Mexico Proyectos y Desarrollo S.A. de C.V. and its affiliates and for drilling services provided by Compania Perforadora Mexico S.A.P.I. de C.V. The three companies are subsidiaries of Grupo Mexico.

 

The Company’s Peruvian operations paid fees for engineering and consulting services provided by Consorcio Tricobre and Consorcio CESEL-CONSUTEC.  Both are Peruvian consortia in which Servicios de Ingenieria Consultec, S.A. de C. V., a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, had 42.7% and 50% participation, respectively.  These consortia concluded their activities in September 2010 and September 2011, respectively.

 

In the first quarter of 2012, the Company’s Peruvian operations paid fees for engineering and consulting services provided by Exploraciones Mineras del Peru S.A.C.,  a Peruvian company in which Grupo Mexico Servicios de Ingenieria, S.A. de C.V and Mexico Proyectos y Desarrollos S.A. de C. V. have a 99.97% and 0.03% participation, respectively. Both companies are subsidiaries of Grupo Mexico.

 

The Larrea family controls a majority of the capital stock of Grupo Mexico, and has extensive interests in other businesses, including aviation, and real estate.  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 and air transportation. In connection with this, the Company paid fees for maintenance services and sale of vehicles provided by México Compañia de Productos Automotrices, S.A. de C.V., a company controlled by the Larrea family and which is currently in liquidation.

 

Additionally, in 2007, the Company’s Mexican subsidiaries provided guaranties for two loans obtained by Mexico Transportes Aereos, S.A. de C.V. (“MexTransport”), a company controlled by the Larrea family, from Bank of Nova Scotia in Mexico. One of these loans has been repaid and the remaining loan requires semi-annual repayments. Conditions and balance as of March 31, 2012 are as follows:

 

11



Table of Contents

 

 

 

Loan Open

 

Original loan balance (in millions)

 

$8.5

 

Maturity

 

August 2013

 

Interest rate

 

Libor + 0.15%

 

Remaining balance at March 31, 2012 (in millions)

 

$1.9

 

 

MexTransport provides aviation services to the Company’s Mexican operations.  The guaranty provided to MexTransport is backed up by the transport services provided by MexTransport to the Company’s Mexican subsidiaries.

 

The Company purchased industrial materials from Higher Technology S.A.C and paid fees for maintenance services provided by Servicios y Fabricaciones Mecanicas S.A.C. Mr. Carlos Gonzalez, the son of SCC’s Chief Executive Officer, has a proprietary interest in these companies.

 

The Company purchased industrial material from Sempertrans France Belting Technology, in which Mr. Alejandro Gonzalez is employed as a sales representative.  Also, the Company purchased industrial material from PIGOBA, S.A. de C.V., a company in which Mr. Alejandro Gonzalez has a proprietary interest. Mr. Alejandro Gonzalez is the son of SCC’s Chief Executive Officer.

 

The Company purchased industrial material and services from Breaker, S.A. de C.V., a company in which Mr. Jorge Gonzalez, son-in-law of SCC’s Chief Executive Officer, has a proprietary interest.

 

Sales Activity:

 

The Company sold copper cathodes, rod and anodes, as well as sulfuric acid, silver, gold and lime to Asarco.  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 a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico and to Mextransport a company of the Larrea family.

 

The following table summarizes the sales and other revenue activity with related parties in the first quarter of 2012 and 2011(in millions):

 

 

 

As of March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Asarco

 

$

11.0

 

$

17.9

 

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

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Mextransport

 

0.7

 

 

Total

 

$

11.8

 

$

18.0

 

 

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

 

NOTE 9 — BENEFIT PLANS:

 

SCC Defined Benefit Pension Plans

 

The components of the net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Interest cost

 

$

0.1

 

$

0.1

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(0.2

)

(0.2

)

Amortization of net loss (gain)

 

(*

)

(*

)

Net periodic benefit costs

 

$

(*

)

$

(*

)

 


(*) amount is lower than $0.1 million

 

SCC Post-retirement Health Care Plan

 

The components of the net periodic benefit costs for the post-retirement health care plan for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are individually, and in total, less than $0.1 million.

 

12



Table of Contents

 

Minera Mexico Pension Plans

 

The components of the net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest cost

 

$

0.2

 

$

0.2

 

Service cost

 

0.3

 

0.3

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(0.7

)

(0.8

)

Amortization of transition assets, net

 

(*

)

(*

)

Amortization of net actuarial loss

 

(0.2

)

(0.4

)

Amortization of prior services cost

 

(*

)

(*

)

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

(0.4

)

$

(0.7

)

 


(*) amount is lower than $0.1 million

 

Minera Mexico Post-retirement Health Care Plan

 

The components of the net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest cost

 

$

0.4

 

$

0.9

 

Service cost

 

 

(*

)

Amortization of net loss (gain)

 

(0.1

)

(*

)

Amortization of transition obligation

 

 

0.4

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

0.3

 

$

1.3

 

 


(*) amount is lower than $0.1 million

 

NOTE 10 — 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 other features, water recovery systems to conserve water and minimize 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 expenditures in the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Peruvian operations

 

$

1.1

 

$

0.4

 

Mexican operations

 

8.3

 

2.5

 

 

 

$

9.4

 

$

2.9

 

 

Peruvian operations:  The Company’s operations are subject to applicable Peruvian environmental laws and regulations.  The Peruvian government, through the Environmental Ministry conducts annual audits of the Company’s Peruvian mining and metallurgical operations.  Through these environmental audits, matters related to environmental commitments, compliance with legal requirements, atmospheric emissions, and effluent monitoring 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 for future closure and remediation.  In accordance with the requirements of this law the Company’s closure plans were approved by MINEM.  As part of the closure plans, the Company is providing guarantees to ensure that sufficient funds will be available for the asset retirement obligation.  See Note 7, “Asset retirement obligation,” for further discussion of this matter.

 

13



Table of Contents

 

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.  PROFEPA may initiate administrative proceedings against companies that violate environmental laws, which in the most extreme cases may result in the temporary or permanent closing of non-complying facilities, the revocation of operating licenses and/or other sanctions or fines.  Also, according to the federal criminal code, PROFEPA must inform corresponding authorities regarding environmental non-compliance.

 

On January 28, 2011, Article 180 of the General Law was amended.  This amendment, gives 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, natural resources, flora, fauna or human health, because it will be sufficient to argue that the harm may be caused.

 

As a result of the amendment, more legal actions supported or sponsored by non-governmental groups, interested in halting projects, and not necessarily in protecting the rights of affected communities may be filed against companies operating in all industrial sectors, including the mining sector.

 

In addition, on August 30, 2011, amendments to the Civil Federal Procedures Code (“CFPC”) were published in the Official Gazette and are now in force.  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 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.

 

On December 5, 2011, the Mexican Senate Chamber approved the Environmental Liability Federal Law, which establishes general guidelines in order to determine which environmental actions will be considered to cause environmental harm that will give rise to administrative responsibilities (remediation or compensations) and criminal responsibilities. Also economic fines could be established. This initiative has been returned to lower chamber for discussion and voting.  The law will be in force once approved by the lower chamber and signed by the President.

 

In March 2010, the Company announced to the Mexican federal environmental authorities the closure of the copper smelter plant at San Luis Potosi.  The Company has initiated a program for plant demolition and soil remediation with a budget of $35.7 million, of which the Company has spent $25.4 million through March 31, 2012.  The program is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.  The Company expects that once the site is remediated, the Company will be able to promote an urban development to generate a net gain on the disposal of the property.

 

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 expenditures.

 

Litigation matters:

 

Peruvian operations

 

Garcia Ataucuri and Others against SCC’s Peruvian Branch:

 

In April 1996, the Branch was served with a complaint filed in Peru by Mr. Garcia Ataucuri and approximately 900 former employees seeking the delivery of a substantial number of “labor shares” (acciones laborales) plus dividends on such shares, to be issued to each former employee in proportion to their time of employment with SCC’s Peruvian Branch.

 

14



Table of Contents

 

The labor share litigation is based on claims of former employees for ownership of a portion of the labor shares that the plaintiffs state that the Branch did not issue during the 1970s until 1979 under a former Peruvian mandated profit sharing system.  In 1971, the Peruvian government enacted legislation providing that mining workers would have a 10% participation in the pre-tax profits of their employing enterprises.  This participation was distributed 40% in cash and 60% in an equity interest of the enterprise.  In 1978, the equity portion, which was originally delivered to a mining industry workers’ organization, was set at 5.5% of pre-tax profits and was delivered mainly in the form of “labor shares” to individual workers.  The cash portion was set at 4.0% of pre-tax earnings and was delivered to individual employees also in proportion to their time of employment with the Branch.  In 1992, the workers’ participation was set at 8%, with 100% payable in cash and the equity participation was eliminated from the law.

 

In relation to the issuance of “labor shares” by the Branch in Peru, the Branch is a defendant in the following lawsuits:

 

1)              Mr. Garcia Ataucuri seeks delivery, to himself and each of the approximately 900 former employees of the Peruvian Branch, of the 3,876,380,679.65 old soles or 38,763,806.80 “labor shares” (acciones laborales), as required by Decree Law 22333 (a former profit sharing law), to be issued proportionally to each former employee in accordance with the time of employment of such employee with SCC’s Branch in Peru, plus dividends on such shares.  The 38,763,806.80 labor shares sought in the complaint, with a face value of 100.00 old soles each, represent 100% of the labor shares issued by the Branch during the 1970s until 1979 for all of its employees during that period.  The plaintiffs do not represent 100% of the Branch´s eligible employees during that period.

 

It should be noted that the lawsuit refers to a prior Peruvian currency called “sol de oro” or old soles, which was later changed to the “inti”, and then into today´s “nuevo sol”.  One billion of old soles is equivalent to today’s one nuevo sol.

 

After lengthy proceedings before the civil courts in Peru on September 19, 2001, on appeal from the Branch (the 2000 appeal), the Peruvian Supreme Court annulled the proceedings noting that the civil courts lacked jurisdiction and that the matter had to be decided by a labor court.

 

In October 2007, in a separate proceeding initiated by the plaintiffs, the Peruvian Constitutional Court nullified the September 19, 2001 Peruvian Supreme Court decision and ordered the Supreme Court to decide again on the merits of the case accepting or denying the Branch’s 2000 appeal.

 

In May 2009, the Supreme Court rejected the 2000 appeal of the Branch affirming the adverse decision of the appellate civil court and lower civil court.  While the Supreme Court has ordered SCC’s Peruvian Branch to deliver the labor shares and dividends, it has clearly stated that SCC’s Peruvian Branch may prove, by all legal means, its assertion that the labor shares and dividends were distributed to the former employees in accordance with the profit sharing law then in effect, an assertion which SCC’s Peruvian Branch continues to make.  None of the court decisions state the manner by which the Branch must comply with the delivery of such labor shares or make a liquidation of the amount to be paid for past dividends and interest, if any.

 

On June 9, 2009, SCC’s Peruvian Branch filed a proceeding of relief before a civil court in Peru seeking the nullity of the 2009 Supreme Court decision and, in a separate proceeding, a request for a precautionary measure.  The civil court rendered a favorable decision on the nullity and the precautionary measure, suspending the enforcement of the Supreme Court decision, for the reasons indicated above and other reasons.  In February 2012, the Branch was notified that the civil court had reversed its decision regarding the nullity.  The precautionary measure is still in effect.  The Peruvian Branch has appealed the unfavorable decision before the superior court.  In view of this, and the recent civil court decision, SCC´s Peruvian Branch continues to analyze the manner in which the Supreme Court decision may be enforced and what financial impact, if any, said decision may have.

 

2)              In addition, there are filed against SCC’s Branch the following lawsuits, involving approximately 800 plaintiffs, which seek the same number of labor shares as in the Garcia Ataucuri case, plus interest, labor shares resulting from capital increases and dividends: Armando Cornejo Flores and others v. SCC’s Peruvian Branch (filed May 10, 2006); Alejandro Zapata Mamani and others v. SCC’s Peruvian Branch (filed June 27, 2008); Arenas Rodriguez and others, represented by Mr. Cornejo Flores, v. SCC’s Peruvian Branch (filed January 2009); Eduardo Chujutalli v. SCC’s Peruvian Branch (filed May 2011); Edgardo García Ataucuri, in representation of 216 of SCC’s Peruvian Branch former workers, v. SCC’s Peruvian Branch (filed May 2011); Silvestre Macedo Condori v. SCC’s Peruvian Branch (filed June 2011); Juan Guillermo Oporto Carpio v. SCC’s Peruvian Branch (filed August 2011); Rene Mercado Caballero v. SCC’s Peruvian Branch (filed November 2011); Enrique Salazar Alvarez and others v. SCC’s Peruvian Branch (filed December 2011); and Indalecio Carlos Perez Cano and others v. SCC Peruvian Branch (filed March 2012).  SCC’s Peruvian Branch has answered the complaints and denied the validity of the claims.

 

15



Table of Contents

 

SCC’s Peruvian Branch asserts that the labor shares were distributed to the former employees in accordance with the profit sharing law then in effect.  The Peruvian Branch has not made a provision for these lawsuits because it believes that it has meritorious defenses to the claims asserted in the complaints.  Additionally, the amount of this contingency cannot be reasonably estimated by management at this time.

 

Exploraciones de Concesiones Metalicas S.A.C. (“Excomet”):

 

In August 2009, a lawsuit was filed against SCC’s Branch by the former stockholders of Excomet.  The plaintiffs allege that the acquisition of Excomet’s shares by the Branch is null and void because the $2 million purchase price paid by the Branch for the shares of Excomet was not fairly negotiated by the plaintiffs and the Branch.  In 2005, the Branch acquired the shares of Excomet after lengthy negotiations with the plaintiffs, and after the plaintiffs, which were all of the stockholders of Excomet, approved the transaction in a general stockholders’ meeting.  Excomet was at the time owner of a mining concession which forms part of the Tia Maria project.  In October 2011, the civil court dismissed the case on the grounds that the claim had been barred by the statute of limitations.  The plaintiff has appealed this decision before the superior court.  At March 31, 2012, resolution of the appeal was pending.

 

Sociedad Minera de Responsabilidad Limitada Virgen Maria de Arequipa (“SMRL Virgen Maria”):

 

In August 2010, a lawsuit was filed against SCC’s Branch and others by SMRL Virgen Maria, a company which until July 2003 owned the mining concession Virgen Maria, which forms part of the Tia Maria project.  SMRL Virgen Maria sold this mining concession in July 2003 to Excomet (see above noted case).

 

The plaintiff alleges that the sale of the mining concession Virgen Maria to Excomet is null and void because the persons who attended the shareholders’ meeting of SMRL Virgen Maria, at which the purchase was agreed upon, were not the real owners of the shares.  The plaintiff is also pursuing the nullity of all the subsequent acts regarding the mining property (acquisition of the shares of Excomet by SCC’s Branch, noted above, and the sale of the concession to SCC’s Branch by Excomet). On October, 2011, the civil court dismissed the case on the grounds that the claim had been barred by the statute of limitations.  The plaintiff has appealed this decision before the superior court.  At March 31, 2012, resolution of the appeal was pending.

 

Omar Nunez Melgar:

 

In May 2011, Mr. Omar Nunez Melgar commenced a lawsuit against the Peruvian Mining and Metallurgical Institute and the MINEM challenging the denial of Mr. Nunez’s concession request that conflicted with SCC’s Branch’s Virgen Maria concession, which forms part of the Tia Maria concession.  SCC’s Branch has been made a party to the proceedings as the owner of the Virgen Maria concession.  SCC’s Branch has answered the complaint and denied the validity of the claim.  As of March 31, 2012, this case remains open with no further developments.

 

The Company asserts that the lawsuits are without merit and is vigorously defending against these lawsuits.

 

Mexican Operations

 

Pasta de Conchos Accident:

 

On February 19, 2010, three widows of miners, who perished in the 2006 Pasta de Conchos accident, filed a complaint for damages in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona against the defendants, Grupo Mexico, AMC and SCC.  The plaintiffs allege that the defendants’ purported failure to maintain a safe working environment at the mine amounted to a violation of several laws and treaties.  The Company considers that the court does not have subject-matter jurisdiction over the plaintiffs’ claims and will defend itself vigorously.  On April 13, 2010, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ complaint.  On March 29, 2011, the District Court for the District of Arizona dismissed the case for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction.  On April 5, 2011, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal in this case.  At March 31, 2012, resolution of the appeal was pending.

 

Labor matters:

 

In recent years the Company has experienced a number of strikes or other labor disruptions that have had an adverse impact on its operations and operating results.

 

16



Table of Contents

 

Peruvian Operations: Approximately 60% of the 4,264 Company’s Peruvian workers were unionized at March 31, 2012, represented by eight separate unions.  Three of these unions, one at each major production area, represent the majority of the Company’s workers. In September 2010, the Company reached a collective bargaining agreement with these three unions which will expire on August 31, 2012.  In addition, there are five smaller unions, representing the balance of the workers.  Collective bargaining agreements with these unions will expire in November 2012.  The Company expects that negotiations with the eight unions will likely continue throughout the first quarter of 2013.

 

During 2011 and the first quarter of 2012 there were no strikes.

 

Mexican operations: Approximately 75% of the Company’s 8,034 Mexican workers were unionized at March 31, 2012, represented by three separate unions.  Under Mexican law, the terms of employment for unionized workers is set forth in collective bargaining agreements.  Mexican companies negotiate the salary provisions of collective bargaining agreements with the labor unions annually and negotiate other benefits every two years.  The Company conducts negotiations separately at each mining complex and each processing plant.

 

In recent years the Buenavista mine experienced several labor stoppages.  The latest labor stoppage started in July 2007 and finished in June 2010.

 

On June 6, 2011, the Confederation of Mexican Workers (“CTM”) was awarded the collective bargaining agreement of the Buenavista del Cobre’s union by the Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitration.  CTM now represents around 780 workers of this mine.

 

Additionally, the San Martin and Taxco mines 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, on January 27, 2011, the Company filed a court petition requesting that the court establish the Company’s responsibility for the strike and that it define the termination payment for each unionized worker.  The court denied the petition alleging that according to Federal labor law, the union was the legitimate party to file the petition.  On appeal by the Company, on May 13, 2011, the Mexican federal tribunal accepted the petition of the Company.  In July 2011, the union appealed the favorable court decision before the Supreme Court.  At March 31, 2012, resolution of the appeal was pending.

 

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 of the Taxco mine (including 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 Mexican mining union at the Taxco mine.  The ruling was based upon the resistance of the mining union to allow the Company to search for reserves at the Taxco mine.  If sustained, this ruling will also have the effect of terminating the protracted strike at the Taxco unit.  The mining union appealed the labor court ruling before a federal court.  In September 2011, the federal court accepted the union’s appeal and requested that the federal labor court review the procedure and to take into account all the evidence to issue a new resolution.  On January 3, 2012, the federal labor court again issued a new resolution, approving the termination of the collective bargaining agreement and all the individual labor contracts of the workers affiliated with the Mexican mining union at the Taxco mine. On January 25, 2012, the mining union appealed the resolution before the federal court. At March 31, 2012, the resolution of the appeal was pending.

 

Other legal matters:

 

Class actions:

 

Lemon Bay, LLP v. Americas Mining Corporation (“AMC”), et al.:

 

Three purported class action derivative lawsuits were filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery (New Castle County) late in December 2004 and early January 2005 relating to the proposed merger transaction between the Company and Minera Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (the “Transaction”), which was completed effective April 1, 2005.  On January 31, 2005, the three actions - Lemon Bay, LLP v. AMC, et al., Civil Action No. 961-N, Therault Trust v. Luis Palomino Bonilla, et al., and Southern Peru Copper Corporation et al., Civil Action No. 969-N, and James Sousa v. Southern Peru Copper Corporation, et al., Civil Action No. 978-N — were consolidated into one action, captioned.  In re Southern Peru Copper Corporation Shareholder Derivative Litigation, Consol. Civil Action No. 961-N; the complaint filed by Lemon Bay was designated as the operative complaint in the consolidated lawsuit.  The consolidated action purports to be brought on behalf of the Company and its common stockholders; the defendants in the consolidated action are AMC, German Larrea Mota-Velasco, Genaro

 

17



Table of Contents

 

Larrea Mota-Velasco, Oscar Gonzalez Rocha, Emilio Carrillo Gamboa, Jaime Fernando Collazo Gonzalez, Xavier Garcia de Quevedo Topete, Armando Ortega Gomez and Juan Rebolledo Gout (together, the “AMC Defendants”), Carlos Ruiz Sacristan, Harold S. Handelsman, Gilberto Perezalonso Cifuentes, and Luis Miguel Palomino Bonilla (together, the “Special Committee Defendants”).  The consolidated complaint alleges, among other things, that the Transaction was the result of breaches of fiduciary duties by the Company’s directors and was not entirely fair to the Company and its minority stockholders.  On December 21, 2010, the Court dismissed the Special Committee Defendants from the action.

 

On October 14, 2011, the Court issued an opinion on this action finding that SCC had paid AMC too much stock consideration in the Transaction.  The Court issued a revised final order and judgment on December 29, 2011.  The Court decided that the AMC Defendants were jointly and severally liable for damages in the amount of $1,347 million plus $684.6 million of pre-judgment interest.  Post-judgment interest continues to accrue from October 15, 2011.  The Court decided that the award is payable by AMC with cash, or with the return of a number of shares of SCC equal in value to award, or by SCC cancelling an equivalent number of shares owned by AMC, or by any combination thereof, so long as the total is equivalent to the amount of the judgment plus accrued post-judgment interest.  The Court also awarded attorneys’ fees and expenses in the amount of $304.7 million, or 15% of the judgment, plus post-judgment interest, payable by SCC out of the award and not from existing SCC’s cash.

 

On January 20, 2012, the AMC defendants appealed the Court’s decisions. On the same date, SCC appealed the Court’s decision related to the award of attorneys’ fees and expenses.

 

Oklahoma Firefighters Pension & Retirement System et al. v. SCC:

 

Four purported class action derivative lawsuits have been filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery (Oklahoma Firefighters Pension & Retirement System et al. v. SCC et al., Gary Martin et al. v. SCC et al., Thomas Griffin et al. v. SCC et al., and Sheet Metal Workers Pension Plan of Northern California et al. v. SCC et al.) from August 2010 to October 2010 relating to the proposed combination of the Company with AMC, the parent company of Asarco.  The complaints name SCC, its current and certain former directors, AMC and Grupo Mexico as defendants.  Two of the actions also name Asarco as a defendant.  The actions purport to be brought on behalf of the Company’s common stockholders.

 

The complaints allege, among other things, that the proposed transaction would result in breaches of fiduciary duties by the defendants and is not entirely fair to the Company and its minority stockholders.  The complaints seek, among other things, a preliminary and permanent injunction to enjoin the transaction, the award of damages to the plaintiffs and the class, and such other relief that the court deems equitable, including interest, attorneys’ and experts’ fees and costs.  On October 28, 2011, AMC announced that it had withdrawn the proposed transaction to combine AMC and Southern Copper.  The defendants believe that these lawsuits are without merit and are defending against the actions.

 

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.  Additionally, the Company does not believe that the outcome of the purported class action derivative lawsuits would have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.  While the defendants, including Grupo Mexico and its affiliates, believe that the claims in the purported class action derivative lawsuits are without merit, the Company cannot assure you that these or future claims, if successful, will not have an adverse effect on Grupo Mexico, AMC or the Company.

 

Other Contingencies:

 

Tia Maria

 

Tia Maria, an over $1.0 billion Peruvian investment project, was suspended by governmental action in April 2011 in light of protests and disruptions carried out by a small group of activists who alleged, among other things, that the project would result in severe environmental contamination and the diversion of agricultural water resources.

 

The Company has decided to prepare a new EIA study that is taking into account local community concerns, new government guidance and observations from the United Nations Organism hired by MINEM for this purpose.  The Company considers that this new EIA process will alleviate all the concerns previously raised by the Tia Maria project’s neighboring communities, provide them with an independent source of information and reaffirm the validity of the Company’s assessment of the project. The Company is confident that this initiative will have a positive effect on its stakeholders and will allow the Company to obtain the approval for the development of the 120,000 ton annual production copper project.  As a consequence, the project start-up is now rescheduled to 2015.  While the new EIA is in process, some of the equipment purchased for Tia Maria is being assigned to our operations at Toquepala, Cuajone and Buenavista.

 

18



Table of Contents

 

The Company has legal and valid title to the Tía Maria mining concessions and the over-lapping surface land in the area. None of above noted activities have in any way challenged, revoked, impaired or annulled the Company´s legal rights to the Tia Maria mining concessions and/or the over-lapping surface land titles acquired in the past.  All the Company’s property rights on these areas are in full force.

 

In view of the suspension of this project, the Company has reviewed the carrying value of this asset to ascertain whether impairment exists.  Total spending on the project, through March 31, 2012, is $401.1 million.  As the project is currently suspended, some of the equipment is being used at the Company’s mining operations at Toquepala and Cuajone.  Should the Tia Maria project not be restarted, the Company is confident that the project equipment will continue to be used productively, through reassignment to other mine locations operated by the Company.  While the Company may incur additional costs due to the delay, it believes that an impairment loss, if any, will not be material.

 

Other commitments:

 

Power purchase agreement

 

In 1997, SCC sold its Ilo power plant to an independent power company, Enersur S.A. (“Enersur”).  In connection with the sale, a power purchase agreement was also completed under which SCC agreed to purchase all of its power needs for its current Peruvian operations from Enersur for twenty years, commencing in 1997.

 

The Company signed in 2009 a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Enersur regarding its power supply agreement.  The MOU contains new economic terms that the Company believes better reflect current economic conditions in the power industry and in Peru.  The new economic conditions agreed to in the MOU have been applied by Enersur to its invoices to the Company since May 2009.  Additionally, the MOU includes an option for providing power for the Tia Maria project.  During 2010 and 2011, the Company continued its negotiation with Enersur. However, due to the delay at the Tia Maria project the final agreement was put on hold, see caption “Tia Maria” above.

 

Tax contingency matters:

 

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

 

NOTE 11 — SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION:

 

Company management views Southern Copper as having three reportable segments and manages 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 the Chief Operating Officer on the segment basis.  The Chief Operating Officer of the Company focuses 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:

 

19



Table of Contents

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

Mexican
Open-Pit

 

Mexican
IMMSA Unit

 

Peruvian
Operations

 

Corporate, other
and eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales outside of segments

 

$

878.8

 

$

100.6

 

$

826.5

 

$

 

$

1,805.9

 

Intersegment sales

 

 

37.7

 

 

(37.7

)

 

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

 

319.6

 

75.6

 

359.2

 

(32.5

)

721.9

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

8.7

 

3.6

 

12.5

 

0.7

 

25.5

 

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

33.6

 

6.3

 

39.0

 

(2.0

)

76.9

 

Exploration

 

0.7

 

6.2

 

1.8

 

 

8.7

 

Operating income

 

$

516.2

 

$

46.6

 

$

414.0

 

$

(3.9

)

972.9

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(40.5

)

Gain on short term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.8

 

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.4

 

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(318.8

)

Equity earnings of affiliate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.7

 

Non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2.1

)

Net income attributable to SCC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

621.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditure

 

$

135.1

 

$

14.4

 

$

27.9

 

$

 

$

177.4

 

Property, net

 

$

1,910.0

 

$

327.7

 

$

2,207.7

 

$

50.5

 

$

4,495.9

 

Total assets

 

$

3,849.7

 

$

764.5

 

$

3,170.5

 

$

709.2

 

$

8,493.9

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

Mexican
Open-Pit

 

Mexican
IMMSA Unit

 

Peruvian
Operations

 

Corporate, other
and eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales outside of segments

 

$

669.8

 

$

111.1

 

$

821.1

 

$

 

$

1,602.0

 

Intersegment sales

 

 

31.4

 

 

(31.4

)

 

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

 

231.1

 

67.6

 

437.5

 

0.7

 

736.9

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

8.2

 

3.5

 

12.3

 

0.6

 

24.6

 

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

30.7

 

6.3

 

34.2

 

(0.6

)

70.6

 

Exploration

 

0.6

 

3.8

 

2.8

 

 

7.2

 

Operating income

 

$

399.2

 

$

61.3

 

$

334.3

 

$

(32.1

)

762.7

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(43.8

)

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.6

)

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(238.1

)

Non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.8

)

Net income attributable to SCC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

478.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditure

 

$

44.8

 

$

7.8

 

$

19.3

 

$

1.1

 

$

73.0

 

Property, net

 

$

1,600.3

 

$

294.5

 

$

2,149.5

 

$

50.8

 

$

4,095.1

 

Total assets

 

$

2,725.9

 

$

740.6

 

$

2,932.4

 

$

1,725.7

 

$

8,124.6

 

 

NOTE 12 — STOCKHOLDERS´EQUITY:

 

Treasury Stock:

 

Activity in treasury stock in the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in millions):

 

20



Table of Contents

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Southern Copper common shares

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of January 1,

 

$

734.1

 

$

461.0

 

Purchase of shares

 

 

 

 

 

Stock dividend

 

(151.4

)

 

Balance as of March 31,

 

582.7

 

461.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent Company (Grupo Mexico) common shares

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of January 1,

 

163.7

 

161.7

 

Other activity, including dividend, interest and currency translation effect

 

13.7

 

7.9

 

Balance as of March 31,

 

177.4

 

169.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury stock balance as of March 31,

 

$

760.1

 

$

630.6

 

 

On February 28, 2012, the Company paid a stock dividend of 0.0107 shares of common stock per share of SCC common stock.  The stock dividend was paid with shares of common stock held in treasury by SCC. Shares held in the treasury on the record date were not entitled to receive dividends.

 

Parent Company common share:

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan:

 

In January 2007, the Company offered to eligible employees a stock purchase plan (the “Employee Stock Purchase Plan”) through a trust that acquires shares of Grupo Mexico stock for sale to its employees, employees of subsidiaries, and certain affiliated companies.  The purchase price is established at the approximate fair market value on the grant date.  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.

 

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 resignation 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 the following schedule:

 

If the resignation occurs during:

 

% Deducted

 

1st year after the grant date

 

90

%

2nd year after the grant date

 

80

%

3rd year after the grant date

 

70

%

4th year after the grant date

 

60

%

5th year after the grant date

 

50

%

6th year after the grant date

 

40

%

7th year after the grant date

 

20

%

 

In the case of involuntary termination of the employee, the Company will pay to the employee the fair market sales price at the date of termination of employment of the fully paid shares, net of costs and taxes.  When the fair market 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 the following schedule:

 

If the termination occurs during:

 

% Deducted

 

1st year after the grant date

 

100

%

2nd year after the grant date

 

95

%

3rd year after the grant date

 

90

%

4th year after the grant date

 

80

%

5th year after the grant date

 

70

%

6th year after the grant date

 

60

%

7th year after the grant date

 

50

%

 

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.

 

For the first quarter 2012 and 2011, the stock based compensation expense under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan was $0.5 million in both periods.  As of March 31, 2012, there was $5.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense under this plan, which is expected to be recognized over the remaining two year and nine month period.

 

21



Table of Contents

 

The following table presents the stock award activity of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

Shares

 

Unit Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares at January 1, 2011

 

10,920,693

 

$

1.16

 

Granted

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(2,800,805

)

1.16

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares at March 31, 2011

 

8,119,888

 

$

1.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares at January 1, 2012

 

7,270,341

 

$

1.16

 

Granted

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(36,303

)

$

1.16

 

Forfeited

 

(90,204

)

$

1.16

 

Outstanding shares at March 31, 2012

 

7,143,834

 

$

1.16

 

 

During 2010, the Company offered to eligible employees a new stock purchase plan (the “New Employee 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 $2.05) for the initial subscription.  The terms of the New Employee Stock Purchase Plan are similar to the terms of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

 

For the first quarter 2012 and 2011, the stock based compensation expense under the new Employee stock purchase plan was $0.1 million in both periods. At March 31, 2012, there was $3.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense under this plan, which is expected to be recognized over the remaining six year and nine month period.

 

The following table presents the stock award activity of the New Employee Stock Purchase Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

Shares

 

Unit Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares at January 1, 2012

 

3,807,146

 

$

2.05

 

Granted

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(636,945

)

$

2.05

 

Forfeited

 

(51,675

)

$

2.05

 

Outstanding shares at March 31, 2012

 

3,118,526

 

$

2.05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares at January 1, 2011

 

3,901,901

 

$

2.05

 

Granted

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

$

 

Forfeited

 

 

$

 

Outstanding shares at March 31, 2011

 

3,901,901

 

$

2.05

 

 

 

NOTE 13 — NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

 

The following table presents the non-controlling interest activity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Balance as of January 1,

 

$

21.0

 

$

20.0

 

Net earnings

 

2.1

 

1.8

 

Dividend paid

 

(0.5

)

(2.2

)

Other

 

 

(0.1

)

Balance as of March 31,

 

$

22.6

 

$

19.5

 

 

NOTE 14 — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

 

Subtopic 810-10 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 810-10 are described below:

 

22



Table of Contents

 

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 March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in millions):

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

 

 

Carrying Value

 

Fair Value

 

Carrying Value

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

$

2,745.9

 

$

3,128.2

 

$

2,745.7

 

$

2,974.9

 

 

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.  The Mitsui loan is based on the present value of the cash flow discounted at 10%, which is the Company’s weighted average cost of capital.

 

Fair values of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were calculated as follows as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

 

 

Fair Value at Measurement Date Using:

 

Description

 

Fair Value as
of March

31, 2012

 

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

 

$

220.0

 

$

220.0

 

 

 

 

 

- Available for sale debt securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

0.6

 

 

 

$

0.6

 

 

 

Asset backed obligations

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

Mortgage backed securities

 

6.6

 

 

 

6.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Derivatives - Not classified as hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provisionally priced sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

 

60.0

 

60.0

 

 

 

 

 

Molybdenum

 

126.5

 

126.5

 

 

 

Total

 

$

413.8

 

$

406.5

 

$

7.3

 

$

 

 

 

 

Fair Value at Measurement Date Using:

 

Description

 

Fair Value as
of

December
31, 2011

 

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

 

$

514.6

 

$

514.6

 

 

 

 

 

- Available-for-sale debt securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

0.5

 

 

 

$

0.5

 

 

 

Mortgage backed securities

 

6.8

 

 

 

6.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Derivatives – classified as cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zero cost collar

 

8.9

 

 

 

8.9

 

 

 

- Derivatives - Not classified as hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provisionally priced sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

 

221.5

 

221.5

 

 

 

 

 

Molybdenum

 

138.1

 

138.1

 

 

 

Total

 

$

890.4

 

$

874.2

 

$

16.2

 

$

 

 

23



Table of Contents

 

The Company’s short-term trading securities investments are classified as Level 1 because they are valued using quoted prices of the same securities.

 

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 classifies investments within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy in certain cases where there is limited activity or less observable inputs to the valuation. These investments are valued by the fund’s management advisor taking into consideration different factors and methodologies considered appropriate in the circumstance.  Factors can include the following or a combination of the following observed transactions, broker quotes, cash flow analysis, vendor prices and other factors, as appropriate.

 

Derivatives are valued using financial models that use as their basis readily observable market inputs, such as time value, forward interest rates, volatility factors, and current and forward market prices for foreign exchange rates and a set of probabilities.  The Company generally classifies these instruments within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.  Such derivatives at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, include zero cost collars.

 

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.

 

There were no changes in the fair value of the Company’s Level 3 short-term investments (corporate bond, asset backed obligations, and mortgage backed securities) in the first quarter 2012 and 2011.

 

NOTE 15 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

 

Dividends:

 

On April 23, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized a quarterly cash dividend of 53 cents per share payable on May 24, 2012, to SCC shareholders of record at the close of business on May 11, 2012.

 

24


 


Table of Contents

 

Part I

 

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 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, 2011.

 

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 an active ongoing exploration program in Chile and in 2011 we have started exploration activities in 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 and molybdenum prices.  The average copper price was $3.77 per pound in the first quarter of 2012 about 13.9% lower than in the first quarter of 2011. Average molybdenum and zinc prices in the first quarter of 2012 decreased 17.9% and 15.6%, respectively, over average prices in the first quarter of 2011. Average silver price was $32.69 per ounce in the first quarter of 2012, about 3% higher than in the first quarter of 2011.  However, copper prices as well as prices for our main by-products continued to improve during the first quarter of 2012 compared with the fourth quarter 2011.  During the first quarter of 2012 per pound LME spot copper prices ranged from $3.39 to $3.93 and averaged $3.77, as compared to an average of $3.40 in the last quarter 2011.  The LME spot price for copper closed at $3.85 per pound on March 31, 2012.

 

·            Sales structure. In the first quarter of 2012 approximately 77% of our revenue came from the sale of copper, 8% from molybdenum, 7% from silver and 8% from various other products, including zinc, gold and other materials.

 

·            Metals market: During the first quarter 2012 the metal markets continued to be driven by negative macroeconomic events that disturbed consumer expectations, probably the biggest concern is the European recession and debt crisis.  Even though we believe copper fundamentals are sound for 2012, demand is negatively influenced by this macro outlook.

 

At this point we perceive a different situation between the Asian and the developed markets. In China, several sources point to a growth in demand of approximately 7 to 8% for this year and inventories have increased to a level that may reduce Chinese copper imports for the remainder of 2012. In the US and Europe, inventories are extremely tight and we see them increasing to more normal levels over the next 12 months, particularly in the United States.

 

Demand from emerging economies is also growing at a good pace, offsetting the weaker consumption in the European and American markets. It is estimated that there will be a total refined copper demand growth of 2.6% for 2012, or approximately 500,000 tons of additional refined copper.  On the supply side, production has underperformed badly in 2011 due to labor unrest,

 

25



Table of Contents

 

power shortages, weather conditions and ore grade declines. We see these events continuing in 2012, maintaining a tightness in the copper market. Several sources indicate a market deficit of around 550,000 tons for the year.

 

Regarding molybdenum our main by-product, even though we saw a 4% molybdenum demand growth in 2011, we are still in a surplus market in this metal. We expect that in 2012 the balance between supply and demand will decrease the current market surplus, thereby improving market prices in the near future.  Molybdenum is mainly used for the production of special alloys of stainless steel that require significant hardness, corrosion and heat resistance. Another relatively new usage of this metal is in lubricants and sulfur filtering of heavy oils.

 

·          Production. We maintain our 2012 production guidance of 640,000 tons of copper, which includes 5% of copper purchased from third parties.  We expect molybdenum production in 2012 to be about 17,200 tons while zinc and silver production should be around the same level as 2011.

 

·            Capital Expenditures. In the first quarter 2012, we spent $177 million on capital expenditures and we will continue with our capital investment projects at the Buenavista mine, as well as at the Toquepala and Cuajone expansions.  In addition, in the first quarter of 2012 we spent $8.7 million on our exploration programs.

 

Tantahuatay mine:  The Tantahuatay mine is located in Cajamarca, in northern Peru.  Production started in August 2011 and we have received our first dividend in the first quarter of 2012.  Tantahuatay is expected to have an annual production of 105,000 ounces of gold and 592,000 ounces of silver in 2012.  The board of directors of Tantahuatay have approved a $55 million capital budget program for 2012. We have a 44.25% participation in this mine.

 

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 (vi) our capital investment and exploration program.

 

Earnings: We had first quarter sales of $1.8 billion and net income of $621 million, 12.7% and 29.9% higher than the first quarter of 2011.  We achieved these results because of the higher volume of copper production and sales, as well as higher production and sales of our main by-products, despite the lower copper, molybdenum and zinc prices in the 2012 period.

 

Our focus is on value creation. We want to optimize the net present value of our assets investing in our organic growth.  We are continuing our efforts to maximize copper production, maintaining one of the most competitive cost structures in our industry and concentrating on moving forward with our expansion projects.  In the first quarter of 2012 we spent $177 million on our capital projects and $8.7 million on our exploration programs.

 

We are very positive about the long-term prospects of our business.  We believe that we are well positioned for the challenges of 2012.  We are in a very strong financial position and, our cash flows are well in excess of our capital spending plans, which allows us to deal with market volatility and continue our aggressive plan of expansion.

 

The table below highlights key financial and operational data of our Company for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Variance

 

Net sales (in millions)

 

$

1,806

 

$

1,602

 

$

204

 

Net income attributable to SCC (in millions)

 

$

621

 

$

478

 

$

143

 

Earnings per share

 

$

0.73

 

$

0.56

 

$

0.17

 

Dividends per share

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.57

 

$

(0.03

)

Average LME copper price

 

$

3.77

 

$

4.38

 

$

(0.61

)

Pounds of copper sold (in millions)

 

360

 

287

 

73

 

 

26



Table of Contents

 

Production: First quarter 2012 mined copper production was 23% higher than the first quarter of 2011.  Molybdenum, zinc and silver production in the first quarter of 2012 also increased by 8%, 13% and 17%, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2011.

 

The table below highlights key mine production data for our Company for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Value

 

%

 

Copper (in million pounds)

 

337

 

274

 

63

 

23

%

Molybdenum (in million pounds)

 

10.2

 

9.4

 

0.8

 

8

%

Zinc (in million pounds)

 

50

 

44

 

6

 

13

%

Silver (in million ounces)

 

3.4

 

2.9

 

0.5

 

17

%

 

Copper mined production in the first quarter of 2012 increased to 337.1 million pounds compared to 273.8 million pounds in the first quarter of 2011.  This increase was the result of higher production at all of our open pit mines, lead by Buenavista, which increased its production by 70.4%. Higher ore grades and recoveries at our Toquepala and Cuajone mines increased their combined production by 12.5%. Finally higher throughput and ore grade at La Caridad mine improved its production by 3.4%.

 

Molybdenum production increased in the first quarter of 2012 to 10.2 million pounds, compared to 9.4 million pounds in the first quarter of 2011 due to higher production at the Toquepala mine as a result of higher grade and recovery. This was partially offset by lower production at the Cuajone mine.

 

Silver mine production increased in the first quarter of 2012 as result of higher production at our Buenavista, Toquepala and Cuajone mines.

 

Zinc production increased in the first quarter of 2012, mainly due to higher grades and recoveries and higher production at the Santa Eulalia mine.

 

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.  A reconciliation of our operating cash cost per pound 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 37.

 

We have defined operating cash cost per pound as cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion), less the cost of purchased concentrates, plus selling, general and administrative charges, treatment and refining charges, net revenue (loss) on sale of metal purchased from third parties and by-product revenues, and sales premiums; less workers’ participation and other miscellaneous charges, including the Peruvian royalty charge, the special mining tax 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 credit against our costs the revenues from the sale of by-products: molybdenum, zinc, silver, gold and other minor by-products and the premium over market price that we receive on copper sales.  We account for the by-product revenues in this way because we consider our principal business to be the production and sale of copper.  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.  The variation in recent years in the price of molybdenum, as well as variations in the prices of silver and zinc, have had a significant effect on our traditional calculation of cash cost and its comparability between periods.  Accordingly, we present cash costs with and without crediting the by-product revenues against our costs.

 

In conjunction with the review of our operating cash costs, please also see our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, wherein Part II (Item 7, Key matters), we discuss our rationale for calculating operating cash costs.

 

Our operating cash costs per pound, as defined, are presented in the table below, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

27



Table of Contents

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

Positive
(negative)

 

(dollar per pound)

 

2012

 

2011

 

Variance

 

Operating cash cost per pound of copper produced without by-product revenues

 

$

1.82

 

$

1.77

 

$

(0.05

)

Add: by-product revenues

 

$

(1.30

)

$

(1.42

)

$

(0.12

)

Operating cash cost per pound of copper produced

 

$

0.52

 

$

0.35

 

$

(0.17

)

 

As seen in the table above, our cash cost, excluding by-product revenues, was higher by 5 cents per pound in the first quarter 2012 compared to the first quarter of 2011 due to higher production cost, mainly power, fuel and material repair costs which was partially offset by an increase of 22% in production, mainly from Buenavista.

 

In addition, our per pound cash cost for the three months ended March 31, 2012 when calculated with by-product revenues is 52 cents per pound compared with 35 cents per pound in the same period of 2011.  The increase of 17 cents per pound was primarily due to lower by-products credit as a result of lower molybdenum and zinc prices and the unitary effect of higher production.

 

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.  Metal prices historically have been subject to wide fluctuations and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control.  These factors, which affect each commodity to varying degrees, include international economic and political conditions, levels of supply and demand, the availability and cost of substitutes, inventory levels maintained by producers and others and, to a lesser degree, inventory carrying costs and currency exchange rates.  In addition, the market prices of certain metals have on occasion been subject to rapid short-term changes due to economic concerns and financial investments.

 

We are subject to market risks arising from the volatility of copper and other metal prices.  Assuming that expected metal production and sales are achieved, that tax rates are unchanged, giving no effect to potential hedging programs, metal price sensitivity factors would indicate the following change in estimated 2012 net income attributable to SCC resulting from metal price changes:

 

 

 

Copper

 

Molybdenum

 

Zinc

 

Silver

 

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

 

$

0.01

 

$

1.00

 

$

0.01

 

$