Lower palladium prices dragged producer Stillwater Mining (SWC-N) US$1.6 million into the red during the three months ended Sept. 30.
The US2-per-share loss came on revenue of US$58.2 million and compares with earnings of US$4.7 million (or US11 per share) in the corresponding period of a year ago, when revenue topped US$66 million.
Cash flow from operations rang in at US$11.7 million, versus US$16.2 million a year earlier. Changes to working capital reduced net cash in the recent period to US$752,000 but raised it to US$19.3 million in the year-ago period.
Stillwater produced a combined 146,000 oz. palladium-platinum at its namesake and East Boulder mines in Montana. Output was 7,000 oz. higher than last year and mainly reflects a 14% increase in production at the latter operation.
Total production costs averaged US$354 per oz., down 6% from a year ago. The reduction reflects lower operation costs and a US$3-drop in depreciation and amortization charges.
Stillwater realized US$353 per oz. on its palladium sales (112,000 oz.) and US$590 per oz. on its platinum sales (32,000 oz.), for an average of US$405 per oz. That’s nearly 10% less than what the company realized in the third quarter of 2002 and reflects a severe plunge in spot palladium prices since then.
The rather dismal quarter puts Stillwater’s net losses in the first nine months of the year at US$22.6 million (29 per share) on US$179.8 million. The company reported a net profit of US$32.3 million (75 per share) on US$217 million in the similar period of 2002.
On Sept. 30, Stillwater had US$51.8 million in cash or marketable securites plus US$17.5 million left in a revolving credit facility. Working capital stood at US$155.1 million, which is three times as much as it had on the same day last year, reflecting Noril’sk Nickel‘s 55.5%-equity investment in the summer.
Be the first to comment on "Stillwater reports 3Q loss"