PERSEUS MINING’S HALF YEAR PROFIT UP 22% TO US$201M, NET
CASH & BULLION UP US$117M TO US$704M
Perth, Western Australia/ February 24,
2025/Mid-tier, gold producer, developer and explorer,
Perseus Mining Limited (ASX/TSX:PRU) is pleased to report material
improvements across all key financial metrics including revenue,
EBITDA, profit after tax, operating cash flow and net cash position
in its Interim Financial Report for the six months ending December
31, 2024 (H1 FY25).
HIGHLIGHTS
-
Revenue increased to US$581.8 million, up 19% on prior
corresponding period
-
EBITDA(1) up 26% to US$352.7 million on prior corresponding
period
-
Profit after Tax increased to US$201 million up 22% on prior
corresponding period
-
Operating cash flow increased to US$248 million, up 17% on prior
corresponding period
-
Total assets of US$2.1 billion; Net tangible assets of US$1.3
billion or US$0.97 per share
-
Net cash and bullion of US$704 million up by US$117 million from
June 30, 2024 balance
-
Zero debt with US$300 million undrawn debt capacity and US$67
million of marketable shares
-
Interim dividend of Australian dollar (AUD) 2.5 cents per share
declared, a 100% increase on H1 FY24 interim return
-
Perseus confirms market guidance for FY25 of 469,000 to 504,000oz
gold production at US$1,250 to US$1,280/oz AISC
Table 1: Summary of Financial
Performance for the six months ending December 31,
2024
METRIC |
US$(Million) |
US CENTS PER
SHARE(3) |
Revenue |
581.8 |
42.3 |
EBITDA(1) |
352.7 |
25.6 |
Profit after tax |
201.1 |
14.6 |
Operating cash flow (2) |
247.6 |
18.0 |
Net tangible assets |
1,338 |
97.3 |
Cash and bullion |
704 |
51.1 |
(1) Gross profit from operations before
depreciation and amortisation(2) Net cash inflows
from operating activities (3) Calculated using the
weighted average outstanding ordinary shares at 31 December 2024 of
1,375,822,145
COMMENTARY
During the six months to December 31, 2024,
Perseus continued to deliver on its promises, maintaining its
production levels and achieving its market guidance for both
production and costs. Despite seeing a slight increase in overall
costs due to inflationary pressures, Perseus has benefited from its
strong hedging strategy and improving gold price environment
resulting in the Group’s average sales price increasing at a
proportionately greater rate than its production costs.
Gold production for the Group during the half
year totalled 253,709 ounces at an All-In Site Cost (including
production costs, royalties and sustaining capital) (AISC) of
US$1,162 per ounce. This result included: 123,158 ounces produced
at Yaouré at an AISC of US$1,124 per ounce; 33,917 ounces produced
at Sissingué at an AISC of US$1,701 per ounce; and 96,634 ounces of
gold produced at Edikan at an AISC of US$1,022per ounce.
Gold sales by the Group during the half-year
totalled 245,518 ounces at an average sales price of US$2,350 per
ounce. This result included: 115,345 ounces sold by Yaouré at a
weighted average sales price of US$2,326 per ounce; 34,223 ounces
sold by Sissingué at a weighted average sales price of US$2,264 per
ounce; and 95,950 ounces sold by Edikan at an average sales price
of US$2,409 per ounce. During the six months, the Group sold 2%
less gold, at a price that was approximately 20% higher than in the
comparative period in 2023.
The Group’s net profit after tax for the
six-month period ended 31 December 2024 was up 22% on the previous
corresponding period to US$201.1 million (December 31, 2023:
US$164.7 million), after bringing to account a foreign exchange
gain of US$10.3 million (31 December 2023: US$2.7 million loss).
Gross profit from operations for the period ended 31 December 2024
was up 26% on the comparative period to US$265.3 million (December
31, 2023: US$210.3 million). These increases are largely
attributable to a 19% increase in revenue to $581.8 million
(December 31, 2023: US$489.0 million), with only a 10% increase in
cost of sales. This result represents the continued strong
contributions from Edikan and Yaouré, and improved profitability
for Sissingué.
The Group generated net cash from operating
activities for the half year ended December 31, 2024 of US$247.6
million, up 17% on the comparative period (December 31, 2023:
US$211.2 million).
As at December 31, 2024, Perseus had cash
on-hand of US$628.5 million (June 30, 2024: US$536.9 million), and
29,078 ounces of gold bullion (June 30, 2024: 21,570 ounces) valued
at US$76 million (June 30, 2024: US$50.3 million). Perseus also
owns US$67 million of investments in listed securities. At the end
of the period, the Group had net assets of US$1,878.3 million (June
30, 2024: US$1,780.0 million) and an excess of current assets over
current liabilities of US$659.7 million (June 30, 2024: US$544.1
million). The Group’s net assets increased compared with the prior
year predominantly due to an increase in its cash balance as a
result of its strong operating margin, as well as an increase in
its inventory balances, due to a buildup of stockpiles.
Group Gold Production and Cost Market
Guidance
Forecast group gold production and AISC for the
June 2025 half year (2H FY25) and full 2025 financial year (FY25)
are shown in the table below.
PARAMETER |
UNITS |
DECEMBER 2024 HALF
YEAR(ACTUAL) |
JUNE 2025 HALF YEARFORECAST |
2025 FINANCIAL YEARFORECAST |
Yaouré Gold Mine |
|
|
|
Production |
Ounces |
123,158 |
120,000 - 135,000 oz |
243,158 – 258,158 oz |
All-in Site Cost |
USD per ounce |
1,124 |
US$1,215 – 1,315 per/oz |
US$1,160 – 1,210/oz |
Edikan Gold Mine |
|
|
|
Production |
Ounces |
96,634 |
75,000 - 85,000 oz |
172,634 – 182,634 oz |
All-in Site Cost |
USD per ounce |
1,022 |
US$1,325 – 1,425/oz |
US$1,150 – 1,190/oz |
Sissingué Gold Complex |
|
|
|
Production |
Ounces |
33,917 |
20,000 - 30,000 oz |
53,917 – 63,917 oz |
All-in Site Cost |
USD per ounce |
1,701 |
US$2,100 – 2,200/oz |
US$1,880 – 1,900/oz |
PERSEUS GROUP |
|
|
|
|
Production |
Ounces |
253,709 |
215,000 - 250,000 ounces |
469,709 – 504,709 ounces |
All-in Site Cost |
USD per ounce |
1,162 |
US$1,360 – 1,435 per ounce |
US$1,250 – 1,280 per ounce |
Perseus’s CEO Jeff Quartermaine
said:
“With this result, Perseus has continued to
cement its position as one of the more profitable mid-tier gold
producers on a global scale, with its gold production of 253,709
ounces at an all-in site cost of US$1,162 per ounce during the
December 2024 Half Year, translating to a strong performance across
all key financial metrics.
Our after-tax earnings of US$201 million for the
six-month period was an excellent result, as was our operating
cashflow of US$248 million for the period. By December 31, 2024
Half Year, our net tangible assets had increased to US$1.34 billion
including cash and bullion on hand of US$704 million, US$67 million
of marketable securities, no debt but undrawn debt capacity of
US$300 million.
In addition, in recognition of the improving
financial position of the Company, we have increased our interim
dividend to AUD 2.5 cents per share, while maintaining a balanced
capital structure which enables us to continue to enhance the
quality of our asset portfolio through future growth.”
This market announcement was authorised
for release by the Board of Directors of Perseus Mining
Limited.
IMPORTANT NOTICES
COMPETENT PERSON STATEMENT
All production targets referred to in this release are
underpinned by estimated Ore Reserves which have been prepared by
competent persons in accordance with the requirements of the JORC
Code.
Edikan
The information in this release that relates to
the Open Pit and Underground Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at
Edikan was updated by the Company in a market announcement “Perseus
Mining updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” released on
21August 2024. The Company confirms that all material assumptions
underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the
forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market
release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The
Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the
estimates of Ore Reserves described in “Technical Report — Edikan
Gold Mine, Ghana” dated 7 April 2022 continue to apply.
Sissingué, Fimbiasso and Bagoé
The information in this release that relates to
the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at the Sissingué complex was
updated by the Company in a market announcement “Perseus Mining
updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” released on 21 August
2024. The Company confirms that all material assumptions
underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the
forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market
release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The
Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the
estimates of Ore Reserves described in “Technical Report —
Sissingué Gold Project, Côte d’Ivoire” dated 29 May 2015 continue
to apply.
Yaouré
The information in this release that relates to
the Open Pit and Underground Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at
Yaouré was updated by the Company in a market announcement “Perseus
Mining updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” released on 21
August 2024. The Company confirms that all material assumptions
underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the
forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market
release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The
Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the
estimates of Ore Reserves described in “Technical Report — Yaouré
Gold Project, Côte d’Ivoire” dated 19 December 2023 continue to
apply.
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING
INFORMATION:
This report contains forward-looking information
which is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions
of management made in light of its experience and its perception of
trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as
other factors that management of the Company believes to be
relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such
statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect.
Assumptions have been made by the Company regarding, among other
things: the price of gold, continuing commercial production at the
Yaouré Gold Mine, the Edikan Gold Mine and the Sissingué Gold Mine
without any major disruption, the receipt of required governmental
approvals, the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates,
the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and
effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing
as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned
that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and
assumptions which may have been used by the Company. Although
management believes that the assumptions made by the Company and
the expectations represented by such information are reasonable,
there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will
prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known
and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause
the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to
be materially different from any anticipated future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others,
the actual market price of gold, the actual results of current
exploration, the actual results of future exploration, changes in
project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as
those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents.
The Company believes that the assumptions and expectations
reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable.
Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the
Company’s ability to carry on its exploration and development
activities, the timely receipt of required approvals, the price of
gold, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient
and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain
financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers
should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
Perseus does not undertake to update forward-looking information,
except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
ASX/TSX CODE: PRUCAPITAL
STRUCTURE:Ordinary shares: 1,372,184,529Performance
rights: 10,383,593REGISTERED OFFICE:Level 2437
Roberts RoadSubiaco WA 6008Telephone: +61 8 6144
1700www.perseusmining.com |
DIRECTORS:Rick MenellNon-Executive ChairmanJeff
QuartermaineManaging Director & CEO Amber BanfieldNon-Executive
DirectorElissa CorneliusNon-Executive DirectorDan
LougherNon-Executive DirectorJohn McGloinNon-Executive
Director |
CONTACTS:Jeff
QuartermaineManaging Director &
CEOjeff.quartermaine@perseusmining.comStephen
FormanInvestor Relations+61 484 036
681stephen.forman@perseusmining.comNathan
RyanMedia Relations+61 420 582
887nathan.ryan@nwrcommunications.com.au |
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