Post by Franko10 ™ on Oct 7, 2004 18:15:21 GMT -5
THIRD QUARTER REPORT
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003
Overview
A steadily improving gold price and a corresponding improvement in gold share prices during the quarter are indicative of a more positive sentiment in the gold market. Investors appear to be increasingly confident that gold and gold stocks have entered a new major bull market.
Notwithstanding the 14% increase in average US dollar bullion prices realized, much of the benefit of the increasing US dollar price of gold has been offset by the unprecedented increase (reaching a 10 year high in October) in the value of the CDN dollar versus the US dollar, a situation which reduces the CDN dollar price of gold and increases cash operating costs per ounce when reported in US dollars.
As expected, Claude Resources’ operating results continued to improve. Third quarter gold sales of 13,100 ounces increased over second quarter sales of 12,500 ounces and are up significantly over third quarter 2002 results of 10,600 ounces. Despite the negative impact of the strong CDN dollar, cash operating costs continue to normalize, dropping to US $232 per ounce this third quarter.
The 200 metre extension of the shaft at the Seabee mine was largely complete by the end of the third quarter, with commissioning for service at the beginning of November. This extension is expected to have a positive impact on operating costs on a go forward basis.
During the quarter, the Company initiated an application for listing on the American Stock Exchange. Upon acceptance, management believes the listing will increase Claude’s visibility and accessibility to the US market.
Financial Highlights
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months
Ended September 30,
2003
2002
2003
2002
Revenue ($ millions) 9.1 7.0 26.8 17.6
Net earnings (loss) ($ millions) 1.0 (.2) 1.6 (3.2)
Earnings (loss) per share ($) .02 - .03 (.07)
Cash from operations ($ millions) 2.6 1.2 5.7 .5
Cash from operations per share ($) .05 .02 .11 .01
Average realized gold price for the period (US$/ounce) 381 316 350 306
Total cash operating costs (US$/ounce) 232 236 256 280
Working capital ($ millions) 9.1 7.1 9.1 7.1
Financial
Three months
For the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Claude recorded net earnings of $1.0 million, or $0.02 per share, compared to a net loss of $.2 million, or $0.00 per share, for the same period in 2002.
Total revenue generated for the quarter was $9.1 million, 30% higher than the $7.0 million reported during the 2002 period. Both the mining and oil and gas divisions contributed to the revenue increase. The improved gold revenues were a result of increased sales volume and higher realized bullion prices. The Seabee mine contributed $6.9 million to revenues for the third quarter of 2003 compared to $5.2 million for the same quarter last year. Sales volume rose 24% from 10,600 ounces in 2002 to 13,100 ounces this period. The average Canadian dollar gold price realized increased from CDN $493 (US $316) during the third quarter of 2002 to CDN $529 (US $381) this period. Oil, natural gas liquids and gas revenue increased 25% over the 2002 period, with minimal production declines being offset by higher realized petroleum prices – primarily in the natural gas sector.
Total operating and administrative costs increased from $4.8 million in the third quarter of 2002 to $5.1 million this period. Mine operating costs were $4.2 million this quarter, slightly higher than the $3.9 million reported in 2002. As expected, mining costs are beginning to better track historically reported numbers as a result of the initiation of production from larger, higher grade stopes. It is expected that further cost savings will be realized in the fourth quarter with the commissioning of the shaft extension.
Total cash operating costs per ounce of US $232 for the third quarter of 2003 compare to US $236 for the same period of 2002. The reduction is largely a result of increased ounces sold during the period, offset by the stronger Canadian dollar. Based on the average CDN/US dollar exchange rate of 1.5632 for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, total cash operating costs for this quarter would have been US $206, a US $26 per ounce variance.
Oil, natural gas liquids and gas operating costs decreased 39% period over period, a result of a general decline in expenditures at the Edson gas plant and Nipisi field.
Depreciation and depletion of the Company’s gold assets was $1.6 million for the third quarter of 2003 versus $1.3 million in the corresponding 2002 period. This increase is largely a result of higher development expenditures incurred over the past several periods, combined with increased tonnes broken and milled, period over period. Depreciation and depletion costs per ounce for this quarter were US $86 compared to US $78 for the comparative period in 2002. Based on the 2002 average CDN/US dollar exchange rate for the quarter, the 2003 third quarter normalized depletion cost per ounce would have been US $76 per ounce, a US $10 per ounce variance.
Cash flow from operations before net change in non-cash working capital items more than doubled from $1.2 million, or $0.02 per share, last period to $2.6 million, or $0.05 per share, for the third quarter of 2003.
Year to Date
For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company recorded net earnings of $1.6 million, or $0.03 per share, compared to a net loss of $3.2 million, or $0.07 per share, for the same period in 2002.
Total revenue generated for the first three quarters increased 52% from $17.6 million in 2002 to $26.8 million in 2003. Gold revenues increased by 47% over the comparable period last year, a result of improved sales volume and higher realized gold prices. The increase in gross oil, natural gas liquids and gas revenue was largely a result of improved average realized petroleum prices, particularly in the natural gas sector.
The Seabee mine contributed $18.8 million to revenue for the first nine months of 2003 compared to $12.8 million for the same 2002 period. Gold sales for the first nine months of 2003 were 37,300 ounces versus 26,600 ounces for the same period last year. With mill throughput continuing to originate from the mine’s 2B zone between the 400 metre and 600 metre levels, management expects to meet or exceed its 52,000 ounce forecast for the year. Improving average realized gold prices for the 2003 period also positively impacted revenue: 2003 - CDN $505 (US $353); 2002 - CDN $481 (US $306).
Gross oil, natural gas liquids and gas revenue increased by 67% from $4.8 million for the first three quarters of 2002 to $8.0 million this period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, oil and natural gas liquids sales volume was relatively unchanged period to period at 62,700 barrels. The average realized price rose 44% from US $21.80 (CDN $34.24) per barrel in 2002 to US $31.41 (CDN $44.99) this period. Natural gas sales volume declined slightly from 660 MMCF in 2002 to 632 MMCF this period. The average realized price for the first nine months of 2003 was US $4.91 (CDN $7.03) per MCF compared to US $2.47 (CDN $3.42) per MCF last period.
Total operating and administrative costs increased from $14.3 million for the first nine months of 2002 to $16.1 million this period. Much of this increase can be attributed to higher Seabee mine operating costs – from $11.7 million for the first nine months of 2002 to $13.7 million this period. This increase was a result of mining smaller stoping blocks at lower levels of the mine. This situation began to improve during the latter half of the third quarter as the development of larger stopes was completed. Further cost reduction is expected when the shaft extension is commissioned in early November. Despite the higher mine operating costs and the stronger Canadian dollar, the higher gold sales volume resulted in total cash operating costs per ounce of US $256 in 2003 compared to US $280 for the comparable period in 2002. Based on the average CDN/US dollar exchange rate of $1.5706 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, total cash operating costs for the current year’s period would have been US $233, a US $23 per ounce variance.
Oil and gas operating costs fell 25% from $1.2 million during the first three quarters of 2002 to $.9 million for the corresponding 2003 period. This was primarily a result of reduced expenditures at the Edson gas plant and Nipisi field.
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003
Overview
A steadily improving gold price and a corresponding improvement in gold share prices during the quarter are indicative of a more positive sentiment in the gold market. Investors appear to be increasingly confident that gold and gold stocks have entered a new major bull market.
Notwithstanding the 14% increase in average US dollar bullion prices realized, much of the benefit of the increasing US dollar price of gold has been offset by the unprecedented increase (reaching a 10 year high in October) in the value of the CDN dollar versus the US dollar, a situation which reduces the CDN dollar price of gold and increases cash operating costs per ounce when reported in US dollars.
As expected, Claude Resources’ operating results continued to improve. Third quarter gold sales of 13,100 ounces increased over second quarter sales of 12,500 ounces and are up significantly over third quarter 2002 results of 10,600 ounces. Despite the negative impact of the strong CDN dollar, cash operating costs continue to normalize, dropping to US $232 per ounce this third quarter.
The 200 metre extension of the shaft at the Seabee mine was largely complete by the end of the third quarter, with commissioning for service at the beginning of November. This extension is expected to have a positive impact on operating costs on a go forward basis.
During the quarter, the Company initiated an application for listing on the American Stock Exchange. Upon acceptance, management believes the listing will increase Claude’s visibility and accessibility to the US market.
Financial Highlights
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months
Ended September 30,
2003
2002
2003
2002
Revenue ($ millions) 9.1 7.0 26.8 17.6
Net earnings (loss) ($ millions) 1.0 (.2) 1.6 (3.2)
Earnings (loss) per share ($) .02 - .03 (.07)
Cash from operations ($ millions) 2.6 1.2 5.7 .5
Cash from operations per share ($) .05 .02 .11 .01
Average realized gold price for the period (US$/ounce) 381 316 350 306
Total cash operating costs (US$/ounce) 232 236 256 280
Working capital ($ millions) 9.1 7.1 9.1 7.1
Financial
Three months
For the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Claude recorded net earnings of $1.0 million, or $0.02 per share, compared to a net loss of $.2 million, or $0.00 per share, for the same period in 2002.
Total revenue generated for the quarter was $9.1 million, 30% higher than the $7.0 million reported during the 2002 period. Both the mining and oil and gas divisions contributed to the revenue increase. The improved gold revenues were a result of increased sales volume and higher realized bullion prices. The Seabee mine contributed $6.9 million to revenues for the third quarter of 2003 compared to $5.2 million for the same quarter last year. Sales volume rose 24% from 10,600 ounces in 2002 to 13,100 ounces this period. The average Canadian dollar gold price realized increased from CDN $493 (US $316) during the third quarter of 2002 to CDN $529 (US $381) this period. Oil, natural gas liquids and gas revenue increased 25% over the 2002 period, with minimal production declines being offset by higher realized petroleum prices – primarily in the natural gas sector.
Total operating and administrative costs increased from $4.8 million in the third quarter of 2002 to $5.1 million this period. Mine operating costs were $4.2 million this quarter, slightly higher than the $3.9 million reported in 2002. As expected, mining costs are beginning to better track historically reported numbers as a result of the initiation of production from larger, higher grade stopes. It is expected that further cost savings will be realized in the fourth quarter with the commissioning of the shaft extension.
Total cash operating costs per ounce of US $232 for the third quarter of 2003 compare to US $236 for the same period of 2002. The reduction is largely a result of increased ounces sold during the period, offset by the stronger Canadian dollar. Based on the average CDN/US dollar exchange rate of 1.5632 for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, total cash operating costs for this quarter would have been US $206, a US $26 per ounce variance.
Oil, natural gas liquids and gas operating costs decreased 39% period over period, a result of a general decline in expenditures at the Edson gas plant and Nipisi field.
Depreciation and depletion of the Company’s gold assets was $1.6 million for the third quarter of 2003 versus $1.3 million in the corresponding 2002 period. This increase is largely a result of higher development expenditures incurred over the past several periods, combined with increased tonnes broken and milled, period over period. Depreciation and depletion costs per ounce for this quarter were US $86 compared to US $78 for the comparative period in 2002. Based on the 2002 average CDN/US dollar exchange rate for the quarter, the 2003 third quarter normalized depletion cost per ounce would have been US $76 per ounce, a US $10 per ounce variance.
Cash flow from operations before net change in non-cash working capital items more than doubled from $1.2 million, or $0.02 per share, last period to $2.6 million, or $0.05 per share, for the third quarter of 2003.
Year to Date
For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company recorded net earnings of $1.6 million, or $0.03 per share, compared to a net loss of $3.2 million, or $0.07 per share, for the same period in 2002.
Total revenue generated for the first three quarters increased 52% from $17.6 million in 2002 to $26.8 million in 2003. Gold revenues increased by 47% over the comparable period last year, a result of improved sales volume and higher realized gold prices. The increase in gross oil, natural gas liquids and gas revenue was largely a result of improved average realized petroleum prices, particularly in the natural gas sector.
The Seabee mine contributed $18.8 million to revenue for the first nine months of 2003 compared to $12.8 million for the same 2002 period. Gold sales for the first nine months of 2003 were 37,300 ounces versus 26,600 ounces for the same period last year. With mill throughput continuing to originate from the mine’s 2B zone between the 400 metre and 600 metre levels, management expects to meet or exceed its 52,000 ounce forecast for the year. Improving average realized gold prices for the 2003 period also positively impacted revenue: 2003 - CDN $505 (US $353); 2002 - CDN $481 (US $306).
Gross oil, natural gas liquids and gas revenue increased by 67% from $4.8 million for the first three quarters of 2002 to $8.0 million this period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, oil and natural gas liquids sales volume was relatively unchanged period to period at 62,700 barrels. The average realized price rose 44% from US $21.80 (CDN $34.24) per barrel in 2002 to US $31.41 (CDN $44.99) this period. Natural gas sales volume declined slightly from 660 MMCF in 2002 to 632 MMCF this period. The average realized price for the first nine months of 2003 was US $4.91 (CDN $7.03) per MCF compared to US $2.47 (CDN $3.42) per MCF last period.
Total operating and administrative costs increased from $14.3 million for the first nine months of 2002 to $16.1 million this period. Much of this increase can be attributed to higher Seabee mine operating costs – from $11.7 million for the first nine months of 2002 to $13.7 million this period. This increase was a result of mining smaller stoping blocks at lower levels of the mine. This situation began to improve during the latter half of the third quarter as the development of larger stopes was completed. Further cost reduction is expected when the shaft extension is commissioned in early November. Despite the higher mine operating costs and the stronger Canadian dollar, the higher gold sales volume resulted in total cash operating costs per ounce of US $256 in 2003 compared to US $280 for the comparable period in 2002. Based on the average CDN/US dollar exchange rate of $1.5706 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, total cash operating costs for the current year’s period would have been US $233, a US $23 per ounce variance.
Oil and gas operating costs fell 25% from $1.2 million during the first three quarters of 2002 to $.9 million for the corresponding 2003 period. This was primarily a result of reduced expenditures at the Edson gas plant and Nipisi field.