Le Lézard
Classified in: Mining industry, Business
Subjects: ERN, CCA, DIV

Wheaton Precious Metals Exceeds 2017 Production Guidance and Declares First Quarterly Dividend of 2018


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Wheaton Precious Metalstm Corp. ("Wheaton" or the "Company") (TSX: WPM; NYSE: WPM) is pleased to announce its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017. All figures are presented in United States dollars unless otherwise noted.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, Wheaton generated over $165 million of operating cash flow, resulting in over $535 million for the year. Wheaton's strong cash flow generation was founded on production of over 350 thousand ounces of gold and over 28 million ounces of silver, both in excess of Company guidance. Finally, subsequent to the quarter, Wheaton announced the proposed new San Dimas precious metal stream as part of the First Majestic Silver Corp. arrangement transaction, which should result in a stronger, more sustainable operation at the San Dimas mine.

Operational Overview



Q4 2017


Q4 2016


Change


2017


2016


Change

Ounces produced














Silver


7,211


7,589


(5.0)%


28,646


30,379


(5.7)%


Gold


96,474


111,664


(13.6)%


355,104


366,378


(3.1)%

Ounces sold














Silver


7,292


7,506


(2.9)%


24,644


28,322


(13.0)%


Gold


94,295


108,931


(13.4)%


337,205


330,009


2.2 %

Sales price per ounce














Silver

$

16.75

$

16.95


(1.2)%

$

17.01

$

16.96


0.3 %


Gold

$

1,277

$

1,205


6.0 %

$

1,257

$

1,246


0.9 %

Cash costs per ounce 1














Silver 1

$

4.48

$

4.59


(2.4)%

$

4.49

$

4.42


1.6 %


Gold 1

$

399

$

389


2.6 %

$

395

$

391


1.0 %

Cash operating margin per ounce 1














Silver 1

$

12.27

$

12.36


(0.7)%

$

12.52

$

12.54


(0.2)%


Gold 1

$

878

$

816


7.6 %

$

862

$

855


0.8 %

Revenue

$

242,546

$

258,491


(6.2)%

$

843,215

$

891,557


(5.4)%

Net earnings

$

(137,712)

$

10,865


n.a.

$

57,703

$

195,137


(70.4)%


Per share

$

(0.31)

$

0.02


n.a.

$

0.13

$

0.45


(71.1)%

Adjusted net earnings 1

$

82,323

$

81,865


0.6 %

$

276,750

$

266,137


4.0 %


Per share 1                                         

$

0.19

$

0.19


0.3 %

$

0.63

$

0.62


1.3 %

Operating cash flows

$

165,083

$

174,702


(5.5)%

$

538,808

$

584,301


(7.8)%


Per share 1

$

0.37

$

0.40


(7.5)%

$

1.22

$

1.36


(10.3)%

Dividends declared 1

$

39,815

$

26,475


50.4 %

$

145,848

$

90,612


61.0 %


Per share

$

0.09

$

0.06


50.0 %

$

0.33

$

0.21


57.1 %

All amounts in thousands except gold ounces produced and sold, per ounce amounts and per share amounts.

 

Highlights

Subsequent to the Quarter

Outlook

"Wheaton's high quality portfolio of low-cost, long-life assets once again exceeded production guidance for both gold and silver, resulting in sector-leading operating cash flow of over $535 million in 2017. With 30% of our cash flows being distributed in dividends, we now provide the highest yield of all the precious metal streamers," said Randy Smallwood, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wheaton Precious Metals. "We also took significant steps to further strengthen our portfolio, including restructuring the stream at San Dimas, and we look forward to welcoming First Majestic as a new partner. Finally, in addition to the substantial organic optionality embedded in our current portfolio, we see a solid pipeline of new opportunities for additional accretive growth."

Financial Review

Revenues
Revenue was $243 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, on sales volume of 7.3 million ounces of silver and 94,300 ounces of gold. This represents a 6% decrease from the $258 million of revenue generated in the fourth quarter of 2016 due primarily to (i) a 13% decrease in the number of gold ounces sold; (ii) a 3% decrease in the number of silver ounces sold; and (iii) a 1% decrease in the average realized silver price ($16.75 in Q4 2017 compared with $16.95 in Q4 2016); partially offset by (iv) a 6% increase in the average realized gold price ($1,277 in Q4 2017 compared with $1,205 in Q4 2016).

Revenue was $843 million in the year ended December 31, 2017, on sales volume of 24.6 million ounces of silver and 337,200 ounces of gold. This represents a 5% decrease from the $892 million of revenue generated in 2016 due primarily to (i) a 13% decrease in the number of silver ounces sold; partially offset by (ii) a 2% increase in the number of gold ounces sold; and (iii) a 1% increase in the average realized gold price ($1,257 in 2017 compared with $1,246 in 2016).

Costs and Expenses
Average cash costs1 in the fourth quarter of 2017 were $4.48 per silver ounce sold and $399 per gold ounce sold, as compared with $4.59 per silver ounce and $389 per gold ounce during the comparable period of 2016. This resulted in a cash operating margin1 of $12.27 per silver ounce sold and $878 per gold ounce sold, a decrease of 1% per silver ounce sold and an increase of 8% per ounce of gold sold as compared with Q4 2016. The increase in the gold cash operating margin was primarily due to a 6% increase in the average realized gold price in Q4 2017 compared with Q4 2016 while the decrease in the silver cash operating margin was primarily due to a 1% decrease in the average realized silver price during the same period.

Average cash costs1 during the year ended December 31, 2017 were $4.49 per silver ounce sold and $395 per gold ounce sold, as compared with $4.42 per silver ounce sold and $391 per gold ounce sold during the comparable period of 2016. This resulted in a cash operating margin1 of $12.52 per silver ounce sold and $862 per gold ounce sold, an increase of 1% per gold ounce sold while the cash operating margin1 per ounce of silver sold was virtually unchanged as compared with 2016.

Earnings and Operating Cash Flows
Adjusted net earnings1 and cash flow from operations in the fourth quarter of 2017 were $82 million ($0.19 per share) and $165 million ($0.37 per share¹), compared with adjusted net earnings1 of $82 million ($0.19 per share) and cash flow from operations of $175 million ($0.40 per share1) for the same period in 2016, an increase of 1% and a decrease of 6%, respectively.

Adjusted net earnings1 and cash flow from operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $277 million ($0.63 per share) and $539 million ($1.22 per share1), compared with adjusted net earnings1 of $266 million ($0.62 per share) and cash flow from operations of $584 million ($1.36 per share1) for the same period in 2016, an increase of 4% and a decrease of 8%, respectively.

Balance Sheet
At December 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $99 million of cash on hand and $770 million outstanding under the Company's $2 billion revolving term loan (the "Revolving Facility"). On February 27, 2018, the term of the Revolving Facility was extended so that it now matures on February 27, 2023.

Asset Impairment
At the end of each reporting period, the Company assesses each precious metal purchase agreement ("PMPA") to determine whether any indication of impairment exists. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the precious metal purchase agreement is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment (if any).

As per Barrick Gold Corp.'s ("Barrick") fourth quarter of 2017 MD&A, in January 2018, Barrick received a revised resolution from Chile's environmental regulator (the Superintendencia del Medio Ambiente, or "SMA") in connection with the previously disclosed SMA regulatory sanctions requiring the closure of existing infrastructure on the Chilean side of the Pascua-Lama project. Barrick has indicated that the resolution does not affect Barrick's ongoing evaluation of an underground, block-caving operation at Pascua-Lama, which would require additional permitting and regulatory approvals in both Argentina and Chile, unconnected to the recent SMA decision. In light of the order to close surface facilities in Chile, and current plans to evaluate an underground mine, Barrick has reclassified Pascua-Lama's Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of approximately 14 million ounces of gold, which are based on an open pit mine plan, as Measured and Indicated Resources. As a result, Wheaton has also reclassified 151.7 million ounces of silver Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves associated with Pascua-Lama as Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources.

As this resolution affects Barrick's ability to advance the Pascua-Lama project as an open pit mine and coupled with the resulting reclassification of open-pit reserves to resources, the Company has determined there to be an indicator of impairment of this asset in the fourth quarter of 2017.

The Pascua-Lama PMPA had a carrying value at December 31, 2017 of $485 million. Management has estimated that the recoverable amount at December 31, 2017 under the Pascua-Lama PMPA was $256 million, representing its fair value less cost of disposal and resulting in an impairment charge of $229 million.

If the requirements of the completion test have not been satisfied by the completion test deadline of June 30, 2020, the Company may, within 90 days of such date, elect to terminate the Pascua Lama silver purchase agreement in which case the Company will be entitled to a return of a portion of the original upfront cash payment of $625 million, reduced by the cash flows received relative to the Lagunas Norte, Veladero, and Pierina mines. As at December 31, 2017, the Company has received approximately 19.1 million ounces related to silver production from these mines, generating cumulative operating cash flows of approximately $364 million.

Fourth Quarter Asset Highlights

During the fourth quarter of 2017, attributable production was 7.2 million ounces of silver and 96,500 ounces of gold, representing a decrease of 5% and 14%, respectively, compared with the fourth quarter of 2016.

Operational highlights for the quarter ended December 31, 2017, based upon counterparties' reporting, are as follows:

Salobo 
In the fourth quarter of 2017, Salobo produced 76,200 ounces of attributable gold, a decrease of approximately 2% relative to the fourth quarter of 2016 as lower grades and recovery were partially offset by increased throughput.

According to Vale S.A.'s ("Vale") fourth quarter of 2017 production report, production was positively impacted mainly due to stronger plant performance which resulted in record quarterly production of copper concentrate. The Salobo plant operated above nameplate capacity on average for a second consecutive quarter in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Peñasquito 
In the fourth quarter of 2017, Peñasquito produced 1.6 million ounces of attributable silver, an increase of approximately 18% relative to the fourth quarter of 2016 due to higher silver grades, recoveries and tonnage. According to Goldcorp Inc.'s ("Goldcorp") fourth quarter of 2017 MD&A, increased throughput at Peñasquito was driven by the implementation of a new management operating system and better ore delivery to the primary crusher.

According to Goldcorp, the Pyrite Leach Project ("PLP") at Peñasquito was 62% complete as of December 31, 2017, and expected to commence commissioning in the fourth quarter of 2018, three months ahead of schedule. The PLP is reportedly expected to recover approximately 40% of the gold and 48% of the silver currently reporting to the tailings, and is expected to add production of approximately 1 million ounces of gold and 44 million ounces of silver over the current life of the mine. As a reminder, Wheaton is entitled to 25% of the silver produced at Peñasquito for the life of mine, or 11 million of the additional 44 million silver ounces.

Antamina
In the fourth quarter of 2017, Antamina produced 1.5 million ounces of attributable silver, a decrease of approximately 8% relative to the fourth quarter of 2016 primarily due to lower grades and throughput, partially offset by higher recovery.

San Dimas
In the fourth quarter of 2017, San Dimas produced 1.3 million ounces of attributable silver, a decrease of approximately 7% relative to the fourth quarter of 2016 primarily due to a decrease in throughput, which was partially offset by better grades.

As announced on January 12, 2018, Wheaton has agreed to terminate the existing San Dimas silver purchase agreement (the "Primero SPA") with Primero and enter into a new precious metals purchase agreement with First Majestic relating to the San Dimas mine (the "San Dimas PMPA"), in conjunction with the proposed acquisition by First Majestic of Primero pursuant to a plan of arrangement transaction (the "Arrangement"). Under the San Dimas PMPA: 25% of gold production plus an additional amount of gold equal to 25% of silver production converted to gold at a fixed gold to silver exchange ratio of 70:1 from the San Dimas mine; for each ounce of gold delivered, Wheaton will pay to First Majestic a production payment equal to the lesser of US$600/oz, subject to a 1% annual inflationary adjustment, and the prevailing market price; and First Majestic will provide a corporate guarantee and security to be limited to San Dimas assets. As part of the transaction, in addition to the new stream, Wheaton will receive 20,914,590 First Majestic common shares. Primero has indicated that closing of the Arrangement is anticipated to occur before the end of April 2018.2

Sudbury
In the fourth quarter of 2017, Vale's Sudbury mines produced 8,600 ounces of attributable gold, a decrease of approximately 4% relative to the fourth quarter of 2016 primarily due to lower throughput, partially offset by higher grades and recovery. According to Vale's fourth quarter of 2017 production report, the decrease in throughput was primarily due to the extended unscheduled maintenance at the Coleman mine as well as the cessation of mining activities at the Stobie mine since the second quarter of 2017.

Constancia
In the fourth quarter of 2017, Constancia produced 0.7 million ounces of attributable silver and 2,900 ounces of attributable gold, a decrease of approximately 7% and 6%, respectively, relative to the fourth quarter of 2016. The decrease in production was primarily the result of the processing of lower grade ore as expected in Hudbay Mineral Inc.'s ("Hudbay") mine plan partially offset by higher throughput and silver recovery.

Other Gold
In the fourth quarter of 2017, total Other Gold attributable production was 8,800 ounces, a decrease of approximately 60% relative to the fourth quarter of 2016. The decrease was relatively in line with expectations and primarily due to the anticipated reduction of the Company's share of the gold production at the 777 mine from 100% to 50% effective January 1, 2017, coupled with reduced production at the Minto mine due to lower grades as part of the extended mine plan.

Other Silver
In the fourth quarter of 2017, total Other Silver attributable production was 2.2 million ounces, a decrease of approximately 13% relative to the fourth quarter of 2016. The decrease was driven primarily by the cessation of production from Cozamin as the Cozamin silver purchase agreement with Capstone Mining Corp. ("Capstone") expired on April 4, 2017. 

In October 2015, in order to incentivize additional exploration and potentially extend the limited remaining mine life of Stratoni, Wheaton and Eldorado Gold Corp. ("Eldorado") agreed to modify the Stratoni silver purchase agreement. The primary modification was to increase the production price per ounce of silver delivered to Wheaton based on the amount of exploration Eldorado completed. As a result, according to Eldorado's news release dated November 13, 2017, Eldorado has completed over 5,900 metres of underground exploration drilling that demonstrated continuity of the orebody into previously untested areas. Eldorado further reports that it has two drill rigs currently active at the mine testing additional stepouts to the deposit. 

Development Update - Kutcho
Effective December 14, 2017, Wheaton participated in an equity financing undertaken by Kutcho Copper Corp. ("Kutcho") in connection with the Kutcho Early Deposit Agreement, acquiring, by way of private placement, 6,153,846 common shares and warrants to acquire an additional 3,076,923 common shares of Kutcho for total consideration of $3 million (Cdn$4 million). Additionally, the Company advanced to Kutcho $16 million (Cdn$20 million) in exchange for a subordinated secured convertible term debt loan agreement receivable bearing interest at 10% per annum.

Produced But Not Yet Delivered 3
As at December 31, 2017, payable ounces attributable to the Company produced but not yet delivered3 amounted to 4.5 million payable silver ounces and 79,500 payable gold ounces, representing a decrease of 0.7 million payable silver ounces and 3,200 payable gold ounces during the three month period ended December 31, 2017. Payable silver ounces produced but not yet delivered decreased primarily as a result of decreases related to the Yauliyacu, Antamina, Zinkgruvan and Peñasquito silver interests. Payable gold ounces produced but not yet delivered decreased primarily as a result of decreases related to the Sudbury gold interest partially offset by increases at the Salobo and Minto gold interests. Payable ounces produced but not yet delivered to the Wheaton Precious Metals group of companies are expected to average approximately two months of annualized production for silver and two to three months for gold but may vary from quarter to quarter due to a number of mining operation factors including mine ramp-up and timing of shipments.

Detailed mine-by-mine production and sales figures can be found in the Appendix to this press release and in Wheaton's consolidated MD&A in the 'Results of Operations and Operational Review' section.

Events Subsequent to the Quarter

Minto Mine
As per Capstone's news release dated February 2, 2018, Capstone has entered into a definitive share purchase agreement pursuant to which it has agreed to sell its Minto mine to Pembridge Resources plc ("Pembridge"). Capstone expects the transaction to close in the second quarter of 2018. According to Capstone's fourth quarter of 2017 MD&A, at the start of 2017, it was Capstone's intention to place the Minto mine on care and maintenance at the end of 2017, but as a result of rising copper prices and the downside protection provided by the renegotiation of the precious metals stream with Wheaton in 2017, Capstone had made the decision to continue operations until at least mid-2021.

Reserves and Resources

As of December 31, 2017, Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves attributable to Wheaton were 572.8 million ounces of silver compared with 727.8 million ounces as reported in Wheaton's 2016 Annual Information Form ("AIF"), a decrease of 21%, and 11.31 million ounces of gold compared with 11.41 million ounces, a decrease of 1%. On an attributable Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource basis, silver resources were 894.2 million ounces compared with 807.3 million ounces as reported in Wheaton's 2016 AIF, an increase of 11%, and gold resources were 2.81 million ounces compared with 2.97 million ounces, a decrease of 5%. On an attributable Inferred Mineral Resource basis, silver resources were 452.0 million ounces compared with 381.2 million ounces as reported in Wheaton's 2016 AIF, an increase of 19%, and gold resources were 2.76 million ounces compared with 2.80 million ounces, a decrease of 1%. 

Estimated attributable reserves and resources contained in this press release are based on information available to the Company as of March 21, 2018, and therefore will not reflect updates, if any, after that date, including those changes associated with the termination of the Primero SPA and entering into of the San Dimas PMPA by Wheaton. Updated reserves and resources data incorporating year-end 2017 estimates will also be included in the Company's 2017 Annual Information Form. Wheaton's most current attributable reserves and resources, as of December 31, 2017, can be found on the Company's website at www.wheatonpm.com.

2018 and Long-Term Production Forecast

Wheaton is pleased to provide its updated one-year and long-term production guidance. Wheaton's estimated attributable silver and gold production in 2018 is forecast to be approximately 22.5 million silver ounces and 355,000 gold ounces. Estimated average annual attributable silver and gold production over the next five years (including 2018) is anticipated to be approximately 25 million silver ounces and 370,000 gold ounces per year.  

In 2018, forecast production growth from Peñasquito and Constancia is expected to be offset by the changes in the San Dimas stream as well as the cessation of production from assets with fixed terms. In conjunction with First Majestic's proposed acquisition of Primero, the Primero SPA is expected to terminate and a new precious metals purchase agreement entered into at a reduced level starting in the second quarter of 2018. In addition, the 10-year-term contract on Capstone's Cozamin mine, acquired with Wheaton's 2009 acquisition of Silverstone, expired in April 2017, and Wheaton's streaming agreement with Barrick regarding Pascua-Lama provides the Company with silver production from the Lagunas Norte, Veladero, and Pierina mines until March 31, 2018.

Average production over the next five years is expected to increase primarily due to continued production growth from both Peñasquito and Constancia. At Peñasquito, grades are expected to increase over the next several years and the PLP, which should increase recoveries, is scheduled to be commissioned later in 2018. At Constancia, Hudbay expects to begin mining the Pampacancha deposit in the second half of 2018, which has significantly higher precious metals grades than what is currently being mined; however, should the mining of the Pampacancha deposit be delayed, Wheaton will be entitled to an increased portion of gold from Hudbay. And lastly, as a reminder, Wheaton does not include any production from Barrick's Pascua-Lama project or Hudbay's Rosemont project in its estimated average five-year production guidance.

Attributable mine-by-mine actual 2016 and 2017 production and forecast 2018 production are as follows:








Attributable Production1, 2




2016
Actual

2017
Actual

2018
Forecast

Silver ounces produced (000's)







Peñasquito



5,034

6,024

6,500


San Dimas3, 4



5,212

3,963

1,000


Antamina



6,796

6,554

5,300


Constancia5



2,759

2,374

2,800


Other6



10,578

9,731

6,900


Total silver ounces



30,379

28,646

22,500







Gold ounces produced (000's)







Salobo



228.7

264.7

240


Sudbury7



42.6

33.7

33


Constancia5



14.9

10.2

17


San Dimas3,8





30


Other9



80.1

46.5

35


Total gold ounces



366.4

355.1

355



1)

Ounces produced represent quantity of silver and gold contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining deductions.

2)

Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the silver or gold interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available.

3)

Guidance for San Dimas assumes that the proposed acquisition by First Majestic of Primero is completed and that the new precious metals purchase agreement with First Majestic is effective April 1, 2018.

4)

Under the existing silver purchase agreement with Primero, Primero will deliver a per annum amount to Wheaton equal to the first 6 million ounces of payable silver produced at San Dimas and 50% of any excess. Wheaton assumes only one quarter of attributable silver production from San Dimas from Primero in its 2018 production guidance.

5)

Constancia silver and gold production guidance for 2018 assumes the expected start of mining at the Pampacancha deposit in 2018.

6)

Includes the Yauliyacu, Los Filos, Zinkgruvan, Cozamin, Neves-Corvo, Stratoni, Minto, 777, Lagunas Norte, Pierina, and Veladero silver interests. The Cozamin precious metal purchase agreement expired on April 4, 2017.

7)

Comprised of the operating Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Creighton and Totten gold interests, the non-operating Victor gold interest and the Stobie gold interest which was placed into care and maintenance during the second quarter of 2017.

8)

Under the proposed precious metals purchase agreement with First Majestic, San Dimas attributable gold production for 2018 is calculated based on three quarters of production of which Wheaton is entitled to 25% of gold production plus an additional amount of gold equal to 25% of silver production converted to gold at a fixed gold to silver exchange ratio of 70:1 from the San Dimas mine.

9)

Includes Minto and 777 gold interests.

 

Dividend

First Quarterly Dividend
The first quarterly cash dividend for 2018 of US$0.09 will be paid to holders of record of Wheaton Precious Metals common shares as of the close of business on April 6, 2018, and will be distributed on or about April 20, 2018.

Under the Company's dividend policy, the quarterly dividend per common share will be equal to 30% of the average cash generated by operating activities in the previous four quarters divided by the Company's then outstanding common shares, all rounded to the nearest cent. 

The declaration, timing, amount and payment of future dividends remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors. This dividend qualifies as an 'eligible dividend' for Canadian income tax purposes.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan
The Company has previously implemented a Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("DRIP"). Participation in the DRIP is optional. For the purposes of this fourth quarterly dividend, the Company has elected to issue common shares under the DRIP through treasury at a 3% discount to the Average Market Price, as defined in the DRIP. However, the Company may, from time to time, in its discretion, change or eliminate the discount applicable to Treasury Acquisitions, as defined in the DRIP, or direct that such common shares be purchased in Market Acquisitions, as defined in the DRIP, at the prevailing market price, any of which would be publicly announced.

The DRIP and enrollment forms are available for download on the Company's website at www.wheatonpm.com, accessible by quick links directly from the home page, and can also be found in the 'investors' section, under the 'dividends' tab.

Registered shareholders may also enroll in the DRIP online through the plan agent's self-service web portal at: https://www.canstockta.com/en/InvestorServices/Investor_Information/Issuer_List/IssuerDetail.jsp?companyCode=1501.

Beneficial shareholders should contact their financial intermediary to arrange enrollment. All shareholders considering enrollment in the DRIP should carefully review the terms of the DRIP and consult with their advisors as to the implications of enrollment in the DRIP.

This press release is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer of securities. A registration statement relating to the DRIP has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and may be obtained under the Company's profile on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. A written copy of the prospectus included in the registration statement may be obtained by contacting the Corporate Secretary of the Company at 1021 West Hastings Street, Suite 3500, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E 0C3.

Webcast and Conference Call Details

A conference call and webcast will be held Thursday, March 22, 2018, starting at 11:00 am (Eastern Time) to discuss these results. To participate in the live call, please use one of the following methods:

Dial toll free from Canada or the US:

888-231-8191

Dial from outside Canada or the US:

647-427-7450

Pass code:         

2760858

Live audio webcast:       

www.wheatonpm.com

Participants should dial in five to ten minutes before the call.

The conference call will be recorded and available until March 29, 2018 at 11:59 pm (Eastern Time). The webcast will be available for one year. You can listen to an archive of the call by one of the following methods:

Dial toll free from Canada or the US:     

855-859-2056

Dial from outside Canada or the US:

416-849-0833

Pass code:

2760858

Archived audio webcast:

www.wheatonpm.com 

This earnings release should be read in conjunction with Wheaton Precious Metals' MD&A and Financial Statements, which are available on the Company's website at www.wheatonpm.com and have been posted on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Mr. Neil Burns, Vice President, Technical Services for Wheaton Precious Metals, is a "qualified person" as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical information including information on mineral reserves and mineral resources disclosed in this news release.

Wheaton Precious Metals believes that there are no significant differences between its corporate governance practices and those required to be followed by United States domestic issuers under the NYSE listing standards. This confirmation is located on the Wheaton Precious Metals website at http://www.wheatonpm.com/Company/corporate-governance/default.aspx.  

End Notes
_________________________

1

Please refer to non-IFRS measures at the end of this press release. Dividends declared in the referenced calendar quarter, relative to the financial results of the prior quarter.

2

If the average gold to silver price ratio decreases to less than 50:1 or increases to more than 90:1 for a period of 6 months or more, then the "70" shall be revised to "50" or "90", as the case may be, until such time as the average gold to silver price ratio is between 50:1 to 90:1 for a period of 6 months or more in which event the "70" shall be reinstated. The First Majestic common shares will be issuable upon termination of the Primero SPA. Primero has indicated that the expected closing of the Arrangement is subject to applicable regulatory approvals (including anti-trust clearance in Mexico) and the satisfaction of other customary conditions.

3

Payable silver and gold ounces produced but not yet delivered are based on management estimates, and may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.


 

Summarized Financial Results



2017


2016


2015

Silver and gold production








Attributable silver ounces produced (000's)


28,646


30,379


30,734


Attributable gold ounces produced


355,104


366,378


241,615


Attributable SEOs produced (000's) 1


54,841


57,093


48,602


Attributable GEOs produced 1


743,438


782,963


657,209

Silver and gold sales








Silver ounces sold (000's)


24,644


28,322


26,566


Gold ounces sold


337,205


330,009


202,349


SEOs sold (000's) 1


49,519


52,388


41,529


GEOs sold 1


671,291


718,430


561,570

Average realized price ($'s per ounce)








Average realized silver price

$

17.01

$

16.96

$

15.64


Average realized gold price

$

1,257

$

1,246

$

1,152


Average realized silver equivalent price 1

$

17.03

$

17.02

$

15.62


Average realized gold equivalent price 1

$

1,256

$

1,241

$

1,155

Average cash cost ($'s per ounce) 2








Average silver cash cost

$

4.49

$

4.42

$

4.17


Average gold cash cost

$

395

$

391

$

393


Average silver equivalent cash cost 1

$

4.92

$

4.86

$

4.58


Average gold equivalent cash cost 1

$

363

$

354

$

339

Average depletion ($'s per ounce) 2








Average silver depletion

$

4.94

$

5.32

$

3.41


Average gold depletion

$

417

$

479

$

534


Average silver equivalent depletion 1

$

5.30

$

5.89

$

4.78


Average gold equivalent depletion 1

$

391

$

430

$

354

Total revenue ($000's)

$

843,215

$

891,557

$

648,687

Net earnings (loss) ($000's)

$

57,703

$

195,137

$

(162,042)

Earnings (loss) per share








Basic

$

0.13

$

0.45

$

(0.41)


Diluted

$

0.13

$

0.45

$

(0.41)

Adjusted net earnings 2 ($000's)

$

276,750

$

266,137

$

210,356

Adjusted earnings per share 2








Basic

$

0.63

$

0.62

$

0.53


Diluted

$

0.63

$

0.62

$

0.53

Cash flow from operations ($000's)

$

538,808

$

584,301

$

431,359

Dividends








Dividends paid ($000's)

$

145,848

$

90,612

$

80,809


Dividends paid per share

$

0.33

$

0.21

$

0.20

Total assets ($000's)

$

5,683,313

$

6,153,319

$

5,632,211

Total non-current financial liabilities ($000's)

$

771,430

$

1,194,012

$

1,468,732

Total other liabilities ($000's)

$

12,219

$

19,319

$

12,744

Shareholders' equity ($000's)

$

4,899,664

$

4,939,988

$

4,150,735

Shares outstanding


442,724,309


441,456,217


404,039,065



1)

The silver / gold ratio is the ratio of the average price of silver to the average price of gold per the London Bullion Metal Exchange during the period.     

2)

Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measures at the end of this press release.

 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings



Years Ended December 31

(US dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

2017

2016

Sales

$

843,215

$

891,557

Cost of sales






Cost of sales, excluding depletion

$

243,801

$

254,434


Depletion


262,380


308,702

Total cost of sales

$

506,181

$

563,136

Gross margin

$

337,034

$

328,421

Expenses






General and administrative 1                                                                                       

$

34,673

$

34,439


Impairment charges


228,680


71,000


Interest expense


24,993


24,193


Other income


(13,819)


(197)


Other expense


5,420


4,700


Foreign exchange loss


270


479


$

280,217

$

134,614

Earnings before income taxes

$

56,817

$

193,807

Income tax recovery


886


1,330

Net earnings

$

57,703

$

195,137






Basic earnings per share

$

0.13

$

0.45

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.13

$

0.45

Weighted average number of shares outstanding






Basic


441,961


430,461


Diluted


442,442


430,845

1) Equity settled stock based compensation (a non-cash item) included in general and
administrative expenses.

$

5,051

$

5,060

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets


As at
December 31

As at
December 31

(US dollars in thousands)

2017

2016

Assets





Current assets






Cash and cash equivalents

$

98,521

$

124,295


Accounts receivable


3,194


2,316


Other


1,700


1,481

Total current assets

$

103,415

$

128,092

Non-current assets






Silver and gold interests

$

5,423,277

$

5,919,272


Early deposit - silver and gold interests


21,722


20,064


Royalty interest


9,107


9,107


Long-term investments


95,732


64,621


Investment in associates


2,994


-


Convertible note receivable


15,777


-


Other


11,289


12,163

Total non-current assets

$

5,579,898

$

6,025,227

Total assets

$

5,683,313

$

6,153,319

Liabilities





Current liabilities






Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$

12,118

$

18,062


Current portion of performance share units


-


228


Other


25


767

Total current liabilities

$

12,143

$

19,057

Non-current liabilities






Bank debt

$

770,000

$

1,193,000


Deferred income taxes


76


262


Performance share units


1,430


1,012

Total non-current liabilities

$

771,506

$

1,194,274

Total liabilities

$

783,649

$

1,213,331

Shareholders' equity





Issued capital

$

3,472,029

$

3,445,914

Reserves


77,007


55,301

Retained earnings


1,350,628


1,438,773

Total shareholders' equity

$

4,899,664

$

4,939,988

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$

5,683,313

$

6,153,319

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows


Years Ended December 31

(US dollars in thousands)

2017

2016

Operating activities





Net earnings

$

57,703

$

195,137

Adjustments for






Depreciation and depletion


263,352


309,654


Amortization of credit facility origination fees:







Interest expense


699


825



Amortization of credit facility origination fees - undrawn facilities


761


636


Impairment charges


228,680


71,000


Interest expense


24,294


23,368


Equity settled stock based compensation


5,051


5,060


Performance share units


140


(3,535)


Deferred income tax (recovery) expense


(1,212)


(1,302)


Loss on fair value adjustment of share purchase warrants held


6


-


Receipt of shares in exchange for contractual modifications


(7,500)


-


Fair value adjustment on convertible note receivable


(215)


-


Investment income recognized in net earnings


(467)


(184)


Other


(975)


(226)

Change in non-cash working capital


(6,599)


7,039

Cash generated from operations before interest paid and received

$

563,718

$

607,472

Interest paid - expensed


(25,243)


(23,317)

Interest received


333


146

Cash generated from operating activities

$

538,808

$

584,301

Financing activities





Bank debt repaid

$

(423,000)

$

(1,053,000)

Bank debt drawn


-


780,000

Credit facility origination fees


(1,311)


(1,300)

Shares issued


-


632,547

Share issue costs


-


(25,996)

Repurchase of share capital


-


(33,126)

Share purchase options exercised


1,181


21,931

Dividends paid


(121,934)


(78,708)

Cash (used for) generated from financing activities

$

(545,064)

$

242,348

Investing activities





Silver and gold interests

$

-

$

(800,432)

Interest paid - capitalized to silver interests


-


(615)

Early deposit - silver and gold interests


(1,721)


(4,087)

Proceeds on disposal of silver interest 1


1,022


-

Acquisition of long-term investments


(129)


-

Acquisition of convertible note receivable


(15,562)


-

Investment in associate


(2,994)


-

Dividend income received


60


37

Other


(249)


(338)

Cash used for investing activities

$

(19,573)

$

(805,435)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

$

55

$

(216)

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

$

(25,774)

$

20,998

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year


124,295


103,297

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$

98,521

$

124,295


1)  During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company received an additional $1 million settlement related to the November 4, 2014 bankruptcy of Mercator Minerals Ltd. ("Mercator") with whom Wheaton Precious Metals had a silver purchase agreement relative to Mercator's Mineral Park mine in the United States.


 

Summary of Ounces Produced



Q4 2017

Q3 2017

Q2 2017

Q1 2017

Q4 2016

Q3 2016

Q2 2016

Q1 2016

Silver ounces produced 2










San Dimas

1,324

1,043

973

623

1,429

1,264

1,596

923


Peñasquito

1,561

1,641

1,483

1,339

1,328

1,487

867

1,352


Antamina

1,467

1,735

1,888

1,464

1,599

1,469

1,707

2,021


Constancia

670

618

546

540

723

749

778

509


Other











Los Filos

48

43

42

32

33

44

56

40



Zinkgruvan

619

710

493

538

557

449

495

659



Yauliyacu

335

588

607

562

379

721

686

657



Stratoni

131

137

171

166

187

206

222

136



Minto

30

43

42

56

100

153

60

43



Neves-Corvo 3

305

341

316

330

312

279

331

319



Cozamin 4

-

-

17

397

265

239

253

277



Lagunas Norte

253

243

218

210

234

215

233

273



Pierina

111

107

114

137

117

50

31

35



Veladero

211

201

144

158

174

160

193

182



777

146

145

138

96

152

166

99

106


Total Other

2,189

2,558

2,302

2,682

2,510

2,682

2,659

2,727

Total silver ounces produced

7,211

7,595

7,192

6,648

7,589

7,651

7,607

7,532

Gold ounces produced ²










Sudbury 5

8,568

8,519

7,468

9,182

8,901

10,779

15,054

7,895


Salobo

76,153

72,980

57,514

58,009

77,787

70,776

38,853

41,301


Constancia

2,947

2,498

2,332

2,431

3,151

3,737

4,622

3,435


Other











Minto

3,328

6,105

6,063

9,734

10,906

20,184

6,985

3,779



777

5,478

5,114

6,259

4,422

10,919

10,140

8,900

8,274


Total Other

8,806

11,219

12,322

14,156

21,825

30,324

15,885

12,053

Total gold ounces produced

96,474

95,216

79,636

83,778

111,664

115,616

74,414

64,684

SEOs produced 6

14,572

14,823

13,009

12,513

15,526

15,521

13,189

12,678

GEOs produced 6

190,979

195,263

178,100

178,766

218,429

228,001

175,792

159,340

Silver / Gold Ratio 7

76.3

75.9

73.0

70.0

71.1

68.1

75.0

79.6



1)

All figures in thousands except gold ounces produced.

2)

Ounces produced represent the quantity of silver and gold contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining deductions.  Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the silver or gold interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available.  Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received. 

3)

As per Lundin Mining Corporation's ("Lundin") press release dated January 16, 2018, Lundin has not been given notice of any planned strikes organized by the Mining Industry Workers' Union (STIM), though the labour situation at Neves-Corvo has not yet been resolved. Lundin reports that they are in regular, constructive dialogue with the Union and their employees and have advised stakeholders that ongoing labour action may result in postponement of the exploration and zinc expansion investments in progress.

4)

The Cozamin precious metal purchase agreement expired on April 4, 2017.

5)

Comprised of the Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Stobie, Creighton and Totten gold interests. The Stobie gold interest was placed into care and maintenance as of May 2017.

6)

Silver equivalent ounces (SEOs) and gold equivalent ounces (GEOs), which are provided to assist the reader, are calculated by converting gold (in the case of SEOs) or silver (in the case of GEOs) using the ratio of the average price of silver to the average price of gold per the London Bullion Metal Exchange during the period.

7)

The silver / gold ratio is the ratio of the average price of silver to the average price of gold per the London Bullion Metal Exchange during the period.          

 

Summary of Ounces Sold 


Q4 2017

Q3 2017

Q2 2017

Q1 2017

Q4 2016

Q3 2016

Q2 2016

Q1 2016

Silver ounces sold










San Dimas

1,299

962

845

796

1,571

1,065

1,426

1,345


Peñasquito

1,537

1,109

1,639

860

1,270

1,078

886

949


Antamina

1,769

1,537

1,453

1,170

1,488

1,598

2,202

1,879


Constancia

491

491

559

383

702

536

520

666


Other











Los Filos

16

43

42

32

33

44

55

39



Zinkgruvan

597

305

398

296

592

340

369

812



Yauliyacu

642

364

423

403

671

342

578

603



Stratoni

110

84

123

195

165

203

129

148



Campo Morado 2                                 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4



Minto

34

43

39

37

102

96

26

53



Cozamin 3

-

23

125

232

196

207

219

300



Neves-Corvo

119

117

114

153

147

88

158

142



Lagunas Norte

237

242

204

217

227

237

224

299



Pierina

106

102

136

150

84

32

27

46



Veladero

211

201

144

159

174

160

193

182



777

124

135

125

142

84

96

130

85


Total Other

2,196

1,659

1,873

2,016

2,475

1,845

2,108

2,713

Total silver ounces sold

7,292

5,758

6,369

5,225

7,506

6,122

7,142

7,552

Gold ounces sold










Sudbury 4

12,059

3,237

5,822

6,887

10,183

12,294

11,351

9,007


Salobo

71,683

67,198

50,478

63,007

73,646

50,043

45,396

35,366


Constancia

1,965

2,206

2,356

2,315

3,343

3,396

3,610

4,933


Other











Minto

2,020

4,603

6,988

9,902

15,445

11,110

19

8,815



777

6,568

5,304

6,321

6,286

6,314

8,220

10,381

7,137


Total Other

8,588

9,907

13,309

16,188

21,759

19,330

10,400

15,952

Total gold ounces sold

94,295

82,548

71,965

88,397

108,931

85,063

70,757

65,258

SEOs sold 5

14,488

12,024

11,625

11,412

15,249

11,913

12,451

12,745

GEOs sold 5

189,882

158,401

159,161

163,032

214,529

175,008

165,945

160,180










Cumulative payable silver ounces










PBND 6

4,515

5,257

4,152

3,967

3,224

3,783

2,999

3,230










Cumulative payable gold ounces










PBND 6

79,477

82,632

74,899

71,571

80,621

82,775

56,642

58,315

Silver / Gold Ratio 7

76.3

75.9

73.0

70.0

71.1

68.1

75.0

79.6



1)

All figures in thousands except gold ounces sold.

2)

The Campo Morado silver interest was disposed of on December 31, 2014.

3)

The Cozamin precious metal purchase agreement expired on April 4, 2017.

4)

Comprised of the Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Stobie, Creighton and Totten gold interests. The Stobie gold interest was placed into care and maintenance as of May 2017.

5)

Silver equivalent ounces (SEOs) and gold equivalent ounces (GEOs), which are provided to assist the reader, are calculated by converting gold (in the case of SEOs) or silver (in the case of GEOs) using the ratio of the average price of silver to the average price of gold per the London Bullion Metal Exchange during the period.

6)

Payable silver and gold ounces produced but not yet delivered ("PBND") are based on management estimates. These figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.

7)

The silver / gold ratio is the ratio of the average price of silver to the average price of gold per the London Bullion Metal Exchange during the period.

 

Results of Operations

The Company currently has eight reportable operating segments: the silver produced by the San Dimas, Peñasquito and Antamina mines, the gold produced by the Sudbury and Salobo mines, the silver and gold produced by the Constancia mine and the Other mines, and corporate operations.

Three Months Ended December 31, 2017


Ounces
Produced²

Ounces
Sold

Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)

Average
Cash
Cost
($'s Per
Ounce)3

Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)

Sales

Gross
Margin

Impairment
Charges

Net
Earnings
(Loss)

Cash Flow
From
Operations

Total
Assets

Silver






















San Dimas

1,324

1,299

$

16.33

$

4.32

$

1.46

$

21,206

$

13,693

$

-

$

13,693

$

15,595

$

134,862


Peñasquito

1,561

1,537


17.05


3.87


2.88


26,200


15,815


-


15,815


20,245


403,250


Antamina

1,467

1,769


16.74


3.35


9.81


29,620


6,346


-


6,346


23,700


757,638


Constancia

670

491


16.80


5.90


7.36


8,251


1,736


-


1,736


5,353


261,803


Other 4

2,189

2,196


16.79


5.60


3.65


36,891


16,558


(228,680)


(212,122)


24,690


523,135


7,211

7,292

$

16.75

$

4.48

$

4.84

$

122,168

$

54,148

$

(228,680)

$

(174,532)

$

89,583

$

2,080,688

Gold






















Sudbury 5

8,568

12,059

$

1,283

$

400

$

769

$

15,468

$

1,366

$

-

$

1,366

$

10,667

$

379,988


Salobo

76,153

71,683


1,275


400


381


91,361


35,390


-


35,390


62,688


2,808,732


Constancia

2,947

1,965


1,273


400


409


2,501


910


-


910


1,715


122,051


Other 6

8,806

8,588


1,286


386


478


11,048


3,623


-


3,623


8,771


31,818


96,474

94,295

$

1,277

$

399

$

440

$

120,378

$

41,289

$

-

$

41,289

$

83,841

$

3,342,589

Operating results








$

242,546

$

95,437

$

(228,680)

$

(133,243)

$

173,424

$

5,423,277

Corporate costs




















General and administrative













$

(8,913)

$

(5,394)




Interest expense














(5,778)


(5,947)




Other















10,028


3,000




Income tax recovery















194


-



Total corporate costs















$

(4,469)

$

(8,341)

$

260,036
















$

(137,712)

$

165,083

$

5,683,313



1)

All figures in thousands except gold ounces produced and sold and per ounce amounts.

2)

Ounces produced represent the quantity of silver and gold contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining deductions.  Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the silver or gold interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available.  Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.

3)

Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.

4)

Comprised of the operating Los Filos, Zinkgruvan, Yauliyacu, Stratoni, Minto, Neves-Corvo, Lagunas Norte, Pierina, Veladero and 777 silver interests as well as the  non-operating Keno Hill, Aljustrel, Loma de La Plata, Pascua-Lama and Rosemont silver interests.   

5)

Comprised of the operating Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Creighton and Totten gold interests, the non-operating Victor gold interest and the Stobie gold interest which was placed into care and maintenance during the second quarter of 2017.

6)

Comprised of the operating Minto and 777 gold interests in addition to the non-operating Rosemont gold interest.

                                                      

On a silver equivalent and gold equivalent basis, results for the Company for the three months ended December 31, 2017 were as follows:

Three Months Ended December 31, 2017


Silver /
Gold
Ratio 1

Ounces
Produced 2, 3

Ounces
Sold 3

Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)

Average
Cash
Cost
($'s Per
Ounce) 4

Cash
Operating
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce)
5

Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)

Gross
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce)










Silver equivalent basis

76.3

14,572

14,488

$   16.74

$   4.85

$   11.89

$   5.30

$   6.59

Gold equivalent basis

76.3

190,979

189,882

$    1,277

$    370

$    907

$    405

$    502



1)

The silver / gold ratio is the ratio of the average price of silver to the average price of gold per the London Bullion Metal Exchange during the period.

2)

Ounces produced represent the quantity of silver and gold contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining deductions. Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the silver or gold interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available. Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received. 

3)

Silver ounces produced and sold in thousands.

4)

Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.

5)

Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iv) at the end of this press release.

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2016


Ounces
Produced²

Ounces
Sold

Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)

Average
Cash
Cost
($'s Per
Ounce)3

Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)

Sales

Gross
Margin

Impairment
Charges

Net
Earnings

Cash Flow
From
Operations

Total
Assets

Silver






















San Dimas

1,429

1,571

$

16.54

$

4.28

$

1.11

$

25,975

$

17,516

$

-

$

17,516

$

19,253

$

140,575


Peñasquito

1,328

1,270


17.33


4.09


3.05


22,016


12,941


-


12,941


16,819


418,077


Antamina

1,599

1,488


16.76


3.31


9.94


24,941


5,222


-


5,222


20,010


815,806


Constancia

723

702


17.29


5.90


7.41


12,129


2,788


-


2,788


8,192


275,971


Other 4

2,510

2,475


17.03


5.45


5.61


42,149


14,759


-


14,759


29,555


785,570


7,589

7,506

$

16.95

$

4.59

$

5.26

$

127,210

$

53,226

$

-

$

53,226

$

93,829

$

2,435,999

Gold






















Sudbury 5

8,901

10,183

$

1,193

$

400

$

787

$

12,149

$

61

$

(71,000)

$

(70,939)

$

8,107

$

401,535


Salobo

77,787

73,646


1,198


400


382


88,200


30,609


-


30,609


58,742


2,904,835


Constancia

3,151

3,343


1,214


400


409


4,059


1,354


-


1,354


2,735


125,670


Other 6

21,825

21,759


1,235


343


522


26,873


8,061


-


8,061


24,349


51,233


111,664

108,931

$

1,205

$

389

$

449

$

131,281

$

40,085

$

(71,000)

$

(30,915)

$

93,933

$

3,483,273

Operating results








$

258,491

$

93,311

$

(71,000)

$

22,311

$

187,762

$

5,919,272

Corporate costs




















General and administrative













$

(4,124)

$

(5,662)




Interest expense















(6,664)


(6,839)




Other















(844)


(559)




Income tax recovery















186


-



Total corporate costs













$

(11,446)

$

(13,060)

$

234,047
















$

10,865

$

174,702

$

6,153,319



1)

All figures in thousands except gold ounces produced and sold and per ounce amounts.

2)

Ounces produced represent the quantity of silver and gold contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining deductions.  Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the silver or gold interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available.  Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.

3)

Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.

4)

Comprised of the operating Los Filos, Zinkgruvan, Yauliyacu, Stratoni, Minto, Cozamin, Neves-Corvo, Lagunas Norte, Pierina, Veladero and 777 silver interests as well as the  non-operating Keno Hill, Aljustrel, Loma de La Plata, Pascua-Lama and Rosemont silver interests. The Cozamin precious metal purchase agreement expired on April 4, 2017. 

5)

Comprised of the operating Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Creighton and Totten gold interests, the non-operating Victor gold interest and the Stobie gold interest which was placed into care and maintenance during the second quarter of 2017.

6)

Comprised of the operating Minto and 777 gold interests in addition to the non-operating Rosemont gold interest.

 

On a silver equivalent and gold equivalent basis, results for the Company for the three months ended December 31, 2016 were as follows:

Three Months Ended December 31, 2016


Silver /
Gold
Ratio 1

Ounces
Produced 2, 3

Ounces
Sold 3

Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)

Average
Cash
Cost
($'s Per
Ounce) 4

Cash
Operating
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce)
5

Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)

Gross
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce)










Silver equivalent basis

71.1

15,526

15,249

$   16.95

$   5.04

$   11.91

$   5.80

$   6.11

Gold equivalent basis

71.1

218,429

214,529

$    1,205

$    358

$    847

$    412

$    435



1)

The silver / gold ratio is the ratio of the average price of silver to the average price of gold per the London Bullion Metal Exchange during the period.

2)

Ounces produced represent the quantity of silver and gold contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining deductions. Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the silver or gold interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available. Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.

3)

Silver ounces produced and sold in thousands.

4)

Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.

5)

Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iv) at the end of this press release.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017


Ounces
Produced²

Ounces

Sold

Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)

Average
Cash

Cost
($'s Per
Ounce)3

Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)

Sales

Gross
Margin

Impairment

Charges

Net
Earnings

Cash Flow
From
Operations

Total
Assets

Silver






















San Dimas

3,963

3,902

$

16.83

$

4.30

$

1.46

$

65,677

$

43,174

$

-

$

43,174

$

48,887

$

134,862


Peñasquito

6,024

5,145


17.09


4.05


2.88


87,906


52,223


-


52,223


67,050


403,250


Antamina

6,554

5,929


16.97


3.40


9.81


100,617


22,266


-


22,266


80,434


757,638


Constancia

2,374

1,924


17.16


5.90


7.36


33,026


7,505


-


7,505


21,470


261,803


Other 4

9,731

7,744


17.05


5.35


3.72


132,048


61,774


(228,680)


(166,906)


88,495


523,135


28,646

24,644

$

17.01

$

4.49

$

4.94

$

419,274

$

186,942

$

(228,680)

$

(41,738)

$

306,336

$

2,080,688

Gold






















Sudbury 5

33,737

28,005

$

1,259

$

400

$

769

$

35,253

$

2,504

$

-

$

2,504

$

24,042

$

379,988


Salobo

264,656

252,366


1,258


400


381


317,596


120,547


-


120,547


216,650


2,808,732


Constancia

10,208

8,842


1,258


400


409


11,125


3,969


-


3,969


7,575


122,051


Other 6

46,503

47,992


1,250


364


405


59,967


23,072


-


23,072


38,778


31,818


355,104

337,205

$

1,257

$

395

$

417

$

423,941

$

150,092

$

-

$

150,092

$

287,045

$

3,342,589

Operating results








$

843,215

$

337,034

$

(228,680)

$

108,354

$

593,381

$

5,423,277

Corporate costs




















General and administrative













$

(34,673)

$

(30,298)




Interest expense














(24,993)


(25,243)




Other















8,129


968




Income tax recovery















886


-



Total corporate costs













$

(50,651)

$

(54,573)

$

260,036
















$

57,703

$

538,808

$

5,683,313



1)

All figures in thousands except gold ounces produced and sold and per ounce amounts.

2)

Ounces produced represent the quantity of silver and gold contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining deductions.  Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the silver or gold interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available.  Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.

3)

Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.

4)

Comprised of the operating Los Filos, Zinkgruvan, Yauliyacu, Stratoni, Minto, Cozamin, Neves-Corvo, Lagunas Norte, Pierina, Veladero and 777 silver interests as well as the  non-operating Keno Hill, Aljustrel, Loma de La Plata, Pascua-Lama and Rosemont silver interests. The Cozamin precious metal purchase agreement expired on April 4, 2017. 

5)

Comprised of the operating Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Creighton and Totten gold interests, the non-operating Victor gold interest and the Stobie gold interest which was placed into care and maintenance during the second quarter of 2017.

6)

Comprised of the operating Minto and 777 gold interests in addition to the non-operating Rosemont gold interest.

                                                      

On a silver equivalent and gold equivalent basis, results for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2017 were as follows:

Year Ended December 31, 2017


Silver /
Gold
Ratio 1

Ounces
Produced 2, 3

Ounces
Sold 3

Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)

Average
Cash Cost
($'s Per
Ounce) 4

Cash
Operating
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce) 5

Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)

Gross
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce)










Silver equivalent basis

73.8

54,841

49,519

$

17.03

$

4.92

$

12.11

$

5.30

$

6.81

Gold equivalent basis

73.8

743,438

671,291

$

1,256

$

363

$

893

$

391

$

502



1)

The silver / gold ratio is the ratio of the average price of silver to the average price of gold per the London Bullion Metal Exchange during the period.

2)

Ounces produced represent the quantity of silver and gold contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining deductions. Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the silver or gold interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available. Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.

3)

Silver ounces produced and sold in thousands.

4)

Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.

5)

Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iv) at the end of this press release.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2016


Ounces

Produced²

Ounces
Sold

Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)

Average
Cash
Cost
($'s Per
Ounce)3

Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)

Sales

Gross
Margin

Impairment
Charges

Net
Earnings

Cash Flow
From
Operations

Total
Assets

Silver






















San Dimas

5,212

5,407

$

17.00

$

4.26

$

1.11

$

91,929

$

62,918

$

-

$

62,918

$

68,898

$

140,575


Peñasquito

5,034

4,183


17.02


4.09


3.05


71,196


41,315


-


41,315


54,085


418,077


Antamina

6,796

7,167


16.87


3.37


9.94


120,916


25,507


-


25,507


96,736


815,806


Constancia

2,759

2,424


16.93


5.90


7.41


41,019


8,762


-


8,762


26,926


275,971


Other 4

10,578

9,141


16.98


5.10


4.68


155,281


65,876


-


65,876


110,364


785,570


30,379

28,322

$

16.96

$

4.42

$

5.32

$

480,341

$

204,378

$

-

$

204,378

$

357,009

$

2,435,999

Gold






















Sudbury 5

42,629

42,835

$

1,246

$

400

$

787

$

53,384

$

2,535

$

(71,000)

$

(68,465)

$

36,281

$

401,535


Salobo

228,717

204,451


1,240


400


398


253,582


90,371


-


90,371


171,802


2,904,835


Constancia

14,945

15,282


1,230


400


409


18,792


6,425


-


6,425


12,693


125,670


Other 6

80,087

67,441


1,267


358


542


85,458


24,712


-


24,712


66,527


51,233


366,378

330,009

$

1,246

$

391

$

479

$

411,216

$

124,043

$

(71,000)

$

53,043

$

287,303

$

3,483,273

Operating results








$

891,557

$

328,421

$

(71,000)

$

257,421

$

644,312

$

5,919,272

Corporate costs




















General and administrative













$

(34,439)

$

(32,563)




Interest expense














(24,193)


(23,317)




Other















(4,982)


(4,131)




Income tax recovery














1,330


-



Total corporate costs













$

(62,284)

$

(60,011)

$

234,047
















$

195,137

$

584,301

$

6,153,319



1)

All figures in thousands except gold ounces produced and sold and per ounce amounts.

2)

Ounces produced represent the quantity of silver and gold contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining deductions.  Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the silver or gold interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available.  Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.

3)

Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.

4)

Comprised of the operating Los Filos, Zinkgruvan, Yauliyacu, Stratoni, Minto, Cozamin, Neves-Corvo, Lagunas Norte, Pierina, Veladero and 777 silver interests as well as the  non-operating Keno Hill, Aljustrel, Loma de La Plata, Pascua-Lama and Rosemont silver interests. The Cozamin precious metal purchase agreement expired on April 4, 2017. 

5)

Comprised of the operating Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Creighton and Totten gold interests, the non-operating Victor gold interest and the Stobie gold interest which was placed into care and maintenance during the second quarter of 2017.

6)

Comprised of the operating Minto and 777 gold interests in addition to the non-operating Rosemont gold interest.

 

On a silver equivalent and gold equivalent basis, results for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2016 were as follows:


Year Ended December 31, 2016


Silver / Gold
Ratio 1

Ounces
Produced 2, 3

Ounces
Sold 3

Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)

Average
Cash Cost
($'s Per
Ounce) 4

Cash
Operating
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce) 5

Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)

Gross
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce)










Silver equivalent basis

72.9

57,093

52,388

$   17.02

$   4.86

$   12.16

$   5.89

$   6.27

Gold equivalent basis

72.9

782,963

718,430

$    1,241

$    354

$      887

$    430

$    457



1)

The silver / gold ratio is the ratio of the average price of silver to the average price of gold per the London Bullion Metal Exchange during the period.

2)

Ounces produced represent the quantity of silver and gold contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining deductions. Production figures are based on information provided by the operators of the mining operations to which the silver or gold interests relate or management estimates in those situations where other information is not available. Certain production figures may be updated in future periods as additional information is received.

3)

Silver ounces produced and sold in thousands.

4)

Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.

5)

Refer to discussion on non-IFRS measure (iv) at the end of this press release.

 

Non-IFRS Measures

Wheaton Precious Metals has included, throughout this document, certain non-IFRS performance measures, including (i) adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share; (ii) operating cash flow per share (basic and diluted); (iii) average cash costs of silver and gold on a per ounce basis and; (iv) cash operating margin.

i.

Adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share are calculated by removing the effects of the non-cash impairment charges. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, management and certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance.



The following table provides a reconciliation of adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share (basic and diluted).


Three Months Ended
December 31

Years Ended
December 31

(in thousands, except for per share amounts)

2017

2016

2017

2016

Net earnings

$

(137,712)

$

10,865

$

57,703

$

195,137

Add back (deduct):










Impairment loss


228,680


71,000


228,680


71,000


Gain on fair value adjustment of Kutcho Convertible Note receivable


(215)


-


(215)


-


Loss on fair value adjustment of share purchase warrants held


6


-


6


-


Fees for contract amendments and reconciliations


(8,436)


-


(9,424)


-

Adjusted net earnings

$

82,323

$

81,865

$

276,750

$

266,137

Divided by:










Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding


442,469


441,299


441,961


430,461


Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding


442,978


441,784


442,442


430,845

Equals:










Adjusted earnings per share - basic

$

0.19

$

0.19

$

0.63

$

0.62


Adjusted earnings per share - diluted

$

0.19

$

0.19

$

0.63

$

0.62

 

ii.

Operating cash flow per share (basic and diluted) is calculated by dividing cash generated by operating activities by the weighted average number of shares outstanding (basic and diluted). The Company presents operating cash flow per share as management and certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other companies in the precious metal mining industry who present results on a similar basis.




The following table provides a reconciliation of operating cash flow per share (basic and diluted).


Three Months Ended
December 31

Years Ended
December 31

(in thousands, except for per share amounts)

2017

2016

2017

2016

Cash generated by operating activities

$

165,083

$

174,702

$

538,808

$

584,301

Divided by:










Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding


442,469


441,299


441,961


430,461


Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding


442,978


441,784


442,442


430,845

Equals:










Operating cash flow per share - basic

$

0.37

$

0.40

$

1.22

$

1.36


Operating cash flow per share - diluted

$

0.37

$

0.40

$

1.22

$

1.36

 

iii.

Average cash cost of silver and gold on a per ounce basis is calculated by dividing the total cost of sales, less depletion, by the ounces sold. In the precious metal mining industry, this is a common performance measure but does not have any standardized meaning. In addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, management and certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow.




The following table provides a reconciliation of average cash cost of silver and gold on a per ounce basis.


Three Months Ended
December 31

Years Ended
December 31

(in thousands, except for gold ounces sold and per ounce amounts)

2017

2016

2017

2016

Cost of sales

$

147,109

$

165,180

$

506,181

$

563,136

Less:  depletion


(76,813)


(88,366)


(262,380)


(308,702)

Cash cost of sales

$

70,296

$

76,814

$

243,801

$

254,434

Cash cost of sales is comprised of:










Total cash cost of silver sold

$

32,693

$

34,486

$

110,636

$

125,242


Total cash cost of gold sold


37,603


42,328


133,165


129,192


Total cash cost of sales

$

70,296

$

76,814

$

243,801

$

254,434

Divided by:










Total silver ounces sold


7,292


7,506


24,644


28,322


Total gold ounces sold


94,295


108,931


337,205


330,009

Equals:










Average cash cost of silver (per ounce)

$

4.48

$

4.59

$

4.49

$

4.42


Average cash cost of gold (per ounce)

$

399

$

389

$

395

$

391

 

iv.

Cash operating margin is calculated by subtracting the average cash cost of silver and gold on a per ounce basis from the average realized selling price of silver and gold on a per ounce basis. The Company presents cash operating margin as management and certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other companies in the precious metal mining industry who present results on a similar basis as well as to evaluate the Company's ability to generate cash flow.




The following table provides a reconciliation of cash operating margin.


Three Months Ended
December 31

Years Ended
December 31

(in thousands, except for gold ounces sold and per ounce amounts)

2017

2016

2017

2016

Total sales:










Silver

$

122,168

$

127,210

$

419,274

$

480,341


Gold

$

120,378

$

131,281

$

423,941

$

411,216

Divided by:










Total silver ounces sold


7,292


7,506


24,644


28,322


Total gold ounces sold


94,295


108,931


337,205


330,009

Equals:










Average realized price of silver (per ounce)

$

16.75

$

16.95

$

17.01

$

16.96


Average realized price of gold (per ounce)

$

1,277

$

1,205

$

1,257

$

1,246

Less:










Average cash cost of silver 1 (per ounce)

$

(4.48)

$

(4.59)

$

(4.49)

$

(4.42)


Average cash cost of gold 1 (per ounce)

$

(399)

$

(389)

$

(395)

$

(391)

Equals:










Cash operating margin per silver ounce sold

$

12.27

$

12.36

$

12.52

$

12.54



As a percentage of realized price of silver                     


73%


73%


74%


74%


Cash operating margin per gold ounce sold

$

878

$

816

$

862

$

855



As a percentage of realized price of gold


69%


68%


69%


69%












1) Please refer to non-IFRS measure (ii), above.








 

These non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and other companies may calculate these measures differently.  The presentation of these non-IFRS measures is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. For more detailed information, please refer to Wheaton Precious Metals' MD&A available on the Company's website at www.wheatonpm.com and posted on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING-STATEMENTS

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements, which are all statements other than statements of historical fact, include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:

Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "projects", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", "potential", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Wheaton to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to:

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management currently believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to:

Although Wheaton has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results, level of activity, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and even if events or results described in the forward-looking statements are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Wheaton. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and are cautioned that actual outcomes may vary. The forward-looking statements included herein are for the purpose of providing investors with information to assist them in understanding Wheaton's expected financial and operational performance and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any forward looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Wheaton does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are included or incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Cautionary Language Regarding Reserves And Resources

For further information on Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources and on Wheaton more generally, readers should refer to Wheaton's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2017 and other continuous disclosure documents filed by Wheaton since January 1, 2018, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Wheaton's Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are subject to the qualifications and notes set forth therein. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources: The information contained herein has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of United States securities laws. The terms "mineral reserve", "proven mineral reserve" and "probable mineral reserve" are Canadian mining terms defined in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ? Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") ? CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the "CIM Standards"). These definitions differ from the definitions in Industry Guide 7 ("SEC Industry Guide 7") under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"). Under U.S. standards, mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. Also, under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. In addition, the terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information contained herein that describes Wheaton's mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. United States investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in Wheaton's Form 40-F, a copy of which may be obtained from Wheaton or from http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

In accordance with the Company's MD&A and financial statements, reference to the Company includes the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries.



Patrick Drouin, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., Tel: 1-844-288-9878, Email: [email protected], Website: www.wheatonpm.com



These press releases may also interest you

at 08:03
The American Red Cross celebrates The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, headquartered in Salt Lake City, for its substantial donation of $7.35 million. The gift will help purchase blood equipment and biomedical emergency vehicles and will...

at 08:00
Bidpath Inc., a leading provider of global online auction software, proudly announces the launch of AuctionPay, a cutting-edge payments platform designed to revolutionize auction payments. With a focus on efficiency, security, and user-centric...

at 08:00
SC Ventures, Standard Chartered's innovation, fintech investment and ventures arm, is leading a ?12 million (USD $13 million) Series A round for distributed cloud provider Hive, to increase access to sustainable, high-powered computing resources for...

at 08:00
Callon Petroleum Company ("Callon" or the "Company") today announced the expiration and final tender results of its previously announced cash tender offers (the "Offers") for any and all of its 8.000% Senior Notes due 2028 (the "2028 Notes") and any...

at 08:00
The parties in Severa, et al. v. Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC, et al., announce that Judge Noel Hillman of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey has preliminarily approved a class action settlement. The hearing on...

at 08:00
PassPort Technologies, Inc. (PPTI), based in San Diego, a clinical-stage drug and medical device development company, today announced positive interim results from the Phase 1 (Part A) clinical trial of Zolmitriptan PassPort® utilizing its...



News published on and distributed by: