Le Lézard
Classified in: Mining industry, Business
Subjects: EARNINGS, MISCELLANEOUS, MISCELLANEOUS

Endeavour Reports Strong FY-2023 Results


ENDEAVOUR REPORTS STRONG FY-2023 RESULTS
Production of 1.1Moz at AISC of $967/oz ? Adj. EBITDA of $1.0bn ? Shareholder returns of $266m

OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (for continuing operations)
  • Q4-2023 production of 280koz at an industry-low AISC of $947/oz; totalling 1,072koz at an AISC of $967/oz for FY-2023
  • 11th consecutive year of achieving or beating production guidance at an industry-leading AISC
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $292m for Q4-2023 and $1,047m for FY-2023
  • Adjusted Net Earnings of $42m (or $0.17/sh) for Q4-2023 and $230m (or $0.93/sh) for FY-2023
  • Operating Cash Flow before changes in WC of $246m (or $1.00/sh) for Q4-2023 and $746m (or $3.02/sh) for FY-2023
  • Healthy financial position with net debt of $555m and leverage of 0.50x Net Debt / Adj. EBITDA (LTM) despite investing $548m in organic growth and exploration and delivering $266m in shareholder returns during the year
ROBUST SHAREHOLDER RETURNS
  • FY-2023 dividend of $200m and share buybacks of $66m; 52% more than the minimum commitment
  • Shareholder returns total $903m since first payment in Q1-2021, 77% more than the minimum commitment
ATTRACTIVE ORGANIC GROWTH
  • Sabodala-Massawa expansion and Lafigué project both on budget and on track for first gold in Q2-2024
  • Group M&I resources increased by 1.4Moz or 6% year-on-year to 26.7Moz as exploration prioritised the Tanda-Iguela project increasing its M&I resources by 303% to 4.5Moz, while P&P reserves decreased by 1.3Moz or 9% year-on-year to 13.9Moz, largely due to depletion, with resource to reserve conversion a key focus in 2024

London, 27 March 2024 ? Endeavour Mining plc (LSE:EDV, TSX:EDV, OTCQX:EDVMF) ("Endeavour", the "Group" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its FY-2023 operating and financial results, with highlights provided in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Highlights from continuing operations1

All amounts in US$ million unless otherwise specified THREE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED  
31 December 2023 30 September
2023
31 December 2022 31 December 2023 31 December 2022 ? FY-2023 vs. FY-2022  
 
OPERATING DATA              
Gold Production, koz 280 281 294 1,072 1,161 (8)%  
Gold Sold, koz 285 278 290 1,084 1,150 (6)%  
All-in Sustaining Cost2, $/oz 947 967 885 967 849 +14%  
Realised Gold Price3, $/oz 1,945 1,903 1,760 1,919 1,808 +6%  
CASH FLOW              
Operating Cash Flow before changes in working capital 246 121 244 746 982 (24)%  
Operating Cash Flow before changes in working capital2, $/sh 1.00 0.49 0.99 3.02 3.96 (24)%  
Operating Cash Flow 167 115 288 619 910 (32)%  
Operating Cash Flow2, $/sh 0.68 0.47 1.17 2.51 3.67 (32)%  
PROFITABILITY              
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders (160) 60 (10) (23) 194 (112)%  
Net Earnings, $/sh (0.65) 0.24 (0.04) (0.09) 0.78 (112)%  
Adj. Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders2 42 70 14 230 293 (22)%  
Adj. Net Earnings2, $/sh 0.17 0.28 0.06 0.93 1.18 (21)%  
EBITDA2 70 262 205 773 1,044 (26)%  
Adj. EBITDA2 292 263 256 1,047 1,133 (8)%  
SHAREHOLDER RETURNS2              
Shareholder dividends paid ? 100 ? 200 170 +18%  
Share buybacks 26 20 24 66 99 (34)%  
ORGANIC GROWTH2              
Growth capital spend 155 116 55 448 127 +253%  
Exploration spend from continuing operations 23 27 14 101 71 +42%  
FINANCIAL POSITION HIGHLIGHTS              
Net Debt, (Net Cash)2 555 445 (121) 555 (121) n.a.  
Net Debt, (Net Cash) / LTM Trailing adj. EBITDA4 0.50x 0.40x (0.09)x 0.50x (0.09)x n.a.  

1 Continuing operations excludes the Boungou and Wahgnion mines which were divested on 30 June 2023 and the Karma mine which was divested on 10 March 2022. 2This is a non-GAAP measure, refer to the non-GAAP Measures section for further details. 3Realised gold price are inclusive of the Sabodala-Massawa stream and the realised gains/losses from the Group's revenue protection programme. 4Last Twelve Months ("LTM") Trailing Adj. EBITDA includes EBITDA generated by discontinued operations.

Management will host a conference call and webcast today, 27 March 2024, at 9:30 am EDT / 1:30 pm GMT. For instructions on how to participate, please refer to the conference call and webcast section at the end of the news release. Today the Management Discussion & Analysis, audited Financial Statements and Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023 have been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and filed on SEDAR. The documents will shortly be available for inspection on the Company's website and at: https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. In addition, the Company has published its 2023 Sustainability Report, which will shortly be available on the Company's website.

Ian Cockerill, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "I am delighted to have been appointed CEO of Endeavour at such a pivotal moment. As you can see from our 2023 results, Endeavour is well positioned with a high-quality portfolio and a resilient business model that is underpinned by a disciplined approach to capital allocation. During the year we delivered against our key objectives and produced 1.1Moz of gold, meeting our production guidance for the eleventh consecutive year, while achieving an all-in sustaining cost of $967 per ounce, maintaining our status as one of the lowest cost producers within the sector.

We continued to increase the quality of our portfolio as we advanced our two high-margin development projects, the Sabodala-Massawa expansion and the Lafigué development project, which are both on budget and slightly ahead of schedule with commissioning underway at both projects. We also divested our non-core Boungou and Wahgnion mines during the year, further strengthening the quality of the portfolio and increasing its geographic diversification.

Our exploration programme continues to support our robust project pipeline, with the addition of 3.4 million ounces of Indicated resources at our Tanda-Iguela discovery in Côte d'Ivoire. This 4.5 million ounce discovery is not only one of the most significant discoveries in West Africa in the last ten years, but a potential tier 1 deposit for Endeavour, that we discovered for an industry low cost of $11 per ounce.

In addition to investing over $548 million in organic growth and exploration during the year, we returned $266 million to our shareholders, through dividends and share buybacks. We returned $227 dollars for every ounce of gold that we produced, reiterating our commitment to delivering attractive shareholder returns.

The foundations are in place for 2024 to be a transformational year of delivery. I am focused on completing our growth projects and transitioning to a more cash generative phase, that will prioritise de-levering the balance sheet and delivering enhanced shareholder returns, ensuring that the growth that we unlock, immediately benefits all our stakeholders."

INVESTIGATION INTO CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S MISCONDUCT COMPLETED

SHAREHOLDER RETURNS PROGRAMME

Table 2: Actual Shareholder Returns vs. Minimum Commitment

  MINIMUM ACTUAL SHAREHOLDER RETURNS SUPPLEMENTAL
(All amounts in US$m) DIVIDEND COMMITMENT DIVIDENDS BUYBACKS COMPLETED TOTAL RETURNS SHAREHOLDER RETURNS
FY-2020 60 60 ? 60 ?
FY-2021 125 140 138 278 +153
FY-2022 150 200 99 299 +149
FY-2023 175 200 66 266 +91
TOTAL 510 600 303 903 +393

CASH FLOW SUMMARY

The table below presents the cash flow for Endeavour for the three month period ended 31 December 2023, 30 September 2023, and 31 December 2022, and the twelve month period ended 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022 with accompanying explanations below.

Table 3: Cash Flow Summary

    THREE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED
All amounts in US$ million unless otherwise specified Notes 31 December 2023 30 September
2023
31 December 2022 31 December 2023 31 December 2022
Net cash from/(used in), as per cash flow statement:            
Operating cash flows before changes in working capital1   246 121 244 746 982
Changes in working capital1   (80) (5) 44 (127) (73)
Cash generated from discontinued operations   ? ? 23 27 108
Cash generated from operating activities [1] 167 115 311 647 1,017
Cash used in investing activities [2] (211) (195) (172) (821) (521)
Cash used in financing activities [3] (79) (125) (53) (277) (380)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   15 (15) 34 17 (71)
(DECREASE)/INCREASE IN CASH   (108) (219) 119 (434) 45
Cash and cash equivalent position at beginning of period   625 845 833 951 906
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENT POSITION AT END OF PERIOD   517 625 951 517 951

1Continuing Operations excludes the Boungou and Wahgnion mines which were divested on 30 June 2023 and the Karma mine which was divested on 10 March 2022.

NOTES:

1)  Operating cash flows increased by $51.8 million from $114.9 million (or $0.47 per share) in Q3-2023 to $166.7 million (or $0.68 per share) in Q4-2023 due to a higher realised gold price, lower taxes paid related to the timing of withholding tax payments and tax payments at Sabodala-Massawa, and lower exploration costs, partially offset by an increased working capital outflow.

Operating cash flows decreased by $370.6 million from $1,017.1 million (or $4.10 per share) in FY-2022 to $646.5 million (or $2.62 per share) in FY-2023 due to higher operating expenses, exploration costs and the timing of tax payments compounded by a reduction in cashflows generated by discontinued operations following the disposal of the Boungou and Wahgnion mines on 30 June 2023.

Notable variances are summarised below:

Table 4: Tax Payments from continuing operations

  THREE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED
All amounts in US$ million 31 December
2023
30 September
2023
31 December
2022
31 December
2023
31 December
2022
Houndé 16.5 11.3 9.8 51.7 46.8
Ity 18.6 9.3 ? 61.5 30.5
Mana 5.5 5.4 2.7 26.8 12.9
Sabodala-Massawa ? 65.3 ? 116.4 16.8
Other1 30.3 50.7 ? 84.5 51.3
Taxes paid by continuing operations 70.9 142.0 12.5 340.9 158.3
           

1Included in the "Other" category is income and withholding taxes paid by corporate and exploration entities.

2)  Cashflows used in investing activities increased by $15.9 million from $195.1 million in Q3-2023 to $211.0 million in Q4-2023 due to accelerated growth capital spend in Q4-2023 at the Sabodala-Massawa expansion and the Lafigué development project.

Cashflows used in investing activities increased by $299.4 million from $521.4 million in FY-2022 to $820.8 million in FY-2023 largely due to the increases in growth capital incurred at the Sabodala-Massawa expansion, which was launched in Q2-2022, and the Lafigué development project, which was launched in Q4-2022, as well as increases in non-sustaining capital at the Ity and Mana mines. This was partially offset by a decrease in sustaining capital at Sabodala-Massawa.

3)  Cash flows used in financing activities decreased by $45.6 million from an outflow of $124.6 million in Q3-2023 to an outflow of $79.0 million in Q4-2023 largely due to the timing of dividend payments to shareholders and reduced dividend payments to minorities compared to the prior period. Cash flows used in financing activities in Q4-2023 included a $70.0 million repayment of the RCF during the quarter, payments of financing and other fees of $36.7 million related to the coupon payments for the senior notes and the RCF, payments for the acquisition of the Company's own shares through its share buyback programme of $24.7 million, payment of dividends to minorities of $12.7 million, and repayment of finance and lease obligations of $7.0 million. Financing cash outflows were party offset by a $72.1 million drawdown of the Lafigué term loan.

Cash flows used in financing activities decreased by $103.5 million from an outflow of $380.1 million in FY-2022 to an outflow of $276.6 million in FY-2023 largely due to drawings on the Company's RCF during the year offsetting the financing cash outflows from the settlement of the Company's convertible notes. Cash flows used in financing activities in FY-2023 included the $330.0 million settlement of the Company's convertible notes, dividends paid to shareholders of $200.4 million, payments of dividends to minorities of $74.7 million, repayment of the drawn portions of the Company's RCF of $70.0 million, payments of financing and other fees of $68.6 million largely related to the coupon payments for the senior notes and the RCF, payments for the acquisition of the Company's own shares through its share buyback programme of $61.5 million, settlement of contingent considerations of $50.0 million that was paid to Barrick Gold as part of the Massawa acquisition, cash settlement of call rights of $28.5 million related to outstanding call rights from Teranga, repayment of finance and lease obligations of $20.5 million and payments for the settlement of tracker shares of $18.4 million. Financing cash outflows were partly offset by a $642.2 million drawdown of long-term debt facilities (including $535.0 million drawn from the Company's RCF and $107.2 million drawn from the Lafigué term loan) and receipts on exercise of options and warrants of $5.9 million.

EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

The table below presents the earnings and adjusted earnings for Endeavour for the three month periods ended 31 December 2023, 30 September 2023, and 31 December 2022 and the twelve month periods ended 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022 with accompanying explanations below.

Table 5: Earnings from Continuing Operations1

    THREE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED
All amounts in US$ million unless otherwise specified Notes 31 December
2023
30 September
2023
31 December
2022
31 December
2023
31 December
2022
Revenue [4] 579 530 508 2,115 2,069
Operating expenses [5] (209) (205) (186) (787) (720)
Depreciation and depletion [6] (133) (114) (137) (448) (476)
Royalties [7] (40) (32) (31) (134) (125)
Earnings from mine operations   198 178 154 745 749
Corporate costs [8] (11) (10) (15) (49) (48)
Impairment of mining interests and goodwill [9] (108) ? (3) (123) (3)
Share-based compensation   (7) (5) (18) (29) (33)
Other expense [10] (45) (7) (28) (55) (44)
Exploration costs [11] (6) (15) (7) (48) (34)
Earnings from operations   21 141 83 443 587
(Loss)/gain on financial instruments [12] (84) 7 (15) (118) (19)
Finance costs   (19) (19) (15) (71) (61)
Earnings before taxes   (82) 129 54 254 507
Current income tax expense [13] (75) (54) (48) (268) (258)
Deferred income tax (expense)/recovery [14] 10 (2) 1 57 8
Net comprehensive earnings from continuing operations [15] (148) 74 7 43 257
Add-back adjustments [16] 205 13 19 262 109
Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations   57 87 26 305 366
Portion attributable to non-controlling interests   15 17 12 75 73
Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations attributable to shareholders of the Company [17] 42 69 14 230 293
Adjusted net earnings per share from continuing operations   0.17 0.28 0.06 0.93 1.18

1 Continuing Operations excludes the Boungou and Wahgnion mines which were divested on 30 June 2023 and the Karma mine which was divested on 10 March 2022.

NOTES:

4)  Revenue increased by $49.3 million from $530.0 million in Q3-2023 to $579.3 million in Q4-2023 due to a $109 per ounce increase in the realised gold price from $1,898 per ounce in Q3-2023 to $2,007 per ounce in Q4-2023, exclusive of the Company's Revenue Protection Programme, further compounded by an increase in gold sales from continuing operations from 278koz in Q3-2023 to 285koz in Q4-2023 due to the timing of gold sales.

Revenue increased by $45.6 million from $2,069.0 million in FY-2022 to $2,114.6 million in FY-2023 due to a $148 per ounce increase in the realised gold price, exclusive of the Company's Revenue Protection Programme, from $1,791 per ounce in FY-2022 to $1,939 per ounce in FY-2023, which was partially offset by a decrease in gold sales from continuing operations from 1,150koz in FY-2022 to 1,084koz in FY-2023 due to lower production at the Sabodala-Massawa and Mana mines.

5)  Operating expenses increased by $3.4 million from $205.3 million in Q3-2023 to $208.7 million in Q4-2023 largely due to the matching of accrued expenses from Q3-2023 associated to ounces produced in Q3-2023 and subsequently sold in Q4-2023, particularly at Sabodala-Massawa where ounces sold exceeded quarterly production.

Operating expenses increased by $67.2 million from $720.0 million in FY-2022 to $787.2 million in FY-2023 due to increased mining volumes at Houndé and Mana, increased processing volumes at Houndé, Sabodala-Massawa and Ity, increased fuel and consumable costs, and the impact of the stronger EUR to USD foreign exchange rate increasing costs in FY-2023 compared to FY-2022.

6)  Depreciation and depletion increased by $18.2 million from $114.4 million in Q3-2023 to $132.6 million in Q4-2023 mainly due to higher production volumes achieved at Sabodala-Massawa as mining in the Sabodala pit, which is approaching the end of its mine life, incorporated higher associated depreciation rates.

Depreciation and depletion decreased by $27.6 million from $476.0 million in FY-2022 to $448.4 million in FY-2023 due to lower production volumes in combination with the lower depreciable base following the 2022 reserves and resource update.

7)  Royalties increased by $8.4 million from $31.9 million in Q3-2023 to $40.3 million in Q4-2023 due to an increase in the realised gold price as noted above, higher volumes of gold sold and the previously disclosed impact of the change in the sliding scale royalty rates in Burkina Faso, which came into effect in November 2023.

Royalties increased by $9.2 million from $124.5 million in FY-2022 to $133.7 million in FY-2023 due to an increase in the realised gold price as noted above and the previously disclosed impact of the change in the sliding scale royalty rates in Burkina Faso, which came into effect in November 2023, partially offset by lower volumes of gold sold.

8)  Corporate costs increased slightly from $10.4 million in Q3-2023 to $11.1 million in Q4-2023 due to higher general corporate costs associated with bonus accruals, partially offset by a reduction in employee compensation due to a credit in remuneration tied to forfeited compensation from the Company's former Chief Executive Officer.

Corporate costs increased slightly from $47.7 million in FY-2022 to $49.0 million in FY-2023 due to higher employee and professional service costs partially offset by a reduction in general corporate overhead.

9)  The Group recognised a non-cash impairment of mining interest and goodwill of $122.6 million in FY-2023 consisting of $65.7 million recognised against exploration properties where there is no near term activities planned and $56.9 million recognised against the Kalana project based on updated assumptions from the ongoing technical studies. The recognition of impairments against exploration properties primarily related to a $32.5 million impairment of the Kamsongo license on the Nabanga property in Burkina Faso in Q4-2023, $16.9 million recognised against the Afema exploration properties in Côte d'Ivoire that are in the process of being sold (of which $14.8 million was recognised in Q2-2023 and a further $2.1 million recognised in Q4-2023), and $16.3 million related to other exploration properties where there are no intentions to renew the licenses. In addition, a $56.9 million impairment was recognised on the Kalana project in Q4-2023 in relation to the envisaged changes to capital expenditure assumptions within the ongoing technical study.

10)  The Group recognised other expenses of $54.8 million in FY-2023 consisting of $24.9 million in tax settlements primarily related to indirect taxes at Sabodala-Massawa, $18.7 million in expected credit losses from cash receivables related to the Boungou and Wahgnion divestment (see additional details in the Non-Core Asset Divestment section below), $9.3 million in impairments of other receivables from Allied Gold ($5.9 million) and VAT ($3.4 million), a $4.3 million loss on the disposal of assets, $4.1 million in expected credit losses from other receivables, $1.8 million in acquisition and restructuring costs, and $0.8 million in community donations which were partly offset by $9.1 million in insurance proceeds received in relation to community disturbances.

11)  Exploration costs decreased by $9.3 million from $14.9 million in Q3-2023 to $5.6 million in Q4-2023 as the Group's exploration programmes largely focused on analysis and interpretation of drilling results following the conclusion of the years' drilling programmes early in the quarter.

Exploration costs increased by $13.6 million from $33.9 million in FY-2022 to $47.5 million in FY-2023 largely due to the increased expense at the Tanda-Iguela greenfield property, where, as published on 29 November 2023, an extensive drilling programme consisting of 167,436 metres of drilling resulted in the delineation of a 4.5Moz Indicated resource, grading 1.97 g/t Au, which marked a 303% increase over the maiden Indicated resource estimate published in late 2022, thereby confirming its potential to be a Tier 1 asset.

12)  The loss on financial instruments decreased by $91.5 million from a gain of $7.2 million in Q3-2023 to a loss of $84.3 million in Q4-2023 largely due to an increase in unrealised losses on gold collars and forward sales and the change in fair value of Net Smelter Return ("NSR") royalties related to asset sales partially offset by gains on foreign exchange movements. The loss on financial instruments in Q4-2023 included unrealised losses on gold collars and forward sales of $38.9 million, unrealised losses on NSRs related to the Boungou and Wahgnion divestment of $24.3 million, realised losses on gold collars and forward contracts of $17.8 million, and unrealised losses on marketable securities of $11.7 million related to the $50.0 million investment in Allied Gold shares. Losses on financial instruments were partially offset by unrealised foreign exchange gains of $8.0 million, an unrealised gain on foreign currency contracts of $0.7 million and realised gains on foreign currency contracts of $0.4 million.

The loss on financial instruments increased by $98.9 million from a loss of $19.1 million in FY-2022 to a loss of $118.0 million in FY-2023 and comprised of unrealised losses on NSRs and deferred consideration related to asset sales of $24.1 million, realised losses on gold collars and forward contracts of $21.3 million, unrealised losses on gold collars and forward contracts of $21.2 million, an unrealised loss on marketable securities of $20.5 million, a fair value loss on the conversion option of convertible notes of $14.9 million, unrealised foreign exchange losses of $13.3 million, a loss on the fair value of call rights of $9.0 million, unrealised losses on foreign currency contracts of $4.2 million, and a loss on the change in fair value of contingent considerations of $0.6 million related to Teranga's acquisition of the Massawa property. Losses on financial instruments were partially offset by an unrealised gain on the conversion of financial assets of $6.6 million related to the listing of Allied Shares and a realised gain on foreign currency contracts of $4.0 million and a gain on other financial instruments of $0.5 million.

As previously disclosed, in order to increase cash flow visibility during its construction and de-leveraging phases, Endeavour entered into a Revenue Protection Programme, using a combination of zero premium gold collars and forward sales contracts, to cover a portion of its 2023, 2024 and 2025 production.

As previously disclosed, Endeavour entered into a Growth Capital Protection Programme designed to enhance cost certainty for a portion of its growth capital expenditure at its Sabodala-Massawa expansion and Lafigué growth projects. The Group had entered into various foreign exchange forward contracts across both the Euro and the Australian Dollar over 2023 and 2024.

13)  Current income tax expense increased by $21.3 million from $53.5 million in Q3-2023 to $74.8 million in Q4-2023 largely due to the recognition of withholding tax expenses of $30.1 million following local Board approvals for cash upstreaming at Ity and increased corporate taxes following higher taxable earnings during the quarter.

Current income tax expense increased by $10.1 million from $257.8 million in FY-2022 to $267.9 million in FY-2023 due to higher withholding tax expenses following larger amounts of cash upstreamed this year, partially offset by lower taxable earnings in FY-2023.

14)  Deferred income tax increased by $11.3 million from the deferred income tax expense of $1.6 million in Q3-2023 to a deferred income tax recovery of $9.7 million in Q4-2023 mainly due to the deferred tax impact of the impairment of the Kalana project, partially offset by the effect of foreign exchange remeasurements on deferred tax balances.

Deferred income tax recovery increased by $49.6 million from $7.5 million in FY-2022 to $57.1 million in FY-2023 largely due to the reversal of deferred tax liabilities that were previously recognised on mining interests. These liabilities arose from the difference between Sabodala-Massawa's tax base and accounting base, which included fair value adjustments when it was initially acquired. In addition, the impairment of the Kalana project reduced its carrying value and the associated deferred tax liability, which also arose when the project was acquired.

15)  Net comprehensive earnings from continuing operations decreased by $221.1 million from net comprehensive earnings of $73.6 million in Q3-2023 to a net comprehensive loss of $147.5 million in Q4-2023. The decrease in earnings is largely driven by the loss on financial instruments following the mark-to-market of gold collars, forward contracts and changes in foreign exchange rates in addition to the change in fair value of NSRs and marketable securities, the non-cash impairment charge on mineral interests, higher other expenses reflecting the impairment of deferred cash consideration from asset disposals and tax claims related to Sabodala-Massawa, higher tax expenses driven by the recognition of withholding taxes during the quarter and higher royalties.

Net comprehensive earnings from continuing operations decreased by $214.1 million from $256.8 million in FY-2022 to $42.7 million in FY-2023. The decrease in earnings is largely driven by the loss on financial instruments following the mark-to-market of gold collars, forward contracts and changes in foreign exchange rates, the non-cash impairment charge on mineral interests, higher tax expenses, higher exploration expense, and lower earnings from mine operations due to higher operating expenses and royalties.

16)  For Q4-2023, adjustments included a non-cash impairment charge of $107.8 million as discussed above, a net loss on financial instruments of $66.5 million related to the unrealised loss on forward sales and collars and change in fair value of NSRs and marketable securities, other expenses of $45.1 million primarily related to the impairment of the deferred cash consideration mentioned above and a net loss from discontinued operations of $2.4 million related to a tax payment for the disposed Karma mine, partially offset by a gain on non-cash, tax and other adjustments of $14.8 million that mainly relate to the impact of foreign exchange remeasurements of deferred tax balances.

For FY-2023, adjustments included an impairment charge of $122.6 million related to the Group's exploration permit portfolio and the Kalana project, a net loss on financial instruments of $96.7 million, related to the unrealised loss on forward sales and collars and a change in fair value of NSRs and marketable securities and the fair value loss on the convertible option of convertible notes and other expenses of $54.8 million, partly offset by a gain on non-cash, tax and other adjustments of $11.8 million that mainly relate to the impact of the foreign exchange remeasurement of deferred tax balance.

17)  Adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders for continuing operations decreased by $27.4 million from $69.5 million (or $0.28 per share) in Q3-2023 to $42.1 million (or $0.17 per share) in Q4-2023, due to higher tax expense, higher depreciation, higher realised losses on gold forwards and higher royalties.

Adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders for continuing operations decreased by $62.4 million from $292.7 million (or $1.18 per share) in FY-2022 to $230.2 million (or $0.93 per share) in FY-2023 due to lower operating margins, higher exploration costs, higher taxes and higher realised losses on gold forwards.

SUMMARISED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

The table below presents the summarised statement of financial position and liquidity for the Group as at 31 December 2023, and 31 December 2022, with accompanying explanations below.

Table 6: Summarised Statement of Financial Position

All amounts in US$ million unless otherwise specified Note As at 31
December 2023
As at 31 December 2022
ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents   517 951
Other current assets [18] 603 495
Total current assets   1,120 1,446
Mining interests [19] 4,157 4,517
Other long term assets [20] 581 451
TOTAL ASSETS   5,859 6,415
LIABILITIES      
Other current liabilities [21] 439 462
Current portion of debt [22] 9 337
Income taxes payable [23] 166 247
Total current liabilities   613 1,046
Long-term debt [24] 1,060 488
Environmental rehabilitation provision   115 165
Other long-term liabilities   58 54
Deferred income taxes   464 575
TOTAL LIABILITIES   2,310 2,327
TOTAL EQUITY   3,548 4,087
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES   5,859 6,415
       

NOTES:

18)  Other current assets as at 31 December 2023 consisted of $224.9 million of inventories, $269.2 million of trade and other receivables, $39.2 million of prepaid expenses and other, and $69.7 million of other financial assets.

19)  Mining Interests decreased by $359.9 million from $4,517.0 million as at 31 December 2022 to $4,157.1 million as at 31 December 2023 due to the divestment of the Boungou and Wahgnion assets on 30 June 2023, the impairment on the Kalana project and the impairment of exploration properties, partly offset by $762.6 million of capital expenditure on mining interests during the year.

20)  Other long-term assets increased by $129.9 million from $451.3 million as at 31 December 2022 to $581.2 million as at 31 December 2023 and consisted of $323.6 million of long-term stockpiles not expected to be processed in the next twelve months at the Houndé, Ity and Sabodala-Massawa mines, $134.4 million of goodwill allocated to the Sabodala-Massawa and Mana mines, other financial assets of $123.2 million that primarily comprise the deferred cash and NSR consideration elements of the sale of Boungou, Wahgnion and Karma mines, and $41.1 million of restricted cash mainly relating to reclamation bonds.

21)  Other current liabilities decreased by $23.2 million from $461.9 million as at 31 December 2022 to $438.7 million as at 31 December 2023 and consisted of $406.9 million of trade and other payables, $17.5 million of other financial liabilities consisting of foreign currency, gold forward derivative contracts, PSU and DSU liabilities, and $14.3 million of lease liabilities. Trade and other payables increased by $52.3 million due to dividends payable to the minority shareholders at Ity and an increase in payables related to the BIOX® and Lafigué growth projects, in part offset by the de-recognition of the Boungou and Wahgnion associated payables following their disposal. Other financial liabilities decreased primarily due to the settlements of the Barrick contingent liability of $50.0 million and the call-rights liability of $28.5 million, in part offset by an increase in derivative financial liabilities.

22)  The current portion of debt decreased by $328.1 million from $336.6 million as at 31 December 2022 to $8.5 million as at 31 December 2023 due to the settlement of the Convertible Notes and the associated conversion option during Q1-2023, of which the principal of $330.0 million was repaid in cash at the Company's election and 835,254 shares were issued to holders of the Convertible Notes to settle the in the money option of $19.2 million as the share price was at a premium to the strike price at maturity.

23)  Income taxes payable decreased by $80.9 million from $247.1 million as at 31 December 2022 to $166.2 million as at 31 December 2023 due largely to the de-recognition of Wahgnion and Boungou associated payables, the payment of tax assessments and the timing of 2023 provisional and 2022 true-up tax payments during FY-2023, partly offset by additional income tax expense accrued during FY-2023.

24)  The non-current portion of long-term debt increased by $571.8 million from $488.1 million as at 31 December 2022 to $1,059.9 million as at 31 December 2023 due to the additional draw down on the RCF and the Lafigué Term Loan facility.


Table 7: Summarised Statement of Financial Position

    THREE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED
All amounts in US$ million unless otherwise specified   31 December
2023
30 September
2023
31 December
2022
31 December
2023
31 December
2022
Cash and cash equivalents [25] 517 625 951 517 951
Principal amount of $500m Senior Notes   500 500 500 500 500
Drawn portion of $645m Revolving Credit Facility   465 535 ? 465 ?
Local term loan financing   107 35 ? 107 ?
Principal amount of Convertible Notes   ? ? 330 ? 330
Net Debt / (Net Cash)1 [26] 555 445 (121) 555 (121)
Trailing twelve month adjusted EBITDA1,2   1,101 1,113 1,284 1,101 1,284
Net Debt (Net Cash) / Adjusted EBITDA (LTM) ratio1,2   0.50x 0.40x (0.09)x 0.50x (0.09)x

1Net debt, Adjusted EBITDA, and cash flow per share are Non-GAAP measures. Refer to the non-GAAP measure section in this press release and in the Management Report. 2Last Twelve Months ("LTM") Trailing EBITDA adj. includes EBITDA generated by discontinued operations.

25)  At quarter end, Endeavour's liquidity remained strong at $757.1 million, consisting of $517.2 million of cash and cash equivalents, $180.0 million available through the Company's revolving credit facility and $59.9 million available through the Lafigué term loan.

26)  Endeavour's net debt position has increased by $109.9 million, from $445.0 million at the end of Q3-2023 to $555.0 million at the end of Q4-2023. The net debt / Adjusted EBITDA (LTM) leverage ratio increased from 0.40x at the end of Q3-2023 to 0.50x at the end of Q4-2023. 

NON-CORE ASSET DIVESTMENT

OPERATING SUMMARY

Table 8: Group Production and All-In Sustaining Cost from Continuing Operations Compared to Guidance

  2023 ACTUALS 2023 GUIDANCE
PRODUCTION FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 1,072         1,060         ? 1,135
AISC FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE ROYALTY COSTS, $/oz 844         790         ? 845
Royalty cost, $/oz1 123
 
105 
AISC FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS, $/oz 967         895         ? 950

12023 AISC guidance was based on a gold price of $1,750/oz compared to the realised gold price of $1,952/oz

Table 9: Group Production

  THREE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED
All amounts in koz, on a 100% basis 31 December
2023
30 September
2023
31 December
2022
31 December
2023
31 December
2022
Houndé 84 109 63 312 295
Ity 74 73 82 324 313
Mana 37 30 46 142 195
Sabodala-Massawa 85 69 103 294 358
PRODUCTION FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 280 281 294 1,072 1,161
Boungou1 ? ? 26 33 116
Wahgnion1 ? ? 36 68 124
Karma2 ? ? ? ? 10
GROUP PRODUCTION 280 281 355 1,173 1,410

1The Boungou and Wahgnion mines were divested on 30 June 2023. 2The Karma mine was divested on 10 March 2022.

Table 10: Group All-In Sustaining Costs

All amounts in US$/oz

 
THREE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED
31 December
2023
30 September
2023
31 December
2022
31 December
2023
31 December
2022
Houndé 901 787 969 943 809
Ity 865 864 847 809 812
Mana 1,482 1,734 999 1,427 994
Sabodala-Massawa 700 840 661 767 691
Corporate G&A 41 40 52 48 43
AISC FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 947 967 885 967 849
Boungou1 ? ? 1,118 1,639 1,064
Wahgnion1 ? ? 1,376 1,566 1,525
Karma2 ? ? ? ? 1,504
GROUP AISC3 947 967 954 1,021 933

1The Boungou and Wahgnion mines were divested on 30 June 2023. 2The Karma mine was divested on 10 March 2022. 3This is a non-GAAP measure, refer to the non-GAAP Measures section for further details.

2024 OUTLOOK

OPERATING ACTIVITIES BY MINE

Houndé Gold Mine, Burkina Faso

Table 11: Houndé Performance Indicators

For The Period Ended Q4-2023 Q3-2023 Q4-2022   FY-2023 FY-2022
Tonnes ore mined, kt 1,499 1,209 1,912   5,420 5,754
Total tonnes mined, kt 11,993 10,603 12,901   47,680 45,490
Strip ratio (incl. waste cap) 7.00 7.77 5.75   7.80 6.91
Tonnes milled, kt 1,360 1,400 1,359   5,549 5,043
Grade, g/t 2.15 2.68 1.55   1.92 1.92
Recovery rate, %         90         91         92           91         93
Production, koz 84 109 63   312 295
Total cash cost/oz 837 704 793   835 701
AISC/oz 901 787 969   943 809

Q4-2023 vs Q3-2023 Insights

FY-2023 vs FY-2022 Insights

2024 Outlook

Ity Gold Mine, Côte d'Ivoire

Table 12: Ity Performance Indicators

For The Period Ended Q4-2023 Q3-2023 Q4-2022   FY-2023 FY-2022
Tonnes ore mined, kt 1,721 1,246 1,662   6,790 7,044
Total tonnes mined, kt 7,349 6,020 6,043   27,891 23,946
Strip ratio (incl. waste cap) 3.27 3.83 2.64   3.11 2.40
Tonnes milled, kt 1,593 1,494 1,710   6,714 6,351
Grade, g/t 1.63 1.60 1.73   1.63 1.80
Recovery rate, %         91         93         87           92         85
Production, koz 74 73 82   324 313
Total cash cost/oz 829 826 816   777 769
AISC/oz 865 864 847   809 812


Q4-2023 vs Q3-2023 Insights

FY-2023 vs FY-2022 Insights

2024 Outlook

Mana Gold Mine, Burkina Faso

Table 13: Mana Performance Indicators

For The Period Ended Q4-2023 Q3-2023 Q4-2022   FY-2023 FY-2022
OP tonnes ore mined, kt 169 297 338   1,298 1,260
OP total tonnes mined, kt 805 1,508 1,057   6,001 3,615
OP strip ratio (incl. waste cap) 3.77 4.08 2.13   3.62 1.87
UG tonnes ore mined, kt 432 349 299   1,314 944
Tonnes milled, kt 515 643 643   2,443 2,607
Grade, g/t 2.59 1.66 2.33   2.01 2.49
Recovery rate, %         89         88         93           91         92
Production, koz 37 30 46   142 195
Total cash cost/oz 1,207 1,599 941   1,284 943
AISC/oz 1,482 1,734 999   1,427 994

Q4-2023 vs Q3-2023 Insights

FY-2023 vs FY-2022 Insights

2024 Outlook

Sabodala-Massawa Gold Mine, Senegal

Table 14: Sabodala-Massawa Performance Indicators

For The Period Ended Q4-2023 Q3-2023 Q4-2022   FY-2023 FY-2022
Tonnes ore mined, kt 1,884 1,745 1,727   6,205 6,449
Total tonnes mined, kt 11,319 11,989 12,645   45,943 49,259
Strip ratio (incl. waste cap) 5.01 5.87 6.32   6.40 6.64
Tonnes milled, kt 1,255 1,175 1,154   4,755 4,289
Grade, g/t 2.31 2.06 3.16   2.15 2.88
Recovery rate, %         89         91         88           89         89
Production, koz 85 69 103   294 358
Total cash cost/oz 686 758 559   688 577
AISC/oz 700 840 661   767 691


Q4-2023 vs Q3-2023 Insights

FY-2023 vs FY-2022 Insights

2024 Outlook

Plant Expansion

Lafigué Project, Côte d'Ivoire

Project Update

2024 Outlook

Tanda-Iguela Project, Côte d'Ivoire

Project Update

EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES

Table 15: Q4-2023 and FY-2023 Exploration Expenditure and FY-2024 Guidance1

  Q4-2023 ACTUAL

 
FY-2023 ACTUAL

 
FY-2024 GUIDANCE

 
All amounts in US$ million
Houndé mine 1.4 8.0 7.0
Ity mine 1.8 16.0 10.0
Mana mine 0.8 7.1 2.0
Sabodala-Massawa mine 4.0 19.3 21.0
Lafigué project 0.6 1.7 4.0
Tanda-Iguela Project 5.1 36.6 15.0
Greenfields 8.9 12.2 6.0
TOTAL EXPLORATION EXPENDITURE 22.6 100.9 65.0

1Exploration expenditures include expensed, sustaining, and non-sustaining exploration expenditures.

Houndé mine

Ity mine

Mana mine

Sabodala-Massawa mine

Lafigué mine

Tanda-Iguela Project

Greenfield Exploration

GROUP RESERVES AND RESOURCES

Table 16: Reserve and Resource Evolution from continuing operations1

In Moz on a 100% basis 31 Dec 20232 31 Dec 20223 ? 2023 vs 2022
P&P Reserves 13.9 15.2 (1.3) (9)%
M&I Resources (inclusive of Reserves) 26.7 25.3 +1.4 +6%
Inferred Resources 5.4 7.9 (2.5) (32)%

1Excludes reserves and resources from the Boungou and Wahgnion mines, which were divested on 30 June 2023 and the Karma mine, which was divested on 10 March 2022. 2Notes available in Appendix A for the 2023 mineral reserves and resources. 3For 2022 reserves and resource notes, please read the press release dated 9 March 2023 available on the Company's website.

Table 17: Reserve and Resource Gold Prices for Mines

Au price $/oz HOUNDÉ ITY LAFIGUÉ MANA SABODALA-MASSAWA TANDA-IGUELA (ASSAFOU)
2023 Reserves 1,300 1,300 1,300 1,300 1,300 ?
2022 Reserves 1,300 1,300 1,300 1,300 1,300 ?
             
2023 Resources 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500
2022 Resources 1,500 / 1,8001 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500

1Resources at the Golden Hill deposit were calculated at $1,800/oz

CONFERENCE CALL AND LIVE WEBCAST

Management will host a conference call and webcast on Wednesday 27 March, at 9:30 am EDT / 1:30 pm GMT to discuss the Company's financial results.

The conference call and webcast are scheduled at:
6:30am in Vancouver
9:30am in Toronto and New York
1:30pm in London
9:30pm in Hong Kong and Perth

The webcast can be accessed through the following link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/5sfuz85u

Click here to add a Webcast reminder to your Outlook Calendar.

Analysts and investors are also invited to participate and ask questions by registering for the conference call dial-in via the following link:
https://register.vevent.com/register/BId71a00d64eb241e89e189a879baa5331

The conference call and webcast will be available for playback on Endeavour's website.
  

QUALIFIED PERSONS

Mark Morcombe, COO of Endeavour Mining PLC., a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For Investor Relations enquiries: For Media enquiries:
Jack Garman Brunswick Group LLP in London
Vice President of Investor Relations Carole Cable, Partner
442030112723 442074045959
[email protected] [email protected]

 

ABOUT ENDEAVOUR MINING PLC

Endeavour Mining is one of the world's senior gold producers and the largest in West Africa, with operating assets across Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso and a strong portfolio of advanced development projects and exploration assets in the highly prospective Birimian Greenstone Belt across West Africa.

A member of the World Gold Council, Endeavour is committed to the principles of responsible mining and delivering sustainable value to its employees, stakeholders and the communities where it operates. Endeavour is admitted to listing and to trading on the London Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange, under the symbol EDV.

For more information, please visit www.endeavourmining.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This document contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements", including but not limited to, statements with respect to Endeavour's plans and operating performance, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of future production, future capital expenditures, the success of exploration activities, the anticipated timing for the payment of a shareholder dividend and statements with respect to future dividends payable to the Company's shareholders, the expected timing for completion of technical studies, the potential for Tanda-Iguela to be a Tier 1 deposit, mine life and any potential extensions, the future price of gold and the share buyback programme. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "expected", "budgeted", "forecasts", "anticipates", believes", "plan", "target", "opportunities", "objective", "assume", "intention", "goal", "continue", "estimate", "potential", "strategy", "future", "aim", "may", "will", "can", "could", "would" and similar expressions .

Forward-looking statements, while based on management's reasonable estimates, projections and assumptions at the date the statements are made, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the successful integration of acquisitions or completion of divestitures; risks related to international operations; risks related to general economic conditions and the impact of credit availability on the timing of cash flows and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future cash flows; Endeavour's financial results, cash flows and future prospects being consistent with Endeavour expectations in amounts sufficient to permit sustained dividend payments; the completion of studies on the timelines currently expected, and the results of those studies being consistent with Endeavour's current expectations; actual results of current exploration activities; production and cost of sales forecasts for Endeavour meeting expectations; unanticipated reclamation expenses; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; fluctuations in prices of metals including gold; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; increases in market prices of mining consumables; possible variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; extreme weather events, natural disasters, supply disruptions, power disruptions, accidents, pit wall slides, labour disputes, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry; delays in the completion of development or construction activities; changes in national and local government legislation, regulation of mining operations, tax rules and regulations and changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices in the jurisdictions in which Endeavour operates; disputes, litigation, regulatory proceedings and audits; adverse political and economic developments in countries in which Endeavour operates, including but not limited to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage, civil disturbances, non-renewal of key licenses by government authorities, or the expropriation or nationalisation of any of Endeavour's property; risks associated with illegal and artisanal mining; environmental hazards; and risks associated with new diseases, epidemics and pandemics.

Although Endeavour has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Please refer to Endeavour's most recent Annual Information Form filed under its profile at www.sedar.com for further information respecting the risks affecting Endeavour and its business.

The declaration and payment of future dividends and the amount of any such dividends will be subject to the determination of the Board of Directors, in its sole and absolute discretion, taking into account, among other things, economic conditions, business performance, financial condition, growth plans, expected capital requirements, compliance with the Company's constating documents, all applicable laws, including the rules and policies of any applicable stock exchange, as well as any contractual restrictions on such dividends, including any agreements entered into with lenders to the Company, and any other factors that the Board of Directors deems appropriate at the relevant time. There can be no assurance that any dividends will be paid at the intended rate or at all in the future.

NON-GAAP MEASURES

Some of the indicators used by Endeavour in this press release represent non-IFRS financial measures, including "all-in margin", "all-in sustaining cost", "net cash / net debt", "EBITDA", "adjusted EBITDA", "net cash / net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio", "cash flow from continuing operations", "total cash cost per ounce", "sustaining and non-sustaining capital", "net earnings", "adjusted net earnings", "operating cash flow per share", and "return on capital employed". These measures are presented as they can provide useful information to assist investors with their evaluation of the pro forma performance. Since the non-IFRS performance measures listed herein do not have any standardised definition prescribed by IFRS, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Accordingly, they are 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. Please refer to the non-GAAP measures section in the Company's most recently filed Management Report for a reconciliation of the non-IFRS financial measures used in this press release.

Corporate Office: 5 Young St, Kensington, London W8 5EH, UK

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