Designated News Release
FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL
YEAR FINANCIAL RESULTS
VANCOUVER, BC, March 14,
2024 /PRNewswire/ - "With a record eight acquisitions
totalling just over $1 billion in
commitments, we bolstered our growth strategy in 2023, enhancing
our production profile and supporting our long-term, growth
forecast of approximately 40% over the next five years," said
Randy Smallwood, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Wheaton Precious Metals. "Our diversified
portfolio of long-life, low-cost assets continued to deliver solid
operating results, and we are pleased to have met our annual
production guidance, achieving approximately 620,000 gold
equivalent ounces. Furthermore, we have now recouped over 100% of
the value of our initial upfront investments since inception, an
accomplishment which is particularly noteworthy given the
significant reserve and resource base underpinning our portfolio,
supporting decades of forecasted remaining mine life. To reinforce
our confidence in the sustainability and growth potential of
Wheaton, we are pleased to announce a transition to a new
progressive dividend policy, marked by an increase in our 2024
annual dividend. As we embark on what we anticipate being a phase
of substantial and meaningful growth, our dedication to deploying
capital in a manner that generates value for not only our
shareholders, but also our partners and communities, remains
unwavering."
Solid Financial Results and Strong Balance Sheet
- Fourth quarter of 2023: $313
million in revenue, $242
million in operating cash flow, $168
million in net earnings and $165
million in adjusted net earnings1 and, paid a
quarterly dividend1 of $0.15 per common share.
- Full year of 2023: $1,016 million
in revenue, $751 million in operating
cash flow, $538 million in net
earnings and $533 million in adjusted
net earnings1.
- Balance Sheet: cash balance of $547
million, no debt, and an undrawn $2
billion revolving credit facility as at December 31, 2023 after making total upfront cash
payments of $452 million relative to
mineral stream interests in the quarter.
High Quality Asset Base
- Streaming and royalty agreements on 18 operating mines and 27
development projects6.
- 93% of attributable production from assets in the lowest half
of their respective cost curves2,4.
- Attributable gold equivalent production3 of 174,200
ounces in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 619,600 for the full year
of 2023.
- Achieved annual production guidance for 2023 of 600,000 to
660,000 GEOs3, with sector-leading growth over the next
five to ten years.
- Accretive portfolio growth:
- On October 24, 2023, the Company
entered into a definitive agreement with Waterton Copper Corp.
to acquire a silver stream on the Mineral Park mine for total cash
consideration of $115 million.
- On November 15, 2023, announced
the Company has entered into a definitive agreement with certain
entities advised by Orion Resource Partners to acquire existing
streams in respect of Ivanhoe Mines' Platreef project and BMC
Minerals' Kudz Ze Kayah project, for total cash consideration of up
to $455 million. In addition, the
Company entered into an agreement for a gold stream in respect of
Dalradian Gold's Curraghinalt project, for total cash consideration
of $75 million.
- On November 21, 2023, the Company
and Vale jointly announced the successful completion of the
throughput test for the first phase of the Salobo III expansion
project in Brazil, with the Salobo
complex exceeding an average of 32 Mtpa over a 90-day period. Under
the terms of the Salobo precious metals purchase agreement, the
Company made a payment to Vale Base Metals totalling $370 million for completion of the first phase of
the Salobo III expansion project in December
2023.
- On December 13, 2023, the Company
entered into a royalty agreement with Vista Gold Corp. to acquire a
royalty in the amount of 1% of gross revenue from the sale or
disposition of minerals from the Mt Todd gold project located in
Australia for total cash
consideration of $20 million.
Leadership in Sustainability
- Top Rankings: Ranked in the Global Top 50 out of over 15,000
multi-sector companies by Sustainalytics, AA rated by MSCI, and
Prime rated by ISS.
- Subsequent to the quarter, Wheaton was recognized among
Corporate Knights' 2024 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the
world. The Company will be included in the Global 100 Index, which
represents a benchmark for sustainability excellence.
Operational Overview
(all figures in US
dollars unless otherwise
noted)
|
|
|
Q4 2023
|
|
|
Q4 2022
|
|
Change
|
|
|
2023
|
|
|
2022
|
|
|
Change
|
Units
produced
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold ounces
|
|
|
113,359
|
|
|
69,027
|
|
64.2 %
|
|
|
374,585
|
|
|
285,601
|
|
|
31.2 %
|
Silver
ounces
|
|
|
4,208
|
|
|
5,303
|
|
(20.6) %
|
|
|
17,176
|
|
|
23,800
|
|
|
(27.8) %
|
Palladium
ounces
|
|
|
4,209
|
|
|
3,869
|
|
8.8 %
|
|
|
15,800
|
|
|
15,485
|
|
|
2.0 %
|
Cobalt
pounds
|
|
|
215
|
|
|
128
|
|
67.5 %
|
|
|
673
|
|
|
724
|
|
|
(7.1) %
|
Gold equivalent ounces
3
|
|
|
174,222
|
|
|
142,887
|
|
21.9 %
|
|
|
619,608
|
|
|
616,755
|
|
|
0.5 %
|
Units
sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold ounces
|
|
|
115,011
|
|
|
68,996
|
|
66.7 %
|
|
|
327,336
|
|
|
293,234
|
|
|
11.6 %
|
Silver
ounces
|
|
|
3,175
|
|
|
4,935
|
|
(35.7) %
|
|
|
14,326
|
|
|
21,570
|
|
|
(33.6) %
|
Palladium
ounces
|
|
|
3,339
|
|
|
3,396
|
|
(1.7) %
|
|
|
13,919
|
|
|
15,076
|
|
|
(7.7) %
|
Cobalt
pounds
|
|
|
288
|
|
|
187
|
|
54.0 %
|
|
|
1,074
|
|
|
1,038
|
|
|
3.5 %
|
Gold equivalent ounces
3
|
|
|
162,360
|
|
|
138,218
|
|
17.5 %
|
|
|
537,608
|
|
|
598,244
|
|
|
(10.1) %
|
Change in PBND and
Inventory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold equivalent ounces
3
|
|
|
(2,973)
|
|
|
(10,191)
|
|
(7,218)
|
|
|
23,674
|
|
|
(40,033)
|
|
|
(63,707)
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
313,471
|
|
$
|
236,051
|
|
32.8 %
|
|
$
|
1,016,045
|
|
$
|
1,065,053
|
|
|
(4.6) %
|
Net
earnings
|
|
$
|
168,435
|
|
$
|
166,125
|
|
1.4 %
|
|
$
|
537,644
|
|
$
|
669,126
|
|
|
(19.6) %
|
Per share
|
|
$
|
0.372
|
|
$
|
0.367
|
|
1.4 %
|
|
$
|
1.187
|
|
$
|
1.482
|
|
|
(19.9) %
|
Adjusted net
earnings 1
|
|
$
|
164,569
|
|
$
|
103,744
|
|
58.6 %
|
|
$
|
533,051
|
|
$
|
504,912
|
|
|
5.6 %
|
Per share
1
|
|
$
|
0.363
|
|
$
|
0.229
|
|
58.5 %
|
|
$
|
1.177
|
|
$
|
1.118
|
|
|
5.3 %
|
Operating cash
flows
|
|
$
|
242,226
|
|
$
|
172,028
|
|
40.8 %
|
|
$
|
750,809
|
|
$
|
743,424
|
|
|
1.0 %
|
Per share
1
|
|
$
|
0.535
|
|
$
|
0.381
|
|
40.4 %
|
|
$
|
1.658
|
|
$
|
1.646
|
|
|
0.7 %
|
All amounts in
thousands except gold, palladium & gold equivalent ounces, and
per share amounts.
|
Financial Review
Revenues
Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023
was $313 million (74% gold, 24%
silver, 1% palladium and 1% cobalt), with the $77 million increase relative to the prior period
quarter being primarily due to a 17% increase in the number of
GEOs³ sold; and a 13% increase in the average realized gold
equivalent³ price.
Revenue was $1,016 million in the
year ended December 31, 2023,
representing a $49 million decrease
from 2022 due primarily to a 10% decrease in the number of GEOs³
sold, resulting from relative changes in the GEOs³ produced but not
yet delivered; partially offset by a 6% increase in the average
realized gold equivalent³ price.
Cash Costs and Margin
Average cash costs¹ in
the fourth quarter of 2023 were $417
per GEO³ as compared to $447 in the
fourth quarter of 2022. This resulted in a cash operating
margin¹ of $1,514 per GEO³ sold, an
increase of 20% as compared with the fourth quarter of 2022, a
result of the higher realized price per ounce coupled with the
lower average cash costs.
Average cash costs¹ in 2023 were $424 per GEO³ as compared to $447 in 2022. This resulted in a cash operating
margin¹ of $1,466 per GEO³ sold, a
10% increase from 2022.
Cash Flow from Operations
Operating cash flow
in the fourth quarter of 2023 amounted to $242 million, with the $70
million increase due primarily to the higher gross
margin.
Operating cash flows in 2023 amounted to $751 million, with the $7
million increase from the comparable period of the previous
year being due primarily to higher amounts of interest received
during the current year, partially offset by lower sales
volumes.
Balance Sheet (at December 31, 2023)
- Approximately $547 million of
cash on hand
- During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company made total
upfront cash payments of $452 million
relative to the mineral stream interests consisting of
- $35 million payment relative to
the Blackwater Silver precious metals purchase agreement
("PMPA");
- a $10 million payment relative to
the expansion of the Blackwater Gold PMPA;
- $17 million relative to
the Cangrejos PMPA;
- $20 million relative to
the Curraghinalt PMPA; and
- $370 million relative to
the Salobo III expansion payment
- With the existing cash on hand coupled with the fully undrawn
$2 billion revolving credit facility,
the Company believes it is well positioned to fund all outstanding
commitments and known contingencies as well as providing
flexibility to acquire additional accretive mineral stream
interests.
Fourth Quarter Operating Asset Highlights
Salobo: In the fourth quarter of 2023, Salobo
produced 71,800 ounces of attributable gold, an increase of
approximately 89% relative to the fourth quarter of 2022, driven by
higher throughput, with production from the third concentrator line
commencing at the end of 2022, combined with higher grades and
recoveries. The prior year was also impacted by changes in
maintenance routines. In the fourth quarter of 2023, Salobo reached
its highest production level since the fourth quarter of 2019 as
the ramp-up of the Salobo III expansion continued to advance.
On November 21, 2023, Vale
reported the successful completion of the throughput test for the
first phase of the Salobo III project, with the Salobo complex
exceeding an average of 32 Mtpa over a 90-day period. Under the
terms of the agreement, the Company paid Salobo $370 million for the completion of the first
phase of the Salobo III expansion project on December 1, 2023. Salobo III is expected to
achieve a sustained throughput capacity of 36 Mtpa in the fourth
quarter of 2024.
Antamina: In the fourth quarter of 2023, Antamina
produced 1.0 million ounces of attributable silver, a decrease of
approximately 3% relative to the fourth quarter of 2022. On
February 15, 2024, Peru's National Environmental Certification
Service for Sustainable Investments approved, after a detailed
evaluation process, the Modification of the Environmental Impact
Study, which will allow for the extension of Antamina's mine life
from 2028 to 2036.
Peñasquito: In the fourth quarter of 2023,
Peñasquito produced 1.0 million ounces of attributable silver, a
decrease of approximately 41% relative to the fourth quarter of
2022 primarily due to lower throughput resulting from a labour
strike which began on June 7, 2023
and ended on October 13, 2023.
Newmont Corporation ("Newmont") reports that operations have since
safely ramped up after a resolution was reached with the National
Union of Mine and Metal Workers of the Mexican Republic ("the
Union") on October 13, 2023. Newmont
has indicated that Peñasquito is expected to deliver higher
co-product production in 2024 due to higher silver, lead and zinc
content from the Chile Colorado pit.
Constancia: In the fourth quarter of 2023,
Constancia produced 0.8 million ounces of attributable silver and
22,300 ounces of attributable gold, an increase of approximately
28% and 112%, respectively, relative to the fourth quarter of 2022.
Record quarterly gold production combined with strong silver
production are a result of significantly higher grades attributable
to the mining of high-grade zones of the Pampacancha deposit,
combined with higher recoveries. Hudbay Minerals Inc. ("Hudbay")
reports that gold production in 2024 is expected to decrease from
2023 levels due to a smoothing of Pampacancha high-grade gold zones
over the 2023 to 2025 period as additional high-grade areas were
mined in 2023 ahead of schedule, and other high-grade areas were
deferred to 2025. Hudbay has indicated that the Pampacancha deposit
is now expected to be depleted in the third quarter of 2025, as
opposed to mid-2025 as previously reported.
Sudbury: In the
fourth quarter of 2023, Vale's Sudbury mines produced 6,300 ounces of
attributable gold, an increase of approximately 19% relative to the
fourth quarter of 2022, due to higher throughput, grade and
recoveries.
Stillwater: In the fourth quarter
of 2023, the Stillwater mines
produced 2,300 ounces of attributable gold and 4,200 ounces of
attributable palladium, an increase of approximately 7% for gold
and 9% for palladium relative to the fourth quarter of 2022, due
primarily to higher throughput and grades.
Voisey's Bay: In the fourth quarter of 2023,
the Voisey's Bay mine produced 215,000 pounds of attributable
cobalt, an increase of approximately 67% relative to the fourth
quarter of 2022, as the transitional period between the depletion
of the Ovoid open-pit and ramp-up to full production of the
Voisey's Bay underground extension nears completion. Vale reports
that physical completion of the Voisey's Bay underground mine
extension was 92% at the end of the fourth quarter, and that the
main surface assets are completed and already operating. The
electromechanical assembly on the remaining surface assets are well
advanced (above 60% physical progress). In the underground portion,
the scope in Reid Brook is completed
and the project is fully focused on Eastern Deeps. The mine
development is concluded and construction is ongoing.
Other Gold: In the fourth quarter of 2023, total
Other Gold attributable production was 700 ounces, a decrease of
approximately 78% relative to the fourth quarter of 2022, primarily
due to the closure of the Minto
mine in May 2023.
Other Silver: In the fourth quarter of 2023,
total Other Silver attributable production was 1.3 million ounces,
a decrease of approximately 28% relative to the fourth quarter of
2022, primarily due to the temporary suspension of attributable
production from Aljustrel and the disposal of the Yauliyacu
PMPA.
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.
Recent Development Asset Updates
Blackwater Project: On December 15, 2023, Artemis announced that it has
completed its first draw of $150
million under its $360 million
project loan facility announced on March 1,
2023, reporting that construction of Blackwater remains on
track and that the funds will be allocated to continue to fund
construction towards completion. On January
30, 2024, Artemis announced that overall construction was
59% complete. On February 21, 2024,
Artemis announced the results of an expansion study to optimize the
timing of mine expansion through the advancing of Phase 2. A
decision on the acceleration of the Phase 2 expansion is expected
to be considered in the second half of 2024.
Platreef Project: On February 26, 2024, Ivanhoe Mines ("Ivanhoe") reported that while
construction activities for the Platreef Phase 1 concentrator are
on track for completion in the third quarter of 2024, hot
commissioning and ramp-up of production are now anticipated for
early 2025 in order to prioritize shaft development. An updated
independent feasibility study ("FS") is planned for the second half
of 2024 on an optimized development plan for Phase 2. The optimized
development plan accelerates the development of Phase 2 at a total
processing capacity of 4 Mtpa by equipping Shaft #3 for hoisting.
An independent preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") is planned
concurrently with the FS on a significantly larger Phase 3
expansion, once the major 8 Mtpa Shaft #2 is available for
hoisting. A Phase 3 expansion to 10 Mtpa processing capacity is
expected to rank Platreef as one of the world's largest
platinum-group metal, nickel, copper and gold producers.
Goose Project: On January
23, 2024, B2Gold Corp., ("B2Gold") provided a construction
update highlighting that it is progressing ahead of schedule within
the mill and processing buildings, along with preparatory work for
peak construction activities in the second and third quarter of
2024, with the project remaining on schedule for first gold pour in
the first quarter of 2025.
Marmato Mine: On July 12,
2023, Aris Mining Corporation ("Aris Mining") announced that
they have received approval from the Corporación Autónoma Regional
del Caldas ("Corpocaldas"), a regional environmental authority in
Colombia, of the Environmental
Management Plan ("PMA") which now permits the development of the
Marmato Lower Mine. On March 6, 2024,
Aris Mining provided an update that construction at the Marmato
Lower Mine has ramped up with initial access roads completed, the
lead contractor for portal and decline development selected, and
tenders for key items for the new processing plant underway. First
gold pour is expected in late 2025.
Curipamba Project: Adventus Mining
Corporation ("Adventus") announced that the El Domo – Curipamba
project has been issued a favourable Certificate of No Affect of
Water (October 2, 2023) and the
environmental license for construction and operation (January 22, 2024) by the Ministry of Environment
and Water of the Government of Ecuador. On January 30,
2024, Adventus announced that the Ministry of Energy and
Mines of Ecuador has issued a
permit which grants approval for the design, construction,
operation, and maintenance of the tailings storage facility
("TSF"). The start of TSF construction is a key condition precedent
to commence installment payments under the precious metals purchase
agreement with the Company. Adventus reports that a construction
decision is expected in the second quarter of 2024, and gold-rich
copper & zinc concentrate production is expected by the first
quarter of 2026.
Marathon Project: The permitting process for the
Marathon project continues to advance, with Generation Mining
Limited ("Gen Mining") announcing on November 7, 2023, that the province of
Ontario had accepted and filed the
Closure Plan, and on November 21,
2023, Gen Mining announced that the Ministry of Natural
Resources and Forestry of the province of Ontario had issued the permit to remove trees.
In addition, on November 21, 2023,
Gen Mining announced the closure of the Cdn$15 million bought deal financing with a lead
order of Cdn$5 million from
Wheaton.
Fenix Project: On December
20, 2023, Rio2 reported that it had been successful in being
granted approval of its Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA"),
allowing Rio2 to advance the Fenix project through statutory
permitting, financing, and the currently planned recommencement of
construction activities during 2024.
Copper World Complex: On September 8, 2023, Hudbay announced the results
of the enhanced pre-feasibility study for Phase I of its 100%-owned
Copper World project in Arizona.
After receipt of two outstanding permits which are expected in
mid-2024, Hudbay intends to complete a minority joint venture
partner process prior to commencing a definitive feasibility study.
The opportunity to sanction Copper World is not expected until 2025
based on current estimated timelines. With the results from this
pre-feasibility study, Wheaton has now incorporated gold in the
2023 mineral reserves and mineral resources statement on our
website.
Cangrejos Project: On October 18, 2023, Lumina Gold Corp., ("Lumina")
announced that the Cangrejos project is proceeding on schedule.
Lumina has been actively executing its 2023 feasibility study drill
plan with nine rigs currently at site. Lumina has signed contracts
with several engineering companies for the advancement of the
feasibility study. The feasibility study is expected to be
completed in the first quarter of 2025. On January 18, 2024, Lumina announced results from
the phase 1 mining resource conversion drilling campaign in support
of the ongoing feasibility study at Cangrejos. Lumina noted that
the assays from the resource infill program continue to demonstrate
the exceptional continuity of grade at Cangrejos. Lumina also noted
that it is operating normally at the Cangrejos project, and their
activities have not been affected by the recent civil disturbances
that have impacted other areas in Ecuador.
Corporate Development
Mineral Park Project
On October
24, 2023, the Company announced that it had entered into a
PMPA (the "Mineral Park PMPA") with Waterton Copper in respect of
silver production from the Mineral Park mine located in
Arizona, USA ("Mineral Park").
Under the Mineral Park PMPA, Wheaton will purchase 100% of the
payable silver from Mineral Park for the life of the mine. Under
the terms of the Mineral Park PMPA, the Company is committed to pay
Waterton Copper total upfront cash consideration of $115 million in four payments during construction
through three installments of $25
million and a final installment of $40 million. In addition, Wheaton will make
ongoing payments for the silver ounces delivered equal to 18% of
the spot price of silver until the value of the silver delivered,
net of the production payment, is equal to the upfront
consideration of $115 million, at
which point the production payment will increase to 22% of the spot
price of silver. The Company has also entered into a loan agreement
to provide a secured debt facility of up to $25 million to the Mineral Park owner, an
affiliate of Waterton Copper, once the full upfront consideration
has been paid.
Platreef, Kudz Ze Kayah & Curraghinalt Streams
On
November 15, 2023, the Company
announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement with
certain entities advised by Orion Resource Partners ("Orion") to
acquire existing streams in respect of Ivanhoe Mines' Platreef project (the "Platreef
Gold PMPA" and the "Platreef Palladium and Platinum PMPA") and BMC
Minerals' Kudz Ze Kayah project (the "KZK PMPA"). In addition, the
Company entered into a new PMPA for a gold stream in respect of
Dalradian Gold's Curraghinalt project (the "Curraghinalt
PMPA").
- Platreef Project
Until certain delivery thresholds
have been met, in respect of the existing Platreef Gold PMPA, the
Company is entitled to purchase 62.5% of the payable gold and in
respect of the Platreef Palladium and Platinum PMPA, the Company is
entitled to purchase 5.25% of the payable palladium and platinum,
after which the percentage of payable metal will be reduced as set
forth in each of the respective PMPAs7.
- Kudz Ze Kayah Project
In respect of the existing KZK
PMPA, the Company is entitled to purchase staged percentages of
produced gold and payable silver ranging from 6.875% to 7.375%
until certain delivery thresholds have been met, at which point the
percentage of produced gold and payable silver will be reduced as
set forth in the KZK PMPA8.
- Curraghinalt Project
In respect of the Curraghinalt PMPA, the Company is entitled to
purchase 3.05% of the payable gold until certain delivery
thresholds have been met, at which point the percentage of payable
gold will be reduced as set forth in the Curraghinalt
PMPA9.
Under the agreement with Orion to purchase the Platreef and KZK
PMPAs, the Company committed to pay $450
million on closing of the acquisition, with an additional
$5 million contingency payment in
respect of the KZK PMPA. Under the terms of the Curraghinalt PMPA,
the Company paid $20 million on
December 21, 2023, with an additional
$55 million to be paid during
construction, subject to various customary conditions being
satisfied. In addition, the Company will make ongoing payments for
the precious metals delivered as set forth in the various
PMPAs10. Closing of the Orion Purchase Agreement
occurred on February 27, 2024.
Mt Todd Royalty
On
December 13, 2023, the Company
entered into a royalty agreement with Vista Australia Pty. Ltd., a
subsidiary of Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista"), in relation to the Mt
Todd gold project located in Northern Territory, Australia for total cash consideration of
$20 million. The Company was granted
a Right of First Refusal on all royalties, streams or pre-pays that
include precious metals pertaining to Mt Todd. On December 18, 2023, the Company paid the first
installment payment of $3 million
under the royalty agreement.
DeLamar Royalty
On
February 20, 2024, the Company
purchased a 1.5% net smelter return royalty interest (the "DeLamar
Royalty") in the DeLamar and Florida mountain project located in
Idaho, United States (the "DeLamar project") from a
subsidiary of Integra Resources Corporation ("Integra") for
$9.75 million to be paid in two equal
installments. The first installment of $4.875 million was paid on closing on
March 7,2024. The second installment
is expected to be paid four months after the first installment.
Reserves and Resources (at December 31, 2023)
- Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves attributable to Wheaton
were 15.1 million ounces of gold compared with 13.4 million ounces
as reported in Wheaton's 2022 Annual Information Form ("AIF"), an
increase of 12%; 484.7 million ounces of silver compared with 484.6
million ounces, unchanged; 0.90 million ounces palladium compared
with 0.60 million ounces, an increase of 49%; 0.52 million ounces
of platinum compared with 0.18 million ounces, an increase of 192%;
and 33.3 million pounds of cobalt compared to 33.2 million pounds,
a decrease of 3%. On a GEO5 basis, total Proven and
Probable Mineral Reserves for all metals attributable to Wheaton
were 21.6 million ounces compared to 19.6 million ounces, an
increase of 10%.
- Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources attributable to
Wheaton were 7.0 million ounces of gold compared with 5.5 million
ounces as reported in Wheaton's 2022 AIF, an increase of 28%; 714.6
million ounces of silver compared with 673.0 million ounces, an
increase of 6%; 0.12 million ounces of palladium compared with 0.09
million ounces, an increase of 36%; 0.09 million ounces of platinum
compared with 0.08 million ounces, an increase of 16%; and 1.2
million pounds of cobalt compared with 1.5 million pounds, a
decrease of 24%. On a GEO5 basis, total Measured and
Indicated Mineral Resources for all metals attributable to Wheaton
were 15.4 million ounces compared with 13.3 million ounces, an
increase of 15%.
- Inferred Mineral Resources attributable to Wheaton were 5.1
million ounces of gold compared with 4.6 million ounces as reported
in Wheaton's 2022 AIF, an increase of 10%; 307.8 million ounces of
silver compared with 326.3 million ounces, a decrease of 6%, 0.37
million ounces of palladium compared with 0.35 million ounces, an
increase of 4%; 0.04 million ounces of platinum compared with 0.01
million ounces, an increase of 173%; and 7.2 million pounds of
cobalt compared with 7.8 million pounds, a decrease of 7%. On a
GEO5 basis, total Inferred Mineral Resources for all
metals attributable to Wheaton were 8.9 million ounces compared
with 8.6 million ounces, an increase of 3%.
Estimated attributable reserves and resources contained in this
press release are based on information available to the Company as
of March 8, 2024, and therefore will
not reflect updates, if any, after that date. Updated reserves and
resources data incorporating year-end 2023 estimates will also be
included in the Company's 2023 Annual Information Form. Wheaton's
most current attributable reserves and resources, as of
December 31, 2023, can be found on
the Company's website at www.wheatonpm.com.
Sustainability
Ratings & Awards:
- Subsequent to the quarter, on January
17, 2024, the Company announced that it has ranked among
Corporate Knights' 2024 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the
world. The Company will be included in the Global 100 Index, which
represents a benchmark for sustainability excellence.
Community Investment Program:
- Subsequent to the quarter, on March 1,
2024, Wheaton International commenced a new program with the
Vale Foundation to support an ambitious three-year initiative in
Brazil that aims to improve the
primary health care being offered in the municipalities near the
Salobo mine and along the Carajas railroad. The funding will
support technical training and cooperation between individual
health care units and relevant agencies. Through the program,
equipment and furniture will be delivered to the facilities
providing health care services. This initiative also looks to
enhance the social protection networks among various participating
agencies. The program will be carried out in 8 municipalities of
Pará State, impacting approximately 550,000 individuals and in 24
municipalities of Maranhão State, impacting approximately 1.3
million individuals. Wheaton and the Vale Foundation each committed
BRL$17 million. The total contribution of Wheaton and the Vale
Foundation of BRL$34 million is being matched by the Brazilian
Development Bank, magnifying the impact of the contribution being
made by Wheaton.
Declaration of Dividend and Transition to Progressive
Dividend Policy
The Company has revised its dividend policy, transitioning from
distributing 30% of the average of the previous four quarters'
operating cash flows to shareholders, to adopting a progressive
dividend policy marked by an increase in our 2024 annual dividend.
The declaration, timing, amount and payment of future dividends
remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
On March 14, 2024, the Board of
Directors declared a dividend in the amount of $0.155 per common share, with this dividend being
payable to shareholders of record on April
3, 2024 and is expected to be distributed on or about
April 15, 2024. The Company has
implemented a dividend reinvestment plan ("DRIP") whereby
shareholders can elect to have dividends reinvested directly into
additional Wheaton common shares based on the Average Market Price,
as defined in the DRIP.
2024 and Long-Term Production Outlook Using Updated 2024
Commodity Price Assumptions
It is important to note that as gold outperformed all other
metals during 2023, the assumed metal prices for 2024 results in
lower gold equivalency calculations1 in 2024 compared to
2023.
Metal
|
2023 Actual Production1,5
|
2024 Production
Guidance5
|
2028 Target Production
Guidance5
|
2029-2033 Average Annual
Production Guidance5
|
Gold
Ounces
|
374,585
|
325,000 to
370,000
|
|
|
Silver Ounces
('000s)
|
17,176
|
18,500 to
20,500
|
|
|
Other Metals
(GEOs5)
|
12,275
|
12,000 to
15,000
|
|
|
Gold Equivalent
Ounces5,11
|
584,389
|
550,000 to
620,000
|
Over 800,000
|
Over 850,000
|
2024 and long-term GEOs based on $2,000 / oz gold, $23 / oz
silver, $1,000 / oz palladium, $950 / oz platinum, and $13 / lb
cobalt.
|
In 2024, GEO5 production is forecast to be consistent
with levels achieved in 2023, as expected stronger attributable
production from Peñasquito and Voisey's Bay is forecast to be
offset by lower production from Salobo, the suspension of
operations at Minto, and the
temporary halting of production at Aljustrel. Attributable
production is forecast to increase at Peñasquito as a result of
uninterrupted operations, and at Voisey's Bay due to the ongoing
transition from the Ovoid pit to the underground mines.
Attributable production is forecast to decrease slightly at Salobo
due to lower grades as per the mine plan, which are expected to
partially offset increasing throughput as the Salobo III expansion
project continues toward completion. In addition, the Company
anticipates production from the Blackwater project to commence in
the fourth quarter of 2024.
On May 13, 2023, it was announced
that operations at the Minto Mine had been suspended, and the Yukon
Government had assumed care and control of the site. On
September 12, 2023, it was announced
that as a result of low zinc prices, the production of zinc and
lead concentrates at the Aljustrel Mine would be halted from
September 24, 2023, until the second
quarter of 2025. Combined, the removal of production from
Minto and Aljustrel accounts for a
25,000 GEO5 reduction in 2024 production guidance.
Long-Term Production Outlook
Historically, Wheaton has provided 5 and 10-year averages for
its long-term guidance, however, the Company has elected to
introduce a 5-year target (2028), in addition to an annual average
for years 6 through 10 (i.e. 2029-2033), with a goal of providing
increased granularity and further transparency of our expected
growth trajectory.
Production is forecast to increase by approximately 40% over the
next five years to over 800,000 GEOs5 by 2028, primarily
due to growth from Operating assets including Salobo, Antamina,
Peñasquito, Voisey's Bay and Marmato; Development projects which
are in-construction and/or permitted including Blackwater,
Platreef, Goose, Mineral Park, Fenix, Curipamba and Santo Domingo; and Pre-development projects
including Marathon and Copper World, for which production is
anticipated towards the latter end of the five-year forecast
period.
From 2029 to 2033, attributable production is forecast to
average over 850,000 GEOs5 in the five-year period and
incorporates additional incremental production from pre-development
assets including Cangrejos, Kudz ze Kayah, Curraghinalt, Victor and
Kutcho projects, in addition to the Brewery Creek, Black Pine and
Mt. Todd royalties.
Not included in Wheaton's long-term forecast and instead
classified as 'optionality', includes potential future production
from Pascua Lama, Navidad, Toroparu,
Cotabambas, Metates, DeLamar and additional expansions at Salobo
outside of the Salobo III mine expansion project.
About Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.
Wheaton is the world's premier precious metals streaming company
with the highest-quality portfolio of long-life, low-cost assets.
Its business model offers investors commodity price leverage and
exploration upside but with a much lower risk profile than a
traditional mining company. Wheaton delivers amongst the highest
cash operating margins in the mining industry, allowing it to pay a
competitive dividend and continue to grow through accretive
acquisitions. As a result, Wheaton has consistently outperformed
gold and silver, as well as other mining investments. Wheaton is
committed to strong ESG practices and giving back to the
communities where Wheaton and its mining partners operate. Wheaton
creates sustainable value through streaming for all of its
stakeholders.
In accordance with Wheaton Precious Metals™ Corp.'s ("Wheaton
Precious Metals", "Wheaton" or the "Company") MD&A and
Financial Statements, reference to the Company and Wheaton includes
the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries.
Webcast and Conference Call Details
A conference call will be held on Friday,
March 15, 2024, starting at 8:00am
PT (11:00 am ET) 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:
1-888 664-6383
Dial from outside Canada or the
US:
1-416-764-8650
Pass
code:
768302#
Live audio
webcast:
Webcast Link
Participants should dial in five to ten minutes before the
call.
The conference call will be recorded and available until
March 22, 2024 at 11:59 pm ET. 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:
1-888 390-0541
Dial from outside Canada or the
US:
1-416-764-8677
Pass
code:
768302#
Archived audio
webcast:
Webcast Link
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.sedarplus.ca.
Mr. Wes Carson, P.Eng., Vice
President, Mining Operations, Neil
Burns, P.Geo., Vice President, Technical Services and
Ryan Ulansky, P.Eng., Vice
President, Engineering, for Wheaton Precious Metals are a
"qualified person" as such term is defined under National
Instrument 43-101, and have reviewed and approved the technical
information disclosed in this news release (specifically Mr. Carson
has reviewed production figures, Mr. Burns has reviewed mineral
resource estimates and Mr. Ulansky has reviewed the mineral reserve
estimates).
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.
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
|
|
Years Ended December
31
|
(US dollars and shares
in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
Sales
|
|
$
|
1,016,045
|
$
|
1,065,053
|
Cost of
sales
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales,
excluding depletion
|
|
$
|
228,171
|
$
|
267,621
|
Depletion
|
|
|
214,434
|
|
231,952
|
Total cost of
sales
|
|
$
|
442,605
|
$
|
499,573
|
Gross margin
|
|
$
|
573,440
|
$
|
565,480
|
General and
administrative expenses
|
|
|
38,165
|
|
35,831
|
Share based
compensation
|
|
|
22,744
|
|
20,060
|
Donations and community
investments
|
|
|
7,261
|
|
6,296
|
Impairment reversal of
mineral stream interests
|
|
|
-
|
|
(8,611)
|
Earnings from
operations
|
|
$
|
505,270
|
$
|
511,904
|
Gain on disposal of
mineral stream interests
|
|
|
5,027
|
|
155,868
|
Other income
(expense)
|
|
|
34,271
|
|
7,449
|
Earnings before finance
costs and income taxes
|
|
$
|
544,568
|
$
|
675,221
|
Finance
costs
|
|
|
5,510
|
|
5,586
|
Earnings before income
taxes
|
|
$
|
539,058
|
$
|
669,635
|
Income tax
expense
|
|
|
1,414
|
|
509
|
Net earnings
|
|
$
|
537,644
|
$
|
669,126
|
Basic earnings per
share
|
|
$
|
1.187
|
$
|
1.482
|
Diluted earnings per
share
|
|
$
|
1.186
|
$
|
1.479
|
Weighted average number
of shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
452,814
|
|
451,570
|
Diluted
|
|
|
453,463
|
|
452,344
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets
|
As at
December 31
|
As at
December 31
|
(US dollars in
thousands)
|
2023
|
2022
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Current
assets
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
$
|
546,527
|
$
|
696,089
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
10,078
|
|
10,187
|
Cobalt
inventory
|
|
1,372
|
|
10,530
|
Income taxes
receivable
|
|
5,935
|
|
-
|
Other
|
|
3,499
|
|
3,287
|
Total current
assets
|
$
|
567,411
|
$
|
720,093
|
Non-current
assets
|
|
|
|
|
Mineral stream
interests
|
$
|
6,122,441
|
$
|
5,707,019
|
Early deposit mineral
stream interests
|
|
47,093
|
|
46,092
|
Mineral royalty
interests
|
|
13,454
|
|
6,606
|
Long-term equity
investments
|
|
246,678
|
|
256,095
|
Property, plant and
equipment
|
|
7,638
|
|
4,210
|
Other
|
|
26,470
|
|
19,791
|
Total non-current
assets
|
$
|
6,463,774
|
$
|
6,039,813
|
Total assets
|
$
|
7,031,185
|
$
|
6,759,906
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Current
liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities
|
$
|
13,458
|
$
|
12,570
|
Income taxes
payable
|
|
-
|
|
2,763
|
Current portion of
performance share units
|
|
12,013
|
|
14,566
|
Current portion of
lease liabilities
|
|
604
|
|
818
|
Total current
liabilities
|
$
|
26,075
|
$
|
30,717
|
Non-current
liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Performance share
units
|
$
|
9,113
|
$
|
6,673
|
Lease
liabilities
|
|
5,625
|
|
1,152
|
Deferred income
taxes
|
|
232
|
|
165
|
Pension
liability
|
|
4,624
|
|
3,524
|
Total non-current
liabilities
|
$
|
19,594
|
$
|
11,514
|
Total
liabilities
|
$
|
45,669
|
$
|
42,231
|
Shareholders'
equity
|
|
|
|
|
Issued
capital
|
$
|
3,777,323
|
$
|
3,752,662
|
Reserves
|
|
(40,091)
|
|
66,547
|
Retained
earnings
|
|
3,248,284
|
|
2,898,466
|
Total shareholders'
equity
|
$
|
6,985,516
|
$
|
6,717,675
|
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity
|
$
|
7,031,185
|
$
|
6,759,906
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
Years Ended December
31
|
(US dollars in
thousands)
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
Operating
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings
|
|
$
|
537,644
|
$
|
669,126
|
Adjustments
for
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and
depletion
|
|
|
215,926
|
|
233,539
|
Gain on disposal of
mineral stream interest
|
|
|
(5,027)
|
|
(155,868)
|
Impairment reversal of
mineral stream interests
|
|
|
-
|
|
(8,611)
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
207
|
|
91
|
Equity settled stock
based compensation
|
|
|
6,438
|
|
5,846
|
Performance share
units - expense
|
|
|
16,306
|
|
14,214
|
Performance share
units - paid
|
|
|
(16,675)
|
|
(18,410)
|
Pension
expense
|
|
|
1,122
|
|
1,033
|
Pension
paid
|
|
|
(116)
|
|
-
|
Income tax expense
(recovery)
|
|
|
1,414
|
|
509
|
Loss (gain) on fair
value adjustment of share purchase warrants held
|
|
|
31
|
|
1,033
|
Investment income
recognized in net earnings
|
|
|
(37,178)
|
|
(6,774)
|
Other
|
|
|
1,227
|
|
67
|
Change in non-cash
working capital
|
|
|
1,912
|
|
1,573
|
Cash generated from
operations before income taxes and interest
|
|
$
|
723,231
|
$
|
737,368
|
Income taxes
paid
|
|
|
(6,192)
|
|
(171)
|
Interest
paid
|
|
|
(187)
|
|
(93)
|
Interest
received
|
|
|
33,957
|
|
6,320
|
Cash generated from
operating activities
|
|
$
|
750,809
|
$
|
743,424
|
Financing
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit facility
extension fees
|
|
$
|
(859)
|
$
|
(1,357)
|
Share purchase options
exercised
|
|
|
12,415
|
|
10,368
|
Lease
payments
|
|
|
(691)
|
|
(800)
|
Dividends
paid
|
|
|
(265,109)
|
|
(237,097)
|
Cash used for financing
activities
|
|
$
|
(254,244)
|
$
|
(228,886)
|
Investing
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mineral stream
interests
|
|
$
|
(663,528)
|
$
|
(151,929)
|
Early deposit mineral
stream interests
|
|
|
(1,000)
|
|
(1,500)
|
Mineral royalty
interest
|
|
|
(6,833)
|
|
-
|
Net proceeds on
disposal of mineral stream interests
|
|
|
46,400
|
|
131,763
|
Acquisition of
long-term investments
|
|
|
(17,447)
|
|
(22,768)
|
Proceeds on disposal of
long-term investments
|
|
|
202
|
|
-
|
Investment in
subscription rights
|
|
|
(4,510)
|
|
-
|
Dividends
received
|
|
|
2,317
|
|
453
|
Other
|
|
|
(2,247)
|
|
(316)
|
Cash (used for)
generated from investing activities
|
|
$
|
(646,646)
|
$
|
(44,297)
|
Effect of exchange rate
changes on cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
519
|
$
|
(197)
|
(Decrease) increase in
cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
(149,562)
|
$
|
470,044
|
Cash and cash
equivalents, beginning of year
|
|
|
696,089
|
|
226,045
|
Cash and cash
equivalents, end of year
|
|
$
|
546,527
|
$
|
696,089
|
Summary of Units Produced
|
Q4
2023
|
Q3
2023
|
Q2
2023
|
Q1
2023
|
Q4
2022
|
Q3
2022
|
Q2
2022
|
Q1
2022
|
Gold ounces produced
²
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salobo
|
71,778
|
69,045
|
54,804
|
43,677
|
37,939
|
44,212
|
34,129
|
44,883
|
Sudbury
3
|
6,256
|
3,857
|
5,818
|
6,203
|
5,270
|
3,437
|
5,289
|
5,362
|
Constancia
|
22,292
|
19,003
|
7,444
|
6,905
|
10,496
|
7,196
|
8,042
|
6,311
|
San Dimas
4
|
10,024
|
9,995
|
11,166
|
10,754
|
10,037
|
11,808
|
10,044
|
10,461
|
Stillwater
5
|
2,341
|
2,454
|
2,017
|
1,960
|
2,185
|
1,833
|
2,171
|
2,497
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marmato
|
668
|
673
|
639
|
457
|
533
|
542
|
778
|
477
|
777 6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,509
|
4,003
|
Minto
|
-
|
-
|
1,292
|
3,063
|
2,567
|
3,050
|
2,480
|
4,060
|
Total Other
|
668
|
673
|
1,931
|
3,520
|
3,100
|
3,592
|
6,767
|
8,540
|
Total gold ounces
produced
|
113,359
|
105,027
|
83,180
|
73,019
|
69,027
|
72,078
|
66,442
|
78,054
|
Silver ounces produced
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peñasquito
7
|
1,036
|
-
|
1,744
|
2,076
|
1,761
|
2,017
|
2,089
|
2,219
|
Antamina
|
1,030
|
894
|
984
|
872
|
1,067
|
1,327
|
1,330
|
1,210
|
Constancia
|
836
|
697
|
420
|
552
|
655
|
564
|
584
|
506
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Filos
|
28
|
28
|
28
|
45
|
14
|
21
|
35
|
42
|
Zinkgruvan
|
510
|
785
|
374
|
632
|
664
|
642
|
739
|
577
|
Neves-Corvo
|
573
|
486
|
407
|
436
|
369
|
323
|
345
|
344
|
Aljustrel
8
|
-
|
327
|
279
|
343
|
313
|
246
|
292
|
287
|
Cozamin
|
185
|
165
|
184
|
141
|
157
|
179
|
169
|
186
|
Marmato
|
10
|
11
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
7
|
7
|
11
|
Yauliyacu
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
261
|
463
|
756
|
637
|
Minto
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
29
|
33
|
33
|
26
|
45
|
Keno Hill
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
48
|
20
|
777 6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
80
|
91
|
Total Other
|
1,306
|
1,802
|
1,293
|
1,634
|
1,820
|
1,914
|
2,497
|
2,240
|
Total silver ounces
produced
|
4,208
|
3,393
|
4,441
|
5,134
|
5,303
|
5,822
|
6,500
|
6,175
|
Palladium ounces
produced ²
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stillwater
5
|
4,209
|
4,006
|
3,880
|
3,705
|
3,869
|
3,229
|
3,899
|
4,488
|
Cobalt pounds produced
²
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Voisey's
Bay
|
215
|
183
|
152
|
124
|
128
|
226
|
136
|
234
|
GEOs produced
11
|
174,222
|
154,786
|
146,104
|
144,497
|
142,887
|
153,025
|
155,932
|
164,911
|
Average payable
rate 2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
|
95.1 %
|
95.4 %
|
95.1 %
|
95.1 %
|
94.9 %
|
95.1 %
|
95.1 %
|
95.2 %
|
Silver
|
82.9 %
|
78.3 %
|
83.7 %
|
83.1 %
|
84.2 %
|
86.3 %
|
86.5 %
|
87.0 %
|
Palladium
|
95.9 %
|
93.6 %
|
94.1 %
|
96.0 %
|
91.7 %
|
95.0 %
|
94.6 %
|
92.7 %
|
Cobalt
|
93.3 %
|
93.3 %
|
93.3 %
|
93.3 %
|
93.3 %
|
93.3 %
|
93.3 %
|
93.3 %
|
GEO
11
|
91.5 %
|
90.5 %
|
90.6 %
|
89.6 %
|
89.6 %
|
90.6 %
|
90.7 %
|
91.0 %
|
1)
|
All figures in
thousands except gold and palladium ounces produced.
|
2)
|
Quantity produced
represents the amount of gold, silver, palladium and cobalt
contained in concentrate or doré prior to smelting or refining
deductions. Production figures and payable rates are based on
information provided by the operators of the mining operations to
which the mineral stream interests relate or management estimates
in those situations where other information is not available.
Certain production figures and payable rates may be updated in
future periods as additional information is received.
|
3)
|
Comprised of the
Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Creighton and Totten gold
interests.
|
4)
|
Under the terms of the
San Dimas PMPA, the Company is entitled to an amount equal to 25%
of the payable gold production plus an additional amount of gold
equal to 25% of the payable silver production converted to gold at
a fixed gold to silver exchange ratio of 70:1 from the San Dimas
mine. 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. For reference,
attributable silver production from prior periods is as follows: Q4
2023 - 378,000 ounces; Q3 2023 - 387,000 ounces; Q2 2023 - 423,000
ounces; Q1 2023 - 401,000 ounces; Q4 2022 - 348,000 ounces; Q3 2022
- 412,000 ounces; Q2 2022 - 382,000 ounces; Q1 2022 - 408,000
ounces.
|
5)
|
Comprised of the
Stillwater and East Boulder gold and palladium
interests.
|
6)
|
On June 22, 2022,
Hudbay announced that mining activities at 777 have concluded and
closure activities have commenced.
|
7)
|
There was a temporary
suspension of operations at Peñasquito due to a labour strike which
ran from June 7, 2023 to October 13, 2023.
|
8)
|
On September 12, 2023,
it was announced that the production of the zinc and lead
concentrates at the Aljustrel mine will be halted from September
24, 2023 until the second quarter of 2025.
|
9)
|
On December 14, 2022
the Company terminated the Yauliyacu PMPA in exchange for a cash
payment of $132 million.
|
10)
|
On September 7, 2022,
the Company terminated the Keno Hill PMPA in exchange for $141
million of Hecla common stock.
|
11)
|
GEOs, which are
provided to assist the reader, are based on the following commodity
price assumptions: $1,850 per ounce gold; $24.00 per ounce silver;
$1,800 per ounce palladium; and $18.75 per pound cobalt; consistent
with those used in estimating the Company's production guidance for
2023.
|
Summary of Units Sold
|
Q4
2023
|
Q3
2023
|
Q2
2023
|
Q1
2023
|
Q4
2022
|
Q3
2022
|
Q2
2022
|
Q1
2022
|
Gold ounces
sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salobo
|
76,656
|
44,444
|
46,030
|
35,966
|
41,029
|
31,818
|
48,515
|
42,513
|
Sudbury
2
|
5,011
|
4,836
|
4,775
|
4,368
|
4,988
|
5,147
|
7,916
|
3,712
|
Constancia
|
19,925
|
12,399
|
9,619
|
6,579
|
6,013
|
6,336
|
7,431
|
10,494
|
San Dimas
|
10,472
|
9,695
|
11,354
|
10,651
|
10,943
|
10,196
|
10,633
|
10,070
|
Stillwater
3
|
2,314
|
1,985
|
2,195
|
2,094
|
1,783
|
2,127
|
2,626
|
2,628
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marmato
|
633
|
792
|
467
|
480
|
473
|
719
|
781
|
401
|
777
|
-
|
275
|
153
|
126
|
785
|
3,098
|
3,629
|
4,388
|
Minto
|
-
|
-
|
701
|
2,341
|
2,982
|
2,559
|
2,806
|
3,695
|
Total Other
|
633
|
1,067
|
1,321
|
2,947
|
4,240
|
6,376
|
7,216
|
8,484
|
Total gold ounces
sold
|
115,011
|
74,426
|
75,294
|
62,605
|
68,996
|
62,000
|
84,337
|
77,901
|
Silver ounces
sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peñasquito
|
442
|
453
|
1,913
|
1,483
|
2,066
|
1,599
|
2,096
|
2,188
|
Antamina
|
1,091
|
794
|
963
|
814
|
1,114
|
1,155
|
1,177
|
1,468
|
Constancia
|
665
|
435
|
674
|
366
|
403
|
498
|
494
|
644
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Filos
|
24
|
30
|
37
|
34
|
16
|
24
|
41
|
42
|
Zinkgruvan
|
449
|
714
|
370
|
520
|
547
|
376
|
650
|
355
|
Neves-Corvo
|
268
|
245
|
132
|
171
|
80
|
105
|
167
|
204
|
Aljustrel
|
86
|
142
|
182
|
205
|
156
|
185
|
123
|
145
|
Cozamin
|
141
|
139
|
150
|
119
|
150
|
154
|
148
|
177
|
Marmato
|
9
|
11
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
11
|
8
|
Yauliyacu
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
337
|
1,005
|
817
|
44
|
Stratoni
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2)
|
133
|
Minto
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
29
|
23
|
22
|
21
|
31
|
Keno Hill
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
30
|
30
|
27
|
777
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
35
|
73
|
75
|
87
|
Total Other
|
977
|
1,283
|
887
|
1,086
|
1,352
|
1,982
|
2,081
|
1,253
|
Total silver ounces
sold
|
3,175
|
2,965
|
4,437
|
3,749
|
4,935
|
5,234
|
5,848
|
5,553
|
Palladium ounces
sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stillwater
3
|
3,339
|
4,242
|
3,392
|
2,946
|
3,396
|
4,227
|
3,378
|
4,075
|
Cobalt pounds
sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Voisey's
Bay
|
288
|
198
|
265
|
323
|
187
|
115
|
225
|
511
|
GEOs sold
4
|
162,360
|
119,030
|
138,835
|
117,383
|
138,218
|
135,179
|
165,766
|
159,082
|
Cumulative payable
units PBND
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold ounces
|
99,767
|
106,947
|
81,148
|
77,377
|
70,562
|
74,053
|
67,529
|
88,679
|
Silver
ounces
|
1,817
|
1,504
|
1,812
|
2,531
|
2,013
|
2,481
|
2,694
|
2,922
|
Palladium
ounces
|
6,666
|
5,607
|
6,122
|
5,751
|
5,098
|
5,041
|
6,267
|
5,535
|
Cobalt
pounds
|
356
|
377
|
251
|
285
|
258
|
403
|
280
|
550
|
GEO
4
|
133,439
|
135,731
|
113,144
|
118,702
|
104,247
|
115,220
|
111,417
|
137,548
|
Inventory on
hand
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cobalt
pounds
|
88
|
155
|
310
|
398
|
633
|
556
|
582
|
410
|
1)
|
All figures in
thousands except gold and palladium ounces sold.
|
2)
|
Comprised of the
Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Creighton and Totten gold
interests.
|
3)
|
Comprised of the
Stillwater and East Boulder gold and palladium
interests.
|
4)
|
GEOs, which are
provided to assist the reader, are based on the following commodity
price assumptions: $1,850 per ounce gold; $24.00 per ounce silver;
$1,800 per ounce palladium; and $18.75 per pound cobalt; consistent
with those used in estimating the Company's production guidance for
2023.
|
5)
|
Payable gold, silver
and palladium ounces as well as cobalt pounds produced but not yet
delivered ("PBND") are based on management estimates. These figures
may be updated in future periods as additional information is
received.
|
Results of Operations
The operating results of the Company's reportable operating
segments are summarized in the tables and commentary below.
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2023
|
|
Units
Produced²
|
Units
Sold
|
Average
Realized
Price
($'s
Per Unit)
|
Average
Cash Cost
($'s Per
Unit) 3
|
Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Unit)
|
Sales
|
Net
Earnings
|
Cash Flow
From
Operations
|
Total
Assets
|
Gold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salobo
|
71,778
|
76,656
|
$
|
2,005
|
$
|
420
|
$
|
393
|
$
|
153,717
|
$
|
91,390
|
$
|
121,491
|
$
|
2,681,419
|
Sudbury
4
|
6,256
|
5,011
|
|
2,023
|
|
400
|
|
1,145
|
|
10,137
|
|
2,394
|
|
8,134
|
|
262,485
|
Constancia
|
22,292
|
19,925
|
|
2,005
|
|
420
|
|
316
|
|
39,954
|
|
25,288
|
|
31,578
|
|
80,265
|
San Dimas
|
10,024
|
10,472
|
|
2,005
|
|
631
|
|
279
|
|
20,999
|
|
11,479
|
|
14,395
|
|
144,722
|
Stillwater
|
2,341
|
2,314
|
|
2,005
|
|
352
|
|
510
|
|
4,640
|
|
2,645
|
|
3,826
|
|
211,469
|
Other
5
|
668
|
633
|
|
2,005
|
|
350
|
|
527
|
|
1,269
|
|
714
|
|
1,047
|
|
603,689
|
|
113,359
|
115,011
|
$
|
2,006
|
$
|
437
|
$
|
405
|
$
|
230,716
|
$
|
133,910
|
$
|
180,471
|
$
|
3,984,049
|
Silver
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peñasquito
|
1,036
|
442
|
$
|
23.87
|
$
|
4.43
|
$
|
4.06
|
$
|
10,547
|
$
|
6,794
|
$
|
8,589
|
$
|
276,232
|
Antamina
|
1,030
|
1,091
|
|
23.87
|
|
4.73
|
|
7.06
|
|
26,043
|
|
13,190
|
|
20,887
|
|
519,530
|
Constancia
|
836
|
665
|
|
23.87
|
|
6.20
|
|
6.24
|
|
15,879
|
|
7,601
|
|
11,755
|
|
179,583
|
Other
6
|
1,306
|
977
|
|
23.55
|
|
4.82
|
|
3.22
|
|
22,996
|
|
15,138
|
|
18,909
|
|
582,113
|
|
4,208
|
3,175
|
$
|
23.77
|
$
|
5.02
|
$
|
5.29
|
$
|
75,465
|
$
|
42,723
|
$
|
60,140
|
$
|
1,557,458
|
Palladium
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stillwater
|
4,209
|
3,339
|
$
|
1,070
|
$
|
198
|
$
|
445
|
$
|
3,574
|
$
|
1,426
|
$
|
2,912
|
$
|
220,667
|
Platinum
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marathon
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
n.a.
|
$
|
n.a.
|
$
|
n.a.
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
9,451
|
Cobalt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Voisey's
Bay
|
215
|
288
|
$
|
12.92
|
$
|
3.14 ⁷
|
$
|
12.80
|
$
|
3,716
|
$
|
(871)
|
$
|
2,016
|
$
|
350,816
|
Operating
results
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
313,471
|
$
|
177,188
|
$
|
245,539
|
$
|
6,122,441
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and
administrative
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(9,244)
|
$
|
(6,490)
|
|
|
Share based
compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,527)
|
|
-
|
|
|
Donations and
community investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,208)
|
|
(2,143)
|
|
|
Finance
costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,371)
|
|
(1,083)
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,311
|
|
7,351
|
|
|
Income tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,286
|
|
(948)
|
|
|
Total other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(8,753)
|
$
|
(3,313)
|
$
|
908,744
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
168,435
|
$
|
242,226
|
$
|
7,031,185
|
1)
|
Units of gold, silver
and palladium produced and sold are reported in ounces, while
cobalt is reported in pounds. All figures in thousands except gold
and palladium ounces produced and sold and per unit
amounts.
|
2)
|
Quantity produced
represents the amount of gold, silver, palladium and cobalt
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 mineral stream
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 Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Creighton and Totten gold
interests and the non-operating Stobie and Victor gold
interests.
|
5)
|
Other gold interests
comprised of the operating Marmato gold interest as well as the
non-operating Minto, Copper World, 777, Santo Domingo, Fenix,
Blackwater, Curipamba, Marathon, Goose, Cangrejos and Curraghinalt
gold interests. On June 22, 2022, Hudbay announced that mining
activities at 777 have concluded and closure activities have
commenced. On May 13, 2023, Minto announced the suspension of
operations at the Minto mine.
|
6)
|
Other silver interests
comprised of the operating Los Filos, Zinkgruvan, Neves-Corvo,
Marmato and Cozamin silver interests as well as the
non-operating Stratoni, Aljustrel, Minto, Pascua-Lama, Copper
World, 777, Navidad, Blackwater, Curipamba and Mineral Park silver
interests. On June 22, 2022, Hudbay announced that mining
activities at 777 have concluded and closure activities have
commenced. On May 13, 2023, Minto announced the suspension of
operations at the Minto mine. On September 12, 2023, it was
announced that the production of zinc and lead concentrates at
Aljustrel will be halted from September 24, 2023 until the second
quarter of 2025.
|
7)
|
Cash cost per pound of
cobalt sold during the fourth quarter of 2023 was net of a
previously recorded inventory write-down of $0.02 million,
resulting in a decrease of $0.08 per pound of cobalt sold. The
inventory which was written down in 2022 was fully sold during
2023, and no further inventory write down was required during 2023.
The Company reflects the cobalt inventory at the lower of cost and
net realizable value, and will continue to monitor the market price
of cobalt relative to the carrying value of the inventory at each
reporting period.
|
On a gold equivalent basis, results for the Company for the
three months ended December 31, 2023
were as follows:
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2023
|
|
Ounces
Produced 1
|
Ounces
Sold
|
Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)
|
Average
Cash Cost
($'s Per
Ounce) 2
|
Cash
Operating
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce) 3
|
Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)
|
Gross
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce)
|
Gold equivalent basis
4
|
174,222
|
162,360
|
$
1,931
|
$
417
|
$
1,514
|
$
422
|
$
1,092
|
1)
|
Quantity produced
represents the amount of gold, silver, palladium and cobalt
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 mineral stream
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.
|
2)
|
Refer to discussion on
non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.
|
3)
|
Refer to discussion on
non-IFRS measure (iv) at the end of this press release.
|
4)
|
GEOs, which are
provided to assist the reader, are based on the following commodity
price assumptions: $1,850 per ounce gold; $24.00 per ounce silver;
$1,800 per ounce palladium; and $18.75 per pound cobalt; consistent
with those used in estimating the Company's production guidance for
2023.
|
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2022
|
|
Units
Produced²
|
Units
Sold
|
Average
Realized
Price
($'s
Per Unit)
|
Average
Cash Cost
($'s Per
Unit) 3
|
Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Unit)
|
Sales
|
Impairment
(Charges)
Reversals /
Gain on
Disposal 4
|
Net
Earnings
|
Cash Flow
From
Operations
|
Total
Assets
|
Gold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salobo
|
37,939
|
41,029
|
$
|
1,727
|
$
|
416
|
$
|
334
|
$
|
70,878
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
40,110
|
$
|
53,800
|
$
|
2,383,262
|
Sudbury
5
|
5,270
|
4,988
|
|
1,712
|
|
400
|
|
1,092
|
|
8,538
|
|
-
|
|
1,095
|
|
7,809
|
|
283,416
|
Constancia
|
10,496
|
6,013
|
|
1,727
|
|
416
|
|
271
|
|
10,388
|
|
-
|
|
6,255
|
|
7,885
|
|
95,583
|
San Dimas
|
10,037
|
10,943
|
|
1,727
|
|
624
|
|
260
|
|
18,903
|
|
-
|
|
9,231
|
|
12,071
|
|
155,865
|
Stillwater
|
2,185
|
1,783
|
|
1,727
|
|
309
|
|
429
|
|
3,080
|
|
-
|
|
1,765
|
|
2,530
|
|
215,852
|
Other
6
|
3,100
|
4,240
|
|
1,713
|
|
894
|
|
59
|
|
7,264
|
|
(1,719)
|
|
1,505
|
|
4,697
|
|
494,143
|
|
69,027
|
68,996
|
$
|
1,725
|
$
|
475
|
$
|
357
|
$
|
119,051
|
$
|
(1,719)
|
$
|
59,961
|
$
|
88,792
|
$
|
3,628,121
|
Silver
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peñasquito
|
1,761
|
2,066
|
$
|
21.28
|
$
|
4.36
|
$
|
3.57
|
$
|
43,949
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
27,577
|
$
|
34,943
|
$
|
293,674
|
Antamina
|
1,067
|
1,114
|
|
21.28
|
|
4.33
|
|
7.06
|
|
23,701
|
|
-
|
|
11,009
|
|
18,872
|
|
545,368
|
Constancia
|
655
|
403
|
|
21.28
|
|
6.14
|
|
6.35
|
|
8,572
|
|
-
|
|
3,538
|
|
6,098
|
|
192,947
|
Other
7
|
1,820
|
1,352
|
|
22.15
|
|
6.19
|
|
5.03
|
|
29,953
|
|
51,443
|
|
66,228
|
|
20,283
|
|
453,096
|
|
5,303
|
4,935
|
$
|
21.52
|
$
|
5.00
|
$
|
4.98
|
$
|
106,175
|
$
|
51,443
|
$
|
108,352
|
$
|
80,196
|
$
|
1,485,085
|
Palladium
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stillwater
|
3,869
|
3,396
|
$
|
1,939
|
$
|
357
|
$
|
399
|
$
|
6,586
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
4,018
|
$
|
5,373
|
$
|
226,812
|
Platinum
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marathon
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
n.a.
|
$
|
n.a.
|
$
|
n.a.
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
9,428
|
Cobalt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Voisey's
Bay
|
128
|
187
|
$
|
22.62
|
$
|
16.52 ⁸
|
$
|
13.72
|
$
|
4,239
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
(1,426)
|
$
|
3,766
|
$
|
357,573
|
Operating
results
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
236,051
|
$
|
49,724
|
$
|
170,905
|
$
|
178,127
|
$
|
5,707,019
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and
administrative
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(8,383)
|
$
|
(6,385)
|
|
|
Share based
compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,474)
|
|
-
|
|
|
Donations and
community investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,916)
|
|
(2,729)
|
|
|
Finance
costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,377)
|
|
(1,028)
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
4,073
|
|
|
Income tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,370
|
|
(30)
|
|
|
Total other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(4,780)
|
$
|
(6,099)
|
$
|
1,052,887
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
166,125
|
$
|
172,028
|
$
|
6,759,906
|
1)
|
Units of gold, silver
and palladium produced and sold are reported in ounces, while
cobalt is reported in pounds. All figures in thousands except gold
and palladium ounces produced and sold and per unit
amounts.
|
2)
|
Quantity produced
represents the amount of gold, silver, palladium and cobalt
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 mineral stream
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)
|
The gain on disposal of
other silver interests relates to the termination of the Yauliyacu
PMPA, while the impairment of Other gold interests relates to the
777 PMPA.
|
5)
|
Comprised of the
operating Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Creighton and Totten gold
interests as well as the non-operating Stobie and Victor gold
interests.
|
6)
|
Other gold interests
comprised of the operating Minto and Marmato gold interests as well
as the non-operating 777, Copper World, Santo Domingo, Blackwater,
Fenix, Goose, Marathon and Curipamba gold interests. On June 22,
2022, Hudbay announced that mining activities at 777 have concluded
and closure activities have commenced. On May 13, 2023, Minto
announced the suspension of operations at the Minto
mine.
|
7)
|
Other silver interests
comprised of the operating Los Filos, Zinkgruvan, Neves-Corvo,
Aljustrel, Minto, Cozamin and Marmato silver interests, the
non-operating 777, Loma de La Plata, Stratoni, Pascua-Lama, Copper
World, Blackwater and Curipamba silver interests and the previously
owned Yauliyacu silver interest. The Stratoni mine was placed into
care and maintenance during Q4-2021. On June 22, 2022, Hudbay
announced that mining activities at 777 have concluded and closure
activities have commenced. On May 13, 2023, Minto announced the
suspension of operations at the Minto mine. On September 12, 2023,
it was announced that the production of zinc and lead concentrates
at Aljustrel will be halted from September 24, 2023 until the
second quarter of 2025. On December 14, 2022 the Yauliyacu PMPA was
terminated in exchange for a cash payment of $132
million.
|
8)
|
Cash cost per pound of
cobalt sold during the fourth quarter of 2022 includes an inventory
write-down of $1.6 million, resulting in an increase of $8.71 per
pound of cobalt sold. The Company reflects the cobalt inventory at
the lower of cost and net realizable value, and will continue to
monitor the market price of cobalt relative to the carrying value
of the inventory at each reporting period.
|
On a gold equivalent basis, results for the Company for the
three months ended December 31, 2022
were as follows:
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2022
|
|
Ounces
Produced 1
|
Ounces
Sold
|
Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)
|
Average
Cash Cost
($'s Per
Ounce) 2
|
Cash
Operating
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce) 3
|
Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)
|
Gross
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce)
|
Gold equivalent basis
4
|
142,887
|
138,218
|
$
1,708
|
$
447
|
$
1,261
|
$
384
|
$
877
|
1)
|
Quantity produced
represents the amount of gold, silver, palladium and cobalt
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 mineral stream
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.
|
2)
|
Refer to discussion on
non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.
|
3)
|
Refer to discussion on
non-IFRS measure (iv) at the end of this press release.
|
4)
|
GEOs, which are
provided to assist the reader, are based on the following commodity
price assumptions: $1,850 per ounce gold; $24.00 per ounce silver;
$1,800 per ounce palladium; and $18.75 per pound cobalt; consistent
with those used in estimating the Company's production guidance for
2023.
|
Year Ended December 31,
2023
|
|
Units
Produced²
|
Units
Sold
|
Average
Realized
Price
($'s
Per Unit)
|
Average
Cash Cost
($'s Per
Unit) 3
|
Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Unit)
|
Sales
|
Gain on
Disposal 4
|
Net
Earnings
|
Cash Flow
From
Operations
|
Total
Assets
|
Gold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salobo
|
239,304
|
203,096
|
$
|
1,969
|
$
|
420
|
$
|
354
|
$
|
399,936
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
242,676
|
$
|
314,555
|
$
|
2,681,419
|
Sudbury
5
|
22,134
|
18,990
|
|
1,971
|
|
400
|
|
1,102
|
|
37,432
|
|
-
|
|
8,905
|
|
29,554
|
|
262,485
|
Constancia
|
55,644
|
48,522
|
|
1,972
|
|
419
|
|
316
|
|
95,672
|
|
-
|
|
60,039
|
|
75,357
|
|
80,265
|
San Dimas
|
41,939
|
42,172
|
|
1,960
|
|
628
|
|
264
|
|
82,656
|
|
-
|
|
45,014
|
|
56,157
|
|
144,722
|
Stillwater
|
8,772
|
8,588
|
|
1,961
|
|
348
|
|
510
|
|
16,842
|
|
-
|
|
9,470
|
|
13,853
|
|
211,469
|
Other
6
|
6,792
|
5,968
|
|
1,942
|
|
1,037
|
|
209
|
|
11,593
|
|
-
|
|
4,152
|
|
5,137
|
|
603,689
|
|
374,585
|
327,336
|
$
|
1,968
|
$
|
455
|
$
|
382
|
$
|
644,131
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
370,256
|
$
|
494,613
|
$
|
3,984,049
|
Silver
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peñasquito
|
4,856
|
4,291
|
$
|
23.66
|
$
|
4.43
|
$
|
4.06
|
$
|
101,514
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
65,062
|
$
|
82,504
|
$
|
276,232
|
Antamina
|
3,780
|
3,662
|
|
23.72
|
|
4.70
|
|
7.06
|
|
86,855
|
|
-
|
|
43,814
|
|
69,652
|
|
519,530
|
Constancia
|
2,505
|
2,140
|
|
23.79
|
|
6.17
|
|
6.24
|
|
50,913
|
|
-
|
|
24,352
|
|
37,716
|
|
179,583
|
Other
7
|
6,035
|
4,233
|
|
23.47
|
|
5.41
|
|
2.92
|
|
99,312
|
|
5,027
|
|
69,106
|
|
74,272
|
|
582,113
|
|
17,176
|
14,326
|
$
|
23.64
|
$
|
5.05
|
$
|
4.82
|
$
|
338,594
|
$
|
5,027
|
$
|
202,334
|
$
|
264,144
|
$
|
1,557,458
|
Palladium
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stillwater
|
15,800
|
13,919
|
$
|
1,329
|
$
|
241
|
$
|
441
|
$
|
18,496
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
8,991
|
$
|
15,135
|
$
|
220,667
|
Platinum
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marathon
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
n.a.
|
$
|
n.a.
|
$
|
n.a.
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
9,451
|
Cobalt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Voisey's
Bay
|
673
|
1,074
|
$
|
13.81
|
$
|
3.30 ⁸
|
$
|
13.41
|
$
|
14,824
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
(3,114)
|
$
|
15,071
|
$
|
350,816
|
Operating
results
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,016,045
|
$
|
5,027
|
$
|
578,467
|
$
|
788,963
|
$
|
6,122,441
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and
administrative
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(38,165)
|
$
|
(36,025)
|
|
|
Share based
compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22,744)
|
|
(16,675)
|
|
|
Donations and
community investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,261)
|
|
(7,039)
|
|
|
Finance
costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,510)
|
|
(4,230)
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,271
|
|
32,007
|
|
|
Income tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,414)
|
|
(6,192)
|
|
|
Total other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(40,823)
|
$
|
(38,154)
|
$
|
908,744
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
537,644
|
$
|
750,809
|
$
|
7,031,185
|
1)
|
Units of gold, silver
and palladium produced and sold are reported in ounces, while
cobalt is reported in pounds. All figures in thousands except gold
and palladium ounces produced and sold and per unit
amounts.
|
2)
|
Quantity produced
represents the amount of gold, silver, palladium and cobalt
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 mineral stream
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)
|
The gain on disposal of
other silver interests relates to the gain on the buyback of 33% of
the Goose PMPA.
|
5)
|
Comprised of the
operating Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Creighton and Totten gold
interests and the non-operating Stobie and Victor gold
interests.
|
6)
|
Other gold interests
comprised of the operating Marmato gold interest as well as the
non-operating Minto, Copper World, 777, Santo Domingo, Fenix,
Blackwater, Curipamba, Marathon, Goose, Cangrejos and Curraghinalt
gold interests. On June 22, 2022, Hudbay announced that mining
activities at 777 have concluded and closure activities have
commenced. On May 13, 2023, Minto announced the suspension of
operations at the Minto mine.
|
7)
|
Other silver interests
comprised of the operating Los Filos, Zinkgruvan, Neves-Corvo,
Marmato and Cozamin silver interests as well as the
non-operating Stratoni, Aljustrel, Minto, Pascua-Lama, Copper
World, 777, Navidad, Blackwater, Curipamba and Mineral Park silver
interests. On June 22, 2022, Hudbay announced that mining
activities at 777 have concluded and closure activities have
commenced. On May 13, 2023, Minto announced the suspension of
operations at the Minto mine. On September 12, 2023, it was
announced that the production of zinc and lead concentrates at
Aljustrel will be halted from September 24, 2023 until the second
quarter of 2025.
|
8)
|
Cash cost per pound of
cobalt sold during the year ended December 31, 2023 was net of a
previously recorded inventory write-down of $1.6 million, resulting
in a decrease of $0.91 per pound of cobalt sold. The inventory
which was written down in 2022 was fully sold during 2023, and no
further inventory write down was required during 2023. The Company
reflects the cobalt inventory at the lower of cost and net
realizable value and will continue to monitor the market price of
cobalt relative to the carrying value of the inventory at each
reporting period.
|
On a gold equivalent basis, results for the Company for the year
ended December 31, 2023 were as
follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2023
|
|
Ounces
Produced 1
|
Ounces
Sold
|
Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)
|
Average
Cash Cost
($'s Per
Ounce) 2
|
Cash
Operating
Margin
($'s Per Ounce) 3
|
Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)
|
Gross
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce)
|
Gold equivalent basis
4
|
619,608
|
537,608
|
$
1,890
|
$
424
|
$
1,466
|
$
399
|
$
1,067
|
1)
|
Quantity produced
represent the amount of gold, silver, palladium and cobalt
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 mineral stream
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.
|
2)
|
Refer to discussion on
non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.
|
3)
|
Refer to discussion on
non-IFRS measure (iv) at the end of this press release.
|
4)
|
GEOs, which are
provided to assist the reader, are based on the following commodity
price assumptions: $1,850 per ounce gold; $24.00 per ounce silver;
$1,800 per ounce palladium; and $18.75 per pound cobalt; consistent
with those used in estimating the Company's production guidance for
2023.
|
Year Ended December 31,
2022
|
|
Units
Produced²
|
Units
Sold
|
Average
Realized
Price
($'s
Per Unit)
|
Average
Cash Cost
($'s Per
Unit) 3
|
Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Unit)
|
Sales
|
Impairment
(Charges)
Reversals /
Gain on
Disposal 4
|
Net
Earnings
|
Cash Flow
From
Operations
|
Total
Assets
|
Gold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salobo
|
161,163
|
163,875
|
$
|
1,807
|
$
|
416
|
$
|
334
|
$
|
296,145
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
173,257
|
$
|
227,933
|
$
|
2,383,262
|
Sudbury
5
|
19,358
|
21,763
|
|
1,802
|
|
400
|
|
1,091
|
|
39,211
|
|
-
|
|
6,752
|
|
30,789
|
|
283,416
|
Constancia
|
32,045
|
30,274
|
|
1,812
|
|
414
|
|
271
|
|
54,868
|
|
-
|
|
34,142
|
|
42,348
|
|
95,583
|
San Dimas
|
42,350
|
41,842
|
|
1,798
|
|
623
|
|
260
|
|
75,238
|
|
-
|
|
38,327
|
|
49,186
|
|
155,865
|
Stillwater
|
8,686
|
9,164
|
|
1,810
|
|
325
|
|
429
|
|
16,583
|
|
-
|
|
9,667
|
|
13,600
|
|
215,852
|
Other
6
|
21,999
|
26,316
|
|
1,811
|
|
760
|
|
48
|
|
47,653
|
|
(1,719)
|
|
24,687
|
|
27,610
|
|
494,143
|
|
285,601
|
293,234
|
$
|
1,806
|
$
|
472
|
$
|
350
|
$
|
529,698
|
$
|
(1,719)
|
$
|
286,832
|
$
|
391,466
|
$
|
3,628,121
|
Silver
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peñasquito
|
8,086
|
7,949
|
$
|
21.97
|
$
|
4.36
|
$
|
3.57
|
$
|
174,635
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
111,634
|
$
|
139,978
|
$
|
293,674
|
Antamina
|
4,934
|
4,914
|
|
21.94
|
|
4.40
|
|
7.06
|
|
107,794
|
|
-
|
|
51,488
|
|
85,824
|
|
545,368
|
Constancia
|
2,309
|
2,039
|
|
21.97
|
|
6.10
|
|
6.35
|
|
44,798
|
|
-
|
|
19,421
|
|
32,358
|
|
192,947
|
Other
7
|
8,471
|
6,668
|
|
21.56
|
|
6.95
|
|
5.50
|
|
143,776
|
|
166,198
|
|
226,995
|
|
96,251
|
|
453,096
|
|
23,800
|
21,570
|
$
|
21.84
|
$
|
5.33
|
$
|
5.22
|
$
|
471,003
|
$
|
166,198
|
$
|
409,538
|
$
|
354,411
|
$
|
1,485,085
|
Palladium
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stillwater
|
15,485
|
15,076
|
$
|
2,133
|
$
|
377
|
$
|
399
|
$
|
32,160
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
20,455
|
$
|
26,472
|
$
|
226,812
|
Platinum
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marathon
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
n.a
|
$
|
n.a
|
$
|
n.a
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
9,428
|
Cobalt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Voisey's
Bay
|
724
|
1,038
|
$
|
31.00
|
$
|
8.10 ⁸
|
$
|
10.26
|
$
|
32,192
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
13,134
|
$
|
28,178
|
$
|
357,573
|
Operating
results
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,065,053
|
$
|
164,479
|
$
|
729,959
|
$
|
800,527
|
$
|
5,707,019
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and
administrative
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(35,831)
|
$
|
(35,073)
|
|
|
Share based
compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20,060)
|
|
(18,411)
|
|
|
Donations and
community investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,296)
|
|
(5,706)
|
|
|
Finance
costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,586)
|
|
(4,135)
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,449
|
|
6,393
|
|
|
Income tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(509)
|
|
(171)
|
|
|
Total other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(60,833)
|
$
|
(57,103)
|
$
|
1,052,887
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
669,126
|
$
|
743,424
|
$
|
6,759,906
|
1)
|
Units of gold, silver
and palladium produced and sold are reported in ounces, while
cobalt is reported in pounds. All figures in thousands except gold
and palladium ounces produced and sold and per unit
amounts.
|
2)
|
Quantity produced
represents the amount of gold, silver, palladium and cobalt
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 mineral stream
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)
|
The gain on disposal of
other silver interests relates to the termination of the Keno Hill
and Yauliyacu PMPAs, while the impairment of Other gold interests
relates to the 777 PMPA.
|
5)
|
Comprised of the
operating Coleman, Copper Cliff, Garson, Creighton and Totten gold
interests as well as the non-operating Stobie and Victor gold
interests.
|
6)
|
Other gold interests
comprised of the operating Minto and Marmato gold interests as well
as the non-operating 777, Copper World, Santo Domingo, Blackwater,
Fenix, Goose, Marathon and Curipamba gold interests. On June 22,
2022, Hudbay announced that mining activities at 777 have concluded
and closure activities have commenced. On May 13, 2023, Minto
announced the suspension of operations at the Minto
mine.
|
7)
|
Other silver interests
comprised of the operating Los Filos, Zinkgruvan, Neves-Corvo,
Aljustrel, Minto, Cozamin and Marmato silver interests, the
non-operating 777, Loma de La Plata, Stratoni, Pascua-Lama, Copper
World, Blackwater and Curipamba silver interests and the previously
owned Yauliyacu and Keno Hill silver interests. The Stratoni mine
was placed into care and maintenance during Q4-2021. On June 22,
2022, Hudbay announced that mining activities at 777 have concluded
and closure activities have commenced. On May 13, 2023, Minto
announced the suspension of operations at the Minto mine. On
September 12, 2023, it was announced that the production of zinc
and lead concentrates at Aljustrel will be halted from September
24, 2023 until the second quarter of 2025. On September 7, 2022,
the Keno Hill PMPA was terminated in exchange for $141 million of
Hecla common stock. On December 14, 2022 the Yauliyacu PMPA was
terminated in exchange for a cash payment of $132
million.
|
8)
|
Cash cost per pound of
cobalt sold during the fourth quarter of 2022 includes an inventory
write-down of $1.6 million, resulting in an increase of $1.60 per
pound of cobalt sold. The Company reflects the cobalt inventory at
the lower of cost and net realizable value, and will continue to
monitor the market price of cobalt relative to the carrying value
of the inventory at each reporting period.
|
On a gold equivalent basis, results for the Company for the year
ended December 31, 2022 were as
follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2022
|
|
Ounces
Produced 1
|
Ounces
Sold
|
Average
Realized
Price
($'s Per
Ounce)
|
Average
Cash Cost
($'s Per
Ounce) 2
|
Cash
Operating
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce) 3
|
Average
Depletion
($'s Per
Ounce)
|
Gross
Margin
($'s Per
Ounce)
|
Gold equivalent basis
4
|
616,755
|
598,244
|
$
1,780
|
$
447
|
$
1,333
|
$
388
|
$
945
|
1)
|
Quantity produced
represent the amount of gold, silver, palladium and cobalt
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 mineral stream
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.
|
2)
|
Silver ounces produced
and sold in thousands.
|
3)
|
Refer to discussion on
non-IFRS measure (iii) at the end of this press release.
|
4)
|
Refer to discussion on
non-IFRS measure (iv) at the end of this press release.
|
5)
|
GEOs, which are
provided to assist the reader, are based on the following commodity
price assumptions: $1,850 per ounce gold; $24.00 per ounce silver;
$1,800 per ounce palladium; and $18.75 per pound cobalt; consistent
with those used in estimating the Company's production guidance for
2023.
|
Non-IFRS Measures
Wheaton 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 gold, silver and
palladium on a per ounce basis and cobalt on a per pound basis; and
(iv) cash operating margin.
i.
|
Adjusted net earnings
and adjusted net earnings per share are calculated by removing the
effects of non-cash impairment charges (reversals) (if any),
non-cash fair value (gains) losses and other one-time (income)
expenses as well as the reversal of non-cash income tax expense
(recovery) which is offset by income tax expense (recovery)
recognized in the Statements of Shareholders' Equity and OCI,
respectively. 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)
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
Net earnings
|
|
$
|
168,435
|
|
$
|
166,125
|
|
$
|
537,644
|
|
$
|
669,126
|
Add back
(deduct):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impairment charge
(reversal)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,719
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(8,611)
|
Gain on disposal of
Mineral Stream
Interest
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(51,443)
|
|
|
(5,027)
|
|
|
(155,868)
|
Gain (loss) on fair
value adjustment
of share purchase warrants held
|
|
|
(217)
|
|
|
(67)
|
|
|
31
|
|
|
1,033
|
Income tax (expense)
recovery
recognized in the Statement of
Shareholders' Equity
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
4,143
|
Income tax (expense)
recovery
recognized in the Statement of
OCI
|
|
|
(3,487)
|
|
|
(7,214)
|
|
|
3,719
|
|
|
(6,513)
|
Income tax recovery
related to prior
year disposal of Mineral Stream
Interest
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(5,376)
|
|
|
(2,672)
|
|
|
2,404
|
Other
|
|
|
(162)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(644)
|
|
|
(802)
|
Adjusted net
earnings
|
|
$
|
164,569
|
|
$
|
103,744
|
|
$
|
533,051
|
|
$
|
504,912
|
Divided by:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic weighted average
number of
shares outstanding
|
|
|
453,010
|
|
|
452,070
|
|
|
452,814
|
|
|
451,570
|
Diluted weighted
average number of
shares outstanding
|
|
|
453,611
|
|
|
452,778
|
|
|
453,463
|
|
|
452,344
|
Equals:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted earnings per
share - basic
|
|
$
|
0.363
|
|
$
|
0.229
|
|
$
|
1.177
|
|
$
|
1.118
|
Adjusted earnings per
share - diluted
|
|
$
|
0.363
|
|
$
|
0.229
|
|
$
|
1.176
|
|
$
|
1.116
|
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)
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
Cash generated by
operating activities
|
|
$
|
242,226
|
|
$
|
172,028
|
|
$
|
750,809
|
|
$
|
743,424
|
Divided by:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic weighted average
number of
shares outstanding
|
|
|
453,010
|
|
|
452,070
|
|
|
452,814
|
|
|
451,570
|
Diluted weighted
average number of
shares outstanding
|
|
|
453,611
|
|
|
452,778
|
|
|
453,463
|
|
|
452,344
|
Equals:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating cash flow
per share - basic
|
|
$
|
0.535
|
|
$
|
0.381
|
|
$
|
1.658
|
|
$
|
1.646
|
Operating cash flow
per share - diluted
|
|
$
|
0.534
|
|
$
|
0.380
|
|
$
|
1.656
|
|
$
|
1.643
|
iii.
|
Average cash cost of
gold, silver and palladium on a per ounce basis and cobalt on a per
pound basis is calculated by dividing the total cost of sales, less
depletion, by the ounces or pounds sold. In the precious metal
mining industry, this is a common performance measure but does not
have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. 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 calculation of average cash cost
of gold, silver and palladium on a per ounce basis and cobalt on a
per pound basis.
|
Three Months Ended
December 31
|
Years Ended
December 31
|
(in thousands, except
for gold and palladium ounces sold
and per unit amounts)
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
Cost of
sales
|
|
$
|
136,283
|
|
$
|
114,870
|
|
$
|
442,605
|
|
$
|
499,573
|
Less:
depletion
|
|
|
(68,526)
|
|
|
(53,139)
|
|
|
(214,434)
|
|
|
(231,952)
|
Cash cost of
sales
|
|
$
|
67,757
|
|
$
|
61,731
|
|
$
|
228,171
|
|
$
|
267,621
|
Cash cost of sales is
comprised of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash cost of
gold sold
|
|
$
|
50,246
|
|
$
|
32,749
|
|
$
|
148,972
|
|
$
|
138,468
|
Total cash cost of
silver sold
|
|
|
15,945
|
|
|
24,674
|
|
|
72,296
|
|
|
115,058
|
Total cash cost of
palladium sold
|
|
|
662
|
|
|
1,213
|
|
|
3,360
|
|
|
5,687
|
Total cash cost of
cobalt sold
|
|
|
904
|
|
|
3,095
|
|
|
3,543
|
|
|
8,408
|
Total cash cost of
sales
|
|
$
|
67,757
|
|
$
|
61,731
|
|
$
|
228,171
|
|
$
|
267,621
|
Divided by:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gold ounces
sold
|
|
|
115,011
|
|
|
68,996
|
|
|
327,336
|
|
|
293,234
|
Total silver ounces
sold
|
|
|
3,175
|
|
|
4,935
|
|
|
14,326
|
|
|
21,570
|
Total palladium ounces
sold
|
|
|
3,339
|
|
|
3,396
|
|
|
13,919
|
|
|
15,076
|
Total cobalt pounds
sold
|
|
|
288
|
|
|
187
|
|
|
1,074
|
|
|
1,038
|
Equals:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average cash cost of
gold (per ounce)
|
|
$
|
437
|
|
$
|
475
|
|
$
|
455
|
|
$
|
472
|
Average cash cost of
silver (per ounce)
|
|
$
|
5.02
|
|
$
|
5.00
|
|
$
|
5.05
|
|
$
|
5.33
|
Average cash cost of
palladium (per ounce)
|
|
$
|
198
|
|
$
|
357
|
|
$
|
241
|
|
$
|
377
|
Average cash cost of
cobalt (per pound)
|
|
$
|
3.14
|
|
$
|
16.52
|
|
$
|
3.30
|
|
$
|
8.10
|
iv.
|
Cash operating margin
is calculated by adding back depletion to the gross margin. Cash
operating margin on a per ounce or per pound basis is calculated by
dividing the cash operating margin by the number of ounces or
pounds sold during the period. 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 and palladium ounces sold and per
unit amounts)
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
Gross margin
|
|
$
|
177,188
|
|
$
|
121,181
|
|
$
|
573,440
|
|
$
|
565,480
|
Add back:
depletion
|
|
|
68,526
|
|
|
53,139
|
|
|
214,434
|
|
|
231,952
|
Cash operating
margin
|
|
$
|
245,714
|
|
$
|
174,320
|
|
$
|
787,874
|
|
$
|
797,432
|
Cash operating margin
is comprised of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash operating
margin of gold sold
|
|
$
|
180,470
|
|
$
|
86,302
|
|
$
|
495,159
|
|
$
|
391,230
|
Total cash operating
margin of silver sold
|
|
|
59,520
|
|
|
81,501
|
|
|
266,298
|
|
|
355,945
|
Total cash operating
margin of palladium sold
|
|
|
2,912
|
|
|
5,373
|
|
|
15,136
|
|
|
26,473
|
Total cash operating
margin of cobalt sold
|
|
|
2,812
|
|
|
1,144
|
|
|
11,281
|
|
|
23,784
|
Total cash operating
margin
|
|
$
|
245,714
|
|
$
|
174,320
|
|
$
|
787,874
|
|
$
|
797,432
|
Divided by:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gold ounces
sold
|
|
|
115,011
|
|
|
68,996
|
|
|
327,336
|
|
|
293,234
|
Total silver ounces
sold
|
|
|
3,175
|
|
|
4,935
|
|
|
14,326
|
|
|
21,570
|
Total palladium ounces
sold
|
|
|
3,339
|
|
|
3,396
|
|
|
13,919
|
|
|
15,076
|
Total cobalt pounds
sold
|
|
|
288
|
|
|
187
|
|
|
1,074
|
|
|
1,038
|
Equals:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash operating margin
per gold ounce sold
|
|
$
|
1,569
|
|
$
|
1,250
|
|
$
|
1,513
|
|
$
|
1,334
|
Cash operating margin
per silver ounce sold
|
|
$
|
18.75
|
|
$
|
16.52
|
|
$
|
18.59
|
|
$
|
16.51
|
Cash operating margin
per palladium ounce sold
|
|
$
|
872
|
|
$
|
1,582
|
|
$
|
1,088
|
|
$
|
1,756
|
Cash operating margin
per cobalt pound sold
|
|
$
|
9.78
|
|
$
|
6.10
|
|
$
|
10.51
|
|
$
|
22.90
|
1) Cash cost per
pound of cobalt sold during the fourth quarter of 2023 was net of a
previously recorded inventory write-down of $0.02 million (twelve
months - $1.6 million), resulting in a decrease of $0.08 per pound
of cobalt sold (twelve months - $0.91 per pound sold). Cash cost
per pound of cobalt sold during the fourth quarter of 2022 includes
an inventory write-down of $1.6 million (twelve months - $1.6
million), resulting in an increase of $8.71 per pound sold (twelve
months - $1.60 per pound sold).
|
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's MD&A available on the
Company's website at www.wheatonpm.com and posted on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release 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 concerning
the business, operations and financial performance of Wheaton and,
in some instances, the business, mining operations and performance
of Wheaton's PMPA counterparties. Forward-looking statements, which
are all statements other than statements of historical fact,
include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:
- the future price of commodities;
- the estimation of future production from the mineral stream
interests and mineral royalty interests currently owned by the
Company (the "Mining Operations") (including in the estimation of
production, mill throughput, grades, recoveries and exploration
potential);
- the estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources
(including the estimation of reserve conversion rates and the
realization of such estimations);
- the commencement, timing and achievement of construction,
expansion or improvement projects by Wheaton's PMPA counterparties
at Mining Operations;
- the payment of upfront cash consideration to counterparties
under PMPAs, the satisfaction of each party's obligations in
accordance with PMPAs and the receipt by the Company of precious
metals and cobalt production or other payments in respect of the
applicable Mining Operations under PMPAs;
- the ability of Wheaton's PMPA counterparties to comply with the
terms of a PMPA (including as a result of the business, mining
operations and performance of Wheaton's PMPA counterparties) and
the potential impacts of such on Wheaton;
- future payments by the Company in accordance with PMPAs,
including any acceleration of payments;
- the costs of future production;
- the estimation of produced but not yet delivered ounces;
- the future sales of Common Shares under, the amount of net
proceeds from, and the use of the net proceeds from, the
at-the-market equity program;
- continued listing of the Common Shares on the LSE, NYSE and
TSX;
- any statements as to future dividends;
- the ability to fund outstanding commitments and the ability to
continue to acquire accretive PMPAs;
- projected increases to Wheaton's production and cash flow
profile;
- projected changes to Wheaton's production mix;
- the ability of Wheaton's PMPA counterparties to comply with the
terms of any other obligations under agreements with the
Company;
- the ability to sell precious metals and cobalt production;
- confidence in the Company's business structure;
- the Company's assessment of taxes payable, including the
implementation of a 15% global minimum tax, and the impact of the
CRA Settlement;
- possible CRA domestic audits for taxation years subsequent to
2016 and international audits;
- the Company's assessment of the impact of any tax
reassessments;
- the Company's intention to file future tax returns in a manner
consistent with the CRA Settlement;
- the Company's climate change and environmental commitments;
and
- assessments of the impact and resolution of various legal and
tax matters, including but not limited to audits.
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:
- risks associated with fluctuations in the price of commodities
(including Wheaton's ability to sell its precious metals or cobalt
production at acceptable prices or at all);
- risks related to the Mining Operations (including fluctuations
in the price of the primary or other commodities mined at such
operations, regulatory, political and other risks of the
jurisdictions in which the Mining Operations are located, actual
results of mining, risks associated with exploration, development,
operating, expansion and improvement at the Mining Operations,
environmental and economic risks of the Mining Operations, and
changes in project parameters as Mining Operations plans continue
to be refined);
- absence of control over the Mining Operations and having to
rely on the accuracy of the public disclosure and other information
Wheaton receives from the owners and operators of the Mining
Operations as the basis for its analyses, forecasts and assessments
relating to its own business;
- risks related to the uncertainty in the accuracy of mineral
reserve and mineral resource estimation;
- risks related to the satisfaction of each party's obligations
in accordance with the terms of the Company's PMPAs, including the
ability of the companies with which the Company has PMPAs to
perform their obligations under those PMPAs in the event of a
material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial
condition, cash flows or business of such companies, any
acceleration of payments, estimated throughput and exploration
potential;
- risks relating to production estimates from Mining Operations,
including anticipated timing of the commencement of production by
certain Mining Operations;
- Wheaton's interpretation of, or compliance with, or application
of, tax laws and regulations or accounting policies and rules,
being found to be incorrect or the tax impact to the Company's
business operations being materially different than currently
contemplated;
- any challenge or reassessment by the CRA of the Company's tax
filings being successful and the potential negative impact to the
Company's previous and future tax filings;
- risks in assessing the impact of the CRA Settlement (including
whether there will be any material change in the Company's facts or
change in law or jurisprudence);
- risks related to any potential amendments to Canada's transfer pricing rules under the
Income Tax Act (Canada) that may
result from the Department of Finance's consultation paper released
June 6, 2023;
- risks relating to the implementation of a 15% global minimum
tax, including the draft legislation issued for consultation by the
Canadian Federal Government on August 4,
2023 that would apply to the income of the Company's
non-Canadian subsidiaries and the legislation enacted in
Luxembourg that applies to the
income of the Company's Luxembourg
subsidiary as of January 1, 2024 and
the Company and its other subsidiaries from January 1, 2025;
- counterparty credit and liquidity risks;
- mine operator and counterparty concentration risks;
- indebtedness and guarantees risks;
- hedging risk;
- competition in the streaming industry risk;
- risks relating to security over underlying assets;
- risks relating to third-party PMPAs;
- risks relating to revenue from royalty interests;
- risks related to Wheaton's acquisition strategy;
- risks relating to third-party rights under PMPAs;
- risks relating to future financings and security
issuances;
- risks relating to unknown defects and impairments;
- risks related to governmental regulations;
- risks related to international operations of Wheaton and the
Mining Operations;
- risks relating to exploration, development, operating,
expansions and improvements at the Mining Operations;
- risks related to environmental regulations;
- the ability of Wheaton and the Mining Operations to obtain and
maintain necessary licenses, permits, approvals and rulings;
- the ability of Wheaton and the Mining Operations to comply with
applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements;
- lack of suitable supplies, infrastructure and employees to
support the Mining Operations;
- risks related to underinsured Mining Operations;
- inability to replace and expand mineral reserves, including
anticipated timing of the commencement of production by certain
Mining Operations (including increases in production, estimated
grades and recoveries);
- uncertainties related to title and indigenous rights with
respect to the mineral properties of the Mining Operations;
- the ability of Wheaton and the Mining Operations to obtain
adequate financing;
- the ability of the Mining Operations to complete permitting,
construction, development and expansion;
- challenges related to global financial conditions;
- risks associated with environmental, social and governance
matters;
- risks related to fluctuations in commodity prices of metals
produced from the Mining Operations other than precious metals or
cobalt;
- risks related to claims and legal proceedings against Wheaton
or the Mining Operations;
- risks related to the market price of the Common Shares of
Wheaton;
- the ability of Wheaton and the Mining Operations to retain key
management employees or procure the services of skilled and
experienced personnel;
- risks related to interest rates;
- risks related to the declaration, timing and payment of
dividends;
- risks related to access to confidential information regarding
Mining Operations;
- risks associated with multiple listings of the Common Shares on
the LSE, NYSE and TSX;
- risks associated with a possible suspension of trading of
Common Shares;
- risks associated with the sale of Common Shares under the
at-the-market equity program, including the amount of any net
proceeds from such offering of Common Shares and the use of any
such proceeds;
- equity price risks related to Wheaton's holding of long‑term
investments in other companies;
- risks relating to activist shareholders;
- risks relating to reputational damage;
- risks relating to expression of views by industry
analysts;
- risks related to the impacts of climate change and the
transition to a low-carbon economy;
- risks associated with the ability to achieve climate change and
environmental commitments at Wheaton and at the Mining
Operations;
- risks related to ensuring the security and safety of
information systems, including cyber security risks;
- risks relating to generative artificial intelligence;
- risks relating to compliance with anti-corruption and
anti-bribery laws;
- risks relating to corporate governance and public disclosure
compliance;
- risks of significant impacts on Wheaton or the Mining
Operations as a result of an epidemic or pandemic;
- risks related to the adequacy of internal control over
financial reporting; and
- other risks discussed in the section entitled "Description of
the Business – Risk Factors" in Wheaton's Annual Information Form
available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and Wheaton's Form 40-F for
the year ended December 31, 2022 on
file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR (the
"Disclosure").
Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management
currently believes to be reasonable, including (without
limitation):
- that there will be no material adverse change in the market
price of commodities;
- that the Mining Operations will continue to operate and the
mining projects will be completed in accordance with public
statements and achieve their stated production estimates;
- that the mineral reserves and mineral resource estimates from
Mining Operations (including reserve conversion rates) are
accurate;
- that public disclosure and other information Wheaton receives
from the owners and operators of the Mining Operations is accurate
and complete;
- that the production estimates from Mining Operations are
accurate;
- that each party will satisfy their obligations in accordance
with the PMPAs;
- that Wheaton will continue to be able to fund or obtain funding
for outstanding commitments;
- that Wheaton will be able to source and obtain accretive
PMPAs;
- that the terms and conditions of a PMPA are sufficient to
recover liabilities owed to the Company;
- that Wheaton has fully considered the value and impact of any
third-party interests in PMPAs;
- that expectations regarding the resolution of legal and tax
matters will be achieved (including CRA audits involving the
Company);
- that Wheaton has properly considered the application of
Canadian tax laws to its structure and operations;
- that Wheaton has filed its tax returns and paid applicable
taxes in compliance with Canadian tax laws;
- that Wheaton's application of the CRA Settlement is accurate
(including the Company's assessment that there has been no material
change in the Company's facts or change in law or
jurisprudence);
- that Wheaton's assessment of the tax exposure and impact on the
Company and its subsidiaries of the implementation of a 15% global
minimum tax is accurate;
- that any sale of Common Shares under the at-the-market equity
program will not have a significant impact on the market price of
the Common Shares and that the net proceeds of sales of Common
Shares, if any, will be used as anticipated;
- that the trading of the Common Shares will not be adversely
affected by the differences in liquidity, settlement and clearing
systems as a result of multiple listings of the Common Shares on
the LSE, the TSX and the NYSE;
- that the trading of the Company's Common Shares will not be
suspended;
- the estimate of the recoverable amount for any PMPA with an
indicator of impairment;
- that neither Wheaton nor the Mining Operations will suffer
significant impacts as a result of an epidemic or pandemic;
and
- such other assumptions and factors as set out in the
Disclosure.
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. 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 readers 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, reflects Wheaton's management's current
beliefs based on current information and will not be updated except
in accordance with applicable securities laws. 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.
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, 2022, which was filed on
March 31, 2023 and other continuous
disclosure documents filed by Wheaton since January 1, 2023, available on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca. 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 Company reports information
regarding mineral properties, mineralization and estimates of
mineral reserves and mineral resources in accordance with Canadian
reporting requirements which are governed by, and utilize
definitions required by, 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 adopted
by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")
under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act") which are applicable to U.S. companies.
Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral
resources that the Company may report as "proven mineral reserves",
"probable mineral reserves", "measured mineral resources",
"indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources"
under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the
reserve or resource estimates under the standards adopted by the
SEC. 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
https://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
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. Details of the dividend can
be found in the Wheaton's news release date March 14, 2024, titled
"Wheaton Precious Metals Declares Quarterly Dividend."
2 Statements made in this section contain forward-looking
information with respect to forecast production, funding
outstanding commitments and continuing to acquire accretive mineral
stream interests and readers are cautioned that actual outcomes may
vary. Please see "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements" for material risks, assumptions and important
disclosure associated with this information.
3 Gold equivalent ounces for 2023 actual production and sales are
calculated by converting silver, palladium and cobalt to a gold
equivalent by using the following commodity price assumptions:
$1,850 per ounce gold, $24 per ounce silver, $1,800 per ounce
palladium, $1,100 per ounce platinum and $18.75 per pound
cobalt.
4Source: Company reports & S and P Capital IQ estimates of 2024
byproduct cost curves for gold, zinc/lead, copper, PGM, nickel
& silver mines. Portfolio mine life based on recoverable
reserves and resources as of Dec 31, 2022 and 2022 actual mill
throughput and is weighted by individual reserve and resource
category.
5Gold equivalent forecast production for 2024 and the longer-term
outlook are based on the following updated commodity price
assumptions: $2,000 per ounce gold, $23 per ounce silver, $1,000
per ounce palladium, $950 per ounce of platinum and $13.00 per
pound cobalt.
6Total streaming and royalty agreements relate to the purchase of
precious metals and cobalt relating to 18 mining assets which are
currently operating, 23 which are at various stages of development
and 4 of which have been placed in care and maintenance or have
been closed.
7Under the Platreef PMPA, Wheaton International will be entitled to
purchase 62.5% of the payable gold until a total of 218,750 oz of
gold has been delivered to Wheaton International under the gold
stream, at which point Wheaton International will be entitled to
purchase 50% of the payable gold production until a total of
428,300 oz of gold has been delivered to Wheaton International
under the gold stream, at which point Wheaton International will be
entitled to purchase 3.125% of the payable gold production. If
certain thresholds are met, including if production through the
Platreef project concentrator achieves 5.5 Mtpa, the 3.125%
residual gold stream will terminate. Under the Platreef Gold
PMPA, Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (which acquired Nomad Royalty Ltd. on
August 15, 2022) ("Sandstorm") is entitled to purchase 37.5% of
payable gold. The decrease in the percentage of payable metal that
Wheaton International will be entitled to purchase is conditional
on delivery of the total amount of payable metal to all purchasers
(Wheaton International and Sandstorm combined). The values set out
herein pertain only to Wheaton International's share of the payable
gold. In addition, under the Platreef Project Stream, Wheaton
International will purchase 5.25% of the payable palladium and
platinum until a total of 350,000 oz of combined palladium and
platinum have been received, at which point the stream will be
reduced to 3.0% of the payable palladium and platinum production
until 485,115 oz have been delivered, at which point the stream
will be reduced to 0.1% of the payable palladium and platinum
production if certain conditions are met.
8Under the KZK PMPA, the Company will be entitled to purchase:
until 330,000 ounces of gold and 43,300,000 silver are produced and
delivered, staged percentages of produced gold and produced silver
ranging from 6.875% to 7.375% depending on the timing of such
deliveries, reducing to a range of 5.625% to 6.125% until a further
59,800 ounces of gold and 7,958,000 ounces of silver are produced
and delivered, further reducing to a range of 5.000% to 5.500%
until a further 270,200 ounces of gold and 35,342,000 ounces of
silver are produced and delivered (for a total of 660,000 ounces of
gold and 86,600,000 ounces of silver), and thereafter ranging
between 6.25% and 6.75%.
9Under the Curraghinalt Stream, Wheaton International will purchase
3.05% of the payable gold until 125,000 oz of gold has been
delivered, at which point the stream will be reduced to 1.5% of the
payable gold production for life of mine.
10Under the Platreef Gold PMPA, Wheaton International will make
ongoing payments for the gold ounces delivered equal to $100/oz
until a total of 428,300 oz of gold have been delivered, increasing
to 80% of the spot price of gold thereafter. Under the Platreef
Palladium and Platinum PMPA, Wheaton International will make
ongoing payments for the palladium and platinum ounces delivered
equal to 30% of the respective spot prices until 485,115 combined
ounces have been received, increasing to 80% of the spot price of
palladium and platinum thereafter. Under the KZK PMPA, Wheaton will
make ongoing payments for the gold and silver ounces delivered
equal to 20% of the spot gold and silver price. Under the
Curraghinalt PMPA, Wheaton International will make ongoing payments
for the gold ounces delivered equal to 18% of the spot price of
gold until the uncredited deposit is reduced to nil and 22% of the
spot price of gold thereafter.
11To aid the reader for purposes of comparison, the Company's
production guidance using 2023 commodity price assumptions for gold
equivalency calculations, which are based on $1,850 / oz gold, $24
/ oz silver, $1,800 / oz palladium, $1,100 / oz platinum, and
$18.75 / lb cobalt, are as follows: 2024 production guidance:
585,000 to 670,000 GEOs, 2028 Target Production Guidance: Over
850,000 GEOs, and 2029-2033 Average Annual Production Guidance:
Over 900,000 GEOs.
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SOURCE Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.