SSR Mining (SSRM) Tops Q4 EPS by 4c, Revenues Beat

SSR Mining (NASDAQ: SSRM) reported Q4 EPS of $0.04, $0.04 better than the analyst estimate of $0.00. Revenue for the quarter came in at $103.71 million versus the consensus estimate of $100.34 million.

Paul Benson, President and CEO said, "SSR Mining had another successful year in 2018 as we continued our track record of achieving production and cost guidance for the seventh consecutive year while transitioning to commercial production at Chinchillas. We maintained a strong balance sheet after a year of investment that brought a new mine into production, delivered reserve growth and included our strategic investment in SilverCrest Metals.

Looking ahead, 2019 consolidated gold production is forecast to grow to nearly 400,000 gold equivalent ounces as all three operations increase output, including our newest mine, Chinchillas, which is ramping up to steady-state operations. And by 2021, our production profile is expected to grow to 440,000 gold equivalent ounces, not including the potential upside at Marigold or success from our brownfield exploration programs. With nearly $420 million of cash and an outlook of increasing production and higher margins, we are well positioned to continue our track record of creating value for shareholders."

Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2018 Highlights:(All figures are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted)

• Achieved annual production and cost guidance: Achieved initial guidance for the seventh consecutive year by delivering gold equivalent production of over 345,000 ounces at cash costs of $736 per payable gold equivalent ounce sold.
• Continued our track record of Mineral Reserves growth: Successful exploration activities in 2018 increased gold Mineral Reserves at the Marigold mine to 3.3 million ounces and at the Seabee Gold Operation to 608,000 ounces.
• Delivered record annual gold production at Seabee: The operation achieved its fifth consecutive annual production record, producing 95,602 ounces of gold, exceeding the top end of our upwardly revised annual guidance. Annual cash costs were $505 per payable ounce of gold sold.
• Strong operating performance at Marigold: Delivered quarterly gold production of 54,306 ounces, resulting in annual production of 205,161 ounces of gold. Reported annual cash costs of $723 per payable ounce of gold sold, at the lower end of our improved guidance.
• Delivered updated Marigold life of mine plan: Released updated plan on June 18, 2018, outlining a ten-year mine life, 30% growth in production through 2021, and robust economics.
• Declared commercial production at Chinchillas: The mine achieved commercial production on December 1, 2018, marking a major milestone as we reached sustainable ore delivery from the Chinchillas mine to the Pirquitas plant. In December 2018, the Pirquitas mill operated at 3,605 tpd, processing exclusively Chinchillas ore.
• Investment in high-grade Las Chispas project: In the fourth quarter we purchased 9.7% of the issued and outstanding common shares of SilverCrest Metals Inc. for $23 million. SilverCrest's Las Chispas project represents exposure to an exciting high-grade development project with exploration upside in a favourable mining jurisdiction and compelling near-term development catalysts.
• Balance sheet remains strong: Cash and marketable securities totaled $449 million at year-end 2018 after project development and investments for 2019 growth and beyond.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on SSR Mining (SSRM) click here.

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