Exhibit 99.1
11811 North Tatum Blvd., Suite 2500 - Phoenix, AZ 85028
Phone: Arizona: (602) 494-5328 - Fax: (602) 494-5317
Southern Copper Corporation Reports
Fourth Quarter and 2009 Results
January 29, 2010- Southern Copper Corporation (SCC) (NYSE and BVL: PCU)
| · | Fourth quarter (“4Q09”) and twelve month period ended December 31, 2009 (“Y09”) sales were $1,136.0 million and $3,734.3 million, respectively, compared to $449.7 million and $4,850.8 million in the 4Q08 and the full year 2008 (“Y08”). The 4Q09 increase is attributable in most part to higher copper prices and to the significant increase in molybdenum and silver volumes produced and sold. |
| · | Cost reductions have continued to improve the Company’s results. Operating cash cost per pound of copper, before by-products credit was 134.51 cents per pound in Y09 compared with 163.0 cents per pound in Y08. This decrease was the result of higher productivity and operational efficiencies. Operating cash cost per pound of copper, net of by-products credit was 35.6 cents per pound in Y09. |
| · | EBITDA in 4Q09 was $615.9 million representing 54% of net sales compared to $(54.6) million in the 4Q08, an increase of $670.6 million. EBITDA in 2009 amounted to $1,813.8 million or approximately 49% of net sales. |
| · | Diluted income per share for the 4Q09 was 43 cents, which is 16% higher than the 37 cents in the 3Q09. In 4Q09 net income totaled $363.3 million compared to $312.5 million in the 3Q09. |
| · | The Company’s operations in 2009 exceeded all production goals. Copper mined and smelted in 4Q09 increased by 4.9% and 18.8%, respectively, compared to those of the 3Q09. Also, in 4Q09 production of zinc mined and refined increased by 0.4% and 29.9%, respectively, while silver mined and refined by 1.0% and 15.3%, respectively. In addition, the production of molybdenum in year 2009 increased 14%. |
| · | The Company is strongly committed to continue its organic growth and therefore the Board of Directors has approved an investment program of $2.8 billion for the next three years to develop new production capacity. This program is expected to increase annual production by 342,000 tons of copper and 6,600 tons of molybdenum, and to improve the Company’s cost competitiveness and efficiency. The Company intends to allocate approximately $1.8 billion to Peru and $1.0 billion to Mexico of which approximately $600 million and $200 million are intended to be invested in Peru and Mexico, respectively, in the fiscal year 2010. The Board has authorized with the commencement of the investments in Peru. |
____________________________
1
SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION
11811 North Tatum Blvd., Suite 2500 - Phoenix, AZ 85028
Phone: Arizona: (602) 494-5328 - Fax: (602) 494-5317
www.southerncoppercorp.com
| Mexican investments however will commence at a later date depending on developments in the Mexican labor and legal environment. |
| · | On January 28, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized a dividend of 43 cents per share to be paid on March 3, 2010 to the Company’s shareholders of record at the close of business on February 15, 2010. |
Commenting on the Company’s results for 4Q09, Mr. German Larrea, Chairman of SCC's Board said: “The strong Company’s 4Q09 results reflect the recovery of copper and other metal prices, as well as company wide productivity improvements, including gains from the modernization of our equipment and increases in by-products production. As the recent downturn in the worlds’ economic health is subsiding and the outlook for the copper market continues to improve, the Company, which currently holds the highest copper reserves in the world, is exceptionally well positioned, as one of the lowest and more efficient producers, to take advantage of the improved environment.”
| SUMMARY FINANCIAL TABLE | |||||||||||
| Fourth Quarter | 4Q09 | Year to Date | |||||||||
| 1Q09 | 2Q09 | 3Q09 | 2009 | 2008 | Variance | vs | 2009 | 2008 | Variance | ||
| % | 3Q09 | % | |||||||||
| (in millions, except per share amounts and %s; and tons in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Copper sold – tons | 120.3 | 122.9 | 137.6 | 126.2 | 138.6 | (8.9)% | (8.3)% | 507.0 | 505.5 | 0.3% | |
| Net sales | $622.0 | $824.5 | $1,151.8 | $1,136.0 | $449.7 | 152.6% | (1.4)% | $3,734.3 | $4,850.8 | (23.0)% | |
| Cost of sales | 375.5 | 419.5 | 529.9 | 498.8 | 465.4 | 7.2% | (5.9)% | 1,823.7 | 2,182.2 | (16.4)% | |
| Operating income | 144.1 | 303.2 | 508.7 | 529.1 | (131.2) | 503.3% | 4.0% | 1,485.1 | 2,201.9 | (32.6)% | |
EBITDA2 | 225.7 | 380.4 | 591.8 | 615.9 | (54.6) | 1,228.0% | 4.1% | 1,813.8 | 2,546.5 | (28.8)% | |
| EBITDA margin | 36.3% | 46.1% | 51.4% | 54.2% | (12.1)% | 546.6% | 5.5% | 48.6% | 52.5% | (7.5)% | |
| Net Income | $ 78.7 | $175.0 | $ 312.5 | $ 363.3 | $(124.7) | 391.3% | 16.3% | $ 929.4 | $1,406.6 | (33.9)% | |
| Net income margin | 12.7% | 21.2% | 27.1% | 32.0% | (27.7)% | 215.4% | 17.9% | 24.9% | 29.0% | (14.2)% | |
| Income per share | $ 0.09 | $ 0.21 | $ 0.37 | $ 0.43 | $ (0.14) | 396.7% | 16.3% | $ 1.09 | $ 1.60 | (31.8)% | |
| Capital expenditures | $ 63.5 | $142.7 | $ 110.6 | $ 98.1 | $ 203.8 | (51.9)% | (11.3)% | $ 414.8 | $ 524.4 | (20.9)% | |
| Exploration | $ 5.4 | $ 5.0 | $ 7.1 | $ 7.1 | $ 11.5 | (38.3)% | 0.0% | $ 24.6 | $ 37.0 | (33.5)% | |
2 See reconciliation between “Net income attributable to SCC” and EBITDA on http://www.southernperu.com/InvestorRelations/InvestorInformation/EBITDA1/tabid/314/Default.aspx
2
SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION
11811 North Tatum Blvd., Suite 2500 - Phoenix, AZ 85028
Phone: Arizona: (602) 494-5328 - Fax: (602) 494-5317
www.southerncoppercorp.com
Production
Copper production in the 4Q09 increased by 0.7% to 126,088 tons compared to 125,160 tons in the 4Q08. This increase was mainly the result of 3,985 tons of higher production at the Toquepala mine due to better ore grades and recoveries net of a decrease of 2,994 tons at the Cuajone mine due to lower ore grades. The La Caridad mine maintained its production level in 4Q09, but increased it by 6,824 tons or 5.7% during the year 2009.
In the 4Q09, molybdenum production increased by 25.5% to 5,052 tons, compared to 4,027 tons in 4Q08. Higher ore grades and recoveries made possible an increase of 549 tons at La Caridad and 554 tons at the Toquepala mine. These increases were partially offset by 78 tons of lower production at the Cuajone mine due to lower ore grades.
Zinc mine production in the 4Q09 exceeded by 0.8% the 4Q08 production. Charcas and Santa Barbara mines produced higher ore grades and Santa Eulalia and Charcas mines increased recovery.
Capital Expenditures
SCC’s capital spending programs continued on track during the 4Q09. The Company has spent approximately $280 million out of the $934 million approved budget for the Tia Maria project, out of which approximately $162 million was spent in 2009. The detailed engineering is in progress. Current work on the project includes equipment fabrication and some early construction work (access roads and platforms). The environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the project is currently pending approval and the Company is working with the Peruvian authorities to secure it. Construction will begin as soon as we receive the EIA approval which is expected by the end of the first quarter of 2010.
As of December 31, 2009, the Company has expended $90.3 million on the Toquepala concentrator expansion. Detailed engineering was awarded and work started in December with the review of the basic engineering. One 320 ton truck, two 49HR drilling machines and a second 73 cubic yard shovel were put in operation. The push back substation expansion was also completed and is currently in operation. The environmental impact study is still being conducted and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2010.
The by-product treatment plant at the La Caridad metallurgical complex was completed and is now fully operating.
With a total investment of $20.8 million, the lime plant at Agua Prieta, which is 100 kilometers north of the La Caridad mine, was fully modernized to comply with environmental regulations and to meet the lime requirements of the Mexican operations. A vertical Maerz furnace is expected to reduce the consumption of natural gas to approximately a third of its current level and we expect costs to be reduced by 45%. Performance tests were completed in December 2009, with results exceeding the established parameters.
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SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION
11811 North Tatum Blvd., Suite 2500 - Phoenix, AZ 85028
Phone: Arizona: (602) 494-5328 - Fax: (602) 494-5317
www.southerncoppercorp.com
El Arco project is a world class copper deposit in the central part of the Baja California peninsula, with estimated resources of over 1.3 billion tons. It is expected to produce 190,000 tons of copper and 105,000 ounces of gold annually. The Company continues to invest in land acquisition required for the project. A study for the supply of natural gas to support a 220 mega-watt power plant is being conducted.
Conference call
The Company’s fourth quarter earnings conference call will be held on Tuesday February 2, 2010 beginning at 5:00 P.M. – EST (4:00 P.M. Mexico City and 5:00 P.M. Lima time).
To participate:
| Dial-in number: | 866-371-3858 in the U.S 832-445-1647 outside the U.S. |
Genaro Guerrero, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer Raul Jacob, Manager of Financial Planning and Investor Relations | |
| Conference ID: | 50598115 and “Southern Copper Fourth Quarter 2009 Results” |
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SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION
11811 North Tatum Blvd., Suite 2500 - Phoenix, AZ 85028
Phone: Arizona: (602) 494-5328 - Fax: (602) 494-5317
www.southerncoppercorp.com
AVERAGE METAL PRICES:
| LME | COMEX | |||||
| Copper | Copper | Molybdenum | Zinc | Silver | Gold | |
| ($/lb) | ($/lb) | ($/lb) | ($/lb) | ($/oz) | ($/oz) | |
| 1Q 2009 | 1.56 | 1.57 | 8.75 | 0.53 | 12.63 | 908.71 |
| 2Q 2009 | 2.12 | 2.15 | 9.10 | 0.67 | 13.75 | 921.51 |
| 3Q 2009 | 2.66 | 2.67 | 14.50 | 0.80 | 14.76 | 960.06 |
| 4Q 2009 | 3.02 | 3.03 | 11.29 | 1.00 | 17.56 | 1,101.64 |
| Average 2009 | 2.34 | 2.35 | 10.91 | 0.75 | 14.67 | 972.98 |
| 1Q 2008 | 3.54 | 3.53 | 33.01 | 1.10 | 17.62 | 926.78 |
| 2Q 2008 | 3.83 | 3.80 | 32.76 | 0.96 | 17.17 | 895.95 |
| 3Q 2008 | 3.48 | 3.45 | 33.27 | 0.80 | 14.92 | 869.58 |
| 4Q 2008 | 1.77 | 1.75 | 14.64 | 0.54 | 10.15 | 794.53 |
| Average 2008 | 3.16 | 3.13 | 28.42 | 0.85 | 14.97 | 871.71 |
| Variance: 4Q09 vs. 4Q08 | 70.6% | 73.1% | (22.9)% | 85.2% | 73.0% | 38.7% |
| Variance Y09 vs. Y08 | (25.9)% | (24.9)% | (61.6)% | (11.8)% | (2.0)% | 11.6% |
Source: Silver – COMEX; Gold and Zinc – LME; Molybdenum – Metals Week Dealer Oxide.
PRODUCTION AND SALES:
Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||
| 2009 | 2008 | % | 2009 | 2008 | % | |
| Copper (tons) | ||||||
| Mined | 126,088 | 125,160 | 0.7% | 485,376 | 488,928 | (0.7)% |
| Smelted | 132,637 | 138,870 | (4.5)% | 505,141 | 497,494 | 1.5% |
| Refined | 106,594 | 122,501 | (13.0)% | 440,532 | 460,621 | (4.4)% |
| Rod | 16,009 | 17,347 | (7.7)% | 60,072 | 76,282 | (21.3)% |
| Sales | 126,238 | 138,570 | (8.9)% | 507,014 | 505,539 | 0.3% |
| Molybdenum (tons) | ||||||
| Mined | 5,052 | 4,027 | 25.5% | 18,687 | 16,390 | 14.0% |
| Sales | 5,024 | 4,005 | 25.4% | 18,590 | 16,509 | 12.6% |
| Zinc (tons) | ||||||
| Mined | 27,926 | 27,706 | 0.8% | 110,430 | 106,920 | 3.3% |
| Refined | 26,198 | 26,160 | 0.1% | 98,688 | 95,420 | 3.4% |
| Sales | 25,872 | 26,293 | (1.6)% | 103,840 | 100,317 | 3.5% |
| Silver (000s ounces) | ||||||
| Mined | 3,363 | 3,106 | 8.3% | 13,202 | 12,316 | 7.2% |
| Refined | 3,802 | 2,696 | 41.0% | 13,089 | 10,841 | 20.7% |
| Sales | 4,948 | 3,887 | 27.3% | 18,169 | 15,000 | 21.1% |
5
SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION
11811 North Tatum Blvd., Suite 2500 - Phoenix, AZ 85028
Phone: Arizona: (602) 494-5328 - Fax: (602) 494-5317
www.southerncoppercorp.com
Southern Copper Corporation
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended | ||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
| 2009 | 2008 | VAR % | 2009 | 2008 | VAR % | ||
| (in thousands, except for per share amounts) | |||||||
| Net sales: | $1,136,004 | $449,741 | 152.6% | $3,734,280 | $4,850,820 | (23.0)% | |
| Operating costs and expenses: | |||||||
| Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization, and depletion shown separately below) | 498,849 | 465,361 | 7.2% | 1,823,673 | 2,182,206 | (16.4)% | |
| Selling, general and administrative | 17,594 | 25,114 | (29.9)% | 78,291 | 102,432 | (23.6)% | |
| Depreciation, amortization and depletion | 83,388 | 78,963 | 5.6% | 322,590 | 327,302 | (1.4)% | |
| Exploration | 7,080 | 11,486 | (38.4)% | 24,578 | 36,990 | (33.6)% | |
| Total operating costs and expenses | 606,911 | 580,924 | 4.5% | 2,249,132 | 2,648,930 | (15.1)% | |
| Operating income | 529,093 | (131,183) | 503.3% | 1,485,148 | 2,201,890 | (32.6)% | |
| Interest expense | (25,391) | (25,652) | (1.0)% | (99,793) | (105,927) | (5.8)% | |
| Interest capitalized | - | 1,942 | (100.0)% | 2,156 | 6,776 | (68.2)% | |
| Gain (loss) on derivative Instruments | 92 | (61,928) | 100.1% | 4,236 | (74,628) | 105.7% | |
| Other income (expense) | 3,449 | (2,418) | 242.6% | 6,077 | 17,271 | (64.8)% | |
| Interest income | 592 | 9,040 | (93.5)% | 6,610 | 48,400 | (86.3)% | |
| Income before income tax | 507,835 | (210,199) | 341.6% | 1,404,434 | 2,093,782 | (32.9)% | |
| Income taxes | 142,762 | (85,291) | (267.4)% | 469,861 | 679,323 | (30.8)% | |
| Income net of income tax | 365,073 | (124,908) | 392.3% | 934,573 | 1,414,459 | (33.9)% | |
| Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest | 1,803 | (249) | 824.1% | 5,192 | 7,866 | (34.0)% | |
| Net Income attributable to SCC | $ 363,270 | $ (124,659) | 391.4% | $929,381 | $1,406,593 | (33.9)% | |
| Per common share amounts: | |||||||
| Net income attributable to SCC common shareholders – basic and diluted | $0.43 | $(0.14) | 396.7% | $1.09 | $1.60 | (31.8)% | |
| Dividends paid | $0.18 | $ 0.33 | (45.5)% | $0.44 | $1.94 | (77.2)% | |
| Weighted average shares outstanding (Basic and diluted) | 850,000 | 865,357 | 850,697 | 878,713 | |||
6
SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION
11811 North Tatum Blvd., Suite 2500 - Phoenix, AZ 85028
Phone: Arizona: (602) 494-5328 - Fax: (602) 494-5317
www.southerncoppercorp.com
Southern Copper Corporation
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)
| December 31, | December 31, | |
| 2009 | 2008 | |
| ASSETS | (in thousands) | |
| Current assets: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ 772,306 | $ 716,740 |
| Short-term investments | 22,948 | 62,376 |
| Accounts receivable | 439,950 | 133,588 |
| Inventories | 456,122 | 451,597 |
| Prepaid, deferred taxes and other assets | 86,803 | 189,392 |
| Total current assets | 1,778,129 | 1,553,693 |
| Property, net | 3,969,558 | 3,810,508 |
| Leachable material, net | 107,262 | 156,294 |
| Intangible assets, net | 113,840 | 115,059 |
| Deferred income tax | 52,670 | 83,106 |
| Other assets, net | 41,113 | 45,664 |
| Total assets | $6,062,572 | $5,764,324 |
| LIABILITIES | ||
| Current liabilities: | ||
| Current portion of long-term debt | $ 10,000 | $ 10,000 |
| Accounts payable | 283,702 | 413,351 |
| Income taxes | 91,359 | 34,378 |
| Due to affiliates | - | 8,965 |
| Accrued workers’ participation | 150,692 | 205,466 |
| Interest | 39,795 | 40,968 |
| Other accrued liabilities | 26,876 | 24,335 |
| Total current liabilities | 602,424 | 737,463 |
| Long-term debt | 1,270,252 | 1,279,972 |
| Deferred income taxes | 176,231 | 169,342 |
| Other liabilities | 103,808 | 164,141 |
| Asset retirement obligation | 48,925 | 18,007 |
| Total non-current liabilities | 1,599,216 | 1,631,462 |
| EQUITY | ||
| Stockholders’ equity | ||
| Common stock | 418,760 | 488,219 |
| Accumulated comprehensive income | 3,424,160 | 2,893,040 |
| Total stockholders' equity | 3,842,920 | 3,381,259 |
| Non controlling interest | 18,012 | 14,140 |
| Total Equity | 3,860,932 | 3,395,399 |
| Total liabilities and equity | $6,062,572 | $5,764,324 |
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008 there were 850.0 million shares and 854.9 million shares outstanding, respectively.
7
SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION
11811 North Tatum Blvd., Suite 2500 - Phoenix, AZ 85028
Phone: Arizona: (602) 494-5328 - Fax: (602) 494-5317
www.southerncoppercorp.com
Southern Copper Corporation
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
(Unaudited)
Three months ended December 31, | Twelve months ended December 31, | |||
| 2009 | 2008 | 2009 | 2008 | |
| (in thousands) | ||||
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||
| Net income attributable to SCC | $363,270 | $(124,659) | $929,381 | $1,406,593 |
| Depreciation, amortization and depletion | 83,388 | 78,963 | 322,590 | 327,302 |
| Capitalized leachable material | - | - | - | (2,246) |
| Non-controlling interest | 1,803 | (249) | 5,192 | 7,866 |
| Cash provided from (used for) operating assets and liabilities | 215,269 | 196,382 | (286,404) | 69,627 |
| Other, net | 2,719 | (34,589) | (7,581) | (80,802) |
| Net cash provided from (used for) operating activities | 666,449 | 115,848 | 963,178 | 1,728,340 |
| INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||
| Capital expenditures | (98,082) | (203,827) | (414,822) | (524,400) |
| Other, net | 13,118 | 14,678 | 55,536 | 105,801 |
| Net cash used for investing activities | (84,964) | (189,149) | (359,286) | (418,599) |
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||
| Debt repaid | (5,000) | (5,000) | (10,000) | (160,025) |
| Dividends paid | (151,841) | (294,376) | (375,969) | (1,710,813) |
| SCC Common shares buyback | - | (316,185) | (71,903) | (384,656) |
| Distributions to non-controlling interest | (579) | (1,088) | (1,149) | (10,211) |
| Proceeds from sale of parent company shares | - | 216,438 | - | 216,438 |
| Other | 8 | 376 | 998 | 1,231 |
| Net cash used for financing activities | (157,412) | (399,835) | (458,023) | (2,048,036) |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (65,047) | 14,228 | (90,303) | 45,763 |
| Increase in cash and cash equivalents | 359,026 | (458,908) | 55,566 | (692,532) |
8
SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION
11811 North Tatum Blvd., Suite 2500 - Phoenix, AZ 85028
Phone: Arizona: (602) 494-5328 - Fax: (602) 494-5317
www.southerncoppercorp.com
Company Profile
Southern Copper Corporation is one of the largest integrated copper producers in the world and currently has the largest copper reserves. The Company is a NYSE and Lima Stock Exchange listed company that is 80% owned by Grupo Mexico, a Mexican company listed on the Mexican stock exchange. The remaining 20% ownership interest is held by the international investment community. The Company operates mining units and metallurgical facilities in Mexico and Peru and conduct exploration activities in Mexico, Peru and Chile.
###
This news release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition to the risks and uncertainties noted in this news release, there are certain factors that could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated by some of the statements made. These factors include those listed in the Company’s most recently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual report on Form 10-K. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
9
SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION
11811 North Tatum Blvd., Suite 2500 - Phoenix, AZ 85028
Phone: Arizona: (602) 494-5328 - Fax: (602) 494-5317
www.southerncoppercorp.com