Exhibit 99.1
News release via Canada NewsWire, Toronto 416-863-9350
Attention Business/Financial Editors:
Western Goldfields Announces First Quarter Financial Results with a
Significant Improvement in Operating Cash Flow from 2008
TORONTO, April 30 /CNW/ - Western Goldfields Inc. ("Western Goldfields"
or the "Company") (TSX:WGI, NYSE Amex:WGW) today announces financial results
for the three-month period ended March 31, 2009. The Company continued to
focus on further enhancing its operational efficiency and met its production
guidance at lower cost of sales per ounce(1) in the first quarter. All amounts
are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
<<
- Cash flow from operations of $8.9 million during the quarter
- Cash at March 31, 2009 of $26.6 million, including $7.5 million of
restricted cash, an increase of $7.8 million during the quarter
- Gold production for the first quarter of 33,660 ounces
- Gold sales of 32,715 at an average realized price(2) of $867 per
ounce
- Cost of sales per ounce(1) for the quarter of $573
- Net loss of $5.3 million, or $0.04 per share, for the first quarter
of 2009, compared to a net loss of $19.6 million or $0.14 per share
in 2008. The net loss in 2009 includes after tax mark-to-market
losses on gold forward sales contracts of $7.5 million, or $0.06 per
share as compared to $14.7 million, or $0.11 per share in the same
prior year period.
>>
As disclosed in the Company's April 20, 2009 news release, Western
Goldfields' production was within the guidance range for the first quarter
with cost of sales per ounce(1) below the guidance range. Cost of sales per
ounce(1) was positively impacted by lower costs across many of the key inputs,
including diesel and explosives. The operations at Mesquite are also
benefiting from more experienced equipment operators, better performing radial
tires, and increased efficiencies from re-sequencing of the mining operations
commencing with the Rainbow pit. The combination of these factors led the
Company to a solid first quarter as Western Goldfields generated $8.9 million
in cash flow from operations during the quarter.
"The operating trend being realized by the Company is very encouraging,"
said Raymond Threlkeld, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Both our
mining rate and the timing of our leach pad recovery continue to improve in
line with expectations resulting in excellent cash flow generation from
Mesquite."
<<
Financial Results
-----------------
>>
During the first quarter of 2009, the net loss was $5.3 million or $0.04
per share, compared to $19.6 million or $0.14 per share in the same prior year
period. The net loss in 2009 includes after tax mark-to-market losses on gold
forward sales contracts of $7.5 million or $0.06 per share as compared to
after tax mark-to-market losses of $14.7 million, or $0.11 per share in the
same prior year period. Per the terms of the term-loan facility, in the first
quarter of 2009 the Company settled three of its 5,500 ounce monthly contracts
delivering a total of 16,500 ounces of gold at $801 per ounce. As at March 31,
2009, the Company holds 69 of these contracts representing a total commitment
of 379,500 ounces; the increase in the spot gold price between December 31,
2008 ($870 per ounce) and March 31, 2009 ($917 per ounce) was a principal
driver of the unrealized portion of the loss on gold forward sales contracts
during the quarter. As at March 31, 2009, the cumulative mark-to-market loss
on gold forward sales contracts was $57.5 million. The Company also
financially settled 630,000 gallons into our fuel hedge contracts and realized
losses of $0.3 million.
Gold sales in the first quarter of 2009 were 32,715 ounces compared to
9,960 ounces in the same prior-year period; this increase is a result of the
Company escalating production in the first quarter of 2008 until Mesquite
attained steady-state production from the new leach pad during the second
quarter of 2008. The average selling price declined to $867 per ounce in the
first quarter of 2009 compared to $929 per ounce of gold in the same prior
year period.
<<
Liquidity and Capital Resources
-------------------------------
>>
Western Goldfields had $26.6 million of cash, including $7.5 million of
restricted cash, at March 31, 2009. This increase in cash was a result of the
Company generating $8.9 million in cash flow from operations, which was
partially offset by $1.5 million in capital expenditures. The capital
expenditures during the quarter primarily related to the purchase of a
training simulator which is intended to increase driver efficiency and
decrease repair and maintenance costs going forward. Western Goldfields
continues to project minimal capital expenditures going forward. The Company's
debt remains at $68.6 million, and the next scheduled debt repayment of $4.7
million will occur on June 30, 2009.
<<
Business Combination with New Gold
----------------------------------
Below is a summary schedule of the proposed Business Combination with New
Gold:
- May 13, 2009 - New Gold Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders
- May 14, 2009 - Western Goldfields Annual and Special Meeting of
Shareholders
- June 1, 2009 - Expected closing
Additional Information on Non-GAAP Financial Measures
-----------------------------------------------------
(1) Cost of sales per ounce is a non-GAAP financial measure which is
calculated by dividing cost of sales, as per the Company's financial
statements, including realized losses from the settlement of fuel hedge
contracts, by the number of gold ounces sold. This is the first quarter
where this adjustment has been made as the Company began settling its
fuel hedges in fiscal 2009.
The Company records the realized and unrealized gains/losses from its
fuel hedge contracts in other income. Consequently, we believe that
including the realized gains/losses from settlement of fuel hedge
contracts provides investors and analysts with a measure of our costs
related to production that is more comparable to measures presented by
other mining companies. Management also uses this measure internally to
monitor, evaluate, and manage those factors that impact production costs
on a monthly basis. This calculation is performed on a consistent basis
for the periods presented.
The cost of sales per ounce statistic is intended to provide additional
information, does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by U.S.
GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for
measures of performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This non-
GAAP measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other
issuers.
Three months ended
March 31
2009 2008
Statement of Operations (000's)
Cost of sales (excludes amortization
and accretion) $ 18,450 $ 9,352
Realized losses from settlement of fuel
forward contracts 288 -
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Cost base for calculation $ 18,738 $ 9,352
------------ ------------
Gold ounces sold 32,715 9,960
Cost of sales per ounce $ 573 $ 939
(2) Average realized gold price is a non-GAAP financial measure. It is
calculated by dividing total revenue by ounces sold. We believe that
including the average realized gold price provides investors and analysts
with a measure of our revenue related to production that is more
comparable to measures presented by other mining companies. Management
also uses this measure internally to monitor, evaluate, and manage those
factors that impact revenue on a monthly basis.
The average realized gold price statistic is intended to provide
additional information, does not have any standardized meaning prescribed
by U.S. GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute
for measures of performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This
non-GAAP measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by
other issuers.
Western Goldfields Inc.
-----------------------
>>
Western Goldfields Inc. is a gold production and exploration company with
a focus on precious metal mining opportunities in North America. The Mesquite
Mine, currently the Company's sole asset, was brought into production in
January 2008, and the Company's focus is now on achieving the anticipated rate
of production and completing planned improvements to the property. The Company
has 2.6 million ounces in Proven and Probable Reserves as outlined in more
detail in its latest annual report on Form 10K filed on www.sedar.com. Western
Goldfields common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
WGI, and on the NYSE Amex under the symbol WGW. For further details, please
visit www.westerngoldfields.com.
Mr. Wes Hanson, P.Geo., Vice President of Mine Development, Western
Goldfields Inc., is the qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 who
supervised the preparation of the technical information contained in this news
release. Mr. Hanson is an officer of the Company.
<<
Forward-Looking Information
---------------------------
>>
Certain statements contained in this news release and subsequent oral
statements made by and on behalf of the Company may contain forward-looking
information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian securities law. Such
forward-looking statements are identified by words such as "intends",
"anticipates", "believes", "expects", "plans" and include, without limitation,
statements regarding the Company's plan of business operations, production and
cost estimates, receipt of working capital, anticipated revenues, timing of
the recovery of gold and capital and operating expenditures. These
forward-looking statements are based on the best estimates of management at
the time such statements are made. Expected production results and cost of
sales (including without limitation, statements made with respect to future
production and costs contemplated by our mine plan) are based in part on
current and historical production and cost data factoring certain assumptions
with respect to future metal prices, costs and availability of supplies and
labour and other parameters. There can be no assurance that such statements
will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ
materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially include, among others, variations in metal prices and/or
cost of supplies, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, failure
of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour
disputes, as well as those set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission and with SEDAR, under the caption "Risk Factors" as well
as other filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities.
Most of these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors are
cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as
otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulations, the
Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly these
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise.
<<
WESTERN GOLDFIELDS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
March 31, December 31,
2009 2008
------------ ------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 19,057 $ 11,275
Restricted cash 7,500 7,500
Receivables 634 2,550
Inventories 34,964 35,098
Prepaid expenses 1,517 1,747
Current portion of deferred income tax asset 3,716 2,045
------------ ------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 67,388 60,215
------------ ------------
Plant and equipment, net of
accumulated amortization 109,729 111,334
Investments - reclamation and remediation 8,960 8,934
Long-term deposits 371 367
Long-term prepaid expenses 1,341 1,384
Deferred debt issuance costs, net of
accumulated amortization 2,593 2,766
Deferred income tax asset 24,696 22,368
------------ ------------
TOTAL OTHER ASSETS 147,690 147,153
------------ ------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 215,078 $ 207,368
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 7,058 $ 7,484
Current portion of mark-to-market loss
on gold hedging contracts 8,071 5,606
Current portion of mark-to-market loss
on fuel hedging contracts 809 540
Current portion of loan payable 11,656 11,656
Current portion of reclamation and
remediation liabilities 339 339
------------ ------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 27,933 25,625
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Mark-to-market loss on gold hedging contracts 49,406 39,580
Mark-to-market loss on fuel hedging contracts 425 391
Loan payable 56,984 56,984
Reclamation and remediation liabilities 4,824 4,737
------------ ------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 139,572 127,317
------------ ------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, of no par value, unlimited
shares authorized; 135,581,286 and
134,801,286 shares issued and
outstanding, respectively 134,043 133,383
Stock options and warrants 8,378 8,291
Accumulated deficit (66,915) (61,623)
------------ ------------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 75,506 80,051
------------ ------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 215,078 $ 207,368
------------ ------------
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WESTERN GOLDFIELDS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / LOSS
(In thousands U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2009 2008
------------ ------------
REVENUES
Revenues from gold sales $ 28,369 $ 9,256
------------ ------------
COST OF GOODS SOLD
Mine operating costs 17,806 9,087
Royalties 644 265
------------ ------------
Cost of sales (excludes amortization
and accretion) 18,450 9,352
Amortization and accretion 2,776 2,094
------------ ------------
21,226 11,446
------------ ------------
GROSS PROFIT (LOSS) 7,143 (2,190)
------------ ------------
EXPENSES
General and administrative 1,370 1,481
Exploration and business development 1,478 224
------------ ------------
2,848 1,705
------------ ------------
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) 4,295 (3,895)
------------ ------------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest income 44 384
Interest expense and commitment fees (486) (699)
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs (173) (115)
Realized and unrealized loss on mark-to-market
of gold forward sales contracts (12,291) (24,111)
Realized and unrealized loss on mark-to-market
of fuel forward contracts (591) -
Loss on foreign currency exchange (99) (1,020)
------------ ------------
(13,596) (25,561)
------------ ------------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (9,301) (29,456)
INCOME TAX RECOVERY 4,009 9,832
------------ ------------
NET LOSS $ (5,292) $ (19,624)
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE $ (0.04) $ (0.14)
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES
OUTSTANDING 135,189,376 135,659,101
------------ ------------
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WESTERN GOLDFIELDS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2009 2008
------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss $ (5,292) $ (19,624)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Items not affecting cash:
Amortization of plant and equipment 2,531 2,013
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs 173 115
Accretion expense 87 87
Deferred income taxes (3,999) (9,832)
Interest net of reimbursed costs -
reclamation and remediation (26) (63)
Stock based compensation 350 370
Mark-to-market loss on gold hedging contracts 12,291 24,112
Mark-to-market loss on fuel hedging contracts 303 -
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in:
Accounts receivable 1,689 78
Inventories 320 (6,041)
Prepaid expenses and deposits 269 83
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable 1,463 (1,337)
Payroll and related taxes payable - (1,563)
Accrued liabilities (1,204) 1,051
Accrued interest expense (39) (171)
------------ ------------
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities 8,916 (10,722)
------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of plant and equipment, including
construction in process (1,531) (8,749)
------------ ------------
Net cash used by investing activities (1,531) (8,749)
------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Advances under loan facilities - 7,860
Exercise of options to purchase common stock 397 233
Exercise of warrants to purchase common stock - 337
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 397 8,430
------------ ------------
Change in cash and cash equivalents 7,782 (11,041)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 11,275 43,870
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Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 19,057 $ 32,829
------------ ------------
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SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES:
Interest paid $ (526) $ (797)
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Interest received $ 21 $ 384
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------------ ------------
Taxes paid $ (44) $ -
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NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Stock options and warrants issued $ 350 $ 370
Equipment purchases included in accounts
payable $ 132 $ 513
Non-cash component of inventories $ 186 $ -
>>
%CIK: 0001394186
/For further information: please visit www.westerngoldfields.com, or
contact: Raymond Threlkeld, Chief Executive Officer, (416) 324-6005,
rthrelkeld(at)westerngoldfields.com; Brian Penny, Chief Financial Officer, (416)
324-6002, bpenny(at)westerngoldfields.com; Hannes Portmann, Director, Corporate
Development and Investor Relations, (416) 324-6014,
hportmann(at)westerngoldfields.com/
(WGI. WGW WGW)
CO: Western Goldfields Inc.
CNW 17:20e 30-APR-09
