Polymetal (LON:POLY)
Polymetal (LON:POLY) has announced weak results despite increased revenues. The reversal of the USD, despite its positive impact in the dollar gold price was more than offset by the impact of the stronger RUB on costs. Revenue was up 15% YoY to US$683m, as gold sold increased 19% YoY to 380koz offset in part by a 5% YoY decline in silver sales to 12.4moz.
EBITDA of US$257m was down 12% YoY as cash costs increased 28% YoY to US$656/oz. Meanwhile, AISC increased 20% YoY to US$906/oz. This is expected to moderate somewhat in H2 with POLY maintaining its guidance for a full year average of US$600-650/oz and US$775-825/oz for total cash costs and AISC respectively. However, we do not expect the dollar to weakness to reverse in H2 indicating that the RUB is likely to remain strong.
Net earnings of US$120m were down 27% YoY as a result of higher cost pressures. Despite this, POLY announced a dividend of US$0.14/sh. equivalent to 50% of net earnings and a 56% increase YoY.