Stillwater Mining Company Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2014 Results

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BILLINGS, Mont., Feb. 20, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stillwater Mining Company SWC today reported financial results for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Full-Year 2014 Highlights

  • Consolidated net income attributable to common stockholders of $70.3 million or $0.56 per diluted share, after expensing $10.4 million (before-tax) of reorganization costs
  • Net growth in cash and cash equivalents plus highly liquid investments of $65.5 million (before $30.0 million in debt repayment), ending 2014 with total cash and investments of $531.5 million
  • All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC)* averaged $784 per mined ounce of palladium and platinum, at the low end of the guidance range
  • Mined palladium and platinum production of 517,700 ounces at mid-point of guidance range
  • Processed 469,400 ounces of recycled palladium, platinum and rhodium
  • Retired $30.0 million of State of Montana exempt facility bonds
  • Corporate overhead and exploration expense reduced 35% year-on-year to $37.8 million

Fourth Quarter 2014 Highlights

  • Consolidated net income attributable to common stockholders of $14.7 million or $0.12 per diluted share, after expensing $4.4 million (before-tax) of reorganization costs
  • Increase in cash and cash equivalents plus highly liquid investments of $22.7 million
  • Continued improvement in AISC to $725 per mined ounce of palladium and platinum
  • Mined palladium and platinum production of 137,600 ounces
  • Processed 115,900 ounces of recycled palladium, platinum and rhodium

Commenting on 2014 results, Mick McMullen, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer stated, "I am pleased to report that 2014 was a year of significant progress on several key fronts for Stillwater Mining Company. Our annual financial results were solid, and we finished the year with a higher cash balance as well as strong fourth quarter production and AISC reductions. This momentum has continued into early 2015 which gives me confidence that the hard work performed in 2014 is starting to pay off. We are continuing to advance our objectives of growing profitability, controlling costs and improving the efficiency of our operations. Our businesses generated $65.5 million of net cash and liquid investments during the year, before paying off $30.0 million of outstanding 8% debt; we ended 2014 with $531.5 million of available cash and investments on the balance sheet. AISC for the fourth quarter dropped to $725 per mined ounce, reflecting both effective cost control and strong mine production. This quarterly result suggests that we are now within reach of our goal to bring down AISC into the low $700 per ounce range. In addition, the developed state of our Montana mines remains strong as we reported a slight increase in total proven and probable ore reserves at year-end.

"During this past year we have seen considerable price volatility in the PGM and other commodity markets. We witnessed significant labor challenges early in 2014 facing the PGM mines in South Africa, as well as the effect of geopolitical issues in Russia. This sort of volatility, which is out of our control, reinforces the importance of addressing costs and efficiency at our Montana operations. While I am pleased with our accomplishments in this area to date, we must remain focused on continuing to strengthen the Company's financial and operating performance. This is the only way to ensure we have the flexibility to manage the business through the volatile cycles of fluctuating metals prices," concluded Mr. McMullen.

Full-year 2014 consolidated net income attributable to common stockholders was $70.3 million, or $0.56 per diluted share. This compares to a 2013 full-year consolidated net loss attributable to common stockholders of $270.2 million, or $2.28 per share. Fourth quarter 2014 consolidated net income attributable to common stockholders was $14.7 million, or $0.12 per diluted share; the comparable fourth quarter of 2013 consolidated net loss attributable to common stockholders was $78.0 million, or a loss of $0.65 per share. The Company recognized reorganization expenses for the fourth quarter and full-year 2014 of $4.4 million and $10.4 million respectively; most of this represented severance costs incurred to rationalize our staffing levels. Results for 2013 included before-tax impairment charges of $290.4 million ($226.5 million, after-tax) related to the Altar mineral property in Argentina in the third quarter and $171.4 million ($123.6 million, after-tax) related to the Marathon properties in Canada in the fourth quarter. In addition, 2013 included proxy contest and accelerated equity based compensation costs of $4.3 million and $9.1 million, respectively.

2015 Guidance:

Management has provided the following guidance for the full-year 2015 as detailed in the table below.

  2015 Guidance
Mined Production (palladium and platinum ounces) 520,000 - 535,000
Total Cash Costs per Mined Ounce (net of by-product and recycling credits)* $480 - $520
All-In Sustaining Costs per Mined Ounce*(1) $730 - $780
General and Administrative  (millions) $30 - $40
Exploration (millions)(2) $4 - $6
Sustaining Capital Expenditures (millions) $83 - $88
Project Capital Expenditures (millions)(3) $42 - $47
Total Capital Expenditures (millions)(3) $125 - $135
 
(1) All-in sustaining costs per mined ounce guidance for 2015 assumes the exclusion of approximately $24 per ounce recycling credit and approximately $11 per ounce of costs for foreign activities.
(2) Exploration includes expenses for Marathon, Altar and Montana operations.
(3) Excludes project capitalized interest and capitalized depreciation.

The fourth quarter of 2014 was the year's strongest mine production quarter, with total mine output of 137,600 ounces of palladium and platinum; however, this was down slightly compared to mine production of 141,100 ounces in the fourth quarter of 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company's Montana mines produced a total of 517,700 ounces of palladium and platinum compared to mine production of 523,900 combined ounces in 2013. The change in total mined ounces was driven by an increase in production at the East Boulder Mine, offset by the planned deferral of production at some of the less profitable mining stopes at the Stillwater Mine until new infrastructure is in place to improve the profitability of mining in those areas.

2014 Mine Production By Quarter:

(Produced ounces) First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Year 2014
Palladium 68,900 64,700 59,400 69,500 262,500
Platinum 20,800 19,300 17,500 20,700 78,300
Stillwater Mine 89,700 84,000 76,900 90,200 340,800
           
Palladium 31,900 33,000 35,800 37,000 137,700
Platinum 9,100 9,400 10,300 10,400 39,200
East Boulder Mine 41,000 42,400 46,100 47,400 176,900
           
Palladium 100,800 97,700 95,200 106,500 400,200
Platinum 29,900 28,700 27,800 31,100 117,500
Total 130,700 126,400 123,000 137,600 517,700

Revenue from the Company's Mine Production segment for the full-year 2014 (including proceeds from the sale of by-products) totaled $536.0 million, an 11.9% increase from $478.9 million reported for 2013. The combined average realized price for the sales of mined palladium and platinum was $934 per ounce for 2014, an increase from $887 per ounce realized for 2013. The total quantity of mined palladium and platinum sold in 2014 was 542,300 ounces compared to 509,200 ounces sold in the same period of 2013. The difference between ounces sold and produced during 2014 was primarily the result of processing and sales of accumulated metal inventory.

For the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company reported Mine Production segment revenue (including proceeds from the sale of by-products) of $126.0 million, a 9.9% increase from $114.7 million in the same period of 2013. The 2014 combined average realized price for the sales of mined palladium and platinum increased for the fourth quarter to $882 per ounce, compared to $869 per ounce realized in the fourth quarter of 2013. The total quantity of mined palladium and platinum sold in the fourth quarter of 2014 was 134,600 ounces compared to 125,000 ounces sold in the same period of 2013.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company processed recycling material containing 469,400 ounces of palladium, platinum and rhodium through its facilities. This represents a 24% decrease from the record 616,700 ounces processed during 2013. Recycling material processed during the fourth quarter of 2014 contained 115,900 ounces of palladium, platinum and rhodium, a decrease of 3.4% from the total of 120,000 ounces processed during the fourth quarter of 2013.

2014 Recycling Activity By Quarter:

  First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Year
2014
Average tons of catalyst fed per day 17.0 20.4 18.7 18.4 18.6
PGM ounces fed 101,500 134,300 117,700 115,900 469,400
PGM ounces sold 93,600 101,400 101,400 88,000 384,400
PGM tolled ounces returned 15,300 15,700 22,900 18,900 72,800

PGM Recycling revenue totaled $401.7 million for full-year 2014, compared to a $560.6 million reported for 2013. For 2014, the Company's combined average realized sales price for palladium, platinum and rhodium was $1,031, flat with the prior year. Recycling sales volumes for 2014 totaled 384,400 a decrease from 541,800 reported for 2013. (The third quarter of 2013 included incremental revenue of $16.4 million on the sale of approximately 12,000 ounces of PGMs recovered internally from reprocessed smelter furnace brick at low cost.)

PGM Recycling revenue totaled $95.9 million for the 2014 fourth quarter, a decrease from $127.7 million in the same period of 2013. The Company's combined average realized price for sales of recycled palladium, platinum and rhodium increased to $1,076 per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2014 from $985 per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2013. Recycling sales volumes for the fourth quarter of 2014 decreased to 88,000 ounces from 129,200 ounces sold in the fourth quarter of 2013.

All-In Sustaining Costs Per Mined Ounce

All-in Sustaining Costs per Mined Ounce (AISC) totaled $725 for the fourth quarter of 2014, a decrease from $748 recorded for the same period of 2013; cost per ounce in both quarters benefited from strong mine production. For the full-year 2014 the Company reported average AISC of $784 per ounce, a decrease from $813 recorded for 2013.

Combined Montana Mining Operations
All-In Sustaining Costs Per Mined Ounce
2014
Fourth
Quarter
2013
Fourth
Quarter
Year 2014 Year 2013
Reported Total Cash Costs per Mined Ounce (Net of Credits)* $483 $500 $538 $496
PGM Recycling Income Credit 18 25 23 68
Corporate General & Administrative Costs (Before DD&A) 47 41 60 81
Capital Outlay to Sustain Production at the Montana Operating Mines 177 182 163 168
All-In Sustaining Costs per Mined Ounce* $725 $748 $784 $813

Cash Costs Per Mined Ounce

Combined total cash costs per mined ounce, net of by-product and recycling credits, (a non-GAAP financial measure) averaged $483 per ounce for the fourth quarter of 2014, compared to $500 per ounce for the fourth quarter of 2013. For the full-year 2014, combined total cash costs per mined ounce, net of by-product and recycling credits, totaled $538 compared to $496 for 2013. The table below illustrates the effect of by-product and recycling credits on the total cash costs per mined ounce, net of credits, for the combined Montana mining operations.

Combined Montana Mining Operations
Cash Costs Per Mined Ounce
2014
Fourth
Quarter
2013
Fourth 
Quarter
Year 2014 Year 2013
Reported Total Cash Costs per Mined Ounce (Net of Credits)* $483 $500 $538 $496
By-Product Revenue Credit 53 43 57 52
PGM Recycling Income Credit 18 25 23 68
Total Cash Costs per Mined Ounce (Before Credits)* $554 $568 $618 $616

Cash Flow and Liquidity

At December 31, 2014, the Company's consolidated available cash balance was $280.3 million, compared to $286.7 million at December 31, 2013. Including highly liquid investments with available cash, the Company's balance sheet liquidity totaled $531.5 million at December 31, 2014, an increase from $496.0 million at December 31, 2013; this increase in available liquidity came even after redeeming $30.0 million of 8.0% Exempt Facility Revenue Bonds in early July 2014. Net working capital increased to $619.4 million at December 31, 2014, from $614.8 million at the end of 2013.

Net cash provided by operating activities (which includes changes in working capital) totaled $187.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $149.4 million of cash provided for the same period of 2013. Cash flow from operations benefited from lower corporate overhead and higher metal prices during 2014. Capital expenditures, adjusted to a cash basis, were $119.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $129.0 million in the same period of 2013.

Outstanding balance sheet debt reported at December 31, 2014, was approximately $296.2 million, a decrease from $310.7 million at December 31, 2013. The Company's reported debt balance at December 31, 2014, included approximately $291.1 million of 1.75% convertible debentures (net of unamortized discount of approximately $105.6 million) and $2.2 million of 1.875% convertible debentures and approximately $2.9 million for a capital lease and financing for a small installment land purchase. The decrease in the debt balance is attributable to the retirement of the $30.0 million, 8.0% Exempt Facility Revenue Bonds offset in part by the accretion of the discount on the Company's outstanding 1.75% convertible debentures. 

Fourth Quarter Results - Details                                                             

For the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company's Stillwater Mine produced 90,200 ounces of palladium and platinum, a decrease of 8.6% from the 98,700 ounces produced in the fourth quarter of 2013. Production at the Company's East Boulder Mine of 47,400 ounces in the fourth quarter of 2014 reflected an increase of 11.8% over the 42,400 ounces produced in the same quarter of 2013.

Total costs of metals sold (before depletion, depreciation and amortization, and corporate overhead expenses) decreased 13.8% to $173.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 from $201.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. Mine Production costs included in costs of metals sold increased to $79.9 million in the 2014 fourth quarter from $76.9 million in the 2013 fourth quarter.

PGM Recycling costs totaled $93.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, down from the $124.5 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2013. This decrease was due to significantly lower recycling volumes processed and sold and the corresponding decrease in the total cost of acquiring recycling material for processing.

General and administrative costs were $7.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $6.3 million incurred during the same period of 2013. Reorganization costs of $4.4 million were recognized during the fourth quarter of 2014. 

2014 Full-Year Results - Details

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company's Stillwater Mine produced 340,800 ounces of palladium and platinum, a decrease of 6.9% from the 366,100 ounces produced in the same period of 2013. Production at the Company's East Boulder Mine of 176,900 ounces for the year ended December 31, 2014 reflected a 12.1% increase from the 157,800 ounces produced in the same period of 2013.

Total costs of metals sold (before depletion, depreciation and amortization, and corporate overhead expenses) decreased to $729.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from $841.3 million in the same period of 2013. Mine Production costs included in costs of metals sold increased to $332.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from $314.0 million in the same period of 2013.

PGM Recycling costs, totaled $391.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, down from the $527.4 million reported in the same period of 2013. The decrease was due to lower volumes sold and the related reduction in total cost to acquire materials for processing.

General and administrative costs were $35.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, a decrease from the $46.6 million incurred during the same period of 2013. The decrease for 2014 is due primarily to reductions in marketing expenditures, reflecting the curtailment of marketing palladium for jewelry ($0.4 million in 2014 compared to $4.4 million in 2013) and reduced personnel costs due to reorganization efforts. Reorganization costs of $10.4 million were recognized during 2014. Proxy contest expenses of $4.3 million, and non-cash accelerated equity-based compensation of $9.1 million were recognized in 2013.

The Company recognized $2.8 million in total exploration expenses related to its mineral properties in Canada and South America for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $11.2 million for the same period of 2013.

* These are non-GAAP financial measures. For a full description and reconciliation of these and other non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures, see Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Consolidated Costs of Revenues below.

2014 Year End Results Webcast and Conference Call

Stillwater Mining Company will conduct a conference call to discuss fourth quarter and full year 2014 results at 12:00 noon Eastern Standard Time on Friday, February 20, 2015.

Dial-In Numbers: United States: (877) 407-8037
  International: (201) 689-8037

A simultaneous webcast and presentation to accompany the conference call will be available through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.stillwatermining.com.

A telephone replay of the call will be available for one week following the event. The replay dial-in numbers are (877) 660-6853 (U.S.) and (201) 612-7415 (International), access code 13600641. In addition, the call transcript will be archived in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website.

About Stillwater Mining Company

Headquartered in Billings, Montana, Stillwater Mining Company is the only U.S. miner of platinum group metals (PGMs) and the largest primary producer of PGMs outside of South Africa and the Russian Federation. PGMs are rare precious metals used in a wide variety of applications, including automobile catalysts, fuel cells, hydrogen purification, electronics, jewelry, dentistry, medicine and coinage. The Company is engaged in the development, extraction and processing of PGMs from a geological formation in south-central Montana known as the J-M Reef. The J-M Reef is the only known significant source of PGMs in the U.S. and the highest-grade PGM resource known in the world. The Company also recycles PGMs from spent catalytic converters and other industrial sources. The Company owns the Marathon PGM-copper deposit in Ontario, Canada, and the Altar porphyry copper-gold deposit located in the San Juan province of Argentina. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWC. Information about the Company can be found at its website: www.stillwatermining.com.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and, therefore, involve uncertainties or risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from management's expectations. These statements may contain words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "estimates," "predicts," "should," "will," "may" or similar expressions. Such statements also include, but are not limited to, comments regarding growing profitability; controlling costs; improving the efficiency of our operations; strengthening our financial and operating performance; managing our business through volatile metal prices; estimated 2015 production, cash costs per mined ounce, AISC, general and administrative costs, exploration expense, and capital expenditures; and the usefulness of non-GAAP financial measures. The forward-looking statements in this release are based on assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments, and other factors that we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. These statements are not guarantees of the Company's future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause its actual performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Additional information regarding factors that could cause results to differ materially from management's expectations is found in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company intends that the forward-looking statements contained herein be subject to the above-mentioned statutory safe harbors. Investors are cautioned not to rely on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements herein speak only as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Stillwater Mining Company        
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)        
(Audited)        
         
  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  December 31, December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data) 2014 2013 2014 2013
REVENUES        
Mine Production $126,043 $114,669 $536,010 $478,918
PGM Recycling 95,924 127,691 401,684 560,588
Other 200 5,925
Total revenues 222,167 242,360 943,619 1,039,506
COSTS AND EXPENSES        
Costs of metals sold        
Mine Production 79,902 76,921 332,632 313,963
PGM Recycling 93,708 124,525 391,481 527,384
Other 5,357
Total costs of metals sold (excludes depletion, depreciation and amortization) 173,610 201,446 729,470 841,347
Depletion, depreciation and amortization        
Mine Production 17,014 14,377 66,387 58,201
PGM Recycling 258 312 1,019 1,116
Total depletion, depreciation and amortization 17,272 14,689 67,406 59,317
Total costs of revenues 190,882 216,135 796,876 900,664
Losses on trade receivable and inventory purchases 632 632
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment (75) (38) (337) 68
Loss on long-term investments 66 128 125 1,894
Impairment of property, plant and equipment and non-producing mineral properties 550 171,338 550 461,755
Exploration 389 922 2,768 11,169
Proxy contest 4,307
Accelerated equity based compensation for change-in-control 9,063
Reorganization 4,357 10,402
General and administrative 7,050 6,342 35,067 46,577
Total costs and expenses 203,219 395,459 845,451 1,436,129
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) 18,948 (153,099) 98,168 (396,623)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)        
Other 55 3 904 1,173
Interest income 801 965 3,551 4,481
Interest expense (4,982) (5,311) (22,719) (22,957)
Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain, net (122) 2,521 5,237 18,200
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX (PROVISION) BENEFIT 14,700 (154,921) 85,141 (395,726)
Income tax (provision) benefit (349) 46,185 (16,258) 93,653
NET INCOME (LOSS) $14,351 $(108,736) $68,883 $(302,073)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (331) (30,750) (1,414) (31,867)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS $14,682 $(77,986) $70,297 $(270,206)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax        
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments available-for-sale 53 (183) 11 105
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS $14,735 $(78,169) $70,308 $(270,101)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (331) (30,750) (1,414) (31,867)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) $14,404 $(108,919) $68,894 $(301,968)
Weighted average common shares outstanding        
Basic 120,262 119,381 119,953 118,607
Diluted 156,564 119,381 156,233 118,607
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders $0.12 $(0.65) $0.59 $(2.28)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders $0.12 $(0.65) $0.56 $(2.28)
         
Stillwater Mining Company    
Consolidated Balance Sheets    
(Audited)    
     
  December 31, December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data) 2014 2013
ASSETS    
Current assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $280,286 $286,687
Investments, at fair market value 251,254 209,338
Inventories 130,307 158,650
Trade receivables 1,277 8,988
Deferred income taxes 21,055 21,547
Prepaids 2,546 3,912
Other current assets 14,671 14,757
Total current assets 701,396 703,879
Mineral properties 159,252 159,252
Mine development, net 409,754 346,346
Property, plant and equipment, net 118,881 124,731
Deferred debt issuance costs 6,032 7,945
Other noncurrent assets 4,012 4,527
Total assets $1,399,327 $1,346,680
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY    
Current liabilities    
Accounts payable $26,806 $32,088
Accrued compensation and benefits 29,973 30,646
Property, production and franchise taxes payable 15,828 14,495
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations 2,144 2,035
Income taxes payable 4,416
Other current liabilities 7,288 5,368
Total current liabilities 82,039 89,048
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations 294,023 308,667
Deferred income taxes 68,896 79,159
Accrued workers compensation 6,060 6,031
Asset retirement obligation 9,401 8,654
Other noncurrent liabilities 7,200 7,262
Total liabilities 467,619 498,821
EQUITY    
Stockholders' equity    
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 120,381,746 and 119,466,449 shares issued and outstanding 1,204 1,195
Paid-in capital 1,091,146 1,076,200
Accumulated deficit (179,139) (249,436)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 17 6
Total stockholders' equity 913,228 827,965
Noncontrolling interest 18,480 19,894
Total equity 931,708 847,859
Total liabilities and equity $1,399,327 $1,346,680
     
Stillwater Mining Company    
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows    
(Audited)    
     
  Twelve Months Ended
  December 31,
(In thousands) 2014 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES    
Net income (loss) $68,883 $(302,073)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 67,406 59,317
Losses on trade receivable and inventory purchases 632
(Gain) Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment (337) 68
Impairment of property, plant and equipment and non-producing mineral properties 550 461,755
Loss on long-term investments 125 1,894
Amortization/accretion of investment premium/discount 1,810 3,079
Deferred taxes (4,590) (108,543)
Foreign currency transaction gain, net (5,237) (18,200)
Accretion of asset retirement obligation 747 689
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs 2,265 1,664
Accretion of convertible debenture debt discount 17,156 15,783
Accelerated equity based compensation for change-in-control 9,063
Share based compensation and other benefits 14,001 15,242
Non-cash capitalized interest (3,278) (2,878)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation (46) (2,756)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Inventories 27,062 (4,252)
Trade receivables 7,711 333
Prepaids 1,366 1,108
Accounts payable (7,952) 3,187
Accrued compensation and benefits (673) (723)
Property, production and franchise taxes payable 1,271 2,006
Income taxes payable (4,416) 4,416
Accrued workers compensation 29 216
Other operating assets 1,206 6,790
Other operating liabilities 2,493 1,616
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 187,552 149,433
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES    
Capital expenditures (119,682) (129,029)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 465 218
Purchases of investments (229,462) (151,567)
Proceeds from maturities of investments 185,722 201,255
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (162,957) (79,123)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES    
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation 46 2,756
Payments on debt and capital lease obligations (32,035) (166,187)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 993 128
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES (30,996) (163,303)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS    
Net decrease (6,401) (92,993)
Balance at beginning of period 286,687 379,680
BALANCE AT END OF PERIOD $280,286 $286,687
     
Stillwater Mining Company        
Key Operating Factors        
(Audited)        
         
  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  December 31, December 31,
(In thousands, except where noted) 2014 2013 2014 2013
OPERATING AND COST DATA FOR MINE PRODUCTION        
Consolidated:        
Ounces produced        
Palladium 106 109 400 404
Platinum 32 32 118 120
Total 138 141 518 524
Tons milled 329 299 1,174 1,201
Mill head grade (ounce per ton) 0.45 0.51 0.47 0.47
Sub-grade tons milled (1) 30 17 91 73
Sub-grade tons mill head grade (ounce per ton) 0.16 0.17 0.16 0.17
Total tons milled(1) 359 316 1,265 1,274
Combined mill head grade (ounce per ton) 0.43 0.49 0.45 0.45
Total mill recovery (%) 92 92 92 92
Total mine concentrate shipped (tons) (3) 8,149 7,308 29,350 28,669
Platinum grade in concentrate (ounce per ton) (3) 3.97 4.65 4.31 4.50
Palladium grade in concentrate (ounce per ton) (3) 13.43 15.28 14.27 14.59
Total cash costs per ounce - net of credits (Non-GAAP) (2) $483 $500 $538 $496
Total cash costs per ton milled - net of credits (Non-GAAP) (2) $186 $223 $220 $204
Stillwater Mine:        
Ounces produced        
Palladium 70 76 263 282
Platinum 20 23 78 84
Total 90 99 341 366
Tons milled 197 186 703 765
Mill head grade (ounce per ton) 0.49 0.57 0.51 0.51
Sub-grade tons milled (1) 18 7 46 36
Sub-grade tons mill head grade (ounce per ton) 0.20 0.26 0.21 0.23
Total tons milled (1) 215 193 749 801
Combined mill head grade (ounce per ton) 0.46 0.55 0.50 0.50
Total mill recovery (%) 92 93 93 92
Total mine concentrate shipped (tons) (3) 4,625 4,253 16,463 16,975
Platinum grade in concentrate (ounce per ton) (3) 4.67 5.73 5.19 5.22
Palladium grade in concentrate (ounce per ton) (3) 15.53 18.50 16.83 17.12
Total cash costs per ounce - net of credits (Non-GAAP) (2) $486 $469 $533 $484
Total cash costs per ton milled - net of credits (Non-GAAP) (2) $204 $240 $243 $221
         
Stillwater Mining Company        
Key Operating Factors (Continued)        
(Audited)        
         
  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  December 31, December 31,
(In thousands, except where noted) 2014 2013 2014 2013
OPERATING AND COST DATA FOR MINE PRODUCTION (Continued)      
East Boulder Mine:        
Ounces produced        
Palladium 36 33 137 122
Platinum 12 9 40 36
Total 48 42 177 158
Tons milled 132 114 471 436
Mill head grade (ounce per ton) 0.39 0.41 0.41 0.40
Sub-grade tons milled (1) 12 9 45 37
Sub-grade tons mill head grade (ounce per ton) 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Total tons milled (1) 144 123 516 473
Combined mill head grade (ounce per ton) 0.37 0.39 0.38 0.37
Total mill recovery (%) 90 90 90 90
Total mine concentrate shipped (tons) (3) 3,524 3,055 12,887 11,694
Platinum grade in concentrate (ounce per ton) (3) 3.05 3.16 3.19 3.45
Palladium grade in concentrate (ounce per ton) (3) 10.68 10.80 11.00 10.93
Total cash costs per ounce - net of credits (Non-GAAP) (2) $477 $573 $547 $525
Total cash costs per ton milled - net of credits (Non-GAAP) (2) $158 $198 $187 $175
 
(1)  Sub-grade tons milled includes reef waste material only. Total tons milled includes ore tons and sub-grade tons only. See "Proven and Probable Ore Reserves – Discussion" in the Company's forthcoming 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.
(2)  Total cash costs include total operating costs plus royalties, insurance and taxes other than income taxes. Income taxes, corporate general and administrative expenses, asset impairment write-downs, gain or loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, reorganization costs and interest income and expense are not included in total cash costs. Cash costs per ton and cash costs per ounce, are non-GAAP financial measure that management uses to monitor and evaluate the efficiency of its mining operations. These measures of cost are not defined under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Consolidated Costs of Revenues" and the accompanying discussion for additional detail.
(3)  The concentrate tonnage and grade values are inclusive of periodic re-processing of smelter slag and internal furnace brick PGM bearing materials.
         
Stillwater Mining Company        
Key Operating Factors (Continued)        
(Audited)        
         
  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  December 31, December 31,
(In thousands, except for average prices) 2014 2013 2014 2013
SALES AND PRICE DATA        
Ounces sold        
Mine Production:        
Palladium (oz.) 106 98 421 398
Platinum (oz.) 28 27 121 111
Total 134 125 542 509
PGM Recycling: (1)        
Palladium (oz.) 50 76 221 306
Platinum (oz.) 31 42 134 192
Rhodium (oz.) 7 11 29 44
Total 88 129 384 542
Other: (5)        
Palladium (oz.) 6
By-products from Mine Production: (2)        
Rhodium (oz.) 1 1 4 3
Gold (oz.) 2 2 10 9
Silver (oz.) 1 1 6 5
Copper (lb.) 220 258 875 903
Nickel (lb.) 388 310 1,454 1,350
Average realized price per ounce (3)        
Mine Production:        
Palladium ($/oz.) $789 $723 $804 $721
Platinum ($/oz.) $1,227 $1,395 $1,386 $1,481
Combined ($/oz.)(4) $882 $869 $934 $887
PGM Recycling: (1)        
Palladium ($/oz.) $850 $723 $786 $713
Platinum ($/oz.) $1,420 $1,449 $1,428 $1,526
Rhodium ($/oz.) $1,191 $980 $1,059 $1,091
Combined ($/oz.)(4) $1,076 $985 $1,031 $1,031
Other: (5)        
Palladium ($/oz.) $— $— $882 $—
By-products from Mine Production: (2)        
Rhodium ($/oz.) $1,203 $931 $1,177 $1,047
Gold ($/oz.) $1,198 $1,271 $1,261 $1,394
Silver ($/oz.) $16 $20 $19 $24
Copper ($/lb.) $2.80 $3.08 $2.92 $3.14
Nickel ($/lb.) $5.49 $5.19 $6.47 $5.47
Average market price per ounce (3)        
Palladium ($/oz.) $787 $726 $803 $725
Platinum ($/oz.) $1,230 $1,400 $1,386 $1,487
Combined ($/oz.)(4) $881 $873 $933 $891
         
(1)  Ounces sold and average realized price per ounce from PGM Recycling relate to ounces produced from processing of catalyst materials.
(2)  By-product metals sold reflect contained metal produced from mined ore alongside the Company's primary production of palladium and platinum. Realized prices reflect net values (discounted due to product form and transportation and marketing charges) per unit received.
(3)  The Company's average realized price represents revenues, which include the effect of hedging gains and losses realized on commodity instruments and agreement discounts, divided by ounces sold. The average market price represents the average price in the London market for the actual months of the period.
(4)  The Company calculates the combined average realized and a combined average market price of palladium and platinum using the same ratio as the rate of ounces of each respective metal that are produced from the base metal refinery.
(5)  Ounces sold and average realized price per ounce from Other relate to ounces acquired periodically in the open market and simultaneously resold to third parties.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Consolidated Costs of Revenues

The Company utilizes certain non-GAAP financial measures as indicators in assessing the performance of its mining and processing operations during any period. Because of the processing time required to complete the extraction of finished PGM products, there are typically lags of one to three months between ore production and sale of the finished product. Sales in any period include some portion of material mined and processed from prior periods as the revenue recognition process is completed. Consequently, while costs of revenues (a GAAP financial measure included in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)) appropriately reflects the expense associated with the materials sold in any period, the Company has developed certain non-GAAP financial measures to assess the costs associated with its producing and processing activities in a particular period and to compare those costs between periods.

While the Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures may also be of value to outside readers, both as general indicators of the Company's mining efficiency from period to period and as insight into how the Company internally measures its operating performance, these non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized across the mining industry and in most cases will not be comparable to similar measures that may be provided by other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures are only useful as indicators of relative operational performance in any period, and because they do not take into account the inventory timing differences that are included in costs of revenues, they cannot meaningfully be used to develop measures of earnings or profitability. A reconciliation of these measures to costs of revenues, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, for each period shown is provided as part of the following tables, and a description of each non-GAAP financial measure is provided below.

Total Consolidated Costs of Revenues: For the Company as a whole, this measure is equal to total costs of revenues, as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). For the Stillwater Mine, the East Boulder Mine, and PGM Recycling and Other, the Company segregates the expenses within total costs of revenues that are directly associated with each of these activities and then allocates the remaining facility costs included in total cost of revenues in proportion to the monthly volumes from each activity. The resulting total costs of revenues measures for the Stillwater Mine, the East Boulder Mine and PGM Recycling and Other are equal in total to total consolidated costs of revenues as reported in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Total Cash Costs (Non-GAAP): This non-GAAP financial measure is calculated as total costs of revenues (for each mine or combined) adjusted to exclude gains or losses on asset dispositions, costs and profit from recycling activities, revenues from the sale of mine by-products, depreciation and amortization and asset retirement costs, and timing differences resulting from changes in product inventories. The Company uses this measure as a comparative indication of the cash costs related to mine production and processing operations in any period. It is a measure of extraction efficiency.

When divided by the total tons milled in the respective period, Total Cash Costs per Ton Milled (Non-GAAP) – measured for each mine or combined – provides an indication of the level of cash costs incurred per ton milled in that period. Because of variability of ore grade in the Company's mining operations, mine production efficiency underground is frequently measured against ore tons produced rather than contained PGM ounces. Because ore tons are first weighed as they are fed into the mill, mill feed is the first point at which mine production tons are measured precisely. Consequently, Total Cash Costs per Ton Milled (Non-GAAP) is a general measure of production efficiency, and is affected both by the level of Total Cash Costs (Non-GAAP) and by the volume of tons produced and fed to the mill.

When divided by the total recoverable PGM ounces from production in the respective period, Total Cash Costs per Ounce (Non-GAAP) – measured for each mine or combined – provides an indication of the level of cash costs incurred per PGM ounce produced in that period. Recoverable PGM ounces from production are an indication of the amount of PGM product extracted through mining in any period. Because ultimately extracting PGM material is the objective of mining, the cash cost per ounce of extracting and processing PGM ounces in a period is a useful measure for comparing extraction efficiency between periods and between the Company's mines. Consequently, Total Cash Costs per Ounce (Non-GAAP) in any period is a general measure of extraction efficiency, and is affected by the level of Total Cash Costs (Non-GAAP), by the grade of the ore produced and by the volume of ore produced in the period.

Stillwater Mining Company
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Consolidated Costs of Revenues
(Audited)
         
  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  December 31, December 31,
(In thousands, except per ounce and per ton data) 2014 2013 2014 2013
Consolidated:        
Total cash costs before by-product and recycling credits (Non-GAAP) $76,385 $80,099 $319,676 $322,564
By-product credit (7,354) (5,982) (29,592) (27,085)
Recycling income credit (2,494) (3,590) (11,702) (35,463)
Total cash costs net of by-product and recycling credits (Non-GAAP) $66,537 $70,527 $278,382 $260,016
         
Divided by platinum/palladium ounces produced 138 141 518 524
         
Total cash costs before by-product and recycling credits per ounce Pt/Pd produced (Non-GAAP) $554 $568 $618 $616
By-product credit per ounce Pt/Pd produced (53) (43) (57) (52)
Recycling income credit per ounce Pt/Pd produced (18) (25) (23) (68)
Total cash costs net of by-product and recycling credits per ounce Pt/Pd produced (Non-GAAP) $483 $500 $538 $496
         
Divided by ore tons milled 358 316 1,265 1,274
         
Total cash costs before by-product and recycling credits per ore ton milled (Non-GAAP) $214 $253 $252 $253
By-product credit per ore ton milled (21) (19) (23) (21)
Recycling income credit per ore ton milled (7) (11) (9) (28)
Total cash costs net of by-product and recycling credits per ore ton milled (Non-GAAP) $186 $223 $220 $204
         
Reconciliation to consolidated costs of revenues:        
Total cash costs net of by-product and recycling credits (Non-GAAP) $66,537 $70,527 $278,382 $260,016
Asset retirement costs 193 177 747 689
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 17,014 14,377 66,387 58,201
Depletion, depreciation and amortization (in inventory) 567 1,472 (1,281) 1,190
Change in product inventories 2,757 (4,828) 18,847 (10,480)
Cost of PGM Recycling 93,708 124,526 391,481 527,384
PGM Recycling - depreciation 258 312 1,019 1,116
By-product credit 7,354 5,982 29,592 27,085
Profit from PGM Recycling (before gain/loss on asset disposals) 2,494 3,590 11,702 35,463
Total consolidated cost of revenues $190,882 $216,135 $796,876 $900,664
         
Stillwater Mining Company
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Consolidated Costs of Revenues (Continued)
(Audited)
         
  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  December 31, December 31,
(In thousands, except per ounce and per ton data) 2014 2013 2014 2013
Stillwater Mine:        
Total cash costs before by-product and recycling credits (Non-GAAP) $49,776 $52,401 $206,496 $217,921
By-product credit (4,261) (3,636) (17,115) (16,270)
Recycling income credit (1,628) (2,495) (7,695) (24,470)
Total cash costs net of by-product and recycling credits (Non-GAAP) $43,887 $46,270 $181,686 $177,181
         
Divided by platinum/palladium ounces produced 90 99 341 366
         
Total cash costs before by-product and recycling credits per ounce Pt/Pd produced (Non-GAAP) $551 $529 $606 $595
By-product credit per ounce Pt/Pd produced (47) (37) (50) (44)
Recycling income credit per ounce Pt/Pd produced (18) (25) (23) (67)
Total cash costs net of by-product and recycling credits per ounce Pt/Pd produced (Non-GAAP) $486 $467 $533 $484
         
Divided by ore tons milled 215 193 749 801
         
Total cash costs before by-product and recycling credits per ore ton milled (Non-GAAP) $232 $272 $276 $272
By-product credit per ore ton milled (20) (19) (23) (20)
Recycling income credit per ore ton milled (8) (13) (10) (31)
Total cash costs net of by-product and recycling credits per ore ton milled (Non-GAAP) $204 $240 $243 $221
         
Reconciliation to costs of revenues:        
Total cash costs net of by-product and recycling credits (Non-GAAP) $43,887 $46,270 $181,686 $177,181
Asset retirement costs 180 165 700 639
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 12,337 11,030 49,271 44,696
Depletion, depreciation and amortization (in inventory) 491 1,111 (1,716) 896
Change in product inventories 827 (2,158) 11,309 (5,110)
By-product credit 4,261 3,636 17,115 16,270
Profit from PGM Recycling (before gain/loss on asset disposals) 1,628 2,495 7,695 24,470
Total cost of revenues $63,611 $62,549 $266,060 $259,042
         
Stillwater Mining Company
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Consolidated Costs of Revenues (Continued)
(Audited)
 
  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  December 31, December 31,
(In thousands, except per ounce and per ton data) 2014 2013 2014 2013
East Boulder        
Total cash costs before by-product and recycling credits (Non-GAAP) $26,609 $27,698 $113,180 $104,643
By-product credit (3,093) (2,346) (12,477) (10,815)
Recycling income credit (866) (1,095) (4,007) (10,993)
Total cash costs net of by-product and recycling credits (Non-GAAP) $22,650 $24,257 $96,696 $82,835
         
Divided by platinum/palladium ounces produced 48 42 177 158
         
Total cash costs before by-product and recycling credits per ounce Pt/Pd produced (Non-GAAP) $560 $659 $641 $664
By-product credit per ounce Pt/Pd produced (65) (56) (71) (69)
Recycling income credit per ounce Pt/Pd produced (18) (26) (23) (70)
Total cash costs net of by-product and recycling credits per ounce Pt/Pd produced (Non-GAAP) $477 $577 $547 $525
         
Divided by ore tons milled 144 123 516 473
         
Total cash costs before by-product and recycling credits per ore ton milled (Non-GAAP) $186 $225 $219 $221
By-product credit per ore ton milled (22) (19) (24) (23)
Recycling income credit per ore ton milled (6) (9) (8) (23)
Total cash costs net of by-product and recycling credits per ore ton milled (Non-GAAP) $158 $197 $187 $175
         
Reconciliation to costs of revenues:        
Total cash costs net of by-product and recycling credits (Non-GAAP) $22,650 $24,257 $96,696 $82,835
Asset retirement costs 13 13 47 50
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 4,677 3,346 17,116 13,505
Depletion, depreciation and amortization (in inventory) 76 361 435 294
Change in product inventories 1,930 (2,670) 2,181 (5,370)
By-product credit 3,093 2,346 12,477 10,815
Profit from PGM Recycling (before gain/loss on asset disposals) 866 1,095 4,007 10,993
Total cost of revenues $33,305 $28,748 $132,959 $113,122
         
PGM Recycling and Other: (1)        
Cost of open market acquisitions $— $— $5,357 $—
Cost of PGM Recycling 93,708 124,526 391,481 527,384
PGM Recycling - depreciation 258 312 1,019 1,116
Total cost of revenues $93,966 $124,838 $397,857 $528,500
         
(1) PGM Recycling and Other include PGM recycling and metal acquired periodically in the open market and simultaneously resold to third parties.

Stillwater Mining Company

All-In Sustaining Costs (a Non-GAAP Financial Measure)

(Audited)

All-In Sustaining Costs (Non-GAAP): This non-GAAP financial measure is used as an indicator from period to period of the level of total cash required by the Company to maintain and operate the existing mines, including corporate administrative costs and replacement capital. The measure is calculated beginning with total cash costs (another non-GAAP financial measure, described above), and adding to it the recycling income credit, domestic corporate overhead and marketing costs (excluding any depreciation, research and development, and reorganization costs included in corporate overhead costs) and that portion of total capital expenditures associated with sustaining the current level of mining operations. (Capital expenditures for Blitz, Graham Creek and certain other one-time projects are not included in the calculation.)

When divided by the total recoverable PGM ounces in the respective period, All-In Sustaining Costs per Mined Ounce (Non-GAAP) provides an indication of the level of total cash required to maintain and operate the mines per PGM ounce produced in the period. Recoverable PGM ounces from production are an indication of the amount of PGM product extracted through mining in any period. Because the objective of PGM mining activity is to extract PGM material, the all-in cash costs per ounce to produce PGM material, administer the business and sustain the operating capacity of the mines is a useful measure for comparing overall extraction efficiency between periods. This measure is affected by the total level of spending in the period and by the grade and volume of ore produced.

  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  December 31, December 31,
(In thousands, except $/oz.) 2014 2013 2014 2013
All-In Sustaining Costs        
Total cash costs net of by-product and recycling credits (Non-GAAP) $66,537 $70,527 $278,382 $260,016
Recycling income credit 2,494 3,590 11,702 35,463
  $69,031 $74,117 $290,084 $295,479
         
Consolidated Corporate General & Administrative costs $7,050 $6,342 $35,067 $46,577
Corporate depreciation and R&D included in Consolidated Corporate General & Administrative costs (1) (118) (141) (482) (610)
General & Administrative Costs - Foreign Subsidiaries (465) (446) (3,588) (3,661)
  $6,467 $5,755 $30,997 $42,306
         
Total capitalized costs $36,117 $39,268 $129,813 $139,011
Capital associated with expansion projects (11,723) (13,714) (45,054) (50,696)
Total Capital incurred to sustain existing operations $24,394 $25,554 $84,759 $88,315
         
All-In Sustaining Costs (Non-GAAP) $99,892 $105,426 $405,840 $426,100
         
Mined ounces produced 137.7 141.0 517.7 523.9
         
All-In Sustaining Costs per Mined Ounce ($/oz.) (Non-GAAP) $725 $748 $784 $813
 
(1) Consolidated Corporate General & Administrative Costs includes Marketing and Research and Development (R&D) costs. The Marketing and R&D costs in prior years were separate line items on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Prior year numbers have been restated to conform with current year presentation.
CONTACT: Mike Beckstead (406) 373-8971

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