Financial Results & Outlook Half Year 31 Dec2018

RNS Number : 9944P
South32 Limited
14 February 2019
 

14 February 2019

 

South32 Limited

(Incorporated in Australia under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth))

(ACN 093 732 597)

ASX, LSE, JSE Share Code: S32 ADR: SOUHY

ISIN: AU000000S320

 

 

South32 Limited

 

Financial Results and Outlook Half Year ended 31 December 2018

 

South32 delivers earnings growth, reshapes portfolio and continues shareholder returns

"Record production at Australia Manganese, strong operating performance more broadly and higher commodity prices delivered a 17 per cent increase in Profit after tax for the half year, while Underlying earnings per share grew by 20 per cent as we continued to benefit from our on-market share buy-back program.

"Our strong start to the year means that our production guidance is unchanged for all of our operations with the exception of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal where we have upgraded guidance by 7 per cent. We have also lowered our unit cost guidance as we have maintained operating discipline and benefited from a stronger US dollar.

"We continued to reshape our portfolio by acquiring the high-grade Hermosa resource and a 50% interest in and operatorship of the Eagle Downs Metallurgical Coal project during the period. We are also progressing our early stage exploration projects and remain on track to divest South Africa Energy Coal with binding bids expected by 30 June 2019.

"We are well positioned for the second half of the year, with a net cash balance of US$678M and an improving outlook for production and costs. This strong position has allowed us to return US$511M to shareholders in respect of the period with today's declaration of a US$258M fully franked interim dividend and an US$86M fully franked special dividend.

"Having established a strong track record, we will continue to return any excess capital to shareholders in a timely and efficient manner by monitoring our financial position within the context of the prevailing macro-economic environment and our capital management framework. This will involve the continuation of our existing US$1B capital management program with the recommencement of our on-market share buy-back following release of our financial results."

 Graham Kerr, South32 CEO

 

Financial highlights

 

 

 

US$M

 H1 FY19

 H1 FY18

% Change

Revenue(1)

3,811

3,494

9%

Profit/(loss)

908

673

35%

Profit/(loss) after tax

635

543

17%

Basic earnings per share (US cents)(2)

12.5

10.5

19%

Ordinary dividends per share (US cents)(3)

5.1

4.3

19%

Special dividends per share (US cents)(4)

1.7

3.0

(43)%

Other financial measures

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA(5)

1,305

1,087

20%

Underlying EBITDA margin(6)

38.3%

35.7%

2.6%

Underlying EBIT(5)

925

724

28%

Underlying EBIT margin(7)

26.9%

23.7%

3.2%

Underlying earnings(5)

642

544

18%

Basic Underlying earnings per share (US cents)(2)

12.6

10.5

20%

ROIC(8)

13.9%

12.1%

1.8%

Ordinary shares on issue (million)

5,051

5,181

(2.5)%

 

Safety

We are working hard to create a workplace where we can guarantee that everyone goes home safe and well at the end of every shift. In order to make this breakthrough we are creating an inclusive workplace where all work is well-designed and we continuously improve and learn. Our Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF)(9)(10) declined from 5.1 to 4.8 per million hours worked in H1 FY19.

Performance summary

The Group's statutory profit after tax increased by 17% to US$635M in H1 FY19, Underlying earnings increased by 18% (or US$98M) to US$642M and basic Underlying earnings per share increased by 20% to US12.6 cents per share as we benefitted from our on-market share buy-back program. This significant increase in profitability was driven by strong production, higher commodity prices and disciplined cost control.

Following our strong start to the year and a favourable movement in currency markets, we have lowered FY19 Operating unit cost guidance for the majority of operations, while production guidance for Illawarra Metallurgical Coal has been increased by 7% to 6.5Mt.We have also lowered Capital expenditure(11) guidance, including equity accounted investments (EAI), by 9% to US$762M to reflect the reclassification of US$20M of planned exploration expenditure at Hermosa to capitalised exploration, the appreciation of the US dollar and a lower rate of spend in H1 FY19 (US$349M).

Specific highlights included:

A 106% increase in production at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal as the Appin colliery continued to ramp-up towards historical rates;

Record ore production at Australia Manganese as the primary circuit maintained high utilisation rates and the Premium Concentrate Ore (PC02) circuit operated at 120% of design capacity;

The commencement of several improvement initiatives at Worsley Alumina that are expected to support a sustainable increase in production to nameplate capacity of 4.6Mt (100% basis) ahead of future de-bottlenecking activities;

Mineração Rio do Norte S.A (MRN) partner approval to undertake a pre-feasibility study for a project that has the potential to extend the life of the bauxite mine by more than 20 years(12) at a relatively low capital cost;

The acquisition of the remaining 83% interest in Arizona Mining(13) for US$1.4B (including transaction costs), which adds the Hermosa project's high grade zinc-lead-silver resource(14) and a prospective land package to our portfolio; and

The commencement of a feasibility study at Eagle Downs Metallurgical Coal, following our acquisition of a 50% interest in the project and assumption of operating control for US$106M(15).

 

Subsequent to period end we also elected to maintain our option with Trilogy Metals Inc. (TSX:TMQ) for the third and final year, which retains our right to earn a 50% interest in the Upper Kobuk Mineral projects in Alaska by committing approximately US$150M to a 50:50 joint venture by 31 January 2020.

 

We finished the period with a net cash balance of US$678M having generated free cash flow from operations, including distributions from our manganese EAI, of US$718M. Our strong financial position and disciplined approach to capital management has allowed us to return US$511M to shareholders in respect of the period, including:

A US$258M fully franked interim dividend, which we have resolved to pay in April in accordance with our dividend policy which seeks to return a minimum 40% of Underlying earnings in each six month period;

An US$86M fully franked special dividend, which we have also resolved to pay in April; and

The continuation of our on-market share buy-back program whereby we purchased 68M shares at an average price of A$3.39 per share for a cash consideration of US$167M.

 

With payment of this special dividend we will have completed 87% of our US$1B capital management program with the remaining US$127M scheduled to be returned to shareholders by 10 April 2019, depending on market liquidity and value. Having established a strong track record, we will continue to return any excess capital to shareholders in a timely and efficient manner by monitoring our financial position within the context of the prevailing macroeconomic environment and our capital management framework.

Earnings

The Group's statutory profit after tax increased by US$92M (or 17%) to US$635M in H1 FY19. Consistent with our accounting policies, various items are excluded from the Group's statutory profit to derive Underlying earnings including: losses on fair value movements of non-trading derivative instruments and other investments (US$28M pre-tax); exchange rate gains associated with the Group's non US dollar denominated net debt (US$21M pre-tax); the tax expense for all pre-tax earnings adjustments and exchange rate variations on tax balances (US$11M), and profit associated with earnings adjustments included in our EAI (US$11M). Further information on these earnings adjustments is included further on.

On this basis, the Group generated Underlying EBITDA of US$1.3B for an operating margin of 38% as stronger volumes, primarily at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal, and higher average realised prices underpinned a US$300M increase in sales revenue, excluding third party products. The Group's Operating unit costs also benefitted from weaker producer currencies, however total costs rose with higher production and price-linked royalties, elevated raw material costs across our aluminium value chain and an increase in maintenance costs at Worsley Alumina. Depreciation and amortisation also increased by a modest US$17M to US$380M, meaning that Underlying EBIT increased by US$201M (or 28%) to US$925M. This higher level of profitability, a change in our geographic earnings mix and permanent differences led to a US$103M (or 85%) increase in our Underlying income tax expense to US$224M. As a result, Underlying earnings increased by US$98M (or 18%) to US$642M.

Profit/(loss) to Underlying EBITDA reconciliation

 

 

US$M

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Profit/(loss)

908

673

Earnings adjustments to derive Underlying EBIT

17

51

Underlying EBIT

925

724

Depreciation and amortisation

380

363

Underlying EBITDA

1,305

1,087

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) after tax to Underlying earnings reconciliation

 

 

US$M

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Profit/(loss) after tax

635

543

Earnings adjustments to derive Underlying EBIT

17

51

Earnings adjustments to derive Underlying net finance cost

(21)

11

Earnings adjustments to derive Underlying income tax expense

11

(61)

Underlying earnings

642

544

 

Earnings analysis

The following key factors influenced Underlying EBIT in H1 FY19, relative to H1 FY18.

(The reconciliation of movements in Underlying EBIT graph can be found within the National Storage Mechanism version of the release)

 

Earnings analysis

US$M

Commentary

H1 FY18 Underlying EBIT

724

 

Change in sales price

223

 

 

 

Higher average realised prices:

Alumina (+US$175M)

Manganese ore (+US$88M)

Energy coal (+US$39M)

Lower average realised prices:

Precious and base metals (-US$62M)

Treatment & refining charges

-

Net impact from reclassifying (AASB 15)(19) Cannington's treatment and refining charges

Net impact of price-linked costs

 

(116)

 

 

LME-linked electricity costs at Hillside Aluminium (+US$5M)

Smelter raw material costs (-US$46M), including pitch and coke

Distribution costs and diesel price (-US$26M)

Royalties (-US$25M, volume and price)

Caustic soda prices at Worsley Alumina and Brazil Alumina (-US$12M)

Bauxite costs at Brazil Alumina (-US$12M)

Change in exchange rates

128

 

 

 

Australian dollar (+US$70M)

South African rand (+US$42M)

Brazilian real (+US$14M)

Change in inflation 

(68)

 

 

 

Southern Africa (-US$43M)

Australia (-US$17M)

Change in sales volume 

216

 

 

 

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (+US$327M)

Hillside Aluminium (+US$35M)

Australia Manganese (+US$29M)

South Africa Energy Coal (-US$134M)

Mozal Aluminium (-US$40M)

Controllable costs

(160)

 

 

 

Hillside Aluminium (-US$78M, primarily inventory movements)

Worsley Alumina (-US$38M, primarily maintenance)

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (-US$28M, primarily volume)

Brazil Alumina (-US$16M, primarily inventory movements)

Other 

15

 

 

 

EBIT on third party product (+US$23M)

Depreciation and amortisation (-US$18M)

Interest & tax (EAI)

(37)

 

 

Stronger profitability in our jointly controlled manganese operations

H1 FY19 Underlying EBIT

925

 

 

Net finance cost

The Group's Underlying net finance cost, excluding EAI, was US$59M in H1 FY19, which primarily reflects the unwinding of the discount applied to our closure and rehabilitation provisions (US$52M), finance lease interest (US$25M) and interest on our net cash balances (US$22M).

Underlying net finance cost reconciliation

 

 

US$M

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Unwind of discount applied to closure and rehabilitation provisions

(52)

(52)

Finance lease interest

(25)

(27)

Other

18

20

Underlying net finance cost

(59)

(59)

Add back earnings adjustment for exchange rate variations on net debt

21

(11)

Net finance cost

(38)

(70)

Tax expense

The Group's Underlying income tax expense, which excludes tax associated with EAI, was US$224M for an Underlying effective tax rate(20) (ETR) of 37.3% in H1 FY19 (H1 FY18: 28.0%). The increase in ETR reflects the differing tax rates that our operations are exposed to and the change in our geographic earnings mix, and the disproportionate effect of intragroup agreements and other permanent differences when margins are compressed or losses are incurred in specific jurisdictions. The primary corporate tax rates applicable to the Group for H1 FY19 include: Australia 30%, South Africa 28%, Colombia 37%(21), Mozambique 0%(21) and Brazil 34%.

The Underlying income tax expense for our manganese EAI was US$172M, including royalty related taxation of US$42M at GEMCO (Australia Manganese), for an Underlying ETR of 38.8% (H1 FY18: 36.2%).

Underlying income tax expense reconciliation and Underlying ETR

 

 

US$M

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Underlying EBIT

925

724

 Include: Underlying net finance cost

(59)

(59)

 Remove: Share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments

(265)

(232)

Underlying profit/(loss) before tax

601

433

Income tax expense

235

60

 Tax effect of earnings adjustments to Underlying EBIT

5

23

 Tax effect of earnings adjustments to net finance cost

(7)

4

 Exchange rate variations on tax balances

(9)

34

Underlying income tax expense

224

121

Underlying effective tax rate

37.3%

28.0%

 

Cash flow

The Group's free cash flow from operations, excluding EAI, was US$456M in H1 FY19. Working capital increased by US$93M as we established inventories at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal ahead of two longwall moves in Q3 FY19 and the timing of shipments impacted sales at Mozal Aluminium. Provisions and other liabilities also declined as we continued to invest in progressive rehabilitation at South Africa Energy Coal. These impacts were partially offset by movements in receivables and payables, with no change to our payment terms with customers or suppliers. Our debtor days remained broadly unchanged at 22.

Working capital movement reconciliation

 

US$M

Movement

Trade and other receivables

82

Inventories

(108)

Trade and other payables

50

Provisions and other liabilities

(117)

Working capital movement

(93)

 

Total capital expenditure(11), excluding EAI, increased by US$104M to US$306M in H1 FY19 as Major project activity ramped up at the Klipspruit Life Extension (KPSX) project(22) and preliminary work was undertaken to progress the Hermosa project following the acquisition of Arizona Mining in August 2018. Total capital expenditure included:

Sustaining capital expenditure, comprising Stay-in-business, Minor discretionary and Deferred stripping (including underground development) of US$206M (H1 FY18: US$195M); and

Major project capital expenditure of US$90M (H1 FY18: US$4M) relating to the KPSX US$55M), Hermosa (US$33M) and Eagle Downs Metallurgical Coal (US$2M) projects.

 

The purchase of intangibles and the capitalisation of exploration expenditure accounted for a further US$10M (H1 FY18: US$3M).

Total capital expenditure associated with EAI increased by US$24M to US$53M during H1 FY19 as we invested in additional tailings storage capacity at Australia Manganese.

Total capital expenditure, including EAI, in H1 FY19 was US$359M (H1 FY18: US$231M).

Free cash flow from operations, excluding equity accounted investments

 

 

US$M

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Profit/(loss)

908

673

Non-cash items

429

418

(Profit)/loss from equity accounted investments

(276)

(232)

Change in working capital

(93)

(421)

Cash generated

 968

438

Total capital expenditure, excluding equity accounted investments, including intangibles and capitalised exploration

(306)

(202)

Operating cash flows before financing activities and tax, and after capital expenditure

 662

236

Interest (paid)/received

1

(3)

Income tax (paid)/received

(207)

(181)

Free cash flow from operations

 456

52

 

We also received (net) distributions totalling US$262M from our manganese EAI in H1 FY19, comprising dividends and capital returns totalling US$286M and a modest drawdown in shareholder loans (-US$24M).

 

Balance sheet, dividends and capital management

While the Group generated free cash flow from operations, including net distributions from EAI, of US$718M (H1 FY18: US$290M), our net cash balance decreased by US$1.4B to US$678M at 31 December 2018 (30 June 2018: US$2.0B) as we funded the Arizona Mining and Eagle Downs Metallurgical Coal transactions out of our cash reserves for a combined investment of US$1.5B. We also paid our final shareholder dividend in respect of FY18 of US$316M and directed US$167M towards our on-market share buy-back program as we purchased 68M shares at an average price of A$3.39 per share.

Net cash/(debt)

 

 

US$M

H1 FY19

FY18

Cash and cash equivalents

1,565

2,970

Finance leases

(553)

(570)

Other interest bearing liabilities

(334)

(359)

Net cash/(debt)

678

2,041

Demonstrating the disciplined and flexible approach we are taking to our capital management program, our Board resolved to pay a fully franked interim dividend of US$258M, representing 40% of Underlying earnings in H1 FY19, and a fully franked special dividend of US$86M. With payment of this special dividend we will have completed 87% of our US$1B capital management program with the remaining US$127M scheduled to be returned to shareholders by 10 April 2019, depending on market liquidity and value.

Our capital management framework remains unchanged and we continue to believe that a combination of high operating leverage and undue financial leverage delivers a sub-optimal outcome for shareholders. With the declaration of our interim and special dividends, this approach will allow us to return US$2.4B to shareholders in respect of the last three year period, equivalent to 20% of our market capitalisation(23). Having established this strong track record, we will continue to return any excess capital to shareholders in a timely and efficient manner by monitoring our financial position within the context of the prevailing macroeconomic environment and our capital management framework.

Consistent with our commitment to maintain an investment grade credit rating, Standard and Poor's and Moody's reaffirmed their respective BBB+ and Baa1 credit ratings for the Group.

Dividends announced

 

 

 

 

Period

Dividend per share

(US cents)

US$M

Franking

Pay-out ratio

H1 FY18

4.3

223

100%

41%

February 2018 special dividend

3.0

155

81%

NA

H2 FY18

6.2

317

100%

40%

H1 FY19

5.1

258

100%

40%

February 2019 special dividend

1.7

86

100%

NA

South32 shareholders registered on the South African branch register will not be able to dematerialise or rematerialise their shareholdings between 6 and 8 March 2019 (both dates inclusive), nor will transfers to/from the South African branch register be permitted between 28 February and 8 March 2019 (both dates inclusive).

Details of the currency exchange rates applicable for the dividend will be announced to the relevant stock exchanges. Further dividend information is available on our website (www.south32.net).

South32 American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) each represent five fully paid ordinary shares in South32 and ADR holders will receive dividends accordingly, subject to the terms of the Depositary Agreement.

Dividend timetable

Date 

Announce currency conversion into rand

1 March 2019

Last day to trade cum dividend on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)

5 March 2019

Ex-dividend date on the JSE

6 March 2019

Ex-dividend date on the ASX and London Stock Exchange (LSE)

7 March 2019

Record date (including currency election date for ASX)

8 March 2019

Payment date

4 April 2019

 

Outlook

 

Production

The Group's production volumes are expected to rise by 5%(24) in FY19, or 7%(24) on a per share basis as we benefit from our ongoing on-market share buy-back program.

Production guidance (South32's share)(18)

 

FY18

H1 FY19

FY19e

FY20e

Key guidance assumptions

Worsley Alumina

 

 

 

 

Unchanged

Alumina production (kt)

3,764

1,906

3,965

3,965

Improvement in calciner availability in H2 FY19, notwithstanding maintenance scheduled for Q3 FY19

Brazil Alumina (non-operated)

 

 

 

 

Unchanged

Alumina production (kt)

1,304

636

1,355

1,370

Introduction of package boilers in H2 FY19 to support the ramp-up of the De-bottlenecking Phase One project

Hillside Aluminium

 

 

 

 

Unchanged (subject to load-shedding)

Aluminium production (kt)

712

360

720

720

Pot relining cycle to reach its peak in FY19

To test technical capacity

Mozal Aluminium

 

 

 

 

Unchanged (subject to load-shedding)

Aluminium production (kt)

271

135

269

273

Pot relining cycle to reach its peak in FY19

AP3XLE energy efficiency project to add production from FY20

South Africa Energy Coal(25) 

 

 

 

 

Unchanged

Total coal production (kt)

27,271

12,171

 29,000

30,300

Domestic volumes to benefit from the sale of lower quality stockpiled material and a new shift pattern at Khutala

Export volumes to increase following the recommissioning of the Klipspruit dragline in January 2019

Domestic coal production (kt)

15,154

7,731

 17,500

16,900

Export coal production (kt)

12,117

4,440

 11,500

13,400

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal

 

 

 

 

FY19 guidance increased by 7%

Total coal production (kt)

4,244

3,840

↑6,500

7,000

Two longwall moves scheduled for Q3 FY19

A substantial uplift in development rates at Appin is required to sustain the operation of two longwalls in parallel from H2 FY20

Metallurgical coal production (kt)

3,165

3,082

↑5,200

5,800

Energy coal production (kt)

1,079

758

↑1,300

1,200

Australia Manganese

 

 

 

 

Unchanged (subject to market demand)

Manganese ore production (kwmt)

3,396

1,811

3,350

Subject to demand

Wet season expected to impact production across H2 FY19

South Africa Manganese

 

 

 

 

Unchanged (subject to market demand)

Manganese ore production (kwmt)

2,145

1,075

2,050

Subject to demand

Dependent on the economics of higher cost trucking

Cerro Matoso

 

 

 

 

Unchanged

Ore to kiln (kt)

2,722

1,401

2,750

2,500

Continued use of lower grade stockpiled ore

Planned furnace outage in H2 FY20

Payable nickel production (kt)

43.8

21.1

40.5

35.6

Cannington

 

 

 

 

Unchanged (subject to review)

Ore processed (kdmt)

2,355

1,244

 2,400

2,500

Guidance is unchanged, but remains subject to review pending our assessment of the impact to logistics infrastructure resulting from the floods in North Queensland

Payable zinc equivalent production (kt)(26)

187.2

95.2

188.1

187.1

Payable silver production (koz)

12,491

6,067

 11,750

10,850

Payable lead production (kt)

104.4

48.3

98.0

94.7

Payable zinc production (kt)

41.3

26.3

51.0

57.3

The denotation (e) refers to an estimate or forecast year.

 

Costs and capital expenditure

Operating unit cost performance

Broad appreciation of the US dollar and robust operating performance ensured that Operating unit costs were well controlled at the majority of our upstream operations in H1 FY19, however underlying inflationary pressure from raw materials continued to impact our aluminium value chain with the greatest pressure being felt at our smelters.

Operating unit cost(18)(27)

 

H1 FY18

H2 FY18

H1 FY19

H1 FY19 adjusted(a)

FY19 prior guidance(b)

Commentary

H1 FY19 performance to guidance

Worsley Alumina

(US$/t)

224

247

233

237

230

Lower volumes, a skew in caustic soda costs as high priced inventory was consumed and additional maintenance activity, partially offset by depreciation of the Australian dollar

Brazil Alumina (non-operated)

(US$/t)

234

269

291

NA

NA

Depreciation of the Brazilian real, offset by a skew in caustic soda costs as high priced inventory was consumed, lower volumes and higher maintenance and bauxite costs

Hillside Aluminium

 

 

 

 

 

 

(US$/t)

1,680

1,962

2,161

NA

NA

Higher raw material inputs costs, primarily alumina, partially offset by lower LME-linked electricity costs

Mozal Aluminium

 

 

 

 

 

 

(US$/t)

1,694

1,945

1,938

NA

NA

 Largely unchanged from H2 FY18

South Africa Energy Coal(25)

(US$/t)

36

37

38

40

41

Depreciation of the South African rand, noting that FY19 guidance includes a skew in export production to H2 FY19

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal

(US$/t)

149

136

87

90

105

Significant improvement in longwall performance and depreciation of the Australian dollar, noting that FY19 guidance includes two longwall moves in Q3 FY19

Australia Manganese ore (FOB)

(US$/dmtu)

1.55

1.72

1.51

1.54

1.63

Depreciation of the Australian dollar and record production with the PC02 circuit operating at ~120% of design capacity

South Africa Manganese ore (FOB)

(US$/dmtu)

2.31

2.74

2.63

2.65

2.56

Greater utilisation of high cost trucking and higher price-linked royalties, partially offset by depreciation of the South African rand

Cerro Matoso

(US$/t)(c)

119

137

136

139

136

Depreciation of the Colombian peso and higher volumes, noting FY19 guidance reflects a production skew to H1 FY19

(US$/lb)

3.41

3.92

4.05

4.15

4.21

Cannington

(US$/t)(d)

170

130

120

128

131

Depreciation of the Australian dollar and higher mill throughput, noting FY19 guidance reflects a production skew to H1 FY19

(a)    H1 FY19 adjusted is restated to reflect price and foreign exchange rate assumptions used for FY19 prior guidance (refer to footnote 28).

(b)    FY19 prior guidance includes commodity price and foreign exchange rate forward curves or our internal expectations (refer to footnote 28).

(c)    US dollar per tonne of ore to kiln.

(d)    US dollar per tonne of ore processed. Periodic movements in finished product inventory may impact Operating unit costs as related marketing costs may change. The H1 FY19 results reflect the Group's adoption of AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, with revenue recognised net of treatment and refining charges (previously recognised on a gross basis with treatment and refining charges included as a separate expense). These changes result in lower realised prices and Operating unit costs, with no net impact to earnings. FY19 prior guidance has been adjusted from US$147/t to US$131/t to reflect these changes. Prior periods have not been restated to reflect these changes.

 

Operating unit cost guidance

Updated FY19 Operating unit cost guidance primarily reflects revised currency and price assumptions as production guidance has been maintained for the majority of our operations. Illawarra Metallurgical Coal is the exception as an improvement in longwall performance has underpinned a 7% increase to prior production guidance. That being said, the relative skew in production to either H1 FY19 or H2 FY19 for a number of operations will have a meaningful impact on half-on-half unit cost performance. Separately, Operating unit costs at our refineries will benefit from lower raw material costs in H2 FY19 as higher priced material that was held in inventory was consumed in H1 FY19.

Operating unit cost guidance by upstream operation(18)(27)

 

FY19 prior guidance(a)

FY19 adjusted guidance(b)

FY19 new guidance(c)

Commentary

Worsley Alumina

(US$/t)

230

216

227

Depreciation of the Australian dollar, partially offset by additional expenditure to improve calciner performance and sustainably achieve nameplate capacity

Caustic soda costs and consumption rates to decline in H2 FY19

South Africa Energy Coal(25)

(US$/t)

41

39

38

Depreciation of the South African rand

Production to recover in H2 FY19 with recommissioning of the Klipspruit dragline

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal

(US$/t)

105

102

97

Upgraded production guidance and depreciation of the Australian dollar

Two longwall moves scheduled for H2 FY19

Australia Manganese ore (FOB)

(US$/dmtu)

1.63

1.59

1.57

Depreciation of the Australian dollar and an improvement in equipment productivity

H2 FY19 to be impacted by the wet season

South Africa Manganese ore (FOB)

(US$/dmtu)

2.56

2.55

2.56

Higher price-linked royalties offset by depreciation of the South African rand

Cerro Matoso

(US$/t)(d)

136

139

135

Depreciation of the Colombian peso, partially offset by costs arising from the recent Constitutional Court of Colombia ruling(30)

(US$/lb)

4.21

4.02

4.12

Cannington

(US$/t)(e)

131

127

129

Depreciation of the Australian dollar, partially offset by additional mining and rehabilitation activity

(a)    FY19 prior guidance includes commodity price and foreign exchange rate forward curves or our internal expectations (refer to footnote 28).

(b)    FY19 adjusted guidance is FY19 prior guidance, restated to reflect price and foreign exchange rate assumptions used for FY19 new guidance (refer to footnote 29).

(c)    FY19 new guidance includes commodity price and foreign exchange rate forward curves or our internal expectations for the remainder of FY19, as at January 2019 (refer to footnote 29).

(d)    US dollar per tonne of ore to kiln.

(e)    US dollar per tonne of ore processed. Periodic movements in finished product inventory may impact Operating unit costs as related marketing costs may change. FY19 Prior guidance has been adjusted from US$147/t to US$131/t to reflect the Group's adoption of AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, with revenue recognised net of treatment and refining charges (previously recognised on a gross basis with treatment and refining charges included as a separate expense). These changes result in lower realised prices and Operating unit costs, with no net impact to earnings.

 

Other expenditure guidance

FY19 guidance for Group and unallocated costs, excluding greenfield exploration, is unchanged at US$80M (H1 FY19: US$40M). While guidance for greenfield exploration expenditure to progress our early stage projects also remains unchanged at US$41M (H1 FY19: US$8M), we do expect to capitalise US$20M (H1 FY19: US$7M) of exploration expenditure to increase our knowledge of the Hermosa resource(14).

Depreciation and amortisation, and tax expense

Depreciation and amortisation guidance for FY19 is unchanged at approximately US$750M (H1 FY19: US$380M), excluding EAI, and US$85M (H1 FY19: US$44M) for our EAI. From a taxation perspective, our geographic earnings mix will have a significant bearing on our ETR given differing country tax rates, while the impact of intragroup agreements and other permanent differences will continue to be magnified when margins are compressed or losses are incurred in specific jurisdictions. Whilst it is therefore difficult to predict our ETR (excluding EAI), we do expect it to decline in H2 FY19, particularly if the alumina to aluminium price ratio falls. 

Capital expenditure guidance

We have lowered FY19 guidance for Sustaining capital expenditure, including EAI, by US$30M to US$545M. This adjustment primarily reflects appreciation of the US dollar, the lower rate of underground development at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal in H1 FY19 and additional expenditure incurred to recover from and mitigate the impact of the Klipspruit dragline incident at South Africa Energy Coal. This incident has been confirmed as an insurable event and we are working through the claim to assess the quantum and timing of any recovery.

Major project capital expenditure guidance for FY19 has been lowered by US$48M to US$217M. This reduction primarily reflects the reclassification of US$20M of expenditure to capitalised exploration at Hermosa, the timing of activity at South Africa Energy Coal's KPSX project and appreciation of the US dollar. The modest reduction in underlying activity at Hermosa from Arizona Mining's preliminary estimate is not expected to have a bearing on the development schedule as the deferral of activity to progress the twin exploration declines does not impact the critical path. Capital expenditure required to progress the Eagle Downs Metallurgical Coal project (US$7M) is also included within guidance for the first time as the transaction was concluded in the period. Major project capital expenditure guidance does not account for the potential progression of the Dendrobium next domain project at Illawarra Metallurgical into final feasibility in H2 FY19.

Capital expenditure (South32's share)(11)(18)

US$M

FY19e prior guidance

FY19e new guidance

Commentary

Worsley Alumina

56

60

Initiatives to support uplift in production to nameplate

Brazil Alumina

40

32

 

Hillside Aluminium

24

18

 

Mozal Aluminium

18

20

 

South Africa Energy Coal(25)

66

100

Recovery from Klipspruit dragline incident in H1 FY19

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal

170

128

Lower rate of underground development in H1 FY19

Australia Manganese

75

65

 

South Africa Manganese

35

30

 

Cerro Matoso

41

37

 

Cannington

50

55

Additional investment in underground development

Sustaining capital expenditure (including EAI)

575

545

 

Equity accounted adjustment(a)

(110)

(95)

 

Sustaining capital expenditure (excluding EAI)

465

450

 

South Africa Energy Coal(22)(25)

165

140

Timing of activity at KPSX

Hermosa

100

70

Re-classification of US$20M of expenditure to exploration

Eagle Downs Metallurgical Coal

-

7

Initial guidance

Major capital expenditure (including EAI)

265

217

 

Equity accounted adjustment(a)

-

-

 

Major capital expenditure (excluding EAI)

265

217

 

(a)   The equity accounting adjustment reconciles the proportional consolidation of the South32 manganese operations to the treatment of the manganese operations on an equity accounted basis.

 

Operations analysis

 

A summary of the underlying performance of the Group's operations is presented below and more detailed analysis is presented further on. Unless otherwise stated: all metrics reflect South32's share; Operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA excluding third party sales divided by sales volumes; and Operating cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA excluding third party sales.

Operations table (South32 share)(18)

 

 

 

 

 

             Revenue

             Underlying EBIT

US$M

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Worsley Alumina

864

668

344

164

Brazil Alumina

312

240

97

47

Hillside Aluminium

772

734

(39)

120

Mozal Aluminium

280

326

13

60

South Africa Energy Coal(25)

517

622

14

115

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal

574

243

195

(84)

Australia Manganese

581

516

352

299

South Africa Manganese

275

228

100

86

Cerro Matoso

244

244

10

41

Cannington

223

296

47

72

Third party products and services(31)

487

463

28

5

Inter-segment / Group and unallocated

(455)

(342)

(47)

(48)

Total

4,674

4,238

1,114

877

Equity accounting adjustment(a)

(863)

(744)

(189)

(153)

South32 Group

3,811

3,494

925

724

(a)    The equity accounting adjustment reconciles the proportional consolidation of the South32 manganese operations to the treatment of the manganese operations on an equity accounted basis (including third party product).

 

Worsley Alumina (86% share)

Volumes

Worsley Alumina saleable production increased by 2% (or 41kt) in H1 FY19 to 1,906kt as the refinery benefitted from improved calciner availability in Q2 FY19 and three shipments of stockpiled hydrate were sold opportunistically at alumina equivalent rates. FY19 production guidance remains unchanged at 3,965kt with calciner maintenance scheduled for Q3 FY19.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs increased by 4% in H1 FY19 to US$233/t as additional calciner maintenance was undertaken and the cost of caustic soda increased as higher priced inventory was consumed (H1 FY19: US$535/t, H1 FY18: US$516/t), which more than offset the impact of a weaker Australian dollar.

We have lowered FY19 Operating unit cost guidance by US$3/t to US$227/t with revised exchange rate and raw material price assumptions partially offset by additional maintenance activity that is designed to improve calciner performance and sustainably achieve nameplate capacity. Conversely, caustic soda costs are expected to decline in H2 FY19 as we benefit from the recent reduction in market prices and a fall in consumption rates as the contribution of West Marradong feed rises. Exchange rate and price assumptions for FY19 Operating unit cost guidance are detailed in, footnote 29.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT increased by 110% (or US$180M) in H1 FY19 to US$344M. A 29% rise in the average realised price of alumina (+US$188M) and a weaker Australian dollar (+US$23M) were partially offset by additional maintenance costs (-US$10M) and an increase in the price of caustic soda (-US$4M).

The average realised price for alumina sales in H1 FY19 reflected a discount of 9% to the Platts Alumina Index (PAX) on a volume weighted M-1 basis. This discount reflects the structure of specific legacy supply contracts with our Mozal Aluminium smelter that are linked to the LME aluminium price and the elevated alumina to aluminium price ratio in the spot market. All alumina sales to other customers were at market based prices.

Capital expenditure

Sustaining capital expenditure increased by US$3M in H1 FY19 to US$25M and is expected to increase to US$60M in FY19 as we commence several improvement initiatives to support a sustainable increase in production to nameplate capacity of 4.6Mt (100% basis) and continue to invest in additional bauxite residue disposal capacity.

 

 

South32 share

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Alumina production (kt)

1,906

1,865

Alumina sales (kt)(32)

1,885

1,886

Realised alumina sales price (US$/t)(32)

458

354

Operating unit cost (US$/t)(27)

233

224

 

South32 share (US$M)

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Revenue

864

668

Underlying EBITDA

425

246

Underlying EBIT

344

164

Net operating assets(a)

2,871

3,028

Capital expenditure

25

22

All other capital expenditure

25

22

Exploration expenditure

1

-

Exploration expensed

1

-

(a)    H1 FY18 reflects balance as at 30 June 2018.

 

Brazil Alumina (Alumina 36% share, Aluminium 40% share)

Volumes

Brazil Alumina saleable production decreased by 6% (or 40kt) in H1 FY19 to 636kt as unplanned maintenance and power outages impacted performance. FY19 production is expected to approach guidance of 1,355kt with the addition of package boilers designed to support the ramp-up of the De-bottlenecking Phase One project.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs increased by 24% in H1 FY19 to US$291/t as additional maintenance costs were incurred, higher priced caustic soda inventory was consumed and the cost of bauxite supplied by MRN increased as the price reset to reflect the movement in alumina and aluminium prices on a trailing basis.

While specific Operating unit cost guidance is not provided as we are not the operator of the refinery, we do expect some relief from recent inflationary pressure in H2 FY19 given an expected reduction in bauxite and caustic soda costs.

Financial performance

Alumina Underlying EBIT increased by 76% (or US$45M) in H1 FY19 to US$104M as a 36% increase in the average realised price of alumina (+US$84M) was partially offset by lower sales volumes (-US$11M), additional maintenance (-US$4M) and higher bauxite (-US$12M) and caustic soda (-US$8M) costs.

Aluminium Underlying EBIT increased by US$5M in H1 FY19 to a loss of US$7M as an indirect legacy tax obligation was settled and our commitment to purchase electricity from Eletronorte was fulfilled during the prior period following termination of the contract in December 2015.

Capital expenditure

Sustaining capital expenditure increased by US$6M in H1 FY19 to US$16M and is expected to increase to US$32M in FY19 as we invest in additional bauxite residue disposal capacity.

The partners of MRN also agreed to undertake a pre-feasibility study for a project that has the potential to extend the life of the mine by more than 20 years at a relatively low capital cost. MRN has a substantial 503Mt(12) high grade bauxite resource.

 

 

South32 share

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Alumina production (kt)

636

676

Alumina sales (kt)(32)

619

649

Realised alumina sales price (US$/t)(32)

504

370

Alumina operating unit cost (US$/t)(27)

291

234

 

South32 share (US$M)

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Revenue

312

240

Alumina

312

240

Aluminium

-

-

Other income

-

41

Underlying EBITDA

125

76

Alumina

132

88

Aluminium

(7)

(12)

Underlying EBIT

97

47

Alumina

104

59

Aluminium

(7)

(12)

Net operating assets/(liabilities)(a)

662

644

Alumina

670

656

Aluminium

(8)

(12)

Capital expenditure

16

10

All other capital expenditure

16

10

(a)    H1 FY18 reflects balance as at 30 June 2018.

 

Hillside Aluminium (100%)

Volumes

Hillside Aluminium saleable production increased by 1% (or 2kt) in H1 FY19 to 360kt as the smelter continued to test its maximum technical capacity, despite an increase in the frequency of load-shedding events. FY19 production guidance remains unchanged at 720kt, but remains subject to load-shedding.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs increased by 29% in H1 FY19 to US$2,161/t as a significant rise in raw material costs created inflationary pressure across the aluminium industry. Alumina, coke, pitch and aluminium price-linked electricity accounted for 71% of the smelter's cost base in H1 FY19 (H1 FY18: 69%). 108 pots were also relined at a cost of US$233k per pot (H1 FY18: 44 pots at US$196k per pot), while 177 pots are scheduled to be relined across FY19 as we reach a peak in the relining cycle.

While Operating unit cost guidance is not provided, the cost profile of Hillside Aluminium will continue to be heavily influenced by the price of power and raw material inputs, given its highly variable cost base. The smelter sources alumina from our Worsley Alumina refinery with prices linked to the Platts alumina index on an M-1 basis, while its power is sourced from Eskom under long-term contracts. The price of electricity supplied to potlines 1 and 2 is linked to the LME aluminium price and the South African rand/US dollar exchange rate. The price of electricity supplied to potline 3 is South African rand based.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT decreased by 133% (or US$159M) in H1 FY19 to a loss of US$39M as stronger sales volumes (+US$35M) and lower aluminium price-linked power costs (+US$5M) were more than offset by higher raw material input costs (-US$136M), an increase in pot relining costs (-US$16M) and an unfavourable movement in inventory (-US$50M).

Capital expenditure

Sustaining capital expenditure remained largely unchanged in H1 FY19 at US$12M and is expected to increase to US$18M in FY19.

 

 

South32 share

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Aluminium production (kt)

360

358

Aluminium sales (kt)(32)

360

344

Realised sales price (US$/t)(32)

2,144

2,134

Operating unit cost (US$/t)(27)

2,161

1,680

 

 

South32 share (US$M)

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Revenue

772

734

Underlying EBITDA

(6)

156

Underlying EBIT

(39)

120

Net operating assets(a)

1,147

1,202

Capital expenditure

12

13

All other capital expenditure

12

13

(a)    H1 FY18 reflects balance as at 30 June 2018.

 

Mozal Aluminium (47.1% share)

Volumes

Mozal Aluminium saleable production decreased by 1% (or 2kt) in H1 FY19 to 135kt as the smelter's operating performance was impacted by an increase in the frequency of load-shedding events. FY19 production guidance remains unchanged at 269kt, subject to load-shedding, whilst the shortfall in sales volumes in H1 FY19 simply reflects timing differences.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs increased by 14% in H1 FY19 to US$1,938/t as a significant rise in raw material input costs created inflationary pressure across the aluminium industry. Alumina, coke and pitch accounted for 53% of the smelter's cost base in H1 FY19 (H1 FY18: 48%). 40(33) pots were also relined across H1 FY19 at a cost of US$219k per pot (H1 FY18: 34(33) pots at US$191k per pot), with 103(33) pots scheduled to be relined in FY19 as we reach a peak in the relining cycle.

While Operating unit cost guidance is not provided, the cost profile of Mozal Aluminium will continue to be heavily influenced by the price of power and raw material inputs, given its highly variable cost base. The smelter sources alumina from our Worsley Alumina refinery with approximately 50% priced as a percentage of the LME aluminium index under a legacy contract and the remainder linked to the Platts alumina index on an M-1 basis, with caps and floors embedded within specific contracts. Its electricity requirements are largely met by hydroelectric power that is generated by Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB). HCB delivers power into Eskom's South African grid and Mozal Aluminium sources electricity via the Mozambique Transmission Company (Motraco) under a long-term contract. The price of electricity is South African rand based with the rate of escalation linked to a South Africa domestic producer price index.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT decreased by 78% (or US$47M) in H1 FY19 to US$13M as lower sales volumes (-US$40M) and higher raw material costs (-US$29M) were partially offset by a build in finished goods (+US$28M).

Capital expenditure

Sustaining capital expenditure was unchanged in H1 FY19 at US$8M as the US$18M AP3XLE energy efficiency project commenced the roll out of its pot relining program ahead of schedule. The project is expected to deliver a circa 5% (or 10kt pa) increase in annual production with no associated increase in power consumption. First incremental production is anticipated in FY20, with the full benefit to be realised by FY24. Sustaining capital expenditure of US$20M is anticipated in FY19.

 

 

South32 share

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Aluminium production (kt)

135

137

Aluminium sales (kt)(32)

129

147

Realised sales price (US$/t)(32)

2,171

2,218

Operating unit cost (US$/t)(27)

1,938

1,694

 

South32 share (US$M)

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Revenue

280

326

Underlying EBITDA

30

77

Underlying EBIT

13

60

Net operating assets(a)

526

553

Capital expenditure

8

8

All other capital expenditure

8

8

(a)    H1 FY18 reflects balance as at 30 June 2018.

 

South Africa Energy Coal (92% share(25))

Volumes

South Africa Energy Coal saleable production decreased by 9% (or 1,252kt) in H1 FY19 to 12.2Mt as export production was impacted by the dragline incident at Klipspruit in August 2018. Conversely, domestic production benefitted from the commencement of a contract to sell lower quality stockpiled product in Q1 FY19.

FY19 production guidance remains unchanged at 29Mt (17.5Mt domestic, 11.5Mt export), with the recommissioning of the Klipspruit dragline in January 2019 underpinning an increase in export volumes in H2 FY19. Domestic volumes are also expected to benefit from a further increase in the sale of lower quality stockpiled product and the implementation of a new shift pattern at Khutala.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs increased by 6% in H1 FY19 to US$38/t as the impact of the extended dragline outage more than offset a weaker South African rand.

We have lowered FY19 Operating unit cost guidance by US$3/t to US$38/t to reflect the dragline's return to service ahead of schedule and revised exchange rate and price assumptions. Exchange rate and price assumptions for FY19 Operating unit cost guidance are detailed in footnote 29.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT decreased by 88% (or US$101M) in H1 FY19 to US$14M as lower sales volumes (-US$134M), a drawdown in inventory associated with the extended dragline outage (-US$10M), higher depreciation (-US$10M) and general inflation (-US$24M) were only partially offset by higher average realised prices (+US$39M), a volume related reduction in rail costs (+US$22M) and a weaker South African rand (+US$18M).

Capital expenditure

Sustaining capital expenditure decreased by US$20M in H1 FY19 to US$48M. FY19 guidance has been increased by US$34M to US$100M as additional expenditure has been incurred to recover from and mitigate the impact of the Klipspruit dragline incident. This incident has been confirmed as an insurable event and we are working through the claim to assess the quantum and timing of any recovery.

We also invested US$55M in Major project capital expenditure in H1 FY19 to progress the 4.3B(22) South African rand KPSX project, which was approved by the Board in November 2017. The 8Mt per annum brownfield project extends the life of the colliery by more than 20 years(34). The project is approximately 33% complete and remains on schedule and budget, with first production expected in H2 FY19. Major project expenditure of US$140M is expected in FY19.

 

 

100 per cent terms(25)

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Energy coal production (kt)

12,171

13,423

Domestic sales (kt)(32)

7,749

7,334

Export sales (kt)(32)

4,206

5,865

Realised domestic sales price (US$/t)(32)

22

24

Realised export sales price (US$/t)(32)

83

76

Operating unit cost (US$/t)(27)

38

36

 

100 per cent terms(25) (US$M)

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Revenue(35)

517

622

Underlying EBITDA

58

149

Underlying EBIT

14

115

Net operating assets/(liabilities)(a)

75

(23)

Capital expenditure

103

72

Major projects (>US$100M)

55

4

All other capital expenditure

48

68

(a)    H1 FY18 reflects balance as at 30 June 2018.

 

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (100% share)

Volumes

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal saleable production increased by 106% (or 1,980kt) in H1 FY19 to 3.8Mt as the Dendrobium and Appin longwalls performed strongly. Metallurgical coal stockpiles were also established during H1 FY19 in advance of the two longwall moves scheduled in Q3 FY19. FY19 production guidance has been increased by 7% to 6.5Mt to reflect the strong start to the year.

We also reached agreement with employees covered by the Dendrobium Coal Prep Plant Enterprise Agreement in January 2019, having previously reached agreement with the Dendrobium mine's trades and operators, and Appin deputies during H1 FY19. We continue to renegotiate the remaining labour agreements at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs decreased by 42% in H1 FY19 to US$87/t as the operation benefitted from a substantial increase in sales volumes.

We have lowered FY19 Operating unit cost guidance by US$8/t to US$97/t to reflect the increase in production guidance and revised exchange rate and price assumptions. Notwithstanding this reduction in FY19 guidance, costs are expected to increase in H2 FY19 as a result of the planned longwall moves. Exchange rate and price assumptions for FY19 Operating unit cost guidance are detailed in footnote 29.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT increased by US$279M in H1 FY19 to US$195M as stronger sales volumes (+US$327M) and a weaker Australian dollar (+US$20M) were partially offset by an increase in price-linked royalties (-US$22M) and depreciation (-US$18M). The volume related impact on costs (-US$41M) was tempered by the high fixed cost base of the operation.

Capital expenditure

Sustaining capital expenditure increased by US$16M in H1 FY19 to US$56M as underground development progressively recovered at Appin, albeit at a slower rate than planned. A substantial uplift in development rates is required to sustain the operation of two longwalls in parallel from H2 FY20.

Sustaining capital expenditure guidance for FY19 has been reduced by US$42M to US$128M, including underground development of US$75M (US$97M previously).

 



 

South32 share

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Metallurgical coal production (kt)

3,082

1,282

Energy coal production (kt)

758

578

Metallurgical coal sales (kt)(32)

2,527

1,057

Energy coal sales (kt)(32)

732

603

Realised metallurgical coal sales price (US$/t)(32)

207

189

Realised energy coal sales price (US$/t)(32)

68

71

Operating unit cost (US$/t)(27)

87

149

 

South32 share (US$M)

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Revenue(36)

574

243

Underlying EBITDA

292

(5)

Underlying EBIT

195

(84)

Net operating assets(a)

1,382

1,408

Capital expenditure

56

40

Major projects (>US$100M)

-

-

All other capital expenditure

56

40

Exploration expenditure

4

4

Exploration expensed

3

4

(a)    H1 FY18 reflects balance as at 30 June 2018.

 

Australia Manganese (60% share)

Volumes

Australia Manganese achieved record ore performance in H1 FY19, increasing saleable ore production by 6% (or 110kwmt) to 1,811kwmt. The primary circuit continued to achieve high utilisation rates, while the PC02 circuit operated at approximately 120% of its design capacity, contributing 9% of total production. FY19 production guidance remains unchanged at 3,350kwmt, with the wet season expected to impact production across H2 FY19.

Saleable manganese alloy production decreased by 7% (or 6kt) in H1 FY19 to 76kt as a result of an unplanned outage at one of the four furnaces during Q2 FY19. While the furnace has subsequently returned to service, additional maintenance is planned for H2 FY19.

Operating costs

FOB manganese ore Operating unit costs decreased by 3% in H1 FY19 to US$1.51/dmtu as record performance mitigated a further increase in strip ratio (H1 FY19: 4.1, H1 FY18: 3.6).

We have lowered FY19 Operating unit cost guidance by US$0.06/dmtu to US$1.57/dmtu to reflect the continued improvement in equipment productivity and revised exchange rate and price assumptions. Exchange rate and price assumptions for FY19 Operating unit cost guidance are detailed in footnote 29.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT increased by 18% (or US$53M) in H1 FY19 to US$352M as higher realised ore prices (+US$45M), an increase in ore sales volumes (+US$28M) and a weaker Australian dollar (+US$9M) were only partially offset by lower realised alloy prices (-US$9M) and a rise in raw material and freight costs (-US$10M).

Our average realised price for external ore sales in H1 FY19 reflected the high grade 44% manganese lump ore index (CIF China) on a FOB adjusted, volume weighted M-1 basis(37), despite the higher contribution of 40% grade PC02 product to the sales mix.

Capital expenditure

Sustaining capital expenditure increased by US$15M in H1 FY19 to US$36M as we invested in additional tailings capacity. Sustaining capital expenditure of US$65M is anticipated in FY19.

 

 

South32 share

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Manganese ore production (kwmt)

1,811

1,701

Manganese alloy production (kt)

76

82

Manganese ore sales (kwmt)(38)

1,740

1,612

External customers

1,569

1,441

TEMCO

171

171

Manganese alloy sales (kt)(38)

76

78

Realised external manganese ore sales price (US$/dmtu, FOB)(38)(39)

6.59

5.96

Realised manganese alloy sales price (US$/t)(38)

1,408

1,526

Ore operating unit cost (US$/dmtu)(39)(40)

1.51

1.55

Alloy operating unit cost (US$/t)(40)

987

910

 

South32 share (US$M)

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Revenue(41)

581

516

Manganese ore

490

411

Manganese alloy

107

119

Intra-segment elimination

(16)

(14)

Underlying EBITDA

382

328

Manganese ore

350

280

Manganese alloy

32

48

Underlying EBIT

352

299

Manganese ore

322

253

Manganese alloy

30

46

Net operating assets/(liabilities)(a)

308

289

Manganese ore

312

284

Manganese alloy

(4)

5

Capital expenditure

36

21

All other capital expenditure

36

21

Exploration expenditure

1

1

Exploration expensed

-

1

(a)    H1 FY18 reflects balance as at 30 June 2018.

 

South Africa Manganese (Ore 44.4% share, Alloy 60% share)

Volumes

South Africa Manganese saleable ore production decreased by 5% (or 54kwmt) in H1 FY19 to 1,075kwmt as an increase in higher quality premium material was more than offset by a decline in fine grained secondary products. While FY19 production guidance remains unchanged at 2,050kwmt, we will continue to monitor market demand and optimise the use of higher cost trucking.

Saleable manganese alloy production decreased by 8% (or 3kt) in H1 FY19 to 33kt as a planned furnace shutdown was completed.

Operating costs

FOB manganese ore Operating unit costs increased by 14% in H1 FY19 to US$2.63/dmtu as we continued to utilise higher cost trucking as an additional route to market and the contribution of premium ore from our underground Wessels mine increased.

FY19 Operating unit cost guidance is unchanged at US$2.56/dmtu. Exchange rate and price assumptions for FY19 Operating unit cost guidance are detailed in footnote 29.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT increased by 16% (or US$14M) in H1 FY19 to US$100M as higher realised ore prices (+US$43M) and a weaker South African rand (+US$6M) were partially offset by lower realised alloy prices (-US$8M), a reduction in other income (-US$11M) and general inflation (-US$5M).

Our lower quality fine grained material, which accounted for 10% of sales across H1 FY19 (15% H1 FY18; 13% FY18), receives a product discount when referenced to index prices. Notwithstanding the contribution of this secondary material to our sales mix, our average realised price for external sales of South African ore achieved the medium grade 37% manganese lump ore index price (FOB Port Elizabeth, South Africa) on a volume weighted M-1 basis(42).

Capital expenditure

Sustaining capital expenditure increased by US$9M in H1 FY19 to US$17M and is expected to increase to US$30M in FY19.

 

 

South32 share

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Manganese ore production (kwmt)

1,075

1,129

Manganese alloy production (kt)

33

36

Manganese ore sales (kwmt)(43)

1,010

1,067

External customers

951

985

Metalloys

59

82

Manganese alloy sales (kt)(43)

35

28

Realised external manganese ore sales price (US$/dmtu, FOB)(43)(44)

5.85

4.57

Realised manganese alloy sales price (US$/t)(43)

1,086

1,321

Ore operating unit cost (US$/dmtu)(44)(45)

2.63

2.31

Alloy operating unit cost (US$/t)(45)

1,171

821

 

South32 share (US$M)

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Revenue(46)

275

228

Manganese ore(47)

243

200

Manganese alloy

38

37

Intra-segment elimination

(6)

(9)

Underlying EBITDA

114

100

Manganese ore(47)

117

86

Manganese alloy

(3)

14

Underlying EBIT

100

86

Manganese ore(47)

107

77

Manganese alloy

(7)

9

Net operating assets(a)

310

297

Manganese ore(47)

250

234

Manganese alloy

60

63

Capital expenditure

17

8

All other capital expenditure

17

8

(a)    H1 FY18 reflects balance as at 30 June 2018.

 

Cerro Matoso (99.9% share)

Volumes

Cerro Matoso payable nickel production decreased by 3% (or 0.7kt) in H1 FY19 to 21.1kt following a planned increase in the contribution of lower grade stockpiled ore feed. FY19 production guidance remains unchanged at 40.5kt.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs increased by 19% in H1 FY19 to US$4.05/lb, primarily as a result of higher price-linked royalties and energy costs.

We have lowered FY19 Operating unit cost guidance by US$0.09/lb to US$4.12/lb to primarily reflect the benefit of revised exchange rate and price assumptions, which are partially offset by costs arising from the Constitutional Court of Colombia ruling(30). Exchange rate and price assumptions for FY19 Operating unit cost guidance are detailed in footnote 29.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT decreased by US$31M in H1 FY19 to US$10M as higher price-linked royalties (-US$8M), energy costs (-US$8M), general inflation (-US$4M) and throughput (-US$3M) were partially offset by a weaker Colombian peso (+US$3M).

Finalisation adjustments and the provisional pricing of Nickel sales decreased Underlying EBIT by US$16M in H1 FY19 (+US$19M FY18; +US$5M H1 FY18). Outstanding Nickel sales (3.3kt of nickel) were revalued at 31 December 2018. The final price of these sales will be determined in H2 FY19.  

Capital expenditure

Sustaining capital expenditure increased marginally to US$13M in H1 FY19 and is expected to increase to US$37M in FY19 as we prepare for the planned furnace refurbishment in FY20.

 

 

South32 share

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Ore mined (kwmt)

1,209

2,087

Ore processed (kdmt)

1,401

1,340

Ore grade processed (%, Ni)

1.68

1.83

Payable nickel production (kt)

21.1

21.8

Payable nickel sales (kt)(48)

21.3

21.3

Realised nickel sales price (US$/lb)(48)

5.20

5.20

Operating unit cost (US$/lb)(27)

4.05

3.41

Operating unit cost (US$/t)

136

119

 

South32 share (US$M)

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Revenue

244

244

Underlying EBITDA

54

84

Underlying EBIT

10

41

Net operating assets(a)

505

551

Capital expenditure

13

11

All other capital expenditure

13

11

Exploration expenditure

4

5

Exploration expensed

3

4

(a)    H1 FY18 reflects balance as at 30 June 2018.

 

Cannington (100% share)

Volumes

Cannington payable zinc equivalent(26) production increased by 11% (or 9.8kt) in H1 FY19 to 95.2kt as silver and zinc grades improved and mill throughput tracked to plan. FY19 zinc equivalent production guidance is unchanged at 188.1kt (silver 11,750koz, lead 98.0kt and zinc 51.0kt), but remains subject to review pending our assessment of the impact to logistics infrastructure resulting from the floods in North Queensland.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs decreased by 29% to US$120/t in H1 FY19 as the adoption of AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers(19), which affects the accounting classification of treatment and refining charges, reduced costs by US$21/t. A temporary build in finished goods inventory and stronger throughput rates provided a further benefit.

We have lowered FY19 Operating unit cost guidance by US$2/t to US$129/t(a) to reflect the benefit of revised exchange rate and price assumptions, which are partially offset by an increase in mining and rehabilitation activity. Exchange rate and price assumptions for FY19 Operating unit cost guidance are detailed in footnote 29.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT decreased by 35% (or US$25M) in H1 FY19 to US$47M as lower average realised prices (-US$61M)(b) were partially offset by inventory movements (+US$13M), a weaker Australian dollar (+US$10M) and higher sales volumes (+US$8M).

Finalisation adjustments and the provisional pricing of Cannington concentrates decreased Underlying EBIT by US$9.8M in H1 FY19 (US$0.1M FY18; US$5.5M H1 FY18). Outstanding concentrate sales (containing 2Moz of silver, 25.3kt of lead and 6.2kt of zinc) were revalued at 31 December 2018. The final price of these sales will be determined in H2 FY19.

Capital expenditure

Sustaining capital expenditure increased by US$5M in H1 FY19 to US$28M and is expected to increase to US$55M in FY19.

 

South32 share

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Ore mined (kwmt)

1,306

1,209

Ore processed (kdmt)

1,244

1,168

Ore grade processed (g/t, Ag)

183

165

Ore grade processed (%, Pb)

4.8

5.1

Ore grade processed (%, Zn)

2.9

2.6

Zinc equivalent production (kt)

95.2

85.4

Payable silver production (koz)

6,067

5,175

Payable lead production (kt)

48.3

49.4

Payable zinc production (kt)

26.3

20.2

Payable silver sales (koz)(32)

6,340

5,429

Payable lead sales (kt)(32)

47.1

48.6

Payable zinc sales (kt)(32)

24.7

25.7

Realised silver sales price (US$/oz)(32)

14.7

16.8

Realised lead sales price (US$/t)(32)

1,625(19)

2,517

Realised zinc sales price (US$/t)(32)

2,120(19)

3,192

Operating unit cost
(US$/t ore processed)(49)

120(19)

170

 

South32 share (US$M)

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Revenue

223

296

Underlying EBITDA

74

97

Underlying EBIT

47

72

Net operating assets(c)

234

210

Capital expenditure

28

23

All other capital expenditure

28

23

Exploration expenditure

3

2

Exploration expensed

2

2

(a)    FY19 Prior guidance has been adjusted from US$147/t to US$131/t to reflect the Group's adoption of AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, with revenue recognised net of treatment and refining charges (previously recognised on a gross basis with treatment and refining charges included as a separate expense). These changes result in lower realised prices and Operating unit costs, with no net impact to earnings. Prior periods have not been restated to reflect the changes.

(b)    Excludes the impact of the change in accounting treatment for treatment and refining charges on revenue (-US$20M). This impact is equally offset by a reduction in costs (+US$20M).

(c)    H1 FY18 reflects balance as at 30 June 2018.

 

Notes

(1)    Revenue includes revenue from third party products and services.

(2)    H1 FY19 basic earnings per share is calculated as Profit/(loss) after tax divided by the weighted average number of shares for H1 FY19 (5,079 million).

H1 FY19 basic Underlying earnings per share is calculated as Underlying earnings divided by the weighted average number of shares for H1 FY19.

H1 FY18 basic earnings per share is calculated as Profit/(loss) after tax divided by the weighted average number of shares for H1 FY18 (5,191 million).

H1 FY18 basic Underlying earnings per share is calculated as Underlying earnings divided by the weighted average number of shares for H1 FY18.

(3)    H1 FY19 ordinary dividends per share is calculated as H1 FY19 ordinary dividend announced (US$258M) divided by the number of shares on issue at 31 December 2018 (5,051 million).

(4)    H1 FY19 special dividends per share is calculated as H1 FY19 special dividend announced (US$86M) divided by the number of shares on issue at 31 December 2018 (5,051 million). Paragraph 16.26(i) of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listing rules states that the requisite exchange control authority from the Financial Surveillance Department of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is required to be provided to the JSE before the JSE can approve payment of special dividends to South African shareholders.

(5)    Underlying EBIT is profit before net finance costs, tax and any earnings adjustment items, including impairments. Underlying EBIT is reported inclusive of South32's share of net finance costs and tax of equity accounted investments. Underlying EBITDA is Underlying EBIT, before depreciation and amortisation. Underlying earnings is Profit/(loss) after tax and earnings adjustment items. Underlying earnings is the key measure that South32 uses to assess the performance of the South32 Group, make decisions on the allocation of resources and assess senior management's performance. In addition, the performance of each of the South32 operations and operational management are assessed based on Underlying EBIT. In order to calculate Underlying earnings, Underlying EBIT and Underlying EBITDA, the following items are adjusted as applicable each period, irrespective of materiality:

·          Exchange rate (gains)/losses on restatement of monetary items;

·          Impairment losses/(reversals);

·          Net (gains)/losses on disposal and consolidation of interests in businesses;

·          Fair value (gains)/losses on non-trading derivative instruments and other investments;

·          Major corporate restructures; and

·          Earnings adjustments included in profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments.

In addition, items that do not reflect the underlying operations of South32, and are individually significant to the financial statements, are excluded to determine Underlying earnings. Significant items are detailed in the Financial Information.

(6)    Comprises Underlying EBITDA excluding third party product EBITDA, divided by revenue excluding third party product revenue.

(7)    Comprises Underlying EBIT excluding third party product EBIT, divided by revenue excluding third party product revenue.

(8)    Return on invested capital (ROIC) is a key measure that South32 uses to assess performance. ROIC is calculated as annualised Underlying EBIT less the discount on rehabilitation provisions included in net finance cost, tax effected by the Group's Underlying effective tax rate (ETR), divided by the sum of fixed assets (excluding any rehabilitation asset, and unproductive capital spent on Major projects) and inventories. Manganese is included in the calculation on a proportional consolidation basis.

(9)    To ensure that incident classification definitions are applied uniformly across our workforce, we have adopted the United States Government Occupational Safety and Health Assessment (OSHA) guidelines for the recording and reporting of occupational injuries and illnesses.

(10)   Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF): The sum of (fatalities + lost-time cases + restricted work cases + medical treatment cases) x 1,000,000 ÷ actual hours worked, for employees and contractors. Stated in units of per million hours worked.

(11)   Total capital expenditure comprises Capital expenditure, the purchase of intangibles and capitalised exploration expenditure. Capital expenditure comprises Sustaining capital expenditure and Major projects capital expenditure. Sustaining capital expenditure comprises Stay-in-business (SIB), Minor discretionary and Deferred stripping (including underground development) capital expenditure.

(12)   The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resource estimates for MRN was declared as part of South32's Annual Resource and Reserve declaration in the Annual Report 2018 (www.south32.net) issued on 7 September 2018 and prepared by M A H Monteiro in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code. South32 confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original announcement. All material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the relevant market announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. South32 confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement.

(13)   Refer to exchange release on 13 August 2018 "South32 completes acquisition of Arizona Mining".

(14)   The information that relates to estimates of Mineral Resources for the Hermosa Project are qualifying foreign estimates under ASX Listing Rules and reference should be had to the clarifying statement on Mineral Resources in the market announcement 'South32 to acquire Arizona Mining in agreed all cash offer' dated 18 June 2018, in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.12. South32 is not in possession of any new information or data relating to the foreign estimate that materially impacts on the reliability of the estimates. South32 confirms that the information contained in the clarifying statement in the 18 June 2018 market announcement continues to apply and has not materially changed. The estimates of Mineral Resources are not reported in accordance with the JORC Code. Competent persons have not done sufficient work to classify the foreign estimates as Mineral Resources in accordance with JORC Code. It is uncertain that following evaluation and further exploration that the foreign estimates will be able to be reported as Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves in accordance with the JORC Code.

(15)   Refer to media release on 14 September 2018 "South32 completes acquisition of 50% interest in Eagle Downs and assumes operatorship".

(16)   Sales price variance reflects the revenue impact of changes in commodity prices, based on the current period's sales volume. Price-linked costs variance reflects the change in royalties together with the change in input costs driven by changes in commodity prices or market traded consumables. Foreign exchange reflects the impact of exchange rate movements on local currency denominated costs and sales. Volume variance reflects the revenue impact of sales volume changes, based on the comparative period's sales prices. Controllable costs variance represents the impact from changes in the Group's controllable local currency cost base, including the variable cost impact of production volume changes on expenditure, and period-on-period movements in inventories. The controllable cost variance excludes earnings adjustments including significant items.

(17)   Underlying net finance cost and Underlying income tax expense are actual H1 FY19 results, not half-on-half variances.

(18)   South32's ownership share of operations are presented as follows: Worsley Alumina (86% share), Hillside Aluminium (100%), Mozal Aluminium (47.1% share), Brazil Alumina (Alumina 36% share, Aluminium 40% share), South Africa Energy Coal (100% share until Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) vendor loans are repaid), Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (100%), Australia Manganese (60% share), South Africa Manganese (60% share), Cerro Matoso (99.9% share), and Cannington (100%).

(19)   The H1 FY19 results reflect the Group's adoption of AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, with revenue recognised net of treatment and refining charges (previously recognised on a gross basis with treatment and refining charges included as a separate expense). These changes result in lower realised prices and Operating unit costs, with no net impact to earnings. Prior periods have not been restated to reflect these changes.

(20)   Underlying ETR is Underlying income tax expense, excluding royalty related tax, divided by Underlying profit before tax; both the numerator and denominator exclude equity accounted investments.

(21)   The Colombian corporate tax rate was 40% during CY17, 37% during CY18 and is 33% in CY19. The corporate tax rate will decrease on an annual basis by a percent each year, stabilising at 30% from 1 January 2022. The Mozambique operations are subject to a royalty on revenues instead of income tax.

 

(22)   Refer to the market announcement "South32 approves Klipspruit Life Extension Project" dated 27 November 2017.

(23)   Market capitalisation as at 31 December 2018. Calculated as the number of shares on issue (5,051 million), the South32 closing share price A$3.35, and an AUD:USD exchange rate of 0.71.

(24)   Based on revenue equivalent sales or production (where applicable) which assumes average realised prices remain unchanged from FY18. Figures are converted to per share basis by dividing FY18 and FY19e revenue equivalent sales or production (where applicable) by the weighted average number of shares for FY18 (5,159 million) and H1 FY19 (5,079 million) respectively.

(25)   South32's interest in South Africa Energy Coal is accounted at 100% until Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) vendor loans are repaid.

(26)   Payable zinc equivalent (kt) was calculated by aggregating revenues from payable silver, lead and zinc, and dividing the total Revenue by the price of zinc. FY18 realised prices for zinc (US$3,185/t), lead (US$2,463/t) and silver (US$16.6/oz) have been used for FY18, FY19e and FY20e. Zinc equivalent is used to compare Cannington with the recently acquired Hermosa project which is currently reported in zinc equivalent terms.

(27)   Operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA, excluding third party sales, divided by sales volumes. Operating cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA excluding third party sales. Additional manganese disclosures are included in footnotes 39 and 44.

(28)   FY19 prior Operating unit cost guidance included royalties (where appropriate) and the influence of exchange rate assumptions, and were predicated on various assumptions for FY19, including: an alumina price of US$411/t; an average blended coal price of US$149/t for Illawarra Metallurgical Coal; a manganese ore price of US$6.20/dmtu for 44% manganese product; a nickel price of US$6.92/lb; a thermal coal price of US$93/t (API4) for South Africa Energy Coal; a silver price of US$17.58/troy oz; a lead price of US$2,406/t; a zinc price of US$3,066/t; an AUD:USD exchange rate of 0.76; a USD:ZAR exchange rate of 13.43; a USD:COP exchange rate of 2,927; and a reference price for caustic soda; all of which reflected forward markets as at June 2018 or our internal expectations.

(29)   FY19 new Operating unit cost guidance includes royalties (where appropriate) and the influence of exchange rates, and includes various assumptions for FY19, including: an alumina price of US$443/t; an average blended coal price of US$173/t for Illawarra Metallurgical Coal; a manganese ore price of US$6.58/dmtu for 44% manganese product; a nickel price of US$5.47/lb; a thermal coal price of US$92/t (API4) for South Africa Energy Coal; a silver price of US$15.06/troy oz; a lead price of US$2,023/t (gross of treatment and refining charges); a zinc price of US$2,587/t (gross of treatment and refining charges); an AUD:USD exchange rate of 0.72; a USD:ZAR exchange rate of 14.02; a USD:COP exchange rate of 3,096; and a reference price for caustic soda; all of which reflected forward markets as at January 2019 or our internal expectations.

(30)   On 24 September 2018, we announced that the Constitutional Court of Colombia had issued its final ruling on our application to annul its decision regarding the alleged health and environmental impacts of our Cerro Matoso operation on the surrounding communities. The Court annulled those orders requiring Cerro Matoso to pay direct financial compensatory damages to community members and establish an ethnic development fund. The orders requiring Cerro Matoso to provide ongoing health care to community members alleging health impacts, and to submit to a new consultative environmental licensing process, were not annulled.

(31)   Third party products and services sold comprise US$33M for aluminium, US$16M for alumina, US$241M for coal, US$129M for freight services, US$61M for aluminium raw materials and US$7M for manganese. Underlying EBIT on third party products comprise nil for aluminium, US$3M for alumina, US$27M for coal, (-US$3M) for freight services, US$1M for aluminium raw materials and nil for manganese.

(32)   Volumes and prices do not include any third party trading that may be undertaken independently of equity production. Realised sales price is calculated as sales Revenue divided by sales volume.

(33)   Presented on a 100% basis.

(34)   The information in this report that relates to Coal Reserve estimates for Klipspruit was declared as part of South32's Annual Resource and Reserve declaration in the Annual Report 2018 (www.south32.net) issued on 7 September 2018 and prepared by P Mulder in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code. South32 confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original announcement. All material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the relevant market announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. South32 confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement.

(35)   South Africa Energy Coal Revenue includes domestic and export sales Revenue.

(36)   Illawarra Metallurgical Coal Revenue includes metallurgical coal and energy coal sales Revenue.

(37)   The quarterly sales volume weighted average of the Metal Bulletin 44% manganese lump ore index (CIF Tianjin, China) on the basis of a one month lag to published pricing (Month minus one or "M-1") was US$6.98/dmtu in H1 FY19.

(38)   Volumes and realised prices do not include any third party trading that may be undertaken independently of equity production. Realised ore prices are calculated as external sales Revenue less freight and marketing costs, divided by external sales volume. Realised alloy prices are calculated as sales Revenue, including sinter Revenue, divided by alloy sales volume. Ore converted to sinter and alloy, and sold externally, is eliminated as an intracompany transaction.

(39)   Manganese Australia H1 FY19 average manganese content of external ore sales was 45.8% on a dry basis (H1 FY18: 46.1%). 95% of H1 FY19 external manganese ore sales (H1 FY18: 94%) were completed on a CIF basis. H1 FY19 realised FOB ore prices and Operating unit costs have been adjusted for freight and marketing costs of US$25M (H1 FY18: US$21M), consistent with our FOB cost guidance.

(40)   FOB ore operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA, freight and marketing costs, divided by ore sales volume. Alloy operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA divided by alloy sales volumes and includes costs associated with sinter sold externally.

(41)   Revenues associated with sales from GEMCO to TEMCO are eliminated as part of the consolidation. Internal sales occur on a commercial basis.

(42)   The quarterly sales volume weighted average of the Metal Bulletin 37% manganese lump ore index (FOB Port Elizabeth, South Africa) on the basis of a one month lag to published pricing (Month minus one or "M-1") was US$5.91/dmtu in H1 FY19.

(43)   Volumes and prices do not include any third party trading that may be undertaken independently of equity production. Realised ore prices are calculated as external sales Revenue less freight and marketing costs, divided by external sales volume. Realised alloy prices are calculated as sales Revenue, divided by alloy sales volume. Ore converted to sinter and alloy, and sold externally, is eliminated as an intracompany transaction. Manganese ore sales are grossed-up to reflect a 60% accounting effective interest.

(44)   Manganese South Africa H1 FY19 average manganese content of external ore sales was 40.3% on a dry basis (H1 FY18: 40.3%). 71% of H1 FY19 external manganese ore sales (H1 FY18: 68%) were completed on a CIF basis. H1 FY19 realised FOB ore prices and operating costs have been adjusted for freight and marketing costs of US$20M (H1 FY18: US$16M), consistent with our FOB cost guidance.

(45)   FOB ore operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA, freight and marketing costs, divided by ore sales volume. Alloy operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA divided by alloy sales volumes.

(46)   Revenues associated with sales from Hotazel Manganese Mines (HMM) to Metalloys are eliminated as part of the consolidation. Internal sales occur on a commercial basis.

(47)   Consistent with the presentation of South32's segment information, South Africa Manganese ore production and sales have been reported at 60%. South32 has a 44.4% ownership interest in HMM. 26% of HMM is owned by a B-BBEE consortium comprising Ntsimbintle Mining (9%), NCAB Resources (7%), Iziko Mining (5%) and HMM Education Trust (5%). The interest owned by NCAB Resources, Iziko Mining and HMM Education Trust were acquired using vendor finance with the loans repayable via distributions attributable to these parties, pro rata to their share in HMM. Until these loans are repaid, South32's interest in HMM is accounted at 54.6%.

(48)   Volumes and prices do not include any third party trading that may be undertaken independently of equity production. Cerro Matoso realised nickel sales price is inclusive of by-products. Realised sales price is calculated as sales Revenue divided by sales volume.

(49)   Cannington Operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA divided by ore processed. Periodic movements in finished product inventory may impact operating unit costs as related marketing costs may change.

Figures in Italics indicate that an adjustment has been made since the figures were previously reported.

 

The following abbreviations may be used throughout this report: US$ million (US$M); US$ billion (US$B); December half year (H1 FY19); calendar year (CY); grams per tonne (g/t); tonnes (t); thousand tonnes (kt); thousand tonnes per annum (ktpa); million tonnes (Mt); million tonnes per annum (Mtpa); ounces (oz); thousand ounces (koz); million ounces (Moz); thousand wet metric tonnes (kwmt); million wet metric tonnes (Mwmt); million wet metric tonnes per annum (Mwmt pa); thousand dry metric tonnes (kdmt); dry metric tonne unit (dmtu); pound (lb); megawatt (MW); Australian Securities Exchange (ASX); London Stock Exchange (LSE); Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE); equity accounted investments (EAI); and American Depositary Receipts (ADR).

 

 

South32 Financial Information

For the half year ended 31 December 2018

 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

for the half year ended 31 December 2018

US$M

Note

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Revenue

 

 

 

   Group production

4

3,331

3,031

   Third party products and services

4

480

463

 

 

3,811

3,494

Other income

 

84

130

Expenses excluding net finance cost

 

(3,263)

(3,183)

Share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments

 

276

232

Profit/(loss)

 

908

673

Comprising:

 

 

 

   Group production

 

880

668

   Third party products and services

 

28

5

Profit/(loss)

 

908

673

Finance expenses

 

(72)

(100)

Finance income

 

34

30

Net finance cost

7

(38)

(70)

Profit/(loss) before tax

 

870

603

Income tax (expense)/benefit

 

(235)

(60)

Profit/(loss) after tax

 

635

543

 

 

 

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

Equity holders of South32 Limited

 

635

543

 

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) for the period attributable to the equity holders of South32 Limited

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share (cents)

6

12.5

10.5

Diluted earnings per share (cents)

6

12.4

10.3

 

The accompanying notes form part of the half year consolidated financial statements.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the half year ended 31 December 2018

US$M

 

 H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Profit/(loss) for the period

 

635

543

Other Comprehensive Income

 

 

 

Items that may be reclassified to the Consolidated Income Statement:

 

 

 

Available for sale investments:

 

 

 

   Net gains/(losses) recognised in equity

 

-

76

   Net (gains)/losses transferred to the Consolidated Income Statement

 

-

(31)

   Tax benefit/(expense) recognised within Other Comprehensive Income

 

-

(5)

Cash Flow hedges:

 

 

 

   Transfer of net gains/(losses) recognised in equity

 

(5)

-

Total items that may be reclassified to the Consolidated Income Statement

 

(5)

40

Items not to be reclassified to the Consolidated Income Statement:

 

 

 

Investments in equity instruments designated as fair value through Other Comprehensive Income (FVOCI)

Net fair value gains/(losses)

 

 

 

(28)

 

 

-

Tax benefit/(expense)

 

10

-

Equity accounted investments - share of Other Comprehensive Income/(loss)

 

(1)

-

Gains/(losses) on pension and medical schemes

 

2

(1)

Tax benefit/(expense) recognised within Other Comprehensive Income

 

(1)

 -

Total items not to be reclassified to the Consolidated Income Statement

 

(18)

(1)

Total Other Comprehensive Income/(loss)

 

(23)

39

Total Comprehensive Income/(loss)

 

612

582

 

 

 

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

Equity holders of South32 Limited

 

612

582

 

The accompanying notes form part of the half year consolidated financial statements.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

as at 31 December 2018

US$M

 

H1 FY19

FY18

ASSETS

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

1,565

2,970

Trade and other receivables

 

737

826

Other financial assets

 

93

80

Inventories

 

990

886

Current tax assets

 

24

8

Other

 

25

51

Total current assets

 

3,434

4,821

Non-current assets

 

 

 

Trade and other receivables

 

301

248

Other financial assets

 

297

613

Inventories

 

80

76

Property, plant and equipment

 

9,848

8,196

Intangible assets

 

212

221

Equity accounted investments

 

686

697

Deferred tax assets

 

228

245

Other

 

34

16

Total non-current assets

 

11,686

10,312

Total assets

 

15,120

15,133

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

 

863

830

Interest bearing liabilities

 

284

333

Other financial liabilities

 

-

2

Current tax payables

 

116

135

Provisions

 

304

360

Deferred income

 

4

4

Total current liabilities

 

1,571

1,664

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

 

2

5

Interest bearing liabilities

 

603

596

Deferred tax liabilities

 

464

445

Provisions

 

1,649

1,705

Deferred income

 

8

9

Total non-current liabilities

 

2,726

2,760

Total liabilities

 

4,297

4,424

Net assets

 

10,823

10,709

EQUITY

 

 

 

Share capital

 

14,326

14,493

Treasury shares

 

(60)

(83)

Reserves

 

(3,510)

(3,333)

Retained earnings/(accumulated losses)

 

68

(367)

Total equity attributable to equity holders of South32 Limited

 

10,824

10,710

Non-controlling interests

 

(1)

(1)

Total equity

 

10,823

10,709

 

The accompanying notes form part of the half year consolidated financial statements.

 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

for the half year ended 31 December 2018

US$M

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Operating activities

 

 

Profit/(loss) before tax

870

603

Adjustments for:

 

 

Non-cash significant items

-

(31)

Depreciation and amortisation expense

380

363

Employee share awards expense

23

24

Net finance cost

38

70

Share of (profit)/loss of equity accounted investments

(276)

(232)

Fair value (gains)/losses on derivative instruments and other investments

26

62

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

Trade and other receivables

82

(223)

Inventories

(108)

(172)

Trade and other payables

50

38

Provisions and other liabilities

(117)

(64)

Cash generated from operations

968

438

Interest received

38

30

Interest paid

(37)

(33)

Income tax (paid)/received

(207)

(181)

Dividends received

-

9

Dividends received from equity accounted investments

280

70

Net cash flows from operating activities

1,042

333

Investing activities

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(296)

(199)

Exploration expenditure

(26)

(23)

Exploration expenditure expensed and included in operating cash flows

16

22

Purchase of intangibles

-

(2)

Investment in financial assets

(208)

(63)

Investment in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities, net of their cash

(1,507)

-

Cash outflows from investing activities

(2,021)

(265)

Proceeds from financial assets

166

196

Distribution from equity accounted investments

6

-

Net cash flows from investing activities

(1,849)

(69)

Financing activities

 

 

Proceeds from interest bearing liabilities

2

27

Repayment of interest bearing liabilities

(60)

(10)

Purchase of shares by South32 Limited Employee Incentive Plans Trusts (ESOP Trusts)

(53)

(36)

Share buy-back

(167)

(93)

Dividends paid

(316)

(333)

Net cash flows from financing activities

(594)

(445)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(1,401)

(181)

Cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts, at the beginning of the period

2,970

2,675

Foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

(4)

1

Cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts, at the end of the period

1,565

2,495

 

The accompanying notes form part of the half year consolidated financial statements.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

for the half year ended 31 December 2018

                         Attributable to equity holders of South32 Limited

US$M

Share capital

Treasury shares

Reserves

Retained earnings/ (accumulated losses)

Total

Non- controlling interests

Total equity

Balance as at 1 July 2018

14,493

(83)

(3,333)

(367)

10,710

(1)

10,709

Adjustments for transition to new accounting standards(1)

 -

 -

(12)

10

(2)

-

(2)

Restated balance as at 1 July 2018

14,493

(83)

(3,345)

(357)

10,708

(1)

10,707

Profit/(loss) for the period

-

-

-

635

635

-

635

Other Comprehensive Income/(loss)

-

-

(23)

-

(23)

-

(23)

Total Comprehensive Income/(loss)

-

-

(23)

635

612

-

612

Transactions with owners:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends

-

-

-

(316)

(316)

-

(316)

Shares bought back and cancelled(2)

(167)

-

-

-

(167)

-

(167)

Accrued employee entitlements for unexercised awards, net of tax

-

-

30

-

30

-

30

Purchase of shares by ESOP Trusts

-

(53)

-

-

(53)

-

(53)

Employee share awards exercised

-

76

(27)

(49)

-

-

-

Tax recognised for employee share awards exercised

-

-

-

10

10

-

10

Transfer of cumulative fair value gain on equity instruments designated as FVOCI(3)

-

-

(145)

145

-

-

-

Balance as at 31 December 2018

14,326

(60)

(3,510)

68

10,824

(1)

10,823

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as at 1 July 2017

14,747

(26)

(3,503)

(982)

10,236

(1)

10,235

Profit/(loss) for the period

 -

 -

 -

543

543

 -

543

Other Comprehensive Income/(loss)

 -

 -

40

(1)

39

 -

39

Total Comprehensive Income/(loss)

 -

 -

40

542

582

 -

582

Transactions with owners:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends

 -

 -

 -

(333)

(333)

 -

(333)

Shares bought back and cancelled(2)

(93)

 -

 -

 -

(93)

 -

(93)

Accrued employee entitlements for unexercised awards

 -

 -

24

 -

24

 -

24

Purchase of shares by ESOP Trusts

 -

(36)

 -

 -

(36)

 -

(36)

Employee share awards exercised

-

24

(13)

(11)

 -

 -

 -

Balance as at 31 December 2017

14,654

(38)

(3,452)

(784)

10,380

(1)

10,379

(1)   Refer to note 3 New standards and interpretations.

(2)   Represents 68,444,442 (31 December 2017: 37,168,657) shares permanently cancelled through the on-market share buy-back during the period.

(3)   The Group completed its acquisition of the remaining 83 per cent of issued and outstanding shares of Arizona Mining Inc and derecognised its existing 17 per cent interest as an investment in equity instruments designated as FVOCI.

 

The accompanying notes form part of the half year consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - BASIS OF PREPARATION

35

    1.         Reporting entity

35

    2.         Basis of preparation

35

   3.         New standards and interpretations

36

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD

38

    4.        Segment information

38

    5.        Dividends

43

    6.        Earnings per share 

43

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCING

44

    7.        Net finance cost

44

    8.        Financial assets and financial liabilities

45

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - OTHER NOTES

49

    9.        Acquisition of subsidiaries and jointly controlled operations

49

    10.      Subsequent events

49

DIRECTORS' DECLARATION

50

DIRECTORS' REPORT

51

LEAD AUDITOR'S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION

53

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REVIEW REPORT

54

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - BASIS OF PREPARATION

The consolidated financial statements of South32 Limited (referred to as the Company) and its subsidiaries and joint arrangements (collectively, the Group) for the half year ended 31 December 2018 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 14 February 2019.

1.    Reporting entity

South32 Limited is a for-profit company limited by shares incorporated in Australia with a primary listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), a standard listing on the London Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The nature of the operations and principal activities of the Group are described in note 4 Segment information.

2.    Basis of preparation

The half year consolidated financial statements are a general purpose condensed financial report which:

Have been prepared in accordance with AASB 134 Interim Financial Reporting, IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and the Corporations Act

Have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments and certain other financial assets and liabilities which are required to be measured at fair value

Are presented in US dollars, which is the functional currency of the majority of the Group's operations, and all values are rounded to the nearest million dollars (US$M or US$ million) unless otherwise stated, in accordance with ASIC Corporations Instrument 2016/191

Present reclassified comparative information where required for consistency with the current period's presentation

Have been prepared on the basis of accounting policies and methods of computation consistent with those applied in the 30 June 2018 annual consolidated financial statements, except for the change in accounting standards set out in note 3 New standards and interpretations which became effective on 1 July 2018 without restatement of prior years

In preparing these half year consolidated financial statements, management has made judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 30 June 2018.

For a full understanding of the financial performance and financial position of the Group it is recommended that the half year consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2018. Consideration should also be given to any public announcements made by the Company in accordance with the continuous disclosure obligations of the ASX Listing Rules.

The following exchange rates relative to the US dollar have been applied in the half year consolidated financial statements.

 

Average for the half year ended

31 December 2018

Average for the half year ended

31 December 2017

 

As at

 31 December 2018

As at

30 June

2018

 

As at

 31 December 2017

Australian dollar(1)

0.72

 0.78

0.71

0.74

 0.78

Brazilian real

3.88

 3.21

3.87

3.85

 3.31

Colombian peso

3,062

2,982

3,250

2,945

 2,984

South African rand

14.18

 13.41

14.43

13.73

 12.40

Euro(2)

1.15

1.18

1.14

1.16

1.19

(1)   Displayed as US$ to A$ based on common convention.

(2)   Displayed as US$ to € based on common convention.

 

3.   New standards and interpretations

New accounting standards and interpretations effective from 1 July 2018

The Group has changed some of its accounting policies as a result of new or revised accounting standards which became effective for the annual reporting period commencing on 1 July 2018. New policies and standards are:

AASB 9 Financial Instruments

The Group has adopted AASB 9 Financial Instruments with a date of initial application of 1 July 2018. The nature and impact of the key changes to the Group's accounting policies resulting from the adoption of AASB 9 are summarised below.

(i)   Classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities

AASB 9 contains three principal classification categories for financial assets: measured at amortised cost, fair value through Other Comprehensive Income (FVOCI) and fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL). The classification of a financial asset is based on the cash flow characteristics and the business model used for the management of the financial asset.  AASB 9 eliminates the previous AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement financial asset classification of held to maturity, loans and receivables and available for sale.

The adoption of AASB 9 has not had a significant impact on the Group's accounting policies for financial liabilities as AASB 9 largely retains the existing requirements in AASB 139 for the classification and measurement of financial liabilities.

(ii)   Impairment of financial assets

AASB 9 replaces the 'incurred loss' model in AASB 139 with an expected credit loss model. The new impairment model applies to financial assets measured at amortised cost, contract assets and debt investments classified as FVOCI, but not to investments in equity instruments. Under AASB 9, credit losses are recognised earlier than under AASB 139.

(iii)   Transition

For transition, the Group has elected to apply the limited exemption in AASB 9 relating to the classification, measurement and impairment requirements for financial assets and accordingly has not restated comparative periods. Any resulting adjustments to carrying values in the opening balance sheet have been recognised in opening retained earnings as at 1 July 2018.

The following table summarises the impact, net of tax, of transition to AASB 9 on retained earnings at 1 July 2018.

US$M

Impact from adopting AASB 9 on 1 July 2018

Retained earnings/(accumulated losses)

 

Closing balance under AASB 139 (30 June 2018)

(367)

Recognition of expected credit losses under AASB 9

(2)

Reclassification of available for sale investments to investments held at FVTPL(1)

17

Tax impact

(5)

Opening balance under AASB 9 (1 July 2018)

(357)

(1)   The investment in unit trusts held by the South32 South Africa Energy Coal Rehabilitation Trust Fund does not meet the definition of an equity instrument under AASB 9. These investments are therefore classified as investments held at FVTPL (FY18: Available for sale). Refer to note 8 Financial assets and financial liabilities.

 

(iv)   Classification of financial assets and financial liabilities on the date of initial application of AASB 9

 

Classification

under

AASB 139

Classification under

AASB 9

Carrying amount

US$M

Financial assets

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and receivables

Amortised cost

2,970

Trade and other receivables(1)

Loans and receivables

Amortised cost

576

Trade and other receivables - provisional pricing

Held at FVTPL

Held at FVTPL

87

Derivative contracts

Held at FVTPL

Held at FVTPL

146

Derivative contracts

Cash flow hedges

Cash flow hedges

          5

Loans to equity accounted investments(1)

Loans and receivables

Amortised cost

94

Interest bearing loans receivable

Loans and receivables

Amortised cost

38

Investments in equity instruments - FVOCI(2)

Available for sale

Designated as FVOCI

406

Other investments - held at FVTPL(3)

Available for sale

Held at FVTPL

136

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

Other financial liabilities at amortised cost

Amortised cost

820

Trade and other payables - provisional pricing

Held at FVTPL

Held at FVTPL

2

Derivative contracts

Held at FVTPL

Held at FVTPL

2

Finance leases

Other financial liabilities at amortised cost

Amortised cost

570

Unsecured other

Other financial liabilities at amortised cost

Amortised cost

359

(1)   Trade and other receivables and loans to equity accounted investments are reduced by the recognition of an impairment provision as a result of applying the expected credit loss model under AASB 9, US$1 million each. The impact was recognised in opening retained earnings at 1 July 2018 on transition to AASB 9.

(2)   Investments in equity instruments designated as FVOCI represent investments that the Group intends to hold for long-term strategic purposes. As permitted by AASB 9, on an instrument by instrument basis, the Group has elected to designate these investments as held at FVOCI at the date of initial application.

(3)   Other investments held at FVTPL which were previously classified as available for sale, are not equity instruments and are therefore unable to be designated as investments held at FVOCI.

 

AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 

The Group adopted AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers from 1 July 2018 using the modified retrospective approach where transitional adjustments are recognised in retained earnings. Therefore, the comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under AASB 118 Revenue.

The impact of the change in accounting policy did not have a material impact on the amount of revenue recognised as the transfer of risk and rewards under AASB 118 is equivalent with the fulfilment of the performance obligation to deliver commodities. Any differences arising from freight services for Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) contracts are immaterial in the current and comparative periods.

Revenue will be recognised net of treatment and refining charges (previously recognised on a gross basis with treatment and refining charges included as a separate expense). 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD

4.   Segment information

(a)   Description of segments

The operating segments (also referred to as operations), are organised and managed separately according to the nature of products produced.

Certain members of the Lead Team (the chief operating decision makers) and the Board of Directors monitor the segment results regularly for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment. The segment information for the manganese operations are presented on a proportional consolidation basis, which is the measure used by the Group's management to assess their performance.

The principal activities of each operating segment as the Group is currently structured are summarised as follows:

Operating segment

Principal activities

Worsley Alumina

Integrated bauxite mine and alumina refinery in Western Australia, Australia

Brazil Alumina

Alumina refinery in Brazil

Hillside Aluminium

Aluminium smelter in South Africa

Mozal Aluminium

Aluminium smelter in Mozambique

South Africa Energy Coal

Open-cut and underground energy coal mines and processing operations in South Africa

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal

Underground metallurgical coal mines in New South Wales, Australia

Eagle Downs Metallurgical Coal

Exploration and development of metallurgical coal deposit in Queensland, Australia

Australia Manganese

Integrated producer of manganese ore in the Northern Territory and alloy in Tasmania, Australia

South Africa Manganese

Integrated producer of manganese ore and alloy in South Africa

Cerro Matoso

Integrated laterite ferronickel mining and smelting complex in Colombia

Cannington

Silver, lead and zinc mine in Queensland, Australia

Hermosa

Exploration and development option for zinc, lead and silver sulphide deposit in Tucson, United States

All operations are operated or jointly operated by the Group except Brazil Alumina, which is operated by Alcoa.

(b)   Segment results

Segment performance is measured by Underlying EBIT and Underlying EBITDA. Underlying EBIT is profit before net finance cost, tax and other earnings adjustment items including impairments. Underlying EBITDA is Underlying EBIT, before depreciation and amortisation. A reconciliation of Underlying EBIT, Underlying EBITDA and the Group's consolidated profit after tax is set out on the following pages. Segment revenue is measured on the same basis as in the Consolidated Income Statement.

The Group separately discloses sales of group production from sales of third party products because of the significant difference in profit margin earned on these sales.

It is the Group's policy that inter-segment transactions are made on a commercial basis.

Group and unallocated items/eliminations represent group centre functions and consolidation adjustments. Group financing (including finance expense and finance income) and income taxes are managed on a Group basis and are not allocated to operating segments.

Total assets and liabilities for each operating segment represent operating assets and liabilities which predominantly exclude the carrying amount of equity accounted investments, cash, interest bearing liabilities and tax balances. The carrying amount of investments accounted for using the equity method represents the balance of the Group's investment in equity accounted investments, with no adjustment for cash, interest bearing liabilities and tax balances of the equity accounted investment.

Revenue recognition policy applicable from 1 July 2018

The Group has applied AASB 15 using the modified retrospective method. The impact of changes in accounting standards are disclosed in note 3 New standards and interpretations.

Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in the contract with a customer and excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Revenue is not reduced for royalties and other taxes payable from group production. 

The following is a description of the principal activities from which the Group generates its revenue.

Revenue from the sale of commodities

The Group primarily sells the following commodities: alumina, aluminium, energy coal, metallurgical coal, manganese ore, manganese alloy, ferronickel, silver, lead and zinc. The sales of these commodities are considered to be performance obligations as they are the contractual promises by the Group, to transfer distinct goods to customers.

The transaction price allocated to each performance obligation is recognised as the performance obligation is satisfied. Satisfaction occurs when control of the promised commodity is transferred to the customer.

For the sale of commodities, revenue is therefore recognised at a point in time, net of treatment and refining charges (where applicable). The majority of the Group's sales agreements specify that title passes on the bill of lading date, which is the date the commodity is delivered to the shipping agent, and the Group no longer has control over the commodity. For these sales, revenue is recognised on the bill of lading date. For certain sales (principally energy coal sales to adjoining power stations), title passes, and revenue is recognised when the goods have been delivered.

For certain commodities, the sales price is determined on a provisional basis at the date of sale and adjustments to the sales price subsequently occur based on movements in quoted market or contractual prices up to the date of final pricing. The period between provisional invoicing and final pricing is up to 180 days. Revenue on provisionally priced sales is recognised based on the estimated fair value of the total consideration receivable. The revenue adjustment mechanism embedded within provisionally priced sales arrangements has the characteristics of a commodity derivative. Accordingly, the fair value of the final sales price adjustment is re-estimated continuously and changes in fair value are disclosed separately as 'Other' revenue. In all cases, fair value is estimated by reference to forward market prices.

Revenue from the provision of freight services

The Group sells most of its commodities on either Free On Board (FOB) or CIF Incoterms. In the case of CIF Incoterms, the Group is responsible for shipping services after the date at which control of the commodities passes to the customer at the port of loading. The provision of shipping services in these types of arrangements are a distinct service (and therefore a separate performance obligation) to which a portion of the transaction price should be allocated and recognised over time as the shipping services are provided. The Group also provides third party freight services which are recognised as the shipping service is provided.

The Group does not disclose sales revenue from freight services separately as it does not consider this necessary in order to understand the impact of economic factors on the Group.

Half year ended

31 December 2018

 

US$M

Worsley Alumina

Brazil Alumina

Hillside Aluminium

Mozal Aluminium

South Africa Energy Coal

 

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal

 

Eagle Downs Metallurgical Coal

Australia Manganese(1)

South Africa Manganese(1)

Cerro Matoso

Cannington

 

 

 

 

Hermosa

Group and unallocated items/ elimination

Statutory adjustment(1)

Group

Revenue from customers(2) 

864

312

774

282

517

571

-

574

275

260

233

-

32

(856)

3,838

Other

-

-

(2)

(2)

-

3

-

7

-

(16)

(10)

-

-

(7)

(27)

Total revenue(2)

864

312

772

280

517

574

-

581

275

244

223

-

32

(863)

3,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group production

409

312

772

280

517

574

-

581

266

244

223

-

-

(847)

3,331

Third party products and services(3)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

487

(7)

480

Inter-segment revenue

455

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

9

-

-

-

(455)

(9)

-

Total revenue(2)

864

312

772

280

517

574

-

581

275

244

223

-

32

(863)

3,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

425

125

(6)

30

58

292

-

382

114

54

74

-

(10)

(233)

1,305

Depreciation and amortisation

(81)

(28)

(33)

(17)

(44)

(97)

-

(30)

(14)

(44)

(27)

-

(9)

44

(380)

Underlying EBIT

344

97

(39)

13

14

195

-

352

100

10

47

-

(19)

(189)

925

Comprising:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group production excluding exploration expensed

345

97

(39)

13

13

197

-

352

100

13

49

-

(40)

(452)

648

Exploration expensed

(1)

-

-

-

-

(3)

-

-

-

(3)

(2)

-

(7)

-

(16)

Third party products and services(3)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

28

-

28

Share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments(4)

-

-

-

-

1

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

263

265

Underlying EBIT

344

97

(39)

13

14

195

-

352

100

10

47

-

(19)

(189)

925

Net finance cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(59)

Income tax (expense)/benefit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(224)

Underlying earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

642

Earnings adjustments(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7)

Profit/(loss) after tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

635

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration expenditure

1

-

-

-

-

4

-

1

-

4

3

7

7

(1)

26

Capital expenditure(6)

25

16

12

8

103

56

2

36

17

13

28

33

-

(53)

296

Equity accounted investments

-

-

-

-

14

2

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

670

686

Total assets(7)

3,406

783

1,396

635

1,067

1,630

162

628

501

715

456

1,688

2,619

(566)

15,120

Total liabilities(7)

535

121

249

109

992

248

1

320

191

210

222

22

1,612

(535)

4,297

(1)   The segment information reflects the Group's interest in the manganese operations and is presented on a proportional consolidation basis, which is the measure used by the Group's management to assess their performance. The manganese operations are equity accounted in the half year consolidated financial statements. The statutory adjustment column reconciles the proportional consolidation to the equity accounting position.

(2)   Revenue from customers is presented net of treatment and refining charges (previously recognised on a gross basis with treatment and refining charges included as a separate expense). Refer to note 3 New standards and interpretations.

(3)   Third party products and services sold comprise US$33 million for aluminium, US$16 million for alumina, US$241 million for coal, US$129 million for freight services and US$61 million for aluminium raw materials. Underlying EBIT on third party products and services comprise nil for aluminium, US$3 million for alumina, US$27 million for coal, (US$3) million for freight services and US$1 million for aluminium raw materials.  

(4)   Share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments includes the impact of earnings adjustments to Underlying EBIT.

(5)   Refer to note 4(b)(i) Earnings adjustments.

(6)   Capital expenditure excludes the purchase of intangibles and capitalised exploration expenditure.

(7)   Total assets and liabilities for each operating segment represent operating assets and liabilities which predominantly exclude the carrying amount of equity accounted investments, cash, interest bearing liabilities and tax balances.

 

Half year ended

31 December 2017

 

US$M

Worsley Alumina

Brazil Alumina

Hillside Aluminium

Mozal Aluminium

South Africa Energy Coal

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal

Australia Manganese(1)

South Africa Manganese(1)

Cerro Matoso

Cannington

Group and unallocated items/ elimination

Statutory adjustment(1)

Group

Revenue(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group production

326

240

734

326

622

243

516

221

244

296

-

(737)

3,031

Third party products and services(3)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

463

-

463

Inter-segment revenue

342

-

-

-

-

-

-

7

-

-

(342)

(7)

-

Total revenue

668

240

734

326

622

243

516

228

244

296

121

(744)

3,494

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underlying EBITDA

246

76

156

77

149

(5)

328

100

84

97

(25)

(196)

1,087

Depreciation and amortisation

(82)

(29)

(36)

(17)

(34)

(79)

(29)

(14)

(43)

(25)

(18)

43

(363)

Underlying EBIT

164

47

120

60

115

(84)

299

86

41

72

(43)

(153)

724

Comprising:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group production excluding   exploration expensed

164

47

120

60

115

(80)

300

86

45

74

(36)

(386)

509

Exploration expensed

-

-

-

-

-

(4)

(1)

-

(4)

(2)

(12)

1

(22)

Third party products and services(3)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5

-

5

Share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments(4)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

232

232

Underlying EBIT

164

47

120

60

115

(84)

299

86

41

72

(43)

(153)

724

Net finance cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(59)

Income tax (expense)/benefit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(121)

Underlying earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

544

Earnings adjustments(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Profit/(loss) after tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

543

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration expenditure

-

-

-

-

-

4

1

-

5

2

12

(1)

23

Capital expenditure(6)

22

10

13

8

72

40

21

8

11

23

-

(29)

199

Equity accounted investments(7)

-

-

-

-

12

1

-

-

-

-

-

684

697

Total assets(7)

3,516

756

1,507

685

1,036

1,655

596

496

764

450

4,239

(567)

15,133

Total liabilities(7)

488

112

305

132

1,059

247

307

199

213

240

1,669

(547)

4,424

(1)   The segment information reflects the Group's interest in the manganese operations and is presented on a proportional consolidation basis, which is the measure used by the Group's management to assess their performance. The manganese operations are equity accounted in the half year consolidated financial statements. The statutory adjustment column reconciles the proportional consolidation to the equity accounting position.

(2)   A portion of Group production may be provisionally priced at the date revenue is recognised. For the half year ended 31 December 2017 there was no requirement under AASB 118 to separate out and disclose provisional price movements. Presentation of revenue is gross of treatment and refining charges.

(3)   Third party products and services sold comprise US$148 million for aluminium, US$48 million for alumina, US$128 million for coal, US$85 million for freight services and US$54 million for aluminium raw materials. Underlying EBIT on third party products and services comprise US$6 million for aluminium, nil for alumina, nil for coal, (US$1) million for freight services and nil for aluminium raw materials.  

(4)   Share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments includes the impact of earnings adjustments to Underlying EBIT.

(5)   Refer to note 4(b)(i) Earnings adjustments.

(6)   Capital expenditure excludes the purchase of intangibles and capitalised exploration expenditure.

(7)   Equity accounted investments and total assets and liabilities for each operating segment are as at 30 June 2018. Total assets and liabilities represent operating assets and liabilities which predominantly exclude the carrying amount of equity accounted investments, cash, interest bearing liabilities and tax balances.

(i)   Earnings adjustments

The following table shows earnings adjustments in determining Underlying earnings:

US$M

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Adjustments to Underlying EBIT

 

 

Significant items(1)

-

(31)

Exchange rate (gains)/losses on restatement of monetary items(2)

-

17

Fair value (gains)/losses on non-trading derivative instruments and other investments(2)(3)(4)

28

65

Earnings adjustments included in profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments(5)(6)

(11)

-

Total adjustments to Underlying EBIT

17

51

Adjustments to net finance cost

 

 

Exchange rate variations on net debt

(21)

11

Total adjustments to net finance cost

(21)

11

Adjustments to income tax expense

 

 

Tax effect of earnings adjustments to Underlying EBIT

(5)

(23)

Tax effect of earnings adjustments to net finance cost

7

(4)

Exchange rate variations on tax balances

9

(34)

Total adjustments to income tax expense

11

(61)

Total earnings adjustments

7

1

(1)   Refer to note 4(b)(ii) Significant items.

(2)   Recognised in expenses excluding net finance cost in the Consolidated Income Statement.

(3)   Primarily relates to US$14 million (H1 FY18: US$58 million) included in the Hillside Aluminium segment and US$12 million (H1 FY18: nil) included in the South Africa Energy Coal segment.

(4)   The investment in unit trusts held by the South32 South Africa Energy Coal Rehabilitation Trust Fund does not meet the definition of an equity instrument under AASB 9. These investments are therefore classified as investments held at FVTPL (FY18: Available for sale).

(5)   Recognised in share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments in the Consolidated Income Statement.

(6)   Relates to (US$9) million (H1 FY18: (US$3) million) included in the Australia Manganese segment and (US$2) million (H1 FY18: US$3 million) included in the South Africa Manganese segment.

 

(ii)   Significant items

There were no such items included within the Group's (income)/expense for the half year ended 31 December 2018.

H1 FY18

 

 

 

US$M

Gross

Tax

Net

Unwind of the investment in Dreamvision(1)(2)

(31)

-

(31)

Total significant items

(31)

-

(31)

(1)   Recognised in other income in the Consolidated Income Statement.

(2)   Attributable to Group and unallocated items.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD

5.   Dividends

US$M

 

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Prior year final dividend(1)

 

316

333

Total dividends declared and paid during the period

 

316

333

(1)   On 23 August 2018, the Directors resolved to pay a fully franked final dividend of US 6.2 cents per share (US$317 million) in respect of the 2018 financial year. The dividend was paid on 11 October 2018. The South32 Employee Incentive Plans Trust received dividends from South32 Limited of US$1 million, therefore reducing the dividends paid externally to US$316 million.

 

6.   Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share (EPS) amounts are calculated based on profit attributable to equity holders of South32 Limited and the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.

Dilutive EPS amounts are calculated based on profit attributable to equity holders of South32 Limited and the weighted average number of shares outstanding after adjustment for the effects of all dilutive potential shares.

The following reflects the profit/(loss) and share data used in the basic and diluted EPS computations:

Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders

 

 

 

US$M

 

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders of South32 Limited (basic)

 

635

543

Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders of South32 Limited (diluted)

 

635

543

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares

 

 

 

Million

 

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Basic earnings per share denominator(1)

 

5,079

5,191

Shares contingently issuable under employee share ownership plans(2)(3)

 

61

71

Diluted earnings per share denominator

 

5,140

5,262

(1)   The basic EPS denominator is the aggregate of the weighted average number of shares after deduction of the weighted average number of Treasury shares outstanding during the period and shares permanently cancelled through the on-market share buy-back.

(2)   Included in the calculation of diluted EPS are shares contingently issuable under employee share ownership plans.

(3)   Diluted EPS calculation excludes 10,078,148 (31 December 2017: 6,932,916) rights which are considered anti-dilutive and are subject to service and performance conditions.

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

US cents

 

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Basic earnings per share

 

12.5

10.5

Diluted earnings per share 

 

12.4

10.3

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCING

7.   Net finance cost

US$M

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

Finance expenses

 

 

Interest on borrowings

12

6

Finance lease interest

25

27

Discounting on provisions and other liabilities

52

52

Net interest expense on post-retirement employee benefits

4

3

Fair value change on financial asset

-

1

Exchange rate variations on net debt

(21)

11

 

72

100

Finance income

 

 

Interest income

34

30

Net finance cost

38

70

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCING

8.   Financial assets and financial liabilities

The following table presents the Group's financial assets and liabilities by class at their carrying amounts which approximates their fair value.

31 December 2018

US$M

Held at FVTPL

Designated as FVOCI

Amortised cost

 

Total

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

-

-

1,565

1,565

Trade and other receivables(1)

96

-

534

630

Loans to equity accounted investments

-

-

39

39

Other financial assets

 

 

 

 

Derivative contracts

93

-

-

93

Total current financial assets

-

2,138

2,327

Trade and other receivables(1)(2)

-

-

5

5

Loans to equity accounted investments

-

-

86

86

Interest bearing loans receivable

-

-

34

34

Other financial assets

 

 

 

 

Derivative contracts

42

-

-

42

Investments in equity instruments - designated as FVOCI

-

124

-

124

Other investments - held at FVTPL

131

-

-

131

Total non-current financial assets

173

124

125

422

Total

362

124

2,263

2,749

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables(3)

1

-

845

846

Finance leases

-

-

12

12

Unsecured other

-

-

272

272

Total current financial liabilities

-

1,129

1,130

Trade and other payables

-

-

2

2

Finance leases

-

-

542

542

Unsecured other

-

-

61

61

Total non-current financial liabilities

-

605

605

Total

1

-

1,734

1,735

(1)   Excludes current input taxes of US$68 million and non-current input taxes of US$97 million included in other receivables.

(2)   Excludes a reimbursable right asset in relation to the closure and rehabilitation provision at South Africa Energy Coal of US$79 million included in other receivables.

(3)   Excludes input taxes of US$17 million included in other payables.

 

As shown in note 3 New standards and interpretations the comparative designations are presented under AASB 139.

30 June 2018

 

 

 

US$M

 

 

 

Loans and receivables

 

 

Available for sale securities

 

Held at fair value through profit or loss

Other financial assets and liabilities at amortised cost

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges

 

 

 

Total

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

2,970

-

-

-

-

2,970

Trade and other receivables(1)

572

-

87

-

-

659

Loans to equity accounted investments

27

-

-

-

-

27

Other financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative contracts

-

-

72

-

5

77

Shares

-

3

-

-

-

3

Total current financial assets

3,569

3

159

-

5

3,736

Trade and other receivables(1)(2)

4

-

-

-

-

4

Loans to equity accounted investments

67

-

-

-

-

67

Interest bearing loans receivable

38

-

-

-

-

38

Other financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative contracts

-

-

74

-

-

74

Shares

-

403

-

-

-

403

Other investments

-

136

-

-

-

136

Total non-current financial assets

109

539

74

-

-

722

Total

3,678

542

233

-

5

4,458

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables(3)

-

-

2

815

-

817

Finance leases

-

-

-

12

-

12

Unsecured other

-

-

-

321

-

321

Other financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Derivative contracts

-

-

2

-

-

2

Total current financial liabilities

-

-

4

1,148

-

1,152

Trade and other payables

-

-

-

5

-

5

Finance leases

-

-

-

558

-

558

Unsecured other

-

-

-

38

-

38

Total non-current financial liabilities

-

-

-

601

-

601

Total

-

-

4

1,749

-

1,753

(1)   Excludes current input taxes of US$140 million and non-current input taxes of US$56 million included in other receivables.

(2)   Excludes a reimbursable right asset in relation to the closure and rehabilitation provision at South Africa Energy Coal of US$83 million included in other receivables.

(3)   Excludes input taxes of US$13 million included in other payables.

 

Investments in equity instruments - designated as FVOCI

At 1 July 2018, on an instrument by instrument basis, the Group has elected under AASB 9 to designate investments in equity instruments as FVOCI as they represent investments that the Group intends to hold for long-term strategic purposes. In FY18 these investments were classified as available for sale (refer to note 3 New standards and interpretations).

Other investments - held at FVTPL

The investment in unit trusts held by the South32 South Africa Energy Coal Rehabilitation Trust Fund does not meet the definition of an equity instrument under AASB 9. These investments are therefore classified as investments held at FVTPL (FY18: Available for sale). On transition to AASB 9 (1 July 2018), a net gain of US$12 million was transferred from the financial asset reserve to retained earnings.

Measurement of fair value

The following table shows the Group's financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value with reference to the nature of valuation inputs used:

Level 1  Valuation is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial assets and liabilities.

Level 2 Valuation is based on inputs (other than quoted prices included in Level 1) that are observable for the financial asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as unquoted prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

Level 3 Valuation includes inputs that are not based on observable market data.

 

31 December 2018

US$M

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

Financial assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

Trade and other receivables

-

96

-

96

Trade and other payables

-

(1)

-

(1)

Derivative contracts

-

6

129

135

Investments in equity instruments - designated as FVOCI

28

-

96

124

Other investments - held at FVTPL

-

131

-

131

Total

28

232

225

485

 

30 June 2018

US$M

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

Financial assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

Trade and other receivables

-

87

-

87

Trade and other payables

-

(2)

-

(2)

Derivative contracts

-

6

143

149

Shares - available for sale

277

-

129

406

Other investments - available for sale

-

136

-

136

Total

277

227

272

776

 

Level 3 financial assets and liabilities

The following table shows the movements in the Group's Level 3 financial assets and liabilities.

US$M

H1 FY19

H1 FY18

At the beginning of the period

272

334

Disposals

(2)

(31)

Realised gains/(losses) recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement(1)

(31)

(47)

Unrealised gains/(losses) recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement(2)

17

(11)

Unrealised gains/(losses) recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income(3)

(31)

5

At the end of the period

225

250

(1)   Realised gains and losses recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement are recorded in expenses excluding net finance cost.

(2)   Unrealised gains and losses recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement are recorded in expenses excluding net finance cost.

(3)   Unrealised gains and losses recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income are recorded in the financial assets reserve.

 

Sensitivity analysis

The carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities that are valued using inputs other than observable market data are calculated using appropriate valuation models, including discounted cash flow modelling, with inputs such as commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and inflation. The potential effect of using reasonably possible alternative assumptions in these models, based on changes in the most significant inputs by 10 per cent while holding all other variables constant, is shown in the following table.

31 December 2018

 

 

Profit after tax

Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax

 

 

US$M

Carrying amount

Significant inputs

10% increase in input

10% decrease in input

10% increase in input

10% decrease in input

Financial assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative contracts(1)

129

Aluminium price(2)

Foreign exchange rate(2)

Electricity price(3)

(63)

60

-

-

Investments in equity instruments - designated as FVOCI(1)

96

Alumina price(4)

Aluminium price(4)

Foreign exchange rate(4)

-

-

43

(53)

Total

225

 

(63)

60

43

(53)

                 

(1)   Sensitivity analysis is performed assuming all inputs are directionally moving unfavourably and favourably.

(2)   Aluminium prices are comparable to market consensus forecasts and foreign exchange rates are aligned with forward market rates.

(3)   Electricity prices are determined as a market equivalent price based on inputs from published data.

(4)   Alumina and aluminium prices are comparable to market consensus forecasts and foreign exchange rates are aligned with forward market rates.

 

30 June 2018

 

 

Profit after tax

Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax

 

 

US$M

Carrying amount

Significant inputs

10% increase in input

10% decrease in input

10% increase in input

10% decrease in input

Financial assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative contracts(1)

143

Aluminium price(2)

Foreign exchange rate(2)

Electricity price(3)

(89)

84

-

-

Investments - available for sale(1)

129

Alumina price(4)

Aluminium price(4)

Foreign exchange rate(4)

-

-

41

(52)

Total

272

 

(89)

84

41

(52)

                 

(1)   Sensitivity analysis is performed assuming all inputs are directionally moving unfavourably and favourably.

(2)   Aluminium prices are comparable to market consensus forecasts and foreign exchange rates are aligned with forward market rates.

(3)   Electricity prices are determined as a market equivalent price based on inputs from published data.

(4)   Alumina and aluminium prices are comparable to market consensus forecasts and foreign exchange rates are aligned with forward market rates.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - OTHER NOTES

9.   Acquisition of subsidiaries and jointly controlled operations

(a)   Acquisition of Arizona Mining Inc.

On 10 August 2018, the Group completed its acquisition of the remaining 83 per cent of issued and outstanding shares of Arizona Mining Inc. that it did not already own via a plan of arrangement. The transaction was completed for a total consideration of US$1,351 million via a fully funded, all cash offer. The Group's existing 17 per cent interest was derecognised as an investment in equity instruments designated as FVOCI and US$253 million was transferred to form part of the consolidated investment in Arizona Mining Inc. The acquisition was treated as an acquisition of assets including mineral rights, exploration licences and exploration surface facilities.

US$M

 

 

Cash outflow on acquisition

 

 

Net cash acquired

 

10

Direct costs relating to the acquisition(1)

 

(1,392)

Net consolidated cash outflow

 

(1,382)

Net assets

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

10

Other assets

 

1

Property, plant and equipment(2)

 

1,661

Other liabilities

 

(27)

Net assets

 

1,645

(1)   Inclusive of acquisition related transaction costs and other directly attributable costs.

(2)   Includes mineral rights of US$1,629 million.

 

(b)   Acquisition of the Eagle Downs Metallurgical Coal project

On 14 September 2018, the Group completed its acquisition of a 50 per cent interest in the Eagle Downs Metallurgical Coal project in Queensland's Bowen Basin.  The remaining 50 per cent interest continues to be held by Aquila Resources Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of China BaoWu Steel Group. The transaction was completed for a total upfront payment of US$106 million, a deferred payment of US$27 million and a coal price-linked production royalty capped at US$80 million. The acquisition was treated as an acquisition of assets including mineral rights, site infrastructure and dual drifts which are approximately 40 per cent complete. The joint arrangement is an unincorporated entity and is classified as a joint operation as activities are primarily designed for the provision of output to the parties of the arrangement. 

US$M

 

 

Cash outflow on acquisition

 

 

Direct costs relating to the acquisition(1)

 

(112)

Net consolidated cash outflow

 

(112)

Net assets

 

 

Property, plant and equipment(2)

 

160

Interest bearing liabilities(3)

 

(35)

Other liabilities

 

(13)

Net assets

 

112

(1)   Inclusive of acquisition related transaction costs.

(2)   Includes mineral rights of US$107 million.

(3)   Includes the deferred payment obligation of US$27 million. The coal price-linked production royalty capped at US$80 million will be expensed as incurred.

 

10.   Subsequent events

On 14 February 2019, the Directors resolved to pay a fully franked interim dividend of US 5.1 cents per share (US$258 million) in respect of the 2019 half year and a fully franked special dividend of US 1.7 cents per share (US$86 million). The dividends will be paid on 4 April 2019. The dividends have not been provided for in the half year consolidated financial statements and will be recognised in the 2019 financial year.

No other matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the half year that have significantly affected, or may significantly affect, the operations, results of operations or state of affairs of the Group in subsequent accounting periods.

 

DIRECTORS' DECLARATION

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of the Group, we state that:

In the opinion of the Directors:

(a)   The consolidated financial statements and notes that are set out on pages 28 to 49 for the half year ended 31 December 2018 are in accordance with the Corporations Act, including:

(i)   Giving a true and fair view of the Group's financial position as at 31 December 2018 and of its performance for the half year ended on that date; and

(ii)   Complying with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 134 Interim Financial Reporting and Corporations Regulations 2001.

(b)   There are reasonable grounds to believe that the Group will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

David Crawford AO

Chairman

 

Graham Kerr

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

 

Date: 14 February 2019

 

DIRECTORS' REPORT

The Directors of the Group present the Consolidated Financial Report for the half year ended 31 December 2018 and the auditor's review report thereon.

Directors

The Directors of the Company during or since the end of the half year are:

David Crawford AO

Frank Cooper AO

Graham Kerr

Xiaoling Liu

Xolani Mkhwanazi

Ntombifuthi (Futhi) Mtoba

Wayne Osborn

Keith Rumble

Karen Wood

 

The company secretaries of the Company during or since the end of the half year are:

Nicole Duncan

Melanie Williams

 

Review and results of operations

A review of the operations of the consolidated entity during the period and of the results of those operations is contained on pages 3 to 27.

 

Principal risks and uncertainties

Due to the international scope of the Group's operations and the industries in which it is engaged, there are a number of risk factors and uncertainties which could have an effect on the Group's results and operations over the next six months.

The following information outlines the most significant strategic, external and operational risks identified across the Group. The list is not exhaustive, nor listed in any particular order:

Fluctuations in commodity prices, exchange rates, interest rates and global economy

Actions by governments, political events or tax authorities

Cost inflation and labour dispute impact on operating margins and expansion

Access to water and energy

Failure to maintain, realise or enhance value due to inadequate knowledge of our resources and reserves

Deterioration in liquidity and cash flow

Climate change impacts

Health and safety risks in respect of our operational activities

Water, waste and environmental risks

Unexpected operational or natural catastrophes

Commercial counterparties that we transact with may not meet their obligations

Fraud and corruption

Breaches of information technology security

Failure to retain and attract key people

Support of our local communities

 

Further information on these risks and how they are managed can be found on pages 19 to 23 of the Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2018, a copy of which is available on the Group's website at www.south32.net.

 

Events subsequent to the balance date

On 14 February 2019, the Directors resolved to pay a fully franked interim dividend of US 5.1 cents per share (US$258 million) in respect of the 2019 half year and a fully franked special dividend of US 1.7 cents per share (US$86 million). The dividends will be paid on 4 April 2019. The dividends have not been provided for in the half year consolidated financial statements and will be recognised in the 2019 financial year.

No other matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the half year that have significantly affected, or may significantly affect, the operations, results of operations or state of affairs of the Group in subsequent accounting periods.

 

UK responsibility statements

The Directors state that to the best of their knowledge:

The Financial Results and Outlook on pages 3 to 27, includes a fair review of important events during the first six months of the current financial year and their impact on the half year consolidated financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

That disclosure has been made for related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the Group during that period, and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could have such a material effect.

 

Lead auditor's independence declaration

A copy of the lead auditor's independence declaration as required under Section 307C of the Corporations Act is set out on page 53.

 

Rounding of amounts

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors' Reports) Instrument 2016/191 applies to the Group and amounts in the half year consolidated financial statements and this Directors' Report have been rounded in accordance with this instrument to the nearest million US dollars, unless stated otherwise.

 

This Directors' Report is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board.

 

David Crawford AO

Chairman

 

Graham Kerr

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

 

Date: 14 February 2019

 

Lead Auditor's Independence

Declaration under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001   

 

To the Directors of South32 Limited

I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, in relation to the review of South32 Limited for the half-year ended 31 December 2018 there have been:

(i)   no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the review; and

(ii)   no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the review.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KPMG

 

Denise McComish

Partner

 

Perth

14 February 2019

 

 

 

Independent Auditor's Review Report

 

 

To the shareholders of South32 Limited

 

We have reviewed the accompanying Half-year Financial Statements of South32 Limited.

Based on our review, which is not an audit, we have not become aware of any matter that makes us believe that the Half-year Financial Statements of South32 Limited are not in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

giving a true and fair view of the Group's financial position as at 31 December 2018 and of its performance for the half-year ended on that date; and

complying with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 134 Interim Financial Reporting and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

 

The Half-year Financial Statements comprise:

Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2018

Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the half-year ended on that date

Notes 1 to 10 comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information

The Directors' Declaration.

 

The Group comprises South32 Limited (the Company) and the entities it controlled at the half-year's end or from time to time during the half-year.

 

 

 

The Directors of the Company are responsible for:

the preparation of the Half-year Financial Statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001

such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the Half-year Financial Statements that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

 

 

 

 

Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the Half-year Financial Statements based on our review. We conducted our review in accordance with Auditing Standard on Review Engagements ASRE 2410 Review of a Financial Report Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity, in order to state whether, on the basis of the procedures described, we have become aware of any matter that makes us believe that the Half-year Financial Statements are not in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 including: giving a true and fair view of the Group's financial position as at 31 December 2018 and its performance for the half-year ended on that date; and complying with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 134 Interim Financial Reporting and the Corporations Regulations 2001. As auditor of South32 Limited, ASRE 2410 requires that we comply with the ethical requirements relevant to the audit of the annual Financial Report.

 

A review of Half-year Financial Statements consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

 

In conducting our review, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001.

 

 

KPMG

 

 

Denise McComish

Partner

 

Perth

 

14 February 2019

 

KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"), a Swiss entity.

 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

 

Disclaimer

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about trends in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; demand for commodities; production forecasts; plans, strategies and objectives of management; capital costs and scheduling; operating costs; anticipated productive lives of projects, mines and facilities; and provisions and contingent liabilities. These forward-looking statements reflect expectations at the date of this release, however they are not guarantees or predictions of future performance. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, and which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements contained in this release. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable laws or regulations, the South32 Group does not undertake to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

 

NON-IFRS FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

This release includes certain non-IFRS financial measures, including Underlying earnings, Underlying EBIT and Underlying EBITDA, Basic Underlying earnings per share, Underlying effective tax rate, Underlying EBIT margin, Underlying EBITDA margin, Underlying return on capital, Free cash flow, net debt, net operating assets and ROIC. These measures are used internally by management to assess the performance of our business, make decisions on the allocation of our resources and assess operational management. Non-IFRS measures have not been subject to audit or review and should not be considered as an indication of or alternative to an IFRS measure of profitability, financial performance or liquidity.

 

NO OFFER OF SECURITIES

 

Nothing in this release should be read or understood as an offer or recommendation to buy or sell South32 securities, or be treated or relied upon as a recommendation or advice by South32.

 

NO FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVICE - SOUTH AFRICA

 

South32 does not provide any financial or investment 'advice' as that term is defined in the South African Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 37 of 2002, and we strongly recommend that you seek professional advice.

 

Further information

 

Investor Relations

Alex Volante

T     +61 8 9324 9029

M    +61 403 328 408

E     Alex.Volante@south32.net

Media Relations

James Clothier

T     +61 8 9324 9697

M    +61 413 391 031

E     James.Clothier@south32.net

Media Relations

Jenny White

T     +44 20 7798 1773

M    +44 7900 046 758

E     Jenny.White@south32.net

 

 

Further information on South32 can be found at www.south32.net.

 

South32 Limited (ABN 84 093 732 597)

Registered in Australia

(Incorporated in Australia under the Corporations Act 2001)

Registered Office: Level 35, 108 St Georges Terrace

Perth Western Australia 6000 Australia

ISIN: AU000000S320

 

JSE Sponsor: UBS South Africa (Pty) Ltd

14 February 2019

 

 


This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
 
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