Wesdome Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Wesdome Gold Mines
Wesdome Gold Mines

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TORONTO, Aug. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX:WDO, OTCQX:WDOFF) (“Wesdome” or the “Company”) today announced its results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 (“Q2 2024” and “H1 2024”) and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 (“Q2 2023” and “H1 2023”). Preliminary operating results for Q2 2024 and H1 2024 were disclosed on July 9, 2024. Management will host a conference call tomorrow, Thursday, August 15 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss this quarter’s results.

All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated

Q2 2024 Highlights

  • Consolidated gold production was 44,035 ounces at cash costs per ounce1 of $1,286 (US$940) and all-in sustaining costs (“AISC”) per ounce1 of $1,977 (US$1,445).

  • Net income increased to $29.1 million, or $0.19 per share, an increase of $34.1 million from the corresponding quarter in 2023 and $18.4 million from the first quarter of 2024.

  • Cash margin1 increased to $76.2 million or by more than 2.5 times relative to the prior year quarter mainly due to an increase in ounces sold, a higher average realized gold price and lower cash costs.

  • Operating cash flow was $57.1 million, or $0.38 per share1, $43.1 million higher than the corresponding period in 2023 mainly due to the higher cash margin.

  • Free cash flow1 of $28.4 million was $33.7 million higher than the corresponding period in 2023 mainly due to higher operating cash flow partially offset by an increase in capital expenditures.

  • Available liquidity of $200.7 million includes $50.7 million in cash and $150.0 million of undrawn capacity available under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

Anthea Bath, President and CEO, commented: “The second quarter marked a breakthrough with records set in terms of safety, production, and free cash flow, which allowed for the repayment of the remaining balance on our revolving credit facility. Our company is now well positioned as a Canadian growth platform with two high-grade profitable mines and a debt-free balance sheet.

“The highlight of the quarter, and a milestone for Wesdome, was the mining and processing of high-grade Kiena Deep ore from the 129-level horizon at Kiena. The step-change increase in production substantially reduced the site’s all-in sustaining costs by over 60% relative to the first quarter, putting Kiena on track to achieve its annual guidance. At Eagle River, steady development rates together with positive grade reconciliation position our long-running Ontario operation to deliver on its targets.

“With both operations running well, we are focused on strategic initiatives that will fully leverage the spare capacity of our processing infrastructure and position Wesdome for long-term sustainable growth. By executing Wesdome’s largest self-funded exploration program and advancing the Presqu’?le ramp, we are validating our commitment to enhancing our organic growth pipeline at both assets. Complementing ongoing exploration success, we expect to create additional value through continued optimization of our mine plans and cost management.