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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

2002 FORM 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002   Commission File Number: 1-14066

 

SOUTHERN PERU COPPER CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware

 

13-3849074

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

2575 East Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ

 

85016

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (602) 977-6500

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

 

New York Stock Exchange
Lima Stock Exchange

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

 

Yes ý

No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best knowledge of the registrant, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment of this Form 10-K.  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Act of 1934)       Yes  ý  No  o

 

As of February 28, 2003, there were of record 14,108,387 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding, and the aggregate market value of the shares of Common Stock (based upon the closing price on such date as reported on the New York Stock Exchange - Composite Transactions) of Southern Peru Copper Corporation held by non affiliates was approximately $217 million.  As of the above date, there were also 65,900,833 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding. Class A Common Stock is convertible on a one-to-one basis into Common Stock.

 

PORTIONS OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Part III:

 

Proxy statement in connection with the Annual Meeting to be held on May 8, 2003.

Part IV:

 

Exhibit index is on page B3 through B4.

 

 



 

PART I

 

Item 1.    Business

THE COMPANY

 

The Company, an integrated producer of copper, operates mining, smelting and refining facilities in the southern part of Peru.  Southern Peru Copper Corporation was reorganized into a holding company structure effective January 2, 1996, upon completion of a public offer to exchange newly issued Common Stock for outstanding labor shares of the Company’s Peruvian Branch (“Labor Shares”) called “Investment Shares” as of December 31, 1998.  Effective December 31, 1998, the Company’s predecessor and wholly owned operating subsidiary, Southern Peru Limited, was merged into the Company.

 

The Company, incorporated in 1952 was reorganized in 1955 and has conducted copper mining operations since 1960.  Pursuant to Peruvian law, the Company conducts its operations in Peru through a registered branch (the “Peruvian Branch” or the “Branch”).  The Branch is not a corporation separate from the Company.  It is, however, an establishment, registered pursuant to Peruvian law, through which the Company holds assets, incurs liabilities and conducts operations in Peru.  Although it has neither its own capital nor liability separate from that of the Company, it is deemed to have an equity capital for purposes of determining the economic interest of holders of Investment Shares.  Investment Shares are non-voting ownership interests distributed to workers in accordance with former Peruvian laws.  The Branch comprises substantially all the assets and liabilities of the Company associated with its copper operations in Peru.

 

Throughout this report, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Southern Peru”, “SPCC” and “the Company” refer to the present corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries as well as its predecessor. In addition, throughout this report, unless otherwise noted, all tonnages are in metric tons. To convert to short tons, multiply by 1.102. All distances are in kilometers. To convert to miles, multiply by 0.62137. All ounces are troy ounces.

 

On November 15, 1999, ASARCO Incorporated (“ASARCO”) transferred all of its holdings of SPCC to Southern Peru Holdings Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of ASARCO.  On November 17, 1999, Grupo México S.A. de C.V. (“Grupo Mexico”) acquired all the holdings of ASARCO following a tender offer and purchase of all outstanding common stock of ASARCO.

 

ASARCO is contemplating a transaction in which Southern Peru Holdings Corporation would sell all its SPCC stock to ASARCO’s immediate parent corporation, Americas Mining Corporation (“AMC”).  After the transaction, it is anticipated that the stock will be transferred to a subsidiary of AMC. The sale to AMC and subsequent transfer of SPCC’s stock to a subsidiary of AMC may close prior to the filing of this report on Form 10-K.

 

At December 31, 2002 the stockholders in the Company were Southern Peru Holdings Corporation, a subsidiary of ASARCO (54.2%), Cerro Trading Company, Inc. (14.2%), Phelps Dodge Overseas Capital Corporation (14.0%) and common stockholders (17.6%).

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

 

Forward-looking statements in this report and in other Company statements include statements regarding expected commencement dates of mining or metal production operations, projected quantities of future metal production, anticipated production rates, operating efficiencies, costs and expenditures as well as projected demand or supply for the Company’s products.  Actual results could differ materially depending upon factors including the availability of materials, equipment, required permits or approvals and financing, the occurrence of unusual weather or operating conditions, lower than expected ore grades, the failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications, labor relations, environmental risks as well as political and economic risk associated with foreign operations.  Results of operations are directly affected by metals prices on commodity exchanges, which can be volatile.

 

A1



 

Additional business information follows:

 

COPPER BUSINESS

 

The copper operations of the Company involve mining, milling and flotation of copper ore to produce copper concentrates, the smelting of copper concentrates to produce blister copper and the refining of blister copper to produce copper cathodes.

 

The Company also produces refined copper using the solvent extraction/electrowinning (“SX/EW”) technology.  Silver, molybdenum and small amounts of other metals are contained in copper ore as by-products. Silver sold is recovered in the refining process or as an element of blister copper. Molybdenum is recovered from copper concentrate in a molybdenum by-product plant.

 

Business Reporting Segments:  Based on the information monitored by the Company’s operating decision makers that manage the business, the Company has identified that its operations are within one reportable segment.  Accordingly, financial information on industry segments is omitted because, apart from the principal business of producing copper, the Company has no other industry segment.

 

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

 

SPCC operates the Toquepala and Cuajone mines, high in the Andes, approximately 984 kilometers southeast of Lima.  It also operates a smelter and refinery west of the mines at the Pacific Ocean Coast City of Ilo, Peru.  SPCC is one of the largest mining companies in Peru and one of the 10 largest private sector copper mining companies in the world.

 

OVERVIEW

 

Despite a loss of 5 million pounds of copper production due to strike activity in the fourth quarter of 2002, copper production increased 1.2% to 764 million pounds in the year. In addition, the Company processed 66 million pounds of copper from purchased concentrates in 2002. The increase in SPCC production was principally due to higher ore grades for Cuajone material and higher throughput at the Toquepala concentrator related with the startup in September of the expansion of the concentrator. SX/EW copper production decreased by 3.5 million pounds because of lower grades of PLS (Pregnant Leaching Solution).

 

In 2002, the Ilo smelter processed 1.18 million tons of concentrates, a new record, 1.6 percent higher than 2001; however, blister copper production  decreased 3.7% to 692.6 million pounds  as concentrates with lower copper content were treated. Improved operations at the Ilo refinery increased cathodes production 1.6% to 621 million pounds, another new production record at this facility.

 

The Toquepala concentrator expansion and modernization project  was completed in September 2002, with an investment of $66.3 million out of an approved budget of $69.5 million. With the completion of this project the Toquepala concentrator milling capacity increased from 45,000 tons per day to 60,000 tons per day.  This increased  production now gives SPCC the ability to fill the Ilo smelter with its own concentrate production.

 

The Company plans to continue the modernization of the Ilo smelter using the most efficient proven technology and complying with all applicable environmental regulations.  At the same time the modernization is expected to provide economic returns, which will permit the Company to maintain its position as a competitive enterprise in worldwide copper markets.

 

MINING OPERATIONS

 

Total mined copper production at SPCC increased 1.2% in 2002, compared with 2001, due to higher production at the Toquepala and Cuajone mines.

 

A2



 

Cuajone production increased 1.9% in 2002 to 370.8 million pounds of copper due principally to higher ore grades.  The Cuajone concentrator throughput for the year was 29.8 million tons of ore resulting in the production of 651 thousand tons of copper concentrates.

 

Toquepala mine production increased 2.2% in 2002 to 276.5 million pounds of copper due to better recovery and increased throughput in the year.  The Toquepala concentrator, with its capacity expansion completed in September 2002, milled 17.6 million tons of ore. Together, the two mines produced 3.7 million ounces of silver and 18.3 million pounds of molybdenum as by-products.

 

SX/EW OPERATIONS

 

The SX/EW facility at Toquepala produces refined copper from solutions obtained by leaching low-grade ore stored at the Toquepala and Cuajone mines. The facility produced 52,900 tons of copper in 2002 compared to 54,400 tons in 2001. This represents a decrease of 3.5 million pounds of copper produced as compared with  2001 production.  The decrease is mainly due to lower PLS.

 

ORE RESERVES

 

SPCC has identified substantial geologic resources. In October 1999, the Company reported a substantial increase in proven and probable ore reserves at the Toquepala mine. At year-end 2002, probable concentrator reserves totaled 641 million tons with an average copper grade of 0.74% at Toquepala and 1,153 million tons with an average copper grade of 0.64% at Cuajone. In addition, the Company has a total of 1,792 million tons of leachable ore at Toquepala and Cuajone that can be processed by the SX/EW operation.

 

SMELTING AND REFINING OPERATIONS

 

The Ilo smelter increased concentrates processed by 1.6% in 2002, reaching 1.18 million tons, a new production record. Smelting of SPCC concentrates increased by 3.1%, while smelting of third party concentrates decreased by 12.8% to 97,042 tons. As a result, blister production decreased to 316,500 tons in 2002 compared to 328,200 in 2001.

 

SPCC’s total refined copper production increased 0.9% to 737.5 million pounds in 2002 from 731.2 million pounds in 2001. Refined production from the Ilo refinery reached 621.0 million pounds in 2002, an increase of 1.6% from 2001 due to current efficiency gains at the plant. Production from the SX/EW plant decreased to 116.5 million pounds of copper, a 2.9% decrease over prior year due to lower PLS grades.

 

SPCC’s Ilo smelter provides feed for the refinery. Blister copper produced by the smelter exceeds the refinery’s capacity and the excess is sold to other refineries around the world.

 

EXPANSION AND MODERNIZATION PROGRAM

 

For a description of the Company’s Expansion and Modernization Program see “Expansion and Modernization Program” on pages A16 to A17, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

EXPLORATION

 

During 2002, the Company continued with its drilling program at the Los Chancas project.  Diamond drilling of 17,500 meters were completed out of the 20,000 meters projected.  Metallurgical tests have been completed.  Test results indicate resources of 200 million tons, with a copper ore grade of 1.0%, 0.07% molybdenum and 0.12 grams of gold per ton.  This project is in its early stages.  Preliminary results of exploration do not represent resources that have been determined to be proven or probable.

 

A3



 

Additional diamond drilling was also performed at the Tantahuatay project, with a total of 3,169 meters being drilled at the “Tantahuatay 2” zone.  As a result, the resources have been recalculated to 14.5 million tons with contents of 0.85 grams of gold per ton and 16 grams of silver per ton in oxides in this zone.  Resources for the “Ciénaga” zone are 12.6 million tons with contents of 0.93 grams of gold per ton and 9.5 grams of silver per ton in the oxides.  Total resources are 27.1 million tons, with an average content of 0.89 grams of gold per ton and 13.0 grams of silver per ton.  This project is in its early stages.  Preliminary results of exploration do not represent resources that have been determined to be proven or probable.  SPCC has a 44.245% interest in the Tantahuatay project.

 

The Company has developed an extensive exploration program throughout Peru, in order to identify resources of copper and gold, as well as zinc, silver and lead.  For 2003, a program of diamond drilling of 15,000 meters is planned.

 

Currently, the Company has direct control of 114,807 hectares of mineral rights and has control over 42,838 additional hectares of mineral rights through joint ventures with other companies.

 

PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS AND MARKETS

 

The principal uses of copper are in the building and construction industry, electrical and electronic products and, to a lesser extent, industrial machinery and equipment, consumer products and the automotive and transportation industries.  Silver is used for photographic, electrical and electronic products and, to a lesser extent, brazing alloys and solder, jewelry, coinage, silverware and catalysts.  Molybdenum is used to toughen alloy steels and soften tungsten alloy and is also used in fertilizers, dyes, enamels and reagents.

 

During 2002, 2001 and 2000, substantially all of the Company’s copper production was exported from Peru and sold to customers in Europe, the Far East, the United States and elsewhere in the Americas. A substantial portion of SPCC’s copper sales is made under annual contracts to industrial users. Silver is sold under annual contracts or in spot sales and molybdenum is sold in concentrate form to merchants and other refiners under annual contracts.  Most customers receive shipments on a monthly basis at a constant volume throughout the year. As a result there is little seasonality in SPCC sales volumes.

 

BACKLOG OF ORDERS

 

Substantially all of the Company’s metal production is sold under annual contracts. To the extent not sold under annual contracts, production can be sold on commodity exchanges or in spot sales.  Final sales values are determined based on prevailing commodity prices for the quotation period, generally being the month of, the month prior to or the month following the actual or contractual month of shipment or delivery according to the terms of the contract.

 

COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS

 

Competition in the copper market is principally on a price and service basis, with price being the most important consideration when supplies of copper are ample.  The Company’s products compete with other materials, including aluminum and plastics.

 

EMPLOYEES

 

At December 31, 2002 the Company employed 3,575 persons, about 57% of whom were covered by labor agreements with nine labor unions. There was fourteen days of labor strikes in the fourth quarter in the Toquepala area.

 

A4



 

ENERGY MATTERS AND WATER RESOURCES

 

Electric power for the Company’s operating facilities is generated by two thermal electric plants owned and operated by Enersur S.A., one located adjacent to the Ilo smelter (diesel and waste heat boilers plant) and the other to the south of the port of Ilo (coal plant).

 

Power generation capacity is currently 344 megawatts. In addition, the Company has 9 megawatts of power generation capacity from two small hydro-generating installations at Cuajone. Power is distributed over a 224-kilometer closed loop transmission circuit.

 

In 1997, the Company sold its Ilo power plant to Enersur S.A. and entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement. The power purchase agreement contains provisions obligating Enersur S.A. to construct additional capacity upon notice to meet the Company’s increased electricity requirements from the planned expansion and modernization. The parties also entered into an agreement for the sharing of certain services between the power plant and the Company’s smelter at Ilo. Under this agreement, the Company’s cost of power has increased somewhat from its 1996 level, while the Company has benefited by avoiding significant capital expenditures required to meet the needs of the expanded operations.

 

SPCC has water concessions for well fields at Huaitire and Titijones and surface water rights from the Suches Lake, which are sufficient to supply the needs of its two operating units, Toquepala and Cuajone.  At Ilo, the Company has desalinization plants that produce water for industrial and domestic use.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

 

Capital expenditures in connection with environmental projects were approximately $2.5 million in 2002, $8.9 million in 2001 and $5.6 million in 2000.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”, - Environmental Matters”, which is herein incorporated by reference.

 

CONCESSIONS

 

The Company has concessions from the Peruvian government for its exploration, exploitation, extraction and/or production operations (collectively, the “Concessions”).  The Concessions are in full force and effect under applicable Peruvian laws, and the Company believes it is in compliance with all material terms and requirements applicable to the Concessions.  The Concessions have indefinite terms, subject to payment by SPCC of concession fees of up to $3 per hectare annually for the mining concessions and a fee based on nominal capacity for the processing concessions. Fees paid during 2002 were approximately $1.0 million.

 

REPUBLIC OF PERU

 

Substantially all of the Company’s revenues are derived from the Toquepala mine, the Cuajone mine, the SX/EW facility and the smelter and refinery at Ilo, all of which are located within a 48-kilometer radius in the southern part of Peru.  Risks attendant to the Company’s operations in Peru include those associated with economic and political conditions, effects of currency fluctuations and inflation, effects of government regulations and the geographic concentration of the Company’s operations.

 

A5



 

INTERNET ADDRESS

 

The Company’s Internet address is www.southernperu.com.  The Company’s 2001 annual report on Form 10-K, both in Spanish and English, has been available on the Company’s website since July 2002.  Commencing with the Form 8-K dated March 14, 2003, the Company will make available free of charge on www.southernperu.com its annual, quarterly and current reports, as soon as reasonably practical after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  However, the information found on the Company’s website is not part of this or any other report.  Since November 15, 2002, when the SEC rule became effective, the Company did not post on its website its third quarter report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2002.  The Company will voluntarily provide electronic or paper copies of this filing free of charge upon request.

 

A6



 

Item 2.    Properties

 

FACILITIES

 

The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 2575 East Camelback Road, Suite 500, Phoenix, AZ, 85016 and at Avenida Caminos del Inca No. 171, Chacarilla del Estanque, Santiago de Surco, Lima 33, Peru.  At December 31, 2002, the Company, through its Peruvian Branch, has 100% interest in the Toquepala and Cuajone mines, the SX/EW facility, the Ilo smelter, the sulfuric acid plant and the Ilo refinery and operates them pursuant to concessions from the Peruvian Government.  See Item 1 “Business—Concessions”.  The Company owns, through the Branch, its offices in Lima. Its offices in Phoenix are located in space leased to it by ASARCO. The Company believes that its existing properties are in good condition and suitable for the conduct of its business.

 

The offices and the Company’s major facilities, together with production commencement dates, are listed below:

 

PERU

 

UNITED STATES

 

 

 

Toquepala Mine — southern Peru (1960)

 

Executive Offices — Phoenix, AZ

Cuajone Mine — southern Peru (1976)

 

 

SX/EW Facility — southern Peru (1995)

 

 

Ilo Smelter —  Ilo, Peru (1960)

 

 

Ilo Refinery — Ilo, Peru (1994-SPCC)

 

 

Acid Plant — Ilo, Peru (1995)

 

 

Executive Offices — Lima, Peru

 

 

 

The Company also owns and operates a railroad connecting the mines at Cuajone and Toquepala with the smelting and refining facilities and a port at Ilo, which are located approximately 196 rail kilometers from the two mine sites, which are at elevations ranging from 3,220 to 3,330 meters.  In addition, the Company provides housing, hospitals and schools for employees and their families.

 

A7



 

METAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper Production

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINES (contained copper in thousands of pounds)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toquepala

 

276,513

 

270,619

 

232,886

 

Cuajone

 

370,834

 

363,951

 

394,548

 

SX/EW

 

116,524

 

119,993

 

123,602

 

Total Mines

 

763,871

 

754,563

 

751,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SMELTER (contained copper in thousands of pounds)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPCC concentrates

 

632,910

 

636,844

 

606,965

 

Purchased concentrates

 

64,836

 

86,800

 

45,267

 

Total Smelter

 

697,746

 

723,644

 

652,232

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REFINERIES (thousands of pounds of copper)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ilo

 

620,974

 

611,254

 

583,658

 

SX/EW

 

116,524

 

119,993

 

123,602

 

Total Refineries

 

737,498

 

731,247

 

707,260

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COPPER SALES (thousands of pounds)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Refined

 

621,197

 

612,138

 

582,724

 

In blister

 

68,619

 

84,302

 

57,775

 

Concentrates

 

 

 

17,083

 

SX/EW

 

115,826

 

120,688

 

123,258

 

Total sales of copper

 

805,642

 

817,128

 

780,840

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LME average price (cents per pound)

 

71

 

72

 

82

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMEX average price (cents per pound)

 

72

 

73

 

84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Molybdenum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(thousands of pounds contained in concentrate)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toquepala

 

9,292

 

9,035

 

8,243

 

Cuajone

 

9,048

 

9,377

 

7,639

 

Total produced

 

18,340

 

18,412

 

15,882

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales of molybdenum
in concentrate

 

18,178

 

18,511

 

16,043

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metals Week Dealer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oxide mean price ($/lb.)

 

$

3.77

 

$

2.36

 

$

2.55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver (thousands of ounces)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SMELTER (in blister)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ilo – SPCC Concentrates

 

3,710

 

3,829

 

4,188

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REFINERY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ilo

 

3,660

 

3,452

 

3,343

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALES OF SILVER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Refined

 

3,645

 

3,498

 

3,454

 

In blister

 

389

 

453

 

411

 

In concentrates

 

 

 

110

 

Total sales of silver

 

4,034

 

3,951

 

3,975

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMEX average price ($/oz.)

 

$

4.60

 

$

4.36

 

$

4.97

 

 

A8



 

COPPER RESERVES

 

 

 

 

 

Mineral
Reserves
(000s Tons)
12/31/02

 

Average
Copper
Content
(%)
12/31/02

 

Metal Production
Contained Metal
(000s Pounds)

 

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toquepala

 

Sulfide

 

640,853

 

0.74

 

276,500

 

270,600

 

232,900

 

 

 

Leachable

 

1,732,229

 

0.19

 

105,100

 

111,480

 

112,941

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cuajone

 

Sulfide

 

1,153,018

 

0.64

 

370,800

 

364,000

 

394,500

 

 

 

Leachable

 

59,732

 

0.42

 

11,424

 

8,513

 

10,661

 

 

The Company has ongoing exploration programs in Peru.

 

The Company calculates its ore reserves by methods generally applied within the mining industry and in accordance with the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  All mineral reserves are estimated quantities of proven and probable ore that under present and anticipated conditions may be economically mined and processed by the extraction of their mineral content.

 

The following ore production information is provided:

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

Ore
Milled
(000s
Tons)

 

Average
Mill
Recovery
Rate (%)

 

Ore
Milled
(000s
Tons)

 

Average
Mill
Recovery
Rate (%)

 

Ore
Milled
(000s
Tons)

 

Average
Mill
Recovery
Rate (%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toquepala

 

17,595

 

90.81

 

17,130

 

89.68

%

16,276

 

85.93

%

Cuajone

 

29,756

 

81.19

 

30,221

 

81.41

%

30,475

 

79.75

%

 

A9



 

The following productive capacity is provided:

 

 

 

Defined Capacity (a)

 

Ilo Smelter

 

290,300 Tons

 

Ilo Refinery

 

245,000 Tons

 

Toquepala – SX/EW

 

56,250 Tons

 

 


(a)                                  SPCC’s estimate of actual capacity under normal operating conditions with allowance for normal downtime for repairs and maintenance and based on the average metal content of input material for the three years shown.  No adjustment is made for shutdowns or production curtailments due to strikes or air quality emissions restraints.

 

A10



 

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

 

Reference is made to the information under the caption “Litigation” in Financial Statement Footnote 19 “Commitments and Contingencies” on page A54.  This information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

None.

 

A11



 

Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

Set forth below are the executive officers of the Company, their ages as of February 6, 2003, and their positions.

 

Name

 

Age

 

Position

Germán Larrea Mota-Velasco

 

49

 

Chairman of the Board, CEO and Director

Oscar González Rocha

 

64

 

President and General Director

Daniel Tellechea Salido

 

57

 

Vice President, Finance

Remigio Martínez Muller

 

59

 

Vice President, Exploration

Douglas E. McAllister

 

53

 

General Counsel

Vidal Muhech Dip

 

62

 

Vice President, Projects

Armando Ortega Gomez

 

42

 

Secretary and Vice President, Legal

Mario Vinageras Barroso

 

47

 

Vice President, Commercial

Hector García de Quevedo Topete

 

52

 

Treasurer

Ernesto Durán Trinidad

 

49

 

Comptroller

 

Germán Larrea Mota-Velasco, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of SPCC since December 1999 and Director since November 1999.  Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Mexico(holding) since 1994; Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Minero Mexico (mining division) since 1994, and of Grupo Ferroviario Mexicano (railroad division), since 1997.  Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Empresarios Industriales de Mexico since 1992.  Previously Executive Vice Chairman of Grupo Mexico and member of the Board of Directors since 1981. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ASARCO Incorporated from November 1999 to present, and its President from November 1999 to January 2000.

 

Oscar González Rocha, President, General Director and Chief Operating Officer of SPCC since December 1999 and Director since November 1999.  Managing Director for Mexicana de Cobre, S.A. de C.V.  from 1986 to 1999 and of Mexicana de Cananea, S.A. de C.V.  from 1990 to 1999.  Alternate Director of Grupo Mexico from 1988  until April 2002.  Director of ASARCO Incorporated from November 1999 to present.

 

Daniel Tellechea Salido, Vice President, Finance of SPCC since December 1999 and Director since November 1999. Managing Director for Administration and Finance of Grupo Mexico since 1994 and an Alternate Director from 1998 until April 2002.  Director of Grupo Mexico since April 2002.  Managing Director of Mexicana de Cobre, S.A. de C.V. from 1986 to 1993 and Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ASARCO Incorporated from February 15, 2001 to present.  Previously he was a Director and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ASARCO Incorporated from November 1999 until February 14, 2001.

 

Remigio Martínez Muller, Vice President, Exploration since April 25, 2002.  He has been Corporate Director of Exploration of Grupo Mexico since 2002.  From 1990 to 2001 he was Associate Director of Exploration of Mexicana de Cobre S.A. de C.V.  Mr. Martínez has held several managerial positions within Grupo Mexico and its predecessor Asarco Mexicana, including the position of Mine Geologist, Chief of Projects, Chief of Geology of Mines and Manager of Explorations.

 

Douglas E. McAllister, General Counsel of the Company since July 25, 2001.  He is Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of ASARCO Incorporated since February 15, 2001 and was its Vice President of Government and Public Affairs from April 1999 to February 15, 2001.  Mr. McAllister was Director, Government and Public Affairs of ASARCO Incorporated from December 1996 to March 1999.

 

Vidal Muhech Dip, Vice President, Projects of the Company since April 25, 2002.  He

 

A12



 

has been Corporate Director of Engineering and Construction of Grupo Mexico since April 1995.  Previously, he was Director of Engineering and Construction of Industrial Minera Mexico S.A. de C.V. from 1985 to 1995.

 

Armando Ortega Gomez.  Mr. Ortega has been Vice President-Legal and Secretary of the Company since April 25, 2002 and a Director since August 2002.  Previously, he was Assistant Secretary of the Company from July 25, 2001 to April 25, 2002.  He has been General Counsel of Grupo Mexico since May 2001.  He is also an Assistant Secretary of Grupo Mexico and Asarco.  Previously he headed the Unit on International Trade Practices of the Ministry of Economy of Mexico with the rank of Deputy Vice Minister from 1997 to May 2001, and was negotiator for international matters for said Ministry from 1989 to May 2001.

 

Mario Vinageras Barroso, Vice President, Commercial of the Company since April 25, 2002.  He has been Commercial Director of Grupo Mexico (currently Industrial Minera México S.A. de C.V.) since September 1994 and Corporate Director of Sales of Grupo Mexico since June 1, 2000.

 

Héctor García de Quevedo Topete, Treasurer of SPCC and Director since May 9, 2000.  He has also been Managing Director of Special Matters for Grupo Mexico, S.A. de C.V. since 1999.  Director of Grupo Mexico since April 2002.  He was Advisor to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Mexico from 1994 to 1998.

 

Ernesto Durán Trinidad, Comptroller.  Comptroller of Grupo Mexico, S.A. de C.V. from 1994 to date.  Comptroller of Mexicana de Cobre, S.A. de C.V. from 1983 to 1993.

 

A13



 

PART II

 

Item 5.    Market For Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

At December 31, 2002, there were 2,816 holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock.  SPCC’s Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and the Lima Stock Exchange (“BVL”).  The SPCC Common Stock symbol is PCU on the NYSE and PCUC1 on the BVL.

 

The table below sets forth the cash dividends paid per share of capital stock and the high and low stock prices on both the NYSE, and the BVL for the periods indicated.

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

Quarters

 

1st

 

2nd

 

3rd

 

4th

 

Year

 

1st

 

2nd

 

3rd

 

4th

 

Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend per Share

 

$

0.0738

 

$

0.0400

 

$

0.1560

 

$

0.0890

 

$

0.3588

 

$

0.143

 

$

0.098

 

$

0.0466

 

$

0.0723

 

$

0.3599

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock market price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NYSE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High

 

$

13.20

 

$

15.54

 

$

15.08

 

$

14.60

 

$

15.54

 

$

15.10

 

$

14.70

 

$

12.06

 

$

11.97

 

$

15.10

 

Low

 

$

10.82

 

$

13.10

 

$

12.85

 

$

13.25

 

$

10.82

 

$

12.44

 

$

12.35

 

$

9.30

 

$

8.42

 

$

8.42

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BVL:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High

 

$

12.90

 

$

15.35

 

$

15.00

 

$

14.50

 

$

15.35

 

$

15.00

 

$

14.56

 

$

13.35

 

$

11.80

 

$

15.00

 

Low

 

$

10.81

 

$

13.00

 

$

12.96

 

$

13.70

 

$

10.81

 

$

12.75

 

$

13.35

 

$

9.40

 

$

8.45

 

$

8.45

 

 

On January 30, 2003, a dividend of $0.0920 per share, totaling $7.4 million was declared payable March 11, 2003. The Company’s dividend policy continues to be reviewed at Board of Directors’ meetings, taking into consideration the current intensive capital investment program and expected future cash flow generated from operations.

 

For a description of limitations on the ability of the Company to make dividend distributions, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk -Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information at December 31, 2002:

 

Plan Category

 

Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options

 

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options

 

Number of
securities
remaining available
for future issuance

 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

Stock incentive plan

 

145,800

 

$

15.47

 

645,060

 

Directors’ stock award plan

 

N/A

 

  N/A

 

76,800

 

 

For further information on the Company’s equity compensation plans see “Note 16 – Stockholders’ Equity” to the Company’s financial statements included in Item 8.

 

A14



 

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

 

FIVE–YEAR SELECTED FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL DATA

The selected historical financial data presented below as of and for the five years ended December 31 2002, are derived from our consolidated financial statements, which have been audited by Deloitte & Touche (year 2002), Arthur Andersen LLP (years 2001 and 2000) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (years 1999 and 1998), independent public accountants.  The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

 

(in millions, except per share and employee data)

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

1999

 

1998

 

Consolidated Statement of Earnings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

665

 

$

658

 

$

711

 

$

585

 

$

628

 

Operating costs and expenses (1)

 

546

 

569

 

561

 

539

 

558

 

Operating income

 

119

 

89

 

150

 

46

 

70

 

Minority interest of investment shares

 

1

 

1

 

2

 

 

 

Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt

 

9

 

2

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

61

 

$

47

 

$

93

 

$

29

 

$

55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per Share Amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings – basic and diluted

 

$

0.76

 

$

0.58

 

$

1.16

 

$

0.37

 

$

0.68

 

Dividends paid

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.34

 

$

0.15

 

$

0.51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

1,752

 

$

1,823

 

$

1,771

 

$

1,545

 

$

1,526

 

Cash and marketable securities

 

148

 

213

 

149

 

11

 

198

 

Total debt

 

299

 

396

 

347

 

223

 

234

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

1,241

 

1,209

 

1,192

 

1,126

 

1,109

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash provided from operating activities

 

$

142

 

$

151

 

$

161

 

$

63

 

$

151

 

Dividends paid

 

21

 

29

 

27

 

12

 

41

 

Capital expenditures

 

77

 

114

 

109

 

223

 

223

 

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

68

 

76

 

77

 

74

 

61

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares outstanding

 

14.1

 

14.1

 

14.1

 

14.1

 

13.9

 

NYSE Price

– high

 

$

15.54

 

$

15.10

 

$

16 7/16

 

$

18-1/16

 

$

16-11/16

 

 

– low

 

$

10.82

 

$

8.42

 

$

11.00

 

$

8-7/16

 

$

8-3/4

 

Class A common shares outstanding

 

65.9

 

65.9

 

65.9

 

65.9

 

65.9

 

Book value per share

 

$

15.71

 

$

15.12

 

$

14.90

 

$

14.07

 

$

13.88

 

P/E ratio

 

20.67

 

26.07

 

12.84

 

38.03

 

13.88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets to current liabilities

 

3.1

 

1.9

 

3.3

 

2.4

 

4.2

 

Debt as% of capitalization

 

19.3

%

24.5

%

22.4

%

16.3

%

17.2

%

Employees (at year end)

 

3,575

 

3,726

 

3,682

 

3,844

 

4,557

 

 

Notes to five year selected financial and statistical data


(1)               Includes provision for workers’ participation of $8.9 million, $5.9 million, $12.1 million, $3.4 million, and $10.6 million in the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

 

A15



 

Item 7 and 7.A – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

OVERVIEW

 

The Company’s business is affected by the factors outlined below which should be considered in reviewing the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods described herein.

 

Inflation and Devaluation of the Peruvian New Sol: The functional currency of the Company is the US dollar.  A portion of the Company’s operating costs are denominated in Peruvian new soles. Since the revenues of the Company are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, when inflation in Peru is not offset by a corresponding devaluation of the new sol, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company could be adversely affected.  The value of the net assets of the Company denominated in new soles can be affected by devaluation of the new sol.  The recent inflation and devaluation rates are as follows:

 

Years ended December 31,

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peruvian Inflation/(Deflation) Rate

 

1.5

%

(0.1

)%

3.7

%

New Sol/Dollar (Revaluation)Devaluation Rate

 

2.0

%

(2.3

)%

0.5

%

 

Peruvian Branch: The consolidated financial statements included herein are prepared in U.S. dollars and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). The Peruvian Branch consists of substantially all the assets and liabilities of Southern Peru associated with its copper operations in the Republic of Peru. The Branch is registered with the Peruvian Government as a branch of a foreign mining company. The results of the Branch are consolidated in the financial statements of the Company.

 

For Peruvian reporting purposes, the Branch maintains its books of account in new soles and prepares financial information in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Peru (“Peruvian GAAP”). Peruvian GAAP requires the inclusion in the financial statements of the Branch of the Resultado por Exposición a la Inflación (Result of Exposure to Inflation), which seeks to account for the effects of inflation by adjusting the value of non-monetary assets and liabilities and equity by a factor corresponding to wholesale price inflation rates during the period covered by the financial statements. Monetary assets and liabilities are not so adjusted.

 

Expansion and Modernization Program:  The Toquepala concentrator expansion and modernization project was completed in September 2002 at a cost of $66.3 million compared to an approved budget of $69.5 million.  The project has increased the concentrator’s mineral processing capacity from 45,000 tons per day to 60,000 tons per day, thereby increasing annual production of concentrate by approximately 150,000 tons.  The increased concentrate output now gives SPCC the ability to fill the Ilo smelter without purchasing costly third party material.

 

The Cuajone leaching facility expansion project was completed in April 2002 at a cost of $8.2 million compared to an approved budget of $12.0 million.  The project increased the capacity for soluble copper from 13.5 tons per day to 18 tons per day.  Production in 2002 was 5,182 tons of copper compared with 3,861 tons of copper in 2001.

 

In 2002, the Company’s improvement project at the Ilo lime and coquina plant was completed at a cost of $8.6 million out of an approved budget of $9.0 million.  Lime production capacity was increased from 182 tons per day to 227 tons per day and environmental requirements of the Environmental Compliance and Management Program known as PAMA (see explanation of PAMA under Environmental Matters on Page A27) for these facilities were satisfied.

 

A16



 

In 2002, the Company completed a feasibility study to expand production capacity at the Ilo refinery to 360,000 tons per year, an increase of 80,000 tons per year over current capacity.  The study’s results were favorable and will be considered along with the Ilo smelter expansion.

 

Feasibility studies to utilize crusher, conveyor-belts and spreader technology in Toquepala mine dumps concluded in December 2002 with a favorable recommendation.  The main purpose is to replace the truck haulage of leachable ore  with a crushed ore transport system using conveyor belts up to the dumps where the ore will be placed with spreaders to prepare the dumps for the leaching process.  Significant savings of mine operating cost are expected.  In January 30, 2003, the Board of Directors approved the project with the engineering stage to begin immediately.  The estimated investment for this project is $69.7 million, with a 24 month estimated time to complete.

 

A new project for the construction of auxiliary dams at Quebrada Honda is in process.  It includes the construction of three auxiliary dams which will prevent decanted water of the Quebrada Honda embankment reservoir from entering the Quebrada Santallana; these dams will also serve as initial dams in case SPCC decides to increase the embankment volume of the Quebrada Honda dam.

 

Research studies for tailings disposal at Toquepala and Cuajone are in progress, the objective of these studies is to decrease operating costs with thickened tailings technology and to recover water used in the process. The recovery and reuse of water will  improve production costs and conserve scarce  resources. Previous studies at laboratory level have been completed; and a bidding for the second stage, at a pilot plant level is in process.  At December 2002,  $0.4 million have been spent out of an approved budget of $2.1 million.

 

The Company's PAMA, approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines ("MEM") in 1997, provided that the smelter would be modernized in a two-phase project; the first phase to be completed by the end of 2003 and the second and final phase by January 2007.  In January 2002 the MEM approved the modified one-phase project to be initiated by the fourth quarter of 2002 and completed by December 2004.  Given current economic, political and market conditions, in November 2002, the Company submitted a new request to MEM to reschedule the smelter modernization timetable and to start the project by the end of 2003, with completion no later than 2007.  On February 28, 2003, MEM communicated its rejection to the Company's request to reschedule the smelter modernization timetable, stating that once the Company has taken effective action to implement the project and can demonstrate the commencement of the same, SPCC would have the right to apply for the rescheduling of the smelter modernization timetable.

 

Also, in March 2003, in a separate regular biannual environmental review process of SPCC's mining activities, MEM issued a notice to the Company demanding compliance with the commitments established in the PAMA within the next 90 days.  MEM's notice orders the Company to commence the modernization project and to satisfy the investment requirements of the PAMA of $77.4 million within such 90-day period.  According to applicable law, if SPCC is not in full compliance with the MEM notice, the Company will be subject to a first fine that could amount to approximately $20,000.  Subsequent fines (subject to a 90-day periods) would be based on the shortfall of actual expenditures against expenditures committed under the PAMA, as modified.  The Company does not believe the amount of fines paid will be material to its financial position, results of operations or cash flows in future periods.  The Company is confident that it will be able to resolve these issues with MEM and has given MEM assurances that it intends to comply fully with its commitments under PAMA.  MEM has announced that the closure of the smelter is unlikely.

 

The Company has received proposals from three international construction/engineering entities (two additional proposals are pending and expected to be received by May 2003) and is evaluating these proposals while continuing discussions regarding incentives with the government.  While the Company is in the evaluation stage $63 million has been invested in this project through 2002.

 

The construction of the project is expected to require to 36 months and to be completed by January 2007, the original deadline imposed by PAMA.  The cost of the project was previously estimated to exceed $600 million, but has not been finalized pending the evaluation of the new proposals.

 

Metal Price Sensitivity: There is market risk arising from the volatility of copper prices.  Assuming that expected metal production and sales are achieved, that tax rates are unchanged, that the number of shares outstanding is unchanged, and giving no effect to hedging programs or changes in the past production, metal price sensitivity factors would indicate the following estimated change in earnings per share resulting from metal price changes in 2002. Estimates are based on 80.0 million shares outstanding.

 

A17



 

 

 

Copper

 

Silver

 

Molybdenum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in Metal Price

 

$

0.01

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

Annual Change in Earnings per Share

 

$

0.06

 

$

0.03

 

$

0.14

 

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

The Company has discussed the following critical accounting policies with its audit committee.

 

Southern Peru Copper Corporation’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations, as well as quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risks, are based upon its consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP.  Preparation of these financial statements requires Southern Peru’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses, for the reported period.  The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to revenue recognition; ore reserves; capitalized mine stripping and related estimated mine stripping ratios; the estimated useful lives of fixed assets and litigation and contingencies.  The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

Revenue Recognition:  Substantially all of the Company’s copper is sold under annual contracts.  Revenues derived from product sales are recognized upon the transfer of title of the inventories to customers, which coincides with the shipment of products to customers in satisfaction of orders.  The Company believes that allowances for doubtful accounts on product sales is not required as losses from uncollectable accounts receivable from customers have historically been insignificant and the Company believes all of its customers have the ability and intent to pay such amounts.

 

For certain of the Company’s sales of copper and molybdenum products, customers are given the option to select a monthly average LME or COMEX price (as is the case for sales of copper products) or the monthly average proprietary market price estimate of Platt’s Metals Week (as is the case for sales of molybdenum products), ranging between one and three months subsequent to the shipment.  In such cases, revenue is recorded at a provisional price at the time of the shipment, based on LME or COMEX spot prices for copper sales, and the industry trade publication’s proprietary market price estimate for molybdenum.  The provisionally priced sales are adjusted to reflect spot prices at the end of each month until a final adjustment is made to the price of the shipments upon settlement with our customers pursuant to the terms of the contract.

 

These provisional pricing arrangements are accounted for as an embedded derivative instrument under SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FASB 133”) as amended.  As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, the years in which the Company accounted for such embedded derivatives in accordance with the provisions of FASB 133, the estimated fair values of these embedded derivative instruments, which corresponds to the month-end provisional pricing adjustments noted above, amounted to ($0.6)million and $(0.3) million, respectively, and are included in accounts receivable on the balance sheets.  The effect of applying this method of accounting to provisionally priced sales for the year ended December 31, 2000, would not have a material effect on net earnings for that year.

 

Ore Reserves:  Southern Peru periodically reevaluates estimates of its ore reserves, which represent the Company’s estimate as to the amount of unmined copper remaining in its existing mine locations that can be produced and sold at a profit.  Such estimates are based on engineering evaluations derived from samples of drill holes and other openings, combined with assumptions about copper market prices and production costs.  The Company’s current ore reserve estimates utilize a 90 cent per pound copper price assumption and actual production cost data as of the most recent reserves declarations, which were made in 1998 for the Cuajone mine and in 1999 for the Toquepala mine.  The

 

A18



 

Company believes that the copper price assumption it uses is consistent with average historical prices over recent full economic and pricing cycles.

 

The reserves estimates have been adjusted for actual production since the most recent reserve declarations.  Many companies declare their ore reserves on an annual basis.  The Company believes that ore reserves determined by its method closely approximates the ore reserve quantities if they were determined as of December 31, 2002.

 

Southern Peru uses its ore reserve estimates in determining the amount of mine stripping capitalized, units of production amortization of capitalized mine stripping and depletion of mineral land.  As noted above, the Company utilized a 90 cent price assumption in determining its ore reserves.  We believe this price reflects a valid price assumption over the remaining lives of our mines, which are 31 years and 37 years for the Toquepala and Cuajone mines, respectively.  The 90 cent price assumption also approximates the average price of copper over the last ten years (the actual ten year average price of copper according to COMEX is 90.7 cents).  We understand that the SEC has recently stated publicly that in calculating ore reserves, companies should use no more than a three-year historical average price.  As of December 31, 2002, the three-year average price per pound of copper was 76 cents.  If the Company were to have used a price assumption consistent with the average price of copper for the three immediately preceding years in its calculation of ore reserves as of January 1, 2002, reported net capitalized mine stripping and net property, which are non-current assets on the Company’s balance sheet, would have been reduced by $0.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2002; and on the Company’s statement of earnings, reported depreciation, amortization and depletion would have been increased by $1.2 million, and operating income would have been decreased by $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2002.  If ore reserves are reduced due to the use of a lower copper price assumption, the Company’s mined ore grades will improve and tonnages moved will be reduced, consequently the long-term production cost outlook will be improved. The Company believes its long-term copper price of 90 cents is reasonable and is appropriate for use in managing its operations.  However, the Company will implement the SEC’s directive as of January 1, 2003.

 

Mine Stripping Ratios:  In carrying out its mining operations, the Company is required to remove waste materials to access mineral deposits.  Because the concentration of mineral deposits is not evenly distributed throughout the mines; there are periods during the life of the mine where the Company mines more (or better quality) reserves as compared to waste removed, and periods during which the Company mines less (or lower quality) reserves as compared to waste removed.

 

For each of its existing mines in the production stage, the Company’s mine engineers have calculated a life-of-mine stripping ratio which represents the Company’s estimate of the total amount of waste to be incurred divided by the estimated total proven and probable reserves at each mine.  The mine stripping ratios are used to determine the amount of mine production costs to be charged against earnings.  In periods when the actual ratio of waste to mineral ore extracted exceeds the life-of-mine stripping ratios, the Company capitalizes production costs associated with mining operations in proportion to the excess waste mined.  Such capitalized costs are included in net capitalized mine stripping, and are amortized using the units of production method.  Copper resources contained in piles of leachable materials that have been extracted from the mines are not included in the determination of units of production amortization.  Conversely, in periods when the actual ratio of waste to mineral ore mined is less than the life-of-mine stripping ratios, the Company reduces the net capitalized mine stripping asset proportionally with a charge to amortization expense.  During periods the Company is stripping at the higher rates, increased mining costs associated with the higher tonnages are incurred.  Costs of this nature are necessary in a mining operation to insure the availability of mineable ore in future periods.

 

The Company understands that the SEC is currently evaluating methods for accounting for mine stripping costs.  In addition, the Company is aware that in recent public comments, the SEC has expressed unfavorable views towards the Company’s method of accounting for mine stripping costs.  However, the Company believes that its method of accounting for mine stripping costs, which effectively results in the smoothing of

 

A19



 

production costs over the lives of its mines, accurately reflects the results and operations of its mining operations and also facilitates improved matching of revenues and related expenses.

 

During 2002, 2001 and 2000, the Company’s stripping ratio was higher than the life-of-mine stripping ratio for both the Toquepala and Cuajone mines; which resulted in the capitalization of mine costs associated with the additional waste mined.  If the Company were to have expensed all production costs associated with its mining operations as incurred, net operating costs expenses would have increased by $43.3 million, $42.8 million and $20.8 million, for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

 

Estimated life-of-mine stripping ratios for each of the Company’s mines for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, were as follows:

 

 

 

Life-of-Mine Stripping Ratio

 

 

 

Toquepala

 

Cuajone

 

2002

 

3.01

 

1.31

 

2001

 

3.06

 

1.34

 

2000

 

3.08

 

1.36

 

 

The life of mine stripping ratio for both mines decreased for the years 2001 and 2002 as the Company’s actual waste stripping for the years 2000 and 2001 were in excess of the beginning of the periods’ life of mine stripping ratios, thereby reducing the stripping ratios for the ensuing periods.  This excess stripping of waste was in line with the Company’s mine plan.

 

Estimated Useful Lives of Assets:  Estimated useful lives of the Company’s fixed assets are based on periodic evaluation by the Company’s management and engineers.  Changes in such estimates could significantly affect, among other things, the Company’s operating costs and net income.  During the first quarter of 2002, the Company changed the estimated useful lives of certain machinery and equipment to reflect additional information as to historical experience.  This change was accounted for prospectively and resulted in a reduction to depreciation expense of approximately $12.7 million in 2002.

 

Litigation and Contingencies:  The Company is currently involved in certain legal and tax proceedings.  As discussed in Note 19 and Note 5 of our consolidated financial statements, as of December 31, 2002, we have accrued our estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of these claims.  This estimate has been developed in consulting legal and tax counsel handling our defense in these matters and is based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies.  We do not believe these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position.  It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions of the effectiveness of our strategies, related to these proceedings, or when they are resolved in future periods.

 

A20



 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED

DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000

 

SPCC reported 2002 net earnings of $60.6 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.76, compared with net earnings of $46.6 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.58 in 2001 and net earnings of $92.9 million, or diluted earnings per share of $1.16 in 2000. This represents a 30.0% increase in net earnings in 2002 over the prior year.

 

The increase in net earning in 2002 compared with 2001 is due to the increase in metal prices for molybdenum and silver, the more important by-products of the Company, despite a slight decrease in copper prices and volume. In addition, cost cutting programs, such as the retirement in force program, reduced administrative and production costs in 2002.  Operating break-even cost was reduced by 3.7 cents per pound to 45.6 cents per pound in 2002 from 49.3 cents per pound in 2001. This reduction represents a 7.5% improvement over 2001.

 

In addition, depreciation, amortization and depletion expense decreased $8.4 million in 2002, principally as a result of a change made in 2002 to the estimated useful lives of certain fixed assets of the Company.  Interest expense decreased $25.9 million in 2002 as a significant amount of Company debt was prepaid in early 2002.  Interest income also decreased as investable cash was utilized in the debt prepayment.  The decrease in interest income in 2002 as compared to 2001 was $14.1 million.

 

The decrease in net earnings in 2001 compared with 2000 is primarily a result of lower copper prices, despite higher production and reduced costs.  The average price of copper in 2001 on the London Metal Exchange decreased by 10 cents per pound from 82 cents in 2000 to 72 cents per pound in 2001, and COMEX copper prices decreased by 11 cents per pound from 84 cents in 2000 to 73 cents per pound in 2001.

 

Net Sales: Net sales in 2002 were $664.6 million, compared with $657.5 million in 2001, an  increase in 2002 of $ 7.1 million.  The increase is principally due to higher molybdenum prices in 2002, which increased net sales by approximately $25 million, reduced by lower copper prices and a 11.5 million reduction in pounds of copper sold, in part due to a strike in the fourth quarter of 2002 which reduced copper production by 5 million pounds.

 

Net sales in 2001 were $657.5 million, compared with $711.1 million in 2000.  Sales decreased in 2001 by $53.6 million, largely as a result of lower copper prices, which could not be offset by higher sales volumes.  Copper sales volumes were 36.3 million pounds higher in 2001 compared with 2000.

 

At December 31, 2002, there were 5.3 million pounds of copper sales recorded at a provisional price of 71 cents per pound. Also the Company has recorded 0.5 million pounds of molybdenum sales at a provisional price of $3.20 per pound.

 

Prices: Sales prices for the Company’s metals are established principally by reference to prices quoted on the London Metal Exchange (“LME”), the New York Commodity Exchange (“COMEX”) or published in Platt’s Metals Week for dealer oxide mean prices for molybdenum products.

 

Price/Volume Data

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Metal Prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper (per pound – LME)

 

$

0.71

 

$

0.72

 

$

0.82

 

Copper (per pound – COMEX)

 

0.72

 

0.73

 

0.84

 

Molybdenum (per pound)

 

3.77

 

2.36

 

2.55

 

Silver (per ounce – COMEX)

 

4.60

 

4.36

 

4.97

 

 

A21



 

Sales Volume (in thousands)

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

Copper (pounds)

 

805,642

 

817,128

 

780,840

 

Molybdenum (pounds)(1)

 

18,178

 

18,511

 

16,043

 

Silver (ounces)

 

4,034

 

3,951

 

3,975

 

 


(1)               The Company’s molybdenum production is sold in concentrate form. Volume represents pounds of molybdenum contained in concentrates.

 

Financial Instruments

 

Hedging Activities:  From time to time, the Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market risk from changes in commodity prices.  Derivative instruments which are designated as hedges must be deemed “highly” effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged and must be designated as a hedge at the inception of the contract.  Any ineffectiveness of the hedge is reported in current earnings.

 

Copper: Depending on market fundamentals and other conditions, the Company may purchase put options to reduce or eliminate the risk of price declines below the option strike price on a portion of its anticipated future sales. Put options purchased by the Company establish a minimum sales price for the production covered by such put options and permit the Company to participate in price increases above the option price.  Options are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in current earnings. Depending upon market conditions, the Company may either sell options it holds or exercise the options at maturity. Realized gains or losses from the sale or exercise of options, net of unamortized acquisition costs, are recognized in the period in which the underlying production is sold and are reported as a component of the underlying transaction.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 the Company held no copper put options.

 

Fuel swaps: The Company may enter into fuel swap agreements to limit the effect of increases in fuel prices on its production cost.  A fuel swap establishes a fixed price for the quantity of fuel covered by the agreement.  Fuel swaps are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in current earnings.  The difference between the published price for fuel and the price established in the contract for the month covered by the swap is recognized in production costs.

 

For the year 2000 the Company entered into fuel swap arrangements for which production costs would have been $18.8 million higher if this exposure had not been hedged.  The Company held no fuel swap arrangements for the years 2002 and 2001.

 

Foreign currency:  The Company selectively uses foreign currency swaps to limit the effects of exchange rate changes on future cash flow obligations denominated in foreign currencies.  A currency swap establishes a fixed dollar cost for a fixed amount of foreign currency required at a future date.  Foreign currency swaps are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in current earnings.  The difference between the published price for foreign currency and the price established in the contract for the month covered by the swap is recognized as part of the underlying transaction.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company settled currency swap agreements on a portion of its capital costs contracted in Euros for which there was a loss of approximately $2.2 million and $4.8 million, respectively.  The Company held no currency swap agreements for 2002.

 

Provisional pricing arrangements:  For certain of the Company’s sales of copper and molybdenum products, customers are given the option to select a monthly average LME or COMEX price (as is the case for sales of copper products) or the proprietary market price estimate of Platt’s Metals Week (as is the case of molybdenum products), ranging between one and three months subsequent to the shipment.  In such cases, revenue is

 

A22



 

recorded at a provisional price at the time of shipment, based on LME/COMEX spot prices for copper sales, and the Platt’s proprietary market price estimate for molybdenum.  The provisionally priced sales are adjusted to reflect spot prices at the end of each month until a final adjustment is made to the price of the shipments upon settlement with our customers pursuant to the terms of the contract.

 

These provisional pricing arrangements are accounted for as an embedded derivate instrument under SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FASB 133”) as amended.  As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, the years in which the Company accounted for such embedded derivatives in accordance with the provisions of FASB 133, the estimated fair values of these embedded derivative instruments, which correspond to the month end provisional pricing adjustments noted above, are summarized below, and are included in accounts receivable on the balance sheets.  The effects of applying this method of accounting to provisionally priced sales for the year ended December 31, 2002, would not have had a material effect on net earnings for that year.

 

Cost of Sales:  Cost of sales was $442.5 million in 2002, $452.6 million in 2001 and $441.5 million in 2000.  The decrease of $10.2 million in 2002 includes the lower volume of copper processed and sold from purchased concentrates, and the lower cost of Company mined copper as a result of a decrease in volume sold and lower operating costs.

 

The increase of $11.1 million in 2001 was principally due to the higher cost of copper processed and sold from purchased concentrates, and the higher cost of company mined copper as a result of the increase in volume sold and fuel cost.

 

Administrative and Other:  Administrative and other expenses were $27.6 million in 2002, $30.9 million in 2001 and $34.9 million in 2000.  The decrease of $3.3 million in 2002 and $ 4.0 million in 2001 were principally due to lower legal and other professional fees, and other administrative expenses.

 

Other Expenses:  Depreciation, amortization and depletion expense was $67.8 million in 2002, compared with $76.3 million in 2001, and $77.4 million in 2000. The decrease in 2002 was mainly due to a change made to the estimated useful lives of certain fixed assets, this reduced depreciation expense in 2002 by $12.7 million.  This decrease was somewhat offset by an adjustment to fixed assets which resulted in a $3.7 million pre-tax charge to depreciation, such adjustment resulted from an analysis of fixed assets which identified this difference.

 

Extraordinary Loss:  An extraordinary loss of $8.5 million was recorded in 2002.  A penalty of $11.4 million was paid in connection with the prepayment made in February 2002 of the balance of the $150 million Secured Export Notes.  In addition, an unamortized balance of $1.0 million of deferred commissions was expensed in 2002.  These costs are presented as an extraordinary loss on the income statement, net of the related income tax benefit of $3.9 million.

 

The Company decided to incur the penalty in retiring its debt because the penalty offset the present value of the amount of interest that would have been due over the term of the debt.  Further, in retiring the debt, the Company was then permitted to avail itself of potentially more attractive long-term financing in the future.

 

A prepayment penalty of $0.1 million was paid in connection with the prepayment made in December 2001 of the $400 million credit line facility disbursed in March 2001.  The unamortized balance of $3.1 million ($2.2 million net of income tax) of commission fee related to this credit line was expensed as an extraordinary item in 2001.

 

Non-Operating Items: Interest income was $2.8 million in 2002 compared with $16.9 million in 2001 and $3.5 million in 2000. The decrease in 2002 reflects the lower amount of cash invested.  In early 2002, the Company used $121 million of its excess cash to prepay long-term debt.

 

A23



 

Other income was $1.6 million in 2002, compared with $4.8 million in 2001 and  $2.3 million in 2000. Other income in 2002, 2001 and 2000 includes mainly miscellaneous camps, schools and medical services to third parties, and scrap sales.

 

Total interest cost  was $20.0 million in 2002, compared with $47.3 million in 2001 and $26.9 million in 2000. In 2002, 2001 and 2000, the Company capitalized $6.6 million, $8.0 million and $11.0 million of interest, respectively, related to expenditures for the expansion program.  The decrease in 2002 interest expense is due to lower debt levels in 2002 and lower interest rates.  In February 2002 the Company prepaid $121 million of its long-term debt.

 

Taxes on Income: Taxes on income were $40.0 million, $22.1 million and $44.6 million for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, and include $37.5 million, $10.8 million and $43.1 million of Peruvian income taxes, $2.5 million, $11.3 million and $1.5 million for U.S. federal and state taxes for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.  U.S. income taxes are primarily attributable to investment income as well as limitations on use of foreign tax credits in determining the alternative minimum tax.

 

The effective tax rates were 36.4%, 30.9% and 32.0% for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.  The difference in the effective rate between 2002 and 2001, which accounts for an increase in tax expense of approximately $6.0 million, is primarily due to a $3.4 million charge to tax expense recorded during 2002, which was identified as the result of an analysis performed by the Company to reconcile estimated payments of income taxes to current income tax expenses incurred. The remaining $2.6 million increase is attributable primarily to an increase in nondeductible items for Peruvian income tax purposes such as foreign exchange translation effects which result from the translation of the financial statements into Peruvian currency for Peruvian tax reporting purposes.  The difference in the effective rate between 2001 and 2000, which accounts for a decrease in income tax expense of approximately $0.8 million, was due primarily to a decrease in nondeductible items for Peruvian income tax purposes during 2001.

 

The Company obtains income tax credits in Peru for value-added taxes paid in connection with the purchase of capital equipment and other goods and services employed in its operations and records these credits as a prepaid expense. Under current Peruvian law, the Company is entitled to use the credits against its Peruvian income tax liability or to receive a refund.  The carrying value of these Peruvian tax credits approximates their net realizable value.

 

Minority Interest of Investment Shares: Minority interest of investment shares was $0.9 million in 2002, compared with $0.7 million in 2001 and $2.0 million in 2000. The provision for minority interest of investment shares represents an accrual of 0.8%, 1.5% and 1.5% for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, of the Branch’s after-tax earnings. The reduction in the percentage of minority interest of investment shares in 2002 was the result of purchases of investment shares by the Company.  The acquisition of the investment shares has been accounted for as the purchase of a minority interest.  The excess purchase price over the cost of the shares of $2.0 million has been allocated to mineral land.

 

Cash Flows - Operating Activities: Net cash provided from operating activities was $141.6 million in 2002, compared with $151.0 million in 2001 and $160.9  million in 2000. The decrease in 2002 was principally attributable to $22.4 million lower cash provided by operating assets and liabilities, partially offset by increase in earnings of $14.0 million.

 

Cash provided by operating assets and liabilities decreased by $22.4 million in 2002 as compared to 2001.  This decrease was caused by decreases in the cash flow from accounts receivable of $44.7 million and from inventories of $4.7 million.  The decrease was reduced by increased cash flow contributions from accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $13.6 million, prepaid taxes of $12.0 million and other operating assets and liabilities of $1.4 million.  In 2001 the Company collected a pending tax drawback from the Peruvian Government, which enhanced the 2001 cash flow from accounts receivable.

 

A24



 

The decrease in 2001 was primarily attributable to a decrease in earnings of $46.4 million, an increase in capitalized mine stripping costs of $24.8 million and a decrease of $18.3 million of deferred income taxes partially offset by an increase in cash provided from operating assets and liabilities of $79.4 million.

 

Cash Flows - Investing Activities: Net cash used for investing activities was $76.6 million in 2002 compared with $113.5 million in 2001 and $108.5 million in 2000. Capital expenditures in 2002 were $76.9 million, compared with $113.6 million in 2001 and $109.1 million in 2000.

 

Capital expenditures in 2002, 2001 and 2000 reflect the Company’s expansion and modernization program.  Capital expenditures for the years 2001 and 2000 were higher than 2002 and included expenditures of $16.5 million and $32.4 million, respectively, for trucks, shovels and other mine equipment.  In addition, the Company expended $17.4 million in 2001 for the expansion of the Toquepala SX/EW facility.

 

The Company’s planned capital expenditures in 2003 are estimated to be approximately $194 million, which includes expenditures related to the modernization and expansion of the Ilo smelter and the addition and replacement of equipment at Toquepala and Cuajone.

 

Cash Flows - Financing Activities: Financing activities used cash of $131.7 million in 2002 compared with contributions of $28.0 million in 2001 and $88.9 million in 2000. Financing activity in 2002 included debt payments of $122.9 million, including a prepayment of $121 million in the first quarter of 2002, new debt incurred of $25.9 million, escrow funds of $7.2 million returned to the Company, and SPCC paid a penalty of $11.4 million paid in connection with the debt prepayment.  In addition, the Company paid dividends of $21.5 million to common stockholders and $0.3 million to holders of investment shares.  The Company also purchased investment shares for $8.7 million.

 

Financing activity in 2001 included net debt incurred of $48.8 million, dividend payments of $28.8 million, escrow deposits drawdowns of $9.3 million, and purchases of investment shares of $0.9 million.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:

 

Financing: In December 2001, the Company received authorization from the Comisión Nacional Supervisora de Empresas y Valores (“CONASEV”) to increase from $200 million to $750 million the issuance of corporate bonds in the Peruvian market. Under this program, on July 20, 2000, the Company issued bonds for $30 million at a nominal fixed rate of 8.75%.  On December 7, 2000 the Company issued bonds for an additional $20 million at the same rate; in both cases, with a seven-year maturity. On December 20, 2001, the Company sold to investors in Peru bonds for $73.1 million, with maturities ranging from March 2005 to December 2011. The bonds have an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.0% and were issued through SPCC’s Peruvian Branch. On February 27, 2002, the Company sold to investors in Peru bonds for $25.9 million, with maturities ranging from May 2005 to February 2012. The bonds have an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.0% and were issued also through SPCC’s Peruvian Branch. Proceeds from the sale of the bonds will be used to finance a portion of SPCC’s expansion and modernization program. The goal of this new facility is to extend the maturity of SPCC’s current debt obligations and to reduce financing costs.

 

The Peruvian market bond program approved in December 2001 contains financial covenants, including a limitation on the payment of dividends to stockholders of up to 50% of its net income for any fiscal year.

 

In March 1999, the Company concluded a $100 million, 15-year loan agreement with Mitsui and Co., Ltd. The applicable interest for this loan is Japanese LIBO rate plus 1.25%. This facility provides additional committed financing for SPCC’s modernization and expansion program and was fully disbursed as of December 31, 2001.

 

In 1997, the Company entered into a $600 million, seven-year loan facility with a group of international financial institutions. The facility consisted of a $400 million term

 

A25



 

loan and a $200 million revolving credit line.  The interest rate during years four and five of the agreement on any loans outstanding was LIBOR plus 2.00% per annum for term loans and LIBOR plus 2.25% for revolving credit loans.  A commitment fee of 0.5% per annum was payable on the undrawn portion of the facility. The term loan of $400.0 million, which was disbursed in March 2001, was prepaid and cancelled in full on December 17, 2001. A breakage fee of $0.1 million was paid in connection with this prepayment. The unamortized balance of $3.1 million ($2.2 million net of income tax) for the commission fee was expensed as an extraordinary item in 2001.

 

Also, in 1997, the Company privately placed $150 million SENS in the United States and international markets. These notes, which had been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, had an average maturity of seven years, due from May 2000 to May 2007, and were priced at par with a coupon rate of 7.9%. On February 1, 2002 the Company prepaid and cancelled the balance of the $150 million Secured Export Notes. A premium of $11.4 million was paid related to this prepayment, which is being expensed in the first quarter of 2002 as an extraordinary item. In addition, in 1997, the Company sold bonds for $50 million, due June 2004 to investors in Peru. The bonds have a fixed interest rate of 8.25%.

 

At December 31, 2002, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $299 million, compared with $396  million at December 31, 2001.

 

The Mitsui and Co., Ltd. credit agreement is collateralized by pledges of receivables of 31,000 tons of copper per year.  Certain of the agreements require the Company to maintain a minimum stockholders’ equity of $750 million and a specific ratio of debt to equity.  Reduction of Grupo Mexico’s direct or indirect voting interest in the Company to less than a majority would constitute an event of default under one of the financing agreements. The Company was in compliance with the various financing agreements at December 31, 2002. Included in other assets at December 31, 2002 and 2001 are $1.4 million and $8.6 million, respectively, held in escrow accounts as required by the Company’s financing agreements.  The funds were released from escrow as scheduled loan repayments were made.

 

The Company expects that it will meet its cash requirements for 2003 and beyond from internally generated funds, cash on hand, and from additional external financing.

 

At December 31, 2002 the Company’s debt as a percentage of total capitalization (the total of debt, minority interest of investment shares and stockholders equity) was 19.3%  as compared with 24.5% at December 31, 2001. At December 31, 2002, the Company’s cash and marketable securities amounted to $147.5  million compared to $212.9  million at December 31, 2001.

 

Contractual Obligations:  The following table summarizes SPCC’s significant contractual obligations (as defined by Section 13(j) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of December 31, 2002 (in millions):

 

 

 

Payments due by Period

 

 

 

Total

 

2003

 

2004 to
2005

 

2006 to
2007

 

2008 and
Thereafter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

$

299.0

 

$

 

$

83.2

 

$

98.3

 

$

117.5

 

Commitment to purchase energy

 

1,583.4

 

96.5

 

195.4

 

214.4

 

1,077.1

 

Capital purchase obligations

 

577.1

 

55.5

 

320.0

 

201.6

 

 

Total

 

$

2,459.5

 

$

152.0

 

$

598.6

 

$

514.3

 

$

1,194.6

 

 

Please refer to Note 14 of the Company’s financial statements to see a description of the Company’s long-term debt arrangements and credit facilities.

 

The Company has commitments to purchase from two suppliers.  The Company has a twenty-year agreement, signed in 1997 with its principal supplier ENERSUR S.A.  The other agreement covers a three-year period through 2005.  Amounts indicated on the above table are based on power costs in 2002, which are subject to change as energy generation costs change, and the Company’s forecasted power requirements through the life

 

A26



 

of the agreements.  (See also Energy Matters and Water Resources under Item 1, on page A5).

 

Under the Company’s PAMA (See Environmental Matters on pages A27 and A28) SPCC has committed to bring operations to environmental standards established by the government of Peru.  As the Company is still in the process of evaluating proposals and awaiting proposals from two bidders the final budget for this project is not yet available.  Included in the above table is the Company’s tentative estimate of the cost for this project.

 

DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL STOCK

 

The Company paid dividends to stockholders of $28.7 million, including $7.2 million used by the Company to satisfy an overdue receivable, or $0.36 per share in 2002, $28.8 million, or $0.36 per share, in 2001 and $27.2 million, or $0.34 per share, in 2000. Distributions to the investment share minority interest were $0.3 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

 

On January 30, 2003 a dividend of $0.092 per share, totaling $7.4 million, was declared, payable March 11, 2003.  The Company’s dividend policy continues to be reviewed at Board of Directors’ meetings, taking into consideration the current intensive capital investment program, including the smelter modernization, and expected future cash flow generated from operations.

 

At the end of 2002 and 2001, the authorized and outstanding capital stock of the Company consisted of 65,900,833 shares of Class A common stock par value $0.01 per share; and 34,099,167 authorized shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 14,107,587 common shares were outstanding at December 31, 2002 and 14,103,157 shares were outstanding at December 31, 2001.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

 

The Company’s activities are subject to Peruvian laws and regulations.  As part of these regulations, SPCC submitted in 1996 the Environmental Compliance and Management Program (known by its Spanish acronym, PAMA) to the Peruvian Government.  The PAMA applied to all current operations that did not have an approved environmental impact study at the time.

 

The Company’s PAMA, approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines (“MEM”) in 1997, provided that the smelter would be modernized in a two-phase project; the first phase to be completed by the end of 2003 and the second and final phase by January 2007.  In January 2002 the MEM approved the modified one-phase project to be initiated by the fourth quarter of 2002 and completed by December 2004.  Given current economic, political and market conditions, in November 2002, the Company submitted a new request to MEM to reschedule the smelter modernization timetable and to start the project by the end of 2003, with completion no later than 2007.  On February 28, 2003, MEM communicated its rejection to the Company’s request to reschedule the smelter modernization timetable, stating that once the Company has taken effective action to implement the project and can demonstrate the commencement of the same, SPCC would have the right to apply for the rescheduling of the smelter modernization timetable.

 

Also, in March 2003, in a separate regular biannual environmental review process of SPCC’s mining activities, MEM issued a notice to the Company demanding compliance with the commitments established in the PAMA within the next 90 days.  MEM’s notice orders the Company to commence the modernization project and to satisfy the investment requirements of the PAMA of $77.4 million within such 90-day period.  According to applicable law, if SPCC is not in full compliance with

 

A27



 

the MEM notice, the Company will be subject to a first fine that could amount to approximately $20,000.  Subsequent fines (subject to 90-day periods) would be based on the shortfall of actual expenditures against expenditures committed under the PAMA, as modified.  The Company does not believe the amount of fines paid will be material to its financial position, results of operations or cash flows in future periods.  The Company is confident that it will be able to resolve these issues with MEM and has given MEM assurances that it intends to comply fully with its commitments under PAMA.  MEM has announced that the closure of the smelter is unlikely.

 

The Company has received proposals from three international construction/engineering entities (two additional proposals are pending and expected to be received by May 2003) and is evaluating these proposals while continuing discussions regarding incentives with the government.  While the Company is in the evaluation stage $63 million have been invested in this project through 2002.

 

The construction of the project is expected to require 36 months and to be completed by January 2007, the original deadline imposed by PAMA.  The cost of the project was previously estimated to exceed $600 million, but has not been finalized pending the evaluation of the new proposals.

 

The Company has on hand sufficient funds to commence the project but significant additional funds will be necessary for its completion.  The Company has an approved Peruvian bond program of $750 million since December 2001, of which $149 million has been issued in Peru.  There can be no assurance that the entire Ilo smelter project can be financed with Peruvian resources.  The Company expects to finance the portion of the cost that is not financed in Peru with funds from operations or by placing additional financing in the international market.

 

Starting in November of 1995, Southern Peru established and continues to operate the Supplementary Control Program (“SCP”), a voluntary effort, by which the smelter production is curtailed during periods of adverse meteorological conditions.  During 2002, in conjunction with the operation of the smelter’s sulfuric acid plant that produced over 355,000 tons, this program has contributed to improve the quality of air in Ilo.  In addition to the environmental programs dealing with air quality issues, the Company continues to have good results with the remediation programs in both the Ite bay and the slag removal program on the beaches to the north of the smelter.

 

Environmental capital expenditures for the period 1997-2002 exceeded $148 million.  As soon as the Smelter Expansion and Modernization project begins, the Company foresees significant environmental capital expenditures starting in 2003.  Approximately $55 million have been budgeted for the smelter project in 2003.

 

In addition, the Company expects that MEM will issue new regulations during 2003 that will set forth the legal guidelines for the mining sectors remediation obligations.  Additional capital expenditures may be required to achieve compliance with these new regulations.

 

IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 143 “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”, which must be adopted for 2003.  SFAS No. 143 establishes standards for accounting for a legal obligation associated with the retirement of long-lived tangible assets. The Company has determined that a retirement obligation exists for a portion of its long-lived tangible assets.  It is estimated that as of January 1, 2003 the Company will record an asset retirement obligation of approximately $4.9 million, a charge to earnings for the cumulative effect of an accounting change of approximately $1.5 million net of taxes, and an increase in net property of $2.5 million. In addition the Company expects that MEM will issue new

 

A28



 

regulations during 2003 that will set forth the legal guidelines for the mining sectors remediation obligations.  Such regulations may have an effect on SPCC’s asset retirement obligations.  However, the Company has no basis for determining the possible effects of these pending regulations.

 

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146 Accounting for Costs Associated with “Exit or Disposal Activities”, which will be required to be effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. This statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)”.  The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 146 on January 1, 2003, which did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure”, which is effective for 2003.  SFAS No. 148 does not alter the provision of SFAS No. 123, nor does it require stock-based compensation to be measured under the fair-value approach under SFAS No.123.  The Company uses the disclosure only provisions of SFAS No. 123.  The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 148 on January 1, 2003, which did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In May 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, “Recission of FAS Nos. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FAS 13, and Technical Corrections as of April 2003”, under which gains and losses from extinguishment of debt should be classified as extraordinary items only if they meet the criteria in APB 30.  Under FAS 145 the Company will be required to reclassify any gain or loss on extinguishment of debt that was classified as an extraordinary item to normal operations for all fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002, including all prior period presentations.  The Company implemented FAS 145 on January 1, 2003.  Beginning in the first quarter of 2003, the extraordinary loss on the early extinguishment of debt will be reclassified to earnings from continuing operations before income taxes in comparative financial statements of prior periods.

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

 

Forward-looking statements in this report and in other Company statements include statements regarding expected commencement dates of mining or metal production operations, projected quantities of future metal production, anticipated production rates, operating efficiencies, costs and expenditures as well as projected demand or supply for the Company’s products.  Actual results could differ materially depending upon factors including the availability of materials, equipment, required permits or approvals and financing, the occurrence of unusual weather or operating conditions, lower than expected ore grades, the failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications, labor relations, environmental risks as well as political and economic risk associated with foreign operations.  Results of operations are directly affected by metals prices on commodity exchanges that can be volatile.

 

A29



 

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

Southern Peru Copper Corporation

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS

 

For the years ended December 31,
(in thousands, except for per share amounts)

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

Net sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders and affiliates

 

$

7,073

 

$

28,222

 

$

107,855

 

Others

 

657,577

 

629,299

 

603,202

 

Total net sales

 

664,650

 

657,521

 

711,057

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

442,477

 

452,648

 

441,476

 

Administrative and other

 

27,583

 

30,904

 

34,853

 

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

67,840

 

76,285

 

77,447

 

Exploration

 

7,766

 

8,461

 

7,700

 

Total operating costs and expenses

 

545,666

 

568,298

 

561,476

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

118,984

 

89,223

 

149,581

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

2,796

 

16,875

 

3,525

 

Interest expense

 

(13,406

)

(39,323

)

(15,878

)

Other income

 

1,573

 

4,773

 

2,306

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before taxes on income, minority interest and extraordinary loss

 

109,947

 

71,548

 

139,534

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxes on income

 

39,999

 

22,142

 

44,648

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest of investment shares

 

857

 

696

 

1,969

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before extraordinary loss

 

69,091

 

48,710

 

92,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt net of income tax benefits of $3,876 in 2002 and $967 in 2001

 

8,536

 

2,159

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

60,555

 

$

46,551

 

$

92,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per common share amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before extraordinary losses

 

$

0.86

 

$

0.61

 

$

1.16

 

Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt

 

(0.10

)

(0.03

)

 

Net earnings – basic and diluted

 

$

0.76

 

$

0.58

 

$

1.16

 

Dividends paid

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding-basic

 

80,005

 

80,002

 

80,001

 

Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted

 

80,009

 

80,004

 

80,003

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

A30



 

Southern Peru Copper Corporation

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

At December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)

 

2002

 

2001

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

147,537

 

$

212,857

 

Accounts receivable:

 

 

 

 

 

Trade

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders and affiliates

 

4,957

 

15,244

 

Other trade

 

52,722

 

64,842

 

Other

 

2,666

 

3,726

 

Inventories

 

91,880

 

101,030

 

Prepaid taxes

 

6,558

 

24,794

 

Other current assets

 

4,552

 

6,137

 

Total current assets

 

310,872

 

428,630

 

Net property

 

1,248,996

 

1,242,207

 

Capitalized mine stripping, net

 

181,558

 

134,570

 

Other assets

 

10,820

 

17,995

 

Total assets

 

$

1,752,246

 

$

1,823,402

 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

 

$

122,914

 

Accounts payable:

 

 

 

 

 

Trade

 

30,175

 

44,382

 

Other

 

9,202

 

11,220

 

Other current liabilities

 

61,417

 

44,422

 

Total current liabilities

 

100,794

 

222,938

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

299,043

 

273,121

 

Deferred income taxes

 

88,566

 

88,615

 

Other liabilities

 

14,792

 

15,252

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

402,401

 

376,988

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 19)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest of investment shares

 

7,676

 

14,021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $0.01;
shares authorized: 34,099,167;
shares issued: 14,330,093

 

143

 

143

 

Class A Common stock, par value $0.01;
shares issued and authorized:
65,900,833

 

659

 

659

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

265,745

 

265,745

 

Retained earnings

 

979,649

 

947,830

 

Treasury stock, at cost, common shares,
2002 – 222,506; 2001 – 226,936

 

(4,821

)

(4,922

)

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

1,241,375

 

1,209,455

 

Total Liabilities, Minority Interest
and Stockholders’ Equity

 

$

1,752,246

 

$

1,823,402

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

A31



 

Southern Peru Copper Corporation

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

For the years ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

60,555

 

$

46,551

 

$

92,917

 

Extraordinary loss, pre-tax

 

12,412

 

3,126

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net
cash provided from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

67,840

 

76,285

 

77,447

 

Remeasurement (gain) loss

 

(2,256

)

2,292

 

2,889

 

Capitalized mine stripping

 

(52,054

)

(47,430

)

(22,662

)

Provision for deferred income taxes

 

3,920

 

(3,253

)

15,047

 

Minority interest of investment shares

 

857

 

696

 

1,969

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash provided from (used for) operating assets and
liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

16,222

 

60,899

 

(62,157

)

Inventories

 

9,151

 

13,900

 

(4,760

)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

2,535

 

(11,080

)

20,592

 

Other operating assets and liabilities

 

4,228

 

2,787

 

4,933

 

Prepaid taxes

 

18,236

 

6,220

 

34,717

 

NET CASH PROVIDED FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

141,646

 

150,993

 

160,932

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(76,866

)

(113,618

)

(109,083

)

Sales of investments and property

 

226

 

83

 

542

 

NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(76,640

)

(113,535

)

(108,541

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for early extinguishment of debt

 

(11,404

)

 

 

Debt incurred

 

25,922

 

473,121

 

148,000

 

Debt repaid

 

(122,914

)

(424,339

)

(23,272

)

Escrow deposits on long-term loans

 

7,244

 

9,291

 

(6,659

)

Dividends paid to common stockholders

 

(21,494

)

(28,792

)

(27,200

)

Distributions to minority interests

 

(305

)

(462

)

(460

)

Purchases of investment shares

 

(8,745

)

(851

)

(1,512

)

NET CASH PROVIDED FROM (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

(131,696

)

27,968

 

88,897

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

1,370

 

(1,657

)

(2,796

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(65,320

)

63,769

 

138,492

 

Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of year

 

212,857

 

149,088

 

10,596

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, AT END OF YEAR

 

$

147,537

 

$

212,857

 

$

149,088

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the year for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

18,112

 

$

43,630

 

$

23,684

 

Income taxes

 

$

9

 

$

130

 

$

 

Supplemental schedule of noncash operating,
investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable from affiliate offset by
accounts payable to affiliate

 

$

6,160

 

$

 

$

 

Accounts receivable from shareholders
offset by dividends paid

 

$

7,213

 

$

 

$

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

A32



 

Southern Peru Copper Corporation

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

For the years ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

CAPITAL STOCK:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMON STOCK:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning and end of year

 

$

143

 

$

143

 

$

143

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLASS A COMMON STOCK:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning and end of year

 

659

 

659

 

659

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning and end of year

 

265,745

 

265,745

 

265,745

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TREASURY STOCK:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

(4,922

)

(4,963

)

(4,963

)

Used for corporate purposes

 

101

 

41

 

 

Balance at end of year

 

(4,821

)

(4,922

)

(4,963

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETAINED EARNINGS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

947,830

 

930,071

 

864,354

 

Net earnings

 

60,555

 

46,551

 

92,917

 

Dividends paid, per common stock and class A common stock, per share, 2002 – $0.36, 2001 – $0.36, 2000 –$0.34

 

(28,706

)

(28,792

)

(27,200

)

Stock awards

 

(30

)

 

 

Balance at end of year

 

979,649

 

947,830

 

930,071

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

1,241,375

 

$

1,209,455

 

$

1,191,655

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

A33



 

SOUTHERN PERU COPPER CORPORATION

and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.       Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Principles of consolidation:

The consolidated financial statements of Southern Peru Copper Corporation and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) include the accounts of subsidiaries in which the Company has voting control, and are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

Use of estimates:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Revenue recognition:

Substantially all of the Company’s copper is sold under annual contracts.  Revenue is recognized when title passes to the customer.  The passing of title is based on terms of the contract, generally upon shipment.  Copper revenue is determined based on the monthly average of prevailing commodity prices according to the terms of the contracts.

 

For certain of the Company’s sales of copper and molybdenum products, customers are given the option to select a monthly average LME or COMEX price (as is the case for sales of copper products) or the proprietary market price estimate of Platt’s Metal Week (as is the case for sales of molybdenum products), ranging between one and three months subsequent to shipment.  In such cases, revenue is recorded at a provisional price at the time of shipment, based on LME or COMEX spot prices for copper sales, and Platt’s market price for molybdenum.  The provisionally priced sales are adjusted to reflect spot prices at the end of each month until a final adjustment is made to the price of the shipments upon settlement with customers pursuant to the terms of the contract.

 

These provisional pricing arrangements are accounted for as an embedded derivate instrument under SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FASB 133”) as amended.

 

The Company sells copper in blister and refined form at industry standard commercial terms.  Net sales include the invoiced value of copper, silver, molybdenum, acid, and gains from the sale or settlement of copper put options.

 

Cash equivalents:

Cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with original maturity of three months or less.

 

Inventories:

Metal inventories are carried at the lower of average cost or market.  Costs incurred in the production of metal inventories exclude general and administrative costs. Supplies inventories are carried at average cost less a reserve for obsolescence.  Inventory of SX-EW copper is valued on metal included in the SX-EW plant’s tank house.

 

Property:

Property is recorded at acquisition cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Cost included major expenditures for improvements and replacements, which extend useful lives or increase capacity and interest costs associated with significant capital additions.  Maintenance, repairs,

 

A34



 

normal development costs at existing mines, and gains or losses on assets retired sold are reflected in earnings as incurred.

 

Betterments, renewals, costs of bringing new mineral properties into production, and the cost of major development programs at existing mines are capitalized as mineral land.  Pre-production stripping costs are the costs of removing overburden ore after it has been determined that a commercially exploitable deposit exists, prior to the commencement of production.

 

Buildings and equipment are depreciated on the straight-line method over estimated lives from 5 to 40 years or the estimated life of the mine if shorter.  Depletion of mineral land and amortization of pre-production stripping costs are computed by the units-of-production method using proven and probable ore reserves.

 

Property is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Assets are determined impaired when the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset are less than the carrying value of the asset.  The Company’s estimate as to future undiscounted cash flows takes into consideration expected future metal prices, which are based on historical metal prices and price trends.  The Company measures an impairment loss as the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its fair value.

 

Ore Reserves:

Southern Peru periodically reevaluates estimates of its ore reserves, which represent the Company’s estimate as to the amount of unmined copper remaining in its existing mine locations that can be produced and sold at a profit.  Such estimates are based on engineering evaluations derived from samples of drill holes and other openings, combined with assumptions about copper market prices and production costs.  The Company’s current ore reserve estimates utilize a 90 cent per pound copper price assumption and actual production cost data as of the most recent reserves declarations, which were made in 1998 for the Cuajone mine and in 1999 for the Toquepala mine.  The Company believes that the copper price assumption it uses is consistent with average historical prices over recent full economic and pricing cycles.

 

The reserves estimates have been adjusted for actual production since the most recent reserve declarations.  Many companies declare their ore reserves on an annual basis.  The Company believes that ore reserves determined by its method closely approximates the ore reserve quantities if they were determined as of December 31, 2002.

 

Southern Peru uses its ore reserve estimates in determining the amount of mine stripping capitalized, units of production amortization of capitalized mine stripping and depletion of mineral land.  As noted above, the Company utilized a 90 cent price assumption in determining its ore reserves.  We believe this price reflects a valid price assumption over the remaining lives of our mines, which are 31 years and 37 years for the Toquepala and Cuajone mines, respectively.  The 90 cent price assumption also approximates the average price of copper over the last ten years (the actual ten year average price of copper according to COMEX is 90.7 cents).  We understand that the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has recently stated publicly that in calculating ore reserves, companies should use no more than a three-year historical average price.  As of December 31, 2002, the three-year average price per pound of copper was 76 cents.  If the Company were to have used a price assumption consistent with the average price of copper for the three immediately preceding years in its calculation of ore reserves as of January 1, 2002, reported net capitalized mine stripping and net property, which are non-current assets on the Company’s balance sheet, would have been reduced by $0.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2002; and on the Company’s statement of earnings, reported depreciation, amortization and depletion would have been increased by $1.2 million, and operating income would have been decreased by $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2002.  If ore reserves are reduced due to the use of a lower copper price

 

A35



 

assumption, the Company’s mined ore grades will improve and tonnages moved will be reduced, consequently the long-term production cost outlook will be improved. The Company believes its long-term copper price of 90 cents is reasonable and is appropriate for use in managing its operations.  However, the Company will implement the SEC’s directive as of January 1, 2003.

 

Capitalized Mine Stripping:

Stripping costs are costs associated with the removal of waste materials after production has commenced.  Over the life of the mine, stripping costs are deferred in periods when the actual ratio of waste materials to mineral ore extracted is above the life-of-mine stripping ratio, which represents the Company’s estimate of the total amount of waste to be incurred divided by the estimated total proven and probable reserves.  In periods when the actual mine stripping ratio is below the life-of-mine stripping ratio, the Company reduces the net capitalized mine stripping asset proportionally with a charge to amortization expense.  In addition, deferred mine stripping costs are amortized using the units of production method based on proven and probable ore reserves.  Copper resources contained in piles of leachable materials that have been extracted from the mines are not included in the determination of units of production amortization.

 

The Company’s estimate as to proven and probable ore reserves in its Toquepala mine used to determine the 2002 mine stripping ratio was 658.4 million tons of sulfide ore at January 1, 2002.  The Company’s estimate as to proven and probable ore reserves in its Cuajone mine used to determine the 2002 mine stripping ratio was 1,182.8 million tons of sulfide ore at January 1, 2002.  Such estimates were determined using a 90 cents per pound copper price assumption.  As of January 1, 2003, the Company revised such ore reserve estimates using a copper price assumption of 76 cents per pound.

 

The Company’s policy results in the smoothing of stripping costs over the life of the mine and, in view of the Company, better facilitates the matching of mine production costs over the life of the mine with the mine’s revenues.

 

Stripping costs are assessed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. If recoverable value has fallen below carrying value, the asset is written down to its recoverable value.

 

Exploration:

Tangible and intangible costs incurred in the search for mineral properties are charged against earnings when incurred.

 

Hedging Activities:

Derivative instruments may be used to manage exposure to market risk from changes in commodity prices, interest rates or the value of the Company’s assets and liabilities.  Derivative instruments, which are designated as hedges, must be deemed “highly” effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged and must be designated as a hedge at the inception of the contract.  Any ineffectiveness of the hedge is reported in current earnings.

 

The Company may purchase put options or create synthetic put options to reduce or eliminate the risk of metal price declines below the option strike price on a portion of its anticipated future sales.  Options are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in current earnings.  Realized gains or losses from the sale or exercise of options, are recognized in the period in which the underlying hedged production is sold.

 

Swap Agreements:

Fuel swap agreements limit the effect of changes in the price of fuel.  Fuel swaps are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in current earnings.  The differential to be paid or received as fuel prices change is recorded as a component of cost of sales in the period the swap covers.

 

A36



 

Foreign Currency:

The Company may use foreign currency swaps to limit the effects of exchange rate changes on future cash flow obligations denominated in foreign currencies.  A currency swap establishes a fixed dollar cost for a fixed amount of foreign currency required at a future date.  Foreign currency swaps are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in current earnings.  The difference between the published price of foreign currency and the price established in the contract for the month covered by the swap is recognized as part of the underlying transaction.

 

Income Taxes:

Provisions for income taxes are based on taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred taxes on temporary differences between the amount of taxable income and pretax financial income and between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in the financial statements at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized and settled as prescribed in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.  As changes in tax laws or rate are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision of income taxes.  Deferred income tax assets are reduced by any benefits that, in the opinion of management, are unlikely to be realized.

 

Stock-Based Compensation:

The Company applies the disclosure only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.”

 

Currency Translation:

The Company’s functional currency is the US dollar.  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company’s Peruvian Branch (“Branch”).  The Branch maintains its books of account in new Soles.  In accordance with SFAS No. 52, the books of the Branch are remeasured into the US dollar.  The resulting remeasurement adjustments are recorded to income.

 

Business Segment:

SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”, requires companies to provide certain information about their operating segments.  Based on the information monitored by the Company’s operating decision makers that manage the business, the Company has identified that its operations are within one reportable segment.  Accordingly, financial information on industry segments is omitted because, apart from the principal business of producing copper, the Company has no other industry segment.

 

Impact of New Accounting Standards:

In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 143 “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”, which must be adopted for 2003.  SFAS No. 143 establishes standards for accounting for a legal obligation associated with the retirement of long-lived tangible assets.  The Company has determined that a retirement obligation exists for a portion of its long-lived tangible assets.  It is estimated that as of January 1, 2003 the Company will record an asset retirement obligation of approximately $4.9 million, a charge to earnings for the cumulative effect of an accounting change of approximately $1.5 million net of taxes, and an increase in net property of $2.5 million. In addition, the Company expects that the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines will issue new regulations during 2003 that will set forth the legal guidelines for the mining sectors remediation obligations.  Such regulations may have material effect on SPCC’s asset retirement obligations.  However, the Company has no basis for determining the possible effects of these pending regulations.

 

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146 Accounting for Costs Associated with “Exit or Disposal Activities”, which will be required to be effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. This statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated

 

A37



 

with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 94–3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)”.  The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 146 on January 1, 2003, which did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure”, which is effective for 2003.  SFAS No. 148 does not alter the provision of SFAS No. 123, nor does it require stock-based compensation to be measured under the fair-value approach under SFAS No. 123.  The Company uses the disclosure only provisions of SFAS No. 123.  The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 148 on January 1, 2003, which did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In May 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, “Recission of FAS Nos. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FAS 13, and Technical Corrections as of April 2003”, under which gains and losses from extinguishment of debt should be classified as extraordinary items only if they meet the criteria in APB 30.  Under FAS 145 the Company will be required to reclassify any gain or loss on extinguishment of debt that was classified as an extraordinary item to normal operations for all fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002, including all prior period presentations.  The Company implemented FAS 145 on January 1, 2003.  Beginning in the first quarter of 2003, the extraordinary loss on the early extinguishment of debt will be reclassified to earnings from continuing operations before income taxes in comparative financial statements of prior periods.

 

2.       Reclassifications

 

In December 2002, the SEC commented on certain reporting and disclosure requirements related to capitalized waste stripping costs.  Among other things, the SEC indicated that capitalized waste stripping costs should be presented separately from net property on the face of the balance sheet, and that such capitalized costs should be included in cash flows from operating activities in the statement of cash flows.  As a result of such SEC guidance, the Company reclassified amounts representing net capitalized waste stripping costs that were previously included in net property in the 2001 balance sheet, and reclassified additions of capitalized waste stripping costs to cash flows from operating activities in the 2001 and 2000 statements of cash flows.

 

3.       Foreign Exchange

 

The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The Company’s sales, cash, trade receivables, fixed asset additions, trade payables and debt are primarily dollar-denominated.  A portion of the operating costs of the Company is denominated in Peruvian soles.

 

Gains and (losses) resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in “Cost of sales” and amounted to $2.3 million, $(2.3) million, and $(2.9) million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

 

4.       Restructuring Charges

 

The Company’s 2002 results include a $3.1 million pre-tax charge ($2.1 million after-tax and workers’ participations) for severance costs associated with the Company’s ongoing cost reduction program. The severance costs accrued are for 154 employees at the Company’s locations in Peru. Approximately $2.6 million of the provision is included as a cost of sales deduction on the Company’s statement of earnings, and a $0.5 million is included in administrative expense as it relates to non-operating personnel. This accrual was paid in full in 2002.

 

A38



 

5.       Taxes on Income

 

The components of the provision for taxes on income are as follows:

 

For the years ended December 31,
(in millions)

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

U.S. Federal and state

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

$

1.4

 

$

10.3

 

$

0.5

 

Deferred

 

1.1

 

1.0

 

1.0

 

 

 

2.5

 

11.3

 

1.5

 

Foreign:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

37.6

 

15.1

 

29.1

 

Deferred

 

(0.1

)

(4.3

)

14.0

 

 

 

37.5

 

10.8

 

43.1

 

Total provision for income taxes

 

$

40.0

 

$

22.1

 

$

44.6

 

 

Reconciliation of statutory income tax to the effective income tax rate is as follows:

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

Peruvian income tax at maximum statutory rates

 

27.0

%

30.0

%

30.0

%

U.S. income tax at statutory rate

 

35.0

 

35.0

 

35.0

 

Utilization of foreign tax credits

 

(21.2

)

(27.7

)

(22.7

)

Percentage depletion

 

(9.1

)

(4.6

)

(11.8

)

Income not deductible (taxable) in Peru

 

1.6

 

(3.7

)

0.9

 

Additional tax on SX/EW operations

 

1.0

 

 

 

Peruvian tax on net income deemed distributed

 

2.3

 

 

 

Adjustment to prepaid income taxes

 

3.2

 

 

 

Other

 

(3.4

)

1.9

 

0.6

 

Effective income tax rate

 

36.4

%

30.9

%

32.0

%

 

The adjustment to prepaid income taxes reflects a $3.4 million charge to tax expense recorded during 2002, which was identified as the result of an analysis performed by the Company to reconcile estimated payments of income taxes to current income taxes incurred.

 

Deferred taxes include both the U.S. and Peruvian tax effects of the following types of temporary differences and carryforwards, net of foreign tax credit effects:

 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities)

 

At December 31,
(in millions)

 

2002

 

2001

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

$

0.8

 

$

1.9

 

Other

 

0.2

 

0.1

 

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

 

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

Net deferred tax assets

 

0.9

 

1.9

 

Non-current:

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign tax credit carryforwards

 

25.4

 

5.0

 

AMT credit carryforwards

 

14.0

 

13.1

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

(117.6

)

(93.5

)

Other

 

8.6

 

3.4

 

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

 

(19.0

)

(16.6

)

Net deferred tax liabilities

 

(88.6

)

(88.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net deferred tax liabilities

 

$

(87.7

)

$

(86.7

)

 

The net deferred tax liabilities above reflect deferred tax assets of $58.4 million and $32.9 million, before valuation allowance, and deferred tax liabilities of $127.0 million and $102.9 million at December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively.

 

A39



 

At December 31, 2002, the foreign tax credit carryforward available to reduce possible future U.S. income tax amounted to approximately $25.4 million expiring as follows: $3.1 million in 2003, $1.2 million in 2004, $9.6 million in 2006, and $11.5 million in 2007.  No foreign tax credit carryforwards expired in 2002 or 2001.  Foreign tax credit carryforwards amounting to approximately $1.6 million were utilized in 2001.  Foreign tax credit carryfowards amounting to approximately $11.5 million were created in 2002.

 

U.S. net deferred tax liability, which was measured using the regular tax rate, was offset by the realized deferred Peruvian tax liability and a portion of the existing foreign tax credit carryforward.  However, the liability was not reduced to less than the amount of Tentative Minimum Tax liability, which was measured using the AMT rate and offset by not more than 90 percent by foreign tax credits resulting from the combination of the recognized Peruvian deferred tax liability and carryforwards into future years.  Although the foreign tax credit carryforwards were used to offset the U.S. deferred tax liability, the Company expects that the actual use of carryforward credits will be precluded because the Company expects that ample foreign taxes will be paid on operating income in future periods.

 

The Company has not recorded a benefit for the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credits, which are not available to reduce AMT.  Because of limitations on both percentage depletion and foreign tax credits under the AMT, the Company expects an AMT liability for the foreseeable future.  In 2001, due to the foreign sourced income limitation, foreign tax credits do not completely offset the regular tax liability.  Therefore, for 2001, a small amount of AMT credits were used to offset regular tax liability.  While such credits do not expire, it is unlikely they will continue to be utilized in the future as management estimates that the Company will not generate sufficient regular U.S. tax after deductions for percentage depletion, and application of regular foreign tax credits.

 

On August 28, 2001, Peru’s newly elected Congress, established a new tax rate of 27%. However, in accordance with a 1996 agreement with the Peruvian government, income generated from the SX/EW operations is still taxed at a fixed rate of 30% through the year 2003.  Additionally, Peru’s new Congress also established a new tax on distributed earnings at a rate of 4.1% starting in 2002.  As a Branch, SPCC’s earnings are deemed distributed to SPCC, the U.S. Corporation, at the closing of the fiscal year.  SPCC, the U.S. Corporation, is the payer of the 4.1% tax while SPCC, the Branch, is the withholding and remitting agent.

 

The Company obtains income tax credits in Peru for value-added taxes paid in connection with the purchase of capital equipment and other goods and services employed in its operations and records these credits as a prepaid expense.  Under current Peruvian law, the Company is entitled to use the credits against its Peruvian income tax liability or to receive a refund.  The carrying value of these Peruvian tax credits approximates their market value.

 

As a large corporation, the Company is regularly audited by the Federal, state and foreign tax authorities.  All of these audits can result in proposed assessments.  Among current audits, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has completed the fieldwork phase of their audit of the Company for the years 1994 through 1996.  In September 2002, the IRS issued a Preliminary Notice of Proposed Adjustment, which among other things challenged the Company’s method of valuation of leach dumps.  The Company filed a protest with the Appeals office of the IRS in December 2002 and has commenced negotiations with the IRS concerning the resolution of this matter.  The Company believes that in all material respects the positions taken in reporting to the IRS are correct and appropriate.

 

The Company received assessments from SUNAT (the Peruvian tax department) for years 1996 to 1999, in which several deductions taken were disallowed.  SUNAT has challenged the Company’s depreciation method, the deduction of certain interest expense and other expenses related to charges incurred outside of Peru. The Company has appealed these assessments.

 

A40



 

6.       Net Sales

 

Net sales by country were as follows:

 

For the years ended December 31,
(in millions)

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

United States

 

$

231.0

 

$

291.8

 

$

342.8

 

Italy

 

75.4

 

57.1

 

42.3

 

Switzerland

 

80.5

 

40.9

 

20.6

 

United Kingdom

 

50.1

 

88.7

 

90.8

 

Japan

 

81.5

 

74.8

 

76.0

 

Foreign – Other

 

146.1

 

104.2

 

138.6

 

Net sales

 

$

664.6

 

$

657.5

 

$

711.1

 

 

At December 31, 2002, there were 5.3 million pounds of copper sales recorded at a provisional price of 71 cents per pound. Also the Company has recorded 0.5 million pounds of molybdenum at a provisional price of $3.20 per pound.

 

Unrealized gains (loss) on provisionally priced sales were as follows at December 31 (in millions):

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

Copper

 

$

0.2

 

$

(0.5

)

Molybdenum

 

(0.8

)

0.2

 

Total

 

$

(0.6

)

$

(0.3

)

 

Under the terms of a forward sales contract with Union Minière as amended through December 31, 1999, the Company is required to supply Union Minière, through its agent, S.A. SOGEM N.V., with 16,300 tons of blister copper annually for a ten-year period from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2009.  The price of the copper, contained in blister, supplied under the contract is determined based on the LME monthly average settlement price, less a refining allowance, which is negotiated annually.

 

Under the terms of a sales contract with Mitsui & Co. Ltd. (“Mitsui”), the Company is required to supply Mitsui with 48,000 tons of copper cathodes annually for a fifteen-year period through December 31, 2013. If the shipment destination is Asia, the pricing of the cathodes is based upon the LME monthly average settlement price, however, if destination of shipments is the United States, the pricing of the cathodes is based upon the COMEX monthly average settlement plus a producer premium, which is agreed upon annually based on world market terms. Ninety thousand tons related to a prior contract (period 1994-2000) will be supplied as follows: 48,000 in 2014 and 42,000 in 2015.

 

Business Reporting Segments:  Based on the information monitored by the Company’s operating decision makers to manage the business, the Company has identified that its operations are within one reportable segment.  Accordingly, financial information on industry segments is omitted because, apart from the principal business of producing copper, the Company has no other industry segment.

 

A41



 

7.       Financial Instruments

 

Hedging Activities:  The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market risk from changes in commodity prices.  Derivative instruments which are designated as hedges must be deemed “highly” effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged and must be designated as a hedge at the inception of the contract.  Any ineffectiveness of the hedge is reported in current earnings.

 

Copper: Depending on market fundamentals and other conditions, the Company may purchase put options to reduce or eliminate the risk of price declines below the option strike price on a portion of its anticipated future sales. Put options purchased by the Company establish a minimum sales price for the production covered by such put options and permit the Company to participate in price increases above the option price.  Options are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in current earnings. Depending upon market conditions, the Company may either sell options it holds or exercise the options at maturity. Realized gains or losses from the sale or exercise of options, net of unamortized acquisition costs, are recognized in the period in which the underlying production is sold and are reported as a component of the underlying transaction.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 the Company held no copper put options.

 

Fuel swaps: the Company may enter into fuel swap agreements to limit the effect of increases in fuel prices on its production cost.  A fuel swap establishes a fixed price for the quantity of fuel covered by the agreement.  Fuel swaps are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in current earnings.  The difference between the published price for fuel and the price established in the contract for the month covered by the swap is recognized in production costs.

 

For the year 2000 the Company entered into fuel swap arrangements for which production costs would have been $18.8 million higher if this exposure had not been hedged.  The Company held no fuel swap arrangements for the years 2002 and 2001.

 

Foreign currency:  The Company selectively uses foreign currency swaps to limit the effects of exchange rate changes on future cash flow obligations denominated in foreign currencies.  A currency swap establishes a fixed dollar cost for a fixed amount of foreign currency required at a future date.  Foreign currency swaps are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in current earnings.  The difference between the published price for foreign currency and the price established in the contract for the month covered by the swap is recognized as part of the underlying transaction.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company settled currency swap agreements on a portion of its capital costs contracted in Euros for which there was a loss of approximately $2.2 million and $4.8 million, respectively.  The Company held no currency swap agreements for 2002.

 

Provisional pricing arrangements:  For certain of the Company’s sales of copper and molybdenum products, customers are given the option to select a monthly average LME or COMEX price (as is the case for sales of copper products) or the proprietary market price estimate of Platt’s (as is the case for sales of molybdenum products), ranging between one and three months subsequent to shipment.  In such cases, revenue is recorded at a provisional price at the time of shipment, based on LME/COMEX spot prices for copper sales, and the Platt’s proprietary market price estimate for molybdenum.  The provisionally priced sales are adjusted to reflect spot prices at the end of each month until a final adjustment is made to the price of the shipments upon settlement with our customers pursuant to the terms of the contract.

 

A42



 

These provisional pricing arrangements are accounted for as en embedded derivate instrument under SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FASB 133”) as amended.  As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, the years in which the Company accounted for such embedded derivatives in accordance with the provisions of FASB 133, the estimated fair values of these embedded derivative instruments, which corresponds to the month end provisional pricing adjustments noted above, amounted to $(0.6) million and $(0.3) million, respectively, and are included in accounts receivable on the balance sheets.

 

For certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivables and accounts payable the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to their short maturities.  Consequently, such financial instruments are not included in the following table that provides information about the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of other financial instruments:

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

At December 31,
(in millions)

 

Carrying
Value

 

Fair
Value

 

Carrying
Value

 

Fair
Value

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provisionally priced sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

 

$

3.8

 

$

3.8

 

$

25.4

 

$

25.4

 

Molybdenum

 

1.7

 

1.7

 

5.1

 

5.1

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

$

299.0

 

$

306.4

 

$

396.0

 

$

399.9

 

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

 

Long-term debt: Fair value is based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues.

 

8.       Workers’ Participation

 

Provisions for workers’ participation are calculated at 8% of pre-tax earnings and are included in “Cost of sales” on the earnings statement.  The current portion of this participation, which is accrued during the year, is based on Branch taxable income and is distributed to workers following determination of final results for the year.  During the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, workers’ participation expense was $8.9 million, $5.9 million and $12.1 million, respectively.  $8.9 million, $4.3 million and $9.7 million were distributed for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

 

9.       Minority Interest of Investment Shares

 

The minority interest of the Investment Shares is based on the earnings of the Company’s Peruvian Branch.

 

The Company acquired 2.3 million, 0.2 million and 0.4 million investment shares at a cost of $8.8 million, $0.9 million and $1.5 million in the years 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. These acquisitions have been accounted for as purchases of minority interests.  The carrying value of the minority interest purchased was reduced by $6.8 million, $0.7 million and $1.0 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, and the excess paid over the carrying value was assigned primarily to proven and probable sulfide and leachable ore reserves and mineralized material and is being amortized based on production.  As a result of these acquisitions, the remaining investment shareholders hold a 0.77% interest in the Branch at December 31, 2002, and are entitled to a pro rata participation in the cash distributions made by the Company.  The investment shares are recorded as a minority interest in the Company’s financial statements.

 

A43



 

10.     Inventories

 

At December 31,
(in millions)

 

2002

 

2001

 

Metals:

 

 

 

 

 

Finished goods

 

$

1.7

 

$

1.8

 

Work-in-process

 

45.0

 

45.9

 

Supplies, net of reserves

 

45.2

 

53.3

 

Total inventories

 

$

91.9

 

$

101.0

 

 

11.     Property

 

At December 31,
(in millions)

 

2002

 

2001

 

Buildings and equipment

 

$

1,999.4

 

$

1,928.4

 

Mineral land

 

133.6

 

131.6

 

Mine development

 

211.4

 

207.0

 

Land, other than mineral

 

4.1

 

4.1

 

Total property

 

2,348.5

 

2,271.1

 

Accumulated depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

1,099.5

 

1,028.9

 

Net property

 

$

1,249.0

 

$

1,242.2

 

 

During 2002, the Company performed an analysis of their detailed fixed assets ledgers and noted an unreconciled difference that arose in prior years amounting to approximately $3.7 million between the subledger balance and the general ledger balance.  The Company took a pretax charge of $3.7 million to its 2002 earnings in order to correct for this difference.

 

12.     Capitalized Mine Stripping

 

At December 31,
(in millions)

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalized mine stripping

 

$

204.6

 

$

152.5

 

Accumulated amortization

 

23.0

 

18.0

 

Capitalized mine stripping, net

 

$

181.6

 

$

134.5

 

 

Amortization of mine stripping is included in “Depreciation, amortization and depletion” and amounted to $5.0 million, $3.0 million and $4.0 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.  Capitalized mine stripping costs will be fully amortized when existing mines currently in the production phase cease operations, which is estimated to occur in the years 2039 for Cuajone and 2033 for Toquepala.

 

The Company´s policy of deferring mine stripping costs has decreased production costs by $43.3 million, $42.8 million and $20.8 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, as compared to what such amounts would have been if the Company expensed mine stripping costs as incurred.

 

13.     Other Current Liabilities

 

At December 31,
(in millions)

 

2002

 

2001

 

Accrued workers’ participation

 

$

9.2

 

$

4.4

 

Accrued severance pay, current portion

 

0.8

 

1.5

 

Salaries and wages

 

7.2

 

8.1

 

Taxes on income

 

43.5

 

29.2

 

Other

 

0.7

 

1.2

 

Total other current liabilities

 

$

61.4

 

$

44.4

 

 

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14.     Debt and Available Credit Facilities

 

Long-term debt at December 31,
(in millions)

 

2002

 

2001

 

7.9%  Secured Export Notes (SENS) due 2007, paid in 2002

 

$

 

$

122.9

 

8.25% Corporate bonds due 2004

 

50.0

 

50.0

 

8.75% Corporate bonds due 2007

 

50.0

 

50.0

 

4.4375% (4.94% in 2001) Corporate bonds due 2005 - 2011

 

73.1

 

73.1

 

4.4375% Corporate bonds due 2005-2011

 

25.9

 

 

2.67% (3.17% in 2001) MITSUI credit agreement due 2013

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

Total debt

 

299.0

 

396.0

 

Less, current portion

 

 

122.9

 

Total long-term debt

 

$

299.0

 

$

273.1

 

 

Interest paid by the Company (excluding amounts capitalized of $6.6 million, $8.0 million and $11.0 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively) was $10.5 million, $34.5 million and $12.3 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

 

Aggregate maturities of the borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2002, are as follows (in millions):

 

2003

 

 

2004

 

$

60.0

 

2005

 

23.2

 

2006

 

24.1

 

2007

 

74.2

 

Thereafter

 

117.5

 

Total

 

$

299.0

 

 

In December 2001, the Company received authorization from the Comisión Nacional Supervisora de Empresas y Valores (“CONASEV”) to increase from $200 million to $750 million the issuance of corporate bonds in the Peruvian market. The goal of this new facility is to extend the maturity of SPCC’s current debt obligations and to reduce financing costs. Under this program, on July 20, 2000, the Company issued bonds for $30 million at a nominal fixed rate of 8.75%.  On December 7, 2000 the Company issued additional bonds for $20 million at the same rate; in both cases, the maturity is seven years. In December 2001 the Company sold to investors in Peru bonds for $73.1 million, with maturities ranging from March 2005 to December 2011. The bonds have an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.0% and were issued through SPCC’s Peruvian Branch. On February 27, 2002, the Company sold to investors in Peru bonds for $25.9 million, with maturities ranging from May 2005 to February 2012. The bonds have an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.0% and were issued also through SPCC’s Peruvian Branch. Proceeds from the sale of the bonds will be used to finance a portion of SPCC’s expansion and modernization program.

 

The Peruvian market bond program, approved in December 2001, contains financial covenants, including a limitation on the payment of dividends to stockholders of up to 50% of its net income for any fiscal year.

 

In March 1999, the Company concluded a $100 million, 15-year loan agreement with Mitsui. The applicable interest for this loan is Japanese LIBO rate plus 1.25% (Japanese LIBO at December 31, 2002 was 1.42%). This facility provides additional committed financing for SPCC’s modernization and expansion program, and was fully disbursed as of December 31, 2001.

 

In 1997, the Company entered into a $600 million, seven-year loan facility with a group of international financial institutions. The facility consisted of a $400 million term loan and a $200 million revolving credit line.  The interest rate during years four and five of the agreement on any loans outstanding was LIBOR plus 2.00% per annum for term loans and LIBOR plus 2.25% for revolving credit loans.  A commitment fee of 0.5% per annum was payable on the undrawn portion of the facility. The term loan of $400.0 million, which

 

A45



 

was disbursed in March 2001, was prepaid and cancelled in full on December 17, 2001. A breakage fee of $0.1 million was paid in connection with this prepayment. The unamortized balance of $3.1 million ($2.2 million net of income tax) for the commission fee was expensed as an extraordinary item in 2001.

 

Also, in 1997, the Company privately placed $150 million SENS in the United States and International markets.  These notes, which had been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission had an average maturity of seven years, due from May 2000 to May 2007, and were priced at par with a coupon rate of 7.9%. On February 1, 2002 the Company prepaid and cancelled the balance of the $150 million Secured Export Notes. A premium of $11.4 million was paid related to this prepayment and was expensed in the first quarter of 2002 as an extraordinary item.

 

At December 31, 2002, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $299 million, compared with $396.0  million at December 31, 2001.

 

The Mitsui credit agreement is collateralized by pledges of receivables of 31,000 tons of copper per year. Certain of the agreements require the Company to maintain a minimum stockholders’ equity of $750 million, and a specific ratio of debt to equity.  Reduction of Grupo Mexico’s direct or indirect voting interest in the Company to less than a majority would constitute an event of default under one of the financing agreements.  The Company was in compliance with the various financing agreements at December 31, 2002. Included in other assets at December 31, 2002 and 2001 are $1.4 million and $8.6 million, respectively, held in escrow accounts as required by the Company’s loan agreements. The funds were released from escrow as scheduled loan repayments were made.

 

At December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, the balance of capitalized debt issuance costs were $3.5 million, $4.9 million and $8.3 million, respectively.  Amortization charged to interest expense was $2.8 million, $5.4 million and $2.2 million in 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively.

 

A46



 

15.     Benefit Plans

 

The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering salaried employees in the United States and certain employees in Peru. Benefits are based on salary and years of service. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute amounts to the plans sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements set forth in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, plus such additional amounts as the Company may determine to be appropriate. Plan assets are invested in commingled stock and bond funds. Effective October 31, 2000 the Board of Directors amended the pension plan to suspend the accrual of benefits.

 

The components of net periodic benefit costs are as follows:

 

For the years ended December 31,
(in millions)

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

Interest cost

 

$

0.8

 

$

0.7

 

$

0.7

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(0.8

)

(0.8

)

(1.0

)

Curtailment loss

 

 

 

1.1

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

 

$

(0.1

)

$

0.8

 

 

The change in benefit obligation and plan assets and a reconciliation of funded status are as follows:

 

At December 31,
(in millions)

 

2002

 

2001

 

Change in Benefit Obligation

 

 

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

 

$

10.3

 

$

9.7

 

Interest cost

 

0.8

 

0.8

 

Benefits paid

 

(0.9

)

(0.9

)

Actuarial gain (loss)

 

1.0

 

0.7

 

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

 

$

11.2

 

$

10.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in Plan Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

 

$

10.2

 

$

10.8

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

0.9

 

0.4

 

Benefits paid

 

(0.8

)

(0.9

)

Administrative expenses

 

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

 

$

10.2

 

$

10.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of Funded Status

 

 

 

 

 

Funded status

 

$

1.0

 

$

(0.1

)

Unrecognized actuarial loss

 

(0.7

)

(0.2

)

Net amount reflected in consolidated Balance Sheet

 

$

(0.3

)

$

(0.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Assumptions:

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

6.75

%

7.25

%

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

 

8.0

%

8.0

%

Rate of Compensation Increase

 

N/A

 

4.0

%

 

Post-retirement Benefits:

 

The Company adopted the post-retirement health care plan for retired salaried employees eligible for Medicare on May 1, 1996.  Secondary coverage under the Company’s plan is available for all retired salaried employees who permanently reside in the United States and who contribute amounts as defined by the plan.  The plan is unfunded.

 

Effective October 31, 2000, the health care plan for retirees was terminated and the Company informed retirees that they would be covered by the post-retirement health care plan of ASARCO Incorporated, which offers substantially the same benefits and requires the same contributions.

 

A47



 

The components of net periodic benefit costs are as follows:

 

For the years ended December 31,
(in millions)

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

Service cost

 

$

 

$

 

$

0.1

 

Interest cost

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Curtailment loss

 

 

 

0.5

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

0.1

 

$

0.1

 

$

0.7

 

 

The change in benefit obligation and plan assets and a reconciliation of funded status are as follows:

 

At December 31 (in millions)

 

2002

 

2001

 

Change in Benefit Obligation

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

 

$

1.5

 

$

1.3

 

Interest cost

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Curtailments loss

 

 

 

Benefits paid

 

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

Actuarial loss

 

 

0.3

 

Benefit obligation at end of year

 

$

1.5

 

$

1.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of Funded Status

 

 

 

 

 

Funded status

 

$

(1.5

)

$

(1.6

)

Unrecognized actuarials loss

 

0.3

 

0.3

 

Postretirement benefit obligation

 

$

1.2

 

$

(1.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-Average Assumptions

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

6.75

%

7.25

%

 

The annual assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits (i.e., health care cost trend rate) is assumed to be 10% for 2002. This rate decreases 1% per year until it reaches 5% in 2007. The health care cost trend rate assumption has a significant effect on the amounts reported.  For example, increasing the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation costs for 2002 by $0.1 million and the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit would have an insignificant change.  Decreasing the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point in each year would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for 2002 by $0.1 million and the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit costs would have an insignificant change.

 

A48



 

Employee Savings Plan:

 

The Company maintained an employee savings plan for employees working in the United States and expatriate employees in Peru, which permitted employees to make contributions by payroll deduction pursuant to section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan provided for a Company matching contribution equal to 50% of the first 6% of employee contributions. In connection with the required match, the Company’s contributions charged against earnings were $0.02 million in 2000.

 

Effective November 15, 2000 the savings plan was terminated and no further contributions from employees or the Company were accepted after that date. The plan received a final letter of determination from the Internal Revenue Service and is proceeding with the distribution of assets to plan participants.

 

16.     Stockholders’ Equity

 

Common Stock:

 

The stockholders of the Company at December 31, 2002 were:

 

 

 

Shares

 

Percent of
Total Number
of Shares

 

Class A Common Shares:

 

 

 

 

 

Southern Peru Holdings Corporation (A subsidiary of Grupo Mexico)

 

43,348,949

 

54.2

%

Cerro Trading Company, Inc.

 

11,378,088

 

14.2

 

Phelps Dodge Overseas Capital Corporation

 

11,173,796

 

14.0

 

Total Class A

 

65,900,833

 

82.4

 

Common Shares Outstanding

 

14,107,587

 

17.6

 

Total

 

80,008,420

 

100.0

%

 

Class A common shares are entitled to five votes per share.  Common shares are entitled to one vote per share.

 

Stock Options:

 

The Company has two stockholder approved plans, a Stock Incentive Plan and a Directors’ Stock Award Plan.  The Stock Incentive Plan provides for the granting of nonqualified or incentive stock options, as defined under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as well as for the award of restricted stock and bonuses payable in stock.  The price at which options may be granted under the Stock Incentive Plan shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant in the case of incentive stock options, or 50% in the case of other options. In general, options are not exercisable for six months and expire after 10 years from the date of grant.

 

Options granted may provide for Stock Appreciation Rights (“SAR”).  A SAR permits an optionee, in lieu of exercising the option, to receive from the Company payment of an amount equal to the difference between the market value of the stock on the date of election of the SAR and the purchase price of the stock under the terms of the option.

 

The authorized number of shares under the Stock Incentive Plan is 1,000,000 of which 300,000 may be awarded as restricted stock.  At December 31, 2002 and 2001, 645,060 shares are available for future grants under this plan.  The weighted average remaining contractual life of stock option’s outstanding as of December 31, 2002 was 4.1 years.

 

The Directors’ Stock Award Plan provides that directors who are not compensated as employees of the Company will be automatically awarded 200

 

A49



 

shares of common stock upon election and 200 additional shares following each annual meeting of stockholders thereafter.  Under the directors’ plan, 100,000 shares have been reserved for awards.  At December 31, 2002, 23,200 shares have been awarded under this plan.

 

The Company also sponsors a Deferred Fee Plan for Directors.  Under the plan, which was approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, directors may defer payment of directors’ fees for the calendar year for which deferral is elected.  Deferred amounts will be credited to a cash subaccount, a company common stock subaccount or a combination thereof.  Compensation deferred to the cash subaccount will earn interest based on U. S. Treasury debt obligations with a 10-year maturity.  Compensation deferred to the stock subaccount will be credited as whole shares of Common Stock based on the stock’s fair market value on the date of such credit.  Dividends and fractional share amounts will be aggregated until at least one share of Common Stock may be credited at the then fair market value.  Payments will be made in cash in a lump sum upon retirement or termination of service.

 

The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”.  Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for awards under the stock incentive plan.  If compensation cost for the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan had been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards in 2002, 2001 and 2000, consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the company’s net earnings and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

Earnings before extraordinary losses

 

$

69.1

 

$

48.7

 

$

92.9

 

Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt

 

(8.5

)

(2.1

)

 

Net earnings – as reported

 

60.6

 

46.6

 

92.9

 

Net earnings – pro forma

 

60.6

 

46.6

 

92.9

 

Earnings per share (Basic and diluted) – as reported

 

0.76

 

0.58

 

1.16

 

Earnings per share (Basic and diluted) – pro forma

 

0.76

 

0.58

 

1.16

 

 

For purposes of computing earnings per share, basic and diluted, the dilutive effect of stock options on common shares outstanding is as follows:

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
(in millions)

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

Basic and diluted

 

80.0

 

80.0

 

80.0

 

 

The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions used for grants in 1999: dividend yield of nil; expected volatility of 48.0%; risk-free interest rate of 4.8%; and expected life of 7.1 years.  There were no options granted in 2002, 2001 and 2000.

 

A50



 

Stock option activity over the past three years under the Stock Incentive Plan was:

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Price

 

Option Price
(Range Per Share)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2000

 

164,840

 

$

15.28

 

$8.78 to  $17.06

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(3,235

)

14.07

 

8.78 to  16.19

 

Cancelled or expired

 

(5,010

)

11.27

 

8.78 to  16.25

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2001

 

156,595

 

15.30

 

8.78 to  17.06

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(1,715

)

14.29

 

13.46 to  14.45

 

Cancelled or expired

 

(650

)

10.32

 

8.78 to  12.78

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2002

 

154,230

 

15.24

 

8.78 to  17.06

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(8,430

)

11.18

 

8.78 to 12.78

 

Cancelled or expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding and Exercisable at
December 31, 2002

 

145,800

 

$

15.47

 

$8.78 to $17.06

 

 

17.     Related Party Transactions

 

Grupo Mexico, the majority (54.2%)indirect stockholder of the Company and its affiliates, provide various support services to the Company. In 2002, these activities were principally related to accounting, legal, tax, financial, treasury, human resources, price risk assessment and hedging, purchasing, procurement and logistics, sales, and administrative support services. Grupo México is reimbursed for these support services. The total amount paid by the Company to Grupo Mexico for such services in 2002, 2001 and 2000 was $7.0 million in each year.

 

The Class A Common Stockholders and/or their affiliates, purchase copper products from the Company from time to time at prices determined on an arm’s-length basis by reference to the LME and COMEX market price for copper at such time. Management believes these transactions to be on terms as favorable as could be obtained from unaffiliated parties. The Company expects that its policy of determining prices for related party transactions on an arm’s-length basis by reference to the LME or COMEX market prices for copper at the time of any such transaction will be continued.

 

Americas Sales Corporation (“ASC”), a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, purchased copper products from SPCC during 2002 for $4.9 million; Minera Mexico Internacional, Inc., a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, purchased copper products from SPCC during 2001 for $10.4 million and for $26.3 million in 2000.

 

Additionally, in 2001, the Company purchased from ASARCO ten used 200-ton Le Torneau haulage trucks for the Toquepala mine for a total purchase price of $5.2 million, including spare parts.  In compliance with Peruvian regulations related to the importation of used vehicles, the trucks were independently appraised at fair market value at the time of the purchase. The purchase price of the trucks did not differ materially from ASARCO’s book value at the time of the purchase.

 

Phelps Dodge Refining Corporation (“PD”), affiliate of Phelps Dodge and Phelps Dodge Corporation, affiliated companies of a shareholder of SPCC, purchased $68.3 million of copper products from the Company in 2000.  There were no purchases by PD in 2002.

 

A51



 

Cerro Wire and Cable Co. (“Cerro”), and other affiliated companies of The Marmon Group, Inc., an affiliated company of one of the shareholders of SPCC, purchased $18.1 million and $13.2 million of copper products from the Company in 2001 and 2000, respectively. There were no purchases by Cerro in 2002.

 

The Company contracted an aggregate of approximately $1.7 million, $2.2 million and $7.8 million, in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, for shipping services to and from Peru by Compañia Sud-Americana de Vapores, S.A. (“CSAV”), and a subsidiary company. CSAV is a company indirectly controlled by Quemchi, S.A. Mr. Jaime Claro is Chairman of Quemchi, S.A.

 

The Company purchased $637 thousand and $334 thousand in 2002 and 2001, respectively, of industrial materials from Higher Technology Solutions S.A. (“Higher Tec”), a Peruvian corporation.  Mr. Carlos Gonzalez, a son of SPCC’s President and General Director, is a partner in Higher Tec. The Company purchased $123 thousand of industrial materials in 2002 from Higher Tech, LLC, a U.S. corporation.  Mr. Carlos Gonzalez is the owner of Higher Tech LLC.  In addition, the Company purchased $134 thousand, $71 thousand and $98 thousand, in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, of industrial materials from Société Française des Bandes Transporteuses (“S.F.B.T.”), a French corporation.  Mr. Alejandro Gonzalez, a son of SPCC’s President and General Director, is affiliated with this company.

 

The Company believes that the foregoing transactions were entered into on an arm’s-length basis on terms as favorable as could be obtained from other third parties. It is anticipated that in the future the Company will enter into similar transactions with the same parties.

 

As of December 31, 2002, the Company had overdue receivables of $4.9 million from ASC, for sales of copper products made in 2002 at market prices and with customary terms.  Grupo Mexico has guaranteed payment of this receivable and the unpaid balance collects interest.  The Company believes ASC intends to and has the ability to pay the amount due.

 

18.     Concentration of Risk

 

The Company operates two copper mines; a smelter and two refineries in Peru and substantially all of its assets are located there.  There can be no assurances that the Company’s operations and assets that are subject to the jurisdiction of the Government of Peru may not be adversely affected by future actions of such government.  Substantially all of the Company’s products are exported from Peru to customers principally in Europe, Asia, South America and the United States.

 

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and trade accounts receivable.

 

The Company invests or maintains available cash with various high-quality banks, principally in the U.S., Canada and Peru, or in commercial paper of highly rated companies.  As part of its cash management process, the Company regularly monitors the relative credit standing of these institutions, and by policy, limits the amount of credit exposure to any one institution.  At December 31, 2002, the Company had invested 37.15% of its cash equivalents and marketable securities with Peruvian banks, out of which 32.94% was invested with one institution.

 

During the normal course of business, the Company provides credit to its customers.  Although the receivables resulting from these transactions are not collateralized, the Company has not experienced significant problems with the collection of receivables.

 

A52



 

The largest ten trade receivable balances accounted for 68.0%% of the trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2002, of which one customer represented 16.4%.

 

19.     Commitments and Contingencies

 

In 1997, the Company sold its existing power plant to an independent power company for $33.6 million.  In connection with the sale, a power purchase agreement was also completed, under which the Company agreed to purchase its power needs for twenty years commencing in 1997.

 

Environmental:

The Company’s activities are subject to Peruvian laws and regulations.  As part of these regulations, SPCC submitted in 1996 the Environmental Compliance and Management Program (known by its Spanish acronym, PAMA) to the Peruvian Government.  The PAMA applied to all current operations that did not have an approved environmental impact study at the time.  SPCC’s PAMA was approved in January 1997 and it contains 34 mitigation measures and projects necessary to bring the existing operations to the environmental standards established by the government.  By the end of 2002, thirty-one of such projects were already completed.  Additionally, in November of 2002 the government approved final completion of all PAMA commitments related to the Company’s operations in Cuajone and Toquepala.  The three pending PAMA projects all belong to the Ilo smelter operations.

 

The Company’s biggest outstanding capital investment project is the Ilo smelter expansion and modernization.  This project will modernize the smelter and is targeted to capture no less than 92 percent of sulfur dioxide emissions, in compliance with PAMA requirements.  The Company is hopeful that, pursuant to the government’s program of promoting and giving incentives to investments in productive areas and for the protection of the environment, it may obtain those benefits that were in place when the PAMA was approved.

 

The Company’s PAMA, approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines (“MEM”) in 1997, provided that the smelter would be modernized in a two-phase project; the first phase to be completed by the end of 2003 and the second and final phase by January 2007.  In January 2002 the MEM approved the modified one-phase project to be initiated by the fourth quarter of 2002 and completed by December 2004.  Given current economic, political and market conditions, in November 2002, the Company submitted a new request to MEM to reschedule the smelter modernization timetable and to start the project by the end of 2003, with completion no later than 2007.

 

A53



 

The Company has received proposals from three international construction/engineering entities (two additional proposals are pending and expected to be received by May 2003) and is evaluating these proposals while continuing discussions regarding incentives with the government.  While the Company is in the evaluation stage $63 million have been invested in this project through 2002.

 

The construction of the project is expected to require 36 months and to be completed by January 2007, the original deadline imposed by PAMA.  The cost of the project was previously estimated to exceed $600 million, but has not been finalized pending the evaluation of the new proposals.

 

The Company has on hand sufficient funds to commence the project but significant additional funds will be necessary for its completion.  The Company has an approved Peruvian bond program of $750 million since December 2001, of which $149 million have been issued in Peru.  There can be no assurance that the entire Ilo smelter project can be financed with Peruvian resources.  The Company plans to finance the portion of the cost that is not financed in Peru with funds from operations or by placing additional financing in the international market.

 

Starting in November of 1995, Southern Peru established and continues to operate the Supplementary Control Program (SCP), a voluntary effort, by which the smelter production is curtailed during periods of adverse meteorological conditions.  During 2002, in conjunction with the operation of the smelter’s sulfuric acid plant that produced over 355,000 tons, the SCP has contributed to improve the quality of air in Ilo.  In addition to the environmental programs dealing with air quality issues, the Company continues to have good results with the remediation programs in both the Ite bay and the slag removal program on the beaches to the north of the smelter.

 

Environmental capital expenditures for the period 1997-2002 exceeded $148 million.  As soon as the smelter expansion and modernization project begins, the Company foresees significant environmental capital expenditures starting in 2003.  Approximately $55 million have been budgeted for the smelter project in 2003.

 

In addition, the Company expects that MEM will issue new regulations during 2003 that will set forth the legal guidelines for the mining sectors remediation obligations.  The Company has no basis for determining the possible effect of these pending regulations. However, material capital expenditures may be required to achieve compliance with these new regulations.

 

Litigation:

 

In April 1996, the Company was served with a complaint filed in Peru by approximately 800 former employees seeking the delivery of a substantial number of investment shares (formerly called “labor shares”) of its Peruvian Branch plus dividends. In December 1999, a civil court of first instance of Lima decided against the Company, ordering the delivery of the investment shares and dividends to the plaintiffs.  The Company appealed this decision in January 2000. On October 10, 2000, the Superior Court of Lima affirmed the lower court’s decision, which had been adverse to the Company.  On appeal by the Company, the Peruvian Supreme Court annulled the proceeding noting that the civil courts lacked jurisdiction and that the matter had to be decided by a labor court.  The case is now pending before a labor court of first instance in Lima.

 

In August  2002, the Company was notified  that approximately 3,000 additional former employees had filed a lawsuit before a labor court in Lima, for unspecified amounts, seeking the delivery of a substantial number of investment shares.  The labor court dismissed the complaint due to procedural defects.  On appeal by the plaintiffs, the Superior Court of Lima allowed the

 

A54



 

claims to proceed and remanded the case to the lower court for further proceedings.

 

On December 28, 2000, a lawsuit styled Flores v. Southern Peru Copper Corporation was filed against the Company in federal court in New York City.  The Flores lawsuit sought unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for alleged personal injuries to eight persons resident in Peru arising from alleged releases into the environment from the Company’s operations in Peru.  The lawsuit invoked the jurisdiction of the court under the federal Alien Tort Claims Act, claiming violations of customary international law. The Flores lawsuit is similar to a suit filed in 1995 in Texas, for unspecified amounts, which was dismissed in 1996 by a U. S. district judge. That ruling was affirmed unanimously by a three-judge federal appeals court. The court made it clear that the claims of Peruvian residents should be tried in the courts of Peru, not in the United States.  On July 16, 2002, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed the complaint in the Flores lawsuit. In its decision, the district court ruled that it lacked jurisdiction under the Alien Tort Claims Act because the Peruvian plaintiffs had failed to allege a cognizable claim that international law had been violated. In the alternative, the district court stated that, even if it had jurisdiction, it nonetheless would dismiss the Flores lawsuit on the basis of the doctrine of forum non convenient, because the dispute should be litigated in the courts of Peru, not in the United States. On August 28, 2002, the Flores plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to seek review of the district court decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Judicial Circuit.

 

It is the opinion of management that the outcome of the legal proceedings mentioned above and tax contingencies mentioned in Note 5, as well as other miscellaneous litigation and proceedings now pending, will not materially adversely affect the financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.  However, it is possible that the litigation matters and tax contingencies could have a material effect on quarterly or annual operating results, when they are resolved in future periods.

 

20.     Subsequent events:

 

Environmental

 

On February 28, 2003, MEM communicated its rejection to the Company's request to reschedule the smelter modernization timetable, starting that once the Company has taken effective action to implement the project and can demonstrate the commencement of the same, SPCC would have the right to apply for the rescheduling the smelter modernization timetable.

 

In March 2003, in a separate regular biannual environmental review process of SPCC’s mining activities, MEM issued a notice to the Company demanding compliance with the commitments established in the PAMA within the next 90 days.  MEM’s notice orders the Company to commence the modernization project and to satisfy the investment requirements of the PAMA of $77.4 million within such 90-day period.  According to applicable law, if SPCC is not in full compliance with the MEM notice, the Company will be subject to a first fine that could amount to approximately $20,000.  Subsequent fines (subject to 90-day periods) would be based on the shortfall of actual expenditures against expenditures committed under the PAMA, as modified.  The Company does not believe the amount of fines paid will be material to its financial position, results of operations or cash flows in future periods.  The Company is confident that it will be able to resolve these issues with MEM and has given MEM assurances that it intends to comply fully with its commitments under PAMA.

 

Peruvian tax contingencies:

 

In February 2003, the Peruvian tax court affirmed SUNAT’s assessments related to the 1996 and 1997 tax years in which the Company’s method for deducting depreciation expense for tax purposes, and the deduction of certain expenses incurred outside Peru were challenged; thereby rejecting the Company’s appeals in connection with such assessments.  The Peruvian tax court indicated that it will not assess penalties related to the 1997 tax year.  Management notes that additional assessments of tax penalties related to the tax years 1996, 1998, and 1999 may be forthcoming.

 

A55



 

In view of the decision of the Peruvian tax court regarding SUNAT’s assessment for 1996 and 1997, the Company has withdrawn its challenge of similar assessments made by SUNAT for the 1998 and 1999 tax years.

 

The Company will retroactively apply Peruvian tax credits that were available during the tax years 1996 through 1999 to settle additional taxes arising from the Peruvian tax court’s decision in lieu of rendering significant additional tax payments.  The Company does not believe that such additional taxes will be significant.

 

It is the opinion of management that the outcome of these matters will not materially adversely affect the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.  However, it is possible that these matters could have a material effect on quarterly or annual financial position, operating results or cash flows when they are resolved in future periods.

 

21.     Quarterly data (unaudited)

 

Quarters

(in millions, except per share data)

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

1st

 

2nd

 

3rd

 

4th

 

Year

 

1st

 

2nd

 

3rd

 

4th

 

Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

136.2

 

$

193.4

 

$

169.9

 

$

165.2

 

$

664.7

 

$

162.4

 

$

162.8

 

$

171.5

 

$

160.8

 

$

657.5

 

Operating

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income

 

$

21.3

 

$

42.4

 

$

25.9

 

$

29.3

 

$

119.0

 

$

28.5

 

$

19.8

 

$

19.9

 

$

21.0

 

$

89.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings before extraordinary loss

 

$

13.1

 

$

26.8

 

$

14.4

 

$

14.8

 

$

69.1

 

$

15.7

 

$

7.5

 

$

11.6

 

$

13.9

 

$

48.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

$

0.06

 

$

0.34

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.76

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.09

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.15

 

$

0.58

 

Dividend per share

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.04

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.09

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.36

 

 

A56



 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

 

To Southern Peru Copper Corporation:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Southern Peru Copper Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.  The financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2001, and each of the years in the two-year period then ended, before the reclassification adjustments described in Note 2 to the financial statements, were audited by other auditors who ceased operations.  Those auditors expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements in their report dated March 20, 2002.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in the United States of America.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated 2002 financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

As discussed above, the consolidated financial statements of Southern Peru Copper Corporation and subsidiaries of December 31, 2001, and for the two years in the period then ended, were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations.  As described in Note 2, those financial statements have been revised to reclassify certain amounts in the Company’s balance sheets and statements of cash flows.  We audited the reclassifying adjustments described in Note 2 that were applied to revise the 2001 and 2000 financial statements.  Our procedures included (1) comparing reclassification adjustments to the Company’s analysis obtained from management, (2) comparing the amounts of capitalized mine stripping as presented in the balance sheets and additions thereto as presented in the statements of cash flows to supporting documentation, and (3) testing the mathematical accuracy of the underlying analysis. In our opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied.  However, we were not engaged to audit, review or apply any procedures to the 2001 and 2000 financial statements of the Company other than with respect to such reclassifying adjustments and accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2001 and 2000 financial statements taken as a whole.

 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

 

New York, New York

January 30, 2003

(March 20, 2003 as to Note 20)

 

A57



 

THE FOLLOWING REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS IS A COPY OF THE REPORT PREVIOUSLY ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMPANY’S 2001 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K AND HAS NOT BEEN REISSUED BY ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP.  SEE EXHIBIT 23.2 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

To Southern Peru Copper Corporation:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Southern Peru Copper Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related statement of earnings, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.  The financial statements of Southern Peru Copper Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999, were audited by other auditors whose report dated March 10, 2000 expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amount and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Southern Peru Copper Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

 

 

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

 

Phoenix, Arizona March 20, 2002

 

A58



 

Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

On April 25, 2002, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte & Touche”) as independent auditors for 2002, replacing Arthur Andersen LLP (“Arthur Andersen”).  In connection with the audit for 2001 and through April 25, 2002, there was no disagreement with Arthur Andersen on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure.  Also, during that time period there have been no “reportable events”, as such term is used in Item 304 (a) (1) (v) of Regulation S-K of the SEC.  Arthur Andersen’s report on the financial statements of the Company for 2001 neither contained an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

 

On March 14, 2003, the Audit Committee of the Company appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers as the Company’s independent auditors for 2003, subject to ratification by the Company’s shareholders at the Company’s 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for May 8, 2003.  Consequently, the Audit Committee dismissed Deloitte & Touche as the Company’s independent auditors on March 14, 2003.  Deloitte & Touche served as the Company’s independent auditors for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

Deloitte & Touche’s report on the financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2002 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

 

In connection with the audit for the year ended December 31, 2002 and subsequently through March 14, 2003, there were no disagreements with Deloitte & Touche on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreement(s), if not resolved to the satisfaction of Deloitte & Touche, would have caused Deloitte & Touche to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement(s) in connection with its report.

 

A59



 

PART III

 

Items 10, 11, 12, and 13

 

Reference is made to the Section captioned “Executive Officers of the Registrant” on pages A-12 to A-13.  Information in response to the disclosure requirements specified by Part III, Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 will be included in a definitive proxy statement which will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the 1934 Securities Exchange Act, as amended, prior to April 30, 2003.

 

The information contained in such definitive proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

A60



 

Item 14.  Controls and Procedures

 

As of December 31, 2002, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Disclosure Committee and the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings.  Subsequent to the date of that evaluation, there have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls, nor were any corrective actions required with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

A61



 

PART IV

 

Item 15.            Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(A)          The following documents are filed as part of this report:

 

1.          Financial Statements

 

The following financial statements of Southern Peru Copper Corporation and its subsidiaries are included at the indicated pages of the document as stated below:

 

Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

A30

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2002 and 2001

A 31

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

A32

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

A33

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

A34 - A56

 

 

Reports of Independent Accountants

A57 - A58

 

2.           Financial Statement Schedules

 

Financial Statement Schedules are omitted, as they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

3.

Exhibits

 

 

 

3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed December 29, 1995

 

 

 

 

3.2

Certificate of Decrease, filed February 29, 1996

 

 

 

 

3.3

Certificate of Increase, filed February 29, 1996

 

 

 

 

3.4

Certificate of Decrease, filed March 24, 1997

 

 

 

 

3.5

Certificate of Increase, filed March 24, 1997

 

 

 

 

3.6

Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed January 18, 2002

 

 

 

 

3.7

By-Laws, as last amended on February 3, 1998

 

 

 

 

10.1

Form of Agreement Among Certain Stockholders of the Company.

 

 

 

 

10.2

First Amendment to the Agreement Among Certain Stockholders of Southern Peru Copper Corporation

 

 

 

 

10.3

Tax Stability Agreement, dated August 8, 1994, between the Government of Peru and the Company regarding SX/EW facility(and English translation)

 

 

 

 

10.4

Incentive Compensation Plan of the Company.

 

 

 

 

10.5

Supplemental Retirement Plan of the Company, as amended and restated as of November 4, 1999.

 

 

 

 

10.6

Stock Incentive Plan of the Company.

 

A62



 

 

10.7

Form of Directors Stock Award Plan of the Company.

 

 

 

 

10.8

Deferred Fee Plan for Directors, as amended and restated as of November 4, 1999.

 

 

 

 

10.9

Form of Agreement Accepting Membership in the Plan, containingtext of Retirement Plan and Trust for Selected Employees.

 

 

 

 

10.10

Service Agreement entered into by the Company with a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, S.A. de C.V.

 

 

 

 

21.1

Subsidiaries of the Company.

 

 

 

 

23.1

Consent of Independent Accountants (Deloitte & Touche LLP).

 

 

 

 

23.2

Notice regarding consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.

 

 

 

 

99.1

Certification required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release Nos. 33-8212 and 34-47551.

 

 

 

 

99.2

Certification required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release Nos. 33-8212 and 34-47551.

 

The exhibits listed as 10.4 through 10.10 above are the management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed pursuant to Item 15(c) of Form 10-K.

 

(B)        Reports on Form 8-K filed in the fourth quarter of 2002 and the first quarter of 2003:

On March 21, 2003, the Company filed a Form 8-K reporting that on March 14, 2003 the Audit Committee of the Company had appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers as the Company’s independent auditors for 2003, subject to ratification by the Company’s shareholders at the Company’s 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for May 8, 2003.  The Form 8-K also reported that the Audit Committee had dismissed Deloitte & Touche as the Company’s independent auditors on March 14, 2003.

 

(C)        Exhibits – The exhibits to this Form 10-K are listed on the Exhibit Index on page B3 through B4.  Copies of the following exhibits are filed with this Form 10-K:

 

 

10.10

Service Agreement entered into by the Company with a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, S.A. de C.V.

 

 

 

 

21.1

Subsidiaries of the Company

 

 

 

 

23.1

Consent of Independent Accountants (Deloitte & Touche LLP).

 

 

 

 

23.2

Notice regarding consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.

 

 

 

 

99.1

Certification required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release Nos. 33-8212 and 34-47551.

 

 

 

 

99.2

Certification required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release Nos. 33-8212 and 34-47551.

 

Copies of exhibits may be acquired upon written request to the Secretary and the payment of processing and mailing costs.

 

A63



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

SOUTHERN PERU COPPER CORPORATION

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Oscar González Rocha

 

 

Oscar González Rocha

 

President and General Director

 

Date:  March 31, 2003

 

Pursuant to requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

/s/ German Larrea Mota-Velasco

 

Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer and Director
(principal executive Officer)

German Larrea Mota-Velasco

 

 

/s/ Oscar González Rocha

 

President and General Director

Oscar González Rocha

 

 

 

/s/ Daniel Tellechea Salido

 

Vice President, Finance and Director
(principal financial officer)

Daniel Tellechea Salido

 

 

 

/s/ Ernesto Durán Trinidad

 

Comptroller
(principal accounting officer)

Ernesto Durán Trinidad

 

 

 

DIRECTORS

 

/s/ German Larrea Mota-Velasco

 

/s/ John F. McGillicuddy

 

German Larrea Mota-Velasco

John F. McGillicuddy

 

 

/s/ Manuel Calderon Cárdenas

 

/s/ Armando Ortega Gomez

 

Manuel Calderon Cárdenas

Armando Ortega Gomez

 

 

 

 

/s/ Gilberto Perezalonso Cifuentes

 

Jaime Claro

Gilberto Perezalonso Cifuentes

 

 

/s/ Héctor García de Quevedo

 

 

 

Héctor García de Quevedo

Ramiro G. Peru

 

 

/s/ Xavier García de Quevedo

 

/s/ Jaime Serra Puche

 

Xavier García de Quevedo

Jaime Serra Puche

 

 

/s/ Oscar González Rocha

 

/s/ Daniel Tellechea Salido

 

Oscar González Rocha

Daniel Tellechea Salido

 

 

/s/ Harold S. Handelsman

 

 

 

Harold S. Handelsman

J. Steven Whisler

 

 

/s/ Genaro Larrea Mota-Velasco

 

 

Genaro Larrea Mota-Velasco

 

 

Date: March 31, 2003

 

A64



 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

I,      Germán Larrea Mota-Velasco, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Peru Copper Corporation, certify that:

 

1.               I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Southern Peru Copper Corporation;

 

2.               Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

3.               Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

4.               The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

 

a.               designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

 

b.              evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

 

c.               presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 

5.               The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

a.               all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditor any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 

b.              any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

 

6.               The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Germán Larrea Mota-Velasco

 

Date: March 31, 2003

 

 

Germán Larrea Mota-Velasco

 

 

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

B1



 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

I,      Daniel Tellechea Salido, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Southern Peru Copper Corporation, certify that:

 

1.               I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Southern Peru Copper Corporation;

 

2.               Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

3.               Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

4.               The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

 

a.               designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

 

b.              evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

 

c.               presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 

5.               The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

d.              all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditor any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 

e.               any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

 

6.               The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Daniel Tellechea Salido

 

Date: March 31, 2003

 

 

Daniel Tellechea Salido

 

 

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

B2



 

Southern Peru Copper Corporation

Exhibit Index

 

Sequential
Exhibit
Number

 

Document Description

3.

 

Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws

 

 

 

3.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed December 29, 1995 (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

3.2

 

Certificate of Decrease, filed February 29, 1996 (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

3.3

 

Certificate of Increase, filed February 29, 1996 (Filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

3.4

 

Certificate of Decrease, filed March 24, 1997 (Filed as Exhibit 3.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

3.5

 

Certificate of Increase, filed March 24, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 3.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

3.6

 

Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed January 18, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 3.6 to the Company’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

3.7

 

By-Laws, as last amended on February 3, 1998 (Filed as Exhibit 3.6 to the Company’s 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.

 

Material Contracts

 

 

 

10.1

 

Form of Agreement Among Certain Stockholders of the Company (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended by Amendments No. 1 and 2 thereto, File No 33-97790 (the “Form S-4”), and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.2

 

First Amendment to the Agreement Among Certain Stockholders of Southern Peru Copper Corporation (Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2001 and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.3

 

Tax Stability Agreement, dated August 8, 1994, between the Government of Peru and the Company regarding SX/EW facility (and English translation) (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.4

 

Incentive Compensation Plan of the Company (Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference)

 

B3



 

10.5

 

Supplemental Retirement Plan of the Company, as amended and restated as of November 4, 1999 (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.6

 

Stock Incentive Plan of the Company (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated March 25, 1996 (Registration No. 333-2736) and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.7

 

Form of Directors Stock Award Plan of the Company (Filed as Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.8

 

Deferred Fee Plan for Directors, as amended and restated as of November 4, 1999 (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.9

 

Form of Agreement Accepting Membership in the Plan, containing text of Retirement Plan and Trust for Selected Employees (Filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.10

 

Service Agreement entered into by the Company with a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico S.A. de C.V.

 

 

 

21.1

 

Subsidiaries of the Company

 

 

 

23.1

 

Consent of Independent Accountants (Deloitte & Touche LLP)

 

 

 

23.2

 

Notice regarding consent of Arthur Andersen LLP

 

 

 

99.1

 

Certification required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release Nos. 33-8212 and 34-47551.

 

 

 

99.2

 

Certification required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release Nos. 33-8212 and 34-47551.

 

B4