I think this one is oversold, and is must BUY @ at level!

delayed reaction..i guess MMs arent the brightest sparks when it comes to correct valuations

StockMarketWire.com
Aquarius Platinum's revenue decreased by 20% to $100m in the three months to the end of March (Q3 2012: $125m) due to mine closures.

Attributable production from operating mines increased by 20% to 81,471 4E ounces compared to their performance in the previous corresponding period.

Mine operating net cash flow increased by $47m to a surplus of $29m inflow (Q3 2012: outflow of $18m) and mine earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation increased 14-fold to $30m (Q3 2012: $2m).

Chief executive Jean Nel said: "During the quarter under review, Aquarius's focus remained almost exclusively on improving operational performance. It is therefore particularly pleasing to report credible performances at both Kroondal and Mimosa. Kroondal production exceeded 105,000 ounces for the first time since the quarter ended December 2011, while unit costs improved and 2 million fatality-free shifts were achieved in the quarter.

"There was regrettably a fatal accident on 25 March, after this milestone had been reached. Our commitment to safety remains paramount. Mimosa in turn managed to maintain production at above budget levels while unit costs declined by 3%, even after the annual wage increase of 7.5%. The operational teams at Kroondal led by Wessel Phumo and Rob Schroder, and at Mimosa, led by Winston Chitando, deserve credit for their performances.

"While our operational performance improved, the operating environment remained particularly challenging across most disciplines and was exacerbated by the significant drop in dollar metal prices post the period end. There appears little cause for optimism about the sectors' immediate prospects.

"Against this backdrop, we remain focussed on maintaining operational stability, effecting incremental operational improvements and preserving our treasury to ensure that Aquarius is well positioned to respond to any uplift in PGM prices."

Broker update.....


14 May Aquarius Platinum... AQP Deutsche Bank Buy 45.50 45.50 70.00 70.00 Reiterates

SP TARGET 70p.

Preliminary Full Year Results to 30 June 2013
Key Points: Financial

Mine EBITDA increased by 145% to $70 million (FY2012: $29 million)

Revenue decreased by 24% to $371 million (FY2012: $486 million)

Headline loss (before exceptional charges) of $61 million (FY2012: headline loss $154 million)

Reported net loss of $288 million (61.13 cents loss per share) after impairment losses of $226 million

Group cash balance at FY close of $103 million

No dividend declared

Key Points: Operational
Group attributable production, excluding operations on care and maintenance, increased by 13% to 325,103 PGM ounces for the full year

US Dollar PGM price weakened by 6%, offset in South Africa by weaker Rand-US Dollar exchange rate

Average Rand Basket Price up 7% year-on-year at just over R10,940 per PGM ounce due to Rand weakness.

Weighted average on-mine unit cash costs in South Africa decreased by 15% in Rand terms

Key Points: Strategic
Implementation of revised support system at Kroondal completed

Move to Owner Operator model at Kroondal completed

Focus on turnaround at Kroondal evidenced by improved operating results - Kroondal EBITDA up 12 fold compared to pcp

Kroondal mine life increased a further 3.5 years to 9.5 years following agreement with PSA1 partner Amplats.

All unprofitable operations have been placed on care and maintenance for the duration of the current downturn.

Commenting on the results, Jean Nel, CEO of Aquarius Platinum said:

"The year under review was exceptionally challenging for Aquarius, a year in which we had to close loss-making mines, face disruptive industrial action, implement an owner-operator model at Kroondal and revise the hanging wall support regime. Further, we had to contend with on-going regulatory uncertainty in an environment in which metal prices continued to materially underperform consensus forecast.

That said, we have learnt much during these difficult times and have emerged as a leaner and more focussed business, fully intent on continuing the positive momentum into the new year. As we expect the difficult operating conditions and low metal prices to continue in the new financial year, our focus will remain on improving operational performance and cash generation."

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4647297

AQP up nicely today, looks like a Banks and
Mining day and other stocks being effected by
DOW debt ceiling ongoing problems.

StockMarketWire.com
Blasting activities at the Kwezi shaft at Aquarius Platinum's Kroondal mine have been suspended after the body of a female employee was found underground this morning (9th October).

The company said a forensic investigation by South African police is currently under way.

Aquarius says that while the circumstances of the incident cannot be disclosed, it was apparent during the initial investigation that the woman may have been assaulted.

The woman's name is being withheld out of respect for her family.

StockMarketWire.com
Aquarius Platinum posts first quarter net after-tax losses of $10.2m - down from $19.6m a year ago.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation rose to $6.3m from $1.6m a year ago but dwon $4m quarter-on-quarter due to higher costs and lower recoveries at Kroondal.

The group says attributable production increased by 9% to 84,504 4E ounces compared to the correpsonding period last year and remains consistent quarter-on-quarter - 2.6% lower.

Chief executive Jean Nel said the three months to the end of September was a challenging quarter on all fronts.

Nel said: "Despite the challenges we faced, all operations delivered improved safety performances, and all operations delivered production results in line or above forecast.

"Notably, Kroondal exceeded forecast production levels, delivering in excess of 100,000 4E ounces for the fourth consecutive quarter, despite both concentrator plants undergoing planned maintenance during the quarter and despite the mine encountering geological and consequential recovery problems throughout the quarter.

"Cost performance at Mimosa and Plat Mile was in line and below forecast respectively, while costs at Kroondal were higher driven by the implementation of the wage increase in July, winter electricity tariffs, which will reverse in Q2, as well as lower concentrator plant recoveries.

"The credible operational performance for the quarter, and the significant reduction in the company's corporate cost base notwithstanding, our business remains marginal at prevailing metal prices, where no improvement appears imminent. Against this backdrop management will remain resolute in its focus on improved safety, cost and operational performance.

"Tragically, post quarter end an employee, Cintiah Setuke, lost her life at Kroondal in what appears from the preliminary investigations to be a criminal act.

"Kroondal security personnel apprehended a suspect and handed him over the SAPS and he remains in custody.

"I join my colleagues in expressing condolences to her family and friends and Aquarius reiterates that it renounces all acts of violence.

"Sadly the incident took place despite an improved safety performance at Kroondal and after the successful launch of Kroondal's safety campaign, Step-it-Up. Kroondal continues to render its full support to the Department of Mineral Resources and the South African Police Services in the course of its investigation."

Some bounce this morning after the large retracement
Indicators well oversold and now rising also

Goldman Sachs to neutral from sell TP 43p

StockMarketWire.com
Aquarius Platinum said that revenue decreased 2% to $113m in the half-year to end-December (H1 2013: $116m). Mine EBITDA increased 55% to $10m (H1 2013: $6.5m) and group cash balance at period end was $83m.

Mine operating net cash flow increased by $62 million to a $5 million inflow (H1 2013: outflow of $57 million)

Key Points: Operational

Group attributable production increased by 7% to 168,014 PGM ounces (H1 2013: 156,787 PGM ounces)

The average US Dollar PGM Basket Price was 5% lower compared to the previous corresponding period (pcp) December 2012

The average Rand Basket Price increased by 13% compared to the pcp due to a weaker Rand

The Rand weakened by 19% on average against the US Dollar compared to the pcp

On-mine unit cash costs in South Africa increased by 2% in Rand terms compared to the pcp

Mimosa performed strongly again, continuing to produce at capacity but impacted by a low PGM Dollar price, with cash costs down 1% compared to the pcp

Key Points: Strategic

Kroondal exceeded 105,000 PGM ounces for 4 consecutive quarters - with a strong and focused team

Disposal of non-core assets subsequent to half-year end

Jean Nel, CEO, said:

'Aquarius' performance during the period tells two very different stories, a credible operational performance and delivery on safety, production and cost improvements, wrapped in a very difficult macro environment, specifically regulatory, metal price and industrial relations environment.

'During the period under review Aquarius delivered on its stated focus of improving operational performance across all operations, including safety performance, production levels and unit cash costs.

'Despite many challenges Kroondal is now consistently producing at levels higher than at any time in its 10 year history, having recorded production in excess of 105,000 4E ounces for 4 consecutive quarters, whilst at the same time improving its safety performance and recording unit cash costs at levels similar to 24 months ago. Maintaining cost increase at below inflation levels for 2 years represents concrete delivery, which the operational team at Kroondal should be credited for. The dedicated and stable work force at Kroondal should also be commended for partnering with management to ensure continued uninterrupted production at Kroondal during the half-year.

'At Mimosa production continued to be in line with guidance whilst cash costs continue to reduce steadily in real terms. As is the case at Kroondal unit cash costs at Mimosa has increased at a rate well below inflation over the course of the last 2 years. Mimosa's best in class safety performance was also maintained during the period.

'Platinum Mile delivered a credible operational performance in the half-year, and would have outperformed significantly had it not suffered interruptions in its plant concentrate feed during Q2.

'Contrasting the credible operating performance is a challenging and complex macro environment. Our primary concerns in this regard include Dollar metal prices lower by 5% from the same time last year, despite the primary deficit in PGM metal markets during the 2013 calendar year which is forecast to increase in 2014.

'In addition, the prevailing regulatory uncertainty in South Africa and Zimbabwe and the precarious state of the South African industrial relations environment continue to make longer term production planning and capital allocation difficult.

'In summary Aquarius is well aware that the credible operational performance recorded in the half-year notwithstanding, no value was created for our shareholders, and that the company's shareholders is the only stakeholder which has not benefited from the company's activities during the period, and preceding periods. The company will resolutely persist in its pursuit to reverse this by focussing on continued improvements in safety, production and critically cash costs.'

Bought some at 24.25p not long ago

After the RI and falling to 20 on going -X-, has settled and moved slowly higher since.
Large volume today as moving further up

The higher rise did not hold but...
Platinum prices at its high recently

Moving on the right direction, at best of the day 24.75p

We had a very narrow Bollinger Bands looks like it will break up on a explosive way
25.125p now

First Quarter 2015: Financial and Production Results

Highlights
Revenue increased by 3% to $62 million (Q1 2014: $60 million) in line with slightly higher prices

On-mine EBITDA increased 138% to $14.8 million (Q1 2014: $6.3 million)

Group cash balance (excluding cash in joint venture entities) at quarter end $138 million (June 2014: $137 million) with a further $19 million held in joint venture entities (June 2014: $16 million), 50% of which is attributable to Aquarius;

Attributable production from operating mines up 3% quarter-on-quarter and up 4% compared to the previous corresponding period (pcp)

Cash costs at Kroondal remain below guidance , decreased 4% to R9,001 per PGM ounce quarter-on-quarter - down 1% compared to the previous year

Cash costs at Mimosa were up 1% to $815 per PGM ounce quarter-on-quarter after adjusting for one-off voluntary retrenchment costs incurred in the previous quarter- down 3% compared to the pcp.

Surface stockpile at Mimosa increased - now 184,375 tonnes

Kroondal PGM basket price increased 4% on average to R13,270 per PGM ounce quarter-on-quarter - up 12% compared to the pcp

Mimosa PGM basket price increased 4% on average to $1,200 per PGM ounce quarter-on-quarter - up 8% compared to the pcp

The Rand weakened against the US Dollar by 1% on average quarter-on-quarter - down 7% compared to pcp

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4910183

I hear rumours of more miner strikes in SA to come but AQP, having the good sense to forge a deal a 3 year deal, should be immune while hopefully benefitting from any basket price increases because of strikes. Bought in on Friday - must have been the first trade because I only paid 16.80p. There's still some downside price risk but that's across all miners at present so happy to hold this for the longer term.

I take back what I said as this proving to be the worst trade I've made in a long while. Can't believe that Platinum moved up the last two days and this has moved down! No reflection on the company but the price action is weak and I won't be parking my hard earned in this again.

StockMarketWire.com
Aquarius Platinum saw attributable production from operating mines increase by 2% quarter-on-quarter in the three months to the end of December and rise by 5% compared to the previous corresponding period (pcp).

Kroondal recorded its eighth consecutive quarter above 105,000 PGM ozm while Mimosa achieved a new quarterly production record at 60,842 PGM ozs.

The group reports its highest attributable quarterly production for a quarter from Kroondal, Mimosa and Plat Mile combined but average PGM basket price decreased 10% for the quarter - down 4% compared to pcp.

The rand weakened against the US dollar by 4% on average quarter-on-quarter - down 8% compared to pcp.

Cash costs at Kroondal decreased 1% to R8,925 per PGM ounce quarter-on-quarter - up 1% compared to pcp. Cash costs at Mimosa decreased 4% to $781 per PGM ounce quarter-on-quarter - down 7% compared to pcp.

Chief executive Jean Nel said: "Both Kroondal and Mimosa delivered excellent production and cost performances in the quarter, with Mimosa recording its highest ever quarterly production and Kroondal delivering a record 8th consecutive quarter of above 105 000 4E ozs production. The increased production, coupled with excellent cost management enabled Aquarius to generate positive operational cash flows despite a sharp drop in PGM prices which fell by 10% in US$ terms and 8% in Rand terms. The operating teams under the leadership of Rob Schroder deserve much credit for the performance.

"Aquarius's view remains that, attractive longer term fundamentals notwithstanding, a material increase in PGM prices is unlikely in the short term given muted demand growth and continued supply of metal from unprofitable mining operations in South Africa. This assessment informs Aquarius' stated focus on consistent operational improvements, strengthening its balance sheet and restrained capital allocation. Aquarius is committed not to produce unprofitable ounces. In this regard Aquarius will continue to focus on operational efficiencies and excellence to improve margins."

StockMarketWire.com
Aquarius Platinum posts a headline loss (before exceptional charges) of $30m for the six months to the end of December - up from $22m last time.

Revenues of $113m comparable to prior corresponding period (pcp) but group mine earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation were higher at $18m (H1 2014: $10m) due to higher production and improved cost management.

Aquarius recorded a consolidated accounting net loss after tax (IFRS) of $57m for the half-year (3.93 cents per share). The result included the following one off non-cash charges arising in joint venture entities:

- An impairment of the carrying value of Blue Ridge/Sheba's Ridge investment of $26m following termination of the agreement to sell the company's indirect interests in Blue Ridge Platinum (Pty) Ltd and Sheba's Ridge Platinum (Pty) Ltd

- Discounting of the RBZ receivable due to Mimosa by $28.5 million.

Chief executive Jean Nel said: "The group's stated focus on operational improvements in the face of a very difficult operating, labour, political and social environment continued to yield results in the six months to December 2014.

"The six months under review was characterised by continued operational progress, improved safety performance, reduced costs and record production for the group. In addition to excellent operating performances by both Kroondal and Mimosa, our incremental projects progressed satisfactorily during the half-year and the group's balance sheet was strengthened following the sale of non-core assets.

"We continue to expect a difficult operating and metal price environment in the short term which directs our focus on operational efficiencies and responsible capital stewardship."

StockMarketWire.com
Aquarius Platinum has issued an update on the agreed sale by its subsidiary, Aquarius Platinum (South Africa ) (Pty) Ltd, of its entire interest in the Everest mine and ancillary mining and processing infrastructure and immovable properties to Northam Platinum Limited for an aggregate cash consideration of R450m.

This is to be completed in two parts - R400m for the concentrator and other mining assets (part A) plus R50m for the Everest mining right (part B).

Aquarius is pleased to advise that the conditions precedent in respect of the part A disposal process were fulfilled on 22 April. Part A of the disposal process is now unconditional and the consideration of R400m is due and payable by Northam on 26 June.

Part B of the disposal process is subject to the consent of the Minister of Mineral Resources in terms of section 11 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act.

The section 11 application has been submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources.

Should the ministerial consent not be obtained the first part of the disposal will not be unwound.