Annual Results.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
n Group revenue of US$1.3 billion - more than double the 2010 Group Revenue (US$612 million), due to a 52% increase in gold sold, a 29% increase in the average realised gold sale price and a 374% increase in IRC's revenue;
n Group total cash costs for hard-rock assets of US$586/oz, represent a 7% increase compared to 2010, despite a 22% decrease in processed grades at Pokrovskiy and Malomir and strong inflationary pressures. This has been achieved as a result of increased efficiencies of operations, economies of scale, implementation of cost control measures and improved grades of ore mined and processed at Pioneer;
n Total cash costs per ounce at Pioneer decreased by 3% due to increased capacity and economies of scale and improvement in grades processed;
n Cash costs for alluvial production totalled US$1,167oz; 2011 alluvial production amounted to 14% of the Group's total gold output, compared to 16% in 2010;
n The Group's average realised gold price increased by 29%, from US$1,253/oz in 2010 to US$1,617/oz in 2011;
n Underlying EBITDA for the period was US$597.1 million, a substantial 205% increase on 2010;
n Earnings per share of US$1.24 increased more than ten times versus the 2010 figure, due to a 1066% increase in net profit for the period attributable to shareholders of Petropavlovsk from US$19.8 million in 2010 to US$230.9 million in 2011;
n During 2011, the Group carried out a review of its existing exploration and evaluation projects and recognized an impairment charge of US$42.1 million against certain mineral properties which are not considered economical;
n Adjusted earnings per share before impairment changes of US$1.46 increased almost four times versus the 2010 figure, again reflecting the increase in net profit for the period attributable to shareholders of Petropavlovsk PLC;
n On 7 February 2012, the Group disposed of its interest in the wholly-owned subsidiary Sever-Chrome for a total cash consideration of US$7.8 million;
n On 27 March 2012, the Board of Directors resolved to recommend a final dividend of £0.07 per share which is expected to result in the payment of £13.2 million;
n Net debt as at 31 December 2011 was US$787.3 million reflecting the increased capital expenditure during the year;
n As at 31 December 2011, the Group had committed but undrawn loan facilities of US$462.6 million in aggregate, including US$333.0 million available under an IRC facility;
n In March 2012 the Group entered into a new US$200 million 6 year loan facility with a Russian Bank.