Cameco Reports Fourth Quarter Earnings Per Share of $0.40.Business Editors & Energy Writers SASKATOON Saskatoon (săskət n`), city (1991 pop. 186,058), S central Sask., Canada, on the South Saskatchewan River. , Saskatchewan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 11, 2003Cameco Cameco Corp. TSX: CCO NYSE: CCJ is the world's largest publicly traded uranium company, based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It was formed in 1988 by the merger and privatization of two crown corporations: the federal owned Eldorado Mining and Refining Limited (known better Corporation (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :CCJ See citizen journalism. ) (TSX TSX Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE before April, 2002) TSX Transfer from Stack Pointer to Index TSX True Space Extension :CCO (Chief or Corporate Compliance Officer) The executive person in charge of compliance issues, regulatory requirements, internal controls and managing audits within an enterprise or organization. ) today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December December: see month. 31, 2002. HIGHLIGHTS For the Year -- a project to uprate the capacity of the B reactors (approximate annual expenditures in millions for 2003 to 2005: $15, $185, and $100), and -- the completion of the Bruce B environmental qualification program (to be completed in 2003 at an estimated expenditure of $30 million). For the Quarter -- Earnings were $22 million ($0.40 per share) -- Higher earnings from conversion and Bruce Power Bruce Power Limited Partnership is a Canadian corporation. It exists as a partnership between Cameco Corporation (31.6%), TransCanada Corporation (31.6%), BPC Generation Infrastructure Trust (31.6%), the Power Workers Union (4%) and The Society of Energy Professionals (1. -- All four B reactors at Bruce Power in service as new year begins
Financial Highlights
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Months 3 Months Year Year Change
Ended Ended Ended Ended (Y o Y)
Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01 Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01 %
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue ($ millions) 271 322 748 701 7
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings from
operations ($ millions) 44 59 89 95 (6)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by
operations ($ millions) 14 63 251 116 116
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings
attributable
to common shares ($
millions) 22 28 46 56 (18)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share ($) 0.40 0.50 0.83 1.01 (18)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Average uranium spot
price for the period
($US/lb U3O8) 9.95 9.47 9.86 8.77 12
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cameco's average
realized gold price
for the period
($US/ounce) 304 317 300 292 3
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Average spot market
gold price for the
period ($US/ounce) 322 279 310 271 14
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: All dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless
otherwise indicated.
PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Months 3 Months Year Year Change
Ended Ended Ended Ended (Y o Y)
Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01 Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01 %
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Cameco's Share)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Uranium concentrates
(million lbs U3O8) 3.9 3.5 15.9 18.8 (15)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Uranium conversion
(million kgU) 3.8 3.7 12.4 11.0 13
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Electricity
generation (TWh) 0.8 0.8 3.1 2.3(a) 34
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gold (thousand oz) 47 59 176 251 (30)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) For period May 12, 2001 to December 31, 2001.
This report is organized under the following major headings:
1. Consolidated financial results
2. Updates on markets, operations and strategy, and
3. Outlook for 2003.
1. CONSOLIDATED con·sol·i·date v. con·sol·i·dat·ed, con·sol·i·dat·ing, con·sol·i·dates v.tr. 1. To unite into one system or whole; combine: FINANCIAL RESULTS Fourth Quarter. For the three months ended December 31, 2002, net earnings attributable attributable emanating from or pertaining to attribute. attributable proportion see attributable risk (below). attributable risk to common shares were $22 million ($0.40 per share), a decrease of $6 million compared to $28 million ($0.50 per share) in 2001. This was attributable to reduced profits in the gold and uranium uranium (y rā`nēəm), radioactive metallic chemical element; symbol U; at. no. 92; at. wt. 238.0289; m.p. 1,132°C;; b.p. 3,818°C;; sp. gr. 19. businesses which were the result of lower sales volumes and
reduced gold production. (In 2001, fourth quarter uranium deliveries
represented an unusually high 50% of the year's sales volume.)
These decreases were partially offset by improved results in the
conversion business and higher earnings from Bruce Power. Compared to
the fourth quarter of 2001, the effective tax rate increased to 53% from
48% as a higher proportion of pre-tax pre-tax adj → anterior al impuestopre-tax adj → avant impôt(s) pre-tax adj → al lordo d'imposta income was earned in the uranium and conversion businesses and there was minimal tax relief from the loss before tax in the gold segment. Earnings from operations were $44 million in the fourth quarter of 2002 compared to $59 million in 2001. The aggregate gross profit margin Gross profit margin Gross profit divided by sales, which is equal to each sales dollar left over after paying for the cost of goods sold. gross profit margin A measure calculated by dividing gross profit by net sales. in the fourth quarter improved to 24% from 23% in 2001. Year. For 2002, net earnings attributable to common shares were $46 million ($0.83 per share), a decrease of $10 million compared to $56 million ($1.01 per share) in 2001. The decline was attributable to the gold business where after-tax af·ter-tax also af·ter·tax adj. Relating to or being that which remains after payment, especially of income taxes: after-tax profits. earnings declined by $27 million due to the failure of the pit wall at Kumtor in July July: see month. . This decrease was partially offset by improved results in the uranium and conversion businesses where gross profits rose due to increased volumes and higher realized selling prices. Compared to 2001, the effective tax rate increased to 47% from 39% for the reasons noted above. Earnings from operations were $89 million for 2002 compared to $95 million in 2001. The aggregate gross profit margin declined to 20% from 21% in 2001. Cash flow from operating activities of $251 million was $135 million higher than in 2001 due to the normal course reduction of accounts receivable accounts receivable n. the amounts of money due or owed to a business or professional by customers or clients. Generally, accounts receivable refers to the total amount due and is considered in calculating the value of a business or the business' problems in paying , higher sales volumes and a reduction in uranium inventories. SEGMENTED FINANCIAL RESULTS Uranium Business
----------------------------------------------------------------
3 Months 3 Months Year Year
Ended Ended Ended Ended
HIGHLIGHTS Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01 Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01
----------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue ($ millions) 199 248 524 471
----------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit ($ millions) 41 54 96 88
----------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit % 21 22 18 19
----------------------------------------------------------------
EBT(a) ($ millions) 37 51 87 78
----------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Earnings before income taxes
Fourth Quarter. Revenue from the uranium business decreased by 20% to $199 million from $248 million in the fourth quarter of 2001 due to a 22% decline in sales volume offset marginally by a 2% increase in average realized price. As the timing of deliveries of uranium within a calendar year is at the discretion of customers, Cameco's quarterly delivery patterns can vary significantly. Deliveries in 2001 were highly skewed skewed curve of a usually unimodal distribution with one tail drawn out more than the other and the median will lie above or below the mean. skewed Epidemiology adjective Referring to an asymmetrical distribution of a population or of data to the fourth quarter. The total cost of products and services sold, including depreciation, depletion depletion n. when a natural resource (particularly oil) is being used up. The annual amount of depletion may, ironically, provide a tax deduction for the company exploiting the resource because if the resource they are exploiting runs out, they will no longer be able and reclamation Reclamation A claim for the right to return or the right to demand the return of a security that has been previously accepted as a result of bad delivery or other irregularities in the delivery and settlement process. (DDR (Double Data Rate) Refers to an SDRAM memory chip that increases performance by doubling the effective data rate of the frontside bus. For more details, see SDRAM. DDR - Double Data Rate Random Access Memory ), was $158 million in the fourth quarter of 2002 compared to $194 million in 2001. This was attributable to the lower sales volume. On a per unit basis, the cost of product sold was 4% higher than in 2001 due to a greater proportion of sales of purchased material. In the fourth quarter of 2002, there were no care and maintenance costs recorded at Rabbit Lake Rabbit Lake can refer to:
Earnings before income taxes (EBT EBT See: Earnings Before Taxes ) from the uranium business were $37 million in the fourth quarter of 2002 while the gross profit margin declined to 21% from 22% in 2001. Year. Revenue from the uranium business rose by 11% to $524 million from $471 million in 2001 due to an 11% increase in sales volume. The average realized selling price for uranium concentrates increased only marginally compared to 2001. On the other hand, in 2002, the spot price averaged $9.86 (US) compared to $8.77 (US) in 2001. The positive influence of this increase was offset by a lower average realized price on fixed-price contracts. For 2002, the total cost of products and services sold, including DDR, was $428 million compared to $383 million in 2001, reflecting the increased sales volume. The average unit cost for uranium was 1% higher due to increased sales of purchased material and higher care and maintenance expenses at Rabbit Lake which were $8 million compared to $6 million in the prior year. Partially offsetting these increases was a reduced unit cost for McArthur McArthur may refer to: Places:
EBT from the uranium business was $87 million in 2002 and the profit margin declined to 18% from 19% in 2001. Conversion Business
----------------------------------------------------------------
3 Months 3 Months Year Year
Ended Ended Ended Ended
HIGHLIGHTS Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01 Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01
----------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue ($ millions) 50 44 137 114
----------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit ($ millions) 23 13 45 28
----------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit % 45 29 32 25
----------------------------------------------------------------
EBT ($ millions) 22 12 42 26
----------------------------------------------------------------
Fourth Quarter. Revenue from the conversion business increased by 13% to $50 million from $44 million in the fourth quarter of 2001. For the period, there was a 7% increase in sales volume and a 6% increase in realized price. As with uranium, quarterly delivery patterns can vary significantly. The total cost of products and services sold, including DDR, was $27 million in the fourth quarter of 2002 compared to $31 million in 2001. This decline was attributable to a lower unit cost which decreased by 18% compared to 2001 due mainly to higher production, more favourable costs for purchased conversion services, and lower depreciation charges. EBT from the conversion business was $22 million in the fourth quarter of 2002 compared to $12 million a year earlier. Year. Revenue from the conversion business increased by 20% to $137 million from $114 million in 2001. This was attributable to a 17% increase in sales volume and a 3% increase in the realized selling price. The total cost of products and services sold, including DDR, was $92 million in 2002 compared to $86 million in 2001. This increase was attributable to the higher sales volume and was partially offset by a lower unit cost of services sold which declined by 8% due to the increase in production, lower cost of purchased conversion services and lower depreciation charges. EBT from the conversion business was $42 million in 2002, compared to $26 million in 2001. Electricity Business
Bruce Power Limited Partnership (100% basis)
----------------------------------------------------------------
3 Months 3 Months Year Period(a)
Ended Ended Ended Ended
HIGHLIGHTS Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01 Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01
----------------------------------------------------------------
Output (terawatt hours) 5.2 5.3 20.8 15.5
----------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity factor (%) 75 75 75 87
----------------------------------------------------------------
($ million)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue 237 204 919 599
----------------------------------------------------------------
Operating costs 179 189 750 471
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before interest
& taxes 58 15 169 128
----------------------------------------------------------------
Interest 13 15 63 41
----------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before taxes 45 -- 106 87
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Cameco's 15% interest 7 -- 16 13
----------------------------------------------------------------
Adjustments 1 -- -- (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Cameco's share of
earnings before taxes 8 -- 16 12
----------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The comparative data from 2001 is for a 7.5-month period from May
12 to December 31.
Note: Capacity factor for a given period represents the amount of
electricity actually produced for sale as a percentage of the
amount of electricity the plants are capable of producing for
sale.
Fourth Quarter. 5.2 terawatt hours of electricity was generated by the Bruce Bruce, Scottish royal family descended from an 11th-century Norman duke, Robert de Brus. He aided William I in his conquest of England (1066) and was given lands in England. B reactors representing a capacity factor of 75%. Planned maintenance work on one reactor Reactor (electricity) A device for introducing an inductive reactance into a circuit. Inductive reactance x is a function of the product of frequency f and inductance L; thus, x = 2πfL. , which began in the third quarter, was completed at the end of the fourth quarter. Although generation output was marginally lower than the previous year's fourth quarter, higher electricity prices resulted in revenues of $237 million. During the quarter, the average spot electricity price in Ontario Ontario, city, United States Ontario, city (1990 pop. 133,179), San Bernardino co., S Calif., near Los Angeles, in a region of vineyards; inc. 1891. was about $51 per megawatt meg·a·watt n. Abbr. MW One million watts. meg a·watt hour (MWh). About 40% of Bruce Power's
generation was sold on the spot market.For the quarter, Cameco's share of the earnings before taxes was $8 million. Year. The operating year included a series of major planned outages to prepare the reactors for better long-term Long-term Three or more years. In the context of accounting, more than 1 year. long-term 1. Of or relating to a gain or loss in the value of a security that has been held over a specific length of time. Compare short-term. service. As a result, power generation by the Bruce B reactors was limited to 20.8 terawatt hours, reflecting a capacity factor of 75%. The average realized price was approximately ap·prox·i·mate adj. 1. Almost exact or correct: the approximate time of the accident. 2. $44/MWh compared to about $38 in 2001. Interest cost of $63 million included interest on the long-term lease and the deferred lease payments due to Ontario Power Generation Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is a public company whose shares are wholly owned by the Government of Ontario. It is responsible for approximately 70% of the electricity generation in the province of Ontario, Canada [1]. Inc. (OPG OPG Ontario Power Generation (Canada) OPG Osteoprotegerin OPG Online Policy Group OPG Oldroyd Publishing Group (UK) OPG Orthopantomography OPG Office of Projects and Grants ). In 2002 Cameco recorded earnings before taxes of $16 million, reflecting its 15% limited partnership interest in Bruce Power during the year. Gold Business
----------------------------------------------------------------
3 Months 3 Months Year Year
Ended Ended Ended ended
HIGHLIGHTS Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01 Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01
----------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue ($ millions) 22 29 87 115
----------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit ($ millions) 1 8 9 34
----------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit % 2 28 10 29
----------------------------------------------------------------
EBT ($ millions) (2) 5 (3) 26
----------------------------------------------------------------
Selling price ($US) 304 317 300 292
----------------------------------------------------------------
Cash cost(1) ($US/oz) 220 153 216 142
----------------------------------------------------------------
(1) As defined by the Gold Institute.
In July, the failure of the pit wall at Kumtor brought about a significant revision to the mining plan for 2002. Mining of higher-grade ore was postponed due to the pit wall failure. Since July, Kumtor has been milling lower grades and achieving lower recovery rates. Production was reduced by about 172,000 ounces from the 2002 plan. The production decline also caused a large increase in the unit cash cost(1) which will continue until mid- mid- pref. Middle: midbrain. 2003 when the higher-grade ore is expected to become accessible. Fourth Quarter. Revenue from the gold business declined by 25% to $22 million from $29 million in the fourth quarter of 2001 due mainly to a 24% decrease in volume sold. Cameco's realized price for gold decreased to $304 (US) per ounce ounce, in zoology ounce, in zoology: see leopard. ounce, unit of measurement ounce: see English units of measurement. in 2002 from $317 (US) in 2001, due to less favourable hedge positions. Gold production at Kumtor of 47,400 ounces (Cameco's share) was 20% less than in the fourth quarter of 2001 due to a lower ore grade Ore grade is a measure that describes the concentration of a valuable natural material (such as metals or minerals) in its surrounding ore. Ore grade is used to assess the economic feasibility of a mining operation: the cost of extracting a natural material from its ore is directly which averaged 4.0 grams per tonne tonne measure of weight or mass; 1 tonne=1000 kg. See also ton. (g/t) compared to 5.0 g/t in 2001. The recovery rate also decreased to 80% from 82% in 2001. As a result, Kumtor's cash cost(1) per ounce was $220 (US) compared to $153 (US) in 2001. For the quarter, the loss before tax was $2 million and the gross profit margin for gold was 2% compared to 28% in 2001. Year. Revenue from the gold business declined by 24% to $87 million from $115 million in the prior year, reflecting a 28% decrease in sales volume which more than offset an increase in the average realized selling price. Cameco's realized price for gold was $300 (US) per ounce in 2002 compared to $292 (US) in 2001. Gold production at Kumtor of 176,200 ounces (Cameco's share) was 30% lower than in 2001 due mainly to lower grade ore which averaged 3.7 g/t in 2002 compared to 5.1 g/t the year before. Production was also influenced by a lower recovery rate which decreased to 78% from 83% in the prior year. Kumtor's cash cost(1) per ounce was $216 (US) in 2002 compared to $142 (US) in 2001. The loss before tax was $3 million and the gross profit margin for gold was 10% in 2002 compared to 29% in 2001. Corporate Expenses During 2002, costs for administration increased by $5 million compared to 2001 due primarily to the administration costs of AGR AGR advanced gas-cooled reactor Limited (AGR), control of which was acquired in March of 2002. Cameco owns 56% of AGR and consolidates AGR's results in its financial statements. Exploration costs increased by $3 million as there was greater activity in both uranium and gold. CASH FLOW In 2002, Cameco generated cash from operations of $251 million ($4.50 per share) compared to $116 million ($2.10 per share) in 2001. This increase of $135 million largely reflects a normal course reduction of accounts receivable, higher sales volumes and the reduction in uranium inventories. (Due to the high volume of uranium deliveries late in 2001, accounts receivable were higher than usual at the end of that year. These were collected early in 2002.) Cash used in investing activities decreased to $74 million in 2002 from $131 million in 2001. Significant investments include the Boroo project ($24 million) in 2002 and the initial investment in Bruce Power including inventory ($88 million) in 2001. BALANCE SHEET During the quarter, the company finalized See finalization. a new three-year corporate lending facility with a group of major Canadian Canadian (kənā`dēən), river, 906 mi (1,458 km) long, rising in NE New Mexico. and flowing E across N Texas and central Oklahoma into the Arkansas River in E Oklahoma. , US and other foreign lending institutions Noun 1. lending institution - a financial institution that makes loans financial institution, financial organisation, financial organization - an institution (public or private) that collects funds (from the public or other institutions) and invests them in . The facility consists of a $200 million three-year unsecured Unsecured A loan or equity interest that is given without any guarantee of payment, performance, satisfaction or opportunity for return from the recipient. No property, interest or security is used as collateral in either a guarantee or a pledge. revolving credit Revolving Credit A line of credit where the customer pays a commitment fee and is then allowed to use the funds when they are needed. It is usually used for operating purposes, fluctuating each month depending on the customers current cash flow needs. facility and a $225 million 364-day unsecured revolving credit facility with a two-year term-out option. At December 31, 2002, total long-term debt Long-Term Debt Loans and financial obligations lasting over one year. Notes: For example debts obligations such as bonds and notes which have maturities greater than one year would be considered long-term debt. decreased by $129 million to $225 million from $354 million at the end of 2001. At December 31, 2002, Cameco's net debt to capitalization capitalization n. 1) the act of counting anticipated earnings and expenses as capital assets (property, equipment, fixtures) for accounting purposes. 2) the amount of anticipated net earnings which hypothetically can be used for conversion into capital assets. ratio was 8%, down from 15% at the end of the prior year. During 2002, Cameco's long-term receivables Receivables An asset designation applicable to all debts, unsettled transactions or other monetary obligations owed to a company by its debtors or customers. Receivables are recorded by a company's accountants and reported on the balance sheet, and they and include all debts owed and investments balance increased by $14 million due primarily to additional contributions to Bruce Power. Cameco invested an additional $33 million during the year bringing its total cash investment in Bruce Power to $93 million. This supplemented Bruce Power's cash resources for the Bruce A restart To resume computer operation after a planned or unplanned termination. See boot, warm boot and checkpoint/restart. project. The provision for reclamation has increased by $15 million mainly due to the purchase of the Smith Ranch ranch, large farm devoted chiefly to raising and breeding cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. The cattle ranch was introduced from Latin America to Texas and the plains of the W United States and Canada. in situ In place. When something is "in situ," it is in its original location. leach leach v. leached, leach·ing, leach·es v.tr. 1. To remove soluble or other constituents from by the action of a percolating liquid. 2. (ISL ISL - Interface Specification Language. Xerox PARC. Interface description language used by the ILU (Inter-Language Unification) system. Includes descriptions of multiple inheritance, exceptions and garbage collection. E-mail: Bill Janssen <janssen@parc.xerox.com>. ) mine in Wyoming Wyoming, city, United States Wyoming, city (1990 pop. 63,891), Kent co., W Mich., in the greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area, on the Grand River; settled 1832, inc. 1959. by Cameco's subsidiary, Power Resources, Inc. (PRI PRI: see Institutional Revolutionary party. (Primary Rate Interface) An ISDN service that provides 23 64 Kbps B (Bearer) channels and one 64 Kbps D (Data) channel (23B+D), which is equivalent to the 24 channels of a T1 line. ). The purchase price of $9 million (US) was satisfied by PRI assuming, and Cameco guaranteeing, the decommissioning Decommissioning is a general term for a formal process to remove something from operational status. Some specific instances include:
Cameco's issue of preferred securities ($125 million (US)) is redeemable Redeemable Eligible for redemption under the terms of an indenture. at par on or after October October: see month. 14, 2003. At the present time, the company has not determined whether the issue will be redeemed re·deem tr.v. re·deemed, re·deem·ing, re·deems 1. To recover ownership of by paying a specified sum. 2. To pay off (a promissory note, for example). 3. in 2003. Dividends With an uninterrupted record of dividend payments since Cameco was publicly listed in 1991, the board of directors approved an increase in the dividend by 20% to $0.60 per common share annually beginning with a $0.15 payment for the first quarter of 2003. Gold Hedging The average spot market gold price during the fourth quarter of 2002 was $322 (US) per ounce compared to $314 (US) in the third quarter. Prices ended the year at $347 (US) per ounce. Kumtor Gold Company (KGC KGC Knights of the Golden Circle KGC Kids get Care KGC Kingscote, South Australia, Australia (Airport Code) KGC Known Good Cable ) and AGR hedge the price risk for future gold sales. At the end of 2002, KGC had in place forward sales forward sales npl → ventas fpl a término and option agreements on 769,400 ounces and AGR had in place forward sales on 200,000 ounces. Combined, these hedge positions represented about 22% of proven and probable reserves. Cameco's share of these hedging agreements was 456,500 ounces consisting of 371,500 ounces in forward contracts, and a net position of 85,000 ounces in collars (matched puts and calls). These hedges are expected to yield average prices in the range of $310 (US) to $317 (US) per ounce. The mark-to-market Mark-to-market Adjustment of the book value or collateral value of a security to reflect current market value. loss on these hedge positions is fully guaranteed by Cameco and was $38 million (US) at December 31, 2002. As of December 31, 2002, Cameco agreed to provide credit support to a maximum of $70 (US) per ounce to the counterparties Counterparties The parties on either side of an interest rate swap or a currency, equity or commodity swap, or to an options or futures position. of KGC and AGR. Cameco's maximum financial exposure under these arrangements based on outstanding commitments was $61 million (US). Timing differences between the usage and designation DESIGNATION, wills. The expression used by a testator, instead of the name of the person or the thing he is desirous to name; for example, a legacy to. the eldest son of such a person, would be a designation of the legatee. Vide 1 Rop. Leg. ch. 2. 2. of hedge contracts may result in deferred revenue or deferred charges. At the end of 2002, Cameco's share of deferred charges to be recognized totalled $4 million (US). Foreign Exchange During the quarter, the Canadian dollar Noun 1. Canadian dollar - the basic unit of money in Canada; "the Canadian dollar has the image of loon on one side of the coin" loonie dollar - the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 cents strengthened against the US dollar from 1.5858 at the end of the third quarter to 1.5796 as of December 31, 2002. Most of the company's revenues are in US dollars. At December 31, 2002, Cameco had a foreign currency hedge Currency hedge Applies mainly to international equities. Hedging technique to guard against foreign exchange fluctuations (i.e., short Euro l00 mm when holding a long position of Euro l00 mm in stocks). portfolio of $499 million (US). These hedges are expected to yield an average exchange rate of 1.5870. The mark-to-market loss on these hedge positions was $10 million at December 31, 2002. Timing differences between the usage and designation of hedge contracts may result in deferred revenue or deferred charges. At the end of 2002, deferred charges to be recognized totalled $12 million. 2. UPDATES ON MARKETS, OPERATIONS AND STRATEGY The most significant factors affecting the financial performance of Cameco are: -- a project to uprate the capacity of the B reactors (approximate annual expenditures in millions for 2003 to 2005: $15, $185, and $100), and -- the completion of the Bruce B environmental qualification program (to be completed in 2003 at an estimated expenditure of $30 million). Updates from the recent quarter on these key financial drivers are provided in the following discussions, and in some cases, in other sections of this report. Uranium Market The uranium market, like all commodity markets, has a history of volatility, moving not only with the standard forces of supply and demand, but also to whims of geopolitics. It has also evolved particularities of its own in response to the unique nature and use of this material. Update Uranium Spot Market The spot market volume for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 was approximately 5 million pounds U3O8, bringing the year-to-date Year-to-date (YTD) The period beginning at the start of the calendar year up to the current date. total to about 19 million pounds. This compares to 6 million pounds and 19 million pounds respectively in the corresponding periods in 2001. Spot demand picked up at the end of the fourth quarter resulting in an increase in the spot price to $10.20 (US) per pound U3O8. This was a 7% increase over the price at the end of 2001. Uranium Long-term Market The long-term market continued to be active in the fourth quarter, with total long-term contracting for 2002 estimated at about 70 million pounds U3O8. The long-term price indicator, published by TradeTech TradeTech is a portfolio of conferences, exhibitions and summits focussed on providing high quality content to the entire trading community. TradeTech’s conferences combine high quality content with unrivalled networking. , remained at $10.75 (US) per pound U3O8 throughout the third and fourth quarters. UF6 Conversion Spot Market The industry average spot market price for uranium conversion services remained at $5.03 (US) per kgU throughout the quarter. This compares to $5.25 (US) per kgU throughout the fourth quarter of 2001. Update on Uranium Market Trends and Developments The Canadian government will grant a $328 million loan guarantee to help finance the completion of construction of Romania's Cernavoda 2, a 630 megawatt (MW) CANDU reactor The CANDU reactor is a pressurized heavy water reactor developed initially in the late 1950s and 1960s by a partnership between Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario (now known as Ontario Power Generation), Canadian General Electric . Construction is about 40% complete and is expected to be finished in 2006, with operation to begin in 2007. A final decision on whether to proceed with restart of construction on the 1,350 MW Angra Angra may mean:
In Sweden Sweden, Swed. Sverige, officially Kingdom of Sweden, constitutional monarchy (2005 est. pop. 9,002,000), 173,648 sq mi (449,750 sq km), N Europe, occupying the eastern part of the Scandinavian peninsula. , where the Barseback 2 unit is currently scheduled to be shut down in 2003, two separate reports have indicated that closure will result in higher electricity prices, possible winter electricity shortages, and increased carbon dioxide carbon dioxide, chemical compound, CO2, a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is about one and one-half times as dense as air under ordinary conditions of temperature and pressure. emissions emissions npl → émissions fpl emissions npl → Emissionen pl . The government is expected to make a decision in the spring of 2003 on a possible shutdown shut·down n. A cessation of operations or activity, as at a factory. shutdown Noun the closing of a factory, shop, or other business Verb shut down of the reactor by the end of 2003. In Japan, Tokyo Tokyo (tō`kēō), city (1990 pop. 8,163,573), capital of Japan and of Tokyo prefecture, E central Honshu, at the head of Tokyo Bay. Electric Power Company (Tepco) had the operating license of one of its reactors suspended sus·pend v. sus·pend·ed, sus·pend·ing, sus·pends v.tr. 1. To bar for a period from a privilege, office, or position, usually as a punishment: suspend a student from school. for a year as a penalty for falsification falsification /fal·si·fi·ca·tion/ (fawl?si-fi-ka´shun) lying. retrospective falsification unconscious distortion of past experiences to conform to present emotional needs. of inspection data in the early 1990's. In addition, Tepco had several other reactors shut down for maintenance and inspection at the end of 2002. Tepco restarted several mothballed fossil-fuelled electric power stations to replace, in part, the capacity of the temporarily shutdown reactors. Operations Update Uranium Mining Uranium mining is the process of extraction of uranium ore from the ground. As uranium ore is mostly present at relatively low concentrations, most uranium mining is very volume-intensive, and thus tends to be undertaken as open-pit mining. McArthur River/Key Lake achieved production of 3.4 million pounds U3O8 (all volumes are Cameco's share) in the quarter, reaching its target of 13.1 million pounds for the year. There was record mill production at Key Lake. At Rabbit Lake, production in the fourth quarter was 0.9 million pounds U3O8. Despite difficult ground conditions, production rates improved through the quarter. For the year, mill production was 1.1 million pounds which was less than the planned amount of 3 million pounds. Fuel Services Fourth quarter production of 3,754 tonnes of conversion services slightly exceeded that of the same quarter in 2001. Annual production was 12,428 tonnes, a 13% increase over 2001. Electricity Business In November November: see month. , the Ontario government announced a price cap of $43/MWh in the retail electricity market for smaller consumers. This has had no direct impact on the price in the wholesale electricity market into which Bruce Power sells its output. The announcement has increased market uncertainty for generators like Bruce Power. On December 23, 2002, the company announced that, along with partners, it had signed a binding agreement to purchase 79.8% of Bruce Power Limited Partnership from British Energy British Energy plc (LSE: BGY) is the UK's largest electricity generator by volume and a constituent company of FTSE 100. It is primarily an operator of formerly state-owned nuclear power stations. plc (British Energy) which currently holds an 82.4% interest. The Power Workers' Union The Workers' Union was a trade union in the United Kingdom. It merged with the Transport and General Workers' Union in 1929. See also
The agreement commits Cameco to purchase an additional 16.6% interest in Bruce Power for about $198 million, subject to minor closing adjustments, bringing its total interest to 31.6%. Cameco will also provide $75 million, representing its one-third share of $225 million deferred rent payments to OPG to be paid concurrent At the same time. It implies that multiple processes are taking place simultaneously. See concurrent operation. with the closing of the acquisition. Upon closing, Cameco's total commitment in financial assurances is estimated to be about $200 million, including its share of financial assurance in relation to the operating license from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), previously known as the "Atomic Energy Control Board" (AECB), is best described as the nuclear energy and materials watchdog in Canada. (CNSC CNSC Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (formerly the Atomic Energy Control Board, AECB) CNSC Chinese Newcomers Service Center CNSC Churchill Northern Studies Centre (Canada) CNSC Creative Needle Sewing Club ), the lease with OPG and the power purchase agreements with large industrial customers. Subject to a number of conditions, the closing of the agreement is scheduled to occur by February February: see month. 14, 2003. One condition was satisfied with British Energy shareholders approving the agreement on February 10, 2003. There can be no assurance that other conditions to closing will be satisfied. For further details, please see the news release posted December 23, 2002 at www.cameco.com. Gold Business At Kumtor, the removal of pit wall material which collapsed in July continues on schedule toward a mid-2003 completion. The company is seeking to consolidate Consolidate To combine the assets, liabilities, and other financial items of two or more entities into one. Notes: This term is generally used in the context of consolidated financial statements. its gold assets. Following the recent rise in gold prices, the evaluation of available options for asset consolidation has taken longer than previously anticipated but significant progress is expected by mid-2003. In the meantime Adv. 1. in the meantime - during the intervening time; "meanwhile I will not think about the problem"; "meantime he was attentive to his other interests"; "in the meantime the police were notified" meantime, meanwhile , Cameco will continue to manage its gold assets to increase their value to its shareholders. Cameco's gold hedging strategy is being re-evaluated in the context of the company's objectives for its gold assets and current market events. 3. OUTLOOK FOR 2003 Uranium Production (Cameco's share) ---------------------------------------------------------------- (000s lbs U3O8) 2003 Plan 2002 Actual ---------------------------------------------------------------- McArthur River/Key Lake 13,000 13,095 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Rabbit Lake 6,000 1,143 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Smith Ranch/Highland 1,100 887 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Crow Butte 800 768 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Total 20,900 15,893 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Total mine production is expected to rise to 20.9 million pounds U3O8, up 5.0 million pounds over 2002 levels, due largely to a full year's operation at Rabbit Lake. At McArthur River/Key Lake, production of 13.0 million pounds U3O8 is planned for 2003. McArthur River high grade ore will continue to be blended with special waste rock at Key Lake to achieve an average mill feed of approximately 4% U3O8. At Rabbit Lake, the Eagle Point underground mine is expected to produce 6.0 million pounds in 2003, from its remaining reserves of about 17.6 million pounds U3O8. Prospects for additional reserves are being explored both from the surface as well as underground, where extensions to known ore have been identified. At the US in situ leach operations, the Smith Ranch and Highland Highland. 1 City (1990 pop. 34,439), San Bernardino co., SE Calif., in a citrus-grove area at the foot of the San Bernardino Mts. It has citrus-packing plants and some light industry. mines, which merged operations during 2002, have planned production of 1.1 million pounds while Crow Butte Butte, city, United States Butte (by t), city (1990 pop. 33,336), seat of Silver Bow co., SW Mont.; inc. 1879. It is a trade, ranching, and industrial center. is expected to package 0.8 million
pounds in 2003. At the Inkai development project in Kazakhstan Kazakhstan or Kazakstan (kä'zäkstän`), officially Republic of Kazakhstan, republic (2005 est. pop. 15,186,000), c.1,050,000 sq mi (2,719,500 sq km), central Asia. , nominal Trifling, token, or slight; not real or substantial; in name only.Nominal capital, for example, refers to extremely small or negligible funds, the use of which in a particular business is incidental. NOMINAL. Relating to a name. production is expected as test mining continues through 2003. Uranium Market Long-term contracting in 2002 is reported to be approximately 70 million pounds. In 2003, long-term market demand is expected to be similar to 2002. Uranium Revenue and Margins In 2003, Cameco's uranium revenue is expected to rise nominally nom·i·nal adj. 1. a. Of, resembling, relating to, or consisting of a name or names. b. Assigned to or bearing a person's name: nominal shares. 2. Existing in name only. over the 2002 level as the result of a modest improvement in price. Although market prices have risen over the past two years, Cameco expects its average realized price will increase by only 2% in 2003. About 60% of Cameco's long-term contracts contain pricing which references the spot price at the time of delivery. The remaining 40% of the contracts include base-escalated pricing; in 2003, the prices realized from these contracts are expected to average lower than in 2002 due to the expiration EXPIRATION. Cessation; end. As, the expiration of, a lease, of a contract, or statute. 2. In general, the expiration of a contract puts an end to all the engagements of the parties, except to those which arise from the non- fulfillment of obligations created of more favourably Adv. 1. favourably - showing approval; "he reviewed the play favorably" favorably favourably U.S. favorably adverb 1. priced contracts. At approximately 20% of western world requirements, Cameco's sales volumes are projected to be similar to those for 2002. As well, uranium margins are expected to be similar to 2002. For 2003 deliveries, a $1.00 (US) change in the U3O8 spot price from current levels would change revenue by about $27 million (Cdn), net earnings by about $15 million (Cdn) and cash flow by about $21 million (Cdn). Conversion Business At Port Hope, conversion production is expected to be approximately 12,200 tonnes, similar to 2002 levels. Revenue from the conversion business is likely to be slightly lower than in 2002 as a change in the mix of contracts is expected to result in a decline in realized price and lower profit margins. Electricity Business (Bruce Power) Acquisition of Additional Interest As discussed above, Cameco and its new partners are scheduled to complete the acquisition of British Energy's interest in Bruce Power by February 14, 2003. Bruce A Restart An important milestone “Milemarker” redirects here. For the American indie rock band, see Milemarker (band). A milestone or kilometre sign is one of a series of numbered markers placed along a road at regular intervals, typically at the side of the road or in a median. in the Bruce A restart program was achieved in early January 2003 when Bruce Power's environmental assessment report was accepted by the CNSC. Also in January, Bruce Power reported to the CNSC on the status of licensing requirements for the Bruce A reactors. The final hearing on the Bruce A restart program is scheduled for February 26, after which it is expected that Bruce Power will receive approval to operate units 3 and 4. On January 14, 2003, Bruce Power received permission from the CNSC to begin refuelling re·fu·el v. re·fu·eled also re·fu·elled, re·fu·el·ing also re·fu·el·ling, re·fu·els also re·fu·els v.tr. To supply again with fuel. v.intr. unit 4. The overall project remains on schedule for the restart of unit 4 in April and unit 3 in June June: see month. 2003. Operations For the year, an average site capacity factor of about 88% is planned, slightly below the long-term target of over 90%. Capital Expenditures In 2003, Bruce Power's capital expenditure program, excluding the Bruce A restart, is expected to total about $165 million. In addition to sustaining capital expenditures of about $15 million annually per reactor, the main projects, which were in Bruce Power's original business plan, include: -- a project to uprate the capacity of the B reactors (approximate annual expenditures in millions for 2003 to 2005: $15, $185, and $100), and -- the completion of the Bruce B environmental qualification program (to be completed in 2003 at an estimated expenditure of $30 million). Over the next three years, annual capital expenditures, excluding the Bruce A restart program, are expected to average about $245 million. Bruce Power's internal cash flow is expected to be sufficient to fund its 2003 capital programs including the restart of two Bruce A reactors. Gold Business For 2003, production at Kumtor is expected to be 670,000 ounces (Cameco's share is one-third), with 35% anticipated to occur in the first half of the year. This represents a 25% increase over 2002 due to an increase in average ore grade to 5.4 grams per tonne. The improvement in the grade is based upon regaining re·gain tr.v. re·gained, re·gain·ing, re·gains 1. To recover possession of; get back again: regain one's strength. See Synonyms at recover. 2. access to the high-grade High-grade Credit quality of AAA or AA. high-grade Of, relating to, or being a bond with little risk of default on the part of the issuer. High-grade is usually reserved for bonds rated AAA or AA by the rating services. ore buried bur·y tr.v. bur·ied, bur·y·ing, bur·ies 1. To place in the ground: bury a bone. 2. a. To place (a corpse) in a grave, a tomb, or the sea; inter. b. when the pit wall collapsed in July 2002. The unit cash cost is expected to decline by about 15% to $180 (US) per ounce due to the higher production volume. A change of $10 (US) per ounce in the spot market price for gold from the year-end year-end also year·end n. The end of a year. adj. Occurring or done at the end of the year: a year-end audit. Noun 1. price of $347 (US) would change Cameco's revenue by about $2 million (Cdn). At Boroo, mine construction is proceeding at a slower than expected pace with some construction and procurement The fancy word for "purchasing." The procurement department within an organization manages all the major purchases. activities behind schedule. Development costs to commercial production are estimated to be $63 million (US), an increase from the original estimate of $40 million (US). About half of the increase relates to a change in the operating plan from a contractor-supplied mine equipment fleet to one where AGR purchases the fleet. Mine operating costs operating costs npl → gastos mpl operacionales will therefore be lower. The remainder of the increase is due to improvements in the processing facilities. About 40% of the budget was spent to the end of January 2003. The project schedule is under review and commercial production may not be achieved until early 2004. Capital Expenditures ---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- Capital Expenditures Planned Actual (Cameco's share in $ millions) 2003 2002 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sustaining Capital ---------------------------------------------------------------- McArthur River/Key Lake $17 $10 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Smith/Highland/Crow Butte 16 9 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Fuel Services 14 7 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Kumtor 5 4 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Other 13 10 ---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- Total Sustaining $65 $40 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Development ---------------------------------------------------------------- Cigar Lake $9 $10 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Inkai 3 4 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Boroo 70 24 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Other 4 --- ---------------------------------------------------------------- Capitalized interest 11 12 ---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- Total Development $97 $50 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Total $162 $90 ---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- In 2003, total capital expenditures, excluding the additional investment in Bruce Power, are expected to amount to $162 million, an increase of $72 million over 2002. In 2003, most site sustaining capital expenditures are higher than normal due to mill modifications at Key Lake, the acquisition of Smith Ranch, and the volume of projects at Fuel Services. For development projects, Cameco's share of expenditures at Cigar Lake is estimated at $9 million. In 2003, CNSC approval of the construction license is not expected before October. After receipt of the license, the partners are expected to make a decision on when to proceed with mine development. At Inkai, reserve data and analysis and test mining are expected to continue through most of the year. A feasibility study "A Feasibility Study" is an episode of the original The Outer Limits television show. It first aired on 13 April, 1964, during the first season. It was remade in 1997 as part of the revived The Outer Limits series with a minor title change. has begun and is expected to be completed by the end of 2003. First Quarter of 2003 Consolidated revenue in the first quarter of 2003 is expected to be lower than in the first quarter of 2002 reflecting reduced deliveries in the uranium, conversion and gold segments. However, earnings from the uranium and conversion segments are projected to show an improvement over the first quarter of 2002 due to higher realized prices. As well, earnings from Bruce Power, based on Cameco's 15% interest, are expected to be higher than in the first quarter of 2002 due to increased output and improved prices. On the other hand, earnings from the gold business are projected to decline, compared to the same quarter in 2002, due to lower production. Consolidated earnings for the first quarter of 2003 are expected to be higher than those recorded in the same period last year. DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENT Cameco also announced today that its board of directors declared de·clare v. de·clared, de·clar·ing, de·clares v.tr. 1. To make known formally or officially. See Synonyms at announce. 2. To state emphatically or authoritatively; affirm. 3. a quarterly dividend of $0.15 (Cdn) per common share payable on April 15, 2003 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 31, 2003. This is an increase of 2.5 cents over the quarterly rate Cameco has paid since 1991, increasing the annual rate from $0.50 to $0.60. CONFERENCE CALL Cameco invites you to join an investor relation's conference call on Wednesday Wednesday: see week. , February 12, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time (9:00 a.m. Saskatoon time). The call will be open to all members of the investment community. Members of the media will be invited in listen-only mode. To join the conference call on February 12, please dial (416) 695-5259 or (877) 888-3490 (Canada Canada (kăn`ədə), independent nation (2001 pop. 30,007,094), 3,851,787 sq mi (9,976,128 sq km), N North America. Canada occupies all of North America N of the United States (and E of Alaska) except for Greenland and the French islands of and US). An operator will put your call through. Alternatively, an audio feed of the call will be available on Cameco's web site at www.cameco.com by using Windows Media Player Digital jukebox software for Windows from Microsoft that plays a variety of audio, video and streaming formats including MP3, WMA, CD audio and MIDI. Starting with Version 6.2 in 1999, the Windows Media Rights Manager was added for securing copyrighted content. or Real Player software. See the link on the home page on the day of the call. A replay of the conference call will be available on the web site shortly after the call and on post view until midnight on Wednesday, February 26, by dialing (416) 695-9731 or (888) 509-0082 (no code required). PROFILE Cameco, with its head office in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Saskatchewan, province, Canada Saskatchewan (səskăch`əwən, –wän', săs'–), province (2001 pop. 978,933), 251,700 sq mi (651,903 sq km), W Canada. , is the world's largest producer of uranium and the largest supplier of combined uranium and conversion services. The company's competitive position is based upon its controlling ownership of the world's largest, high-grade reserves and low-cost operations. Cameco's uranium products are used to generate clean electricity in nuclear power plants around the world including Ontario where the company has an interest in a limited partnership which generates electricity. The company also mines gold and explores for uranium and gold in North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. , Australia Australia (ôstrāl`yə), smallest continent, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. With the island state of Tasmania to the south, the continent makes up the Commonwealth of Australia, a federal parliamentary state (2005 est. pop. and Asia. Cameco's shares trade on the Toronto Toronto (tərŏn`tō), city (1998 est pop. 2,400,000), provincial capital, S Ont., Canada, on Lake Ontario. Toronto is the largest city in Canada and since the 1970s has been one of the fastest-changing cities in North America, experiencing and New York stock exchanges New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) World's largest marketplace for securities. The exchange began as an informal meeting of 24 men in 1792 on what is now Wall Street in New York City. . CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING for·ward-look·ing adj. Concerned with or making provision for the future: forward-looking educators; a forward-looking corporate plan. Adj. 1. INFORMATION Statements contained in this news release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements forward-looking statement A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections. that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences, without limiting the generality gen·er·al·i·ty n. pl. gen·er·al·i·ties 1. The state or quality of being general. 2. An observation or principle having general application; a generalization. 3. of the following, include: volatility Volatility 1. A statistical measure of the tendency of a market or security to rise or fall sharply within a period of time. 2. A variable in option pricing formulas that denotes the extent to which the return of the underlying asset will fluctuate between now and the and sensitivity to market prices for uranium, electricity in Ontario and gold; the impact of the sales volume of uranium, conversion services, electricity generated and gold; competition; the impact of change in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates; imprecision im·pre·cise adj. Not precise. im pre·cise ly adv. in reserve
estimates; environmental and safety risks including increased regulatory reg·u·late tr.v. reg·u·lat·ed, reg·u·lat·ing, reg·u·lates 1. To control or direct according to rule, principle, or law. 2. burdens; unexpected geological ge·ol·o·gy n. pl. ge·ol·o·gies 1. The scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of the earth. 2. The structure of a specific region of the earth's crust. 3. A book on geology. or hydrological hy·drol·o·gy n. The scientific study of the properties, distribution, and effects of water on the earth's surface, in the soil and underlying rocks, and in the atmosphere. conditions; political risks arising from operating in certain developing countries; a possible deterioration de·te·ri·o·ra·tion n. The process or condition of becoming worse. in political support for nuclear energy; changes in government regulations and policies, including trade laws and policies; demand for nuclear power; replacement of production and failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities; legislative and regulatory initiatives regarding deregulation Deregulation The reduction or elimination of government power in a particular industry, usually enacted to create more competition within the industry. Notes: Traditional areas that have been deregulated are the telephone and airline industries. , regulation or restructuring restructuring - The transformation from one representation form to another at the same relative abstraction level, while preserving the subject system's external behaviour (functionality and semantics). of the electric utility industry in Ontario; Ontario electricity rate regulations; weather and other natural phenomena; ability to maintain and further improve positive labour relations labour relations (US), labor relations npl → relations fpl dans l'entreprise labour relations labour npl → Beziehungen pl ; operating performance of the facilities; success of planned development projects; and other development and operating risks Operating risk The inherent or fundamental risk of a firm, without regard to financial risk. The risk that is created by operating leverage. Also called business risk. . Although Cameco believes that the assumptions inherit To receive property according to the state laws of intestate succession from a decedent who has failed to execute a valid will, or, where the term is applied in a more general sense, to receive the property of a decedent by will. inherit v. in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this report. Cameco disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Cameco Corporation
Highlights
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01 Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial (in millions)
Revenue $ 271 $ 322 $ 748 $ 701
Earnings from operations 44 59 89 95
Net earnings attributable
to common shares 22 28 46 56
Cash provided by operations 14 63 251 116
Working capital (end of
period) 479 552
Net debt to
capitalization 8% 15%
Per common share
Net earnings $ 0.40 $ 0.50 $ 0.83 $ 1.01
Cash provided by
operations 0.26 1.13 4.50 2.10
Dividend 0.125 0.125 0.50 0.50
Weighted average number
of paid common
shares outstanding (in
thousands) 55,854 55,473 55,781 55,399
Average uranium spot
price for the period
(US$/lb) $ 9.95 $ 9.47 $ 9.86 $ 8.77
Note: Currency amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless
stated otherwise.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Cameco Production
Cameco's Three Months Ended Year Ended
Share Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01 Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Uranium production
(in thousands lbs
U3O8)
McArthur River 69.8% 2,449 2,993 12,905 12,048
Rabbit Lake 100.0% 935 - 1,143 4,563
Key Lake 83.3% - 155 190 648
Crow Butte 100.0% 201 189 768 815
Smith Ranch
Highland 100.0% 345 168 887 695
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 3,930 3,505 15,893 18,769
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Uranium
conversion (tU) 100.0% 3,754 3,664 12,428 10,958
Gold (troy ounces)
Kumtor 33.3% 47,399 59,199 176,183 250,907
Cameco Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
As at
----------------------------------
Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Current assets
Cash $ 58,096 $ 33,737
Accounts receivable 186,369 255,963
Inventories 339,684 354,384
Supplies and prepaid expenses 45,731 44,574
Current portion of long-term
receivables, investments
and other 20,163 30,304
---------------------------------------------------------------------
650,043 718,962
Property, plant and equipment 2,037,613 1,994,424
Long-term receivables,
investments and other 257,523 233,961
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2,295,136 2,228,385
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets $2,945,179 $2,947,347
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities $ 131,932 $ 108,096
Dividends payable 6,998 6,959
Current portion of long-term
debt 6,318 26,189
Current portion of other
liabilities 16,931 4,182
Future income taxes 9,198 21,311
---------------------------------------------------------------------
171,377 166,737
Long-term debt 218,290 327,773
Provision for reclamation 155,036 139,583
Other liabilities 9,523 9,787
Future income taxes 522,979 480,520
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1,077,205 1,124,400
Minority interest 18,078 -
Shareholders' equity
Preferred securities 193,763 195,229
Share capital 680,934 670,031
Contributed surplus 472,488 472,488
Retained earnings 483,658 465,420
Cumulative translation account 19,053 19,779
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1,849,896 1,822,947
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity $2,945,179 $2,947,347
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
Cameco Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01 Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue from
Products and services $271,087 $321,646 $748,334 $700,839
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses
Products and services
sold 178,971 192,555 486,155 422,067
Depreciation, depletion
and reclamation 28,036 54,039 112,755 129,387
Administration 13,329 9,930 41,693 36,644
Exploration 6,593 6,212 21,532 18,203
Research and development 502 532 2,257 2,097
Interest and other (note 6) (662) (626) (1,957) (2,366)
Gain on property
interests (note 2) - - (2,670) -
---------------------------------------------------------------------
226,769 262,642 659,765 606,032
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings from operations 44,318 59,004 88,569 94,807
Earnings from Bruce
Power 8,156 (459) 15,769 12,167
Other income (expenses) (1,083) - (878) 590
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before income
taxes and minority
interest 51,391 58,545 103,460 107,564
Income tax expense
(note 7) 27,715 28,384 48,871 42,343
Minority interest (748) - (871) -
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings 24,424 30,161 55,460 65,221
Preferred securities
charges, net of tax 2,301 2,360 9,340 9,325
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings
attributable to common
shares $ 22,123 $ 27,801 $ 46,120 $ 55,896
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic earnings per
common share $ 0.40 $ 0.50 $ 0.83 $ 1.01
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted earnings per
common share $ 0.40 $ 0.50 $ 0.83 $ 1.01
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Cameco Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01 Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained earnings at
beginning of period $468,532 $444,571 $465,420 $437,328
Net earnings 24,424 30,161 55,460 65,221
Dividends on common
shares (6,997) (6,952) (27,882) (27,804)
Preferred securities
charges, net of tax (2,301) (2,360) (9,340) (9,325)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained earnings at end
of period $483,658 $465,420 $483,658 $465,420
---------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
Cameco Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01 Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating activities
Net earnings $ 24,424 $ 30,161 $ 55,460 $ 65,221
Items not requiring
(providing) cash:
Depreciation, depletion
and reclamation 28,036 54,039 112,755 129,387
Provision for future
taxes 20,869 22,487 38,602 32,757
Deferred charges
(revenue) recognized 983 (3,139) 1,375 (10,373)
Earnings from Bruce
Power (8,156) 459 (15,769) (12,167)
Equity in (earnings)
loss from associated
companies 1,083 - 1,083 -
Gain on property
interests - - (2,670) -
Minority interest (871) - (871) -
Other operating items (52,095) (41,427) 60,877 (88,578)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by
operations 14,273 62,580 250,842 116,247
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing activities
Additions to property,
plant and equipment (35,361) (18,277) (90,226) (58,275)
Increase in long-term
receivables, investments
and other (13,588) (8,120) (42,597) (94,808)
Decrease in long-term
receivables, investments
and other 6,618 11,254 58,296 21,963
Proceeds on sale of
property, plant and
equipment 101 (10,449) 101 403
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash used in investing (42,230) (25,592) (74,426) (130,717)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing activities
Decrease in debt (74,270) (23,217) (130,295) (25,485)
Increase in debt - - 1,379 79,932
Restricted cash 11,138 409 11,138 409
Issue of shares, net of
issue costs (315) 555 10,903 5,208
Preferred securities
charges (4,291) (4,370) (17,238) (17,268)
Dividends (6,998) (6,983) (27,944) (27,720)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by (used in)
financing (74,736) (33,606) (152,057) 15,076
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in
cash during the period (102,693) 3,382 24,359 606
Cash at beginning of
period 160,789 30,355 33,737 33,131
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash at end of period $ 58,096 $ 33,737 $ 58,096 $ 33,737
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental cash flow
disclosure
Interest paid $ 4,262 $ 5,782 $ 16,572 $ 22,860
Income taxes paid $ 2,689 $ 3,307 $ 5,309 $ 3,916
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
Cameco Corporation
Cameco Corporation Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Consolidated Financial Statements The combined financial statements of a parent company and its subsidiaries. Notes: Because consolidated financial statements present an aggregated look at the financial position of a parent and its subsidiaries, they enable you to gauge (Unaudited) 1. Accounting Policies These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance Accordance is Bible Study Software for Macintosh developed by OakTree Software, Inc.[] As well as a standalone program, it is the base software packaged by Zondervan in their Bible Study suites for Macintosh. with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles The standard accounting rules, regulations, and procedures used by companies in maintaining their financial records. Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) provide companies and accountants with a consistent set of guidelines that cover both broad accounting and follow the same accounting principles and methods of application as the most recent annual consolidated financial statements, except as noted below. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with Cameco's annual consolidated financial statements included in the 2001 annual report. Stock-Based Compensation Effective January 1, 2002, Cameco adopted the new CICA CICA Competition In Contracting Act of 1984 (USA) CICA Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants CICA Competition In Contracting Act CICA Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (UK) Handbook
This article is about reference works. For the subnotebook computer, see .
The phrase pro forma information. Cameco has applied the pro forma disclosure provisions of the new standard to awards granted on or after January 1, 2002. The pro forma effect of awards granted prior to January 1, 2002 has not been included. The standard requires the disclosure of pro forma net earnings and earnings per share information as if the entity had accounted for employee stock options under the fair value method. The fair value of the options issued was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model option pricing model A mathematical formula for determining the price at which an option should trade. The model expresses the value of an option as a function of the value of the underlying asset, length of time until maturity, exercise price, yields on with the following assumptions: risk-free rate Risk-free rate The rate earned on a riskless asset. of 5.0%; dividend yield of 1.2%; a volatility factor of the expected market price of Cameco's shares of 20.0%; and a weighted-average expected option life of five years. On February 26, 2002, Cameco granted 489,050 options at a strike price of $43.84. The fair value of these options was determined to be $10.83 per share. For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is being amortized to earnings over the vesting Vesting The process by which employees accrue non-forfeitable rights over employer contributions that are made to the employee's qualified retirement plan account. Notes: period. The total charge has been adjusted for an expected forfeiture The involuntary relinquishment of money or property without compensation as a consequence of a breach or nonperformance of some legal obligation or the commission of a crime. The loss of a corporate charter or franchise as a result of illegality, malfeasance, or Nonfeasance. rate of 17%. For the three months ended December 31, 2002, Cameco's pro forma net earnings attributable to common shares were $21.5 million, basic earnings per share were $0.38 and diluted earnings per share diluted earnings per share An earnings measure calculated by dividing net income less preferred stock dividends for a period by the average number of shares of common stock that would be outstanding if all convertible securities were converted into shares of were $0.38. For the year ended December 31, 2002, Cameco's pro forma net earnings attributable to common shares were $43.9 million, basic earnings per share were $0.79 and diluted earnings per share were $0.79. 2. Property and Business Acquisitions (a) AGR Limited On March 5, 2002, Cameco acquired a 52% interest in AGR Limited (AGR). AGR is an Australia-based exploration company whose principal asset is a 95% interest in the Boroo gold deposit located in Mongolia Mongolia, country, Asia Mongolia (mŏn-gō`lēə, mŏng–), officially State of Mongolia, republic (2005 est. pop. 2,791,000), 604,247 sq mi (1,565,000 sq km), N central Asia; traditionally known as Outer Mongolia. . The Boroo project is currently in the development stage. The purchase price was financed with $12.0 million (US) in cash and the contribution of a neighboring neigh·bor n. 1. One who lives near or next to another. 2. A person, place, or thing adjacent to or located near another. 3. A fellow human. 4. Used as a form of familiar address. v. property. In exchange, AGR issued 240 million shares to Cameco. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method and the results of operations are included in Cameco's consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the purchase.
The values assigned to the net assets acquired are as follows:
(Millions (Cdn))
Cash and other working capital $ 13.9
Property, plant and equipment 27.0
Minority interest (19.0)
------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets acquired $ 21.9
------------------------------------------------------------
Financed by:
Cash $ 19.6
Property, at carrying value 2.3
------------------------------------------------------------
$ 21.9
------------------------------------------------------------
Subsequent to the acquisition, Cameco provided an additional $3.0 million (US) of further exploration in the area in exchange for an incremental Additional or increased growth, bulk, quantity, number, or value; enlarged. Incremental cost is additional or increased cost of an item or service apart from its actual cost. 4% interest in AGR (43 million shares), increasing its total interest to 56% at December 31, 2002. 2. Property and Business Acquisitions (continued) (b) Smith Ranch On July 22, 2002, Cameco acquired the assets comprising the Smith Ranch in-situ leach In-situ leaching (ISL), also called in-situ recovery (ISR) or solution mining, is a process of recovering minerals such as copper and uranium through boreholes drilled into the deposit. The process initially involves drilling of holes into the ore deposit. (ISL) operation and various other ISL properties from Rio See RapidIO and MP3. Algom Mining LLC (Logical Link Control) See "LANs" under data link protocol. LLC - Logical Link Control . In exchange for these assets, Cameco assumed the decommissioning liabilities associated with the Smith Ranch operation. At the acquisition date, the value of the liabilities was estimated to be $9.2 million (US). Cameco also secured forward sales commitments for more than 900,000 pounds of uranium concentrates which will yield prices in excess of current long-term indicators. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method and the results of operations are included in Cameco's consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the purchase. (c) UEX Corporation On July 18, 2002, Cameco acquired a 35.3% ownership interest in UEX Corporation (UEX), a company traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) Canada's largest stock exchange, trading approximately 1,200 company stocks and 33 options. (TSX). The principal assets of UEX consist of several uranium exploration properties located in the Athabasca Athabasca (ăthəbăs`kə), river, 765 mi (1,231 km) long, rising in the Columbia snowfield of the Canadian Rockies near the Alta.–British Columbia line and flowing N through Jasper National Park, then NE and N across central Alta. region of Northern Saskatchewan. In acquiring this interest, Cameco transferred its Hidden Bay exploration properties to UEX in exchange for approximately 31 million shares. In addition, Cameco purchased another 2 million shares at a price of $0.25 per share. Cameco recorded a gain of $2.7 million on the transfer of its Hidden Bay properties to UEX. The equity method is being used to account for this investment. 3. Investment in Bruce Power L.P. (Bruce Power) On December 23, 2002, Cameco, TransCanada PipeLines The TransCanada pipeline is a system of natural gas pipelines, up to 48 inches (1219 millimetres) in diameter, that carries gas through Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. It is maintained by TransCanada PipeLines, LP. It is the longest pipeline in Canada. Limited (TransCanada The term TransCanada can refer to several things:
A non-binding document outlining the main issues relevant to a tentative partnership agreement. Notes: It is the draft used by lawyers when drawing up the contract. It serves as a guideline for both parties before any documents are legalized. with British Energy plc (British Energy) to purchase its share of Bruce Power. The Master Purchase Agreement with respect to the transaction was completed on January 17, 2003. The transaction is expected to close in February of 2003. It is subject to several conditions including the approval of British Energy's shareholders, the consent of CNSC and clearance under the Canadian Competition Act. Upon closing, Cameco will increase its ownership interest in Bruce Power from 15% to 31.6%. Each of Cameco, TransCanada and OMERS will directly or indirectly hold a 31.6% interest in Bruce Power with the Power Workers' Union Trust holding a 4% interest and the Society of Energy Professionals Trust holding a 1.2% interest. Cameco's purchase price for the additional interest in Bruce Power will be approximately $198,000,000 subject to closing adjustments. It is intended that the purchase price will be financed with cash and debt. In addition, Cameco, TransCanada and OMERS have agreed to loan Bruce Power funds to repay $225,000,000, plus accrued interest Accrued Interest The interest that has accumulated on a bond since the last interest payment up to but not including the settlement date. There are two methods for calculating accrued interest: 1) 360-day year method, used for corporate and municipal bonds. , in deferred lease payments to OPG. Cameco, TransCanada and OMERS will also assume British Energy's obligations to provide financial guarantees required by the operator licenses, the lease agreement and the power sales contracts Sales Contract Contract between a seller and buyer for the sale of goods, services, or both. . Upon closing, it is estimated that Cameco's financial assurances to Bruce Power will be approximately $200,000,000. Bruce Power is economically ec·o·nom·i·cal adj. 1. Prudent and thrifty in management; not wasteful or extravagant. See Synonyms at sparing. 2. Intended to save money, as by efficient operation or elimination of unnecessary features; economic: dependent upon its partners to provide necessary financial guarantees. Currently, the government of the United Kingdom, as guarantor guarantor n. a person or entity that agrees to be responsible for another's debt or performance under a contract, if the other fails to pay or perform. (See: guarantee) GUARANTOR, contracts. He who makes a guaranty. 2. of British Energy's obligations, has temporarily provided $261,000,000 of support in the form of letters of credit to Bruce Power. Failure to complete the above transaction may result in the inability of Bruce Power to continue operations and to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. Cameco believes it has reasonable remedies available to realize the value of its investment in Bruce Power should the proposed transaction fail to close as anticipated and should British Energy be unable to provide the support and assurances required. 4. Long-Term Debt Cameco's contingent obligation under guarantees of the repayment Repayment The act of paying back a debt. Notes: Everyone has to repay their debts eventually. See also: Debt, Defeasance, Loan of Kumtor senior debt exceeds the amount included in Cameco's long-term debt at December 31, 2002 by $81.1 million. 5. Share Capital a) At December 31, 2002, there were 55,985,873 common shares outstanding. b) Options in respect of 2,223,750 shares are outstanding under the stock option plan and are exercisable up to 2010. Upon exercise of certain existing options, additional options in respect of 272,550 shares would be granted. 6. Interest and Other For the year ended December 31, 2002, earnings include foreign exchange gains of $1.6 million (2001 - $0.8 million). 7. Income Tax Expense
Three Months Ended Year Ended
(thousands) Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01 Dec 31/02 Dec 31/01
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Current income taxes $ 4,846 $ 5,897 $ 10,269 $ 9,586
Future income taxes 22,869 22,487 38,602 32,757
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Income tax expense $ 27,715 $ 28,384 $ 48,871 $ 42,343
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Comparative Figures Certain comparative figures for the prior period have been reclassified to conform to Verb 1. conform to - satisfy a condition or restriction; "Does this paper meet the requirements for the degree?" fit, meet coordinate - be co-ordinated; "These activities coordinate well" the current period's presentation. 9. Segmented Information For the three months ended December 31, 2002 Uranium Conversion Gold Total --------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $198,773 $ 50,292 $22,022 $271,087 Expenses Products and services sold 136,345 25,874 16,752 178,971 Depreciation, depletion and reclamation 21,694 1,593 4,749 28,036 Exploration 3,569 - 3,024 6,593 Research & development - 502 - 502 Earnings from Bruce Power - - - (8,156) Non-segmented expenses 13,750 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes and minority interest 37,165 22,323 (2,503) 51,391 Income taxes 27,715 Minority interest (748) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings 24,424 Preferred securities charges, net of tax 2,301 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings attributable to common shares $22,123 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- For the three months ended December 31, 2001 Uranium Conversion Gold Total --------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $248,413 $44,401 $28,832 $321,646 Expenses Products and services sold 152,527 26,779 13,249 192,555 Depreciation, depletion and reclamation 41,986 4,598 7,455 54,039 Exploration 3,065 - 3,147 6,212 Research & development - 532 - 532 Earnings from Bruce Power - - - 459 Non-segmented expenses 9,304 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes 50,835 12,492 4,981 58,545 Income taxes 28,384 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings 30,161 Preferred securities charges, net of tax 2,360 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings attributable to common shares $ 27,801 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- For the year ended December 31, 2002 Uranium Conversion Gold Total --------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $523,723 $ 137,422 $ 87,189 $ 748,334 Expenses Products and services sold 345,115 82,742 58,298 486,155 Depreciation, depletion and reclamation 82,716 10,024 20,015 112,755 Exploration 11,849 - 9,683 21,532 Research & development - 2,257 - 2,257 Earnings from Bruce Power - - - (15,769) Other (205) - 1,811 1,606 Gain on property interests (2,670) - - (2,670) Non-segmented expenses 39,008 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes and minority interest 86,918 42,399 (2,618) 103,460 Income taxes 48,871 Minority interest (871) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings 55,460 Preferred securities charges, net of tax 9,340 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings attributable to common shares $46,120 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- For the year ended December 31, 2001 Uranium Conversion Gold Total --------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $471,375 $114,475 $114,989 $700,839 Expenses Products and services sold 297,968 71,959 52,140 422,067 Depreciation, depletion and reclamation 85,698 14,454 29,235 129,387 Exploration 10,143 - 8,060 18,203 Research & development - 2,097 - 2,097 Earnings from Bruce Power - - - (12,167) Other (590) - - (590) Non-segmented expenses 34,278 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes 78,156 25,965 25,554 107,564 Income taxes 42,343 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings 65,221 Preferred securities charges, net of tax 9,325 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings attributable to common shares $ 55,896 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTOR INFORMATION Common Shares CCO The Toronto Stock Exchange CCJ New York Stock Exchange Preferred Securities CCJPR New York Stock Exchange Investor Inquiries Cameco Corporation 2121 - 11th Street West Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7M 1J3 Phone: 306-956-6400 Fax: 306-956-6318 Web: www.cameco.com Transfer Agent CIBC Mellon Trust Company 320 Bay Street, P.O. Box 1 Toronto, Ontario M5H 4A6 Phone: 800-387-0825 (North America) Phone: 416-643-5500 (outside North America) |
|
||||||||||||||||

n`)
a·watt
pre·cise
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion