SOUTHERN PERU COPPER CORP/
10-Q, 1998-08-14
METAL MINING
Previous: RIDGESTONE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC, 10QSB, 1998-08-14
Next: COAST RESORTS INC, 10-Q, 1998-08-14



     



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                      1998
                                 Second Quarter
                                   FORM 10-Q


              QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For Quarter Ended June 30, 1998             Commission file number 1-14066
                  -------------                                    -------



                        SOUTHERN PERU COPPER CORPORATION

             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


           Delaware                                          13-3849074
(State or other jurisdiction of                            (I.R.S Employer
  incorporation or organization)                          Identification No.)


     180 Maiden Lane, New York, N.Y.                                10038
 (Address of principal executive offices)                        (Zip Code)



Registrant's telephone number, including area code                212-510-2000



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

                                                         Yes   X     No ____


As of July 31, 1998 there were  outstanding  13,949,612  shares of Southern Peru
Copper  Corporation  common  stock,  par value $0.01 per share.  There were also
outstanding 65,900,833 shares of Southern Peru Copper Corporation Class A common
stock, par value $0.01 per share.



<PAGE>




                        Southern Peru Copper Corporation
                                and Subsidiaries


                               INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              Page No.
        <S>                                                                                               <C>
        Part I.  Financial Information:

        Item 1.  Financial Statements (unaudited)

                    Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings
                      Three Months and Six Months                                                                 2
                   Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997

                    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
                      June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997                                                         3

                    Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
                      Three Months and Six Months                                                                 4
                   Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997

                    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements                                         5-7

        Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                 Financial Condition and Results of
                 Operations                                                                                     8-13

        Report of Independent Accountants                                                                        14


        Part II.  Other Information:

        Item 6(a)   Exhibits on Form 10-Q                                                                        15

        Exhibit 11        Statement re Computation of Earnings per Share


        Signatures                                                                                               16

        Exhibit I - Independent Accountants' Awareness Letter

</TABLE>
                                     - 1 -



<PAGE>


                        Southern Peru Copper Corporation
                                and Subsidiaries

                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
                                  (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   3 Months Ended                     6 Months Ended
                                                                         June 30,                           June 30,
                                                                  1998              1997             1998              1997
                                                                         (in thousands, except for per share amounts)
<S>                                                          <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>
Net sales:
 Stockholders and affiliates                                       $   6,392         $  17,446        $  12,376         $  38,415
 Others                                                              146,147           208,776          292,558           402,593
                                                                   ---------         ---------        ---------         ---------
      Total net sales                                                152,539           226,222          304,934           441,008
                                                                   ---------         ---------        ---------         ---------

Operating costs and expenses:
 Cost of sales                                                       101,630           120,701          204,203           230,825
 Administrative and other expenses                                    11,262            11,651           27,048            23,103
 Depreciation and depletion                                           15,687            11,608           29,377            23,107
 Provision for workers' participation                                  3,296             5,482            5,182            10,875
 Exploration expense                                                     976             1,648            2,168             2,712
                                                                   ---------         ---------        ---------         ---------
  Total operating costs and expenses                                 132,851           151,090          267,978           290,622
                                                                   ---------         ---------        ---------         ---------

  Operating income                                                    19,688            75,132           36,956           150,386

Interest income                                                        4,036             4,806            8,983             7,679
Other income                                                           7,289             2,147            8,909             3,624
Interest expense                                                      (3,837)           (4,828)          (8,244)           (7,268)
                                                                  ----------        ----------       ----------        ----------

Earnings before taxes on income
 and minority interest of labor shares                                27,176            77,257           46,604           154,421

Taxes on income                                                        8,598            15,782           14,913            35,587

Minority interest of labor shares in
 income of Peruvian Branch                                               205             1,875              398             3,418
                                                                  ----------         ---------        ---------         ---------

Net earnings                                                       $  18,373         $  59,600        $  31,293         $ 115,416
                                                                   =========         =========        =========         =========

Per common share amounts:
 Net earnings - basic and diluted                                   $   0.23          $   0.74         $   0.39         $    1.44
 Dividends paid                                                     $   0.08          $   0.35         $   0.28         $    0.65
 Weighted average common shares outstanding:
     Basic                                                            79,850            80,202           79,936            80,197
                            Diluted                                   79,859            80,202           79,943            80,197
</TABLE>

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

                                     - 2 -



<PAGE>


                        Southern Peru Copper Corporation
                                and Subsidiaries

                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                  (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           June 30,            December 31,
                                                                                             1998                  1997
                                                                                                   (in thousands)
     <S>                                                                              <C>                  <C>
     ASSETS
     Current assets:
       Cash and cash equivalents                                                              $  207,198            $  126,491
       Marketable securities                                                                      51,876               204,590
       Accounts receivable, net                                                                   61,203                73,764
       Inventories                                                                               110,338               108,683
       Other assets                                                                               57,009                48,062
                                                                                              ----------            ----------
         Total current assets                                                                    487,624               561,590

     Net property                                                                              1,020,669               947,457
     Other assets                                                                                 24,960                34,278
                                                                                              ----------            ----------
           Total Assets                                                                       $1,533,253            $1,543,325
                                                                                              ==========            ==========

     LIABILITIES
     Current liabilities:
       Current portion of long-term debt                                                      $   13,683            $   13,683
       Accounts payable                                                                           38,287                47,941
       Accrued liabilities                                                                        32,764                23,490
                                                                                              ----------            ----------
         Total current liabilities                                                                84,734                85,114
                                                                                              ----------            ----------

     Long-term debt                                                                              227,367               234,208
     Deferred credits                                                                             36,090                58,574
     Deferred income taxes                                                                        56,551                44,323
     Other liabilities                                                                             7,788                 4,083
                                                                                              ----------            ----------
         Total non-current liabilities                                                           327,796               341,188
                                                                                              ----------            ----------

     Minority interest of labor shares
       in the Peruvian Branch                                                                     17,164                19,385
                                                                                              ----------            ----------

     STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
     Common stock (a)                                                                            261,077               264,078
     Retained earnings                                                                           842,482               833,560
                                                                                              ----------            ----------
           Total Stockholders' Equity                                                          1,103,559             1,097,638
                                                                                              ----------            ----------

           Total Liabilities, Minority
            Interest & Stockholders' Equity                                                   $1,533,253            $1,543,325
                                                                                              ==========            ==========

     (a) Common shares: Authorized                                                               34,099               34,099
                                 Outstanding                                                     13,949               14,157
         Class A common shares Authorized
           and Outstanding                                                                       65,901               65,901
</TABLE>

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

                                     - 3 -



<PAGE>


                        Southern Peru Copper Corporation
                                and Subsidiaries

                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          3 Months Ended                   6 Months Ended
                                                                             June 30,                         June 30,
                                                                       1998             1997            1998            1997
                                                                          (in thousands)                   (in thousands)
<S>                                                              <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net earnings                                                          $ 18,373       $  59,600         $ 31,293       $115,416
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to
   net cash provided from operating activities:
      Depreciation and depletion                                          15,687          11,608           29,377         23,107
      Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes                        1,751            (332)           4,197         (1,955)
      Minority interest of labor shares                                      205           1,875              398          3,418
     Cash provided from (used for) operating assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable                                                  3,696          (4,954)          12,413        (11,594)
      Inventories                                                          2,846         (10,548)          (1,655)        (2,710)
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                           (17,342)         28,680           (2,943)        16,674
      Other operating assets and liabilities                              23,319            (844)           7,464          3,609
      Foreign currency transaction losses (gain)                             823          (1,057)             823         (1,035)
                                                                        --------       ---------         --------      ---------

Net cash provided from operating activities                               49,358          84,028           81,367        144,930
                                                                        --------        --------         --------       --------

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Capital expenditures                                                   (51,337)        (32,258)        (127,745)       (61,354)
  Purchases of held-to-maturity investments                              (21,732)       (208,792)         (27,189)      (208,792)
  Proceeds from held-to-maturity investments                              87,567               -          179,903          1,000
  Sales of property                                                        2,891          41,885            3,713         41,885
                                                                        --------       ---------        ---------       --------
Net cash provided from (used for) investing
  activities                                                              17,389        (199,165)          28,682       (227,261)
                                                                        --------      ----------        ---------      ---------

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Debt repaid                                                             (6,841)         (6,842)          (6,841)       (11,842)
  Proceeds from borrowings                                                     -         200,000                -        200,000
  Escrow deposits (withdrawals) on long-term loans                         5,385         (12,317)           7,000        (11,878)
  Dividends paid to common stockholders                                   (6,387)        (28,070)         (22,370)       (52,125)
  Distributions to minority interest                                        (130)           (568)            (526)        (1,303)
  Net treasury stock transactions                                              -               -           (3,001)             -
  Purchases of labor shares                                               (2,331)         (1,550)          (3,243)        (4,606)
                                                                       ---------      ----------        ---------      ---------
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities
                                                                         (10,304)        150,653          (28,981)       118,246
                                                                        ---------       ---------        ---------       --------

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                                     (554)            954             (361)         1,203
                                                                        ---------       ---------        --------        --------

Increase in cash and cash equivalents                                     55,889          36,470           80,707         37,118
Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period                        151,309         173,853          126,491        173,205
                                                                        --------       ---------         --------       --------

                  Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period          $ 207,198       $ 210,323        $ 207,198      $ 210,323
                                                                       =========       =========        =========      =========
</TABLE>

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

                                                              - 4 -



<PAGE>


                        Southern Peru Copper Corporation
                                and Subsidiaries

              NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (unaudited)

A.   In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited condensed 
     consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only
     of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the Company's
     financial position as of June 30, 1998 and the results of operations and 
     cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997.  
     Certain reclassifications have been made in the financial statements from
     amounts previously reported. This financial data has been subjected to a
     review by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company's independent 
     accountants.  The results of operations for the three month and six month 
     periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for
     the full year.  The accompanying condensed consolidated financial
     statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial 
     statements and notes thereto included in the Company's 1997 annual report
     on Form 10-K.

B.   The  effective tax rate  increased in 1998  compared  with 1997,  primarily
     because in 1997 the Company  recognized  a reduction in its  effective  tax
     rate as a result of a reinvestment  incentive approved by the Government of
     Peru in connection with the expansion of the Cuajone mine.

C.   The Company's  first quarter 1998 results  include a $10.0 million  pre-tax
     charge ($6.0 million  after-tax) for severance  costs  associated  with the
     Company's cost reduction program.

D.    Inventories were as follows:
         (in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    June 30,              December 31,
                                                                                      1998                    1997
       <S>                                                                   <C>                     <C>
       Metals at lower of average cost or market:
            Finished goods                                                          $   1.4                 $   0.6
            Work-in-process                                                            48.0                    45.0
       Supplies at average cost, net of reserves                                       60.9                    63.1
                                                                                    -------                 -------
       Total inventories                                                            $ 110.3                 $ 108.7
                                                                                    =======                 =======
</TABLE>

E.   At June 30, 1998,  the Company has recorded  sales of 2.9 million pounds of
     copper, at a provisional price of $0.75 per pound.  These sales are subject
     to final  pricing  based on the average  monthly  LME copper  prices in the
     month of settlement in the third quarter of 1998.  Pricing  adjustments  in
     the  second  quarter  on first  quarter  provisionally  priced  sales  were
     immaterial.

F.    Financial Instruments:

     The Company may use derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market
     risk from changes in commodity  prices.  Derivative  instruments  which are
     designated  as  hedges  must be  deemed  effective  at  reducing  the  risk
     associated with the exposure being hedged and must be designated as a hedge
     at the inception of the contract.

                                     - 5 -



<PAGE>


     Copper: Depending on market fundamentals and other conditions,  the Company
     may purchase put options to reduce or eliminate the risk of price  declines
     below the  option  strike  price on a  portion  of its  anticipated  future
     production.  Put options purchased by the Company establish a minimum sales
     price for the production covered by such put options and permit the Company
     to participate in price increases  above the option price.  The cost of the
     options is  amortized on a  straight-line  basis during the period in which
     the options are exercisable.  Depending upon market  conditions the Company
     may either sell options it holds or exercise the options at maturity. Gains
     or  losses  from  the  sale or  exercise  of  options,  net of  unamortized
     acquisition  costs,  are  recognized in the period in which the  underlying
     production  is sold  and are  reported  as a  component  of the  underlying
     transaction.

     Earnings for the first six months of 1998 and 1997 include pre-tax gains of
     $7.2  million  and  $5.6  million,   respectively,   from  copper   hedging
     activities.  There was no copper hedging  activity in the second quarter of
     1998 and 1997.
     At June 30, 1998, the Company held no copper put options.

     Fuel swaps:  The Company may enter into fuel swap  agreements  to limit the
     effect of  changes  in fuel  prices on its  production  costs.  A fuel swap
     establishes  a  fixed  price  for  the  quantity  of  fuel  covered  by the
     agreement.  The  difference  between the  published  price for fuel and the
     price  established  in the  contract  for the month  covered by the swap is
     recognized  in  production  costs.  As of June 30,  1998,  the  Company has
     entered into the following fuel swap agreements:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Contract               Percent of
                                                            Quantity                   Price               Estimated Fuel
       Fuel Type                         Period             (Barrels)              (per Barrel)              Requirement
       ---------                         ------             ---------              ------------              -----------
       <S>                        <C>                    <C>                   <C>                     <C>
       Residual Oil #6:                     7/98-9/98            180,000                 $12.81                    60%
                                          10/98-12/98             90,000                 $13.93                    30%

       Diesel Fuel #2:                     7/98-12/98             80,000                 $21.40                    27%
</TABLE>

G.   Commitments and Contingencies:

     Litigation

     In April 1996,  Southern  Peru  Limited,  a wholly owned  subsidiary of the
     Company,  was served with a complaint  filed in Peru by  approximately  800
     former  employees  seeking the  delivery of a  substantial  number of labor
     shares of its Peruvian Branch plus dividends. In October 1997, the Superior
     Court of Lima nullified a decision of a court of first instance,  which had
     been adverse to Southern Peru Limited. The Superior Court remanded the case
     for a new  trial.  Plaintiff  filed  an  extraordinary  appeal  before  the
     Peruvian Supreme Court. The Supreme Court may grant discretionary review in
     limited  cases.  The Supreme  Court has not yet ruled as to whether it will
     accept the appeal.  There is also pending  against  Southern Peru Limited a
     similar  lawsuit filed by 127  additional  former  employees.  In the third
     quarter of 1997, the court of first instance dismissed their complaint. The
     plaintiffs have appealed to the Superior Court of Lima.

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

                                     - 6 -



<PAGE>


H.   Summarized Financial Information of Significant Subsidiary:

     The condensed consolidated financial information for Southern Peru Limited,
     a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Peru Copper Corporation,  included in
     the consolidated  financial statements of the Company, is summarized below.
     Separate financial statements and disclosures for Southern Peru Limited are
     not presented  because  management has determined that such  information is
     not material to holders of Southern Peru Limited's debt securities.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     Statements of Earnings and Cash Flows
       (in millions)                                        Three Months Ended                Six Months Ended
                                                                 June 30,                         June 30,
                                                           1998             1997            1998            1997
                                                           ----             ----            ----            ----
       <S>                                            <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>
       Earnings:
       Net sales                                             $152.5          $226.2          $304.9           $441.0
       Operating income                                        19.7            75.1            37.0            150.4
       Net earnings                                            18.4            59.6            31.3            115.4

       Cash Flow:
       Operating activities                                  $ 49.4          $ 84.0          $ 81.4           $144.9
       Investing activities                                    17.4          (199.2)           28.7           (227.3)
       Financing activities                                   (10.3)          150.7           (29.0)           118.2


</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       Balance Sheet
       (in millions)                                                    At June 30,              At December 31,
                                                                           1998                       1997
       <S>                                                        <C>                      <C>
       Current assets                                                       $  487.6                    $   561.6
       Noncurrent assets                                                     1,045.6                        981.7
       Current liabilities                                                      84.7                         85.1
       Noncurrent liabilities                                                  327.8                        341.2
       Minority interest                                                        17.2                         19.4
       Stockholders' equity                                                  1,103.6                      1,097.6
</TABLE>

     Southern Peru Limited holds all of the operating  assets and liabilities of
     the Company and does not hold any other operating assets.

I.   Impact of New Accounting Standards:

     In the first quarter of 1998,  the Company  adopted  Statement of Financial
     Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." This
     statement,  which  establishes  standards  for  reporting  and  display  of
     comprehensive  income and its  components,  had no impact on the  financial
     statements.

     In March 1998,  the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board issued SFAS No.
     132,  "Employers   Disclosure  about  Pensions  and  other   Postretirement
     Benefits."  This  statement  which is effective for fiscal years  beginning
     after December 15, 1997, will not impact the Company's financial statements
     but  modifies  the  disclosures  about  pensions  and other  postretirement
     benefit plans.

     In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
     "Accounting  for  Derivative  Instruments  and  Hedging  Activities."  This
     statement  which is effective for fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning
     after June 15,1999,  establishes  accounting  and  reporting  standards for
     derivative  instruments  and hedging  activities.  The Company is currently
     assessing the impact of this statement.

                                     - 7 -



<PAGE>



                                 Part I Item 2

                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Company  reported  net  earnings of $18.4  million,  or $0.23 per share on a
diluted  basis,  for the second  quarter  ended June 30, 1998  compared with net
earnings  of $59.6  million,  or diluted  earnings  per share of $0.74,  for the
second  quarter of 1997.  For the first six months of 1998,  net  earnings  were
$31.3  million  or  diluted  earnings  per  share of $0.39,  compared  to $115.4
million, or diluted earnings per share of $1.44 for the same period of 1997. The
decrease in earnings in 1998 is primarily a result of low copper  prices,  which
were lower by  approximately  30% in the three month and six month 1998 periods,
and a decrease of 16.8  million  pounds of copper sold in the second  quarter of
1998 compared with the same period of 1997.

In light of the low copper  prices the Company  implemented  early in the second
quarter a comprehensive $30 million annual cost reduction  program.  The program
includes  reductions  in general  and  administrative  expenses,  and  purchased
materials and supplies,  as well as operational  improvements.  The program also
includes  personnel  reductions  and the  institution  of a hiring freeze of the
Company's salaried staff. To provide for the personnel  reductions a $10 million
pre-tax charge was recorded in the first quarter of 1998 for severance costs. In
the  second  quarter  of 1998 the  program  has  produced  a pre-tax  benefit of
approximately $6.3 million.

Copper  production  in the second  quarter  and the first six months of 1998 and
1997, was as follows (in millions of pounds):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Three Months Ended                           Six Months Ended
                                            June 30,                                    June 30,
<S>                               <C>              <C>                     <C>                  <C>
                                     1998              1997                   1998                  1997
                                     ----              ----                   ----                  ----
Mined                                 157,800           170,100                310,900                334,600
Refined                               163,600           150,400                321,600                299,500
</TABLE>

The  decrease of  approximately  7% in mine  production  in both periods of 1998
compared with the 1997 periods,  is principally  due to a reduction in the grade
of ore in both of the Company's  mines and lower  throughput  due to hard ore at
the Toquepala  mine. The increase in refined  copper  production of 9% and 7% in
the second  quarter and six months of 1998,  respectively,  is due to  increased
production efficiencies at the Ilo refinery and an increase in production at the
solvent extraction/electrowinning facility.

Molybdenum production increased 6.5% to 2.3 million pounds in the second quarter
of 1998  compared  with the second  quarter of 1997.  For the first half of 1998
production  increased  24.3% to 5.5 million pounds compared with the same period
of 1997. The increase is attributable to higher molybdenum ore grades at both of
the Company's mines.

The Cuajone mine expansion,  which will increase annual copper production by 130
million  pounds is on schedule  and is expected to be  completed  in early 1999.
Approximately  one half of the $245  million  committed  to the project has been
invested  through  June 30, 1998.  Engineering  and planning for the Ilo smelter
modernization are also moving forward on schedule.

                                     - 8 -



<PAGE>


Inflation and Devaluation of Peruvian Sol: A portion of the Company's  operating
costs are denominated in Peruvian  soles.  Since the revenues of the Company are
primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, when inflation in Peru is not offset by a
corresponding  devaluation  of the  sol,  the  financial  position,  results  of
operations  and cash flows of the Company could be adversely  affected.  For the
three months ended June 30,1998 the inflation and  devaluation  rates were 1.74%
and 4.31%, respectively,  and for the six month periods ended June 30, 1998, the
inflation and devaluation rate were 5.31% and 7.36%, respectively.

Net Sales:  Net sales in the second quarter of 1998  decreased  $73.7 million to
$152.5 million from the  comparable  period in 1997. Net sales for the first six
months of 1998 totaled $304.9 million, compared with $441.0 million for the same
period of 1997. The decrease in net sales was a result of lower copper prices in
1998. In addition,  copper sales volume  decreased by 16.8 million pounds in the
second quarter of 1998 compared with the same period of 1997.

At June 30,  1998,  the Company  has  recorded  sales on 2.9  million  pounds of
copper,  at a provisional  price of $0.75 per pound.  These sales are subject to
final  pricing  based on the average  monthly  LME copper  price in the month of
settlement in the third quarter of 1998.

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Three Months Ended                    Six Months Ended
                                                            June 30                             June 30
                                                  1998              1997               1998              1997
                                                  ----              ----               ----              ----
<S>                                           <C>                <C>               <C>                <C>
Price/Volume Data:
Average Metal Prices
Copper (per pound-LME)                                  $0.79             $1.14              $0.78            $1.12
Molybdenum (per pound)                                  $4.03             $4.53              $3.99            $4.54
Silver (per ounce-COMEX)                                $5.69             $4.73              $5.96            $4.87

Sales Volume (in thousands):
Copper (pounds)                                       167,200           184,000            337,200          356,000
Molybdenum (pounds) (1)                                 2,730             2,254              5,581            4,488
Silver (ounces)                                           764               816              1,518            1,495
</TABLE>

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

Financial Instruments:

The Company may use derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market risk
from changes in commodity prices. Derivative instruments which are designated as
hedges  must be  deemed  effective  at  reducing  the risk  associated  with the
exposure  being hedged and must be designated as a hedge at the inception of the
contract.

                                     - 9 -



<PAGE>


Copper:  Depending on market fundamentals and other conditions,  the Company may
purchase put options to reduce or eliminate the risk of price declines below the
option  strike  price on a portion of its  anticipated  future  production.  Put
options  purchased  by the  Company  establish  a  minimum  sales  price for the
production  covered by such put options and permit the Company to participate in
price increases above the option price.  The cost of the options is amortized on
a  straight-line  basis during the period in which the options are  exercisable.
Depending upon market conditions the Company may either sell options it holds or
exercise the options at  maturity.  Gains or losses from the sale or exercise of
options,  net of unamortized  acquisition costs, are recognized in the period in
which the  underlying  production is sold and are reported as a component of the
underlying transaction.

Earnings  for the first six months of 1998 and 1997  included a pre-tax  gain of
$7.2 million and $5.6 million,  respectively,  from copper  hedging  activities.
There was no copper hedging activity in the second quarter of 1998 and 1997.

At June 30, 1998, the Company held no copper put options.

Fuel swaps:  The Company may enter into fuel swap agreements to limit the effect
of changes in fuel prices on its  production  costs.  A fuel swap  establishes a
fixed price for the quantity of fuel covered by the  agreement.  The  difference
between the published  price for fuel and the price  established in the contract
for the month covered by the swap is recognized in production  costs. As of June
30, 1998, the Company has entered into the following fuel swap agreements:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    Contract               Percent of
                                                          Quantity                   Price               Estimated Fuel
    Fuel Type                         Period              (Barrels)              (per Barrel)              Requirement
    ---------                         ------              ---------              ------------              -----------
    <S>                        <C>                    <C>                    <C>                     <C>
    Residual Oil #6:                     7/98-9/98          180,000                      $12.81                 60%
                                       10/98-12/98           90,000                      $13.93                 30%

    Diesel Fuel #2:                     7/98-12/98           80,000                      $21.40                 27%
</TABLE>


Operating  Costs and Expenses:  Operating costs and expenses were $132.9 million
in the second quarter of 1998 compared with $151.1 million in the second quarter
of 1997. The decrease in the operating  costs and expenses is principally due to
lower volume of copper sold (a decrease of 16.8 million pounds), lower unit cost
of Company  mined  copper sold (a decrease of  approximately  3 cents) and lower
cost of copper  sold which was  produced  from third party  concentrates.  These
decreases  were  partially  offset by a payment  of $3.5  million  in the second
quarter of 1998 to terminate a supplemental power supply contract.
The contract was terminated as part of the Company's cost reduction program.

Operating  costs and expenses  were $268.0  million in the six months ended June
30, 1998  compared  with  $290.6  million in the  comparable  1997  period.  The
decrease is  principally  due to reduced  sales  volume and lower cost of copper
produced  from third  party  concentrates,  partially  offset by a charge in the
first quarter of 1998 of $10 million for  severance  costs  associated  with the
Company's cost reduction program.

Non-Operating  Items:  The  Company's  second  quarter 1998 results  include in,
"Other income" a $5.3 million insurance settlement related to rain damage in the
first quarter of 1997.

                                     - 10 -



<PAGE>


Total  interest cost  increased by $1.4 million in the second quarter of 1998 as
compared  to the second  quarter  of 1997,  as a result of higher  debt  levels.
However, net interest expense reported on the statement of earnings decreased by
$1.0 million as interest on funds  invested in the Company's  expansion  program
was capitalized.

Taxes on Income:  Taxes on income for the three  months ended June 30, 1998 were
$8.6 million,  compared with $15.8 million for the second  quarter of 1997.  The
decrease was principally due to lower earnings in 1998.

The  effective tax rate  increased in 1998 as compared to 1997 period  primarily
because in 1997 the Company  recognized a reduction in its effective tax rate as
a result of a  reinvestment  incentive  approved  by the  Government  of Peru in
connection with the expansion of the Cuajone mine.

Minority  Interest of Labor  Shares:  The minority  interest of labor shares was
$0.2  million in the second  quarter of 1998,  compared  to $1.9  million in the
second quarter of 1997. The decrease  reflects lower earnings and a reduction in
labor shares outstanding as result of the Company's repurchase program.

Cash Flows:

Second Quarter - Net cash provided from  operating  activities was $49.4 million
in the second  quarter of 1998,  compared with $84.0  million in the  comparable
1997 period. The decrease was primarily the result of lower copper prices.

Investing activities in the second quarter of 1998 was a source of cash of $17.4
million, compared with a use of cash of $199.2 million for the second quarter of
1997.  The increase in cash  provided  from  investing  activities in the second
quarter  of 1998 is due to higher  proceeds  from  held-to-maturity  investments
partially  offset by  increased  capital  expenditures.  The increase in capital
expenditures  from the prior year second quarter is  principally  related to the
expansion of the Cuajone mine.

Financing  activities  in the second  quarter of 1998 was a use of cash of $10.3
million, compared with a source of cash of $150.7 million for the second quarter
of 1997.  The decrease in cash provided in the second  quarter of 1998 is mainly
because the second  quarter of 1997 included the sale of $150 million of Secured
Export Notes (SENS) and a sale of $50 million bonds in the Peruvian market.

The second quarter of 1998 includes a dividend  distribution of $6.4 million,  a
scheduled  payment of $6.8  million of long term debt and $2.3  million  used to
repurchase  labor  shares.  The  second  quarter  of 1997  included  a  dividend
distribution of $28.1 million,  a scheduled payment of $6.8 million of long term
debt and funds used to purchase labor shares and treasury stock of $1.6 million.

Six Months - Net cash provided from  operating  activities was $81.4 million for
the six month period ended June 30, 1998,  compared  with $144.9  million in the
corresponding  1997 period.  The decrease was  primarily  caused by lower copper
prices.

                                     - 11 -



<PAGE>


Cash provided from investing activities was $28.7 for the six month period ended
June 30, 1998,  compared with cash used of $227.3  million in the  corresponding
1997 period.  Investing activities for the six month period ending June 30, 1998
include proceeds from the redemption of  held-to-maturity  investments of $179.9
million,  reduced by purchases of held-to-maturity  investments of $27.2 million
and capital  expenditures  of $127.7 million.  Investing  activities for the six
months ending June 30, 1997 include the purchase of held-to-maturity investments
of $208.8  million,  proceeds  from the sale of  property  of $41.9  million and
capital expenditures of $61.4 million.

Cash used for  financing  activities  for the six months ended June 30, 1998 was
$29.0 million  compared with cash provided of $118.2  million in the  comparable
1997 period. The cash provided in the 1997 period include proceeds from the $150
million SENS offering and $50 million from the issuance of bonds. Dividends paid
to  shareholders  were  $22.4  million  in the 1998  six-month  period and $52.1
million in the 1997 six-month period.

Liquidity  and Capital  Resources:  At June 30, 1998,  the  Company's  debt as a
percentage  of  total   capitalization   (total  debt,  minority  interests  and
stockholders'  equity) was 17.7% compared to 18.2% at December 31, 1997. Debt at
June 30, 1998 was $241.1 million, compared to $247.9 million at the end of 1997.
Additional  indebtedness  permitted  under terms of the most  restrictive of the
Company's credit agreements totaled $862.5 million at June 30, 1998.

The Company expects that it will meet its cash  requirements for 1998 and beyond
from  internally  generated  funds,  cash on hand,  from  borrowings  under  the
seven-year  loan facility  signed in April 1997,  and from  additional  external
financing.

In the second  quarter of 1998, the Company paid a dividend to  shareholders  of
$6.4 million or $0.08 per share,  compared with $28.1 million or $0.35 per share
in the same period of 1997. On July 24, 1998,  the Company  declared a quarterly
dividend of $0.11 per share payable  September 2, 1998 to stockholders of record
at the close of business on August 17, 1998.

Certain  financing  agreements  contain  covenants  which  limit the  payment of
dividends to stockholders.  Under the most restrictive covenant, the Company may
pay dividends to stockholders  equal to 50% of the net income of the Company for
any  fiscal  quarter  as  long  as  such  dividends  are  paid by June 30 of the
following year.

Year 2000:  The Company has  implemented  a three phase  program to identify and
resolve Year 2000 (Y2K) issues  related to the integrity and  reliability of its
computerized  information  systems as well as computer  systems  embedded in the
machinery  and  equipment  used in its  operations.  Phase one of the  Company's
program  which  involved  an  assessment  of Y2K  compliance  of  the  Company's
computerized   information  systems  and  embedded  computer  systems  has  been
completed. In phase two of the program the Company is modifying or replacing all
non-compliant  systems. The Company has identified two computerized  information
systems that are not Y2K  compliant.  These  systems are being  replaced and are
expected to be operational by April 1999. As of June 30, 1998, substantially all
of the Company's  embedded  computer systems are Y2K compliant and the remaining
embedded  computer systems are expected to be Y2K compliant by the first quarter
of 1999.  Under the third phase of the program  the Company  will send  detailed
information requests to its principal customers, suppliers and service providers
to determine the status of their Y2K compliance.

                                     - 12 -



<PAGE>


As of June 30,  1998,  the  Company  had spent  approximately  $0.7  million  in
addition to its normal internal information  technology costs in connection with
its Y2K program.  The Company expects to incur  additional costs of $0.2 million
to complete phases two and three of the program.

Pursuant to phase three of its  program,  the Company  will send  surveys to its
major  customers,  suppliers and service  providers in the third quarter of 1998
and also expects to complete  this phase of the program in the first  quarter of
1999.

Among other  things,  the Company's  operations  depend on the  availability  of
utility  services,   principally   electricity,   and  reliable  performance  by
international  transportation services. A substantial disruption in any of these
services due to providers of these  services  failing to achieve Y2K  compliance
could have a significant impact on the Company's  financial results depending on
the length and severity of the disruption.  The Company is currently identifying
alternatives  and will  complete a  contingency  plan for each of its  principal
operations  by March 1999.  The purpose of the  contingency  plan is to identify
possible  alternatives  which could be used in the event of a disruption  in the
delivery of  essential  goods or services  and to minimize  the effect of such a
disruption.

Impact of New  Accounting  Standards:  In the first quarter of 1998, the Company
adopted Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards (SFAS) No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income." This statement, which establishes standards for reporting
and display of  comprehensive  income and its  components,  had no impact on the
financial statements.

In March 1998,  the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board issued SFAS No. 132,
"Employers  Disclosure about Pensions and other  Postretirement  Benefits." This
statement which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997,
will not impact the Company's financial  statements but modifies the disclosures
about pensions and other postretirement benefit plans.

In June 1998,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative  Instruments and Hedging  Activities." This statement
which is  effective  for fiscal  quarters of fiscal years  beginning  after June
15,1999,   establishes   accounting  and  reporting   standards  for  derivative
instruments  and hedging  activities.  The Company is  currently  assessing  the
impact of this statement.

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


                                     - 13 -



<PAGE>






PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Southern Peru Copper Corporation:


We have  reviewed the  condensed  consolidated  balance  sheet of Southern  Peru
Copper  Corporation  and  Subsidiaries  as of June 30,  1998  and the  condensed
consolidated  statements  of earnings and cash flows for the three month and six
month periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1997.  These financial  statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management.

We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American
Institute  of  Certified  Public  Accountants.  A review  of  interim  financial
information consists principally of applying analytical  procedures to financial
data and making  inquiries of persons  responsible  for financial and accounting
matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance
with  generally  accepted  auditing  standards,  the  objective  of which is the
expression of an opinion  regarding the financial  statements  taken as a whole.
Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material  modifications that should
be made to the condensed consolidated  financial statements,  referred to above,
for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

We have  previously  audited,  in accordance  with generally  accepted  auditing
standards,  the  consolidated  balance  sheet as of  December  31,  1997 and the
related consolidated  statements of earnings,  cash flows, and changes in common
stockholders'  equity for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our
report dated  January 23, 1998,  we  expressed an  unqualified  opinion on those
consolidated financial statements.  In our opinion, the information set forth in
the accompanying  condensed  consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1997,
is fairly  stated,  in all material  respects,  in relation to the  consolidated
balance sheet from which it has been derived.





                                                     PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP




New York, New York
July 17, 1998


                                     - 14 -



<PAGE>


                          PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 6(a) - Exhibits on Form 10Q


                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
<S>                   <C>
   11                 Statement re Computation of Earnings per Share

</TABLE>



                                     - 15 -



<PAGE>



Exhibit 11        Statement re Computation of Earnings per Share


This calculation is submitted in accordance with Regulation S-K item 601(b)(11).

Earnings per Common Share
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              3 Months Ended           6 Months Ended
                                                                                 June 30,                 June 30,
                                                                             1998        1997         1998         1997
                                                                             ----        ----         ----         ----
<S>                                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
Net earnings applicable to common stock                                      $18,373     $59,600      $31,293     $115,416
                                                                             =======     =======      =======     ========


Weighted average number of common shares outstanding                          79,850      80,202       79,936       80,197
Shares issuable from assumed exercise of Stock Options                             9           -            7            -
                                                                              ------      ------       ------       ------
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding,
  as adjusted                                                                 79,859      80,202       79,943       80,197
                                                                              ======      ======       ======       ======


Diluted earnings per share:

Net earnings applicable to common stock                                        $0.23       $0.74        $0.39        $1.44
                                                                               =====       =====        =====        =====

Basic earnings per share:

Net earnings applicable to common stock                                        $0.23       $0.74        $0.39        $1.44
                                                                               =====       =====        =====        =====

</TABLE>





<PAGE>





                                   SIGNATURES



Pursuant  to the  requirement  of the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  the
Registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                         SOUTHERN PERU COPPER CORPORATION
                                             (Registrant)



Date: August 14, 1998                     /s/ Ronald J. O'Keefe
                                          ---------------------
                                          Ronald J. O'Keefe
                                          Executive Vice President and
                                          Chief Financial Officer



Date: August 14, 1998                      /s/ Brendan M. O'Grady
                                           ----------------------
                                           Brendan M. O'Grady
                                           Comptroller





                                     - 16 -



<PAGE>






                                                                     Exhibit I
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP



Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20549


We are aware that our report  dated July 17,  1998 on our review of the  interim
financial information of Southern Peru Copper Corporation and Subsidiaries as of
June 30,1998 and for the three month and six month  periods  ended June 30, 1998
and 1997 and  included in this Form 10-Q for the quarter  ended June  30,1998 is
incorporated  by reference in the Company's  Registration  Statement on Form S-8
(File Nos. 33-32736 and 333-40293). Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities
Act of 1933,  this report  should not be  considered a part of the  Registration
Statement prepared or certified by us within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of
that Act.




                                                    PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


New York, New York
August 10, 1998

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>                     5
<MULTIPLIER>                  1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                  6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                              JUN-30-1998
<CASH>                                         207198
<SECURITIES>                                    51876
<RECEIVABLES>                                   61203
<ALLOWANCES>                                        0
<INVENTORY>                                    110338
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               487624
<PP&E>                                        1921538
<DEPRECIATION>                                 900869
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                1533253
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           84734
<BONDS>                                             0
<COMMON>                                       261077
                               0
                                         0
<OTHER-SE>                                     842482
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                  1533253
<SALES>                                        304934
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               304934
<CGS>                                          204203
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  204203
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                63775
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               8244
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 46604
<INCOME-TAX>                                    14913
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             31691
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0
<CHANGES>                                           0
<NET-INCOME>                                    31293
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    0.39
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    0.39
        


</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission