Lucara Reports Strong First Half, Ups Full-year Revenue Guidance

Lucara Diamond Corp. (TSX:LUC) announced its results for the first half of 2014, commenting that its proceeds came to $128.6 million. The company has also increased its revenue forecast for the year to $240 to $250 million.

Highlights from the period include:

Cash flows and operating margins: The Company achieved second quarter tender proceeds of $95.0 million ($849 per carat) from sales of 111,902 carats of diamond. This includes proceeds of $24.7 million, which were received after the quarter. Total proceeds for the first half of the year were $128.6 million ($586 per carat) from the sale of 219,370 carats of diamond. Total Company proceeds for the half year of $586 per carat at an operating cost of $124 per carat resulted in a 79% operating margin of $462 per carat.

Following the second quarter the Company concluded its second exceptional stone tender in July for proceeds of $40.1 million, which results in full year to date proceeds of $168.6 million at a sales price of $764 per carat.

Net cash position: The Company’s quarter-end cash balance was $82.1 million compared to a net debt position of $29.6 million in the previous year and $49.4 million of cash at the end of 2013. The June cash balance of $82.1 million excludes $24.8 million of cash received after the quarter end.

Karowe operating performance: Karowe’s operating performance exceeded plan during the period in terms of ore and waste mined and carats recovered. The Company recovered a record number of 252 special stones (+10.8 carats) during the period with an average size of 27.84 carats.

Adjusted Earnings per share: Adjusted earnings per share is $0.10 per share for the three month period ended June 30, 2014 and $0.13 per share for year to date.

William Lamb, president and CEO of Lucara, commented:

Lucara had a strong first half of the year and this has continued into the third quarter with our second exceptional stone tender in July, resulting in total year to date proceeds of $169 million, achieving $764 per carat. Following these results and our current diamond inventory we have increased our full year revenue guidance to $240-$250 million while maintaining our original carat production and operating cost guidance due to strong operational delivery at Karowe. To the end of June, the mine sold 54 diamonds larger than 50 carats, including 11 diamonds larger than 100 carats and 30 diamonds selling for more than $1 million. The sustainable recovery of special diamonds has enabled the addition of the third exceptional stones tender which will be held in the fourth quarter.

Click here to read the full Lucara Diamond Corp. (TSX:LUC) press release.