Northam’s short term credit rating upgraded
Northam Platinum Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1977/003282/06)
Share code: NHM
ISIN: ZAE 000030912
(“Northam” or the “Group” or the “Company”)
NORTHAM’S SHORT TERM CREDIT RATING UPGRADED
Northam wishes to advise shareholders that the credit rating agency, Global Credit Rating Co.
(“GCR”), has upgraded Northam’s short term credit rating from A2(ZA) to A1-(ZA) and reaffirmed the
Company’s long term rating of BBB+(ZA) with the outlook accorded as Stable.
Northam’s upgrade in its short term credit rating was obtained despite the industry outlook
remaining negative on account of, inter alia, depressed platinum group metal (PGM) prices and
cost inflation, illustrating the benefits of the Group’s liquid balance sheet and strong shareholder
support.
GCR has published a detailed credit rating report (available from GCR at http://globalratings.net)
detailing the key criteria which form the basis for its rating, these include:
- The impact of Northam’s fully funded R6.6 billion black economic empowerment
transaction, which raised Northam’s empowerment levels to 35.4%, on a secured basis for
10 years, and incorporated a cash injection of R4.6 billion, notably enhancing Northam’s
liquidity and flexibility.
- Increased production supported the uplift in PGM sales, which saw the Group’s revenue
increase to over R6 billion for the first time in the 2015 financial year.
- Higher Booysendal Mine output and general cost rigour underpinned a recovery in the
Group’s operating profit margin.
- The Booysendal Mine increasing the Group’s operational stability and reducing the
concentration of risk. The mine is set to reach steady production in the second half of
calendar 2015.
- A reduction in capital expenditure during the 2015 financial year both deliberate and
occasioned by the virtual completion of the Booysendal North, Phase 1.
- Northam’s redemption of the R1.4 billion in three-year domestic medium term notes
thereby reducing the Group’s debt to negligible levels.
- The three-year wage agreement recently concluded at Northam’s Zondereinde mine with
the National Union of Mineworkers.
Johannesburg
11 September 2015
Sponsor and Debt Sponsor
One Capital
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