IR-release
Appendix
– Excel
Moscow, 16 July 2020 – ALROSA, a global
leader in diamond production, reports its Q2 2020 reduced
diamond production of 5.7 m carats and sales of
0.6 m carats. 6M 2020 diamond production declined to
13.7 m carats, and sales amounted to 10.1 m carats.
Due to the economic crisis on the key markets
caused by COVID-19, in Q2 ALROSA implemented measures to
optimise production by reducing plan for 2020 to 28-31 m cts
and to balance supply and demand through a flexible sales
strategy – selling diamonds only if there is real demand
and allowing customers to defer contract volumes to subsequent
periods (for more details, see the press release dated 29 May
here).
These factors were the key drivers behind Q2 and 1H 2020
operating results.
Diamond production in Q2 decreased
29% q-o-q (down 42% y-o-y) to 5.7 m cts. 6M
production declined 22% to 13.7 m cts.
Q2 ore and gravels processing seasonally
grew 24% q-o-q to 7.4 mt mainly due to resumed
production at alluvial deposits. The indicator declined 30% compared
to Q2 2019. The total for 6M number came in at 13.3 mt
(-21%).
Q2 average diamond grade went down 43%
q-o-q to 0.77 cpt due to the seasonal increase in the
share of lower-grade ore produced at alluvial deposits. 6M
average diamond grade remained virtually flat at 1.03 cpt.
Sales: as a result of ALROSA’s
decision to offer flexible terms, Q2 diamond sales decreased
to 634,000 cts, including 361,000 cts of
gem-quality diamonds. 6M sales declined 47% to 10.1 m cts.
Diamond inventories as at the end of Q2
increased 25% q-o-q to 26.3 m cts.
Q2 average realised price for gem-quality
diamonds increased to $200/ct (up 63% q-o-q and 54%
y-o-y) amid stronger demand for large-size diamonds in the sales
mix. The same indicator for 6M came in at $127/ct (up
1%).
Q2 diamond price index was just 1.4%
q-o-q lower as the Company continued to implement its
“price-over-volume” strategy. YTD the index was down 2%.
Proceeds from rough and polished diamond
sales in Q2 came in at $87 m (down 90% q-o-q
and 89% y-o-y), including $74 m from rough diamond sales and
$13 m in revenue from polished diamond sales. Sales for 6M
were $991 m.
Diamond market overview
Most mining companies halted diamond
production due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns between
March and April/May, and several deposits remain closed pending the
recovery of market activity. In the face of uncertainty, some
companies withdrew their 2020 production plans, while others lowered
their forecasts by 7–22%.
The global diamond industry began to stir in
May–June, when the global diamond exchanges resumed activities in
strict compliance with the restrictions caused by COVID-19. The
cutting centre in Surat, India, resumed limited operations in late
May, but was suspended again in July to contain the spread of the
disease.
Retail markets of China followed by the US
began to show promising signs of recovery. China coped with the
pandemic ahead of other countries, which accelerated the recovery of
demand for diamond jewellery in the country. Major jewellery
retailers in China reported higher than expected May sales. In
May–June, jewellery stores began to reopen in other countries and
regions, primarily in the United States, EU, Japan and South Korea.
At the end of Q2, the recovery of the US market was negatively
affected by protests.
On the back of weak demand, ALROSA remains
committed to its “price-over-volume” policy and satisfies only
the real demand while maintaining a stable price. The policy is
aimed at supporting long-term customers and the entire diamond
industry.
Data on Q2 and 6M 2020 production,
sales, prices, and inventories is preliminary and may be updated.
Data on the diamond market is the Company’s estimate.
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