Pinched off blue share3 Mar 2019 15:23
Sirius Minerals Investor Relations 22nd Feb 2019
1. CEO Chris Fraser on Q4 Progress Update - Conference Call Transcript [Jan. 22, 2019]
“Should we need to, there is the opportunity to slow down development,”…
IR: The project is progressing in line with Company disclosures and although the statement has concerned some investors we are not, at this point in time, slowing down development.
2. 2018 Q4 PROGRESS UPDATE [22/01/2019]
“The Company is working towards having agreed commitment letters as soon as possible.”
Concern: Investors have been left uncertain as to the financial close of the Stage II Funding process:
IR: Senior Lenders are continuing with their due diligence. Senior Lenders are working through the diligence matters identified, as you would expect, and these matters are being addressed. The Stage II Funding due diligence process is progressing with all the Senior Lenders and the Company is working hard towards having agreed commitment letters signed but cannot commit to a timescale.
3. $400 Million to $600 Million Addition Capital (Capital Markets – Convertible Notes)
IR: We are considering a number of funding options and these have previously been outlined. The Capital Markets is not necessarily the preferred route for raising finance but it is one of the financing options the Company is considering as previously outlined to the market. The Company continues to be focused on shareholder value and pursuing the most efficient and cost-effective capital structure to develop the Project. We are unable to comment as to whether existing and new capital providers have been approached with respect to a further issuance of Convertible Bonds.
[Note: Reasons to accelerate bond conversion (RNS Sirius Minerals plc, 11 April 2018) - reducing hedging activities in respect of the Ordinary Shares by some Bondholders].
4. Open Offer to Private Investors
IR: We are cognizant that private investors would welcome the opportunity to invest in the Company through an Open Offer should we pursue a capital raise in the equity markets. The Company is keen to service their private investors and although it is a route to raising funds we are unable to comment further on this aspect of fund raising.
5. TorP Agreements
i. European TorP
IR: Though the European TorP Agreement is taking longer than expected to finalise, discussions are continuing towards an outcome that benefits all concerned. The delay is not as a result of BREXIT.
ii. China TorP’s
IR: The Company has made significant progress in the fertilizer market in China and are confident in the credentials of the chosen counterparties. The Senior Lender due diligence is ongoing so we are unable to comment on the outcome of their review of our Chinese partners.