"I am pleased to report on a year of highs and lows, but one in which we achieved both revenue and profit growth," said Sylvania chief executive Terry McConnachie.
Sylvania managed to increase FY19 net profit to US$18.2 million, up 66% on the previous year - despite producing 72,090oz versus the planned 76,000-78,000oz.
The company's revenue was up 12% year-on-year in the 12 months to June 30, to $70.5 million.
Sylvania was hit by several challenges in the past year. Abnormal summer heat and drought conditions caused water shortages at the Lesedi chrome tailings retreatment plant, cutting productivity in half. The company added a storage dam and new water supply line.
However, separately, PGM recoveries at Mooinooi were hit by oil-contaminated feed material and Doornbosch's dump re-mining experienced significant downtime and feed instability that negatively impacted plant throughput and recovery efficiencies. The company has also experienced power supply issues.
Nevertheless, the company's EDITDA improved 36% on the previous year to $30.2 million. The board of directors recommended a cash dividend of US1c per share, double the previous year.
"Unfortunately, due to matters outside of our control that put pressure on operations during Q2 and Q3, the board and management thought it prudent to revise annual guidance to 72,000oz for the year in the Q3 announcement, which still required record quarterly production in Q4," said McConnachie.
"The operations teams took this challenge on board and I am pleased to announce that the operations achieved a new production record for both Q4 and annual ounces."
Sylvania reported a cash balance of $21.8 million with no debt.
"We are beginning to see the results from the MF2 modules at Millsell, Doornbosch and Mooinooi, as well as other optimisation projects rolled out during the year and as a result of these initiatives, I am optimistic as we embark on FY2020 that the company will continue to prosper," said McConnachie.
"I look forward to finalising the profitable cash sale of the Grasvally deposit and we are excited as to what FY2020 has in store."
AIM-listed Sylvania (SLP)'s share price was 44.4p on Monday, almost triple its value in January (16.4p). The company's shares have risen consistently since the middle of 2017, when they were worth 9p. Sylvania's market capitalisation is £126.5 million.
