Key Takeaways Freeport advances major expansion projects but faces lower volumes and rising costs.Ero Copper posts record output and targets growth, driven by Tucuma ramp-up and Caraiba gains.Both companies see cost pressures and uneven 2026 production tied to operational and market factors.Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) and Ero Copper Corp. (ERO) are prominent copper-focused mining companies benefiting from rising demand tied to electrification and infrastructure trends. Also, both are navigating fluctuating ...

Ero Copper Corp. ( ERO ) stock is a Hold, in my stance. To clarify more on this, I consider that Ero Copper is a premier self-funded mid-tier growth story here, but ERO stock is currently priced for perfectionAnalyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from ...

Looking ahead, DeFilippo said Ero plans to drill an additional 50,000 meters at Furnas in 2026, targeting extensions of high-grade mineralization around planned underground infrastructure. He also said the company is evaluating opportunities to strengthen project economics, including a magnetite recovery circuit to produce a magnetite concentrate and a gravity pre-concentration stage intended to enhance gold recoveries, which could increase byproduct revenue.At long-term consensus metal prices, management s ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company achieved record revenue of $320 million, an increase of $143 million compared to Q3 2025, driven by record copper concentrate sales and a 59% increase in gold doré sales [17] - Adjusted EBITDA grew to $186.7 million in Q4 and $409.7 million for the full year, with adjusted net income attributable to owners of the company at $108.4 million for the quarter and $220.4 million for the year [18] - The liquidity position at the end of Q4 stood at $150.4 million, including $105.4 million in cash and cash equivalents [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - At CaraÃba, Q4 represented the strongest operating quarter of the year, with mill throughput reaching nearly 1.2 million tons, up 18% compared to Q3, driving copper production 15% higher quarter-on-quarter [9] - At Tucumã, copper production increased more than 22% quarter-on-quarter, also representing a record for the operation [9] - Xavantina saw a production increase of 53% quarter-on-quarter, driven by higher grades and improved throughput, resulting in nearly 20,000 ounces of gold produced in Q4 [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - C1 cash costs per pound for copper were approximately $2.27 at CaraÃba and $1.75 at Tucumã in Q4, with the increase at Tucumã attributed to higher transportation costs and accelerated amortization of mill liners [18] - Gold C1 cash costs per ounce declined by approximately 29% from the third quarter [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing the Furnas project, which is expected to produce over 1.2 million tons of copper, 2 million ounces of gold, and 9 million ounces of silver over an initial 24-year mine life [5] - Capital spending across existing operations is projected to decline as the company exits a multi-year investment phase, enhancing cash generation capacity [8] - The company plans to complete an additional 50,000 meters of exploration drilling in 2026 to target extensions of high-grade mineralization [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning within the current market environment, highlighting the strong economic outcomes of the Furnas project [4] - The guidance for 2026 assumes operational performance gains achieved in Q4 will be sustained throughout the year, with consolidated copper production expected to be between 67,500 to 77,500 tons [14] - Management noted that the rainy season in Brazil is expected to impact Q1 production, with a ramp-up anticipated in Q2 and Q3 [26] Other Important Information - The company aims to maintain a strong cash position and target a net debt to EBITDA ratio below 1 times before commencing a return of capital program [20] - The company is advancing its partnership with Vale Base Metals on the Furnas project, which is seen as a cornerstone for long-term growth [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on gold concentrate stockpiles at Xavantina - Management indicated that while Q1 is expected to have modest sales due to the rainy season, shipments are anticipated to ramp up aggressively in Q2 and Q3 [26] Question: Update on Tucumã's filter press issue - The filter press has been ordered and is expected to be operational in Q4, but it is not included in the 2026 guidance [32] Question: C1 cash cost guidance for Tucumã - Management explained that the main drivers for cost guidance include lower grades and additional maintenance efforts, which are expected to stabilize operations [45] Question: Benefits from mechanization investments at Xavantina - Management highlighted that mechanization investments aim to reduce workforce exposure and improve alignment between mine output and mill capacity [48] Question: Potential capital return once net debt to EBITDA is below one times - Management outlined that steps include reducing net debt, paying down the revolver, and discussions with shareholders regarding potential returns [51] Question: Timeline for selling down the gold concentrate stockpile - Management confirmed that the timeline for selling the stockpile has been extended to mid-2027 due to operational considerations [57] Question: Exploration spending and projects - The majority of the exploration budget will be allocated to the Furnas project, with additional opportunities being explored at other sites [61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record quarterly revenue of $320 million, an increase of $143 million compared to the third quarter [17] - Adjusted EBITDA grew to $186.7 million in the fourth quarter and $409.7 million for the full year [18] - Adjusted net income attributable to owners was $108.4 million for the quarter and $220.4 million for the year, translating to $1.04 and $2.12 per share respectively [18] - Liquidity position at quarter end was $150.4 million, including $105.4 million in cash and cash equivalents [19] - Net debt decreased to approximately $502 million at year-end from $545 million at the end of the third quarter, improving the net debt leverage ratio to 1.2x [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - At CaraÃba, Q4 mill throughput reached nearly 1.2 million tons, up 18% compared to Q3, driving copper production 15% higher quarter-on-quarter [9] - At Tucumã, copper production increased more than 22% quarter-on-quarter, achieving another record for the operation [9] - Xavantina saw a 53% increase in production quarter-on-quarter, with total gold production from Xavantina reaching nearly 20,000 ounces in Q4 [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - C1 cash costs per pound were approximately $2.27 at CaraÃba and $1.75 at Tucumã in Q4, with the increase attributed to transportation costs and accelerated amortization of mill liners [10][17] - Gold C1 cash costs per ounce declined by approximately 29% from the third quarter [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing the Furnas project, which is expected to produce over 1.2 million tons of copper, 2 million ounces of gold, and 9 million ounces of silver over an initial 24-year mine life [5] - Capital spending across existing operations is projected to decline as the company exits a multi-year investment phase [8] - The company plans to complete an additional 50,000 meters of exploration drilling in 2026 to target extensions of high-grade mineralization [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning within the current market environment, highlighting the strong economic outcomes of the Furnas project [4][6] - The operational performance gains achieved in Q4 are expected to be sustained through 2026, with guidance reflecting a consolidated copper production of between 67,500 to 77,500 tons [14] - Management acknowledged challenges due to the rainy season impacting production and sales, particularly at Xavantina [26] Other Important Information - The company is advancing a new shaft project at CaraÃba and investing in ventilation circuits at Xavantina to increase mine capacity and output [14] - The company aims to maintain a strong cash position and target a net debt to EBITDA ratio below 1x before commencing a return of capital program [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on gold concentrate stockpiles at Xavantina - Management indicated that while Q1 is expected to have modest sales due to the rainy season, shipments should ramp up aggressively in Q2 and Q3 [25][26] Question: Update on Tucumã's filter press issue - The filter press has been ordered and is expected to be operational in Q4, but it is not included in the 2026 guidance [30][32] Question: C1 cash cost guidance for Tucumã - Management explained that costs are influenced by lower grades and additional maintenance efforts, with expectations for higher costs due to transportation and TCRC factors [42][46] Question: Benefits from mechanization investments at Xavantina - Management highlighted that mechanization reduces workforce exposure and aims to better match mine output with mill capacity over time [44][48] Question: Potential capital return once net debt to EBITDA is below one times - Management outlined a three-step approach to capital return, focusing on reducing net debt, paying down the revolver, and engaging with shareholders [51][53] Question: Timeline for selling down the gold concentrate stockpile - Management indicated that the timeline for selling the stockpile may extend to mid-2027 due to operational considerations [57][61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record quarterly revenue of $320 million, an increase of $143 million compared to the third quarter [18] - Adjusted EBITDA grew to $186.7 million in the fourth quarter and $409.7 million for the full year [19] - Adjusted net income attributable to owners was $108.4 million for the quarter and $220.4 million for the year, translating to $1.04 and $2.12 per share respectively [19] - Liquidity position at quarter end was $150.4 million, including $105.4 million in cash and cash equivalents [20] - Net debt declined to approximately $502 million at year-end from $545 million at the end of the third quarter, improving the net debt leverage ratio to 1.2 times [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - At CaraÃba, Q4 mill throughput reached nearly 1.2 million tons, up 18% compared to Q3, driving copper production 15% higher quarter-on-quarter [10] - At Tucumã, copper production increased more than 22% quarter-on-quarter, achieving another record for the operation [10] - Xavantina saw a production increase of 53% quarter-on-quarter, driven by higher grades and improved throughput [11] - Total gold from Xavantina was nearly 20,000 ounces in Q4 and over 50,000 ounces for the full year [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced stronger copper and gold prices during the period, contributing to record revenue [18] - C1 cash costs per pound were approximately 1.5% higher quarter-on-quarter, primarily due to increased transportation costs at Tucumã [19] - Gold C1 cash costs per ounce declined by approximately 29% from the third quarter [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing the Furnas project, which is expected to produce over 1.2 million tons of copper, 2 million ounces of gold, and 9 million ounces of silver over an initial 24-year mine life [5] - The capital required to advance Furnas is expected to remain relatively modest, with a focus on maintaining momentum in exploration and technical studies [6][8] - The company plans to complete an additional 50,000 meters of exploration drilling in 2026, targeting extensions of high-grade mineralization [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning within the current market environment, highlighting the resilience and dedication of operational teams [4] - The guidance for 2026 assumes sustained operational performance gains achieved in Q4, with copper production expected to grow between 67,500 to 77,500 tons [14] - Management noted that the capital spending across existing operations is projected to decline as the company exits a multi-year investment phase [9] Other Important Information - The company is advancing a new shaft project at CaraÃba and investing in ventilation circuits and mine development at Xavantina to increase capacity and output [14] - The company aims to maintain a strong cash position and target a net debt to EBITDA ratio below 1 times ahead of commencing a return of capital program [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on gold concentrate stockpiles at Xavantina - Management indicated that while they expect strong volumes in shipment, Q1 is expected to have very modest sales due to the rainy season [25][26] Question: Update on Tucumã's filter press issue - Management confirmed that the filter press has been ordered and is expected to be operational in Q4, but it is not included in the 2026 guidance [31] Question: C1 cash cost guidance for Tucumã - Management explained that the main drivers for guidance include lower grades and additional maintenance costs, which are expected to stabilize operations [41][44] Question: Benefits from mechanization investments at Xavantina - Management highlighted that mechanization investments aim to reduce workforce exposure and improve alignment between mine output and mill capacity [46] Question: Potential capital return once net debt to EBITDA is below one times - Management outlined that steps include reducing net debt, paying down the revolver, and discussions with shareholders regarding timing and form of capital return [50][51] Question: Exploration spend and projects beyond Furnas - Management confirmed that the majority of the exploration budget will be allocated to Furnas, with some opportunities being explored at other sites [58]

Q4 2025 Earnings Call March 2026 | TSX: ERO | NYSE: ERO R: 0 G: 128 B: 128 #008080 Logo Teal R: 0 G: 74 B: 74 #004a4a R: 92 G: 93 B:84 #5c5d54 Logo Charcoal R: 199 G: 229 B: 228 #c7e5e4 R: 167 G: 169 B: 172 #a7a9ac R: 124 G: 47 B: 72 #7c2f48 R: 44 G: 62 B: 96 #2c3e60 R: 217 G: 164 B: 65 #d9a441 R: 194 G: 89 B: 17 #c25911 Primary Colors Secondary Colors R: 0 G: 128 B: 128 #008080 Logo Teal R: 0 G: 74 B: 74 #004a4a R: 92 G: 93 B:84 #5c5d54 Logo Charcoal R: 199 G: 229 B: 228 #2c3e60 R: 217 G: 164 B: 65 #d9a441 ...

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2025 1050 – 625 Howe Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6C 2T6 Phone: 604-449-9244 | Website: www.ero.com | Email: info@ero.com TABLE OF CONTENTS | BUSINESS OVERVIEW | 1 | | --- | --- | | HIGHLIGHTS | 2 | | REVIEW OF OPERATIONS | | | The Caraíba Operations | 6 | | The Tucumã Operation | 7 | | The Xavantina Operations | 8 | | 2026 GUIDANCE | 9 | | REVIEW OF FINANCIAL RESULTS | | | Review of quarterly results | 11 | | Review of annual results ...

Core Viewpoint Ero Copper Corp. reported record operating and financial results for Q4 and the full year 2025, driven by strong copper and gold production, improved cash flow, and a significantly strengthened balance sheet. Production Highlights - Consolidated Q4 copper production reached a record 19,706 tonnes, with full-year production totaling 64,307 tonnes [2] - Q4 gold production was 13,837 ounces, with full-year production at 37,291 ounces [2] - The Caraíba Operations produced 10,431 tonnes of copper in Q4, while the Tucumã Operation produced 9,275 tonnes [7] - The Xavantina Operations achieved a strong Q4 with gold production increasing 52.5% compared to Q3 2025 [7] Financial Highlights - Q4 cash flow from operations was $129.1 million, with full-year cash flow increasing by $249.7 million, or 171.7%, compared to 2024 [2] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $186.7 million, with full-year adjusted EBITDA up nearly 90% year-on-year [2] - Net income attributable to owners for Q4 was $77.0 million ($0.74 per share), and for the year, it was $263.7 million ($2.53 per share) [2][10] Cost Metrics - Consolidated copper C1 cash costs were $2.03 per pound for Q4 and $2.06 per pound for the full year [2] - Q4 gold C1 cash costs were $766 per ounce, with full-year costs at $976 per ounce [2] - The company expects consolidated copper C1 cash costs for 2026 to range between $2.15 to $2.35 per pound [12] Liquidity and Debt - Available liquidity at year-end was $150.4 million, including $105.4 million in cash and cash equivalents [2] - The net debt leverage ratio improved to 1.2x from 2.6x at the end of 2024, reflecting a $50.1 million decrease in net debt [2] 2026 Guidance - Consolidated copper production is projected to be between 67,500 to 77,500 tonnes, with production weighted towards H2 2026 [11] - Gold production is expected to total 40,000 to 50,000 ounces, with the lowest production anticipated in Q1 2026 [13] - Total capital expenditures for 2026 are expected to range between $275 to $320 million [17]

Core Viewpoint - Ero Copper Corp. (ERO) is expected to report a significant year-over-year increase in earnings and revenues for the quarter ended December 2025, with the consensus outlook being crucial for assessing the company's earnings picture [1] Earnings Expectations - The consensus EPS estimate for Ero Copper is $1.06 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +523.5% [3] - Revenues are anticipated to reach $293.5 million, which is a 139.6% increase compared to the same quarter last year [3] Estimate Revisions - Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 7.38%, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4] - The Most Accurate Estimate for Ero Copper matches the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of 0% [12] Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model suggests that a positive or negative reading indicates the likely deviation of actual earnings from the consensus estimate, with positive readings being more predictive of earnings beats [9][10] - Ero Copper currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, making it challenging to predict an earnings beat conclusively [12] Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Ero Copper was expected to post earnings of $0.36 per share but only achieved $0.27, resulting in a surprise of -25.00% [13] - Over the past four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates two times [14] Conclusion - Ero Copper does not appear to be a strong candidate for an earnings beat based on current estimates and historical performance, but investors should consider other factors before making investment decisions [17]