Group 1 - Hudbay Minerals dropped over 4%, while Freeport-McMoRan, Southern Copper, and Ero Copper fell more than 2% [1] - The Chilean National Copper Corporation significantly revised down its copper production growth forecast for 2025, now expecting a 1.5% increase compared to last year's figures, which is only half of the growth predicted in May [1] - The downward revision in production growth is attributed to a decline in output from BHP's Escondida mine (the world's largest copper mine) and the Collahuasi mine operated by Anglo American and Glencore [1]

VANCOUVER, Canada, Aug. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vancouver, CANADA. – August 14, 2025 – Oroco Resource Corp. (TSX-V: OCO; OTCQB: ORRCF) ("Oroco" or "the Company") extends its congratulations to Hudbay Minerals Inc. ("Hudbay") for its agreement with Mitsubishi Corporation ("Mitsubishi") announced on August 13 2025, whereby Mitsubishi will acquire a 30% interest in Hudbay's Copper World project in Arizona for consideration of US$600 million, structured as US$420 million at closing for a 30% equity interes ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated adjusted EBITDA of $245 million in the second quarter, resulting in a record annual trailing twelve-month adjusted EBITDA of $996 million as of June 30 [10] - Net earnings were $0.30 per share, and adjusted net earnings were $0.19 per share in the second quarter after adjustments for non-cash gains [10] - Cash generated from operating activities increased to $260 million compared to the first quarter, driven by higher gross margins and positive working capital management [10] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $88 million, with over $400 million generated in the last twelve months [11] - The company ended the quarter with $626 million in cash and cash equivalents, and net debt reduced to $434 million, improving the leverage ratio to 0.4 times [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated copper production in the second quarter was 30,000 tons, and consolidated gold production was 56,000 ounces, with copper production in line with the first quarter [8] - Consolidated silver production was 815,000 ounces, and zinc production was 5,000 tons in the second quarter [9] - In Peru, copper production was 22,000 tons, with gold production of 7,000 ounces and silver production of 552,000 ounces [12][13] - Manitoba operations produced 43,000 ounces of gold, 1,600 tons of copper, 5,100 tons of zinc, and 198,000 ounces of silver, lower than the first quarter due to wildfire impacts [16] - British Columbia operations produced 6,600 tons of copper and 5,700 ounces of gold, with production expected to increase in the second half of the year [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reaffirmed its full-year consolidated production guidance for all metals, tracking well below its full-year consolidated cost guidance for 2025 [9] - The cost guidance range for 2025 was improved to $0.65 to $0.85 per pound, down from the original range of $0.80 to $1 per pound [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a minority joint venture agreement with Mitsubishi Corporation for the Copper World project, reducing funding requirements and enhancing financial strength [6][7] - The joint venture is expected to unlock significant value in the copper growth pipeline and establish a long-term strategic partnership [7][25] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet while advancing high-return growth projects, including the Copper World project [12][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year production guidance despite challenges from wildfires and operational disruptions [19] - The current federal environment in the U.S. is viewed as constructive for project development, with bipartisan support for the Copper World project [48] - Management emphasized the importance of focusing on Phase one of the Copper World project before considering Phase two [48] Other Important Information - The company has committed over CAD 2 million in funding support to evacuated employees due to wildfires [15] - The Copper World project is expected to create over 1,000 jobs during the construction period and contribute significantly to U.S. taxes and the domestic copper supply chain [30][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will Mitsubishi have commercial off-take rights? - Yes, Mitsubishi will have rights to 30% off-take consistent with their ownership share [38] Question: Is there potential to bring forward the concentrate leach facility? - Yes, it is a possibility that will be studied in the feasibility study [39] Question: What is the strategic interest of Mitsubishi in the deal? - Mitsubishi's equity contribution significantly reduces Hudbay's capital requirement, allowing for a lower level of debt [41] Question: Any discussions with the U.S. Administration regarding Copper World Phase II? - Currently, the focus is entirely on Phase one, which is fully permitted [48] Question: Is there any major cost inflation expected for Copper World? - There may be modest increases in CapEx due to inflation, but higher copper prices are also expected [51] Question: What is the status of exploration programs in Manitoba and Peru? - Exploration in Manitoba has been paused due to wildfires, while in Peru, drilling will commence once the Consulta Previa process is completed [78]

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Financial Performance - Q2 2025 adjusted EBITDA reached $245 million[9], while free cash flow was $88 million[9] - The company achieved a record trailing twelve-month EBITDA of $996 million[17] - Net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 0.4x[17] - LTM Free Cash Flow reached $413 million[18] - Cash as of Q2'25 was $626 million[18] - Net Debt as of Q2'25 was $434 million[18] Operational Performance - Q2 2025 copper production was 30.0 kt[12] - Gold production in Q2 2025 was 56.3 koz[12] - Cash cost for copper production in Q2 2025 was negative $0.02 per pound[9] Copper World Project & Mitsubishi JV - Mitsubishi Corporation will invest $600 million for a 30% interest in the Copper World Joint Venture[42] - The average analyst consensus net asset value (NAV) estimate for 100% of Copper World is approximately $1.16 billion as of August 12, 2025[47] - Hudbay's remaining equity contribution to the Copper World project is estimated at approximately $200 million[60] - The initial capital expenditure for the Copper World project is $1.5 billion[70]

Core Insights - HudBay Minerals reported a revenue of $536.4 million for the quarter ended June 2025, marking a 26.1% increase year-over-year and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $495.34 million by 8.29% [1] - The company's earnings per share (EPS) was $0.19, a significant improvement from $0 in the same quarter last year, resulting in an EPS surprise of 72.73% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.11 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - The company produced 29,956 tons of copper, slightly below the average estimate of 30,853.63 tons by 14 analysts [4] - Silver production was reported at 814,989 ounces, which was lower than the estimated 915,769.30 ounces by 13 analysts [4] - Molybdenum production exceeded expectations with 427 tons produced, compared to the average estimate of 311.59 tons by 13 analysts [4] - Gold production was in line with estimates at 56,271 ounces, slightly above the average estimate of 56,126.27 ounces [4] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from external customers in Peru was $259.6 million, surpassing the estimate of $253.38 million by 12 analysts [4] - British Columbia generated $83.8 million in revenue, exceeding the estimated $81.55 million by 11 analysts [4] - Manitoba's revenue reached $193 million, significantly higher than the estimated $162.5 million by 11 analysts [4] - Revenue from contracts for copper was $297.1 million, a 14.6% increase year-over-year, and above the estimate of $291.57 million by 11 analysts [4] - Zinc revenue was reported at $7.1 million, below the average estimate of $10.78 million, reflecting a 54.2% decline year-over-year [4] - Total revenue from contracts was $526.4 million, exceeding the average estimate of $488.43 million by 11 analysts [4] - Silver revenue from contracts was $13.9 million, lower than the estimated $22.42 million, but showed a 27.5% increase year-over-year [4] - Molybdenum revenue from contracts was $19.1 million, surpassing the average estimate of $12.95 million, with a year-over-year increase of 19.4% [4] Stock Performance - HudBay Minerals' shares have returned -4.7% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +3.1% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Performance - HudBay Minerals reported quarterly earnings of $0.19 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.11 per share, compared to break-even earnings per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +72.73% [1] - The company posted revenues of $536.4 million for the quarter ended June 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8.29%, and showing an increase from year-ago revenues of $425.52 million [2] Stock Performance - HudBay Minerals shares have increased approximately 21.6% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 9.6% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $0.20 on revenues of $583.42 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.76 on revenues of $2.26 billion [7] Industry Outlook - The Mining - Miscellaneous industry, to which HudBay Minerals belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 36% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges ahead [8] - The performance of HudBay Minerals may be influenced by the overall outlook for the industry, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions [5][8]

Mitsubishi has agreed to pay $600 million for a 30% stake in the proposed US copper project being developed by HudBay Minerals https://t.co/zgtlPj11UV ...

Core Points - Hudbay Minerals Inc. has entered into a joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation, where Mitsubishi will acquire a 30% interest in Copper World LLC for an initial cash contribution of $600 million [1][5][9] - The partnership is aimed at advancing the Copper World project in Arizona, which is expected to produce 85,000 tonnes of copper annually for 20 years, creating significant economic value and job opportunities [4][8][16] Group 1: Joint Venture Details - Mitsubishi's investment consists of $420 million at closing and an additional $180 million within 18 months, with the transaction subject to customary closing conditions [1][5][11] - The joint venture will be structured as a new limited liability corporation, Copper World LLC, allowing Hudbay to retain its existing U.S. federal net operating losses of approximately $275 million and Arizona state losses of $210 million [9][11] - The transaction is expected to close in late 2025 or early 2026, pending regulatory approvals [11] Group 2: Strategic Importance - The partnership with Mitsubishi is seen as a significant milestone for Hudbay, enhancing its copper growth portfolio and validating the long-term value of the Copper World project [2][4][10] - Mitsubishi's involvement is strategically important for its growth strategy in the copper sector, leveraging Hudbay's operational expertise [2][6] Group 3: Economic Impact - The Copper World project is projected to contribute approximately $1.5 billion to the U.S. critical minerals supply chain and create over 1,000 jobs during construction, with 400 direct jobs and up to 3,000 indirect jobs once operational [4][8][6] - The project is expected to generate over $850 million in U.S. taxes over its initial 20-year mine life, supporting national security and energy independence [8][6] Group 4: Financial Flexibility - The joint venture significantly reduces Hudbay's estimated share of remaining capital contributions to approximately $200 million, deferring its first capital contribution until 2028 at the earliest [4][35] - The levered project internal rate of return (IRR) for Hudbay is expected to increase to approximately 90% based on pre-feasibility study estimates [4][35] Group 5: Project Development - The Copper World project is fully permitted and located on private land, with a mine life of 20 years and potential for future expansion [7][19] - A definitive feasibility study (DFS) is underway, with completion expected by mid-2026, and Hudbay plans to advance detailed engineering and other de-risking activities [7][35]

Core Viewpoint - Hudbay Minerals Inc. reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2025, driven by significant free cash flow generation, industry-leading cost margins, and diversified exposure to copper and gold, while reaffirming production guidance and improving cost guidance for the year [2][5][10]. Financial Performance - Revenue for the second quarter of 2025 was $536.4 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $245.2 million, reflecting strong operating cost margins and significant exposure to copper and gold [5][18]. - Net earnings attributable to owners were $117.7 million, or $0.30 per share, representing a 17% increase from the first quarter of 2025 [12][18]. - Cash and cash equivalents increased by $62.9 million to $625.5 million, with total liquidity reaching $1,050.2 million as of June 30, 2025 [15][18]. Production and Cost Guidance - Consolidated copper production for the second quarter was 29,956 tonnes, and gold production was 56,271 ounces, with full-year production guidance reaffirmed at 117,000 to 149,000 tonnes of copper and 247,500 to 308,000 ounces of gold [5][9]. - Consolidated cash cost per pound of copper produced was $(0.02), while sustaining cash cost was $1.65, reflecting strong cost control and increased exposure to gold by-product credits [14][19]. - Full-year 2025 consolidated cash cost guidance improved to $0.65 to $0.85 per pound from $0.80 to $1.00 per pound [5][10]. Strategic Developments - The announcement of a $600 million joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation for a 30% minority interest in the Copper World project is expected to enhance financial flexibility and reduce capital contributions [6][10]. - The joint venture is projected to increase levered project IRR to approximately 90% based on pre-feasibility study estimates, validating the long-term value of the Copper World asset [10][11]. - Hudbay is advancing its Copper World project towards a sanction decision in 2026, with a definitive feasibility study expected by mid-2026 [10][11]. Operational Highlights - Peru operations produced 21,710 tonnes of copper and 7,366 ounces of gold in the second quarter, maintaining production in line with expectations despite a planned mill maintenance shutdown [21][24]. - Manitoba operations produced 43,235 ounces of gold, with production impacted by temporary shutdowns due to wildfire evacuation orders [30][37]. - British Columbia operations produced 6,634 tonnes of copper, with ongoing optimization initiatives expected to enhance production in the second half of 2025 [51][52].