Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for the first half of 2025 was $159.3 million, slightly above the $155.7 million recorded in 2024, with profit after tax increasing by 80% to $25.5 million from $14 million in 2024 [3][11][12] - Gross profit rose to $114.8 million, up 19%, and operating profit increased by 12% to $98.7 million [8] - Total liabilities decreased slightly due to amortizing debt, with a focus on refinancing to extend tenor and lower costs [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Hangzhou mine produced over 11.5 million wet metric tons, with adjusted EBITDA of $70.3 million, a significant improvement from 2024 [4][16] - RKF operations saw lower EBITDA due to higher costs and ore shortages, despite an improving NPI price [9][12] - HPAL operations performed well, with production above 2024 levels and stable cash costs, resulting in EBITDA per ton margins around $5,900 [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - NPI price increased from $11,290 to $11,350, while cash costs rose from $9,716 to $10,117 due to higher oil prices [12][13] - The company is experiencing a slight upward trend in nickel prices, which is expected to positively impact future margins [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on responsible and sustainable mining, with initiatives like the Nickel Industries Foundation and a conservation area within the Hengjai mining concession [2][3] - Development of the Sampala project is progressing well, with expectations to host over 1 billion wet metric tons [6][19] - The company aims to double production at the Hengdai mine and is targeting commissioning of the cathode plant by late 2025 [17][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's performance despite challenges in nickel prices, highlighting strong growth in the mining sector [42] - The company anticipates further growth with the imminent release of an RKB that requires no CapEx for increased mine sales [42] Other Important Information - The company has deferred payments for E and C totaling $126.5 million to January and April, allowing for additional production and EBITDA [11] - The cathode plant is expected to be commissioned in October or November, with all key equipment fabricated and erected [17][35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on debt refinancing and balance sheet management - Management confirmed entering a commitment letter for a $100 million loan facility to support working capital and is evaluating alternative debt funding options [21][23] Question: Dividend withdrawal reasoning - Management stated the withdrawal is a prudent balance sheet management decision, prioritizing financial stability over dividend payouts [26] Question: Update on VAT refunds and timing - Management expects the $110 million VAT refunds within the next six to twelve months and is in dialogue with the Indonesian government [28][29] Question: Timing for environmental study approval and production targets - Management indicated that the RKB approval is expected by September, with Sampala targeting 6 million tonnes per annum by the end of the year [30] Question: Factors influencing commissioning of the cathode plant - Management explained the delay in commissioning is due to high working capital demands and the need to ensure a strong balance sheet [34][36]

Nickel Industries Limited (ASX:NIC) Half Year Results Presentation For the period ended 30 June 2025 For personal use only Continuing to play a leadership role in responsible and sustainable mining Hengjaya Mine ▪ Over 22.6 million work hours registered since the last reported lost time injury (LTI) in November 2021 Group Operations 2024 Sustainability Report highlights 2 ▪ Company-wide 12-month lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) as at the end of June 2025 was 0.05, with no lost time injuries (LTI) rec ...