Taseko(TGB) - 2019 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings from mining operations before depletion and amortization of $18.6 million for Q2 2019, bringing year-to-date earnings to $34.4 million [33] - Revenue for Q2 was $86.5 million, a 23% increase over Q1, primarily due to increased copper production of 35 million pounds [36] - Realized copper prices decreased to $2.69 per pound, a notable 14% decrease from the same quarter last year [34] - GAAP net loss for the period was $11 million, with an adjusted net loss of $17.5 million or $0.07 per share [40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Gibraltar mine produced just under 35 million pounds of copper in Q2, with an average head grade of 0.256% [9] - Earnings from mine operations were impacted by lower copper prices but offset by improved molybdenum production, with moly revenues significantly higher than a year ago [13] - Site operating costs net of byproduct were $1.71 per pound, which is 10% lower than the prior quarter [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that the decline in copper prices impacted financial results, but they believe current prices are not sustainable and will eventually rise due to supply-demand fundamentals [16] - Moly prices remained in the $12 per pound range, contributing positively to by-product credits [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to add a second operation with low operating costs, making progress at the Florence project, which produced its first copper from the Production Test Facility [17] - Financing plans for Florence include raising approximately $200 million, with a focus on project-level debt and potential partnerships [20][23] - The company is also advancing discussions for royalty-free upstreams and is optimistic about securing funding for Florence by the first half of the next year [25][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of production rates for the second half of the year and reiterated annual production guidance of 130 million pounds plus or minus 5% [12] - The management team is focused on growing the business and executing the strategic plan despite current market challenges [46] - They believe that the market is not recognizing the inherent value of their development projects, which include long-life copper assets [31][62] Other Important Information - The company is working on restructuring its Gibraltar reclamation bonding, which could release approximately $37 million for general working capital [27][42] - Engineering work continues on the Yellowhead copper project, with positive developments in discussions with local First Nations and regulators [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recovery rates at Gibraltar - Management explained that high recoveries were due to mining at the bottom of the Granite pit, where there is less oxidized material, and they expect above-average recoveries moving forward [72][74] Question: Operating costs - Management acknowledged that lower capital stripping made operating costs appear higher but noted that total spending levels remained stable [81] Question: Financing for Florence - Management clarified that they aim to have a funding plan in place by year-end, with actual financing dependent on permitting timing [83] Question: Depreciation levels - Management indicated that elevated depreciation levels are expected to continue over the next few quarters due to capital stripping [87] Question: Royalty or stream on Gibraltar - Management confirmed they are exploring copper streams and royalties for both Florence and Gibraltar, aiming to bolster cash positions ahead of the Florence project [95]