IAMGOLD(US:IAG)2025-05-07 13:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - IAMGOLD reported revenues of $477.1 million from sales of 174,000 gold ounces at an average realized price of $2,731 per ounce, with adjusted EBITDA of $204.5 million compared to $152.5 million in Q1 2024 [17][18] - Cash costs averaged $14.59 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs averaged $19.08 per ounce in Q1 2025, with expectations for costs to decline as production ramps up [12][33] - Mine site free cash flow increased to $140 million in Q1 2025 from $46 million in the same period last year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cote produced 73,000 ounces in Q1 2025, with a focus on ramping up to full production capacity of 36,000 tons per day by year-end [22][28] - Westwood's production decreased to 24,000 ounces, impacted by temporary equipment challenges, but is expected to improve as mining sequencing changes [31] - Essakane saw attributable production of 86,000 ounces, with cash costs of $15.57 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs of $18.46 per ounce [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - IAMGOLD's cash and cash equivalents stood at $316.6 million, with net debt of $882.3 million, indicating a liquidity position of approximately $745.8 million [13] - The company is expected to declare a dividend in Q2 2025, similar to the $180 million declared in the previous year [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - IAMGOLD aims to complete a significant drill program in the Kothi and Gosselin zones to support a technical report in 2026, targeting a unified super pit operation [8][29] - The company is focused on reducing debt levels and costs, with plans to repay a $400 million term loan in installments [15][81] - IAMGOLD is confident in its organic growth potential, particularly in the Nelligan and Monster Lake projects, which combined have nearly 9 million ounces of resources [37][90] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the 2025 production guidance of 735,000 to 820,000 ounces, with expectations for stronger quarterly production [7][39] - The company remains optimistic about the operational improvements at Cote and the potential for increased production at Westwood and Essakane in the second half of the year [39][76] Other Important Information - IAMGOLD's total recordable injury frequency rate was 0.627 in Q1 2025, indicating a slight increase from the prior quarter [10] - The company released its 2024 sustainability report, emphasizing its commitment to responsible mining practices [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Congratulations on getting Cote up to the 96% throughput rate. Can you provide details on stockpile levels and grade expectations? - Management indicated that the lower grade of 0.78 was planned for the first half of the year, with expectations to increase grades as mining progresses [40][41][45] Question: What are the expectations for Essakane's grade reconciliation in the second half of the year? - Management expects a flat grade profile for the remainder of the year, with grades above 1 gram per ton anticipated [46][48] Question: Can you comment on the impact of lower fuel prices on Essakane's costs? - Management noted that fuel costs in Burkina Faso take time to adjust, and the cost improvements were primarily due to higher throughput rates [56][57] Question: What is the outlook for Westwood's grades in Q2? - Management expects grades to improve, targeting around 9 to 10 grams per ton as mining sequencing changes [59][60] Question: Can you provide insights on the security situation in Burkina Faso? - Management remains confident in the security situation, stating that operations continue without disruptions and relationships with the government are strong [61][63] Question: How does the company plan to return value to shareholders? - Management emphasized the priority of reducing debt levels before considering share buybacks or dividends, with a target net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1 or less [80][84]