Teck(US:TECK)2025-07-24 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted EBITDA of $722 million for Q2 2025, reflecting a 3% increase compared to the same period last year, primarily due to strong performance in the Trail operations and reduced corporate overhead costs [27][28][30] - Year-to-date, the company has returned a total of $1.1 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, with $548 million returned in Q2 alone [28][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the copper segment, gross profit before depreciation and amortization declined by 3% to $673 million, attributed to lower copper prices and higher operating costs, despite stable production levels at 109,000 tonnes [30][32] - The zinc segment saw a significant improvement, with gross profit before depreciation and amortization increasing by 137% to $159 million, driven by higher byproduct revenues and lower operating costs [36][37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company acknowledged a reduction in settlement pricing adjustments amounting to $91 million, impacting overall financial performance [29] - The net cash unit cost for copper improved to $2.02 per pound, while the net cash unit cost for zinc decreased to $0.49 per pound [32][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its copper growth strategy, with the sanctioning of the Highland Valley Copper Mine life extension project, expected to produce an average of 132,000 tonnes of copper annually [7][16] - The company aims to double copper production by the end of the decade, supported by ongoing growth projects in Peru and Mexico [25][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in overcoming current operational challenges related to the TMS development work at QB, maintaining guidance for 2026 production levels [47][48] - The company remains committed to balancing investment in growth with cash returns to shareholders, emphasizing a strong balance sheet and liquidity of $8.9 billion [40][42] Other Important Information - The company was recognized as one of Corporate Knight's 2025 Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada, marking the 19th consecutive year of receiving this accolade [11] - The company has reduced its debt by $2 billion since 2024, maintaining a strong financial position with investment-grade credit ratings [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tailings issue on QB and future investments - Management confirmed that the TMS development work has limited online time for QB but expects to resolve these issues without additional capital investment next year [47][49] Question: Confidence in achieving production guidance for 2026 - Management expressed confidence in reaching the low end of the guidance for 2026, citing operational parameters and past performance as indicators of future success [50][52] Question: CapEx guidance for the second half of the year - Management acknowledged the need to spend $1.6 billion to $1.8 billion in the second half of the year, primarily due to the sanctioning of the Highland Valley project and ongoing TMS development costs [55][56] Question: Ship loader repairs and CapEx impact - Management indicated that repairs to the ship loader are ongoing, with no production impact due to alternative shipping arrangements [66][68] Question: Sequencing of projects for Zafranal and San Nicolas - Management noted that Zafranal is more advanced in permitting but emphasized that both projects are options for future development [70][71] Question: Technical report for Highland Valley extension - Management confirmed that a technical report will be published in August, detailing the throughput and production profile for the Highland Valley project [74][76]