Buenaventura(BVN) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $130 million, up from $107 million in Q2 2024, reflecting a strong performance [7] - Net income increased to $91 million in Q2 2025 from $71 million in Q2 2024 [8] - Total CapEx for the quarter was $107 million, with $82 million allocated to the San Gabriel project [9] - Cash position at the end of the quarter was $589 million, with total debt of $860 million, resulting in a leverage ratio of 0.56 times [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Silver production decreased by 11% year-over-year to 3.6 million ounces, primarily due to lower output at Jumpac, Tambomayo, and Huican [8] - Copper production increased by 28% year-over-year, attributed to halted operations at El Brocal in 2024 [8] - Gold production fell to 27,345 ounces from 33,119 ounces in the same quarter last year, mainly due to decreased output at Tambomayo and Orcopampa [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company initiated the sale of part of the Cerro Verde copper concentrate, selling approximately 20,000 metric tons by the end of the quarter, with a total of 40,000 metric tons expected for the full year 2025 [8] - Cerro Verde announced a new dividend distribution of $59 million, corresponding to Buenaventura's equity share, to be distributed in August [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to stable and continuous production of flagship assets and is focused on optimizing throughput [15] - Continuous exploration efforts are emphasized to extend the life of mining assets [15] - The San Gabriel project is on track with 88% overall completion, with expectations to produce the first gold bar in Q4 2025, subject to timely permit approvals [13][16] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in obtaining necessary permits for the San Gabriel project, indicating no significant risks [19] - The company plans to maintain financial stability and has redeemed the remaining 2026 notes [16] - The ramp-up of production at San Gabriel is expected to take all of 2026, with stabilization anticipated thereafter [21] Other Important Information - The all-in sustaining costs for copper increased by 63% year-over-year, primarily due to lower byproduct credits [11] - The company received $49 million in dividends from Cerro Verde, which contributed to operating cash flow [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the pending permits for San Gabriel? - Management indicated that they have invited authorities to visit the plant in September and do not foresee risks in obtaining the necessary permits [19] Question: What is the expected CapEx for the second half of 2025? - Total CapEx for San Gabriel is expected to remain between $720 million and $750 million, with approximately $130 million to $160 million disbursed in the second half of 2025 [20][22] Question: When do you expect to reach full production capacity at San Gabriel? - The ramp-up will take all of 2026, with expectations to stabilize production between 100,000 and 120,000 ounces [21] Question: How is Uchucchacua performing regarding silver grades and costs? - Management noted a decrease in silver grades due to a shift towards polymetallic stops, with expectations to stabilize in Q3 [32][35] Question: What is the strategy for El Brocal moving forward? - The company plans to prioritize mining blocks with higher gold and silver content while maintaining a target copper production of 1.45% [38] Question: Can you clarify the commercialization of Cerro Verde concentrate? - The company has sold 20,000 tons of copper concentrate in the first half and plans to sell another 20,000 tons in the second half, with margins expected around $1.2 million for each 10,000 tons [48][50] Question: What is the status of the Trepiche project? - The environmental impact study is on track for approval by the end of the year, with the feasibility study expected to be completed in Q3 2026 [55] Question: What is the definition of commercial production for San Gabriel? - Commercial production is defined as producing two gold bars over 20 continuous days at 65% capacity [64][68]