Nicolet(US:NIC)2025-07-30 02:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted EBITDA of $86 million for the June quarter, bringing the first half unaudited adjusted EBITDA to $183.6 million, which is a material outperformance compared to the previous year [4][16] - The twelve-month rolling Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) was 1.29, with a Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) of 0.05 for June, indicating strong safety performance [2][3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - RKF nickel metal production was 30,463 tonnes, slightly lower than the previous quarter, impacted by kiln realignment and maintenance [4][7] - HPAL production from HNC was 2,075 tonnes of nickel, continuing to operate above nameplate capacity [4] - The Hangjai mine achieved record ore sales of over 3 million wet metric tonnes, with an EBITDA of $41.4 million, a 33% increase from the previous quarter [6][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - MHP pricing remained stable at $11,449, slightly higher than the previous quarter, with payabilities for MHP close to 90% [8][9] - The Hengjia mine's EBITDA increased by CAD10.4 million, highlighting the benefits of integrated operations [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on the completion of the E and C project, with commissioning deferred to align working capital requirements [10][11] - The feasibility study to increase the Anglia mine RKB from 9 million tonnes to 19 million tonnes has been approved, indicating growth plans [13] - The Sampala project is progressing well, with a feasibility study lodged for an initial operation of 6 million wet metric tonnes per annum [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about achieving RKAB approval in August and expects to ramp up production from the Hangjai mine significantly [37] - The company remains confident in the exploration target of over 1 billion wet metric tonnes of ore at the Sao Paulo project, with strong margins expected [16][40] Other Important Information - The company is actively managing working capital due to a significant build-up, particularly in RKF operations [20][30] - There are discussions regarding various financing sources, excluding equity raises, to manage cash flow and debt obligations [32][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Cash flow neutrality despite good EBITDA - Management explained that the neutral cash flow was due to a large working capital build, particularly in RKF operations, which is expected to unwind [20][21] Question: MHP realizations increase - Management noted market tightness leading to improved MHP payabilities, offsetting a decrease in LME prices [22][23] Question: Delaying commissioning of E and C - The decision to delay was significant enough to avoid building up working capital ahead of the sales license [28][30] Question: Debt service requirements - Management confirmed $33 million in interest amortization was paid in July, with another $100 million due in the remainder of the year [31][34] Question: Production ramp-up from Hangjai mine - Management remains optimistic about receiving the RCAB permit in August and targets significantly above 12 million tonnes for the year [37] Question: Development timing for Sao Paulo - The company is targeting completion of the haul road by early Q4, with first ore delivery expected in early H2 next year [40]