Ero Copper(ERO) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $82.7 million and adjusted net income attributable to owners of the company of $48.1 million, or $0.46 per share [15] - Liquidity position remains solid at $113 million, including $68.3 million in cash and cash equivalents [15] - The net debt to EBITDA ratio improved from 2.4 times to 2.1 times due to stronger EBITDA and debt repayments [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - At Carriba, copper production increased by 25% compared to Q1, with a 50% reduction in unplanned infrastructure downtime [10][11] - Javancina saw a 17% increase in gold production versus Q1, with expectations for further improvements in the second half of the year [12] - Commercial production was announced at Tucumar, contributing to record consolidated copper production [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects higher production levels in the second half of the year, which will aid in deleveraging efforts [15] - The foreign exchange hedge program had a total notional position of $240 million, with a modest realized gain of $200,000 during the quarter [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence, with significant groundwork laid for sustainable growth in production [6][7] - The strategy includes optimizing mining methods, enhancing cost control, and advancing long-term growth initiatives at Furnas [13] - The company aims to initiate returns to shareholders as part of its strategy moving forward [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving improved operational performance in the second half of the year, with expectations for continued growth in 2026 [9][10] - The focus is on achieving consistent production rates and addressing any remaining operational bottlenecks [22][36] - Management acknowledged the challenges faced in the first half of the year but emphasized the importance of the changes made for future stability [71][72] Other Important Information - The company completed its Phase one drill program at Furnas and is on track for the Phase two program [13] - The company is committed to delivering on its strategy and improving existing operations while preparing for future growth [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Tucumar's production capacity and guidance assumptions - Management confirmed that production levels have improved and are now operating at higher rates, with expectations to achieve around 80% of design capacity by year-end [20][23] Question: Cash costs at Carriba and guidance for the full year - Management indicated that while cash costs may trend higher due to lower grades in the second half, they expect to remain in the lower half of the guidance range [27][29] Question: Update on mechanized mining at Javancina and grade reconciliation - Initial results from mechanized mining have shown less dilution than manual mining, with grades expected to align with overall expectations for the year [30][31] Question: Remaining bottlenecks at Tucumar and July throughput - Management stated that the focus is now on preventative maintenance to ensure consistent operational performance, with no specific throughput numbers for July provided [34][36] Question: Update on shaft sinking at Pilar - The shaft project is progressing well, with expectations to be operational in 2027 [40] Question: Contribution from the sorghum pit and mining tonnage outperformance - Management highlighted that operational excellence initiatives have contributed to outperformance in mining tonnage, with Serbeam being an important contributor to production [44][46] Question: Timeline for starting cash returns to shareholders - Management indicated that the focus remains on deleveraging the balance sheet before considering shareholder returns [78]