Harmony(HMY) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - FY 2025 marked the tenth consecutive year of meeting production guidance, with adjusted free cash flow reaching over ZAR 11 billion at a 16% margin, a 54% increase from the previous year [5][36] - Headline earnings per share rose by 25% to ZAR 2,337, while net profit jumped 67% to ZAR 14.6 billion from ZAR 8.7 billion [5][36] - Revenue grew by 20% to ZAR 74 billion from ZAR 61 billion, driven by operational consistency and higher gold prices [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Underground recovered grades increased to 6.27 grams per tonne, exceeding revised guidance, reflecting improved portfolio quality [6][10] - High-grade mines saw production increase by 8% to 16.5 tonnes, with grades improving by 10% to 9.89 grams per tonne [18] - South African surface operations produced 7.9 tonnes, a 13% decrease due to heavy rainfall, but maintained a solid margin of 36% [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong balance sheet with net cash surging by 285% to ZAR 11.1 billion, indicating robust cash generation [36] - The market capitalization reached approximately ZAR 180 billion or USD 10 billion, reflecting capital discipline and growth potential [41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a balanced growth strategy, emphasizing high-quality gold and copper production while maintaining a conservative risk profile [27][44] - The acquisition of Mack Copper is expected to enhance the portfolio, with a final investment decision on the Eva Copper project anticipated later in the year [26][33] - The strategy prioritizes value over volume, with a commitment to responsible growth benefiting all stakeholders [44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the significant opportunity cost associated with delays in the Wafi Golpu project but emphasized its long-term value as a Tier one copper-gold mine [54] - The company remains optimistic about maintaining production guidance of 1.4 to 1.5 million ounces, with underground recovered grades expected to stay strong [25][26] - Management highlighted the importance of safety and operational excellence as foundational to future success [3][5] Other Important Information - The company achieved the lowest ever Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) in its history, indicating improvements in safety culture [5][8] - The company is committed to sustainability, as evidenced by its inclusion in the FTSE for Good Index for the eighth consecutive year [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about high grading during high gold prices - Management clarified that Harmony is not high grading but is using a sequential grid mining method to ensure safety and avoid unnecessary risks [47][48] Question: Opportunity cost analysis regarding Wafi Golpu delays - Management acknowledged the significant opportunity cost but emphasized the project's long-term value and the ongoing efforts to finalize necessary agreements [52][54] Question: Update on Mack Copper and operational changes - Management stated that detailed technical analysis and planning will occur post-acquisition, with updates expected in February [56][58] Question: Production gap and future guidance - Management clarified that the production gap is not where Mack Copper will fill in, as it is already included in the production profile [67]