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] - Net debt to EBITDA ratio improved from 2.4 times to 2.1 times due to stronger EBITDA and debt repayments [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Significant quarter-on-quarter increases in production from both Carriba and Javancina, with Carriba seeing a 25% increase in copper production compared to Q1 [9][10] - At Carriba, unplanned infrastructure downtime was reduced by 50%, and mobile equipment fleet availability improved by over 10% [10] - Javancina experienced a 17% increase in gold production compared to Q1, with expectations for further improvements in the second half of the year [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects to achieve copper production trending towards the low end of guidance due to ongoing operational improvements and favorable market conditions [11] - 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 a back-to-basics approach and significant changes in strategy and technology [7][8] - The strategy includes improving existing operations, achieving commercial production at Tucumar, and advancing long-term growth initiatives at Furnas [13] - The company aims to initiate returns to shareholders as part of its long-term strategy [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the second half of the year, expecting improved performance and production consistency [9][10] - The foundational work completed in the first half is anticipated to set the company up for continued momentum and growth [9] - Management acknowledged challenges in the first half but emphasized the importance of addressing bottlenecks and achieving operational consistency [22][38] Other Important Information - The company completed its Phase one drill program at Furnas and is on track to complete the Phase two drill program by year-end [13] - The shaft sinking project at Pilar is progressing well, with expectations for operational readiness in 2027 [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Tucumar's production capacity - Management confirmed that Tucumar achieved production levels at or slightly below design capacity and emphasized the need for consistent performance moving forward [21][24] Question: Cash costs at Carriba - Management indicated that while cash costs are expected to be in the lower half of the guidance range, there may be upward pressure due to lower grades in the second half [27][29] Question: Grades at Javancina - Initial mechanized mining has resulted in less dilution than manual mining, with grades expected to align with overall expectations for the year [30][31] Question: Remaining bottlenecks at Tucumar - Management clarified that the focus is now on preventative maintenance to ensure consistent operational performance, having addressed earlier bottlenecks [38] Question: Contribution from the sorghum pit at Carriba - Management noted that operational excellence initiatives have contributed to outperformance, with Serbeam expected to be a significant contributor in the second half [46][47] Question: Timeline for shareholder returns - Management indicated that the priority is to continue deleveraging the balance sheet before considering cash returns to shareholders [80]