Newmont(NEM) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Newmont generated $3.3 billion in adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income of $1.71 per share for the third quarter, a 20% increase from the second quarter and more than double last year's result [14] - The company achieved record third-quarter cash flow of $1.6 billion, contributing to an all-time annual record of $4.5 billion with one quarter remaining [8][15] - The balance sheet was strengthened, ending the quarter in a near-zero debt position after retiring $2 billion of debt [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Production was largely in line with the second quarter, driven by higher grades and improved productivity at Subika Underground, while Peñasquito delivered a lower proportion of gold [11][12] - The company completed mining at the Subika Open Pit and shifted activities to lower grades from the Awonsu Open Pit [11] - At Ahafo, the construction of the engineered wall of the Phase 14A layback was completed, preparing for future higher grades [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Newmont received nearly $640 million in net cash proceeds from equity and asset sales since the start of the third quarter, marking the successful completion of its asset divestment program [8] - Moody's upgraded Newmont's issuer credit rating to A3 with a stable outlook, reflecting the improved credit profile and financial management [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet, funding cash-generative capital projects, and returning capital to shareholders [15][22] - Newmont is committed to a disciplined capital allocation strategy, prioritizing investments in its own assets and share buybacks [49] - The restructuring includes a decentralized organizational structure to enhance accountability and decision-making at operating sites [9][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year production guidance and highlighted the importance of operational performance, safety, cost, and productivity [16][21] - The company anticipates a reduction in absolute cost guidance for G&A, exploration, and advanced projects by approximately 15% [17] - Future production is expected to be within the same guidance range for 2026, but towards the lower end due to planned mine sequencing [19][71] Other Important Information - The company declared commercial production at its new mine a half mile north, which is expected to add profitable gold production over an initial 13 years [10][24] - Newmont has returned $823 million to shareholders since the last earnings call through dividends and share repurchases [10][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital allocation and balance sheet management - Management remains committed to a well-defined capital allocation framework and will review returns to shareholders quarterly [30] Question: Project pipeline updates - The proposal for Red Chris remains on track for mid-next year, and all longer-dated projects will need to earn their rights for capital allocation [32] Question: Team structure and appointments - The executive leadership team is strong, with key appointments being made, including a focus on filling the CFO position [36] Question: Ramp-up of new mine - The ramp-up of the new mine is on schedule, with commercial production expected to be declared soon [38] Question: Reserve pricing and growth expectations - The reserve and resource review is ongoing, with outcomes expected in February next year [42] Question: Cost inflation and operational efficiencies - Normal increases in labor and consumables are expected, but cost-saving initiatives are helping to offset higher royalties and taxes [72] Question: Capital allocation for growth assets - The focus remains on internal investments and share buybacks, with any acquisitions being value accretive [49] Question: Exploration and advanced projects budget - The reduction in exploration and advanced projects budget is due to rationalization and strategic capital allocation decisions [92]