Taseko(TGB) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The third quarter results showed significant improvement over the previous two quarters, with copper production just under 28 million pounds and adjusted EBITDA of CAD 62 million [4][5][12] - Total revenue for the quarter was CAD 174 million, a 50% increase quarter over quarter, driven by higher sales volume and strong copper pricing [12][13] - The average realized copper price was just shy of $4.50 per pound US, in line with the LME average [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Copper sales for the quarter were 26 million pounds, including 900,000 pounds of cathode, slightly below production due to shipment timing [12] - Molybdenum production increased to 560,000 pounds, reflecting higher moly grades [5] - Operating costs at Florence were CAD 8 million for the quarter, expected to increase as operations ramp up [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The COMEX price for copper has been trading at a premium to the LME, recently at about 4% premium or roughly $0.20 a pound [10] - The U.S. government plans to revisit tariffs in mid-next year, with potential tariffs on cathode increasing to 15% by the end of 2026 [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on ramping up production at the Florence project, with expectations to produce copper early in the new year [8][9] - The company plans to advance work at the Yellowhead project, viewing it as an important long-term growth opportunity [11] - The recent equity offering has strengthened the balance sheet, allowing for additional working capital support ahead of the Florence ramp-up [11][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the ramp-up at Florence and the potential for increased production next year [20] - The early results from the wellfield operations are positive, indicating a good start for the project [8][20] - The company is monitoring market dynamics closely, especially regarding potential future tariffs and their impact on copper pricing [10] Other Important Information - The company achieved substantial completion of the SXEW plant at Florence, marking a significant milestone [7][14] - The company ended the quarter with CAD 91 million in cash, positioning it well for future operations [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Benefits of accelerating wellfield drilling - Management indicated that the key is to open additional wells to increase solution flows, which is crucial for ramp-up [18] Question: Production guidance for next year - Management refrained from providing specific production guidance but expressed optimism based on current conditions [20] Question: Milestones for declaring commercial production - Management stated that the focus will be on operating profit and cash flow rather than traditional metrics for declaring commercial production [26][28] Question: Accounting for revenues and costs - Revenue will be recognized once cathode is sold, and some costs will be capitalized until the plant is fully operational [29] Question: Status of initial capital spend - Management confirmed that the initial capital spend is effectively complete, with only minor commissioning costs expected in Q4 [30]