Hudbay Minerals(HBM) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hudbay achieved record annual revenues exceeding $2 billion, record adjusted EBITDA over $1 billion, and record free cash flow generation of more than $380 million in 2025 [5][6] - Fourth quarter revenues reached $733 million with adjusted EBITDA of $386 million, reflecting strong gross margins due to higher metal prices and business interruption insurance proceeds [7][8] - Net earnings for the fourth quarter were $128 million, or 32 cents per share, with adjusted earnings of 22 cents per share after accounting for insurance proceeds [8][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Copper production guidance was met for the eleventh consecutive year, with 33,000 tons produced in the fourth quarter, while gold production guidance was achieved for the fifth consecutive year with 84,000 ounces produced [5][31] - In Peru, operations produced 25,000 tons of copper and 33,000 ounces of gold in the fourth quarter, with significant increases in production compared to the third quarter [12][13] - Manitoba operations produced 47,000 ounces of gold, 3,000 tons of copper, and 6,000 tons of zinc in the fourth quarter, despite challenges from wildfires and power outages [17][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant increase in cash flow before changes in non-cash working capital to $337 million in the fourth quarter, reflecting higher sales volumes and metal prices [9] - Total liquidity at the end of the quarter was $994 million, including $569 million in cash and cash equivalents, with a net debt to EBITDA ratio improving to 0.4 times [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Hudbay secured a joint venture with Mitsubishi for the Copper World project, enhancing financial strength and reducing future equity contributions [6][28] - The company plans to sanction the Copper World project in 2026 and invest in high-return brownfield and greenfield opportunities to drive production growth [30][45] - A new quarterly dividend of $0.01 per share was introduced, marking a 100% increase over the previous semi-annual dividend [28][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the resilience of the diversified operating platform, achieving production guidance despite challenges such as wildfires and social unrest [5][6] - The outlook for 2026 includes a projected 5% increase in consolidated copper production and a 9% decrease in gold production due to the depletion of Pampacancha [31][32] - The company expects to maintain strong financial discipline and continue reducing total debt while exploring capital redeployment opportunities [30][34] Other Important Information - The company is advancing the installation of pebble crushers in Peru to enhance mill throughput starting in the second half of 2026 [16] - Hudbay's operations in British Columbia are focused on ramping up mining activities and implementing standardized practices to improve efficiency [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital allocation framework in volatile markets - Management emphasized the importance of the new capital allocation framework to balance growth opportunities and returns, especially in the current volatile market [51][52] Question: SAG rehabilitation work in British Columbia - Management provided details on the planned replacement of the SAG mill feed head, indicating a project period of several weeks with expected stabilization of operations [55][56] Question: Production guidance and technical report for Manitoba - Management clarified that the updated three-year production guidance would not include new drilling and that a technical report for Manitoba is not yet determined [62][63]