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, and net earnings of $128 million, or 32 cents per share [7][8] - Consolidated cash costs were -63 cents per pound, with sustaining cash costs at 94 cents per pound, showing significant improvement compared to the previous quarter [8][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Copper production for the fourth quarter was 33,000 tons, while gold production was 84,000 ounces, despite operational challenges [7][12] - In Peru, copper production increased by 38% and gold production by 25% compared to the third quarter, driven by high-grade Pampacancha ore [12][13] - Manitoba operations produced 47,000 ounces of gold and 3,000 tons of copper in the fourth quarter, with a focus on stabilizing production post-wildfires [17][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from gold represented 41% of total revenues in the fourth quarter, indicating a growing contribution from gold sales [9] - The company reported total liquidity of $994 million, including $569 million in cash and cash equivalents, and a net debt to EBITDA ratio improved 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][25] - The company plans to sanction the Copper World project in 2026 and invest in high-return brownfield and greenfield opportunities [29][30] - A new quarterly dividend of $0.01 per share was introduced, marking a 100% increase over the previous semi-annual dividend [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the resilience of the diversified operating platform, achieving production guidance despite challenges like wildfires and social unrest [5][6] - The outlook for 2026 includes a 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 historically low cash costs and strong margins, benefiting from higher gold production as a by-product [34][35] 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 exploration strategy includes a significant focus on the Snow Lake region, with plans for extensive drilling and resource estimation [40][41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital allocation framework in volatile markets - Management emphasized the importance of a holistic capital allocation framework to balance growth opportunities and shareholder returns, especially in volatile markets [51][52] Question: SAG rehabilitation work in British Columbia - Management provided details on the planned replacement of the SAG mill feed head, expecting minimal disruption to operations during the process [55][56] Question: Production guidance for Manitoba - Management clarified that the upcoming three-year production guidance will not include new drilling results, but updates will be provided as exploration progresses [62][63] Question: Pre-feasibility study for Mason - Management indicated that a pre-feasibility study for Mason is underway, with completion expected later next year, and no current plans for partnership [71][72]