Buenaventura(US:BVN)2026-02-27 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Copper production in 2025 was 52.4 thousand tons, down 8% year-over-year due to processing stockpiles with higher precious metal content [5] - Silver production reached 15.6 million ounces, a 1% increase from 15.5 million ounces in the previous year [6] - Gold production was 121,000 ounces, down 18% year-on-year, primarily due to lower output at Orcopampa and Tambomayo [6] - EBITDA for 2025 was $112 million, an 88% increase from $431.5 million in 2024 [6] - Net income for 2025 was $830 million, compared to $460 million in 2024, including $157.3 million from the sale of Chaupiloma [6] - The company ended the year with a cash position of $530 million and total debt of $710 million, resulting in a leverage ratio of 0.22x [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The focus for gold production is shifting to San Gabriel, expected to become the main gold-producing asset in the coming years [8] - CapEx for 2025 is projected between $385 million and $415 million, with $200 million-$220 million allocated for sustaining CapEx [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates stable copper and silver production at El Brocal and Uchucchacua, maintaining consistent output levels [8] - The expected production guidance for gold in 2026 is between 48,000 and 55,000 ounces [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance exploration investments to reinforce reserves and resources while advancing progressive closures to improve efficiency [12] - San Gabriel is transitioning from project execution to ramp-up, targeting a stable throughput of 2,000 tons per day by the third quarter of 2026 [11] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted a supportive environment for exploration investments and emphasized a strong cash flow generation and solid balance sheet [12] - The company is focused on improving ventilation systems and addressing production flexibility due to recent operational challenges [22] Other Important Information - The board approved a dividend of $0.9904 per share, totaling $1.135 per share over the past 12 months [7] - The company received $98 million in dividends from its stake in Cerro Verde after the quarter ended [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: CapEx increase and reasons behind it - Management explained that the increase in CapEx is primarily due to pending works related to earthworks and ramp-up at San Gabriel [14][15] Question: Lower production guidance for San Gabriel - Management indicated that the lower guidance is due to construction and permitting delays, as well as the need to redesign the ventilation system [19][21] Question: Guidance on G&A and exploration budget - The expected G&A for 2026 is around $60 million-$70 million, with exploration budget increased to $90 million-$100 million [28][29] Question: Status of asset sales and strategic review of mines - Management confirmed ongoing evaluations of asset sales, with a focus on the feasibility of selling mines separately or as a whole [56][58] Question: Dividend payment timeline - The dividend payment is expected in April, with $200 million in dividends from Cerro Verde anticipated throughout the year [62][63]