Harmony(HMY) - 2026 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong financial performance supported by an exceptional gold price environment, leading to a revised dividend policy that includes a base dividend and an upside participation model [2][3] - An interim dividend of ZAR 5.30 or $0.32 per share was declared, with a total payout of ZAR 3.4 billion or $204 million, representing 43% of net free cash flow [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gold operations production guidance remains between 1.4 million oz and 1.5 million oz, with underground recovered grades above 5.8 g per tonne and all-in sustaining costs between ZAR 1.15 million and ZAR 1.22 million per kg [4] - Copper production guidance for FY 2026 is set between 17,500 and 18,500 tonnes, with C1 cash costs between $265 and $280 per pound [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 27% decrease in silver revenue, dropping to ZAR 740 million from ZAR 1 billion in the previous period, attributed to a 15% reduction in silver production at Hidden Valley [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to reinforce its position as a higher quality, lower risk global producer of copper and gold, focusing on safety and sustainable operations while selectively growing its portfolio [2] - The company is excited about the Eva Copper project, with a final investment decision announced and full construction ramping up, expecting first production by the end of calendar year 2028 [42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the cyanide supply has normalized, and they are working on reducing reliance on external suppliers [9] - The company is optimistic about its organic growth pipeline in gold, with plans to explore further surface re-mining opportunities [23] Other Important Information - The company has updated its capital expenditure for FY 2026 to ZAR 18.5 billion, including CSA and Eva projects, with CSA CapEx guided at ZAR 1.1 billion or $65 million [4][5] - The company is actively evaluating its capital structure, particularly regarding a bridge loan taken out for the CSA asset [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Input cost inflation and supply issues - Management confirmed that the cyanide supply has normalized and they are working on contingency measures to reduce dependency on external suppliers [9] Question: CSA production capacity and CapEx guidance - Management explained that CSA's production guidance incorporates one-off stoppages for safety and rehabilitation, and they are confident in the ore body's quality [13][15] Question: Gold production levels and growth potential - Management indicated that recent production declines were due to specific operational issues and emphasized the potential for organic growth in gold production [21][23] Question: Silver price exposure and mitigation strategies - Management acknowledged a decrease in silver revenue and noted that they hedge silver but have not added new hedges due to current price levels [28] Question: Net debt situation and future cash management - Management expects to return to a net cash position by the end of the financial year, balancing capital allocation between sustaining the business and shareholder returns [29] Question: Plans for the Eva mine and opportunities in Australia - Management expressed excitement about the Eva project and highlighted their long-standing presence and operational capabilities in Australia [42][44] Question: Quality of gold production and expected grade levels - Management detailed the high-grade underground operations and their plans to maintain high-quality production through ongoing projects [56][58]