Hochschild Mining PLC (HCHDF) (Q4 2024) Earnings Call Highlights: Record Financial Performance ...

In This Article:

  • Revenue: Approximately $950 million.

  • Net Profit: Around $117 million.

  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): $0.23.

  • Adjusted EBITDA: $421 million, up 54%.

  • Cash Balance: $97 million at year-end.

  • Net Debt: $216 million, reduced by $40 million.

  • Debt Repayment: $40 million repaid.

  • All-in Sustaining Costs: Slightly higher due to Mara Rosa ramp-up and inflation in Argentina.

  • Capital Expenditures (CapEx): $205 million for Mara Rosa construction.

  • Dividend Policy: 20% to 30% of free cash flow, with a minimum of $10 million per year.

  • Production: Nearly 350,000 ounces produced in 2024.

  • Resource Addition: 2.8 million ounces of gold added.

  • Effective Tax Rate: 33%.

  • Exceptional Items: Net effect of $19 million, mainly impairments.

  • Exploration Investment: $34 million for Brownfield exploration.

  • New Financing Facility: $300 million secured with competitive terms.

Release Date: March 12, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Hochschild Mining PLC (HCHDF) reported its best financial results in 13 years, with revenues nearing $1 billion and EBITDA increasing by 54%.

  • The company successfully added 2.8 million ounces of gold resources, significantly enhancing its asset base.

  • Hochschild Mining PLC (HCHDF) has reestablished its dividend policy, offering a base dividend of $10 million per year, reflecting strong cash generation.

  • The company has secured a new $300 million green financing facility, providing flexibility for debt repayment and growth projects.

  • Hochschild Mining PLC (HCHDF) has focused on core assets by divesting non-core projects, allowing it to concentrate on high-potential sites like Inmaculada and Royropata in Peru, and Mara Rosa and Monte Do Carmo in Brazil.

Negative Points

  • The company's costs increased by 19%, partly due to inflation in Argentina and increased production volumes.

  • Hochschild Mining PLC (HCHDF) recorded an FX loss due to the devaluation of the Argentinian peso and Brazilian real.

  • The ramp-up of the Mara Rosa project was slower than expected, impacting cost efficiency.

  • The company faces challenges in Argentina, including cash repatriation issues and macroeconomic uncertainties.

  • Despite strong results, the company's stock valuation remains low compared to peers, indicating potential market undervaluation.

Q & A Highlights

Q: How should we think about the medium-term CapEx profile for Hochschild Mining, particularly for 2026 and 2027? A: Eduardo Noriega, CFO, stated that while specific guidance for 2026 and 2027 is not provided, the 2025 guidance includes around $30 million of one-off projects. Future all-in sustaining costs will depend on metal prices, mine plans, and new resource additions. Exploration programs are yielding high-quality resources, which may impact costs but add value.