Nexa Resources Reports Strong Q3 Results with a Focus on Efficiency

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Nexa Resources Reports Strong Q3 Results with a Focus on Efficiency

Nexa Resources (NYSE: NEXA) reported strong financial performance in its Q3 2024 Earnings Conference Call. The company revealed that its total consolidated net revenue increased by 9% year-over-year to $709 million, and adjusted EBITDA saw a significant jump from $87 million in the same quarter last year to $183 million. The company’s net leverage ratio also improved, with substantial progress made on several mining projects. Nexa is optimistically working towards meeting its full-year outlook by focusing on operational efficiencies and strategic investments aimed at enhancing future profitability.

Key Points:

  • Nexa Resources' total consolidated net revenues reached $709 million in Q3 2024, up 9% year-over-year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA increased by 111% to $183 million compared to Q3 2023.
  • The net leverage ratio improved from 2.7 times in the previous quarter to 2.2 times.
  • Zinc production remained stable, while lead and silver productions increased by 2%.
  • Nexa is progressing towards its full-year outlook, particularly supported by rising zinc prices.
  • The company announced a 64% reduction in cash cost guidance for 2024 due to improved operational efficiencies.
  • Significant progress was made in the Aripuanã project, which generated positive adjusted EBITDA for three consecutive quarters.
  • The Cerro Pasco integration project is ongoing; an investment of $85 million to $90 million is needed for a new waste pumping system expected to start in 2027.
  • Capital expenditures reached $191 million in the first nine months of 2024, with full-year guidance revised to $300 million.
  • Nexa's liquidity increased to approximately $845 million, with a net debt/adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.2 times.
  • The company remains optimistic about zinc and copper prices bolstered by solid market fundamentals.

Company Outlook: Nexa forecasts continued strength in zinc and copper prices supported by robust market fundamentals. The company plans to reduce debt while investing in the Pasco project and is actively seeking copper acquisitions. Nexa aims for $800 million in annual production capacity from its copper assets between 50,000 and 60,000 tons. Drilling for the Cerro Lindo project is allocated $8 million to extend its life, with commitment to meet operational targets and enhance project portfolios in 2025 and 2026.

Concerns: The Aripuanã project may face production constraints until a new waste filter is operational by the end of 2025. Nexa is evaluating the impact of negative processing fees on its smelting operations and may reduce production if necessary. Adverse trends in Treatment Charge and Refining Charge (TCRC) rates due to a shortage of zinc concentrates and sluggishness in China and Europe may cause production curtailments.

Positive Points: Nexa's vertical integration strategy provides some protection against market pressures by ensuring that 50% of Cajamarquilla's ore comes from its own mines. The company remains optimistic about the long-term outlook for the Aripuanã and Pasco projects due to their significant reserves and increasing profitability potential. Nexa expects high zinc prices to persist due to tight supply conditions.

Notable Omissions: No specific notable omissions were mentioned during the earnings call.

Q&A Highlights: Management discussed the strong fundamentals of the zinc market due to supply constraints and the role of energy transition economics. Questions about gross debt reduction were addressed, with the company aiming to reduce net leverage to between 1 and 1.5 times. The successes of the Aripuanã and Pasco projects were reaffirmed, and interest in future acquisitions was emphasized.

InvestingPro Insights: Nexa Resources' strong financial performance in Q3 2024 is reflected in several key metrics sourced from InvestingPro. The company has a market capitalization of $1.06 billion, indicating its significant presence in the mining sector. Despite the reported revenue increase, InvestingPro data shows a 6.52% revenue decline over the past twelve months, suggesting that recent quarterly performance may be part of a recovery strategy.

InvestingPro highlights that Nexa's stock price movements have been notably volatile, consistent with the cyclical nature of the mining industry and the company's sensitivity to metal prices. This volatility may present opportunities for investors who are bullish on Nexa's outlook, especially given that the stock is trading near its 52-week high.

The company's focus on operational efficiencies and strategic investments is crucial, as InvestingPro data indicates Nexa operates with a significant debt burden. However, the improved net leverage ratio reported in the earnings call is a positive sign addressing these concerns.

Encouragingly, InvestingPro data suggest that net income is expected to rise this year, with analysts forecasting the company to be profitable. This aligns with Nexa's optimistic outlook and the reported increase in adjusted EBITDA. The 25.31% adjusted EBITDA growth over the past twelve months, as shown in InvestingPro data, further supports this positive trend.

Investors seeking more comprehensive analysis will find additional insights and projections through InvestingPro, which has eight more insights available for Nexa Resources, providing a deeper understanding of the company's financial health and market position.