Teck Assets (TSX:TECK.A,TSX:TECK.B,NYSE:TECK) closed out 2024 with document copper manufacturing and powerful monetary outcomes, regardless of ongoing commerce uncertainties that would influence its operations.
The Vancouver-based mining large launched its unaudited Q4 results on Thursday (February 20), reporting adjusted EBITDA of C$835 million for the interval, pushed primarily by elevated copper and zinc gross sales and sturdy steel costs.
“2024 was a transformational yr as we repositioned Teck as a pure-play vitality transition metals firm with the sale of the steelmaking coal enterprise and document annual copper manufacturing,” stated President and CEO Jonathan Value.
He highlighted Quebrada Blanca’s efficiency, in addition to 2024’s C$1.8 billion in share buybacks and dividends.
Along with hitting an annual document, Teck achieved its third consecutive quarter of document copper output in This fall.
The corporate produced 122,100 metric tons of copper in This fall, bringing its whole for 2024 to 446,000 metric tons — up 50 % from the earlier yr. Chile’s Quebrada Blanca contributed 60,700 metric tons within the fourth quarter alone.
Teck’s copper enterprise generated C$732 million in gross revenue earlier than depreciation and amortization in This fall, up 160 % year-on-year. Gross revenue from the phase was C$299 million for the fourth quarter.
Pink Canine contributed to a 24 % year-on-year improve in zinc gross sales quantity for This fall. The zinc enterprise reported gross revenue earlier than depreciation and amortization of C$320 million in This fall, a 112 % rise from a yr in the past.
Financially, Teck’s revenue from persevering with operations earlier than taxes reached C$256 million for the quarter, whereas adjusted revenue from persevering with operations attributable to shareholders was C$232 million, or C$0.45 per share.
The corporate additionally reported a big strengthening of its monetary place.
Liquidity stood at C$11.3 billion as of Wednesday (February 19), together with C$7.1 billion in money. Teck additionally decreased its debt by C$196 million within the fourth quarter and by C$1.8 billion over the total yr.
Value talks tariffs and Glencore collaboration
Because the US continues to contemplate 25 % tariffs on Canada, Value assured traders that the proposed levies, which stay on maintain till no less than March 4, would have minimal influence on Teck’s core enterprise.
“Globally, we’re witnessing a interval of great financial uncertainty and alter that can alter commerce flows and probably influence international provide chains and market dynamics,” he stated in a conference call.
“Teck has a resilient enterprise pushed by the diversification of our merchandise and operations,” he added.
Value additionally famous that the corporate exports the majority of its copper and zinc concentrates to Asia and Europe, shielding it from probably the most vital results of the proposed tariffs.
BC Premier David Eby has urged the US to rethink its tariff stance, pointing to Teck’s Path smelter, which is positioned within the province, as a vital provider of uncommon and strategic metals.
“If the US doesn’t get this steel from the Teck smelter in Path, it’s not out there in any respect,” he said in January.
Teck’s Path refinery produces zinc, lead and specialty metals resembling germanium and indium, that are utilized in superior electronics and army purposes.
In the identical convention name, Value expressed openness to a collaboration with Swiss mining large Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF). Glencore beforehand tried a full takeover of Teck in 2023, however in the end acquired solely its coal enterprise. Now discussions have emerged round a attainable partnership in Chile, the place Teck’s Quebrada Blanca mine and Glencore’s Collahuasi mine function in shut proximity.
Teck owns 60 % of Quebrada Blanca, which not too long ago underwent an growth. Whereas it’s now up and working, it confronted price overruns and operational challenges throughout its ramp-up section.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, maintain no direct funding curiosity in any firm talked about on this article.