Hi Craig,
29Metals (29M) second quarter results looked “ok” this week with zinc output missing but copper production in line, but it wasn’t enough for the market with the stock ending the week slightly lower after initially dropping almost 10% after the quarterly update.
- Encouragingly 29M almost doubled its copper sales in the June quarter YoY.
However, FY25 is a rebuilding and operational recovery year for 29Metals, with major improvements in margins and earnings quality, but still not yet profitable at the bottom line. As of June the company held $266mn in cash which is helpful with high capex and negative free cash flow.
- We feel its too early to consider this $425mn copper focused miner but that may change over time.
From a takeover perspective there are a few interesting flags:
- Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama Pte Ltd is a strategic investment arm of DOID, holds a 19.25% stake, bought bought around 27c, a clear strategic interest.
- EMR Capital, who holds a 4.7% position, reportedly enlisted advisers to explore strategic options in late 2024.
- At current prices 29M copper deposit is estimated to be worth almost $US6bn.
Its early days for a takeover bid for 29M but its likely to be on a few desks.