The stock dropped 9.4% as investors reacted negatively to a cautious outlook masked by persistent margin pressure from declining concentrate treatment charges and a sharp inventory-driven cash flow deficit, undermining confidence despite reported earnings growth.
- Operating EBT rose 31% year-over-year to EUR 374 million for the first nine months and 23% sequentially in Q3, reflecting improved metal prices and operational performance.
- Net cash flow turned sharply negative to minus EUR 28 million YTD and minus EUR 189 million in Q3, primarily due to a substantial buildup of intermediate product inventories required for ramping up expansion projects.
- Free cash flow before dividends remained deeply negative at minus EUR 365 million, worsening from minus EUR 211 million last year, with break-even expected only by fiscal year-end.
- Gross margin increased by EUR 140 million to about EUR 1.7 billion, supported by higher metal prices and volumes; however, the share of lower-margin concentrate treatment charges declined significantly.
- The tight concentrate market continues to weigh on revenue quality, with spot TC/RCs falling further and pressuring segment profitability despite favorable metal price trends and strong sulfuric acid pricing.
Community Discussion