Boliden, a Northern European mining company primarily focused on copper and zinc, has experienced a slight retracement in its stock price over the past few months. This can be attributed to operational challenges and weaker commodity prices. Despite this, the company’s valuation remains relatively close to its historical average.
In terms of operational performance, Boliden has a commendable track record over the long term, which is also reflected in its stock price performance. The company has consistently delivered strong returns on equity, averaging 17% over the past 20 years. It’s worth noting that Boliden has maintained relatively modest financial leverage during this period, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 21% and zero net debt in the most recent quarter.
The stock price of Boliden has seen a decline of 26% from its peak in early 2023, primarily due to lower metal prices and some operational challenges. However, these challenges are not a major concern in the long run, and the recent decline in stock price has made the company more attractive from an investment perspective.
Boliden has a history of trading at a Price/Earnings ratio of around 10 and an EV/EBITDA range of 4-6. Currently, the valuation appears to be slightly below the long-term averages, although the stock price remains at a healthy level.
In terms of capital distributions, Boliden’s policy is to return 33% of net profits in dividends. However, the company has recently been distributing significantly higher amounts through split and automatic redemption shares for cash distributions. This approach allows investors to sell redemption shares in the market, benefiting those who pay higher taxes on dividends compared to capital gains.
Boliden enjoys competitive advantages in its operations. The locations of its mines and smelters in the northern parts of Sweden and Norway offer low electricity prices due to their reliance on hydroelectric power. Additionally, the company has strategically hedged a significant portion of its electricity consumption at attractive prices, mitigating concerns about energy security in Europe.
Boliden’s success can be attributed to its optimization efforts, including the electrification of operations to reduce fossil fuel usage. This positions the company well in the face of potential future carbon taxes. The optimization also extends to energy usage and labor, contributing to operational efficiency in countries with higher costs and taxes.
Although Boliden has faced some production disruptions in recent times, such as the fire at the Rönnskär smelter, these issues are not expected to significantly impact the company’s long-term value proposition.
It’s important to note that Boliden operates in a cyclical industry, and its sales are influenced by the fluctuating demand for different metals. While the gold and silver segments provide some countercyclical stability, the company’s exposure to base metals leaves it relatively vulnerable to potential economic downturns in Europe.
Boliden is an attractive company with strong quality characteristics. While it remains on the watchlist for potential investment, slight concerns about the European economy prevent it from being included in the portfolio at this time.
