Vale SA (VALE.US) announced its fourth-quarter 2025 financial results on Thursday. The global iron ore giant reported Q4 revenue of $110.6 billion, a 9% year-over-year increase, surpassing the average analyst estimate of $108.6 billion. However, the company posted a net loss of $38.44 billion, significantly wider than the $6.94 billion loss recorded in the same period last year and contrasting with analyst expectations for a $27 billion profit. Following the report, the stock saw a slight after-hours increase of 0.65%.
The company's Q4 pro forma EBITDA reached $48.34 billion, up 17% compared to the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was $45.88 billion, marking a 21% increase, primarily driven by improved contributions from its base metals division, Vale Base Metals. Capital expenditures for the fourth quarter totaled $20 billion, aligning with the full-year guidance of $55 billion. Recurring free cash flow rose to $17 billion, an increase of $9 billion year-over-year, attributed to strong projected EBITDA and lower net financial expenses.
Vale stated that a reduction in long-term nickel price assumptions, based on market forecasts, triggered a $35 billion impairment charge on its Canadian nickel assets held by Vale Base Metals Brazil. The company also disclosed a $28 billion impact from the derecognition of deferred tax assets at a subsidiary.
Last month, Vale announced that its 2025 iron ore production reached the highest annual level since 2018. Fourth-quarter net revenue was $111 billion, a 9% increase, largely in line with the $110 billion analyst consensus. The company reported robust operational and cost performance across all business segments, achieving all its 2025 guidance targets.
Sales volumes remained strong in both Q4 and the full year 2025: Iron ore, copper, and nickel sales increased by 5% (+4 million metric tons), 8% (+8,000 metric tons), and 5% (+3,000 metric tons) year-over-year in Q4, respectively. For the full year, sales grew by 3% (+8 million metric tons), 12% (+41,000 metric tons), and 11% (+18,000 metric tons) for iron ore, copper, and nickel, respectively.
Following a voluntary tender offer launched in October, Vale completed the repurchase of 23% of its outstanding participatory notes, amounting to a total of $7.23 billion. This transaction, finalized in November, represents a significant milestone in the company's financial liability management.
Regarding its iron ore operations, Vale continues to advance the commissioning of the Capanema and Vargem Grande 1 projects, which are expected to reach full capacity in the first and second half of 2026, respectively. Construction of the Serra Sul +20 project is progressing, with physical completion reaching 84%, and operations are anticipated to commence in the second half of 2026.
In its base metals business, which includes copper and nickel, the Bacaba project has commenced construction after receiving necessary permits. This project is expected to extend the operational life of the Sossego Mining Complex, with an estimated average annual copper production of 50,000 metric tons over an 8-year mine life and a total planned capital expenditure of $2.9 billion. Additionally, Vale has entered into an agreement with Glencore to assess the development of limonite copper resources in the Sudbury Basin, proposing the formation of a 50/50 joint venture.