Votorantim Nears Sale of Controlling Interest in Zinc Producer Nexa Resources for 7 Billion Reais, According to Estadao
Brazilian Conglomerate Vote: A Brazilian conglomerate is nearing a vote to sell its controlling stake in a zinc producer, Nexa Resources.
Financial Implications: The deal is reported to be valued at approximately $7 billion, highlighting significant financial movements in the mining sector.
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Stock Performance: Nexa Resources shares have decreased by 0.3%.
Corporate Action: Estadao reports that Brazilian conglomerate Votorantim is close to selling its controlling stake in Nexa Resources.

Brazilian Conglomerate Vote: A Brazilian conglomerate is nearing a vote to sell its controlling stake in a zinc producer, Nexa Resources.
Financial Implications: The deal is reported to be valued at approximately $7 billion, highlighting significant financial movements in the mining sector.
- Significant Stock Surge: Nexa Resources shares jumped 22.7% to $14.65 in the last trading session, with trading volume significantly above average, indicating strong market optimism regarding its future performance.
- Analyst Price Target Increase: Citigroup raised Nexa's price target from $11.00 to $12.50 while maintaining a 'Neutral' rating, reflecting cautious optimism driven by strong fourth-quarter results and increased mineral reserves despite broader macroeconomic challenges.
- Strong Operational Performance: In Q4 2025, Nexa reported net revenues of $903 million, an 18% quarter-over-quarter increase, primarily driven by higher prices for zinc and key by-products, showcasing the company's ongoing focus on efficiency and cost control.
- Earnings Estimate Revision: While the upcoming quarterly earnings are expected to be $0.61 per share, representing a year-over-year increase of 281.3%, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 14.3% over the past 30 days, which may negatively impact stock price, necessitating close monitoring of future performance.
- Zinc Production Growth: In Q4 2025, zinc production reached 91,000 tons, a 9% increase from the previous quarter, reflecting enhanced operational stability at sites like Aripuanã, thereby strengthening the company's competitive position in the zinc market.
- Strong Financial Performance: The fourth quarter net revenue hit $903 million, a 22% year-over-year increase, with adjusted EBITDA of $300 million, showcasing the company's profitability and operational efficiency in a favorable pricing environment.
- Cash Flow and Debt Management: Despite a negative free cash flow of $105 million for the year, the company successfully reduced net debt by $96 million, improving net leverage to 1.7x, which further enhances financial flexibility.
- Strategic Investments and Project Progress: The installation of the fourth tailings filter at Aripuanã is on schedule, with full production capacity expected in the second half of 2026, supporting long-term cash flow generation and enhancing overall profitability.
- Zinc Production Performance: Nexa Resources achieved zinc production of 316kt in Q4, meeting annual targets, with Aripuanã, Cerro Lindo, and Atacocha performing at the upper end, showcasing the company's strong competitive position in the zinc market.
- Stable Copper, Lead, and Silver Output: Copper production totaled 33kt, landing at the midpoint of guidance, primarily due to Cerro Lindo's strong performance; lead production reached 63kt at the upper end of guidance, while silver production totaled 11MMoz, reinforcing the company's significant role in global silver production.
- Sales and Cost Control: Total metal sales amounted to 567kt, in line with guidance, and despite operational instabilities in Brazil, record output at the Cajamarquilla smelter compensated for this, demonstrating the company's success in cost management and efficiency improvements.
- Strategic Investment and Spending Optimization: The company successfully achieved its cost guidance with total expenditures below expectations, driven by strategic optimization initiatives that allowed continued investment in long-term growth projects, ensuring sustainable future development.

- Production Suspension: Nexa Resources has temporarily suspended operations at its Atacocha San Gerardo open-pit mine in Peru due to protests from the local Joraoniyoc community, although production has not been materially affected so far, limiting activities to critical operations with a minimal workforce.
- Zinc Production Overview: Atacocha produces 200 tons of zinc per week, accounting for less than 3% of the company's total zinc output, indicating that while production is halted, the overall business impact remains relatively minor.
- Protest Context: The road access to the mine has been blocked due to local community protests, highlighting the potential impact of social and environmental issues on mining operations, which could affect future production plans.
- Market Reaction: Following the announcement, Nexa Resources' stock fell 6.6% in after-hours trading, reflecting market concerns over the production halt, despite the limited short-term impact.








