Guess which ASX 200 mining stock is seeing red today on $955m full-year loss?

Torrid year for the Aussie miner.

| More on:
a sad looking engineer or miner wearing a high visibility jacket and a hard hat stands alone with his head bowed and hand to his forehead as he speaks on a mobile telephone out front of what appears to be an on site work shed.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

This morning, renowned ASX 200 mining stock IGO Limited (ASX: IGO) reported its numbers for FY25.

It's fair to say they weren't pretty.

The group endured a tough year, weighed down by weak commodity markets and asset write-downs stemming from a strategic portfolio review.

In turn, IGO shares tumbled in today's trading, dipping by 4% from yesterday's close to change hands at $5.13 per share at the time of writing.

For comparison, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is trading flat at the same time.

Let's take a closer look at how the year played out for this ASX 200 mining stock.

Diversified miner

IGO is a diversified mining business producing metals critical for the global energy transition.

The company mines nickel, copper, and cobalt at its Nova project in Western Australia.

It produces lithium through its 49% stake in the TLEA joint venture, which holds a controlling interest in the heralded Greenbushes lithium mine.

The ASX 200 mining stock also owns the Forrestania and Cosmos nickel assets after acquiring fellow mining business Western Areas back in 2022.

FY25 by the numbers

Revenue of $528 million dipped by 37% from the previous year.

Underlying operating earnings (EBITDA) swung to a $43 million loss after a $581 million gain in FY24.

Most notably, IGO reported a net loss after tax of $955 million for FY25, marking a seismic swing from a $3 million profit twelve months ago.

These results were impacted by the company's share of a $642 million net loss in TLEA.

Here, a full $605 million impairment of the Kwinana lithium hydroxide refinery contributed to the loss. 

Underlying free cash flow of $49 million also collapsed by 93%.

And the board of directors opted not to pay a dividend in FY25.

Challenging year for the ASX 200 mining stock

Management noted that IGO's FY25 results were shaped by challenging market conditions, particularly weak pricing for nickel and lithium.

The company's realised lithium-spodumene price plummeted by 64% during the year, whilst its average nickel price fell by 10%.

The TLEA joint venture also scrapped its planned Kwinana refinery during the year.

Management cited ongoing operational issues and an unsustainable cost structure for this decision.

This followed the closure of the group's Spotted Quoll nickel mine at Forrestania in September.

As a result, nickel production in FY25 fell by 39%.

Copper production also declined by 26%, but spodumene output lifted by 7%.

IGO Limited managing director and chief executive officer, Ivan Vella, said:

IGO's FY25 financial results are disappointing. Both challenging market conditions and asset impairments, as a result of a disciplined portfolio review, impacted our headline results. Some of these were difficult decisions, however our underlying business remains solid and we have a clear strategy for value and growth we are delivering on.

New strategic direction

At the tail end of last year, IGO launched a refreshed growth strategy as it looks to counter the challenges facing its operations.

This includes a new exploration business model, centred on holding a diversified portfolio of projects through strategic partnerships in multiple jurisdictions.

Organisational restructuring initiatives, including a board renewal and succession process, are also underway for this ASX 200 mining stock.

And an optimisation program at the Greenbushes lithium mine is on the cards for the TLEA partnership.

Motley Fool contributor Bart Bogacz has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Earnings Results

A young man stands facing the camera and scratching his head with the other hand held upwards wondering if he should buy Whitehaven Coal shares
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

ASX 300 stock tumbles despite strong first half profit growth and guidance upgrade

This KFC restaurant operator is performing very positively in FY 2026.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Earnings Results

Metcash shares on watch amid $142m first half profit and flat dividend

It is results day for this popular income stock.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Earnings Results

Fisher & Paykel shares surge 8% on half-year results

The market's response was in appreciation of strong results and upgraded guidance.

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane looking through a window and working on a laptop.
Earnings Results

Guess which ASX 200 stock is jumping 14% on record results

This travel technology company had a record half. Let's dig deeper into things.

Read more »

A plumber gives the thumbs up
Earnings Results

Reece 1Q FY26: Revenue growth, profit margin pressures, and a $365m buyback

Reece posted higher revenue but softer profit margins in 1Q FY26.

Read more »

Shot of a young scientist using a digital tablet while working in a lab.
Earnings Results

ALS reports higher revenue, profit, and dividend for H1 FY26

ALS reported stronger H1 FY26 earnings as Commodities performance drove higher revenue, profit, and a bigger dividend for shareholders.

Read more »

a man in a green and gold Australian athletic kit roars ecstatically with a wide open mouth while his hands are clenched and raised as a shower of gold confetti falls in the sky around him.
Earnings Results

Catapult Sports earnings: ACV and profit hit record highs in 1H FY26

Catapult Sports lifted its ACV by 19% and operating profit by 50% in 1H FY26, while continuing global expansion.

Read more »

Man looking happy and excited as he looks at his mobile phone.
Materials Shares

Why are James Hardie shares jumping 9% today?

Let's see why this blue chip is getting a lot of investor attention from investors on Tuesday.

Read more »