Wheaton Precious Metals operates a streaming business model, providing upfront capital to mining operators in exchange for the right to purchase gold, silver, palladium, and cobalt at fixed prices (typically $400-$450/oz for gold, $4-$5/oz for silver). With 43 operating mines and 13 development projects across the Americas, Europe, and Africa, WPM generates high-margin revenue without operational risk, benefiting directly from rising precious metal prices while maintaining minimal capital intensity post-acquisition.
Basic MaterialsPrecious Metals Streaming & Royaltieshigh - Fixed purchase prices create massive operating leverage to spot metal prices. A 10% increase in gold prices (e.g., $2,000 to $2,200/oz) flows almost entirely to gross profit since costs remain fixed at $400-$450/oz. SG&A is minimal (~5% of revenue), so incremental revenue drops directly to EBITDA. However, this works in reverse during price declines.