Core Viewpoint - Hecla Mining Company reported improved financial performance in Q4 2024, with adjusted earnings per share of 4 cents, aligning with estimates, and a significant increase in revenues driven by higher gold and silver prices [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for 2024 were 11 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 8 cents, compared to an adjusted loss of 1 cent in 2023 [6]. - Total revenues for 2024 reached a record $930 million, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 29.1%, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $919 million [6]. - In Q4 2024, revenues increased by 55.4% year over year to $250 million, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $229 million [3]. Production and Sales - Silver production in Q4 2024 was 3.87 million ounces, up 6.3% sequentially and 32% year over year [5]. - Gold production for Q4 2024 was 35,727 ounces, a 10.7% increase from the previous quarter but down 3.9% from the prior-year quarter [5]. - The realized gold price rose 10.7% year over year to $2,656 per ounce, while the realized silver price increased by 28.6% to $30.19 per ounce [3]. Cost and Profitability - Total cost of sales in Q4 2024 increased by 17.9% year over year to $181 million, while gross profit improved significantly to $68.3 million from $7 million in the prior-year quarter [4]. - The gross margin for Q4 2024 was 27.4%, compared to 4.3% in the prior-year quarter [4]. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $86.6 million, up from $33 million in Q4 2023 [4]. Cash Flow and Financial Position - The company ended 2024 with $26.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, a decrease from $106 million at the end of 2023 [7]. - Cash flow from operating activities was $218.3 million in 2024, compared to an inflow of $75 million in the prior year [7]. Future Guidance - Hecla Mining expects consolidated silver production of 15.5-17.0 million ounces and gold production of 120-130 thousand ounces in 2025 [8]. Stock Performance - Hecla Mining's shares have increased by 51.7% over the past year, while the industry has grown by 76.5% [10].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hecla Mining achieved record revenues of over $900 million in 2024, with 44% from silver, 34% from gold, and the remainder from base metals [21][22] - The company generated $228 million in free cash flow from cornerstone assets Greens Creek and Lucky Friday, contributing to a significant improvement in the net leverage ratio from 2.7 times to 1.6 times [20][22] - The realized price of silver increased by nearly 23%, while the cost per ounce rose by only 11%, expanding the margin per silver ounce from 50% in 2023 to 54% in 2024 [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Greens Creek produced 8.5 million ounces of silver in 2024, with projected production for 2025 between 8.1 million and 8.8 million ounces [26][27] - Lucky Friday had a record operational year, producing 4.9 million ounces of silver in 2024, with expectations for 4.7 million to 5.1 million ounces in 2025 [30][32] - Keno Hill met its 2024 production guidance with 2.8 million ounces of silver, and reserves increased by 17% to 65 million ounces [34][39] - Casa Berardi produced 87,000 ounces in 2024, transitioning to a surface-only operation by mid-2025 [40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a growing demand for silver from green technology and renewable energy sectors, positioning itself strongly in Tier 1 jurisdictions [13][14] - The operational performance across all four mines contributed to record revenues, driven by higher metal prices [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Hecla Mining's strategy focuses on operational excellence, optimizing its portfolio, financial discipline, and intensifying silver production in the U.S. and Canada [10][12][13] - The company is evaluating strategic alternatives for Casa Berardi to maximize shareholder value, while focusing on organic growth at Keno Hill [10][11][41] - A disciplined capital allocation framework is being implemented to enhance free cash flow generation and return on investment metrics [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's potential, emphasizing the importance of strategic investments and operational improvements [7][9] - The company anticipates a modest increase in consolidated cost per ounce due to higher labor and power generation costs [49] - Management is optimistic about achieving sustained profitable production at Keno Hill despite current challenges [35][39] Other Important Information - The company has removed its silver-linked dividend to reinvest in organic growth opportunities [19][62] - Hecla Mining's commitment to ESG leadership is highlighted as a core component of its operational strategy [10][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strategic review process for Casa Berardi - Management is considering all options, including potential divestment, while also improving operating plans [54][56] Question: Net leverage ratio and capital returns - The net leverage ratio has improved, and management aims to build cash while investing in the business [60][62] Question: Timing for hydropower utility maintenance - Maintenance is expected mid-year, with an increase in costs of about $5 million [65] Question: Keno Hill's cash flow positivity - Infrastructure investments are crucial to achieving profitability, with a target of 600 tons per day throughput [75][89] Question: Expected timing for permits at Keno Hill - Progress is being made on permitting, with a collaborative approach from the Yukon government [88][90] Question: Exploration potential in the American portfolio - Management intends to evaluate exploration opportunities carefully, prioritizing capital allocation [135][136] Question: Infrastructure improvements in Quebec - There is no current indication of similar fast-track permitting processes in Quebec [139]

Company Overview - Hecla Mining (HL) currently has a Momentum Style Score of B, indicating a positive momentum outlook [3] - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting strong potential for outperformance in the market [4] Price Performance - Over the past week, HL shares have increased by 3.52%, matching the performance of the Zacks Mining - Silver industry [6] - In a longer time frame, HL shares have risen by 19.07% over the past month, outperforming the industry's 13.4% [6] - Over the last quarter, HL shares have gained 11.95%, and over the past year, they have surged by 75.97%, while the S&P 500 has only increased by 2.43% and 24.91% respectively [7] Trading Volume - The average 20-day trading volume for HL is 16,814,092 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, one earnings estimate for HL has been revised upwards, increasing the consensus estimate from $0.16 to $0.20 [10] - For the next fiscal year, one estimate has also moved upwards with no downward revisions during the same period [10] Conclusion - Given the positive momentum indicators and earnings outlook, HL is positioned as a strong buy candidate for investors seeking short-term opportunities [12]

Core Insights - Hecla Mining reported quarterly earnings of $0.04 per share, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate, compared to a loss of $0.04 per share a year ago [1] - The company achieved revenues of $249.66 million for the quarter ended December 2024, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8.92% and up from $160.69 million year-over-year [2] - Hecla Mining shares have increased approximately 28.1% since the beginning of the year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 2.9% [3] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.01 on revenues of $204.9 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.20 on revenues of $1 billion [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Hecla Mining is favorable, leading to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) for the stock, indicating expected outperformance in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Mining - Silver industry is currently ranked in the top 10% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a positive outlook for stocks within this sector [8] - Pan American Silver, another company in the same industry, is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.35 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 975% [9]

Neils ChristensenNeils Christensen has a diploma in journalism from Lethbridge College and has more than a decade of reporting experience working for news organizations throughout Canada. His experiences include covering territorial and federal politics in Nunavut, Canada. He has worked exclusively within the financial sector since 2007, when he started with the Canadian Economic Press. Neils can be contacted at: 1 866 925 4826 ext. 1526 nchristensen at kitco.com @Neils_cShareDisclaimer: The views expressed ...

Financial Performance - Generated record sales of $929.9 million for the year, an increase from $720.2 million in 2023[4] - Reported net income applicable to common stockholders of $35.3 million, compared to a loss of $84.8 million in the prior year[11] - Achieved record Adjusted EBITDA of $337.9 million, a 62% increase over the prior year[13] - Cash flow from operating activities was $218.3 million, an increase of $142.8 million over 2023[14] - Free cash flow for the year was $3.8 million, compared to negative $148.4 million in the prior year[16] - Sales for the three months ended December 31, 2024, were $249.655 million, a 1.3% increase from $245.085 million in the previous quarter, and a significant increase from $720.227 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, representing a 29% growth[100] - Gross profit for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was $68.334 million, compared to $59.286 million in the previous quarter, and $198.210 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, up from $112.949 million[100] - Net income applicable to common stockholders for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was $11.786 million, compared to $1.623 million in the previous quarter, and $35.250 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, recovering from a loss of $84.769 million[100] Production and Sales - Produced 16.2 million ounces of silver, the second highest in the company's history, and 142 thousand ounces of gold, exceeding consolidated guidance[4] - Greens Creek produced 8.5 million ounces of silver and 55,275 ounces of gold in 2024, with silver production increasing by 2% and gold by 26% in Q4 compared to the prior quarter[20][21] - Lucky Friday produced 4.9 million ounces of silver in 2024, a 58% increase over the prior year, with Q4 silver production at 1.3 million ounces, up 13% from the prior quarter[31][32] - Keno Hill produced 2.8 million ounces of silver in 2024, an increase of 85% over the prior year, within guidance of 2.7-3.0 million ounces[38] - Casa Berardi produced 86,648 ounces of gold in 2024, a decrease of 4% over the prior year due to lower surface grades[50] Costs and Expenses - Silver cash costs per ounce were $2.72, and AISC per ounce was $13.06, both within guidance[12] - Total cost of sales for 2024 was $223.6 million, consistent with the prior year, while sales increased by 18% to $209.7 million due to higher realized prices[55] - Cash costs and AISC per gold ounce for 2024 were $1,762 and $1,990, respectively, with the year-over-year increase in cash costs primarily due to lower gold production[55] - Total cash costs after by-product credits were $40.5 million in Q4 2024, compared to $36.0 million in Q3 2024, marking an increase of 12%[114] - The average all-in sustaining cost (AISC) after by-product credits for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $36.53 per ounce, compared to $32.59 in the previous year[113] Capital Investment - Capital investment for the year was $214.5 million, a decrease from $223.9 million in the prior year[15] - Capital investment for Greens Creek in Q4 was $15.8 million, an increase of $4.3 million over the prior quarter, primarily for mobile equipment purchases[24] - Capital investment for Lucky Friday in Q4 was $12.6 million, a 13% increase over the prior quarter, reflecting increased development and sustaining capital investments[33] - Capital investment for 2025 is expected to be between $222 million and $242 million, with a focus on increased investment at Greens Creek and Lucky Friday[75] Future Outlook - The company plans to advance Keno Hill's permitting and infrastructure to achieve sustained profitability in 2025[5] - The company projects 2025 silver production to remain comparable to 2024 levels, with growth expected to resume in 2026[44] - Consolidated silver production for 2025 is expected to be 15.5-17.0 million ounces, consistent with 2024 production levels[69] - Consolidated gold production for 2025 is projected to decrease to 120-130 thousand ounces, primarily due to the transition of Casa Berardi to a surface-only operation[71] - The company plans to focus on market expansion and new product development in the upcoming fiscal year[113] Debt and Financial Ratios - Improved net leverage ratio to 1.6x from 2.7x a year ago, reflecting strong EBITDA generation and reduced net debt[13] - The net debt to LTM adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 1.6 from 2.7[127] Exploration and Resources - Proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2024, totaled 35,058,000 tons, with silver reserves estimated at 239,825,000 ounces[133] - The company’s exploration expenses for FY 2024 were $26,342,000, significantly higher than $8,016,000 in FY 2023, reflecting increased investment in resource development[131] - Total measured resources include 6,285,000 tons of silver with an average grade of 32,898 oz/ton[138] - The company is focusing on expanding its market presence through strategic acquisitions and new technology development[141]

Financial Performance - Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $929.9 million, with a net income of $35.8 million [399]. - The cost of sales amounted to $548.2 million, resulting in a gross profit margin of approximately 41% [399]. - The company reported a comprehensive income of $19.7 million for the year, reflecting a significant recovery from previous losses [399]. - Cash and cash equivalents totaled $26.9 million as of December 31, 2024, indicating a stable liquidity position [398]. - Long-term debt stood at $508.9 million, with current liabilities totaling $197.8 million [398]. - The company’s total assets were valued at $2.98 billion, with significant investments in subsidiaries amounting to $2.45 billion [398]. - Deferred tax liabilities were recorded at $110.3 million, highlighting the company's tax position [398]. - The company declared preferred stock dividends of $552,000, impacting the income applicable to common stockholders [399]. - Exploration and pre-development expenses totaled $27.3 million, reflecting ongoing investment in future projects [399]. - The company utilized inter-company advances to support subsidiaries that do not generate sufficient cash flow, indicating a strategic approach to capital management [395]. Risks and Challenges - A substantial or extended decline in metals prices could materially adversely affect the company's financial results [16]. - The company has a significant amount of debt, which may impair financial health and hinder the ability to meet obligations [16]. - The company recorded net operating losses, which could recur in the future, impacting the recognition of deferred tax assets [16]. - The company derives a significant portion of revenue from a small number of customers, increasing revenue concentration risk [16]. - The company is involved in ongoing legal disputes that could hinder project development in Montana [20]. - The company faces complex and evolving environmental regulations that could impose significant costs and affect operations [20]. - The company has estimated its environmental and asset retirement obligations, which may exceed recognized liabilities [20]. Accounting and Valuation - The company assesses mineral reserves and resources annually, which are critical for property valuation and future cash flow forecasts [380]. - The company is evaluating the impact of new accounting standards on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures [388]. Price Management - The company utilizes forward contracts to manage exposure to price changes for silver, gold, zinc, and lead, impacting financial results [378].

The Basic Materials group has plenty of great stocks, but investors should always be looking for companies that are outperforming their peers. Has Hecla Mining (HL) been one of those stocks this year? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.Hecla Mining is a member of the Basic Materials sector. This group includes 233 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #12. The Zacks Sector Rank includes 16 different groups and is listed in order from best to w ...

Shares of Hecla Mining (HL) have gained 1.1% over the past four weeks to close the last trading session at $5.39, but there could still be a solid upside left in the stock if short-term price targets of Wall Street analysts are any indication. Going by the price targets, the mean estimate of $7.90 indicates a potential upside of 46.6%.The average comprises nine short-term price targets ranging from a low of $6.60 to a high of $11.50, with a standard deviation of $1.48. While the lowest estimate indicates an ...

Have you been searching for a stock that might be well-positioned to maintain its earnings-beat streak in its upcoming report? It is worth considering Hecla Mining (HL) , which belongs to the Zacks Mining - Silver industry.This precious metals company has an established record of topping earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The company boasts an average surprise for the past two quarters of 75%.For the last reported quarter, Hecla Mining came out with earnings of $0.03 pe ...