Hecla Mining pany(US:HL)2025-08-07 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record sales of $304 million, net income applicable to common shareholders of nearly $58 million, and record adjusted EBITDA of $133 million, improving the net leverage ratio to 0.7 times [16][20] - Generated cash from operations of over $160 million and record quarterly free cash flow of $104 million [16][20] - Silver production reached 4.5 million ounces and nearly 46,000 ounces of gold, with cash costs of negative $5.46 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs of $5.19 per ounce [16][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Greens Creek produced 2.4 million ounces of silver, a 21% increase over the first quarter, with cash costs of negative $11.91 per ounce [23] - Lucky Friday maintained consistent silver production of 1.3 million ounces, with cash costs of $6.19 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs of $19.07 per ounce [25] - Keno Hill achieved silver production of over 750,000 ounces, marking its first positive free cash flow quarter under current ownership [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Silver accounted for 41% of consolidated revenue, while gold increased to 42% due to performance improvements at Casa Berardi and Greens Creek [21] - The increase in silver prices led to an expansion in margins, growing from 65% last quarter to 85% this quarter [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on four key pillars: operational excellence, portfolio optimization, disciplined capital allocation, and maintaining silver market leadership [6][7] - The strategic review of Casa Berardi is progressing well, with updates expected in the coming weeks [7][20] - The company aims to prioritize high-return projects while strengthening its balance sheet, emphasizing free cash flow generation [8][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving production targets at Keno Hill through systematic capital deployment and optimization strategies [11][15] - The company is focused on creating long-term value and reducing debt to enhance cash flow for reinvestment in operations [48][50] - The management highlighted the importance of jurisdictional security and operational stability in the current geopolitical climate [98][100] Other Important Information - The company is committed to ESG leadership and aims to strengthen partnerships with First Nations while maintaining safety excellence [6][9] - The average reserve mine life of 14 years is double the industry peer average, providing stability and long-term value creation potential [35][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: What was driving the higher grades and outperformance at Greens Creek? - Management indicated that good execution and additional areas with better grades were the main reasons for the performance [42] Question: What has changed regarding the production target at Keno Hill? - The company expanded operational flexibility and focused on reducing overbreak and controlling dilution [44] Question: Why retire a large amount of notes with a significant term left on the debt? - Management stated that funds would be better served by reinvesting in operations rather than servicing debt [48] Question: Can you provide guidance on the stripping ratio at Casa Berardi? - The stripping ratio is expected to decrease as the pit nears the end of its mine life, with a projected 10% decrease by year-end [58] Question: What is the current thinking on advancing Montana assets? - The focus remains on completing the Casa review, with potential for partnerships in the future [94]