Coeur Mining(US:CDE)2025-10-30 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record results for the second consecutive quarter, with cash balance expected to exceed $500 million by year-end, indicating a strong net cash position heading into 2026 [2][4] - Full year EBITDA is now expected to exceed $1 billion, and free cash flow is projected to top $550 million, both higher than previous estimates [2][4] - Metal sales increased by 15% to $555 million during the quarter, driven by a rise in ounces sold and a 15% increase in silver prices [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Las Chispas operation generated $66 million in free cash flow, with silver production increasing to 1.6 million ounces and gold production to 17,000 ounces [3][8] - Palmarejo delivered $47 million in free cash flow, with strong recoveries and mill throughput reaching the highest levels in six quarters [9] - Rochester saw a 3% increase in gold production and a 13% increase in silver production compared to the previous quarter, resulting in $30 million in free cash flow [10][12] - Kensington achieved free cash flow of $31 million, its highest in over six years, with gold production exceeding 27,000 ounces [12][14] - Wharf's gold production increased by 16% to 28,000 ounces, leading to free cash flow of $54 million [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a strong performance in the context of rising metals prices, benefiting from a balanced North American asset portfolio [14] - The average cash cost per ounce for gold and silver was reported at $1,215 and $14.95, respectively, showing positive trends compared to Q3 2024 [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a free cash flow positive phase while exploring opportunities that align with its operational quality and jurisdictional preferences [33][34] - The integration of the SilverCrest acquisition and ramping up Rochester to steady state were highlighted as key priorities for the year [33] - Future growth opportunities, particularly regarding the Silvertip project, are being assessed with a long-term perspective [34][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about a strong finish to the year and a record year in 2026, driven by operational improvements and favorable market conditions [20][34] - The company is experiencing a favorable cost environment with flat input costs despite higher royalty obligations due to increased metal prices [56] Other Important Information - The company recorded a one-time $162 million non-cash tax benefit related to U.S. net operating losses during the quarter [18] - The net debt ratio was reported at 0.1 times, with a goal of achieving a net debt to EBITDA ratio of nil by Q4 2025 [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is needed to get the Rochester operation up to full capacity? - Management discussed recent modifications to improve efficiency and productivity, indicating that unplanned downtime was a challenge but improvements are expected [23][25][26] Question: How does the company view potential M&A opportunities? - The company is focused on internal priorities but remains open to opportunities that meet specific criteria, particularly regarding gold and silver projects [32][34] Question: What should be expected regarding the tax rate next year? - The effective tax rate is expected to change to around 24% due to the utilization of net operating losses, with potential for U.S. income tax payments in the future [42][44] Question: What drove the drop in grade at Palmarejo and Las Chispas? - Management indicated that the drop in grade was related to the processing of stockpiled ore and the nature of underground mining operations [46][47] Question: Are there any cost pressures being faced across the portfolio? - The company reported a favorable cost environment with strong cost controls in place, despite some increased royalty costs [56][57]