Hecla Mining pany(HL) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hecla Mining Company achieved record revenue of $1.4 billion and net income applicable to shareholders of $321 million, translating to $0.49 per share, alongside record Adjusted EBITDA of $670 million [7][14] - Total debt decreased to $276 million, with a gross debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of 0.4 times, and operating cash flow reached $563 million, resulting in $310 million in free cash flow [7][14] - The gross leverage ratio improved from 1.6 times in 2024 to 0.4 times in 2025, while the net leverage ratio improved from 1.6 times to 0.1 times [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Silver production guidance was met with 17 million ounces produced, and gold production exceeded guidance with 150,000 ounces [9] - Lucky Friday mine produced a record 5.3 million ounces of silver, while Keno Hill achieved over 3 million ounces in its first year of profitability [9][24] - Greens Creek produced 8.7 million ounces of silver for the full year, with an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of under $2 per ounce [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4, silver accounted for 59% of total revenue, with realized silver prices at nearly $70 per ounce, exceeding the quarterly average by over $14 [15] - The all-in sustaining cost for silver was $18.11 per ounce, resulting in a silver margin of $51 per ounce or 74% of the realized price [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Hecla aims to be recognized as the premier silver company in North America, focusing on silver as the strategic anchor of its business while optimizing its portfolio and divesting non-core assets [4][5] - The pending sale of Casa Berardi is part of a strategic portfolio optimization to redirect capital towards silver assets, enhancing market position and financial flexibility [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a debt-free balance sheet by 2026, with a focus on operational excellence and safety [13][19] - The company anticipates silver production of 15.1-16.5 million ounces in 2026, with a credible pathway to 20 million ounces over the medium term [29] Other Important Information - The company reported a 13% reduction in total reportable injury frequency rate, reflecting a commitment to safety [19] - Hecla plans to invest $45-55 million in exploration in 2026, focusing on Nevada and near-mine opportunities to achieve greater than 100% reserve replacement [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Exploration at Keno Hill - Management noted intercepts of a new high-grade ore shoot and a budget of $13 million for exploration at Keno Hill, with direct drilling costs around $180-$190 per meter [37] Question: Accounting Treatment of Casa Berardi - Management clarified that cash flows from Casa Berardi will be received through the closing date, with the transaction expected to impact earnings and potentially result in a loss on the transaction [47][56] Question: Strategy for Silver Production Growth - Management emphasized the need to grow the silver portfolio and mentioned the establishment of a project generation group to explore new silver districts and monitor competitor intelligence [61][63]