Hecla Reports a 30% Increase in Cash Flow from Its Operations in Q3 Compared to the Same Period in 2009
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Companies:Hecla Mining Co.
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Press Release Source: Hecla Mining Company On Tuesday October 26, 2010, 10:24 pm EDT
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL - News) ("Hecla") today reported third quarter financial and operational results. The company generated $41.9 million in net cash from operating activities in the third quarter for a total of $115.3 million for the nine months period of 2010, up from $32.3 million and $51.9 million for the same periods in 2009.
THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
Silver production of 2.7 million ounces at a total cash cost of negative $1.01 per ounce1
Adjusted net income of $29.6 million, up 31% over the same period in 2009
Income of $0.06 per share after preferred dividends
Record revenues of $115.8 million representing a 21% increase over the same period in 2009
Record gross profit of $54 million; 40% higher than the previous record
Cash and cash equivalents of $217 million on hand at September 30, 2010
Completed the excavation of the hoist room for the proposed internal #4 Shaft Project at Lucky Friday
“Both Greens Creek and Lucky Friday had a good quarter and have generated more net cash from operating activities so far this year, compared to the full year of 2009, which was a record for Hecla,” said Phillips S. Baker Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our cash position, strong operating performance and district size properties in the U.S. and Mexico, position us well to fund development and capital projects, as well as take advantage of other potential opportunities that may arise.”
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Hecla reported adjusted net income of $29.6 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to adjusted net income of $22.5 million in the same period in 2009. The third quarter net income adjustment was a $13.2 million noncash loss on derivative contracts. After preferred stock dividends, the company reported $16.4 million in income applicable to common shareholders, or 6 cents per share, compared to $22.5 million or 10 cents per share in the same period in 2009.
Sales in the third quarter were $115.8 million compared to $95.2 million in the same period the prior year. Precious metals prices increased during the quarter, resulting in approximately $6.1 million in positive adjustments to provisional sales.
During the third quarter of 2010, Hecla reported a $13.2 million noncash loss associated with mark-to-market derivative accounting related to its base metals hedging program, which was implemented in the second quarter 2010. The base metals hedging program is designed to reduce fluctuations of cash flow due to changes in base metals prices and has the following two components: 1) hedging 95% of lead and zinc contained in our provisional concentrate sales that have shipped but not settled (gains and losses recognized on these contracts are included in sales), and 2) hedging up to 50% of forecasted future lead and zinc production over a two to three year time frame. A summary of the quantities of base metals committed at September 30, 2010 is included in Table B at the bottom of the release.
Given the higher metals prices and increased profitability, Hecla recorded income tax provisions of $8.1 million and $10.1 million, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2010, compared to income tax provisions of $0.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2009.
Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources
The company’s cash position at September 30, 2010 was $217 million, with no debt outstanding, compared to $85 million of cash on hand and $38 million of debt at September 30, 2009.
Capital expenditures at operations for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 totaled $23.2 million and $49.4 million, respectively. During the third quarter $11.4 million was spent on the Lucky Friday #4 Shaft Project and $11.8 million was spent in sustaining capital which included $6.6 million at Lucky Friday and $5.2 million at Greens Creek.
Exploration expenditures for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were $6.9 million and $16.2 million, respectively. During the third quarter $2.2 million was spent at Greens Creek, $2.0 million was spent at the San Juan Joint Venture, $1.5 million was spent at the Lucky Friday/Silver Valley, and $0.8 million was spent at the San Sebastian property in Mexico.
Metals Prices
Realized metals prices have increased significantly compared to the same periods in 2009. During the third quarter 2010, Hecla realized $21.45 and $1,284 per ounce of silver and gold, respectively, and $0.93 and $0.96 per pound of zinc and lead, respectively. Realized prices for base metals include gains and losses of base metals derivative transactions.
Sempre dentro e sempre LONG!!!!
Ciao Rw