=Hecla Mining (HL) reported earnings on Thur 6 Feb 20 (b/o)

• Hecla Mining Company is engaged in discovering, acquiring, developing and producing silver, gold, lead and zinc. 
• http://www.hecla-mining.com

Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) today announced fourth quarter and full year 2019 financial and operating results.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fourth quarter sales of $225 million; cash flow from operations of $57 million; net loss of $8.0 million; and adjusted EBITDA of $62 million.1
• 2019 silver production of 12.6 million ounces, up 22% and record gold production of 272,873 ounces, up 4%, over 2018.
• 2019 sales of $673.3 million (the highest in the company's history); cash flow from operations of $120.9 million; net loss of $99.6 million; and adjusted EBITDA of $177.7 million.1
• Record reserves for silver, lead and zinc; increases of 11%, 5% and 8%, respectively over 2018.
• Net debt reduction of approximately $136 million, or more than 23%, from the peak net debt mid-year.
• Cash and cash equivalents of $62 million at year end, an increase of $35 million with no borrowings on the revolving line of credit facility.
• Lowest All Injury Frequency Rate (AIFR) in Company history.
• Lucky Friday return to full production is underway and expected to be complete by the end of 2020.
• Moody's Investors Service upgraded Hecla's Corporate Family Rating from Caa1 to B3 with a stable outlook.

"2019 was a tale of two halves where the second half had higher production, higher prices, better earnings and more cash flow," said Phillips S. Baker, Jr., President and CEO. "The strong third and fourth quarters markedly improved our financial condition, putting us in a better position to refinance the Senior Notes."