Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021

or

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to .

 

Commission file number 

1-8491

 

HECLA MINING COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)

 

Delaware

77-0664171

State or Other Jurisdiction of

I.R.S. Employer

Incorporation or Organization

Identification No.

6500 N. Mineral Drive, Suite 200

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

83815-9408

Address of Principal Executive Offices

Zip Code

    

208-769-4100

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.25 per share

HL

New York Stock Exchange

Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Stock, par value $0.25 per share

HL-PB

New York Stock Exchange

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ☒.☒ .    No ☐.☐ .

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes ☒.☒ .    No ☐.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Act:

Large accelerated filer   ☒.Accelerated filer  ☐.
Non-accelerated filer  ☐.Smaller reporting company ☐.
Emerging growth company ☐. 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ☐.    No ☒.

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class

 

Shares Outstanding AugustMay 4, 20202021

Common stock, par value

$0.25 per share

 

528,775,901535,551,426

 

 

 

 

 

Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

 

Form 10-Q

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021

 

INDEX*

 

Page

PART I - Financial Information

  

Item 1 – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

3
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and Six Months Ended – June 30, 2020 and 2019

43

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -Six- Three Months Ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020

4

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 2021 and 2019December 31, 2020

5

  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and Six Months Ended – June 30, 2020 and 2019

6

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

87

Forward-Looking Statements

21

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

3322

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

6855

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

7156

PART II - Other Information

Item 1 – Legal Proceedings

7256

Item 1A – Risk Factors

7256

  

Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

7256

  

Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures

7256

  

Item 6 – Exhibits

7357

Signatures

74

*Items 3 and 5 of Part II are omitted as they are not applicable.

58

*Items 3 and 5 of Part II are omitted as they are not applicable.

 

2


 

Part I - Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance SheetsStatements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)

(InDollars and shares in thousands, except shares)for per-share amounts)

 

  

June 30, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

 

ASSETS

 

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $75,923  $62,452 

Accounts receivable:

        

Trade

  26,003   11,952 

Taxes

  11,847   20,048 

Other, net

  3,851   6,421 

Inventories:

        

Concentrates, doré, and stockpiled ore

  46,676   30,364 

Materials and supplies

  35,866   35,849 

Prepaid taxes

  5,148   107 

Other current assets

  9,567   11,931 

Total current assets

  214,881   179,124 

Non-current investments

  12,162   6,207 

Non-current restricted cash and investments

  1,053   1,025 

Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net

  2,354,883   2,423,698 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

  13,220   16,381 

Non-current deferred income taxes

  3,181   3,537 

Other non-current assets and deferred charges

  4,028   7,336 

Total assets

 $2,603,408  $2,637,308 

LIABILITIES

 

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 $40,789  $57,716 

Accrued payroll and related benefits

  24,561   26,916 

Accrued taxes

  8,451   4,776 

Current portion of finance leases

  5,745   5,429 

Current portion of operating leases

  4,162   5,580 

Accrued interest

  12,914   5,804 

Current derivatives liabilities

  13,779   6,170 

Other current liabilities

  126   2 

Current portion of accrued reclamation and closure costs

  5,109   4,581 

Total current liabilities

  115,636   116,974 

Non-current finance leases

  7,057   7,214 

Non-current operating leases

  9,079   10,818 

Accrued reclamation and closure costs

  99,449   103,793 

Long-term debt - Senior Notes

  468,252   504,729 

Long-term debt - revolving credit facility

  50,000    

Non-current deferred tax liability

  128,677   138,282 

Non-current pension liability

  58,848   56,219 

Non-current derivatives liabilities

  5,282   1,044 

Other non-current liabilities

  2,435   5,812 

Total liabilities

  944,715   944,885 

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2, 4, 7, 9, and 11)

          

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

Preferred stock, 5,000,000 shares authorized:

        

Series B preferred stock, $0.25 par value, 157,816 shares issued and outstanding, liquidation preference — $7,891

  39   39 

Common stock, $0.25 par value, 750,000,000 authorized shares; issued June 30, 2020 — 534,660,072 shares and December 31, 2019 — 529,182,994 shares

  133,699   132,292 

Capital surplus

  1,982,400   1,973,700 

Accumulated deficit

  (387,688)  (353,331)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (46,261)  (37,310)

Less treasury stock, at cost; June 30, 2020 — 6,821,044 shares and December 31, 2019 — 6,287,271 shares issued and held in treasury

  (23,496)  (22,967)

Total stockholders’ equity

  1,658,693   1,692,423 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 $2,603,408  $2,637,308 
  

Three Months Ended

 
  

March 31, 2021

  

March 31, 2020

 

Sales of products

 $210,852  $136,925 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

  96,709   85,887 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  49,331   39,666 

Total cost of sales

  146,040   125,553 

Gross profit

  64,812   11,372 

Other operating expenses:

        

General and administrative

  8,007   8,939 

Exploration

  5,951   2,530 

Pre-development

  739   535 

Other operating expense

  3,639   920 

Ramp-up and suspension costs

  4,318   12,996 

Provision for closed operations and environmental matters

  3,709   516 

Total other operating expense

  26,363   26,436 

Income (loss) from operations

  38,449   (15,064)

Other income (expense):

        

Gain on exchange of investments

  1,158   0 

Unrealized loss on investments

  (3,506)  (978)

Gain on derivative contracts

  473   7,893 

Net foreign exchange (loss) gain

  (2,064)  6,636 

Other non-operating expense

  (161)  (423)

Interest expense

  (10,744)  (16,311)

Total other expense

  (14,844)  (3,183)

Income (loss) before income and mining taxes

  23,605   (18,247)

Income and mining tax (provision) benefit

  (4,634)  1,062 

Net income (loss)

  18,971   (17,185)

Preferred stock dividends

  (138)  (138)

Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

 $18,833  $(17,323)

Comprehensive income (loss):

        

Net income (loss)

 $18,971  $(17,185)

Change in fair value of derivative contracts designated as hedge transactions

  1,832   (19,335)

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $20,803  $(36,520)

Basic income (loss) per common share after preferred dividends

 $0.04  $(0.03)

Diluted income (loss) per common share after preferred dividends

 $0.03  $(0.03)

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic

  534,101   523,215 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted

  540,527   523,215 

Cash dividends per common share

 $0.00875  $0.0025 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


 

Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) IncomeCash Flows (Unaudited)

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except for per-share amounts)In thousands)

 

  

Three Months Ended

  

Six Months Ended

 
  

June 30, 2020

  

June 30, 2019

  

June 30, 2020

  

June 30, 2019

 

Sales of products

 $166,355  $134,172  $303,280  $286,789 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

  92,853   104,938   178,740   215,324 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  39,423   49,477   79,089   88,264 

Total cost of sales

  132,276   154,415   257,829   303,588 

Gross profit (loss)

  34,079   (20,243)  45,451   (16,799)

Other operating expenses:

                

General and administrative

  6,979   8,918   15,918   18,877 

Exploration

  1,962   4,346   4,492   8,748 

Pre-development

  563   798   1,098   1,654 

Research and development

     158      561 

Other operating expense

  1,439   657   2,354   1,244 

Loss on disposition or impairment of properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests

  677   4,642   573   4,642 

Provision for closed operations and environmental matters

  1,037   1,052   1,553   1,622 

Ramp-up and suspension costs

  9,572   2,266   22,568   5,044 

Foundation grant

  1,970      1,970    

Acquisition costs

  6   397   11   410 

Total other operating expenses

  24,205   23,234   50,537   42,802 

Income (loss) from operations

  9,874   (43,477)  (5,086)  (59,601)

Other income (expense):

                

Unrealized gain (loss) on investments

  6,409   (1,129)  5,431   (1,033)

(Loss) gain on derivative contracts

  (14,002)  3,798   (6,109)  1,999 

Net foreign exchange (loss) gain

  (3,205)  (4,381)  3,431   (7,514)

Other expense

  (649)  (1,187)  (1,176)  (2,311)

Interest expense

  (11,829)  (11,335)  (28,140)  (22,000)

Total other expense

  (23,276)  (14,234)  (26,563)  (30,859)

Loss before income taxes

  (13,402)  (57,711)  (31,649)  (90,460)

Income tax (provision) benefit

  (626)  11,179   436   18,395 

Net loss

  (14,028)  (46,532)  (31,213)  (72,065)

Preferred stock dividends

  (138)  (138)  (276)  (276)

Loss applicable to common shareholders

 $(14,166) $(46,670) $(31,489) $(72,341)

Comprehensive loss:

                

Net loss

 $(14,028) $(46,532) $(31,213) $(72,065)

Change in fair value of derivative contracts designated as hedge transactions

  10,384   3,540   (8,951)  7,799 

Comprehensive loss

 $(3,644) $(42,992) $(40,164) $(64,266)

Basic loss per common share after preferred dividends

 $(0.03) $(0.10) $(0.06) $(0.15)

Diluted loss per common share after preferred dividends

 $(0.03) $(0.10) $(0.06) $(0.15)

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic

  525,243   486,065   524,218   484,438 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted

  525,243   486,065   524,218   484,438 

Cash dividends declared per common share

 $0.0025  $0.0025  $0.0050  $0.0050 
  

Three Months Ended

 
  

March 31, 2021

  

March 31, 2020

 

Operating activities:

        

Net income (loss)

 $18,971  $(17,185)

Non-cash elements included in net income (loss):

        

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  49,546   41,630 

Unrealized loss on investments

  3,506   978 

Gain on exchange of investments

  (1,158)  0 

Provision for reclamation and closure costs

  4,529   1,548 

Stock compensation

  500   1,219 

Deferred taxes

  32   (3,252)

Amortization of loan origination fees and loss on extinguishment of debt

  539   2,140 

Gain on derivative contracts

  (10,962)  (10,437)

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

  1,755   (8,066)

Other non-cash items, net

  8   (104)

Change in assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable

  (2,664)  9,955 

Inventories

  2,120   (6,602)

Other current and non-current assets

  1,528   (2,642)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  (24,545)  (11,879)

Accrued payroll and related benefits

  (7,995)  9,495 

Accrued taxes

  2,031   1,332 

Accrued reclamation and closure costs and other non-current liabilities

  195   (3,203)

Cash provided by operating activities

  37,936   4,927 

Investing activities:

        

Additions to properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests

  (21,413)  (19,870)

Proceeds from disposition of properties, plants and equipment

  19   154 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (21,394)  (19,716)

Financing activities:

        

Dividends paid to common stockholders

  (4,688)  (1,304)

Dividends paid to preferred stockholders

  (138)  (138)

Credit facility fees paid

  (82)  (458)

Borrowings on debt

  0   679,500 

Repayments of debt

  0   (506,500)

Repayments of finance leases

  (1,881)  (1,284)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  (6,789)  169,816 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

  167   (1,736)

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

  9,920   153,291 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  130,883   63,477 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $140,803  $216,768 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

        

Cash paid for interest

 $18,406  $13,984 

Significant non-cash investing and financing activities:

        

Addition of finance lease obligations and right-of-use assets

 $3,120  $0 

Accounts receivable for proceeds on exchange of investments

 $1,832  $0 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


 

Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsBalance Sheets (Unaudited)

(In thousands)thousands, except shares)

 

  

Six Months Ended

 
  

June 30, 2020

  

June 30, 2019

 

Operating activities:

        

Net loss

 $(31,213) $(72,065)

Non-cash elements included in net loss:

        

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  84,185   90,821 

Adjustment of inventory to market value

     1,399 

Unrealized (gain) loss on investments

  (5,431)  1,033 

Loss on disposition of properties, plants, equipment, and mineral interests

  573   4,642 

Provision for reclamation and closure costs

  3,093   3,209 

Stock compensation

  2,428   3,552 

Deferred income taxes

  (5,165)  (22,585)

Amortization of loan origination fees and loss on extinguishment of debt

  2,624   1,252 

Loss (gain) on derivative contracts

  11,188   (6,101)

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

  (3,725)  12,220 

Foundation grant

  1,970    

Change in assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable

  (6,050)  (12,772)

Inventories

  (4,580)  (147)

Other current and non-current assets

  (924)  16,784 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  (15,415)  (12,085)

Accrued payroll and related benefits

  5,418   1,660 

Accrued taxes

  3,912   (6,452)

Accrued reclamation and closure costs and other non-current liabilities

  (435)  4,348 

Cash provided by operating activities

  42,453   8,713 

Investing activities:

        

Additions to properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests

  (30,689)  (71,245)

Proceeds from disposition of properties, plants and equipment

  200   25 

Purchases of investments

  (637)  (107)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (31,126)  (71,327)

Financing activities:

        

Acquisition of treasury shares

  (2,745)  (1,644)

Dividends paid to common stockholders

  (2,622)  (2,430)

Dividends paid to preferred stockholders

  (276)  (276)

Credit facility fees paid

  (551)  (46)

Borrowings on debt

  679,500   170,000 

Repayments of debt

  (666,500)  (118,000)

Repayments of finance leases

  (2,840)  (3,377)

Net cash provided by financing activities

  3,966   44,227 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

  (1,794)  432 

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

  13,499   (17,955)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  63,477   28,414 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $76,976  $10,459 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

        

Cash paid for interest

 $15,837  $19,975 

Significant non-cash investing and financing activities:

        

Addition of finance lease obligations and right-of-use assets

 $3,100  $3,498 

Recognition of operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets

 $  $22,365 

Payment of accrued compensation in stock

 $5,095  $8,274 
  

March 31,
2021

  

December 31, 2020

 

ASSETS

 

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $139,750  $129,830 

Accounts receivable:

        

Trade

  35,274   27,864 

Other, net

  8,475   11,329 

Inventories:

        

Concentrates, doré, and stockpiled ore

  56,917   57,936 

Materials and supplies

  37,335   38,608 

Derivatives assets

  7,195   3,470 

Other current assets

  12,971   15,644 

Total current assets

  297,917   284,681 

Investments

  11,717   15,148 

Restricted cash and investments

  1,053   1,053 

Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net

  2,320,547   2,345,219 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

  9,775   10,628 

Deferred taxes

  3,886   2,912 

Derivatives assets

  6,346   4,558 

Other non-current assets

  3,836   3,525 

Total assets

 $2,655,077  $2,667,724 

LIABILITIES

 

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 $53,130  $68,516 

Accrued payroll and related benefits

  22,800   31,807 

Accrued taxes

  7,854   8,349 

Finance leases

  6,706   6,491 

Operating leases

  2,832   3,008 

Accrued reclamation and closure costs

  6,592   5,582 

Accrued interest

  5,175   14,157 

Derivatives liabilities

  3,906   11,737 

Other current liabilities

  123   138 

Total current liabilities

  109,118   149,785 

Finance leases

  10,304   9,274 

Operating leases

  6,954   7,634 

Accrued reclamation and closure costs

  113,671   110,466 

Long-term debt

  507,992   507,242 

Deferred tax liability

  149,220   144,330 

Pension liability

  28,797   44,144 

Other non-current liabilities

  4,146   4,364 

Total liabilities

  930,202   977,239 

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 4, 7, 8, and 10)

          

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Preferred stock, 5,000,000 shares authorized:

        

Series B preferred stock, $0.25 par value, 157,816 shares issued and outstanding, liquidation preference — $7,891

  39   39 

Common stock, $0.25 par value, 750,000,000 authorized shares; issued March 31, 2021 — 542,154,997 shares and December 31, 2020 — 538,487,415 shares

  135,546   134,629 

Capital surplus

  2,021,072   2,003,576 

Accumulated deficit

  (377,229)  (391,374)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (31,057)  (32,889)

Less treasury stock, at cost; March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 - 6,821,044 shares issued and held in treasury

  (23,496)  (23,496)

Total stockholders’ equity

  1,724,875   1,690,485 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 $2,655,077  $2,667,724 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5


 

Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

(Dollars are in thousands, except for share and per share amounts)

 

  

Three Months Ended June 30, 2020

 
  

Series B
Preferred
Stock

  

Common
Stock

  

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  

Accumulated
Deficit

  

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss, net

  

Treasury
Stock

  

Total

 

Balances, April 1, 2020

 $39  $132,381  $1,976,033  $(371,958) $(56,645) $(22,967) $1,656,883 

Net loss

           (14,028)        (14,028)

Restricted stock units granted

        1,211            1,211 

Restricted stock units distributed (1,702,000 shares)

     426   (426)        (1,479)  (1,479)

Common stock dividends declared ($0.0025 per common share)

           (1,318)        (1,318)

Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($0.875 per share)

           (138)        (138)

Common stock issued for 401(k) match (606,000 shares)

     151   878            1,029 

Common stock issued for employee incentive compensation (2,800,000 shares)

     699   4,396         (1,266)  3,829 

Common stock issued to pension plans (167,000 shares)

     42   308            350 

Treasury shares issued to charitable foundation (650,000 shares)

           (246)     2,216   1,970 

Other comprehensive income

              10,384      10,384 

Balances, June 30, 2020

 $39  $133,699  $1,982,400  $(387,688) $(46,261) $(23,496) $1,658,693 
  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

 
  

Series B

Preferred

Stock

  

Common

Stock

  

Additional

Paid-In

Capital

  

Accumulated

Deficit

  

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Loss, net

  

Treasury

Stock

  

Total

 

Balances, January 1, 2021

 $39  $134,629  $2,003,576  $(391,374) $(32,889) $(23,496) $1,690,485 

Net income

  0   0   0   18,971   0   0   18,971 

Restricted stock units granted

  0   0   483   0   0   0   483 

Common stock dividends declared ($0.00875 per common share)

  0   0   0   (4,688)  0   0   (4,688)

Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($0.875 per share)

  0   0   0   (138)  0   0   (138)

Common stock issued for 401(k) match (165,000 shares)

  0   42   1,088   0   0   0   1,130 

Shares issued to pension plans (3,500,000 shares)

  0   875   15,925   0   0   0   16,800 

Other comprehensive income

  0   0   0   0   1,832   0   1,832 

Balances, March 31, 2021

 $39  $135,546  $2,021,072  $(377,229) $(31,057) $(23,496) $1,724,875 

 

 

  

Three Months Ended June 30, 2019

 
  

Series B
Preferred
Stock

  

Common
Stock

  

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  

Accumulated
Deficit

  

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss, net

  

Treasury
Stock

  

Total

 

Balances, April 1, 2019

 $39  $122,052  $1,882,613  $(275,188) $(38,210) $(20,736) $1,670,570 

Net loss

        0   (46,532)        (46,532)

Restricted stock units granted

        1,518            1,518 

Common stock dividends declared ($0.0025 per common share)

           (1,221)        (1,221)

Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($0.875 per share)

           (138)        (138)

Common stock issued for 401(k) match (362,000 shares)

     90   716            806 

Common stock issued for employee incentive compensation (3,597,000 shares)

     899   7,375         (1,644)  6,630 

Common stock issued to pension plans (2,384,000 shares)

     597   3,003            3,600 

Common stock issued to directors (253,000 shares)

     63   392            455 

Other comprehensive income

              3,540      3,540 

Balances, June 30, 2019

 $39  $123,701  $1,895,617  $(323,079) $(34,670) $(22,380) $1,639,228 

6

  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 
  

Series B
Preferred
Stock

  

Common
Stock

  

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  

Accumulated
Deficit

  

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss, net

  

Treasury
Stock

  

Total

 

Balances, January 1, 2020

 $39  $132,292  $1,973,700  $(353,331) $(37,310) $(22,967) $1,692,423 

Net loss

           (31,213)        (31,213)

Restricted stock units granted

        2,430            2,430 

Restricted stock units distributed (1,702,000 shares)

     426   (426)        (1,479)  (1,479)

Common stock dividends declared ($0.0025 per common share)

           (2,622)        (2,622)

Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($0.875 per share)

           (276)        (276)

Common stock issued for 401(k) match (957,000 shares)

     240   1,992            2,232 

Common stock issued for employee incentive compensation (2,800,000 shares)

     699   4,396         (1,266)  3,829 

Common stock issued to pension plans (167,000 shares)

     42   308            350 

Treasury shares issued to charitable foundation (650,000 shares)

           (246)     2,216   1,970 

Other comprehensive loss

              (8,951)     (8,951)

Balances, June 30, 2020

 $39  $133,699  $1,982,400  $(387,688) $(46,261) $(23,496) $1,658,693 

  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

 
  

Series B
Preferred
Stock

  

Common
Stock

  

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  

Accumulated
Deficit

  

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss, net

  

Treasury
Stock

  

Total

 

Balances, January 1, 2019

 $39  $121,956  $1,880,481  $(248,308) $(42,469) $(20,736) $1,690,963 

Net loss

           (72,065)        (72,065)

Restricted stock units granted

        3,097            3,097 

Common stock dividends declared ($0.0025 per common share)

           (2,430)        (2,430)

Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($0.875 per share)

           (276)        (276)

Common stock issued for 401(k) match (745,000 shares)

     186   1,594            1,780 

Adjustment to fair value of warrants issued for purchase of another company

        (325)           (325)

Common stock issued for employee incentive compensation (3,597,380 shares)

     899   7,375         (1,644)  6,630 

Common stock issued to pension plans (2,384,000 shares)

     597   3,003            3,600 

Common stock issued to directors (253,000 shares)

     63   392            455 

Other comprehensive income

              7,799      7,799 

Balances, June 30, 2019

 $39  $123,701  $1,895,617  $(323,079) $(34,670) $(22,380) $1,639,228 
  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

 
  

Series B

Preferred

Stock

  

Common

Stock

  

Additional

Paid-In

Capital

  

Accumulated

Deficit

  

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Loss, net

  

Treasury

Stock

  

Total

 

Balances, January 1, 2020, as revised (see Note 1)

  39   132,292   1,973,700   (365,186)  (37,310)  (22,967)  1,680,568 

Net loss

  0   0   0   (17,185)  0   0   (17,185)

Restricted stock units granted

  0   0   1,219   0   0   0   1,219 

Common stock dividends declared ($0.0025 per common share)

  0   0   0   (1,304)  0   0   (1,304)

Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($0.875 per share)

  0   0   0   (138)  0   0   (138)

Common stock issued for 401(k) match (352,000 shares)

  0   89   1,114   0   0   0   1,203 

Other comprehensive loss

  0   0   0   0   (19,335)  0   (19,335)

Balances, March 31, 2020

 $39  $132,381  $1,976,033  $(383,813) $(56,645) $(22,967) $1,645,028 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

76


 

 

Note 1.Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

 

In the opinion of management, theThe accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items and items which are nonrecurring, necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hecla Mining Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (in this report, "Hecla" or "the Company" or(collectively, “Hecla”, “the Company”, “we” or, “our” or “us” refers to Hecla Mining Company and our subsidiaries, unless, except where the context requires otherwise) have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all information and disclosures required annually by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statementsTherefore, this information should be read in conjunction with our auditedHecla Mining Company’s consolidated financial statements and related footnotes as set forthnotes contained in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020 as it (may “2020be amended Form 10-K”). The consolidated December 31,2020 balance sheet data was derived from time to time.

our audited consolidated financial statements. The resultsinformation furnished herein reflects all adjustments that are, in the opinion of operationsmanagement, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presentedreported. All such adjustments are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the may three-month period ended March 31,2021 are not benecessarily indicative of those whichthe results that may be expected for a full year.  The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in audited financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures are adequate for the informationyear ending notDecember 31, to be misleading.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period and the disclosures of contingent liabilities.  Accordingly, ultimate results could differ materially from those estimates.2021.

 

The 2019 novel strain of coronavirus ("COVID-19") was characterized as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, and COVID-19 has resulted in travel restrictions and business slowdowns or shutdowns in affected areas. In late March 2020, the Government of Quebec ordered the mining industry to reduce to minimum operations as part of the fight against COVID-19, causing us to suspend our Casa Berardi operations from approximately March 24, 2020 until April 15, 2020 when mining operations resumed. In early April 2020, the Government of Mexico issued a similar order causing us to suspend our San Sebastian operations tountil May 30.30, 2020. In addition, restrictions imposed by the State of Alaska in late March have caused us to revise the normal operating procedures for staffing operations at Greens Creek. These suspension orders impacted us in the first half of 2020 by curtailing our expected production of gold at Casa Berardi by approximately 5,20011,700 ounces, in March 2020 and approximately 6,500 ounces in April 2020, which resulted in a reduction in related revenue.revenue for that period. We continued to incur costs at Casa Berardi and San Sebastian while operations were suspended. At Casa Berardi and San Sebastian, suspension costs in the first half of 2020 totaled $1.6 million and $1.0$1.8 million, respectively. In addition, we have incurred costs of approximately $0.2$0.6 million per weekin the first quarter of 2021 and $2.3 million for the full year of 2020 related to quarantining employees at Greens Creek, which started in late March 2020. At Lucky Friday and Nevada Operations, COVID-19 procedures have been implemented without a significant impact on production or operating costs. It is possible that future restrictions at Casa Berardi, San Sebastian or Greens Creek (or at any other operation)of our operations could have an adverse impact on operations or 2020financial results including materially so, beyond the secondfirst quarter of 2020.2021.

 

We have taken precautionary measures to mitigate the impactsimpact of COVID-19, including implementing operational plans and practices and increasing our cash reserves through a draw-down of our revolving credit facility (see Note 9 for more information).practices. As long as they are required, the operational practices implemented could have an adverse impact on our operating results due to deferred production and revenues or additional costs. We continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation and guidance from federal, state, local and foreign governments and public health authorities and may take additional actions based on their recommendations. The extent of the impact of COVID-19 on our business and financial results will also depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the success of the current vaccination programs being rolled out within the markets in which we operate and the related impact on prices, demand, creditworthiness and other market conditions and governmental reactions, all of which are highly uncertain.

 

Correction of an Immaterial Error

During the first quarter of 2021 we reclassified certain state mining income taxes from Cost of sales and other direct production costs to Income and mining tax provision prospectively effective January 1, 2021. The reclassification required us to recognize previously unrecognized deferred taxes. The impact of this was an adjustment of $11.9 million to accumulated deficit at January 1, 2019 to recognize the deferred tax liability.  This adjustment resulted in the January 1, 2020 accumulated deficit balance presented in this Form 10-Q to increase to $365.2 million.

 

 

Note 2.    InvestmentsBusiness Segments and Sales of Products

 

At We discover, acquire and develop mines and other mineral interests and produce and market concentrates, carbon material and doré containing silver, gold, lead and zinc. We are currently organized and managed in five segments, which represent our operating units: the Greens Creek unit, the Lucky Friday unit, the Casa Berardi unit, the San Sebastian exploration unit, and the Nevada Operations unit.

June7

General corporate activities not associated with operating units and their various exploration activities, as well as discontinued operations and idle properties, are presented as “other.”  Interest expense, interest income and income and mining taxes are considered general corporate items, and are not allocated to our segments.

The following tables present information about our reportable segments for the three months ended March 30,31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers:

        

Greens Creek

 $98,409  $53,833 

Lucky Friday

  29,122   2,830 

Casa Berardi

  72,911   46,172 

San Sebastian

  173   9,927 

Nevada Operations

  10,237   24,163 
  $210,852  $136,925 

Income (loss) from operations:

        

Greens Creek

 $44,600  $4,117 

Lucky Friday

  6,323   (8,120)

Casa Berardi

  9,117   (3,880)

San Sebastian

  (2,263)  679 

Nevada Operations

  (3,140)  2,889 

Other

  (16,188)  (10,749)
  $38,449  $(15,064)

The following table presents identifiable assets by reportable segment as of March 31,2021 and December 31, 2019, the fair value of our non-current investments was $12.2 million and $6.2 million, respectively.  Our non-current investments consist of marketable equity securities which are carried at fair value.  The cost basis of our non-current investments was approximately $10.1 million and $9.8 million at June 30,2020 and December 31,2019, respectively. During the six months ended June 30,2020, we recognized $5.4 million in net unrealized gains in current earnings. During the six months ended June 30,2019, we recognized $1.0 million in net unrealized losses in current earnings. During the six months ended June 30,2020 and 2019, we acquired marketable equity securities having a cost basis of $0.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively.(in thousands):

  

March 31, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 

Identifiable assets:

        

Greens Creek

 $609,612  $610,360 

Lucky Friday

  513,645   520,463 

Casa Berardi

  683,103   694,522 

San Sebastian

  41,238   42,617 

Nevada Operations

  510,514   513,309 

Other

  296,965   286,453 
  $2,655,077  $2,667,724 

 

8

Sales of products by metal for the three-month periods ended March 31,2021 and 2020 were as follows (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 
         

Silver

 $77,760  $37,572 

Gold

  101,408   90,694 

Lead

  15,893   6,420 

Zinc

  29,191   17,308 

Less: Smelter and refining charges

  (13,400)  (15,069)

Sales of products

 $210,852  $136,925 

Sales of products for the firstthree months of 2021 and 2020 included net gains of $2.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, on financially-settled forward and put option contracts for silver, gold, lead and zinc contained in our sales.  See Note 8 for more information.

 

 

Note 3.Income and MiningTaxes

 

Major components of our income and mining tax (provision) benefit (provision) for the three and sixmonths ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and 20192020 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

  

Three Months Ended

 
 

June 30,

 

June 30,

  

March 31,

 
 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

  

2021

  

2020

 

Current:

          

Domestic

 $(253) $(2) $(985) $(2) $(2,277) $(732)

Foreign

  (1,650)  (1,716)  (3,719)  (2,793)  (2,286)  (2,069)

Total current income tax benefit (provision)

 (1,903) (1,718) (4,704) (2,795)

Total current income and mining tax provision

 (4,563) (2,801)
  

Deferred:

          

Domestic

 1,866  5,456  3,116  7,933  319  1,250 

Foreign

  (589)  7,441   2,024   13,257   (390)  2,613 

Total deferred income tax benefit (provision)

  1,277   12,897   5,140   21,190 

Total income tax benefit (provision)

 $(626) $11,179  $436  $18,395 

Total deferred income and mining tax (provision) benefit

  (71)  3,863 

Total income and mining tax (provision) benefit

 $(4,634) $1,062 

 

The current income and mining tax benefits (provisions)(provision) benefit for the three and sixmonths ended JuneMarch 30,31,2021 and 2020 and 2019 varyvaries from the amounts that would have resulted from applying the statutory income tax raterates to pre-tax income due primarily to the impact of taxation in foreign jurisdictions and areversal of the valuation allowance portion related to net operating loss utilization.

Effective January 1, 2021, we prospectively reclassified certain income based state and provincial taxes from Cost of Sales and other direct production costs to Income and mining tax (provision) benefit. The income and mining tax provision for the three months ended March 31,2021 increased by $3.1 million due to the reclassification.

9

Note 4.Employee Benefit Plans

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees.  Net periodic pension cost for the plans consisted of the following for the three months ended March 31,2021 and 2020 (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

Service cost

 $1,455  $1,334 

Interest cost

  1,248   1,404 

Expected return on plan assets

  (2,313)  (1,872)

Amortization of prior service cost

  99   29 

Amortization of net loss

  1,125   1,163 

Net periodic pension cost

 $1,614  $2,058 

The service cost component of net periodic pension cost is included in the same line items of our condensed consolidated financial statements as other employee compensation costs, and the net expense for the three months ended March 31,2021 and 2020 of $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively, related to all other components of net periodic pension cost is included in other (expense) income on the majorityour condensed consolidated statements of U.S. deferred tax assets.operations and comprehensive income (loss).

 

In 2018,January 2021, we contributed $16.8 million in shares of our common stock to our supplemental executive retirement plan, and expect to contribute approximately $0.8 million during the remainder of 2021. we acquired through the acquisition of Klondex Mines Ltd. a U.S. consolidated tax group ("Nevada U.S. Group") that didWe do not join the existing consolidated U.S. tax group of Hecla Mining Company and subsidiaries (“Hecla U.S.”). For Hecla U.S., we recorded a full valuation allowanceexpect to be required to contribute to our defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. in December 2017 as a result of U.S. tax reform. Our circumstances at June 30,2021, 2020 continued to support a full valuation allowance in the U.S. for the Hecla U.S. group.

As of June 30,2020, we had a net deferred tax liability in the U.S. of $35.1 million, a net deferred tax liability in Canada of $93.6 million, and a net deferred tax asset in Mexico of $3.2 million, for a consolidated worldwide net deferred tax liability of $125.5 million.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. The CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer side social security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. The CARES Act has not had a material impact on the Company as of June 30,2020; however we will continue to examine the impacts the CARES Actbut may have on our business.do so.

 

 

 

Note 4.5.Income (Loss) Per Common Share

We calculate basic income (loss) per common share on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period plus the effect of potential dilutive common shares during the period using the treasury stock and if-converted methods.

Potential dilutive shares of common stock include outstanding unvested restricted stock awards, performance-based share awards, stock units, warrants and convertible preferred stock for periods in which we have reported net income. For periods in which we report net losses, potential dilutive shares of common stock are excluded, as their conversion and exercise would be anti-dilutive.

10

The following table represents net income (loss) per common share – basic and diluted (in thousands, except income (loss) per share): 

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

Numerator

        

Net income (loss)

 $18,971  $(17,185)

Preferred stock dividends

  (138)  (138)

Net income (loss) applicable to common shares

 $18,833  $(17,323)
         

Denominator

        

Basic weighted average common shares

  534,101   523,215 

Dilutive restricted stock units, warrants and deferred shares

  6,426   0 

Diluted weighted average common shares

  540,527   523,215 
         

Basic income (loss) per common share

 $0.04  $(0.03)

Diluted income (loss) per common share

 $0.03  $(0.03)

Diluted income (loss) per share for the three months ended March 31,2021 and 2020 excludes the potential effects of outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock, as their conversion would have no effect on the calculation of dilutive shares.

For the three months ended March 31,2021, the calculation of diluted income per common share included (i) 2,863,038 restricted stock units that were unvested during the period, (ii) 1,536,615 warrants to purchase one share of common stock and (iii) 2,026,440 deferred shares that were dilutive. For the three months ended March 31,2020, all outstanding restricted stock units, warrants and deferred shares were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share, as our reported net losses for those periods would cause their conversion and exercise to have no effect on the calculation of loss per share.

Note 6.Stockholders Equity

Stock-based Compensation Plans

Stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock unit and performance-based grants to employees and shares issued to non-employee directors totaled $0.5 million and $1.2 million for the firstthree months of 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Common Stock Dividends

On February 18, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.00875 per share of common stock, consisting of $0.00375 per share for the minimum dividend component of our common stock dividend policy and $0.005 per share for the silver-linked dividend component of the policy, for a total dividend of $4.7 million paid in March 2021. The realized silver price of $25.16 in the fourth quarter of 2020 satisfied the criterion for the silver-linked dividend component of our common stock dividend policy.

During May 2021, our Board of Directors approved an increase in our silver-linked dividend by $0.01 per year and approved a quarterly silver-linked dividend of $0.075 based on the first quarter of 2021 realized silver price of $25.66. The table below provides an overview of the augmented silver-linked dividend policy and the increased minimum dividends.

Quarterly Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce

  

Quarterly Silver-Linked Dividend per Share

  

Annualized Silver-Linked Dividend per Share

  

Annualized Minimum Dividend

  

Annualized Dividends per Share: Silver-Linked and Minimum

 
$25  $0.0075  $0.03  $0.015  $0.045 
$30  $0.0125  $0.05  $0.015  $0.065 
$35  $0.0225  $0.09  $0.015  $0.105 
$40  $0.0325  $0.13  $0.015  $0.145 
$45  $0.0425  $0.17  $0.015  $0.185 
$50  $0.0525  $0.21  $0.015  $0.225 

At-The-Market Equity Distribution Agreement

Pursuant to an equity distribution agreement dated February 18, 2021, we may offer and sell up to 60 million shares of our common stock from time to time to or through sales agents. Sales of the shares, if any, will be made by means of ordinary brokers transactions or as otherwise agreed between the Company and the agents as principals. Whether or not we engage in sales from time to time may depend on a variety of factors, including share price, our cash resources, customary black-out restrictions, and whether we have any material inside information. The agreement can be terminated by us at any time. Any shares issued under the equity distribution agreement are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3. NaN shares have been sold under the agreement as of March 31,2021.

11

Note 7.Debt, Credit Facility and Leases

Our debt as of March 31,2021 and December 31,2020 consisted of our 7.25% Senior Notes due February 15, 2028 ("Senior Notes") and our Series 2020-A Senior Notes due July 9, 2025 (the “IQ Notes”). The following tables summarize our long-term debt balances, excluding interest, as of March 31,2021 and December 31,2020 (in thousands):

  

March 31, 2021

 
  

Senior Notes

  

IQ Notes

  

Total

 

Principal

 $475,000  $38,359  $513,359 

Unamortized discount/premium and issuance costs

  (6,234)  867   (5,367)

Long-term debt balance

 $468,766  $39,226  $507,992 

  

December 31, 2020

 
  

Senior Notes

  

IQ Notes

  

Total

 

Principal

 $475,000  $37,886  $512,886 

Unamortized discount/premium and issuance costs

  (6,462)  818   (5,644)

Long-term debt balance

 $468,538  $38,704  $507,242 

The following table summarizes the scheduled annual future payments, including interest, for our Senior Notes, IQ Notes, and finance and operating leases as of March 31,2021 (in thousands). The amounts for the IQ Notes are stated in U.S. dollars ("USD") based on the USD/Canadian dollar ("CAD") exchange rate as of March 31,2021.

Twelve-month

period ending

March 31,

 

Senior Notes

  

IQ Notes

  

Finance Leases

  

Operating Leases

 

2022

 $34,438  $2,499  $7,329  $3,696 

2023

  34,438   2,499   5,132   2,706 

2024

  34,438   2,499   3,643   2,002 

2025

  34,438   2,499   2,076   549 

2026

  34,438   39,045   0   525 

Thereafter

  539,568   0   0   2,213 

Total

 $711,758  $49,041  $18,180  $11,691 

Credit Facility

In July 2018, we entered into a $250 million senior secured revolving credit facility which has a term ending on February 7, 2023. As of March 31,2021 and December 31,2020, 0 amounts were outstanding under the facility.

12

We are also able to obtain letters of credit under the facility, and for any such letters we are required to pay a participation fee of between 2.25% and 4.00% of the amount of the letters of credit based on our total leverage ratio, as well as a fronting fee to each issuing bank of 0.20% annually on the average daily dollar amount of any outstanding letters of credit. There were $20.3 million in letters of credit outstanding as of March 31,2021.

We believe we were in compliance with all covenants under the credit agreement as of March 31,2021.

Note 8.Derivative Instruments

General

Our current risk management policy provides that up to 75% of:

our future foreign currency-related operating cost exposure for five years into the future may be hedged and for potential additional programs to manage other foreign currency-related exposure areas; and

our planned lead and zinc metals price exposure for five years into the future, with certain other limitations, to be covered under derivatives programs that would establish a ceiling for prices to be realized on future metals sales.

These instruments do, however, expose us to (i) credit risk in the form of non-performance by counterparties for contracts in which the contract price exceeds the spot price of the hedged commodity or foreign currency and (ii) price risk to the extent that the spot price exceeds the contract price for quantities of our production and/or forecasted costs covered under contract positions.

Foreign Currency

Our wholly-owned subsidiaries owning the Casa Berardi and San Sebastian operations are USD-functional entities which routinely incur expenses denominated in CAD and Mexican pesos ("MXN"), respectively. Such expenses expose us to exchange rate fluctuations between the USD and CAD and MXN. We have a program to manage our exposure to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the USD and CAD and MXN for these subsidiaries' future operating costs denominated in CAD and MXN. The programs utilize forward contracts to buy CAD and MXN, and each contract is designated as a cash flow hedge. As of March 31,2021, we have 133 forward contracts outstanding to buy a total of CAD$256.8 million having a notional amount of USD$194.8 million. The CAD contracts are related to forecasted cash operating costs at Casa Berardi to be incurred from 2021 through 2024 and have CAD-to-USD exchange rates ranging between 1.2702 and 1.3785. There were 0 outstanding contracts for MXN as of March 31,2021.

As of March 31,2021 and December 31,2020, we recorded the following balances for the fair value of the contracts (in millions):

  

March 31,

  

December 31,

 

Balance sheet line item:

 

2021

  

2020

 

Current derivatives assets

 $5.0  $3.5 

Non-current derivatives assets

  4.2   4.2 

Net unrealized gains of approximately $9.5 million related to the effective portion of the hedges were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of March 31,2021. Unrealized gains and losses will be transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss to current earnings as the underlying operating expenses are recognized. We estimate approximately $4.8 million in net unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of March 31,2021 will be reclassified to current earnings in the next twelve months. Net realized gains of approximately $0.6 million on contracts related to underlying expenses which have been recognized were transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included in cost of sales and other direct production costs for the three months ended March 31,2021. NaN net unrealized gains or losses related to ineffectiveness of the hedges were included in current earnings for the three months ended March 31,2021.

13

Metals Prices

We are currently using financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to:

changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments between the time of shipment and final settlement; and

changes in prices of zinc and lead (but not silver and gold) contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments.

The following tables summarize the quantities of metals committed under forward sales contracts at March 31,2021 and December 31,2020:

March 31, 2021

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2021 settlements

  1,492   5   12,070   1,587  $25.48  $1,736  $1.26  $0.89 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2021 settlements

        33,841   30,479   N/A   N/A  $1.20  $0.89 

2022 settlements

        53,407   42,715   N/A   N/A  $1.26  $0.96 

2023 settlements

        41,171      N/A   N/A  $1.27   N/A 

December 31, 2020

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2021 settlements

  1,282   4   23,314   4,905  $25.00  $1,858  $1.19  $0.90 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2021 settlements

        41,577   30,876   N/A   N/A  $1.17  $0.88 

2022 settlements

        18,519      N/A   N/A  $1.28   N/A 

In June 2019, we began utilizing financially-settled put option contracts to manage the exposure of our forecasted future gold and silver sales to potential declines in market prices for those metals. These put contracts gave us the option, but not the obligation, to realize established prices on quantities of silver and gold to be sold in the future. As of December 31,2020, we had put contracts that provided average floor prices of $16.50 per ounce for silver and $1,650 per ounce for gold for a total of 1.1 million silver ounces and 12,992 gold ounces. We had 0 put option contracts outstanding as of March 31,2021.

These forward and put option contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and are marked-to-market through earnings each period.  

14

We recorded the following balances for the fair value of the forward contracts as of March 31,2021 and forward and put option contracts as of December 31,2020 (in millions):

  

March 31, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 

Balance sheet line item:

 

Contracts in an

asset position

  

Contracts in

a liability

position

  

Net asset

(liability)

  

Contracts in

an asset

position

  

Contracts in a

liability

position

  

Net asset

(liability)

 

Current derivatives assets

 $3.3  $(1.1) $2.2  $0.2  $(0.2) $0 

Non-current derivatives assets

  2.3   (0.2)  2.1   0.5   (0.1)  0.4 

Current derivatives liability

  0   (3.9)  (3.9)  0.1   (11.8)  (11.7)

Other non-current liabilities

  0.4   (1.2)  (0.8)  0   0   0 

We recognized $2.8 million and $1.7 million net gains during the first quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively, on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices of metals in our concentrate shipments, which is included in sales of products.  The net gains recognized on the contracts offsets losses related to price adjustments on our provisional concentrate sales due to changes to silver, gold, lead and zinc prices between the time of sale and final settlement.

We recognized $0.5 million and $7.9 million net gains during the first quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively, on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices for forecasted future sales. The net gains on these contracts are included as a separate line item under other income (expense), as they relate to forecasted future sales, as opposed to sales that have already taken place but are subject to final pricing as discussed in the preceding paragraph.  The net gain for the first quarter of 2021 is the result of a decrease in zinc and lead prices.

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

Certain of our derivative contracts contain cross default provisions which provide that a default under our revolving credit agreement would cause a default under the derivative contract. As of March 31,2021, we have not posted any collateral related to these contracts. The fair value of derivatives in a net liability position related to these agreements was $6.4 million as of March 31,2021, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk. If we were in breach of any of these provisions at March 31,2021, we could have been required to settle our obligations under the agreements at their termination value of $6.4 million.

Note 9.Fair Value Measurement

Accounting guidance has established a hierarchy for inputs used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. The three levels included in the hierarchy are:

Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: significant other observable inputs; and

Level 3: significant unobservable inputs.

15

The table below sets forth our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis and the fair value calculation input hierarchy level that we have determined applies to each asset and liability category (in thousands).  

Description

 

Balance at

March 31, 2021

  

Balance at

December 31, 2020

 

Input

Hierarchy Level

Assets:

         

Cash and cash equivalents:

         

Money market funds and other bank deposits

 $139,750  $129,830 

Level 1

Current and non-current investments:

         

Equity securities – mining industry

  11,717   19,389 

Level 1

Trade accounts receivable:

         

Receivables from provisional concentrate sales

  35,274   27,864 

Level 2

Restricted cash balances:

         

Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits

  1,053   1,053 

Level 1

Derivative contracts - current and non-current derivatives assets:

         

Metal forward and put option contracts

  4,349   381 

Level 2

Foreign exchange contracts

  9,192   7,647 

Level 2

Total assets

 $201,335  $186,164  
          

Liabilities:

         

Derivative contracts - current derivatives liabilities and other non-current liabilities:

         

Metal forward and put option contracts

 $4,742  $11,737 

Level 2

Foreign exchange contracts

  0   19 

Level 2

Total Liabilities

 $4,742  $11,756  

Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds and are valued at cost, which approximates fair value, and a small portion consists of municipal bonds having maturities of less than 90 days, which are recorded at fair value.

Current and non-current restricted cash balances consist primarily of certificates of deposit, U.S. Treasury securities, and other deposits and are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.

Our non-current available for sale securities consist of marketable equity securities of companies in the mining industry which are valued using quoted market prices for each security.

Trade accounts receivable from provisional concentrate sales are subject to final pricing and valued using quoted prices based on forward curves for the particular metal.  The embedded derivative contained in our concentrate sales is adjusted to fair market value through earnings each period prior to final settlement.

We use financially-settled forward contracts to manage exposure to changes in the exchange rate between USD and CAD and MXN, and the impact on CAD- and MXN-denominated operating costs incurred at our Casa Berardi and San Sebastian units (see Note 8 for more information). The fair value of each contract represents the present value of the difference between the forward exchange rate for the contract settlement period as of the measurement date and the contract settlement exchange rate.

We use financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments that have not reached final settlement.  We also use financially-settled forward and put option contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our forecasted future sales (see Note 8 for more information).  The fair value of each forward contract represents the present value of the difference between the forward metal price for the contract settlement period as of the measurement date and the contract settlement metal price. The fair value of each put option contract is measured using the Black-Scholes pricing model, with inputs for the period-end metal price and assumed metal price volatility and discount rate.

16

Our Senior Notes, which were recorded at their carrying value of $468.8 million, net of unamortized initial purchaser discount and issuance costs, had a fair value of $509.7 million at March 31,2021. Quoted market prices, which we consider to be Level 1 inputs, are utilized to estimate fair values of the Senior Notes. See Note 7 for more information.

Note 10.Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations

General

 

We follow GAAP guidance in determining our accruals and disclosures with respect to loss contingencies, and evaluate such accruals and contingencies for each reporting period. Accordingly, estimated losses from loss contingencies are accrued by a charge to income when information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability could be incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the contingency are expensed as incurred. If a loss contingency is not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of the loss contingency is made in the financial statements when it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss could be incurred.

 

Lucky Friday Water Permit Matters

 

In December 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") issued to Hecla Limited a request for information under Section 308 of the Clean Water Act directing Hecla Limited to undertake a comprehensive groundwater investigation of Lucky Friday’s tailings pond no. 3 to evaluate whether the pond is causing the discharge of pollutants via seepage to groundwater that is discharging to surface water. We completed the investigation mandated by the EPA and submitted a draft report to the agency in December 2015. We are waiting for the EPA’s response and we cannot predict what further action, if any, the agency may take.

 

9

Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, McKinley County and San Mateo Creek Basin, New Mexico

 

In May 2011, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, McKinley County, New Mexico, and asserted that Hecla Mining Company may be responsible under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") for environmental remediation and past costs the EPA has incurred at the site. Mining at the Johnny M Mine was conducted for a limited period of time by a predecessor of our subsidiary, Hecla Limited. In August 2012, Hecla Limited and the EPA entered into a Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order on Consent for Removal Action (“Consent Order”), pursuant to which Hecla Limited agreed to pay (i) $1.1 million to the EPA for its past response costs at the site and (ii) any future response costs at the site under the Consent Order, in exchange for a covenant not to sue by the EPA. Hecla Limited paid the $1.1 million to the EPA for its past response costs and in December 2014 submitted to EPA the Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis (“EE/CA”) for the site. The EE/CA evaluates three alternative response actions: 1) no action, 2) off-site disposal, and 3) on-site disposal. The range in estimated costs of these alternatives is $0 to $221 million. In the EE/CA, Hecla Limitedsite which recommended that EPA approve on-site disposal which is currently estimated to cost $6.1 million, on the basis that it is the most appropriate response action under CERCLA.of mine-related material. In October 2019,January 2021, the EPA publishedcontacted Hecla Limited to begin negotiations on a new consent order to design and implement the EE/CA for a 30-day public notice comment period, and the agency is expected to make a final decision on the appropriateon-site disposal response action afterrecommended in the comment process is complete. It is anticipated that Hecla Limited will implement the response action selected by the EPA pursuant to an amendment to the Consent Order or a new order.EE/CA. Based on the foregoing, we believe it is probable that Hecla Limited will incur a liability for remediation at the site. InCERCLA removal action and we have increased our accrual to $9.0 million in the fourthfirst quarter of 2014,2021 we accrued $5.6($6.1 million and inat October 2019December 31, 2020) we increased that amount to $6.1 million, with the increaseprimarily representing estimated costs to begin design and implementation of the remedy in 2020.remedy. It is possible that Hecla Limited’s liability will be more than $6.1$9.0 million, and any increase in liability could have a material adverse effect on Hecla Limited’s or our results of operations or financial position.

 

The Johnny M Mine is in an area known as the San Mateo Creek Basin (“SMCB”), which is an approximately 321 square mile area in New Mexico that contains numerous legacy uranium mines and mills. In addition to Johnny M, Hecla Limited's predecessor was involved at other mining sites within the SMCB. The EPA appears to have deferred consideration of listing the SMCB site on CERCLA’s National Priorities List (Superfund)("Superfund") by removing the site from its emphasis list, and is working with various potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") at the site in order to study and potentially address perceived groundwater issues within the SMCB. The EE/CA discussed above relates primarily to contaminated rock and soil at the Johnny M site, not groundwater and not elsewhere within the SMCMSMCB site. It is possible that Hecla Limited’s liability at the Johnny M Site, and for any other mine site within the SMCB at which Hecla Limited's predecessor may have operated, will be greater than our current accrual of $6.19.0 million due to the increased scope of required remediation.

 

17

In July 2018, the EPA informed Hecla Limited that it and several other PRPs may be liable for cleanup of the SMCB site or for costs incurred by the EPA in cleaning up the site. The EPA stated it has incurred approximately $9.6 million in response costs to date. Hecla Limited cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of liability, if any, relating to this matter because of, among other reasons, the lack of information concerning the site, including the relative contributions of contamination by the various PRPs.

 

Carpenter Snow Creek and Barker-Hughesville Sites in Montana

In July 2010, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Carpenter Snow Creek Superfund site located in Cascade County, Montana. The Carpenter Snow Creek site is located in a historic mining district, and in the early 1980s Hecla Limited leased 6 mining claims and performed limited exploration activities at the site. Hecla Limited terminated the mining lease in 1988.

 

In June 2011, the EPA informed Hecla Limited that it believes Hecla Limited, and several other PRPs, may be liable for cleanup of the site or for costs incurred by the EPA in cleaning up the site. The EPA stated in the letter that it has incurred approximately $4.5 million in response costs and estimated that total remediation costs may exceed $100 million. Hecla Limited cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of liability, if any, relating to this matter because of, among other reasons, the lack of information concerning the site, including the relative contributions of contamination by various other PRPs.

 

10

In February 2017, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Barker-Hughesville Mining District Superfund site located in Judith Basin and Cascade Counties, Montana. Hecla Limited submitted a response in April 2017. The Barker-Hughesville site is located in a historic mining district, and between approximately June and December 1983, Hecla Limited was party to an agreement with another mining company under which limited exploration activities occurred at or near the site.

 

In August 2018, the EPA informed Hecla Limited that it and several other PRPs may be liable for cleanup of the site or for costs incurred by the EPA in cleaning up the site. The EPA did not include an amount of its alleged response costs to date. Hecla Limited cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of liability, if any, relating to this matter because of, among other reasons, the lack of information concerning past or anticipated future costs at the site and the relative contributions of contamination by various other PRPs.

 

Claim for Indemnification Against CoCa Mines, Inc.

In 1991, Hecla Limited acquired CoCa Mines, Inc. (“CoCa”) and its subsidiary Creede Resources, Inc. (“CRI”). CoCa and CRI previously operated in the State of Colorado, but presently have limited assets and operations. Between 2014 and 2019, a PRP alleged that CoCa and CRI are required by a 1989 agreement to indemnify it for certain environmental costs and liabilities it may incur with respect to the Nelson Tunnel/Commodore Waste Rock Pile Superfund site in Creede, Colorado. In 2016, without admitting any liability, Hecla Limited, CoCa and CRI entered into a Consent Decree with the United States and the State of Colorado settling any regulatory liability they may have had at the site. On October 30, 2019, the PRP filed a lawsuit in Mineral County, Colorado alleging, among other things, that CoCa and CRI are in breach of contract for failure to indemnify the PRP for its liability to the U.S. under CERCLA with respect to the site. In addition, the lawsuit names Hecla Limited as a defendant in its role as the shareholder of CoCa. The PRP seeks in excess of $5 million in damages, including attorneys’ fees and costs. The lawsuit will be vigorously defended and we believe strong defenses exist against all claims made therein and, as noted above, both CoCa and CRI have limited assets with which to satisfy any claim.

 

18

Litigation Related to Klondex AcquisitionEmployee Benefit Plans

 

OnWe sponsor defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees.  Net periodic pension cost for the plans consisted of the following for the September 11, 2018, threea lawsuit was filed months ended March 31,2021 and 2020 (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

Service cost

 $1,455  $1,334 

Interest cost

  1,248   1,404 

Expected return on plan assets

  (2,313)  (1,872)

Amortization of prior service cost

  99   29 

Amortization of net loss

  1,125   1,163 

Net periodic pension cost

 $1,614  $2,058 

The service cost component of net periodic pension cost is included in the Ontario (Canada) Superior Courtsame line items of Justice by Waterton Nevada Splitter LLC against Hecla Mining Company, our subsidiary Klondex Mines Unlimited Liability Companycondensed consolidated financial statements as other employee compensation costs, and Havilah Mining Corporation, an entity that was formedthe net expense for the three months ended March 31,2021 and 2020 of $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively, related to ownall other components of net periodic pension cost is included in other (expense) income on our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

In January 2021, we contributed $16.8 million in shares of our common stock to our supplemental executive retirement plan, and expect to contribute approximately $0.8 million during the Canadian assetsremainder of Klondex that we did2021. We do not acquire as part of the Klondex acquisition, and of which we own approximately 13%. The lawsuit alleges that Hecla and Havilah are in breach of contract in connection with the issuanceexpect to Waterton of warrantsbe required to purchase Hecla common stock and Havilah common sharescontribute to replace warrants to purchase Klondex common shares that Waterton owned prior to the July 2018 acquisition. The lawsuit claims Hecla and Havilah issued warrants to Waterton valued at $3.7 million but that Waterton was entitled to warrants valued at $8.9 million. We believe the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend it.

On May 24, 2019, a purported Hecla stockholder filed a putative class action lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Hecla and certain of our executive officers, one of whom is also a director. The complaint, purportedly brought on behalf of all purchasers of Hecla common stock from March 19, 2018 through and including May 8, 2019, asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and seeks, among other things, damages and costs and expenses. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Hecla, under the authority and control of the individual defendants, made certain material false and misleading statements and omitted certain material information regarding Hecla’s Nevada Operations unit. The complaint alleges that these misstatements and omissions artificially inflated the market price of Hecla common stock during the class period, thus purportedly harming investors. A second suit was filed on June 19, 2019, alleging virtually identical claims. We cannot predict the outcome of these lawsuits or estimate damages if plaintiffs were to prevail. We believe that these claims are without merit and intend to defend them vigorously.

Related to the above described class action lawsuits, Hecla has been named as a nominal defendant in a shareholder derivative lawsuit which names as defendants members of Hecla’s board of directors and certain officers. The case was filed on July 12, 2019 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. In general terms, the suit alleges (i) violations of Sections 10(b) and 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and (ii) breaches of fiduciary duties by the individual defendants and seeks damages, purportedly on behalf of Hecla.

Debt

As discussed in Note 9, on February 19, 2020, we completed an offering of $475 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2028. The net proceeds from the offering of the Senior Notes were used, together with cash on hand, to redeem all of our previously-outstanding 6.875% Senior Notes that were duedefined benefit pension plans in 2021, and had a principal balance of $506.5 million. Interestbut may do so.

Note 5.Income (Loss) Per Common Share

We calculate basic income (loss) per common share on the Senior Notesbasis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share is payable on February 15 calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period plus the effect of potential dilutive common shares during the period using the treasury stock and August 15 if-converted methods.

Potential dilutive shares of each year, commencing August 15, 2020.common stock include outstanding unvested restricted stock awards, performance-based share awards, stock units, warrants and convertible preferred stock for periods in which we have reported net income. For periods in which we report net losses, potential dilutive shares of common stock are excluded, as their conversion and exercise would be anti-dilutive.

 

1110

 

As discussed in Note 9, on July 9, 2020, we entered into a note purchase agreement pursuant to which we will issue CAD$50 million (approximately USD$36.8 million at the time of the transaction) in aggregate principal amount of our Series 2020-A Senior Notes due July 9, 2025 (the “IQ Notes”) to Investissment Québec, a financing arm of the Québec government. The following table represents net proceeds from the IQ Notes will be available for general corporate purposes, including open market purchases of a portion of the Senior Notes and to pay for capital expenditures at our Casa Berardi unit. The IQ Notes will be issued in 4 equal installments of CAD$12.5 million on July 9, August 9, September 9 and October 9, 2020, with the first installment issued net of CAD$0.6 million in fees. The IQ Notes bear interest on amounts outstanding at a rate of 6.515% per year, payable on January 9 and July 9 of each year, commencing January 9, 2021.

Other Commitments

Our contractual obligations as of June 30,2020 included approximately $1.3 million for various costs. In addition, our open purchase orders at June 30,2020 included approximately $2.1 million, $0.3 million, $5.6 million and $2.8 million for various capital and non-capital items at the Lucky Friday, Casa Berardi, Greens Creek and Nevada Operations units, respectively. We also have total commitments of approximately $13.7 million relating to scheduled payments on finance leases, including interest, primarily for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units and total commitments of approximately $14.6 million relating to payments on operating leases (see Note 9 for more information). As part of our ongoing business and operations, we are required to provide surety bonds, bank letters of credit, and restricted deposits for various purposes, including financial support for environmental reclamation obligations and workers compensation programs. As of June 30,2020, we had surety bonds totaling $182.6 million and letters of credit totaling $20.4 million in place as financial support for future reclamation and closure costs, self-insurance, and employee benefit plans. The obligations associated with these instruments are generally related to performance requirements that we address through ongoing operations. As the requirements are met, the beneficiary of the associated instruments cancels or returns the instrument to the issuing entity. Certain of these instruments are associated with operating sites with long-lived assets and will remain outstanding until closure of the sites. We believe we are in compliance with all applicable bonding requirements and will be able to satisfy future bonding requirements as they arise.

Other Contingencies

We also have certain other contingencies resulting from litigation, claims, EPA investigations, and other commitments and are subject to a variety of environmental and safety laws and regulations incident to the ordinary course of business. We currently have no basis to conclude that any or all of such contingencies will materially affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, in the future, there may be changes to these contingencies, or additional contingencies may occur, any of which might result in an accrual or a change in current accruals recorded by us, and there can be no assurance that their ultimate disposition will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 5.    Loss Per Common Share

We are authorized to issue 750,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.25 par value per share. At June 30,2020, there were 534,660,072 shares of our common stock issued with 6,821,044 of these shares held in treasury, for a net of 527,839,028 shares outstanding. Basic and diluted lossincome (loss) per common share after preferred dividends, was $(0.03) and $(0.10) for the three-month periods ended June 30,2020 and 2019, respectively. Basic– basic and diluted loss(in thousands, except income (loss) per common share, after preferred dividends, was $(0.06) and $(0.15) for the six-month periods ended June 30,2020 and 2019, respectively.share): 

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

Numerator

        

Net income (loss)

 $18,971  $(17,185)

Preferred stock dividends

  (138)  (138)

Net income (loss) applicable to common shares

 $18,833  $(17,323)
         

Denominator

        

Basic weighted average common shares

  534,101   523,215 

Dilutive restricted stock units, warrants and deferred shares

  6,426   0 

Diluted weighted average common shares

  540,527   523,215 
         

Basic income (loss) per common share

 $0.04  $(0.03)

Diluted income (loss) per common share

 $0.03  $(0.03)

 

Diluted lossincome (loss) per share for the three and sixmonths ended JuneMarch 30,31, 20202021 and 20192020 excludes the potential effects of outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock, as their conversion would have no effect on the calculation of dilutive shares.

 

For the three-month months ended March 31,2021, the calculation of diluted income per common share included (i) 2,863,038 restricted stock units that were unvested during the period, (ii) 1,536,615 warrants to purchase one share of common stock and (iii) 2,026,440 deferred shares that were dilutive. For the sixthree-month periods months ended JuneMarch 30,31, 2020, and 2019,all outstanding restricted sharestock units, warrants and deferred shares and warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share, as our reported lossnet losses for those periods would cause their conversion and exercise to have no effect on the calculation of loss per share.

 

Note 6.Stockholders Equity

Stock-based Compensation Plans

Stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock unit and performance-based grants to employees and shares issued to non-employee directors totaled $0.5 million and $1.2 million for the firstthree months of 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Common Stock Dividends

On February 18, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.00875 per share of common stock, consisting of $0.00375 per share for the minimum dividend component of our common stock dividend policy and $0.005 per share for the silver-linked dividend component of the policy, for a total dividend of $4.7 million paid in March 2021. The realized silver price of $25.16 in the fourth quarter of 2020 satisfied the criterion for the silver-linked dividend component of our common stock dividend policy.

During May 2021, our Board of Directors approved an increase in our silver-linked dividend by $0.01 per year and approved a quarterly silver-linked dividend of $0.075 based on the first quarter of 2021 realized silver price of $25.66. The table below provides an overview of the augmented silver-linked dividend policy and the increased minimum dividends.

Quarterly Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce

  

Quarterly Silver-Linked Dividend per Share

  

Annualized Silver-Linked Dividend per Share

  

Annualized Minimum Dividend

  

Annualized Dividends per Share: Silver-Linked and Minimum

 
$25  $0.0075  $0.03  $0.015  $0.045 
$30  $0.0125  $0.05  $0.015  $0.065 
$35  $0.0225  $0.09  $0.015  $0.105 
$40  $0.0325  $0.13  $0.015  $0.145 
$45  $0.0425  $0.17  $0.015  $0.185 
$50  $0.0525  $0.21  $0.015  $0.225 

At-The-Market Equity Distribution Agreement

Pursuant to an equity distribution agreement dated February 18, 2021, we may offer and sell up to 60 million shares of our common stock from time to time to or through sales agents. Sales of the shares, if any, will be made by means of ordinary brokers transactions or as otherwise agreed between the Company and the agents as principals. Whether or not we engage in sales from time to time may depend on a variety of factors, including share price, our cash resources, customary black-out restrictions, and whether we have any material inside information. The agreement can be terminated by us at any time. Any shares issued under the equity distribution agreement are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3. NaN shares have been sold under the agreement as of March 31,2021.

11

Note 7.Debt, Credit Facility and Leases

Our debt as of March 31,2021 and December 31,2020 consisted of our 7.25% Senior Notes due February 15, 2028 ("Senior Notes") and our Series 2020-A Senior Notes due July 9, 2025 (the “IQ Notes”). The following tables summarize our long-term debt balances, excluding interest, as of March 31,2021 and December 31,2020 (in thousands):

  

March 31, 2021

 
  

Senior Notes

  

IQ Notes

  

Total

 

Principal

 $475,000  $38,359  $513,359 

Unamortized discount/premium and issuance costs

  (6,234)  867   (5,367)

Long-term debt balance

 $468,766  $39,226  $507,992 

  

December 31, 2020

 
  

Senior Notes

  

IQ Notes

  

Total

 

Principal

 $475,000  $37,886  $512,886 

Unamortized discount/premium and issuance costs

  (6,462)  818   (5,644)

Long-term debt balance

 $468,538  $38,704  $507,242 

The following table summarizes the scheduled annual future payments, including interest, for our Senior Notes, IQ Notes, and finance and operating leases as of March 31,2021 (in thousands). The amounts for the IQ Notes are stated in U.S. dollars ("USD") based on the USD/Canadian dollar ("CAD") exchange rate as of March 31,2021.

Twelve-month

period ending

March 31,

 

Senior Notes

  

IQ Notes

  

Finance Leases

  

Operating Leases

 

2022

 $34,438  $2,499  $7,329  $3,696 

2023

  34,438   2,499   5,132   2,706 

2024

  34,438   2,499   3,643   2,002 

2025

  34,438   2,499   2,076   549 

2026

  34,438   39,045   0   525 

Thereafter

  539,568   0   0   2,213 

Total

 $711,758  $49,041  $18,180  $11,691 

Credit Facility

In July 2018, we entered into a $250 million senior secured revolving credit facility which has a term ending on February 7, 2023. As of March 31,2021 and December 31,2020, 0 amounts were outstanding under the facility.

12

We are also able to obtain letters of credit under the facility, and for any such letters we are required to pay a participation fee of between 2.25% and 4.00% of the amount of the letters of credit based on our total leverage ratio, as well as a fronting fee to each issuing bank of 0.20% annually on the average daily dollar amount of any outstanding letters of credit. There were $20.3 million in letters of credit outstanding as of March 31,2021.

We believe we were in compliance with all covenants under the credit agreement as of March 31,2021.

 

 

Note 6.8.    Business Segments and Sales of ProductsDerivative Instruments

 

We discover, acquireGeneral

Our current risk management policy provides that up to 75% of:

our future foreign currency-related operating cost exposure for five years into the future may be hedged and for potential additional programs to manage other foreign currency-related exposure areas; and

our planned lead and zinc metals price exposure for five years into the future, with certain other limitations, to be covered under derivatives programs that would establish a ceiling for prices to be realized on future metals sales.

These instruments do, however, expose us to (i) credit risk in the form of non-performance by counterparties for contracts in which the contract price exceeds the spot price of the hedged commodity or foreign currency and develop mines and other mineral interests and produce and market concentrates, carbon material and doré containing silver, gold, lead and zinc. We are currently organized and managed in five segments, which represent(ii) price risk to the extent that the spot price exceeds the contract price for quantities of our operating units: the Greens Creek unit, the Lucky Friday unit,production and/or forecasted costs covered under contract positions.

Foreign Currency

Our wholly-owned subsidiaries owning the Casa Berardi unit, theand San Sebastian unit,operations are USD-functional entities which routinely incur expenses denominated in CAD and Mexican pesos ("MXN"), respectively. Such expenses expose us to exchange rate fluctuations between the Nevada Operations unit.USD and CAD and MXN. We have a program to manage our exposure to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the USD and CAD and MXN for these subsidiaries' future operating costs denominated in CAD and MXN. The programs utilize forward contracts to buy CAD and MXN, and each contract is designated as a cash flow hedge. As of March 31,2021, we have 133 forward contracts outstanding to buy a total of CAD$256.8 million having a notional amount of USD$194.8 million. The CAD contracts are related to forecasted cash operating costs at Casa Berardi to be incurred from 2021 through 2024 and have CAD-to-USD exchange rates ranging between 1.2702 and 1.3785. There were 0 outstanding contracts for MXN as of March 31,2021.

 

General corporate activitiesAs of not associated with operating units and their various exploration activities, as well as discontinued operations and idle properties, are presented as “other.”  Interest expense, interest income and income taxes are considered general corporate items, and are not allocated to our segments.

The following tables present information about our reportable segments for the three and six months ended JuneMarch 30,31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended
June 30,

  

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers:

                

Greens Creek

 $84,890  $55,398  $138,724  $135,527 

Lucky Friday

  11,455   4,951   14,285   7,133 

Casa Berardi

  50,005   45,500   96,177   85,562 

San Sebastian

  4,934   10,993   14,860   23,593 

Nevada Operations

  15,071   17,330   39,234   34,974 
  $166,355  $134,172  $303,280  $286,789 

Income (loss) from operations:

                

Greens Creek

 $26,751  $9,141  $30,867  $34,574 

Lucky Friday

  (5,218)  (2,271)  (13,338)  (5,052)

Casa Berardi

  3,204   (15,363)  (676)  (25,882)

San Sebastian

  (859)  (1,923)  (180)  (3,435)

Nevada Operations

  (2,266)  (21,475)  623   (35,466)

Other

  (11,738)  (11,586)  (22,382)  (24,340)
  $9,874  $(43,477) $(5,086) $(59,601)

The following table presents identifiable assets by reportable segment as of June 30,20202021 and December 31, 20192020, we recorded the following balances for the fair value of the contracts (in thousands)millions):

 

  

June 30, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

 

Identifiable assets:

        

Greens Creek

 $618,726  $639,047 

Lucky Friday

  501,690   440,615 

Casa Berardi

  693,259   703,511 

San Sebastian

  32,915   48,294 

Nevada Operations

  522,822   528,466 

Other

  233,996   277,375 
  $2,603,408  $2,637,308 
  

March 31,

  

December 31,

 

Balance sheet line item:

 

2021

  

2020

 

Current derivatives assets

 $5.0  $3.5 

Non-current derivatives assets

  4.2   4.2 

 

Our products consistNet unrealized gains of metal concentrates and carbon material which we sellapproximately $9.5 million related to custom smelters, brokers and third-party processors and unrefined bullion bars (doré), which may be sold as doré or further refined before sale to precious metals traders. Revenue is recognized upon the completioneffective portion of the performance obligationshedges were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of March 31,2021. Unrealized gains and transferlosses will be transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss to current earnings as the underlying operating expenses are recognized. We estimate approximately $4.8 million in net unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of controlMarch 31,2021 will be reclassified to current earnings in the next twelve months. Net realized gains of the product to the customer.

For sales of metals from refined doré, which we currently have at our Casa Berardi, San Sebastian and Nevada Operations units, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price is known, and revenue is recognized at the time of transfer of control of the agreed-upon metal quantities to the customer by the refiner. For sales of unrefined doré, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price is known, and revenue is recognized at the time of transfer of title and control of the doré containing the agreed-upon metal quantities to the customer. Refining, selling and shipping costsapproximately $0.6 million on contracts related to sales of doréunderlying expenses which have been recognized were transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss and metals from doré are recorded toincluded in cost of sales as incurred.and other direct production costs for the three months ended March 31,2021. NaN net unrealized gains or losses related to ineffectiveness of the hedges were included in current earnings for the three months ended March 31,2021.

 

13

 

For sales of carbon material, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price is known, and revenue is recognized generally at the time of arrival at the customer's facility.Metals Prices

 

For concentrate sales, which weWe are currently have at our Greens Creek and Lucky Friday units, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price can be reasonably estimated, and revenue is recognized generally at the time of shipment. Concentrates sold at our Lucky Friday unit typically leave the mine and are received by the customer within the same day. However, there is a period of time between shipment of concentrates from our Greens Creek unit and their physical receipt by the customer, and judgment is required in determining when control has been transferred to the customer for those shipments. We have determined the performance obligation is met upon shipment of concentrate parcels from Greens Creek because, at that time, 1) legal title is transferred to the customer, 2) the customer has accepted the parcel and obtained the ability to realize all of the benefits from the product, 3) the concentrate content specifications are known, have been communicated to the customer, and the customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership of it, 4) it is very unlikely a concentrate parcel from Greens Creek will be rejected by a customer upon physical receipt, and 5) we have the right to payment for the parcel.

Judgment is also required in identifying what the performance obligations for our concentrate sales are. Most of our concentrate sales involve “frame contracts” with smelters that can cover multiple years and specify certain terms under which individual parcels of concentrates are sold. However, some terms are not specified in the frame contracts and/or can be renegotiated as part of annual amendments to the frame contract. We have determined parcel shipments represent individual performance obligations satisfied at a point in time when control of the shipment is transferred to the customer.

The consideration we receive for our concentrate sales fluctuates due to changes in metals prices between the time of shipment and final settlement with the customer. However, we are able to reasonably estimate the transaction price for the concentrate sales at the time of shipment using forward prices for the month of settlement, and previously recorded sales and accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement with the customer. Also, it is unlikely a significant reversal of revenue for any one concentrate parcel will occur. As such, we use the expected value method to price the parcels until the final settlement date occurs, at which time the final transaction price is known. At June 30,2020, metals contained in concentrate sales and exposed to future price changes totaled 2.6 million ounces of silver, 7,969 ounces of gold, 9,983 tons of zinc, and 7,405 tons of lead.  However, as discussed in Note 11, we seek to mitigate the risk of price adjustments by using financially-settled forward contracts for someto manage the exposure to:

changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments between the time of shipment and final settlement; and

changes in prices of zinc and lead (but not silver and gold) contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments.

The following tables summarize the quantities of metals committed under forward sales contracts at March 31,2021 and December 31,2020:

March 31, 2021

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2021 settlements

  1,492   5   12,070   1,587  $25.48  $1,736  $1.26  $0.89 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2021 settlements

        33,841   30,479   N/A   N/A  $1.20  $0.89 

2022 settlements

        53,407   42,715   N/A   N/A  $1.26  $0.96 

2023 settlements

        41,171      N/A   N/A  $1.27   N/A 

December 31, 2020

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2021 settlements

  1,282   4   23,314   4,905  $25.00  $1,858  $1.19  $0.90 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2021 settlements

        41,577   30,876   N/A   N/A  $1.17  $0.88 

2022 settlements

        18,519      N/A   N/A  $1.28   N/A 

In June 2019, we began utilizing financially-settled put option contracts to manage the exposure of our sales.forecasted future gold and silver sales to potential declines in market prices for those metals. These put contracts gave us the option, but not the obligation, to realize established prices on quantities of silver and gold to be sold in the future. As of December 31,2020, we had put contracts that provided average floor prices of $16.50 per ounce for silver and $1,650 per ounce for gold for a total of 1.1 million silver ounces and 12,992 gold ounces. We had 0 put option contracts outstanding as of March 31,2021.

 

SalesThese forward and accounts receivable for concentrate shipmentsput option contracts are recorded net of charges for treatment, refining, smelting losses, and other charges negotiated by us with the customers, which represent components of the transaction price. Charges are estimated by us upon shipment of concentrates based on contractual terms, and actual charges typically do not vary materially from our estimates. Costs charged by customers include fixed treatmentdesignated as hedges for accounting purposes and refining costs per ton of concentrate and may include price escalators which allow the customers to participate in the increase of lead and zinc prices above a negotiated baseline. Costs for shipping concentrates to customers are recorded to cost of sales as incurred.

Sales of metal concentrates and metal products are made principally to custom smelters, brokers, third-party processors and metals traders. The percentage of sales contributed bymarked-to-market through earnings each segment is reflected in the following table:period.  

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 
                 

Greens Creek

  51

%

  41

%

  45

%

  48

%

Lucky Friday

  7

%

  4

%

  5

%

  2

%

Casa Berardi

  30

%

  34

%

  32

%

  30

%

San Sebastian

  3

%

  8

%

  5

%

  8

%

Nevada Operations

  9

%

  13

%

  13

%

  12

%

   100

%

  100

%

  100

%

  100

%

 

14

 

Sales of products by metalWe recorded the following balances for the fair value of the forward contracts as of threeMarch -31,2021 and forward and put option contracts as of six-month periods ended JuneDecember 30,31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in thousands)millions):

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 
                 

Silver

 $61,756  $36,298  $99,328  $81,804 

Gold

  89,212   78,166   179,906   157,845 

Lead

  12,454   6,670   18,874   15,695 

Zinc

  21,455   22,948   38,762   47,703 

Less: Smelter and refining charges

  (18,522)  (9,910)  (33,590)  (16,258)
  $166,355  $134,172  $303,280  $286,789 
  

March 31, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 

Balance sheet line item:

 

Contracts in an

asset position

  

Contracts in

a liability

position

  

Net asset

(liability)

  

Contracts in

an asset

position

  

Contracts in a

liability

position

  

Net asset

(liability)

 

Current derivatives assets

 $3.3  $(1.1) $2.2  $0.2  $(0.2) $0 

Non-current derivatives assets

  2.3   (0.2)  2.1   0.5   (0.1)  0.4 

Current derivatives liability

  0   (3.9)  (3.9)  0.1   (11.8)  (11.7)

Other non-current liabilities

  0.4   (1.2)  (0.8)  0   0   0 

 

The following is sales information by geographic area based onWe recognized $2.8 million and $1.7 million net gains during the locationfirst quarters of smelters and brokers (for concentrate shipments) and location of parent companies (for doré sales to metals traders) for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30,20202021 and 2019 (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 
                 

Canada

 $80,311  $78,158  $62,152  $171,030 

Korea

  25,180   26,202   51,787   75,501 

Japan

  11,613   9,236   17,734   17,585 

Netherlands

  (2)  16,055   (923)  16,055 

China

  25,087      39,008    

United States

  29,048   3,228   136,785   7,801 

Other

  116      55    

Total, excluding gains/losses on forward contracts

 $171,353  $132,879  $306,598  $287,972 

Sales by significant product type for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30,2020, and 2019 were as follows (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 
                 

Doré and metals from doré

 $59,445  $73,312  $143,780  $144,167 

Carbon

  16,903   4,284   19,264   9,330 

Lead concentrate

  72,514   35,742   106,667   85,042 

Zinc concentrate

  16,585   15,738   27,405   39,530 

Bulk concentrate

  5,906   3,803   9,482   9,903 

Total, excluding gains/losses on forward contracts

 $171,353  $132,879  $306,598  $287,972 

Salesrespectively, on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices of productsmetals in our concentrate shipments, which is included in sales of products.  The net gains recognized on the contracts offsets losses of $5.0 million and $3.3 million, respectively, for the second quarter and first half of 2020related to price adjustments on financially-settled forward contracts forour provisional concentrate sales due to changes to silver, gold, lead and zinc contained in our sales. Salesprices between the time of products includedsale and final settlement.

We recognized $0.5 million and $7.9 million net gains of $1.3 million forduring the secondfirst quarterquarters of 20192021 and 2020, respectively, on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices for forecasted future sales. The net losses of $1.2 milliongains on these contracts are included as a separate line item under other income (expense), as they relate to forecasted future sales, as opposed to sales that have already taken place but are subject to final pricing as discussed in the preceding paragraph.  The net gain for the first halfquarter of 20192021 on forwardis the result of a decrease in zinc and lead prices.

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

Certain of our derivative contracts contain cross default provisions which provide that a default under our revolving credit agreement would cause a default under the derivative contract. As of March 31,2021, we have not posted any collateral related to these contracts. See The fair value of derivatives in a net liability position related to these agreements was $6.4 million as of March 31,2021, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk. If we were in breach of any of these provisions at March 31,2021, we could have been required to settle our obligations under the agreements at their termination value of $6.4 million.

Note 119.Fair Value Measurement

Accounting guidance has established a hierarchy for more information.inputs used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. The three levels included in the hierarchy are:

Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: significant other observable inputs; and

Level 3: significant unobservable inputs.

 

15

 

Sales of productsThe table below sets forth our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis and the fair value calculation input hierarchy level that we have determined applies to significant customers as a percentage of total sales were as follows for the three-each asset and six-month periods ended June 30,2020 and 2019:liability category (in thousands).  

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 
                 

CIBC

  31

%

  24

%

  31

%

  19

%

Teck Metals Ltd.

  20

%

  3

%

  12

%

  9

%

Korea Zinc

  15

%

  20

%

  17

%

  20

%

Ocean Partners

  13

%

  12

%

  7

%

  6

%

SIPI

  10

%

  3

%

  5

%

  3

%

Scotia

  

%

  28

%

  7

%

  28

%

Description

 

Balance at

March 31, 2021

  

Balance at

December 31, 2020

 

Input

Hierarchy Level

Assets:

         

Cash and cash equivalents:

         

Money market funds and other bank deposits

 $139,750  $129,830 

Level 1

Current and non-current investments:

         

Equity securities – mining industry

  11,717   19,389 

Level 1

Trade accounts receivable:

         

Receivables from provisional concentrate sales

  35,274   27,864 

Level 2

Restricted cash balances:

         

Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits

  1,053   1,053 

Level 1

Derivative contracts - current and non-current derivatives assets:

         

Metal forward and put option contracts

  4,349   381 

Level 2

Foreign exchange contracts

  9,192   7,647 

Level 2

Total assets

 $201,335  $186,164  
          

Liabilities:

         

Derivative contracts - current derivatives liabilities and other non-current liabilities:

         

Metal forward and put option contracts

 $4,742  $11,737 

Level 2

Foreign exchange contracts

  0   19 

Level 2

Total Liabilities

 $4,742  $11,756  

Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds and are valued at cost, which approximates fair value, and a small portion consists of municipal bonds having maturities of less than 90 days, which are recorded at fair value.

Current and non-current restricted cash balances consist primarily of certificates of deposit, U.S. Treasury securities, and other deposits and are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.

 

Our tradenon-current available for sale securities consist of marketable equity securities of companies in the mining industry which are valued using quoted market prices for each security.

Trade accounts receivable balance relatedfrom provisional concentrate sales are subject to contracts with customers was $26.0 million at June 30,2020final pricing and $12.0 million at December 31,2019, and included no allowancevalued using quoted prices based on forward curves for doubtful accounts.the particular metal.  The embedded derivative contained in our concentrate sales is adjusted to fair market value through earnings each period prior to final settlement.

 

We have determineduse financially-settled forward contracts to manage exposure to changes in the exchange rate between USD and CAD and MXN, and the impact on CAD- and MXN-denominated operating costs incurred at our contracts doCasa Berardi and San Sebastian units (see Note not8 include a significant financing component. For doré sales and sales for more information). The fair value of metal from doré, payment is received ateach contract represents the time the performance obligation is satisfied. Payment for carbon sales is received within a relatively short period of time after the performance obligation is satisfied. The amount of consideration for concentrate sales is variable, and we receive payment for a significant portionpresent value of the estimated valuedifference between the forward exchange rate for the contract settlement period as of concentrate parcels within a relatively short period of time after the performance obligation is satisfied.measurement date and the contract settlement exchange rate.

 

We do not incur significant costsuse financially-settled forward contracts to obtain contracts, nor costsmanage the exposure to fulfill contracts which are not addressed by other accounting standards. Therefore, wechanges in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments that have not recognized an assetreached final settlement.  We also use financially-settled forward and put option contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our forecasted future sales (see Note 8 for such costsmore information).  The fair value of each forward contract represents the present value of the difference between the forward metal price for the contract settlement period as of the measurement date and the contract settlement metal price. The fair value of each put option contract is measured using the Black-Scholes pricing model, with inputs for the period-end metal price and assumed metal price volatility and discount rate.

June 16

Our Senior Notes, which were recorded at their carrying value of $468.8 million, net of unamortized initial purchaser discount and issuance costs, had a fair value of $509.7 million at 30,2020 or DecemberMarch 31, 2019.2021. Quoted market prices, which we consider to be Level 1 inputs, are utilized to estimate fair values of the Senior Notes. See Note 7 for more information.

 

 

Note 7.10.    Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations

General

We follow GAAP guidance in determining our accruals and disclosures with respect to loss contingencies, and evaluate such accruals and contingencies for each reporting period. Accordingly, estimated losses from loss contingencies are accrued by a charge to income when information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability could be incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the contingency are expensed as incurred. If a loss contingency is not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of the loss contingency is made in the financial statements when it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss could be incurred.

Lucky Friday Water Permit Matters

In December 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") issued to Hecla Limited a request for information under Section 308 of the Clean Water Act directing Hecla Limited to undertake a comprehensive groundwater investigation of Lucky Friday’s tailings pond no.3 to evaluate whether the pond is causing the discharge of pollutants via seepage to groundwater that is discharging to surface water. We completed the investigation mandated by the EPA and submitted a draft report to the agency in December 2015. We are waiting for the EPA’s response and we cannot predict what further action, if any, the agency may take.

Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, McKinley County and San Mateo Creek Basin, New Mexico

In May 2011, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, McKinley County, New Mexico, and asserted that Hecla Mining Company may be responsible under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") for environmental remediation and past costs the EPA has incurred at the site. Mining at the Johnny M Mine was conducted for a limited period of time by a predecessor of our subsidiary, Hecla Limited. In August 2012, Hecla Limited and the EPA entered into a Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order on Consent for Removal Action (“Consent Order”), pursuant to which Hecla Limited agreed to pay (i) $1.1 million to the EPA for its past response costs at the site and (ii) any future response costs at the site under the Consent Order, in exchange for a covenant not to sue by the EPA. Hecla Limited paid the $1.1 million to the EPA for its past response costs and in December 2014 submitted to EPA the Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis (“EE/CA”) for the site which recommended on-site disposal of mine-related material. In January 2021, the EPA contacted Hecla Limited to begin negotiations on a new consent order to design and implement the on-site disposal response action recommended in the EE/CA. Based on the foregoing, we believe it is probable that Hecla Limited will incur a liability for the CERCLA removal action and we have increased our accrual to $9.0 million in the first quarter of 2021 ($6.1 million at December 31, 2020) primarily representing estimated costs to begin design and implementation of the remedy. It is possible that Hecla Limited’s liability will be more than $9.0 million, and any increase in liability could have a material adverse effect on Hecla Limited’s or our results of operations or financial position.

The Johnny M Mine is in an area known as the San Mateo Creek Basin (“SMCB”), which is an approximately 321 square mile area in New Mexico that contains numerous legacy uranium mines and mills. In addition to Johnny M, Hecla Limited's predecessor was involved at other mining sites within the SMCB. The EPA appears to have deferred consideration of listing the SMCB site on CERCLA’s National Priorities List ("Superfund") by removing the site from its emphasis list, and is working with various potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") at the site in order to study and potentially address perceived groundwater issues within the SMCB. The EE/CA discussed above relates primarily to contaminated rock and soil at the Johnny M site, not groundwater and not elsewhere within the SMCB site. It is possible that Hecla Limited’s liability at the Johnny M Site, and for any other mine site within the SMCB at which Hecla Limited's predecessor may have operated, will be greater than our current accrual of $9.0 million due to the increased scope of required remediation.

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In July 2018, the EPA informed Hecla Limited that it and several other PRPs may be liable for cleanup of the SMCB site or for costs incurred by the EPA in cleaning up the site. The EPA stated it has incurred approximately $9.6 million in response costs to date. Hecla Limited cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of liability, if any, relating to this matter because of, among other reasons, the lack of information concerning the site, including the relative contributions of contamination by the various PRPs.

Carpenter Snow Creek and Barker-Hughesville Sites in Montana

In July 2010, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Carpenter Snow Creek Superfund site located in Cascade County, Montana. The Carpenter Snow Creek site is located in a historic mining district, and in the early 1980s Hecla Limited leased 6 mining claims and performed limited exploration activities at the site. Hecla Limited terminated the mining lease in 1988.

In June 2011, the EPA informed Hecla Limited that it believes Hecla Limited, and several other PRPs, may be liable for cleanup of the site or for costs incurred by the EPA in cleaning up the site. The EPA stated in the letter that it has incurred approximately $4.5 million in response costs and estimated that total remediation costs may exceed $100 million. Hecla Limited cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of liability, if any, relating to this matter because of, among other reasons, the lack of information concerning the site, including the relative contributions of contamination by various other PRPs.

In February 2017, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Barker-Hughesville Mining District Superfund site located in Judith Basin and Cascade Counties, Montana. Hecla Limited submitted a response in April 2017. The Barker-Hughesville site is located in a historic mining district, and between approximately June and December 1983, Hecla Limited was party to an agreement with another mining company under which limited exploration activities occurred at or near the site.

In August 2018, the EPA informed Hecla Limited that it and several other PRPs may be liable for cleanup of the site or for costs incurred by the EPA in cleaning up the site. The EPA did not include an amount of its alleged response costs to date. Hecla Limited cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of liability, if any, relating to this matter because of, among other reasons, the lack of information concerning past or anticipated future costs at the site and the relative contributions of contamination by various other PRPs.

Claim for Indemnification Against CoCa Mines, Inc.

In 1991, Hecla Limited acquired CoCa Mines, Inc. (“CoCa”) and its subsidiary Creede Resources, Inc. (“CRI”). CoCa and CRI previously operated in the State of Colorado, but presently have limited assets and operations. Between 2014 and 2019, a PRP alleged that CoCa and CRI are required by a 1989 agreement to indemnify it for certain environmental costs and liabilities it may incur with respect to the Nelson Tunnel/Commodore Waste Rock Pile Superfund site in Creede, Colorado. In 2016, without admitting any liability, Hecla Limited, CoCa and CRI entered into a Consent Decree with the United States and the State of Colorado settling any regulatory liability they may have had at the site. On October 30, 2019, the PRP filed a lawsuit in Mineral County, Colorado alleging, among other things, that CoCa and CRI are in breach of contract for failure to indemnify the PRP for its liability to the U.S. under CERCLA with respect to the site. In addition, the lawsuit names Hecla Limited as a defendant in its role as the shareholder of CoCa. The PRP seeks in excess of $5 million in damages, including attorneys’ fees and costs. The lawsuit will be vigorously defended and we believe strong defenses exist against all claims made therein and, as noted above, both CoCa and CRI have limited assets with which to satisfy any claim.

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Employee Benefit Plans

 

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees.  Net periodic pension cost for the plans consisted of the following for the three and sixmonths ended JuneMarch 30,31, 20202021 and 20192020 (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
 

2020

 

2019

  

2021

  

2020

 

Service cost

 $1,334  $1,100  $1,455  $1,334 

Interest cost

 1,404  1,620  1,248  1,404 

Expected return on plan assets

 (1,872) (1,496) (2,313) (1,872)

Amortization of prior service cost

 29  15  99  29 

Amortization of net loss

  1,163   1,097   1,125   1,163 

Net periodic pension cost

 $2,058  $2,336  $1,614  $2,058 

 

  

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Service cost

 $2,668  $2,200 

Interest cost

  2,808   3,240 

Expected return on plan assets

  (3,744)  (2,992)

Amortization of prior service cost

  58   30 

Amortization of net (gain) loss

  2,326   2,194 

Net periodic pension cost

 $4,116  $4,672 

For the three- and six-month periods ended June 30,2020 and 2019, theThe service cost component of net periodic pension cost is included in the same line items of our condensed consolidated financial statements as other employee compensation costs. Thecosts, and the net expense for the three months ended March 31,2021 and 2020 of $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively, related to all other components of net periodic pension cost of $0.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively, for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30,2020, and $1.2 million and $2.5 million for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30,2019, respectively, is included in other (expense) income on our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) income..

 

In April 2020,January 2021, we contributed $0.4$16.8 million in shares of our common stock to our defined benefit plans,supplemental executive retirement plan, and we expect to contribute an additional approximately $10.0 million in cash or shares of our common stock to the plans in 2020, including $4.8 million to satisfy the remaining minimum funding requirement for the year.  We expect to contribute approximately $0.6$0.8 million during the remainder of 2021. We do not expect to be required to contribute to our unfunded supplemental executive retirement plandefined benefit pension plans in 2021, but may do so.

Note 5.Income (Loss) Per Common Share

We calculate basic income (loss) per common share on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during 2020.the period. Diluted income per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period plus the effect of potential dilutive common shares during the period using the treasury stock and if-converted methods.

Potential dilutive shares of common stock include outstanding unvested restricted stock awards, performance-based share awards, stock units, warrants and convertible preferred stock for periods in which we have reported net income. For periods in which we report net losses, potential dilutive shares of common stock are excluded, as their conversion and exercise would be anti-dilutive.

 

1610


The following table represents net income (loss) per common share – basic and diluted (in thousands, except income (loss) per share): 

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

Numerator

        

Net income (loss)

 $18,971  $(17,185)

Preferred stock dividends

  (138)  (138)

Net income (loss) applicable to common shares

 $18,833  $(17,323)
         

Denominator

        

Basic weighted average common shares

  534,101   523,215 

Dilutive restricted stock units, warrants and deferred shares

  6,426   0 

Diluted weighted average common shares

  540,527   523,215 
         

Basic income (loss) per common share

 $0.04  $(0.03)

Diluted income (loss) per common share

 $0.03  $(0.03)

Diluted income (loss) per share for the three months ended March 31,2021 and 2020 excludes the potential effects of outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock, as their conversion would have no effect on the calculation of dilutive shares.

For the three months ended March 31,2021, the calculation of diluted income per common share included (i) 2,863,038 restricted stock units that were unvested during the period, (ii) 1,536,615 warrants to purchase one share of common stock and (iii) 2,026,440 deferred shares that were dilutive. For the three months ended March 31,2020, all outstanding restricted stock units, warrants and deferred shares were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share, as our reported net losses for those periods would cause their conversion and exercise to have no effect on the calculation of loss per share.

 

 

Note 8.6.    Stockholders’Stockholders Equity

 

Stock-based Compensation Plans

We periodically grant restricted stock unit awards, performance-based shares and shares of common stock to our employees and directors. We measure compensation cost for restricted stock units and stock grants at the closing price of our stock at the time of grant. We measure compensation cost for performance-based share grants using a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate their value at grant date. Restricted stock unit and performance-based share grants vest after a specified period with compensation cost amortized over that period. Although we have no current plans to issue stock options, we may do so in the future.

In March 2020, the board of directors granted 2,800,062 shares of common stock to employees for payment of long-term incentive compensation for the period ended December 31, 2019. The shares were distributed in April 2020, and $5.1 million in expense related to the stock awards was recognized in the periods prior to March 31,2020.

In June 2020, the board of directors granted the following restricted stock unit awards to employees, which will result in a total expense of $4.0 million:

1,176,894 restricted stock units, with onethird of those vesting in June 2021, onethird vesting in June 2022, and onethird vesting in June 2023;

90,760 restricted stock units, with one half of those vesting in June 2021 and one-half vesting in June 2022; and

37,620 restricted stock units that vest in June 2021.

Expense of $1.4 million related to the unit awards discussed above scheduled to vest in 2021 will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the twelve months following the date of the award. Expense of $1.3 million related to the unit awards discussed above scheduled to vest in 2022 will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the twenty-four months following the date of the award. Expense of $1.2 million related to the unit awards discussed above scheduled to vest in 2023 will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the thirty-six-month period following the date of the award.

In June 2020, the board of directors granted performance-based share awards to certain executive employees. The value of the awards (if any) will be based on the ranking of the market performance of our common stock relative to the performance of the common stock of a group of peer companies over the three-year measurement period ending December 31, 2022. The number of shares to be issued will be based on the value of the awards divided by the share price at grant date. The expense related to the performance-based awards will be recognized on a straight-line base over the thirty months following the date of the award.

 

Stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock unit and performance-based grants to employees and shares issued to nonemployeenon-employee directors recorded intotaled $0.5 million and $1.2 million for the first sixthree months of 2021 and 2020, totaled $2.4 million, compared to $3.6 million in the same period last year.respectively.

 

In connection with the vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, employees have in the past, at their election and when permitted by us, chosen to satisfy their minimum tax withholding obligations through net share settlement, pursuant to which the Company withholds the number of shares necessary to satisfy such withholding obligations and pays the obligations in cash.  As a result, in the firstsix months of 2020 we withheld 1,183,773 shares valued at approximately $2.7 million, or approximately $2.32 per share. In the firstsix months of 2019 we withheld 714,645 shares valued at approximately $1.6 million, or approximately $2.30 per share.

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Common Stock Dividends

In September 2011 andOn February 2012,18, 2021, our boardBoard of directors adoptedDirectors declared a common stock dividend policy that has two components: (1) a dividend that links the amount of dividends on our common stock to our average quarterly realized silver price in the preceding quarter, and (2) a minimum annualcash dividend of $0.01$0.00875 per share of common stock, in each case, payable quarterly, if and when declared. For illustrative purposes only, the table below summarizes potentialconsisting of $0.00375 per share dividend amounts at different quarterly average realized price levels according tofor the firstminimum dividend component of the policy:

Quarterly average realized silver price

per ounce

 

Quarterly dividend per

share

 

Annualized dividend

per share

$30

 

$0.01

 

$0.04

$35

 

$0.02

 

$0.08

$40

 

$0.03

 

$0.12

$45

 

$0.04

 

$0.16

$50

 

$0.05

 

$0.20

On May 6, 2020, our board of directors declared a common stock dividend pursuant topolicy and $0.005 per share for the minimum annualsilver-linked dividend component of the policy, described above, of $0.0025 per share, for a total dividend of approximately $1.3$4.7 million payablepaid in June 2020.March 2021. Because the averageThe realized silver price of $25.16 in the fourth quarter of 2020 satisfied the criterion for the silver-linked dividend component of our common stock dividend policy.

During May 2021, our Board of Directors approved an increase in our silver-linked dividend by $0.01 per year and approved a quarterly silver-linked dividend of $0.075 based on the first quarter of 20202021 was $14.48 per ounce,realized silver price of $25.66. The table below provides an overview of the augmented silver-linked dividend policy and the increased minimum threshold of $30 according to the policy, no silver-price-linked component was declared or paid. The declaration and payment of common stock dividends is at the sole discretion of our board of directors.dividends.

Quarterly Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce

  

Quarterly Silver-Linked Dividend per Share

  

Annualized Silver-Linked Dividend per Share

  

Annualized Minimum Dividend

  

Annualized Dividends per Share: Silver-Linked and Minimum

 
$25  $0.0075  $0.03  $0.015  $0.045 
$30  $0.0125  $0.05  $0.015  $0.065 
$35  $0.0225  $0.09  $0.015  $0.105 
$40  $0.0325  $0.13  $0.015  $0.145 
$45  $0.0425  $0.17  $0.015  $0.185 
$50  $0.0525  $0.21  $0.015  $0.225 

At-The-Market Equity Distribution Agreement

 

Common Stock Repurchase Program

OnPursuant to an equity distribution agreement dated May 8, 2012,February 18, 2021, we announced that our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program.  Under the program, we are authorized to repurchasemay offer and sell up to 2060 million shares of our outstanding common stock from time to time in open marketto or privately negotiatedthrough sales agents. Sales of the shares, if any, will be made by means of ordinary brokers transactions depending on prevailing market conditionsor as otherwise agreed between the Company and other factors.  The repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued by us at any time.the agents as principals. Whether or not we engage in repurchasessales from time to time may depend on a variety of factors, including not onlyshare price, andour cash resources, but customary black-out restrictions, and whether we have any material inside information, limitationsinformation. The agreement can be terminated by us at any time. Any shares issued under the equity distribution agreement are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to a shelf registration statement on share repurchases or cash usage that Form S-may be imposed by our credit agreement or in connection with issuances of securities, alternative uses for cash, applicable law, and other investment opportunities from time to time. As of June 30,3. 2020, 934,100NaN shares have been purchased at an average price of $3.99 per share, leaving approximately 19.1 million shares that may yet be purchasedsold under the program. The closing priceagreement as of our common stock at AugustMarch 4,31, 2020, was $6.05 per share. NaN shares were purchased under the program during the firstsix months of 2020.2021.

 

Warrants

We issued 4,136,000 warrants to purchase 1 share

11

 

 

Note 9.7.Debt, Credit Facility and Leases

 

Senior Notes

OnOur debt as of February 19, March 31,2021 and December 31,2020we completed an offering of $475 million in aggregate principal amount consisted of our 7.25% Senior Notes due February 15, 2028 ("Senior Notes") under our shelf registration statement previously filed with the SEC. The Senior Notes are governed by the Indenture, dated as of February 19, 2020, among Hecla Mining Company ("Hecla") and certain of our subsidiaries and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. On March 19, 2020, the net proceeds from the offering of the Senior Notes ($469.5 million) were used, together with cash on hand, to redeem all of our previously-outstanding 6.875% Senior Notes that were due in 2021 and had a principal balance of $506.5 million ("2021 Notes").

18

The Senior Notes are recorded net of a 1.16% initial purchaser discount totaling $5.5 million at the time of the February 2020 issuance. The discount and issuance costs had an unamortized balance of $6.7 million as of June 30,2020. The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.25% per year from the date of issuance or from the most recent payment date on which interest has been paid or provided for.  Interest on the Senior Notes is payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing August 15, 2020. During each of the six month periods ended June 30,2020 and 2019, interest expense on the statement of operations and comprehensive loss related to the Senior Notes and 2021 Notes and amortization of the initial purchaser discount and fees related to the issuance of the Senior Notes and 2021 Notes totaled $22.6 million and $18.1 million, respectively. Interest expense for the six month period ended June 30,2020 included amounts recorded for (i) interest recognized on both the Senior Notes and 2021 Notes for an overlapping period of approximately one month, as the Senior Notes were issued on February 19, 2020 and the 2021 Notes were redeemed on March 19, 2020, and (ii) $1.7 million in unamortized initial purchaser discount on the 2021 Notes upon redemption. As of June 30,2020, the long-term debt balance on the Senior Notes was $468.3 million, consisting of the principal amount of $475.0 million less $6.7 million in amortized discount and issuance costs. As of December 31,2019, the long-term debt balance on the 2021 Notes was $504.7 million, consisting of the total principal amount of $506.5 million less $1.8 million in amortized discount.

The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of our subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). The Senior Notes and the guarantees are, respectively, Hecla's and the Guarantors' general senior unsecured obligations and are subordinated to all of Hecla's and the Guarantors' existing and future secured debt to the extent of the assets securing that secured debt.  In addition, the Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to all of the liabilities of Hecla's subsidiaries that are not guaranteeing the Senior Notes, to the extent of the assets of those subsidiaries.

The Senior Notes will be redeemable in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time on or after February 15, 2023, on the redemption dates and at the redemption prices specified in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.  Prior to February 15, 2023, we may redeem some or all of the Senior Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a "make whole" premium. We may redeem up to 35% of the Senior Notes before February 15, 2023 with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings.

Upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the Indenture), each holder of Senior Notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or a portion of such holder's Senior Notes pursuant to a change of control offer (as defined in the Indenture), at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase, subject to the rights of holders of the Senior Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.

Investissment Québec Notes

On July 9, 2020, we entered into a note purchase agreement pursuant to which we will issue CAD$50 million (approximately USD$36.8 million at the time of the transaction) in aggregate principal amount of our Series 2020-A Senior Notes due July 9, 2025 (the “IQ Notes”) to Investissment Québec, a financing arm. The following tables summarize our long-term debt balances, excluding interest, as of March 31,2021 and December 31,2020 (in thousands):

  

March 31, 2021

 
  

Senior Notes

  

IQ Notes

  

Total

 

Principal

 $475,000  $38,359  $513,359 

Unamortized discount/premium and issuance costs

  (6,234)  867   (5,367)

Long-term debt balance

 $468,766  $39,226  $507,992 

  

December 31, 2020

 
  

Senior Notes

  

IQ Notes

  

Total

 

Principal

 $475,000  $37,886  $512,886 

Unamortized discount/premium and issuance costs

  (6,462)  818   (5,644)

Long-term debt balance

 $468,538  $38,704  $507,242 

The following table summarizes the Québec government. Because the IQ notes are denominated in CAD, the reported USD-equivalent principal balance will change with movements in the exchange rate. Thescheduled annual future payments, including interest, for our Senior Notes, IQ Notes, will be issued at a premiumand finance and operating leases as of 103.65%, or CAD$1.8 million, implying an effective annual yield of 5.74% and an aggregate principal amount to be repaid of CAD$48.2 million. The IQ Notes will be issued in 4 equal installments of CAD$12.5 million on July 9,March August 9, 31,September 9 and October 9, 2020, with the first installment issued net of CAD$0.6 million in fees. The IQ Notes bear interest on amounts outstanding at a rate of 6.515% per year, payable on January 9 and July 9 of each year, commencing January 9, 2021. The IQ Notes are senior and unsecured and are pari passu in all material respects with the 2021 Notes, including with respect to guarantees of the IQ Notes by certain of our subsidiaries.(in thousands). The net proceeds from the IQ Notes will be available for general corporate purposes, including open market purchases of a portion of the Senior Notes and to pay for capital expenditures at our Casa Berardi unit. Under the note purchase agreementamounts for the IQ Notes and subject to a force majeure event, we are required to investstated in U.S. dollars ("USD") based on the aggregate CAD$100 million at the Casa Berardi unit and other exploration and development projects in Quebec over theUSD/Canadian dollar ("CAD") exchange rate as of fourMarch -year period commencing on July 9, 2020.31,2021.

 

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Ressources Québec Notes

Twelve-month

period ending

March 31,

 

Senior Notes

  

IQ Notes

  

Finance Leases

  

Operating Leases

 

2022

 $34,438  $2,499  $7,329  $3,696 

2023

  34,438   2,499   5,132   2,706 

2024

  34,438   2,499   3,643   2,002 

2025

  34,438   2,499   2,076   549 

2026

  34,438   39,045   0   525 

Thereafter

  539,568   0   0   2,213 

Total

 $711,758  $49,041  $18,180  $11,691 

 

On March 5, 2018, we entered into a note purchase agreement pursuant to which we issued CAD$40 million (approximately USD$30.8 million at the time of the transaction) in aggregate principal amount of our Series 2018-A Senior Notes due May 1, 2021 (the “RQ Notes”) to Ressources Québec, a subsidiary of Investissment Québec. Because the RQ notes were denominated in CAD, the reported USD-equivalent principal balance changed with movements in the exchange rate. The RQ Notes were issued at a discount of 0.58%, or CAD$0.2 million, and bore interest at a rate of 4.68% per year, payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing May 1, 2018. The RQ Notes were senior and unsecured and were pari passu in all material respects with the 2021 Notes, including with respect to guarantees of the RQ Notes by certain of our subsidiaries. The net proceeds from the RQ Notes were required to be used for development and expansion of our Casa Berardi mine. In December 2019, we prepaid the obligation related to the RQ Notes through issuance of approximately 10.7 million shares of our common stock having a total value of approximately CAD$43.8 million (approximately USD$33.5 million). During the six months ended June 30, 2019, interest expense related to the RQ Notes, including discount and origination fees, totaled $0.4 million.

Credit Facility

 

In July 2018, we entered into a $250 million senior secured revolving credit facility which replaced our previous $100 million credit facility. The facility has a term ending on February 7, 2023. The credit facility is collateralized byAs of March 31,2021 and December 31,2020, 0 amounts were outstanding under the assets of or shares of common stock held in our material subsidiaries, including those owning the Casa Berardi mine and our Nevada operations, and by our joint venture interests holding 100% ownership of the Greens Creek mine, all of our rights and interests in the joint venture agreement, and all of our rights and interests in the assets of the joint venture. Below is information on the interest rates, standby fee, and financial covenant terms under our current credit facility in place as of June 30,2020:facility.

 

Interest rates:

    

Spread over the London Interbank Offered Rate

 2.25-4.00%

Spread over alternative base rate

 1.25-3.00%

Standby fee per annum on undrawn amounts

 0.5625-1.00%

Covenant financial ratios:

    

Senior leverage ratio (debt secured by liens/EBITDA)

 

not more than 2.50:1

Leverage ratio (total debt less unencumbered cash/EBITDA) (1)

 

not more than 4.25:1

Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/interest expense)

 

not less than 3.00:1

(

112) The leverage ratio changed to 4.00:1 effective July 1, 2020.


We are also able to obtain letters of credit under the facility, and for any such letters we are required to pay a participation fee of between 2.25% and 4.00% of the amount of the letters of credit based on our total leverage ratio, as well as a fronting fee to each issuing bank of 0.20% annually on the average daily dollar amount of any outstanding letters of credit. There were $20.4$20.3 million in letters of credit outstanding as of JuneMarch 30,31, 2020.2021.

 

We believe we were in compliance with all covenants under the credit agreement as of June 30,2020.  We drew $210.0 million on the facility during the firstsix months of 2020 and repaid $160.0 million of that amount during the same period, with the remaining $50.0 million outstanding as of June 30,2020.

Finance Leases

We have entered into various lease agreements, primarily for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units, which we have determined to be finance leases.  At June 30,2020, the total liability balance associated with finance leases, including certain purchase option amounts, was $12.8 million, with $5.7 million of the liability classified as current and the remaining $7.1 million classified as non-current. At DecemberMarch 31, 2019,2021.  the total liability balance associated with finance leases was $12.6 million, with $5.4 million of the liability classified as current and $7.2 million classified as non-current. The right-of-use assets for our finance leases are recorded in properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets and totaled $20.4 million as of June 30,2020 and $20.6 million as of December 31,2019, net of accumulated depreciation. Expense related to finance leases during the first half of 2020 and 2019 included $3.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively, for amortization of the right-of-use assets and $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively, for interest expense. The total obligation for future minimum payments on finance leases was $13.7 million at June 30,2020, with $0.9 million attributed to interest. Our finance leases had a weighted average remaining lease term of approximately 1.8 years and a weighted average discount rate of approximately 6.8%.

 

20

At June 30,2020, the annual maturities of finance lease commitments, including interest, were (in thousands):

Twelve-month period ending June 30,

    

2021

 $6,123 

2022

  4,441 

2023

  2,151 

2024

  960 

Total

  13,675 

Less: imputed interest

  (873)

Finance lease liability

 $12,802 

Operating Leases

We have entered into various lease agreements, primarily for equipment, buildings and other facilities, and land at our operating units and corporate offices, which we have determined to be operating leases.  Some of the operating leases allow for extension of the lease beyond the current term at our option. We have considered the likelihood and estimated duration of the extension options in determining the lease term for measurement of the liability and right-of-use asset. For our operating leases as of June 30,2020, we have assumed discount rates of between 5% and 6.5%, and the weighted average discount rate was 6.5%. At June 30,2020, the total liability balance associated with the operating leases was $13.2 million, with $4.2 million of the liability classified as current and the remaining $9.1 million classified as non-current. At December 31,2019, the total liability balance associated with the operating leases was $16.4 million, with $5.6 million of the liability classified as current and the remaining $10.8 million classified as non-current. The right-of-use assets for our operating leases are recorded as a non-current asset on our condensed consolidated balance sheets and totaled $13.2 million as of June 30,2020 and $16.4 million as of December 31,2019. Lease expense on operating leases during the first half of 2020 and 2019 totaled $3.7 million and $4.0 million, respectively. The total obligation for future minimum operating lease payments, including assumed extensions beyond the current lease terms, was $14.6 million at June 30,2020. The weighted-average remaining lease term for our operating leases as of June 30,2020 was approximately 5.3 years.

At June 30,2020, the annual maturities of undiscounted operating lease payments, including assumed extensions beyond the current lease terms, were (in thousands):

Twelve-month period ending June 30,

    

2021

 $3,946 

2022

  3,384 

2023

  2,617 

2024

  1,512 

2025

  539 

More than 5 years

  2,601 

Total

  14,599 

Effect of discounting

  (1,358)

Operating lease liability

 $13,241 

21

Note 10.    Developments in Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Updates Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No.2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The update changes how entities will record credit losses from an "incurred loss" approach to an "expected loss" approach. The update was adopted as of January 1, 2020, and its adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No.2018-13 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The update removes, modifies and makes additions to certain disclosure requirements with respect to fair value measurements. The update was adopted as of January 1, 2020, and its adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Updates to Become Effective in Future Periods

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No.2018-14 Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. The update removes several disclosure requirements, adds two new disclosure requirements, and clarifies other disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other post-retirement plans. The update is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this update on our disclosures involving our defined benefit pension plans.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No.2019-12 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The update contains a number of provisions intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this update on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No.2020-04 Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The update provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The update is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. We are evaluating the impact of this update on our consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Note 11.8.Derivative Instruments

General

Our current risk management policy provides that up to 75% of:

our future foreign currency-related operating cost exposure for five years into the future may be hedged and for potential additional programs to manage other foreign currency-related exposure areas; and

our planned lead and zinc metals price exposure for five years into the future, with certain other limitations, to be covered under derivatives programs that would establish a ceiling for prices to be realized on future metals sales.

These instruments do, however, expose us to (i) credit risk in the form of non-performance by counterparties for contracts in which the contract price exceeds the spot price of the hedged commodity or foreign currency and (ii) price risk to the extent that the spot price exceeds the contract price for quantities of our production and/or forecasted costs covered under contract positions.

 

Foreign Currency

Our wholly-owned subsidiaries owning the Casa Berardi and San Sebastian minesoperations are U.S. dollar ("USD")-functionalUSD-functional entities which routinely incur expenses denominated in Canadian dollars ("CAD")CAD and Mexican pesos ("MXN"), respectively, and suchrespectively. Such expenses expose us to exchange rate fluctuations between the USD and CAD and MXN. In April 2016, we initiatedWe have a program to manage our exposure to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the USD and CAD and the impact on ourMXN for these subsidiaries' future operating costs denominated in CAD. In October 2016, we also initiated a similar program with respect to MXN, which was not in use as of June 30,2020. When in use, theCAD and MXN. The programs utilize forward contracts to buy CAD and MXN, and each contract is designated as a cash flow hedge. As of JuneMarch 30,31, 2020,2021, we had 140have 133 forward contracts outstanding to buy a total of CAD$315.1256.8 million having a notional amount of US$239.9USD$194.8 million. The CAD contracts are related to forecasted cash operating costs at Casa Berardi forecasted to be incurred from 20202021 through 20232024 and have CAD-to-USD exchange rates ranging between 1.2702 and 1.3785. There were 0 outstanding contracts for MXN contracts as of JuneMarch 30,31, 2020.2021. Our risk management policy allows for up to 75% of our planned cost exposure for five years into the future to be hedged under such programs, and for potential additional programs to manage other foreign currency-related exposure areas.

 

As of JuneMarch 30,31,2021 and December 31, 2020, we recorded the following balances for the fair value of the contracts:contracts (in millions):

 

a current asset of $0.1 million, which is included in other current assets;

a non-current asset of $0.2 million, which is included in other non-current assets;

a current liability of $3.9 million, which is included in current derivatives liabilities; and

a non-current liability of $5.3 million, which is included in non-current derivatives liabilities.

  

March 31,

  

December 31,

 

Balance sheet line item:

 

2021

  

2020

 

Current derivatives assets

 $5.0  $3.5 

Non-current derivatives assets

  4.2   4.2 

 

Net unrealized lossesgains of approximately $9.3$9.5 million related to the effective portion of the hedges were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of JuneMarch 30,31, 2020.2021. Unrealized gains and losses will be transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss to current earnings as the underlying operating expenses are recognized. We estimate approximately $4.0$4.8 million in net unrealized lossesgains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of JuneMarch 30,31, 20202021 wouldwill be reclassified to current earnings in the next twelve months. Net realized lossesgains of approximately $1.9$0.6 million on contracts related to underlying expenses which have been recognized were transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included in cost of sales and other direct production costs for the sixthree months ended JuneMarch 30,31, 2020.2021. NaN net unrealized gains or losses related to ineffectiveness of the hedges were included in current earnings for the sixthree months ended JuneMarch 30,31, 2020.2021.

2213

 

Metals Prices

 

We may at times use commodity forward sales commitments, commodity swap contracts and commodity put and call option contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuation in the prices of certain metals we produce. Contract positions are designed to ensure that we will receive a defined minimum price for certain quantities of our production, thereby partially offsetting our exposure to fluctuations in market prices. Our risk management policy allows for up to 75% of our planned metals price exposure for five years into the future, with certain other limitations, to be covered under such programs that would establish a ceiling for prices to be realized on future metals sales. These instruments do, however, expose us to (i) credit risk in the form of non-performance by counterparties for contracts in which the contract price exceeds the spot price of a commodity and (ii) price risk to the extent that the spot price exceeds the contract price for quantities of our production covered under contract positions.

We are currently using financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments between the time of shipment and final settlement. In addition, we use financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of zinc and lead (but not silver and gold) contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments. to:

changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments between the time of shipment and final settlement; and

changes in prices of zinc and lead (but not silver and gold) contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments.

The following tables summarize the quantities of metals committed under forward sales contracts at JuneMarch 30,31, 20202021 and December 31, 2019:2020:

 

June 30, 2020

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

 

Average price per ounce/pound

 

March 31, 2021

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
 

Silver

 

Gold

 

Zinc

 

Lead

 

Silver

 

Gold

 

Zinc

 

Lead

  

Silver

 

Gold

 

Zinc

 

Lead

 

Silver

 

Gold

 

Zinc

 

Lead

 
 

(ounces)

 

(ounces)

 

(pounds)

 

(pounds)

 

(ounces)

 

(ounces)

 

(pounds)

 

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                                

2020 settlements

 2,303  7  17,086  11,409  $16.97  $1,728  $0.89  $0.75 

2021 settlements

 1,492  5  12,070  1,587  $25.48  $1,736  $1.26  $0.89 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                                

2020 settlements

     26,731  8,322  N/A  N/A  $0.88  $0.78 

2021 settlements

     4,134  1,102  N/A  N/A  $0.91  $0.77      33,841  30,479  N/A  N/A  $1.20  $0.89 

2022 settlements

     53,407  42,715  N/A  N/A  $1.26  $0.96 

2023 settlements

     41,171    N/A  N/A  $1.27  N/A 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2020 settlements

  2,556   10   21,550   5,159  $17.20  $1,481  $1.04  $0.88 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2020 settlements

        441   11,740   N/A   N/A  $1.13  $0.98 

December 31, 2020

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2021 settlements

  1,282   4   23,314   4,905  $25.00  $1,858  $1.19  $0.90 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2021 settlements

        41,577   30,876   N/A   N/A  $1.17  $0.88 

2022 settlements

        18,519      N/A   N/A  $1.28   N/A 

 

23

In June 2019, we began usingutilizing financially-settled put option contracts to manage the exposure of our forecasted future gold and silver sales to potential declines in market prices for those metals. These put contracts givegave us the option, but not the obligation, to realize established prices on quantities of silver and gold to be sold in the future. The following tables summarize the quantitiesAs of metals for which we have entered into put contracts and the average exercise prices as of June 30,2020 and December 31, 2019:2020, we had put contracts that provided average floor prices of $16.50 per ounce for silver and $1,650 per ounce for gold for a total of 1.1 million silver ounces and 12,992 gold ounces. We had 0 put option contracts outstanding as of March 31,2021.

June 30, 2020

 

Ounces under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Silver

  

Gold

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                

2020 settlements

  2,718   73  $15.67  $1,633 

December 31, 2019

 

Ounces under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Silver

  

Gold

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                

2020 settlements

  5,700   130  $15.73  $1,435 

 

These forward and put option contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and are marked-to-market through earnings each period.  

 

As

14

We recorded the following balances for the fair value of the forward contracts as of March 31,2021 and forward and put option contracts held at that time:as of December 31,2020 (in millions):

 

a current asset of $0.2 million, which is included in other current assets and is net of $0.2 million for contracts in a fair value liability position; and

a current liability of $9.9 million, which is included in current derivatives liabilities and is net of $0.5 million for contracts in a fair value current asset position.

  

March 31, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 

Balance sheet line item:

 

Contracts in an

asset position

  

Contracts in

a liability

position

  

Net asset

(liability)

  

Contracts in

an asset

position

  

Contracts in a

liability

position

  

Net asset

(liability)

 

Current derivatives assets

 $3.3  $(1.1) $2.2  $0.2  $(0.2) $0 

Non-current derivatives assets

  2.3   (0.2)  2.1   0.5   (0.1)  0.4 

Current derivatives liability

  0   (3.9)  (3.9)  0.1   (11.8)  (11.7)

Other non-current liabilities

  0.4   (1.2)  (0.8)  0   0   0 

 

We recognized a $3.3$2.8 million and $1.7 million net lossgains during the first six monthsquarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively, on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices of metals in our concentrate shipments, which is included in sales of products.  The net lossgains recognized on the contracts offsets gainslosses related to price adjustments on our provisional concentrate sales due to changes to silver, gold, lead and zinc prices between the time of sale and final settlement.

 

We recognized a $6.1$0.5 million and $7.9 million net lossgains during the first halfquarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively, on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices for forecasted future sales. The net lossgains on these contracts isare included as a separate line item under other income (expense), as they relate to forecasted future sales, as opposed to sales that have already taken place but are subject to final pricing as discussed in the preceding paragraph.  The net lossgain for the first halfquarter of 20202021 is the result of increasing golda decrease in zinc and zinc prices, partially offset by decreasing lead prices. These programs, when utilized and the contracts are not settled prior to their maturity dates, are designed to mitigate the impact of potential future declines in silver, gold, lead and zinc prices from the price levels established in the contracts (see average price information above). When those prices increase compared to the contracts, we incur losses on the contracts.

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

 

Certain of our derivative contracts contain cross default provisions which provide that a default under our revolving credit agreement would cause a default under the derivative contract. As of JuneMarch 30,31, 2020,2021, we have not posted any collateral related to these contracts. The fair value of derivatives in a net liability position related to these agreements was $19.8$6.4 million as of JuneMarch 30,31, 2020,2021, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk. If we were in breach of any of these provisions at JuneMarch 30,31, 2020,2021, we could have been required to settle our obligations under the agreements at their termination value of $19.8$6.4 million.

 

 

Note 12.9.Fair Value Measurement

 

Accounting guidance has established a hierarchy for inputs used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. The three levels included in the hierarchy are:

 

Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

24

Level 2: significant other observable inputs; and

 

Level 3: significant unobservable inputs.

 

15

The table below sets forth our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis and the fair value calculation input hierarchy level that we have determined applies to each asset and liability category (in thousands).  

 

Description

 

Balance at
June 30, 2020

 

Balance at
December 31, 2019

 

Input
Hierarchy Level

 

Balance at

March 31, 2021

  

Balance at

December 31, 2020

 

Input

Hierarchy Level

Assets:

            

Cash and cash equivalents:

            

Money market funds and other bank deposits

 $75,923  $62,452 

Level 1

 $139,750  $129,830 

Level 1

Available for sale securities:

      

Current and non-current investments:

      

Equity securities – mining industry

 12,162  6,207 

Level 1

 11,717  19,389 

Level 1

Trade accounts receivable:

            

Receivables from provisional concentrate sales

 26,003  11,952 

Level 2

 35,274  27,864 

Level 2

Restricted cash balances:

            

Certificates of deposit and other deposits

 1,053  1,025 

Level 1

Derivative contracts:

      

Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits

 1,053  1,053 

Level 1

Derivative contracts - current and non-current derivatives assets:

      

Metal forward and put option contracts

 4,349  381 

Level 2

Foreign exchange contracts

 295  1,184 

Level 2

  9,192   7,647 

Level 2

Metal forward and put option contracts

  221    

Level 2

Total assets

 $115,657  $82,820   $201,335  $186,164  
            

Liabilities:

            

Derivative contracts:

      

Derivative contracts - current derivatives liabilities and other non-current liabilities:

      

Metal forward and put option contracts

 $4,742  $11,737 

Level 2

Foreign exchange contracts

 $9,174  $1,437 

Level 2

  0   19 

Level 2

Metal forward and put option contracts

  9,887   5,777 

Level 2

Total Liabilities

 $19,061  $7,214   $4,742  $11,756  

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds and are valued at cost, which approximates fair value, and a small portion consists of municipal bonds having maturities of less than 90 days, which are recorded at fair value.

 

Current and non-current restricted cash balances consist primarily of certificates of deposit, U.S. Treasury securities, and other deposits and are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.

 

Our non-current available for sale securities consist of marketable equity securities of companies in the mining industry which are valued using quoted market prices for each security.

 

Trade accounts receivable include amounts due to us for shipments of concentrates, doré and metals sold from doré to customers.  Revenues and the corresponding accounts receivable for sales of metals products are recorded when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer (generally at the time of ship loading, or at the time of arrival at the customer for trucked products).  Sales of concentrates are recorded using estimated forward prices for the anticipated month of settlement applied to our estimate of payable metal quantities contained in each shipment.  Sales are recorded net of estimated treatment and refining charges, which are also impacted by changes in metals prices and quantities of contained metals.  We estimate the prices at which sales of our concentrates will be settled due to the time elapsed between shipment and final settlement with the customer.  Receivables for previously recordedprovisional concentrate sales are adjustedsubject to reflect estimatedfinal pricing and valued using quoted prices based on forward metals prices atcurves for the end of each period until final settlement by the customer.  We obtain the forward metals prices used each period from a pricing service.  Changes in metals prices between shipment and final settlement result in changes to revenues previously recorded upon shipment.particular metal.  The embedded derivative contained in our concentrate sales is adjusted to fair market value through earnings each period prior to final settlement.

 

25

We use financially-settled forward contracts to manage exposure to changes in the exchange rate between USD and CAD and MXN, and the impact on CAD- and MXN-denominated operating costs incurred at our Casa Berardi and San Sebastian units (see Note 118 for more information). These contracts qualify for hedge accounting, with unrealized gains and losses related to the effective portion of the contracts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, and unrealized gains and losses related to the ineffective portion of the contracts included in earnings each period. The fair value of each contract represents the present value of the difference between the forward exchange rate for the contract settlement period as of the measurement date and the contract settlement exchange rate.

 

We use financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments that have not reached final settlement.  We also use financially-settled forward and put option contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our forecasted future sales (see Note 118 for more information).  These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting, and are marked-to-market through earnings each period.  The fair value of each forward contract represents the present value of the difference between the forward metal price for the contract settlement period as of the measurement date and the contract settlement metal price. The fair value of each put option contract is measured using the Black-Scholes pricing model, with inputs for the period-end metal price and assumed metal price volatility and discount rate.

 

16

Our Senior Notes, which were recorded at their carrying value of $468.3$468.8 million, net of unamortized initial purchaser discount and issuance costs, at June 30,2020,had a fair value of $483.4$509.7 million at JuneMarch 30,31, 2020.2021. Quoted market prices, which we consider to be Level 1 inputs, are utilized to estimate fair values of the Senior Notes. See Note 97 for more information.

 

 

Note 13.10.    Guarantor SubsidiariesCommitments, Contingencies and Obligations

 

Presented belowGeneral

We follow GAAP guidance in determining our accruals and disclosures with respect to loss contingencies, and evaluate such accruals and contingencies for each reporting period. Accordingly, estimated losses from loss contingencies are Hecla’s unaudited interim condensed consolidatingaccrued by a charge to income when information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability could be incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the contingency are expensed as required by Ruleincurred. If a loss contingency is 3-10not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of Regulation S-the loss contingency is made in the financial statements when it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss could be incurred.

Lucky Friday Water Permit Matters

In XDecember 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") issued to Hecla Limited a request for information under Section 308 of the Securities ExchangeClean Water Act directing Hecla Limited to undertake a comprehensive groundwater investigation of Lucky Friday’s tailings pond 1934,no. as amended, resulting from3 to evaluate whether the guarantees by certainpond is causing the discharge of Hecla's subsidiaries of the Senior Notes and IQ Notes (see Note 9 for more information). The Guarantors consist of the following of Hecla's 100%-owned subsidiaries: Hecla Limited; Silver Hunter Mining Company; Rio Grande Silver, Inc.; Hecla MC Subsidiary, LLC; Hecla Silver Valley, Inc.; Burke Trading, Inc.; Hecla Montana, Inc.; Revett Silver Company; RC Resources, Inc.; Troy Mine Inc.; Revett Exploration, Inc.; Revett Holdings, Inc.; Mines Management, Inc.; Newhi, Inc.; Montanore Minerals Corp.; Hecla Alaska LLC; Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company; Hecla Admiralty Company; Hecla Juneau Mining Company; Klondex Holdings Inc.; Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Co.; Klondex Midas Holdings Limited; Klondex Aurora Mine Inc.; Klondex Hollister Mine Inc; and Hecla Quebec, Inc.pollutants via seepage to groundwater that is discharging to surface water. We completed the offeringinvestigation mandated by the EPA and submitted a draft report to the agency in December 2015. We are waiting for the EPA’s response and we cannot predict what further action, if any, the agency may take.

Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, McKinley County and San Mateo Creek Basin, New Mexico

In May 2011, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, McKinley County, New Mexico, and asserted that Hecla Mining Company may be responsible under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") for environmental remediation and past costs the EPA has incurred at the site. Mining at the Johnny M Mine was conducted for a limited period of time by a predecessor of our subsidiary, Hecla Limited. In August 2012, Hecla Limited and the Senior NotesEPA entered into a Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order on February 19, 2020 Consent for Removal Action (“Consent Order”), pursuant to which Hecla Limited agreed to pay (i) $1.1 million to the EPA for its past response costs at the site and (ii) any future response costs at the site under the Consent Order, in exchange for a covenant not to sue by the EPA. Hecla Limited paid the $1.1 million to the EPA for its past response costs and in December 2014 submitted to EPA the Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis (“EE/CA”) for the site which recommended on-site disposal of mine-related material. In January 2021, the EPA contacted Hecla Limited to begin negotiations on a new consent order to design and implement the on-site disposal response action recommended in the EE/CA. Based on the foregoing, we believe it is probable that Hecla Limited will incur a liability for the CERCLA removal action and we have increased our shelf registration statement previously file with the SEC. We issuedaccrual to $9.0 million in the first quarter of four2021 equal tranches($6.1 million at December 31, 2020) primarily representing estimated costs to begin design and implementation of IQ Notesthe remedy. It is possible that Hecla Limited’s liability will be more than $9.0 million, and any increase in liability could have a material adverse effect on July 9, 2020.Hecla Limited’s or our results of operations or financial position.

 

The unaudited interim condensed consolidating financial statements below have been prepared from our financial information on the same basis of accountingJohnny M Mine is in an area known as the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements set forth elsewhereSan Mateo Creek Basin (“SMCB”), which is an approximately 321 square mile area in this report. InvestmentsNew Mexico that contains numerous legacy uranium mines and mills. In addition to Johnny M, Hecla Limited's predecessor was involved at other mining sites within the SMCB. The EPA appears to have deferred consideration of listing the SMCB site on CERCLA’s National Priorities List ("Superfund") by removing the site from its emphasis list, and is working with various potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") at the site in order to study and potentially address perceived groundwater issues within the subsidiaries are accounted for underSMCB. The EE/CA discussed above relates primarily to contaminated rock and soil at the equity method. Accordingly, the entries necessary to consolidate Hecla, the Guarantors, and our non-guarantor subsidiaries are reflected in the intercompany eliminations column. In the course of preparing consolidated financial statements, we eliminate the effects of various transactions conducted between Hecla and its subsidiaries and among the subsidiaries. While valid at an individual subsidiary level, such activities are eliminated in consolidation because, when taken as a whole, they doJohnny M site, not represent business activity with third-party customers, vendors,groundwater and other parties. Examples of such eliminations include the following:

Investments in subsidiaries. The acquisition of a company results in an investment in debt or equity capital on the records of the parent company and a contribution to debt or equity capital on the records of the subsidiary. Such investments and capital contributions are eliminated in consolidation.

Capital contributions. Certain of Hecla's subsidiaries do not generate cash flow, either at all or that is sufficient to meet their capital needs, and their cash requirements are routinely met with inter-company advances from their parent companies. Generally on an annual basis, when not otherwise intended as debt, the boards of directors of such parent companies declare contributions of capital to their subsidiary companies, which increase the parents' investment and the subsidiaries' additional paid-in capital. In consolidation, investments in subsidiaries and related additional paid-in capital are eliminated.

Debt. At times, inter-company debt agreements have been established between certain of Hecla's subsidiaries and their parents. The related debt liability and receivable balances, accrued interest expense (if any) and income activity (if any), and payments of principal and accrued interest amounts (if any) by the subsidiary companies to their parents are eliminated in consolidation.

26

Dividends. Certain of Hecla's subsidiaries which generate cash flow routinely provide cash to their parent companies through inter-company transfers. On at least an annual basis, the boards of directors of such subsidiary companies declare dividends to their parent companies, which reduces the subsidiaries' retained earnings and increases the parents' dividend income. In consolidation, such activity is eliminated.

Deferred taxes. Our ability to realize deferred tax assets and liabilities is considered for two consolidated tax groups of subsidiaries within the United States: The Nevada U.S. Group and the Hecla U.S. Group. Within each tax group, all subsidiaries' estimated future taxable income contributes to the ability of their tax group to realize all such assets and liabilities. However, when Hecla's subsidiaries are viewed independently, we use the separate return method to assess the realizability of each subsidiary's deferred tax assets and whether a valuation allowance is required against such deferred tax assets. In some instances, a parent company or subsidiary may possess deferred tax assets whose realization depends on the future taxable incomes of other subsidiaries on a consolidated-return basis, but would not be considered realizable if such parent or subsidiary filed on a separate stand-alone basis. In such a situation, a valuation allowance is assessed on that subsidiary's deferred tax assets, with the resulting adjustment reported in the eliminations column of the guarantor and parent's financial statements, as is the case in the unaudited interim financial statements set forth below. The separate return method can result in significant eliminations of deferred tax assets and liabilities and related income tax provisions and benefits. Non-current deferred tax asset balances are included in other non-current assets on the consolidating balance sheets and make up a large portion of that item, particularly for the guarantor balances.

Separate financial statements of the Guarantors are not presented becauseelsewhere within the guarantees bySMCB site. It is possible that Hecla Limited’s liability at the Guarantors are jointJohnny M Site, and several and full and unconditional, except for certain customary release provisions, including: (1)any other mine site within the sale or disposalSMCB at which Hecla Limited's predecessor may have operated, will be greater than our current accrual of all or substantially all$9.0 million due to the increased scope of the assets of the Guarantor; (2) the sale or other disposition of the capital stock of the Guarantor; (3) the Guarantor is designated as an unrestricted entity in accordance with the applicable provisions of the indenture; (4) Hecla ceases to be a borrower as defined in the indenture; and (5) upon legal or covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the indenture.required remediation.

 

2717

 

Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Balance SheetsIn July 2018, the EPA informed Hecla Limited that it and several other PRPs may be liable for cleanup of the SMCB site or for costs incurred by the EPA in cleaning up the site. The EPA stated it has incurred approximately $9.6 million in response costs to date. Hecla Limited cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of liability, if any, relating to this matter because of, among other reasons, the lack of information concerning the site, including the relative contributions of contamination by the various PRPs.

 

  

As of June 30, 2020

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Assets

                    

Cash and cash equivalents

 $42,071  $24,523  $9,329  $  $75,923 

Other current assets

  12,745   115,587   10,700   (74)  138,958 

Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net

  1,913   2,343,623   9,347      2,354,883 

Intercompany receivable (payable)

  (25,989)  (559,649)  221,658   363,980    

Investments in subsidiaries

  1,643,530         (1,643,530)   

Other non-current assets

  277,344   24,666   (120,211)  (148,155)  33,644 

Total assets

 $1,951,614  $1,948,750  $130,823  $(1,427,779) $2,603,408 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

                    

Current liabilities

 $(284,257) $150,204  $3,987  $245,702  $115,636 

Long-term debt

  518,252   15,848   288      534,388 

Non-current portion of accrued reclamation

     93,160   6,289      99,449 

Non-current deferred tax liability

     158,628      (29,951)  128,677 

Other non-current liabilities

  58,926   6,673   966      66,565 

Stockholders' equity

  1,658,693   1,524,237   119,293   (1,643,530)  1,658,693 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $1,951,614  $1,948,750  $130,823  $(1,427,779) $2,603,408 

Carpenter Snow Creek and Barker-Hughesville Sites in Montana

 

In July 2010, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Carpenter Snow Creek Superfund site located in Cascade County, Montana. The Carpenter Snow Creek site is located in a historic mining district, and in the early 1980s Hecla Limited leased 6 mining claims and performed limited exploration activities at the site. Hecla Limited terminated the mining lease in 1988.

  

As of December 31, 2019

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Assets

                    

Cash and cash equivalents

 $33,750  $15,357  $13,345  $  $62,452 

Other current assets

  9,725   89,722   17,299   (74)  116,672 

Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests - net

  1,913   2,410,458   11,327      2,423,698 

Intercompany receivable (payable)

  (28,381)  (579,830)  216,632   391,579    

Investments in subsidiaries

  1,636,802         (1,636,802)   

Other non-current assets

  289,422   24,325   (121,981)  (157,280)  34,486 

Total assets

 $1,943,231  $1,960,032  $136,622  $(1,402,577) $2,637,308 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

                    

Current liabilities

 $(309,293) $155,441  $8,334  $262,492  $116,974 

Long-term debt

  504,729   17,271   761      522,761 

Non-current portion of accrued reclamation

     96,389   7,404      103,793 

Non-current deferred tax liability

     166,549      (28,267)  138,282 

Other non-current liabilities

  55,372   6,577   1,126      63,075 

Stockholders' equity

  1,692,423   1,517,805   118,997   (1,636,802)  1,692,423 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $1,943,231  $1,960,032  $136,622  $(1,402,577) $2,637,308 

In June 2011, the EPA informed Hecla Limited that it believes Hecla Limited, and several other PRPs, may be liable for cleanup of the site or for costs incurred by the EPA in cleaning up the site. The EPA stated in the letter that it has incurred approximately $4.5 million in response costs and estimated that total remediation costs may exceed $100 million. Hecla Limited cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of liability, if any, relating to this matter because of, among other reasons, the lack of information concerning the site, including the relative contributions of contamination by various other PRPs.

In February 2017, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Barker-Hughesville Mining District Superfund site located in Judith Basin and Cascade Counties, Montana. Hecla Limited submitted a response in April 2017. The Barker-Hughesville site is located in a historic mining district, and between approximately June and December 1983, Hecla Limited was party to an agreement with another mining company under which limited exploration activities occurred at or near the site.

In August 2018, the EPA informed Hecla Limited that it and several other PRPs may be liable for cleanup of the site or for costs incurred by the EPA in cleaning up the site. The EPA did not include an amount of its alleged response costs to date. Hecla Limited cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of liability, if any, relating to this matter because of, among other reasons, the lack of information concerning past or anticipated future costs at the site and the relative contributions of contamination by various other PRPs.

Claim for Indemnification Against CoCa Mines, Inc.

In 1991, Hecla Limited acquired CoCa Mines, Inc. (“CoCa”) and its subsidiary Creede Resources, Inc. (“CRI”). CoCa and CRI previously operated in the State of Colorado, but presently have limited assets and operations. Between 2014 and 2019, a PRP alleged that CoCa and CRI are required by a 1989 agreement to indemnify it for certain environmental costs and liabilities it may incur with respect to the Nelson Tunnel/Commodore Waste Rock Pile Superfund site in Creede, Colorado. In 2016, without admitting any liability, Hecla Limited, CoCa and CRI entered into a Consent Decree with the United States and the State of Colorado settling any regulatory liability they may have had at the site. On October 30, 2019, the PRP filed a lawsuit in Mineral County, Colorado alleging, among other things, that CoCa and CRI are in breach of contract for failure to indemnify the PRP for its liability to the U.S. under CERCLA with respect to the site. In addition, the lawsuit names Hecla Limited as a defendant in its role as the shareholder of CoCa. The PRP seeks in excess of $5 million in damages, including attorneys’ fees and costs. The lawsuit will be vigorously defended and we believe strong defenses exist against all claims made therein and, as noted above, both CoCa and CRI have limited assets with which to satisfy any claim.

 

2818

 

Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Statements of OperationsLitigation Related to Klondex Acquisition

 

  

Three Months Ended June 30, 2020

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Revenues

 $(4,998) $166,420  $4,933  $  $166,355 

Cost of sales

  (1,044)  (88,705)  (3,104)     (92,853)

Depreciation, depletion, amortization

     (38,528)  (895)     (39,423)

General and administrative

  (1,641)  (4,789)  (549)     (6,979)

Exploration and pre-development

  (11)  (1,745)  (769)     (2,525)

Gain on derivative contracts

  (14,002)           (14,002)

Acquisition costs

  (6)           (6)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

  (4,601)        4,601    

Other expense

  12,312   (31,301)  2,325   (7,305)  (23,969)

Income (loss) before income taxes

  (13,991)  1,352   1,941   (2,704)  (13,402)

(Provision) benefit from income taxes

  (37)  (7,657)  (237)  7,305   (626)

Net income (loss)

  (14,028)  (6,305)  1,704   4,601   (14,028)

Preferred stock dividends

  (138)           (138)

Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

  (14,166)  (6,305)  1,704   4,601   (14,166)

Net income (loss)

  (14,028)  (6,305)  1,704   4,601   (14,028)

Changes in comprehensive income (loss)

  10,384            10,384 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $(3,644) $(6,305) $1,704  $4,601  $(3,644)

On May 24, 2019, a purported Hecla stockholder filed a putative class action lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Hecla and certain of our executive officers, one of whom is also a director. The complaint, purportedly brought on behalf of all purchasers of Hecla common stock from March 19, 2018 through and including May 8, 2019, asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and seeks, among other things, damages and costs and expenses. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Hecla, under the authority and control of the individual defendants, made certain material false and misleading statements and omitted certain material information regarding Hecla’s Nevada Operations unit. The complaint alleges that these misstatements and omissions artificially inflated the market price of Hecla common stock during the class period, thus purportedly harming investors. Filings with the court regarding our motion to dismiss the lawsuit were completed in the first quarter of 2021. We cannot predict the outcome of these lawsuits or estimate damages if plaintiffs were to prevail. We believe that these claims are without merit and intend to defend them vigorously.

 

Debt

  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Revenues

 $(3,319) $291,736  $14,863  $  $303,280 

Cost of sales

  (1,328)  (167,456)  (9,956)     (178,740)

Depreciation, depletion, amortization

     (76,721)  (2,368)     (79,089)

General and administrative

  (4,804)  (10,128)  (986)     (15,918)

Exploration and pre-development

  (23)  (3,800)  (1,767)     (5,590)

Loss on derivative contracts

  (6,109)           (6,109)

Acquisition costs

  (11)           (11)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

  6,729         (6,729)   

Other expense

  (22,311)  (20,597)  1,584   (8,148)  (49,472)

Income (loss) before income taxes

  (31,176)  13,034   1,370   (14,877)  (31,649)

(Provision) benefit from income taxes

  (37)  (6,601)  (1,074)  8,148   436 

Net income (loss)

  (31,213)  6,433   296   (6,729)  (31,213)

Preferred stock dividends

  (276)           (276)

Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

  (31,489)  6,433   296   (6,729)  (31,489)

Net income (loss)

  (31,213)  6,433   296   (6,729)  (31,213)

Changes in comprehensive income (loss)

  (8,951)           (8,951)

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $(40,164) $6,433  $296  $(6,729) $(40,164)

See Note 7 for information on the commitments related to our debt arrangements as of March 31,2021.

Other Commitments

Our contractual obligations as of March 31,2021 included approximately $2.1 million for various costs. In addition, our open purchase orders at March 31,2021 included approximately $4.0 million, $0.7 million, $2.8 million and $2.7 million for various capital and non-capital items at the Lucky Friday, Casa Berardi, Greens Creek and Nevada Operations units, respectively. We also have total commitments of approximately $18.2 million relating to scheduled payments on finance leases, including interest, primarily for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units, and total commitments of approximately $11.7 million relating to payments on operating leases (see Note 7 for more information). As part of our ongoing business and operations, we are required to provide surety bonds, bank letters of credit, and restricted deposits for various purposes, including financial support for environmental reclamation obligations and workers compensation programs. As of March 31,2021, we had surety bonds totaling $176.8 million and letters of credit totaling $20.3 million in place as financial support for future reclamation and closure costs, self-insurance, and employee benefit plans. The obligations associated with these instruments are generally related to performance requirements that we address through ongoing operations. As the requirements are met, the beneficiary of the associated instruments cancels or returns the instrument to the issuing entity. Certain of these instruments are associated with operating sites with long-lived assets and will remain outstanding until closure of the sites. We believe we are in compliance with all applicable bonding requirements and will be able to satisfy future bonding requirements as they arise.

Other Contingencies

We also have certain other contingencies resulting from litigation, claims, EPA investigations, and other commitments and are subject to a variety of environmental and safety laws and regulations incident to the ordinary course of business. We currently have no basis to conclude that any or all of such contingencies will materially affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, in the future, there may be changes to these contingencies, or additional contingencies may occur, any of which might result in an accrual or a change in current accruals recorded by us, and there can be no assurance that their ultimate disposition will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

29
19

 
  

Three Months Ended June 30, 2019

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Revenues

 $1,292  $121,846  $11,034  $  $134,172 

Cost of sales

  (257)  (95,235)  (9,446)     (104,938)

Depreciation, depletion, amortization

     (47,629)  (1,848)     (49,477)

General and administrative

  (4,766)  (3,738)  (414)     (8,918)

Exploration and pre-development

  (3)  (3,268)  (1,873)     (5,144)

Research and development

     (155)  (3)     (158)

Gain on derivative contracts

  3,798            3,798 

Acquisition costs

  (163)  (81)  (153)     (397)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

  (48,370)        48,370    

Other (expense) income

  1,939   (26,675)  525   (2,438)  (26,649)

Income (loss) before income taxes

  (46,530)  (54,935)  (2,178)  45,932   (57,711)

(Provision) benefit from income taxes

  (2)  2,558   6,184   2,439   11,179 

Net income (loss)

  (46,532)  (52,377)  4,006   48,371   (46,532)

Preferred stock dividends

  (138)           (138)

Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

  (46,670)  (52,377)  4,006   48,371   (46,670)

Net income (loss)

  (46,532)  (52,377)  4,006   48,371   (46,532)

Changes in comprehensive income (loss)

  3,540            3,540 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $(42,992) $(52,377) $4,006  $48,371  $(42,992)

Note 11.Developments in Accounting Pronouncements

 

Accounting Standards Updates Adopted

  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Revenues

 $(1,185) $264,340  $23,634  $  $286,789 

Cost of sales

  (718)  (194,568)  (20,038)     (215,324)

Depreciation, depletion, amortization

     (84,656)  (3,608)     (88,264)

General and administrative

  (9,159)  (8,849)  (869)     (18,877)

Exploration and pre-development

  (19)  (6,330)  (4,053)     (10,402)

Research and development

     (558)  (3)     (561)

Loss on derivative contracts

  1,999            1,999 

Acquisition costs

  (121)  (136)  (153)     (410)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

  (70,803)        70,803    

Other (expense) income

  7,943   (46,453)  1,932   (8,832)  (45,410)

Income (loss) before income taxes

  (72,063)  (77,210)  (3,158)  61,971   (90,460)

(Provision) benefit from income taxes

  (2)  2,496   7,069   8,832   18,395 

Net income (loss)

  (72,065)  (74,714)  3,911   70,803   (72,065)

Preferred stock dividends

  (276)           (276)

Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

  (72,341)  (74,714)  3,911   70,803   (72,341)

Net income (loss)

  (72,065)  (74,714)  3,911   70,803   (72,065)

Changes in comprehensive income (loss)

  7,799            7,799 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $(64,266) $(74,714) $3,911  $70,803  $(64,266)

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No.2019-12 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The update contains a number of provisions intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We adopted the update as of January 1, 2021, which did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

Accounting Standards Updates to Become Effective in Future Periods

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No.2020-06 Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic

470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. The update is to address issues identified as a result of the complexity associated with applying generally accepted accounting principles for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years and with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this update on our consolidated financial statements.

 

30
20

Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 $(8,252) $77,161  $6,188  $(32,644) $42,453 

Cash flows from investing activities:

                    

Additions to properties, plants, and equipment

     (30,385)  (304)     (30,689)

Other investing activities, net

  (6,728)  156   (593)  6,728   (437)

Cash flows from financing activities:

                    

Dividends paid to stockholders

  (2,898)           (2,898)

Issuance of debt

  679,500            679,500 

Payments on debt

  (666,500)  (2,840)        (669,340)

Other financing activity

  13,199   (34,040)  (8,371)  25,916   (3,296)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (858)  (936)     (1,794)

Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

  8,321   9,194   (4,016)     13,499 

Beginning cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

  33,750   16,382   13,345      63,477 

Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

 $42,071  $25,576  $9,329  $  $76,976 

 

  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 $(168,393) $13,738  $25,818  $137,550  $8,713 

Cash flows from investing activities:

                    

Additions to properties, plants, and equipment

     (64,800)  (6,445)     (71,245)

Other investing activities, net

  71,485   (82)     (71,485)  (82)

Cash flows from financing activities:

                    

Dividends paid to stockholders

  (2,706)           (2,706)

Borrowings on debt

  170,000            170,000 

Payments on debt

  (118,000)  2,858   (6,235)     (121,377)

Other financing activity

  41,363   37,620   (14,608)  (66,065)  (1,690)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     432         432 

Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

  (6,251)  (10,234)  (1,470)     (17,955)

Beginning cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

  6,265   18,259   3,890      28,414 

Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

 $14  $8,025  $2,420  $  $10,459 

31

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain statements contained in this Form 10-Q,10-Q, including in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Quantitative and Qualitative DisclosuresDisclosure About Market Risk, are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided for under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Our forward-looking statements include our current expectations and projections about future results, performance, results of litigation, prospects and opportunities, including reserves and other mineralization. We have tried to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as “may,“may,“will,“will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “feel,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast” and similar expressions.  These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis.  However, our forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.

 

These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth under Part I, Item 1A.1A Risk Factors in our annual report filed on Form 10-K10-K for the year ended December31,2019, as updated in Part II, Item 1A. – Risk Factors in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements.  All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Hecla Mining Company or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.  Except as required by federal securities laws, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

32
21

 

Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

In this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A"), “Hecla”,” the Company”, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Hecla Mining Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where the context requires otherwise. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, the related MD&A and the discussion of our Business and Properties in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 ("2020 Form 10-K"), filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The results of operations reported and summarized below are not necessarily indicative of future operating results (refer to “Forward-Looking Statements” above for further discussion). References to “Notes” are Notes included in our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited). Throughout MD&A, all references to losses or income per share are on a diluted basis.

 

Overview

 

Hecla Mining CompanyEstablished in 1891 in northern Idaho’s Silver Valley, we believe we are the oldest operating precious metals mining company in the United States and our subsidiaries have provided preciousthe largest silver producer in the United States. Our corporate offices are in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and base metals to the U.S. and worldwide since 1891. We discover, acquire and develop mines and other mineral interests and produce and market concentrates, carbon material and doré containing silver, gold, lead and zinc.  Vancouver, British Columbia. Our production profile includes:

 

We produce

concentrates containing silver, gold, lead zinc and bulk concentrates and carbon material, which we sell to custom smelters, brokers and third-party processors, and zinc, which is shipped to various smelters or sold to metal traders;

unrefined doré containing gold and silver, which is sold to refiners or further refined before sale of the metals to traders; and

carbon material containing gold and silver, which is sold to third-party processors.

Our operating properties comprise our five business segments for financial reporting purposes: the Greens Creek operating unit on Admiralty Island in Alaska, the Lucky Friday operating unit in Idaho, the Casa Berardi operating unit in Quebec, Canada, the San Sebastian operating unit in Durango, Mexico, and the Nevada Operations unit in northern Nevada. Since our operating mines are located in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, we believe they have low or relatively moderate political risk, and less economic risk than mines located in other parts of the metals to traders.  Weworld. Our exploration interests are organized into five segments that encompass our operatingalso in the United States, Canada, and development units:  Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Casa Berardi, San SebastianMexico, and Nevada Operations.are located in historical mining districts. The map below shows the locations of our operating units, our exploration and pre-development projects, as well as our corporate offices located in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and Vancouver, British Columbia.

 

3322


a1.jpg

 

Our current business strategy is to focus our financial and human resources in the following areas:

 

 

rapidly responding to the threats from the COVID-19 pandemic to protect our workforce, operations and communities while maintaining liquidity;

 

operating our properties safely, in an environmentally responsible manner, and cost-effectively;

 

optimizing and improving operations at our units, which includes incurring costs for new technologies and equipment that may not result in measurable benefits;

 

expanding our proven and probable reserves and production capacity at our units;

 

conducting our business with financial stewardship to preserve our financial position in varying metals price and operational environments;

 

advancing permitting of the Rock Creek and Montanore projects;

 

maintaining and investing in exploration and pre-development projects in the vicinities of seven mining districts and projects we believe to be under-explored and under-invested: North Idaho's Silver Valley in the historic Coeur d'Alene Mining District; our Greens Creek unit on Alaska's Admiralty Island located near Juneau; the silver-producing district near Durango, Mexico; the Abitibi region of northwestern Quebec, Canada; our projects in northern Nevada; the Rock Creek and Montanore projects in northwestern Montana; and the Creede district of southwestern Colorado; and

 

continuing to seek opportunities to acquire or invest in mining properties and companies.

 

23

The COVID-19 outbreak impacted our operations in the first half of 2020, including curtailingadversely impacting our expected production of gold at Casa Berardi. In addition, we haveBerardi, and has continued to impact our operations in 2021. We incurred additional costs of approximately $0.2$0.6 million per weekin the first quarter of 2021 and $2.3 million for the full year of 2020 related to quarantining employees at Greens Creek, which started in late March 2020. See each segment section below for information on how those operations have been impacted by COVID-19. To mitigate the impactsimpact of COVID-19, we have taken precautionary measures, including implementing operational plans and practices and increasing our cash reserves through a temporary draw-down of our revolving credit facility.facility, which has since been fully repaid. As long as they are required, the operational practices implemented could continue to have an adverse impact on our operating results due to additional costs or deferred production and revenues or additional costs.revenues. There is uncertainty related to the potential additional impacts COVID-19 could have on our operations and financial results for the year. Seeremainder of 2021. In our 2020 Form 10-K, see Part II, Item IA. Risk Factors - Natural disasters, public health crises (including COVID-19), political crises, and other catastrophic events or other events outside of our control may materially and adversely affect our business or financial results in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and COVID-19 virus pandemic may heighten other risks for information on how restrictions related to COVID-19 have recently affected some of our operations.

 

A number of key factors may impact the execution of our strategy, including regulatory issues and metals prices. Metals prices can be very volatile. As discussed in the Critical Accounting Estimates section below, metals pricesvolatile and are influenced by a number of factors beyond our control.control (except on a limited basis through the use of derivative contracts). See Item 7.Critical Accounting Estimates in our 2020 Form 10-K. The average realized prices of silver, and gold were higher, and the average prices for lead and zinc lower,were higher in the first sixthree months of 20202021 than their levels fromin the comparable period last year, as illustrated by the table in Results of Operations below. While we believe longer-term global economic and industrial trends could result in continued demand for the metals we produce, prices have been volatile and there can be no assurance that current prices will continue.

 

The total principal amount of our Senior Notes due February 15, 2028 ("Senior Notes") is $475 million, and they bear interest at a rate of 7.25% per year. The $469.5 millionVolatility in net proceeds from the Senior Notes were used, along with cash on hand, to redeem, in March 2020, our previously-outstanding 6.875% Senior Notes that were due in 2021 and had a principal balance of $506.5 million ("2021 Notes"). Also, as a precaution due to uncertainties of the duration, severity and scope of the COVID-19 outbreak, we drew $210 million under our revolving credit facility during the first quarter of 2020; however, we repaid $160 million of that amount in the second quarter of 2020, with the remaining $50 million outstanding as of the end of the quarter. Amounts drawn on the revolving credit facility are subject to a variable rate of interest. In addition, in July 2020 we agreed to issue CAD$50 million (approximately USD$36.8 million at the time of the transaction) in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes to Investissment Québec, a financing arm of the Québec government ("IQ Notes"). The IQ Notes mature in July 2025 and bear interest at a rate of 6.515% per year. The IQ Notes will be issued at a premium of 103.65%, implying an effective annual yield of 5.74% and an aggregate principal amount to be repaid of CAD$48.2 million. The IQ Notes will be issued in four equal installments of CAD$12.5 million in July, August, September and October 2020, with the first installment issued net of CAD$0.6 million in fees. The net proceeds from the IQ Notes will be available for general corporate purposes, including for open market purchases of a portion of the Senior Notes and to pay capital expenditures at our Casa Berardi unit. Under the note purchase agreement for the IQ Notes and subject to a force majeure event, we are required to invest in the aggregate CAD$100 million at the Casa Berardi unitglobal financial markets and other exploration and development projects in Quebec over the four-year period commencing on July 9, 2020. See Note 9 of Notesfactors can pose a significant challenge to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information on our debt arrangements. As discussed in the Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources section below, we believe that we will be able to meet the obligations associated with the Senior Notes, IQ Notes and amounts drawn on our revolving credit facility; however, a number of factors could impact our ability to meetaccess credit and equity markets, should we need to do so, and to predict sales prices for our debt obligations and fund our other projects.

34

We generated positive cash flows at San Sebastian each year from 2016 through the first half of 2020. However, that mine currently is expectedproducts. To help mitigate this challenge, we utilize forward contracts to end productionmanage exposure to declines in the fourth quarterprices of 2020,(i) silver, gold, zinc and there can be no assurancelead contained in our concentrates that have been shipped but have not yet settled, and (ii) zinc and lead that we will be ableforecast for future concentrate shipments. We have also utilized put option contracts to developmanage exposure to declines in the prices of silver and operate San Sebastian beyond the known mine lifegold in our forecasted future sales of those metals. In addition, we have in place a $250 million revolving credit agreement, of which $20.3 million was used as anticipated.

As further discussed in TheLucky Friday Segment section below, the union employees at Lucky Friday were on strike fromof March 13, 2017 until the strike ended on January 7, 2020. Re-staffing31, 2021 for letters of the mine has been substantially completed, with a return to full production expected by the end of 2020. However, the ramp-up to full production could take longer or be more costly than anticipated, so there can be no assurance we will operate as currently anticipated.credit, leaving approximately $229.7 million available for borrowing.

 

We strive to achieve excellent mine safety and health performance. We seek to implement this goal by: training employees in safe work practices; establishing, following and improving safety standards; investigating accidents, incidents and losses to avoid recurrence; involving employees in the establishment of safety standards; and participating in the National Mining Association’s CORESafety program. We attempt to implement reasonable best practices with respect to mine safety and emergency preparedness. We work with MSHA the Commission of Labor Standards, Pay Equity and Occupational Health and Safety in Quebec, and the Mexico Ministry of Economy and Mining to address issues outlined in its investigations and inspections and continue to evaluate our safety practices. Achieving and maintaining compliance with MSHA regulations will be challenging and may increase our operating costs. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - We face substantial governmental regulation, including the Mine Safety and Health Act, various environmental laws and regulations and the 1872 Mining Law in our annual report filed on2020 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Another challenge for us is the risk associated with environmental litigation and ongoing reclamation activities. As described in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our annual report filed on2020 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and in Note 410 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), it is possible that our estimate of these liabilities (and our ability to estimate liabilities in general) may change in the future, affecting our strategic plans. We are involved in various environmental legal matters and the estimate of our environmental liabilities and liquidity needs, as well as our strategic plans, may be significantly impacted as a result of these matters or new matters that may arise. We strive to ensure that our activities are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and attempt to resolve environmental litigation on terms as favorable to us as possible.

 

24

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

Sales of products by metal for the three- and six-monththree-month periods ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

  

2021

  

2020

 

Silver

 $61,756  $36,298  $99,328  $81,804  $77,760  $37,572 

Gold

 89,212  78,166  179,906  157,845  101,408  90,694 

Lead

 12,454  6,670  18,874  15,695  15,893  6,420 

Zinc

 21,455  22,948  38,762  47,703  29,191  17,308 

Less: smelter charges

  (18,522)  (9,910)  (33,590)  (16,258)

Less: Smelter and refining charges

  (13,400)  (15,069)

Sales of products

 $166,355  $134,172  $303,280  $286,789  $210,852  $136,925 

 

The fluctuations in sales for the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 20202021 compared to the same periodsfirst quarter of 20192020 were primarily due to:to the following two reasons:

 

 

Higher average realized prices for silver, and gold, partially offset by lower realized prices for lead and zinc, in the second quarter and first half of 2020 compared to the same periods of 2019.zinc. These price variances are illustrated in the following table:table below.

 

35

   

Three Months Ended
June 30,

  

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 
   

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Silver –

London PM Fix ($/ounce)

 $16.33  $14.89  $16.63  $15.23 
 

Realized price per ounce

 $18.44  $15.01  $16.75  $15.39 

Gold –

London PM Fix ($/ounce)

 $1,711  $1,310  $1,647  $1,307 
 

Realized price per ounce

 $1,736  $1,322  $1,658  $1,315 

Lead –

LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)

 $0.76  $0.85  $0.80  $0.89 
 

Realized price per pound

 $0.78  $0.84  $0.78  $0.89 

Zinc –

LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)

 $0.89  $1.25  $0.93  $1.24 
 

Realized price per pound

 $0.89  $1.17  $0.89  $1.23 
  

Three months ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

Silver –  London PM Fix ($/ounce)

 $26.29  $16.94 
Realized price per ounce $25.66  $14.48 

Gold –   London PM Fix ($/ounce)

 $1,798  $1,583 
Realized price per ounce $1,770  $1,588 

Lead –   LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)

 $0.92  $0.84 
Realized price per pound $0.92  $0.78 

Zinc –    LME Final Cash Buyer ($/pound)

 $1.25  $0.96 
Realized price per pound $1.32  $0.88 

 

Average realized prices typically differ from average market prices primarily because concentrate sales are generally recorded as revenues at the time of shipment at forward prices for the estimated month of settlement, which differ from average market prices.  Due to the time elapsed between shipment of concentrates and final settlement with the customers, we must estimate the prices at which sales of our metals will be settled.  Previously recorded sales are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices each period through final settlement.  For the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 2020,2021, we recorded net positive price adjustments to provisional settlements of $7.0$0.6 million and $9.6 million, respectively, compared to net negativepositive price adjustments to provisional settlements of $1.2$2.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively, in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 2019.2020. The price adjustments related to silver, gold, zinclead and leadzinc contained in our concentrate shipments were partially offset in the 2020 periods, and largely offset in the 2019 periods, by gains and losses on forward contracts for those metals.metals for the first quarter of 2021. See Note 118 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.  The gains and losses on these contracts are included in revenues and impact the realized prices for silver, gold, lead and zinc.  Realized prices are calculated by dividing gross revenues for each metal (which include the price adjustments and gains and losses on the forward contracts discussed above) by the payable quantities of each metal included in concentrate doré and carbon materialdoré shipped during the period. The average realized silver price for the second quarter

25

 

 

Higher quantities of silver, leadgold, zinc and zinclead sold as a result of the timing of shipments and higher production of those metals, partially offset by lower gold volume, in the second quartersilver, lead and first half of 2020.zinc. See The Greens Creek Segment, The Lucky Friday Segment, The Casa Berardi Segment, The San Sebastian Segment and The Nevada Operations Segment sections below for more information on metalmetals production and sales volumes at each of our operating segments. Total metals production and sales volumes for each period are shown in the following table:

 

   

Three Months Ended
June 30,

  

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 
   

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Silver -

Ounces produced

  3,403,781   3,018,765   6,649,250   5,941,896 
 

Payable ounces sold

  3,348,639   2,418,586   5,930,918   5,316,669 

Gold -

Ounces produced

  59,982   60,768   118,774   120,789 
 

Payable ounces sold

  51,398   59,127   108,501   120,063 

Lead -

Tons produced

  8,977   5,515   14,870   11,299 
 

Payable tons sold

  8,026   3,963   12,156   8,811 

Zinc -

Tons produced

  17,855   13,315   30,702   27,259 
 

Payable tons sold

  11,989   9,823   21,825   19,356 

36

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

Silver -  Ounces produced

  3,459,446   3,245,469 
Payable ounces sold  3,030,026   2,582,279 

Gold -    Ounces produced

  52,004   58,792 
Payable ounces sold  57,286   57,103 

Lead -    Tons produced

  10,704   5,893 
Payable tons sold  8,668   4,130 

Zinc -    Tons produced

  16,107   12,847 
Payable tons sold  11,027   9,836 

 

The difference between what we report as "ounces/tons produced" and "payable ounces/tons sold" is attributable to the difference between the quantities of metals contained in the concentrates we produceour products versus the portion of those metals actually paid for by our customers according to the terms of our sales contracts. Differences can also arise from inventory changes incidental to shipping schedules, or variances in ore grades which impact the amount of metals contained in concentrates produced and sold.

 

Sales, total cost of sales, gross profit, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce ("Cash Cost") (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce ("AISC") (non-GAAP) at our operating units for the three-months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in thousands, except for Cash Cost and AISC):

  

Silver

  

Gold

 
  

Greens Creek

  

Lucky Friday

  

San Sebastian

  

Total Silver

  

Casa Berardi

  

Nevada Operations

  

Total Gold

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021:

                            

Sales

 $98,409  $29,122  $173  $127,704  $72,911  $10,237  $83,148 

Total cost of sales

  (53,181)  (22,794)  (94)  (76,069)  (62,516)  (7,455)  (69,971)

Gross profit

 $45,228  $6,328  $79  $51,635  $10,395  $2,782  $13,177 

Cash Cost per silver or gold ounce

 $(0.67) $7.62  $  $1.40  $1,027  $1,416  $1,052 

AISC per silver or gold ounce

 $1.59  $14.24  $  $7.21  $1,272  $1,461  $1,284 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020:

                            

Sales

 $53,833  $2,830  $9,927  $66,590  $46,172  $24,163  $70,335 

Total cost of sales

  (49,182)  (2,832)  (8,300)  (60,314)  (48,325)  (16,914)  (65,239)

Gross profit

 $4,651  $(2) $1,627  $6,276  $(2,153) $7,249  $5,096 

Cash Cost per silver or gold ounce

 $5.63  $  $6.91  $5.77  $1,268  $735  $1,061 

AISC per silver or gold ounce

 $7.90  $  $9.59  $11.06  $1,615  $808  $1,302 

(1)

A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP).

26

While revenue from zinc, lead and gold by-products is significant, we believe that identification of silver as the primary product of Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and San Sebastian is appropriate because:

 

In addition,silver has historically accounted for a higher proportion of revenue than any other metal and is expected to do so in the future;

we have historically presented these units as a producer primarily of silver, based on the original analysis that justified putting the project into production, and believe that consistency in disclosure is important to our investors regardless of the relationships of metals prices and production from year to year;

metallurgical treatment costs atmaximizes silver recovery;

the Greens Creek were higherdeposit is a massive sulfide deposit containing an unusually high proportion of silver; and in most of its working areas, Greens Creek utilizes selective mining methods in which silver is the second quarter and first half of 2020 by approximately $6.3 million and $14.9 million, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2019, primarily as a result of unfavorable changes in smelter terms.metal targeted for highest recovery.

 

Likewise, we believe the identification of gold, lead and zinc as by-product credits at Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and San Sebastian is appropriate because of their lower economic value compared to silver and due to the fact that silver is the primary product we intend to produce. In addition, we have not consistently received sufficient revenue from any single by-product metal to warrant classification of such as a co-product.

We periodically review our revenues to ensure that reporting of primary products and by-products is appropriate. Because for Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and San Sebastian we consider zinc, lead and gold to be by-products of our silver production, the values of these metals offset operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.

We believe the identification of silver as a by-product credit is appropriate at Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations because of its lower economic value compared to gold and due to the fact that gold is the primary product we intend to produce there. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from silver at Casa Berardi to warrant classification of such as a co-product. Because we consider silver to be a by-product of our gold production at Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations, the value of silver offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.

For the first quarter of 2021, we recorded lossesincome applicable to common shareholdersstockholders of $14.2$18.8 million ($0.04 per basic common share), compared to a loss of $17.3 million ($0.03 per basic common share) forduring the secondfirst quarter of 2020 and $31.5 million ($0.06 per basic common share) for the first six months of 2020, compared to losses applicable to common shareholders of $46.7 million ($0.10 per basic common share) and $72.3 million ($0.15 per basic common share) for the second quarter and first six months of 2019, respectively.2020. The following factors contributed to the results for the second quarter and first sixthree months of 20202021 compared to the same periods in 2019:first quarter of 2020:

 

 

HigherVariances in gross profit (loss) at our Nevada operations by $21.7 million and $42.8 million, respectively,operating units as illustrated in the second quarter and first half of 2020. Gross profit at our Casa Berardi unit was higher by $14.1 million and $20.9 million, respectively, in the second quarter and first half of 2020 compared to the same periods of 2019. Gross profit at our San Sebastian unit was higher by $1.1 million and $2.5 million, respectively, in the second quarter and first half of 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019. Gross profit at our Greens Creek unit was higher in the second quarter of 2020 by $17.5 million, but lower in the first half of 2020 by $3.9 million, compared to the same periods in 2019. Gross profit was substantially unchanged at our Lucky Friday unit.table above. See The Greens Creek Segment, The Lucky Friday Segment, The Casa Berardi Segment, The San Sebastian Segmentand The Nevada Operations Segment sections below.

 

Exploration and pre-development expense decreased by $2.6 million and $4.8 million in the second quarter and first half of 2020, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. In the first half of 2020, exploration was primarily at our San Sebastian and Casa Berardi units.

Higher costs related to ramp-up at Lucky Friday and suspension of other operations by $7.3 million and $17.5 million, respectively, in the second quarter and first half of 2020 compared to the same periods of 2019. The increase was due to (i) higherRamp-up costs at Lucky Friday decreased by $8.1 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020 due to the transitionreturn to full production starting in the fourth quarter of production between salary and hourly personnel and the recall, hire and training of the returning hourly workforce there, (ii) placement of the Midas and Hollister mines and Aurora mill in Nevada on care-and-maintenance, and (iii) the temporary suspension of operations at Casa Berardi and San Sebastian in response to COVID-19, which lead to lower production at those operations.2020. See The Lucky Friday Segment The Nevada Operations Segment, The Casa Berardi Segment and The San Sebastian Segment sectionssection below.

 

Losses on base metal derivatives contracts of $14.0 million in the second quarter of 2020 and $6.1Lower interest expense by $5.6 million in the first half of 2020, compared to gains of $3.8 million in the second quarter and $2.0 million in the first half of 2019. See Note 11 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.

Net foreign exchange loss of $3.2 million in the second quarter and a gain of $3.4 million in the first half of 2020, versus net losses of $4.4 million and $7.5 million, respectively, in the second quarter and first half of 2019. The variances are primarily related to the impact of changes in the CAD-to-USD exchange rate on the remeasurement of our net monetary liabilities in Quebec. During the first half of 2020, the applicable CAD-to-USD exchange rate increased from 1.2989 to 1.3628, compared to a decrease in the rate from 1.3643 to 1.3087 during the first half of 2019.

General and administrative expense decreased by $1.9 million and $3.0 million, respectively, in the second quarter and first half of 2020 compared to the same periods of 2019 primarily due to lower incentive compensation and timing of issuance of shares to directors.

A $0.7 million loss recognized in the second quarter of 2020 on the write-down of equipment at Nevada Operations determined to be held-for-sale compared to a $4.6 million loss recognized in the second quarter of 2019 on the write-down of exploration interests in Quebec.

In June 2020, we gifted 650,000 shares of our common stock valued at $2.0 million at the time of the gift to the Hecla Charitable Foundation (the "Foundation"), and recognized expense for that amount in the second quarter of 2020. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity established in 2007 to provide grants and disburse funds for educational and charitable purposes to qualifying organizations in order to promote the social, environmental and economic sustainability and development of the communities where we have operations and activities.

Higher interest expense by $6.1 million in the first half of 20202021 compared to the first halfquarter of 2019,2020, with the increase resulting fromdecrease due to the following items in 2020: (i) interest recognized on both theour 7.25% Senior Notes due February 15, 2028 ("Senior Notes") and our previously-outstanding 6.875% Senior Notes that were due in 2021 Notes("2021 Notes") for an overlapping period of almost one month, as the Senior Notes were issued on February 19, 2020 and the 2021 Notes were redeemed on March 19, 2020, (ii) $1.7 million in unamortized initial purchaser discount on the 2021 Notes recognized as expense upon their redemption and (iii) higher interest related to amounts drawn on our revolving credit facility.

 

Unrealized gainsA net loss on investments of $6.4 million and $5.4 million, respectively, in the second quarter and first half of 2020 compared to losses of $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in the same periods of 2019 due to changes in the prices of shares in other mining companies held.of $2.4 million, including a $3.6 million unrealized loss and a $1.2 million gain on exchange of investments, in the first quarter of 2021 compared to a net loss of $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2020.

27

Higher other operating expense by $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020 due to project costs incurred to identify and implement potential operational improvements at Casa Berardi.

 

IncomeProvision for closed operations and environmental matters increased by $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020 primarily due to a $2.9 million increase in the accrual for estimated costs at the Johnny M site in New Mexico (see Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information).

Exploration and pre-development expense increased by $3.6 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020. In the first quarter of 2021, exploration was primarily at our San Sebastian, Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units.

A gain on metal derivatives contracts of $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to a gain of $7.9 million in the first quarter of 2020. See Note 8 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.

A net foreign exchange loss in the first quarter of 2021 of $2.1 million versus a net gain of $6.6 million in the first quarter of 2020, with the variance primarily related to the impact of a weakening of the Canadian dollar ("CAD") relative to the U.S. dollar ("USD") on remeasurement of our assets and liabilities in Quebec. During the first quarter of 2021, the applicable CAD-to-USD exchange rate decreased from 1.2732 to 1.2575, compared to an increase in the rate from 1.2989 to 1.4186 during the first quarter of 2020.

An income and mining tax provision of $0.6$4.6 million for the second quarter of 2020 and benefit of $0.4 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2020 compared to income tax benefits of $11.2 million and $18.4 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2019. The benefits in the first halfquarter of 20202021 compared to an income and both periodsmining tax benefit of 2019 are$1.1 million in the first quarter of 2020.  The provision in the 2021 period is primarily the result of losses in Nevada and Quebec. The provision in the second quarter of 2020 is due to income in Quebec offset by losses in Nevada.and the reclassification of certain income-based state and provincial taxes from Cost of sales and other direct production costs to Income and mining tax provision (see Note 3 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information).

 

3728


 

The Greens Creek Segment

 

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

  

Three months ended March 31,

 
 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

  

2021

  

2020

 

Sales

 $84,890  $55,398  $138,724  $135,527  $98,409  $53,833 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

 (44,684) (34,800) (81,436) (76,542) (38,360) (36,753)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (12,988)  (10,850)  (25,417)  (23,220)  (14,821)  (12,429)

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (57,672)  (45,650)  (106,853)  (99,762)

Total cost of sales

  (53,181)  (49,182)

Gross profit

 $27,218  $9,748  $31,871  $35,765  $45,228  $4,651 

Tons of ore milled

 215,275  209,370  414,079  416,195  194,080  198,804 

Production:

          

Silver (ounces)

 2,753,919  2,372,270  5,529,626  4,605,017  2,584,870  2,775,707 

Gold (ounces)

 13,104  13,257  25,377  27,585  13,266  12,273 

Zinc (tons)

 16,184  12,739  28,671  26,257  13,354  12,487 

Lead (tons)

 5,889  4,628  11,087  9,410  4,924  5,198 

Payable metal quantities sold:

          

Silver (ounces)

 2,753,736  1,738,377  4,847,456  3,979,549  2,247,274  2,093,720 

Gold (ounces)

 12,355  8,739  22,676  22,603  10,547  10,321 

Zinc (tons)

 10,650  9,462  20,302  18,995  9,097  9,652 

Lead (tons)

 5,233  2,810  8,693  7,154  3,645  3,460 

Ore grades:

          

Silver ounces per ton

 15.56  14.36  16.19  13.91  16.01  16.87 

Gold ounces per ton

 0.08  0.09  0.08  0.10  0.09  0.08 

Zinc percent

 8.2

%

 6.8

%

 7.6

%

 7.1

%

 7.62  6.89 

Lead percent

 3.3

%

 2.8

%

 3.2

%

 2.8

%

 3.06  3.12 

Mining cost per ton

 $81.16  $80.41  $82.40  $79.62 

Milling cost per ton

 $34.90  $35.10  $38.61  $35.48 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce (1)

 $5.19  $2.38  $5.41  $1.46 

All-In Sustaining Costs ("AISC"), After By-Product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)

 $7.11  $6.37  $7.51  $4.85 

Total production cost per ton

 $182.61  $185.92 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)

 $(0.67) $5.63 

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)

 $1.59  $7.90 

Capital additions

 $4,892  $5,510 

 

 

(1)

A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP).

 

The $40.6 million increase in gross profit during the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same 2020 period was the result of higher sales due to:

higher realized prices for silver, gold, zinc and lead;

higher overall metals sales volumes due to the timing of concentrate shipments. Silver sales volume was higher in spite of lower silver production primarily resulting from lower grades due to normal variations in the ore body; and

lower concentrate treatment costs of $5.7 million primarily as a result of favorable changes in smelter terms, with approximately $4 million to be non-recurring.

29

The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to the variances in Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce for the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020:

a2.jpg

The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $18.98  $20.09 

By-product credits

  (19.65)  (14.46)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $(0.67) $5.63 

The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $21.24  $22.36 

By-product credits

  (19.65)  (14.46)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $1.59  $7.90 

The decrease in Cash Costs and AISC, After By-Product Credits, per Silver Ounce for the first quarter of 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily due to the higher by-product credits, lower treatment costs and reclassification of mine license tax from production costs to income and mining tax provision effective January 1, 2021.

Restrictions imposed by the State of Alaska beginning in late March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 virus pandemic, including the requirement for employees returning to Alaska to self-quarantine for 14 days changed(changed in June 2020 to 7 days,days), has caused us to revise the normal operating procedures and incur additional costs for staffing operations at Greens Creek. RestrictionsThe changes at Greens Creek have not materially impacted our operations to date; however, restrictions could have a material impact if they continue longer than anticipated or become broader.

 

3830


The Lucky Friday Segment

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

Sales

 $29,122  $2,830 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

  (16,458)  (2,530)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (6,336)  (302)

Total cost of sales

  (22,794)  (2,832)

Gross profit (loss)

 $6,328  $(2)

Tons of ore milled

  81,071   10,219 

Production:

        

Silver (ounces)

  863,901   95,748 

Lead (tons)

  5,780   695 

Zinc (tons)

  2,753   360 

Payable metal quantities sold:

        

Silver (ounces)

  763,823   101,102 

Lead (tons)

  5,023   670 

Zinc (tons)

  1,930   184 

Ore grades:

        

Silver ounces per ton

  11.18   9.87 

Lead percent

  7.51   7.23 

Zinc percent

  3.70   3.85 

Total production cost per ton

 $181.28  $ 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)

 $7.62  $ 

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)

 $14.24  $ 

Capital additions

 $5,912  $4,295 

The increases in sales, gross profit, ore tonnage and metals production in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020 was the result of a full quarter of production following the return to full production during the fourth quarter of 2020 (discussed further below).         

31

 

The $17.5 million increase in gross profit for the second quarter of 2020 compared to the second quarter of 2019 was due to higher metal sales volumes due to the timing of shipments, and also higher grades for silver, zinc and lead, and higher average realized silver and gold prices, partially offset by higher treatment costs and lower zinc and lead prices. The $3.9 million decrease in gross profit for the first six months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily the result of higher treatment costs and lower average realized zinc and lead prices, partially offset by higher metal sales volumes and higher silver and gold prices. Treatment costs were higher by $6.3 million and $14.9 million, respectively, for the second quarter and first half of 2020 compared to the same periods of 2019 primarily due to unfavorable changes in smelter terms. Treatment costs for the first quarter of 2020 were also impacted by failure by a metals trader customer to perform its obligation to purchase a spot sale of concentrate, for which we are seeking remedy, although there can be no assurance we will be successful.

The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to the variances in Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Perper Silver Ounce for the secondfirst quarter of 2021. Total production costs and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce are not presented for the first six monthsquarter of 2020, compared toas production was limited during the same periods of 2019.ramp-up after the strike and results are not comparable.

 

a3.jpg

 

The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $22.06  $20.83  $21.07  $21.11 

By-product credits

  (16.87)  (18.45)  (15.66)  (19.65)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $5.19  $2.38  $5.41  $1.46 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2021

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

24.43

By-product credits

(16.81)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

7.62

 

The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $23.98  $24.82  $23.17  $24.50 

By-product credits

  (16.87)  (18.45)  (15.66)  (19.65)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $7.11  $6.37  $7.51  $4.85 

39

The increase in Cash Costs and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce for the second quarter and first six months of 2020 compared to 2019 was the result of higher treatment costs and lower by-product credits per ounce, partially offset by lower mining, milling and other costs on a per-ounce basis. For AISC, After By-Product Credits, per Silver Ounce, these factors were partially offset by lower capital spending.

Mining and milling costs per ounce decreased in the second quarter and first half of 2020 compared to 2019 on a per-ounce basis primarily due to higher silver production as a result of higher silver grades.

Other cash costs per ounce for the first six months of 2020 were lower compared to 2019 due to higher silver production, partially offset by higher expense for Alaska mine license tax.

Treatment costs per ounce were higher in the second quarter and first six months of 2020 compared to 2019 as a result of unfavorable changes in terms and higher silver prices, partially offset by higher silver production, with costs in the first quarter of 2020 also impacted by failure by a metals trader customer to perform its obligation to purchase a spot sale of concentrate, as discussed above. Treatment costs include the value of silver not payable to us through the smelting process. The silver not payable to us is either recovered by the smelters through further processing or ultimately not recovered and included in the smelters' waste material.

By-product credits per ounce were lower in the second quarter and first six months of 2020 compared to 2019 due to lower zinc and lead prices and the impact of higher silver production, which causes the by-product credits to be less on a per-silver ounce basis. For the six month period, by-product credits were also impacted by lower gold production in 2020 compared to 2019.

The difference between what we report as "production" and "payable metal quantities sold" is attributable to the difference between the quantities of metals contained in the concentrates we produce versus the portion of those metals actually paid for by our customers according to the terms of our sales contracts. Differences can also arise from inventory changes incidental to shipping schedules, or variances in ore grades which impact the amount of metals contained in concentrates produced and sold.

While revenue from zinc, lead and gold by-products is significant, we believe that identification of silver as the primary product of the Greens Creek unit is appropriate because:

silver has historically accounted for a higher proportion of revenue than any other metal and is expected to do so in the future;

we have historically presented Greens Creek as a producer primarily of silver, based on the original analysis that justified putting the project into production, and believe that consistency in disclosure is important to our investors regardless of the relationships of metals prices and production from year to year;

metallurgical treatment maximizes silver recovery;

the Greens Creek deposit is a massive sulfide deposit containing an unusually high proportion of silver; and

in most of its working areas, Greens Creek utilizes selective mining methods in which silver is the metal targeted for highest recovery.

Likewise, we believe the identification of gold, lead and zinc as by-product credits is appropriate because of their lower economic value compared to silver and due to the fact that silver is the primary product we intend to produce. In addition, we have not consistently received sufficient revenue from any single by-product metal to warrant classification of such as a co-product.

We periodically review our revenues to ensure that reporting of primary products and by-products is appropriate.  Because we consider zinc, lead and gold to be by-products of our silver production, the values of these metals offset operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.

40

The Lucky Friday Segment

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

  

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Sales

 $11,455  $4,951  $14,285  $7,133 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

  (9,561)  (4,529)  (12,091)  (6,541)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (1,894)  (422)  (2,196)  (591)

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (11,455)  (4,951)  (14,287)  (7,132)

Gross profit

 $  $  $(2) $1 

Tons of ore milled

  44,682   13,697   54,901   27,500 

Production:

                

Silver (ounces)

  469,537   127,147   565,285   300,774 

Lead (tons)

  3,088   887   3,783   1,889 

Zinc (tons)

  1,671   576   2,031   1,002 

Payable metal quantities sold:

                

Silver (ounces)

  424,348   177,266   525,449   264,111 

Lead (tons)

  2,793   1,153   3,463   1,657 

Zinc (tons)

  1,339   361   1,523   361 

Ore grades:

                

Silver ounces per ton

  10.99   10.12   10.78   11.73 

Lead percent

  7.33

%

  7.19

%

  7.31

%

  7.58

%

Zinc percent

  4.07

%

  5.03

%

  4.03

%

  4.28

%

The increases in ore tonnage and metals production in the second quarter and first six months of 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019 are the result of a ramp-up in production following the strike that ended in January 2020 (discussed further below).   

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $31.05 

By-product credits

  (16.81)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

  14.24 

 

Many of the employees at our Lucky Friday unit are represented by a union, and the previouscurrent collective bargaining agreement with the union expiredexpires on April 30, 2016.January 6, 2023. The unionized employees were on strike from March 13, 2017 until January 7, 2020, when the union ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. Salaried personnel performed limited production and capital improvements from July 2017 until the end of the strike. Re-staffing of the mine commenced in the first quarter of 2020, and we2020. We have substantially completed the re-staffing process.  We anticipate a returnand ramp-up process, and the mine has returned to full production bystarting with the endfourth quarter of 2020; however, the ramp-up to full production could take longer or be more costly than anticipated.2020. Costs related to ramp-up activities totaled $2.9 million and $9.3$8.1 million in the secondfirst quarter and first half of 2020, respectively, and suspension-related costs during the strike in the second quarter and first half of 2019 totaled $1.1 million and $3.0 million, respectively.  These costs are combined withwhich include non-cash depreciation expense of $2.3$1.8 million and $4.1 million for the second quarter of first half of 2020, respectively, and $1.2 million and $2.1 million for the second quarter and first half of 2019, respectively,are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations.operations, with no ramp-up costs recognized in the first quarter of 2021. These restart and suspensionramp-up costs are excluded from the calculation of gross profit, total production cost per ton, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce, when presented.

 

See Note 410 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for a contingency related to groundwater monitoring at the Lucky Friday mine in prior periods.

 

4132


 

The Casa Berardi Segment

 

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

  

2021

  

2020

 

Sales

 $50,005  $45,500  $96,177  $85,562  $72,911  $46,172 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

 (28,301) (36,591) (60,229) (69,517) (36,975) (31,928)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (17,281)  (18,561)  (33,678)  (34,716)  (25,541)  (16,397)

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (45,582)  (55,152)  (93,907)  (104,233)

Total cost of sales

  (62,516)  (48,325)

Gross profit (loss)

 $4,423  $(9,652) $2,270  $(18,671) $10,395  $(2,153)

Tons of ore milled

 280,420  347,596  612,038  677,347  368,403  331,618 

Production:

          

Gold (ounces)

 30,756  31,270  57,508  63,069  36,190  26,752 

Silver (ounces)

 5,495  6,164  11,429  14,404  10,675  5,934 

Payable metal quantities sold:

          

Gold (ounces)

 28,754  34,647  57,836  65,260  40,869  29,082 

Silver (ounces)

 4,383  4,900  12,806  13,362  8,715  8,423 

Ore grades:

          

Gold ounces per ton

 0.13  0.11  0.12  0.12  0.120  0.102 

Silver ounces per ton

 0.02  0.02  0.02  0.03  0.04  0.02 

Mining cost per ton

 $71.68  $76.35  $74.21  $81.11 

Milling cost per ton

 $21.11  $18.28  $21.57  $17.06 

Total production cost per ton

 $99.67  $102.45 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce (1)

 $919  $1,101  $1,081  $1,107  $1,027  $1,268 

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce (1)

 $1,077  $1,437  $1,327  $1,387  $1,272  $1,615 

Capital additions

 $13,847  $8,506 

 

 

(1)

A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP).

 

Gross profit increased by $14.1 million and $20.9$12.5 million for the secondfirst quarter and first half of 2020, respectively,2021 compared to the same periodsfirst quarter of 2019,2020 primarily due to higher sales resulting from higher average realizedgold prices and volume, partially offset by higher total cost of sales resulting from the higher sales volume. The lower gold volume resultingin the first quarter of 2020 resulted from reduced mill throughput. Theore grades and lower mill throughput wasproduction than anticipated due to a government COVID-19-related order. In late March 2020, the Government of Quebec ordered the mining industry to reduce to minimum operations as part of the fight against the COVID-19 virus, causing us to suspend our Casa Berardi operations from March 24, 2020 until April 15, 2020, when limited mining operations resumed.resumed, resulting in reduced mill throughput. As a result of the suspension of operations, gold production was negatively impacted by approximately 5,200 and 6,500 ounces lower in March 2020 and approximately 6,500 ounces lower in April 2020, than previously-forecasted full production levels.respectively. Production may continue to be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 mitigation practices in place until they are no longer required. Suspension-related costs totaling $1.6$0.9 million for the first halfquarter of 2020 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, mining and milling cost per ton, and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.

 

Mining costs per ton were lowerTotal capital additions increased by 6% and 9%, respectively, for$5.3 million in the secondfirst quarter and first half of 20202021 compared to the same periodsfirst quarter of last year2020 primarily due to reduced contractorgrowth capital costs incurred for development of the new 160 zone open pit mine, partially offset by lower ore production. Milling costs per ton were higher by 15% and 26%, respectively, for the second quarter and first half of 2020 compared to the same periods of last year due primarily to lowersustaining capital costs. We expect limited ore production and higher contractor costs.from the 160 zone pit to begin in the fourth quarter of 2021.

 

4233


 

The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Perper Gold Ounce for the secondfirst quarter andof 2021 compared to the first halfquarter of 2020 and 2019:2020:

a4.jpg

 

The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce:

 

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

  

2021

  

2020

 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $922  $1,104  $1,084  $1,110  $1,035  $1,272 

By-product credits

  (3)  (3)  (3)  (3)  (8)  (4)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $919  $1,101  $1,081  $1,107  $1,027  $1,268 

 

The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce:

 

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

  

2021

  

2020

 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,080  $1,440  $1,330  $1,390  $1,280  $1,619 

By-product credits

  (3)  (3)  (3)  (3)  (8)  (4)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,077  $1,437  $1,327  $1,387  $1,272  $1,615 

 

The decrease in Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce for the secondfirst quarter and first half of 20202021 compared to the same periods in 2019first quarter of 2020 was primarily due to lower mining costs, partially offset by lowerthe result of higher gold production. The decrease inproduction, with AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce was attributed toalso impacted by lower sustaining capital andspending, partially offset by higher exploration spending.

 

The difference between what we report as "production" and "payable metal quantities sold" is mainly attributable to inventory changes incidental to the timing of sales of refined metals and shipping schedules.

We believe the identification of silver as a by-product credit is appropriate at Casa Berardi because of its lower economic value compared to gold and due to the fact that gold is the primary product we intend to produce there. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from silver at Casa Berardi to warrant classification of such as a co-product. Because we consider silver to be a by-product of our gold production at Casa Berardi, the value of silver offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.

4334


 

The San Sebastian Segment

 

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

  

2021

  

2020

 

Sales

 $4,934  $10,993  $14,860  $23,593  $173  $9,927 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

 (3,115) (9,295) (9,943) (19,887) (94) (6,827)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (895)  (1,848)  (2,368)  (3,608)     (1,473)

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (4,010)  (11,143)  (12,311)  (23,495)

Gross profit (loss)

 $924  $(150) $2,549  $98 

Total cost of sales

  (94)  (8,300)

Gross profit

 $79  $1,627 

Tons of ore milled

 21,647  45,869  57,123  90,344    35,476 

Production:

          

Silver (ounces)

 158,842  463,735  505,467  904,814    346,625 

Gold (ounces)

 1,331  3,547  4,133  7,077    2,802 

Payable metal quantities sold:

          

Silver (ounces)

 162,780  441,710  516,476  938,260  3,392  353,696 

Gold (ounces)

 1,220  3,410  4,044  7,140  47  2,824 

Ore grades:

          

Silver ounces per ton

 7.96  11.03  9.63  10.99    10.64 

Gold ounces per ton

 0.07  0.09  0.09  0.09    0.091 

Mining cost per ton

 $31.01  $108.25  $67.59  $116.79 

Milling cost per ton

 $51.68  $61.43  $58.95  $61.81 

Total production cost per ton

 $  $178.02 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)

 $1.14  $9.22  $5.09  $10.20  $  $6.91 

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce (1)

 $1.85  $15.50  $5.65  $16.02  $  $9.59 

Capital additions

 $  $803 

 

 

(1)

A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP).

 

The $1.1$1.5 million and $2.5 million increasesdecrease in gross profit (loss) forin the secondfirst quarter and first half of 2020, respectively,2021 compared to the same periods in 2019 arefirst quarter of 2020 is primarily due to higher average silver and gold prices and lower costs, partially offset by lower metal volumes due to lower ore grades and mill throughput.

volumes. Mining and milling cost per ton were lower by 71% and 16%, respectively,at San Sebastian was completed in the secondthird quarter of 2020, and lower by 42% and 5%, respectively, formilling was completed in the first halffourth quarter of 2020, compared to the same periods of 2019. The decreases were mainly due to lower contractor costs, partially offset by lower ore tonnage.

44

The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce for the second quarterwith exploration and first half of 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019:evaluation activities ongoing.

 

The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $15.61  $19.23  $18.39  $20.42 

By-product credits

  (14.47)  (10.01)  (13.30)  (10.22)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $1.14  $9.22  $5.09  $10.20 

The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $16.32  $25.51  $18.95  $26.24 

By-product credits

  (14.47)  (10.01)  (13.30)  (10.22)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $1.85  $15.50  $5.65  $16.02 

The decrease in Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce in the second quarter and first half of 2020 compared to the same periods of 2019 was primarily the result of higher by-product credits per ounce due to higher gold prices, partially offset by lower silver production. The decrease in AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce in the second quarter and first half of 2020 compared to the same periods of 2019 is also a result of lower capital and exploration spending.

The difference between what we report as "production" and "payable metal quantities sold" is mainly attributable to inventory changes incidental to the timing of sales of refined metals and shipping schedules.

We periodically review our revenues to ensure that reporting of primary products and by-products is appropriate. We believe the identification of gold as a by-product credit is appropriateSuspension-related costs at San Sebastian because of its anticipated lower economic value compared to silver over the life of the mine. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from gold at San Sebastian to warrant classification of such as a co-product. Because we consider gold to be a by-product of our silver production at San Sebastian, the value of gold offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce.

45

In early April 2020, the Government of Mexico issued an order to the mining industry to reduce operations to a minimum level until April 30 in response to COVID-19, and the order was subsequently extended until May 30. Our operations at San Sebastian were suspended during that time. The closure is not expected to have a material impact on full-year production. Suspension-related costs totaling $1.0$0.7 million for the first halfquarter of 20202021 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, mining and milling cost per ton,total production costs and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per GoldSilver Ounce.

 

35

We continue

The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to studyCash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Silver Ounce for the Hugh Zone and El Toro opportunities at San Sebastian. The Hugh Zone was discovered in 2005 and is the deeper sulfide extension of the past-producing Francine vein, and El Toro is a near-surface oxide deposit discovered in 2019. The remaining work on the Hugh Zone is focused on the ability to generate a third salable concentrate (copper) from the ore, which has a significant impact on the potential return of the project and how the two deposits should be sequenced. The mine currently is expected to end production in the fourthfirst quarter of 2020. We believe the ability to produce a third concentrate, if achieved, could result in a restart of production in 2021 or 2022.2020:

a5.jpg

 

The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2020

 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $19.67 

By-product credits

  (12.76)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $6.91 

The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce:

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2020

 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $22.35 

By-product credits

  (12.76)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce

 $9.59 

36

The Nevada Operations Segment

 

Dollars are in thousands (except per ounce and per ton amounts)

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

  

2021

  

2020

 

Sales

 $15,071  $17,330  $39,234  $34,974  $10,237  $24,163 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs

 (7,192) (19,723) (15,041) (42,837) (4,822) (7,849)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (6,365)  (17,796)  (15,430)  (26,129)  (2,633)  (9,065)

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (13,557)  (37,519)  (30,471)  (68,966)

Gross profit (loss)

 $1,514  $(20,189) $8,763  $(33,992)

Total cost of sales

  (7,455)  (16,914)

Gross profit

 $2,782  $7,249 

Tons of ore milled

 10,686  58,417  27,984  99,782  16,459  17,298 

Production:

          

Gold (ounces)

 14,791  12,694  31,756  23,058  2,548  16,965 

Silver (ounces)

 15,988  49,449  37,443  116,887    21,455 

Payable metal quantities sold:

          

Gold (ounces)

 9,068  12,331  23,944  25,060  5,823  14,876 

Silver (ounces)

 3,392  56,333  28,731  121,387  6,821  25,339 

Ore grades:

          

Gold ounces per ton

 1.519  0.259  1.232  0.276  0.185  1.055 

Silver ounces per ton

 2.07  1.63  1.7  1.99    1.47 

Mining cost per ton

 $403.38  $129.75  $402.94  $164.08 

Milling cost per ton

 $219.32  $75.44  $176.63  $90.74 

Total production cost per ton

 $360.72  $745.14 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce (1)

 $694  $1,274  $716  $1,502  $1,416  $735 

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce (1)

 $769  $2,347  $787  $2,666  $1,461  $808 

Capital additions

 $89  $857 

 

 

(1)

A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, the most comparable GAAP measure, can be found below in Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP).

 

The increasesdecrease in gross profit for the secondfirst quarter andof 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020 is a result of lower metals production. During the second half of 2020, compared toall ore mined at the same periods of 2019 were primarily the result of higher average gold prices and higher gold production, due to higher grades. In addition, cost of sales and other direct production costs for the first half of 2020 included write-downs totaling approximately $1.5 million of the values of stockpile, in-process and finished goods inventory to their net realizable value,Nevada Operations was stockpiled, with no portionore milled and no production reported during that period. Mining of that amount recognized in the second quarter of 2020, compared to $18.6 million and $28.3 million, respectively, in such write-downs for the second quarter and first half of 2019. The write-downs in the 2019 periods were primarily attributed to development costs incurred at the Fire Creek mine, which were ceased in the second quarter of 2019 when the decision was made to limit near-term production to areas of the mine where development was already completed.

46

Mining and milling costs per ton were higher by 384% and 191%, respectively, for the second quarter of 2020 and by 184% and 95%, respectively, for the first half of 2020 compared to the same periods of 2019. The increases were primarily the result of lower mill throughput.

The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce for the second quarter and first half of 2020:

The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce:

  

Three Months Ended
June 30,

  

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $713   1,332  $736   1,580 

By-product credits

  (19)  (58)  (20)  (78)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $694  $1,274  $716  $1,502 

The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce:

  

Three Months Ended
June 30,

  

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $788  $2,405  $807  $2,744 

By-product credits

  (19)  (58)  (20)  (78)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $769  $2,347  $787  $2,666 

47

The decreases in Cash Costs and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold ounce in the second quarter and first half of 2020 compared to the same periods of 2019 were due to higher gold production resulting from increased grades, with the decreases in AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce also attributed to lower exploration and capital spending.

We believe the identification of silver as a by-product credit is appropriate at Nevada Operations because of its lower economic value compared to gold and due to the fact that gold is the primary product we intend to produce there. In addition, we do not receive sufficient revenue from silver at Nevada Operations to warrant classification of such as a co-product. Because we consider silver to be a by-product of our gold production at Nevada Operations, the value of silver offsets operating costs within our calculations of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.

Because total production and capital costs had exceeded sales since acquisition, we conducted a review of our Nevada operations during the second quarter of 2019. The review resulted in (i) a plan to limit near-term miningnon-refractory ore at Fire Creek toin areas where development has already been performed was completed and (ii) suspensionin the fourth quarter of production and development2020. Processing of the Hatter Graben projectstockpiled non-refractory ore at the Midas mill commenced at the end of the first quarter of 2021, and is expected to be completed in the second quarter. In addition, third-party processing of a bulk sample of Fire Creek refractory ore commenced in the first quarter of 2021 and is expected to be completed in the second quarter. Fire Creek is expected to be placed on care-and-maintenance in the second quarter of 2021 after its remaining non-refractory ore stockpile is processed. We also expect to process an additional 10,000 tons of Fire Creek refractory ore at the third-party facility in the second half of 2021.

Production was suspended at the Hollister resultingmine in lower anticipated near-term productionthe third quarter of 2019 and capitalized development costs. Production at the Midas mine and Aurora mill was suspended in late 2019.late-2019. Suspension-related costs at Nevada Operations totaling $6.7$3.6 million and $4.0 million for the first halfquarters of 2021 and 2020, at Hollister, Midas and Aurora, which are currently on care-and-maintenance,respectively, are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, mining and milling costtotal production costs per ton and Cash Cost and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.

 

We determined this review and the resulting plans represented a triggering event requiring an assessment of recoverability of the carrying value of our long-lived assets ("carrying value assessment") in Nevada as of June 30, 2019.  In our carrying value assessment, our estimate of undiscounted future cash flows and the estimated value of mineral interests exceeded the carrying value of the Nevada assets, and we concluded impairment was not indicated.  ThereTotal production costs per ton were no subsequent events or changes in circumstances during the remainder of 2019 orlower by 52% for the first halfquarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020, that indicated the carrying value of our long-term assets in Nevada was not recoverable.  We have entered into a third-party ore processing arrangement for a bulk sample of ore, with the potential of establishing a long-term arrangement which could reduce transportationprimarily due to lower mining and milling costs.  Mining ofcosts, as production for the 2021 period was from stockpiled bulk sample material commenced in the second quarter of 2020, with costs for mining the material totaling $4.3 million included in stockpiled ore inventory as of June 30, 2020.  Additionally, we have commenced studies of the assets in order to determine how to mine themprocessed at lower costs.  Recoverability of carrying value will be contingent upon the favorable resolution of operational issues, including, but not limited to: (i) ore grade control, (ii) mill recoveries and reconciliation, (iii) the potential availability ofa third-party processing of ore produced at the Fire Creek mine, (iv) availability of sufficient resources (including funding) to resume and complete necessary development work and drilling on a timely basis, (v) hydrological studies and (vi) permitting.  Based on the current mine plan, mining at Fire Creek in areas where development has already been performed is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2020.facility.

Our estimates of undiscounted future cash flows for our Nevada assets are most sensitive to (i) changes in metal prices and (ii) estimates of metals to be extracted and recovered. If events or changes occur that adversely affect our estimate of undiscounted future cash flows from our Nevada assets, including (i) an increase in expected costs, (ii) a sustained decline in gold prices, or (iii) suspension of production and placement of our Nevada operations on care-and-maintenance due to the inability to resolve the operational issues identified in the preceding paragraph in a timely manner, or other factors, we may be required to again perform a carrying value assessment for our Nevada assets. If a future assessment indicates the carrying value of the assets exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment loss, which could be material, would be recognized for the difference between the carrying value and fair value of the assets. The estimate of potential impairment involves significant judgment and assumptions, and no assurance can be given as to whether we will recognize an impairment in the future or the amount of a potential impairment. The carrying value of our properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests in Nevada as of June 30, 2020 was $483.9 million, consisting of the following (in millions):

Value beyond proven and probable reserves

 $382.2 

Mills and tailings facilities

  41.5 

Buildings and equipment

  24.7 

Development

 

19.0

 

Mineral properties

  10.4 

Asset retirement obligation asset

  3.1 

Land

  3.0 

Total

 $483.9 

 

4837


The chart below illustrates the factors contributing to Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, Per Gold Ounce for the first quarter of 2021 and 2020:

a6.jpg

The following table summarizes the components of Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce:

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,416  $756 

By-product credits

     (21)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,416  $735 

The following table summarizes the components of AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce:

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,461  $829 

By-product credits

     (21)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce

 $1,461  $808 

The increase in Cash Costs and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold ounce in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020 was due to lower gold production resulting from decreased grades and ore volume.

 

See Item 1A. Risk Factors - Operation, Development, Exploration and Acquisition Risks in our annual report filed on2020 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for a discussion of certain risks relating to our recent and ongoing analysis of the carrying value of the Nevada assets.

 

38

Corporate Matters

 

Employee Benefit Plans

 

Our defined benefit pension plans provide a significant benefit to our employees, but represent a significant liability to us. The liability recorded for the underfunded status of our plans was $59.5$29.6 million and $56.8$44.9 million as of June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2019,2020, respectively. In April 2020,January 2021, we contributed $0.4$16.8 million in shares of our common stock to our defined benefit plans,supplemental executive retirement plan ("SERP"), and expect to contribute an additional approximately $10.0 million in cash or shares of our common stock in 2020, including $4.8$0.8 million to satisfy the remaining minimum funding requirement for the year.SERP in 2021. We do not expect to be required to contribute to our defined benefit pension plans in 2021, but we may choose to do so. While the economic variables which will determine future funding requirements are uncertain, we expect contributions to continue to be required in future years under current plan provisions, and we periodically examine the plans for affordability and competitiveness. See Note 7 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)in our 2020 Form 10-K for more information.

 

Income and Mining Taxes

During the first quarter of 2021, an income and mining tax provision of approximately $4.6 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 19.6% for that period. This compares to an income and mining tax benefit of $1.1 million, or an effective tax rate of 5.8%, for the first quarter of 2020. The comparability of our income and mining tax (provision) benefit and effective tax rate for the reported periods was impacted by multiple factors, primarily: (i) mining taxes; (ii) variations in our income before income taxes; (iii) geographic distribution of that income; (iv) foreign exchange rates; (v) percentage depletion; (vi) the non-recognition of tax assets; and (vii) the reclassification of the Alaska mine license tax effective January 1, 2021, which increased our income and mining tax provision by $3.0 million. Therefore, the effective tax rate will fluctuate, sometimes significantly, period to period.

Each reporting period we assess our deferred tax balancebalances based on a review of long-range forecasts and quarterly activity. In 2018, through the acquisition of Klondex Mines Ltd., we acquired a U.S. consolidated tax group (the "Nevada U.S. Group") that did not join the existing consolidated U.S. tax group of Hecla Mining Company and subsidiaries (“Hecla U.S.”). We recognized a fullA valuation allowance on our Hecla U.S. netis provided for deferred tax assets atfor which it is more likely than not the end of 2017 based on results ofrelated tax law changes and maintain a full valuation allowance on Hecla U.S. netbenefits will not be realized. We analyze our deferred tax assets at June 30, 2020.

Our net U.S. deferred tax liability for the Nevada U.S. Group at June 30, 2020 was $35.1 million compared to the $38.3 million net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2019. The $3.2 million decreaseand, if it is for current period activity in Nevada. The deferred tax liability is primarily related to the excessdetermined that we will not realize all or a portion of the carrying value of the mineral resource assets over the tax bases of those assets for U.S. tax reporting.

Our net Canadian deferred tax liability at June 30, 2020 was $93.6 million, a decrease of $6.3 million from the $99.9 million net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of weakening of the CAD relative to the USD on remeasurement of the deferred tax liability balance. The deferred tax liability is primarily related to the excess of the carrying value of the mineral resource assets over the tax bases of those assets for Canadian tax reporting.

Our Mexican net deferred tax asset at June 30, 2020 was $3.2 million, a decrease of $0.3 million from the net deferred tax asset of $3.5 million at December 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of weakening of the MXN relative to the USD on remeasurement of the deferred tax asset balance. A $2.2 million partial valuation allowance remains onour deferred tax assets, in Mexico.

Aswe will record or increase a resultvaluation allowance. Conversely, if it is determined we will ultimately more likely than not be able to realize all or a portion of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enactedrelated benefits for which a valuation allowance has been provided, all or a portion of the related valuation allowance will be reduced. There are a number of factors that impact our ability to realize our deferred tax assets. For additional information, please see Item 1A - Risk Factors in December 2017, our remaining Alternative Minimum Tax ("AMT") credit carryforward of $10.7 million became partially refundable through 2020 and fully refundable in 2021. An Alaska AMT refund of $0.5 million was received in the first half of 2020, leaving a net AMT credit receivable of $10.2 million as of June 30, 2020. In March 2020, the U.S. government issued the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, which allowed companies to claim immediate refunds of AMT credits. As a result, the remaining $10.2 million AMT credit is classified as a current receivable as of June 30, 2020.10-K.

 

Reconciliation of Cost of Sales and Other Direct Production Costs and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (GAAP) to Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and Cash Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP) and All-In Sustaining Cost, Before By-product Credits and All-In Sustaining Cost, After By-product Credits (non-GAAP)

The tables below present reconciliations between the most comparable GAAP measure of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization to the non-GAAP measures of (i) Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, (ii) Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, (iii) AISC, Before By-product Credits and (iv) AISC, After By-product Credits for our operations at the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, San Sebastian, Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units and for the Company for the three- and six-monththree-month periods ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and 2019.2020.

49

 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce are measures developed by precious metals companies (including the Silver Institute and the World Gold Council) in an effort to provide a uniform standard for comparison purposes. There can be no assurance, however, that these non-GAAP measures as we report them are the same as those reported by other mining companies.

39

 

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce is an important operating statistic that we utilize to measure each mine's operating performance. We use AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce as a measure of our mines' net cash flow after costs for exploration, pre-development, reclamation, and sustaining capital. This is similar to the Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce non-GAAP measure we report, but also includes on-site exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital costs. Current GAAP measures used in the mining industry, such as cost of goods sold, do not capture all the expenditures incurred to discover, develop and sustain silver and gold production. Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce also allow us to benchmark the performance of each of our mines versus those of our competitors. As a silver and gold mining company, we also use these statistics on an aggregate basis - aggregating the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and San Sebastian mines - to compare our performance with that of other silver mining companies, and aggregating Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations for comparison with other gold mining companies. Similarly, these statistics are useful in identifying acquisition and investment opportunities as they provide a common tool for measuring the financial performance of other mines with varying geologic, metallurgical and operating characteristics.

 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits and AISC, Before By-product Credits include all direct and indirect operating cash costs related directly to the physical activities of producing metals, including mining, processing and other plant costs, third-party refining expense, on-site general and administrative costs royalties and mining production taxes.royalties. AISC, Before By-product Credits for each mine also includes on-site exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital costs.  AISC, Before By-product Credits for our consolidated silver properties also includes corporate costs for general and administrative expense, exploration and sustaining capital projects.  By-product credits include revenues earned from all metals other than the primary metal produced at each unit.  As depicted in the tables below, by-product credits comprise an essential element of our silver unit cost structure, distinguishing our silver operations due to the polymetallic nature of their orebodies.

 

In addition to the uses described above, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce provide management and investors an indication of operating cash flow, after consideration of the average price received from production. We also use these measurements for the comparative monitoring of performance of our mining operations period-to-period from a cash flow perspective.  

 

The Casa Berardi, Nevada Operations and combined gold properties information below reports Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce for the production of gold, their primary product, and by-product revenues earned from silver, which is a by-product at Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations. Only costs and ounces produced relating to units with the same primary product are combined to represent Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce. Thus, the gold produced at our Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units is not included as a by-product credit when calculating Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Silver Ounce for the total of Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and San Sebastian, our combined silver properties. Similarly, the silver produced at our other three units is not included as a by-product credit when calculating the gold metrics for Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations.

 

5040


 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2020

  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

 
 

Greens

Creek

 

Lucky

Friday(2)

 

San

Sebastian (3)

 

Corporate(4)

 

Total

Silver

  

Greens

Creek

  

Lucky

Friday(2)

  

San

Sebastian(3)

  

Corporate(4)

  

Total

Silver

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $57,672  11,455  $4,010     $73,137 

Total cost of sales

 $53,181  $22,794  $94     $76,069 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 (12,988) (1,894) (895)    (15,777) (14,821) (6,336)      (21,157)

Treatment costs

 20,016  3,032  47     23,095  10,541  4,978       15,519 

Change in product inventory

 (4,020) (118) (398)    (4,536) 401  (93)      308 

Reclamation and other costs

 93    (296)    (203)  (261)  (233)  (94)     (588)

Exclusion of Lucky Friday costs

     (12,475)        (12,475)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

 60,773    2,468     63,241  49,041  21,110       70,151 

Reclamation and other costs

 789     114     903  848  264       1,112 

Exploration

        314  314  123      435  558 

Sustaining capital

 4,501     (1)   4,500  4,892  5,454      10,346 

General and administrative

           6,979   6,979              8,007   8,007 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

 66,063    2,581     75,937  54,904  26,828       90,174 

By-product credits:

  

Zinc

 (19,913)        (19,913) (22,767) (4,753)      (27,520)

Gold

 (19,427)   (2,287)    (21,714) (20,996)        (20,996)

Lead

  (7,133)            (7,133)  (7,020)  (9,775)        (16,795)

Total By-product credits

  (46,473)     (2,287)     (48,760)  (50,783)  (14,528)        (65,311)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $14,300  $  $181     $14,481  $(1,742) $6,582  $     $4,840 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $19,590  $  $294     $27,177  $4,121  $12,300  $     $24,863 

Divided by ounces produced

 2,754    158     2,912  2,585  864       3,449 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $22.06  $  $15.61     $21.71  $18.98  $24.43  $     $20.34 

By-product credits per ounce

  (16.87)     (14.47)     (16.74)  (19.65)  (16.81)        (18.94)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $5.19  $  $1.14     $4.97  $(0.67) $7.62  $     $1.40 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $23.98  $  $16.32     $26.07  $21.24  $31.05  $     $26.15 

By-product credits per ounce

  (16.87)     (14.47)     (16.74)  (19.65)  (16.81)        (18.94)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $7.11  $  $1.85     $9.33  $1.59  $14.24  $     $7.21 

 

5141


 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three months ended June 30, 2020

  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

 
 

Casa

Berardi (5)

 

Nevada

Operations (6)

 

Total

Gold

  

Casa

Berardi (5)

 

Nevada

Operations (6)

  

Total

Gold

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $45,582  $13,557  $59,139 

Total cost of sales

 $62,516  $7,455  $69,971 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 (17,281) (6,365) (23,646) (25,541) (2,633) (28,174)

Treatment costs

 558  19  577  714  11  725 

Change in product inventory

 (400) 3,669  3,269  (47) (1,084) (1,131)

Reclamation and other costs

  (92)  (328)  (420) (208) (27) (235)

Cash costs excluded

    (115)  (115)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

 28,367  10,552  38,919  37,434  3,607  41,041 

Reclamation and other costs

 94  327  421  208  27  235 

Exploration

 467    467  907    907 

Sustaining capital

  4,278   774   5,052  7,758  89  7,847 

General and administrative

         

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

 33,206  11,653  44,859  46,307  3,723  50,030 

By-product credits:

              

Silver

  (92)  (282)  (374)  (278)    (278)

Total By-product credits

  (92)  (282)  (374)  (278)    (278)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $28,275  $10,270  $38,545  $37,156  $3,607  $40,763 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $33,114  $11,371  $44,485  $46,029  $3,723  $49,752 

Divided by ounces produced

 31  15  46  36  3  39 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $922  $713  $854  $1,035  $1,416  $1,059 

By-product credits per ounce

  (3)  (19)  (8)  (8)    (7)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $919  $694  $846  $1,027  $1,416  $1,052 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,080  $788  $985  $1,280  $1,461  $1,291 

By-product credits per ounce

  (3)  (19)  (8)  (8)    (7)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,077  $769  $977  $1,272  $1,461  $1,284 

 

5242


 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three months ended June 30, 2020

 
  

Total

Silver

  

Total

Gold

  

Total

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $73,137  $59,139  $132,276 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (15,777)  (23,646)  (39,423)

Treatment costs

  23,095   577   23,672 

Change in product inventory

  (4,536)  3,269   (1,267)

Reclamation and other costs

  (203)  (420)  (623)

Exclusion of Lucky Friday costs

  (12,475)     (12,475)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

  63,241   38,919   102,160 

Reclamation and other costs

  903   421   1,324 

Exploration

  314   467   781 

Sustaining capital

  4,500   5,052   9,552 

General and administrative

  6,979      6,979 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

  75,937   44,859   120,796 

By-product credits:

            

Zinc

  (19,913)     (19,913)

Gold

  (21,714)     (21,714)

Lead

  (7,133)     (7,133)

Silver

      (374)  (374)

Total By-product credits

  (48,760)  (374)  (49,134)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $14,481  $38,545  $53,026 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $27,177  $44,485  $71,662 

Divided by ounces produced

  2,912   46     

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $21.71  $854     

By-product credits per ounce

  (16.74)  (8)    

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $4.97  $846     

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $26.07  $985     

By-product credits per ounce

  (16.74)  (8)    

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $9.33  $977     

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

 
  

Total Silver

  

Total Gold

  

Total

 

Total cost of sales

 $76,069  $69,971  $146,040 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (21,157)  (28,174)  (49,331)

Treatment costs

  15,519   725   16,244 

Change in product inventory

  308   (1,131)  (823)

Reclamation and other costs

  (588)  (235)  (823)

Cash costs excluded

     (115)  (115)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

  70,151   41,041   111,192 

Reclamation and other costs

  1,112   235   1,347 

Exploration

  558   907   1,465 

Sustaining capital

  10,346   7,847   18,193 

General and administrative

  8,007      8,007 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

  90,174   50,030   140,204 

By-product credits:

            

Zinc

  (27,520)     (27,520)

Gold

  (20,996)     (20,996)

Lead

  (16,795)     (16,795)

Silver

      (278)  (278)

Total By-product credits

  (65,311)  (278)  (65,589)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $4,840  $40,763  $45,603 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $24,863  $49,752  $74,615 

Divided by ounces produced

  3,449   39     

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $20.34  $1,059     

By-product credits per ounce

  (18.94)  (7)    

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1.40  $1,052     

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $26.15  $1,291     

By-product credits per ounce

  (18.94)  (7)    

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $7.21  $1,284     

 

5343


 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2019

 
  

Greens

Creek

  

Lucky

Friday(2)

  

San

Sebastian

  

Corporate(4)

  

Total

Silver

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $45,650  $4,951  $11,143      $61,744 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (10,850)  (422)  (1,848)      (13,120)

Treatment costs

  10,964   524   238       11,726 

Change in product inventory

  4,577   (641)  (190)      3,746 

Reclamation and other costs

  (933)     (422)      (1,355)

Exclusion of Lucky Friday cash costs

     (4,412)         (4,412)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

  49,408      8,921       58,329 

Reclamation and other costs

  738      123       861 

Exploration

  79      1,483   497   2,059 

Sustaining capital

  8,665      1,308   12   9,985 

General and administrative

              8,918   8,918 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

  58,890      11,835       80,152 

By-product credits:

                    

Zinc

  (22,221)            (22,221)

Gold

  (15,350)     (4,645)      (19,995)

Lead

  (6,198)            (6,198)

Total By-product credits

  (43,769)     (4,645)      (48,414)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $5,639  $  $4,276      $9,915 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $15,121  $  $7,190      $31,738 

Divided by ounces produced

  2,372      464       2,836 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $20.83  $  $19.23      $20.57 

By-product credits per ounce

  (18.45)     (10.01)      (17.07)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $2.38  $  $9.22      $3.50 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $24.82  $  $25.51      $28.23 

By-product credits per ounce

  (18.45)     (10.01)      (17.07)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $6.37  $  $15.50      $11.16 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

 
  

Greens

Creek

  

Lucky

Friday(2)

  

San

Sebastian

  

Corporate(4)

  

Total

Silver

 

Total cost of sales

 $49,182  $2,832  $8,300      $60,314 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (12,429)  (302)  (1,473)      (14,204)

Treatment costs

  15,826   432   104       16,362 

Change in product inventory

  2,870   914   253       4,037 

Reclamation and other costs

  319      (361)      (42)

Exclusion of Lucky Friday costs

     (3,876)         (3,876)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

  55,768      6,823       62,591 

Reclamation and other costs

  788      114       902 

Exploration

  4      767   350   1,121 

Sustaining capital

  5,510      56      5,566 

General and administrative

              8,939   8,939 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

  62,070      7,760       79,119 

By-product credits:

                    

Zinc

  (16,026)            (16,026)

Gold

  (17,197)     (4,429)      (21,626)

Lead

  (6,926)            (6,926)

Total By-product credits

  (40,149)     (4,429)      (44,578)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $15,619  $  $2,394      $18,013 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $21,921  $  $3,331      $34,541 

Divided by ounces produced

  2,776      347       3,123 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $20.09  $  $19.67      $20.04 

By-product credits per ounce

  (14.46)     (12.76)      (14.27)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $5.63  $  $6.91      $5.77 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $22.36  $  $22.35      $25.33 

By-product credits per ounce

  (14.46)     (12.76)      (14.27)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $7.90  $  $9.59       11.06 

 

5444


 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2019

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

2020

 
 

Casa

Berardi

 

Nevada

Operations

 

Total

Gold

  

Casa

Berardi

  

Nevada

Operations

  

Total

Gold

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $55,152  $37,519  $92,671 

Total cost of sales

 $48,325  $16,914  $65,239 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 (18,561) (17,796) (36,357) (16,397) (9,065) (25,462)

Treatment costs

 427  36  463  574  26  600 

Change in product inventory

 (2,367) (1,969) (4,336) 1,608  5,280  6,888 

Reclamation and other costs

  (128)  (885)  (1,013)  (97)  (326)  (423)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

 34,523  16,905  51,428  34,013  12,829  46,842 

Reclamation and other costs

 127  378  505  96  327  423 

Exploration

 941  698  1,639  691  85  776 

Sustaining capital

  9,431   12,553   21,984   8,506   826   9,332 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

 45,022  30,534  75,556  43,306  14,067  57,373 

By-product credits:

        

Silver

  (91)  (739)  (830)  (100)  (353)  (453)

Total By-product credits

  (91)  (739)  (830)  (100)  (353)  (453)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $34,432  $16,166  $50,598  $33,913  $12,476  $46,389 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $44,931  $29,795  $74,726  $43,206  $13,714  $56,920 

Divided by ounces produced

 31  13  44  27  17  44 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,104  $1,332  $1,170  $1,272  $756  $1,071 

By-product credits per ounce

  (3)  (58)  (19)  (4)  (21)  (10)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,101  $1,274  $1,151  $1,268  $735  $1,061 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,440  $2,405  $1,719  $1,619  $829  $1,312 

By-product credits per ounce

  (3)  (58)  (19)  (4)  (21)  (10)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,437  $2,347  $1,700  $1,615  $808  $1,302 

 

5545


 

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2019

 
  

Total

Silver

  

Total

Gold

  

Total

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $61,744  $92,671  $154,415 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (13,120)  (36,357)  (49,477)

Treatment costs

  11,726   463   12,189 

Change in product inventory

  3,746   (4,336)  (590)

Reclamation and other costs

  (1,355)  (1,013)  (2,368)

Exclusion of Lucky Friday cash costs

  (4,412)     (4,412)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

  58,329   51,428   109,757 

Reclamation and other costs

  861   505   1,366 

Exploration

  2,059   1,639   3,698 

Sustaining capital

  9,985   21,984   31,969 

General and administrative

  8,918      8,918 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

  80,152   75,556   155,708 

By-product credits:

            

Zinc

  (22,221)     (22,221)

Gold

  (19,995)     (19,995)

Lead

  (6,198)     (6,198)

Silver

      (830)  (830)

Total By-product credits

  (48,414)  (830)  (49,244)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $9,915  $50,598  $60,513 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $31,738  $74,726  $106,464 

Divided by ounces produced

  2,836   44     

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $20.57  $1,170     

By-product credits per ounce

  (17.07)  (19)    

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $3.50  $1,151     

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $28.23  $1,719     

By-product credits per ounce

  (17.07)  (19)    

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $11.16  $1,700     

56

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 
  

Greens

Creek

  

Lucky

Friday(2)

  

San

Sebastian (3)

  

Corporate(4)

  

Total

Silver

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $106,853  $14,287  $12,311      $133,451 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (25,417)  (2,196)  (2,368)      (29,981)

Treatment costs

  35,842   3,464   151       39,457 

Change in product inventory

  (1,150)  796   (145)      (499)

Reclamation and other costs

  413      (658)      (245)

Exclusion of Lucky Friday costs

     (16,351)         (16,351)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

  116,541      9,291       125,832 

Reclamation and other costs

  1,577      228       1,805 

Exploration

  4         664   668 

Sustaining capital

  10,011      55      10,066 

General and administrative

              15,918   15,918 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

  128,133      9,574       154,289 

By-product credits:

                    

Zinc

  (35,939)             (35,939)

Gold

  (36,624)      (6,716)      (43,340)

Lead

  (14,059)             (14,059)

Total By-product credits

  (86,622)     (6,716)      (93,338)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $29,919  $  $2,575      $32,494 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $41,511  $  $2,858      $60,951 

Divided by ounces produced

  5,530      505       6,035 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $21.07  $  $18.39      $20.85 

By-product credits per ounce

  (15.66)     (13.30)      (15.47)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $5.41  $  $5.09      $5.38 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $23.17  $  $18.95      $25.57 

By-product credits per ounce

  (15.66)     (13.30)      (15.47)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $7.51  $  $5.65      $10.10 

57

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 
  

Casa

Berardi (5)

  

Nevada

Operations (6)

  

Total

Gold

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $93,907  $30,471  $124,378 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (33,678)  (15,430)  (49,108)

Treatment costs

  1,132   45   1,177 

Change in product inventory

  1,208   8,949   10,157 

Reclamation and other costs

  (189)  (654)  (843)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

  62,380   23,381   85,761 

Reclamation and other costs

  190   654   844 

Exploration

  1,158      1,158 

Sustaining capital

  12,784   1,600   14,384 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

  76,512   25,635   102,147 

By-product credits:

            

Silver

  (192)  (635)  (827)

Total By-product credits

  (192)  (635)  (827)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $62,188  $22,746  $84,934 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $76,320  $25,000  $101,320 

Divided by ounces produced

  58   32   90 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,084  $736  $961 

By-product credits per ounce

  (3)  (20)  (9)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,081  $716  $952 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,330  $807  $1,144 

By-product credits per ounce

  (3)  (20)  (9)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,327  $787  $1,135 

58

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 
  

Total

Silver

  

Total

Gold

  

Total

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $133,451  $124,378  $257,829 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (29,981)  (49,108)  (79,089)

Treatment costs

  39,457   1,177   40,634 

Change in product inventory

  (499)  10,157   9,658 

Reclamation and other costs

  (245)  (843)  (1,088)

Exclusion of Lucky Friday costs

  (16,351)     (16,351)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

  125,832   85,761   211,593 

Reclamation and other costs

  1,805   844   2,649 

Exploration

  668   1,158   1,826 

Sustaining capital

  10,066   14,384   24,450 

General and administrative

  15,918      15,918 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

  154,289   102,147   256,436 

By-product credits:

            

Zinc

  (35,939)     (35,939)

Gold

  (43,340)     (43,340)

Lead

  (14,059)     (14,059)

Silver

      (827)  (827)

Total By-product credits

  (93,338)  (827)  (94,165)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $32,494  $84,934  $117,428 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $60,951  $101,320  $162,271 

Divided by ounces produced

  6,035   90     

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $20.85  $961     

By-product credits per ounce

  (15.47)  (9)    

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $5.38  $952     

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $25.57  $1,144     

By-product credits per ounce

  (15.47)  (9)    

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $10.10  $1,135     

59

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

 
  

Greens

Creek

  

Lucky

Friday(2)

  

San

Sebastian

  

Corporate(4)

  

Total

Silver

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $99,762  $7,132  $23,495      $130,389 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (23,220)  (591)  (3,608)      (27,419)

Treatment costs

  21,316   1,334   369       23,019 

Change in product inventory

  712   842   (1,043)      511 

Reclamation and other costs

  (1,347)     (735)      (2,082)

Exclusion of Lucky Friday cash costs

     (8,717)         (8,717)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

  97,223      18,478       115,701 

Reclamation and other costs

  1,475      246       1,721 

Exploration

  160      3,200   938   4,298 

Sustaining capital

  13,977      1,814   73   15,864 

General and administrative

              18,877   18,877 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

  112,835      23,738       156,461 

By-product credits:

                    

Zinc

  (45,506)            (45,506)

Gold

  (31,868)      (9,247)      (41,115)

Lead

  (13,115)            (13,115)

Total By-product credits

  (90,489)     (9,247)      (99,736)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $6,734  $  $9,231      $15,965 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $22,346  $  $14,491      $56,725 

Divided by ounces produced

  4,605      905       5,510 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $21.11  $  $20.42      $21.00 

By-product credits per ounce

  (19.65)     (10.22)      (18.10)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1.46  $  $10.20      $2.90 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $24.50  $  $26.24      $28.39 

By-product credits per ounce

  (19.65)     (10.22)      (18.10)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $4.85  $  $16.02      $10.29 

60

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

 
  

Casa

Berardi

  

Nevada

Operations

  

Total

Gold

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $104,233  $68,966  $173,199 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (34,716)  (26,129)  (60,845)

Treatment costs

  869   74   943 

Change in product inventory

  (99)  (5,215)  (5,314)

Reclamation and other costs

  (257)  (1,264)  (1,521)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

  70,030   36,432   106,462 

Reclamation and other costs

  256   756   1,012 

Exploration

  2,287   816   3,103 

Sustaining capital

  15,123   25,260   40,383 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

  87,696   63,264   150,960 

By-product credits:

            

Silver

  (217)  (1,796)  (2,013)

Total By-product credits

  (217)  (1,796)  (2,013)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $69,813  $34,636  $104,449 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $87,479  $61,468  $148,947 

Divided by ounces produced

  63   23   86 

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,110  $1,580  $1,236 

By-product credits per ounce

  (3)  (78)  (23)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,107  $1,502  $1,213 

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,390  $2,744  $1,752 

By-product credits per ounce

  (3)  (78)  (23)

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $1,387  $2,666  $1,729 

61

In thousands (except per ounce amounts)

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

 
 

Total

Silver

 

Total

Gold

 

Total

  

Total Silver

  

Total Gold

  

Total

 

Cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization

 $130,389  $173,199  $303,588 

Total cost of sales

 $60,314  $65,239  $125,553 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 (27,419) (60,845) (88,264) (14,204) (25,462) (39,666)

Treatment costs

 23,019  943  23,962  16,362  600  16,962 

Change in product inventory

 511  (5,314) (4,803) 4,037  6,888  10,925 

Reclamation and other costs

 (2,082) (1,521) (3,603) (42) (423) (465)

Exclusion of Lucky Friday cash costs

  (8,717)     (8,717)

Exclusion of Lucky Friday costs

  (3,876)     (3,876)

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits (1)

 115,701  106,462  222,163  62,591  46,842  109,433 

Reclamation and other costs

 1,721  1,012  2,733  902  423  1,325 

Exploration

 4,298  3,103  7,401  1,121  776  1,897 

Sustaining capital

 15,864  40,383  56,247  5,566  9,332  14,898 

General and administrative

  18,877      18,877   8,939      8,939 

AISC, Before By-product Credits (1)

 156,461  150,960  307,421  79,119  57,373  136,492 

By-product credits:

        

Zinc

 (45,506)   (45,506) (16,026)   (16,026)

Gold

 (41,115)   (41,115) (21,626)   (21,626)

Lead

 (13,115)   (13,115) (6,926)   (6,926)

Silver

      (2,013)  (2,013)  0   (453)  (453)

Total By-product credits

  (99,736)  (2,013)  (101,749)  (44,578)  (453)  (45,031)

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits

 $15,965  $104,449  $120,414  $18,013  $46,389  $64,402 

AISC, After By-product Credits

 $56,725  $148,947  $205,672  $34,541  $56,920  $91,461 

Divided by ounces produced

 5,510  86     3,123  44    

Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $21.00  $1,236     $20.04  $1,071    

By-product credits per ounce

  (18.10)  (23)     (14.27)  (10)   

Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $2.90  $1,213     $5.77  $1,061    

AISC, Before By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $28.39  $1,752     $25.33  $1,312    

By-product credits per ounce

  (18.10)  (23)     (14.27)  (10)   

AISC, After By-product Credits, per Ounce

 $10.29  $1,729     $11.06  $1,302    

 

(1)

Includes all direct and indirect operating costs related to the physical activities of producing metals, including mining, processing and other plant costs, third-party refining and marketing expense, on-site general and administrative costs royalties and mining production taxes,royalties, before by-product revenues earned from all metals other than the primary metal produced at each unit.  AISC, Before By-product Credits also includes on-site exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital costs.

 

(2)

The unionized employees at Lucky Friday were on strike from March 2017 until January 2020, and production at Lucky Friday hashad been limited sincefrom the start of the strike.strike until the ramp-up was substantially completed in the fourth quarter of 2020. Costs related to ramp-up activities totaling $9.3$6.3 million, in the first half of 2020, and suspension-related costs totaling $3.0 million during the strike in the first half of 2019, along with $4.1$1.8 million and $2.1 million, respectively, in non-cash depreciation expense, for those periods,in the first quarter of 2020 have been excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, AISC, Before By-product Credits, and AISC, After By-product Credits.

 

(3)

In early April 2020, the Government of Mexico issued an order to the mining industry to reduce operations to a minimum level until April 30 in response to COVID-19, and the order was subsequently extended until May 30. Our operationsMining at San Sebastian were suspended during that time.was completed in the third quarter of 2020, and milling was completed in the fourth quarter of 2020. Suspension-related costs at San Sebastian totaling $1.0$0.7 million for the first halfquarter of 20202021 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, mining and milling cost per ton, and Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, AISC, Before By-product Credits, and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.Credits.

46

 

(4)

AISC, Before By-product Credits for our consolidated silver properties includes corporate costs for general and administrative expense, exploration and sustaining capital.

 

(5)

In late March 2020, the Government of Quebec ordered the mining industry to reduce to minimum operations as part of the fight against the COVID-19 virus, causing us to suspend our Casa Berardi operations from approximately March 24 until April 15, when limited mining operations resumed, resulting in reduced mill throughput. Suspension-related costs totaling $1.6$0.9 million for the first halfquarter of 2020 are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, and Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, AISC, Before By-product Credits, and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.Credits.

 

(6)

Production was suspended at the Hollister mine in the third quarter of 2019 and at the Midas minemines and Aurora mill in late-2019.the latter part of 2019. Suspension-related costs at Hollister, MidasNevada Operations totaling $3.6 million and Aurora totaling $6.7$4.0 million for the first halfquarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively, are reported in a separate line item on our consolidated statements of operations and excluded from the calculations of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization, and Cash Cost, Before By-product Credits, Cash Cost, After By-product Credits, AISC, Before By-product Credits, and AISC, After By-product Credits, per Gold Ounce.Credits.

 

62

 

Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have a disciplined cash management strategy of maintaining financial flexibility to execute our capital priorities and provide long-term value to our shareholders. Consistent with that strategy, we aim to reduce our net debt and maintain sufficient liquidity to fund debt service costs, operations, capital development and exploration projects, while returning cash to stockholders through dividends and potential share repurchases.

At March 31, 2021, we had $139.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, of which $16.8 million was held in foreign subsidiaries' local currency denominated accounts readily convertible to U.S. dollars that, if repatriated, may be subject to withholding taxes. We expect that there would be no additional tax burden upon repatriation after considering the cash cost associated with the withholding taxes. We believe that our liquidity and capital resources from our U.S. operations are adequate to fund our U.S. operations and corporate activities.

 

Our liquid assets include (in millions):

 

 

June 30,

2020

 

December 31,

2019

  

March 31, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 

Cash and cash equivalents held in U.S. dollars

 $52.2  $50.3  $123.0  $116.4 

Cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currency

  23.7   12.2   16.8   13.4 

Total cash and cash equivalents

 75.9  62.5  139.8  129.8 

Marketable equity securities - non-current

  12.2   6.2 

Marketable equity securities, current and non-current

  11.7   19.3 

Total cash, cash equivalents and investments

 $88.1  $68.7  $151.5  $149.1 

 

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $13.4$10.0 million in the first sixthree months of 2020.2021 as a result of operational performance. Cash held in foreign currencies represents balances in Canadian dollarsCAD and Mexican pesos ("MXN"), with the $11.5a $3.4 million increase in the first halfquarter of 20202021 resulting from increasesan increase in both currenciesCAD held. The value of non-current marketable equity securities increaseddecreased by $6.0 million (see Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information).$7.6 million.

 

On February 19, 2020, we completed an offering of Senior Notes in the total principal amount of US$USD$475 million. The Senior Notes are due February 15, 2028 and bear interest at a rate of 7.25% per year from the most recent payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for.  The net proceeds from theIn July 2020, we agreed to issue our Series 2020-A Senior Notes were used, along with cash on hand, to redeem,due July 9, 2025 (the “IQ Notes”) for CAD$50 million (approximately USD$36.8 million at the time of the transaction) in March 2020, our previously-outstanding 2021 Notes having aaggregate principal, balance of $506.5 million.  Also,which mature in July 2018 we entered into2025 and bear interest at a newrate of 6.515% per year. We also have a $250 million revolving credit facility.  Interestfacility, with interest is payable on amounts drawn from the revolving credit facility at aan annual rate of between 2.25% and 4.00% over the London Interbank Offered Rate, or between 1.25% and 3.00% over an alternative base rate, with interest payable onrate. There was no amount outstanding under the revolving credit facility as of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year.  As a precaution due to uncertainties of the duration, severity and scope of the COVID-19 outbreak, we drew $210.0 million on the facility in the first quarter of 2020.  In the second quarter of 2020, we repaid $160.0 million of the amount drawn on the facility,2021, with the remaining $50exception of $20.3 million outstanding asutilized for letters of the end of the quarter.  In addition, in July 2020 we agreed to issue CAD$50 million (approximately USD$36.8 million at the time of the transaction) in aggregate principal amount of our IQ Notes, which mature in July 2025 and bear interest at a rate of 6.515% per year.  The IQ Notes will be issued at a premium of 103.65%, implying an effective annual yield of 5.74% and an aggregate principal amount to be repaid of CAD$48.2 million.  The IQ Notes will be issued in four equal installments of CAD$12.5 million in July, August, September and October 2020, with the first installment issued net of CAD$0.6 million in fees.  The net proceeds from the IQ Notes will be available for general corporate purposes, including for open market purchases of a portion of the Senior Notes and to pay for capital expenditures at our Casa Berardi unit.  Under the note purchase agreement for the IQ Notes and subject to a force majeure event, we are required to invest in the aggregate CAD$100 million at the Casa Berardi unit and other exploration and development projects in Quebec over the four-year period commencing on July 9, 2020.credit. See Note 97 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)for more information on our debt arrangements.

47

 

We continue to address the COVID-19 outbreak and face uncertainty related to the potential additional impactsimpact it could have on our operations. It is possible that future restrictions at Casa Berardi, San Sebastian or Greens Creek (or at any other operation)of our operations could have an adverse impact on operations or 2020 financial results, including materially so, beyond the second quarter of 2020.2021. We have taken precautionary measures to mitigate the impactsimpact of COVID-19, including implementing revised operational plans and practices and increasing our cash reserves through a draw-down of our revolving credit facility.plans. As long as they are required, the revised operational practices implemented could continue to have an adverse impact on our operating results due to deferred production and revenues or additional costs. If required, increasing or prolonged restrictions on our operations could require access to additional sources of liquidity, which may not be available to us. See Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors - Natural disasters, public health crises, political crises (including COVID-19), and other catastrophic events or other events outside of our control may materially and adversely affect our business or financial results and COVID-19 virus pandemic may heighten other risksin our quarterly report on2020 Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 202010-K for information on how restrictions related to COVID-19 have recently affected some of our operations.

As further discussed in the Lucky Friday Segment section above, the union employees at Lucky Friday were on strike from March 13, 2017 until the strike ended on January 7, 2020, and production at Lucky Friday has been limited since the start of the strike. Re-staffing of the mine has been substantially completed, with a return to full production anticipated by the end of 2020. However, the ramp-up to full production could take longer or be more costly than anticipated.

 

Pursuant to our common stock dividend policy described in Note 810 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited),in our board2020 Form 10-K, our Board of directorsDirectors declared and paid dividends on common stock totaling $2.6$4.7 million in the first halfquarter of 20202021 and $2.4$1.3 million in the first halfquarter of 2019.2020.  Our dividend policy has a silver-price-linkedsilver-linked component which ties the amount of declared common stock dividends to our realized silver price for the preceding quarter.  Another component of our common stock dividend policy anticipates paying an annual minimum dividend. During May 2021, our Board of Directors approved an increase in our silver-linked dividend by $0.01 per year and approved a quarterly silver-linked dividend of $0.075 based on the first quarter of 2021 realized silver price of $25.66. The table below provides an overview of the augmented silver-linked dividend policy and the increased minimum dividends.

Quarterly Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce

  

Quarterly Silver-Linked Dividend per Share

  

Annualized Silver-Linked Dividend per Share

  

Annualized Minimum Dividend

  

Annualized Dividends per Share: Silver-Linked and Minimum

 
$25  $0.0075  $0.03  $0.015  $0.045 
$30  $0.0125  $0.05  $0.015  $0.065 
$35  $0.0225  $0.09  $0.015  $0.105 
$40  $0.0325  $0.13  $0.015  $0.145 
$45  $0.0425  $0.17  $0.015  $0.185 
$50  $0.0525  $0.21  $0.015  $0.225 

The declaration and payment of dividends on common stock is at the sole discretion of our board of directors, and there can be no assurance that we will continue to declare and pay common stock dividends in the future.

 

63

On May 8, 2012, we announced thatPursuant to our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program.  Under the program described in Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2020 Form 10-K, we are authorized to repurchase up to 20 million shares of our outstanding common stock from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending on prevailing market conditions and other factors.  The repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued by us at any time. Whether or not we engage in repurchases from time to time may depend on a variety of factors, including not only price and cash resources, but customary black-out restrictions, whether we have any material inside information, limitations on share repurchases or cash usage that may be imposed by our credit agreement or in connection with issuances of securities, alternative uses for cash, applicable law, and other investment opportunities from time to time. As of June 30,March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 934,100 shares had been purchased in prior periods at an average price of $3.99 per share, leaving 19.1 million shares that may yet be purchased under the program. We have not repurchased any shares since June 2014. The closing price of our common stock at AugustMay 4, 2020,2021, was $6.05$6.25 per share.

Pursuant to an equity distribution agreement dated February 18, 2021, we may offer and sell up to 60 million shares of our common stock from time to time to or through sales agents. Sales of the shares, if any, will be made by means of ordinary brokers transactions or as otherwise agreed between the Company and the agents as principals. Whether or not we engage in sales from time to time may depend on a variety of factors, including share price, our cash resources, customary black-out restrictions, and whether we have any material inside information. The agreement can be terminated by us at any time. Any shares issued under the equity distribution agreement are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3. No shares were purchasedhave been sold under the program during the first halfagreement as of 2020.March 31, 2021.

 

We may defer some capital investment and/or exploration and pre-development activities, engage in asset sales or secure additional capital if necessary to maintain liquidity. We also may pursue additional acquisition opportunities, which could require additional equity issuances or other forms of financing. There can be no assurance that such financing will be available to us.

48

 

As a result of our current cash balances, the performance of our current and expected operations, current metals prices, proceeds from potential at-the-market sales of common stock, and availability of our revolving credit facility, we believe we will be able to meet our obligations and other potential cash requirements during the next 12 months from the date of this report. Our obligations and other uses of cash may include, but are not limited to: debt service obligations related to the Senior Notes and IQ Notes; principal and interest payments under our revolving credit facility; deferral of revenues, care-and-maintenance and other costs related to addressing the impacts of COVID-19 on our operations; capital expenditures at our operations; potential acquisitions of other mining companies or properties; regulatory matters; litigation; potential repurchases of our common stock under the program described above; and payment of dividends on common stock, if declared by our board of directors. We currently estimate a total of approximately $90$110 million will be spent in 2021 on capital expenditures, primarily for equipment, infrastructure, and development at our mines, in 2020, including $33.8$21.4 million already incurred in the first halfas of 2020.March 31, 2021.  We also estimate exploration and pre-development expenditures will total approximately $13.2$38.5 million in 2020,2021, including $5.6$6.7 million already incurred in the first halfas of 2020.March 31, 2021. Our expenditures for these items and our related plans for 20202021 may change based upon our financial position, metals prices, and other considerations. Our ability to fund the activities described above will depend on our operating performance, metals prices, our ability to estimate revenues and costs, sources of liquidity available to us, including the revolving credit facility, and other factors. A sustained downturn in metals prices, significant increase in operational or capital costs or other uses of cash, our inability to access the credit facility or the sources of liquidity discussed above, or other factors beyond our control could impact our plans.

 

  

Six Months Ended

 
  

June 30, 2020

  

June 30, 2019

 

Cash provided by operating activities (in millions)

 $42.5  $8.7 
  

Three Months Ended

 
  

March 31, 2021

  

March 31, 2020

 

Cash provided by operating activities (in millions)

 $37.9  $4.9 

 

Cash provided by operating activities in the first halfquarter of 2020 of $42.52021 increased by $33.0 million represented a $33.8 million increase compared to the $8.7 million provided by operating activities in the first halfquarter of 2019.2020. The varianceincrease was the result ofdue to a higher net income, as adjusted for non-cash items, reductions to accounts receivable,generated from higher metal sales volumes and increases to accrued payrollrealized prices, and taxes,lower product inventory, partially offset by increaseslower accounts payable and accrued liabilities, the timing of payment of incentive compensation related to inventoryprior-year performance and decreaseshigher accounts receivable due to accounts payable.the timing of concentrate shipments. In the first quarter of 2021, we made interest payments on our Senior Notes and IQ Notes of $17.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, In the first quarter of 2020, we made interest payments on our previously-outstanding 2021 Notes, upon their redemption, and revolving credit facility of $13.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

 

  

Six Months Ended

 
  

June 30, 2020

  

June 30, 2019

 

Cash used in investing activities (in millions)

 $(31.1) $(71.3)

64

  

Three Months Ended

 
  

March 31, 2021

  

March 31, 2020

 

Cash used in investing activities (in millions)

 $(21.4) $(19.7)

 

During the first halfquarter of 2020,2021 we invested $30.7$21.4 million in capital expenditures not including $3.1compared to $19.9 million in non-cash finance lease additions, a decreasethe first quarter of $40.6 million compared to2020, with the same period in 2019. The variance isprimarily due to reduced expendituresincreased spending at all of our operations except Lucky Friday, where we have been preparing for a return to production after the end of the strike in January 2020.Casa Berardi.  

 

  

Six Months Ended

 
  

June 30, 2020

  

June 30, 2019

 

Cash provided by financing activities (in millions)

 $4.0  $44.2 
  

Three Months Ended

 
  

March 31, 2021

  

March 31, 2020

 

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities (in millions)

 $(6.8) $169.8 

 

In the first halfquarter of 2020, we received $469.5 million in net proceeds from the issuance of our Senior Notes and drew $210.0 million on our revolving credit facility, and had debt repayments of $506.5 million for redemption of our 2021 Notes and $160.0 million for our revolving credit facility. InNotes. We had no borrowings or repayments of debt in the first halfquarter of 2019, we drew $170.0 million and had repayments of $118.0 million on our revolving credit facility.2021. We made repayments on our finance leases of $2.8 million and $3.4 million in the six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. During the first six months of 2020 and 2019, we paid cash dividends on our common stock totaling $2.6of $4.7 million and $2.4$1.3 million in the first quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively, and cash dividends of $0.3$0.1 million on our Series B Preferred Stock during each of those periods. We acquired treasury shares for $2.7made repayments on our capital leases of $1.9 million and $1.6$1.3 million in the first halfquarter of 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively, as a resultrespectively.

49

 

The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates resulted in a $1.8$0.2 million decreaseincrease in cash and cash equivalents in the first halfquarter of 20202021 compared to an increasea decrease of $0.4$1.7 million in the first halfquarter of 2019,2020, with the variance due to weakeningstrengthening of the CAD and MXN relative to the USD in the 20202021 period.

 

Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities and Commitments

 

The table below presents our fixed, non-cancelable contractual obligations and commitments primarily related to our Senior Notes, IQ Notes, credit facility, outstanding purchase orders, certain capital expenditures and lease arrangements as of June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 (in thousands):

 

 

Payments Due By Period

  

Payments Due By Period

 
 

Less than

1 year

 

1-3 years

 

4-5 years

 

More than
5 years

 

Total

  

Less than 1

year

  

1-3 years

  

4-5 years

  

More than

5 years

  

Total

 

Purchase obligations (1)

 $10,722      $  $10,722  $10,162  $  $  $  $10,162 

Credit facility(2)

   50,000      50,000 

Contractual obligations (3)

 1,302        1,302 

Contractual obligations (2)

 2,053        2,053 

Credit facility (3)

 1,722  1,477      3,199 

Finance lease commitments (4)

 6,123  6,592  960    13,675  7,329  8,775  2,076    18,180 

Operating lease commitments (5)

 3,946  6,001  2,052  2,601  14,600  3,696  4,708  1,074  2,213  11,691 

Supplemental executive retirement plan (6)

 622  1,509  2,107  6,440  10,678  758  1,691  2,575  6,985  12,009 

Defined benefit pension plans (6)

 4,800        4,800 

Senior notes (7)

  34,438   68,875   68,875   565,398   737,586 

Senior Notes (7)

 34,438  68,875  68,875  539,570  711,758 

IQ Notes (8)

  2,499   4,998   41,544      49,041 

Total contractual cash obligations

 $61,953  $132,977  $73,994  $574,439  $843,363  $62,657  $90,524  $116,144  $548,768  $818,093 

 

 

(1)

Consists of open purchase orders of approximately $5.6$2.8 million at the Greens Creek unit, $0.3$4.0 million at the Lucky Friday unit, $0.7 million at the Casa Berardi unit $2.1 million at the Lucky Friday unit and $2.8$2.7 million at the Nevada Operations unit.  

 

 

(2)

As of March 31, 2021, we were committed to approximately $2.1 million for various items.

(3)

We have a $250 million revolving credit agreement under which we are required to pay a standby fee of between 0.5625% and 1.00% per annum on undrawn amounts and interest of between 2.25% and 4.00% over the London Interbank Offered Rate or between 1.25% and 3.00% over an alternative base rate on drawn amounts under the revolving credit agreement. We had $50.0 million drawn and $28.2$20.3 million in letters of credit outstanding as of June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. The amountamounts in the table above only includes the principal balanceassume no additional amounts will be drawn in future periods, and not an estimate of interest to be paid orinclude only the standby fee on potentiallythe current undrawn amounts, as the timing of repayment of the principal balance and future draws is unknown at this time.balance. For more information on our credit facility, see Note 97 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

 

(3)

As of June 30, 2020, we were committed to approximately $1.3 million for various items at Greens Creek. 

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(4)

Includes scheduled finance lease payments of $11.3$17.5 million, $0.4 million $1.2 million and $0.8$0.3 million (including interest), respectively, for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units.  These leases have fixed payment terms and contain bargain purchase options at the end of the lease periods (see Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information).

 

 

(5)

We enter into operating leases in the normal course of business.  Substantially all lease agreements have fixed payment terms based on the passage of time.  Some lease agreements provide us with the option to renew the lease or purchase the leased property.  Our future operating lease obligations would change if we exercised these renewal options and if we entered into additional operating lease arrangements.

 

 

(6)

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees and provide certain post-retirement benefits for qualifying retired employees, along with a supplemental executive retirement plan.plan ("SERP"). These amounts represent our estimate of the future fundingbenefit payment requirements for these plans.the next 10 years for the SERP as of March 31, 2021. However, in January 2021, we contributed $16.8 million in shares of our common stock to the SERP in order to fund future benefit payments.  We believe we will have future funding requirements related to our defined benefit pension plans and benefit payment obligations for the SERP beyond one year;10 years; however, such obligationsfunding requirements are not fixed in nature and are difficult to estimate, as they involve significant assumptions. See Note 74 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.

50

 

 

(7)

On February 19, 2020, we completed an offering of $475 million in aggregate principal amount of our Senior Notes due February 15, 2028. The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.25% per year from the original date of issuance or the most recent payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for.  Interest on the Senior Notes is payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing August 15, 2020. See Note 97 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.

(8)

On July 9, 2020, we entered into a note purchase agreement pursuant to which we issued our IQ Notes for CAD$50 million (approximately USD$36.8 million at the time of the transaction) in aggregate principal. The IQ Notes were issued at a premium of 103.65%, or CAD$1.8 million, implying an effective annual yield of 5.74% and an aggregate principal amount to be repaid of CAD$48.2 million. The IQ Notes were issued in four equal installments of CAD$12.5 million on July 9, August 9, September 9 and October 9, 2020. The IQ Notes bear interest on amounts outstanding at a rate of 6.515% per year, payable on January 9 and July 9 of each year, commencing January 9, 2021. See Note 7 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for more information.

 

We record liabilities for costs associated with mine closure, reclamation of land and other environmental matters.  At June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, our liabilities for these matters totaled $104.6$120.3 million. Future expenditures related to closure, reclamation and environmental expenditures at our sites are difficult to estimate, although we anticipate we will incur expenditures relating to these obligations over the next 30 years. For additional information relating to our environmental obligations, see Note 410 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

At June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we had no existing off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under SEC regulations, that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that arewould be material to investors.

 

Critical Accounting EstimatesGuarantor Subsidiaries

 

Our significant accounting policiesPresented below are described inHecla’s unaudited interim condensed consolidating financial statements as required by Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, resulting from the guarantees by certain of Hecla's subsidiaries of the Senior Notes (see Note 17 for more information). The Guarantors consist of the following of Hecla's 100%-owned subsidiaries: Hecla Limited; Silver Hunter Mining Company; Rio Grande Silver, Inc.; Hecla MC Subsidiary, LLC; Hecla Silver Valley, Inc.; Burke Trading, Inc.; Hecla Montana, Inc.; Revett Silver Company; RC Resources, Inc.; Troy Mine Inc.; Revett Exploration, Inc.; Revett Holdings, Inc.; Mines Management, Inc.; Newhi, Inc.; Montanore Minerals Corp.; Hecla Alaska LLC; Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company; Hecla Admiralty Company; Hecla Juneau Mining Company; Klondex Holdings Inc.; Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Co.; Klondex Midas Holdings Limited; Klondex Aurora Mine Inc.; Klondex Hollister Mine Inc; and Hecla Quebec, Inc.. We completed the offering of the Senior Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part IV ofon February 19, 2020 under our annual reportshelf registration statement previously filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. As described in such Note 1, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and related disclosures of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Our estimates are based on our experience and our interpretation of economic, political, regulatory, and other factors that affect our business prospects. Actual results may differ significantly from our estimates.

We believe that our most critical accounting estimates are related to future metals prices; obligations for environmental, reclamation, and closure matters; mineral reserves; and accounting for business combinations, as they require us to make assumptions that are highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimates are made and changes in them are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our board of directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed the disclosures presented below. In addition, there are other items within our financial statements that require estimation, but are not deemed to be critical. However, changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a material impact on our financial statements.SEC.

 

6651


 

Future Metals PricesThe unaudited interim condensed consolidating financial statements below have been prepared from our financial information on the same basis of accounting as the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements set forth elsewhere in this report. Investments in the subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, the entries necessary to consolidate Hecla, the Guarantors, and our non-guarantor subsidiaries are reflected in the intercompany eliminations column. In the course of preparing consolidated financial statements, we eliminate the effects of various transactions conducted between Hecla and its subsidiaries and among the subsidiaries. While valid at an individual subsidiary level, such activities are eliminated in consolidation because, when taken as a whole, they do not represent business activity with third-party customers, vendors, and other parties. Examples of such eliminations include the following:

 

Investments in subsidiaries. The acquisition of a company results in an investment in debt or equity capital on the records of the parent company and a contribution to debt or equity capital on the records of the subsidiary. Such investments and capital contributions are eliminated in consolidation.

Metals prices

Capital contributions. Certain of Hecla's subsidiaries do not generate cash flow, either at all or that is sufficient to meet their capital needs, and their cash requirements are routinely met with inter-company advances from their parent companies. Generally on an annual basis, when not otherwise intended as debt, the boards of directors of such parent companies declare contributions of capital to their subsidiary companies, which increase the parents' investment and the subsidiaries' additional paid-in capital. In consolidation, investments in subsidiaries and related additional paid-in capital are eliminated.

Debt.  At times, inter-company debt agreements have been established between certain of Hecla's subsidiaries and their parents. The related debt liability and receivable balances, accrued interest expense (if any) and income activity (if any), and payments of principal and accrued interest amounts (if any) by the subsidiary companies to their parents are eliminated in consolidation.

Dividends.  Certain of Hecla's subsidiaries which generate cash flow routinely provide cash to their parent companies through inter-company transfers. On at least an annual basis, the boards of directors of such subsidiary companies declare dividends to their parent companies, which reduces the subsidiaries' retained earnings and increases the parents' dividend income. In consolidation, such activity is eliminated.

Deferred taxes. Our ability to realize deferred tax assets and liabilities is considered for two consolidated tax groups of subsidiaries within the United States: The Nevada U.S. Group and the Hecla U.S. Group. Within each tax group, all subsidiaries' estimated future taxable income contributes to the ability of their tax group to realize all such assets and liabilities. However, when Hecla's subsidiaries are viewed independently, we use the separate return method to assess the realizability of each subsidiary's deferred tax assets and whether a valuation allowance is required against such deferred tax assets. In some instances, a parent company or subsidiary may possess deferred tax assets whose realization depends on the future taxable incomes of other subsidiaries on a consolidated-return basis, but would not be considered realizable if such parent or subsidiary filed on a separate stand-alone basis. In such a situation, a valuation allowance is assessed on that subsidiary's deferred tax assets, with the resulting adjustment reported in the eliminations column of the guarantor and parent's financial statements, as is the case in the unaudited interim financial statements set forth below. The separate return method can result in significant eliminations of deferred tax assets and liabilities and related income tax provisions and benefits. Non-current deferred tax asset balances are included in other non-current assets on the consolidating balance sheets and make up a large portion of that item, particularly for the guarantor balances.

Separate financial statements of the Guarantors are key componentsnot presented because the guarantees by the Guarantors are joint and several and full and unconditional, except for certain customary release provisions, including: (1) the sale or disposal of all or substantially all of the assets of the Guarantor; (2) the sale or other disposition of the capital stock of the Guarantor; (3) the Guarantor is designated as an unrestricted entity in estimates that determineaccordance with the valuationapplicable provisions of some of our significant assets and liabilities, including properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, deferred tax assets, and certain accounts receivable. Metals prices are also an important componentthe indenture; (4) Hecla ceases to be a borrower as defined in the estimation of reserves.  As shown under Part I, Item 1. - Business in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, metals prices have historically been volatile. Silver demand arises from investment demand, particularly in exchange-traded funds, industrial demand,indenture; and consumer demand. Gold demand arises primarily from investment(5) upon legal or covenant defeasance or satisfaction and consumer demand.  Investment demand for silver and gold can be influenced by several factors, including:  the valuedischarge of the U.S. dollar and other currencies, changing U.S. budget deficits, widening availability of exchange-traded funds, interest rate levels, the health of credit markets, and inflationary expectations. Uncertainty related to the political environment in the U.S., Britain's exit from the European Union, U.S. and global trading policies (including tariffs), and a global economic recovery, including recent uncertainty in China and from the current downturn and continued uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, could result in continued investment demand for precious metals.  Industrial demand for silver is closely linked to world Gross Domestic Product growth and industrial fabrication levels, as it is difficult to substitute for silver in industrial fabrication.  Consumer demand is driven significantly by demand for jewelry and other retail products. We believe that long-term industrial and economic trends, including urbanization and growth of the middle class in countries such as China and India, will result in continued consumer demand for silver and gold and industrial demand for silver.  However, the global economy has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, with the ultimate severity and duration of the downtown unknown, and China has recently experienced economic contraction which could resume in the future. There can be no assurance whether these trends will continue or how they will impact prices of the metals we produce. In the past, we have recorded impairments to our asset carrying value because of low prices, and we can offer no assurance that prices will either remain at their current levels or increase. 

Processes supporting valuation of our assets and liabilities that are most significantly affected by prices include analysis of asset carrying values, depreciation, reserves, and deferred income taxes. On at least an annual basis - and more frequently if circumstances warrant - we examine our depreciation rates, reserve estimates, and the valuation allowances on our deferred tax assets. We examine the carrying values of our assets as changes in facts and circumstances warrant.  In our evaluation of carrying values and deferred taxes, we apply several pricing views to our forecasting model, including current prices, analyst price estimates, forward-curve prices, and historical prices (see Mineral Reserves, below, regarding prices used for reserve estimates). Using applicable accounting guidance and our view of metals markets, we use the probability-weighted average of the various methods to determine whether the values of our assets are fairly stated, and to determine the level of valuation allowances, if any, on our deferred tax assets.  In addition, estimates of future metals prices are used in the valuation of certain assets in the determination of the purchase price allocations for our acquisitions (see Business Combinations below).

 Sales of concentrates sold directly to customers are recorded as revenues upon completion of the performance obligation and transfer of control of the product to the customer (generally at the time of shipment) using estimated forward metals prices for the estimated month of settlement. Due to the time elapsed between shipment of concentrates to the customer and final settlement with the customer, we must estimate the prices at which sales of our metals will be settled. Previously recorded sales and trade accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement prices until final settlement by the customer. Changes in metals prices between shipment and final settlement result in changes to revenues and accounts receivable previously recorded upon shipment.  As a result, our trade accounts receivable balances related to concentrate sales are subject to changes in metals prices until final settlement occurs.  For more information, see Note 6 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

We utilize financially-settled forward and put option contracts to manage our exposure to changes in prices for silver, gold, zinc and lead.  See Item 3. – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Commodity-Price Risk Management below for more information on our contract programs.  These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and are therefore marked-to-market through earnings each period.  Changes in silver, gold, zinc and lead prices between the dates that the contracts are entered into and their settlements will result in changes to the fair value asset or liability associated with the contracts, with a corresponding gain or loss recognized in earnings.

Obligations for Environmental, Reclamation and Closure Matters

Accrued reclamation and closure costs can represent a significant and variable liability on our balance sheet. We have estimated our liabilities under appropriate accounting guidance, and on at least an annual basis - and more frequently if warranted - management reviews our liabilities with our Audit Committee. However, the ranges of liability could exceed the liabilities recognized. If substantial damages were awarded, claims were settled, or remediation costs incurred in excess of our accruals, our financial results or condition could be materially adversely affected.

Mineral Reserves

Critical estimates are inherent in the process of determining our reserves. Our reserves are affected largely by our assessment of future metals prices, as well as by engineering and geological estimates of ore grade, accessibility and production cost. Metals prices are estimated at long-term averages, as described in Part I, Item 2. - Properties in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. Our assessment of reserves occurs at least annually, and periodically utilizes external audits.indenture.

 

6752


 

Reserves are a key component in the valuationUnaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

  

As of March 31, 2021

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-

Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Assets

                    

Cash and cash equivalents

 $95,223  $16,876  $27,651  $  $139,750 

Other current assets

  7,378   149,096   1,763   (70)  158,167 

Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests - net

  1,913   2,310,363   8,271      2,320,547 

Intercompany receivable (payable)

  (139,294)  (367,504)  220,389   286,409    

Investments in subsidiaries

  1,768,493         (1,768,493)   

Other non-current assets

  306,995   20,305   (121,813)  (168,874)  36,613 

Total assets

 $2,040,708  $2,129,136  $136,261  $(1,651,028) $2,655,077 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

                    

Current liabilities

 $(233,794) $184,713  $5,705  $152,494  $109,118 

Long-term debt

  507,992   17,088   170      525,250 

Non-current portion of accrued reclamation

     107,055   6,616      113,671 

Non-current deferred tax liability

  15,384   168,865      (35,029)  149,220 

Other non-current liabilities

  26,251   5,992   700      32,943 

Stockholders' equity

  1,724,875   1,645,423 �� 123,070   (1,768,493)  1,724,875 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $2,040,708  $2,129,136  $136,261  $(1,651,028) $2,655,077 

53

Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Statements of units-of-production depreciation, with net book value of many assets depreciated over remaining estimated reserves. Reserves are also a key component in forecasts, with which we compare future cash flows to current asset values in an effort to ensure that carrying values are reported appropriately. Our forecasts are also used in determining the level of valuation allowances on our deferred tax assets. Reserves also play a key role in the valuation of certain assets in the determination of the purchase price allocations for acquisitions. Annual reserve estimates are also used to determine conversions of mineral assets beyond the known reserve resulting from business combinations to depreciable reserves, in periods subsequent to the business combinations (see Business Combinations below).  Reserves are a culmination of many estimates and are not guarantees that we will recover the indicated quantities of metals or that we will do so at a profitable level.Operations

  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-

Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Sales

 $2,846  $207,833  $173  $  $210,852 

Cost of sales

  559   (97,160)  (108)     (96,709)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     (49,331)        (49,331)

General and administrative

  (3,113)  (4,779)  (115)     (8,007)

Exploration and pre-development

     (4,892)  (1,798)     (6,690)

Gain on derivative contracts

  473            473 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

  14,566         (14,566)   

Other (expense) income

  4,292   (18,956)  (5,102)  (7,217)  (26,983)

(Loss) income before income and mining taxes

  19,623   32,715   (6,950)  (21,783)  23,605 

Income and mining tax (provision) benefit

  (652)  (11,850)  651   7,217   (4,634)

Net income (loss)

  18,971   20,865   (6,299)  (14,566)  18,971 

Preferred stock dividends

  (138)           (138)

Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

  18,833   20,865   (6,299)  (14,566)  18,833 

Net income (loss)

  18,971   20,865   (6,299)  (14,566)  18,971 

Changes in comprehensive income (loss)

  1,832            1,832 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $20,803  $20,865  $(6,299) $(14,566) $20,803 

 

Business CombinationsUnaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

 

  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

 
  

Parent

  

Guarantors

  

Non-

Guarantors

  

Eliminations

  

Consolidated

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 $(27,033) $67,045  $652  $(2,728) $37,936 

Cash flows from investing activities:

                    

Additions to properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests

     (21,413)        (21,413)

Other investing activities, net

  (28,804)     19   28,804   19 

Cash flows from financing activities:

                    

Dividends paid to stockholders

  (4,826)            (4,826)

Payments on debt

     (1,881)         (1,881)

Other financing activity

  66,630   (38,466)  (2,170)  (26,076)  (82)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     189   (22)     167 

Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

  5,967   5,474   (1,521)     9,920 

Beginning cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

  89,256   12,455   29,172      130,883 

Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

 $95,223  $17,929  $27,651  $  $140,803 

We are required to allocate the purchase price

54

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The following discussion about our exposure to market risks and risk management activities includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as summarizes the financial instruments held by us at June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, which are sensitive to changes in commodity prices and foreign exchange rates and interest rates and are not held for trading purposes.  Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  In the normal course of business, we also face risks that are either non-financial or non-quantifiable (See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our annual report filed on2020 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as updated in Part II, Item 1A. – Risk Factors in our quarterly report filed on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2020)10-K).

 

Metals Prices

Changes in the market prices of silver, gold, lead and zinc can significantly affect our profitability and cash flow. As discussed in Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates, metalsMetal prices can and often do fluctuate due towidely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control. As discussed below, wecontrol (see Item 1A Risk Factors A substantial or extended decline in metals prices would have a material adverse effect on us in our 2020 Form 10-K ). We utilize financially-settled forward and put option contracts to manage our exposure to changes in prices for silver, gold, zinc and lead.

 

Provisional Sales

 

Sales of all metals products sold directly to customers, including by-product metals, are recorded as revenues when all performance obligations have been completed and the transaction price can be determined or reasonably estimated. For concentrate sales, revenues are generally recorded at the time of shipment at forward prices for the estimated month of settlement. Due to the time elapsed between shipment to the customer and the final settlement with the customer we must estimate the prices at which sales of our metals will be settled. Previously recorded sales are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement by the customer.  Changes in metals prices between shipment and final settlement will result in changes to revenues previously recorded upon shipment.  Metals prices can and often do fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control (see Part I, Item 1A. 1A Risk Factors A substantial or extended decline in metals prices would have a material adverse effect on us in our annual report filed on2020 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019)10-K).  At June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, metals contained in concentrate sales and exposed to future price changes totaled approximately 2.62.0 million ounces of silver, 7,9695,523 ounces of gold, 9,9838,831 tons of zinc, and 7,4054,522 tons of lead.  If the price for each metal were to change by 10%, the change in the total value of the concentrates sold would be approximately $9.0$8.8 million.  As discussed in Commodity-Price Risk Management below, we utilize a program designed and intended to mitigate the risk of negative price adjustments with limited mark-to-market financially-settled forward contracts for our silver, gold, zinc and lead sales.  Therefore, the impact of changes in prices on the value of concentrates sold would be substantially offset by a gain or loss on forward contracts.

68

 

Commodity-Price Risk Management

 

We may at times use commodity forward sales commitments, commodity swap contractsSee Note 8 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) and commodity putItem 7A. Quantitative and call option contracts to manageQualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in our exposure to fluctuation in the prices of certain metals we produce. Contract positions are designed to ensure that we will receive2020 Form 10-K for a defined minimum price for certain quantitiesdescription of our production, thereby partially offsetting our exposure to fluctuations in market prices. Ourcommodity-price risk management policy allows for up to 75% of our planned metals price exposure for five years into the future, with certain other limitations, to be covered under such programs that would establish a ceiling for prices to be realized on future metals sales. These instruments do, however, expose us to (i) credit risk in the form of non-performance by counterparties for contracts in which the contract price exceeds the spot price of a commodity and (ii) price risk to the extent that the spot price exceeds the contract price for quantities of our production covered under contract positions.program.

 

We are currently using financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments between the time of shipment and final settlement. In addition, we are using financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of zinc and lead (but not silver and gold) contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments. The following tables summarize the quantities of metals committed under forward sales contracts at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

June 30, 2020

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2020 settlements

  2,303   7   17,086   11,409  $16.97  $1,728  $0.89  $0.75 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2020 settlements

        26,731   8,322   N/A   N/A  $0.88  $0.78 

2021 settlements

        4,134   1,102   N/A   N/A  $0.91  $0.77 

December 31, 2019

 

Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce/pound

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Zinc

  

Lead

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(pounds)

  

(pounds)

 

Contracts on provisional sales

                                

2020 settlements

  2,556   10   21,550   2,159  $17.20  $1,481  $1.04  $0.88 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                                

2020 settlements

        441   11,740   N/A   N/A  $1.13  $0.98 

69

In June 2019, we began using financially-settled put option contracts to manage the exposure of our forecasted future gold and silver sales to potential declines in market prices for those metals. These put contracts give us the option, but not the obligation, to realize established prices on quantities of silver and gold to be sold in the future. The following tables summarize the quantities of metals for which we have entered into put contracts and the average exercise prices as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

June 30, 2020

 

Ounces under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Silver

  

Gold

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                

2020 settlements

  2,718   73  $15.67  $1,633 

December 31, 2019

 

Ounces under contract (in 000's)

  

Average price per ounce

 
  

Silver

  

Gold

  

Silver

  

Gold

 
  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

  

(ounces)

 

Contracts on forecasted sales

                

2020 settlements

  5,700   130  $15.73  $1,435 

These forward and put option contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and are marked-to-market through earnings each period.

As of June 30, 2020, we recorded the following balances for the fair value of the forward and put option contracts held at that time:

a current asset of $0.2 million, which is included in other current assets and is net of $0.2 million for contracts in a fair value liability position; and

a current liability of $9.9 million, which is included in current derivatives liabilities and is net of $0.5 million for contracts in a fair value current asset position.

We recognized a $3.3 million net loss during the first half of 2020 on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices of metals in our concentrate shipments, which is included in sales of products.  The net loss recognized on the contracts offsets gains related to price adjustments on our provisional concentrate sales due to changes to silver, gold, lead and zinc prices between the time of sale and final settlement.

We recognized a $6.1 million net loss during the first half of 2020 on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices for forecasted future sales. The net loss on these contracts is included as a separate line item under other income (expense), as they relate to forecasted future sales, as opposed to sales that have already taken place but are subject to final pricing as discussed in the preceding paragraph.  The net loss for the first half of 2020 is the result of increasing gold and zinc prices, partially offset by decreasing lead prices. These programs, when utilized and the contracts are not settled prior to their maturity dates, are designed to mitigate the impact of potential future declines in silver, gold, lead and zinc prices from the price levels established in the contracts (see average price information above). When those prices increase compared to the contract prices, we incur losses on the contracts.

Foreign Currency Risk Management

 

We operate or have mining interests in Canada and Mexico, which exposes us to risks associated with fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar ("USD")USD and the Canadian dollar ("CAD")CAD and the Mexican peso ("MXN"),MXN, respectively. We have determined the functional currency for our Canadian and Mexican operations is the USD. As such, foreign exchange gains and losses associated with the re-measurement of monetary assets and liabilities from CAD and MXN to USD are recorded to earnings each period. For the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, we recognized a net foreign exchange loss of $2.1 million and gain of $3.4 million.$6.6 million, respectively. Foreign currency exchange rates are influenced by a number of factors beyond our control. A 10% change in the exchange rate between the USD and CAD from the rate at June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 would have resulted in a change of approximately $8.0$10.5 million in our net foreign exchange gain or loss. A 10% change in the exchange rate between the USD and MXN from the rate at June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 would have resulted in a change of approximately $0.6$0.1 million in our net foreign exchange gain or loss.

 

7055


 

In April 2016, we initiated a program to manage our exposure to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the USD and CAD and the impact on our future operating costs denominated in CAD. In October 2016, we also initiated a similar program with respect to MXN, which was not in use as of June 30, 2020. When in use, the programs utilize forward contracts to buy CAD and MXN, and each contract is designated as a cash flow hedge. As of June 30, 2020, we had 140 forward contracts outstanding to buy CAD$315.1 million having a notional amount of US$239.9 million. The CAD contracts are related to cash operating costs at Casa Berardi forecasted to be incurred from 2020 through 2023 and have CAD-to-USD exchange rates ranging between 1.2702 and 1.3785. There were no outstanding MXN contracts as of June 30, 2020. Our risk management policy allows for up to 75% of our planned cost exposure for five years into the future to be hedged under such programs, and for potential additional programs to manage other foreign currency-related exposure areas.

As of June 30, 2020, we recorded the following balances for the fair value of the contracts:

a current asset of $0.1 million, which is included in other current assets;

a non-current asset of $0.2 million, which is included in other non-current assets; and

a current liability of $3.9 million, which is included in current derivatives liabilities; and

a non-current liability of $5.3 million, which is included in non-current derivatives liabilities.

Net unrealized losses of approximately $9.3 million related to the effective portion of the hedges were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of June 30, 2020. Unrealized gains and losses will be transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss to current earnings as the underlying operating expenses are recognized. We estimate approximately $4.0 million in net unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of June 30, 2020 would be reclassified to current earnings in the next twelve months. Net realized losses of approximately $1.9 million on contracts related to underlying expenses which have been recognized were transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included in cost of sales and other direct production costs for the six months ended June 30, 2020. No net unrealized gains or losses related to ineffectiveness of the hedges were included in gain (loss) on derivatives contracts on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2020.

Interest Rates

We have a $250 million credit facility, and amounts drawn on the facility are subject to variable rates of interest based on a spread over the London Interbank Offered Rate or an alternative base rate. Interest rates fluctuate due to economic factors beyond our control. We had $50.0 million drawn under the facility as of June 30, 2020. See Note 98 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) and Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2020 Form 10-K for more information ona description of our credit facility.foreign currency risk management.

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

 

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as required by Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, including controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us is accumulated and communicated to our management (including our CEO and CFO), were effective as of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, in assuring them in a timely manner that material information required to be disclosed in this report has been properly recorded, processed, summarized and reported. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Internal control systems, no matter how well designed and operated, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even a system which is determined to be effective cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues have been detected or prevented. Our systems of internal controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

 

71

 

Part II - Other Information

 

Hecla Mining Company and Subsidiaries

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

 

For information concerning legal proceedings, refer to Note 410 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), which is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

Part I, Item 1A. –1A - Risk Factors of our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as updated in Part II, Item 1A. – Risk Factors in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2020 sets forth information relating to important risks and uncertainties that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.  Those risk factors continue to be relevant to an understanding of our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

On April 9, 2020,January 27, 2021, we issued 119,0483,500,000 unregistered shares of our common stock in private placements to the Lucky Friday Pension Plan Trust and 47,619 shares to the Hecla Mining Company Pre-2005 Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan Trustand the Hecla Mining Company Post-2004 Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan (together, the "SERP") in private placements in order to satisfy the fundingfund future benefit payment requirements for those defined benefit pension plans.the SERP. The private placements were exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to section 4(a)(2) of that Act. The shares were subsequently registered for resale on a registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on April 9, 2020.February 18, 2021. We did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the shares. The shares had a value of approximately $0.4$16.8 million at the time of issuance.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in exhibit 95 to this Quarterly Report.

 

7256


 

Item 6.Exhibits

 

Hecla Mining Company and Wholly Owned Subsidiaries

Form 10-Q – June 30, 2020- March 31, 2021

Index to Exhibits

 

3.11.1

Restated CertificateEquity Distribution Agreement, dated as of Incorporation ofFebruary 18, 2021, by and among Hecla Mining Company and the Registrant.sales agents party thereto. Filed as exhibit 3.11.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly ReportForm 8-K filed on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018February 18, 2021 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

3.23.1

Bylaws of the RegistrantHecla Mining Company, as amended to date.February 26, 2021. Filed as exhibit 3.13.2 to Registrant's Current Report onRegistrant’s Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2019March 1, 2021 (File No. 1-8491) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

4.110.1

Designations, PreferencesForm of Indemnification Agreement, dated February 26, 2021, between Registrant and Rights of Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock ofAlice Wong, and dated March 1, 2021, between Registrant and Russell D. Lawlar, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant. Included as Annex II to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant filed as exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’sCompany’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 (File No. 1-8491)September 30, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.filed on November 9, 2006.

 

4.210.2

Registration RightsForm of Change of Control Agreement dated as of April 9, 2020 among Hecla Mining Company, as Issuer, and the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust, which is the funding vehicle for the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan, a tax-qualified employee benefit pension plan sponsored bybetween Hecla Mining Company and Russell D. Lawlar, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Lucky Friday Pension Plan Trust, which is the funding vehicleCompany’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Lucky Friday Pension Plan. Filed as exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-3ASRyear ended December 31, 2015, and filed on April 10, 2020 (Registration No. 333-237631) and incorporated herein by reference.February 23, 2016.

         

31.1

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

 

31.2

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

 

32.1

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

 

32.2

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

 

95

Mine safety information listed in Section 1503 of the Dodd-Frank Act. *

 

99.1

Contribution Agreement, dated as of April 9, 2020, among Hecla Mining Company, as sponsor of the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan, the Retirement Committee, as the named fiduciary of the Hecla Mining company Retirement Plan, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee of the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust. Filed as exhibit 99.1 to Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-3ASR filed on April 10, 2020 (Registration No. 333-237631) and incorporated herein by reference.

99.2

Contribution Agreement, dated as of April 9, 2020, among Hecla Mining Company, Hecla Limited as sponsor of the Lucky Friday Pension Plan, the Pension Committee, as the named fiduciary of the Lucky Friday Pension Plan, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee of the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust. Filed as exhibit 99.2 to Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-3ASR filed on April 10, 2020 (Registration No. 333-237631) and incorporated herein by reference.

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document - The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.** **

 

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.**

 

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation.**

 

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition.**

 

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels.**

 

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation.**

 

104

Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

 

___________________


 

*          Filed herewith.

 

**          XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

Items 3 and 5 of Part II are not applicable and are omitted from this report.

 

7357


 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

HECLA MINING COMPANY

 

(Registrant)

 

Date:

AugustMay 6, 20202021

By:

/s/ Phillips S. Baker, Jr.

 

Phillips S. Baker, Jr., President,

 

Chief Executive Officer and Director

    

Date:

AugustMay 6, 20202021

By:

/s/ Lindsay A. HallRussell D. Lawlar

   

Lindsay A. Hall,Russell D. Lawlar, Senior Vice President, and

   

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

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