VANCOUVER, BC, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ – Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSXV: SCZ) (OTCQB: SCZMF) (FSE: 1SZ) (“Santacruz” or the “Company”) reports its financial and operating results for the year ended December 31, 2024 (“FY 2024”). The full version of the audited financial statements for FY 2024 (the “Financial Statements”), which includes a restatement of comparative 2023 consolidated financial statements, and accompanying Management’s Discussion and Analysis (the “MD&A”), can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.santacruzsilver.com or on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated.
FY 2024 Highlights
Revenues of $283 million a 13% increase year-over-year.
Gross Profit of $57 million, a 1670% increase year-over-year.
Net Income of $165 million, a 1594% increase year-over-year.
Adjusted EBITDA of $53 million, a 200% increase year-over-year.
Cash and cash equivalents of $36 million, a 622% increase year-over-year.
Working Capital was $46 million at the end of FY 2024.
Cash cost per silver equivalent ounce sold of $21.90, a 16% increase year-over-year.
AISC per silver equivalent ounce sold of $26.01, a 15% increase year-over-year.
Silver Equivalent Ounces produced of 18,651,701, a 1% decrease year-over-year.
Arturo Préstamo, Executive Chairman and CEO of Santacruz, commented, “FY 2024 was a transformative year for the Company, driven by our strong financial and operational results. Santacruz achieved a 13% increase in revenue and a 200% rise in adjusted EBITDA, supported by operational improvements and a favorable silver price environment. These achievements strengthened the Company’s balance sheet which allowed us to end the year with $36 million in cash, a 622% increase. In addition, we significantly worked on enhancing shareholder value while maintaining a disciplined operational focus and laying the groundwork for long-term growth.”
Mr. Préstamo continued, ” In preparation for the audit, the accounting team identified a series of non-cash errors booked during the tenure of the former CFO. These non-cash errors caused a significant number of related adjusting entries in the current and prior years creating additional audit work and therefore the subsequent delay in filing the financial statements. Santacruz’s competitive edge lies in the quality and efficiency of our core Bolivian and Mexican mining assets and the flexibility of our San Lucas ore sourcing model, which enables swift adaptation to market conditions and maximizes the benefits of our leverage to rising metal prices. With this solid foundation and an experienced management team, we are well-positioned to enter a new phase of sustainable growth while continuing to deliver value to our shareholders.”
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Selected consolidated financial and operating information for FY 2024 and the financial year ended December 31, 2023 (restated) are presented below. All financial information is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), and all dollar amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars, except per unit amounts, unless otherwise indicated.
Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.
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(2)
Silver Equivalent Sold (payable ounces) have been calculated using the Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold stated in the table above, applied to the payable metal content of the concentrates sold from Bolivar, Porco, the Caballo Blanco Group, San Lucas and Zimapan.
(3)
The Company reports non-GAAP measures, which include Cash Cost of Production per Tonne, Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold, All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold, Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold, and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. See ”Non-GAAP Measures” section in the Company’s Q4 and FY 2024 Management Discussion and Analysis for definitions.
(4)
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Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold is prior to all treatment, smelting and refining charges.
(5)
Bolivar and Porco are presented at 100% whereas the Company records 45% of revenues and expenses in its consolidated financial statements.
(6)
The revenues, gross profit, net loss, net loss per share, Adjusted EBITDA, and working capital deficiency were restated as a result of corrections made to the 2023 comparatives. Refer to Note 3 of the consolidated financial statements for further details and impacts of the restatement.
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Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced
In FY 2024, the Company processed 1,955,905 tonnes of ore, producing 18,651,701 silver equivalent ounces. This total includes 6,718,381 ounces of silver and 94,399 tonnes of zinc. Full Q4 and FY 2024 production results were released in a news release dated January 30, 2025.
2024 YTD vs 2023 YTD
Compared to 2023, the tonnes of processed material increased by 4%. The increase was driven by increases in tonnes milled from the San Lucas Group 9%, Porco 7% and Zimapan 10% operations that were offset by decreases in Bolivar (3%) and Caballo Blanco Group’s (13%) operations. The 13% decrease in Caballo Blanco Group is due to the results of the Reserva mine being reported in the San Lucas Group starting in Q3 2024. This highlights the stability and diversification of the Company’s asset base, enabling us to offset declines in production at certain operations with increased production from others. This strategic balance is essential for maintaining overall production stability and ensuring consistent performance across our operations.
Cash Cost of Production per Tonne
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2024 YTD vs 2023 YTD
The Company’s cash cost of production per tonne increased to $103.35 in 2024 from $93.10 in 2023 (restated), primarily due to the expected impact of higher ore purchases from small-scale miners at San Lucas. As a margin-based business, San Lucas adjusts its acquisition costs in line with metal prices, which rose during the period. These higher costs are fully offset by proportional increases in revenue, thereby preserving income margins and ensuring no negative impact on the Company’s financial performance. Additionally, the increase reflects minor operational cost upticks across the portfolio, consistent with normal variability in mining activities.
Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold
2024 YTD vs 2023 YTD
Cash cost per silver equivalent ounce sold rose to $21.90 in 2024 from $18.96 in 2023 (restated). This increase is largely attributable to the same factors that impacted production costs, namely higher ore purchase costs at San Lucas due to stronger silver pricing. Additionally, this metric includes transportation and other site-level costs, which remained relatively stable year-over-year and had a limited impact on the overall increase.
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All-In Sustaining Cash Cost (“AISC”) per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold
2024 YTD vs 2023 YTD
All-in sustaining cash cost per silver equivalent ounce sold increased to $26.01 in 2024, compared to $22.69 in 2023. This increase is largely attributable to the same factors that impacted production costs, namely higher ore purchase costs at San Lucas due to stronger silver pricing and strategic one-time capital expenditures across key assets. In 2024, the Company leveraged improved revenues and cash flow to make significant investments in its operations, most notably at the Zimapán mine and milling facility. These investments delivered tangible results, including higher output and improved concentrate quality. In Bolivia, capital investments were also advanced, focusing on cost reduction and enhanced metallurgical recovery, particularly of silver. These initiatives are expected to yield benefits starting in 2025.
Qualified Person
Garth Kirkham P.Geo. an independent consultant to the Company, is a qualified person under NI 43-101 and has approved the scientific and technical information contained within this news release.
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About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.
Santacruz Silver is engaged in the operation, acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Latin America. The Bolivian operations are comprised of the Bolivar, Porco and the Caballo Blanco Group, which consists of the Tres Amigos and Colquechaquita mines. The Soracaya exploration project and San Lucas ore sourcing and trading business are also in Bolivia. The Zimapan mine is in Mexico.
Non-GAAP Measures
The financial results in this news release include references to non-GAAP measures, which include Cash Cost of Production per Tonne, Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold, All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold, Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold, and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. The data is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP and GAAP measures, please refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures” section in the Company’s FY 2024 Management Discussion and Analysis, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
‘signed’ Arturo Préstamo Elizondo, Executive Chairman and CEO
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Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward Looking Information
This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “intends”, “expects” or “anticipates”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “should”, “would” or will “potentially” or “likely” occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”, are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, cost reduction and enhanced metallurgical recovery (particularly of silver) in 2025.
These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks related to changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets, changes in applicable laws, and compliance with extensive government regulation, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company’s disclosure documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca.
In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, the assumption that the Company’s capital investments will result in reduced costs and enhanced metallurgical recovery.
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There can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information or statements, other than as required by applicable law.
Cornell University administrator Warren Petrofsky will serve as the Faculty of Arts and Sciences’ new dean of administration and finance, charged with spearheading efforts to shore up the school’s finances as it faces a hefty budget deficit.
Petrofsky’s appointment, announced in a Friday email from FAS Dean Hopi E. Hoekstra to FAS affiliates, will begin April 20 — nearly a year after former FAS dean of administration and finance Scott A. Jordan stepped down. Petrofsky will replace interim dean Mary Ann Bradley, who helped shape the early stages of FAS cost-cutting initiatives.
Petrofsky currently serves as associate dean of administration at Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences.
As dean, he oversaw a budget cut of nearly $11 million to the institution’s College of Arts and Sciences after the federal government slashed at least $250 million in stop-work orders and frozen grants, according to the Cornell Daily Sun.
He also serves on a work group established in November 2025 to streamline the school’s administrative systems.
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Earlier, at the University of Pennsylvania, Petrofsky managed capital initiatives and organizational redesigns in a number of administrative roles.
Petrofsky is poised to lead similar efforts at the FAS, which relaunched its Resources Committee in spring 2025 and created a committee to consolidate staff positions amid massive federal funding cuts.
As part of its planning process, the committee has quietly brought on external help. Over several months, consultants from McKinsey & Company have been interviewing dozens of administrators and staff across the FAS.
Petrofsky will also likely have a hand in other cost-cutting measures across the FAS, which is facing a $365 million budget deficit. The school has already announced it will keep spending flat for the 2026 fiscal year, and it has dramatically reduced Ph.D. admissions.
In her email, Hoekstra praised Petrofsky’s performance across his career.
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“Warren has emphasized transparency, clarity in communication, and investment in staff development,” she wrote. “He approaches change with steadiness and purpose, and with deep respect for the mission that unites our faculty, researchers, staff, and students. I am confident that he will be a strong partner to me and to our community.”
—Staff writer Amann S. Mahajan can be reached at [email protected] and on Signal at amannsm.38. Follow her on X @amannmahajan.
My spreadsheet reviewed a WalletHub ranking of financial distress for the residents of 100 U.S. cities, including 17 in California. The analysis compared local credit scores, late bill payments, bankruptcy filings and online searches for debt or loans to quantify where individuals had the largest money challenges.
When California cities were divided into three geographic regions – Southern California, the Bay Area, and anything inland – the most challenges were often found far from the coast.
The average national ranking of the six inland cities was 39th worst for distress, the most troubled grade among the state’s slices.
Bakersfield received the inland region’s worst score, ranking No. 24 highest nationally for financial distress. That was followed by Sacramento (30th), San Bernardino (39th), Stockton (43rd), Fresno (45th), and Riverside (52nd).
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Southern California’s seven cities overall fared better, with an average national ranking of 56th largest financial problems.
However, Los Angeles had the state’s ugliest grade, ranking fifth-worst nationally for monetary distress. Then came San Diego at 22nd-worst, then Long Beach (48th), Irvine (70th), Anaheim (71st), Santa Ana (85th), and Chula Vista (89th).
Monetary challenges were limited in the Bay Area. Its four cities average rank was 69th worst nationally.
San Jose had the region’s most distressed finances, with a No. 50 worst ranking. That was followed by Oakland (69th), San Francisco (72nd), and Fremont (83rd).
The results remind us that inland California’s affordability – it’s home to the state’s cheapest housing, for example – doesn’t fully compensate for wages that typically decline the farther one works from the Pacific Ocean.
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A peek inside the scorecard’s grades shows where trouble exists within California.
Credit scores were the lowest inland, with little difference elsewhere. Late payments were also more common inland. Tardy bills were most difficult to find in Northern California.
Bankruptcy problems also were bubbling inland, but grew the slowest in Southern California. And worrisome online searches were more frequent inland, while varying only slightly closer to the Pacific.
Note: Across the state’s 17 cities in the study, the No. 53 average rank is a middle-of-the-pack grade on the 100-city national scale for monetary woes.
Jonathan Lansner is the business columnist for the Southern California News Group. He can be reached at jlansner@scng.com
The up-and-coming fintech scored a pair of fourth-quarter beats.
Diversified fintech Chime Financial(CHYM +12.88%) was playing a satisfying tune to investors on Thursday. The company’s stock flew almost 14% higher that trading session, thanks mostly to a fourth quarter that featured notably higher-than-expected revenue guidance.
Sweet music
Chime published its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results just after market close on Wednesday. For the former period, the company’s revenue was $596 million, bettering the same quarter of 2024 by 25%. The company’s strongest revenue stream, payments, rose 17% to $396 million. Its take from platform-related activity rose more precipitously, advancing 47% to $200 million.
Image source: Getty Images.
Meanwhile, Chime’s net loss under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) more than doubled. It was $45 million, or $0.12 per share, compared with a fourth-quarter 2024 deficit of $19.6 million.
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On average, analysts tracking the stock were modeling revenue below $578 million and a deeper bottom-line loss of $0.20 per share.
In its earnings release, Chime pointed to the take-up of its Chime Card as a particular catalyst for growth. Regarding the product, the company said, “Among new member cohorts, over half are adopting Chime Card, and those members are putting over 70% of their Chime spend on the product, which earns materially higher take rates compared to debit.”
Today’s Change
(12.88%) $2.72
Current Price
$23.83
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Key Data Points
Market Cap
$7.9B
Day’s Range
$22.30 – $24.63
52wk Range
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$16.17 – $44.94
Volume
562K
Avg Vol
3.3M
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Gross Margin
86.34%
Double-digit growth expected
Chime management proffered revenue and non-GAAP (adjusted) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) guidance for full-year 2026. The company expects to post a top line of $627 million to $637 million, which would represent at least 21% growth over the 2024 result. Adjusted EBITDA should be $380 million to $400 million. No net income forecasts were provided in the earnings release.
It isn’t easy to find a niche in the financial industry, which is crowded with companies offering every imaginable type of service to clients. Yet Chime seems to be achieving that, as the Chime Card is clearly a hit among the company’s target demographic of clientele underserved by mainstream banks. This growth stock is definitely worth considering as a buy.
