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Santacruz Silver Reports Year End 2024 Financial Results

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Santacruz Silver Reports Year End 2024 Financial Results

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.

2024 Annual Highlights

2024 Annual Highlights (CNW Group/Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.)

Notes for both tables above:

(1)

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.

Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (CNW Group/Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.)
Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (CNW Group/Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.)

SOURCE Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.

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Financial resolutions for the New Year to help you make the most of your money

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Financial resolutions for the New Year to help you make the most of your money

It’s the time of year where optimism is running high. We don’t need to be the person we were last year, we can be a shiny new version of ourselves, who is good with money and on track in every corner of our finances. Sadly, our positive outlook doesn’t always last, but with 63% of people making financial resolutions this year, it’s a chance to turn things around.

The key is to make the right resolutions, so here are a few tips to help you make the most of your money in 2026.

The problems that you know about already will spring to mind first.

Research by Hargreaves Lansdown revealed that renters, for example, are the most likely to say they want to spend less – and 23% of them said this was one of their resolutions for 2026. We know rental incomes are more stretched than any others, and on average they have £39 left at the end of the month, so it’s easy to see why they want to cut back.

However, they also struggle in all sorts of areas of their finances. So, for example, fewer than a third are on track with their pension. However, only 11% of them say they want to boost their pension this year.

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Read more: The cost of staying loyal to your high street bank

It shows that your first resolution should always be to get a better picture of your overall finances – including using a pensions calculator to see whether you’re on track for retirement.

It’s only when you have a full picture that you can see what you need to prioritise.

With 63% of people making financial resolutions this year, it’s a chance to turn things around. · Mint Images via Getty Images

Drawing up a budget is boring, and it may not feel like you’re achieving anything, but, like digging the foundations of a building, if you want to build something robust you can’t skip this step.

Make a list of everything coming in and everything you’re spending. Your current account app and the apps of the companies you pay bills to will have the details you need, and a budgeting app makes it easy to plug all the details in.

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From there, consider where you can cut back to free up a chunk of money every month to fund your resolutions.

Younger people, aged 18-34, are particularly likely to fall into this trap. The research showed that 40% wanted to save more, 22% to get on top of their finances, 21% to spend less, 19% to pay more into investments, 19% to start investing, 15% to pay off debts and 14% to put more into their pension.

Given that at the start of your career, money tends to be tighter anyway, there’s a real risk that by trying to do so much, you might fall short on all fronts.

It helps to set yourself one realistic goal at a time.

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Starting 2026 on solid financial footing

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Starting 2026 on solid financial footing

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – With the new year quickly approaching many people are looking for ways to get their finances back on track. Financial expert Jim Sumpter says the first step is to review your budget, understand what you’re earning and spending, and rebuild any emergency savings used over the holidays. He also warns about hidden costs like forgotten subscriptions or missed gift return deadlines, which can quickly add up.

When it comes to saving, Sumpter recommends starting small. Even an extra $50 per paycheck or skipping one dinner out a month can add up to over $1,000 in a year. Tackling credit card debt doesn’t have to be overwhelming either — focus on one card at a time and make consistent extra payments.

The key, Sumpter emphasizes, is building habits over time. “Start small, create a habit, do something for 30 days, then another 30, and another 30,” he says. By spring, these habits become second nature, making saving, budgeting, and paying off debt much easier. Small, consistent steps now can set you up for a financially stronger year ahead.

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Where’s the rest? Why your year-end bonus or gift may have shrunk

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Where’s the rest? Why your year-end bonus or gift may have shrunk
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Americans who are receiving a year-end bonus for a job well done may be sorely disappointed when they open their envelope to find a big chunk missing.

Up to a third of a cash bonus can get swallowed up by the IRS’ special tax withholding on cash bonuses, or what it calls “supplemental income,” on top of Medicare, Social Security and state taxes. The federal flat rate for bonus pay is 22% for supplemental income under $1 million. Add Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and state taxes, and total withholding is roughly 30%-35%.

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“That 22% federal withholding might be higher than your…regular tax bracket,” according to workforce management software company Homebase. “If they usually pay 12%, seeing 22% disappear from their bonus stings.”

Why can this spell financial disaster for Americans?

For the holidays, many Americans may have spent like they were receiving the full amount of the bonus instead of the bonus amount minus taxes, said Kevin Knull, chief executive of TaxStatus, which provides IRS data to financial advisers.

The $10,000 bonus for air traffic controllers who had perfect attendance during the government shutdown isn’t really a $10,000 bonus, for instance. The withholding on bonuses is a flat 22%, plus a 6.2% Social Security tax and 1.45% Medicare tax. Those reduce the bonus to just over $7,000, and you may still have to have state income tax taken out.

“That’s all immediately deducted and goes to Uncle Sam,” Knull said. “Somewhere around 48% of the population underestimate what they pay in taxes. Income taxes take a big bite out of paychecks.” If you spent the entire ‘$10,000 bonus,’ you overspent by about $3,000.

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Separately, Americans should be aware that a bonus can also bump them into the next higher tax bracket if they’re already close to it, experts said.

Some (belated) good news?

If the tax cost of your bonus is less than 22%, or the withholding rate, you’ll receive a tax refund for the difference, or it will be applied to the tax due on any other income, experts said. Bonuses will be taxed as regular income on the final tax return. You’ll just have to wait until you file your 2025 taxes next year to get the money back.

On the flipside, if the tax cost of your bonus is more than the 22% withholding rate, you’ll owe the difference between what was withheld and your total tax cost.

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How can you keep taxes low with your bonus?

If you haven’t maximized your 401(k) or IRA contributions for the year, consider adding some of the money to your retirement fund to reduce overall taxable income come tax season, wrote Kay Bell at financial products comparison site Bankrate. Contrbutions are income tax-free, but withdrawals later are taxed.

The 2025 IRA contribution limit is $7,000, or $8,000 if you’re age 50 or older. The 401(k) limit is $23,500 and an additional $7,500 for age 50 or older except those who are age 60 to 63. Those individuals have a higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250 instead of $7,500.

Or if you expect your income to be much lower next year, pushing your tax bracket lower, consider asking your employer to defer the bonus until then, she said. You’ll still owe taxes, but you could save money by paying at a lower tax rate.

“However, even if your tax bracket doesn’t change year to year, some like receiving bonuses next year just to move the tax liability to 2026,” said Richard Pon, certified public accountant in San Francisco.

What about non-cash bonuses or gifts?

“Employers and employees may be shocked that gifts are usually taxable,” Pon said.

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Cash and cash-equivalent gifts and bonuses such as gift cards, season tickets to sporting or theatrical events and gift certificates are taxed, Pon said.

“Sometimes employers deduct this from the regular paycheck,” he said. “Other times, employers pay these taxes on your behalf and gross up the income, which can double the cost of a $25 gift card to $50 with taxes if an employer pays the employee share of taxes…you should check your paystub to see if you are taxed.”

A couple of exceptions exist. The first is the “conduit gift,” which is a contribution made to an intermediary organization that then passes the funds to the final intended recipient. For example, if the parent teacher association (PTA) collected and gifted cash or gift cards to staff and faculty, those are conduit gifts and wouldn’t be taxed. The PTA was merely a conduit for gifts paid by parents.

Another exception is if a manager personally gives an employee a cash gift or gift card, Pon said. “That is a personal gift. It’s not a gift from your employer,” he said. Since the manager is “not the employer, those would be tax-free gifts to the recipients.”

He warned though those gifts may cause other frictions at work. “There are a lot of scrooges,” Pon said. “I once worked in an accounting firm and the managing partner complained I was giving gift cards and candy to our admin staff as a token of appreciation of helping me all year. The partner said I was making other managers seem unkind if they didn’t give out gifts.”

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Noncash gifts like hams, turkeys, an occasional ticket to a sporting event or theatrical event are considered a “de minimis fringe benefit,” which is not taxable, Pon said. But note, a coupon or gift card intended to buy a turkey, ham or other item may be taxable, he said.

Medora Lee is a money, markets and personal finance reporter at USA TODAY. You can reach her at mjlee@usatoday.com and subscribe to our free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every Monday through Friday morning.

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