Hochschild Mining PLC (LSE:HOC, OTCQX:HCHDF) shares leapt 15% higher as the gold miner restored its dividend and announced its best financial performance for 13 years thanks to the record precious metals prices.
Profit before tax and exceptional items surged 272% to $199.1 million, with EBITDA rising 54% to $421.4 million, on revenue up 37% to $947.7 million for the 2024 calendar year.
Chief executive Eduardo Landin said the growth strategy "continues to deliver", with the addition of a record 2.8 million gold-equivalent ounces of mineable resources extending the life of all current operations.
He added that two major growth projects are being developed that "could boost annual production by over 200,000 ounces".
As well as restoring the dividend, with a final proposed dividend of $1.94 per share, he said the group was introducing a "clear dividend policy" with payouts based on 20-30% of free cashflow and a minimum of $10 million per year.