Royal Gold Concludes an Outstanding Year of Financial Performance with Records for Revenue, Operating Cash Flow and Earnings for both the Fourth Quarter and the Full Year of 2024

Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD) (together with its subsidiaries, "Royal Gold," the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") reports net income of $332.0 million, or $5.04 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2024, on revenue of $719.4 million and operating cash flow of $529.5 million. Adjusted net income¹ was $346.4 million, or $5.26 per share.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2024 ("fourth quarter"), we reported net income of $107.4 million, or $1.63 per share, on revenue of $202.6 million and operating cash flow of $141.1 million. All annual and quarterly figures represent record results for the Company.

With respect to our 2024 guidance, we achieved the top end of our guidance range for gold sales, and exceeded our guidance ranges for copper sales and sale of other metals. Depletion, depreciation and amortization ("DD&A") expense, and effective tax rate were within the guidance ranges. Silver sales were slightly below the guidance range, which is in line with our previous disclosure.

2024 Highlights:

• Record revenue of $719.4 million, record operating cash flow of $529.5 million, and record earnings of $332.0 million, increases of 19%, 27%, and 39%, respectively, over the prior year
• Revenue split: 76% gold, 12% silver, 9% copper
• Sales volume of 301,500 GEOs²
• Sustained high adjusted EBITDA margin¹ of 81%
• Repaid $250 million of debt, reducing total debt to $0
• Paid dividend of $1.60 per share, and increased the 2025 dividend by 12.5% to $1.80 per share, the 24th consecutive annual increase
• Acquired royalty interests on the Back River Gold District and Cactus Project
• Recognized first revenue contributions from the new Mara Rosa, Côté Gold and Manh Choh mines
• Entered into support agreement to incentivize investment that may provide a basis for mine life extension at Mount Milligan beyond 2035

"Our business is designed to deliver leverage to gold, and our 2024 results demonstrate the direct relationship between a strong and rising gold price and Royal Gold's financial performance," commented Bill Heissenbuttel, President and CEO of Royal Gold. "This leverage is evidenced by the impressive percentage increases in operating cash flow and net income, both of which exceeded that of revenue. The foundation of our performance is our diversified portfolio. Many of the long-standing contributors in our portfolio performed well in 2024, and organic growth from several assets provided new revenue contributions during the year.

"The strong financial performance allowed us to repay $250 million of debt during the year, pay out $105 million of dividends, and reinvest in our business with the acquisition of royalty interests on the Back River Gold District and Cactus Project," continued Mr. Heissenbuttel. "These two acquisitions are consistent with our strategy of adding exposure to high-quality assets with growth potential, operated by experienced management teams, in safe and mining-friendly jurisdictions."

Recent Portfolio Developments

Principal Property Updates

Notable recent updates as reported by the operators of our Principal Properties include:

Increased Near Term Production Expected and Continued Progress on Long Term Projects at Cortez

On November 22, 2024, Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") provided an update on various projects currently underway, as well as a production outlook for the Cortez Complex in Nevada. With respect to the near term, Barrick is expecting overall gold production from within the complex to increase with the mining of ore in the Crossroads pit following waste stripping, as well as the continued ramp-up at the Goldrush underground mine, which is expected to produce 400,000 ounces of gold per year at full production levels. Barrick is forecasting production from the Cortez Complex of over one million ounces in 2027, largely driven by these increases.

Relating to the longer-term potential within the Cortez Complex, Barrick reported several developments, including the receipt of the Record of Decision ("ROD") for the Robertson Project in mid-November, 2024, a significant increase in gold resources at the Fourmile Project after incorporating results from recent drilling (to 1.4 million ounces of indicated resources and 6.4 million ounces of inferred resources), and further exploration progress at the Hanson target at Cortez Hills Underground and the Swift target to the west of the Pipeline deposit. According to Barrick, a preliminary economic assessment for the Fourmile Project, which covers approximately one third of the known orebody as defined by drilling to date, indicates the potential for gold production levels exceeding 500,000 ounces per year.

Barrick indicated that it intends to advance these projects with feasibility work ongoing for the Robertson open pit project, a pre-feasibility study planned to begin in 2025 at the Fourmile Project, and continued exploration at the Hanson and Swift targets.

On February 12, 2025, Barrick announced 2025 gold production guidance of approximately 680,000 to 765,000 ounces (100% basis) at the Cortez Complex.

Mill Throughput Returned to Planned Level Through the Second Half of 2024 at Andacollo

On January 20, 2025, Teck Resources Limited ("Teck") reported that the Andacollo mine in Chile continues to operate in extreme drought conditions, and that risk mitigation plans to increase water availability through increased well field capacity were implemented in 2024, enabling mill throughput rates consistent with the mine plan through the second half of 2024.

Further, Teck provided copper production guidance, and expects copper production to increase from approximately 39,700 tonnes in 2024 to a range of 45,000 and 55,000 tonnes per year in each of 2025, 2026 and 2027, before declining to a range of 35,000 to 45,000 tonnes in 2028. According to Teck, the annual production guidance reflects ongoing drought conditions that remain a risk to production. Gold and copper grades have been relatively well correlated at Andacollo and gold production has tended to track copper production, although there can be no assurance that these correlations will continue in the future.

Timeline Provided to Achieve Full Throughput of Expanded Plant at Pueblo Viejo

On November 22, 2024, Barrick provided an update on the ramp-up of the plant expansion and a production outlook for the Pueblo Viejo mine in the Dominican Republic. Barrick outlined several projects that are intended to achieve planned throughput and recoveries, and Barrick expects plant throughput to increase steadily from 2024 levels and reach the expanded 14 million tonne per year capacity in 2028. As part of this throughput optimization, Barrick noted a planned 35-day impact to production in the first quarter of 2025 to complete a thickener optimization. Barrick expects gold recovery to increase from approximately 80% at the end of 2024 to 90% by the end of 2026, and Barrick reported that a project to improve silver recovery is expected to be complete by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Barrick further reported that gold production is expected to increase steadily from approximately 600,000 ounces in 2024 to over 800,000 ounces in 2026 (100% basis). Barrick did not provide forecasts for silver production.

In conjunction with the plant expansion project, Barrick reported that it is currently advancing work on the new El Naranjo tailings storage facility ("TSF"). Barrick also reported that the timeline for commissioning the El Naranjo TSF is by late 2029, with the facility expected to provide storage capacity for 8 additional years beyond the current mine life, which is expected to be to 2046.

On February 12, 2025, Barrick announced 2025 gold production guidance of 370,000 to 410,000 ounces for its 60% share of Pueblo Viejo.

Other Property Updates

Notable recent updates as reported by the operators of other select portfolio assets include:

Producing Properties

Bellevue (2% NSR royalty): On January 28, 2025, Bellevue Gold Limited ("Bellevue") reported that it expects gold production from the Bellevue Gold mine in Western Australia to be approximately 90,000 ounces in the first half of calendar 2025, with production weighted approximately 40%/60% across the first and second calendar quarters, respectively. Bellevue expects mined grade to increase during this period, and increased access to high grade mining areas is forecast to deliver a production run rate of over 200,000 ounces per year from the end of Q2 2025.

Côté Gold (1% NSR royalty): IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD") disclosed on January 14, 2025, that the ramp-up of the Côté Gold mine in Ontario continued in the fourth quarter of 2024. IAMGOLD also provided gold production guidance at Côté Gold of between 360,000 and 400,000 ounces for 2025, with gold production expected to be the lowest in the first quarter and increase sequentially as plant throughput increases through the year. We expect approximately two thirds of this production will be attributable to our royalty interest.

Khoemacau (100% silver stream): On January 23, 2025, MMG Limited ("MMG") provided copper production guidance of between 43,000 and 53,000 tonnes in 2025 at the Khoemacau mine in Botswana. MMG also reported that it is committed to accessing the higher-grade areas of the mine and working towards a higher production run rate of 60,000 tonnes per year of copper in concentrate by 2026-2027. Silver and copper grades have been relatively well correlated at Khoemacau and silver production has tended to track copper production, although there can be no assurance that these correlations will continue in the future.

Additionally, MMG reported that a feasibility study for the expansion of the mine to 130,000 tonnes per year started in December, 2024, and construction of the expansion is anticipated to begin in 2026 with first concentrate production expected in 2028, subject to a comprehensive assessment on the timeline in the feasibility study. Any expanded production from the Zone 5 and Mango NE deposits falls within the area of interest covered by Royal Gold's silver stream.

King of the Hills (1.5% NSR royalty): On January 29, 2025, Vault Minerals Limited ("Vault") reported Board approval to expand the processing facility at the King of the Hills ("KOTH") mine in Western Australia to 6 million tonnes per year, a 20% capacity increase over the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, with commissioning of the expanded plant scheduled for the second quarter of calendar 2026. According to Vault, a benefit of the expanded plant will be the accelerated processing of the KOTH ore stockpile.

Mara Rosa (1.0% NSR and 1.75% NSR royalties): On January 22, 2025, Hochschild Mining PLC ("Hochschild") provided gold production guidance from the Mara Rosa mine in Brazil of 94,000 to 104,000 ounces for 2025. Hochschild further reported that brownfield exploration drilling was completed below the Posse pit in the fourth quarter of 2024, and drilling between the Posse and Pastinho zones is planned for the first quarter of 2025.

Manh Choh (3% NSR royalty and 28% NSR royalty on silver): On November 29, 2024, Contango Ore, Inc., ("Contango"), 30% owner of the Manh Choh mine in Alaska, reported that 2025 gold production at Manh Choh is expected to be approximately 200,000 ounces (100% basis). Contango also reported that the mine life of Manh Choh is expected to be four to five years at current hauling rates.

Voisey's Bay (2.7% net value royalty): On December 3, 2024, Vale S.A. ("Vale") reported that it has completed construction and commissioning of the Voisey's Bay Mine Extension ("VBME") project in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, which transitioned Voisey's Bay from open pit to underground mining. Vale is expecting to complete the ramp-up of the VBME project in the second half of 2026, with full annual production capacity of approximately 45,000 tonnes of nickel, 20,000 tonnes of copper and 2,600 tonnes of cobalt.

Xavantina (25% gold stream): On December 3, 2024, Ero Copper Corp. ("Ero") announced a 19% increase to proven and probable reserves, and a 26% increase in measured and indicated resources, at the Xavantina mine in Brazil, when compared to 2023 estimates. Ero also reported that it remains focused on extending the mine life and discovering new vein structures to expand mine and mill feed, and enable utilization of excess mill capacity of approximately 25%. Additionally, on February 11, 2025, Ero reported gold production guidance of 50,000 to 60,000 ounces for 2025.

Development and Evaluation Properties

Back River (equivalent ~3.3% GSR royalty on the Goose Project): On January 13, 2025, B2Gold Corp. ("B2Gold") reported that construction and development of the Goose Project in the Back River Gold District in Nunavut, Canada, remains on schedule for the first gold pour by the end of the second quarter of 2025. B2Gold reported that it expects gold production of between 120,000 and 150,000 ounces for 2025, and average annual production of approximately 310,000 ounces per year from 2026 to 2031. B2Gold also reported that it remains on track to complete an initial Goose Project life of mine plan based on updated mineral reserves by the end of the first quarter of 2025. Royal Gold's royalty rate on the Goose Project will increase to the approximate equivalent 3.3% GSR royalty rate as certain production thresholds are met over an expected three year period.

Portfolio Additions

Acquisition of Royalty Interest on the Cactus Project in Arizona, USA

On December 31, 2024, RG Royalties, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Gold, acquired two royalties for cash consideration of $55 million that constitute an aggregate 2.5% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty (the "Cactus Royalty") on the Cactus Project in Arizona, which is currently being developed by Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. ("ASCU"). The Cactus Royalty covers the Cactus East and Cactus West deposits as well as portions of the Parks/Salyer deposit and is subject to a right in favor of ASCU to buy back 0.5% of the aggregate 2.5% royalty for $7 million until July 10, 2025.

The Cactus Project is a brownfield copper development project located approximately 70 kilometers south of Phoenix and just outside of the city of Casa Grande. This region is known for its rich deposits of copper and has a long history of mining activity. Mining was conducted at the Cactus Project site from 1974 through 1984 by ASARCO. ASCU acquired the project assets and properties beginning in 2020.

ASCU is a copper exploration and development company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange with a seasoned management team that is experienced with mining project development and operation. The company's shares are widely held, and Hudbay Minerals Inc. and Nuton LLC ("Nuton"), a Rio Tinto venture, each own significant share positions.

The Cactus Project encompasses an extensive land package of approximately 5,720 acres, which includes the Cactus Project deposits (Parks/Salyer and Cactus East/West) as well as surrounding lands that may hold additional mineral potential. Substantially all of the project is located on land that is privately owned by ASCU and its subsidiaries. The Cactus Project hosts substantial porphyry copper resources, and as of July 11, 2024, estimated measured and indicated resources totaled approximately 7.3 billion pounds of copper at a grade of 0.58% copper, and inferred resources contained a further 3.8 billion pounds of copper at a grade of 0.41% copper.

The Cactus Project is anticipated to become a significant copper producer, and the results of a preliminary economic assessment disclosed on August 7, 2024 ("2024 PEA"), indicate total production of 5.3 billion pounds of London Metal Exchange Grade A Copper Cathodes via heap leaching and solvent extraction and electrowinning. Mining is expected to be approximately 94% from open pit operations, and average copper production is expected to be 172 million pounds per year over the 31-year mine life, with an average of 232 million pounds per year expected in the first 20 years. Nuton is reviewing the potential to apply proprietary technology to improve recoveries and enhance the exploitation of a significant hypogene resource, which could materially increase production levels.

The project is located close to significant infrastructure, including paved roads, railways, and grid power, ASCU has disclosed that it owns water rights that exceed the demand outlined in the 2024 PEA, and there is a large potential workforce in the nearby city of Casa Grande.

ASCU is currently targeting first cathode production in 2028/2029. Work underway to achieve this timeline includes completion of a pre-feasibility study and amendments to permitting in 2025, completion of a definitive feasibility study and construction decision in 2026, followed by a construction period of 18 to 24 months.

Based on the production plan in the 2024 PEA, Royal Gold expects to recognize revenue from the Cactus Royalty in approximately year 5 of operation given the incomplete royalty coverage of the Parks/Salyer deposit, where mining is expected to commence. Royalty payments are due within 30 days of each quarter end, and pre-tax income after depletion is expected to be taxed in the USA at a rate of approximately 22%.

The Cactus Royalty is structured as an interest in real property, and information rights include detailed quarterly production statements, annual reporting of material developments, and an annual site visit.

2024 Overview

For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded net income attributable to Royal Gold stockholders ("net income") of $332.0 million, or $5.04 per basic and diluted share, as compared to net income of $239.4 million, or $3.64 per basic and $3.63 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2023.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized record total revenue of $719.4 million, which is comprised of stream revenue of $483.3 million and royalty revenue of $236.1 million, at an average gold price of $2,386 per ounce, an average silver price of $28.27 per ounce and an average copper price of $4.15 per pound, compared to total revenue of $605.7 million, which is comprised of stream revenue of $418.3 million and royalty revenue of $187.4 million, at an average gold price of $1,941 per ounce, an average silver price of $23.35 per ounce and an average copper price of $3.85 per pound, for the year ended December 31, 2023.

The increase in our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with the year ended December 31, 2023, resulted primarily from higher average gold, silver and copper prices, higher production from Peñasquito, and higher gold sales at Xavantina and Wassa. The increase was partially offset by lower production from the Cortez Legacy Zone, lower gold sales from Andacollo, and lower silver sales from Khoemacau when compared to the prior year.

Cost of sales, which excludes DD&A, increased to $97.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $90.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher average gold, silver and copper prices and higher gold sales from Xavantina and Wassa, partially offset by lower gold sales from Andacollo and lower silver sales from Khoemacau when compared to the prior year. Cost of sales is specific to our stream agreements and, except for Mount Milligan, is the result of our purchase of metal for a cash payment that is a set contractual percentage of the spot price for that metal near the date of metal delivery. For Mount Milligan, the cash payments under the existing stream agreement are the lesser of $435 per ounce or the prevailing market price of gold when purchased and 15% of the spot price for copper near the date of metal delivery. Separately, and in addition to the cash payments under the existing stream agreement, the Mount Milligan Cost Support Agreement detailed in Note 7 of our notes to consolidated financial statements on Form 10-K provides for cash payments on gold and copper deliveries that are expected to begin after certain thresholds are met, or earlier, if metal prices are below certain thresholds and if requested by Centerra Gold Inc. ("Centerra").

General and administrative costs increased to $40.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $39.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher non-cash stock compensation expense when compared to the prior year.

DD&A decreased to $144.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $164.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower stream depletion rates, as a result of proven and probable mineral reserve increases by our operators, lower gold sales from Andacollo, lower silver sales from Khoemacau and lower gold production from the Cortez Legacy Zone when compared to the prior year. The decrease was partially offset by higher production from Peñasquito when compared to the prior year.

Interest and other expense decreased to $9.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $30.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower interest expense as a result of lower average amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility compared to the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2024, amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility averaged $82.0 million at an average all-in borrowing rate of 6.5%, compared to average amounts outstanding of $391.4 million at an average all-in borrowing rate of 6.4% for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Income tax expense was $93.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $42.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 22.0% in the current year and 14.9% in the prior year. The year ended December 31, 2024 included a $13.0 million U.S. GILTI income tax expense related to consideration received from the Mount Milligan Cost Support Agreement, which if excluded, would result in an effective tax rate of approximately 19%. The year ended December 31, 2023 included a release of valuation allowances on certain foreign deferred tax assets.

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $529.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $415.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase, when compared to the prior year, was primarily due to higher net cash proceeds received from our stream and royalty interests of $80.3 million, cash proceeds of $24.5 million received from the Mount Milligan Cost Support Agreement, lower debt cash interest payments of $21.5 million and $12.0 million of interest from the repayment of the Khoemacau subordinated debt facility. This increase was partially offset by higher cash taxes of $21.8 million when compared to the prior year.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $77.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of the Back River and Cactus royalties offset by the $25 million principal repayment received on the Khoemacau subordinated debt facility when compared to the prior year.

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $360.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $427.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease, when compared to the prior year, was primarily due to lower debt repayments.

At December 31, 2024, we had working capital of $190.1 million, including $195.5 million of cash and equivalents. This compares to working capital of $95.0 million, including $104.2 million of cash and equivalents at December 31, 2023. The increase in our working capital was primarily due to an increase in our available cash, which primarily resulted from higher net cash proceeds from our stream and royalty interests and cash proceeds received for the Mount Milligan Cost Support Agreement, partially offset by the Cactus and Back River royalty acquisitions during the current year.

Fourth Quarter 2024 Overview

For the fourth quarter, we recorded net income and comprehensive income of $107.4 million, or $1.63 per basic and diluted share, as compared to net income of $62.8 million, or $0.95 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to higher revenue, as discussed below.

For the fourth quarter, we recognized record total revenue of $202.6 million, comprised of stream revenue of $124.8 million and royalty revenue of $77.8 million at an average gold price of $2,663 per ounce, an average silver price of $31.38 per ounce and an average copper price of $4.17 per pound. This compares to total revenue of $152.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, comprised of stream revenue of $98.3 million and royalty revenue of $54.4 million, at an average gold price of $1,971 per ounce, an average silver price of $23.20 per ounce and an average copper price of $3.70 per pound.

The increase in our total revenue resulted primarily from higher average gold, silver and copper prices compared to the prior period. Higher gold sales from Rainy River and Wassa, and higher gold, silver, zinc and lead production from Peñasquito, also contributed to the increase. These increases were partially offset by lower gold production from Cortez when compared to the prior year period.

Cost of sales, which excludes DD&A, increased to $24.4 million for the fourth quarter, from $20.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The increase, when compared to the prior year period, was primarily due to higher gold, silver and copper prices, and higher gold sales from Rainy River and Wassa. Cost of sales is specific to our stream agreements and, except for Mount Milligan, is the result of our purchase of metal for a cash payment that is a set contractual percentage of the spot price for that metal near the date of metal delivery. For Mount Milligan, the cash payments under the existing stream agreement are the lesser of $435 per ounce or the prevailing market price of gold when purchased, and 15% of the spot price for copper near the date of metal delivery. Separately, and in addition to the cash payments under the existing stream agreement, the Mount Milligan Cost Support Agreement, detailed in Note 7 of our notes to consolidated financial statements on Form 10-K, provides for cash payments on gold and copper deliveries that are expected to begin after certain thresholds are met, or earlier, if metal prices are below certain thresholds and if requested by Centerra.

General and administrative costs decreased to $8.9 million for the fourth quarter, from $9.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower corporate costs partially offset by higher non-cash stock compensation expense compared to the prior year period.

DD&A decreased to $33.7 million for the fourth quarter, from $40.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due lower DD&A rates in our stream segment and gold production at Cortez partially offset by higher production at Peñasquito compared to the prior year period.

Interest and other expense decreased to $1.4 million for the fourth quarter, from $6.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower interest expense as a result of lower average amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility compared to the prior year period.

For the fourth quarter, we recorded income tax expense of $26.1 million, compared to $13.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The income tax expense resulted in an effective tax rate of 19.5% in the current period, compared with 17.5% for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The higher income tax expense for the fourth quarter was primarily attributable to higher income before income taxes compared to the prior year period.

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $141.1 million for the fourth quarter, compared to $101.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The increase, when compared to the prior year period, was primarily due to higher stream and royalty revenue.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $46.9 million for the fourth quarter, compared to approximately $0 for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The change from the comparable prior year period was primarily due to the acquisition of a royalty interest on the Cactus Project in the current period.

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $26.5 million for the fourth quarter, compared to $99.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease, when compared to the prior year period, was primarily due to the repayment of outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit facility of $75 million in the prior year quarter.

Other Corporate Updates

Total Available Liquidity Increased to Approximately $1.2 Billion at the end of the Fourth Quarter

Total liquidity at the end of the fourth quarter was approximately $1.2 billion, which consisted of $190 million of working capital and $1 billion undrawn and available under the revolving credit facility.

Annual Dividend for 2025 Raised 12.5% to $1.80 Per Share, the 24^th Consecutive Annual Increase

On November 19, 2024, the Royal Gold Board of Directors approved an increase in the Company's annual calendar year common stock dividend of 12.5% from $1.60 to $1.80 per share, payable on a quarterly basis of $0.45 per share. We have paid out dividends of approximately $1 billion since our first dividend payment in 2000, and Royal Gold is the only precious metals company in the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index.

2024 Performance Compared to Guidance

Royal Gold provided guidance for 2024 metal sales volumes, DD&A expense and effective tax rate in April, 2024. When compared to the guidance ranges provided (as shown in the table below), gold sales achieved the high end of the guidance range and copper sales and other metal sales exceeded the respective guidance ranges. DD&A expense and effective tax rate were within the respective guidance ranges. Silver sales were slightly lower than the guidance range, primarily due to lower sales from Pueblo Viejo resulting from low silver recoveries.

* Note that the effective tax rate of 19% excludes a $13.0 million discrete U.S. GILTI income tax expense related to consideration received from the Mount Milligan Cost Support Agreement; including this amount, the effective tax rate was 22% for 2024.

Outlook for 2025

We expect a softer start to 2025 with stream segment sales of between 40,000 and 45,000 GEOs for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and we expect to issue guidance for 2025 sales volumes, DD&A expense, and effective tax rate in mid to late March, 2025.

Property Highlights

A breakdown of revenue for the Company's stream and royalty portfolio can be found on Table 1 for the three month and full year periods ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Table 2 shows stream metal sales and metal sales attributable to the Company's royalty interests for the Company's principal stream and royalty properties. Table 3 shows Royal Gold's 2024 sales volume guidance and year to date sales volume achieved. Table 4 shows stream segment purchases and sales for the three month and full year periods ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 and inventories at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Highlights at certain of the Company's principal producing and development properties during 2024 compared to 2023, are detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2025.

Royal Gold is a precious metals stream and royalty company engaged in the acquisition and management of precious metal streams, royalties and similar production-based interests. As of December 31, 2024, the Company owned interests on 175 properties on five continents, including interests on 42 producing mines and 18 development stage projects. Royal Gold is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "RGLD." The Company's website is located at www.royalgold.com.

Note: Management's conference call reviewing the fourth quarter results will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 12:00 pm Eastern Time (10:00 am Mountain Time). The call will be webcast and archived on the Company's website for a limited time.

Additional Investor Information: Royal Gold routinely posts important information, including information about upcoming investor presentations and press releases, on its website under the Investor Resources tab. Investors and other interested parties are encouraged to enroll at www.royalgold.com to receive automatic email alerts for new postings.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from these statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words like "will," "may," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "forecast," "potential," "intend," "continue," "project," or negatives of these words or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the following: our expected financial performance and outlook, including our 2025 guidance; operators' expected operating and financial performance and other anticipated developments relating to their properties and operations, including production, deliveries, estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves, environmental and feasibility studies, technical reports, mine plans, capital requirements, liquidity and capital expenditures; anticipated benefits from investments, acquisitions and other transactions; the receipt and timing of future metal deliveries, including deferred amounts at Pueblo Viejo; the timing and amount of future benefits and obligations in connection with the Mount Milligan Cost Support Agreement; anticipated liquidity, capital resources, financing, and stockholder returns; borrowings and repayments under our revolving credit facility; and the materiality of properties within our portfolio.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: changes in the price of gold, silver, copper or other metals; operating activities or financial performance of properties on which we hold stream or royalty interests, including variations between actual and forecasted performance, operators' ability to complete projects on schedule and as planned, operators' changes to mine plans and mineral reserves and mineral resources (including updated mineral reserve and mineral resource information), liquidity needs, mining and environmental hazards, labor disputes, distribution and supply chain disruptions, permitting and licensing issues, other adverse government or court actions, or operational disruptions; changes of control of properties or operators; contractual issues involving our stream or royalty agreements; the timing of deliveries of metals from operators and our subsequent sales of metal; risks associated with doing business in foreign countries; increased competition for stream and royalty interests; environmental risks, including those caused by climate change; potential cyber-attacks, including ransomware; our ability to identify, finance, value, and complete investments, acquisitions or other transactions; adverse economic and market conditions; effects of health epidemics and pandemics; changes in laws or regulations governing us, operators or operating properties; changes in management and key employees; and other factors described in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Item 1A, Risk Factors of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Most of these factors are beyond our ability to predict or control. Other unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed in this release could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. We disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Statement Regarding Third-Party Information: Certain information provided in this press release, including production estimates, has been provided to us by the operators of the relevant properties or is publicly available information filed by these operators with applicable securities regulatory bodies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission. Royal Gold has not verified, and is not in a position to verify, and expressly disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of any such third-party information and refers the reader to the public disclosure of the operators for information regarding those properties.

TABLE 4

Stream Segment Summary

Schedule A – Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Certain Other Measures

Overview of non-GAAP financial measures:

Non-GAAP financial measures are intended to provide additional information only and do not have any standard meaning prescribed by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures varies among companies, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

We have provided below reconciliations of our non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP measures. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors for analysis of our business. We use these non-GAAP financial measures to compare period-over-period performance on a consistent basis and when planning and forecasting for future periods. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are used by professional research analysts and others in the valuation, comparison and investment recommendations of companies in our industry. Many investors use the published research reports of these professional research analysts and others in making investment decisions. The adjustments made to calculate our non-GAAP financial measures are subjective and involve significant management judgement. Non-GAAP financial measures used by management in this release or elsewhere include the following:

1. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, or adjusted EBITDA, is a non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated by the Company as net income adjusted for certain items that impact the comparability of results from period to period, as set forth in the reconciliation below. The net income and adjusted EBITDA margins represent net income or adjusted EBITDA divided by total revenue. We consider adjusted EBITDA to be useful because the measure reflects our operating performance before the effects of certain non-cash items and other items that we believe are not indicative of our core operations.
2. Net debt (or net cash) is a non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated by the Company as debt (excluding debt issuance costs) as of a date minus cash and equivalents for that same date. Net debt (or net cash) to trailing twelve months (TTM) adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated by the Company as net debt (or net cash) as of a date divided by the TTM adjusted EBITDA (as defined above) ending on that date. We believe that these measures are important to monitor leverage and evaluate the balance sheet. Cash and equivalents are subtracted from the GAAP measure because they could be used to reduce our debt obligations. A limitation associated with using net debt (or net cash) is that it subtracts cash and equivalents and therefore may imply that there is less Company debt than the most comparable GAAP measure indicates. We believe that investors may find these measures useful to monitor leverage and evaluate the balance sheet.
3. Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share are non-GAAP financial measures that are calculated by the Company as net income and net income per share adjusted for certain items that impact the comparability of results from period to period, as set forth in the reconciliations below. We consider these non-GAAP financial measures to be useful because they allow for period-to-period comparisons of our operating results excluding items that we believe are not indicative of our fundamental ongoing operations. The tax effect of adjustments is computed by applying the statutory tax rate in the applicable jurisdictions to the income or expense items that are adjusted in the period presented. If a valuation allowance exists, the rate applied is zero.
4. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated by the Company as net cash provided by operating activities for a period minus acquisition of stream and royalty interests for that same period. We believe that free cash flow represents an additional way of viewing liquidity as it is adjusted for contractual investments made during such period. Free cash flow does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. We believe it is important to view free cash flow as a complement to our consolidated statements of cash flows.
5. Cash general and administrative expense, or cash G&A, is a non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated by the Company as general and administrative expenses for a period minus non-cash employee stock compensation expense for the same period. We believe that cash G&A is useful as an indicator of overhead efficiency without regard to non-cash expenses associated with employee stock compensation.