Royal Gold Reports a Strong Start to 2026 with Record Revenue, Operating Cash Flow and Earnings for the First Quarter, and Adds Capital Allocation Tools to Provide Future Flexibility
DENVER--( BUSINESS WIRE)--Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ: RGLD) (together with its subsidiaries, “Royal Gold,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) released financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 ("first quarter").
“The record first quarter results reflect the transformative activities we undertook in 2025,” commented Bill Heissenbuttel, President and CEO of Royal Gold. “We added significant scale and growth potential to our portfolio and the contributions from the new interests combined with our legacy portfolio and strong metal prices drove substantial increases in revenue, cash flow and earnings."
"We have a long record of successful capital allocation and growing per share value," continued Mr. Heissenbuttel, "and we have added two new tools that provide flexibility to add further value in the future depending on market conditions. As described in more detail below, we have reestablished our accordion feature under the $1.4 billion revolving credit facility, which positions us with ready access to capital to compete for the largest transactions. At the same time, our Board has approved a share repurchase program, which provides the ability to act opportunistically when the market does not appear to be reflecting the value and outlook for Royal Gold.”
First Quarter Highlights
Financial/Operating
____________________
1 Adjusted net income, adjusted net income per share and adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP financial measures. See Schedule A of this press release for additional information, including reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.
2 See Schedule A of this press release for additional information about gold equivalent ounces, or GEOs.
Corporate
Post Quarter Events
Revenue Summary
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Revenue (millions)
2026
2025
% Change
Gold
$
333.9
$
145.7
129.1 %
Silver
73.0
23.6
209.4 %
Copper
46.7
16.8
177.6 %
Other Metals
15.5
7.3
112.9 %
Total revenue
$
469.1
$
193.4
142.5 %
GEOs 2
96,300
67,600
42.5 %
Revenue split stream / royalty
67% / 33%
63% / 37%
Outlook for 2026
Royal Gold provided guidance for 2026 metal sales volumes, depreciation, depletion and amortization ("DD&A") expense and effective tax rate in March, 2026. We are currently forecasting that performance against these metrics will be within the ranges provided.
2026 Guidance Ranges
Actual Performance Through
March 31, 2026
Total Sales
Gold
(oz)
290,000–320,000
68,401
Silver
(M oz)
3.0–3.5
0.9
Copper
(M lb)
21.0–25.0
8.0
Other Metals
(M)
$34–$38
$16
DD&A
(M)
$339–379
$91
Effective Tax Rate
17–22%
19.5%*
* Year to date effective tax rate excluding discrete tax items.
Acquisitions and Corporate Activity
Enhanced Royalty Exposure at Corani and Mercedes and Sale of Highlander Silver Shares
As previously announced, we entered into agreements on December 18, 2025, to restructure equity, debt and other interests in Bear Creek and its assets in return for increased royalty exposure to Bear Creek’s Corani Project in Peru, a new royalty interest over the Mercedes Mine in Mexico, cash, and shares in Highlander. This restructuring helped facilitate an agreement between Highlander and Bear Creek to combine their businesses. On February 26, 2026, our shares of Bear Creek were exchanged for shares of Highlander at a conversion of 0.1175 Highlander shares per one Bear Creek share. On March 27, 2026, we sold our shares in Highlander for a net realized gain of $9.9 million.
After these transactions, our interests on Highlander's assets include a total 2.75% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty interest on the Corani Project and a 2.0% NSR royalty interest on the Mercedes Mine.
Payment to Solaris Resources Upon EIA Approval
Subsequent to the end of the first quarter on April 14, 2026, after technical approval of the EIA and publication of a PFS for the Warintza project, we paid Solaris the next advance payment of $50 million of the total $100 million outstanding conditional funding under the stream agreement dated May 21, 2025. The remaining $50 million will be due to Solaris on or after May 21, 2026, subject to satisfaction of remaining conditions.
Enhanced Flexibility With Additional Capital Allocation Tools
Our capital allocation strategy remains unchanged, and we remain committed to paying a growing and sustainable dividend, maintaining a strong balance sheet and liquidity, and reinvesting in our business when we see accretive growth opportunities. This approach requires flexibility to address changing market conditions and we have recently added two new tools to help continue executing this strategy and prepare for a range of circumstances while maintaining balance sheet strength, access to liquidity, and a long-term focus on per-share value creation.
NEW $600 MILLION ACCORDION FEATURE ADDED TO THE $1.4 BILLION REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
On May 5, 2026, we entered into a seventh amendment to the revolving credit facility that added a new $600 million uncommitted accordion feature to the revolving credit facility. The new accordion feature permits the Company to request additional commitments from the credit facility bank syndicate that would increase aggregate commitments under the revolving credit facility to up to $2.0 billion, subject to customary conditions, including the consent of each lender providing an additional commitment.
We believe this accordion feature, if exercised, should provide sufficient additional liquidity to allow us to remain competitive and act quickly on larger opportunities in the current healthy transaction market.
AUTHORIZATION OF A $500 MILLION SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
On May 4, 2026, the Board of Directors approved a $500 million share repurchase program under which we may purchase shares from time to time through open market purchases or by other means. The manner, timing, pricing and amount of any repurchases will be subject to management's discretion and may be based upon market conditions and alternative opportunities for the use or investment of capital. Although the Board of Directors has authorized the share repurchase program, we are not obligated to repurchase any specific dollar amount or to acquire any specific number of shares under the program.
This program is intended to be used in those circumstances when we believe there is a significant difference between the market value of Royal Gold shares and what we believe is the intrinsic value and outlook for the company.
Portfolio Revenue and Developments
Overall Revenue and Realized Metal Prices
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Revenue by Region (millions)
2026
2025
North America
$
258.0
55
%
$
140.8
73
%
South and Central America
110.2
23
%
22.3
12
%
Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA)
84.8
18
%
22.4
12
%
Australia Pacific
16.1
3
%
8.0
4
%
Total revenue
$
469.1
$
193.4
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Realized Metal Prices
2026
2025
Change
Gold
($/oz)
$4,873
$2,860
70%
Silver
($/oz)
$84.33
$31.88
164%
Copper
($/lb)
$5.83
$4.24
38%
North America
Revenue by Stream/Royalty Interest (thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Stream/Royalty
Metal(s)
Current Stream/Royalty Interest *
2026
2025
Mount Milligan**
Gold, copper
35% of payable gold and 18.75% of payable copper
$
57,322
$
42,808
Pueblo Viejo**
Gold, silver
7.5% of Barrick's interest in payable gold and 75% of Barrick's interest in payable silver
55,869
28,751
Cortez**
Legacy Zone
Gold
Approx. 9.0% GSR Equivalent
16,426
11,143
CC Zone
Gold
Approx. 1.6%–2.6% GSR Equivalent
8,793
3,554
Rainy River
Gold, silver
6.5% of gold produced and 60% of silver produced
31,215
10,422
Peñasquito
Gold, silver, lead, zinc
2.0% NSR
26,403
15,409
Greenstone
Gold
2.375% of payable gold
8,186
–
Red Chris
Gold, copper
1.0% NSR
7,000
4,477
Voisey's Bay
Copper, nickel, cobalt
2.7% NVR
6,065
2,499
Robinson
Gold, copper
3.0% NSR
5,378
4,397
Manh Choh
Gold, silver
3.0% NSR, 28% NSR (silver)
5,153
5,623
Leeville
Gold
1.8% NSR
3,642
1,627
Marigold
Gold
2.0% NSR
3,622
2,157
LaRonde Zone 5
Gold
2.0% NSR
3,507
1,173
South Arturo
Silver
40% of silver produced
3,236
–
Other -
North America
Various
Various
16,179
6,731
Total revenue - North America
$
257,996
$
140,770
* For a full description of the Company’s stream and royalty interests as of March 13, 2026, refer to our 2025/2026 Asset Handbook, published on March 31, 2026, and available on our website.
** Principal Property
NOTABLE PRODUCING PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS
Mount Milligan: On February 19, 2026, Centerra Gold Inc. ("Centerra") provided Mount Milligan production guidance for 2026. Centerra expects gold production to range between 140,000 and 155,000 ounces, with gold production and sales expected to be higher in the second and third quarters of 2026, reflecting planned mine sequencing. Centerra also expects copper production to range between 50 and 60 million pounds, with copper production and sales expected to be evenly weighted throughout 2026. On April 29, 2026, Centerra reported gold and copper production of 29,572 ounces and 14.2 million pounds, respectively, in the first quarter. According to Centerra, this production was in line with the recently announced PFS mine plan and is on track with full year 2026 guidance.
Pueblo Viejo: On February 27, 2026, Barrick Mining Corporation ("Barrick") released an updated National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Pueblo Viejo mine, which indicates that existing reserves and additional tailings capacity from the new Naranjo tailings storage facility (“TSF”) support open pit mining operations until 2048, with the processing of low-grade ore stockpiles and limestone re-handling continuing to 2049. Per the technical report, tailings from the recently expanded process plant will continue to be deposited in the existing El Llagal TSF until the end of life of that facility in 2030. Thereafter, tailings will be deposited into the Naranjo TSF. Construction of the Naranjo TSF is underway after early works began in late 2025 as previously reported by Barrick.
Cortez: In its 2025 Annual Information Form issued in February 2026, Barrick reported mine life expectations from currently producing areas within the Cortez Complex based on existing reserves and production capacity. According to Barrick, production at the Cortez open pit operation, which includes the Pipeline/Crossroads complex and Cortez Pits, is expected to continue until 2030; the underground operation, which includes the Goldrush mine, is expected to continue until 2044. These estimates exclude the potential contribution of new production from the Robertson and Fourmile projects.
Rainy River: On March 23, 2026, Coeur Mining Inc. ("Coeur”) provided a corporate update and filed a technical report summary for the Rainy River mine following the March 20, 2026, completion of the acquisition of New Gold Inc. According to Coeur, production guidance for the remaining nine months of 2026 is expected to range between 230,000 and 275,000 ounces for gold and 350,000 and 450,000 ounces for silver.
Peñasquito: On February 19, 2026, Newmont Corporation ("Newmont") provided 2026 production guidance of 185,000 ounces of gold, 32 million ounces of silver, 90,000 tonnes of lead and 220,000 tonnes of zinc. According to Newmont, gold production is expected to decrease in 2026 due to the ramp-down of mining at Peñasco Phase 7 as planned and silver production is expected to increase, while production of lead and zinc is expected to decrease largely due to grades milled, including increased stockpile processing.
Greenstone: On March 30, 2026, Equinox Gold Corp. (“Equinox”) issued a press release highlighting the results of an updated technical report on the Greenstone mine. According to Equinox, the immediate focus is executing the ramp-up and achieving sustained milling capacity of 27,000 tonnes per day, which is expected to allow average annual gold production of approximately 320,000 ounces until 2036. Equinox also disclosed additional opportunities to further optimize the operation including increasing mill throughput toward 30,000 tonnes per day, incorporating higher-grade underground resources into future mine plans, and advancing near-mine and regional exploration targets on the 400 square kilometer land package.
Red Chris: On February 19, 2026, Newmont provided 2026 production guidance of 35,000 ounces of gold and 20,000 tonnes of copper (70% interest), which includes stockpile processing during planned stripping in the open pit. Further according to Newmont, work continues on advancing the feasibility study and permitting work for the block cave expansion.
Voisey's Bay: On April 16, 2026, Vale S.A. ("Vale") reported record production in the first quarter at the Long Harbour refinery supported by stable operations at the underground mines. According to Vale, nickel production at Long Harbour sourced from Voisey's Bay increased by 4,000 tonnes over the prior year period to 10,500 tonnes.
NOTABLE DEVELOPMENT PROPERTY ACTIVITY
Great Bear (2.0% NSR royalty): On April 29, 2026, Kinross Gold Corporation ("Kinross") provided an update on activity at the Great Bear Project in Ontario. According to Kinross, detailed engineering of the Main Project was 45% complete, and the Advanced Exploration program surface construction was approximately 90% complete with the remaining permits received in April. Kinross also reported in February 2026 that the Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines officially designated the Great Bear Main Project for inclusion in the streamlined "One Project, One Process" permitting framework.
South and Central America
Revenue by Stream/Royalty Interest (thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31,
Stream/Royalty
Metal(s)
Current Stream/Royalty Interest*
2026
2025
Xavantina
Gold
25% of gold produced
$
28,273
$
5,377
Andacollo**
Gold
100% of payable gold
27,151
12,744
Antamina
Copper, zinc, molybdenum
1.66% NPI
13,011
–
Chapada
Copper
4.2% of payable copper
9,405
–
Caserones
Copper, molybdenum
0.63% NSR
6,151
–
El Limón
Gold, silver
3.0% NSR
4,741
3,279
Fruta del Norte
Gold, silver
0.9% NSR (precious metals)
4,701
–
Cerro Moro
Silver
9% of silver produced
4,125
–
Aurizona
Gold
3.0%-5.0% sliding-scale NSR
3,155
–
Vale Northern and Southeastern Systems
Iron, gold, copper
Various
2,765
–
Other -
South and Central America
Various
Various
6,755
929
Total revenue - South and Central America
$
110,233
$
22,329
* For a full description of the Company’s stream and royalty interests as of March 13, 2026, refer to our 2025/2026 Asset Handbook, published on March 31, 2026, and available on our website.
** Principal Property
NOTABLE PRODUCING PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS
Andacollo: Teck Resources Limited ("Teck") expects 2026 gold production at Andacollo to range between 38,000 and 42,000 ounces compared to actual gold production of 35,900 ounces in 2025. On April 22, 2026, Teck reaffirmed previously-disclosed copper production guidance, and expects copper production at Andacollo to range from 45,000 to 55,000 tonnes per year in each of 2026 and 2027, before declining to a range of 35,000 to 45,000 tonnes in 2028. 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.
Antamina: On April 23, 2026, Teck reported first quarter production in line with the mine plan and reaffirmed guidance for its share of 2026 production of 95,000 to 105,000 tonnes of copper and 35,000 to 45,000 tonnes of zinc.
Xavantina: On May 4, 2026, Ero Copper Corp. (“Ero”) reported first quarter results and confirmed 2026 gold production guidance of 40,000 to 50,000 ounces, with mining rates, mill throughput and processed grades projected to improve as upgrades to ventilation and cooling infrastructure become fully operational (substantially complete at the end of April). As a result, Ero expects production at Xavantina to be weighted towards the second half of 2026. Ero also reported the sale of 4,311 ounces of gold in concentrate in the first quarter, with gold concentrate sales volumes expected to benefit from drier conditions in the second and third quarters following the end of the rainy season.
Chapada: On February 19, 2026, Lundin Mining Corporation ("Lundin Mining") reported that an updated technical report incorporating a PFS on the Saúva expansion, which is a near-mine opportunity to add approximately 10,000 to 15,000 tonnes of copper and 35,000 to 45,000 ounces of gold production per year, is expected in the second half of 2026. A 13,700 meter exploration drilling program is planned at Chapada in 2026, primarily targeting Saúva to further define higher-grade resources for conversion to reserves.
Fruta del Norte: On February 19, 2026, Lundin Gold Inc. (“Lundin Gold”) provided 2026 gold production guidance for the Fruta del Norte mine (“FDN”) of 475,000 to 525,000 ounces based on an average throughput rate of 5,500 tonnes per day. Lundin Gold also reported that it expects to make a single, integrated investment decision in 2026 informed by analysis of the most efficient mining rates at both FDN and FDN South, and options for increasing processing capacity beyond 5,500 tonnes per day.
NOTABLE DEVELOPMENT PROPERTY ACTIVITY
Warintza (Gold stream and NSR royalty): On April 9, 2026, Solaris announced that it received the technical approval of the EIA for the Warintza Project in southeastern Ecuador. According to Solaris, the approval followed an extensive technical review process conducted by a multidisciplinary team from the Ministry of Environment and Energy. Further according to Solaris, the Warintza Project will advance through the remaining stages of Ecuador’s environmental licensing and development approval process to support the granting of Warintza’s Mining Exploitation Agreements, with Solaris targeting a fully permitted project by the end of 2026.
EMEA
Revenue by Stream/Royalty Interest (thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Stream/Royalty
Metal(s)
Current Stream/Royalty Interest*
2026
2025
Kansanshi**
Gold
75 ounces of gold per million pounds of recovered copper produced
$
25,511
$
–
Khoemacau
Silver
100% of payable silver
19,568
9,962
Wassa
Gold
10.5% of payable gold
18,809
12,419
Bonikro
Gold
6% of gold produced
13,156
–
Houndé
Gold
2.0% NSR
4,858
–
Blyvoor
Gold
10% of payable gold
2,452
–
Other - EMEA
Various
Various
421
–
Total revenue - EMEA
$
84,775
$
22,381
* For a full description of the Company’s stream and royalty interests as of March 13, 2026, refer to our 2025/2026 Asset Handbook, published on March 31, 2026, and available on our website.
** Principal Property
NOTABLE PRODUCING PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS
Kansanshi: On April 28, 2026, First Quantum Minerals Ltd. ("First Quantum") reported first quarter copper production of 45,345 tonnes, 2,310 tonnes lower than the previous quarter due to lower feed grades and recoveries, which was partially mitigated by higher throughput attributable to the S3 circuit. According to First Quantum, S3 throughput increased steadily during the quarter, with ore milled peaking in March, driven by higher operating time, strong utilization, and milling rates stabilizing approximately 25% above design capacity. First Quantum expects S3 to continue to take a high proportion of feed from surface stockpiles, which are lower grade than fresh mine ore grades, until the mining pre-strip at South East Dome is completed. First Quantum confirmed that copper production guidance for 2026 remains unchanged at 175,000 to 205,000 tonnes.
Khoemacau: On April 21, 2026, MMG Limited ("MMG") reported that after temporary impacts in the first quarter, mining activities are expected to improve in the coming quarters with the full deployment of new equipment, advancement of development activities, and expanded access to Zone 5 North. MMG also reported that construction of the paste fill plant, which is designed to enhance ore recovery and reduce stope dilution, is advancing with commissioning now expected in the second quarter of 2026. MMG further reported that the expansion to 130,000 tonnes of copper concentrate per year remains on track for first concentrate production in the first half of 2028, and a PFS for the next expansion phase of up to 200,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate per year commenced at the start of 2026.
Wassa: On April 20, 2026, Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining Co., Ltd. ("Chifeng") published the proxy circular related to the issue of new shares as part of a strategic investment agreement with Zijin Gold (Group) Ltd. ("Zijin"). Zijin will invest approximately $1.2 billion of new capital in Chifeng with approximately half the proceeds allocated to expansion and exploration at overseas mines, including Wassa. At Wassa specifically, Chifeng intends to use the proceeds for various projects including infill drilling to upgrade reserve and resources; the construction of a decline ramp at Father Brown (scheduled to commence in 2026); construction of a new 1.2 million tonne per year processing plant in the southern area; expansion and upgrade of the existing processing plant, targeting a 500,000 tonne per year increase in processing capacity; continued open-pit development, stripping and related works at the Benso open-pit mine; and construction of a new tailings storage facilities in the southern area.
Houndé: On March 5, 2026, Endeavour Mining plc reiterated 2026 gold production guidance of 220,000 to 255,000 ounces, with production weighted towards the second half of 2026 due to mining and processing of higher average grades from the Vindaloo Main pit following waste stripping in the first half of the year.
NOTABLE DEVELOPMENT PROPERTY ACTIVITY
Platreef: On April 23, 2026, Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (“Ivanhoe”) reported that Shaft #3 construction was completed on schedule, which is expected to increase hoisting capacity to approximately 5 million tonnes per year to support the Phase 1 ramp-up and Phase 2 expansion. Ivanhoe also reported that the Phase 2 concentrator is on track for completion at the end of 2027, and Shaft #2 widening has commenced with a target to hoist ore by the end of 2029.
Hod Maden (30% joint venture interest): On March 4, 2026, SSR Mining Inc. ("SSR"), the operator of the Hod Maden Project, announced that it is undertaking a strategic review of its interests in Türkiye, which includes its interest in the Hod Maden joint venture. On May 5, 2026, SSR provided a further update and reported that it intends to incur minimal capital costs at the project while the review process is ongoing, and it intends to provide an update on the review before the end of the third quarter of 2026.
Australia Pacific
Revenue by Stream/Royalty Interest (thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Stream/Royalty
Metal(s)
Current Stream/Royalty Interest*
2026
2025
Bellevue
Gold
2.0% NSR
$
4,032
$
1,339
South Laverton
Gold
1.5% NSR, 4.0% NPI
3,770
2,492
King of the Hills
Gold
1.5% NSR
2,352
1,585
Gwalia
Gold
1.5% NSR
2,066
1,087
Other -
Australia Pacific
Various
Various
3,901
1,453
Total revenue - Australia Pacific
$
16,121
$
7,956
* For a full description of the Company’s stream and royalty interests as of March 13, 2026, refer to our 2025/2026 Asset Handbook, published on March 31, 2026, and available on our website.
NOTABLE PRODUCING PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS
Bellevue: On April 28, 2026, Bellevue Gold Limited ("Bellevue") reported a significant increase in gold production during the quarter, and production remains on track to meet guidance of 130,000 to 150,000 ounces for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. According to Bellevue, milled grades increased significantly as ore sourced from higher-grade parts of the mine increased in line with the mine schedule, and first development in ore at the higher grade Deacon North mining area is scheduled in the June 2026 quarter. Bellevue also reported that the surface drilling program finished its first complete quarter of drilling, notably intersecting a new high-grade structure (3.44 meters grading 18.45 grams per tonne from 391 meters) near the Marceline mining area that is currently being investigated further.
First Quarter 2026 Overview
For the first quarter, we recorded net income attributable to Royal Gold stockholders of $281.1 million, or $3.31 per basic share and $3.30 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $113.5 million, or $1.72 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to higher revenue and gains from marketable securities, partially offset by higher cost of sales, depletion expense, interest expense and income tax expense, each discussed below.
Revenue
For the first quarter, we recognized total revenue of $469.1 million, comprised of stream revenue of $312.8 million and royalty revenue of $156.3 million at an average gold price of $4,873 per ounce, an average silver price of $84.33 per ounce and an average copper price of $5.83 per pound. This is compared to total revenue of $193.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, comprised of stream revenue of $122.5 million and royalty revenue of $71.0 million, at an average gold price of $2,860 per ounce, an average silver price of $31.88 per ounce and an average copper price of $4.24 per pound.
The increase in our total revenue resulted primarily from higher average gold, silver and copper prices, new revenue from the Kansanshi stream and Sandstorm Gold Ltd. ("Sandstorm") and Horizon Copper Corp. ("Horizon") assets, higher gold sales at Andacollo, Xavantina and Rainy River, and higher production from Peñasquito. These increases were partially offset by lower sales from Mount Milligan when compared to the prior year period.
Cost of Sales and Other Costs
Cost of sales, which excludes depreciation, depletion and amortization, increased to $60.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, from $24.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The increase compared to the prior year period was primarily due to higher payments for stream deliveries resulting from higher metal prices (except for gold at Mount Milligan), new sales from the Kansanshi stream and Sandstorm and Horizon assets, and higher sales at Andacollo, Xavantina and Rainy River. These increases were partially offset by lower gold sales at Mount Milligan when compared to the prior year period. 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 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 stream agreement, the Mount Milligan Cost Support Agreement 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 increased to $17.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, from $11.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The increase compared to the prior year period was primarily due to higher employee related costs and higher corporate costs as a result of the Sandstorm and Horizon acquisition.
DD&A expense increased to $90.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, from $33.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The increase was primarily due to additional depletion from the recently acquired Kansanshi stream and Sandstorm and Horizon assets. These increases were partially offset by lower sales and depletion at Mount Milligan when compared to the prior year period.
During the three months ended March 31, 2026, we realized a gain from the sale of marketable securities of $14.1 million. The gain was primarily due to the sale of the Highlander shares.
Interest and other expense increased to $13.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, from $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The increase was primarily due to higher interest expense as a result of higher average amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility compared to the prior year period. For the three months ended March 31, 2026, amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility averaged $756.4 million at an average all-in borrowing rate of 5.0% compared to no outstanding debt for the three months ended March 31, 2025.
For the three months ended March 31, 2026, we recorded income tax expense of $25.4 million, compared to $10.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The income tax expense resulted in an effective tax rate of 8.3% in the current period, compared with 8.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2026, included a $33.7 million discrete benefit related to a change in foreign tax rate. The three months ended March 31, 2025, included a $12.0 million discrete benefit, net of valuation allowance, for additional recoverable basis in foreign jurisdictions and a $1.7 million discrete benefit related to a withholding tax refund on a foreign royalty.
Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $293.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to $136.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The increase was primarily due to higher net cash proceeds received from our stream and royalty interests of $198.1 million, partially offset by higher income tax payments of $20.3 million, higher general and administrative payments of $10.4 million and higher interest payments on outstanding debt of $10.5 million when compared to the prior year period.
Net cash provided by investing activities totaled $34.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $58.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The current period change was primarily due to cash proceeds of $49.0 million from the sale of Highlander shares and other marketable securities, partially offset by cash calls of $14.7 million for the Hod Maden equity method investment. The prior period change was primarily due to the $50.0 million payment for the acquisition of the additional Xavantina stream.
Net cash used by financing activities totaled $327.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $32.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The increase was primarily due to higher debt repayments of $300.0 million and higher dividend payments of $10.6 million, partially offset by higher proceeds from the exercise of Sandstorm assumed options of $20.2 million when compared to the prior year period.
Liquidity
Total liquidity at the end of the first quarter was approximately $1.1 billion, which consisted of $295.2 million of working capital and $800 million undrawn and available under the revolving credit facility.
At March 31, 2026, we had $600 million of outstanding debt drawn on the revolving credit facility. Subsequent to the end of the quarter on April 13, 2026, we repaid $75 million of this amount, resulting in $525 million outstanding and $875 million available as of the date of this press release, excluding the uncommitted accordion feature. In keeping with Royal Gold’s capital allocation strategy to repay outstanding debt as cash flow allows, the Company expects to repay the outstanding balance from future cash flow by early first quarter 2027 at current metal prices and absent further acquisitions.
At March 31, 2026, our contractual cash obligations comprised the conditional Warintza funding and operating leases. With respect to the Warintza funding, subsequent to the end of the first quarter we paid $50.0 million to Solaris after technical approval of the EIA and publication of a PFS for the project, and we expect to pay the final $50.0 million in or after May 2026, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions including registration of security in Ecuador.
First Quarter 2026 Call Information
Management’s conference call reviewing the first quarter results will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 12:00 pm Eastern Time (10:00 am Mountain Time). The call will be webcast live and archived on the Company’s website for a limited time.
Dial-In Numbers:
+1 833-461-5787 (North America); toll free
+1 585-542-9983 (International)
Access Code:
371420639
Webcast URL:
https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/371420639
Corporate Profile
Royal Gold is a high margin, large-capitalization company that generates strong cash flows from a large and well-diversified portfolio of precious metal streams, royalties and similar production-based interests located in mining-friendly jurisdictions. Royal Gold shares trade under the symbol “RGLD” and provide growth, value, and income investors exposure to the metals & mining industry. The Company’s website is located at www.royalgold.com.
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 such as “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 2026 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; opportunities for, and anticipated benefits from investments, acquisitions and other transactions; receipt and timing of future metal deliveries and sales of metals, including deferred amounts at Pueblo Viejo; anticipated liquidity, capital resources, financing, and stockholder returns; borrowings and repayments under our revolving credit facility; and prices for gold, silver, copper and other metals.
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; the ultimate timing, outcome, and results of integrating the operations of Royal Gold, Sandstorm and Horizon; failure to realize the anticipated benefits from the Sandstorm and Horizon acquisition in the timeframe expected or at all; risks associated with joint arrangement interests acquired as part of the Sandstorm and Horizon acquisition; 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. Most of these factors are beyond our ability to predict or control. Other unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed in this release or our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 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 place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Statement Regarding Third-Party Information
Certain information provided in this press release, including information about mineral resources and reserves, historical production, production estimates, property descriptions, and property developments, was 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 reports filed by the operators for information regarding those properties.
ROYAL GOLD, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited, in thousands except share data)
March 31, 2026
December 31, 2025
ASSETS
Cash and equivalents
$
234,142
$
233,719
Royalty receivables
142,804
110,846
Income tax receivable
109
2,108
Stream inventory
30,864
25,883
Prepaid expenses and other
4,360
4,890
Total current assets
412,279
377,446
Stream and royalty interests, net
8,539,286
8,583,875
Equity method investment
314,281
300,854
Marketable securities
97,114
172,880
Other assets
126,746
102,469
Total assets
$
9,489,706
$
9,537,524
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable
$
7,269
$
10,060
Dividends payable
40,330
40,186
Income tax payable
32,469
33,303
Other current liabilities
37,023
37,367
Total current liabilities
117,091
120,916
Debt
595,689
895,436
Deferred tax liabilities
1,187,876
1,190,672
Mount Milligan deferred liability
69,211
69,211
Other liabilities
57,575
55,942
Total liabilities
2,027,442
2,332,177
Commitments and contingencies
EQUITY
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; and 0 shares issued
–
–
Common stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; and 84,787,272 and 84,499,692 shares outstanding, respectively
846
845
Additional paid-in capital
5,946,311
5,928,123
Accumulated other comprehensive income
–
993
Accumulated earnings
1,467,969
1,227,169
Total Royal Gold stockholders’ equity
7,415,126
7,157,130
Non-controlling interests
47,138
48,217
Total equity
7,462,264
7,205,347
Total liabilities and equity
$
9,489,706
$
9,537,524
ROYAL GOLD, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited, in thousands except share data)
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2026
March 31, 2025
Revenue
$
469,125
$
193,436
Costs and expenses
Cost of sales (excludes depreciation, depletion and amortization)
60,337
24,506
General and administrative
17,531
11,063
Production taxes
3,291
1,761
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
90,875
32,995
Total costs and expenses
172,034
70,325
Operating income
297,091
123,111
Fair value changes in equity securities
5,950
(37
)
Gain on sale of marketable securities
14,115
–
Interest and other income
3,192
2,049
Interest and other expense
(13,242
)
(1,156
)
Income before income taxes
307,106
123,967
Income tax expense
(25,398
)
(10,389
)
Net income
281,708
113,578
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
(578
)
(80
)
Net income attributable to Royal Gold common stockholders
$
281,130
$
113,498
Net income
$
281,708
$
113,578
Adjustments to comprehensive income, net of tax:
Realized gain on available-for-sale debt securities
(993
)
–
Comprehensive income
280,715
113,578
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests
(578
)
(80
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Royal Gold stockholders
$
280,137
$
113,498
Net income per share attributable to Royal Gold common stockholders:
Basic earnings per share
$
3.31
$
1.72
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
84,720,260
65,705,157
Diluted earnings per share
$
3.30
$
1.72
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
85,017,635
65,791,551
Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.475
$
0.450
ROYAL GOLD, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited, in thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2026
March 31, 2025
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
281,708
$
113,578
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
90,875
32,995
Non-cash employee stock compensation expense
3,592
3,198
Fair value changes in equity securities
(5,950
)
37
Gain on sale of marketable securities
(14,115
)
–
Deferred tax benefit
(27,764
)
(8,828
)
Other
1,527
224
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Royalty receivables
(31,958
)
5,731
Stream inventory
(4,981
)
(1,583
)
Income tax receivable
1,999
(231
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
966
345
Accounts payable
(2,790
)
135
Income tax payable
(834
)
(7,832
)
Other liabilities
1,287
(1,400
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
293,562
$
136,369
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of stream and royalty interests
–
(58,246
)
Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities
48,973
–
Cash calls for Hod Maden equity method investment
(14,700
)
–
Other
(166
)
(49
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
$
34,107
$
(58,295
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of debt
(300,000
)
–
Net payments from issuance of common stock
(5,576
)
(3,011
)
Net proceeds from Sandstorm option exercises
20,173
–
Distributions to non-controlling interests
(1,657
)
(190
)
Common stock dividends
(40,186
)
(29,611
)
Net cash used in financing activities
$
(327,246
)
$
(32,812
)
Net increase in cash and equivalents
423
45,262
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
233,719
195,498
Cash and equivalents at end of period
$
234,142
$
240,760
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 judgment. Non-GAAP financial measures used by management in this release or elsewhere include the following:
Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to U.S. GAAP measures
Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, net debt, and net debt to TTM adjusted EBITDA:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(amounts in thousands)
2026
2025
Net income
281,708
$
113,578
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
90,875
32,995
Non-cash employee stock compensation
3,592
3,198
Fair value changes in equity securities
(5,950
)
37
Gain on sale of marketable securities
(14,115
)
–
Interest and other, net
10,050
(893
)
Income tax expense
25,398
10,389
Non-controlling interests in operating income of consolidated subsidiaries
(578
)
(80
)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
390,980
$
159,224
Net income margin
60
%
59
%
Adjusted EBITDA margin
83
%
82
%
Three Months Ended
March 31,
December 31,
September 30,
June 30,
(amounts in thousands)
2026
2025
2025
2025
Net income
$
281,708
$
93,719
$
131,805
$
132,474
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
90,875
80,031
32,903
31,153
Non-cash employee stock compensation
3,592
2,952
2,942
2,714
Acquisition related costs
–
13,710
12,798
–
Fair value changes in equity securities
(5,950
)
(362
)
–
(3
)
Loss (gain) on sale of marketable securities
(14,115
)
50,017
–
–
Interest and other, net
10,050
14,838
1,835
(1,169
)
Income tax expense
25,398
52,659
28,704
10,538
Non-controlling interests in operating income of consolidated subsidiaries
(578
)
(108
)
(4,981
)
(125
)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
390,980
$
307,456
$
206,006
$
175,582
Net income margin
60
%
25
%
52
%
63
%
Adjusted EBITDA margin
83
%
82
%
82
%
84
%
TTM adjusted EBITDA
$
1,080,024
Debt
$
595,689
Debt issuance costs
4,311
Cash and equivalents
(234,142
)
Net debt / (cash)
$
365,858
Net debt / (cash) to TTM adjusted EBITDA
0.34x
Cash G&A:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(amounts in thousands)
2026
2025
General and administrative expense
$
17,531
$
11,063
Non-cash employee stock compensation
(3,592
)
(3,198
)
Cash G&A
$
13,939
$
7,865
Three Months Ended
March 31,
December 31,
September 30,
June 30,
(amounts in thousands)
2026
2025
2025
2025
General and administrative expense
$
17,531
$
17,638
$
10,213
$
10,269
Non-cash employee stock compensation
(3,592
)
(2,952
)
(2,942
)
(2,714
)
Cash G&A
$
13,939
$
14,686
$
7,271
$
7,555
TTM cash G&A
$
43,451
Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
2026
2025
Net income attributable to Royal Gold common stockholders
$
281,130
$
113,498
Fair value changes in equity securities
(5,950
)
37
Gain on sale of marketable securities
(14,115
)
–
Discrete tax benefit for basis adjustment, net of valuation allowance
–
(12,008
)
Discrete tax benefit for statutory rate change
(33,657
)
–
Other discrete tax expense (benefit)
–
(1,715
)
Tax effect of adjustments
5,446
(10
)
Adjusted net income attributable to Royal Gold common stockholders
$
232,854
$
99,802
Net income attributable to Royal Gold common stockholders per diluted share
$
3.30
$
1.72
Fair value changes in equity securities
(0.07
)
–
Gain on sale of marketable securities
(0.17
)
Discrete tax benefit for basis adjustment, net of valuation allowance
–
(0.18
)
Discrete tax benefit for statutory rate change
(0.40
)
–
Other discrete tax expense (benefit)
–
(0.03
)
Tax effect of adjustments
0.06
–
Adjusted net income attributable to Royal Gold common stockholders per diluted share
$
2.72
$
1.51
Free cash flow:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(amounts in thousands)
2026
2025
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
293,562
$
136,369
Acquisition of stream and royalty interests
—
(58,246
)
Cash calls for Hod Maden equity method investment
(14,700
)
—
Free cash flow
$
278,862
$
78,123
Net cash provided by (used) in investing activities
$
34,107
$
(58,295
)
Net cash used in financing activities
$
(327,246
)
$
(32,812
)
Other measures
We use certain other measures in managing and evaluating our business. We believe these measures may provide useful information to investors for analysis of our business. We use these measures to compare period-over-period performance and liquidity on a consistent basis and when planning and forecasting for future periods. We believe these 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. Other measures used by management in this release and elsewhere include the following:
Schedule B – Stream Segment Sales, Purchases and Inventories
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2026
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2025
As of
March 31, 2026
As of
December 31, 2025
Purchases
Sales
Cost
Purchases
Sales
Cost
Inventory
Inventory
Gold Stream
(oz)
(oz)
($/oz)
(oz)
(oz)
($/oz)
(oz)
(oz)
Mount Milligan
12,100
9,200
435
16,100
11,800
435
6,700
3,800
Kansanshi
7,600
5,100
946
—
—
—
2,500
—
Pueblo Viejo
7,000
7,600
1,269
5,800
7,700
805
7,000
7,600
Andacollo
7,600
5,600
661
5,500
4,400
412
4,100
2,100
Rainy River
5,800
5,100
1,081
2,400
3,100
665
2,100
1,500
Xavantina
3,900
5,800
1,788
1,400
1,900
549
400
2,200
Wassa
3,700
3,900
903
5,000
4,300
555
2,300
2,400
Bonikro
2,700
2,700
400
—
—
—
—
—
Greenstone
2,000
1,700
973
—
—
—
300
—
Other
2,400
1,800
Varies
—
—
—
700
—
Total Gold Streams
54,800
48,400
932
36,200
33,300
561
26,100
19,800
Silver Stream
(oz)
(oz)
($/oz)
(oz)
(oz)
($/oz)
(oz)
(oz)
Pueblo Viejo 1
171,200
213,600
18.63
204,700
219,400
9.56
171,200
213,600
Khoemacau
160,900
226,600
14.04
308,900
318,900
6.23
33,100
98,800
Rainy River
75,300
69,800
17.01
58,600
59,000
7.67
21,900
16,400
Cerro Moro
51,700
51,700
23
—
—
—
—
—
South Arturo
36,200
36,200
18
—
—
—
—
—
Woodlawn
12,700
12,700
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total Silver Streams
508,000
610,600
16.74
572,200
597,400
7.60
226,200
328,800
Copper Stream
(Mlb)
(Mlb)
($/lb)
(Mlb)
(Mlb)
($/lb)
(Mlb)
(Mlb)
Mount Milligan
1.4
2.1
0.86
3.1
2.2
0.62
—
0.7
Chapada
1.6
1.6
1.75
—
—
—
—
—
Total Copper Streams
3.0
3.7
1.24
3.1
2.2
0.62
—
0.7
Zinc Stream
(Mlb)
(Mlb)
($/lb)
(Mlb)
(Mlb)
($/lb)
(Mlb)
(Mlb)
CEZinc
1.3
1.3
0.29
—
—
—
—
—
Total Zinc Streams
1.3
1.3
0.29
—
—
—
—
—