Contango Announces Results for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2026
Rhea-AI Summary
Contango Silver and Gold (NYSE American: CTGO) reported Q1 2026 results, including its first quarter of Manh Choh production and major corporate actions.
Contango’s share of Manh Choh sales was 8,012 oz gold and 15,042 oz silver, generating $4.8M income from operations, $4.7M adjusted net income, and a $14.3M net loss driven by a $19.0M derivative loss.
Cash rose to $97.5M, helped by a $9M JV distribution and $50M equity raise. The company repaid $1.0M of debt (leaving $13.6M), reduced hedge exposure, guided 2026 Manh Choh gold output of 40–45k oz and 2027 output of 75–80k oz, and agreed to acquire 100% of Lucky Shot for $16.1M.
Positive
- Contango’s share of Manh Choh Q1 2026 gold sales was 8,012 oz plus 15,042 oz silver
- Income from operations was $4.8M in Q1 2026 and adjusted net income was $4.7M
- Unrestricted cash increased to $97.5M from $64.8M at December 31, 2025
- Peak Gold JV distributed $9M cash to Contango in Q1 2026
- Debt principal was reduced by $1.0M, leaving a $13.6M outstanding balance
- Agreement to acquire 100% of Lucky Shot and extinguish 2% NSR for $16.1M total consideration
Negative
- Net loss was $14.3M in Q1 2026 versus a $22.5M loss in Q1 2025
- Income from operations declined to $4.8M from $19.3M in Q1 2025
- Adjusted net income fell to $4.7M from $17.9M in Q1 2025
- Q1 2026 included a $19.0M loss on derivative contracts related to gold hedges
- Net cash used in operating activities was $49.6M versus $28.6M provided in Q1 2025
- Contango raised $50M via equity and pre-funded warrants, implying shareholder dilution
News Market Reaction – CTGO
In the May 14 session, CTGO declined 6.26%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +2.3% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -15.2% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 32 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 07 | Drill program update | Positive | +0.3% | Imwelo sterilization drilling and financing package for project advancement. |
| May 05 | Lucky Shot acquisition | Positive | +1.7% | High‑grade Lucky Shot results and purchase of lease plus NSR elimination. |
| Apr 22 | JV cash distribution | Positive | +6.0% | Peak Gold JV $9M distribution and fully funded 2026 exploration plans. |
| Apr 13 | TSX listing | Positive | +3.4% | New TSX listing aimed at improving visibility and liquidity in Canada. |
| Mar 26 | Dolly Varden merger | Positive | -6.7% | Completion of share‑for‑share merger creating balanced combined company. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent CTGO news skewed positive, with four of five prior events seeing share gains, while the Dolly Varden merger was the main negative outlier.
Over recent months, CTGO advanced several strategic initiatives, including a merger with Dolly Varden (news 1031999), a TSX listing (1038717), and a $9M Peak Gold JV distribution with expanded 2026 exploration plans (1043611). The company then detailed high‑grade Lucky Shot drilling and a $16.074M lease/royalty acquisition (1051020). Most of these updates coincided with positive price reactions, framing today’s Q1‑2026 results within an ongoing growth and portfolio‑building narrative.
Key Terms
form 10-q regulatory
all-in sustaining costs financial
fast-41 regulatory
net smelter returns royalty financial
pre-funded warrants financial
hedge contracts financial
adjusted net income financial
non-gaap financial
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, stated, "The first quarter of 2026 was a period of significant operational transition and strategic growth. At Manh Choh, while harsh winter conditions and operational challenges impacted Q1 throughput and costs, we are pleased to report that we are now entering a high-production phase; we expect ore tons processed and ore grade processed to increase for the remainder of the year, as we transition into the higher-grade portions of the South Pit. Manh Choh remains on track to meet our 2026 guidance of 40,000 to 45,000 ounces of gold production, which will set the stage for 2027, which we are guiding to 75,000 to 80,000 ounces of gold production with cash costs of
With this momentum, our cost guidance for the year remains firm. During the quarter we received a
Mr. Van Nieuwenhuyse continued, "This has also been a transformative quarter for our corporate reach. Following the successful merger with Dolly Varden Silver, we have fully integrated our teams and are already seeing the benefits of our combined strengths. It was a true honor to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on April 24th, and we look forward to the upcoming ceremony at the Toronto Stock Exchange on June 12th.
Our exploration and development pipeline is equally robust. At Lucky Shot, our underground drilling has exceeded expectations, providing excellent clarity on the system's continuity. We are now accelerating underground development work and surface drilling in Q2-2026. Simultaneously, we are preparing for a 40,000-meter surface program at Kitsault Valley, with an updated mineral resource estimate expected by late June. Finally, at Johnson Tract, we are gaining significant ground with FAST-41 permitting and the mobilization of heavy equipment to support year-round operations. We are preparing for a very productive 2026."
During Q1-2026, the Company had the following updates:
In Q1-2026, Contango's share of production sold from the Manh Choh mine, jointly held by
Manh Choh Production Results
Peak Gold JV (on a | Q1-2026 | ||||
Total tons mined | 1.96 | M tons | |||
Ore tons mined | 220,878 | tons | |||
Gold oz mined | 38,415 | oz | |||
Ore tons processed | 187,479 | tons | |||
Gold grade processed | 0.131 | oz/t | |||
Gold recovery | 88.5 | % | |||
Gold oz produced | 26,890 | oz | |||
Gold oz sold | 26,710 | oz | |||
Silver oz sold | 50,142 | oz | |||
Contango's Share (on a | |||||
Gold oz produced | 8,067 | oz | |||
Gold oz sold | 8,012 | oz | |||
Total gold equivalent oz produced2&3 | 8,378 | oz | |||
Silver oz sold | 15,042 | oz | |||
Total gold sales | |||||
Total silver sales | |||||
Cash costs on a by-product basis, per oz sold3 | per oz sold | ||||
AISC on a by-product basis, per oz sold3 | per oz sold | ||||
Principal debt repayments | |||||
Remaining debt balance | |||||
Gold oz delivered into hedge contracts | 5,554 | oz | |||
Gold oz cash settled into hedge contracts | 15,446 | oz | |||
Remaining hedge contracts | 22,000 | oz | |||
Average realized spot gold price | per oz sold | ||||
Cash distributions received from Peak Gold JV | |||||
Notes: |
1. Certain numbers have been rounded for presentation purposes. |
2. Gold equivalent oz calculated using a factor of 85.1 to 1 for conversion of silver oz. |
3. See non-GAAP measures disclosed in the Company's 10Q for the year ended March 31, 2026. |
____________________________ |
1 See non-GAAP measures at end of this press release for calculation of Adjusted Net Income |
Manh Choh Mine:
During the quarter, the Company received a cash distribution of
Lucky Shot Project:
In November 2025, the Company mobilized a drill rig at the Lucky Shot mine site to commence the first phase of a 18,000-meter underground and surface in-fill drilling program. The Company began reporting assay results from this program during the first quarter of 2026. This drilling program, along with detailed engineering, hydrology and geotechnical studies, is expected to support the preparation of a feasibility level mine and transportation plan for Lucky Shot, with the objective of targeting annual gold production of 40,000 to 50,000 using the Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) approach, assuming positive exploration results. The Company expects to complete the feasibility study in the first half of 2027 and make a production decision in 2027.
Johnson Tract Project:
Activities at the Johnson Tract Project focused on planning, resourcing, permitting coordination, and logistical preparations in support of the Company's planned 2026 field program. On December 1, 2025, the Johnson Tract Critical Metals Project was posted to the Federal Permitting Dashboard as a covered project under Title 41 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act, commonly referred to as FAST-41. The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council announced the project's FAST-41 coverage on December 2, 2025. The
The Company has advanced planning activities for the proposed 2026 field season, including solicitation and review of bids for road construction and helicopter support associated with planned access improvements between the Johnson Tract camp and the proposed portal site. These activities are intended to support the Company's operational timeline and continued advancement of the project through the permitting and development planning process. To date, the Company has completed three key steps of the overall permitting process through meeting various timelines as laid out in the FAST-41 permitting dashboard. The Company is also continuing to advance
Kitsault Valley Project:
Following completion of a new mineral resource estimate ("MRE") expected by the end of the second quarter of 2026, a 40,000 meter surface drilling program is expected to begin in June. The planned
Repayments of Debt, Reduction of Hedge Contracts and Financing:
- The Company's cash and cash equivalents position as of March 31, 2026 was
M.$97.5 - In Q1-2026, Contango repaid
M on the credit facility, reducing the outstanding principal balance to$1.0 M.$13.6 - On February 12, 2026, the Company raised gross proceeds of
M by issuing 1,678,206 shares of common stock and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 325,000 shares of common stock at an offering price of$50 per share and$24.96 per pre-funded warrant.$24.95 - On February 12, 2026, the Company paid
M to settle gold hedge contracts for 15,446 ounces with an average strike price of$46.4 ,025 per ounce with maturities ranging between March and September 2026. In addition, as part of a price protection strategy to offset the hedge settlements, the Company paid$2 M to purchase 15,446 puts with a strike price of$0.4 per ounce.$4,000 - On March 26, 2026, the Company sold 4,445 put contracts with a maturity date of March 31, 2026 for proceeds of
. The cost of these put contracts were$52,946 . 11,000 put contracts remain outstanding with maturity dates in June and September of 2026.$41,023 - As of the date of this release, the remaining gold hedge contracts total 7,000 ounces which mature on December 31, 2026 and 15,000 ounces that mature in the first half of 2027.
Corporate Development – Dolly Varden Merger:
On March 26, 2025, the Company completed its merger-of-equals with Dolly Varden Silver Corporation ("Dolly Varden"). Upon completing the acquisition, Dolly Varden shareholders owned approximately
Corporate Development – Acquisition of Lucky Shot Lease and Royalty
Subsequent to quarter end, on May 4, 2026, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with Alaska Hardrock Inc. (the "Seller" or "AHI") to acquire
- Cash deposit of
(paid)$300,000 - Cash payment of
due on signing of the Purchase Agreement (paid)$1,709,250 - Cash payable of
due on closing, which is expected to occur no later than July 1, 2026 (the "Closing Date")$4,064,750 - Promissory note of
M:$10 5% annual interest rate compounding monthly, payable annually- Principal repayments of
on the second and third anniversary dates of the Closing Date with the remaining principal balance due on the fourth anniversary of the Closing Date$2,000,000 - Secured by real property, mining claims, and other assets acquired
Statement of Operations for Q1-2026 compared to Q1-2025:
The Company reported total income from operations of
Statement of Cash Flows for Q1-2026 compared to Q1-2025:
Net cash used in operating activities was
Adjusted Net Income (Non-GAAP)
Management uses Adjusted Net Income to evaluate the Company's operating performance, and to plan and forecast operations. The Company believes the use of Adjusted Net Income reflects the underlying operating performance of our core mining business and allows investors and analysts to compare results of the Company to similar results of other mining companies. Management's determination of the components of Adjusted Net Income is evaluated periodically and is based, in part, on a review of non-GAAP financial measures used by mining industry analysts. Net loss (GAAP) is reconciled to Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP) adjusted for loss on derivative contracts in the following table:
Q1-2026 ($) | Q1-2025 ($) | |
Net loss | (14,305,590) | (22,548,325) |
Loss on derivative contracts | 19,026,382 | 40,475,656 |
Adjusted net income | 4,720,792 | 17,927,331 |
Conference Call and Webcast
Contango will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the first quarter results on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 12:00pm EST / 9:00am PST. Participants may join the webcast using the following call-in details: https://6ix.com/event/contango-silver-and-gold-q1-financials-2026
ABOUT CONTANGO
Contango is a NYSE American and TSX listed company that engages in the exploration for and development and production of gold and associated minerals in
Additional information can be found on our web page at www.contangoore.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities ("Forward-looking Statements"). These include statements regarding Contango's plans and expectations for its properties and operations, the content within future annual filings, operations in respect of Contango mineral properties and any benefits of investment in Contango. The Forward-looking Statements regarding Contango are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for "forward-looking statements" provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on Contango's current expectations and includes statements regarding future results of operations, quality and nature of the asset base, the assumptions upon which estimates are based and other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, strategies or statements about future events or performance (often, but not always, using words such as "expects", "projects", "anticipates", "plans", "estimates", "intends", "believes", "ensures", "forecasts", "predicts", "proposes", "contemplates", "aims", "seeks", "continues", "potential", "positioned", "strategy", "outlook", "future", "going forward", "designed to", and similar expressions or other words of similar meaning, and the negatives thereof, or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "might", "will", "should", "would", or "could" be taken, or that they are "possible", "probable", or "likely" to occur or be achieved). However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. Forward-looking Statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: the risks of the exploration and the mining industry (for example, operational risks in exploring for and developing mineral reserves); risks and uncertainties involving geology; the speculative nature of the mining industry; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to future production, costs and expenses; the volatility of natural resources prices, including prices of gold and associated minerals; the existence and extent of commercially exploitable minerals in properties acquired by Contango or the Peak Gold JV; ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Peak Gold JV; potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the interpretation of exploration results and the estimation of mineral resources; the loss of key employees or consultants; health, safety and environmental risks; risks related to weather and other natural disasters; uncertainties as to the availability and cost of financing; Contango's inability to retain or maintain its relative ownership interest in the Peak Gold JV; inability to realize expected value from acquisitions; inability of our management team to execute its plans to meet its goals; the extent of disruptions caused by an outbreak of disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; and the possibility that government policies may change, political developments may occur or governmental approvals may be delayed or withheld, including as a result of presidential and congressional elections in the
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SOURCE Contango Silver & Gold Inc.