First Majestic Announces Financial Results for Q4 2023, FY2023, Quarterly Dividend Payment and Deferral of Silver Sales
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Insights
The financial results of First Majestic Silver Corp. indicate a mixed performance with a decrease in annual revenues from $624.2 million in 2022 to $573.8 million in 2023. This dip could be attributed to various factors such as fluctuating silver prices, operational efficiency, or production volumes. The reported strong operating cash flows of $99.2 million, despite being lower than the previous year's $109.4 million, suggest that the company is still generating substantial cash from its operations. However, the adjusted net loss of $(23.8) million is a point of concern for investors, as it reflects the company's profitability after adjusting for non-cash or unusual items.
The All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC) of $20.16 per AgEq ounce is a critical metric for investors as it provides a comprehensive cost measure that extends beyond direct mining costs. An AISC below the realized average silver price of $23.29 per payable ounce indicates a positive margin on production. However, the year-over-year increase in AISC could signal rising production costs or capital expenditures, which could affect future profitability if silver prices do not rise correspondingly.
The company's liquidity position, with a cash and restricted cash balance of $251.2 million and an undrawn revolving credit facility of $124.6 million, appears robust. This suggests that First Majestic is well-positioned to fund its operations and potential growth initiatives. The dividend payment, albeit modest, indicates the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders even in a challenging year.
From a market perspective, the production figures released by First Majestic Silver Corp. are significant. The total production of 26.9 million silver equivalent ounces in 2023 is a key indicator of the company's operational capacity and market supply impact. The subsequent quarter-over-quarter production increase of 6% in the fourth quarter suggests operational improvements or increased ore grades.
The strategic decision to build an initial inventory balance for the company's minting facility, First Mint, LLC, with 300,000 silver bullion ounces could be viewed as a vertical integration move to add value to the raw product. This may create new revenue streams and possibly impact the silver market dynamics by temporarily withholding supply from the open market.
Investors may also interpret the company's inventory holding of silver bullion at the end of the year as a bullish signal on future silver prices. Holding inventory suggests that management anticipates higher silver prices, which could lead to increased valuation of inventory and potential future profits.
An economist's perspective would focus on the broader economic implications of First Majestic's financial results. The company's performance, particularly in the mining sector, can be influenced by macroeconomic factors such as commodity prices, exchange rates and global economic trends. The 4% increase in the average realized silver price in 2023 compared to 2022 reflects changes in the commodities market that may be linked to macroeconomic conditions such as inflation or industrial demand for silver.
Moreover, the company's international operations, with financials reported in U.S. dollars, are subject to currency exchange risks. The financial strength demonstrated by a substantial cash reserve and undrawn credit facilities provides a buffer against market volatility and currency fluctuations. This financial resilience is crucial for maintaining operations and capitalizing on growth opportunities in uncertain economic times.
Lastly, the company's dividend payments, despite a net loss, may reflect a strategic decision to maintain investor confidence and signal financial health. This approach, however, must be balanced against the need to preserve capital for investment in operations and potential downturns in the silver market.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 22, 2024) - First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE: AG) (TSX: FR) (FSE: FMV) (the "Company" or "First Majestic") is pleased to announce the consolidated financial results of the Company for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023. The full version of the audited annual financial statements and the management's discussion and analysis can be viewed on the Company's website at www.firstmajestic.com or on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless stated otherwise.
2023 HIGHLIGHTS
Production of 26.9 million silver equivalent ("AgEq") ounces, consisting of 10.3 million silver ounces and 198,921 gold ounces.
Annual revenues of
$573.8 million , compared to$624.2 million in 2022.Strong operating cash flows before working capital and taxes of
$99.2 million , compared to$109.4 million in 2022.Consolidated cash cost was
$14.49 per AgEq ounce and All-In Sustaining Cost ("AISC") (see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below) was$20.16 per AgEq ounce.Adjusted net earnings of
$(23.8) million , or$(0.08) per share, after excluding non-cash or unusual items.Realized an average silver price of
$23.29 per payable AgEq ounce, representing a4% increase compared to 2022.The Company held 300,000 silver bullion ounces in finished goods inventory as at December 31, 2023 that has been dedicated to build an initial inventory balance for the Company's minting facility, First Mint, LLC. The fair value of this inventory at December 31, 2023 was
$7.1 million .The Company paid
$5.9 million in dividends to shareholders in 2023.At the end of the year, the Company had a cash and restricted cash balance of
$251.2 million consisting of$125.6 million cash and cash equivalents and$125.6 million of restricted cash. The Company also ended the year with a strong liquidity position of$313.6 million consisting of$188.9 million in working capital and$124.6 million of available, undrawn revolving credit facility.
4th QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
Production of 6.6 million AgEq ounces, consisting of 2.6 million silver ounces and 46,585 gold ounces, a
6% increase compared to the previous quarter.Increased quarterly revenues to
$136.9 million , compared to$133.2 million in the previous quarter.Improved mine operating earnings to
$17.9 million , compared to$13.0 million in the previous quarter.Strengthened operating cash flows before movements in working capital and taxes to
$36.3 million , compared to$14.1 million in the previous quarter.Consolidated cash cost improved to
$13.01 per AgEq ounce and AISC decreased to$18.50 per AgEq ounce representing an improvement of8% and6% , respectively, compared to the previous quarter.Adjusted net earnings of
$(8.3) million (adjusted EPS of$(0.03) ) (see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures", below) after excluding non-cash and non-recurring items.Declared a cash dividend payment of
$0.00 48 per common share for the fourth quarter of 2023 for shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 14, 2024, to be paid out on or about, March 28, 2024.
2023 ANNUAL AND FOURTH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
Key Performance Metrics | 2023-Q4 | 2023-Q3 | Change Q4 vs Q3 | 2023 | 2022 | Change Q4 vs Q4 |
Operational | ||||||
Ore Processed / Tonnes Milled | 652,731 | 670,203 | ( | 2,901,972 | 3,468,987 | ( |
Silver Ounces Produced | 2,612,416 | 2,461,868 | | 10,250,755 | 10,522,051 | ( |
Gold Ounces Produced | 46,585 | 46,720 | | 198,921 | 248,394 | ( |
Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced | 6,640,550 | 6,285,790 | | 26,874,417 | 31,252,920 | ( |
Cash Costs per Silver Equivalent Ounce (1) | | | ( | | | |
All-in Sustaining Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce (1) | | | ( | | | |
Total Production Cost per Tonne (1) | | | ( | | | |
Average Realized Silver Price per Silver Equivalent Ounce (1) | | | | | | |
Financial (in $millions) | ||||||
Revenues | | | | | | ( |
Mine Operating Earnings | | | | | | |
Net Earnings (Loss) | | ( | | ( | ( | ( |
Operating Cash Flows before Non-Cash Working Capital and Taxes | | | | | | ( |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | | | ( | | | ( |
Restricted Cash | | | | | | |
Working Capital (1) | | | ( | | | ( |
Free Cash Flow (1) | | | ( | ( | ( | |
Shareholders | ||||||
(Loss) Earnings per Share ("EPS") - Basic | | ( | | ( | ( | ( |
Adjusted EPS (1) | ( | ( | | ( | ( | |
(1) The Company reports non-GAAP measures which include cash costs per silver equivalent ounce produced, cash costs per gold ounce produced, all-in sustaining cost per silver equivalent ounce produced, all-in sustaining cost per gold ounce produced, total production cost per tonne, average realized silver price per silver equivalent ounce sold, average realized gold price per ounce sold, working capital, adjusted EPS and free cash flow. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning under the Company's financial reporting framework and the methods used by the Company to calculate such measures may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. See "Non-GAAP Measures" below for further details of these measures.
2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS
The Company generated annual revenues totaling
Annual mine operating earnings increased to
Cash flows before movements in working capital and taxes during the year were
The Company reported a net loss of
Adjusted net earnings for the year, normalized for non-cash or non-recurring items such as impairment charges, tax settlements, share-based payments, unrealized losses on marketable securities and non-recurring write-downs on mineral inventory was
The Company ended 2023 with a strong treasury of
FULL YEAR 2023 OPERATIONAL RESULTS
Annual Production Summary | San Dimas | Santa Elena | La Encantada | Jerritt Canyon | Consolidated |
Ore Processed / Tonnes Milled | 875,345 | 882,592 | 966,392 | 177,643 | 2,901,972 |
Silver Ounces Produced | 6,355,308 | 1,176,591 | 2,718,856 | - | 10,250,755 |
Gold Ounces Produced | 76,964 | 100,535 | 321 | 21,101 | 198,921 |
Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced | 12,789,920 | 9,571,792 | 2,745,622 | 1,767,083 | 26,874,417 |
Cash Costs per Silver Equivalent Ounce(1) | | | | | |
All-in Sustaining Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce(1) | | | | | |
Cash Cost per Gold Ounce | N/A | N/A | N/A | | N/A |
All-in Sustaining Costs per Gold Ounce | N/A | N/A | N/A | | N/A |
Total Production Cost per Tonne(1) | | | | | |
(1) See "Non-GAAP Measures" for further details of these measures.
Silver production in 2023 reached 10.3 million ounces, compared to the Company's revised guidance range of 10.5 to 11.2 million silver ounces, primarily due to lower silver production in H2 at La Encantada. Gold production reached 198,921 ounces which was aligned to the higher end of the Company's revised guidance range of between 190,000 to 201,000 ounces.
Cash cost per AgEq ounce in the year was
AISC per AgEq ounce in 2023 was
The Company's total capital expenditures in 2023 was
4th QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS
Revenues generated during the quarter totaled
The Company realized an average price of
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital and taxes in the quarter increased to
The Company reported mine operating earnings of
Net earnings for the quarter amounted to
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
The table below represents the quarterly operating and cost parameters at each of the Company's three producing mines during the quarter.
Fourth Quarter Production Summary | San Dimas | Santa Elena | La Encantada | Jerritt Canyon(1) | Consolidated |
Ore Processed / Tonnes Milled | 215,232 | 233,601 | 203,898 | - | 652,731 |
Silver Ounces Produced | 1,513,791 | 582,484 | 516,141 | - | 2,612,416 |
Gold Ounces Produced | 18,468 | 28,056 | 61 | - | 46,585 |
Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced | 3,110,677 | 3,008,449 | 521,424 | - | 6,640,550 |
Cash Costs per Silver Equivalent Ounce(2) | | | | $- | |
All-in Sustaining Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce(2) | | | | $- | |
Cash Cost per Gold Ounce(2) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $- | N/A |
All-In Sustaining Costs per Gold Ounce(2) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $- | N/A |
Total Production Cost per Tonne(2) | | | | $- | |
(1) Jerritt Canyon did not have production in the fourth quarter.
(2) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures", below for further details of these measures.
Total production in the fourth quarter was 6.6 million AgEq ounces consisting of 2.6 million ounces of silver and 46,585 ounces of gold, representing a
Cash cost for the quarter continued to improve, reaching
AISC in the fourth quarter was
Total capital expenditures in the fourth quarter were
Q4 2023 DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENT
The Company is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend payment in the amount of
Under the Company's dividend policy, the quarterly dividend per common share is targeted to equal approximately
The amount and distribution dates of future dividends remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors. This dividend qualifies as an "eligible dividend" for Canadian income tax purposes. Dividends paid to shareholders outside Canada (non-resident investors) may be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding taxes.
The Company also announces that effective February 20, 2024, Ana Lopez has resigned as a director of the Company. Management would like to thank Ana for her contributions and wishes her all the best in her future endeavors.
RENEWS ATM PROGRAM
The Company announces it has entered into an equity distribution agreement (the "Sales Agreement") with BMO Capital Markets and TD Securities (the "Agents") pursuant to which the Company may, at its discretion and from time-to-time until September 3, 2025, sell, through the Agents, such number of common shares of the Company ("Common Shares") as would result in aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to US
The Offering will be made by way of a prospectus supplement to the base prospectus included in the Company's existing US registration statement on Form F-10 (the "Registration Statement") and Canadian short form base shelf prospectus (the "Base Shelf Prospectus") dated August 3, 2023. The prospectus supplement relating to the Offering has been filed with the securities commissions in each of the provinces of Canada (other than Québec) and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The US prospectus supplement (together with the related base prospectus) will be available on the SEC's website (www.sec.gov) and the Canadian prospectus supplement (together with the related Base Shelf Prospectus) will be available on the SEDAR+ website maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators at www.sedarplus.ca. Alternatively, the Agents will provide copies of the US prospectus and US prospectus supplement upon request by contacting BMO Capital Markets (c/o BMO Capital Markets Corp., Attention: Equity Capital Markets Desk, 151 W 42nd Street, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10036, or by email: bmoprospectus@bmo.com).
The Company expects to use the net proceeds of the Offering, if any, together with the Company's current cash resources, to develop and/or improve the Company's existing mines and to add to the Company's working capital.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor will there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
First Majestic is a publicly traded mining company focused on silver and gold production in Mexico and the United States. The Company presently owns and operates the San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, the Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, and the La Encantada Silver Mine as well as a portfolio of development and exploration assets, including the Jerritt Canyon Gold project located in northeastern Nevada, U.S.A.
First Majestic is proud to offer a portion of its silver production for sale to the public. Bars, ingots, coins and medallions are available for purchase online at its Bullion Store at some of the lowest premiums available. In Q1 2024, First Majestic will also commence bullion production from its
For further information, contact info@firstmajestic.com, visit our website at www.firstmajestic.com or call our toll-free number 1.866.529.2807.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
"signed"
Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This news release includes reference to certain financial measures which are not standardized measures under the Company's financial reporting framework. These measures include cash costs per silver equivalent ounce produced, all-in sustaining cost (or "AISC") per silver equivalent ounce produced, cash costs per gold ounce produced, AISC per gold ounce produced, total production cost per tonne, average realized silver price per ounce sold, average realized gold price per ounce sold, working capital, adjusted net earnings and EPS and free cash flow. The Company believes that these measures, together with measures determined in accordance with IFRS, provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance but do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies. The data is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. For a complete description of how the Company calculates such measures and a reconciliation of certain measures to GAAP terms please see "Non-GAAP Measures" in the Company's most recent management discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward‐looking information" and "forward‐looking statements" under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws (collectively, "forward‐looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward‐looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the total number of Common Shares sold under the Sales Agreement and the anticipated use of proceeds thereof; the continued availability and pricing of products at the Company's Bullion Store; the production of bullion from the Company's
Actual results may vary from forward‐looking statements. Forward‐looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by such forward‐looking statements, including but not limited to: the duration and effects of the coronavirus and COVID‐19, and any other pandemics on our operations and workforce, and the effects on global economies and society; general economic conditions including inflation risks; actual results of exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; commodity prices; variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; actual performance of plant, equipment or processes relative to specifications and expectations; accidents; labour relations; relations with local communities; changes in national or local governments; changes in applicable legislation or application thereof; delays in obtaining approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; exchange rate fluctuations; requirements for additional capital; government regulation; environmental risks; reclamation expenses; outcomes of pending litigation; limitations on insurance coverage as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Description of the Business ‐ Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and Form 40‐F available on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Although First Majestic has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward‐looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.
The Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/198913
FAQ
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