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FRESNILLO PLC (GB:FRES)
LSE:FRES

FRESNILLO (FRES) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:FRES

FRESNILLO

(LSE:FRES)

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Outperform 73 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:73Outperform
Price Target:
4,351.00p
▲(5.61% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:01/08/26
The score is driven primarily by strong financial performance (better margins, low leverage, and significantly improved cash flow) and supportive earnings-call outlook. These positives are tempered by an overbought technical setup and a demanding valuation (high P/E), which raise near-term risk and reduce margin of safety.
Positive Factors
Strong free cash flow
Sustained free cash flow exceeding $1bn provides durable financial optionality: it funds capex, supports debt reduction, and enables shareholder returns without relying on volatile capital markets. Strong cash conversion also cushions the company through commodity price cycles and funds growth projects.
Low leverage / solid balance sheet
A low debt-to-equity ratio and high equity ratio give Fresnillo durable financial resilience: it reduces refinancing risk, preserves capacity to invest in development projects, and provides flexibility to manage cyclical revenue swings typical in mining without compromising operations.
Leading resource base and scale
Large reserve and production scale underpin a multi-year production profile, enabling steady output and unit-cost advantages. The sizable silver and gold resource base supports long-term cash generation, project prioritization, and market positioning versus smaller peers in precious metals.
Negative Factors
Workplace safety incidents
Recent fatalities create lasting operational and reputational risk: regulatory scrutiny, potential stoppages, higher compliance and insurance costs, and community relations pressure can all raise operating costs and delay projects. Improving safety is essential to avoid recurring disruptions.
Operational disruptions at key mines
Access and metallurgy problems that reduce processed volumes indicate execution risk at existing assets. Persistent operational disruptions erode production guidance reliability, raise unit costs, and can defer cash flow generation from affected mines for multiple quarters, impacting long-term project sequencing.
Silverstream buyback impact
The Silverstream buyback altered production attribution and produced a sizable non-cash hit to reported earnings, increasing earnings volatility and changing future attributable ounces. Such structural alterations affect long-term revenue mix and complicate forecasting of metal-specific output.

FRESNILLO (FRES) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

FRESNILLO Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionFresnillo plc mines, develops, and produces non-ferrous minerals in Mexico. It operates through seven segments: Fresnillo, Saucito, Ciénega, Herradura, Noche Buena, San Julián, and Other. The company primarily explores for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates. Its projects include Fresnillo silver mine located in the state of Zacatecas; Saucito silver mine situated in the state of Zacatecas; Ciénega gold mine located in the state of Durango; Herradura gold mine situated in the state of Sonora; Noche Buena gold mine located in the state of Sonora; and San Julián silver-gold mine situated on the border of Chihuahua/Durango states. The company has mining concessions covering an area of approximately 1.7 million hectares of surface land in Mexico. It also leases mining equipment; produces gold/silver doré bars; and provides administrative services. The company was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico. Fresnillo plc is a subsidiary of Industrias Peñoles S.A.B. de C.V.
How the Company Makes MoneyFresnillo generates revenue primarily through the sale of precious metals, specifically silver and gold. The company operates several mining assets and is involved in both the extraction and processing of these metals. Its revenue model is based on the volume of metals produced and the market prices of silver and gold, which can fluctuate based on global demand and economic conditions. Key revenue streams include direct sales of metals to refineries and other customers, as well as the sale of by-products from its mining operations. Additionally, Fresnillo benefits from long-term contracts with customers, which provide stable revenue. The company also invests in exploration to discover new resources, thus ensuring a continuous supply of minerals for future revenue generation.

FRESNILLO Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Mar 03, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 04, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Overall the call portrays a strongly positive financial and strategic position driven by record prices, exceptional cash generation, a large dividend payout and a value-accretive M&A adding significant gold resources. Management acknowledged operational and timing headwinds (notably a transitional 2026 with temporary production impacts, a metallurgical issue at Cienega, tax timing/cash pressure, and higher near-term CapEx), but presented mitigation plans, brownfield production coming online (Valles, Noche Buena) and a stepped-up exploration and development program. On balance the positive financial outcomes, balance sheet strength, resource/reserve growth and clear project pipeline outweigh near-term operational and tax timing challenges.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Financial Performance
Revenue and profitability surged in 2025: gross profit +114% YoY, operating profit +142% YoY, profit for the period ~+600% YoY, and EBITDA +81% YoY, driven primarily by higher precious metal prices.
Strong Metal Price Tailwind
Realized metal prices meaningfully higher in 2025 (management cited ~+44% for gold and ~+51.5% for silver), contributing an estimated $1.4 billion uplift to gross profit despite lower sales volumes.
Robust Cash Generation and Liquidity
Generated significant free cash flow (management cited 'over $2 billion') and closed the year with a record cash balance of approximately $2.76–2.8 billion (net increase of ~$1.46 billion).
Shareholder Returns – Record Dividends
Returned $950 million to shareholders in dividends (record amount), equivalent to distributing 69% of earnings in 2025 (above stated dividend range).
M&A Adds Material Gold Resources
Acquisition of Probe Gold (paid ~$550 million, closed January) added ~10 million ounces of gold resources (primarily at the Novador project in Val-d'Or) and retained key technical personnel; pre-feasibility work under way.
Resource and Reserve Growth (Gold & Silver)
Gold resources grew ~14% (driven by Herradura and Lucerito), gold reserves +7.4%, and silver reserves +9.4%; note resources figures pre-date Probe Gold acquisition.
Exploration Investment and Activity
Drilled ~800,000 meters and spent $175 million in 2025; 2026 exploration budget increased to $308 million with ~35% allocated to advanced projects, indicating stepped-up pipeline development.
Operational Highlights — District & Mine-Level
Herradura: gold production significantly above expectations and guidance; Fresnillo district: silver grade +10% YoY (helping stabilize production); Saucito: strong lead and zinc output; Juanicipio: production at or above expectations with reserves replenished.
Cost Control & Efficiency Gains
Reported cost savings of $46 million in 2025 (majority from Herradura district); adjusted production cost was ~11% lower year-on-year, aided by FX and tighter cost discipline; lower depreciation (-$129m) and lower treatment & refining charges (~$60m) supported margins.
HSE and Environmental Progress
Improving safety metrics (declining LTIFR and TRIFR trends) and achieved renewable energy consumption of 78% (ahead of 75% target); community initiatives included ~7,000 medical consultations and water projects.
Negative Updates
2026 Transition Year — Silver Production Pressure
Management flagged 2026 as a transition year with lower silver guidance due to staging and timing (Fresnillo not bringing in higher-grade zones this year and temporary impacts from Saucito shaft works), implying weaker near-term silver output.
Cienega Metallurgical Issue and Large Silver Drop
Cienega experienced a metallurgy-related setback that reduced silver production from 4.8 million oz in 2024 to 2.8 million oz in 2025 (~-41.7% YoY); issue is localized to one zone expected to be depleted in H1 2026, with new Victoria Complex contributing to recovery thereafter.
Operational Disruptions from Capital Projects
Planned shutdowns to interconnect Saucito's Jarillas shaft (scheduled Q3) and to install an underground conveyor at Juanicipio (midyear) will cause short-term production and cost impacts in 2026, though benefits expected from 2027 onward.
Silver Resources Reduced by 8.5% (RPEEE Effect)
Application of the new RPEEE disclosure requirement led to an 8.5% reduction in reported silver resources (management noted remaining resources are higher quality and more likely convertible to reserves).
Increased Cash Tax / Tax Timing Pressure
Provisional tax payments rose materially (from $97 million in 2024 to $369.5 million in 2025), short-term liabilities increased from $339 million to $903 million largely due to tax timing; management warns of a significant March 2026 cash tax outflow and higher provisional taxes throughout 2026.
Higher Near-Term CapEx and One-Off Acquisition Spend
2026 CapEx guidance increased to ~$765 million (vs prior ~$500m expectation), including sustaining, brownfield investments and tailings work; Probe Gold acquisition cost ~$550 million adds to near-term cash deployment.
Inflationary and Cost Pressures
Excluding FX, consolidated cost inflation was ~3.2% in 2025 (negative impact ~$45.8m); company budgeting assumes ~6% cost inflation for 2026. Certain sites saw per‑tonne cost increases (Fresnillo +17% YoY), with equipment availability and permitting delays at Saucito contributing to operational cost volatility.
Safety Reminder — Fatalities
Management referenced two fatalities in the prior period as a stark reminder to improve HSE; although they reported achieving a year without fatalities, the prior fatalities remain a material concern and focus area.
Throughput Constraints and Mine-Depth Challenges
Some operations experienced lower throughput (e.g., Fresnillo throughput fell roughly in line with grade increases due to narrower bandwidth/shorter stope lengths), reflecting operational complexity as mines develop at depth and requiring ongoing development investment.
Short-Term Production Mix Shift
Some assets (e.g., Cienega moving more to gold than silver; transitional profile at Herradura) imply portfolio mix shifts and volatility in metal-specific production over the near term.
Company Guidance
The company said 2026 is a transition year but reiterated a clear path to higher output in 2027–28 driven by brownfield projects (Valles: 60–80k oz/year from mid‑2027; Noche Buena: 40–50k oz/year early next year) and later greenfields (Rodeo 75–90k oz/year from ~2029, Novador ~2032, Orisyvo and Guanajuato ~2033). Key financial and capital metrics: 2025 delivered record results (gross profit +$1.4bn, operating profit +142%, profit for period ~+600%, EBITDA +81%), generated ~$2.8bn cash from operations and >$2bn free cash flow, finished with ~$2.76bn cash, returned $950m to shareholders (69% of earnings), spent $175m on exploration/800k+ m drilling in 2025 and guided exploration to $308m in 2026 (35% to advanced projects). Cost and tax guidance: consolidated cost inflation was effectively flat in 2025 (0.24% deflation after FX), 2026 budgeting assumes ~6% inflation (ex‑FX), sustaining/operating CapEx ~ $765m in 2026 (vs. prior ~$500–550m run‑rate), a $3bn approximate 5‑year growth spend pipeline, and materially higher provisional cash tax payments (expect ~+$500m cash tax in March 2026); reserves/resources noted at ~2bn oz Ag and 44m oz Au (Probe Gold adds ~10m oz Au), with site‑level reserve metrics and projects (e.g., Fresnillo ~20Mt @ ~200 g/t Ag, Saucito ~17.5Mt @ >200 g/t Ag, Juanicipio ~10.3Mt @ ~200 g/t Ag) driving the outlook.

FRESNILLO Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong overall fundamentals: improved 2024 revenue and margins, a solid balance sheet with low leverage (Debt-to-Equity ~0.22) and higher cash, and notably stronger operating and free cash flow in 2024. Main risk is earnings volatility (net income decline in 2023).
Income Statement
78
Positive
Fresnillo has shown robust revenue growth with a significant increase from 2023 to 2024, improving its gross and net profit margins. Gross Profit Margin increased to approximately 35.4%, and Net Profit Margin rose to 4.03% in 2024. The EBIT and EBITDA margins also improved, indicating better operational efficiency. However, the company faced a net income decline in 2023, which is a concern.
Balance Sheet
81
Very Positive
The balance sheet is strong with a healthy Debt-to-Equity ratio of about 0.22 and an improved Equity Ratio of 65.6% as of 2024, indicating a stable financial structure. The company's ROE has slightly decreased, reflecting lower profitability relative to shareholder equity. However, the reduction in total debt and increase in cash reserves bolster financial stability.
Cash Flow
85
Very Positive
Fresnillo's cash flow position is notably strong with a substantial increase in operating cash flow and free cash flow in 2024. The Free Cash Flow to Net Income ratio is positive, indicating efficient cash generation relative to profits. The company's ability to generate cash flow suggests good liquidity and potential for reinvestment or debt reduction.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.94B3.50B2.71B2.43B2.70B2.43B
Gross Profit1.87B1.24B503.24M536.02M936.92M879.37M
EBITDA1.66B1.35B697.03M829.22M1.20B1.25B
Net Income456.05M140.92M233.91M271.90M421.21M374.12M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets5.88B5.88B5.74B5.91B5.77B5.67B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.82B1.30B534.58M969.06M1.24B1.07B
Total Debt850.46M853.46M948.95M1.28B1.28B1.23B
Total Liabilities1.73B1.67B1.67B2.00B1.96B2.06B
Stockholders Equity3.79B3.86B3.77B3.69B3.62B3.48B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow1.58B929.26M-57.49M-89.94M303.09M505.36M
Operating Cash Flow1.94B1.30B425.92M502.19M895.14M917.68M
Investing Cash Flow-349.13M-465.46M-369.53M-514.18M-501.56M-366.10M
Financing Cash Flow-731.45M-248.28M-495.83M-254.11M-227.32M178.73M

FRESNILLO Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price4120.00
Price Trends
50DMA
3760.76
Positive
100DMA
3111.32
Positive
200DMA
2387.81
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
117.24
Negative
RSI
56.43
Neutral
STOCH
71.85
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:FRES, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 4120 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 3906.90, above the 50-day MA of 3760.76, and above the 200-day MA of 2387.81, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 117.24 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 56.43 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 71.85 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for GB:FRES.

FRESNILLO Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
73
Outperform
£30.36B88.7811.97%2.05%34.84%78.48%
63
Neutral
£325.17M11.987.47%2.58%24.10%182.94%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
50
Neutral
£231.04M-46.43-43.48%
48
Neutral
£472.44M-88.33-18.58%
41
Neutral
£105.51M-71.50-6.61%220.69%-400.00%
41
Neutral
£57.02M-0.53-70.13%-45.11%2.30%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:FRES
FRESNILLO
4,120.00
3,383.59
459.47%
GB:EUA
Eurasia Mining
3.58
-2.63
-42.34%
GB:EEE
Empire Metals
32.50
22.70
231.63%
GB:SLP
Sylvania Platinum
125.00
81.55
187.67%
GB:PDL
Petra Diamonds
17.00
-8.79
-34.08%
GB:GMET
Golden Metal Resources Plc
280.00
248.50
788.89%

FRESNILLO Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Fresnillo Beats 2025 Gold Guidance but Lowers Near-Term Output Targets
Neutral
Jan 28, 2026

Fresnillo reported a solid operational performance for 2025, with full-year attributable gold output of 600.3 koz surpassing guidance despite falling 5% year on year, while total attributable silver production, including the now-ended Silverstream, declined 13.5% to 48.7 moz but remained in line with guidance. Fourth-quarter figures showed mixed trends, with higher silver, lead and zinc volumes versus the previous quarter but sharp year-on-year falls in gold and silver, reflecting lower grades, reduced ore throughput at key mines such as Herradura, Saucito, Ciénega and San Julián, the cessation of mining at San Julián DOB and the discontinuation of zinc concentrates at Ciénega. The company issued 2026 guidance that trims expected silver and gold production compared with prior indications, citing mine-plan changes at Fresnillo, lower throughput and grades at Ciénega and delayed infrastructure at Saucito, while signalling a recovery in volumes from 2027 as new high-grade areas and projects come on stream, suggesting a near-term production dip but a constructive medium-term outlook for stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:FRES) stock is a Hold with a £4513.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on FRESNILLO stock, see the GB:FRES Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Fresnillo Enters Canada With CAD$770m Acquisition of Probe Gold
Positive
Jan 22, 2026

Fresnillo plc has completed its acquisition of Canada’s Probe Gold Inc. for approximately CAD$770 million in cash, securing a 10 million-ounce gold resource base centred on the Novador project in Quebec’s Val d’Or district. The deal marks Fresnillo’s first project outside Mexico, giving it immediate exposure to a tier-one Canadian mining jurisdiction with strong infrastructure and a skilled workforce, while maintaining its robust balance sheet and dividend policy. Fresnillo plans to advance development of Novador, an advanced project expected to produce more than 200,000 ounces of gold annually for over a decade, and to explore Probe’s 1,798 km² land package, including the Detour Gold Quebec project, to unlock additional growth and strengthen its long-term position in precious metals.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:FRES) stock is a Hold with a £4415.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on FRESNILLO stock, see the GB:FRES Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 08, 2026