Aya Gold & Silver (TSE:AYA)
TSX:AYA

Aya Gold & Silver (AYA) AI Stock Analysis

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Aya Gold & Silver

(TSX:AYA)

61Neutral
Aya Gold & Silver's overall score reflects a mix of financial stability and operational challenges. Strengths include a robust balance sheet and promising corporate events such as exceeding milling capacity. However, the high P/E ratio, technical indicators, and cash flow difficulties present significant risks.
Positive Factors
Mine Expansion
The ongoing expansion of Aya's Zgounder mine is expected to substantially increase silver production beginning in 2025.
Mining Performance
Aya's transition to focus more on open pit production is expected to improve performance compared to the underground mine.
Negative Factors
Production Costs
Q4 production costs were higher than estimated, with adjusted cash costs exceeding the previous estimate.
Revenue
Q4 revenue of $9M was below the estimate of $15M, driven by lower silver sales.
Silver Production
Q4 silver production of 491koz was below the 593koz estimate due to slightly lower throughput and grade.

Aya Gold & Silver (AYA) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Aya Gold & Silver Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAya Gold & Silver Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, evaluation, and development of precious metal properties in Morocco. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, zinc, lead, tungsten, molybdenum, uranium, and copper deposits. Its flagship project is the Zgounder property located approximately 265 kms east of Agadir in the Proterozoic Siroua Massif of the Anti-Atlas Range, Morocco. Aya Gold & Silver Inc. was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Montreal, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneyAya Gold & Silver generates revenue primarily through the extraction, processing, and sale of gold and silver. The company owns and operates mining sites where it employs modern mining techniques to efficiently extract these precious metals from the earth. Once extracted, the metals are processed and refined to meet industry standards and are then sold to various buyers, including industrial users and investors. Additionally, Aya Gold & Silver may form strategic partnerships with other mining firms or local governments to enhance its operational capacity and access new resources, contributing to its revenue growth. The company's earnings are influenced by factors such as global commodity prices, production costs, and the successful expansion of its mining operations.

Aya Gold & Silver Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Aya Gold & Silver shows financial resilience with a strong balance sheet, low leverage, and improved net profitability. However, challenges persist with declining profit margins, operational inefficiencies, and negative cash flow ratios, indicating concerns in revenue growth and cash flow management.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Aya Gold & Silver showed a mixed performance in its TTM income statement. The gross profit margin decreased to 29.18% from 36.89% in the previous year, indicating a decline in cost efficiency. The net profit margin improved significantly to 19.16%, driven by higher net income despite a decrease in revenue. The TTM revenue fell by 4.67% compared to the previous year, reflecting challenges in maintaining sales growth. The negative EBIT margin of -7.05% suggests operational inefficiencies, though the EBITDA margin remains positive at 14.56%, indicating the company still benefits from non-operating income or adjustments.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The balance sheet remains robust with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, reflecting strong equity backing relative to debt. The return on equity improved significantly to 2.78%, albeit still low, showing better returns for shareholders. The equity ratio at 64.64% indicates a solid capital structure with a high proportion of assets financed by equity, suggesting stability and lower financial risk.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
The cash flow statement reveals challenges, with a significant decline in free cash flow growth, indicating increased capital expenditures. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is negative, highlighting cash flow issues from core operations. The free cash flow to net income ratio is also negative, suggesting that operational profits are not translating into free cash flow, potentially impacting future investments.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020Dec 2019
Income StatementTotal Revenue
40.85M42.85M38.24M34.30M13.82M6.08M
Gross Profit
11.92M15.81M10.28M16.01M4.04M1.31M
EBIT
-2.88M4.93M2.65M5.88M-1.88M739.31K
EBITDA
5.95M14.29M7.93M8.54M330.67K2.05M
Net Income Common Stockholders
7.83M5.50M1.40M1.27M-1.78M-576.51K
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
19.02M49.83M39.36M81.67M30.53M16.62M
Total Assets
46.36M333.06M156.80M161.26M72.08M48.16M
Total Debt
72.02K58.79M287.00K425.88K316.33K77.97K
Net Debt
-18.95M8.96M-39.07M-81.24M-30.22M-16.54M
Total Liabilities
7.13M107.92M26.50M21.26M10.15M7.28M
Stockholders Equity
39.24M220.72M125.72M132.95M61.03M40.49M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-113.80M-106.25M-33.67M-2.74M-2.66M-2.55M
Operating Cash Flow
-5.30M21.19M9.65M17.54M1.28M3.57M
Investing Cash Flow
-106.26M-145.44M-48.46M-23.59M-6.48M-6.13M
Financing Cash Flow
115.57M133.35M440.60K57.91M18.29M-602.32K

Aya Gold & Silver Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price11.12
Price Trends
50DMA
11.94
Negative
100DMA
12.29
Negative
200DMA
13.99
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.08
Positive
RSI
41.45
Neutral
STOCH
19.30
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:AYA, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 11.12 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 12.11, below the 50-day MA of 11.94, and below the 200-day MA of 13.99, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.08 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 41.45 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 19.30 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for TSE:AYA.

Aya Gold & Silver Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (47)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
TSAYA
61
Neutral
C$1.45B152.08-9.39%-8.49%109.18%
47
Neutral
$2.64B-3.21-21.68%3.30%4.19%-30.23%
TSBHS
23
Underperform
C$12.27M-4989.61%-150.85%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:AYA
Aya Gold & Silver
11.05
-0.52
-4.49%
EXK
Endeavour Silver
3.78
1.19
45.95%
MAG
MAG Silver
15.36
3.91
34.15%
SVM
Silvercorp Metals
3.84
0.34
9.71%
TSE:BHS
Bayhorse Silver
0.04
-0.03
-42.86%
ISVLF
IMPACT Silver
0.13
-0.07
-35.00%

Aya Gold & Silver Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Mar 28, 2025 | % Change Since: -13.26% | Next Earnings Date: May 9, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call presented a mix of positive developments and challenges. The successful completion of the Zgounder expansion and projected production increase for 2025 are significant achievements. However, the decrease in production and revenue, lower ore grades, and a major write-off are concerning. The company's strong cash position and exploration success provide a positive outlook, but operational challenges and increased costs temper the overall sentiment.
Highlights
Zgounder Expansion Completion
The Zgounder expansion plant was completed on budget, a rare achievement in the industry, and the new mill reached commercial production at the end of 2024.
Increased Production Capacity
Aya plans to increase silver production from 1.6 million ounces in 2024 to between 5 million and 5.3 million ounces in 2025.
Exploration Success at Boumadine
Over 107,000 meters drilled, extending the main mineralization trend to 5.4 kilometers, with a new mineral resource estimate of 452 million ounces of silver.
Strong Financial Position
Ending 2024 with $49 million in cash and restricted cash, with no capital repayment on the $100 million EBRD debt in 2025.
ESG Advancements
Completion of an electrical line powered by renewable energy, and progress on ESG priorities.
Lowlights
Decrease in Silver Production and Revenue
Silver production decreased by 16% in 2024 compared to 2023, with a revenue decrease to $39.1 million from $42 million.
Lower Ore Grade and Mill Recovery
Average ore grade decreased from 250 grams per ton in 2023 to 171 grams per ton in 2024, with mill recovery dropping from 86-87% to 84%.
Significant Write-Off
A $27 million write-off related to the Mauritania asset, Tijirit project, impacting financial results for 2024.
Increased Cash Costs
Adjusted cash cost per silver ounce increased to $19 in 2024 from $12 in 2023, attributed to ramp-up and overstaffing.
Company Guidance
During Aya Gold and Silver's Q4 and full-year 2024 earnings call, Benoit La Salle, the President and CEO, highlighted the completion of the Zgounder expansion plant on budget. The company produced 1.6 million ounces of silver for the year, ending with $49 million in cash and restricted cash. The exploration budget for 2025 is set between $25 million and $30 million, focusing on Zgounder and Boumadine. The company aims to ramp up production to between 5 million and 5.3 million ounces of silver in 2025. The average silver cash cost is projected to range between $15 and $18 per ounce, with recovery rates expected to average between 84% and 88%. The company also announced a significant $27 million write-off related to the Tijirit project in Mauritania.

Aya Gold & Silver Corporate Events

Business Operations and Strategy
Aya Gold & Silver Exceeds Milling Capacity at Zgounder Mine
Positive
Jan 23, 2025

Aya Gold & Silver Inc. has surpassed the nameplate milling capacity at its newly expanded Zgounder Silver Mine in Morocco. The new processing plant, which began operations in November 2024 and achieved commercial production by December, processed 65,990 tonnes of ore over a 30-day period, exceeding its intended capacity. The integration of the flotation plant slurry into the leaching circuit has improved silver recovery rates and increased the value of the silver produced. The company aims to stabilize its processing rate above 3,000 tonnes per day, showcasing rapid ramp-up performance and setting the stage for strong production in 2025.

Business Operations and Strategy
Aya Gold & Silver Announces Promising 2024 Exploration Results in Morocco
Positive
Jan 21, 2025

Aya Gold & Silver Inc. has reported significant progress in its 2024 exploration program at the Zgounder Silver Mine and Boumadine Project in Morocco. The Zgounder Mine drilling revealed notable silver mineralization at depth, with multiple high-grade silver intercepts, indicating potential expansion of the open pit and regional exploration success. At the Boumadine Project, the exploration extended the main mineralized trends, with intersections showing substantial silver equivalent grades, indicating promising prospects for further mineral resource development in the region.

Aya Gold & Silver Reports High-Grade Silver Findings at Zgounder Mine
Jan 7, 2025

Aya Gold & Silver Inc. has announced significant high-grade silver drill results from its exploration efforts at the Zgounder Silver Mine in Morocco. These results, especially from key drill holes, indicate strong continuity of silver mineralization, suggesting a potential increase in high-grade silver ounces and supporting plans to expand open-pit operations in the near future. The findings underscore opportunities for resource expansion, potentially enhancing the company’s position in the silver mining sector.

Aya Gold & Silver Achieves First Silver Pour Milestone
Dec 2, 2024

Aya Gold & Silver has successfully completed the first silver pour from its expanded Zgounder Mine in Morocco, marking a critical step towards commercial production. The company achieved a processing rate of 2,000 tonnes per day shortly after the mill’s initial ore processing, with recovery rates exceeding 80% and expected to improve. This milestone positions Aya as a leading, pure-play silver producer as it continues to optimize operations.

Aya Gold & Silver Unveils Promising Drill Results
Nov 19, 2024

Aya Gold & Silver has announced impressive high-grade silver drill results from its exploration at the Zgounder Silver Mine in Morocco, showcasing significant silver concentrations in multiple zones. This exploration underscores the potential for increased silver yields, exciting news for stakeholders and investors in the mining sector.

Aya Gold & Silver’s Strategic Moves and Expansion Progress
Nov 14, 2024

Aya Gold & Silver reports significant progress in its Zgounder Mine expansion, with nearly complete construction and a strong financial position despite a slight revenue decrease in Q3 2024. The company is also focusing on exploration programs and the strategic spinout of gold properties, aiming to capitalize on new opportunities and enhance its portfolio in the current bull market.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

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.