UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of May, 2020

Commission File Number 001-34984

FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
(Translation of registrant's name into English)

925 West Georgia Street, Suite 1800, Vancouver BC V6C 3L2
(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

[           ] Form 20-F   [ x ] Form 40-F

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): [           ]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): [           ]


SUBMITTED HEREWITH

Exhibits

Exhibit   Description
   
99.1   Annual Report

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.  
   
By:  
   
/s/ Connie Lillico  
Connie Lillico  
Corporate Secretary  
   
May 11, 2020  

 


First Majestic Silver Corp.: Exhibit 99.1 - Filed by newsfilecorp.com

 






 


 


 




 


 


 



 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


MEASURED AND INDICATED MINERAL RESOURCES WITH AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF DECEMBER 31, 2019
Annual Mineral Resource Statement prepared under the supervision of Ramon Mendoza Reyes, PEng, QP for First Majestic

Mine Category Mineral Type   Tonnage                 Grades                 Metal Content        
              Ag     Au     Pb     Zn     Ag-Eq      Ag      Au     Ag-Eq  
        k tonnes     (g/t)     (g/t)     (%)     (%)     (g/t)     (k Oz)     (k Oz)     (k Oz)  
                                                           
MATERIAL PROPERTIES                                                        
                                                           
 SAN DIMAS Measured (UG) Sulphides   1,860     487     6.99     -     -     1,050     29,110     418     62,810  
  Indicated (UG) Sulphides   2,957     438     4.26     -     -     782     41,620     405     74,290  
  Total Measured and Indicated (UG) Sulphides   4,816     457     5.32     -     -     885     70,730     823     137,100  
                                                           
                                                           
 SANTA ELENA Measured Santa Elena (UG) Sulphides   757     165     2.19     -     -     346     4,020     54     8,420  
  Indicated Santa Elena (UG) Sulphides   2,050     113     1.58     -     -     244     7,450     104     16,080  
  Indicated Ermitano (UG) Sulphides   2,107     70     4.59     -     -     449     4,730     311     30,390  
  Indicated (Leach Pad) Oxides   919     36     0.74     -     -     97     1,070     22     2,870  
  Total Measured and Indicated (UG+Pad) Oxides + Sulphides   5,833     92     2.62     -     -     308     17,270     491     57,760  
                                                           
                                                           
 LA ENCANTADA Indicated Veins Systems (UG) Oxides   691     326     -     -     -     326     7,250     -     7,250  
  Indicated Breccias (UG) Oxides   213     200     -     -     -     200     1,370     -     1,370  
  Indicated Ojuelas (UG) Oxides - Sulphides   854     216     -     2.90     8.93     314     5,950     -     8,630  
  Indicated (Tailings) Oxides   4,121     111     -     -     -     111     14,730     -     14,730  
  Total Measured and Indicated (UG) Oxides + Tailings   5,880     155     -     0.42     1.30     169     29,300     -     31,980  
                                                           
                                                           
 MATERIAL Total Measured All mineral types   2,617     394     5.60     -     -     847     33,130     472     71,230  
 PROPERTIES Total Indicated All mineral types   13,913     188     1.88     0.18     0.55     348     84,170     843     155,610  
  Total Measured and Indicated All mineral types   16,529     221     2.47     0.15     0.46     427     117,300     1,315     226,840  
 
NON-MATERIAL PROPERTIES
                                                           
 SAN MARTÍN Measured (UG) Oxides   44     293     0.24     -     -     312     410     0     440  
  Indicated (UG) Oxides   719     321     0.61     -     -     369     7,390     14     8,530  
  Total Measured and Indicated (UG) Oxides   763     319     0.58     -     -     366     7,800     14     8,970  
                                                           
                                                           
 LA PARRILLA Indicated (UG) Sulphides   944     187     0.08     1.98     1.83     321     5,680     2     9,720  
  Indicated (UG) Oxides   145     272     0.15     -     -     284     1,270     1     1,320  
  Total Measured and Indicated (UG) Oxides + Sulphides   1,089     198     0.09     1.72     1.59     316     6,950     3     11,040  
                                                           
                                                           
 DEL TORO Indicated (UG) All Mineral Types   660     215     0.36     4.32     4.82     506     4,560     8     10,730  
  Total Measured and Indicated (UG) All Mineral Types   660     215     0.36     4.32     4.82     506     4,560     8     10,730  
                                                           
                                                           
 LA GUITARRA Measured (UG) Sulphides   384     292     1.84     -     -     434     3,610     23     5,360  
  Indicated (UG) Sulphides   398     270     1.40     -     -     378     3,460     18     4,840  
  Total Measured and Indicated (UG) Sulphides   782     281     1.62     -     -     406     7,070     40     10,200  
                                                           
                                                           
                                                           
NON-MATERIAL Total Measured All mineral types   428     292     1.67     -     -     421     4,020     23     5,800  
PROPERTIES Total Indicated All mineral types   2,866     243     0.46     1.65     1.72     381     22,360     42     35,140  
  Total Measured and Indicated All mineral types   3,294     249     0.62     1.43     1.49     387     26,380     65     40,940  
                                                           
                                                           
CONSOLIDATED                                                          
FMS Total Measured All mineral types   3,045     379     5.05     -     -     787     37,150     495     77,030  
  Total Indicated All mineral types   16,779     197     1.64     0.43     0.75     354     106,530     885     190,750  
  Total Measured and Indicated All mineral types   19,824     225     2.16     0.36     0.63     420     143,680     1,380     267,780  

(1)

Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”) Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, whose definitions are incorporated by reference into National Instrument NI 43-101.

(2)

The Mineral Resources information provided above is based on internal mineral resource estimates prepared as of December 31, 2019 by FMS Internal QPs, who have the appropriate relevant qualifications, and experience in geology and resource estimation. The information provided was compiled by David Rowe, CPG, Internal QP for First Majestic, and reviewed by Ramon Mendoza Reyes, PEng, Internal QP for First Majestic.

(3)

Metal prices considered for Mineral Resources estimates were $18.50/oz Ag, $1,450/oz Au, $1.05/lb Pb and $1.30/lb Zn.

(4)

Silver-equivalent grade is estimated considering: metal price assumptions, metallurgical recovery for the corresponding mineral type/mineral process and the metal payable of the corresponding contract of each mine. Assumptions details are listed in each mine section of the Annual Information Form (AIF).

(5)

The cut-off grades used to estimate Mineral Resources are different for all mines. The cut-off grades and economic parameters are listed in the applicable section describing each mine section of the AIF.

(6)

Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources are inclusive of the Mineral Reserves.

(7)

Tonnage is expressed in thousands of tonnes, metal content is expressed in thousands of ounces. Totals may not add up due to rounding.

(8)

The technical reports from which the above-mentioned information for the material properties is derived are cited under the hea ding “Current Technical Reports for Material Properties” of the AIF.

(9)

San Martin, La Parrilla, Del Toro and La Guitarra are currently in temporary suspension of production activities and are considered non-material properties.



PROVEN AND PROBABLE MINERAL RESERVES WITH AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF DECEMBER 31, 2019
update prepared under the supervision of Ramon Mendoza Reyes, PEng, QP for First Majestic

Mine Category Mineral Type   Tonnage           Grades           Metal Content  
              Ag     Au     Pb     Ag-Eq     Ag              Au     Ag-Eq  
        k tonnes     (g/t)     (g/t)     (%)     (g/t)     (k Oz)     (k Oz)     (k Oz)  
                                                     
 SAN DIMAS Proven (UG) Sulphides   1,918     313     4.38     -     671     19,270     270     41,360  
  Probable (UG) Sulphides   3,199     327     3.12     -     582     33,650     321     59,900  
  Total Proven and Probable (UG) Sulphides   5,117     322     3.59     -     615     52,920     591     101,260  
                                                     
 SANTA ELENA Proven (UG) Sulphides   819     120     1.57     -     252     3,170     42     6,640  
  Probable (UG) Sulphides   1,900     91     1.34     -     202     5,530     82     12,360  
  Probable (Pad) Oxides   898     32     0.64     -     86     920     19     2,470  
  Total Proven and Probable (UG+Pad)  Oxides + Sulphides   3,616     83     1.22     -     185     9,620     142     21,470  
                                                     
 LA ENCANTADA Probable (UG) Oxides   576     221     -     -     221     4,090     -     4,090  
  Probable (UG) Oxides - Flotation   809     147     -     2.35     196     3,820     -     5,090  
  Probable (Tailings) Oxides   4,128     110     -     -     110     14,600     -     14,600  
  Total Probable (UG) Oxides + Tailings   5,513     127     -     0.34     134     22,510     -     23,780  
                                                     
CONSOLIDATED FMS Proven (UG) All mineral types   2,737     255     3.54     -     546     22,440     312     48,000  
  Probable (UG) All mineral types   11,510     169     1.14     0.17     266     62,610     421     98,510  
  Total Proven and Probable All mineral types   14,246     186     1.60     0.13     320     85,050     733     146,510  

(1)

Mineral Reserves have been classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”) Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, whose definitions are incorporated by reference into National Instrument 43-101 (NI43-101).

(2)

The Mineral Reserves statement provided in the table above is based on internal estimates prepared as of December 31, 2019. The information provided was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of Ramon Mendoza Reyes, PEng, and a Qualified Person (“QP”) for the purposes of NI43-101.

(3)

Silver-equivalent grade is estimated considering metal price assumptions, metallurgical recovery for the corresponding mineral type/mineral process and the metal payable of the corresponding contract of each mine. Assumptions details are listed in each mine section of the 2019 Annual Information Form.

(4)

Metal prices considered for Mineral Reserves estimates were $17.00/oz Ag, $1,350/oz Au and $0.95/lb Pb.

(5)

A two-step constraining approach has been implemented to estimate reserves for each mining method in use: A General Cut-Off Grade (GC) was used to delimit new mining areas that will require development of access and infrastructure and all sustaining costs. A second Incremental Cut-Off Grade (IC) was considered to include adjacent mineralized material which recoverable value pays for all associated costs, including but not limited to the variable cost of mining and processing, indirect costs, treatment, administration costs and plant sustaining costs. The cut-off grades, metallurgical recoveries, payable terms and modifying factors used to convert Mineral Reserves from Mineral Resources are different for all mines. These cut-off grades and economic parameters are listed in the applicable section describing each mine below in this AIF.

(6)

The cut-off grades, metallurgical recoveries, payable terms and modifying factors used to convert Mineral Reserves from Mineral Resources are different for all mines. These cut-off grades and economic parameters are listed in the applicable section describing each mine in the Company’s 2019 Annual Information Form.

(7)

Tonnage is expressed in thousands of tonnes; metal content is expressed in thousands of ounces.

(8)

Totals may not add up due to rounding.

INFERRED MINERAL RESOURCES WITH AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF DECEMBER 31, 2019
Annual Mineral Resource Statement prepared under the supervision of Ramon Mendoza Reyes, PEng, QP for First Majestic

Mine/Project Category Mineral Type   Tonnage                 Grades                 Metal Content   
              Ag     Au     Pb     Zn     Ag-Eq      Ag     Au     Ag-Eq  
        k tonnes     (g/t)     (g/t)     (%)     (%)     (g/t)     (k Oz)     (k Oz)     (k Oz)  
                                                           
MATERIAL PROPERTIES                                                        
                                                           
 SAN DIMAS Inferred Total (UG) Sulphides   5,871     341     3.58     -     -     630     64,350     676     118,840  
                                                           
 SANTA ELENA Inferred Santa Elena (UG) Sulphides   1,409     97     1.21     -     -     197     4,400     55     8,910  
  Inferred Ermitaño (UG) Sulphides   3,733     58     3.08     -     -     312     6,980     370     37,490  
  Inferred Total (UG) Sulphides   5,142     69     2.57     -     -     281     11,380     425     46,400  
                                                           
 LA ENCANTADA Inferred Veins Systems (UG) Oxides   794     321     -     -     -     321     8,190     -     8,190  
  Inferred Breccias (UG) Oxides   663     262     -     -     -     262     5,580     -     5,580  
  Inferred Ojuelas (UG) Oxides - Sulphides   217     179     -     2.05     8.22     248     1,250     -     1,730  
  Inferred Total (UG) Oxides  + Tailings   1,675     279     -     0.27     1.07     288     15,020     -     15,500  
                                                           
  Total Inferred Material Properties All mineral types   12,687     222     2.70     0.04     0.14     443     90,750     1,101     180,740  
                                                           
NON-MATERIAL PROPERTIES                                                        
                                                           
 SAN MARTÍN Inferred Total (UG) Oxides   2,078     229     0.43     -     -     263     15,270     29     17,570  
                                                           
 LA PARRILLA Inferred (UG) Sulphides   466     250     0.07     -     -     256     3,750     1     3,830  
  Inferred (UG) Oxides   898     191     0.10     1.80     2.25     329     5,510     3     9,500  
                                                           
  Inferred Total (UG) Oxides + Sulphides   1,364     211     0.09     1.18     1.48     304     9,260     4     13,330  
                                                           
 DEL TORO Inferred Total (UG) All Mineral Types   824     201     0.17     4.04     2.04     397     5,340     4     10,510  
                                                           
 LA GUITARRA Inferred Total (UG) Sulphides   610     288     0.60     -     -     334     5,640     12     6,530  
                                                           
  Total Inferred Non-Material
Properties
All mineral types   4,876     227     0.31     1.01     0.76     306     35,510     49     47,940  
                                                           
  Total Inferred Consolidated FMS All mineral types   17,563     224     2.03     0.31     0.31     405     126,260     1,150     228,680  

(1)

Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”) Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, whose definitions are incorporated by reference into National Instrument NI 43-101.

(2)

The Mineral Resources information provided above is based on internal mineral resource estimates prepared as of December 31, 2019 by FMS Internal QPs, who have the appropriate relevant qualifications, and experience in geology and resource estimation. The information provided was compiled by David Rowe, CPG, Internal QP for First Majestic, and reviewed by Ramon Mendoza Reyes, PEng, Internal QP for First Majestic.

(3)

Metal prices considered for Mineral Resources estimates were $18.50/oz Ag, $1,450/oz Au, $1.05/lb Pb and $1.30/lb Zn.

(4)

Silver-equivalent grade is estimated considering: metal price assumptions, metallurgical recovery for the corresponding mineral type/mineral process and the metal payable of the corresponding contract of each mine. Assumptions details are listed in each mine section of the Annual Information Form (AIF).

(5)

The cut-off grades used to estimate Mineral Resources are different for all mines. The cut-off grades and economic parameters are listed in the applicable section describing each mine section of the AIF.

(6)

Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources are inclusive of the Mineral Reserves.

(7)

Tonnage is expressed in thousands of tonnes, metal content is expressed in thousands of ounces. Totals may not add up due to rounding.

(8)

The technical reports from which the above-mentioned information for the material properties is derived are cited under the heading “Current Technical Reports for Material Properties” of the AIF.

(9)

San Martin, La Parrilla, Del Toro and La Guitarra are currently in temporary suspension of production activities and are considered non-material properties.

 




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of First Majestic Silver Corp.

Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of First Majestic Silver Corp. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of earnings (loss), consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), consolidated statements of changes in equity and consolidated statements of cash flows, for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 18, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Assessment of Impairment Indications - Non-Current Assets - Refer to Notes 3, 15, and 16 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company’s determination of whether or not an indication of impairment or impairment reversal exists at the cash generating unit level requires significant management judgment pertaining to mining interests and property, plant and equipment. Management considers both external and internal sources of information in assessing whether there are any indications that the Company’s mining interests and property, plant and equipment are impaired or previous impairments should be reversed.

Assessing management’s determination of whether relevant events or changes in circumstances, individually and in the aggregate, could indicate a possible impairment or impairment reversal required a high degree of subjective auditor judgment, including the consideration of external and internal sources of information, such as future silver prices and future silver production and the discount rate. Auditing these assumptions required a high degree of subjectivity in applying audit procedures and in evaluating the results of those procedures. This resulted in an increased extent of audit effort.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to future silver prices, future silver production and the discount rate in the assessment of whether indicators of impairment or impairment reversal exists included the following, among others:

Evaluated the effectiveness of controls over management’s assessment of whether there are indicators of impairment or impairment reversal,

Evaluated management’s assumptions by:
 

Assessing management’s determination of the future silver production;
 

Comparing management’s future silver production to historical data and available market trends;
 

Evaluating the future silver prices by comparing to third party pricing sources; and
 

Evaluating the reasonableness of the discount rate by comparing to market data.


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of First Majestic Silver Corp.


Impairment of Non-Current Assets - Refer to Notes 3 and 18 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company determined there were indicators of potential impairment on its non-current assets at La Encantada Silver Mine, San Martin Silver Mine and Del Toro Silver Mine (“Mines”) due to the following. For La Encantada Silver Mine, a decrease in economics of the roaster project and mine plan. For San Martin Silver Mine, a decrease in reserve and resources and suspension of operations. For Del Toro Silver Mine, the suspension of the mining operations to improve operating cash flow and profit margins, while focusing on an expanded drill program. For San Martin Silver Mine and Del Toro Silver Mine, the estimated recoverable value exceeded the carrying amount and no impairment loss was recognized. The estimated recoverable value for La Encantada Silver Mine was significantly affected by changes in key assumptions for future silver prices, capital expenditures, production cost estimates and discount rates. Management concluded that La Encantada Silver Mine had estimated recoverable value below its carrying value and an impairment charge was required of $58.7 million.

While there are several management assumptions that go into determining the estimated recoverable value, the assumptions with the highest degree of judgment and subjectivity are future silver prices and future silver production in the life of mine model, as well as the determination of the discount rate. Auditing these assumptions required a high degree of subjectivity in applying audit procedures and in evaluating the results of those procedures. This resulted in an increased extent of audit effort, including the involvement of our fair value specialists.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the future silver prices, future silver production and the discount rates used to determine the estimated recoverable value of the Mines included the following, among others:

Evaluated the effectiveness of the management’s controls over the determination of the estimated recoverable value, including controls over management’s forecasts of the future silver prices and future silver production and the selection of the discount rate and the reserve and resource estimation.

Assessed management’s estimate of future production by comparing management’s forecast of future recoverable ounces of silver production to historical results.

Assessed management’s estimate of reserves and resources.

With the assistance of our fair value specialists:

 

Evaluated the future silver prices by comparing management forecasts to third party forecasts; and

 

Evaluated the discount rates by testing the source information underlying the determination of the discount rates, and developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the discount rates used.

Primero Tax Rulings - Refer to Note 27 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company has an ongoing dispute with the Mexican Tax Authorities, the Servicio de Administracion Tributaria (“SAT”) regarding the determination of the transfer price applied to intercompany silver sales in connection with a silver streaming arrangement with an unrelated third party, which is supported by an Advanced Pricing Agreement (“APA”) from the SAT. As a result of the tax dispute with the SAT, should the Company ultimately be required to pay tax on its intercompany silver revenues, the incremental income tax for the years 2010 - 2018 would be approximately $188.3 million, before interest and penalties based on market prices without any mitigating adjustments. In 2019, as part of the ongoing annual audits by the SAT, they issued reassessments for the 2010 to 2012 tax years. The Company has not recognized a tax liability related to the Primero tax dispute with the SAT.

The evaluation of the accounting and the disclosure of the matter requires significant management judgment to determine the probability of having to pay incremental income tax. Auditing the accounting and the disclosures related to the tax matter required a high degree of auditor judgment due to the significant judgment by management and evaluating whether the audit evidence supports management’s position. This resulted in an increased extent of audit effort, including the involvement of tax specialists.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures relating to the evaluation of the accounting and disclosure related to the tax matter included the following, among others:


 
Chartered Professional Accountants  
Vancouver, Canada  
February 18, 2020 We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2005.


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of First Majestic Silver Corp.


Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of First Majestic Silver Corp. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, of the Company and our report dated February 18, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


Chartered Professional Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
February 18, 2020


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (In thousands of US dollars, except share and per share amounts)

The Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) provide a summary of the Company’s financial performance and net earnings or loss over the reporting periods.

      Year Ended December 31,  
  Note   2019     2018  
Revenues 6 $ 363,944   $ 300,929  
Mine operating costs              
 Cost of sales 7   232,146     219,162  
 Depletion, depreciation and amortization     65,584     93,667  
      297,730     312,829  
               
Mine operating earnings (loss)     66,214     (11,900 )
               
General and administrative expenses 8   26,800     21,428  
Share-based payments     8,325     7,375  
Mine holding costs     7,579     2,109  
Impairment of non-current assets 18   58,739     199,688  
Acquisition costs 4       4,893  
Foreign exchange (gain) loss     (3,243 )   1,874  
Operating loss     (31,986 )   (249,267 )
               
               
Investment and other income (loss) 9   8,109     (744 )
Finance costs 10   (15,147 )   (13,036 )
Loss before income taxes     (39,024 )   (263,047 )
Income taxes              
 Current income tax expense     16,423     2,148  
 Deferred income tax recovery     (14,973 )   (61,031 )
      1,450     (58,883 )
               
Net loss for the year     ($40,474 )   ($204,164 )
               
Loss per common share              
     Basic 11   ($0.20 )   ($1.11 )
     Diluted 11   ($0.20 )   ($1.11 )
               
Weighted average shares outstanding              
     Basic 11   201,615,489     183,650,405  
     Diluted 11   201,615,489     183,650,405  

Approved by the Board of Directors

 

 
Keith Neumeyer, Director   Douglas Penrose, Director

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (In thousands of US dollars)

The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) provide a summary of total comprehensive earnings or loss and summarizes items recorded in other comprehensive income that may or may not be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss depending on future events.

      Year Ended December 31,  
  Note   2019     2018  
Net loss for the year     ($40,474 )   ($204,164 )
Other comprehensive income              
Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to net earnings (loss):              
 Unrealized loss on fair value of investments in marketable securities 14   (255 )   (510 )
 Realized gain on investments in marketable securities 14   572      
 Remeasurement of retirement benefit plan         665  
               
Other comprehensive income     317     155  
Total comprehensive loss     ($40,157 )   ($204,009 )

 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (In thousands of US dollars)

The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows provide a summary of movements in cash and cash equivalents during the reporting periods by classifying them as operating, investing or financing activities.

      Year Ended December 31,  
   Note   2019     2018  
Operating Activities              
Net loss for the year     ($40,474 )   ($204,164 )
Adjustments for:              
 Depletion, depreciation and amortization     67,220     94,522  
 Share-based payments     8,325     7,375  
 Income tax expense (recovery)     1,450     (58,883 )
 Finance costs  10   15,147     13,036  
 Acquisition costs 4       4,893  
 Impairment of non-current assets  18   58,739     199,688  
 Other  26   (1,492 )   5,094  
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital and taxes     108,915     61,561  
Net change in non-cash working capital items  26   37,327     (21,167 )
Income taxes paid     (6,217 )   (7,132 )
Cash generated by operating activities     140,025     33,262  
               
Investing Activities              
Expenditures on mining interests     (76,983 )   (76,303 )
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment     (41,625 )   (35,005 )
Deposits paid for acquisition of non-current assets     (1,748 )   (2,942 )
Proceeds from disposal of marketable securities     867      
Purchase of marketable securities and silver futures derivatives         (720 )
Proceeds from settlement of silver futures     2,555      
Primero acquisition costs, net of cash acquired 4       (1,022 )
Cash used in investing activities     (116,934 )   (117,041 )
               
Financing Activities              
Proceeds from ATM program, net of share issue costs 24(a)   81,916      
Proceeds from exercise of stock options     16,663     3,943  
Repayment of lease liabilities  21   (5,213 )   (3,546 )
Finance costs paid     (5,686 )   (4,471 )
Net proceeds from debt facilities 20(b)       34,006  
Repayment of debt facilities 20(b)       (16,000 )
Repayment of Primero’s debt facilities  20       (106,110 )
Net proceeds from convertible debentures 20(a)       151,079  
Repayment of Scotia debt facilities  20       (32,072 )
Shares repurchased and cancelled         (1,386 )
Cash provided by financing activities     87,680     25,443  
               
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currencies     1,225     (2,792 )
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     110,771     (58,336 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year     57,013     118,141  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year       169,009   $ 57,013  
               
Cash        161,268   $ 40,352  
Short-term investments     7,741     16,661  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year            169,009   $ 57,013  
Supplemental cash flow information  26            

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS FINANCIAL POSITION
As at December 31, 2019 and 2018 (In thousands of US dollars)

The Consolidated Statements of Financial Position provides a summary of assets, liabilities and equity, as well as their current versus non-current nature, as at the reporting date.

   Note   December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
Assets              
Current assets              
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 169,009   $ 57,013  
Trade and other receivables 12   4,295     5,599  
Value added taxes receivable 25(c)   29,637     59,665  
Income taxes receivable         982  
Inventories 13   30,517     32,468  
Other financial assets 14   7,488     8,458  
Prepaid expenses and other     2,033     2,089  
Total current assets     242,979     166,274  
               
Non-current assets              
Mining interests 15   463,391     435,613  
Property, plant and equipment 16   236,639     251,084  
Right-of-use assets 17   12,034      
Deposits on non-current assets     2,189     3,464  
Non-current income taxes receivable 27   19,551     18,737  
Deferred tax assets 23   51,141     50,938  
Total assets   $ 1,027,924   $ 926,110  
               
Liabilities and Equity              
               
Current liabilities              
Trade and other payables 19 $ 59,123   $ 50,183  
Unearned revenue 6   4,486     3,769  
Current portion of debt facilities 20   1,175     1,281  
Current portion of lease liabilities 21   6,920     2,904  
Income taxes payable     149      
Total current liabilities     71,853     58,137  
               
Non-current liabilities              
Debt facilities 20   154,643     148,231  
Lease liabilities 21   15,016     2,943  
Decommissioning liabilities 22   40,528     27,796  
Other liabilities     4,675     3,787  
Deferred tax liabilities 23   78,888     90,643  
Total liabilities   $ 365,603   $ 331,537  
               
Equity              
Share capital     933,182     827,622  
Equity reserves     90,692     88,030  
Accumulated deficit     (361,553 )   (321,079 )
Total equity   $ 662,321   $ 594,573  
Total liabilities and equity   $ 1,027,924   $ 926,110  

Commitments (Note 15; Note 25(c)) and contingencies (Note 27)


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (In thousands of US dollars, except share and per share amounts)

The Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity summarizes movements in equity, including common shares, share capital, equity reserves and retained earnings or accumulated deficit.

  Share Capital   Equity Reserves               
                            Equity                    
                      Other     component of                    
                Share-based      comprehensive     convertible     Total equity      Accumulated        
    Shares     Amount     payments(a)      income(loss)(b)     debenture(c)     reserves     deficit     Total equity  
Balance at
December 31, 2017
  165,824,164   $ 636,672   $ 65,307   $ (3,004 ) $   $ 62,303   $ (116,490 ) $ 582,485  
Net loss for the year                           (204,164 )   (204,164 )
Other comprehensive income               155         155         155  
Total comprehensive loss               155         155     (204,164 )   (204,164 )
Share-based payments           7,375             7,375         7,375  
Equity component of
convertible debenture,
net of tax (Note 20(a))
                  19,164     19,164         19,164  
Shares issued for:                                                
Exercise of
 stock options
 (Note 24(b))
  973,948     4,910     (967 )           (967 )       3,943  
Acquisition of
 Primero (Note 4)
  27,333,184     186,959                         186,959  
Settlement of
 liabilities
  92,110     500                         500  
Shares cancelled   (105,728 )   (458 )                       (458 )
Shares repurchased
and cancelled
  (230,000 )   (899 )                   (390 )   (1,289 )
Shares repurchased
for delisting from
Bolsa (Note 24(d))
  (14,343 )   (62 )                   (35 )   (97 )
Balance at December 31, 2018   193,873,335   $ 827,622   $ 71,715   $ (2,849 ) $ 19,164   $ 88,030   $ (321,079 ) $ 594,573  
                                                 
Net loss for the year                           (40,474 )   (40,474 )
Other comprehensive income               317         317         317  
Total comprehensive loss               317         317     (40,474 )   (40,157 )
Share-based payments           9,319             9,319         9,319  
Shares issued for:                                                
Exercise of stock
 options (Note 24(b))
  2,918,518     22,649     (5,986 )           (5,986 )       16,663  
At-the-Market
Distributions (Note 24(a))
  11,172,982     81,916                         81,916  
Settlement of restricted
 share units (Note 24(c))
  145,576     988     (988 )           (988 )        
Shares cancelled   1,661     7                         7  
Balance at December 31, 2019   208,112,072   $ 933,182   $ 74,060   $ (2,532 ) $ 19,164   $ 90,692   $ (361,553 ) $ 662,321  

(a)

Share-based payments reserve records the cumulative amount recognized under IFRS 2 share-based payments in respect of stock options granted, restricted share units and shares purchase warrants issued but not exercised or settled to acquire shares of the Company.

(b)

Other comprehensive income reserve principally records the unrealized fair value gains or losses related to fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”) financial instruments and re-measurements arising from actuarial gains or losses and return on plan assets in relation to San Dimas’ retirement benefit plan.

(c)

Equity component of convertible debenture reserve represents the estimated fair value of its conversion option of $26.3 million, net of deferred tax effect of $7.1 million. This amount is not subsequently remeasured and will remain in equity until the conversion option is exercised, in which case, the balance recognized in equity will be transferred to share capital. Where the conversion option remains unexercised at the maturity date of the convertible note, the balance will remain in equity reserves.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

1.

NATURE OF OPERATIONS

   
 

First Majestic Silver Corp. (the “Company” or “First Majestic”) is in the business of silver production, development, exploration, and acquisition of mineral properties with a focus on silver production in Mexico. The Company owns six producing mines: the San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, the Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, the La Encantada Silver Mine, the San Martin Silver Mine, the Del Toro Silver Mine and the La Parrilla Silver Mine. Since September 2, 2019, the Company has temporarily suspended milling operations at the La Parrilla mine in order to build adequate surface stockpiles to be used during the commissioning phase of the new high-recovery microbubble flotation cells in 2020. In January 2020, the Company has decided to temporarily suspend mining and milling operations at the Del Toro mine in order to improve operating cash flow and profit margins while focusing on an expanded drill program in the area and continue evaluating mining methods and metallurgical test work on the San Juan ore body which contains a large zinc mineral resource. Additionally, the Company will continue supporting CSR projects and activities to assist local stakeholders and partners in the communities surrounding the Del Toro and La Parrilla mines.

   
 

First Majestic is incorporated in Canada with limited liability under the legislation of the Province of British Columbia and is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AG”, on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “FR” and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “FMV”. The Company’s head office and principal address is located at 925 West Georgia Street, Suite 1800, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 3L2.

   
2.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

   
 

These audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”). The significant accounting policies, estimates and judgments applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements are summarized in Note 3 of the consolidated financial statements and have been consistently applied throughout all periods presented.

   
 

These audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared on an historical cost basis except for certain items that are measured at fair value including derivative financial instruments (Note 25(a)) and other financial assets (Note 14). All dollar amounts presented are in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise specified.

   
 

These audited consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. Control exists when the Company has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries (see Note 28). Intercompany balances, transactions, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

   
 

These audited consolidated financial statements of First Majestic Silver Corp. for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were approved and authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on February 18, 2020.


3.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS

   
 

The preparation of audited consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the amounts, events or actions, actual results may differ from these estimates.

   
 

New and amended IFRS standards that are effective for the current year

   
 

Leases

 

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted IFRS 16 - Leases (“IFRS 16”) which superseded IAS 17 - Leases. IFRS 16 applies a control model to the identification of leases, distinguishing between a lease and a service contract on the basis of whether the lessee controls the asset. Control is considered to exist if the customer has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of an identified asset and the right to direct the use of that asset. For those assets determined to meet the definition of a lease, IFRS 16 introduces significant changes to the accounting by lessees, introducing a single, on balance sheet accounting model, with limited exceptions for short-term leases or leases of low value assets.

   
 

The Company adopted IFRS 16 on its effective date, using the modified retrospective application method, with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings and no restatement of comparative information. The Company has elected to measure its right-of-use assets at amounts equal to the associated lease liabilities as at the adoption date, which resulted in a $3.7 million increase in right-of-use assets (note 17) and lease liabilities (note 21), with no adjustment necessary to retained earnings.

   
 

The Company has elected to apply the available exemptions as permitted by IFRS 16 to recognize a lease expense on a straight line basis for short term leases (lease term of 12 months or less) and low value leases. The Company has also elected to apply the practical expedient whereby leases whose term ends within 12 months of the date of initial application would be accounted for in the same way as short term leases. For certain leases, such as vehicles, the Company has also elected to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.

   
 

In transitioning to IFRS 16, the Company analyzed its contracts to identify whether they are or contain a lease arrangement. This analysis identified contracts containing leases that have an equivalent increase to both the Company’s right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. Upon the adoption of IFRS 16, the Company recognized additional right-of-use assets and lease liabilities primarily related to the Company’s equipment and building rental contracts, land easement contracts and service contracts that contain embedded leases for property, plant and equipment. The incremental borrowing rates for lease liabilities initially recognized on adoption of IFRS 16 was 5.8% to 12.4%. Due to the recognition of additional right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, during the year ended December 31, 2019, depreciation expense increased by $2.0 million and financing costs increased by $0.8 million, respectively, under IFRS 16 compared to the previous standard. Additionally, operating cash flows increased by $2.4 million with a corresponding $2.4 million increase in financing cash outflows, with no net impact on overall cash flows.



NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

3.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS (continued)

   
 

Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

 

The Company has adopted IFRIC 23 - Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatment (“IFRIC 23”) which was effective for accounting periods on or after January 1, 2019. IFRIC 23 sets out how to determine the accounting tax position when there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. The impact of the adoption of this interpretation did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

   
 

In preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company applied the following significant accounting policies and associated significant estimates and critical judgments:

   
 

Business Combinations

   
 

ACCOUNTING POLICY:

 

Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration of each business combination is measured, at the date of the exchange, as the aggregate of the fair value of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed and equity instruments issued by the Company to the former owners of the acquiree in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition related costs incurred for the business combination are expensed. The acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are recognized at their fair value at the acquisition date.

   
 

Goodwill arising on acquisition is recognized as an asset and initially measured at cost, being the excess of the consideration of the acquisition over the Company’s interest in the fair value of the net identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities recognized. If the Company’s interest in the fair value of the acquiree’s net identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities exceeds the cost of the acquisition, the excess is recognized in earnings or loss immediately. Goodwill may also arise as a result of the requirement under IFRS to record a deferred tax liability on the excess of the fair value of the acquired assets over their corresponding tax bases, with the corresponding offset recorded as goodwill.

   
 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:

 

Determination of a Business

 

Determination of whether a set of assets acquired and liabilities assumed constitute a business may require the Company to make certain judgments, taking into account all facts and circumstances. A business consists of inputs, including non-current assets and processes, including operational processes, that when applied to those inputs have the ability to create outputs that provide a return to the Company and its shareholders.

   
 

In 2018, the Company concluded that Primero Mining Corp. (“Primero”) met the definition of a business and, accordingly, the acquisition was accounted for as a business combination (Note 4).

   
 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:
Fair Value Estimates
In business combinations, it generally requires time to obtain the information necessary to identify and measure the following as of the acquisition date:

  (i)

The identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed;

  (ii)

The consideration transferred in exchange for an interest in the acquiree;

  (iii)

The resulting goodwill.

If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Company reports in its consolidated financial statements provisional amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete.

During the allowable measurement period, the Company will retrospectively adjust the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. The Company may also recognize additional assets or liabilities if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and, if known, would have resulted in the recognition of those assets and liabilities as of that date. The measurement period ends as soon as the Company receives the information it was seeking about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date or learns that more information is not obtainable and shall not exceed one year from the acquisition date.

The purchase consideration for the acquisition of Primero was allocated based on management’s best estimates at the time of the acquisition and no subsequent adjustments were identified during the allowable measurement period.

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:
Consideration for the Acquisition of Primero
Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration of each business combination is measured, at the date of the exchange, as the aggregate of the fair value of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed and equity instruments issued by the Company to the former owners of the acquiree in exchange for control of the acquiree.

In determining the total consideration for the acquisition of Primero, the Company included consideration issued to Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (“WPM”) on the basis that WPM is, in substance, an owner of Primero given the following:

  (i)

The requirement of consent by WPM to a change in control for Primero;

  (ii)

WPM was a guarantor of certain of Primero’s debt facilities and also guarantees through the previous stream agreement which would have resulted in WPM having a significant interest in the residual assets of Primero in the event of a bankruptcy or default; and

  (iii)

The plan of arrangement for the acquisition of Primero was contemplated together and neither transactions would have been economical without considering the other.


 

Therefore, management included consideration issued to WPM for the restructuring of the New Stream as part of the consideration for the business combination.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

3.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS (continued)

   
 

Goodwill

 

ACCOUNTING POLICY:

 

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of a business is carried at cost as established at the date of the acquisition less accumulated impairment losses, if any. Goodwill is allocated to each of the Company’s cash-generating units that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the acquisition. A cash-generating unit to which goodwill has been allocated is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than its carrying amount, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata based on the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. Any impairment loss for goodwill is recognized directly in profit or loss in the consolidated statements of earnings or loss. An impairment loss recognized for goodwill is not reversed in subsequent periods. As at December 31, 2019, the Company had $nil goodwill (2018 - $nil).

   
 

Foreign Currency

 

ACCOUNTING POLICY:

 

The consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars. The individual financial statements of each entity are presented in their functional currency, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates.

   
 

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into the entities’ functional currencies at the exchange rates at the date of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s operations denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated using exchange rates prevailing at the date of the statement of financial position. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates on the dates of the transactions. Revenue and expense items are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the date of the underlying transaction, except for depletion and depreciation related to non-monetary assets, which are translated at historical exchange rates. Exchange differences are recognized in the statements of earnings or loss in the period in which they arise.

   
 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:

 

Determination of Functional Currency

 

The functional currency for each of the Company’s subsidiaries is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. The Company has determined that the functional currency of each entity is the U.S. dollar. Determination of functional currency may involve certain judgments to determine the primary economic environment and the Company reconsiders the functional currency of its entities if there is a change in events and conditions which determined the primary economic environment.

   
 

Revenue Recognition (Note 6)
ACCOUNTING POLICY:
The Company’s primary product is silver. Other metals, such as gold, lead and zinc, produced as part of the extraction process are considered to be by-products arising from the production of silver. Smelting and refining charges are net against revenue from the sale of metals.

Revenue relating to the sale of metals is recognized when control of the metal or related services are transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for the metals.

When considering whether the Company has satisfied its performance obligation, it considers the indicators of the transfer of control, which include, but are not limited to, whether: the Company has a present right to payment; the customer has legal title to the asset; the Company has transferred physical possession of the asset to the customer; and the customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the asset.

Metals in doré sold are priced on date of transfer of control. Final weights and assays are adjusted on final settlement which is approximately one month after delivery. Metals in concentrate sold are provisionally priced at the date of transfer of control as the final selling price is subject to movements in the monthly average prices up to the final settlement date, typically one to three months after delivery to the customer. Upon transfer of control of the concentrate, the Company recognizes revenue on a provisional basis based on spot price and, at each period end, subsequently re-estimated by reference to forward market prices of the estimated month of settlement, with the impact of changes in the forward market prices recognized as revenue adjustments as they occur until final settlement.

Revenue from the sale of coins, ingots and bullion is recorded when the products have been shipped and funds have been received. When cash was received from customers prior to shipping of the related finished goods, the amounts are recorded as unearned revenue until the products are shipped.

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:
Determination of Performance Obligations
The Company applied judgment to determine if a good or service that is promised to a customer is distinct based on whether the customer can benefit from the good or service on its own or together with other readily available resources and whether the good or service is separately identifiable. Based on these criteria, the Company determined the primary performance obligation relating to its sales contracts is the delivery of the bullion, doré and concentrates. Shipping and insurance services arranged by the Company for its concentrate sales customers that occur after the transfer of control are also considered to be performance obligations.



NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

3.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS (continued)

   
 

Revenue Recognition (Note 6) (continued)

   
 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:

 

Variable Consideration

 

Variable consideration should only be recognized to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur. The Company identified a variable component of its revenue for concentrate sales relating to adjustments to the final sales price based on differences between the original and final assay results relating to the quantity and quality of concentrate shipments. Based on the Company’s proficiency in its assaying process, evidenced by the insignificant amount of historical adjustments from the initial to final assays, the Company concluded the variability in consideration caused by assaying results was negligible. Therefore, the Company does not expect a significant amount of reversal in revenue related to assaying differences.

   
 

The Company applied judgment to determine the amount of variable consideration to be recognized during the period for which the likelihood of significant reversal is low.

   
 

Inventories (Note 13)
ACCOUNTING POLICY:

 

Mineral inventories, including stockpiled ore, work in process and finished goods, are valued at the lower of weighted average cost and estimated net realizable value. Cost includes all direct costs incurred in production including direct labour and materials, freight, depreciation and amortization and directly attributable overhead costs. Net realizable value is calculated as the estimated price at the time of sale based on prevailing and future metal prices less estimated future production costs to convert the inventories into saleable form.

   
 

Any write-downs of inventory to net realizable value are recorded as cost of sales. If there is a subsequent increase in the value of inventories, the previous write-downs to net realizable value are reversed to the extent that the related inventory has not been sold.

   
 

Stockpiled ore inventory represents ore that has been extracted from the mine and is available for further processing. Costs added to stockpiled ore inventory are valued based on current mining cost per tonne incurred up to the point of stockpiling the ore and are removed at the weighted average cost per tonne. Stockpiled ore tonnage is verified by periodic surveys and physical counts.

   
 

Work in process inventory includes precipitates, inventories in tanks and in the milling process. Finished goods inventory includes metals in their final stage of production prior to sale, including primarily doré and dried concentrates at our operations and finished goods in-transit.

   
 

Materials and supplies inventories are valued at the lower of weighted average cost and net realizable value. Costs include acquisition, freight and other directly attributable costs.

   
 

Exploration and Evaluation Expenditures (Note 15)
ACCOUNTING POLICY:
Exploration and evaluation activity involves the search for mineral resources, the determination of technical feasibility and the assessment of commercial viability of an identified resource.

Exploration and evaluation activity includes:
• acquiring the rights to explore;
• researching and analyzing historical exploration data;
• gathering exploration data through topographical, geochemical and geophysical studies;
• exploratory drilling, trenching and sampling;
• determining and examining the volume and grade of the resource;
• surveying transportation and infrastructure requirements; and
• compiling pre-feasibility and feasibility studies.

Capitalization of exploration and evaluation expenditures commences on acquisition of a beneficial interest or option in mineral rights. Capitalized costs are recorded as mining interests at cost less impairment charges, if applicable. No amortization is charged during the exploration and evaluation phase as the asset is not available for use.

The majority of the Company’s exploration and evaluation expenditures focus on mineral deposits in proximity to its existing mining operations. Where the Company is acquiring a new property, the Company makes a preliminary evaluation to determine that the property has significant potential to develop an economic ore body.

Exploration and evaluation expenditures are transferred to development or producing mining interests when technical feasibility and commercial viability of the mineral resource have been demonstrated. Factors taken into consideration include:
• there is sufficient geological certainty of converting the mineral deposit into proven and probable reserves;
• life of mine plan and economic modeling support the economic extraction of such reserves and resources;
• for new properties, a scoping study and/or feasibility study demonstrates that the additional reserves and resources will generate a positive economic outcome; and
• operating and environmental permits exist or are reasonably assured as obtainable.

Exploration and evaluation expenditures remain as exploration mining interests and do not qualify as producing mining interests until the aforementioned criteria are met. Exploration and evaluation expenditures are transferred to development or producing mining interests when the technical feasibility and commercial viability of a mineral resource has been demonstrated according to the above mentioned factors.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

3.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS (continued)

   
 

Exploration and Evaluation Expenditures (Note 15) (continued)

   
 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:

 

Economic recoverability and probability of future economic benefits of exploration, evaluation and development costs

   
 

Management has determined that exploratory drilling, evaluation, development and related costs incurred which were capitalized have potential future economic benefits and are potentially economically recoverable, subject to impairment analysis. Management uses several criteria in its assessments of economic recoverability and probability of future economic benefit including geologic and metallurgic information, history of conversion of mineral deposits to proven and probable reserves, scoping and feasibility studies, accessible facilities, existing permits and life of mine plans.

   
 

Mining Interests (Note 15)
ACCOUNTING POLICY:

 

Exploration, development and field support costs directly related to mining interests are deferred until the property to which they directly relate is placed into production, sold, abandoned or subject to a condition of impairment. The deferred costs are amortized over the useful life of the ore body following commencement of production, or written off if the property is sold or abandoned. Administration costs and other exploration costs that do not relate to any specific property are expensed as incurred.

   
 

Upon commencement of commercial production, mining interests are depleted on a units-of-production basis over the estimated economic life of the mine. In applying the units of production method, depletion is determined using quantity of material extracted from the mine in the period as a portion of total quantity of material to be extracted in current and future periods based on reserves and resources considered to be highly probable to be economically extracted over the life of mine. If no published reserves and resources are available, the Company may rely on internal estimates of economically recoverable mineralized material, prepared on a basis consistent with that used for determining reserves and resources, for purpose of determining depletion.

   
 

From time to time, the Company acquires or disposes of properties pursuant to the terms of option agreements. Options are exercisable entirely at the discretion of the optionee with no obligation or sale until exercised or expired and, accordingly, are recorded as mineral property costs or recoveries when the payments are made or received.

   
 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:

 

Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimates

 

Mineral reserve and resource estimates affect the determination of recoverable value used in impairment assessments, the depletion and depreciation rates for non-current assets using the units of production method and the expected timing of reclamation and closure expenditures.

   
 

The figures for mineral reserves and mineral resources are determined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) Technical Report standards. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating mineral reserves and mineral resources, including many factors beyond the Company’s control.

   
 

Such estimation is a subjective process and the accuracy of any mineral reserve or mineral resource estimate is a function of the quantity and quality of available data and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation. Differences between management’s assumptions including economic assumptions such as metal prices and market conditions could have a material effect in the future on the Company’s financial position, results of operation and cash flows.

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:
Depletion Rate for Mining Interests
Depletion expenses are allocated based on estimated useful life of the asset. Should the expected asset life and associated depletion rate differ from the initial estimate, the change in estimate would be made prospectively in the consolidated statements of earnings or loss.

Property, Plant and Equipment (Note 16)
ACCOUNTING POLICY:
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment includes the purchase price or construction cost, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for its intended use, an initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located, and borrowing costs related to the acquisition or construction of qualifying assets.

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated using either the straight-line or units-of-production method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the expected life of mine. Where an item of property, plant and equipment comprises of major components with different useful lives, the components are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment. Assets under construction are recorded at cost and re-allocated to machinery and equipment when it becomes available for use.

Depreciation commences when the asset is in the condition and location necessary for it to operate in the manner intended by management. Depreciation charges on assets that are directly related to mineral properties are allocated to those mineral properties.

The Company conducts an annual review of residual balances, useful lives and depreciation methods utilized for property, plant and equipment. Any changes in estimate that arise from this review are accounted for prospectively.

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:
Commencement of Commercial Production
Prior to reaching commercial production levels intended by management, costs incurred are capitalized as part of the related mine or mill and proceeds from mineral sales are offset against costs capitalized. Depletion of capitalized costs for mining properties and depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment begin when operating levels intended by management have been reached.

Determining when a mine or mill is in the condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management is a matter of judgment dependent on the specific facts and circumstances. The following factors may indicate that commercial production has commenced:



NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

3.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS (continued)

   
 

Property, Plant and Equipment (Note 16) (continued)

   
 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS: (continued)

 

Commencement of Commercial Production (continued)

   
 
  • substantially all major capital expenditures have been completed to bring the asset to the condition necessary to operate in the manner intended by management;
  • the mine or mill has reached a pre-determined percentage of design capacity;
  • the ability to sustain a pre-determined level of design capacity for a significant period of time (i.e. the ability to process ore continuously at a steady or increasing level);
  • the completion of a reasonable period of testing of the mine plant and equipment;
  • the ability to produce a saleable product (i.e. the ability to produce concentrate within required sellable specifications);
  • the mine or mill has been transferred to operating personnel from internal development groups or external contractors; and
  • mineral recoveries are at or near the expected production levels.
 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:
Depreciation and Amortization Rates for Property, Plant and Equipment
Depreciation and amortization expenses are allocated based on estimated useful life of the asset. Should the expected asset life and associated depreciation rates differ from the initial estimate, the change in estimate would be made prospectively in the consolidated statements of earnings or loss.

Borrowing Costs
ACCOUNTING POLICY:
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset that takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use are capitalized as part of the cost of the asset until the asset is substantially ready for its intended use. Other borrowing costs are recognized as an expense in the period incurred. As at December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company does not have any qualifying assets under construction.

Right of Use Assets (Note 17) and Lease Liabilities (Note 21)
ACCOUNTING POLICY:
Effective January 1, 2019, the Company assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease, at inception of the contract. The Company recognizes a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease arrangements in which it is the lessee, except for short-term leases (defined as leases with a lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of low value assets (such as tablets and personal computers, small items of office furniture and telephones). For short-term and low value leases, the Company recognizes the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted by using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be readily determined, the lessee uses its incremental borrowing rate.

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise:

   
 
  • fixed lease payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable;
  • variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate at the commencement date;
  • the amount expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees;
  • the exercise price of purchase options, if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise the options; and
  • payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the exercise of an option to terminate the lease.
 

The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest on the lease liability (using the effective interest method) and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made.

ACCOUNTING POLICY:
The Company remeasures the lease liability (and makes a corresponding adjustment to the related right-of-use asset) whenever:

  • the lease term has changed or there is a significant event or change in circumstances resulting in a change in the assessment of exercise of a purchase option, in which case the lease liability is remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate.
  • the lease payments change due to changes in an index or rate or a change in expected payment under a guaranteed residual value, in which case the lease liability is remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using an unchanged discount rate (unless the lease payments change is due to a change in a floating interest rate, in which case a revised discount rate is used).
  • a lease contract is modified and the lease modification is not accounted for as a separate lease, in which case the lease liability is remeasured based on the lease term of the modified lease by discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate at the effective date of the modification.

The right-of-use assets comprise of the initial measurement of the corresponding lease liability, lease payments made at or before the commencement day, less any lease incentives received and any initial direct costs. They are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter period of lease term and useful life of the underlying asset. If a lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset or the cost of the right-of-use asset reflects that the Company expects to exercise a purchase option, the related right-of-use asset is depreciated over the useful life of the underlying asset. The depreciation starts at the commencement date of the lease.

As a practical expedient, IFRS 16 permits a lessee not to separate non-lease components, and instead account for any lease and associated non-lease components as a single arrangement.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

3.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS (continued)

   
  Right of Use Assets (Note 17) and Lease Liabilities (Note 21) (continued)
  ACCOUNTING POLICY: (continued)
 

Prior to January 1, 2019, leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases. Assets held under finance leases are recognized as assets of the Company at their fair value or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the statement of financial position as a finance lease obligation.

   
 

Lease payments are apportioned between finance expenses and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance expenses are recognized immediately in profit or loss, unless they are directly attributable to qualifying assets, in which case they are capitalized in accordance with the Company’s general policy on borrowing costs.

   
 

Impairment of Non-Current Assets (Note 18)
ACCOUNTING POLICY:

 

At each statement of financial position date, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of its non- current assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets are impaired. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment, if any. Where the asset does not generate independent cash inflows, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit (“CGU”) to which the asset belongs.

   
 

If the recoverable amount of the asset or CGU is determined to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset or CGU is reduced to its recoverable amount and an impairment loss is recognized as an expense in the consolidated statements of earnings or loss. Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal (“FVLCD”) and value in use (“VIU”).

   
 

FVLCD is determined as the amount that would be obtained from the sale of the asset or CGU in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable and willing parties. The Company considers the use of a combination of its internal discounted cash flow economic models and in-situ value of reserves, resources and exploration potential of each CGU for estimation of its FVL- CD. These cash flows are discounted by an appropriate post-tax discount rate to arrive at a net present value of the asset. VIU is determined as the present value of the estimated cash flows expected to arise from the continued use of the asset or CGU in its present form and its eventual disposal. VIU is determined by applying assumptions specific to the Company’s continued use and does not take into account future development.

   
 

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset or CGU is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment been recognized for the asset or CGU in prior periods, adjusted for additional amortization which would have been recorded had the asset or CGU not been impaired. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized as a gain in the statements of earnings or loss.

   
 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:
Indications of Impairment and Reversal of Impairment
Management considers both external and internal sources of information in assessing whether there are any indications that the Company’s property, plant and equipment and mining interests are impaired or previous impairments should be reversed. External sources of information management considers include changes in the market, economic and legal environment in which the Company operates that are not within its control and affect the recoverable amount of its property, plant and equipment and mining interests. Internal sources of information management consider include the manner in which mining properties and plant and equipment are being used or are expected to be used and indications of economic performance of the assets.

For exploration and evaluation assets, indications include but are not limited to expiration of the right to explore, substantive expenditure in the specific area is neither budgeted nor planned, and if the entity has decided to discontinue exploration activity in the specific area.

Fair Value Estimates
In determining the recoverable amounts of the Company’s property, plant and equipment and mining interests, management makes estimates of the discounted future cash flows expectedto be derived from the Company’s mining properties, costs of disposal of the mining properties and the appropriate discount rate. Reductions in metal price forecasts, increases in estimated future costs of production, increases in estimated future capital expenditures, reductions in the amount of recoverable reserves, resources, and exploration potential, and/or adverse current economics can result in an impairment of the carrying amounts of the Company’s non-current assets. Conversely, favourable changes to the aforementioned factors can result in a reversal of previous impairments.

Share-based Payment Transactions (Note 24(b))
ACCOUNTING POLICY:
Employees (including directors and officers) of the Company may receive a portion of their remuneration in the form of stock options which are share based payment transactions (“share-based payments”). Stock options issued to employees are measured by reference to their fair value using the Black-Scholes model at the date on which they were granted. Forfeitures are estimated at grant date and adjusted prospectively based on actual forfeitures. Share-based payments expense, for stock options that are forfeited or cancelled prior to vesting, is reversed. The costs of share-based payments are recognized, together with a corresponding increase in the equity reserve, over the period in which the services and/or performance conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award (“the vesting date”). On exercise by the employee, the associated option value in the equity reserve is reclassified to share capital.

The Company adopted the 2019 LTIP to allow the Company to grant to its directors, employees and consultants non-transferable Restricted Share Units (“RSU’s”) based on the value of the Company’s share price at the date of grant. Unless otherwise stated, the awards typically have a graded vesting schedule over a three-year period and can be settled either in cash or equity upon vesting at the discretion of the Company. The Company intends to settle all RSU’s in equity.



NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

3.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS (continued)

   
 

Share-based Payment Transactions (Note 24(b)) (continued)

 

ACCOUNTING POLICY: (continued)

 

In situations where equity instruments are issued to non employees, the share-based payments are measured at the fair value of goods or services received. If some or all of the goods or services received by the Company as consideration cannot be specifically identified, they are measured at the fair value of the share based payment.

   
 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:

 

Valuation of Share-based Payments

 

The Company uses the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model for valuation of share-based payments. Option pricing models require the input of subjective assumptions including expected price volatility, interest rate and forfeiture rate. Changes in the input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate and the Company’s earnings and equity reserves.

   
 

Taxation (Note 23)
ACCOUNTING POLICY:

 

Current and deferred tax are recognized in profit or loss, except when they relate to items that are recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case they are recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.

   
 

Current income tax is based on taxable earnings for the year. The tax rates and tax laws to compute the amount payable are those that are substantively enacted in each tax regime at the date of the statement of financial position.

   
 

Deferred income tax is recognized, using the liability method, on temporary differences between the carrying value of assets and liabilities in the statement of financial position, unused tax losses, unused tax credits and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable earnings, based on tax rates and tax laws that are substantively enacted at the date of the statement of financial position and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realized or the deferred tax liability is settled.

   
 

Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, and interests in joint ventures, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Company and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

   
 

Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that the realization of the related tax benefit through future taxable earnings is probable.

   
 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the current tax assets against the current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Company intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

   
 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:
Recognition of Deferred Income Tax Assets
In assessing the probability of realizing income tax assets recognized, management makes estimates related to expectations of future taxable income, applicable tax opportunities, expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences and the likelihood that tax positions taken will be sustained upon examination by applicable tax authorities. In making its assessments, management gives additional weight to positive and negative evidence that can be objectively verified.

Estimates of future taxable income are based on forecasted cash flows from operations and the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. Forecasted cash flows from operations are based on life of mine projections internally developed, reviewed by management and are consistent with the forecasts utilized for business planning and impairment testing purposes. Weight is attached to tax planning opportunities that are within the Company’s control, and are feasible and implementable without significant obstacles. The likelihood that tax positions taken will be sustained upon examination by applicable tax authorities is assessed based on individual facts and circumstances of the relevant tax position evaluated in light of all available evidence. Where applicable tax laws and regulations are either unclear or subject to ongoing varying interpretations, it is reasonably possible that changes in these estimates can occur that materially affect the amounts of income tax assets recognized. At the end of each reporting period, the Company reassesses recognized and unrecognized income tax assets.

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:
Tax Contingencies
The Company’s operations involve dealing with uncertainties and judgments in the application of tax regulations in multiple jurisdictions. The final taxes paid are dependent upon many factors, including negotiations with tax authorities in various jurisdictions and resolution of disputes arising from tax audits. The Company recognizes potential liabilities and records tax liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on its estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. The Company adjusts these liabilities in light of changing facts and circumstances; however, due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from the Company’s current estimate of the tax liabilities. If the Company’s estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, an additional charge to expense would result. If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be greater than the ultimate assessment, a tax benefit would result.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
ACCOUNTING POLICY:
Cash in the statement of financial position includes cash on hand and held at banks and cash equivalents include short-term guaranteed investment certificates redeemable within three months or less at the date of purchase.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

3.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS (continued)

     
 

Financial Instruments

 

ACCOUNTING POLICY:

 

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. On initial recognition, all financial assets and financial liabilities are recorded at fair value, net of attributable transaction costs, except for financial assets and liabilities classified as at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”). The directly attributable transaction costs of financial assets and liabilities classified as at FVTPL are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

     
 

Subsequent measurement of financial assets and liabilities depends on the classifications of such assets and liabilities.

     
 

Amortized cost

 

Financial assets that meet the following conditions are measured subsequently at amortized cost:

 

the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows, and

 

the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

 

The amortized cost of a financial asset is the amount at which the financial asset is measured at initial recognition minus the principal repayments, plus the cumulative amortization using effective interest method of any difference between that initial amount and the maturity amount, adjusted for any loss allowance. Interest income is recognized using the effective interest method.

     
 

The Company’s financial assets at amortized cost primarily include cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and value added taxes receivable included in other current and non-current financial assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

     
 

Fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”)

 

Financial assets that meet the following conditions are measured at FVTOCI:

 

The financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets; and

 

The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

     
 

The Company has designated certain investments in marketable securities that are not held for trading as FVTOCI (note 14).

     
 

On initial recognition, the Company may make an irrevocable election (on an instrument-by-instrument basis) to designate investments in equity instruments that would otherwise be measured at fair value through profit or loss to present subsequent changes in fair value in other comprehensive income. Designation at FVTOCI is not permitted if the equity investment is held for trading or if it is contingent consideration recognized by an acquirer in a business combination. Investments in equity instruments at FVTOCI are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value with gains and losses arising from changes in fair value recognized in OCI. The cumulative gain or loss is not reclassified to profit or loss on disposal of the equity instrument, instead, it is transferred to retained earnings.

   
 

Financial assets measured subsequently at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”)

By default, all other financial assets, including derivatives, are measured subsequently at FVTPL.

The Company, at initial recognition, may also irrevocably designate a financial asset as measured at FVTPL if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise arise from measuring assets or liabilities or recognizing the gains and losses on them on different bases.

Financial assets measured at FVTPL are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, with any fair value gains or losses recognized in profit or loss to the extent they are not part of a designated hedging relationship. Fair value is determined in the manner described in note 25. The Company’s financial assets at FVTPL include its account receivable arising from sales of metal contained in concentrates.

ACCOUNTING POLICY:
Financial liabilities and equity
Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangements and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument.

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Company after deducting all its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Company are recognized at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. Repurchase of the Company’s own equity instruments is recognized and deducted directly in equity. No gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Company’s own equity instruments.

Financial liabilities that are not contingent consideration of an acquirer in a business combination, held for trading or designated as FVTPL, are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

The Company’s financial liabilities at amortized cost primarily include trade and other payables, debt facilities (note 20) and lease liabilities (note 21).

Provisions (Note 22)
ACCOUNTING POLICY:
Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Company will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the obligation can be made. The amount recognized as a provision is the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessment of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as finance costs.



NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS (continued)
   
 

Financial Instruments (continued)

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS:
Estimated Reclamation and Closure Costs
The Company’s provision for decommissioning liabilities represents management’s best estimate of the present value of the future cash outflows required to settle estimated reclamation and closure costs at the end of the mine’s life. The provision reflects estimates of future costs, inflation, movements in foreign exchange rates and assumptions of risks associated with the future cash outflows, and the applicable risk-free interest rates for discounting the future cash outflows. Changes in the above factors can result in a change to the provision recognized by the Company.

Changes to reclamation and closure cost obligations are recorded with a corresponding change to the carrying amounts of related mining properties. Adjustments to the carrying amounts of related mining properties can result in a change to future depletion expense.

Earnings or Loss per Share (Note 11)
ACCOUNTING POLICY:
Basic earnings or loss per share for the period is calculated by dividing the earnings or loss attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the reporting period.

Diluted earnings or loss per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of shares outstanding to assume conversion of all potentially dilutive share equivalents, such as stock options and share purchase warrants, and assumes the receipt of proceeds upon exercise of the options to determine the number of shares assumed to be purchased at the average market price during the period.

Future Changes in Accounting Policies Not Yet Effective as at December 31, 2019
Amendments to IFRS 3 Definition of a Business
The amendments clarify that while businesses usually have outputs, outputs are not required for an integrated set of activities and assets to qualify as a business. To be considered a business an acquired set of activities and assets must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs.

Additional guidance is provided that helps to determine whether a substantive process has been acquired.

The amendments introduce an optional concentration test that permits a simplified assessment of whether an acquired set of activities and assets is not a business. Under the optional concentration test, the acquired set of activities and assets is not a business if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar assets.

The amendments are applied prospectively to all business combinations and asset acquisitions for which the acquisition date is on or after the first annual reporting period beginning on or after January 1, 2020, with early application permitted. The Company will assess the impact of these amendments on future acquisitions to all business combinations and asset acquisitions.

Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 Definition of Material
The amendments are intended to make the definition of material in IAS 1 easier to understand and are not intended to alter the underlying concept of materiality in IFRS Standards. The concept of obscuring material information with immaterial information has been included as part of the new definition.

The threshold for materiality influencing users has been changed from could influence to could reasonably be expected to influence.

The definition of material in IAS 8 has been replaced by a reference to the definition of material in IAS 1. In addition, the IASB amended other Standards and the Conceptual Framework that contain a definition of material or refer to the term material to ensure consistency.

The amendments are applied prospectively for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020, with earlier application permitted.

Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards
Together with the revised Conceptual Framework, which became effective upon publication on March 29, 2018, the IASB has also issued Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards. The document contains amendments to IFRS 2, IFRS 3, IFRS 6, IFRS 14, IAS 1, IAS 8, IAS 34, IAS 37, IAS 38, IFRIC 12, IFRIC 19, IFRIC 20, IFRIC 22, and SIC-32.

Not all amendments, however, update those pronouncements with regard to references to and quotes from the framework so that they refer to the revised Conceptual Framework. Some pronouncements are only updated to indicate which version of the Framework they are referencing to (the IASC Framework adopted by the IASB in 2001, the IASB Framework of 2010, or the new revised Framework of 2018) or to indicate that definitions in the Standard have not been updated with the new definitions developed in the revised Conceptual Framework.

The amendments, where they actually are updates, are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020, with early application permitted.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

4.

ACQUISITION OF PRIMERO MINING CORP.

   
 

Description of the Transaction

 

On May 10, 2018, First Majestic completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common shares (the “Arrangement”) of Primero Mining Corp. pursuant to the terms and conditions of an arrangement agreement (the “Arrangement Agreement”) between First Majestic and Primero dated January 11, 2018. Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, First Majestic issued an aggregate of 6,418,594 common shares to Primero shareholders, on the basis of 0.03325 of a First Majestic common share for each Primero common share (the “Exchange Ratio”).

   
 

The Arrangement also provided for the issuance by First Majestic of an aggregate of 221,908 replacement stock options (the “Replacement Options”) to the holders of outstanding Primero stock options, at exercise prices adjusted by the Exchange Ratio. Under the Arrangement, all existing warrants of Primero also became exercisable to acquire First Majestic shares at exercise prices adjusted by the Exchange Ratio (“Replacement Warrants”). After the effective date of the Arrangement, such warrants are exercisable for an aggregate of 366,124 common shares of the Company. The fair value of the Replacement Options and Replacement Warrants, determined using a Black-Scholes valuation model, resulted in a nominal value as the exercise prices of the options and warrants are significantly out-of-the-money based on the Exchange Ratio and underlying share price.

   
 

With this transaction First Majestic added the San Dimas Silver/ Gold Mine, which is located approximately 130 km northwest of Durango, Durango State, Mexico. The mine is accessible via a 40 minute flight from Durango to the mine’s airstrip. The operation consists of an underground mine and a mill with a 2,500 tpd capacity.

   
 

Concurrently, in connection with the Arrangement, First Majestic terminated the pre-existing silver purchase agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. and its subsidiary, Wheaton Precious Metals International Ltd. (“WPMI”), relating to the San Dimas Mine and entered into a new precious metal purchase agreement (the “New Stream Agreement”) with WPMI and FM Metal Trading (Barbados) Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Majestic. Pursuant to the New Stream Agreement, WPMI is entitled to receive 25% of the gold equivalent production (based on a fixed exchange ratio of 70 silver ounces to 1 gold ounce) at San Dimas in exchange for ongoing payments equal to the lesser of $600 (subject to a 1% annual inflation adjustment) and the prevailing market price, for each gold ounce delivered under the New Stream Agreement. As part of the restructuring of the stream agreement, WPMI received 20,914,590 common shares of First Majestic with an aggregate fair market value of approximately $143.1 million based on the closing price of First Majestic common shares on May 9, 2018 of $6.84. The final common share purchase consideration was determined based on the closing market price of First Majestic’s common shares on the day before the closing date of the Arrangement.

   
 

Consideration and Purchase Price Allocation

 

Management has concluded that Primero constitutes a business and, therefore, the acquisition is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 3 - Business Combinations. Total consideration for the acquisition was valued at $187.0 million on the acquisition date. The purchase price allocation is as follows:


Total Consideration      
6,418,594 First Majestic shares to Primero shareholders at $6.84 (CAD$8.80) per share $ 43,903  
20,914,590 First Majestic shares to Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. at $6.84 (CAD$8.80) per share   143,056  
  $ 186,959  
       
Allocation of Purchase Price      
 Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,871  
 Value added taxes receivable   27,508  
 Inventories   15,628  
 Mining interests   178,183  
 Property, plant and equipment   122,815  
 Deposit on non-current assets   60  
 Non-current income taxes receivable   19,342  
 Other working capital items   (23,792 )
 Income taxes payable   (2,888 )
 Debt facilities   (106,110 )
 Decommissioning liabilities   (4,095 )
 Other non-current liabilities   (4,678 )
 Deferred tax liabilities   (38,885 )
Net assets acquired $ 186,959  

Total transaction costs of $4.9 million related to the acquisition were expensed in the year ended December 31, 2018.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

5.

SEGMENTED INFORMATION

   
 

All of the Company’s operations are within the mining industry and its major products are precious metals doré and precious and base metals concentrates which are refined or smelted into pure silver, gold, lead and zinc and sold to global metal brokers. Transfer prices between reporting segments are set on an arms-length basis in a manner similar to transactions with third parties. Coins and bullion cost of sales are based on transfer prices.

   
 

A reporting segment is defined as a component of the Company that:

   
 

• engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses;
• whose operating results are reviewed regularly by the entity’s chief operating decision maker; and
• for which discrete financial information is available.

   
 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company’s reporting segments includes its six operating mines in Mexico during the year including the La Parrilla mine which has temporarily suspended milling operations effective September 2, 2019 and the San Martin mine which was suspended effective July 2019 due to a growing insecurity in the area and safety concerns for our workforce.

   
 

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company no longer considers the La Guitarra mine, which was placed on care and maintenance on August 3, 2018 as a significant reporting segment. Accordingly, it has been grouped in the “others” category for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The “others” category also consists of the Company’s corporate assets including cash and cash equivalents, other development and exploration properties (Note 15), debt facilities (Note 20), intercompany eliminations, and corporate expenses which are not allocated to operating segments. The segmented information for the comparative periods have been adjusted to reflect the Company’s reporting segments for the reporting period ended December 31, 2019 for consistency.

   
 

Management evaluates segment performance based on mine operating earnings. Therefore, other income and expense items are not allocated to the segments.


Year Ended                 Depletion,              
December 31, 2019                 depreciation,     Mine operating     Capital  
and 2018     Revenue     Cost of sales     and amortization     earnings (loss)     expenditures  
Mexico                                
   San Dimas 2019 $ 185,999   $ 100,120   $ 28,491   $ 57,388   $ 42,511  
  2018   102,515     60,762     19,052     22,701     20,485  
   Santa Elena 2019   94,378     53,605     12,204     28,569     23,004  
  2018   83,116     52,154     12,352     18,610     18,908  
   La Encantada 2019   50,867     36,609     11,648     2,610     13,225  
  2018   24,533     30,215     13,955     (19,637 )   16,938  
   La Parrilla 2019   14,023     16,152     3,422     (5,551 )   10,503  
  2018   29,908     26,758     24,944     (21,794 )   14,191  
   Del Toro 2019   7,627     11,615     1,718     (5,706 )   4,886  
  2018   17,923     19,170     8,612     (9,859 )   11,620  
   San Martin 2019   10,554     13,143     7,022     (9,611 )   4,869  
  2018   33,925     22,903     8,608     2,414     9,302  
Others 2019   496     902     1,079     (1,485 )   25,196  
  2018   9,009     7,200     6,144     (4,335 )   15,743  
Consolidated 2019 $ 363,944   $ 232,146   $ 65,584   $ 66,214   $ 124,194  
  2018 $ 300,929   $ 219,162   $ 93,667   $ (11,900 ) $ 107,187  

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company had six (December 31, 2018 - eight) customers that accounted for 100% of its doré and concentrate sales revenue, with one major customer accounting for 85% of total revenue (2018 - one major customers for 72%).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

5.

SEGMENTED INFORMATION (continued)


At December 31, 2019     Mining Interests     Property,     Total              
and 2018     Producing     Exploration     Equipment     Assets          Assets     Liabilities  
Mexico                                      
   San Dimas 2019 $ 193,433   $ 8,699   $ 116,556   $ 318,688   $ 375,359   $ 61,476  
  2018   182,434     3,705     120,218     306,357     368,460     59,990  
   Santa Elena 2019   45,046     18,592     47,787     111,425     134,666     23,867  
  2018   33,447     14,316     39,664     87,427     104,955     16,753  
   La Encantada 2019   23,091     1,104     14,736     38,931     71,255     21,563  
  2018   39,564     5,660     43,060     88,284     111,887     13,972  
   San Martin 2019   53,088     14,289     16,043     83,420     87,248     15,987  
  2018   50,406     12,538     18,373     81,317     92,835     23,386  
   La Parrilla 2019   20,065     7,348     7,723     35,136     56,270     8,384  
  2018   17,172     3,486     7,603     28,261     52,383     9,784  
   Del Toro 2019   11,129     5,566     6,002     22,697     37,546     7,899  
  2018   9,601     3,082     5,775     18,458     36,760     7,624  
Others 2019   21,496     40,445     27,792     89,733     265,579     226,427  
  2018   21,027     39,175     16,391     76,593     158,830     200,028  
Consolidated 2019 $ 367,348   $ 96,043   $ 236,639   $ 700,030   $ 1,027,924   $ 365,603  
  2018 $ 353,651   $ 81,962   $ 251,084   $ 686,697   $ 926,110   $ 331,537  

6.

REVENUES

   
 

The Company sells metals in the form of doré and concentrates.The Company’s primary product is silver and other metals produced as part of the extraction process, such as gold, lead and zinc, are considered as by-products. Revenues from sale of metal, including by-products, are recorded net of smelting and refining costs.

   
 

Revenues for the year are summarized as follows:


          Year Ended December 31        
    2019     2018  
Gross revenue by material:                        
Doré $ 345,334     94%   $ 255,723     83%  
Concentrate   23,501     6%     52,697     17%  
Gross revenue $ 368,835     100%   $ 308,420     100%  
                         
Gross revenue from payable metals:                        
Silver $ 215,301     58%   $ 176,783     57%  
Gold   143,029     39%     111,058     36%  
Lead   6,988     2%     14,369     5%  
Zinc   3,517     1%     6,210     2%  
Gross revenue   368,835     100%     308,420     100%  
Less: smelting and refining costs   (4,891 )         (7,491 )      
Revenues $ 363,944         $ 300,929        

As at December 31, 2019, $4.5 million of revenues that have not satisfied performance obligations were recorded as unearned revenue (December 31, 2018 - $3.8 million) and will be recorded as revenue in the subsequent period. During the year ended December 31, 2019, revenue related to provisional pricing adjustments on concentrate sales was $0.1 million (2018 - $0.8 million).

  (a)

Gold Stream Agreement with Sandstorm Gold Ltd.

     
   

The Santa Elena mine has a purchase agreement with Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (“Sandstorm”), which requires the Company to sell 20% of its gold production over the life of mine from its leach pad and a designated area of its underground operations. The selling price to Sandstorm is the lesser of the prevailing market price or $450 per ounce, subject to a 1% annual inflation. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company delivered 9,164 ounces (2018 - 8,947 ounces) of gold to Sandstorm at an average price of $458 per ounce (2018 - $453 per ounce).

     
  (b)

Gold Stream Agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals Corporation

     
   

The San Dimas mine has a purchase agreement with WPMI, which entitles WPMI to receive 25% of the gold equivalent production (based on a fixed exchange ratio of 70 silver ounces to 1 gold ounce) at San Dimas in exchange for ongoing payments equal to the lesser of $600 (subject to a 1% annual inflation adjustment) and the prevailing market price, for each gold equivalent ounce delivered under the New Stream Agreement.

     
   

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company delivered 44,667 ounces (2018 - 21,962 ounces) of gold equivalent to WPMI at $604 (2018 - $600) per ounce.



NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

7.

COST OF SALES

   
 

Cost of sales excludes depletion, depreciation and amortization and are costs that are directly related to production and generation of revenues at the operating segments. Significant components of cost of sales are comprised of the following:


    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Consumables and materials $ 45,947   $ 49,750  
Labour costs   118,229     106,540  
Energy   35,135     35,366  
Other costs   13,243     13,300  
Production costs $ 212,554   $ 204,956  
Transportation and other selling costs   2,735     3,399  
Workers participation costs   9,036     5,775  
Environmental duties and royalties   1,438     1,288  
Inventory changes   3,459     (3,776 )
(Cost recovery) writedowns related to Republic Metals Refining Corp. bankruptcy(1)   (1,600 )   7,520  
Standby Costs(2)   2,879      
Restructuring costs(3)   1,645      
  $ 232,146   $ 219,162  

  (1)

In November 2018, one of the refineries used by the Company, Republic Metals Refining Corp. (“Republic”), announced it filed for bankruptcy. As a result, the Company wrote off $7.5 million in inventory that were in Republic’s possession for refining. In September 2019, the Company reached a partial litigation settlement for $1.6 million. The Company continues to pursue legal and insurance channels to recover the remaining balance of inventory, but there is no assurance that this inventory is recoverable.

     
  (2)

Effective from July 2019, the Company temporarily suspended all mining and processing activities at the San Martin operation due to a growing insecurity in the area and safety concerns for our workforce. The Company is working with authorities to secure the area and uncertain of a restart date.

     
  (3)

Effective September 2019, the Company has temporarily suspended milling operations at the La Parrilla mine. Restructuring costs reflect estimated costs, such as severance and plant closure costs, incurred or to be incurred for re-organizing the operation.


8.

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

   
 

General and administrative expenses are incurred to support the administration of the business that are not directly related to production. Significant components of general and administrative expenses are comprised of the following:


    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Corporate administration $ 5,202   $ 5,552  
Salaries and benefits   13,797     10,412  
Audit, legal and professional fees   4,943     3,421  
Filing and listing fees   429     449  
Directors fees and expenses   793     739  
Depreciation   1,636     855  
  $ 26,800   $ 21,428  

9.

INVESTMENT AND OTHER INCOME (LOSS)

   
 

The Company’s investment and other income (loss) are comprised of the following:


    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Gain (loss) from investment in marketable securities (Note 14(a)) $ 528   $ (4,704 )
Gain from investment in silver futures derivatives (Note 14(b))   1,237     269  
Interest income and other   6,344     3,691  
  $ 8,109   $ (744 )

10.

FINANCE COSTS

   
 

Finance costs are primarily related to interest and accretion expense on the Company’s debt facilities, lease liabilities and accretion of decommissioning liabilities. The Company’s finance costs in the year are summarized as follows:


    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Debt facilities (Note 20) $ 10,885   $ 10,389  
Lease liabilities (Note 21)   1,142     524  
Accretion of decommissioning liabilities (Note 22)   2,410     1,495  
Silver sales and other   710     628  
  $ 15,147   $ 13,036  

11.

LOSS PER SHARE

   
 

Basic earnings or loss per share is the net earnings or loss available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net earnings or loss per share adjusts basic net earnings per share for the effects of potential dilutive common shares.

   
 

The calculations of basic and diluted earnings or loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:


    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Net loss for the year $ (40,474 ) $ (204,164 )
             
Weighted average number of shares on issue - basic and diluted(1)   201,615,489     183,650,405  
             
Loss per share - basic and diluted $ (0.20 ) $ (1.11 )
Loss per share - diluted $ (0.20 ) $ (1.11 )

  (1)

For the year ended December 31, 2019, diluted weighted average number of shares excluded 7,583,439 (2018 - 6,644,542) options, 128,944 restricted share units (2018 - nil) and 16,327,598 (2018 - 16,327,598) common shares issuable under the convertibledebentures (Note 20(a)) that were anti-dilutive.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

12.

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

   
 

Trade and other receivables of the Company are comprised of:


    December 31,     December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Trade receivables $ 3,503   $ 4,671  
Other   792     928  
  $ 4,295   $ 5,599  

13.

INVENTORIES

   
 

Inventories consist primarily of materials and supplies and products of the Company’s operations, in varying stages of the production process, and are presented at the lower of weighted average cost or net realizable value. Inventories of the Company are comprised of:


    December 31,     December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Finished goods - doré and concentrates $ 1,965   $ 2,538  
Work-in-process   3,229     4,626  
Stockpile   2,130     1,257  
Silver coins and bullion   291     351  
Materials and supplies   22,902     23,696  
  $ 30,517   $ 32,468  

 

The amount of inventories recognized as an expense during the year is equivalent to the total of cost of sales plus depletion, depreciation and amortization for the period. As at December 31, 2019, mineral inventories, which consist of stockpile, work-in- process and finished goods, includes a $0.4 million (December 31, 2018 - $3.0 million) net realizable value write-down which was recognized in cost of sales during the year.

   
14.

OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS

   
 

As at December 31, 2019, other financial assets consists of the Company’s investment in marketable securities and foreign exchange derivatives comprised of the following:


    December 31,     December 31,  
    2019     2018  
First Mining Gold Corp. (TSX: FF) $ 3,010   $ 2,753  
Sprott Physical Silver Trust (NYSE: PSLV)   2,616     2,236  
FVTPL marketable securities $ 5,626   $ 4,989  
FVTOCI marketable securities   880     1,431  
Total marketable securities $ 6,506   $ 6,420  
Silver future derivatives       2,038  
Foreign exchange derivatives   982      
Total other financial assets $ 7,488   $ 8,458  

14.

OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS (continued)

     
  (a)

Marketable Securities

     
   

Changes in fair value of marketable securities designated as fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) for the year ended December 31, 2019 totalling $0.5 million (2018 - $4.7 million) are recorded through profit or loss.

     
   

Changes in fair value of marketable securities designated as fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”) for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $0.3 million (2018 - $0.5 million) and was recorded through other comprehensive income and will not be transferred into profit or loss upon disposition or impairment.

     
  (b)

Silver Future Derivatives

     
   

As at December 31, 2019, the Company did not carry any position in silver future contracts (December 31, 2018 - $2.0 million). For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized a $1.2 million net gain on its investment in silver future derivatives (2018 - gain of $0.3 million).

     
  (c)

Foreign Exchange Derivatives the Company held foreign exchange options to purchase Mexican pesos with notional value of $26.0 million at an average exercise MXN:USD rate of 19.75 with expiry dates from January to April 2020, and foreign exchange swaps to purchase Mexican pesos with notional value of $1.0 million at MXN:USD rate of 19.50. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized a foreign exchange gain of $3.0 million on foreign exchange derivatives.



NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

15.

MINING INTERESTS

   
 

Mining interests primarily consist of acquisition, development and exploration costs directly related to the Company’s operations and projects. Upon commencement of commercial production, mining interests for producing properties are depleted on a units-of-production basis over the estimated economic life of the mine. In applying the units of production method, depletion is determined using quantity of material ex- tracted from the mine in the period as a portion of total quantity of material, based on reserves and resources, considered to be highly probable to be economically extracted over the life of mine plan.

   
 

The Company’s mining interests are comprised of the following:


    December 31,     December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Producing properties $ 367,348   $ 353,651  
Exploration properties (non-depletable)   96,043     81,962  
  $ 463,391   $ 435,613  

Producing properties are allocated as follows:

    San Dimas     Santa Elena     La Encantada     La Parrilla     Del Toro     San Martin     La Guitarra     Total  
Cost                                                
At December 31, 2017 $   $ 36,371   $ 88,627   $ 155,351   $ 104,635   $ 90,955   $ 106,691   $ 582,630  
Additions   11,030     7,609     5,787     8,336     6,241     3,988     2,686     45,677  
Acquisition of Primero (Note 4)   178,183                             178,183  
Change in decommissioning liabilities (Note 22)   4,092     (633 )   3,122                     6,581  
Transfer from exploration properties       1,694     1,900                     3,594  
At December 31, 2018 $ 193,305   $ 45,041   $ 99,436   $ 163,687   $ 110,876   $ 94,943   $ 109,377   $ 816,665  
Additions   24,596     6,813     5,995     5,262     1,735     2,091         46,492  
Change in decommissioning liabilities (Note 22)   301     2,338     500     696     945     4,051     469     9,300  
Transfer from exploration properties   2,456     7,462     5,659                     15,577  
At December 31, 2019 $ 220,658   $ 61,654   $ 111,590   $ 169,645   $ 113,556   $ 101,085   $ 109,846   $ 888,034  
Accumulated depletion, amortization and impairment                                      
At December 31, 2017 $   $ (7,639 ) $ (55,564 ) $ (62,144 ) $ (67,154 ) $ (40,317 ) $ (62,594 ) $ (295,412 )
Depletion and amortization   (10,871 )   (3,955 )   (4,308 )   (16,470 )   (4,850 )   (4,220 )   (3,102 )   (47,776 )
Impairment (Note 18)               (67,901 )   (29,271 )       (22,654 )   (119,826 )
At December 31, 2018 $ (10,871 )   ($11,594 ) $ (59,872 ) $ (146,515 ) $ (101,275 ) $ (44,537 ) $ (88,350 ) $ (463,014 )
Depletion and amortization   (16,354 )   (5,014 )   (6,025 )   (3,065 )   (1,152 )   (3,460 )       (35,070 )
Impairment (Note 18)           (22,602 )                   (22,602 )
At December 31, 2019 $ (27,225 )   ($16,608 ) $ (88,499 ) $ (149,580 ) $ (102,427 ) $ (47,997 ) $ (88,350 ) $ (520,686 )
Carrying values                                                
At December 31, 2018 $ 182,434   $ 33,447   $ 39,564   $ 17,172   $ 9,601   $ 50,406   $ 21,027   $ 353,651  
At December 31, 2019 $ 193,433   $ 45,046   $ 23,091   $ 20,065   $ 11,129   $ 53,088   $ 21,496   $ 367,348  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

15.

MINING INTERESTS (continued)

   
 

Exploration properties are allocated as follows:


    San Dimas     Santa Elena La Encantada     La Parrilla     Del Toro     San Martin     La Guitarra     Other     Total  
Cost                                                      
At December 31, 2017  $   $ 7,777   $ 5,221   $ 13,982   $ 10,117   $ 9,599   $ 10,385   $ 29,847   $ 86,928  
Exploration and evaluation expenditures   3,705     8,233     2,339     3,291     2,363     2,939     1,337     3,593     27,800  
Impairment               (13,787 )   (9,398 )       (5,987 )       (29,172 )
Transfer to producing properties       (1,694 )   (1,900 )                       (3,594 )
At December 31, 2018  $ 3,705   $ 14,316   $ 5,660   $ 3,486   $ 3,082   $ 12,538   $ 5,735   $ 33,440   $ 81,962  
Exploration and evaluation expenditures   7,450     11,738     2,164     3,862     2,484     1,751         1,032     30,481  
Change in decommissioning liabilities (Note 22)                               238     238  
Impairment (Note 18)           (1,061 )                       (1,061 )
Transfer to producing properties   (2,456 )   (7,462 )   (5,659 )                       (15,577 )
At December 31, 2019  $ 8,699   $ 18,592   $ 1,104   $ 7,348   $ 5,566   $ 14,289   $ 5,735   $ 34,710   $ 96,043  

  (a)

San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, Durango State

     
   

The San Dimas Mine has a gold and silver streaming agreement with WPMI which entitles WPMI to receive 25% of the gold equivalent production (based on a fixed exchange ratio of 70 silver ounces to 1 gold ounce) at San Dimas in exchange for ongoing payments equal to the lesser of $600 (subject to a 1% annual inflation adjustment commencing in May 2019) and the prevailing market price, for each gold equivalent ounce delivered under the New Stream Agreement.

     
  (b)

Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, Sonora State

     
   

The Santa Elena Mine has a gold streaming agreement with Sandstorm, which requires the mine to sell 20% of its life of mine gold production from its leach pad and a designated area of its underground operations to Sandstorm. The selling price to Sandstorm is the lesser of $450 per ounce, subject to a 1% annual inflation increase commencing in April 2018, and the prevailing market price.

     
   

In December 2016, the Company entered into an option agreement with Compania Minera Dolores, S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of Pan American Silver Corp., to acquire the Los Hernandez Property, consisting of 5,802 hectares of mining concessions north of the Santa Elena mine. In exchange, First Majestic has agreed to incur $1.6 million in exploration costs on the property over four years, grant a 2.5% NSR royalty on the related concessions, and to pay $1.4 million in option payments, of which $0.7 million has been paid and the remaining balance of $0.7 million is due in December 2020. As at December 31, 2019, the Company has incurred $0.9 million in exploration costs on the property.


16.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

   
 

The majority of the Company’s property, plant and equipment is used in the Company’s operating mine segments. Property, plant and equipment is depreciated using either the straight-line or units-of-production method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the expected life of mine. Where an item of property, plant and equipment comprises of major components with different useful lives, the components are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment. Assets under construction are recorded at cost and re-allocated to land and buildings, machinery and equipment or other when they become available for use.



NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

16.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued)

   
 

Property, plant and equipment are comprised of the following:


          Machinery and     Assets under              
    Land and Buildings(1)     Equipment     Construction     Other     Total  
Cost                              
At December 31, 2017 $ 134,398   $ 341,899   $ 21,949   $ 14,711   $ 512,957  
Additions   9     4,411     28,669     621     33,710  
Acquisition of Primero(Note 4)   40,404     70,064     7,169     5,178     122,815  
Transfer and disposals   3,053     14,488     (22,114 )   2,900     (1,673 )
At December 31, 2018 $ 177,864   $ 430,862   $ 35,673   $ 23,410   $ 667,809  
Additions       1,991     44,709     521     47,221  
Transfer and disposals   20,548     23,802     (52,737 )   507     (7,880 )
At December 31, 2019 $ 198,412   $ 456,655   $ 27,645   $ 24,438   $ 707,150  
                               
Accumulated depletion, amortization and impairment                              
At December 31, 2017 $ (86,404 ) $ (223,353 ) $   $ (11,148 ) $ (320,905 )
Depreciation and amortization   (8,215 )   (36,650 )       (1,777 )   (46,642 )
Transfers and disposals       1,464         48     1,512  
Impairment (Note 18)   (16,639 )   (33,420 )       (631 )   (50,690 )
At December 31, 2018 $ (111,258 ) $ (291,959 ) $   $ (13,508 ) $ (416,725 )
Depreciation and amortization   (4,980 )   (23,829 )       (2,122 )   (30,931 )
Transfer and disposals   271     5,189         459     5,919  
Impairment (Note 18)   (13,073 )   (15,701 )           (28,774 )
At December 31, 2019 $ (129,040 ) $ (326,300 ) $   $ (15,171 ) $ (470,511 )
Carrying values                              
At December 31, 2018 $ 66,606   $ 138,903   $ 35,673   $ 9,902   $ 251,084  
At December 31, 2019 $ 69,372   $ 130,355   $ 27,645   $ 9,267   $ 236,639  

(1) Included in land and buildings is $11.5 million (December 31, 2018 - $11.5 million) of land which is not subject to depreciation.

Property, plant and equipment, including land and buildings, machinery and equipment, assets under construction and other assets above are allocated by mine as follow:

    San Dimas      Santa Elena      La Encantada     La Parrilla     Del Toro     San Martin     La Guitarra     Other     Total  
Cost                                                      
At December 31, 2017 $   $ 73,684   $ 124,198   $ 96,491   $ 117,201   $ 47,541   $ 28,115   $ 25,727   $ 512,957  
Additions   5,750     3,066     8,812     2,564     3,016     2,375     1,296     6,831     33,710  
Acquisition of                                                      
Primero (Note 4)   122,815                                 122,815  
Transfers and disposals   (802 )   (79 )   (864 )   (9 )   1,311     1,784     (2,648 )   (366 )   (1,673 )
At December 31, 2018 $ 127,763   $ 76,671   $ 132,146   $ 99,046   $ 121,528   $ 51,700   $ 26,763   $ 32,192   $ 667,809  
Additions   10,465     4,453     5,066     1,379     667     1,027         24,164     47,221  
Transfers and disposals   (1,925 )   9,638     90     (4,104 )   (47 )   (409 )   (310 )   (10,813 )   (7,880 )
At December 31, 2019 $ 136,303   $ 90,762   $ 137,302   $ 96,321   $ 122,148   $ 52,318   $ 26,453   $ 45,543   $ 707,150  
                                                       
Accumulated depreciation, amortization and impairment                                      
At December 31, 2017 $   $ (28,898 ) $ (80,269 ) $ (52,984 ) $ (93,579 ) $ (27,789 ) $ (21,654 ) $ (15,732 ) $ (320,905 )
Depreciation and amortization   (8,179 )   (8,397 )   (9,646 )   (8,489 )   (3,761 )   (4,388 )   (2,161 )   (1,621 )   (46,642 )
Transfers and disposals   634     288     829     92     (804 )   (1,150 )   1,546     77     1,512  
Impairment (Note 18)               (30,062 )   (17,609 )       (3,019 )       (50,690 )
At December 31, 2018 $ (7,545 ) $ (37,007 ) $ (89,086 ) $ (91,443 ) $ (115,753 ) $ (33,327 ) $ (25,288 ) $ (17,276 ) $ (416,725 )
Depreciation and                                                      
amortization   (12,355 )   (6,989 )   (5,278 )   (561 )   (458 )   (3,359 )       (1,931 )   (30,931 )
Transfers and disposals   153     1,021     572     3,406     65     411     117     174     5,919  
Impairment (Note 18)           (28,774 )                       (28,774 )
At December 31, 2019 $ (19,747 ) $ (42,975 ) $ (122,566 ) $ (88,598 ) $ (116,146 ) $ (36,275 ) $ (25,171 ) $ (19,033 ) $ (470,511 )
Carrying values                                                      
At December 31, 2018 $ 120,218   $ 39,664   $ 43,060   $ 7,603   $ 5,775   $ 18,373   $ 1,475   $ 14,916   $ 251,084  
At December 31, 2019 $ 116,556   $ 47,787   $ 14,736   $ 7,723   $ 6,002   $ 16,043   $ 1,282   $ 26,510   $ 236,639  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

17.

RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS

   
 

The Company entered into operating leases to use certain land, building, mining equipment and corporate equipment for its operations. Upon the adoption of IFRS 16, which became effective January 1, 2019 (see note 2), the Company is required to recognize right-of-use assets representing its right to use these underlying leased asset over the lease term.

   
 

Right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, equivalent to its obligation for payments over the term of the leases, and subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the shorter period of lease term and useful life of the underlying asset.

   
 

Right-of-use assets are comprised of the following:


    Land and     Machinery and              
    Buildings      Equipment     Other     Total  
At December 31, 2018 $   $   $   $  
Initial adoption of IFRS 16 (Note 3)   2,624     1,036     22     3,682  
Additions   571     14,132         14,703  
Remeasurements   1,686     232         1,918  
Depreciation and amortization   (674 )   (1,286 )   (7 )   (1,967 )
Impairment (Note 18)       (6,302 )       (6,302 )
At December 31, 2019 $ 4,207   $ 7,812   $ 15   $ 12,034  

18.

IMPAIRMENT OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS

     
 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company determined there were indicators of potential impairment on its non- current assets, including the following:

 

La Encantada - a decrease in economics of the roaster project and mine plan;

 

San Martin - a decrease in Reserves and Resources and suspension of operations due to security concerns; and

 

Del Toro - management’s decision in January 2020 to temporarily suspend mining and milling operations in order to improve operating cash flow and profit margins while focusing on an expanded drill program in the area.

Based on the Company’s assessment, the Company concluded that the La Encantada mine had estimated recoverable value, based on its FVLCD, below its carrying value and impairment charge was required:

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018  
La Encantada Silver Mine $ 58,739   $  
La Parrilla Silver Mine       111,750  
Del Toro Silver Mine       56,278  
La Guitarra Silver Mine       31,660  
Impairment of non-current assets $ 58,739   $ 199,688  
Deferred income tax recovery   (6,300 )   (48,588 )
Impairment of non-current assets, net of tax $ 52,439   $ 151,100  

The impairment charge recognized for the year ended December 31, 2019 in respect of La Encantada was as follows:

    Mining interests     Right of     Property, plant        
    Producing       Exploration     use assets      and equipment     Total  
La Encantada Silver Mine $ 22,602   $ 1,061   $ 6,302   $ 28,77     4 $ 58,739  
Impairment of non-current assets $ 22,602   $ 1,061   $ 6,302   $ 28,774   $ 58,739  

The impairment charge recognized for the year ended December 31, 2018 in respect of La Parrilla, Del Toro and La Guitarra were as follows:

    Mining interests     Property, plant        
    Producing      Exploration      and equipment     Total  
La Parrilla $ 67,901   $ 13,787   $ 30,062   $ 111,750  
Del Toro Silver Mine   29,271     9,398     17,609     56,278  
La Guitarra Silver Mine   22,654     5,987     3,019     31,660  
Impairment of non-current assets $ 119,826   $ 29,172   $ 50,690   $ 199,688  

Recoverable values are determined based on fair market value of the asset and estimated using internal discounted cash flow economic models projected using management’s best estimate of recoverable mineral reserves and resources, future operating costs, capital expenditures and long-term foreign exchange rates.

Metal price assumptions used to determine the recoverable amounts for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are summarized in the following table:

    December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
    2020-2023           2019-2022        
Commodity Prices   Average      Long-term     Average     Long-term  
Silver (per ounce) $ 18.84   $ 19.50   $ 17.23   $ 18.50  
Gold (per ounce) $ 1,536   $ 1,416   $ 1,318   $ 1,350  
Lead (per pound)   n/a     n/a   $ 0.99   $ 1.00  
Zinc (per pound)   n/a     n/a   $ 1.19   $ 1.19  

A discount rate of 4.5% (2018 - 6.5%), equivalent to the Company’s weighted average cost of capital for the year ended December 31, 2019 was used to determine FVLCD based on internal discounted cash flow economic models for each CGU.

The internal discounted cash flow economic models used to determine FVLCD are significantly affected by changes in key assumptions for future metal prices, capital expenditures, production cost estimates, discount rates and price to net asset value multiples. Management’s estimate of FVLCD is classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. There was no material change in the valuation techniques utilized to determine FVLCD in the year ended December 31, 2019.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

19.

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

   
 

The Company’s trade and other payables are primarily comprised of amounts outstanding for purchases relating to mining operations, exploration and evaluation activities and corporate expenses. The normal credit period for these purchases is usually between 30 to 90 days.

   
 

Trade and other payables are comprised of the following items:


    December 31,     December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Trade payables $ 23,984   $ 26,420  
Trade related accruals   12,314     9,351  
Payroll and related benefits   19,059     11,255  
Environmental duty   1,483     1,536  
Other accrued liabilities   2,283     1,621  
  $ 59,123   $ 50,183  

20.

DEBT FACILITIES

   
 

The movement in debt facilities during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, are comprised of the following:


    Convertible     Revolving Credit     Scotia     Primero        
    Debentures     Facility     Debt     Debt        
    (a)     (b)     Facilities     Facilities     Total  
Balance at December 31, 2017 $   $   $ 31,769   $   $ 31,769  
Net proceeds from convertible debentures   151,079                 151,079  
Portion allocated to equity reserves   (26,252 )               (26,252 )
Net proceeds from revolving credit facility       34,006             34,006  
Acquisition of Primero (Note 4)               106,111     106,111  
Finance costs                              
 Interest expense   2,738     1,170     529         4,437  
 Accretion   4,978     419     555         5,952  
Repayments of principal       (16,000 )   (32,072 )   (106,111 )   (154,183 )
Payments of finance costs   (1,736 )   (890 )   (781 )       (3,407 )
Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 130,807   $ 18,705   $   $   $ 149,512  
Finance costs                              
 Interest expense   2,975     1,498             4,473  
 Accretion   5,758     654             6,412  
Payments of finance costs   (2,933 )   (1,646 )           (4,579 )
Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 136,607   $ 19,211   $   $   $ 155,818  
                               
Statements of Financial Position Presentation                              
Current portion of debt facilities $ 1,002   $ 279   $   $   $ 1,281  
Debt facilities   129,805     18,426             148,231  
Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 130,807   $ 18,705   $   $   $ 149,512  
Current portion of debt facilities $ 1,043   $ 132   $   $   $ 1,175  
Debt facilities   135,564     19,079             154,643  
Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 136,607   $ 19,211   $   $   $ 155,818  

  (a)

Convertible Debentures

     
   

During the first quarter of 2018, the Company issued $156.5 million of unsecured senior convertible debentures (the “Notes”). The Company received net proceeds of $151.1 million after transaction costs of $5.4 million. The Notes mature on March 1, 2023 and bear an interest rate of 1.875% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears in March and September of each year.

     
   

The Notes are convertible into common shares of the Company at any time prior to maturity at a conversion rate of 104.3297 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of Notes converted, representing an initial conversion price of $9.59 per common share, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. In addition, if certain fundamental changes occur, holders of the Notes may be entitled to an increased conversion rate.

     
   

The Company may not redeem the Notes before March 6, 2021, except in the event of certain changes in Canadian tax law. At any time on or after March 6, 2021 and until maturity, the Company may redeem all or part of the Notes for cash if the last reported share price of the Company’s common shares for 20 or more trading days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days exceeds 130% of the conversion price. The redemption price is equal to the sum of: (i) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

20.

DEBT FACILITIES (continued)

     
  (a)

Convertible Debentures (continued)

     
   

The Company is required to offer to purchase for cash all of the outstanding Notes upon a fundamental change, at a cash purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the fundamental change purchase date.

     
   

The component parts of the convertible debentures, a compound instrument, are classified separately as financial liabilities and equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument. A conversion option that will be settled by the exchange of a fixed amount of cash or another financial asset for a fixed number of the Company’s own equity instrument is an equity instrument.

     
   

At initial recognition, net proceeds of $151.1 million from the Notes were allocated into its debt and equity components. The fair value of the debt portion was estimated at $124.8 million using a discounted cash flow model method with an expected life of five years and a discount rate of 6.14%. This amount is recorded as a financial liability on an amortized cost basis using the effective interest method using an effective interest rate of 6.47% until extinguished upon conversion or at its maturity date.

     
   

The conversion option is classified as equity and was estimated based on the residual value of $26.3 million. This amount is not subsequently remeasured and will remain in equity until the conversion option is exercised, in which case, the balance recognized in equity will be transferred to share capital. Where the conversion option remains unexercised at the maturity date of the convertible note, the balance will remain in equity reserves. Deferred tax liability of $7.1 million related to taxable temporary difference arising from the equity portion of the convertible debenture was recognized in equity reserves.

     
   

Transaction costs of $5.4 million that relate to the issuance of the convertible debentures were allocated to the liability and equity components in proportion to the allocation of the gross proceeds. Transaction costs relating to the equity component are recognized directly in equity. Transaction costs relating to the liability component are included in the carrying amount of the liability component and are amortized over the life of the convertible debentures using the effective interest method.

     
  (b)

Revolving Credit Facility

     
   

On May 10, 2018, the Company entered into a $75.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”) with the Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of Montreal and Investec Bank PLC, as lenders. The Revolving Credit Facility will mature on its third anniversary date. Interest on the drawn balance will accrue at LIBOR plus an applicable range of 2.25% to 3.5% while the undrawn portion is subject to a standby fee with an applicable range of 0.5625% to 0.875%, dependent on certain financial parameters of First Majestic. As at December 31, 2019, the applicable rates were 4.5% and 0.6875%, respectively.


 

These debt facilities are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company and are also secured by a first priority charge against the assets of the Company, and a first priority pledge of shares of the Company’s subsidiaries.

   
 

The Revolving Credit Facility includes financial covenants, to be tested quarterly on a consolidated basis, requiring First Majestic to maintain the following: (a) a leverage ratio based on total debt to rolling four quarters adjusted EBITDA of not more than 3.00 to 1.00; (b) an interest coverage ratio, based on rolling four quarters adjusted EBITDA divided by interest payments, of not less than 4.00 to 1.00; and (c) tangible net worth of not less than $563.5 million plus 50% of its positive earnings subsequent to June 30, 2018. The debt facilities also provide for negative covenants customary for these types of facilities and allows the Company to enter into finance leases up to $30.0 million. As at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

   
21.

LEASE LIABILITIES

   
 

The Company has finance leases, operating leases and equipment financing liabilities for various mine and plant equipment, office space and land. Finance leases and equipment financing obligations require underlying assets to be pledged as security against the obligations and all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset being transferred to the Company. For operating leases, the Company controls but does not have ownership of the underlying right-of-use assets.

   
 

Lease liabilities are initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. Lease liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method, and adjusted for interest and lease payments.

   
 

Certain lease agreements may contain lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. For certain equipment leases, such as vehicles, the Company has elected to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.



NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

21.

LEASE LIABILITIES (continued)

   
 

The movement in debt facilities during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, are comprised of the following:


    Finance     Operating     Equipment        
    Leases     Leases     Financing        
    (a)     (b)     (c)     Total  
Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 2,109   $   $ 7,196   $ 9,305  
Finance costs   80         444     524  
Repayments of principal   (1,700 )       (1,846 )   (3,546 )
Payments of finance costs   (80 )       (356 )   (436 )
Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 409   $   $ 5,438   $ 5,847  
Initial adoption of IFRS 16 (Note 2)       3,682         3,682  
Additions       14,706         14,706  
Remeasurements       1,918         1,918  
Finance costs   18     789     335     1,142  
Repayments of principal   (359 )   (2,395 )   (2,459 )   (5,213 )
Payments of finance costs   (18 )       (379 )   (397 )
Foreign exchange loss       251         251  
Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 50   $ 18,951   $ 2,935   $ 21,936  
Statements of Financial Position Presentation                        
Current portion of lease liabilities $ 352   $   $ 2,552   $ 2,904  
Lease liabilities   57         2,886     2,943  
Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 409   $   $ 5,438   $ 5,847  
Current portion of lease liabilities $ 50   $ 4,518   $ 2,352   $ 6,920  
Lease liabilities       14,433     583     15,016  
Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 50   $ 18,951   $ 2,935   $ 21,936  

  (a)

Finance Leases

     
   

From time to time, the Company purchases equipment under finance leases, with terms ranging from 24 to 48 months with interest rates ranging from 6.9% to 7.5%.

     
   

As at December 31, 2019, the net book value of property, plant and equipment includes $0.3 million (December 31, 2018 - $0.6 million) of equipment in property, plant and equipment pledged as security under finance leases.

     
  (b)

Operating Leases

     
   

Upon the adoption of IFRS 16, the Company recognized $3.7 million in operating lease liabilities as at January 1, 2019, primarily related to certain equipment and building rental contracts, land easement contracts and service contracts that contain embedded leases for property, plant and equipment.

     
   

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the amounts of lease payments recognized in the profit and loss are summarized as follows:


    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019  
Expenses relating to short-term leases $ 42,994  
Expenses relating to variable lease payments not included in the measurement of lease liability   14,241  
  $ 57,235  

   

These operating leases have remaining lease terms of one to ten years, some of which include options to terminate the leases within a year, with incremental borrowing rates ranging from 5.8% to 11.2%.

     
  (c)

Equipment Financing

     
   

During 2017, the Company entered into a $7.9 million credit facility with repayment terms ranging from 12 to 16 equal quarterly installments in principal plus related interest. The facility bears an interest rate of LIBOR plus 4.60%. Proceeds from the equipment financing were primarily used for the purchase and rehabilitation of property, plant and equipment. The equipment financing is secured by certain equipment of the Company and is subject to various covenants, including the requirement for First Majestic to maintain a leverage ratio based on total debt to rolling four quarters adjusted EBITDA. As at December 31, 2019 and year ended December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

     
   

As at December 31, 2019, the net book value of property, plant and equipment includes $3.3 million (December 31, 2018 - $4.6 million) of equipment pledged as security for the equipment financing.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

22.

DECOMMISSIONING LIABILITIES

   
 

The Company has an obligation to undertake decommissioning, restoration, rehabilitation and environmental work when environmental disturbance is caused by the development and ongoing production of a mining operation. Movements in decommissioning liabilities during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are allocated as follow:


    San Dimas     Santa Elena     La Encantada     San Martin     La Parrilla     Del Toro     La Guitarra     La Luz     Total  
Balance at December 31, 2017 $   $ 2,730   $ 3,317   $ 2,488   $ 3,002   $ 2,545   $ 1,692   $ 302   $ 16,076  
Movements during the year:                                                      
 Acquisition of Primero   4,095                                 4,095  
Change in  rehabilitation provision   4,092     (633 )   3,122                         6,581  
Reclamation costs  incurred                   (2 )   (259 )   (203 )       (464 )
Interest or  accretion expense   225     221     269     204     243     208     125         1,495  
 Foreign exchange loss       3     1     2     2     4     1         13  
Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 8,412   $ 2,321   $ 6,709   $ 2,694   $ 3,245   $ 2,498   $ 1,615   $ 302   $ 27,796  
Movements during the year:                                                      
Change in  rehabilitation provision   301     2,338     500     4,051     696     945     469     238     9,538  
 Reclamation costs incurred                           (104 )       (104 )
Interest or  accretion expense   744     207     592     237     282     219     129         2,410  
 Foreign exchange loss   (15 )   105     311     121     114     107     69     76     888  
Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 9,442   $ 4,971   $ 8,112   $ 7,103   $ 4,337   $ 3,769   $ 2,178   $ 616   $ 40,528  

A provision for decommissioning liabilities is estimated based on current regulatory requirements and is recognized at the present value of such costs. The expected timing of cash flows in respect of the provision is based on the estimated life of the Company’s mining operations. The discount rate is a risk-free rate determined based on Mexican pesos default swap rates ranging between 6.6% to 6.8% (2018 - 8.6% to 9.3%) for the respective estimated life of the operations.

The inflation rate used is based on historical Mexican inflation rate of 4.0% (2018 - 3.8%) . The present value of reclamation liabilities may be subject to change based on changes to cost estimates, remediation technologies or applicable laws and regulations. Changes in decommissioning liabilities are recorded against mining interests.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

23.

INCOME TAXES

   
 

The following is a reconciliation of income taxes calculated at the combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory tax rate to the income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:


    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Loss before tax $ (39,024 ) $ (263,047 )
Combined statutory tax rate   27.00 %     27.00%  
Income tax recovery computed at statutory tax rate   (10,536 )   (71,023 )
Reconciling items:            
 Effect of different foreign statutory tax rates on earnings of subsidiaries   (24,320 )   (15,309 )
 Impact of foreign exchange on deferred income tax assets and liabilities   (10,194 )   13,807  
 Change in unrecognized deferred income tax asset   30,399     39,765  
 7.5% mining royalty in Mexico   (814 )   (8,225 )
 Other non-deductible expenses   3,256     834  
 Impact of inflationary adjustments   (2,412 )   51  
 Change in tax provision estimates   23,987     8,258  
 Impact of post acquisition Primero restructure       (20,024 )
 Other   (7,916 )   (7,017 )
Income tax expense (recovery) $ 1,450   $ (58,883 )
             
Statements of (Loss) Earnings Presentation            
Current income tax expense $ 16,423   $ 2,148  
Deferred income tax recovery   (14,973 )   (61,031 )
Income tax expense (recovery) $ 1,450   $ (58,883 )
Effective tax rate   (4%)     22%  

During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the movement in deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities is shown as follows:

                Deferred tax              
                asset not              
Deferred tax assets   Losses     Provisions     recognized     Other     Total  
At December 31, 2017 $ 86,552   $ 10,115   $ (29,036 ) $ 815   $ 68,446  
Benefit (expense) to income statement   17,702     6,393     (39,312 )   2,741     (12,476 )
Acquisition of Primero (Note 4)   14,139                 14,139  
At December 31, 2018 $ 118,393   $ 16,508   $ (68,348 ) $ 3,556   $ 70,109  
Benefit (expense) to income statement   8,079     6,379     (32,156 )   4,295     (13,403 )
Charged to equity               994     994  
At December 31, 2019 $ 126,472   $ 22,887   $ (100,504 ) $ 8,845   $ 57,700  

    Property, plant and     Effect of     Non-current portion              
    equipment and     Mexican tax     of income taxes              
Deferred tax liabilities   mining interests     deconsolidation     payable     Other     Total  
At December 31, 2017 $ 95,696   $ 9,544   $   $ 22,884   $ 128,124  
(Benefit) expense to income statement   (63,314 )   488     1,752     (14,077 )   (75,151 )
Acquisition of Primero (Note 4)   33,000             20,024     53,024  
Charged to equity               7,105     7,105  
Reclassed to current income taxes payable       (3,288 )           (3,288 )
At December 31, 2018 $ 65,382   $ 6,744   $ 1,752   $ 35,936   $ 109,814  
(Benefit) expense to income statement   (32,381 )   498     13,220     (2,891 )   (21,554 )
Reclassed to current income taxes payable       (2,813 )           (2,813 )
At December 31, 2019 $ 33,001   $ 4,429   $ 14,972   $ 33,045   $ 85,447  
                               
Statements of Financial Position Presentation                              
Deferred tax assets                         $ 50,938  
Deferred tax liabilities                           90,643  
At December 31, 2018                         $ 39,705  
Deferred tax assets                         $ 51,141  
Deferred tax liabilities                           78,888  
At December 31, 2019                         $ 27,747  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

23.

INCOME TAXES (continued)

   
 

At December 31, 2019, the Company recognized $51.1 million (2018 - $50.9 million) of net deferred tax assets in entities that have had a loss for tax purposes in either 2019 or 2018, or both. In evaluating whether it is probable that sufficient taxable income will be generated to realize the benefit of these deferred tax assets, the Company considered all available evidence, including approved budgets, forecasts and business plans and, in certain cases, tax planning opportunities.

   
 

The aggregate amount of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries for which deferred taxes have not been recognized, as at December 31, 2019 was $379.3 million (2018 - $142.3 million).

   
 

As at December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company has available Canadian, Swiss and Mexican non-capital tax losses, which if not utilized will expire as follows:


    Canadian     Swiss     Mexican     December 31,     December 31,  
Year of expiry   non-capital losses     non-capital losses     non-capital losses     2019     2018  
2019 $   $   $   $   $ 1,726  
2020           544     544     274  
2021       3,166     4,659     7,825     10,402  
2022           4,060     4,060     3,719  
2023           2,213     2,213     1,763  
2024           39,319     39,319     36,214  
2025           51,911     51,911     91,844  
2026           113,630     113,630     105,683  
2027           56,760     56,760     52,654  
2028           99,315     99,315     68,546  
2029 and after   22,209         89,754     111,963     18,263  
Total $ 22,209   $ 3,166   $ 462,165   $ 487,540   $ 391,088  
Unrecognized losses $   $   $ 208,253   $ 208,253   $ 147,697  

24.

SHARE CAPITAL

     
  (a)

Authorized and issued capital

   

The Company has unlimited authorized common shares with no par value. The movement in the Company’s issued and outstanding capital during the period is summarized in the consolidated statements of changes in equity.

     
   

In May 2018, the Company completed an arrangement agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Primero by issuing 27,333,363 common shares at a price of $6.84 (CAD$8.80) based on the Company’s quoted market price as at the acquisition date. See Note 4 for details.

     
   

In December 2018, and subsequently amended in August 2019, the Company filed prospectus supplements to the short form base shelf prospectus, pursuant to which the Company may, at its discretion and from time-to-time, sell common shares of the Company for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $100.0 million. The sale of common shares would be made through “at-the-market distributions” (“ATM”), as defined in the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 44-102 Shelf Distributions, directly on the New York Stock Exchange. During the year ended December 31, 2019, First Majestic sold 11,172,982 common shares of the Company under the ATM program at an average price of $7.55 per share for gross proceeds of $84.4 million, or net proceeds of $81.9 million after costs. Subsequent to year end, the Company sold an additional 1,277,838 common shares under the ATM program at an average price of $10.81 per share for gross proceeds of $13.8 million.

     
  (b)

Stock options

   

Under the terms of the Company’s 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), the maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under the LTIP is 8% of the issued shares on a rolling basis. Options may be exercisable over periods of up to ten years as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company and the exercise price shall not be less than the closing price of the shares on the day preceding the award date, subject to regulatory approval. All stock options granted are subject to vesting with 25% vesting on first anniversary from the date of grant, and 25% vesting each six months thereafter.



NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

24.

SHARE CAPITAL (continued)

     
  (b)

Stock options (continued)

     
   

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as at December 31, 2019:




 
Exercise prices (CAD$)
        Options Outstanding                 Options Exercisable        
        Weighted Average     Weighted Average           Weighted Average     Weighted Average  
  Number of     Exercise Price     Remaining Life     Number of     Exercise Price     Remaining Life  
   Options     (CAD $/Share)     (Years)      Options     (CAD $/Share)     (Years)  
4.69 - 5.00   906,082     4.79     1.01     906,082     4.79     1.01  
5.01 - 10.00   3,795,640     8.38     8.08     719,766     8.55     6.53  
10.01 - 15.00   2,585,602     11.26     3.37     2,148,102     11.10     2.11  
15.01 - 20.00   100,000     16.06     1.65     100,000     16.06     1.65  
20.01 - 126.01   196,115     72.69     1.28     196,115     72.69     1.28  
    7,583,439     10.70     5.37     4,070,065     12.33     2.60  

The movements in stock options issued during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are summarized as follows:

    Year Ended December 31, 2019     Year Ended December 31, 2018  
          Weighted Average           Weighted Average  
    Number of     Exercise Price     Number of     Exercise Price  
     Options     (CAD $/Share)      Options     (CAD $/Share)  
Balance, beginning of the year   9,266,098     10.76     9,431,737     9.35  
Granted   2,601,680     8.83     2,552,796     15.95  
Exercised   (2,918,518 )   7.54     (973,948 )   5.28  
Cancelled or expired   (1,365,821 )   14.31     (1,744,487 )   13.78  
Balance, end of the year   7,583,439     10.70     9,266,098     10.76  

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the aggregate fair value of stock options granted was $8.5 million (December 31, 2018 - $7.8 million), or a weighted average fair value of $3.26 per stock option granted (December 31, 2018 - $3.07).

The following weighted average assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model:

 
  Year Ended Year Ended
 
  December 31, December 31,
Assumption 
Based on 2019 2018
Risk-free interest rate (%)   Yield curves on Canadian government zero- coupon bonds with a remaining term equal to the stock options’ expected life 2.01 1.87
Expected life (years)   Average of the expected vesting term and expiry term of the option 5.80 5.40
Expected volatility (%)   Historical and implied volatility of the precious metals mining sector 51.29 58.70
Expected dividend yield (%)   Annualized dividend rate as of the date of grant

   

The weighted average closing share price at date of exercise for the year ended December 31, 2019 was CAD$12.81 (December 31, 2018 - CAD$8.86).

     
  (c)

Restricted Share Units

     
   

The Company adopted the 2019 LTIP to allow the Company to grant to its directors, employees and consultants non- transferable Restricted Share Units (“RSU’s”) based on the value of the Company’s share price at the date of grant. Unless otherwise stated, the awards typically have a graded vesting schedule over a three-year period and can be settled either in cash or equity upon vesting at the discretion of the Company. The Company intends to settle all RSU’s in equity.

     
   

The associated compensation cost is recorded as share-based payments expense against equity reserves.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

24.

SHARE CAPITAL (continued)

     
  (c)

Restricted Share Units (continued)

     
   

The following table summarizes the changes in RSU’s for the year ended December 31, 2019:


    Year Ended December 31, 2019  
    Number of     Weighted Average  
     Shares     Fair Value  
Outstanding, beginning of the year     $  
Granted   274,520     7.29  
Settled   (145,576 )   7.29  
Forfeited        
Outstanding, end of the year   128,944     7.29  

  (d)

Delisting from the Mexican Stock Exchange

     
   

On February 21, 2018, the Company received authorization from the Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission to delist from the Mexican Stock Exchange (“Bolsa”) due to low trading volumes and high costs associated with regulatory compliance. In connection with the delisting, during the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company repurchased and cancelled 14,343 of the Company’s shares on Bolsa for total consideration of $0.1 million.


25.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED RISK MANAGEMENT

     
 

The Company’s financial instruments and related risk management objectives, policies, exposures and sensitivity related to financial risks are summarized below.

     
  (a)

Fair value and categories of financial instruments

     
   

Financial instruments included in the consolidated statements of financial position are measured either at fair value or amortized cost. Estimated fair values for financial instruments are designed to approximate amounts for which the instruments could be exchanged in an arm’s-length transaction between knowledgeable and willing parties.

     
   

The Company uses various valuation techniques in determining the fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on the extent to which the fair value is observable. The following fair value hierarchy is used to categorize and disclose the Company’s financial assets and liabilities held at fair value for which a valuation technique is used:

     
   

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities.

     
   

Level 2: All inputs which have a significant effect on the fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full contractual term

     
   

Level 3: Inputs which have a significant effect on the fair value are not based on observable market data.

     
   

The table below summarizes the valuation methods used to determine the fair value of each financial instrument:


Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value   Valuation Method
Trade receivables (related to concentrate sales)   Receivables that are subject to provisional pricing and final price adjustment at the end of the quotational period are estimated based on observable forward price of metal per London Metal Exchange (Level 2)
     
Marketable securities
Silver futures derivatives
Foreign exchange derivatives
  Based on quoted market prices for identical assets in an active market (Level 1) as at the date of statements of financial position
     
Financial Instruments Measured at Amortized Cost   Valuation Method
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
  Approximated carrying value due to their short-term nature
Debt facilities   Assumed to approximate carrying value as discount rate on these instruments approximate the Company’s credit risk.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

25.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

     
  (a)

Fair value and categories of financial instruments (continued)

     
   

The following table presents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value:


          December 31, 2019           December 31, 2018  
          Fair value measurement           Fair value measurement  
    Carrying value     Level 1     Level 2     Carrying value     Level 1     Level 2  
Financial assets                                    
Trade receivables $ 1,182   $   $ 1,182   $ 2,559   $   $ 2,559  
Marketable securities (Note 14)   6,506     6,506         6,420     6,420      
Silver futures derivatives (Note 14)               2,038     2,038      
Foreign exchange derivatives   982     982                  

   

There were no transfers between levels 1, 2 and 3 during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

     
  (b)

Capital risk management

     
   

The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to maintain financial flexibility to continue as a going concern while optimizing growth and maximizing returns of investments from shareholders.

     
   

The Company monitors its capital structure and, based on changes in operations and economic conditions, may adjust the structure by repurchasing shares, issuing new shares, issuing new debt or retiring existing debt. The Company prepares annual budget and quarterly forecasts to facilitate the management of its capital requirements. The annual budget is approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.

     
   

The capital of the Company consists of equity (comprising of issued capital, equity reserves and retained earnings or accumulated deficit), debt facilities, lease liabilities, net of cash and cash equivalents as follows:


    December 31,     December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Equity $ 662,321   $ 594,573  
Debt facilities   155,818     149,512  
Lease liabilities   21,936     5,847  
Less: cash and cash equivalents   (169,009 )   (57,013 )
  $ 671,066   $ 692,919  

   

The Company’s investment policy is to invest its cash in highly liquid short-term investments with maturities of 90 days or less, selected with regards to the expected timing of expenditures from continuing operations. The Company expects that its available capital resources will be sufficient to carry out its development plans and operations for at least the next 12 months.

     
   

The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements with the exception of complying with covenants under the debt facilities (Note 20) and lease liabilities (Note 21). As at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

     
  (c)

Financial risk management

     
   

The Company thoroughly examines the various financial instruments and risks to which it is exposed and assesses the impact and likelihood of those risks. These risks may include credit risk, liquidity risk, currency risk, commodity price risk, and interest rate risk. Where material, these risks are reviewed and monitored by the Board of Directors.

     
   

Credit Risk

     
   

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss if a customer or counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company’s credit risk relates primarily to trade receivables in the ordinary course of business, value added taxes receivable and other receivables.

     
   

As at December 31, 2019, value added taxes (“VAT”) receivable was $29.6 million (2018 - $59.7 million). Substantially, all of the historical VAT balances in arears for Primero Empresa Minera, S.A. de C.V. (“PEM”) have been recovered during 2019. Majority of the remaining balance of VAT receivable are now in a normal range of three to six months and the Company fully expects the amounts to be refunded in the future.

     
   

The Company sells and receives payment upon delivery of its silver doré and by-products primarily through three international customers. Silver-lead concentrates and related base metal by-products are sold primarily through three international customers. All of the Company’s customers have good ratings and payments of receivables are scheduled, routine and fully received within 60 days of submission; therefore, the balance of trade receivables owed to the Company in the ordinary course of business is not significant.

     
   

The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the consolidated financial statements represents the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk. With the exception to the above, the Company believes it is not exposed to significant credit risk.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
25.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

     
  (c)

Financial risk management (continued)

     
   

Liquidity Risk

   

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they arise. The Company has in place a planning and budgeting process to help determine the funds required to support the Company’s normal operating requirements and contractual obligations.

     
   

The following table summarizes the maturities of the Company’s financial liabilities as at December 31, 2019 based on the undiscounted contractual cash flows:


    Carrying     Contractual     Less than     2 to 3     4 to 5     After 5  
    Amount     Cash Flows     1 year     years     years     years  
Trade and other payables $ 59,123   $ 59,123   $ 59,123   $   $   $  
Debt facilities   155,818     188,439     4,209     26,263     157,967      
Lease liabilities   21,936     22,561     6,829     7,778     7,954      
Other liabilities   4,675     4,405                 4,405  
  $ 241,552   $ 274,528   $ 70,161   $ 34,041   $ 165,921   $ 4,405  

At December 31, 2019, the Company had working capital of $171.1 million (December 31, 2018 – $108.1 million). Total available liquidity at December 31, 2019 was $226.2 million, including $55.0 million of undrawn revolving credit facility. The Company believes it has sufficient cash on hand, combined with cash flows from operations, to meet operating requirements as they arise for at least the next 12 months.

Currency Risk

The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk primarily relating to financial instruments that are denominated in Canadian dollars or Mexican pesos, which would impact the Company’s net earnings or loss. To manage foreign exchange risk, the Company may occasionally enter into short-term foreign currency derivatives, such as forwards and options, to hedge its cash flows.

The sensitivity of the Company’s net earnings or loss and comprehensive income or loss due to changes in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar is included in the table below:

                                        December 31, 2019  
    Cash and     Trade and     Value added     Other     Trade and     Foreign     Net assets     Effect of +/-  
    cash     other     taxes     financial     other     exchange     (liabilities)     10% change in  
    equivalents     receivables     receivable     assets     payables     derivative     exposure     currency  
                                                 
Canadian dollar $ 14,182   $ 56   $   $ 3,010   $ (1,529 ) $   $ 15,719   $ 1,572  
Mexican peso   9,000         20,700         (33,635 )   27,000     23,065     2,307  
  $ 23,182   $ 56   $ 20,700   $ 3,010   $ (35,164 ) $ 27,000   $ 38,784   $ 3,878  

Commodity Price Risk

The Company is exposed to commodity price risk on silver, gold, lead and zinc, which have a direct and immediate impact on the value of its related financial instruments and net earnings. The Company’s revenues are directly dependent on commodity prices that have shown volatility and are beyond the Company’s control. The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge its commodity price risk to silver.

The following table summarizes the Company’s exposure to commodity price risk and their impact on net earnings:

                      December 31, 2019  
                Effect of +/- 10% change in metal prices  
    Silver     Gold     Lead     Total  
Metals subject to provisional price adjustments $ 65   $   $ 38   $ 103  
Metals in doré and concentrates inventory   90     238     6     334  
  $ 155   $ 238   $ 44   $ 437  

Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its short-term investments, debt facilities and lease liabilities. The Company monitors its exposure to interest rates and has not entered into any derivative contracts to manage this risk. The Company’s interest bearing financial assets comprise of cash and cash equivalents which bear interest at a mixture of variable and fixed rates for pre-set periods of time.

As at December 31, 2019, the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk on interest bearing liabilities is limited to its debt facilities and lease liabilities. The Company’s equipment leases bear interest at fixed rates.

Based on the Company’s interest rate exposure at December 31, 2019, a change of 25 basis points increase or decrease of market interest rate does not have a significant impact on net earnings or loss.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

26.

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION


    Year Ended December 31,  
 Note   2019     2018  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows before movements in working capital:            
 Unrealized foreign exchange loss and other $ 273   $ 659  
 Unrealized (gain) loss from marketable securities and silver futures derivatives   (1,765 )   4,435  
  $ (1,492 ) $ 5,094  
Net change in non-cash working capital items:            
 Decrease in trade and other receivables $ 1,304   $ 771  
 Decrease (increase) in value added taxes receivable   30,028     (17,173 )
 Decrease in inventories   2,829     2,015  
 Decrease in prepaid expenses and other   776     549  
 Decrease in income taxes payable   (6,569 )   (941 )
 Increase (decrease) in trade and other payables   8,959     (6,388 )
  $ 37,327   $ (21,167 )
Non-cash investing and financing activities:            
 Transfer of share-based payments reserve upon settlement of RSUs $ 988   $  
 Transfer of share-based payments reserve upon exercise of options $ 5,986   $ 967  
 Settlement of liabilities $   $ (500 )

 

As at December 31, 2019, cash and cash equivalents include $5.2 million (2018 - $4.9 million) that are held in trust as bonds for tax audits in Mexico that are expected to be resolved within the next 12 months.

   
27.

CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER MATTERS

   
 

Due to the size, complexity and nature of the Company’s operations, various legal and tax matters arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues for such items when a liability is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. In the opinion of management, these matters will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

   
 

Claims and Legal Proceedings Risks
The Company is subject to various claims and legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of business activities. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward- looking statements or information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: availability of time on court calendars in Canada and elsewhere; the recognition of Canadian judgments under Mexican law; the possibility of settlement discussions; the risk of appeal of judgment; and the insufficiency of the defendant’s assets to satisfy the judgment amount. Each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties and it is possible that some of these matters may be resolved unfavourably to the Company. First Majestic carries liability insurance coverage and establishes provisions for matters that are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In addition, the Company may be involved in disputes with other parties in the future which may result in a significant impact on our financial condition, cash flow and results of operations.

Although the Company has taken steps to verify ownership and legal title to mineral properties in which it has an interest, according to the usual industry standards for the stage of mining, development and exploration of such properties, these procedures do not guarantee the Company’s title. Such properties may be subject to prior agreements or transfers, and title may be affected by undetected defects. However, management is not aware of any such agreements, transfers or defects.

Primero Tax Rulings
Since Primero acquired the San Dimas Mine in August 2010, it had a Silver Purchase Agreement (“Old Stream Agreement”) that required PEM to sell 100% of the silver produced from the San Dimas mine to WPMI, up to 6 million ounces and 50% of silver produced thereafter, at the lower of: (i) the spot market price and (ii) $4.04 per ounce plus an annual increase of 1%.

In order to reflect commercial realities and the effects of the Old Stream Agreement, for Mexican income tax purposes, PEM recognized the revenue on these silver sales based on its actual realized revenue (“PEM Realized Price”) instead of at spot market prices.

To obtain assurances that the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (“SAT”) would accept the PEM Realized Price as the proper price to use to calculate Mexican income taxes, Primero applied for and received an Advanced Pricing Agreement (“APA”) from the SAT. The APA confirmed that the PEM Realized Price would be used as Primero’s basis for calculating taxes owed by Primero on the silver sold under the Old Stream Agreement. Primero believed that the function of an APA was to provide tax certainty and as a result made significant investments in Mexico based on that certainty. On October 4, 2012, Primero received the APA Ruling from SAT which confirmed the appropriate price for sales of silver under the Old Stream Agreement. Under Mexican tax law, an APA ruling is generally applicable for up to a five year period which made this ruling effective retrospectively from 2010 to 2014.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

27.

CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER MATTERS (continued)

   
 

Primero Tax Rulings (continued)

 

In February 2016, PEM received a legal claim from the SAT seeking to nullify the APA. The legal claim initiated does not identify any different basis for paying taxes. The Company is continuing Primero’s effort to vigorously defend the validity of its APA. If the SAT is successful in retroactively nullifying the APA, the SAT may seek to audit and reassess PEM in respect of its sales of silver in connection with the Old Stream Agreement for 2010 through 2014. If the SAT is successful in retroactively nullifying the APA and issuing reassessments, it would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Should the Company ultimately be required to pay tax on its silver revenues based on market prices without any mitigating adjustments, the incremental income tax for the years 2010-2018 would be approximately $188.3 million, before interest or penalties.

   
 

In 2019, as part of the ongoing annual audits of the PEM tax returns, the SAT issued reassessments for the 2010 to 2012 tax years in the total amount of $260.9 million inclusive of interest, inflation, and penalties. The key items relate to the view that PEM should pay taxes based on the market price of silver and denial of the deductibility of interest expense and service fees in Mexico all of which the Company disagrees with. The Company continues to defend the APA in the Mexican legal proceedings, as well as in proceedings between the competent tax authorities of Mexico, Canada, Luxembourg and Barbados. The APA remains valid and legally binding and the Company will continue vigorously disputing these reassessments. Based on the Company’s assessments with third party advisors, the Company believes Primero’s tax filings were appropriate and continues to believe its tax filing position based upon the APA is correct and, therefore, no liability has been recognized in the financial statements.

   
 

While the Company continues to vigorously defend the validity of the APA and its transfer pricing position, it is also engaging in various proceedings with the SAT seeking to resolve matters and bring tax certainty through a negotiated solution. Since January 1, 2015, PEM has recorded its revenue from the sale of silver for purposes of Mexican tax accounting in a manner consistent with the APA, on the basis that the applicable facts and laws have not changed. The Company’s legal and financial advisors continue to believe that the Company has filed its tax returns compliant with applicable Mexican law. Due to the uncertainty in timing of resolution to this matter, which may take more than one year, the Company has classified its income taxes receivable of $19.6 million as non-current at December 31, 2019 as SAT is not expected to refund PEM’s income taxes paid until the dispute is resolved.

   
 

To the extent the SAT determines that the appropriate price of silver sales under the Silver Purchase Agreement is significantly different from the realized price and while PEM would have rights of appeal in connection with any reassessments, it is likely to have a material effect on the Company’s business, financial position and results of operations.

   
 

La Encantada Tax Re-assessments

 

In December 2019, as part of the ongoing annual audits of the tax returns of Minera La Encantada S.A. de C.V. (“MLE”), the SAT issued tax assessments for fiscal 2012 and 2013 in the amount of $8.2 million and $6.7 million, respectively. The key items relate to forward silver purchase agreement and denial of the deductibility of mine development costs and service fees. The Company continues to defend the validity of the forward silver purchase agreement and will vigorously dispute the assessments that have been issued. The Company believes MLE’s tax filings were appropriate and its tax filing position is correct, therefore no liability has been recognized in the financial statements. The Company’s legal and financial advisors continue to believe that the Company has filed its tax returns in compliance with applicable Mexican law.

   
 

Primero Class Action Suit

 

In July 2016, Primero and certain of its officers were served with a class action lawsuit that was filed in federal court in the State of California seeking to recover damages for investors in the Company’s common shares under the U.S. federal securities laws. Primero filed a motion to dismiss this action which was granted on January 30, 2017. The plaintiff’s claims were dismissed without prejudice and the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on February 27, 2017. On July 14, 2017 the Company’s motion to dismiss the amended complaint was granted and the plaintiffs’ claims were dismissed without prejudice. Rather than amend the complaint again, the plaintiffs asked the federal court to enter final judgment and initiated an appeal of the dismissal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Court (the “Ninth Circuit”) on September 8, 2017. On September 17, 2019, a majority of the Ninth Circuit affirmed the district ruling dismissing the securities class action suit against Primero. A further petition by the plaintiffs for a rehearing “en banc” (a full rehearing of the appeal by 11 of the 29 judges on the Ninth Circuit) was denied on October 24, 2019. The period for plaintiffs to respond by filing a petition for a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court has now expired and we consider that this matter has concluded in the Company’s favour.

   
 

First Silver litigation

 

In April 2013, the Company received a positive judgment on the First Silver litigation from the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the “Court”), which awarded the sum of $93.8 million in favour of First Majestic against Hector Davila Santos (the “Defendant”). The Company received a sum of $14.1 million in June 2013 as partial payment of the judgment, leaving an unpaid amount of approximately $62.8 million (CAD$81.5 million). As part of the ruling, the Court granted orders restricting any transfer or encumbrance of the Bolaños Mine by the Defendant and limiting mining at the Bolaños Mine. The orders also require that the Defendant to preserve net cash flow from the Bolaños Mine in a holding account and periodically provide to the Company certain information regarding the Bolaños Mine. However, there can be no guarantee that the remainder of the judgment amount will be collected and it is likely that it will be necessary to take additional action in Mexico and/or elsewhere to recover the balance. Therefore, as at December 31, 2019, the Company has not accrued any of the remaining $62.8 million (CAD$81.5 million) unrecovered judgment in favour of the Company.



NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)

28.

SUBSIDIARIES

   
 

The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the following significant subsidiaries as at December 31, 2019 and 2018 as follows:


      2019 2018
      % %
Name of subsidiary Operations and Projects Location Owenership Owenership
First Majestic Silver Corp. Parent company and bullion sales Canada 100% 100%
Corporación First Majestic, S.A. de C.V. Holding company Mexico 100% 100%
Primero Empresa Minera, S.A de C.V. San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine Mexico 100% 100%
Nusantara de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine Mexico 100% 100%
Minera La Encantada, S.A. de C.V. La Encantada Silver Mine Mexico 100% 100%
La Encantada Procesadora de Minerales, S.A. de C.V. La Encantada Silver Mine Mexico 100% 100%
First Majestic Plata, S.A. de C.V. La Parrilla Silver Mine Mexico 100% 100%
Minera El Pilón, S.A. de C.V. San Martin Silver Mine Mexico 100% 100%
First Majestic Del Toro, S.A. de C.V. Del Toro Silver Mine Mexico 100% 100%
La Guitarra Compañia Minera, S.A. de C.V. La Guitarra Silver Mine Mexico 100% 100%
Majestic Services, S.A. de C.V. Service company Mexico 100% 100%
Santa Elena Oro y Plata, S.A. de C.V. Service company Mexico 100% 100%
FM Metal Trading (Barbados) Ltd. Metals trading company Barbados 100% 100%
Silver Trading (Barbados) Ltd. Metals trading company Barbados 100% 100%
FMS Trading AG Metals trading company Switzerland 100% 100%

29.

KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION


    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Salaries, bonuses, fees and benefits            
Independent members of the Board of Directors $ 790   $ 702  
Other members of key management   4,267     3,212  
Share-based payments            
Independent members of the Board of Directors   439     306  
Other members of key management   2,975     2,587  
  $ 8,471   $ 6,807  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements.


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of First Majestic Silver Corp. (“First Majestic” or “the Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2019, which are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”). All dollar amounts are expressed in United States (“US”) dollars and tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise indicated. Certain amounts shown in this MD&A may not add exactly to total amounts due to rounding differences.

This MD&A contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to risk factors set out in a cautionary note contained at the end of this MD&A. All information contained in this MD&A is current and has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company as of February 18, 2020 unless otherwise stated.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

First Majestic is a multinational mining company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, focused on primary silver production in México, pursuing the development of its existing mineral properties and acquiring new assets. The Company owns three producing mines: the San Dimas Silver/ Gold Mine, the Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, the La Encantada Silver Mine, and three mines recently put on temporary suspension: the San Martin Silver Mine, the Del Toro Silver Mine and the La Parrilla Silver Mine. Since September 2, 2019, the Company has temporarily suspended milling operations at the La Parrilla mine in order to build adequate surface stockpiles to be used during the research and development stage for the new high-recovery microbubble flotation cells in 2020. In January 2020, the Company disclosed a temporary suspension of mining and milling operations at the Del Toro mine in order to improve overall operating cash flows and profit margins while focusing on an expanded drill program in the area. In the meantime, the Company will continue evaluating mining methods and metallurgical test work at Del Toro, focusing on the San Juan ore body which contains a large zinc mineral resource. Additionally, the Company will continue supporting corporate social responsibility (“CSR”) projects and community activities to assist local stakeholders and partners in the communities surrounding the Del Toro and La Parrilla mines.

First Majestic is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AG”, on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “FR” and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “FMV”.



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

2019 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS                        
                         
Key Performance Metrics   2019     2018     2017     Change ‘19 vs ‘18  
Operational                        
Ore Processed / Tonnes Milled   2,831,999     3,375,452     2,981,506     (16%)  
Silver Ounces Produced   13,241,118     11,679,452     9,749,591     13%  
Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced   25,554,288     22,243,071     16,207,905     15%  
Cash Costs per Ounce (1) $ 5.16   $ 6.98   $ 7.04     (26%)  
All-in Sustaining Cost per Ounce (1) $ 12.64   $ 14.95   $ 13.82     (15%)  
Total Production Cost per Tonne (1) $ 75.05   $ 60.71   $ 50.12     24%  
Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce (1) $ 16.40   $ 15.53   $ 17.12     6%  
                         
Financial (in $millions)                        
Revenues $ 363.9   $ 300.9   $ 252.3     21%  
Mine Operating Earnings (Loss) (2) $ 66.2   $ (11.9 ) $ 16.0     NM  
Impairment of non-current Assets $ (58.7 ) $ (199.7 ) $ (65.5 )   71%  
(Loss) Earnings before Income Taxes $ (39.0 ) $ (263.0 ) $ (75.3 )   85%  
Net (Loss) Earnings $ (40.5 ) $ (204.2 ) $ (53.3 )   80%  
Operating Cash Flows before Working Capital and Taxes (2) $ 108.9   $ 61.6   $ 81.0     77%  
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 169.0   $ 57.0   $ 118.1     196%  
Working Capital (1) $ 171.1   $ 108.1   $ 116.3     58%  
                         
Shareholders                        
Earnings (Loss) per Share (“EPS”) - Basic $ (0.20 ) $ (1.11 ) $ (0.32 )   82%  
Adjusted EPS (1) $ 0.04   $ (0.21 ) $ (0.04 )   117%  
Cash Flow per Share (1) $ 0.54   $ 0.34   $ 0.49     61%  

NM - Not meaningful

(1)

The Company reports non-GAAP measures which include cash costs per ounce produced, all-in sustaining cost per ounce, total production cost per tonne, average realized silver price per ounce sold, working capital, adjusted EPS and cash flow per share. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. See “Non-GAAP Measures” on pages 36 to 43 for a reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.

   
(2)

The Company reports additional GAAP measures which include mine operating earnings and operating cash flows before working capital and taxes. These additional financial measures are intended to provide additional information and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. See “Additional GAAP Measures” on page 43.


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

Operational Highlights

Annual Production Summary   San Dimas     Santa Elena     La Encantada     San Martin     La Parrilla     Del Toro     Consolidated  
Ore Processed / Tonnes Milled   691,576     875,435     890,008     101,362     167,535     106,083     2,831,999  
Silver Ounces Produced   6,305,672     2,435,604     3,083,410     555,595     557,603     303,234     13,241,118  
Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced   13,831,627     6,316,277     3,099,717     692,541     1,120,490     493,636     25,554,288  
Cash Costs per Ounce $ 1.41   $ (0.51 ) $ 11.89   $ 13.45   $ 15.59   $ 28.26   $ 5.16  
All-in Sustaining Cost per Ounce $ 7.26   $ 3.02   $ 13.90   $ 18.73   $ 26.29   $ 37.77   $ 12.64  
Total Production Cost per Tonne $ 131.90   $ 60.23   $ 40.06   $ 91.65   $ 78.99   $ 98.29   $ 75.05  

Financial Highlights


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

2019 FOURTH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

Key Performance Metrics   2019 - Q4     2019 - Q3     Change Q4 vs Q3     2018 - Q4     Change Q4 vs Q4  
Operational                              
Ore Processed / Tonnes Milled   626,482     655,967     (4%)     850,272     (26%)  
Silver Ounces Produced   3,348,424     3,367,740     (1%)     3,250,816     3%  
Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced   6,233,412     6,636,716     (6%)     6,485,761     (4%)  
Cash Costs per Ounce (1) $ 3.73   $ 3.83     (3%)   $ 6.06     (38%)  
All-in Sustaining Cost per Ounce (1) $ 12.25   $ 10.76     14%   $ 12.83     (5%)  
Total Production Cost per Tonne (1) $ 78.62   $ 78.87     0%   $ 65.31     20%  
Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce (1) $ 17.46   $ 17.63     (1%)   $ 14.47     21%  
                               
Financial (in $millions)                              
Revenues $ 96.5   $ 97.0     (1%)   $ 74.1     30%  
Mine Operating Earnings (Loss) $ 23.9   $ 27.8     (14%)   $ (9.0 )   NM  
Impairment of non-current Assets $ (44.9 ) $     0%   $ (168.0 )   73%  
Net (Loss) Earnings $ (39.9 ) $ 8.6     NM   $ (164.4 )   76%  
Operating Cash Flows before Movements Working                              
Capital and Taxes (2) $ 32.9   $ 34.6     (5%)   $ 11.0     199%  
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 169.0   $ 118.6     42%   $ 57.0     196%  
Working Capital (1) $ 171.1   $ 149.2     15%   $ 108.1     58%  
                               
Shareholders                              
Earnings (Loss) per Share (“EPS”) - Basic $ (0.19 ) $ 0.04     NM   $ (0.85 )   77%  
Adjusted EPS (1) $ 0.00   $ 0.06     (98%)   $ (0.05 )   103%  
Cash Flow per Share (1) $ 0.16   $ 0.17     (6%)   $ 0.06     182%  

 

NM - Not meaningful

   
(1)

The Company reports non-GAAP measures which include cash costs per ounce produced, all-in sustaining cost per ounce, total production cost per tonne, average realized silver price per ounce sold, working capital, adjusted EPS and cash flow per share. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. See “Non-GAAP Measures” on pages 36 to 43 for a reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.


Fourth Quarter Production Summary   San Dimas     Santa Elena     La Encantada     Del Toro     Consolidated  
Ore Processed / Tonnes Milled   182,265     196,640     221,049     26,528     626,482  
Silver Ounces Produced   1,658,721     619,321     987,630     82,752     3,348,424  
Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced   3,516,117     1,592,397     991,856     133,042     6,233,412  
Cash Costs per Ounce $ 0.74   $ (1.40 ) $ 10.12   $ 28.62   $ 3.73  
All-in Sustaining Cost per Ounce $ 7.41   $ 3.66   $ 12.67   $ 38.84   $ 12.25  
Total Production Cost per Tonne $ 127.19   $ 68.77   $ 43.92   $ 106.99   $ 78.62  


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

Operational Highlights

Financial

2020 PRODUCTION OUTLOOK AND COST GUIDANCE UPDATE

This section provides management’s production outlook and cost guidance for 2020. These are forward-looking estimates and are subject to the cautionary note regarding the risks associated with relying on forward-looking statements at the end of this MD&A. Actual results may vary based on production throughputs, grades, recoveries and changes in economic circumstances.

The Company expects 2020 silver production to range between 11.8 to 13.2 million ounces with total production (including gold by-products) between 21.5 to 24.0 million silver equivalent ounces. The Company’s guidance assumes production coming only from its three largest mines: the San Dimas, Santa Elena and La Encantada mines. The La Parrilla mine is expected to remain suspended throughout 2020 and the Del Toro mine production is being wound down with no production anticipated during 2020, however, both mines are receiving expanded exploration budgets for 2020. The re-opening date of the San Martin mine is contingent on security conditions in the region and cannot be determined at this time. By suspending the Company’s higher cost lead and zinc concentrate producing mines, management is now able to focus all of its efforts on cost reduction and innovation at its most profitable silver and gold mines.


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

2020 Production and Cost Guidance Highlights

The Company plans to increase production at San Dimas by restarting mining operations at the past-producing Tayoltita mine by the end of the first quarter and expects to ramp up production to add another 300 tpd to San Dimas throughput by the end of 2020. The Tayoltita mine was the original mining area at San Dimas and is known to contain high silver grades. In addition, the Company plans to install a new 3,000 tpd HIG mill circuit and an autogenous grinding mill in the second half of 2020 to further improve recoveries and reduce operating costs.

The Company expects higher silver production at Santa Elena due to improved metallurgical recoveries from the recently installed HIG mill. The Company also plans to install an autogenous/semi-autogenous (“AG/SAG”) grinding mill by the end of 2020 and plans to implement a dual-circuit flowsheet to separate the ultra-fine and coarse particles prior to leaching to further improve metallurgical recoveries and reduce energy costs. Additionally, the Company plans to convert power generation at Santa Elena from diesel to liquified natural gas (“LNG”) in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Silver production at La Encantada is expected to increase to between 2.9 to 3.3 million ounces due to continued improvements in metallurgical recoveries and good grades from the San Javier and La Prieta sub-level caving areas. Furthermore, the Company is preparing to bring the Milagros breccia into production in the fourth quarter of 2020.

As management cannot estimate when the security disruptions at the San Martin mine will be resolved, the assumption is that the San Martin mine is to remain in temporary suspension throughout 2020, as previously announced in the Company’s news release on July 15, 2019. The Company continues to work with authorities to secure the area but there is no indication of when a restart of the operation might occur.

Following an extensive review of the Del Toro operation, the Company decided to temporarily suspend mining and milling operations in 2020 in order to improve operating cash flow and profit margins while focusing efforts on an expanded drill program in the area. This expanded program will include approximately 22,450 metres of drilling to test near mine, brownfield and greenfield targets in an effort to develop new resources necessary to support a potential reopening in the future, subject to a sufficient improvement in economics to justify a restart. Meanwhile, the Company will continue evaluating mining methods and metallurgical testwork on the San Juan Cuerpo 3 orebody which contains a large zinc mineral resource.

Additionally, the Company will continue supporting CSR projects and activities to assist the communities and local stakeholders and partners in the communities surrounding the La Parrilla and Del Toro mines. In 2019, the La Parrilla mine produced a total of 1,120,490 silver equivalent ounces while the Del Toro mine produced 493,636 silver equivalent ounces which accounted for approximately 4% and 2%, respectively, of the Company’s annual production.

A mine-by-mine breakdown of the 2020 production guidance is included in the table below. Cash cost and all-in sustaining cost per ounce (“AISC”) guidance is shown per payable silver ounce. Metal price and foreign currency assumptions for calculating equivalents are: silver: $17.00/oz, gold: $1,450/oz, MXN:USD 19:1.

Mine Silver Oz (M) Gold Oz (K) Silver Eqv Oz (M)      Cash Costs ($) AISC ($)*
San Dimas 6.5 - 7.2 81 - 90 13.4 - 14.9 2.47 - 3.62 8.28 - 10.10
Santa Elena 2.4 - 2.7 33 - 36 5.2 - 5.8 6.67 - 8.29 9.80 - 11.77
La Encantada 2.9 - 3.3 - 2.9 - 3.3 12.27 - 13.29 14.96 - 16.29
Consolidated 11.8 - 13.2 114 - 126 21.5 - 24.0 $ 5.76 - $6.97 $ 13.37 - $15.46

*Certain amounts shown may not add exactly to the total amount due to rounding differences.
*Consolidated AISC includes Corporate General & Administrative cost estimates and non-cash costs of $2.61 to $2.90 per payable silver ounce.



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

Operational Highlights

The Company is projecting its 2020 AISC, as defined by the World Gold Council, to be within a range of $13.37 to $15.46 on a per consolidated payable silver ounce basis. Excluding non-cash items, the Company anticipates its 2020 AISC to be within a range of $12.54 to $14.53 per payable silver ounce. An itemized AISC cost table is provided below:

All-In Sustaining Cost Calculation(1) FY 2020 ($/Ag oz)
Total Cash Costs per Payable Silver Ounce (2) 5.76 – 6.97
General and Administrative Costs 1.78 – 1.98
Sustaining Development Costs 2.09 – 2.33
Sustaining Property, Plant and Equipment Costs 1.88 - 2.10
Sustaining Exploration Costs 0.04 – 0.04
Operating Lease Payments 0.40 – 0.45
Profit Sharing 0.60 – 0.66
Share-based Payments (non-cash) 0.65 – 0.72
Accretion of Reclamation Costs (non-cash) 0.18 – 0.20
All-In Sustaining Costs: (WGC definition) $ 13.37 – $15.46
All-In Sustaining Costs: (WGC excluding non-cash items) $ 12.54 – $14.53

1.

AISC is a non-GAAP measure and is calculated based on guidance provided by the World Gold Council (“WGC”) in June 2013. AISC is used as a comprehensive measure for the Company’s consolidated operating performance. WGC is a not a regulatory industry organization and does not have the authority to develop accounting standards for disclosure requirements. Other mining companies may calculate AISC differently as a result of differences in underlying accounting principles, the definition of “sustaining costs” and the distinction between sustaining and expansionary capital costs.

   
2.

Total cash cost per payable silver ounce includes estimated royalties and 0.5% mining environmental fee of $0.10 per ounce.

Innovation Remains a Key Focus in 2020

Driven by significant improvements in metallurgical recoveries at Santa Elena following the installation of the 3,000 tpd HIG mill circuit in 2019, the Company has elected to install HIG mill technology at its San Dimas and La Encantada mines in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

At San Dimas, the Company plans to install a new 3,000 tpd HIG mill circuit in 2020 to further improve recoveries and reduce operating costs. The delivery of the HIG mill is expected in the first quarter of 2020 followed by installation and commissioning in the second half of 2020. Furthermore, milling at San Dimas will be converted into a single AG grinding mill thereby eliminating the use of the three standard ball mills currently in operation. This AG conversion is expected to reduce energy consumption, eliminate steel grinding media, improve metallurgical recoveries and streamline maintenance and mill practices.

At Santa Elena, the Company plans to implement a dual-circuit flowsheet to separate the ultra-fine and coarse particles prior to leaching to further improve metallurgical recoveries and reduce operating costs. Separating the different sized particles allows for more effective use of available retention time, decreased reagent consumption and improved filtration circuit performance. Additionally, a new AG/SAG mill circuit is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2020.

At La Encantada, the Company plans to invest in several plant modernizations in 2020 intended to improve processing efficiencies including, but not limited to: upgrading the tailings filter presses and belt conveyors; replacing the main gear and rakes for two thickeners; as well as completing the detailed engineering design in the second half of 2020 for a new 3,000 tpd HIG mill circuit, which is expected to be installed and commissioned in 2021.

Capital Investments for Future Growth

In 2020, the Company plans to invest a total of $171.5 million on capital expenditures consisting of $52.6 million for sustaining investments and $118.9 million for expansionary projects. This represents a 24% increase compared to the revised 2019 capital budget and is aligned with the Company’s future growth strategy of investments in new milling technologies, processing plant modernizations and underground development of the Ermitaño project to prepare the mine for production in early 2021.

The 2020 annual budget includes total capital investments of $62.9 million to be spent on underground development; $32.9 million towards property, plant and equipment; $28.2 million in exploration; and $47.5 million towards automation and efficiency projects. Additionally, the Company has been working on reducing its general and administration costs to optimize the business due to the suspension of operations at Del Toro and La Parrilla. Management reserves the right to revise the guidance and operating budgets during the year to reflect actual and anticipated changes in metal prices or to changes in the business.

The Company plans to complete a total of approximately 38,650 metres of underground development in 2020 compared with 54,517 metres completed in 2019. This 29% decrease is primarily due to the recent suspension of mining activities at the San Martin, La Parrilla and Del Toro mines. The 2020 development program consists of approximately 23,750 metres at San Dimas; 6,100 metres at Santa Elena; 4,450 metres at La Encantada; 3,800 metres at the Ermitaño project near Santa Elena; and 550 metres at Del Toro.

The Company also plans to complete approximately 192,900 metres of exploration drilling in 2020 compared to 204,371 metres completed in 2019. The 2020 drilling program consists of approximately 84,750 metres at San Dimas intended to add new mineral resources with a focus on the West, Central, and Tayoltita blocks; 30,500 metres at Santa Elena to continue exploring the Main and America veins and test greenfield targets around Los Hernandez; 21,200 metres at La Encantada with an emphasis on exploring the mineral potential of several brownfield targets; 15,000 metres at the Ermitaño project intended to increase resource confidence and add new mineral resources; and 22,450 metres at Del Toro and 19,000 metres at La Parrilla intended to test near mine, brownfield, and greenfield targets.


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

OVERVIEW OF OPERATING RESULTS

Selected Production Results for the Past Eight Quarters

          2019                   2018        
PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS   Q4     Q3(3)(4 )   Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3(2 )   Q2(1 )   Q1  
Ore processed/tonnes milled                                                
San Dimas   182,265     173,679     172,368     163,264     172,641     176,884     85,765      
Santa Elena   196,640     229,094     229,761     219,941     221,945     225,873     228,054     223,498  
La Encantada   221,049     191,926     207,421     269,611     206,812     196,030     237,862     276,191  
San Martin           39,213     62,148     66,924     67,926     74,431     75,374  
La Parrilla       33,439     61,544     72,551     125,751     117,130     123,642     125,114  
Del Toro   26,528     27,829     26,587     25,138     56,200     65,323     65,879     79,769  
La Guitarra                       14,891     35,715     29,829  
Consolidated   626,482     655,967     736,896     812,654     850,272     864,056     851,349     809,775  
                                                 
Silver equivalent ounces produced                                                
San Dimas   3,516,117     3,502,102     3,641,139     3,172,270     3,127,871     3,225,352     1,698,382      
Santa Elena   1,592,397     1,859,170     1,461,345     1,403,364     1,587,396     1,475,635     1,407,880     1,543,776  
La Encantada   991,856     891,205     492,957     723,699     451,244     379,773     327,458     452,420  
San Martin           271,450     421,091     511,911     557,746     524,843     574,838  
La Parrilla       258,683     420,712     441,095     563,703     537,986     605,826     615,541  
Del Toro   133,042     125,557     122,879     112,158     243,637     427,218     323,714     437,743  
La Guitarra                       136,605     249,214     255,359  
Consolidated   6,233,412     6,636,716     6,410,483     6,273,677     6,485,761     6,740,315     5,137,318     3,879,678  
                                                 
Silver ounces produced                                                
San Dimas   1,658,721     1,639,481     1,603,016     1,404,454     1,367,028     1,445,918     808,923      
Santa Elena   619,321     632,216     596,872     587,195     567,754     598,693     535,015     521,784  
La Encantada   987,630     885,627     489,194     720,959     449,632     378,983     325,603     449,522  
San Martin           224,056     331,539     404,523     438,061     419,815     483,740  
La Parrilla       135,420     202,698     219,485     312,144     330,047     360,862     337,332  
Del Toro   82,752     74,997     77,729     67,757     149,734     231,350     167,591     236,478  
La Guitarra                       82,292     138,454     138,173  
Consolidated   3,348,424     3,367,740     3,193,56     63,331,388     3,250,816     3,505,344     2,756,263     2,167,030  
                                                 
Cash cost per ounce                                                
San Dimas $ 0.74   $ 2.28   $ 1.64   $ 0.93   $ 0.58   $ (0.40   $ 0.24 $      
Santa Elena $ (1.40   $ (7.24   $ 4.28   $ 2.81   $ (1.06   $ 5.77   $ 1.39 $     (4.74  
La Encantada $ 10.12   $ 10.72   $ 16.57   $ 12.60   $ 15.60   $ 21.15   $ 23.05 $     16.93  
San Martin $   $   $ 16.52   $ 11.35   $ 10.40   $ 9.78   $ 9.68 $     8.04  
La Parrilla $   $ 16.27   $ 14.13   $ 16.58   $ 13.80   $ 16.29   $ 10.42 $     11.02  
Del Toro $ 28.62   $ 29.83   $ 27.29   $ 27.20   $ 27.69   $ 13.07   $ 18.01 $     13.66  
La Guitarra $   $   $   $   $   $ 6.99   $ 12.89 $     7.97  
Consolidated $ 3.73   $ 3.83   $ 6.84   $ 6.34   $ 6.06   $ 6.85   $ 7.59 $     7.83  
                                                 
All-in sustaining cost per ounce                                                
San Dimas $ 7.41   $ 7.30   $ 8.49   $ 5.65   $ 5.35   $ 6.74   $ 5.41 $      
Santa Elena $ 3.66   $ (5.17   $ 7.73   $ 6.37   $ 2.18   $ 9.03   $ 6.60 $     (0.17  
La Encantada $ 12.67   $ 12.67   $ 18.87   $ 13.72   $ 18.70   $ 27.25   $ 30.81 $     20.97  
San Martin $   $   $ 21.15   $ 15.67   $ 13.60   $ 13.37   $ 12.49 $     9.98  
La Parrilla $   $ 28.81   $ 21.61   $ 25.62   $ 21.18   $ 23.34   $ 16.39 $     17.66  
Del Toro $ 38.84   $ 39.77   $ 36.33   $ 35.89   $ 37.83   $ 24.48   $ 32.08 $     20.61  
La Guitarra $   $   $   $   $   $ 12.30   $ 18.11 $     15.76  
Consolidated $ 12.25   $ 10.76   $ 14.76   $ 12.91   $ 12.83   $ 15.12   $ 16.43 $     16.01  
                                                 
Production cost per tonne                                                
San Dimas $ 127.19   $ 135.71   $ 142.42   $ 122.17   $ 113.66   $ 105.91   $ 148.91 $      
Santa Elena $ 68.77   $ 57.78   $ 58.88   $ 56.53   $ 54.55   $ 63.15   $ 55.97 $     54.31  
La Encantada $ 43.92   $ 47.86   $ 38.29   $ 32.71   $ 33.20   $ 40.20   $ 31.09 $     27.00  
San Martin $   $   $ 109.51   $ 80.39   $ 83.27   $ 88.15   $ 72.77 $     68.06  
La Parrilla $   $ 89.40   $ 75.96   $ 76.78   $ 52.47   $ 58.18   $ 49.10 $     48.12  
Del Toro $ 106.99   $ 98.98   $ 91.89   $ 95.06   $ 84.67   $ 73.50   $ 69.23 $     58.12  
La Guitarra $   $   $   $   $   $ 68.47   $ 83.68 $     86.50  
Consolidated $ 78.62   $ 78.87   $ 77.93   $ 66.65   $ 65.31   $ 68.87   $ 61.04 $     46.88  

1)

San Dimas production results in the second quarter of 2018 included 52 days from the period May 10, 2018 to June 30, 2018.

   
2)

La Guitarra was placed on care and maintenance on August 3, 2018.

   
3)

Effective September 2, 2019, the Company has temporarily suspended milling operations at the La Parrilla mine in order to build adequate surface stockpiles to be used during the commissioning phase of the new high-recovery microbubble flotation cells in 2020.

   
4)

Activities at San Martin have been temporarily suspended since July 1, 2019 due to a growing insecurity in the area and safety concerns for our workforce. The Company is working with authorities to secure the area in anticipation of restarting the operation in 2020.



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

Operating Results – Consolidated Operations

                                        Change     Change  
CONSOLIDATED   2019 - Q4     2019 - Q3     2019 - Q2     2019 - Q1     2019 - YTD     2018 - YTD     Q4 vs Q3     ‘19 vs ‘18  
Ore processed/tonnes milled   626,482     655,967     736,896     812,654     2,831,999     3,375,452     (4%)     (16%)  
Average silver grade (g/t)   189     181     159     153     169     134     4%     26%  
Average gold grade (g/t)   1.71     1.76     1.48     1.26     1.54     1.08     (3%)     43%  
Average lead grade (%)   2.71     2.22     2.04     1.85     2.08     1.84     22%     13%  
Average zinc grade (%)       1.12     1.39     1.22     1.13     0.73     (100%)     55%  
Silver recovery (%)   88%     88%     85%     83%     86%     80%     0%     8%  
Gold recovery (%)   97%     96%     96%     96%     96%     95%     1%     1%  
Lead recovery (%)   58%     64%     62%     67%     63%     62%     (9%)     2%  
Zinc recovery (%)   0%     68%     52%     48%     54%     55%     (100%)     (2%)  
                                                 
Production                                                
 Silver ounces produced   3,348,424     3,367,740     3,193,566     3,331,388     13,241,118     11,679,452     (1%)     13%  
 Gold ounces produced   33,176     35,791     33,576     32,037     134,580     111,084     (7%)     21%  
 Pounds of lead produced   914,370     1,907,305     2,452,803     2,661,088     7,935,566     16,135,438     (52%)     (51%)  
 Pounds of zinc produced       1,026,739     1,398,922     1,265,438     3,691,100     5,695,657     (100%)     (35%)  
Total production -  ounces silver equivalent   6,233,412     6,636,716     6,410,483     6,273,677     25,554,288     22,243,071     (6%)     15%  
                                                 
Cost                                                
 Cash cost per ounce $ 3.73   $ 3.83   $ 6.84   $ 6.34   $ 5.16   $ 6.98     (3%)     (26%)  
 All-In sustaining costs per ounce $ 12.25   $ 10.76   $ 14.76   $ 12.91   $ 12.64   $ 14.95     14%     (15%)  
 Total production cost per tonne $ 78.62   $ 78.87   $ 77.93   $ 66.65   $ 75.05   $ 60.71     0%     24%  
                                                 
Underground development (m)   11,775     11,265     15,531     15,947     54,517     68,171     5%     (20%)  
Diamond drilling (m)   57,830     54,247     54,578     37,716     204,371     211,695     7%     (3%)  

Production

Total annual production in 2019 reached a record 25,554,288 silver equivalent ounces, representing an increase of 15% compared to the previous year and near the top end of the Company’s guidance of 24.4 to 26.0 million silver equivalent ounces. The increase in production was primarily attributed to the San Dimas mine, which contributed 13,831,627 silver equivalent ounces of production during its first full year of operation under First Majestic, and a 92% increase in production from the La Encantada mine.

During the year, the Company also achieved record consolidated silver recoveries of 86%, the highest in its 17-year history. The most significant improvements were attributed to La Encantada and Santa Elena. At Santa Elena, annual silver recoveries improved to 91% compared to 88% in the previous year. The recovery rate is a new record following the successful start-up of the new 3,000 tpd HIG mill. The Company also plans to install a new 3,000 tpd HIG mill circuit and an AG grinding mill at San Dimas in the second half of 2020 to further improve consolidated recoveries and reduce overall operating costs. At La Encantada, silver recoveries increased from 66% in the first half of the year to 80% in the second half, following a revised throughput methodology which included stockpiling and the focus on finer grinding.

Total production for the fourth quarter was 6,233,412 silver equivalent ounces, representing a 6% decrease compared to the prior quarter primarily due to lower gold grades and reduction in tonnes milled at Santa Elena in the month of December due to heavy rains impacting ore and waste haulage and the ability to produce from the heap leach pads. Total production consisted of 3.3 million ounces of silver, 33,176 ounces of gold and 0.9 million pounds lead.

Total ore processed during the quarter at the Company’s mines amounted to 626,482 tonnes, representing a 4% decrease compared to the previous quarter. The decrease in tonnes processed was primarily due to a reduction in tonnes milled at Santa Elena in the month of December due to heavy rains.

Consolidated silver grades in the quarter averaged 189 g/t compared to 181 g/t in the previous quarter, while consolidated gold grades averaged 1.71 g/t compared to 1.76 g/t in the prior quarter. Consolidated silver and gold recoveries averaged 88% and 97%, respectively, consistent with the previous quarter.


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

Cash Cost and All-In Sustaining Cost per Ounce

Cash cost per ounce for 2019 was $5.16, a decrease of $1.82 per ounce or 26% compared to $6.98 in the previous year and below the Company’s guidance of $5.62 to $6.18 per ounce. The decrease in cash cost was primarily due to the addition of the San Dimas mine since May 2018, which had a low cash cost of $1.41 per ounce, and the suspension of operations at the Company’s higher cost mines, including the La Guitarra, La Parrilla and San Martin mines, over the past two years.

AISC per ounce in 2019 was $12.64, a decrease of $2.31 per ounce or 15% compared to the previous year and below the range of the Company’s 2019 guidance of $12.98 to $13.94 per ounce. The decrease in AISC per ounce was attributed to lower cash costs as well as reduction in sustaining capital expenditures as the Company shifts its focus towards its most profitable operations.

In the fourth quarter, cash cost per ounce was $3.73 per payable ounce of silver, a decrease of 3% from $3.83 per ounce in the third quarter of 2019. The decrease in consolidated cash cost was primarily attributed to a temporary suspension of operating activities at the higher cost La Parrilla mine.

AISC in the fourth quarter increased by 14% to $12.25 compared to $10.76 per ounce in the previous quarter, primarily attributed to an increase in sustaining capital expenditures at San Dimas for mine infrastructure improvements and advancement of sustaining development activities at Santa Elena.

Development and Exploration

In 2019, the Company completed 54,517 metres of underground development and 204,371 metres of diamond drilling, a decrease of 20% and 3%, respectively, compared to the previous year. During the fourth quarter, the Company completed 11,775 metres of underground development compared to 11,265 metres in the previous quarter.

The 2019 exploration program included completion of 76,467 metres in 267 drill holes at San Dimas, 18,943 metres in 67 holes at Santa Elena, 33,767 metres in 103 holes at Ermitaño, 17,739 metres in 67 holes at La Encantada, 16,968 metres in 68 holes at Del Toro, 24,440 metres in 56 holes at La Parrilla and 12,617 metres in 58 holes at San Martin. In addition, the Company completed 3,431 metres of greenfield drilling in 11 holes at Santa Elena’s Los Hernandez project.

The 2020 drilling program is planned to consist of 192,900 metres including approximately 84,750 metres at San Dimas intended to add new mineral resources with a focus on the West, Central, and Tayoltita blocks; 30,500 metres at Santa Elena to continue exploring the Main and America veins and test greenfield targets around Los Hernandez; 15,000 metres at the Ermitaño project intended to increase resource confidence and add new mineral resources; 21,200 metres at La Encantada with an emphasis on exploring the mineral potential of several brownfield targets; and 22,450 metres at Del Toro and 19,000 metres at La Parrilla intended to test near mine, brownfield, and greenfield targets.

San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, Durango, México

The San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine is located approximately 130 km northwest of Durango, Durango State, Mexico and consists of 71,868 hectares of mining claims located in the states of Durango and Sinaloa, Mexico. San Dimas is one of the country’s most prominent silver mines and the largest producing underground mine in the state of Durango with over 250 years of operating history. First Majestic acquired the San Dimas mine in May 2018 with the acquisition of Primero Mining Corp. The San Dimas operating plan involves processing ore from several underground mining areas with a 2,500 tpd capacity milling operation which produces silver/gold doré bars. The mine is accessible via a 40-minute flight from the Durango International Airport to the municipal airstrip in the town of Tayoltita. The Company owns 100% of the San Dimas mine.

                                        Change     Change  
San Dimas   2019 - Q4     2019 - Q3     2019 - Q2     2019 - Q1     2019 - YTD     2018 - YTD     Q4 vs Q3     ‘19 vs ‘18  
Total ore processed/tonnes milled   182,265     173,679     172,368     163,264     691,576     435,289     5%     59%  
Average silver grade (g/t)   305     315     312     287     305     274     (3%)     11%  
Average gold grade (g/t)   3.83     4.00     4.32     4.18     4.08     3.99     (4%)     2%  
Silver recovery (%)   93%     93%     93%     93%     93%     95%     0%     (2%)  
Gold recovery (%)   97%     97%     96%     96%     96%     97%     0%     (1%)  
                                                 
Production                                                
 Silver ounces produced   1,658,721     1,639,481     1,603,016     1,404,454     6,305,672     3,621,868     1%     74%  
 Gold ounces produced   21,713     21,534     23,082     21,095     87,424     54,098     1%     62%  
 Total production - ounces silver equivalent   3,516,117     3,502,102     3,641,139     3,172,270     13,831,627     8,051,605     0%     72%  
                                                 
Cost                                                
 Cash cost per ounce $ 0.74   $ 2.28   $ 1.64   $ 0.93   $ 1.41   $ 0.11     (68%)     NM  
 All-In sustaining costs per ounce $ 7.41   $ 7.30   $ 8.49   $ 5.65   $ 7.26   $ 5.92     2%     23%  
 Total production cost per tonne $ 127.19   $ 135.71   $ 142.42   $ 122.17   $ 131.90   $ 117.46     (6%)     12%  
                                                 
Underground development (m)   6,763     5,334     6,254     5,669     24,021     13,063     27%     84%  
Diamond drilling (m)   23,905     19,688     16,683     16,191     76,467     43,510     21%     76%  
NM - Not meaningful                                                


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

2019 vs. 2018

In the full year of 2019, San Dimas produced 6,305,672 ounces of silver and 87,424 ounces of gold for a total production of 13,831,627 silver equivalent ounces, a 72% increase compared to 8,051,605 silver equivalent ounces in the previous year since First Majestic acquired the mine in May 2018. The mill processed 691,576 tonnes with average silver and gold grades of 305 g/t and 4.08 g/t, respectively. Head grades were slightly lower in the previous year due to processing of lower grade stopes left behind that were deemed uneconomical under the old streaming agreement and became economical under the new streaming agreement.

During the year, cash cost per ounce averaged $1.41 compared to $0.11 per ounce in 2018, whereas AISC averaged $7.26 per ounce in 2019 compared to $5.92 per ounce in 2018. The slight increase was primarily contributed to higher labour costs as well as sustaining capital expenditures for mine infrastructure improvements.

During the year, a total of 24,021 metres of underground development and 76,467 metres of diamond drilling were completed.

With the acquisition of Primero, First Majestic renegotiated San Dimas’ streaming agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals International Ltd. (“WPM”), which is entitled to receive 25% of the gold equivalent production (based on a fixed exchange ratio of 70 silver ounces to 1 gold ounce) from San Dimas in exchange for ongoing payments equal to the lesser of $600 (subject to a 1% annual inflation adjustment) and the prevailing market price for each gold ounce delivered, with provisions to adjust the gold to silver ratio if the average gold to silver ratio moves above 90:1 or below 50:1, respectively, for a period of six months. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company delivered 44,667 ounces of gold to WPM at $604 per ounce.

2019Q4 vs. 2019Q3

During the fourth quarter, the San Dimas mine produced 1,658,721 ounces of silver and 21,713 ounces of gold for a total production of 3,516,117 silver equivalent ounces, consistent compared to the prior quarter. The mill processed a total of 182,265 tonnes with average silver and gold grades of 305 g/t and 3.83 g/t, respectively. The high-grade Victoria, Jessica and Roberta veins contributed approximately 135,620 tonnes during the quarter.

Silver and gold recoveries averaged 93% and 97%, respectively, during the quarter which were consistent with the prior quarter.

In the fourth quarter, cash cost and AISC per ounce were $0.74 and $7.41 per ounce, respectively, compared to $2.28 and $7.30 per ounce in the prior quarter. The decrease in cash cost was primarily attributed to higher gold by-product credits compared to the prior quarter.

A total of 6,763 metres of underground development was completed in the fourth quarter, an increase of 27% compared to the prior quarter, while diamond drilling increased 21% to 23,905 metres from 19,688 metres in the prior quarter. Eight drill rigs were active during the quarter completing 19,688 metres of drilling in 67 holes.

During the quarter, rehabilitation efforts continued inside the past producing Tayoltita mine with ground support, sampling, mapping and drilling activities in order to prepare for the restart of production by the end of the first quarter and is expected to ramp up to 300 tpd by the end of 2020. The Tayoltita mine was the original mining area at San Dimas and is known to contain high silver grades. The mine portal is located approximately 150 metres away from the ore pad used to feed the crushing circuit.


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, Sonora, México

The Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine is located approximately 150 kilometres northeast of the city of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and owns mining concessions totaling over 102,244 hectares. The operating plan for Santa Elena involves the processing of ore in a 3,000 tpd cyanidation circuit from a combination of underground reserves and spent ore from the previous heap leach pad. The Company owns 100% of the Santa Elena mine.

                                        Change     Change  
Santa Elena   2019 - Q4     2019 - Q3     2019 - Q2     2019 - Q1     2019 - YTD     2018 - YTD     Q4 vs Q3     ‘19 vs ‘18  
Total ore processed/tonnes milled   196,640     229,094     229,761     219,941     875,435     899,370     (14%)     (3%)  
Underground tonnes                                                
 Tonnes milled   129,833     132,437     142,831     136,984     542,085     531,072     (2%)     2%  
 Average silver grade (g/t)   142     141     123     121     131     123     1%     7%  
 Average gold grade (g/t)   2.52     3.02     1.89     1.87     2.31     2.44     (17%)     (5%)  
                                                 
Heap leach tonnes                                                
 Tonnes milled   66,807     96,657     86,930     82,957     333,351     368,298     (31%)     (9%)  
 Average silver grade (g/t)   32     32     38     47     37     35     0%     6%  
 Average gold grade (g/t)   0.61     0.61     0.64     0.78     0.66     0.63     0%     5%  
Silver recovery (%)   94%     91%     89%     89%     91%     88%     3%     3%  
Gold recovery (%)   96%     96%     94%     95%     95%     95%     0%     0%  
                                                 
Production                                                
 Silver ounces produced   619,321     632,216     596,872     587,195     2,435,604     2,223,246     (2%)     10%  
 Gold ounces produced   11,391     14,154     9,839     9,735     45,119     46,856     (20%)     (4%)  
Total production - ounces  silver equivalent   1,592,397     1,859,170     1,461,345     1,403,364     6,316,277     6,014,687     (14%)     5%  
                                                 
Cost                                                
 Cash cost per ounce $ (1.40 ) $ (7.24 ) $ 4.28   $ 2.81   $ (0.51 ) $ 0.50     (81%)     (202%)  
 All-In sustaining costs per ounce $ 3.66   $ (5.17 ) $ 7.73   $ 6.37   $ 3.02   $ 4.54     (171%)     (33%)  
 Total production cost per tonne $ 68.77   $ 57.78   $ 58.88   $ 56.53   $ 60.23   $ 57.01     19%     6%  
                                                 
Underground development (m)   1,951     1,943     2,069     2,277     8,241     10,866     0%     (24%)  
Diamond drilling (m)   11,729     16,655     16,465     11,291     56,141     36,661     (30%)     53%  

2019 vs. 2018

In 2019, Santa Elena produced 2,435,604 ounces of silver and 45,119 ounces of gold for a total production of 6,316,277 equivalent silver ounces, a 5% increase compared to 6,014,687 equivalent silver ounces in 2018. The mill processed a total of 875,435 tonnes compared to 899,370 tonnes in the previous year.

Silver and gold grades from underground ore averaged 131 g/t and 2.31 g/t, respectively, compared to 123 g/t and 2.44 g/t in the previous year. Silver recoveries improved from 88% in 2018 to 91% this year while gold recoveries remained consistent at 95%.

The increase in recoveries was primarily attributed to the new 3,000 tpd HIG mill, which reached steady state production during the third quarter following a successful ramp up. The total project took less than one year to achieve commercial production and is currently the only operating HIG mill processing mine ore in Latin America. Quarterly average recovery rates improved further in the fourth quarter to a record 94% after the mill operated for the full period.

In 2019, cash cost was negative $0.51 per ounce, compared to $0.50 per ounce in the previous year, while AISC decreased to $3.02 per ounce from $4.54 per ounce in the previous year. The decrease in cash costs and AISC were primarily due to an increase in silver production as a result of improvements in silver head grades and recoveries.

In July 2019, the Company acquired additional strategic concessions within the primary land boundaries of the Santa Elena land holdings, known as El Capulin for $0.2 million, adding an additional 400 hectares to its existing substantial land package.

The Santa Elena mine has a gold streaming agreement with Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (“Sandstorm”), which requires the mine to sell 20% of its gold production from the leach pad and a designated area of its underground operations over the life of mine to Sandstorm. The selling price to Sandstorm is currently the lesser of $450 per ounce (subject to a 1% annual inflation increase every April) and the prevailing market price. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company delivered 9,164 ounces of gold to Sandstorm at an average price of $459 per ounce.

During the year, the Company completed 18,943 metres in 67 drill holes at Santa Elena, 33,767 metres in 103 drill holes at Ermitaño and 3,431 metres of greenfield drilling in 11 holes at the Los Hernandez project.



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

2019Q4 vs. 2019Q3

During the fourth quarter, Santa Elena produced 619,321 ounces of silver and 11,391 ounces of gold for a total production of 1,592,397 silver equivalent ounces, reflecting a decrease of 14% compared to the prior quarter. The decrease in total production of silver equivalent ounces was primarily due to lower gold grades and reduction in tonnes milled at Santa Elena in the month of December due to unusually heavy rains in the region impacting ore and waste haulage and the ability to produce from the heap leach pads.

The mine processed a total of 196,640 tonnes during the quarter, consisting of 129,833 tonnes (or approximately 66% of production) of underground ore and 66,807 tonnes (or approximately 34% of production) from the above ground heap leach pad.

Silver and gold grades from underground ore averaged 142 g/t and 2.52 g/t, respectively, and above ground heap leach pad averaged 32 g/t and 0.61 g/t. Silver and gold recoveries during the quarter continued to improve and reached 94% and 96%, respectively, following the successful ramp up of the new 3,000 tpd HIG mill, which reached steady state production in the third quarter.

Cash cost in the fourth quarter was negative $1.40 per ounce, compared to negative $7.24 per ounce in the previous quarter. AISC in the fourth quarter increased to $3.66 per ounce compared to negative $5.17 per ounce in the previous quarter. The increase in cash cost and AISC were primarily attributed to a decrease in gold by-product credits due to a 17% decrease in underground gold grade and an increase in the advancement of sustaining development activities.

In December, the Company executed the first blast of the new mine portal and began the 3,800 metre development program at the Ermitaño project which is designed to prepare five production levels with all associated mining infrastructure prior to commencing production in early 2021. The production from Ermitaño is expected to replace the current feed from the old heap pads which is currently making up approximately 40% of the feed to the mill.

In the fourth quarter, a total of 1,951 metres of underground development was completed compared to 1,943 metres in the previous quarter. During the quarter, four rigs were active at Ermitaño completing 5,967 metres in 17 holes. Two underground rigs were active at Santa Elena completing 2,331 metres in 12 holes and one drill rig at Los Hernandez completing 3,431 metres in 11 holes. In addition, above ground earthwork activities began to prepare the area for the installation of surface facilities and portal construction at Ermitaño

The Company is expected to release a Pre-feasibility Study and updated Resource estimates on the Ermitaño project in 2020.

La Encantada Silver Mine, Coahuila, México

The La Encantada Silver Mine is an underground mine located in the northern México State of Coahuila, 708 kilometres northeast of Torreon. La Encantada has 4,076 hectares of mineral concessions and surface land ownership of 1,343 hectares. La Encantada also has a 4,000 tpd cyanidation plant, a village with 180 houses as well as administrative offices, laboratory, general store, hospital, airstrip and all infrastructure required for such an operation. The mine is accessible via a two-hour flight from the Durango International Airport to the mine’s private airstrip, or via a mostly-paved road from the closest city, Muzquiz, Coahuila State, which is 225 kilometres away. The Company owns 100% of the La Encantada Silver Mine.

                                        Change     Change  
La Encantada   2019 - Q4     2019 - Q3     2019 - Q2     2019 - Q1     2019 - YTD     2018 - YTD     Q4 vs Q3     ‘19 vs ‘18  
Ore processed/tonnes milled   221,049     191,926     207,421     269,611     890,008     916,894     15%     (3%)  
Average silver grade (g/t)   176     176     110     126     146     95     0%     54%  
Silver recovery (%)   79%     82%     66%     66%     74%     57%     (3%)     30%  
                                                 
Production                                                
 Silver ounces produced   987,630     885,627     489,194     720,959     3,083,410     1,603,740     12%     92%  
 Gold ounces produced   49     65     43     33     190     89     (25%)     113%  
Total production - ounces  silver equivalent   991,856     891,205     492,957     723,699     3,099,717     1,610,895     11%     92%  
                                                 
Cost                                                
 Cash cost per ounce $ 10.12   $ 10.72   $ 16.57   $ 12.60   $ 11.89   $ 18.80     (6%)     (37%)  
 All-In sustaining costs per ounce $ 12.67   $ 12.67   $ 18.87   $ 13.72   $ 13.90   $ 23.82     0%     (42%)  
 Total production cost per tonne $ 43.92   $ 47.86   $ 38.29   $ 32.71   $ 40.06   $ 32.28     (8%)     24%  
                                                 
Underground development (m)   1,293     1,426     1,300     1,426     5,444     6,078     (9%)     (10%)  
Diamond drilling (m)   4,114     5,976     5,371     2,279     17,739     19,461     (31%)     (9%)  


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

2019 vs. 2018

In 2019, La Encantada produced 3,083,410 ounces of silver and 190 ounces of gold for a total of 3,099,717 silver equivalent ounces, an increase of 92% compared to 1,610,895 silver equivalent ounces in 2018. The increase was primarily due to a 54% increase in silver head grade and a 30% increase in silver recovery, partially offset by a 3% decrease in tonnes milled.

Silver recoveries averaged 74% during the year, compared to 57% in 2018, due to a revised throughput methodology which included selective stockpiling, focus on finer grinding and a change in management reporting structure of personnel at the processing plant. Silver recoveries improved from 66% in the first half of the year to 80% in the second half.

Silver grades during the year averaged 146 g/t, an increase of 54% compared to 95 g/t in 2018. The improvement in the grade was driven by higher grades from the San Javier and La Prieta sub-level caving areas.

Cash cost per ounce during the year was $11.89 a decrease of 37% compared to $18.80 per ounce in the previous year, primarily due to a 92% increase in silver equivalent ounces compared to 2018. AISC for the year was $13.90 per ounce, a 42% decrease compared to $23.82 in 2018.

A total of 5,444 metres of underground development and 17,739 metres of diamond drilling were completed in 2019 compared to 6,078 metres of underground development and 19,461 metres of diamond drilling in the prior year.

No production has been assumed from roasted tailings during 2020 pending further engineering studies.

2019Q4 vs. 2019Q3

During the quarter, La Encantada produced 987,630 silver ounces, representing a 12% increase from the previous quarter, and the highest quarterly production in the past five years. The increase in silver production was primarily due to a 15% increase in throughput compared to the prior quarter.

Silver recoveries averaged 79% during the quarter compared to 82% in the prior quarter.

Silver grades during the quarter averaged 176 g/t consistent with the prior quarter. The improvement in the grade in the second half of the year was the driven by higher grades from the San Javier and La Prieta sub-level caving areas.

Cash cost per ounce for the quarter was $10.12 per ounce, a decrease of 6% compared to $10.72 per ounce in the previous quarter, primarily due to a 11% increase in total silver ounces production. AISC per ounce for the quarter was $12.67 consistent with the prior quarter.

A total of 1,293 metres of underground development was completed in the third quarter compared to 1,426 metres in the prior quarter. During the quarter, ramp development started to access the Milagros breccia to prepare the mine for initial sub- level caving production in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Three underground rigs and one surface rig were active during the quarter and completed 4,114 metres in 21 holes.



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

San Martin Silver Mine, Jalisco, México

The San Martin Silver Mine is an underground mine located near the town of San Martin de Bolaños in the Bolaños river valley, in the northern portion of the State of Jalisco, México. San Martin has 33 contiguous mining concessions in the San Martin de Bolaños mining district covering mineral rights for 37,560 hectares, including the application to acquire a new mining concession covering 24,723 hectares. In addition, the mine owns 160 hectares of surface land where the processing plant, camp, office facilities, maintenance shops, and tailings dams are located, and an additional 640 hectares of surface rights. The 1,300 tpd mill and processing plant consists of crushing, grinding and conventional cyanidation by agitation in tanks and a Merrill-Crowe doré production system. The mine can be accessed via small plane, 150 kilometres from Durango, or 250 kilometres by paved road north of Guadalajara, Jalisco. The San Martin Silver Mine is 100% owned by the Company.

                            Change  
San Martin   2019 - Q2     2019 - Q1     2019 - YTD     2018 - YTD     ‘19 vs ‘18  
Ore processed/tonnes milled   39,213     62,148     101,362     284,656     (64%)  
Average silver grade (g/t)   197     187     191     218     (12%)  
Average gold grade (g/t)   0.46     0.60     0.53     0.64     (17%)  
Silver recovery (%)   90%     89%     89%     87%     2%  
Gold recovery (%)   93%     93%     93%     90%     3%  
                               
Production                              
 Silver ounces produced   224,056     331,539     555,595     1,746,139     (68%)  
 Gold ounces produced   543     1,069     1,611     5,226     (69%)  
 Total production - ounces silver equivalent   271,450     421,091     692,541     2,169,338     (68%)  
                               
Cost                              
 Cash cost per ounce $ 16.52   $ 11.35   $ 13.45   $ 9.42     43%  
 All-In sustaining costs per ounce $ 21.15   $ 15.67   $ 18.73   $ 12.28     53%  
 Total production cost per tonne $ 109.51   $ 80.39   $ 91.65   $ 77.66     18%  
                               
Underground development (m)   2,783     3,091     5,874     11,722     (50%)  
Diamond drilling (m)   7,754     4,863     12,617     25,788     (51%)  

2019 vs. 2018

In July 2019, the Company temporarily suspended all mining and processing activities at the San Martin operation due to a growing insecurity in the area and safety concerns for our workforce. The Company is working with government authorities to secure the area in anticipation of restarting the operation in 2020, although the exact date is currently not determinable and therefore no production has been budgeted during 2020.

In 2019, San Martin produced 555,595 silver ounces and 1,611 ounces of gold for a total production of 692,541 silver equivalent ounces compared to 2,169,338 silver equivalent ounces in the prior year. Silver recoveries averaged 89% compared to 87% in the prior year and gold recoveries averaged 93% during the year compared to 90% in the prior year.

Cash cost per ounce was $13.45 during the year compared to $9.42 in the prior year. AISC per ounce during the year was $18.73 compared to $12.28 in 2018.

In 2019, a total of 5,874 metres of underground development and 12,617 metres of diamond drilling in 58 holes were completed compared to 11,722 metres of underground development and 25,788 metres of diamond drilling in the prior year.


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

La Parrilla Silver Mine, Durango, México

The La Parrilla Silver Mine, located approximately 65 kilometres southeast of the city of Durango in Durango State, México, is a complex of producing underground operations consisting of the Rosarios, La Blanca and San Marcos mines which are inter- connected through underground workings, and the Vacas and Quebradillas mines which are connected via above-ground gravel roads. The total mining concessions consist of 69,478 hectares. The Company owns 60 hectares, and leases an additional 107 hectares of surface rights, for a total of 167 hectares of surface rights. La Parrilla includes a 2,000 tpd sequential processing plant consisting of a 1,000 tpd cyanidation circuit and a 1,000 tpd flotation circuit, an ISO certified central laboratory, buildings, offices and associated infrastructure. The Company owns 100% of the La Parrilla Silver Mine.

                                  Change  
San Parrilla   2019 - Q3     2019 - Q2     2019 - Q1     2019 - YTD     2018 - YTD     ‘19 vs ‘18  
Total ore processed/tonnes milled   33,439     61,544     72,551     167,535     491,637     (66%)  
Average silver grade (g/t)   169     147     119     139     108     29%  
Average lead grade (%)   2.12     2.12     1.76     1.96     1.39     41%  
Average zinc grade (%)   2.05     1.99     1.64     1.85     1.60     16%  
Silver recovery (%)   75%     70%     79%     75%     76%     (1%)  
Lead recovery (%)   64%     59%     69%     64%     73%     (12%)  
Zinc recovery (%)   68%     52%     48%     54%     55%     (2%)  
                                     
Production                                    
 Silver ounces produced   135,420     202,698     219,485     557,603     1,340,385     (58%)  
 Pounds of lead produced   1,005,300     1,708,152     1,946,096     4,659,549     6,550,602     (29%)  
 Pounds of zinc produced   1,026,739     1,398,922     1,265,438     3,691,100     5,695,657     (35%)  
 Total production - ounces silver equivalent   258,683     420,712     441,095     1,120,490     2,323,056     (52%)  
                                     
Cost                                    
 Cash cost per ounce $ 16.27   $ 14.13   $ 16.58   $ 15.59   $ 12.83     22%  
 All-In sustaining costs per ounce $ 28.81   $ 21.61   $ 25.62   $ 26.29   $ 19.57     34%  
 Total production cost per tonne $ 89.40   $ 75.96   $ 76.78   $ 78.99   $ 51.88     52%  
                                     
Underground development (m)   1,422     2,154     2,452     6,660     11,443     (42%)  
Diamond drilling (m)   6,345     5,112     2,100     24,440     30,713     (20%)  

2019 vs. 2018

On September 2, 2019, the Company temporarily suspended milling operations at the La Parrilla mine in order to build adequate surface stockpiles to be used for research and development of a new high-recovery microbubble flotation system. The Company is currently using the La Parrilla mill as a research and development facility while continuing the expanded exploration program into 2020. The reopening of the underground mine at La Parrilla is not determinable at this time and therefore no production has been budgeted during 2020.

In 2019, La Parrilla produced 557,603 silver ounces, 4,659,549 pounds of lead and 3,691,100 pounds of zinc for a total production of 1,120,490 silver equivalent ounces compared to 2,323,056 silver equivalent ounces in the prior year. Silver recoveries averaged 75% during the year, consistent with 76% in the prior year.

In 2019, cash cost and AISC per ounce were $15.59 and $26.29, respectively, compared to cash cost per ounce of $12.83 and AISC per ounce of $19.57 in 2018. The increases in cash cost and AISC per ounce were primarily attributed to a decrease in production and an increase in severance costs due to layoffs.

In 2019 a total of 6,660 metres of underground development and 24,440 metres of diamond drilling in 56 holes were completed compared to 11,443 metres of underground development and 30,713 metres of diamond drilling in 2018. In the fourth quarter, 633 metres of underground development were completed and one underground rig and three surface rigs were active and completed 10,883 metres in 15 holes.

The Company will continue supporting CSR projects and activities to assist the community and local stakeholders and partners in the communities surrounding the La Parrilla mine.



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

Del Toro Silver Mine, Zacatecas, México

The Del Toro Silver Mine is located 60 kilometres to the southeast of the Company’s La Parrilla mine and consists of 2,130 hectares of mining concessions and 219 hectares of surface rights. The Del Toro operation represents the consolidation of three historical silver mines, the Perseverancia, San Juan and Dolores mines, which are approximately one and three kilometres apart, respectively. Del Toro includes a 2,000 tpd flotation circuit and a 2,000 tpd cyanidation circuit which is currently in care and maintenance. First Majestic owns 100% of the Del Toro Silver Mine.

                                        Change     Change  
Del Toro   2019 - Q4     2019 - Q3     2019 - Q2     2019 - Q1     2019 - YTD     2018 - YTD     Q4 vs Q3     ‘19 vs ‘18  
Ore processed/tonnes milled   26,528     27,829     26,587     25,138     106,083     267,170     (5%)     (60%)  
Average silver grade (g/t)   131     115     117     114     119     132     14%     (10%)  
Average lead grade (%)   2.71     2.33     1.87     2.12     2.26     2.89     16%     (22%)  
Silver recovery (%)   74%     73%     78%     74%     74%     69%     1%     7%  
Lead recovery (%)   58%     63%     68%     61%     62%     56%     (8%)     11%  
                                                 
Production                                                
 Silver ounces produced   82,752     74,997     77,729     67,757     303,234     785,154     10%     (61%)  
 Pounds of lead produced   914,370     902,005     744,651     714,992     3,276,018     9,584,836     1%     (66%)  
Total production - ounces  silver equivalent   133,042     125,557     122,879     112,158     493,636     1,432,312     6%     (66%)  
                                                 
Cost                                                
 Cash cost per ounce $ 28.62   $ 29.83   $ 27.29   $ 27.20   $ 28.26   $ 17.10     (4%)     65%  
 All-In sustaining costs per ounce $ 38.84   $ 39.77   $ 36.33   $ 35.89   $ 37.77   $ 27.49     (2%)     37%  
 Total production cost per tonne $ 106.99   $ 98.98   $ 91.89   $ 95.06   $ 98.29   $ 70.20     8%     40%  
                                                 
Underground development (m)   1,135     1,140     970     1,032     4,277     11,493     0%     (63%)  
Diamond drilling (m)   7,200     5,583     3,192     993     16,968     21,305     29%     (20%)  

2019 vs. 2018

In 2019, Del Toro produced 303,234 ounces of silver and 3,276,018 pounds of lead for a total production of 493,636 silver equivalent ounces compared to 1,432,312 silver equivalent ounces in 2018.

Silver grades and recoveries during 2019 averaged 119 g/t and 74%, respectively, compared to 132 g/t and 69%, in 2018. During 2019, lead grades and recoveries averaged 2.3% and 62%, respectively, compared to 2.9 g/t and 56%, in 2018.

During the year cash cost was $28.26 per ounce, compared to $17.10 per ounce in the previous year. AISC during the year was $37.77 per ounce from $27.49 per ounce in the previous year. The increase was primarily attributed to the decrease in silver ounces produced.

In 2019, a total of 4,277 metres of development and 16,968 metres of diamond drilling were completed in 68 holes compared to 11,493 metres of development and 21,305 metres of diamond drilling in 2018.

Following an extensive review of the Del Toro operation, the Company has decided to temporarily suspend mining and milling operations in 2020 in order to improve overall operating cash flows and profit margins while focusing on an expanded drill program in the area. This expanded program will include approximately 22,450 metres of drilling to test near mine, brownfield and greenfield targets in an effort to develop new resources necessary to support a potential reopening in the future, subject to a sufficient improvement in mineral economics to justify a restart. In the meantime, the Company will continue evaluating mining methods and metallurgical testwork on the San Juan Cuerpo 3 orebody which contains a large zinc mineral resource.

Additionally, the Company will continue supporting CSR projects and activities to assist the communities and local stakeholders and partners in the communities surrounding the Del Toro mine.

2019Q4 vs. 2019Q3

During the fourth quarter, the Del Toro mine produced 82,752 ounces of silver and 914,370 pounds of lead for a total of 133,042 silver equivalent ounces, a 6% increase compared to 125,557 silver equivalent ounces produced in the previous quarter due to a 14% increase in average silver grades, slightly offset by a 5% decrease in tonnes milled.

Silver grades and recoveries during the quarter averaged 131 g/t and 74%, respectively. Lead grades and recoveries averaged 2.71% and 58%, respectively, compared to 115 g/t and 63% in the prior quarter.

Cash cost and AISC per ounce for the quarter were $28.62 and $38.84, respectively, a slight decrease compared to $29.83 and $39.77, per ounce in the previous quarter. The decrease was primarily attributed to the increase in silver ounces produced.

In the fourth quarter, a total of 1,135 metres of development were completed compared to 1,140 metres in the third quarter and one surface rig and two underground rigs completed 7,200 metres in 22 holes compared to 5,583 metres of drilling in the previous quarter.


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

La Guitarra Silver Mine, México State, México

The La Guitarra Silver Mine is located in the Temascaltepec Mining District in the State of México, México, approximately 130 kilometres southwest from México City. The La Guitarra mine covers 39,714 hectares of mining claims and has a 500 tpd flotation processing plant, buildings and related infrastructure. The Company owns 100% of the La Guitarra Silver Mine.

The La Guitarra milling and mining operations were placed under care and maintenance effective August 3, 2018 and the Company is currently reviewing strategic options including the potential sale of the operation. The Company received the final permit for the new tailings impoundment facility on August 12, 2019 and will continue with remediation programs to prepare the operation for a potential reopening in the future, subject to sufficient improvement in the economic situation to justify a restart of the operation. Ongoing care and maintenance activities include pumping and de-watering of the underground mine, preparation for closure of the tailings dam and water treatment.

OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

For the quarters ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands of dollars, except for per share amounts):

    Forth Quarter 2019     Forth Quarter 2018     Variance %    
                     
Revenues $ 96,476   $ 74,128     30 %   (1)
Mine operating costs                    
 Cost of sales   55,033     56,230     (2)%   (2)
 Depletion, depreciation and amortization   17,502     26,925     (35)%   (3)
    72,535     83,155     (13)%    
Mine operating earnings (loss)   23,941     (9,027 )   365 %   (4)
                     
General and administrative expenses   7,644     5,942     29 %   (5)
Share-based payments   1,907     943     102 %    
Mine holding costs   4,409     636     NM   (6)
Impairment of non-current assets   58,739     168,028     (65)%   (7)
Acquisition costs       16     (100)%    
Foreign exchange (gain) loss   (1,947 )   1,684     NM    
Operating (loss) earnings   (46,811 )   (186,276 )   75 %    
Investment and other income   1,475     1,095     35 %    
Finance costs   (3,940 )   (3,388 )   16 %    
(Loss) earnings before income taxes   (49,276 )   (188,569 )   74 %    
Current income tax expense   10,487     724     NM    
Deferred income tax recovery   (19,817 )   (24,850 )   (20)%    
Income tax recovery   (9,330 )   (24,126 )   (61)%   (8)
Net loss for the period $ (39,946 ) $ ($164,443 )   (76)%   (9)
                     
Earnings (loss) per share (basic and diluted) $ (0.19 ) $ (0.85 )   (77)%   (9)

NM - Not meaningful


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

1.

Revenues in the quarter increased 30% compared to the same quarter of the previous year primarily attributed to:

     
 

a 21% increase in average realized price per ounce of silver sold of $17.46 compared to $14.47 per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2018, resulting in a $18.3 million increase in revenues; and

     
 

a 6% increase in payable equivalent silver ounces sold at market prices compared to the same quarter of the prior year, resulting in a $9.9 million increase in revenues. Payable equivalent silver ounces sold was negatively impacted in the fourth quarter of last year due to the bankruptcy of one of the refineries used by the Company, which resulted in a loss of approximately 758,000 silver equivalent ounces of inventory.

   
2.

Cost of sales in the quarter decreased 2% or $1.2 million compared to the same quarter of the previous year as a result of the following factors:

     
 

a $6.3 million decrease in production costs, primarily due to temporary suspension of operating activities at the La Parrilla mine and San Martin mine;

 

Partially offset by:

     
 

a $3.2 million increase in change in inventories due to timing of shipments.

   
3.

Depletion, depreciation and amortization in the quarter decreased $9.4 million or 35% compared to the same quarter of the previous year primarily as a result of:

     
 

a $6.5 million decrease at the La Parrilla mine primarily due to the impairment charge taken at the end of 2018 and temporary suspension of milling activities effective September 2, 2019; and

     
 

a $1.5 million decrease due to temporary suspension of operating activities at the San Martin mine since July 1, 2019.

   
4.

Mine operating earnings during the quarter increased by $33.0 million to $23.9 million compared to a loss of $9.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to improved metal prices and an increased allocation of production from the Company’s more profitable operations.

     
5.

General and administrative expenses increased $1.7 million or 29% compared to the same quarter of 2018, primarily attributed to an increase in salaries and benefits associated with the addition of certain senior positions and legal costs associated with fiscal audits in Mexico.

     
6.

Mine holding costs increased by $3.8 million compared to the same quarter of 2018, primarily due to the temporary suspension of milling activities at the La Parrilla mine effective September 2, 2019.

     
7.

Impairment on non-current assets: In the fourth quarter, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $58.7 million, or $52.4 million net of tax, in relation to the La Encantada mine. Impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2018 was $168.0 million, or $130.6 million net of tax, as a result of an impairment charge on the La Parrilla and Del Toro mine due to decrease in estimated Reserves and Resources amidst a decline in metal prices and increased operating costs

     
8.

During the quarter, the Company recorded an income tax recovery of $9.3 million compared to an income tax recovery of $24.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. The decrease in income tax recovery was attributed primarily to a decrease in net loss before taxes, offset by a decrease in value of tax loss carryforwards and the foreign exchange impact on the Company’s Mexican Peso denominated future income tax liability balances.

     
9.

As a result of the foregoing, net loss for the quarter was $39.9 million (EPS of ($0.19)) compared to net loss of $164.4 million (EPS of ($0.85)) in the same quarter of the prior year.



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

For the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands of dollars, except for per share amounts):

                      Variance %    
    Annual 2019     Annual 2018     Annual 2017     ’19 vs ‘18    
                           
Revenues $ 363,944   $ 300,929   $ 252,288     21 %   (1)
Mine operating costs                          
 Cost of sales   232,146     219,162     159,265     6 %   (2)
 Depletion, depreciation and amortization   65,584     93,667     77,045     (30)%   (3)
    297,730     312,829     236,310     (5)%    
Mine operating earnings (loss)   66,214     (11,900 )   15,978     NM   (4)
                           
General and administrative expenses   26,800     21,428     17,493     25 %   (5)
Share-based payments   8,325     7,375     8,295     13 %    
Impairment of non-current assets   58,739     199,688     65,500     (71)%   (6)
Acquisition costs       4,893         (100)%   (7)
Mine holding costs   7,579     2,109         28 %   (8)
Foreign exchange (gain) loss   (3,243 )   1,874     (4,314 )   NM    
Operating loss   (31,986 )   (249,267 )   (70,996 )   (87)%    
Investment and other income (loss)   8,109     (744 )   (34 )   NM   (9)
Finance costs   (15,147 )   (13,036 )   (4,271 )   16 %    
Loss before income taxes   (39,024 )   (263,047 )   (75,301 )   (85)%    
Current income tax expense   16,423     2,148     7,177     NM    
Deferred income tax recovery   (14,973 )   (61,031 )   (29,206 )   (75)%    
Income tax recovery (recovery)   1,450     (58,883 )   (22,029 )   102 %   (10)
Net loss for the period $ (40,474 ) $ (204,164 ) $ (53,272 )   (80)%   (11)
                           
Loss per share (basic and diluted) $ (0.20 ) $ (1.11 ) $ (0.32 )   (82)%   (11)

NM - Not meaningful 

1. Revenues in the year ended December 31, 2019 increased by $63.0 million or 21% compared to the previous year due to the following significant contributors:
     
 

Silver equivalent ounces sold increased by 15% compared to the previous year resulting in an increase in revenues of $39.1 million, primarily attributed to an increase in production from a full year of operations at San Dimas compared to eight months in the same period of 2018;

     
 

a 6% increase in average realized price per ounce of silver sold of $16.40 compared to $15.53 per ounce in 2018, resulting in a $21.3 million increase in revenues; and

     
 

Smelting and refining costs decreased from $7.5 million ($0.65 per ounce) to $4.9 million ($0.37 per ounce) due to a higher volume of doré production from San Dimas and Santa Elena and lower concentrate and treatment charges due to the temporary suspension of activities at La Parrilla.


2.

Cost of sales in the year increased $13.0 million or 6% compared to 2018 as a result of the following factors:

     

 

$39.3 million increase in cost of sales as a result of full year of operations from the San Dimas mine, compared to eight months in the same period of 2018;

     
  Partially offset by:
     
  a $10.6 million decrease due to temporary suspension of operating activities at the La Parrilla mine;
     
  a $9.8 million decrease due to suspension of operating activities at the San Martin mine since July 1, 2019; and
     

 

 a $6.1 million reduction in cost of sales year over year pursuant to the La Guitarra mine being placed on care and maintenance effective August 3, 2018.



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

3.

Depletion, depreciation and amortization in the year decreased $28.1 million or 30% compared to the previous year primarily due to:

     
 

a $21.5 million decrease at the La Parrilla mine due to the impairment charge taken at the end of 2018 and temporary suspension of milling activities effective September 2, 2019; and

     
 

a reduction of $4.4 million at the La Guitarra mine pursuant to the mine being placed on care and maintenance effective August 3, 2018;

   
 

Partially offset by:

     
 

a $9.4 million increase at the San Dimas mine as a result of a full year of operations in the current year.

   
4.

Mine operating earnings during the year ended December 31, 2019 increased $78.1 million compared to 2018. The increase was primarily attributed to a full year of operations from the San Dimas mine, which increased its operating earnings by $44.1 million compared to the prior year, as well as improved metal prices and an increased allocation of production from the Company’s more profitable operations.

     
5.

General and administrative expenses increased $5.4 million or 25% during the year compared to 2018, primarily attributed to an increase in salaries and benefits associated with the addition of certain senior positions, incremental general and administrative costs following the acquisition and integration of Primero, legal costs associated with fiscal tax audits in Mexico and First Silver litigation recovery efforts, as well as higher depreciation and amortization costs associated with increase in right-of-use assets.

     
6.

Impairment on non-current assets: In the fourth quarter, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $58.7 million, or $52.4 million net of tax, in relation to the La Encantada mine. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized a total impairment charge of $199.7 million, or $151.1 million net of tax. Due to a reduction in estimated Reserves and Resources as a result of a decline in long-term metal price forecasts and increase in operating costs, the Company was required to record an impairment charge of $111.8 million and $56.3 million on its two concentrates producing mines, La Parrilla and Del Toro, respectively.

     
7.

Acquisition costs of $4.9 million in the prior year was related to due diligence costs and closing fees incurred in connection with the acquisition of Primero Mining Corp. which closed on May 10, 2018.

     
8.

Mine holding costs for the year increased to $7.6 million due to a full year of care and maintenance costs incurred for the La Guitarra mine as compared to five months in the prior year since the mine was placed under care and maintenance on August 3, 2018, as well as temporarily suspension of milling operations at the La Parrilla mine effective September 2, 2019.

     
9.

Investment and other income for the year increased $8.9 million compared to the prior year primarily due to:

     
 

a gain on investment in marketable securities of $0.5 million in the current year compared to a loss of $4.7 million in the prior year;

     
 

interest and other income increased by $2.7 million due to an increase in interest income attributed to higher cash and cash equivalent holdings and interest from VAT recoveries; and

     
 

a gain from investment in silver future derivatives of $1.2 million in the current year compared to $0.3 million in the prior year.

   
10.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a net income tax expense of $1.5 million, compared to an income tax recovery of $58.9 million in 2018. The increase in income tax expense was primarily driven by a decrease in net loss before tax, offset by a decrease in value of tax loss carryforwards and the foreign exchange impact on the Company’s Mexican Peso denominated future income tax liability balances

     
11.

As a result of the foregoing, net loss for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $40.5 million (EPS of ($0.20)), compared to a loss of $204.2 million (EPS of ($1.11)) in the prior year.



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS

The following table presents selected financial information for each of the most recent eight quarters:

          2019
                2018
       
Selected Financial Information   Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  
Revenue $ 96,476   $ 96,989   $ 83,669   $ 86,810   $ 74,128   $ 88,521   $ 79,687   $ 58,593  
Cost of sales $ 55,033   $ 54,994   $ 62,772   $ 59,347   $ 56,230   $ 63,966   $ 59,285   $ 39,681  
Depletion, depreciation and amortization $ 17,502   $ 14,181   $ 16,691   $ 17,210   $ 26,925   $ 24,701   $ 22,706   $ 19,335  
Mine operating earnings (loss) $ 23,941   $ 27,814   $ 4,206   $ 10,253   $ (9,027 ) $ (146 ) $ (2,304 ) $ (423 )
Net (loss) earnings after tax $ (39,946 ) $ 8,559   $ (11,967 ) $ 2,880   $ (164,443 ) $ 5,904   $ (40,033 ) $ (5,592 )
(Loss) Earnings per share - basic $ (0.19 ) $ 0.04   $ (0.06 ) $ 0.01   $ (0.85 ) $ 0.03   $ (0.22 ) $ (0.03 )
(Loss) Earnings per share - diluted $ (0.19 ) $ 0.04   $ (0.06 ) $ 0.01   $ (0.85 ) $ 0.03   $ (0.22 ) $ (0.03 )

During the fourth quarter of 2019, mine operating earnings were $23.9 million compared to $27.8 million in the previous quarter. The decrease in mine operating earnings was primarily due to a $3.3 million increase in depletion, depreciation and amortization as a result of an increase in throughputs at San Dimas and La Encantada, as well as increase in right-of-use asset depreciation during the quarter. Net loss for the quarter was $39.9 million compared to net earnings of $8.6 million in the previous quarter. Net loss in the quarter was attributable to an impairment of non-current assets of $58.7 million, or $52.4 million net of tax, relating to the La Encantada mine.

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Liquidity
As at December 31, 2019, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $169.0 million, an increase of $112.0 million compared to December 31, 2018. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents comprised primarily of cash held with reputable financial institutions and is invested in cash accounts and in highly liquid short-term investments with maturities of three months or less. The funds are not exposed to liquidity risk and there are no restrictions on the ability of the Company to use these funds to meet its obligations.

Working capital as at December 31, 2019 was $171.1 million compared to $108.1 million at December 31, 2018. Total available liquidity at December 31, 2019 was $226.2 million (@see page 34), including $55.0 million of undrawn revolving credit facility.

In December 2018, and subsequently amended in August 2019, the Company filed prospectus supplements to the short form base shelf prospectus, pursuant to which the Company may, at its discretion and from time-to-time, sell common shares of the Company for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $100.0 million. The sale of common shares would be made through “at- the-market distributions” (“ATM”), as defined in the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 44-102 Shelf Distributions, directly on the New York Stock Exchange. During the year ended December 31, 2019, First Majestic sold 11,172,982 common shares of the Company under the ATM program at an average price of $7.55 per share for gross proceeds of $84.4 million, or net proceeds of $81.9 million after costs. Subsequent to year end, the Company sold an additional 1,277,838 common shares under the ATM program at an average price of $10.81 per share for gross proceeds of $13.8 million.

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash flow activity during the period:

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Cash flow            
 Cash generated by operating activities   140,025     33,262  
 Cash used in investing activities   (116,934 )   (117,041 )
 Cash generated by financing activities   87,680     25,443  
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   110,771     (58,336 )
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currencies   1,225     (2,792 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year   57,013     118,141  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 169,009   $ 57,013  


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

The Company’s cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2019 are summarized as follows:

Cash provided from operating activities of $140.0 million, primarily due to:

 

$108.9 million in operating cash flows from operating activities before movements in working capital and taxes;

 

a $30.0 million decrease in value added taxes receivable as the Mexican tax authorities have made good progress in releasing payments to San Dimas filings that were in arrears; and

 

net of $6.2 million in income taxes paid during the year.


Cash used in investing activities of $116.9 million, primarily related to:

 

$77.0 million spent on mine development and exploration activities;

 

$41.6 million spent on purchase of property, plant and equipment;

 

$1.7 million spent on deposits on non-current assets; and

 

net of $2.6 million realized gain on settlement of silver futures.


Cash provided from financing activities of $87.7 million, primarily consists of the following:

 

$81.9 million of net proceeds from the issuance of shares through the ATM;

 

$16.7 million of net proceeds from the exercise of stock options;

net of:

 

$5.7 million payment of financing costs; and

 

$5.2 million on repayment of lease obligations.

Capital Resources

The Company’s objective when managing capital is to maintain financial flexibility to continue as a going concern while optimizing growth and maximizing returns of investments from shareholders.

The Company monitors its capital structure and based on changes in operations and economic conditions, may adjust the structure by repurchasing shares, issuing new shares, issuing new debt or retiring existing debt. The Company prepares annual budget and quarterly forecasts to facilitate the management of its capital requirements. The annual budget is approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.

The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements with the exception of complying with banking covenants defined in its debt facilities. As at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company was fully in compliance with these covenants.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments
As at December 31, 2019, the Company’s contractual obligations and commitments are summarized as follows:

    Contractual     Less than     2 to 3     4 to 5     After 5  
    Cash Flows     1 year     years     years     years  
Trade and other payables $ 59,123   $ 59,123   $   $   $  
Debt facilities   188,439     4,209     26,263     157,967      
Equipment financing obligations   22,561     6,829     7,778     7,954      
Other liabilities   4,405                 4,405  
Purchase obligations and commitments   12,527     11,827     700          
  $ 287,055   $ 81,988   $ 34,741   $ 165,921   $ 4,405  

Management is of the view that the above contractual obligations and commitments will be sufficiently funded by current working capital, future operating cash flows, and available debt facilities as at the date of this MD&A.


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

MANAGEMENT OF RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The Company thoroughly examines the various financial instruments and risks to which it is exposed and assesses the impact and likelihood of those risks. These risks may include credit risk, liquidity risk, currency risk, commodity price risk, and interest rate risk. Where material, these risks are reviewed and monitored by the Board of Directors.

Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss if a customer or counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company’s credit risk relates primarily to trade receivables in the ordinary course of business, value added taxes receivable and other receivables.

As at December 31, 2019, value added taxes (“VAT”) receivable was $29.6 million (2018 - $59.7 million). Substantially, all of the historical VAT balances in arears for Primero Empresa Minera, S.A. de C.V. (“PEM”) have been recovered during 2019. Majority of the remaining balance of VAT receivable are now in a normal range of three to six months and the Company fully expects the amounts to be refunded in the future.

The Company sells and receives payment upon delivery of its silver doré and by-products primarily through three international customers. Silver-lead concentrates and related base metal by-products are sold primarily through three international customers. All of the Company’s customers have good ratings and payments of receivables are scheduled, routine and fully received within 60 days of submission; therefore, the balance of trade receivables owed to the Company in the ordinary course of business is not significant.

The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the consolidated financial statements represents the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk. With the exception to the above, the Company believes it is not exposed to significant credit risk.

Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they arise. The Company has in place a planning and budgeting process to help determine the funds required to support the Company’s normal operating requirements and contractual obligations.

Based on the Company’s current operating plan, the Company believes it has sufficient cash on hand, combined with cash flows from operations, to meet operating requirements as they arise for at least the next 12 months. If commodity prices in the metal markets were to decrease significantly, or the Company was to deviate significantly from its operating plan, the Company may need further injection of capital to address its cash flow requirements.

Currency Risk
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk primarily relating to financial instruments that are denominated in Canadian dollars or Mexican pesos, which would impact the Company’s net earnings or loss. To manage foreign exchange risk, the Company may occasionally enter into short-term foreign currency derivatives, such as forwards and options, to hedge its cash flows.

The sensitivity of the Company’s net earnings or loss and comprehensive income or loss due to changes in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar is included in the table below:

                                        December 31, 2019  
    Cash and     Trade and     Value added     Other     Trade and     Foreign     Net assets     Effect of +/-  
    cash     other     taxes     financial     other     exchange     (liabilities)     10% change in  
    equivalents     receivables     receivable     assets     payables     derivative     exposure     currency  
Canadian dollar $ 14,182   $ 56   $   $ 3,010   $ (1,529 ) $   $ 15,719   $ 1,572  
Mexican peso   9,000         20,700         (33,635 )   27,000     23,065     2,307  
  $ 23,182   $ 56   $ 20,700   $ 3,010   $ (35,164 ) $ 27,000   $ 38,784   $ 3,878  

Commodity Price Risk
The Company is exposed to commodity price risk on silver, gold, lead and zinc, which have a direct and immediate impact on the value of its related financial instruments and net earnings. The Company’s revenues are directly dependent on commodity prices that have shown volatility and are beyond the Company’s control. The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge its commodity price risk to silver.

The following table summarizes the Company’s exposure to commodity price risk and their impact on net earnings:

                December 31, 2019  
          Effect of +/- 10% change in metal prices  
    Silver     Gold     Lead     Total  
Metals subject to provisional price adjustments $ 65   $   $ 38   $ 103  
Metals in doré and concentrates inventory   90     238     6     334  
  $ 155   $ 238   $ 44   $ 437  


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

Political and Country Risk
First Majestic currently conducts foreign operations primarily in México, and as such the Company’s operations are exposed to various levels of political and economic risks by factors outside of the Company’s control. These potential factors include, but are not limited to: royalty and tax increases or claims by governmental bodies, expropriation or nationalization, foreign exchange controls, high rates of inflation, extreme fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, import and export tariffs and regulations, lawlessness, cancellation or renegotiation of contracts and environmental and permitting regulations. The Company currently has no political risk insurance coverage against these risks.

The Company is unable to determine the impact of these risks on its future financial position or results of operations. Changes, if any, in mining or investment policies or shifts in political attitude in foreign countries may substantively affect the Company’s exploration, development and production activities.

Uncertainty in the Calculation of Mineral Reserves, Resources and Silver Recovery
There is a degree of uncertainty attributable to the calculation of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources (as defined in NI 43-101). Until Mineral Reserves or Mineral Resources are actually mined, extracted and processed, the quantity of minerals and their grades must be considered estimates only. In addition, the quantity of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources may vary depending on, among other things, applicable metal prices. Any material change in the quantity of Mineral Reserves, Mineral Resources, grade or mining widths may affect the economic viability of some or all of the Company’s mineral properties and may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operational results and financial condition. Mineral Reserves on the Company’s properties have been calculated on the basis of economic factors at the time of calculation; variations in such factors may have an impact on the amount of the Company’s Mineral Reserves. In addition, there can be no assurance that silver recoveries or other metal recoveries in small scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in larger scale tests under on-site conditions or during production, or that the existing known and experienced recoveries will continue.

Environmental and Health and Safety Risks
The Company’s activities are subject to extensive laws and regulations governing environmental protection and employee health and safety. Environmental laws and regulations are complex and have tended to become more stringent over time. The Company is required to obtain governmental permits and in some instances air, water quality, and mine reclamation rules and permits. The Company has complied with environmental taxes applied to the use of certain fossil fuels according to the Kyoto Protocol. Although the Company makes provisions for reclamation costs, it cannot be assured that these provisions will be adequate to discharge its future obligations for these costs. Failure to comply with applicable environmental and health and safety laws may result in injunctions, damages, suspension or revocation of permits and imposition of penalties. While the health and safety of our people and responsible environmental stewardship are our top priorities, there can be no assurance that First Majestic has been or will be at all times in complete compliance with such laws, regulations and permits, or that the costs of complying with current and future environmental and health and safety laws and permits will not materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

Claims and Legal Proceedings Risks
The Company is subject to various claims and legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of business activities. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward- looking statements or information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: availability of time on court calendars in Canada and elsewhere; the recognition of Canadian judgments under Mexican law; the possibility of settlement discussions; the risk of appeal of judgment; and the insufficiency of the defendant’s assets to satisfy the judgment amount. Each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties and it is possible that some of these matters may be resolved unfavourably to the Company. First Majestic carries liability insurance coverage and establishes provisions for matters that are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In addition, the Company may be involved in disputes with other parties in the future which may result in a significant impact on our financial condition, cash flow and results of operations.

Although the Company has taken steps to verify ownership and legal title to mineral properties in which it has an interest, according to the usual industry standards for the stage of mining, development and exploration of such properties, these procedures do not guarantee the Company’s title. Such properties may be subject to prior agreements or transfers, and title may be affected by undetected defects. However, management is not aware of any such agreements, transfers or defects.

Primero Tax Rulings
Since Primero acquired the San Dimas Mine in August 2010, it had a Silver Purchase Agreement (“Old Stream Agreement”) that required PEM to sell 100% of the silver produced from the San Dimas mine to WPMI, up to 6 million ounces and 50% of silver produced thereafter, at the lower of: (i) the spot market price and (ii) $4.04 per ounce plus an annual increase of 1%.

In order to reflect commercial realities and the effects of the Old Stream Agreement, for Mexican income tax purposes, PEM recognized the revenue on these silver sales based on its actual realized revenue (“PEM Realized Price”) instead of at spot market prices.

To obtain assurances that the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (“SAT”) would accept the PEM Realized Price as the proper price to use to calculate Mexican income taxes, Primero applied for and received an Advanced Pricing Agreement (“APA”) from the SAT. The APA confirmed that the PEM Realized Price would be used as Primero’s basis for calculating taxes owed by Primero on the silver sold under the Old Stream Agreement. Primero believed that the function of an APA was to provide tax certainty and as a result made significant investments in Mexico based on that certainty. On October 4, 2012, Primero received the APA Ruling from SAT which confirmed the appropriate price for sales of silver under the Old Stream Agreement. Under Mexican tax law, an APA ruling is generally applicable for up to a five year period which made this ruling effective retrospectively from 2010 to 2014.


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

In February 2016, PEM received a legal claim from the SAT seeking to nullify the APA. The legal claim initiated does not identify any different basis for paying taxes. The Company is continuing Primero’s effort to vigorously defend the validity of its APA. If the SAT is successful in retroactively nullifying the APA, the SAT may seek to audit and reassess PEM in respect of its sales of silver in connection with the Old Stream Agreement for 2010 through 2014. If the SAT is successful in retroactively nullifying the APA and issuing reassessments, it would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Should the Company ultimately be required to pay tax on its silver revenues based on market prices without any mitigating adjustments, the incremental income tax for the years 2010-2018 would be approximately $188.3 million, before interest or penalties.

In 2019, as part of the ongoing annual audits of the PEM tax returns, the SAT issued reassessments for the 2010 to 2012 tax years in the total amount of $260.9 million inclusive of interest, inflation, and penalties. The key items, in addition to the view that PEM should pay taxes based on the market price of silver, also include denial of the deductibility of interest expense and service fees in Mexico, all of which the Company disagrees with. The Company continues to defend the APA in the Mexican legal proceedings, as well as in proceedings between the competent tax authorities of Mexico, Canada, Luxembourg and Barbados. The APA remains valid and legally binding and the Company will continue vigorously disputing these reassessments. Based on the Company’s assessments with third party advisors, the Company believes Primero’s tax filings were appropriate and continues to believe its tax filing position based upon the APA is correct and, therefore, no liability has been recognized in the financial statements.

While the Company continues to vigorously defend the validity of the APA and its transfer pricing position, it is also engaging in various proceedings with the SAT seeking to resolve matters and bring tax certainty through a negotiated solution. Since January 1, 2015, PEM has recorded its revenue from the sale of silver for purposes of Mexican tax accounting in a manner consistent with the APA, on the basis that the applicable facts and laws have not changed. The Company’s legal and financial advisors continue to believe that the Company has filed its tax returns compliant with applicable Mexican law. Due to the uncertainty in timing of resolution to this matter, which may take more than one year, the Company has classified its income taxes receivable of $19.6 million as non-current at December 31, 2019 as SAT is not expected to refund PEM’s income taxes paid until the dispute is resolved.

To the extent the SAT determines that the appropriate price of silver sales under the Silver Purchase Agreement is significantly different from the realized price and while PEM would have rights of appeal in connection with any reassessments, it is likely to have a material effect on the Company’s business, financial position and results of operations.

La Encantada Tax Re-assessments
In December 2019, as part of the ongoing annual audits of the tax returns of Minera La Encantada S.A. de C.V. (“MLE”), the SAT issued tax assessments for fiscal 2012 and 2013 in the amount of $8.2 million and $6.7 million, respectively. The key items relate to forward silver purchase agreement and denial of the deductibility of mine development costs and service fees. The Company continues to defend the validity of the forward silver purchase agreement and will vigorously dispute the assessments that have been issued. The Company believes MLE’s tax filings were appropriate and its tax filing position is correct, therefore no liability has been recognized in the financial statements. The Company’s legal and financial advisors continue to believe that the Company has filed its tax returns in compliance with applicable Mexican law.

Primero Class Action Suit
In July 2016, Primero and certain of its officers were served with a class action lawsuit that was filed in federal court in the State of California seeking to recover damages for investors in the Company’s common shares under the U.S. federal securities laws. Primero filed a motion to dismiss this action which was granted on January 30, 2017. The plaintiff’s claims were dismissed without prejudice and the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on February 27, 2017. On July 14, 2017 the Company’s motion to dismiss the amended complaint was granted and the plaintiffs’ claims were dismissed without prejudice. Rather than amend the complaint again, the plaintiffs asked the federal court to enter final judgment and initiated an appeal of the dismissal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Court (the “Ninth Circuit”) on September 8, 2017. On September 17, 2019, a majority of the Ninth Circuit affirmed the district ruling dismissing the securities class action suit against Primero. A further petition by the plaintiffs for a rehearing “en banc” (a full rehearing of the appeal by 11 of the 29 judges on the Ninth Circuit) was denied on October 24, 2019. The period for plaintiffs to respond by filing a petition for a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court has now expired and we consider that this matter has concluded in the Company’s favour.

First Silver litigation
In April 2013, the Company received a positive judgment on the First Silver litigation from the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the “Court”), which awarded the sum of $93.8 million in favour of First Majestic against Hector Davila Santos (the “Defendant”). The Company received a sum of $14.1 million in June 2013 as partial payment of the judgment, leaving an unpaid amount of approximately $62.8 million (CAD$81.5 million). As part of the ruling, the Court granted orders restricting any transfer or encumbrance of the Bolaños Mine by the Defendant and limiting mining at the Bolaños Mine. The orders also require that the Defendant to preserve net cash flow from the Bolaños Mine in a holding account and periodically provide to the Company certain information regarding the Bolaños Mine. However, there can be no guarantee that the remainder of the judgment amount will be collected and it is likely that it will be necessary to take additional action in Mexico and/or elsewhere to recover the balance. Therefore, as at December 31, 2019, the Company has not accrued any of the remaining $62.8 million (CAD$81.5 million) unrecovered judgment in favour of the Company.



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Share Repurchase Program
The Company has an ongoing share repurchase program to repurchase up to 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares. The normal course issuer bids will be carried through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange and alternative Canadian marketplaces.

No shares were repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company repurchased and cancelled 230,000 common shares for a total consideration of $1.3 million through a normal course issuer bid in the open market as approved by the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 2019, the Company had no material off-balance sheet arrangements such as contingent interest in assets transferred to an entity, derivative instruments obligations or any obligations that generate financing, liquidity, market or credit risk to the Company, other than contingent liabilities and vendor liability and interest, as disclosed in this MD&A and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes.

Related Party Disclosures
Amounts paid to related parties were incurred in the normal course of business and measured at the exchange amount, which is the amount agreed upon by the transacting parties and on terms and conditions similar to non-related parties. There were no transactions with related parties outside of the ordinary course of business during the year ended December 31, 2019.

Outstanding Share Data
As at the date on which this MD&A was approved and authorized for issue by the Board of Directors, the Company has 209,766,476 common shares issued and outstanding.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES

Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS as issued by IASB requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the amount, events or actions, actual results may differ from these estimates. With the exception of the adoption of IFRS 16 - “Leases” as outlined in Note 2 and Note 3 of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, there were no changes in critical accounting judgments and estimates that were significantly different from those disclosed in the Company’s annual MD&A as at and for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Future Changes in Accounting Policies Not Yet Effective as at December 31, 2019
Amendments to IFRS 3 Definition of a Business
The amendments clarify that while businesses usually have outputs, outputs are not required for an integrated set of activities and assets to qualify as a business. To be considered a business an acquired set of activities and assets must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs.

Additional guidance is provided that helps to determine whether a substantive process has been acquired.

The amendments introduce an optional concentration test that permits a simplified assessment of whether an acquired set of activities and assets is not a business. Under the optional concentration test, the acquired set of activities and assets is not a business if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar assets.

The amendments are applied retrospectively to all business combination and asset acquisitions for which the acquisition date is on or after the first annual reporting period beginning on or after January 1, 2020, with early application permitted. The Company will assess the impact of these amendments on future acquisitions to all business combinations and asset acquisitions.

Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 Definition of Material
The amendments are intended to make the definition of material in IAS 1 easier to understand and are not intended to alter the underlying concept of materiality in IFRS Standards. The concept of obscuring material information with immaterial information has been included as part of the new definition.

The threshold for materiality influencing users has been changed from could influence to could reasonably be expected to influence.

The definition of material in IAS 8 has been replaced by a reference to the definition of material in IAS 1. In addition, the IASB amended other Standards and the Conceptual Framework that contain a definition of material or refer to the term material to ensure consistency.

The amendments are applied prospectively for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020, with earlier application permitted.

Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards
Together with the revised Conceptual Framework, which became effective upon publication on March 29, 2018, the IASB has also issued Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards. The document contains amendments to IFRS 2, IFRS 3, IFRS 6, IFRS 14, IAS 1, IAS 8, IAS 34, IAS 37, IAS 38, IFRIC 12, IFRIC 19, IFRIC 20, IFRIC 22, and SIC-32.

Not all amendments, however, update those pronouncements with regard to references to and quotes from the framework so that they refer to the revised Conceptual Framework. Some pronouncements are only updated to indicate which version of the Framework they are referencing to (the IASC Framework adopted by the IASB in 2001, the IASB Framework of 2010, or the new revised Framework of 2018) or to indicate that definitions in the Standard have not been updated with the new definitions developed in the revised Conceptual Framework.

The amendments, where they actually are updates, are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020, with early application permitted.


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

NON-GAAP MEASURES

The Company has included certain non-GAAP measures including “Cash costs per ounce”, “Production cost per tonne”, “All-in sustaining costs per ounce”, “Average realized silver price”, “Adjusted earnings per share”, “Cash flow per share” and “Working capital” to supplement its consolidated financial statements, which are presented in accordance with IFRS. The terms IFRS and generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) are used interchangeably throughout this MD&A.

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. Non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures employed 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.

Cash Cost per Ounce, All-In Sustaining Cost per Ounce and Production Cost per Tonne
Cash costs per ounce and total production cost per tonne are non-GAAP measures used by the Company to manage and evaluate operating performance at each of the Company’s operating mining units, and are widely reported in the mining industry as benchmarks for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and are disclosed in addition to IFRS measures.

All-in sustaining cost (“AISC”) is a non-GAAP measure and was calculated based on guidance provided by the World Gold Council (“WGC”). WGC is not a regulatory industry organization and does not have the authority to develop accounting standards for disclosure requirements. Other mining companies may calculate AISC differently as a result of differences in underlying accounting principles and policies applied, as well as differences in definitions of sustaining versus expansionary capital expenditures. AISC is a more comprehensive measure than cash cost per ounce for the Company’s consolidated operating performance by providing greater visibility, comparability and representation of the total costs associated with producing silver from its current operations.

The Company defines sustaining capital expenditures as, “costs incurred to sustain and maintain existing assets at current productive capacity and constant planned levels of productive output without resulting in an increase in the life of assets, future earnings, or improvements in recovery or grade. Sustaining capital includes costs required to improve/enhance assets to minimum standards for reliability, environmental or safety requirements. Sustaining capital expenditures excludes all expenditures at the Company’s new projects and certain expenditures at current operations which are deemed expansionary in nature.”

Expansionary capital expenditure is defined as, “costs incurred to extend existing assets beyond their current productive capacity and beyond their planned levels of productive output, resulting in an increase in the life of the assets, increasing their future earnings potential, or improving their recoveries or grades which would serve to increase the value of the assets over their useful lives”. Development and exploration work which moves inferred resources to measured or indicated resources and adds to the Net Present Value of the assets is considered expansionary in nature. Expansionary capital also includes costs required to improve/enhance assets beyond their minimum standard for reliability, environmental or safety requirements.

Consolidated AISC includes total production cash costs incurred at the Company’s mining operations, which forms the basis of the Company’s total cash costs. Additionally, the Company includes sustaining capital expenditures, corporate general and administrative expense, share-based payments, operating lease payments and reclamation cost accretion. AISC by mine does not include certain corporate and non-cash items such as general and administrative expense and share-based payments. The Company believes this measure represents the total sustainable costs of producing silver from current operations, and provides additional information of the Company’s operational performance and ability to generate cash flows. As the measure seeks to reflect the full cost of silver production from current operations, new project and expansionary capital at current operations are not included. Certain other cash expenditures, including tax payments, dividends and financing costs are also not included.



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

The following tables provide detailed reconciliations of these measures to cost of sales, as reported in notes to our consolidated financial statements.

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ounce and per ounce amounts)   Three Months Ended December 31, 2019   
  San Dimas     Santa Elena     La Encantada     Del Toro     Consolidated  
Mining cost $ 9,803   $ 4,410   $ 2,653   $ 964   $ 17,830  
Milling cost   4,664     6,486     4,394     705     16,249  
Indirect cost   8,714     2,629     2,661     1,169     15,173  
Total production cost (A) $ 23,182   $ 13,524   $ 9,708   $ 2,838   $ 49,252  
Add: transportation and other selling cost   317     81     83     52     641  
Add: smelting and refining cost   448     162     203     138     951  
Add: environmental duty and royalties cost   202     127     34     7     370  
Total cash cost before by-product credits (B) $ 24,149   $ 13,894   $ 10,028   $ 3,035   $ 51,214  
 Deduct by-product credits attributed to:                              
 Gold by-product credits   (22,895 )   (14,759 )   (74 )   3     (37,725 )
 Lead by-product credits               (788 )   (795 )
 Zinc by-product credits                   (50 )
Total by-product credits $ (22,895 ) $ (14,759 ) $ (74 ) $ (785 ) $ (38,570 )
Total cash cost (C) $ 1,254   $ (865 ) $ 9,954   $ 2,250   $ 12,644  
Workers’ participation   1,930     59     78     45     2,413  
General and administrative expenses                   7,230  
Share-based payments                   1,907  
Accretion of decommissioning liabilities   186     52     148     55     603  
Sustaining capital expenditures   8,879     2,818     1,645     679     15,090  
Operating lease payments   57     205     637     25     1,198  
All-In Sustaining Costs (D) $ 12,306   $ 2,269   $ 12,462   $ 3,054   $ 41,085  
Payable silver ounces produced (E)   1,657,891     618,702     983,680     78,614     3,338,887  
Tonnes milled (F)   182,265     196,640     221,049     26,528     626,482  
                               
Total cash cost per ounce, before by-product credits (B/E) $ 14.55   $ 22.46   $ 10.19   $ 38.60   $ 15.33  
Total cash cost per ounce (C/E) $ 0.74   $ (1.40 ) $ 10.12   $ 28.62   $ 3.73  
All-in sustaining cost per ounce (D/E) $ 7.41   $ 3.66   $ 12.67   $ 38.84   $ 12.25  
Production cost per tonne (A/F) $ 127.19   $ 68.77   $ 43.92   $ 106.99   $ 78.62  


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars,   Three Months Ended December 31, 2018  
except ounce and per ounce amounts)   San Dimas     Santa Elena     La Encantada     San Martin     La Parrilla     Del Toro     Consolidated  
Mining cost $ 10,868   $ 4,613   $ 1,618   $ 2,123   $ 2,520   $ 1,851   $ 23,591  
Milling cost   4,065     5,423     3,559     1,899     2,492     1,493     18,930  
Indirect cost   4,691     2,074     1,690     1,551     1,587     1,415     13,007  
Total production cost (A) $ 19,623   $ 12,110   $ 6,866   $ 5,573   $ 6,598   $ 4,759   $ 55,529  
Add: transportation and other selling cost   221     95     35     50     176     57     684  
Add: smelting and refining cost   308     131     89     107     556     188     1,373  
Add: environmental duty and royalties cost   140     93     14     38     27     11     324  
Total cash cost before by-product credits (B) $ 20,292   $ 12,429   $ 7,007   $ 5,768   $ 7,357   $ 5,015   $ 57,913  
Deduct by-product credits attributed to:                                          
   Gold by-product credits   (19,494 )   (13,032 )   (19 )   (1,567 )   (219 )       (34,274 )
   Lead by-product credits                   (1,601 )   (1,075 )   (2,676 )
   Zinc by-product credits                   (1,414 )       (1,414 )
Total by-product credits $ (19,494 ) $ (13,032 ) $ (19 ) $ (1,567 ) $ (3,234 ) $ (1,075 ) $ (38,364 )
Total cash cost (C) $ 798   $ (603 ) $ 6,988   $ 4,201   $ 4,123   $ 3,940   $ 19,549  
Workers’ participation   941     64     324     62     75     67     1,532  
General and administrative expenses                           5,593  
Share-based payments                           943  
Accretion of decommissioning liabilities   90     53     65     48     58     50     394  
Sustaining capital expenditures   5,482     1,724     1,004     1,183     2,072     1,325     13,376  
All-In Sustaining Costs (D) $ 7,311   $ 1,238   $ 8,381   $ 5,494   $ 6,328   $ 5,382   $ 41,387  
Payable silver ounces produced (E)   1,365,661     567,186     447,833     404,119     298,821     142,248     3,225,868  
Tonnes milled (F)   172,641     221,945     206,812     66,924     125,751     56,200     850,272  
                                           
Total cash cost per ounce, before by-product credits (B/E) $ 14.86   $ 21.91   $ 15.64   $ 14.27   $ 24.62   $ 35.25   $ 17.95  
Total cash cost per ounce (C/E) $ 0.58   $ (1.06 ) $ 15.60   $ 10.40   $ 13.80   $ 27.69   $ 6.06  
All-in sustaining cost per ounce (D/E) $ 5.35   $ 2.18   $ 18.70   $ 13.60   $ 21.18   $ 37.83   $ 12.83  
Production cost per tonne (A/F) $ 113.66   $ 54.55   $ 33.20   $ 83.27   $ 52.47   $ 84.67   $ 65.31  

 


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars,   Year Ended December 31, 2019  
except ounce and per ounce amounts)   San Dimas     Santa Elena     La Encantada     San Martin     La Parrilla     Del Toro     Consolidated  
Mining cost $ 39,230   $ 17,922   $ 8,374   $ 3,390   $ 5,097   $ 3,621   $ 77,633  
Milling cost   20,568     25,473     18,139     3,210     4,671     2,734     74,796  
Indirect cost   31,420     9,330     9,141     2,690     3,467     4,070     60,118  
Total production cost (A) $ 91,219   $ 52,725   $ 35,654   $ 9,290   $ 13,235   $ 10,425   $ 212,548  
Add: transportation and other selling cost   1,138     258     302     85     558     178     2,737  
Add: smelting and refining cost   1,234     526     670     142     1,812     508     4,892  
Add: environmental duty and royalties cost   739     472     102     52     45     27     1,437  
Total cash cost before by-product credits (B) $ 94,330   $ 53,981   $ 36,728   $ 9,569   $ 15,650   $ 11,138   $ 221,614  
Deduct by-product credits attributed to:                                          
   Gold by-product credits   (85,468 )   (55,211 )   (197 )   (2,105 )   (42 )   (6 )   (143,029 )
   Lead by-product credits                   (3,997 )   (2,991 )   (6,988 )
   Zinc by-product credits                   (3,517 )       (3,517 )
Total by-product credits $ (85,468 ) $ (55,211 ) $ (197 ) $ (2,105 ) $ (7,556 ) $ (2,997 ) $ (153,534 )
Total cash cost (C) $ 8,862   $ (1,230 ) $ 36,531   $ 7,464   $ 8,094   $ 8,141   $ 68,080  
Workers’ participation   7,552     209     313     489     244     99     9,036  
General and administrative expenses                           25,164  
Share-based payments                           8,325  
Accretion of decommissioning liabilities   744     207     591     237     282     219     2,409  
Sustaining capital expenditures   28,378     7,842     4,546     2,091     4,937     2,322     51,203  
Operating lease payments   221     318     701     112     99     99     2,397  
All-In Sustaining Costs (D) $ 45,757   $ 7,346   $ 42,682   $ 10,393   $ 13,656   $ 10,880   $ 166,614  
Payable silver ounces produced (E)   6,302,519     2,433,169     3,071,077     555,039     519,311     288,073     13,169,187  
Tonnes milled (F)   691,576     875,435     890,008     101,362     167,535     106,083     2,831,999  
                                           
Total cash cost per ounce, before by-product credits (B/E) $ 14.97   $ 22.19   $ 11.96   $ 17.24   $ 30.14   $ 38.66   $ 16.83  
Total cash cost per ounce (C/E) $ 1.41   $ (0.51 ) $ 11.89   $ 13.45   $ 15.59   $ 28.26   $ 5.16  
All-in sustaining cost per ounce (D/E) $ 7.26   $ 3.02   $ 13.90   $ 18.73   $ 26.29   $ 37.77   $ 12.64  
Production cost per tonne (A/F) $ 131.90   $ 60.23   $ 40.06   $ 91.65   $ 78.99   $ 98.29   $ 75.05  


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars,   Three Months Ended December 31, 2018  
except ounce and per ounce amounts)   San Dimas     Santa Elena     La Encantada     San Martin     La Parrilla     Del Toro     La Guitarra     Consolidated  
Mining cost $ 28,145   $ 18,192   $ 5,948   $ 8,514   $ 9,987   $ 7,027   $ 2,430   $ 80,244  
Milling cost   10,509     24,007     16,184     7,645     9,295     6,092     1,621     75,354  
Indirect cost   12,474     9,078     7,467     5,948     6,223     5,637     2,537     49,364  
Total production cost (A) $ 51,128   $ 51,278   $ 29,599   $ 22,107   $ 25,505   $ 18,757   $ 6,589   $ 204,962  
Add: transportation and other selling cost   528     525     167     353     802     456     368     3,399  
Add: smelting and refining cost   773     506     336     396     2,903     1,942     636     7,492  
Add: environmental duty and royalties cost   405     429     53     173     112     63     54     1,289  
Total cash cost before by-product credits (B) $ 52,834   $ 52,737   $ 30,154   $ 23,029   $ 29,322   $ 21,218   $ 7,647   $ 217,141  
Deduct: By-product credits attributed to                                            
  Gold by-product credits   (52,418 )   (51,617 )   (130 )   (6,599 )   (930 )       (4,307 )   (116,001 )
  Lead by-product credits                   (5,883 )   (8,485 )       (14,368 )
  Zinc by-product credits                   (6,210 )           (6,210 )
Total by-product credits $ (52,418 ) $ (51,617 ) $ (130 ) $ (6,599 ) $ (13,023 ) $ (8,485 ) $ (4,307 ) $ (136,579 )
Total cash cost (C) $ 416   $ 1,120   $ 30,024   $ 16,430   $ 16,299   $ 12,733   $ 3,340   $ 80,562  
Workers’ participation   3,984     346     568     313     298     291     (24 )   5,775  
General and administrative expenses                               20,573  
Share-based payments                               7,375  
Accretion of decommissioning liabilities   225     221     270     203     242     208     125     1,494  
Sustaining capital expenditures   16,793     8,387     7,183     4,467     8,020     7,239     2,060     56,731  
All-In Sustaining Costs (D)  $ 21,418   $ 10,074   $ 38,045   $ 21,413   $ 24,859   $ 20,471   $ 5,501   $ 172,510  
Payable silver ounces produced (E)   3,618,248     2,221,023     1,597,325     1,744,393     1,270,327     744,744     340,973     11,537,034  
Tonnes milled (F)   435,289     899,370     916,894     284,656     491,637     267,170     80,435     3,375,452  
                                                 
Total cash cost per ounce, before by-product credits (B/E) $ 14.60   $ 23.74   $ 18.88   $ 13.20   $ 23.08   $ 28.49   $ 22.42   $ 18.82  
Total cash cost per ounce (C/E) $ 0.11   $ 0.50   $ 18.80   $ 9.42   $ 12.83   $ 17.10   $ 9.79   $ 6.98  
All-in sustaining cost per ounce (D/E) $ 5.92   $ 4.54   $ 23.82   $ 12.28   $ 19.57   $ 27.49   $ 16.13   $ 14.95  
Production cost per tonne (A/F) $ 117.46   $ 57.01   $ 32.28   $ 77.66   $ 51.88   $ 70.20   $ 81.91   $ 60.71  


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce
Revenues are presented as the net sum of invoiced revenues related to delivered shipments of silver doré bars and concentrates, including associated metal by-products of gold, lead and zinc after having deducted refining and smelting charges, and after elimination of intercompany shipments of silver, silver being minted into coins, ingots and bullion products.

The following is an analysis of the gross revenues prior to refining and smelting charges, and shows deducted smelting and refining charges to arrive at the net reportable revenue for the period per IFRS. Gross revenues are divided into payable equivalent silver ounces sold to calculate the average realized price per ounce of silver equivalents sold.

    Three Months Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2019     2018  
Revenues as reported $ 96,476   $ 74,128   $ 363,944   $ 300,929  
Add back: smelting and refining charges   950     1,371     4,891     7,491  
Gross revenues   97,426     75,499     368,835     308,420  
Less: Sandstorm gold revenues   (1,078 )   (855 )   (4,200 )   (4,051 )
Less: Wheaton gold revenues   (6,969 )   (5,071 )   (26,994 )   (13,176 )
Less: Wheaton silver revenues               (1,953 )
Gross revenues, excluding Sandstorm, Wheaton (A) $ 89,379   $ 69,573   $ 337,641   $ 289,240  
                         
Payable equivalent silver ounces sold   6,125,349     5,558,896     24,509,434     21,341,692  
Less: Payable equivalent silver ounces sold to Sandstorm   (200,479 )   (159,122 )   (789,783 )   (723,526 )
Less: Payable equivalent silver ounces sold to Wheaton   (804,896 )   (591,677 )   (3,126,715 )   (1,989,514 )
Payable equivalent silver ounces sold, excluding Sandstorm and Wheaton (B)   5,119,974     4,808,097     20,592,936     18,628,652  
                         
Average realized price per ounce of silver sold (A/B)(1) $ 17.46   $ 14.47   $ 16.40   $ 15.53  
Average market price per ounce of silver per COMEX $ 17.33   $ 14.55   $ 16.20   $ 15.74  

(1)

Average realized price per ounce of silver sold in each reporting period is affected by mark-to-market adjustments and final settlements on concentrate shipments in prior periods. Concentrates sold to third-party smelters are provisionally priced and the price is not settled until a predetermined future date, typically one month after delivery to the customer, based on the market price at that time. The mark-to-market adjustments do not apply to doré sales.

Cash Flow per Share
Cash Flow per Share is determined based on operating cash flows before movements in working capital and income taxes, as illustrated in the consolidated statements of cash flow, divided by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period.

    Three Months Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2019     2018  
Operating Cash Flows before Working Capital and Taxes $ 32,875   $ 10,991   $ 108,915   $ 61,561  
Weighted average number of shares on issue - basic   205,753,770     193,669,968     201,615,489     183,650,405  
Cash Flow per Share $ 0.16   $ 0.06   $ 0.54   $ 0.34  


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

Adjusted Earnings per Share (“Adjusted EPS”)
The Company uses the financial measure “Adjusted EPS” to supplement information in its consolidated financial statements. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, the Company and certain investors and analysts use this information to evaluate the Company’s performance. The Company excludes non-cash and unusual items from net earnings to provide a measure which allows the Company and investors to evaluate the operating results of the underlying core operations. The presentation of Adjusted EPS is not meant to be a substitute for EPS presented in accordance with IFRS, but rather should be evaluated in conjunction with such IFRS measure.

The following table provides a detailed reconciliation of net losses as reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements to adjusted net earnings and Adjusted EPS:

    Three Months Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2019     2018  
Net loss as reported $ (39,946 ) $ (164,443 ) $ (40,474 ) $ (204,164 )
Adjustments for non-cash or unusual items:                        
 Deferred income tax recovery   (19,817 )   (24,850 )   (14,973 )   (61,031 )
 Share-based payments   1,907     943     8,325     7,375  
 (Gain) loss from investment in derivatives and marketable securities   (243 )   925     (1,765 )   4,704  
 (Recovery) write-down of mineral inventory   (355 )   1,316     (2,578 )   2,329  
 Impairment of non-current assets   58,739     168,028     58,739     199,688  
 Inventory loss due to Republic Metals Chapter 11 bankruptcy       7,520         7,520  
 Primero acquisition costs       16         4,893  
Adjusted net earnings (loss) $ 285   $ (10,545 ) $ 7,274   $ (38,686 )
Weighted average number of shares on issue - basic   205,753,770     193,669,968     201,615,489     183,650,405  
Adjusted EPS $ 0.00   $ (0.05 ) $ 0.04   $ (0.21 )

Working Capital and Available Liquidity
Working capital is determined based on current assets and current liabilities as reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company uses working capital as a measure of the Company’s short-term financial health and operating efficiency. Available liquidity includes the Company’s working capital and undrawn revolving credit facility.

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Current Assets $ 242,979   $ 166,274  
Less: Current Liabilities   (71,853 )   (58,137 )
Working Capital $ 171,126   $ 108,137  
Available Undrawn Revolving Credit Facility   55,031     55,031  
Available Liquidity $ 226,157   $ 163,168  


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

ADDITIONAL GAAP MEASURES

The Company uses additional financial measures which should be evaluated in conjunction with IFRS. It is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. The following additional GAAP measures are used:

Mine Operating Earnings
Mine operating earnings represents the difference between revenue less mine operating costs. Management believes that mine operating earnings provides useful information to investors because mine operating earnings excludes expenses not directly associated with commercial production.

Operating Cash Flows before Working Capital and Taxes
Operating cash flows before working capital and taxes represents cash flows generated from operations before changes in working capital and income taxes paid. Management believes that this measure allows investors to evaluate the Company’s pre-tax cash flows generated from operations adjusted for fluctuations in non-cash working capital items due to timing issues and the Company’s ability to service its debt.

The terms described above do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, therefore the Company’s definitions may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, with the participation of its President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon the results of that evaluation, the Company’s CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of December 31, 2019, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports it files is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the appropriate time periods and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management, with the participation of its CEO and CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in the rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements because of inherent limitations. Additionally, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness for future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the Company’s policies and procedures.

The Company’s management evaluated the effectiveness of our ICFR based upon the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on management’s evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our ICFR was effective as of December 31, 2019.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte LLP, have audited these Consolidated Annual Financial Statements and have issued an attestation report dated February 18, 2020 on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations of Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believes that any disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well conceived and operated, may not prevent or detect all misstatements because of inherent limitations. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, they cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been prevented or detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by unauthorized override of the control. The design of any control system also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in a cost effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

Cautionary Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information contained herein this MD&A constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). These statements relate to future events or the Company’s future performance, business prospects or opportunities. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: commercial mining operations; anticipated mineral recoveries; projected quantities of future mineral production; statements with respect to the Company’s business strategy; future planning processes; anticipated development, expansion, exploration activities and production rates; the estimated cost and timing of plant improvements at the Company’s operating mines and development of the Company’s development projects; the timing of completion of exploration programs and drilling programs; the repayment of the Debentures; statements with respect to the Company’s future financial position including operating efficiencies, cash flow, capital budgets, costs and expenditures; the preparation of technical reports and completion of preliminary economic assessments; the repurchase of the Company’s shares; viability of the Company’s projects; potential metal recovery rates; the conversion of the Company’s securities. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “predict”, “forecast”, “potential”, “targeting”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe” and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be “forward-looking statements”.

Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the dates the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation: the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, fluctuating metal prices, the possibility of project delays or cost overruns or unanticipated excessive operating costs and expenses, uncertainties related to the necessity of financing, the availability of and costs of financing needed in the future, and other factors described in the Company’s Annual Information Form under the heading “Risk Factors”.

The Company believes that the expectations reflected in any such 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 this MD&A should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this MD&A. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Cautionary Note regarding Reserves and Resources
Mineral reserves and mineral resources are determined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”), issued by the Canadian Securities Administrators. This National Instrument lays out the standards of disclosure for mineral projects including rules relating to the determination of mineral reserves and mineral resources.

This includes a requirement that a certified Qualified Person (“QP”) (as defined under the NI 43-101) supervises the preparation of the mineral reserves and mineral resources. Ramon Mendoza, P. Eng., Vice President of Technical Services is a certified QP for the Company and has reviewed this MD&A for QP technical disclosures. All NI 43-101 technical reports can be found on the Company’s website at www.firstmajestic.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Mineral Reserves and Resources
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ in certain material respects from the disclosure requirements of United States securities laws. The terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral reserve” and “probable mineral reserve” are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with Canadian NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) - CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended. These definitions differ from the definitions in the disclosure requirements promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and contained in Industry Guide 7 (“Industry Guide 7”). Under Industry Guide 7 standards, a “final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required to report mineral reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any mineral reserve or cash flow analysis to designate mineral reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.

In addition, the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101. However, these terms are not defined terms under Industry Guide 7 and are not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements of United States companies filed with the Commission. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into mineral reserves. “Inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a mineral resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations. In contrast, the Commission only permits U.S. companies to report mineralization that does not constitute “mineral reserves” by Commission standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

Accordingly, information contained in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

Additional Information
Additional information on the Company, including the Company’s Annual Information Form and the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company’s website at www.firstmajestic.com.