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MUX: Robust Los Azules Study Will Drive Long-Term Value And Production Uplift

Published
16 Mar 25
Updated
04 May 26
Views
1.2k
04 May
US$21.14
AnalystConsensusTarget's Fair Value
US$31.70
33.3% undervalued intrinsic discount
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Author's Valuation

US$31.733.3% undervalued intrinsic discount

AnalystConsensusTarget Fair Value

Last Update 04 May 26

MUX: Future Upside Will Rely On 2025 EBITDA And Asset Stability

Analysts have increased McEwen Mining's average price target by $8 to $31, citing recently reported 2025 results and a view that the company's operating assets now appear to be on more stable footing.

Analyst Commentary

Recent research updates point to a more supportive tone around McEwen Mining, with several bullish analysts lifting their targets after reviewing the 2025 results and the current asset base.

Bullish Takeaways

  • Bullish analysts highlight the move in price targets up to US$31 as a reflection of 2025 results that they describe as solid, with EBITDA more than doubling compared with 2024, which they see as supportive for valuation.
  • The view that operating assets now appear to be on stable footing is seen as improving execution risk, which bullish analysts link to a higher comfort level with the stock's risk and reward profile.
  • Analysts who raised targets by US$5 to US$8 point to the recent financial and operating update as a reason to assign a higher value to the company's asset portfolio and future cash generation potential, even if specific forecasts are not disclosed.
  • The combination of stronger reported EBITDA and a perception of more consistent operations leads bullish analysts to argue that the current share price may not fully reflect the company's 2025 performance.

Bearish Takeaways

  • Even with higher price targets, the reliance on a single year in which EBITDA more than doubled versus 2024 leaves some room for cautious analysts to question how repeatable that performance is over time.
  • The view that assets are now on stable footing can be interpreted as a relatively recent improvement, which may lead more bearish analysts to focus on the need for sustained execution before assigning materially higher valuations.
  • Higher targets following strong 2025 numbers may also raise concerns for some investors about how much of the recent performance is already reflected in research assumptions, which could limit upside if execution or markets soften.
  • The emphasis on EBITDA and operating stability, without much detail on costs, balance sheet strength, or long term growth drivers, may leave cautious analysts looking for more clarity before turning meaningfully more positive.

What's in the News

  • Iconic Minerals and a McEwen Mining subsidiary finalized a 50%/50 joint venture to advance the 2,140 hectare New Pass gold property in Churchill County, Nevada, with Iconic initially managing the project and each partner funding expenditures in line with its interest (Key Developments).
  • McEwen reported a new Mineral Resource Estimate for the Tartan Mine Project in Manitoba of 308,900 Indicated and 302,700 Inferred gold ounces, calculated using a gold price of US$3,000 per ounce, with identified areas where additional drilling could expand the resource (Key Developments).
  • The company outlined an exploration budget of US$6m in 2026 for Tartan, targeting resource growth and near mine drill testing, and is advancing metallurgical test work and underground mine planning to optimize a potential restart of the mine at 500 tonnes per day (Key Developments).
  • McEwen is evaluating mine restart scenarios at Tartan, including reviewing existing environmental licenses and assessing options that could support an increase in potential mill capacity from 500 tonnes per day to 1,000 tonnes per day, subject to future decisions and permits (Key Developments).
  • On 03/17/2026, McEwen announced it would be unable to file its next 10 K with the SEC by the required deadline (Key Developments).

Valuation Changes

  • Fair Value: Modelled fair value is unchanged at $31.7 per share. This indicates no revision in the central valuation estimate.
  • Discount Rate: The discount rate has risen slightly from 8.37% to 8.38%. This reflects a modestly higher required return in the model.
  • Revenue Growth: Forecast revenue growth has fallen from 32.64% to 29.92%. This indicates slightly more conservative expectations for future sales expansion in dollar terms.
  • Net Profit Margin: Forecast net profit margin has risen from 24.30% to 28.44%. This points to a higher assumed level of profitability on future dollar revenue.
  • Future P/E: The assumed future P/E multiple has fallen from 25.93x to 23.58x. This suggests a lower valuation multiple applied to projected earnings.
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Key Takeaways

  • Progress on copper projects and focus on responsible mining could enhance growth prospects, equity value, and access to ESG-focused capital.
  • Ongoing operational improvements and successful exploration at gold and silver mines may drive higher margins, production, and long-term revenue growth.
  • Persistent operational setbacks, execution risks, and prolonged permitting could weigh on profitability, strain capital resources, and limit future growth and returns for shareholders.

Catalysts

About McEwen
    Engages in the exploration, development, production, and sale of gold and silver deposits in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Argentina.
What are the underlying business or industry changes driving this perspective?
  • The accelerating global demand for copper driven by clean energy transition and electrification is likely to positively impact McEwen's future revenue growth; progress on the Los Azules project, with feasibility study due in 2025 and improved government support (e.g., elimination of export duties), positions the company to capitalize on this trend as copper prices rise.
  • Continued investment in exploration and drill success at existing mines (e.g., Froome West, Grey Fox, Tartan) support the potential for higher future gold and silver production, extending mine life and lowering production costs, which can boost both revenue and operating margins over time.
  • Ongoing cost optimization and operational improvements at key assets like Fox Complex and Gold Bar, combined with increased production expected in the second half of the year, are likely to expand net margins and increase operating cash flow.
  • The spin-out and potential IPO of McEwen Copper, supported by progress on regulatory approvals (RIGI) and robust market interest, could unlock higher equity value and provide additional liquidity for balance sheet flexibility and future growth initiatives.
  • The company's focus on responsible mining, safety, and community engagement aligns with growing institutional preference for ESG-friendly projects, improving potential access to premium financing and offtake agreements, which could lower long-term cost of capital and support earnings growth.
McEwen Earnings and Revenue Growth

McEwen Future Earnings and Revenue Growth

Assumptions

How have these above catalysts been quantified?

  • Analysts are assuming McEwen's revenue will grow by 29.9% annually over the next 3 years.
  • Analysts assume that profit margins will increase from 17.4% today to 28.4% in 3 years time.
  • Analysts expect earnings to reach $123.2 million (and earnings per share of $3.37) by about May 2029, up from $34.4 million today. However, there is a considerable amount of disagreement amongst the analysts with the most bullish expecting $189.1 million in earnings, and the most bearish expecting $87.4 million.
  • In order for the above numbers to justify the price target of the analysts, the company would need to trade at a PE ratio of 23.9x on those 2029 earnings, down from 35.2x today. This future PE is greater than the current PE for the CA Metals and Mining industry at 22.2x.
  • Analysts expect the number of shares outstanding to grow by 7.0% per year for the next 3 years.
  • To value all of this in today's terms, we will use a discount rate of 8.38%, as per the Simply Wall St company report.

Risks

What could happen that would invalidate this narrative?
  • Ongoing operational underperformance and production shortfalls at core assets, such as the Q2 production being slightly behind objectives due to manpower issues and ore blend/recovery challenges at San José, could persist, resulting in lower-than-expected revenue and reduced cash flow.
  • Execution risks around major development projects, including Los Azules in Argentina and the Tartan mine restart, may lead to cost overruns, delays in permitting (notably 2–3 years for Nevada projects and uncertainty around RIGI approval in Argentina), and higher capital requirements, compressing net margins and hindering earnings growth.
  • Heightened regulatory and permitting timelines, as evidenced by multiyear approval periods in Nevada and Argentina (with the RIGI process described as new and subject to delays), could restrict project development pace, delaying future revenue streams and impacting long-term growth projections.
  • The need for updated infrastructure, such as the dewatering and replacement of obsolete milling and crushing circuits at the Tartan mine, presents unforeseen capital expenditures and potentially prolonged downtimes, which could pressure profitability and delay the expected increase in operating income.
  • The history and likelihood of future equity raises or debt financing to fund capital-intensive exploration and expansion-despite current liquidity-could lead to shareholder dilution, higher interest costs, and consequently limit future per-share earnings and share price appreciation.

Valuation

How have all the factors above been brought together to estimate a fair value?

  • The analysts have a consensus price target of $31.7 for McEwen based on their expectations of its future earnings growth, profit margins and other risk factors.
  • However, there is a degree of disagreement amongst analysts, with the most bullish reporting a price target of $35.0, and the most bearish reporting a price target of just $29.5.
  • In order for you to agree with the analysts, you'd need to believe that by 2029, revenues will be $433.2 million, earnings will come to $123.2 million, and it would be trading on a PE ratio of 23.9x, assuming you use a discount rate of 8.4%.
  • Given the current share price of $20.4, the analyst price target of $31.7 is 35.6% higher.
  • We always encourage you to reach your own conclusions though. So sense check these analyst numbers against your own assumptions and expectations based on your understanding of the business and what you believe is probable.

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Disclaimer

AnalystConsensusTarget is a tool utilizing a Large Language Model (LLM) that ingests data on consensus price targets, forecasted revenue and earnings figures, as well as the transcripts of earnings calls to produce qualitative analysis. The narratives produced by AnalystConsensusTarget are general in nature and are based solely on analyst data and publicly-available material published by the respective companies. These scenarios are not indicative of the company's future performance and are exploratory in nature. Simply Wall St has no position in the company(s) mentioned. Simply Wall St may provide the securities issuer or related entities with website advertising services for a fee, on an arm's length basis. These relationships have no impact on the way we conduct our business, the content we host, or how our content is served to users. The price targets and estimates used are consensus data, and do not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and they do not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Note that AnalystConsensusTarget's analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.

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