Aris Mining's Rising AISC a Drag: Time to Tighten Cost Discipline?

Core Insights - Aris Mining Corporation (ARMN) reported an increase in its first-quarter all-in-sustaining costs (AISC) per ounce, indicating a deterioration in cost efficiency [1][3] - The Segovia Operations in Colombia showed AISC of $1,570 per ounce, up from $1,485 per ounce in the previous quarter and $1,434 per ounce in the same quarter last year [1] - Consolidated AISC rose approximately 6% year over year to $1,667 per ounce [1][7] Cost Drivers - The year-over-year increase in ARMN's costs was attributed to higher costs in purchased mill feed from Contract Mining Partners (CMPs), increased royalty and social contributions costs, and rising processing and mining costs [2][3] - High inflation rates in Colombia have significantly impacted Aris Mining's operating costs [3] Peer Comparison - B2Gold Corp. (BTG) reported a roughly 14% year-over-year increase in consolidated AISC to $1,533 per ounce, facing similar cost inflation pressures [4] - AngloGold Ashanti plc's (AU) first-quarter total AISC increased by 1% year over year to $1,640 per ounce, with a notable 37% surge in AISC for non-managed joint ventures [5] Stock Performance and Valuation - ARMN shares have surged 95.7% year to date, outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's rise of 55.4% [6][7] - The company is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 4.63, which is approximately 67.1% lower than the industry average of 14.08X [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ARMN's earnings in 2025 and 2026 implies significant year-over-year growth of 226.5% and 80.6%, respectively [9]