Andrew Kaip, an analyst with BMO Capital Markets, reviewed the arrangement between the two entities.
In a May 13, 2018 research note, analyst Andrew Kaip with BMO Capital Markets indicated Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (WPM:TSX; WPM:NYSE) entered into a metals purchase agreement with First Majestic Silver Corp.' (FR:TSX; AG:NYSE; FMV:FSE) regarding the San Dimas mine following the close of First Majestic's acquisition of Primero.
According to the deal terms, Kaip reported, Wheaton "will receive 25% of gold production plus an amount of gold equal to 25% of silver production based on a fixed exchange ratio. It will make ongoing payments of the lesser of $600 per ounce (1% inflationary adjustment) and the market price." Also, it will get 20.9 million First Majestic shares valued at $151 million. Kaip wrote, "We forecast an average of 34 thousand ounces of gold equivalent (34 Koz Au eq) over the next three years versus an average of 75 Koz Au eq over the previous three years."
BMO viewed the deal as "slightly dilutive at 6%," which was expected, Kaip noted. However, "given Wheaton's carrying value of ~$133M at the end of Q1/18, the company is expected to record a gain on the transaction."
As for First Majestic as a partner, it's a solid one, wrote Kaip, one with a good track record of operating in Mexico and a strong balance sheet to invest in exploration and development and "to reinvigorate San Dimas."
Further, the closing of the transaction should allow for the overhang on Primero to dissipate, "thereby setting the stage for investors to recalibrate expectations on San Dimas," said Kaip.
In other news, Wheaton's Q1/18 was as expected. Looking forward, the company anticipates deliveries of 355 thousand ounces of gold and 22.5 million ounces of silver this year. Additionally, Wheaton now has a court date, September 2019, for its pending tax dispute with the Canadian Revenue Agency.
Based on Wheaton's Q1/18 results and its agreement with First Majestic, BMO raised its net asset value per share on the San Dimas stream to $12.35 from $12.09. On Wheaton, BMO reiterated its Outperform rating and US$28 per share target price. Wheaton's stock is currently trading at around US$21.66 per share.