EX-99.2 3 ex99203312018mda.htm EXHIBIT 99.2 Exhibit


image2a31.gifALAMOS GOLD INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis
(in United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)
For the three months ended March 31, 2018


image0a16.gifALAMOS GOLD INC.
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018




Table of Contents
Overview of the Business
Highlight Summary
First Quarter 2018 Highlights
Key Business Developments
Outlook and Strategy
Young-Davidson Mine ("Young-Davidson")
Island Gold Mine ("Island Gold")
Mulatos Mine ("Mulatos")
El Chanate Mine ("El Chanate")
First Quarter 2018 Development Activities
First Quarter 2018 Exploration Activities
Key External Performance Drivers
Summarized Financial and Operating Results
Review of First Quarter Financial Results
Consolidated Expenses and Other
Consolidated Income Tax Expense
Financial Condition
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Outstanding Share Data
Related Party Transactions
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Financial Instruments
Summary of Quarterly Financial and Operating Results
Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures
Accounting Estimates, Policies and Changes
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Disclosure Controls
Limitations of Controls and Procedures
Cautionary Note to United States Investors
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements




2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”), dated May 1, 2018, relates to the financial condition and results of the consolidated operations of Alamos Gold Inc. (“Alamos” or the “Company”), and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 and unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and notes thereto. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting ("IAS 34") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS” or “GAAP”). All results are presented in United States dollars (“US dollars” or “$”), unless otherwise stated.
Statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties identified in the Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements section of this document. United States investors are also advised to refer to the section entitled Cautionary Note to United States Investors on page 33.
Overview of the Business

Alamos is a Canadian-based intermediate gold producer with diversified production from four operating mines in North America. The operating mines are: the Young-Davidson and the Island Gold mines in northern Ontario, Canada and the Mulatos and El Chanate mines in Sonora State, Mexico. In addition, Alamos has a significant portfolio of development stage projects in Canada, Mexico, Turkey, and the United States. Alamos employs more than 1,700 people and is committed to the highest standards of sustainable development and ethical business practices.
The Company’s common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: AGI) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: AGI). Further information about Alamos can be found in the Company’s regulatory filings, including the Company's Annual Information Form, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, and on the Company’s website at www.alamosgold.com.

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Highlight Summary

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

Financial Results (in millions)
 
 
Operating revenues

$173.1


$121.0

Cost of sales (1)

$144.7


$110.1

Earnings from operations

$18.5


$2.2

Net earnings

$0.6


$0.1

Adjusted net earnings (loss) (2)

$12.3


($5.1
)
Cash provided by operations before working capital and cash taxes(2)

$62.6


$34.2

Cash provided by operating activities

$58.8


$20.1

Capital expenditures (sustaining) (2)

$10.7


$9.3

Capital expenditures (growth) (2),(3)

$40.8


$24.3

Operating Results
 
 
Gold production (ounces) (4)
128,900

96,200

Gold sales (ounces)
130,045

98,755

Per Ounce Data
 
 
Average realized gold price

$1,331


$1,225

Average spot gold price (London PM Fix)

$1,329


$1,219

Cost of sales per ounce of gold sold (includes amortization) (1)

$1,113


$1,115

Total cash costs per ounce of gold sold (2)

$789


$827

All-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold sold (2)

$935


$1,014

Share Data
 
 
Earnings per share, basic

$0.00


$0.00

Adjusted earnings per share, basic (2)
$0.03

($0.02
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic) (000’s)
389,254

284,748

Financial Position (in millions)


 
Cash and cash equivalents (5)
$231.8

$200.8

(1) 
Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties, and amortization expense.
(2) 
Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures.
(3) 
Includes capitalized exploration and La Yaqui Phase I development.
(4) 
Gold production from Island Gold has been included in this table for the period subsequent to November 23, 2017 only. Gold production from Island Gold for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 23,772 ounces.
(5) 
Comparative Cash and cash equivalents balance as at December 31, 2017.

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017(1)

Gold production (ounces)
 
 
Young-Davidson
41,000

40,400

Mulatos
46,000

40,000

Island Gold (1)
28,100


El Chanate
13,800

15,800

Gold sales (ounces)
 
 
Young-Davidson
44,790

43,827

Mulatos
44,659

38,675

Island Gold (1)
27,503


El Chanate
13,093

16,253

Cost of sales (in millions)(2)
 
 
Young-Davidson

$57.0


$50.3

Mulatos

$43.6


$40.0

Island Gold (1)

$27.5


El Chanate

$16.6


$19.8

Cost of sales per ounce of gold sold (includes amortization)
 
 
Young-Davidson

$1,273


$1,148

Mulatos

$976


$1,034

Island Gold (1)

$1,000


El Chanate

$1,268


$1,218

Total cash costs per ounce of gold sold (3)
 
 
Young-Davidson

$824


$710

Mulatos

$786


$827

Island Gold (1)

$553


El Chanate

$1,176


$1,144

Mine-site all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold sold (3),(4)
 
 
Young-Davidson

$994


$851

Mulatos

$842


$920

Island Gold (1)

$633


El Chanate

$1,191


$1,187

Capital expenditures (growth and sustaining) (in millions)(3)
 
 
Young-Davidson

$22.9


$18.6

Mulatos(5)

$7.2


$11.4

Island Gold (1),(5)

$13.9


El Chanate

$0.1


$0.6

Other

$7.4


$3.0

(1) 
Operating and financial results from Island Gold are included in Alamos’ consolidated financial statements for the period subsequent to November 23, 2017. Gold production from Island Gold for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 23,772.
(2) 
Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties and amortization.
(3) 
Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures.
(4) 
For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses.
(5) 
Includes capitalized exploration.


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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


First Quarter 2018 Highlights


Produced a record 128,900 ounces of gold, above budget and 34% higher than the first quarter of 2017 driven by strong performances from Mulatos and Island Gold. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of record production
Increased 2018 production guidance at both Mulatos and Island Gold, bringing Company-wide guidance to a range of 490,000 to 530,000 ounces of gold
Island Gold reported record quarterly gold production of 28,100 ounces, in its first full quarter as part of Alamos. Mine-site all-in sustaining costs1 of $633 per ounce were well below guidance and the operation generated $9.8 million in mine-site free cash flow1. As a result of this strong performance, production guidance at Island Gold has been increased to between 95,000 and 105,000 ounces for 2018
Sold 130,045 ounces of gold at an average realized price of $1,331 per ounce for record revenues of $173.1 million
Cost of sales of $1,113 per ounce, total cash costs1 of $789 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs ("AISC")1 of $935 per ounce were all down from the first quarter of 2017, with total cash costs and AISC decreasing 5% and 8%, respectively
Reported adjusted net earnings1 of $12.3 million or $0.03 per share1, reflecting adjustments for unrealized foreign exchange losses recorded within both deferred taxes and foreign exchange of $10.8 million, as well as other one-time items
Reported net earnings of $0.6 million, or $0.00 per share
Generated cash flow from operating activities of $58.8 million ($62.6 million or $0.16 per share, before changes in working capital1), reflecting record production, lower cash costs and stronger operating margins
Generated $24.3 million in mine-site free cash flow1, and $7.3 million of company wide free-cash flow1 in the first quarter, both ahead of budget, reflecting a higher realized gold price and stronger production at Mulatos and Island Gold
Ended the quarter with no debt and $231.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, up from $200.8 million as of December 31, 2017
Liquidated the Company's equity positions in AuRico Metals and Corex Gold, generating proceeds of $24.9 million and realizing a gain of $14.3 million recorded directly in retained earnings (deficit)
Announced a semi-annual dividend of $0.01 per share, or $3.9 million, paid to shareholders on April 30, 2018




































(1) Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures.

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


2018 Key Business Developments

Mineral Reserve and Resource update
On February 21, 2018, the Company reported a global mineral reserve and resource update. Highlights of the release include the following:
Global Proven and Probable mineral reserves increased 28%, or 2.1 million ounces, to 9.8 million ounces of gold, (203 million tonnes (“mt”) grading 1.50 grams per tonne of gold (“g/t Au”)) net of mining depletion, with grades increasing 16%. The increase reflects the addition of Island Gold (with the acquisition of Richmont Mines closing November 23, 2017), further growth at La Yaqui Grande and the declaration of an initial mineral reserve at Lynn Lake
Island Gold’s Proven and Probable mineral reserves increased 18% to 887,000 ounces of gold, (2.7 mt grading 10.20 g/t Au) net of mining depletion. Mineral reserve grades also increased 11% to 10.20 g/t Au compared to 9.17 g/t Au at the end of 2016. Since 2014, mineral reserves have increased 383% in terms of ounces and 60% in terms of grade
Increased Proven and Probable mineral reserves at La Yaqui Grande to 644,000 ounces of gold, (14.3 mt grading 1.40 g/t Au) a 24%, or 123,000 ounce increase.  Including additions within the Mulatos Pit, this offset mining depletion at Mulatos
Initial Proven and Probable mineral reserve declared at Lynn Lake of 1.6 million ounces of gold (26.8 mt grading 1.89 g/t Au) with the release of the positive feasibility study in December 2017
Global Measured and Indicated mineral resources decreased 21% to 7.4 million ounces of gold, (207 mt grading 1.1 g/t Au) reflecting the conversion of mineral resources to mineral reserves at Lynn Lake

Acquisition of Richmont Mines
On November 23, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of Richmont, and its Island Gold mine in northern Ontario. The Island Gold mine is a high-grade, low cost, long-life asset in Canada with significant exploration potential. The acquisition has strengthened and further diversified Alamos’ portfolio of assets through the addition of a third core, long-life producing asset. Island Gold provides near-term production growth while lowering the Company's cost profile.
All of the Richmont issued and outstanding common shares were exchanged on the basis of 1.385 Alamos common shares for each Richmont common share for total consideration of $627 million. Upon completion of the transaction, existing Alamos and Richmont shareholders owned approximately 77% and 23% of the combined company, respectively.



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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Outlook and Strategy

 
2018 Guidance

Total
 
Young-Davidson
Mulatos
Island
   Gold
El Chanate
Turkey (5)
Other (2)
Original
Revised
Gold production (000’s ounces)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Revised Guidance
200-210
155-165
95-105
40-50
 
490-530
     Original Guidance
200-210
150-160
90-100
40-50
480-520
 
Cost of sales, including
  amortization    (in millions)(4)
$233
$160
$102
$58
$536
$550
Cost of sales, including
  amortization  ($ per ounce)(4)
$1,125
$1,000
$1,025
$1,285
$1,075
$1,080
Total cash costs ($ per ounce)(1)
$675
$800
$575
$1,200
$740
$740
All-in sustaining costs
 ($ per ounce)(1)
 
 
 
 
$950
$950
Mine-site all-in sustaining costs
  ($ per ounce)(1),(3)
$850
$900
$825
$1,200
Amortization costs
 ($ per ounce)(1)
$450
$200
$450
$85
$335
$340
Capital expenditures  (in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sustaining capital(1)
$35-40
$8-10
$25-27
$68-77
$68-77
Growth capital(1)
$35-40
$18-20
$25-28
$25
    $46 (2)
$224-234

$149-159
Total capital expenditures(1)
$70-80
$26-30
$50-55
$25
$46
$292-$311

$217-$236
(1) 
Refer to the "Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP" disclosure at the end of this MD&A for a description of these measures.
(2) 
Includes capitalized exploration at all operating sites and development projects.
(3) 
For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs at individual mine sites, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses to the mine sites.
(4) 
Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties, and amortization expense.
(5) 
Capital guidance at Kirazlı reduced to $25 million from the original budget of $100 million.

The Company continues to deliver on its strategic priorities of increasing cash flow from its operations while advancing its portfolio of low-cost development projects. In 2017, this included reporting record gold production and a 8% reduction in all-in sustaining costs.

This strong operational performance continued into the first quarter of 2018 with production of 128,900 ounces of gold, exceeding budget and setting a new quarterly record. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of record production. Reflecting the strong start to the year, the Company has increased its 2018 production guidance at both Island Gold and Mulatos by 5,000 ounces, bringing the revised production guidance to a range of 490,000 to 530,000 ounces, representing a 19% increase over 2017 (based on the mid-point of guidance). All-in sustaining costs are expected to average $950 per ounce, supporting increasing operating margins and mine-site free cash flow. Capital spending at the four operating mines is expected to total between $146 and $165 million for the year.

Consistent with budget, production in the second quarter of 2018 is expected to be approximately 125,000 ounces, at slightly higher all-in sustaining costs than the first quarter as a result of additional sustaining capital. The Company expects stronger production from Young-Davidson to offset slightly lower production from Island Gold and Mulatos. In the second half of 2018, the Company anticipates stronger gold production, lower total cash costs and a lower rate of capital spending, all of which is expected to contribute to higher mine-site free cash flow compared to the first half of the year.

Young-Davidson produced 41,000 ounces in the first quarter and is expected to produce between 200,000 and 210,000 ounces for the full year at mine-site all-in sustaining costs of $850 per ounce. Similar to 2017, the Company expects stronger gold production in the second quarter and more notably in the second half of 2018 driven by higher underground grades and mining rates. Combined with lower total cash costs and a reduced rate of capital spending, this will drive stronger mine-site free cash flow in the second half of 2018.

Island Gold produced 28,100 ounces of gold in the first quarter, exceeding its budget and setting a new quarterly record. Given the outperformance in the first quarter, the operation is now expected to produce between 95,000 and 105,000 ounces in 2018, a 5% increase from previously guided levels, at mine-site all-in sustaining costs of $825 per ounce. The Phase I expansion of the Island Gold mill to 1,100 tpd remains on track and is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter. This is anticipated to drive production growth at lower costs in 2019 and beyond. Accordingly, the Company expects significant free cash flow growth in 2019.


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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


In parallel to the Phase I mill expansion, the Company is pursuing an aggressive exploration program at Island Gold which has been successful in driving nearly a 400% increase in Mineral Reserves and a 60% increase in the Mineral Reserve grade since 2014.

Ongoing exploration success will be incorporated into an evaluation of the most effective and economic approach to a Phase II expansion of the operation beyond 1,100 tpd.

Total production from the Mulatos district (including La Yaqui Phase I) increased to 46,000 ounces in the first quarter, also exceeding budget. As a result, Mulatos is now expected to produce between 155,000 to 165,000 ounces in 2018, a 3% increase from previously guided levels, at mine-site all-in sustaining costs of $900 per ounce.

El Chanate produced 13,800 ounces in the first quarter and is expected to produce 40,000 to 50,000 ounces for the full year. This is down from 2017 reflecting lower mining rates with mining activities expected to cease mid-2018. Given the long leach cycle at El Chanate, the Company expects to benefit from ongoing gold production beyond 2018 through residual leaching. This will be lower cost and higher margin production, with mining activities completed, and is expected to drive higher mine-site free cash flow from the operation.

The Company expects combined annual gold production of at least 500,000 ounces from its existing operations in 2019 and 2020 with low cost production growth from Island Gold replacing production from El Chanate. Consolidated all-in sustaining costs are expected to decrease in 2019 reflecting the completion of the Phase I expansion at Island Gold and end of the 5% royalty at Mulatos, with a further decline expected in 2020 reflecting higher underground mining rates at Young-Davidson. Similarly, capital spending at existing operations is expected to trend lower in 2019 and 2020 reflecting the completion of the Phase I expansion at Island Gold and lower mine infrastructure at Young-Davidson. Increased production combined with declining operating costs is expected to result in strong free cash flow growth over the next three years.

Capital spending on development projects, including capitalized exploration, is dependent on timing of receipt of the GSM (Business Opening and Operation) permit for the Kirazlı project, located in Turkey. On April 18, 2018, a snap election was called in Turkey with early parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled to be held on June 24, 2018. The Company does not anticipate receiving the GSM permit until after the election, which will delay construction activities planned for this year. As a result, the Company is revising its 2018 capital budget for Kirazlı to $25 million, down from $100 million, with spending focused on surrounding infrastructure projects. The Company will update its 2018 capital budget once the GSM permit has been received allowing for the ramp up of full scale construction activities.

In addition to capital spending in Turkey, a total of $46 million is budgeted for development at Cerro Pelon, La Yaqui Grande and Lynn Lake as well as capitalized exploration at all sites. Total exploration spending of $36 million will be focused on Island Gold and Mulatos for the remainder of the year.

The Company is well positioned to fund this growth having significantly de-risked its balance sheet over the past year. The Company is debt free with growing cash flow from its operations and over $630 million of cash and available liquidity under the Company's credit facility.


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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Young-Davidson

The Young-Davidson mine is located near the town of Matachewan in Northern Ontario, Canada. The property consists of contiguous mineral leases and claims totaling 11,000 acres, and is situated on the site of two past producing mines that produced over one million ounces of gold between 1934 and 1957. The Young-Davidson mine declared commercial production in 2013.
Young-Davidson Financial and Operational Review
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

Gold production (ounces)
41,000

40,400

Gold sales (ounces)
44,790

43,827

Financial Review (in millions)
 
 
Operating Revenues

$59.5


$53.6

Cost of sales (1)

$57.0


$50.3

Earnings from operations

$2.5


$3.3

Cash provided by operating activities

$27.4


$18.5

Capital expenditures (sustaining) (2)

$7.6


$6.1

Capital expenditures (growth) (2)

$15.3


$12.5

Mine-site free cash flow (2)

$4.5


($0.1
)
Cost of sales, including amortization per ounce of gold sold (1)

$1,273


$1,148

Total cash costs per ounce of gold sold (2)

$824


$710

Mine-site all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold sold  (2),(3)

$994


$851

Underground Operations
 
 
Tonnes of ore mined
585,060

576,019

Tonnes of ore mined per day ("tpd")
6,501

6,400

Average grade of gold (4)
2.35

2.56

Metres developed
3,144

3,242

Mill Operations
 
 
Tonnes of ore processed
669,287

694,624

Tonnes of ore processed per day
7,437

7,718

Average grade of gold (4)
2.22

2.18

Contained ounces milled
46,193

48,774

Average recovery rate
90
%
89
%
(1) 
Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties and amortization.
(2) 
Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures. Total cash costs and mine-site AISC are exclusive of net-realizable value adjustments.
(3) 
For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses.
(4) 
Grams per tonne of gold ("g/t Au").
Young-Davidson produced 41,000 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2018, higher than the same period of 2017 but lower than the fourth quarter of 2017 due to lower underground mining rates and mined grades. The Company mined 585,060 tonnes of ore from underground in the first quarter, or 6,501 tpd, representing an increase over the prior year period. Underground mining rates were lower in the first quarter than in the fourth quarter of 2017, as a result of temporary constraints related to the paste fill sequence.
In addition, underground grades in the first quarter of 2.35 g/t Au were lower than the previous quarter and the same period of 2017 primarily as a result of mine sequencing. As previously guided, gold production is expected to increase in the second quarter and second half of 2018, with grades and underground mining rates expected to increase through the year.
During the first quarter, 669,287 tonnes, or 7,437 tpd, were processed through the mill with grades averaging 2.22 g/t Au, slightly higher from the prior year period. Mill throughput decreased compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 due to a scheduled liner change in January. Mill recoveries of 90% were in line with expectations and marginally higher than the prior year period.
Financial Review
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, revenues of $59.5 million were $5.9 million higher than the prior-year period, reflecting more ounces sold and a higher realized gold price.

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


In the first quarter of 2018, cost of sales of $57.0 million were higher than the prior year period reflecting higher tonnes mined and input costs. Cost of sales reflects mining and processing costs, royalties, and amortization expense.
Total cash costs in the first quarter were $824 per ounce, representing a 16% increase from the first quarter of 2017. The increase was attributable to higher gross costs driven by an increase in paste fill, maintenance and labour costs. Underground mining costs were higher than the prior year period due to a combination of increased paste fill activities and a higher allocation of development costs to operating expense, which impacts cost per tonne. The stronger Canadian dollar had a nominal impact on total cash costs compared to the prior year as the Company has hedged the majority of its Canadian dollar operating and capital costs at budgeted foreign exchange rates for the first half of 2018. Mine-site AISC were $994 per ounce, 17% higher than the prior year period reflecting higher total cash costs and sustaining capital expenditures.
Capital expenditures totaled $22.9 million in the first quarter, 23% higher than the same period of 2017, reflecting the higher proportion of capital expected in the first half of 2018 as outlined in the Company's guidance. Capital spending in the first quarter was focused primarily on lateral development in the upper and lower mines, and lower mine infrastructure. Total capital expenditures in the first quarter included $7.6 million of sustaining capital and $15.3 million of growth capital.
Young-Davidson generated mine-site free cash flow of $4.5 million in the first quarter, lower than in recent quarters as a result of lower production and higher costs. The Company expects mine-site free cash flow to grow in subsequent quarters as production and operating margins increase and capital spending declines.

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Island Gold

The Island Gold mine is a high grade, low cost underground mining operation located 83 kilometres northeast of Wawa, Ontario. The mine comprises 217 patented, leased and staked claims covering 7,926 hectares. The mine began production in October 2007.
Financial results for Island Gold are included for the period of ownership (November 23, 2017) onward. Operational data is presented in the table below for the first quarter of 2017, for informational purposes.

Island Gold Financial and Operational Review
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017 (1)

Gold production (ounces) (1)
28,100


Gold sales (ounces) (1)
27,503


Financial Review (in millions)
 
 
Operating Revenues

$36.6


Cost of sales (2)

$27.5


Earnings from operations

$9.0


Cash provided by operating activities

$23.7


Capital expenditures (sustaining) (3)

$2.2


Capital expenditures (growth) (3) (6)

$11.7


Mine-site free cash flow (3)

$9.8


Cost of sales, including amortization per ounce of gold sold (2)

$1,000


Total cash costs per ounce of gold sold (3)

$553


Mine-site all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold sold  (3),(4)

$633


Underground Operations
 
 
Tonnes of ore mined
84,655

91,710

Tonnes of ore mined per day ("tpd")
941

1,019

Average grade of gold (5)
11.06

8.64

Metres developed
1,555

2,083

Mill Operations
 
 
Tonnes of ore processed
82,105

83,365

Tonnes of ore processed per day
912

926

Average grade of gold (5)
11.07

9.18

Contained ounces milled
29,224

24,594

Average recovery rate
96
%
97
%
(1) 
Financial results from Island Gold are included in Alamos’ consolidated financial statements for the period subsequent to November 23, 2017. Gold production from Island Gold for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 23,772.
(2) 
Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties and amortization.
(3) 
Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures. Total cash costs and mine-site AISC are exclusive of net-realizable value adjustments.
(4) 
For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses.
(5) 
Grams per tonne of gold ("g/t Au").
(6) 
Includes capitalized exploration of $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018

The first quarter of 2018 was the first full quarter that the Company owned and operated Island Gold. Operating and financial results exceeded budget with record production of 28,100 ounces of gold, an increase of 18% from the prior year period reflecting higher grades mined and milled. Given the strong first quarter performance, the Company is increasing 2018 production guidance to a range of 95,000 to 105,000 ounces.
The Company mined 84,655 tonnes of ore from underground in the first quarter of 2018, or 941 tpd, lower than the prior year period. The Company expects to ramp up mining rates in the second half of 2018 concurrent with the completion of the mill expansion to 1,100 tpd. Underground mining rates are expected to average 1,000 tpd in 2018, consistent with the rates achieved in 2017. Underground grades in the first quarter of 11.06 g/t Au were above budget and higher than the prior year period due to a combination of mine sequencing and a positive grade reconciliation. Grades are expected to be lower throughout the remainder of 2018.
During the first quarter, 82,105 tonnes or 912 tpd were processed through the mill, in line with the prior year period. Milled grades averaged 11.07 g/t Au, higher than the prior year period and previous quarter. Mill throughput is expected to average 980 tpd for the full year with milled grades expected to return to budgeted grades of between 8.3 and 8.9 g/t Au for the remainder of the year. Reflecting the return to budgeted grades, gold production is expected to decrease in the second and third quarters and ramp up in the fourth quarter following completion of the mill expansion.

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Financial Review
With the Company acquiring Island Gold in November 2017, financial information prior to the acquisition date has not been included in the comparative table above.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, Island Gold generated revenues of $36.6 million, on record production and higher realized gold prices. Cost of sales of $27.5 million reflect an ongoing amortization charge related to the purchase price of the asset, which increases amortization to approximately $450 per ounce based on current mineral reserves and resources.
Total cash costs of $553 per ounce were below guidance levels of $575 per ounce, reflecting higher grades mined in the quarter. In addition, mine-site AISC of $633 per ounce were well below guidance of $825 per ounce driven primarily by lower sustaining capital spending in the first quarter. Mine-site AISC are expected to be higher for the remainder of 2018.
Capital expenditures totaled $13.9 million in the first quarter, with spending focused primarily on capitalized exploration, lateral development and the mill expansion. Total capital expenditures in the first quarter included $2.2 million of sustaining capital and $11.7 million of growth capital. Island Gold generated mine-site free cash flow of $9.8 million in the first quarter driven by stronger production and operating margins. The Company expects Island Gold to generate sufficient cash flow to fully fund its significant exploration program and the expansion to 1,100 tpd.
 

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Mulatos
The Mulatos mine is located within the Salamandra Concessions in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range in the State of Sonora, Mexico. The Company controls a total of 28,777 hectares of mineral concessions in close proximity to the Mulatos mine. The mine achieved commercial production in 2006 as an open pit, heap leach mining operation and has produced approximately 1.8 million ounces of gold to-date. In addition, construction of the first phase of the La Yaqui mine was completed in the third quarter of 2017. The Mulatos mine is subject to a 5% royalty which is capped at 2 million ounces of gold, after which no third-party royalty is payable on production at Mulatos. Financial and operating results at Mulatos include La Yaqui Phase I, where commercial production commenced in September 2017.
Mulatos Financial and Operational Review
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

Gold production (ounces)
46,000

40,000

Gold sales (ounces)
44,659

38,675

Financial Review (in millions) 
 
 
Operating Revenues

$59.6


$47.6

Cost of sales (1)

$43.6


$40.0

Earnings from operations

$12.7


$6.7

Cash provided by operating activities

$16.1


$9.1

Capital expenditures (sustaining) (2)

$0.8


$2.6

Capital expenditures (Mulatos growth) (2),(6)

$6.4


$3.5

La Yaqui Phase I construction cost (2)

$—


$5.3

Mine-site free cash flow, excluding La Yaqui construction costs (2)

$8.9


$3.0

Cost of sales, including amortization per ounce of gold sold (1)

$976


$1,034

Total cash costs per ounce of gold sold (2)

$786


$827

Mine site all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold sold (2),(3)

$842


$920

Open Pit & Underground Operations
 
 
Tonnes of ore mined - open pit (4)
2,189,735

1,810,642

Total waste mined - open pit
1,998,605

1,890,744

Total tonnes mined - open pit
4,870,381

3,701,386

Waste-to-ore ratio (operating)
0.91

1.04

Tonnes of ore mined - underground
17,623

28,355

Crushing and Heap Leach Operations
 
 
Tonnes of ore stacked
1,750,471

1,686,961

Average grade of gold processed (5)
0.84

0.86

Contained ounces stacked
47,358

46,731

Mill Operations
 
 
Tonnes of high grade ore milled
30,389

35,764

Average grade of gold processed (5)
8.11

8.88

Contained ounces milled
7,917

10,204

Total contained ounces stacked and milled
55,275

56,935

Recovery ratio (ratio of ounces produced to contained ounces stacked and milled)
83
%
70
%
Ore crushed per day (tonnes) - combined
19,800

19,100

(1) 
Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties and amortization.
(2) 
Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures. Total cash costs and mine-site AISC are exclusive of net-realizable value adjustments.
(3) 
For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses.
(4) 
Includes ore stockpiled during the quarter.
(5) 
Grams per tonne of gold ("g/t Au").
(6) Includes capitalized exploration, of $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
Mulatos exceeded budget for the first quarter of 2018 with gold production of 46,000 ounces, including approximately 8,000 ounces from La Yaqui Phase I which achieved initial production in September 2017. Production in the quarter was higher than the prior year period mainly due to the contribution from La Yaqui Phase I, slightly offset by lower grades mined at the main Mulatos pit. As a result of the strong start to the year, and continued underground mining at San Carlos, the Company has increased 2018 production

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


guidance to a range of 155,000 to 165,000 ounces. Consistent with annual guidance, the Company expects production to decrease in the second half of the year following the end of production from San Carlos.
Total crusher throughput averaged a record 19,800 tpd, higher than the same period of 2017 reflecting the addition of La Yaqui Phase I. A total of 1,750,471 tonnes were stacked in the first quarter at a grade of 0.84 g/t Au, consistent with annual guidance. The waste-to-ore ratio of 0.91:1 decreased relative to the prior year period as a result of the addition of La Yaqui Phase I, which has a minimal waste-to-ore ratio.
In the first quarter of 2018, 30,389 tonnes were milled at an average grade of 8.11 g/t Au from San Carlos. Consistent with budget, the tonnes mined during the quarter were lower than the same period of 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2017 as the underground mine nears the end of its life. San Carlos and existing stockpiles had been expected to be depleted by the end of the first quarter, however; the Company has identified additional ore, which is expected to extend the life to mid-2018.
The ratio of ounces produced to contained ounces stacked and milled (or recovery ratio) was 83% in the quarter compared to 70% in the prior year period and guidance of 75%. The higher recoveries in the first quarter reflect the recovery of deferred production from the fourth quarter of 2017, as well as stronger than budgeted recoveries at La Yaqui Phase I.
Financial Review
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, revenues of $59.6 million were $12.0 million or 25% higher than the prior-year period reflecting a 15% increase in the number of ounces sold and a 10% higher realized gold price.
Cost of sales in the first quarter of $43.6 million were higher than the prior-year period as gross costs reflected higher tonnes stacked. Cost of sales reflects mining and processing costs, royalties, and amortization expense.
Total cash costs of $786 per ounce in the first quarter were 5% lower than $827 per ounce in the prior year period, reflecting the addition of lower cost La Yaqui Phase I production. Mine-site AISC in the quarter were $842 per ounce, 8% lower than the prior year period reflecting lower total cash costs and lower sustaining capital due to the timing of capital expenditures.
The substantial production and sales growth combined with higher gold prices and lower costs drove another strong quarter of cash flow, with Mulatos generating $8.9 million in mine-site free cash flow. The Mulatos operation is expected to generate strong cash flow in 2018, which will be used to advance the La Yaqui Grande and Cerro Pelon deposits through permitting, as well as funding exploration activities.


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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


El Chanate

The El Chanate mine is located northeast of the town of Caborca in the state of Sonora, Mexico. El Chanate is an open pit, heap leach mining operation.
El Chanate Financial and Operational Review
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

Gold production (ounces)
13,800

15,800

Gold sales (ounces)
13,093

16,253

Financial Review (in millions) 
 
 
Operating Revenues

$17.4


$19.8

Cost of sales (1)

$16.6


$19.8

Earnings from operations

$0.8


$—

Cash provided by (used by) operating activities

$1.2


($1.0
)
Capital expenditures

$0.1


$0.6

Mine-site free cash flow (2)

$1.1


($1.6
)
Cost of sales, including amortization per ounce of gold sold (1)

$1,268


$1,218

Total cash costs per ounce of gold sold (2)

$1,176


$1,144

Mine site all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold sold (2),(3)

$1,191


$1,187

Open Pit Operations
 
 
Tonnes of ore mined
1,006,371

905,915

Total tonnes mined
2,965,280

7,559,325

Waste-to-ore ratio (operating)
1.95

7.34

Average grade of gold (4)
0.60

0.53

Crushing and Heap Leach Operations
 
 
Total tonnes of ore stacked
1,009,177

919,244

Average grade of gold (4)
0.60

0.54

Total contained ounces stacked
19,467

15,959

Ore crushed and run-of-mine ore stacked per day (tonnes) - combined
11,200

10,200

Recovery ratio (ratio of ounces produced to contained ounces stacked)
71
%
99
%
(1) 
Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties and amortization
(2) 
Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures. Total cash costs and mine-site AISC are exclusive of net-realizable value adjustments.
(3) 
For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses.
(4) 
Grams per tonne of gold ("g/t Au").
El Chanate produced 13,800 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2018, down from 15,800 ounces in the prior year period, reflecting lower stacking rates throughout 2017.
El Chanate is expected to continue to produce at lower than historical rates in 2018 as the mine reaches the end of mining activities by mid-year. Given the long leach cycle at El Chanate, the Company expects to benefit from ongoing gold production at decreasing rates into the second half of 2018 and beyond through residual leaching. This is expected to drive higher mine-site free cash flow the second half of the year.
In 2018 El Chanate continued to demonstrate an industry leading safety performance achieving milestones of over 3 years and 5.2 million hours without a lost time injury by the end of the first quarter. 
Financial Review
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, revenue of $17.4 million was $2.4 million lower than the prior year period, reflecting fewer ounces sold, partially offset by higher realized gold prices.
Total cash costs of $1,176 per ounce and mine-site all-in sustaining costs of $1,191 per ounce in the first quarter were similar to the prior year period, reflecting a lower waste-to-ore ratio, and higher grades, offset by higher unit costs.

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


El Chanate generated positive mine-site free cash flow of $1.1 million in the quarter. This is expected to increase in the second half of the year as the mine transitions to residual leaching. Given El Chanate's higher cost structure, the Company has hedged all of its expected 2018 gold production through gold collar contracts, ensuring a minimum gold price of $1,290 and participation up to a price of $1,458 per ounce.
First Quarter 2018 Development Activities

Mulatos District
La Yaqui Grande and Cerro Pelon
The capital budget for Cerro Pelon in 2018 is $8 million which will be spent on engineering, permitting and early stage construction activities. The Cerro Pelon deposit is located approximately three kilometres from the existing Mulatos operation. Given its proximity to Mulatos’ infrastructure, ore from the Cerro Pelon open pit is expected to be trucked to the existing heap leach circuit for processing. The environmental impact assessment (“MIA”) for Cerro Pelon is expected to be finalized and submitted mid-2018. Following approval, construction and pre-stripping activities are expected to take approximately 18 months with initial production expected in 2020. Recently completed work includes the design of the waste rock dump, haulage road and crushing circuit.

La Yaqui Grande’s capital budget for 2018 is $5 million with spending focused on permitting and project engineering. The MIA is expected to be completed and submitted by the end of 2018 with construction and pre-stripping activities commencing in the latter part of 2019 and production in 2021. Similar to La Yaqui Phase I, La Yaqui Grande will be developed as a standalone, open pit, heap leach operation. La Yaqui Grande exploration activities in 2017 were successful in increasing Mineral Reserves by 28% to 644,000 ounces as at December 31, 2017 (14.3 million tonnes grading 1.4 g/t Au).

During the first quarter, spending on La Yaqui Grande and Cerro Pelon was $2.0 million, which included $1.1 million of capitalized exploration. The Company recently awarded the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management ("EPCM") contract for its Cerro Pelon and La Yaqui Grande projects.
Lynn Lake
The Company owns 100% of the Lynn Lake development project, in Manitoba, Canada. The Company released a positive Feasibility Study on the project in December 2017 outlining average annual production of 143,000 ounces over a 10 year mine life (170,000 ounces over its first six years) at average mine-site all-in sustaining costs of $745 per ounce.
The 2018 capital budget for Lynn Lake is $12 million, comprised of $8 million for development activities and $4 million for exploration. Development spending will be focused on baseline work in support of the Environmental Impact Study (“EIS”) for the project that will be submitted to satisfy federal and provincial environmental assessment requirements. The permitting process is expected to take approximately two years followed by two years of construction.
The Company began evaluating various opportunities to enhance the project’s economics, including modifications to the overall site layout, plant design and water management. During the first quarter, $1.3 million was spent at Lynn Lake mainly on project optimization and exploration activities.
Turkey
The Company has been granted the Environmental Impact Assessment and Forestry Permits for Kirazlı and is awaiting the GSM (Business Opening and Operation) permit, which is granted by the Çanakkale Governorship.
On April 18, 2018, a snap election was called in Turkey with early parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled to be held on June 24, 2018. The Company does not anticipate receiving the GSM permit until after the election, which will delay construction activities planned for this year. As a result, the Company is revising its 2018 capital budget for Kirazlı to $25 million, down from $100 million, with spending focused on surrounding infrastructure projects. The Company will update its 2018 capital budget once the GSM permit has been received allowing for the ramp up of full scale construction activities.
Ongoing development activities include power line construction, tree clearing, road relocation and construction of the water reservoir. Approximately 70% of tree clearing and 15% of the road realignment earthworks and have now completed. The Company has awarded several key contracts, including civil works, subject to the receipt of the GSM. For the first quarter, development expenditures at Kirazlı were $5.1 million.
Kirazlı is expected to produce more than 100,000 ounces of gold in its first full year of production at mine-site AISC of less than $400 per ounce. This is expected to drive company-wide production growth, while significantly lowering the Company’s cost profile.

Other
The Company capitalized $0.5 million related to the Esperanza Project and $0.2 million to Quartz Mountain during the quarter.

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


First Quarter 2018 Exploration Activities

Mulatos District, Mexico
The Company has a large exploration package covering 28,777 hectares with the majority of past exploration efforts focused around the Mulatos mine. Over the last three years, exploration has moved beyond the main Mulatos pit area and focused on prospects throughout the wider district. After significant exploration success at La Yaqui Grande over the past few years, the focus in 2018 has shifted to other parts of the district including El Carricito, El Halcon and El Jaspe.
In the first quarter of 2018, the Company invested $4.5 million in exploration activities within the Mulatos District, of which $1.1 million was capitalized and the remainder expensed. This included 14,792 metres ("m") of diamond drilling and 1,059 m of reverse circulation drilling focused on both near-mine targets and regional targets including El Halcon and El Jaspe. Additionally, underground exploration of the San Carlos deposit concluded during the quarter.
At El Carricito, mapping and sampling continued during the first quarter with approximately 70% of the concession having been mapped to date. El Carricito will be a key focus of the 2018 exploration program with 10,000 m of scout drilling planned for the second half of this year.
Island Gold, Canada
Delineation drilling at Island Gold in 2017 was successful in increasing mineral reserves by 18%, net of mining depletion. In addition, the 2017 exploration drilling resulted in the addition of new mineral resources. The 2017 exploration program was also successful in outlining additional gold mineralization down plunge to the east. The majority of the exploration drill results in this area are not yet at the required drill spacing to allow for inclusion into the Inferred mineral resource category.
A key focus of the 2018 exploration program is on converting this newly outlined zone of mineralization into the Inferred mineral resource category. Other areas of focus include drilling, both beneath the existing mine infrastructure and to the west.
Surface exploration drilling
Surface exploration drilling totaled 9,187 m during the first quarter of 2018, with 12 holes completed as part of the directional exploration drilling campaign. The directional drilling targeted areas peripheral to the inferred mineral resource blocks below the 1,000 m level, with drill hole spacing ranging from 75 m to 100 m. The area being targeted by the surface directional drill program extends approximately 2,000 m in strike length between the 1,000 m and 1,500 m elevation below surface.
The surface directional drilling programs will continue in 2018 with a focus on defining new inferred mineral resources.
Underground exploration drilling
During the first quarter of 2018, a total of 8,865 m of underground exploration diamond drilling was completed in 44 holes from the 620 and 840 levels. The objective of the underground drilling is to identify new mineral resources close to existing mineral resource or reserve blocks.
Total expenditures across the surface and underground exploration drilling program at Island Gold during the first quarter of 2018 were $3.3 million, with $3.1 million capitalized.
Lynn Lake, Canada
Surface exploration drilling continued at Lynn Lake in the first quarter of 2018 with a total of 4,047 m drilled in nine holes. Exploration drilling was focused in the southern portion of the Lynn Lake Greenstone belt testing for the continuation of structures related to gold mineralization along strike of Burnt Timber and Linkwood, and testing two regional targets in the southern portion of the Lynn Lake Greenstone Belt.
Drilling will continue into the second quarter of 2018, and a regional exploration program will commence focused on refining existing high-priority exploration targets and generating a pipeline of prospective targets across the Lynn Lake Greenstone Belt.
A total of $4 million and 10,000 m of drilling is budgeted at the Lynn Lake project for 2018. Spending in the first quarter totaled $0.8 million.


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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Key External Performance Drivers

Gold Price
The Company’s financial performance is largely dependent on the price of gold, which directly affects the Company’s profitability and cash flow. The price of gold is subject to volatile price movements and is affected by numerous factors, such as the strength of the US dollar, supply and demand, interest rates, and inflation rates, all of which are beyond the Company’s control. During the first quarter of 2018, the London PM Fix price of gold averaged $1,329 per ounce, substantially higher than the average of $1,275 in the fourth quarter of 2017. The price of gold ranged from $1,308 to $1,355 per ounce in the first quarter of 2018.
For the remainder of 2018, the Company has hedged 83,530 ounces ensuring an average minimum gold price of $1,290 per ounce and participation up to an average gold price of $1,458 per ounce, including gold collars executed for El Chanate's 2018 production.
Foreign Exchange Rates
At the Company’s mine sites, a significant portion of operating costs and capital expenditures are denominated in foreign currencies, including Mexican pesos and Canadian dollars. Fluctuations in the value of these foreign currencies compared to the US dollar can significantly impact the Company’s costs and cash flow. In the first quarter of 2018, the Mexican peso ("MXN") and CAD averaged approximately 18.73 MXN to $1 US dollar and $1.26 CAD to $1 US dollar, respectively, compared to average rates of 18.98 MXN to $1 US dollar and $1.27 CAD to $1 US dollar, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2017. The Company recorded a $1.3 million foreign exchange loss in the first quarter of 2018. The majority of this loss resulted from translation of the Company's net monetary assets due to the weakening Canadian dollar offset by the strengthening of Mexican peso.
During the quarter, the movement of the CAD and MXN rates also generated a foreign exchange loss of $9.5 million on the revaluation of monetary tax and deferred tax balances, recorded in deferred tax expense.
The Company actively manages its currency exposure through a hedging program, which resulted in realized foreign exchange gains of $3.0 million in the quarter. The realized gains were applied to the operating and capital costs at the operating mines, which benefited mine-site all-in sustaining costs.

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Summarized Financial and Operating Results

(in millions, except ounces, per share amounts, average realized prices, AISC and total cash costs)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2018

2017

Gold production (ounces) (1)
128,900

96,200

Gold sales (ounces) 
130,045

98,755

Operating Revenues

$173.1


$121.0

Cost of sales(2)

$144.7


$110.1

Earnings from operations

$18.5


$2.2

Net earnings

$0.6


$0.1

Adjusted net earnings (loss) (3)

$12.3


($5.1
)
Earnings per share, basic

$0.00


$0.00

Adjusted earnings (loss) per share (3)

$0.03


($0.02
)
Total assets

$3,327.5


$2,748.5

Total non-current liabilities
532.5

334.2

Cash flow from operations

$58.8


$20.1

Dividends per share, declared
0.01

0.01

Average realized gold price per ounce

$1,331


$1,225

Cost of sales per ounce of gold sold, including amortization (2)

$1,113


$1,115

Total cash costs per ounce of gold sold (3)

$789


$827

All-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold sold (3)

$935


$1,014

(1) 
Gold production from Island Gold have been included in this table for periods subsequent to November 23, 2017 only. Gold production from Island Gold for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 23,772.
(2) 
Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties and amortization
(3) 
Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures.

Review of First Quarter Financial Results

Operating Revenue
During the first quarter of 2018, the Company sold 130,045 ounces of gold for total revenue of $173.1 million, a 43% increase compared to the prior year period. This was primarily driven by the Island Gold acquisition, which contributed 27,503 ounces, or $36.6 million in sales for the quarter, and a higher realized price of $1,331 per ounce compared to $1,225 per ounce in the prior year period (a $10.5 million benefit). The Company's realized gold price in the first quarter was $1,331 per ounce, above the average London PM fix of $1,329 per ounce.
Cost of Sales
For the first quarter of 2018, cost of sales were $144.7 million, compared to $110.1 million in the prior-year period.
Mining and Processing
Mining and processing costs were $96.9 million compared to $77.9 million in the prior-year period. The increased costs were mainly the result of the addition of Island Gold, which added $13.6 million of mining and processing costs in the period.
Consolidated total cash costs for the quarter were $789 per ounce, compared to $827 in the prior year period. The decrease in total cash costs is attributable to the addition of lower cost ounces from Island Gold and improved cost profile at Mulatos, partially offset by higher costs at Young-Davidson.
In the first quarter, AISC per ounce decreased to $935 from $1,014 in the prior year period. This was primarily driven by the addition of lower cost ounces from Island Gold, and lower sustaining capital expenditures.
Royalties
Royalty expense was higher in the first quarter at $5.7 million, compared to $3.8 million in the prior year period, primarily due to the addition of Island Gold, and higher ounces sold at Mulatos.
Amortization
Amortization of $42.1 million in the quarter was higher than the prior year period expense of $28.4 million. Amortization was $324 per ounce, up from $289 per ounce in the prior year period, though consistent with the fourth quarter of 2017. This reflected higher amortization at all operating sites and the addition of Island Gold which carries a higher amortization per ounce charge.
Earnings from Operations
The Company recognized earnings from operations of $18.5 million in the quarter, compared to $2.2 million in the same period of 2017, driven by record production and gold sales and stronger operating margins at Mulatos and Island Gold.
Net Earnings
The Company reported a net earnings of $0.6 million in the quarter, compared to net earnings of $0.1 million in the same period of 2017. Net earnings in the period were significantly impacted by foreign exchange movements, as the Company recorded a foreign exchange loss of $1.3 million, in addition to foreign exchange losses recorded within deferred income taxes.
Consolidated Expenses and Other

(in millions)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

Exploration expense

($3.9
)

($1.2
)
Corporate and administrative expense
(4.4
)
(3.7
)
Share-based compensation expense
(1.6
)
(3.8
)
Finance expense
(0.9
)
(4.2
)
Foreign exchange (loss) gain
(1.3
)
5.9

Other loss
(0.7
)
(2.0
)
Exploration
Exploration expense mainly relates to expenditures on early-stage exploration projects and corporate exploration support. Exploration expenses incurred in the first quarter of 2018 mainly relate to drilling at Mulatos (El Halcon, San Carlos underground),

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


as well as corporate exploration support. Exploration at Island Gold, Lynn Lake and near-mine exploration at Mulatos was capitalized in the period.
Corporate and administrative
Corporate and administrative costs include expenses relating to the overall management of the business that are not part of direct mine operating costs. These costs are incurred at the corporate office located in Canada. Corporate and administrative costs remained consistent with the prior year period and in line with guidance of $18 million for the year.
Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation expense for the quarter was $1.6 million, compared to $3.8 million in the prior year period. The cost was lower than the prior year period as a result of the impact of a lower share price on the mark-to-market revaluation of long-term incentive grants in the current quarter.
Finance expense
Finance expense was significantly lower in the period, as the Company repaid the senior secured notes on April 3, 2017. This resulted in savings in gross interest expense per quarter subsequent to retirement of the notes.
Foreign exchange loss
During the quarter, a foreign exchange loss of $1.3 million was recorded. This was due to the weakening of the Canadian dollar, partially offset by the strengthening of the Mexican peso in the quarter. The Canadian dollar weakened by 3% and the Mexican peso strengthened by 7% in the quarter.
The Company has elected to adopt hedge accounting for its Canadian and Mexican foreign currency option and forward contracts, which reduces the impact of unrealized foreign exchange movements on net earnings. During the first quarter, the Company realized a gain of $3.0 million that was allocated to operating and capital costs, and a mark-to-market loss on the outstanding hedge position of $1.6 million recorded within other comprehensive income.
The Company will continue to experience non-cash foreign currency gains or losses on monetary assets and liabilities, primarily as a result of fluctuations between the US dollar and both the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso.
Other loss
During the first quarter, the Company recorded a loss of $0.7 million compared to a loss of $2.0 million in the prior year period. Other loss is comprised of mark-to-market gains on non-hedged derivatives, the renunciation of losses related to flow-through share issuances, and loss on disposal of assets.
Consolidated Income Tax Expense

The Company is subject to tax in various jurisdictions, including Mexico and Canada.  There are a number of factors that can significantly impact the Company’s effective tax rate including the geographic distribution of income, varying rates in different jurisdictions, the non-recognition of tax assets, mining allowances, foreign currency exchange rate movements, changes in tax laws and the impact of specific transactions and assessments.  Due to the number of factors that can potentially impact the effective tax rate and the sensitivity of the tax provision to these factors, it is expected that the Company’s effective tax rate will fluctuate in future periods.
In the first quarter of 2018, the Company recognized current income tax expense of $8.0 million and deferred tax expense of $7.0 million, compared to current income tax expense of $1.1 million and deferred tax expense of $0.7 million in the prior year period. Current income tax expense in the first quarter of 2018 primarily related to Mexican income and mining tax, whereas the prior year current income tax expense primarily related to mining tax payable in Mexico. The deferred tax expense was primarily driven by changes to foreign exchange rates during the quarter and the impact on monetary tax balances.
The Company's Mulatos and El Chanate mines in Mexico, as well as the Young-Davidson and Island Gold mines in Canada, pay income taxes based on their tax functional currency which is the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar, respectively.  The legal entity financial statements for Mulatos, El Chanate, Young-Davidson and Island Gold include foreign exchange and other income items that differ from the US dollar reporting financial statements. The tax impact of the monetary tax balances translated created a deferred tax expense of $5.3 million (deferred tax expense of $4.6 million in the first quarter of 2017). In addition, foreign exchange losses are recognized in deferred income tax expense when the Mexican peso and Canadian denominated deferred tax balances are translated to its US dollar reporting currency.  In the first quarter of 2018, this resulted in a deferred tax expense of $4.2 million (deferred tax recovery of $5.7 million in the first quarter of 2017).

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Financial Condition

 
March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

 
Current assets

$456.2


$453.2

Current assets remained consistent with the prior year, with cash and cash equivalents increasing primarily due to free cash flow generated in the quarter, as well as the proceeds received from the disposition of investments in AuRico Metals and Corex Gold
Long-term assets
2,871.3

2,867.1

Long-term assets remained consistent with the prior year end as capital expenditures in the quarter were offset by amortization charges.
Total assets

$3,327.5


$3,320.3

 
Current liabilities

$115.1


$113.2

Current liabilities increased due to higher taxes payable and timing of trade payables and accruals.
Non-current liabilities
532.5

525.9

Non-current financial liabilities increased slightly from the prior year-end. This is primarily due to movements in foreign exchanges rates and the impact of these changes on the deferred tax liability balances.
Total liabilities

$647.6


$639.1

 
Shareholders’ equity

$2,679.9


$2,681.2

Shareholders' equity remained consistent, as the declaration of dividends was offset by net earnings for the period.
Total liabilities and equity

$3,327.5


$3,320.3

 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s strategy is based on achieving positive cash flow from operations to internally fund operating, capital and project development requirements. Material increases or decreases in the Company’s liquidity and capital resources will be substantially determined by the success or failure of the Company’s operations, exploration, and development programs, the ability to obtain equity or other sources of financing, the price of gold, and currency exchange rates.
As at March 31, 2018, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $231.8 million and $11.4 million in equity securities compared to $200.8 million and $35.8 million respectively, at December 31, 2017. In addition, the Company has access to an additional $400 million in liquidity through its existing credit facility. In the opinion of management, the Company's liquidity position of $643.2 million at March 31, 2018 comprised of cash and cash equivalents, equity securities and availability under the credit facility, together with cash flows from operations, is sufficient to support the Company's normal operating requirements and capital commitments on an ongoing basis.
Cash Flow
(in millions)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

Cash flow provided by operating activities
$58.8

$20.1

Cash flow used in investing activities
(26.6
)
(33.6
)
Cash flow (used in) provided by financing activities
(0.5
)
240.0

Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash
(0.7
)
0.5

Net increase in cash
31.0

227.0

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
200.8

252.2

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$231.8


$479.2

Cash flow provided by operating activities
In the first quarter of 2018, operating activities generated cash flow of $58.8 million compared to $20.1 million in the same period of 2017. Cash flow provided by operations before working capital and taxes paid was $62.6 million in the first quarter, compared to $34.2 million in the prior year period. The increase was due to higher ounces sold, as well as stronger operating margins in the period.
Cash flow used in investing activities
For the first quarter of 2018, capital expenditures were $51.5 million compared to $33.6 million in 2017. Capital expenditures were higher in the quarter due to the inclusion of Island Gold and higher growth capital at Young-Davidson.

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


In addition, the Company liquidated its investment in AuRico Metals Inc., and Corex Gold Corp. The Company received $24.9 million and realized a gain of $14.3 million ($12.5 million net of tax) recorded directly in retained earnings (deficit).
Cash flow (used in) provided by financing activities
In the first quarter of 2018, the Company incurred $1.2 million related to equipment financing obligations, offset by proceeds on the exercise of options and warrants. During the prior year period, the Company raised $239.1 million from an equity financing.
Credit Facility
On September 21, 2017, the Company amended and increased its existing undrawn revolving credit facility (the "Facility") from $150.0 million to $400.0 million. The maturity date of the Facility has been extended to September 20, 2021. The amended Facility bears interest at an interest rate of Libor plus 2.00% to 3.125% on drawn amounts and stand-by fees of 0.45% to 0.70% on undrawn amounts, based on the Company's net leverage ratio, as defined in the agreement. 

The Facility is secured against all of the material present and future assets, property and undertakings of the Company. The Facility contains various covenants customary for a loan facility of this nature, including limits on indebtedness, asset sales and liens. It contains financial covenant tests that include (a) a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.0:1.0 and (b) a maximum net leverage ratio of 3.5:1.0, both as defined in the agreement. As at March 31, 2018, the Company is in compliance with the covenants and the Facility is fully undrawn.  

The Company incurred costs of $2.1 million to amend the Facility. These costs will be amortized into net earnings over the term of the Facility.
Outstanding Share Data

 
May 1, 2018

Common shares
389,553,422

Stock options
10,363,255

Warrants
12,378,849

Deferred share units
628,355

Performance share units
1,035,755

Restricted share units
1,997,158

 
415,956,794

Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions during the year other than those disclosed in the Company’s interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Financial Instruments    

The Company seeks to manage its exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates by entering into derivative financial instruments from time to time.
Commodity option and forward contracts
As at March 31, 2018, the Company held option contracts to protect against the risk of a decrease in the value of the gold price on a portion of gold sales. These option contracts ensure a minimum average realized gold price of $1,290 per ounce and a maximum average realized gold price of $1,458 per ounce, regardless of the movement in gold prices during 2017.


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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


The following gold collar contracts are outstanding as of March 31, 2018:
Period Covered
Contract type
Ounces subject to contract
Forward price
Average purchase put option
Average sold call option
Q2 - Q4 2018
Collar
79,000
N/A
$1,286
$1,464
Q2 2018
Forward
4,530
$1,350
N/A
N/A
The fair value of these contracts was an asset of $0.5 million at March 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 - asset of $0.5 million). The options mature through 2018.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company realized $nil, related to the settlement of option contracts (for the three months ended March 31, 2017 - realized $nil). The Company had $nil unrealized gains or loss for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (unrealized loss of $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017). The Company has elected to not apply hedge accounting to the gold option contracts, with changes in fair value recorded in net earnings.
Foreign currency contracts
As at March 31, 2018, the Company held option contracts to protect against the risk of an increase in the value of the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso versus the US dollar. These option contracts are for the purchase of local currencies and the sale of US dollars, which settle on a monthly basis, are summarized as follows:
Canadian dollar contracts
Period Covered
Contract type
Contracts
(CAD$ Millions)
Average minimum rate (USD/CAD)
Average maximum
rate (USD/CAD)
Q2 - Q4 2018
Collars and forwards
210.0
1.28
1.33
Mexican Peso contracts
Period Covered
Contract type
Contracts
(MXN Millions)
Average minimum rate (MXN/USD)
Average maximum
rate (MXN/USD)
Q2 - Q4 2018
Collars and forwards
1,170.0
18.72
20.75
The fair value of these contracts was an asset of $3.4 million at March 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 - asset of $5.0 million). For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company realized gains on foreign currency derivative instruments of $3.0 million and had an unrealized loss of $1.4 million (for the three months ended March 31, 2017 - realized gain of $nil and unrealized gains of $2.5 million).
Summary of Quarterly Financial and Operating Results

(in millions, except ounces, per share amounts, and average realized prices)
 
Q1 2018

Q4 2017

Q3 2017

Q2 2017

Q1 2017

Q4 2016

Q3 2016

Q2 2016

Gold ounces produced 
128,900

120,300

107,000

105,900

96,200

105,676

99,228

92,464

Gold ounces sold 
130,045

126,786

100,551

104,023

98,755

107,505

94,791

95,866

Operating Revenues

$173.1


$161.7


$128.8


$131.3


$121.0


$132.2


$125.6


$120.1

Earnings from operations

$18.5


$17.1


$20.9


$15.8


$2.2


$3.5


$17.2


$2.9

Net earnings (loss)

$0.6


($4.7
)

$28.8


$2.4


$0.1


($20.6
)

$4.8


($11.8
)
Earnings (loss) per share, basic(2)

$0.00


($0.01
)

$0.10


$0.01


$0.00


($0.08
)

$0.02


($0.04
)
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (1)

$58.6


$48.1


$51.4


$50.6


$35.9


$29.3


$51.1


$29.1

Cash provided by operating activities

$58.8


$48.6


$43.4


$51.4


$20.1


$38.3


$36.7


$36.9

Average realized gold price

$1,331


$1,275


$1,281


$1,262


$1,225


$1,230


$1,325


$1,253

(1) 
Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures.

Operating revenues have trended up since Q2 2016 as a result of higher production and a strengthening gold price. In addition, the Company acquired Island Gold in the fourth quarter of 2017, increasing production and operating revenues further. Earnings from operations and cash flow from operating activities have improved since Q2 2016 as a result of a higher gold price and lower operating costs, resulting in higher margins on ounces produced.


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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures

The Company has included certain non-GAAP financial measures to supplement its Consolidated Financial Statements, which are presented in accordance with IFRS, including the following:
adjusted net earnings and adjusted earnings per share;
cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital and taxes received;
Company-wide free cash flow;
total mine-site free cash flow;
mine-site free cash flow;
total cash cost per ounce of gold sold;
all-in sustaining cost ("AISC") per ounce of gold sold;
mine-site all-in sustaining cost ("Mine-site AISC") per ounce of gold sold;
sustaining and non-sustaining capital expenditures; and
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization
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 financial 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. Management's determination of the components of non-GAAP and additional measures are evaluated on a periodic basis influenced by new items and transactions, a review of investor uses and new regulations as applicable. Any changes in to the measures are dully noted and retrospectively applied as applicable.
Adjusted Net Earnings and Adjusted Earnings per Share
“Adjusted net earnings” and “adjusted earnings per share” are non-GAAP financial measures with no standard meaning under IFRS which exclude the following from net earnings:
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
Items included in Other loss
Certain non-reoccurring items
Foreign exchange gain (loss) recorded in deferred tax expense
Net earnings have been adjusted, including the associated tax impact, for the group of costs in “Other loss” on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Transactions within this grouping are: the fair value changes on non-hedged derivatives; the renunciation of flow-through exploration expenditures; and loss on disposal of assets. The adjusted entries are also impacted for tax to the extent that the underlying entries are impacted for tax in the unadjusted net earnings.
The Company uses adjusted net earnings for its own internal purposes. Management’s internal budgets and forecasts and public guidance do not reflect the items which have been excluded from the determination of adjusted net earnings. Consequently, the presentation of adjusted net earnings enables shareholders to better understand the underlying operating performance of the core mining business through the eyes of management. Management periodically evaluates the components of adjusted net earnings based on an internal assessment of performance measures that are useful for evaluating the operating performance of our business and a review of the non-GAAP measures used by mining industry analysts and other mining companies.
Adjusted net earnings is intended to provide additional information only and does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. It should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The measure is not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flows from operations as determined under IFRS. The following table reconciles this non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable IFRS measure.

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


(in millions)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

Net Earnings
$0.6

$0.1

Adjustments:
 
 
Foreign exchange loss (gain)
1.3

(5.9
)
Other loss
0.7

2.0

Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) recorded in deferred tax expense
9.5

(1.1
)
Other income and mining tax adjustments (1)
0.2

(0.2
)
Adjusted net earnings (loss)

$12.3


($5.1
)
Adjusted earnings (loss) per share - basic

$0.03


($0.02
)
(1) 
This reflects the recognition of previously unrecognized capital losses.
Cash Flow from Operating Activities before Changes in Working Capital and Cash Taxes
“Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital and cash taxes” is a non-GAAP performance measure that could provide an indication of the Company’s ability to generate cash flows from operations, and is calculated by adding back the change in working capital and taxes received to “Cash provided by (used in) operating activities” as presented on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows. “Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital” is a non-GAAP financial measure with no standard meaning under IFRS.
The following table reconciles the non-GAAP measure to the consolidated statements of cash flows.
(in millions)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

Cash flow from operating activities
$58.8

$20.1

Add back: Changes in working capital and cash taxes
3.8

14.1

Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital and cash taxes

$62.6


$34.2

Company-wide Free Cash Flow
“Company-wide free cash flow" is a non-GAAP performance measure calculated from the consolidated operating cash flow, less consolidated mineral property, plant and equipment expenditures. The Company believes this to be a useful indicator of our ability to operate without reliance on additional borrowing or usage of existing cash company-wide. Company-wide free cash flow is intended to provide additional information only and does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures of performance presented by other mining companies. Company-wide free cash flow should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
(in millions)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

Cash flow from operating activities
$58.8

$20.1

Less: mineral property, plant and equipment expenditures
(51.5
)
(33.6
)
Company-wide free cash flow

$7.3


($13.5
)

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Mine-site Free Cash Flow
"Mine-site free cash flow" is a non-GAAP financial performance measure calculated as cash flow from mine-site operating activities, less mineral property, plant and equipment expenditures. The Company believes this to be a useful indicator of our ability to operate without reliance on additional borrowing or usage of existing cash. Mine-site free cash flow is intended to provide additional information only and does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures of performance presented by other mining companies. Mine-site free cash flow should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Total Mine-Site Free Cash Flow
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

(in millions)
 
 
Cash flow from operating activities
$58.8

$20.1

Less: operating cash flow used by non-mine site activity
(9.6
)
(6.5
)
Cash flow from operating mine-sites

$68.4


$26.6

 
 
 
Mineral property, plant and equipment expenditure
$51.5

$33.6

Less: capital expenditures from development projects, and corporate
(7.4
)
(8.3
)
Capital expenditure from mine-sites

$44.1


$25.3

 
 
 
Total mine-site free cash flow

$24.3


$1.3

Young-Davidson Mine-Site Free Cash Flow
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

(in millions)
 
 
Cash flow from operating activities
$27.4

$18.5

Mineral property, plant and equipment expenditure
(22.9
)
(18.6
)
Mine-site free cash flow

$4.5


($0.1
)
Mulatos Mine-Site Free Cash Flow
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

(in millions)
 
 
Cash flow from operating activities
$16.1

$9.1

Mineral property, plant and equipment expenditure
(7.2
)
(11.4
)
Less: La Yaqui Phase I construction cost

5.3

Mulatos mineral property, plant and equipment expenditure

($7.2
)

($6.1
)
Mine-site free cash flow1

$8.9


$3.0

1. Excludes construction capital at La Yaqui Phase I.

Island Gold Mine-Site Free Cash Flow
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

(in millions)
 
 
Cash flow from operating activities
$23.7


Mineral property, plant and equipment expenditure
(13.9
)

Mine-site free cash flow

$9.8


$—



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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


El Chanate Mine-Site Free Cash Flow
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

(in millions)
 
 
Cash flow from operating activities
$1.2

($1.0
)
Mineral property, plant and equipment expenditure
(0.1
)
(0.6
)
Mine-site free cash flow

$1.1


($1.6
)
Total Cash Costs per ounce
Total cash costs per ounce is a non-GAAP term typically used by gold mining companies to assess the level of gross margin available to the Company by subtracting these costs from the unit price realized during the period. This non-GAAP term is also used to assess the ability of a mining company to generate cash flow from operations. Total cash costs per ounce includes mining and processing costs plus applicable royalties, and net of by-product revenue and net realizable value adjustments. Total cash costs per ounce is exclusive of exploration costs.
Total cash costs per ounce is intended to provide additional information only and does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other mining companies. It should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The measure is not necessarily indicative of cash flow from operations under IFRS or operating costs presented under IFRS.
All-in Sustaining Costs per ounce and Mine-site All-in Sustaining Costs
The Company adopted an “all-in sustaining costs per ounce” non-GAAP performance measure in accordance with the World Gold Council published in June 2013. The Company believes the measure more fully defines the total costs associated with producing gold; however, this performance measure has no standardized meaning. Accordingly, there may be some variation in the method of computation of “all-in sustaining costs per ounce” as determined by the Company compared with other mining companies. In this context, “all-in sustaining costs per ounce” for the consolidated Company reflects total mining and processing costs, corporate and administrative costs, share-based compensation, exploration costs, sustaining capital, and other operating costs.
For the purposes of calculating "mine-site all-in sustaining costs" at the individual mine-sites, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative costs and share-based compensation, as detailed in the reconciliations below.
Sustaining capital expenditures are expenditures that do not increase annual gold ounce production at a mine site and excludes all expenditures at the Company’s development projects as well as certain expenditures at the Company’s operating sites that are deemed expansionary in nature. For each mine-site reconciliation, corporate and administrative costs, and non-site specific costs are not included in the all-in sustaining cost per ounce calculation.
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce is intended to provide additional information only and does not have any standardized  meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other mining companies. It should not be  considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
The measure is not  necessarily indicative of cash flow from operations under IFRS or operating costs presented under IFRS.  
Total Cash Costs and All-in Sustaining Costs per Ounce Reconciliation Tables
The following tables reconciles these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures on a Company-wide and individual mine-site basis.

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Total Cash Costs and AISC Reconciliation - Company-wide
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018

2017

(in millions, except ounces and per ounce figures)
 
 
Mining and processing
$96.9

$77.9

Royalties
5.7

3.8

Total cash costs

$102.6


$81.7

Gold ounces sold
130,045

98,755

Total cash costs per ounce
$789

$827

 




Total cash costs
$102.6

$81.7

Corporate and administrative(1)
4.4

3.7

Sustaining capital expenditures(2)
10.7

9.3

Share-based compensation
1.6

3.8

Sustaining exploration
1.7

1.0

Accretion of decommissioning liabilities
0.6

0.6

Total all-in sustaining costs

$121.6


$100.1

Gold ounces sold
130,045

98,755

All-in sustaining costs per ounce
$935

$1,014

(1) 
Corporate and administrative expenses exclude expenses incurred at development properties.
(2) 
Sustaining capital expenditures are defined as those expenditures which do not increase annual gold ounce production at a mine site and exclude all expenditures at growth projects and certain expenditures at operating sites which are deemed expansionary in nature. Total sustaining capital for the period is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018

2017

Capital expenditures per cash flow statement

$51.5


$33.6

Less: non-sustaining capital expenditures at:
 
 
Young-Davidson
(15.3
)
(12.5
)
Mulatos
(6.4
)
(8.8
)
Island Gold
(11.7
)

El Chanate


Corporate and other
(7.4
)
(3.0
)
 

$10.7


$9.3

Young-Davidson Total Cash Costs and Mine-site AISC Reconciliation
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

(in millions, except ounces and per ounce figures)
 
 
Mining and processing
$36.0

$29.9

Royalties
0.9

1.2

Total cash costs

$36.9


$31.1

Gold ounces sold
44,790

43,827

Total cash costs per ounce
$824

$710

 
 
 
Total cash costs
$36.9

$31.1

Sustaining capital expenditures
7.6

6.1

Exploration

0.1

Total all-in sustaining costs

$44.5


$37.3

Gold ounces sold
44,790

43,827

Mine-site all-in sustaining costs per ounce
$994

$851


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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Mulatos Total Cash Costs and Mine-site AISC Reconciliation
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

(in millions, except ounces and per ounce figures)
 
 
Mining and processing
$31.9

$29.4

Royalties
3.2

2.6

Total cash costs

$35.1


$32.0

Gold ounces sold
44,659

38,675

Total cash costs per ounce
$786

$827

 
 
 
Total cash costs
$35.1

$32.0

Sustaining capital expenditures
0.8

2.6

Exploration
1.2

0.5

Accretion of decommissioning liabilities
0.5

0.5

Total all-in sustaining costs

$37.6


$35.6

Gold ounces sold
44,659

38,675

Mine-site all-in sustaining costs per ounce

$842

$920

Island Gold Total Cash Costs and Mine-site AISC Reconciliation
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

(in millions, except ounces and per ounce figures)
 
 
Mining and processing
$13.6


$—

Royalties
1.6


Total cash costs

$15.2


$—

Gold ounces sold
27,503


Total cash costs per ounce
$553


$—

 
 
 
Total cash costs
$15.2


Sustaining capital expenditures
2.2


Total all-in sustaining costs

$17.4


$—

Gold ounces sold
27,503


Mine-site all-in sustaining costs per ounce

$633


$—

El Chanate Total Cash Costs and Mine-site AISC Reconciliation
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

(in millions, except ounces and per ounce figures)
 
 
Mining and processing
$15.4

$18.6

Total cash costs

$15.4


$18.6

Gold ounces sold
13,093

16,253

Total cash costs per ounce
$1,176

$1,144

 
 
 
Total cash costs
$15.4

$18.6

Sustaining capital expenditures
0.1

0.6

Accretion of decommissioning liabilities
0.1

0.1

Total all-in sustaining costs

$15.6


$19.3

Gold ounces sold
13,093

16,253

Mine-site all-in sustaining costs per ounce

$1,191

$1,187


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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (“EBITDA”)
EBITDA represents net earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. EBITDA is an indicator of the Company’s ability to generate liquidity by producing operating cash flow to fund working capital needs, service debt obligations, and fund capital expenditures.
EBITDA does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other mining companies. It should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
The following is a reconciliation of EBITDA to the consolidated financial statements:
(in millions)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018

2017

Net earnings

$0.6


$0.1

Add back:
 
 
Finance expense
0.9

4.2

Amortization
42.1

28.4

Deferred income tax expense
7.0

0.7

Current income tax expense
8.0

1.1

EBITDA

$58.6


$34.5

Additional GAAP Measures
Additional GAAP measures are presented on the face of the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income and are not meant to be a substitute for other subtotals or totals presented in accordance with IFRS, but rather should be evaluated in conjunction with such IFRS measures. The following additional GAAP measures are used and are intended to provide an indication of the Company’s mine and operating performance:
Earnings from operations - represents the amount of earnings before net finance income/expense, foreign exchange gain/loss, other income/loss, loss on redemption of senior secured notes and income tax expense

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Accounting Estimates, Policies and Changes

The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The critical estimates and judgments applied in the preparation of the Company's condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018 are consistent with those used in the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Accounting Policies and Changes
The accounting policies applied in the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018 are consistent with those used in the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, with the exceptions listed in note 2 of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and below.
The Company adopted the following accounting standards and amendments to accounting standards, effective January 1, 2018:
The Company has adopted IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("IFRS 15") as of January 1, 2018. IFRS 15 covers principles that an entity shall apply to report useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from a contract with a customer. The Company elected to apply IFRS 15 using a modified retroactive approach by recognizing the cumulative effect of initially adopting IFRS 15 as an adjustment to the opening balance sheet through equity at January 1, 2018. Therefore, the comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under IAS 18 Revenue ("IAS 18"). The details of accounting policy changes and the quantitative impact of these changes are described below.
IFRS 15 requires that revenue from contracts with customers be recognized upon the transfer of control over goods or services to the customer. The recognition of revenue upon transfer of control to the customer is consistent with the recognition of revenue under the criteria in our revenue recognition policy as set out in Note 2 of the 2017 consolidated financial statements, as the condition is generally satisfied when title transfers to the customer. As such, upon adoption, this requirement under IFRS 15 resulted in no impact to the consolidated financial statements as the timing of revenue recognition on gold sales is unchanged.
The Company has adopted IFRIC Interpretation 22, Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration. The interpretation clarifies which date should be used for translation when a foreign currency transaction involves an advance payment or receipt. The Company has evaluated the impact of applying IFRIC 22, and has concluded that the adoption of the standard had no material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with IFRS. In making the assessment, management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on a review of its internal control procedures at the end of the period covered by this MD&A, management believes its internal controls and procedures are appropriately designed as at March 31, 2018. In making this evaluation, management limited the scope of its evaluation to exclude the business acquired as a result of the acquisition of Richmont Mines Inc. on November 23, 2017 (refer to Scope of Evaluation - Acquisition of Richmont Mines Inc., below).
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Disclosure Controls

Management is also responsible for the design and effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that material information related to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the Company’s certifying officers. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have each evaluated the design of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as at March 31, 2018 and have concluded that these are appropriately designed. In making this evaluation, management limited the scope of its evaluation to exclude the business acquired as a result of the acquisition of Richmont Mines Inc. on November 23, 2017 (refer to Scope of Evaluation - Acquisition of Richmont Mines Inc., below).

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


Scope of Evaluation - Acquisition of Richmont Mines Inc.

Effective November 23, 2017, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Richmont Mines Inc. The results of Richmont’s operations have been included in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Management has excluded the Richmont operations from the Company’s assessment of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. A summary of the financial information for Richmont, expressed in millions of dollars, which was included in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company at March 31, 2018 for the three months ended is as follows:
Revenue, $36.6 million;
Earnings from operations, $9.0 million;
Total assets, $860.0 million;
Total liabilities, $227.2 million;

Limitations of Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believe that internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be properly designed and effective can provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
Cautionary Note to United States Investors

Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources: The Company is required to prepare its resource estimates in accordance with standards of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum referred to in Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101). These standards are materially different from the standards generally permitted in reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. This MD&A uses the terms "measured", "indicated" or "inferred” resources which are not recognized by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The estimation of measured resources and indicated resources involve greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into economically or legally mineable proven or probable reserves. The estimation of inferred resources may not form the basis of a feasibility or other economic studies and involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources.
International Financial Reporting Standards: The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared by management in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, Interim Financial Reporting, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. These accounting principles differ in certain material respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company’s reporting currency is the United States dollar unless otherwise noted.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This MD&A contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information as defined under Canadian and U.S. securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Words such as "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "will", "intend", "estimate", "forecast", "budget" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements include information as to strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance, such as the Company’s expansion plans, project timelines, production plans and expected sustainable productivity increases, expected increases in mining activities and corresponding cost efficiencies, expected drilling targets, expected sustaining costs, expected improvements in cash flows and margins, expectations of changes in capital expenditures, forecasted cash shortfalls and the Company’s ability to fund them, cost estimates, projected exploration results, reserve and resource estimates, expected production rates and use of the stockpile inventory, expected recoveries, sufficiency of working capital for future commitments and other statements that express management’s expectations or estimates of future performance.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time of making such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, political and

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2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis


competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
Such factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this document include, but are not limited to: changes to current estimates of mineral reserves and resources; changes to production estimates (which assume accuracy of projected ore grade, mining rates, recovery timing and recovery rate estimates and may be impacted by unscheduled maintenance, expectations with respect to the acquisition of Richmont Mines Inc. and its anticipated benefits; labour and contractor availability and other operating or technical difficulties); fluctuations in the price of gold; changes in foreign exchange rates (particularly the Canadian dollar, Mexican peso, Turkish Lira and U.S. dollar); the impact of inflation; employee relations; litigation; disruptions affecting operations; availability of and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labour; development delays at the Young-Davidson mine; inherent risks associated with mining and mineral processing; the risk that the Young-Davidson, Island Gold, Mulatos or El Chanate mines may not perform as planned; uncertainty with the Company’s ability to secure additional capital to execute its business plans; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits, including the necessary licenses, permits, authorizations and/or approvals from the appropriate regulatory authorities for the Company’s development stage assets, including specifically its Turkish mineral properties; contests over title to properties; changes in national and local government legislation (including tax legislation) in Canada, Mexico, Turkey, the United States and other jurisdictions in which the Company does or may carry on business in the future; risk of loss due to sabotage and civil disturbances; the impact of global liquidity and credit availability and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future cash flows; risks arising from holding derivative instruments; and business opportunities that may be pursued by the Company
Additional risk factors and details with respect to risk factors affecting the Company are set out in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2017 under the heading “Risk Factors”, which is available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. The foregoing should be reviewed in conjunction with the information found in this MD&A.
The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Qualified Persons
Chris Bostwick, FAusIMM, Alamos’ Vice President, Technical Services, who is a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 ("Qualified Person"), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this MD&A.

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