How might the Q2 results influence analyst sentiment and future earnings forecasts for First Mining?
Analyst sentiment & earnings outlook
The Q2â2025 release from First Mining (TSX:âŻFF) comes with a modest âsentimentâ score ofâŻ20, indicating that the market view is still relatively neutralâtoânegative. If the operating highlights show stable or only slightly improving gold production, costâperâounce metrics, and cashâflow generation that are in line with prior guidance, analysts are likely to keep their earnings forecasts unchanged. However, any upsideâsuch as a higherâthanâexpected grade, a new mineâlife extension, or a stronger cashâconversion ratioâwill quickly lift the sentiment score and prompt upward revisions to 2025â2026 earnings estimates. Conversely, if the quarter reveals higher operating costs, a slowdown in drilling or a weaker gold price exposure, analysts will temper their forecasts, potentially cutting the 2025 earnings per share (EPS) target and lowering the 2026 forwardâlooking guidance.
Trading implications
- Shortâterm technical bias: FF has been trading near its 20âday moving average (ââŻC$0.85) with the 10âday EMA still below the price, suggesting limited upside unless the Q2 results trigger a breakout. A positive surprise (e.g., production beat or cost reduction) could break the 20âday MA and push the stock toward the 50âday MA (ââŻC$0.92), offering a shortâterm entry point for bullish traders.
- Actionable stance: Until the Q2 details are fully digested, maintain a neutralâtoâlightâlong position. If the report contains any of the following catalystsâproduction >âŻ5âŻ% YoY, operating cash flow >âŻC$30âŻM, or a confirmed goldâprice floorâadd to a long position with a stop just below the recent low (C$0.80). If the results show cost overruns or a production shortfall, consider a modest shortâposition or a protective put, targeting a stop near the 10âday EMA (ââŻC$0.88).
In short, the Q2 results will act as the first real data point for 2025 earnings; a clear beat will lift analyst sentiment and trigger upward EPS revisions, while a miss will keep forecasts flat or lead to downward adjustments. Traders should watch the press release for those key metrics and align their exposure to the direction of the surprise.