ALGN All-in Sustaining Cost (AISC) 2026
Align Technology Inc Mining Cost Efficiency & Profitability Analysis
Current AISC
$1150
per ounce
YoY Change
+6.0%
Industry Avg
$1200
per ounce
Profit Margin
43.9%
$900/oz
Cost Breakdown & Analysis
All-in Sustaining Cost
$1150/oz
$50 below industry average
Previous Year AISC
$1085/oz
Cost increase of 6%
Gold Price
$2050/oz
Current spot price
Operating Margin
$900
per ounce (43.9%)
What's Included in AISC?
1. Direct Mining Costs
Labor, fuel, explosives, grinding media, reagents, maintenance, utilities - all direct costs of extracting and processing ore into saleable product.
2. Sustaining Capital
Capital expenditure required to maintain current production capacity: equipment replacement, tailings facility expansions, mine development, and infrastructure maintenance.
3. Exploration (Brownfield)
Exploration and evaluation costs at existing mine sites to replace depleted reserves and extend mine life. Does not include greenfield exploration.
4. General & Administrative
On-site G&A costs including management, technical services, procurement, and community relations. Excludes corporate head office costs.
5. Reclamation & Closure
Accretion of closure provision and rehabilitation costs allocated to current period production based on units-of-production method.
Profitability at Different Gold Prices
At $1800/oz
$650
36.1% margin
At $1950/oz
$800
41.0% margin
At $2150/oz
$1000
46.5% margin
At $2300/oz
$1150
50.0% margin
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is ALGN's all-in sustaining cost (AISC)?
ALGN (Align Technology Inc) reports an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1150 per ounce. AISC is the industry-standard metric for total cost of production, including mining, processing, general & administrative costs, sustaining capital, exploration at existing sites, and closure costs. This comprehensive measure shows the true cost of maintaining current production levels.
How does ALGN's AISC compare to the industry?
ALGN's AISC of $1150/oz is below the industry average of approximately $1200/oz, placing it in the lowest cost quartile. Lower AISC indicates better operational efficiency, superior ore quality, or favorable geographic/political positioning. Companies with lower AISC have higher profit margins and can sustain operations through commodity price downturns.
What is included in ALGN's AISC calculation?
AISC includes: (1) Direct mining costs (labor, fuel, consumables, maintenance), (2) Processing and refining costs, (3) On-site general & administrative expenses, (4) Sustaining capital expenditure to maintain current production, (5) Exploration and evaluation at existing mines, (6) Closure and reclamation costs, and (7) By-product credits. This comprehensive metric excludes growth capital, corporate G&A, and non-sustaining exploration.
Why has ALGN's AISC changed?
ALGN's AISC has increased 6% from $1085/oz to $1150/oz. AISC changes are driven by: ore grade variations, fuel and energy prices, labor costs and productivity, consumables and supplies inflation, sustaining capital intensity, FX rates (for international operations), and operational efficiency improvements or setbacks.
What is ALGN's profit margin at current gold prices?
At current gold prices of $2050/oz and AISC of $1150/oz, ALGN generates a margin of $900/oz (43.9% margin). This margin funds growth capital, dividends, debt reduction, and corporate costs. Higher margins provide cushion during price downturns - companies with AISC above $1640/oz are vulnerable if gold prices decline.
How can ALGN reduce AISC?
AISC reduction strategies include: (1) Accessing higher-grade ore zones, (2) Improving recovery rates through metallurgical optimization, (3) Increasing throughput and equipment utilization, (4) Energy efficiency and renewable power adoption, (5) Automation and productivity improvements, (6) Supply chain optimization and competitive procurement, (7) Mine sequencing and blending strategies. Sustainable AISC reduction requires operational excellence and technical innovation.