Why Is Royal Gold (RGLD) Up 4.4% Since Last Earnings Report?

Earnings Performance - Royal Gold reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 91 cents for Q1 2024, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 95 cents, and reflecting a 5% decline year over year [2] - The company generated revenues of $149 million, which represents a year-over-year dip of 12.6%, primarily due to lower gold production and sales at various sites [3] - Stream revenues were $103 million, down 10.9% year over year, while royalty revenues decreased by 16.2% to $46 million [4] Cost and Expenses - The cost of sales for the first quarter was $22 million, a decrease from $25 million in the prior-year quarter [4] - General and administrative expenses rose to $11 million, reflecting a 3.6% increase year over year [5] - Adjusted EBITDA was reported at $117 million, down 13.2% year over year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 79%, remaining flat year over year [5] Financial Position - Net cash from operating activities was $138 million, compared to $109 million in the prior-year quarter, with cash and cash equivalents at approximately $138 million, up from $127 million a year ago [6] Market Outlook - Royal Gold has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating an expectation of an in-line return from the stock in the upcoming months [7] - The stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C, with a Growth Score of B, a Momentum Score of C, and a Value Score of D, placing it in the bottom 40% for the value investment strategy [6][7] Industry Comparison - Royal Gold belongs to the Zacks Mining - Gold industry, where Barrick Gold has shown a 1.7% gain over the past month, reporting revenues of $2.75 billion and an EPS of $0.19, which is a 3.9% year-over-year increase [7][8] - Barrick Gold has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a VGM Score of B, indicating a more favorable outlook compared to Royal Gold [9]