Mining – Gold

Search documents
Can AngloGold Ashanti Maintain Its Strong Free Cash Flow Growth?
ZACKS· 2025-07-23 13:10
Key Takeaways AU's Q1 free cash flow soared 7x to $407M, fueled by higher gold prices and stronger sales volumes. Gold output rose with the Sukari Mine acquisition and improved performance at Siguiri and Tropicana. AU's adjusted net debt dropped 60% YoY, and 2025 EPS is projected to grow 125.8% to $4.99.AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU) delivered an impressive seven-fold increase in free cash flow to $407 million in the first quarter of 2025. The jump in free cash flow was primarily attributed to higher gold pri ...
AEM's Solid Cash Flow Driving Investor Returns: Can It Deliver More?
ZACKS· 2025-07-23 12:26
Key Takeaways AEM returned 42% of its Q1 free cash flow to shareholders via dividends and buybacks. Strong gold prices and cash flow may drive Agnico Eagle to increase shareholder returns. AEM's 2025 EPS estimate implies 55.3% growth, with estimates trending higher in the past 60 days.Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM) is capitalizing on robust free cash flow to aggressively enhance shareholder value through dividends and share repurchases. In 2024, the company generated a record operating cash flow of roug ...
Is HMY Stock a Screaming Buy After the 75% YTD Price Rally?
ZACKS· 2025-07-15 14:31
Key Takeaways Harmony Gold has gained 75.4% YTD, outperforming its industry and benefiting from higher gold prices. Projects like Wafi-Golpu and Eva Copper support HMY's growth and global expansion into gold and copper. HMY trades at 5.05X forward earnings, about 60% below its industry average, highlighting its value appeal.Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited’s (HMY) shares have popped 75.4% this year, outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry’s growth of 53% and the S&P 500’s rise of 5.9%. The rally ...
Aris Mining Is Trading Dirt Cheap: Would You Scoop Up the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-07-11 12:26
Core Viewpoint - Aris Mining Corporation (ARMN) presents an attractive investment opportunity due to its low valuation compared to industry peers and strong operational performance, particularly in the context of rising gold prices [1][6][11]. Valuation and Performance - ARMN is trading at a forward price/earnings ratio of 4.58X, which is approximately 63% lower than the Zacks Mining – Gold industry average of 12.39X [1][6]. - The company's stock has increased by 54.4% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 33.7% and the S&P 500's increase of 11.3% [4][6]. - ARMN's strong operational performance is highlighted by an 8% year-over-year increase in gold production for the first quarter and a 13% increase for the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [12][13]. Growth Initiatives - The Segovia Operations in Colombia are a key contributor to ARMN's production growth, with expansion projects expected to increase output significantly [13][14]. - ARMN aims to achieve an annual production rate of approximately 500,000 ounces of gold from its Segovia Operations and Marmato Complex [14][15]. - The company is also diversifying its asset portfolio with projects like Soto Norte and Toroparu, which are in various stages of development [15]. Market Conditions - Gold prices have risen by roughly 26% this year, reaching a peak of $3,500 per ounce in April 2025, driven by global trade tensions and central bank purchases [16]. - Current gold prices are above $3,300 per ounce, which is expected to enhance ARMN's profitability and cash flow generation [16]. Financial Health - ARMN has a strong balance sheet with a cash balance of $240 million and generated $40 million in cash flow in the first quarter, supporting its expansion initiatives [17]. - The company has also raised over $19.4 million from the exercise of in-the-money warrants, further strengthening its financial position [17]. Cost Considerations - ARMN reported an increase in all-in-sustaining costs (AISC) per ounce, with AISC rising to $1,570 in the first quarter, indicating a decline in cost efficiency [18][19]. - The increase in costs is attributed to higher expenses related to purchased mill feed, royalties, and inflationary pressures in Colombia [19]. Earnings Outlook - Earnings estimates for ARMN have been revised upward, with a projected year-over-year increase of 244.1% for 2025 and 73.1% for 2026 [21].
Will AngloGold Ashanti's Portfolio Optimization Efforts Unlock Value?
ZACKS· 2025-07-08 15:05
Core Insights - AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU) is focusing on streamlining operations and prioritizing core assets, particularly in the United States, with a recent sale of its interest in the Mineração Serra Grande mine in Brazil for $76 million [1][11] - The Mineração Serra Grande mine is the smallest operation by production for AngloGold Ashanti but is one of its higher-cost assets, and divesting it allows for better resource allocation towards more productive operations [2][11] - The company has also sold interests in two gold projects in Côte d'Ivoire to Resolute Mining Limited, indicating a strategic shift towards higher-priority development assets [3][4] Financial Position - AngloGold Ashanti's financial position has significantly improved, with the adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio decreasing to 0.15X in Q1 2025 from 0.86X in Q1 2024, and the company ended the quarter with $3 billion in liquidity [5][11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AU's 2025 sales is projected at $8.85 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 52.8%, while earnings are expected to be $4.99 per share, indicating a 125.8% increase year-over-year [13] Production and Strategy - The company aims to implement the underhand drift and fil UHDF mining method at Obuasi, targeting an annual production of around 400,000 ounces at competitive costs by 2028 [6] - Portfolio optimization remains a key priority for AngloGold Ashanti, as evidenced by its recent divestitures and focus on enhancing operational efficiency [5][11] Market Performance - AngloGold Ashanti's stock has appreciated by 44.5% year to date, outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry growth of 23.6% [10] - The company is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 9.68X, which is below the industry average of 12.87X, indicating potential value [12]
EQX's Solid Cash Base Fuels Project Progress: Can It Sustain the Pace?
ZACKS· 2025-06-27 12:31
Core Insights - Equinox Gold Corp. (EQX) has a robust financial position with significant cash flows, supporting its development projects and liquidity [1][6] - The Greenstone mine is a key asset, expected to produce approximately 390,000 ounces of gold annually at full capacity [2][6] - The company plans to pursue deleveraging in the second half of 2025, leveraging strong cash flow generation [1][6] Financial Position - EQX ended Q1 with $173 million in unrestricted cash and $65 million in an undrawn credit facility, indicating strong liquidity [1][6] - B2Gold Corp. (BTG) reported cash and cash equivalents of $330 million and $800 million available for future drawdowns under its credit facility [3] - Eldorado Gold Corporation (EGO) had $978 million in cash and $241 million in available credit, totaling around $1.2 billion in liquidity [4] Production and Growth - The ramp-up at the Greenstone mine is currently underway, targeting an annual production of 390,000 ounces of gold [2][6] - The recent business combination with Calibre Mining Corp. is expected to enhance production growth and cash flow for EQX [2] Valuation and Market Performance - EQX is trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 7.83, which is about 40.5% lower than the industry average of 13.17 [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year earnings rise of 135% for 2025 and 123.4% for 2026, although EPS estimates have been trending down recently [9]
NEM's Divestments Drive Tier-1 Focus: Will Streamlining Unlock Value?
ZACKS· 2025-06-24 12:36
Core Insights - Newmont Corporation (NEM) is strategically reshaping its portfolio by divesting non-core assets to focus on Tier-1 operations, completing its divestiture program in April 2025 with significant cash proceeds [1][2] - The total gross proceeds from divestitures are projected to reach $4.3 billion, which includes $3.8 billion from non-core divestitures and $527 million from other investments [1][7] - The divestments have led to a $1 billion reduction in gross debt and a record first-quarter free cash flow of $1.2 billion, enhancing the company's financial position [2][7] Financial Performance - NEM's shares have increased by 59.8% year to date, outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's rise of 54.4%, primarily due to a rally in gold prices [6] - The earnings per share (EPS) estimates for NEM indicate a projected growth of 20.1% year over year in 2025, with estimates trending higher over the past 60 days [7][9] Competitive Landscape - Other companies in the industry, such as Barrick Mining Corporation and Kinross Gold Corporation, have also divested non-core assets to focus on Tier-1 operations, indicating a broader trend in the mining sector [4][5] - Barrick has completed several divestitures, including the sale of its 50% interest in the Donlin Gold Project, while Kinross has streamlined its portfolio by selling Russian assets and interests in Ghana [4][5] Valuation Metrics - NEM is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 13.46, which is approximately 3.6% lower than the industry average of 13.96 [8] - The company holds a Value Score of B, reflecting its competitive positioning in the market [8]
AEM's Debt Discipline Deepens: Lower Leverage a Recipe for Growth?
ZACKS· 2025-06-23 12:50
Core Insights - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM) has significantly improved its balance sheet by reducing net debt by $1,287 million in 2024 and ending Q1 with just $5 million in net debt, indicating strong financial discipline [1][7] - The company generated strong free cash flow of $594 million in Q1, up approximately 50% year over year, driven by high gold prices and solid operational performance [2][7] - AEM's low debt-to-capitalization ratio of around 5% enhances its financial flexibility, allowing for reinvestment in growth projects and driving shareholder returns without relying heavily on external financing [3][7] Financial Performance - AEM's free cash flow generation supports a robust exploration budget and a strong pipeline of growth projects [2][3] - The company's shares have increased by 54.7% year to date, slightly outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry, which rose by 54.4% [6] Peer Comparison - Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC) has also improved its leverage profile, repaying $800 million of debt in 2024 and reducing net debt to approximately $540 million [4] - Newmont Corporation (NEM) has reduced its debt by $1 billion since early 2025, ending Q1 with net debt of $3,221 million, down from $5,308 million at the end of 2024 [5] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AEM's earnings implies a year-over-year increase of 42.6% for 2025 and 0.8% for 2026, with EPS estimates trending higher over the past 60 days [8] Valuation - AEM is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 19.96, which is about 42.9% higher than the industry average of 13.97 [9]
Aris Mining's Rising AISC a Drag: Time to Tighten Cost Discipline?
ZACKS· 2025-06-20 13:10
Key Takeaways Aris Mining's Q1 consolidated AISC rose 6% YoY to $1,667/oz, reflecting weaker cost efficiency. Higher CMP mill feed costs, royalties and processing expenses drove ARMN's cost increase. ARMN shares surged 95.7% year to date and trade at a 67.1% discount to its industry average.Aris Mining Corporation (ARMN) reported an increase in its first-quarter all-in-sustaining costs (AISC) per ounce, a key indicator of cost efficiency in mining. The Segovia Operations in Colombia, a cornerstone of Aris ...
Newmont Gains 22% in 3 Months: How Should Investors Play the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-06-19 12:46
Core Viewpoint - Newmont Corporation's shares have increased by 22% over the past three months, driven by rising gold prices amid trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties, particularly due to the Israel-Iran conflict [1][7]. Performance Comparison - NEM stock has outperformed the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's 17% rise and the S&P 500's increase of 5.7% [2]. - Among peers, Barrick Mining Corporation, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, and Kinross Gold Corporation have gained 9.6%, 16.4%, and 26% respectively during the same period [2]. Technical Indicators - Technical indicators show bullish momentum for NEM, with the stock trading above its 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages (SMA), indicating a long-term uptrend [5]. Financial Strength - Newmont generated a record $1.2 billion in free cash flow in Q1 2025, showcasing solid financial strength [7]. - The company has a liquidity position of $8.8 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of approximately $4.7 billion [13]. - Operating cash flow from continuing operations increased by roughly 162% year-over-year to around $2 billion in Q1 2025 [13]. Growth Projects and Acquisitions - Newmont is pursuing several growth projects, including the Tanami Expansion 2 in Australia and the Ahafo North expansion in Ghana, aimed at expanding production capacity and extending mine life [10]. - The acquisition of Newcrest Mining Limited has created a leading portfolio with a multi-decade production profile, expected to deliver significant shareholder value and synergies of $500 million annually [11]. Divestitures - Newmont has divested non-core assets, generating total after-tax cash proceeds of approximately $2.55 billion from various sales [12]. Gold Price Dynamics - Gold prices have increased by roughly 29% this year, reaching a record high of $3,500 per ounce on April 22, 2025, driven by global trade tensions and central bank purchases [14][16]. - Currently, gold prices are hovering near $3,400 per ounce, supported by safe-haven demand due to geopolitical uncertainties [16]. Dividend and Earnings Estimates - NEM offers a dividend yield of 1.7% with a payout ratio of 24%, indicating a sustainable dividend [17]. - Earnings estimates for 2025 have been revised higher, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate suggesting a year-over-year growth of 20.1% [18]. Valuation - NEM stock is trading at a forward price/earnings ratio of 13.21X, which is about 7% lower than the industry average of 14.21X [20]. Investment Outlook - Newmont presents an attractive investment case backed by a robust portfolio of growth projects, strong performance of Tier 1 assets, and solid financial health, making it a prudent choice for investors [23].