Got gold? I can think of no more essential question to pose to investors during these tumultuous times. I could, of course, state it more eloquently: "Pardon me, would you happen to have any Goldcorp
A flurry of downgrades and target-price reductions rained down upon Goldcorp after the company released lowered guidance late last week, projecting a pit stop for production growth during 2009. Until those analysts begin including their gold price forecasts alongside their outlook for miners, however, I find it best to tune them out entirely. It is indeed unfortunate that declining production from mines like Goldcorp's El Sauzal will offset many of the gains from the newer ones this year, but I continue to urge Fools to focus upon the larger picture.
The newly issued forecast for 50% production growth through 2013 is only about 5% below what analysts had targeted, and the starting point of 2.3 million ounces of gold produced in 2008 is nothing to sneeze at. Goldcorp continues to post impressive cost metrics, with anticipated 2008 costs of about $300 per ounce of gold and about $365 for 2009. I have heaped praise upon intermediate miners like Yamana Gold
After divesting its sizeable stake in spin-off Silver Wheaton
Bring on the downgrades, analysts! In the long run, I believe they can only help Fools by creating more attractive entry points. After shares promptly doubled from their October low, we frankly needed a little consolidation.
Further freshly mined Foolishness:
- A preview of upcoming earnings from miners.
- Goldcorp glittered last summer.
- Gold selling for $10 per ounce.