Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Several Angles on AngloGold Ashanti

By Christopher Barker – Updated Apr 6, 2017 at 2:57AM

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

This miner still needs some time to shine.

With gold prices soaring and precious metal miners finally beginning to rebuild large chunks of that monster correction endured by investors last year, Fools have the luxury of demanding the highest purity when it comes to selecting miners with the golden touch.

AngloGold Ashanti's (NYSE:AU) fourth-quarter results revealed just enough sources for concern to place this major producer near the back of the gold pack. The company lost an adjusted $17 million in the fourth quarter and a staggering $897 million for the full year 2008 because of efforts to buy back a massive portfolio of gold hedges in anticipation of higher gold prices.

While I view the 47% reduction of the hedge book to about six million ounces of gold as a positive step, the company is well behind the times compared to major unhedged producers like Newmont Mining (NYSE:NEM) and Goldcorp (NYSE:GG). In addition to this financial hemorrhage, AngloGold Ashanti also recorded a whopping $1.25 billion in asset impairments during the fourth quarter.

Fortunately, AngloGold Ashanti's operations do indeed possess the golden touch. The miner produced 1.27 million ounces of gold in the fourth quarter at a cash cost of $422 per ounce. The 13% cost reduction compared to the previous quarter further corroborates the anticipated industry-wide trend and mirrors recent results from Randgold Resources (NASDAQ:GOLD). The company forecasts up to five million ounces of production for 2009 at a cost of $435-$450 per ounce.

AngloGold Ashanti was on the losing end of the gold purchase heard around the world. To be sure, the $1 billion sale price for its stake in the world-class Boddington mine in Australia to rival Newmont Mining will go a long way to alleviate some of the debt concerns faced by AngloGold Ashanti. Shareholders, however, may pay an opportunity cost for some time as the company fails to participate in one of the most promising gold mines in the world. As consolation, consider that AngloGold Ashanti retains gold reserves of 68.2 million ounces even after the sale, which dwarfs the reserves of intermediate miners like Yamana Gold (NYSE:AUY) and Agnico-Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM).

Stepping back to view AngloGold Ashanti from various angles, I see a gold miner with solid operations offset by unacceptable losses of money, asset values, and opportunities. From this Fool's angle, every other miner named above offers a more enticing vehicle for exposure to gold.

Further Foolishness:

Gold is a hot topic on the blogs at Motley Fool CAPS. Join the free service today and see just how many Fools are taking the long view when it comes to investing in gold. The "Gold" tag at CAPS lists 32 companies, and you'll find Christopher's comments on most of them.

Fool contributor Christopher Barker sees a pot at the end of the rainbow for investors who obtain exposure to gold. He can be found blogging actively and acting Foolishly within the CAPS community under the username TMFSinchiruna. He owns shares of Agnico-Eagle Mines and Yamana Gold. The Motley Fool's disclosure policy keeps following leprechauns home from the pub.

Invest Smarter with The Motley Fool

Join Over 1 Million Premium Members Receiving…

  • New Stock Picks Each Month
  • Detailed Analysis of Companies
  • Model Portfolios
  • Live Streaming During Market Hours
  • And Much More
Get Started Now

Stocks Mentioned

AngloGold Ashanti Limited Stock Quote
AngloGold Ashanti Limited
AU
$12.16 (-6.75%) $0.88
Goldcorp Inc. Stock Quote
Goldcorp Inc.
GG
Newmont Corporation Stock Quote
Newmont Corporation
NEM
$41.25 (-2.94%) $-1.25
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited Stock Quote
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
AEM
$39.07 (-5.01%) $-2.06
Yamana Gold Inc. Stock Quote
Yamana Gold Inc.
AUY
$4.04 (-6.26%) $0.27

*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.

Related Articles

Motley Fool Returns

Motley Fool Stock Advisor

Market-beating stocks from our award-winning analyst team.

Stock Advisor Returns
339%
 
S&P 500 Returns
109%

Calculated by average return of all stock recommendations since inception of the Stock Advisor service in February of 2002. Returns as of 09/24/2022.

Discounted offers are only available to new members. Stock Advisor list price is $199 per year.

Premium Investing Services

Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.