Someone forgot to tell this gold miner that it's best to underpromise and overdeliver.
Then again, since this marks at least the third time that Agnico-Eagle Mines
It seems that my top pick for 2009 may not close out the year with anywhere near the strength I had anticipated. Agnico shares had soared to a 46% gain for 2009 just a couple of weeks ago, but they've come crashing down to Earth in recent days.
Agnico turned in a disappointing third-quarter loss of $17 million, effectively dismantling any boost from the 73% surge in gold production volume over the prior-year period. A $23 million non-cash hit from the weakening U.S. dollar -- combined with a sharply higher cost of $449 per ounce, owing to mine ramp-up delays -- contributed to the shortfall. The principal culprit remains the problematic Kittila mine in Finland, which began to reveal challenges earlier in the year. Logistically, Agnico-Eagle is spinning many plates at once, with three new mines in 2009 struggling to reach design capacity, even as the important Meadowbank project approaches its grand opening in early 2010.
Long-term investors are encouraged to note that logistical hiccups are par for the course in the mining industry, and that the market's swift reactions to such news often exhibit a decidedly near-term focus. From minor delays like Newmont Mining's
For Agnico-Eagle shareholders, this marks an opportune moment to consider your initial motivation for holding shares. Those seeking more instant gratification from Agnico's ambitious doubling of previously forecast 2009 production to 1.2 million ounces in 2010 will feel like prey to the revised guidance of 1 million to 1.1 million ounces.
Meanwhile, far-sighted Fools will keep their eagle eyes fixed upon the miner's low-cost mine profile, and its sustainable production levels above 1.2 million ounces annually. If they do, they're bound to view the recent $20-per-share haircut in an entirely different light. I have consoled Fools stinging from market-driven production cuts by coal miners such as Arch Coal
Although these production hiccups were easier to stomach when gold was mired in price weakness a year ago, I remain entirely convinced that Agnico-Eagle itself remains a gold mine. I predict that this eagle will take flight again, but I invite you to share your own views by voting in the poll below.
