Australian Gold Producers Flush With Free Cash Flow, Says Euroz Hartleys
Australian gold producers generated record free cash flows in the March quarter despite higher capital spending on growth projects, Euroz Hartleys said in a note on Wednesday.Cash flows were helped by higher prices, with gold averaging roughly at AU$6,998 per ounce, even as production remained largely flat.According to the investment firm, around 21 companies collectively generated free cash flow of about AU$2.7 billion, up from AU$1.53 billion in the December quarter."We believe it is important to keep one eye on the real total costs of production, otherwise you risk buying a producer with more leverage than you bargained for," analysts at the brokerage said.The firm added that concerns related to diesel supply are largely a pricing issue rather than a shortage and are already reflected in valuations.Euroz Hartleys said West African Resources (ASX:WAF) was the cheapest gold stock on a cashflow yield basis, while Greatland Resources (ASX:GGP) was the lowest-cost producer.
