Generally the Q1 figures this year were better than Q1 2016 in terms of production, revenue and costs, but down on the record Q4 2016. The quarterly highlights as reported by the company were as follows:
| BUILDING ON LAST YEAR’S RECORD RESULTS, RANDGOLD MAKES STRONG START TO 2017 - Q1 results |
| KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR THE Q1 ENDED 31 MARCH 2017• Gold production up 10% on corresponding quarter of prior year and down 15% on record Q4 2016 • Profit up 33% on corresponding quarter of prior year and down 10% quarter on quarter • Total cash costs per ounce down 4% on corresponding quarter of prior year and up 13% quarter on quarter • Cash increases 16% quarter on quarter to $600 million, with no debt • Another solid operating quarter at Loulo-Gounkoto supported by high recoveries • Morila tailings retreatment operation starts to deliver on plan and Domba project approved • Tongon delivers steady performance with good cost control • Kibali tracks guidance as it works to deliver on underground plan • Group attributable reserves replaced at higher grade • Busy quarter for greenfields exploration complemented by good progress on brownfields targets • Shareholders approve 52% increase in annual dividend to $1.00 per share Randgold Resources |
Thus the company presents the figures in a positive light despite financials down on the previous quarter and cash costs up, although the latter will be partly due to the lower gold output. Net cash available increased to $600 million though which leaves the company well placed to take advantage of any M&A or new development and expansion opportunities without having to resort to borrowing.
Company CEO Mark Bristow is due to present to analysts in London at midday today and undoubtedly we’ll learn more about what is expected for the rest of the year then.