Topic: How To Invest

Pat: What are your thoughts on the following company: Eurasian Minerals? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Eurasian Minerals, $1.42, symbol EMX on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 72.0 million; Market cap: $108.5 million; www.eurasianminerals.com), aims to grow by acquiring and exploring mineral properties, as well as buying royalty interests in existing mines. In the three months ended December 31, 2012, Eurasian had royalty income of $1.2 million, compared to nil a year earlier. It lost $6.3 million, or $0.07 a share, mostly due to higher exploration and administrative costs. Cash flow was negative $3.4 million, or $0.04 a share. Eurasian’s royalties from gold and copper production give it some positive cash flow. At the same time, investing in royalties lets it avoid the operational risks, capital and environmental requirements that go along with owning mines. However, the company’s growth prospects depend on its ability to acquire new long-term contracts at favourable terms. This may prove more difficult if prices of gold and copper rise. As well, the company’s fortunes are tied to the prices of these two metals…