Topic: How To Invest

Q: Pat, can I have your recommendation on buying Altius Minerals? Thank you.

Article Excerpt

A: Altius Minerals Corp., $14.11, symbol ALS on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 43.2 million; Market cap: $586.2 million; www.altiusminerals.com), owns royalty interests in 15 operating mines that produce both precious and base metals, including copper, zinc, potash, and both thermal and steelmaking coal. Of these mining operations, 14 are located in Canada; one is in Brazil. The company also holds a portfolio of exploration-stage projects. Currently, base metals generate 47% of Altius’s royalty revenue; thermal coal contributes 21%; iron ore, 14%; potash, 11%; steelmaking coal, 3%; and other minerals and investment revenue, 4%. In 2003, the company acquired 10% interest in the Labrador Nickel Royalty Limited Partnership for $13.6 million. That partnership, in turn, has 3% royalty interest in the nickel-copper-cobalt mine operated by Vale in Voisey’s Bay, Labrador. Currently, Altius is in a legal dispute with Vale over the deduction of Voisey Bay expenses from Altius’s royalty payments. As a result, Altius is not currently generating revenue from its stake. The litigation…