Big target for Newmont

Article Excerpt

NEWMONT CORP. $44.10, remains a buy for long-term growth and as a hedge against inflation. The company (New York symbol NEM; Shares o/s: 793.7 million; Market cap: $34.6 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Average; Dividend yield: 3.6%; www.newmont.com) has now made a new offer to acquire Austrailan-based Newcrest Mining. It operates gold mines in Australia, Canada and Papua New Guinea. Newmont’s updated bid is 0.38 of a common share for every share of Newcrest. Based on current prices, the offer is worth $16.3 billion. Newcrest recently rejected a lower exchange ratio of 0.368 shares but is now considering this improved offer. It did not say when it expects to make a decision. Big acquisitions like this add risk, particularly as there is little overlap between the two companies. However, Newcrest’s expertise with mining techniques that cut the cost of new developments would help Newmont better cope with its own rising fuel and labour costs. Newmont remains a buy for long-term gains. gains…