Earnings rise as Endeavour Mining reports record free cash flow

(Sharecast News) - Endeavour Mining reported a 38% rise in first-half adjusted EBITDA to $1.61bn and record free cash flow of $761m on Thursday, as higher gold prices more than offset lower production and increased costs. Adjusted net earnings rose 69% to $672m, while operating cash flow increased 41% to $1.06bn.

Gold production fell 13% to 564,000 ounces and all-in sustaining costs rose to $1,871 an ounce from $1,281, although the group said it remained on track to meet full-year production guidance of 1.09m to 1.27m ounces and its cost guidance when adjusted for higher royalty charges linked to gold prices.

The FTSE 100 miner returned a record $301m to shareholders in the first half, comprising $230m of dividends and $71m of share buybacks, while ending June with net cash of $254m.

"Our solid operational performance together with continued strength in the gold price has translated into record financial performance," said chief executive Ian Cockerill.

Endeavour said a final investment decision on its Assafou project remained on track by year-end, while the Sabodala-Massawa underground expansion was expected to launch in the second half.

At 0950 BST, shares in Endeavour Mining were up 1.42% at 3,536.39p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.

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