Topic: How To Invest

Pat: What’s your opinion of Semafo, a gold miner in Africa?

Article Excerpt

Semafo, $8.12, symbol SMF on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 268.6 million; Market cap: $2.2 billion), is a Canadian-based mining company that produces and explores for gold in western Africa. Semafo operates three gold mines, in Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea. In the three months ended June 30, 2010, Semafo’s revenue rose 48.5%, to $87.1 million from $58.6 million. Cash flow per share was up 45.5%, to $0.16 from $0.11. The company holds cash of $179 million, or $0.67 a share, and has low debt. In the latest quarter, Semafo produced 68,300 ounces of gold, up 6.6% from 64,100 ounces a year earlier. The company sold its gold for an average price of $1,210 an ounce in the latest quarter. That’s up 30% from $931 an ounce a year earlier. The higher selling price was the main reason for the improved results. The company’s focus on western Africa entails political risk. But Semafo should be able to use its steady production and cash…