The revolution at Evolution Mining

Evolution has also divested the relatively mature Pajingo operation, which realised $42m.

Over the three years to FY18, attributable gold production is forecast to double from 437,500 ounces to 850,000 ounces, the All-In-Sustaining Cost (AISC) is forecast to decline 16 percent from A$1,036/ounce to A$865/ounce, and based on today’s gold price of A$1,760/ounce, EBITDA margins are forecast to jump from 41 per cent to 51 per cent.

Evolution’s gold reserves have increased from 2.6m ounces to 6.75m ounces (eight years of production), while the resource has increased from 5.7m ounces to 14.9m ounces.  Crucially, management is optimistic all three new mines offer strong exploration potential, and this is partially reflected in their resource profile.

I have detailed the company’s forecast production profile for FY18, the current reserves, and resource, and note the three new mines – Mungari, Cowal and Ernest Henry – collectively account for 56 per cent of the forecast production, 67 per cent of reserves and 79 per cent of the resource.

Over the past 18 months, the management team at Evolution Mining have done a wonderful job transforming their business and the market has applauded with the share price tripling to $2.40, despite the issuance of 956m new shares.  (Cost cutting, a stronger gold price, and a weaker Australian dollar have certainly assisted).  With 1,673m shares now on issue, Evolution Mining has a market capitalisation of $4.0b (up from $315m in late-2014).  Net debt of $780m is expected to come down from strong forecast operating cash flow, and more money will likely become available to prove up the Company’s stated resource.

Written by David Buckland and contributed by Montgomery Investment Management:  (VIEW LINK)