Update15 Jun 2023 14:59
Concerns over South Africa’s relations with the West, and that increased load-shedding will further shrink the economy this winter, have weakened the rand, but there’s some relief for gold miners. The realised gold price during Pan African’s operational update was just over R1m/kg produced. That’s risen to more than R1.2m/kg — worth an additional R750m in after-tax profit, according to Loots.
That’s why analysts are upbeat about Pan African. In fact, the stock may be a rare opportunity for investors who were slow to lock in rand hedge options. In addition, Loots believes the continuous operations project, which requires a change in mindset for employees, is gathering momentum. Pan African’s restated production for the year is conservative.
“We remain constructive and see an opportunity to add on weakness,” said Richard Hatch, an analyst for UK bank Berenberg. Quoting Pan African’s UK valuation — the company has a dual listing — he has a 27 pence a share target price. Raj Ray, an analyst for BMO Capital Markets, argued for 25p a share.
“A lot of bad news seems to be already priced in,” said Arnold van Graan, an analyst for Nedbank Securities. “Steps have been taken to address the issues and it seems as though some of these initiatives are starting to yield results.”