Alamos Gold PT Trimmed At CIBC Reflecting Higher Costs in 2012

CIBC World Markets Inc. cut its price target on Alamos Gold Inc. (TSX:AGI.TO) to $23.00 from $24.00, reflecting higher costs for 2013 estimates.
Barry Cooper, an analyst at CIBC, cut his 2012 EPS estimates for thecompany to US$1.33 from US$1.47 and 2013 estimates to US$1.72 fromUS1.77.
Production in the fourth quarter was essentially in line with ourexpectations of 43,000 ounces, Cooper said. The 46,500 ounces producedincluded 3,000 ounces of non-commercial production from the Escondidazone.
Cooper wrote that the start up of the mill associated with Escondidaore will be a major milestone for the operation. The boost will comefrom both grades and costs and partially offset total cash costs thatare expected to be approaching $600/oz for the heap leach operationalone, he said.
"Grades are expected to be down 23% at the Mulatos pit year-over-yearand follow a previous decline of 18% in 2011. This should be a lowpoint relative to the reserve grade, although higher gold prices will beaffecting reserve figures for AGI as well as others as low gradesbecome economical," Cooper said.
"Throughput for Mulatos may prove difficult to achieve given the17,500 TPD avg that has been forecast. About 500 TPD will come from milltailings, but to avg 17,000 TPD for the main crusher facility may beaggressive," Cooper wrote. "We think that there could be a cushion inthe grade estimate that could help."
The stock is currently trading 0.12% lower at $17.31. The shares havebeen trading in the 52-week range between $13.26 and $20.15.
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