Barrick and NovaGold on Donlin Creek
We noted with interest the large percentage move in NovaGold Resources Inc. (NG) on Thursday with the announcement of the acquisition of Orezone Resources at nearly a 300% premium to the previous day's close. NovaGold is one of our top value picks for its potential revaluation as they either address their short term funding issues or become the target of acquisition by one of the top 5 gold producers. By comparison with either the Kinross or IAMGOLD acquisitions NovaGold is valued today at less than $4 per ounce of their nearly 22 million ounce Measured and Indicated gold resource.
We have followed with interest Barrick Gold Corporation (ABX) and NovaGold’s progress in their 50-50 joint venture at Donlin Creek in Alaska. Barrick and NovaGold anticipate completion of a Feasibility Study next quarter on the Donlin Creek project which could advance much of the 32 million ounces of in-pit Measured and Indicated gold resources into the reserve category. Barrick has expended significant resources to advance the project over the past several years and at over 1 million ounces per year of potential production, Donlin Creek clearly is one of the largest potential producers owned by a junior mining company. Though NovaGold has other significant assets, their 50% share of the Donlin Creek project alone, at $45 per ounce, would suggest a takeover price of NovaGold of over $6.00 per share.
The Kinross and IAMGOLD transactions are an indication that producers are starting to move on the opportunities presented by the dramatic fall in the share prices of quality development stage companies with large in the ground resources. Historically acquisition values have been closer to the $100-150 per ounce level, but due to recent market conditions, we fully expect to see other M&A announcements in coming weeks by producers trying to capitalize on the value opportunities presented in the gold sector.
Disclosure: The author is long NG. An affiliate of the author's employer provides corporate advisory services to NG.