The Mount Gibson Iron Limited (ASX: MGX) share price surged 3.62% higher at today's close after a strong half-year earnings result.
What happened in the first half?
During the first half, Mount Gibson delivered a net profit after tax from continuing operations of $45.2 million, down from $80.0 million in 1H18. However, this was actually nearly triple last year's $15.4 million underlying profit once the $64.3 million proceeds from the Koolan Island business interruption insurance settlement is removed from the 1H18 reported profit.
Ore tonnes mined fell to 1.9 million wet metric tonnes (mwmt) down from 2.2 mwmt a year ago.
However, the company's average realised price jumped 18.5% to $64 per wmt sold and this increased sales revenue by over 50% to $177.4 million.
This strong financial performance was achieved thanks in large part due to a strengthening iron ore price across all ore grades, with steelmaker margins lifting in China and curtailment of Brazil high-grade production following ongoing Vale difficulties.
Mount Gibson saw its net cash position decline slightly from $457.5 million in FY18, as the Koolan Island production restart drained $65.5 million and $18.3 million in dividends saw the closing balance reach $431.0 million.
FY19 Outlook
Management expects to see its first ore sales from the Koolan Island mine in April 2019 and projected FY19 ore sales are currently 0.7-1.0 mwmt.
Sales guidance for FY19 remains unchanged at 2.7-3.3 mwmt for the company, with an all-in forecast Group cash cost of $52-$57 per wmt at the loading port (Free on Board or "FOB").
Should you invest?
Whilst I'm not big on mining shares, and particularly not in the iron ore sector, I think this result shows that Mount Gibson Iron can mix it with the likes of Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) and Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) in terms of growth and profitability.
But if you're bearish on the iron ore price then I would suggest you check out these top growth shares that have been tipped as market beaters.
