2:24pm ET (Dow Jones Newswires)
TORONTO (Dow Jones)--Cormark Securities Inc. initiated coverage of Thompson Creek Metals Co. (TC) with a buy recommendation, noting that the Toronto-based company is the largest pure-play molybdenum producer in North America and has the ability to control its product from start to finish.
In a research report, analyst Justin Reid said Thompson Creek "is perfectly positioned in the North American market to take advantage of the current strength in molybdenum prices and grow its production base by being an acquirer in a time when most other operations are still in the development phase."
Thompson Creek has three long-standing operations: the 75%-owned Endako Mine in British Columbia, and the Thompson Creek mine in Idaho and Langeloth Metallurgical Facility in Pennsylvania, which are both 100%-owned, Reid said.
The longevity of its operations gives the company access to large amounts of expertise, historical data and experienced management, the analyst said.
The company is on target to produce 24 million pounds of molybdenum this year, ramping up to about 40 million pound in 2010, at an average cost of US$8.11 a pound, Reid said.
Reid expects the company to earn US$1.05 a share in 2007, US$2.10 in 2008, US$2.91 in 2009 and US$2.40 in 2010.
He set a target price of C$22 on the stock. Thursday in Toronto, Thompson Creek is trading at C$16.42, up 2.1%.
When instability occurs in the market, Thompson Creek has the advantage of being in control of the production process from mine to saleable product, and that "should provide it with safe harbour," the analyst said.
"With roasting capacity in short supply worldwide in the recent past and possibly in the future, the ability to roast its own concentrate provides Thompson Creek with better control of processing costs, a guaranteed placement for the concentrate and the potential to roast additional concentrate from other operations," Reid said.
The company's ability to produce multiple-types of molybdenum product, molybdenum oxide, molybdenum trioxide and ferromolybdenum in geopolitically stable countries gives the company a competitive advantage, he added.
Thompson Creek is in a position to expand mine life through exploration of its Endako mine and the Davidson Deposit in British Columbia, Reid said. A feasibility study on the Davidson Deposit is expected shortly. He added that it may also acquire properties in the near future "to maintain its profile as the leader in the North American molybdenum space."
Reid doesn't expect that the company will need to issue additional shares to fund further expansion, as it will generate enough internal cash flow.
Cormark doesn' have an investment relationship with Thompson Creek. The analyst doesn't own shares in the company.