Why I’m Still Avoiding Sirius Minerals PLC, Hochschild Mining Plc And European Metals Holdings Limited

These 3 stocks still offer relatively unappealing risk/reward ratios: Sirius Minerals PLC (LON: SXX), Hochschild Mining Plc (LON: HOCH) and European Metals Holdings Limited (LON: EMH).

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

One of the best performing sectors within any industry this year has been gold mining companies. For example, shares in precious metals company Hochschild (LSE: HOCH) have risen by an incredible 130% since the turn of the year as the price of gold has surprised the majority of investors.

In fact, gold has recorded double-digit gains this year and while that may not sound so impressive, there were fears that 2016 could be a horrific year for the precious metal as rising US interest rates hurt demand for non-interest producing assets. However, with uncertainty surrounding the global economy pushing gold and other precious metals prices higher, Hochschild’s outlook has suddenly become a lot brighter.

Despite this, its shares still seem to offer a rather unappealing risk/reward ratio. For example, Hochschild may be forecast to return to profitability this year, but its recent share price rise appears to adequately price this in. It has a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 44.8 and while its future profitability may rise at a brisk pace, there appear to be better options available elsewhere within the resources space.

Bright future… or not

Similarly, Sirius Minerals (LSE: SXX) could also have a very bright long-term future, but its risks seem to outweigh its potential rewards. Certainly, the potential to deliver one of the world’s biggest potash mines is present and the company’s recent definitive feasibility study provided a degree of confidence regarding its long-term profit potential.

Furthermore, the crop studies being undertaken and potential demand for the polyhalite fertiliser that Sirius Minerals aims to produce appear to offer further encouragement regarding the prospect of sizeable long-term profits.

However, with the resources sector being relatively depressed at the moment, the financing of such a major project could prove to be more difficult than previously thought. After all, a number of world-class assets are trading at low valuations and unlike Sirius Minerals, may be highly profitable even during a period of low commodity prices. As such, there seem to be better options available elsewhere within the resources space.

Too big a risk?

Meanwhile, European Metals Holdings (LSE: EMH) also has considerable long-term potential due to the prospect of rising demand for lithium in future years. With the world continually moving towards cleaner forms of energy, lithium power could have a bright future within a number of applications, including cars. Therefore, European Metals Holdings could benefit from an economic tailwind over the long run.

However, with European Metals Holdings having no revenue and being concentrated on one project in Europe (the Cinovec project), it appears to offer significant risks compared to a number of its peers. For example, other exploration stocks have a degree of geographic diversity and with highly profitable resources companies trading at discounts to book value, the appeal of companies such as European Metals Holdings may be somewhat limited among investors who remain generally risk-averse.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Peter Stephens has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Affectionate Asian senior mother and daughter using smartphone together at home, smiling joyfully
Investing Articles

2 of my favourite UK growth shares this December!

These FTSE 250 growth shares offer excellent value right now. Here's why I'll buy them for my portfolio if the…

Read more »

Mature Caucasian woman sat at a table with coffee and laptop while making notes on paper
Investing Articles

10% dividend growth! 2 FTSE 100 stocks tipped to supercharge cash payouts

These FTSE 100 stocks have strong records of dividend growth. And they're expected to keep on delivering, as Royston Wild…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Down 17% in a month and yielding 7.39%! Is this FTSE 100 share a screaming buy for me?

When Harvey Jones bought Taylor Wimpey last year he thought this FTSE 100 share was a brilliant long-term buy-and-hold. Has…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Here’s how I’m using a £20k ISA to target £11k+ in income 30 years from now

Is it realistic to put £20k in an ISA now and earn over half that amount every year in passive…

Read more »

Young black colleagues high-fiving each other at work
Investing Articles

If I could only keep 5 UK stocks from my portfolio I’d save these

Harvey Jones is running through his portfolio of top UK stocks to see which ones he couldn't bear to do…

Read more »

Midnight is celebrated along the River Thames in London with a spectacular and colourful firework display.
Investing Articles

I’m aiming for a million buying unexciting shares!

By investing regularly in long-established, proven and even rather dull businesses, this writer plans to aim for a million. Here's…

Read more »

Investing Articles

3 things to consider before you start investing

Our writer draws on his stock market experience to consider a few vital lessons he would use to start investing…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Will this lesser-known £28bn growth stock be joining the FTSE 100 soon?

As the powers that be plan a reorganisation of Footsie listing rules, this massive under-the-radar growth stock could find its…

Read more »