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American Barrick Case

In: Business and Management

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Introduction
Managing the risk of changing prices of gold is central to the business strategy of American Barrick Resources Corp., one of North America's largest and most successful gold-mining firms. The case contrasts this firm's hedging policies with those of its rivals that do not hedge and details the wide range of hedging products (gold loans, forwards, options, and spot deferred contracts) used to manage price risk. In 1992 the management of American Barrick is pleasantly surprised by unexpected new gold finds, but this new production places demands on the firm's hedging program and tests the firm's commitment to hedging when prices of gold and of many hedging vehicles are unattractive.
The gold mining industry has been heavily impacted by the fluctuating gold prices and continuously rising operating costs. Hedging gold prices has become important to ensure financial stability in a sector where mines are unprofitable due to high volatility.
Through this case we question the value created by hedging and analyse various instruments to decide upon the best available instrument to Barrick.
In this document we explore: 1. Popular theories of hedging and focus on hedging in the gold industry. 2. Analyse features and risk of the gold hedging program at Barrick. 3. Analyse characteristics of Barrick’s gold hedging program.
In this document we conclude that value of hedging gold prices creates value for shareholders especially when other firms remain exposed. * The firm has been able to expand almost continuously when others are cutting back. * Barrick’s ability to protect its investment allows it to acquire other under-priced or distressed assets in low gold price periods.
Barrick also practices hedging of accounting income which is a suspect. This along with their frequent change of hedging practices leads us to believe they may be

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