Randgold Resources Q1 Profit Climbs On Higher Production, Prices; Lifts Dividend

(RTTNews) - Gold producer Randgold Resources Ld (RRS.L, GOLD) reported Wednesday that its first-quarter profit attributable to equity shareholders climbed to $54.36 million from $48.20 million last year. Basic earnings per share were $0.58, higher than $0.52 a year ago.

Gold sales increased to $345.77 million from prior year's $344.63 million.

Group production increased 4 percent to 291 912 ounces. Gold sales grew to 291 385 ounces from 283 624 ounces last year.

The company recorded a 9% increase in the average gold price received for the period.

Total cash cost/oz was down 8% on corresponding quarter of prior year

Further, the company said that following approval by shareholders at the company's annual general meeting on 3 May, Randgold has declared an annual dividend for the year ended 31 December 2015 of $0.66 per share, up 10% on the previous year's $0.60.