Seeking Alpha: Improving Costs, Clean Balance Sheet Not Sparing Pan American Silver

If you mine anything, 2013 was probably a painful year and if you mine precious metals, it was a horror show. The Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX) is down more than 50% over the past year, the Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) is down more than 60%, and the Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) is down about as much as the GDX (52%). It's not hard to figure out why, as falling prices, rising costs, and debt-laden balance sheets have all contributed to a mass exodus from the space.

In the rush to the door, I think Pan American Silver (PAAS) may have been unfairly trampled. It is absolutely true that PAAS is going to be hard-pressed to attract investor interest if silver prices keep falling, but there is at least the downside protection of an improving cost structure, lower capex, and a clean balance sheet. Trading just under its net asset value, I believe Pan American may be a good place to look for those investors who still want to own a silver miner.

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Improving Costs, Clean Balance Sheet Not Sparing Pan American Silver