Will Agnico-Eagle (AEM) Meet Production Guidance?

Even though Agnico-Eagle (NYSE:AEM) has broken their nine-month production record with 757,668 ounces during that period, a weaker third quarter has some analysts thinking they will have to have a strong fourth quarter to meet company production projections.

Scotia Capital analyst Tanya Jakusconek noted "Given Q3 operating performance, AEM will have to have very strong production in Q4 (322 k ozs) in order to meet its 2011 production guidance of 1.08 M oz."

"In our view this will require strong performance from both LaRonde and Meadowbank," added Jakusconek.

Most of the improved gold production during the period was from Lapa, Meadowbank, Pinos Altos and Kittila.

Payable gold production for the third quarter came to 265,978 ounces.