RE:RE:When expectations seem lowest... Focus on cash flow. If they are cash flow positive, I will consider it a good sign. There is an acceptable range for reporting profits, recognizing revenues and expenses, etc, so profits can be "managed" to a degree in the short term. This includes write-offs from previous lost initiatives/mines...
however, positive cash flow over an extended period is a good indicator of profitability. Now maybe if they would use some of their cash flow generated from high commodity prices to pay down their legacy debt, this might get the market's attention.
Cheers,
mas75