The Globe and Mail attempts to identify profitable and fast-growing precious metals producers in its Thursday, June 26, edition. The Globe's guest columnist Arjun Deiva writes in the Number Cruncher column that gold prices rose above $3,370 (U.S.) an ounce this week. Although President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire, uncertainty persists. A year ago, gold was trading at $2,351 (U.S.). Prices for other precious metals like silver and platinum have also increased, with Canada housing some of the most stable producers. These companies have delivered impressive returns this year, averaging a 71.1-per-cent gain, significantly outpacing the S&P/TSX Composite's 9 per cent. If metal prices remain high, they may see even stronger earnings and cash flow ahead. Mr. Deiva notes that Wesdome Gold is a company with high profitability and growth. Wesdome has operations in Ontario and Quebec. It ranked No. 1 on Mr. Deiva's screen with strong earnings and sales growth projections of 116.6 per cent and 49.5 per cent. With gold prices surging and expansion efforts under way, Wesdome is well positioned to boost its already strong net profit margins of 29 per cent as investor demand for hard assets remains elevated.