** Gold miner Newmont NEM.N beat third-quarter profit estimates on Thursday, as record-high gold prices helped offset its weaker production

** However, NEM warned that fourth-quarter free cash flow would take a hit due to higher spending

** Shares of the company were down 6.4% at $83.15 premarket, tracking falling prices of the bullion

BROKERAGES EXPECT SOFTER GUIDANCE OFFSET BY PRODUCTION

** National Bank of Canada ("Outperform", PT; $115) anticipates an increased pace of share buyback to support shares through year-end with NEM now in a net cash position

** Jefferies ("Buy", PT; $113) says changes to long term guidance has weighed on shares, but steady operational delivery and ongoing capital returns will restore value over time

** However, Raymond James ("Outperform") raises price target to $99 from $96, says the miner offers investors exposure to gold through a lower jurisdictional risk, global portfolio that generates solid cash flow, and is supported by a strong balance sheet

(Reporting by Pranav Mathur in Bengaluru)

((Pranav.Mathur@thomsonreuters.com;))