Core Viewpoint - Market participants are concerned about the Trump administration's tariff and trade policies and their potential impact on U.S. economic growth and inflation [1] Group 1: Growth Stocks - Five growth stocks identified for May include Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM), Sony Group Corp. (SONY), Affirm Holdings Inc. (AFRM), Broadcom Inc. (AVGO), and Expand Energy Corp. (EXE) [2][6] Group 2: Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM) - AEM is focused on production growth through projects like the Kittila expansion and acquisitions such as Hope Bay and the merger with Kirkland Lake Gold [7][8] - AEM's expected revenue and earnings growth rates are 20.6% and 44.4% respectively for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings improving by 6.1% [8] - The average short-term price target indicates a potential increase of 16% from the last closing price of $119.13, with a maximum upside of 33.5% [9] Group 3: Sony Group Corp. (SONY) - SONY is expected to grow due to strengths in Game & Network Services, Music, and Financial Services, despite challenges in the Entertainment, Technology & Services unit [10][11] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for SONY are 0.7% and 14.4% respectively for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings improving by 0.7% [12] - The average short-term price target suggests a potential increase of 17.2% from the last closing price of $25.23, indicating a maximum upside of 35% [12] Group 4: Affirm Holdings Inc. (AFRM) - AFRM has strong revenue growth from diverse income streams, expecting revenues between $3.13 billion and $3.19 billion in fiscal 2025 [14][15] - Key partnerships, including those with Apple Pay and Hotels.com, are crucial for AFRM's expansion [15] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for AFRM are 37.1% and 96.4% respectively for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings improving by 60% [16] Group 5: Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) - AVGO is benefiting from strong demand for networking products and AI accelerators, with expected AI revenues to jump 44% year over year to $4.4 billion [18][19] - The acquisition of VMware has enhanced AVGO's infrastructure software solutions, with 70% of its largest customers adopting VMware Cloud Foundation [19] - AVGO's expected revenue and earnings growth rates are 21% and 35.5% respectively for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings improving by 4.6% [21] Group 6: Expand Energy Corp. (EXE) - EXE has become the largest U.S. natural gas producer after merging with Chesapeake and Southwestern, with plans to ramp up production to 7,100 MMcfe/day by 2025 [24][25] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for EXE are over 100% each for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings improving by 6.6% [26] - The average short-term price target indicates a potential increase of 13.2% from the last closing price of $108.51, suggesting a maximum upside of 56.7% [26]

Core Insights - Newmont Corporation (NEM) and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM) are key players in the gold mining industry, with both companies benefiting from rising gold prices due to global economic uncertainties and trade tensions [1][2] - Gold prices have increased approximately 30% this year, reaching a record high of $3,500 per ounce, influenced by aggressive trade policies and central bank gold accumulation [2] - A comparison of the fundamentals of NEM and AEM is essential for investors looking for opportunities in the precious metals sector [3] Newmont Corporation (NEM) - NEM is actively investing in growth projects, including the Tanami Expansion 2 in Australia and the Ahafo North expansion in Ghana, aimed at increasing production capacity and extending mine life [4] - The acquisition of Newcrest Mining Limited has enhanced NEM's portfolio, expected to generate $500 million in annual run-rate synergies [5] - NEM's attributable gold production rose approximately 9% year over year in Q4, with significant divestitures generating total after-tax cash proceeds of $4.3 billion [6] - NEM reported liquidity of $8.8 billion and operating cash flow of around $2 billion in Q1, with a record free cash flow of $1.2 billion [7] - The company returned $1 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, maintaining a dividend yield of 1.9% and a payout ratio of 24% [8] Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM) - AEM is focused on advancing key projects such as the Odyssey project and the Hope Bay Project, which is expected to significantly contribute to cash flow [9][10] - AEM's operating cash flow increased by approximately 33% year over year to $1,044 million in Q1, with free cash flow rising around 50% to $594 million [11] - AEM returned about $920 million to shareholders last year and $251 million in Q1, offering a dividend yield of 1.4% and a five-year annualized dividend growth rate of 10.3% [12] Price Performance and Valuation - Year-to-date, NEM stock has increased by 46.7%, while AEM stock has risen by 52.3%, outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's increase of 44.8% [13] - NEM is trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 13.04, which is an 11.4% discount compared to the industry average of 14.72 [14] - AEM is trading at a forward earnings multiple of 19.9, indicating a premium over NEM [17] Growth Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NEM's 2025 sales and EPS implies a year-over-year rise of 0.1% and 14.9%, respectively [18] - AEM's 2025 sales and EPS estimates suggest year-over-year growth of 20.6% and 44.4%, respectively, indicating stronger growth potential [19] Investment Considerations - Both NEM and AEM are well-positioned to benefit from rising gold prices, but AEM's higher earnings growth projections and lower leverage suggest it may be a more favorable investment option [22] - AEM currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), while NEM has a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [23]

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets experienced severe volatility in April, with the S&P 500 and Dow falling by 3.2% and 0.8%, respectively, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.9% [1] - The volatility was attributed to President Trump's tariffs and trade-related policies, with economists warning of a near-term recession as U.S. GDP contracted for the first time in three years in Q1 2025 [2] Economic Indicators - Better-than-expected nonfarm payrolls data for April and optimism regarding U.S. government trade negotiations are expected to boost confidence in equities [3] Investment Opportunities - Recommended stocks for investment in May include Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (SFM), Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), Sony Group Corp. (SONY), Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM), and NatWest Group plc (NWG), all of which have shown double-digit returns in the past month and hold a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [4][5] Company Analysis Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (SFM) - Focus on product innovation, e-commerce, and private label offerings has led to better-than-expected Q4 2024 results, with both revenue and earnings growing year over year [9] - SFM expects net sales to rise between 10.5% and 12.5% in 2025, with comparable store sales anticipated to increase by 4.5-6.5% [10] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 13.4% and 30.7%, respectively, with a 5.2% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [11] Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) - Strong pricing power and an expanding smoke-free product portfolio are driving growth, with PM aiming to become substantially smoke-free by 2030 [13] - Anticipates positive volume growth for the fifth consecutive year, with an expected increase of 2%, and smoke-free products projected to grow by 12-14% [14] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 8.1% and 13.7%, respectively, with a 4.6% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [15] Sony Group Corp. (SONY) - Growth is supported by strong performance in Game & Network Services, Music, and Financial Services, despite challenges in the Entertainment, Technology & Services unit [16] - Fiscal 2024 sales view raised to ¥13,200 billion from ¥12,710 billion, driven by momentum in Financial Services and G&NS units [17] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 0.7% and 14.4%, respectively, with a 0.7% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [18] Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM) - Focus on production growth through project execution and strategic acquisitions, including the merger with Kirkland Lake Gold [19][20] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 20.6% and 44.4%, respectively, with a 6.1% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [20] NatWest Group plc (NWG) - Provides a range of banking and financial services across various segments, including Retail Banking and Private Banking [21][22] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 10.8% and 12.8%, respectively, with a 2.7% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [22]

Group 1: Sprouts Farmers Market (SFM) - Sprouts Farmers Market operates in a highly fragmented grocery store industry with a unique model focusing on fresh produce, foods section, and a vitamin department for overall wellness [1] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 2.6% over the last 60 days [1] - Shares of Sprouts Farmers Market gained 7.4% over the last three months compared to the S&P 500's decline of 6.6%, and it possesses a Momentum Score of A [2] Group 2: Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM) - Agnico Eagle Mines is a gold producer with mining operations in Canada, Mexico, and Finland, and exploration activities in Canada, Europe, Latin America, and the United States [2] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 26.2% over the last 60 days [2] - Shares of Agnico Eagle Mines gained 19.1% over the last three months compared to the S&P 500's decline of 6.6%, and it possesses a Momentum Score of A [3] Group 3: Banco Santander Chile (BSAC) - Banco Santander Chile is the largest bank in Chile and has a Zacks Rank of 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 3.9% over the last 60 days [3] - Shares of Banco Santander Chile gained 18.9% over the last three months compared to the S&P 500's decline of 6.6%, and it possesses a Momentum Score of A [4]

Core Viewpoint - Baron is an asset management firm that specializes in growth equity investment solutions, emphasizing a long-term and fundamental approach to investing [1] Company Overview - Founded in 1982, Baron has established a reputation for its active growth investing strategy [1] - The firm originated as an equity research company, which remains central to its operations [1] Communication Note - The account mentioned is not managed or monitored by Baron Capital, and inquiries should be directed through official channels [1]

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street experienced significant volatility in April due to President Trump's tariffs and trade policies, with major stock indexes mostly in negative territory for the month [1][2] Group 1: Stock Performance and Recommendations - A number of corporate giants with market capitalizations over $50 billion have managed to provide positive returns of over 5% month to date despite the turmoil [2] - Five recommended stocks with favorable Zacks Rank include Netflix Inc. (NFLX), Newmont Corp. (NEM), Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM), and Spotify Technology S.A. (SPOT) [3] Group 2: Netflix Inc. (NFLX) - Netflix exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in Q1 2025, maintaining healthy engagement levels despite trade-related challenges [7] - The launch of Netflix's Ad Suite in the U.S. is expected to drive subscriber and average revenue per user (ARPU) growth, with plans for international expansion in Q2 [8] - NFLX's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 14% and 27.7%, respectively, with a 1.8% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [11] Group 3: Newmont Corp. (NEM) - Newmont is advancing its growth projects, including the Ahafo North project, with commercial production expected to start in the second half of 2025 [12][13] - NEM's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 0.9% and 16.4%, respectively, with a 2% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [14] Group 4: Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) - Philip Morris is transitioning to smoke-free products, with strong pricing power and a projected 12-14% growth in smoke-free product sales [15][16] - PM's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 7.3% and 13.2%, respectively, with a 2.9% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [17] Group 5: Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM) - Agnico Eagle is focused on production growth through projects like the Kittila expansion and acquisitions, enhancing its market position [18][19] - AEM's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 18.9% and 33.3%, respectively, with a 5.8% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [20] Group 6: Spotify Technology S.A. (SPOT) - Spotify operates through Premium and Ad-Supported segments, with total Monthly Active Users (MAUs) reaching 675 million, surpassing estimates [21][23] - SPOT's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 14.8% and 75.8%, respectively, with a 1.6% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [24]

Since October 2023, the spot price of gold is up about 75%. That outperformed most stocks at that time. But what most investors don’t realize is that if you go back 25 years, gold has climbed over 1,100% or nearly 12 times its price in 1999. And this isn’t the first time there’s been a gold rush. Since the world moved away from the gold standard in 1971, there have been about four different bull markets. According to economist and author Jim Rickards, gold rose 2,185% from 1971 to 1980, and 670% from 1999 t ...

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM) reported adjusted earnings of $1.53 per share for first-quarter 2025, up from 76 cents in the year-ago quarter. The bottom line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.39.The company generated revenues of $2,468.2 million, up nearly 34.9% year over year. The top line surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,239.7 million.The upside in the bottom line was mainly driven by record-high operating margins resulting from higher realized gold prices and reduced production costs ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record revenue of $2.5 billion, record adjusted earnings of $770 million or $1.53 per share, and record adjusted EBITDA of $1.6 billion [18] - Gold production was approximately 874,000 ounces, with cash costs of $903 per ounce, which were similar to the previous year's first quarter [18][19] - The company returned $0.25 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Detour mine achieved a new tonnage record, while Meliadine and Macassa also reported strong operational performance [29][44] - Hope Bay is projected to add 400,000 ounces per year in the 2030s, with significant progress made in project preparations [34] - The Malartic project aims to reach a production target of one million ounces per year, with ongoing construction and exploration efforts [37][41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gold prices have increased by over $1,000 an ounce, benefiting the company's financial performance [7] - The company maintained its cost guidance for the year, expecting cash costs to be within the range of $915 to $965 per ounce [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building a long-term, sustainable business, with significant investments in exploration and growth projects [12] - The strategy includes maintaining a strong balance sheet, increasing returns to shareholders, and investing in high-return internal growth projects [26][27] - The company emphasizes operational risk management and maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation [64] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver strong performance for the rest of the year, supported by solid production and cost control [6][10] - The management highlighted the importance of sustainability and community engagement in their operations [12][17] - Future growth is expected to come from ongoing projects and exploration results, with a focus on regions with geological potential and political stability [66] Other Important Information - The company has largely eliminated its net debt, ending the quarter with close to zero net debt, significantly improving its financial flexibility [22] - Moody's revised the company's rating outlook from stable to positive, reflecting its improving credit profile [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: How might the medium-term mine planning and shaft positioning be impacted by Eclipse? - Management indicated that Eclipse will be more relevant in the mid-long term and could assist in the second shaft development [72] Question: What is the drilling plan for Marban? - The drilling is focused on the Eastern Extension, with an update on reserves expected by the end of the year [75] Question: What is the timeline for the second shaft at Malartic? - The second shaft is expected to be in production in the early 2030s [84] Question: How does the company view the potential for buying back royalties? - Management is open to evaluating opportunities to buy back royalties if it makes sense for shareholders [122] Question: What is the company's stance on moving into base metals? - The company remains gold-centric but is open to opportunities in base metals if they present a competitive advantage [130]

Financial Performance - The company's Q1 2025 realized gold price was $2,891 per ounce, compared to $2,062 per ounce in Q1 2024[21] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $1590 million in Q1 2025 from $929 million in Q1 2024[21] - Net debt was reduced to $5 million at the end of Q1 2025[17, 29, 34] - The company returned approximately $251 million directly to shareholders in Q1 2025[17] - Free cash flow was $594 million in Q1 2025, compared to $396 million in Q1 2024[21] Operational Highlights - Gold production in Q1 2025 was 874 koz, slightly lower than the 879 koz produced in Q1 2024[15, 21] - Total cash costs were $903 per ounce in Q1 2025, compared to $901 per ounce in Q1 2024[21] - All-in sustaining costs (AISC) were $1,183 per ounce in Q1 2025, compared to $1,190 per ounce in Q1 2024[21] - The company is well-positioned to achieve its 2025 gold production guidance of 3300 koz to 3500 koz[15] Sustainability - The company's global GHG intensity is under the industry average at 038t CO2e/oz[19] - Approximately $11 million was donated and sponsored to local organizations, and approximately $19 billion was spent on local goods and services, of which approximately $1 billion went to Indigenous businesses[20]