AngloGold Ashanti (AU) closed the most recent trading day at $47.66, moving +1.3% from the previous trading session. This change outpaced the S&P 500's 0.01% loss on the day. On the other hand, the Dow registered a loss of 0.32%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq increased by 0.05%. The stock of gold miner has fallen by 2.22% in the past month, lagging the Basic Materials sector's gain of 1.67% and the S&P 500's gain of 5.37%.The upcoming earnings release of AngloGold Ashanti will be of great interest to in ...

Core Insights - AngloGold Ashanti plc has entered into an agreement to acquire Augusta Gold Corp, enhancing its presence in the Beatty District of Nevada through the acquisition of Reward and Bullfrog properties [1][2][8] Acquisition Details - The acquisition price is C$1.70 (approximately $1.24) per share, leading to an equity value of around C$152 million (approximately $111 million) [2] - The deal includes funding for the repayment of certain shareholder loans and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending closing conditions [3][8] Portfolio Optimization - AngloGold Ashanti is actively optimizing its portfolio, having recently sold its interest in the Mineração Serra Grande mine to Aura Minerals Inc. for $76 million [4][6] - The MSG mine produced 80 thousand ounces of gold in 2024 and 86 thousand ounces in 2023, but is considered one of the company's higher-cost and lower-production operations [5][6] Stock Performance - Shares of AngloGold Ashanti have increased by 72.4% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 38.4% [7]

Industry Overview - Gold prices are on the rise, currently around $3,342/oz, reflecting a 37% increase year to date, driven by supply constraints and strong demand from central banks [4][5] - The World Gold Council indicates a scarcity of gold mining deposits, which is expected to sustain the upward momentum in gold prices [1] - Central banks, particularly in emerging economies, are increasing their gold reserves due to rising global debt levels and geopolitical risks, which supports demand for gold [3] Investment Opportunities - It is recommended to invest in gold mining stocks with a favorable Zacks Rank, specifically those rated 1 (Strong Buy), including Franco-Nevada Corp. (FNV), Royal Gold Inc. (RGLD), Kinross Gold Corp. (KGC), AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU), and Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM) [2] - All five selected stocks exhibit strong growth estimates and recent upward earnings revisions for the current year [9] Company Highlights Franco-Nevada Corp. (FNV) - FNV is expected to achieve revenue and earnings growth rates of 34.6% and 43.9%, respectively, for the current year, with a recent earnings estimate improvement of 0.2% [12] - The company has a debt-free balance sheet and focuses on expanding its portfolio and paying dividends, benefiting from rising gold prices [11] Royal Gold Inc. (RGLD) - RGLD anticipates revenue and earnings growth rates of 28.8% and 42%, respectively, for the current year, with a 4.5% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [14] - The company maintains high margins despite inflationary pressures and is focused on allocating cash flow towards dividends and debt reduction [13] Kinross Gold Corp. (KGC) - KGC is projected to have revenue and earnings growth rates of 17.9% and 72.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a 5.4% increase in earnings estimates recently [17] - The company is enhancing production through its Tasiast mine expansion and has promising projects like the Great Bear project in Ontario [15][16] AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU) - AU expects revenue and earnings growth rates of 52.8% and over 100%, respectively, for the current year, with a 1.6% improvement in earnings estimates [19] - The company operates in multiple regions and focuses on gold exploration and production, with a flagship mine in Tanzania [18] Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM) - AEM is projected to achieve revenue and earnings growth rates of 26.6% and 52.5%, respectively, for the current year, with a 7% increase in earnings estimates [22] - The company is advancing key projects and has strengthened its market position through strategic acquisitions and mergers [20][21]

Group 1: Company Performance - AngloGold Ashanti's recent trading session ended at $47.46, reflecting a -1.06% change from the previous day's closing price, underperforming compared to the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.4% [1] - The company's shares experienced a loss of 3.44% over the previous month, lagging behind the Basic Materials sector's gain of 2.16% and the S&P 500's gain of 4.97% [1] Group 2: Earnings Forecast - AngloGold Ashanti is projected to report earnings of $1.31 per share, indicating a year-over-year growth of 118.33%, with revenue expected to be $2.32 billion, showing a 67.73% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] - For the entire year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast earnings of $4.99 per share and revenue of $8.85 billion, representing changes of +125.79% and +52.81%, respectively, compared to the previous year [3] Group 3: Analyst Sentiment - Recent revisions to analyst forecasts for AngloGold Ashanti are important as they reflect changing near-term business trends, with positive estimate revisions indicating analyst optimism about the company's profitability [4] - The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), shows that AngloGold Ashanti currently holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), with a 1.56% upward shift in the consensus EPS estimate over the past month [6] Group 4: Valuation Metrics - AngloGold Ashanti is currently traded at a Forward P/E ratio of 9.62, which is a discount compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 13.31 [7] - The Mining - Gold industry, part of the Basic Materials sector, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 15, placing it in the top 7% of over 250 industries [7]

Core Viewpoint - JPMorgan is shifting its focus to AngloGold Ashanti PLC as its top pick in the gold mining sector, replacing Fresnillo Plc, which has seen significant gains this year [1][6]. Gold Market Outlook - JPMorgan's commodities team forecasts gold prices to reach $4,000 per ounce by mid-2026, driven by strong demand from central banks and investors, with net buying averaging 710 tons per quarter [2][3]. - Geopolitical and policy uncertainties are expected to sustain the bullish trend in gold demand [2]. AngloGold Ashanti's Performance - AngloGold has shown impressive momentum, with a 97% increase year-to-date, and is projected to generate $575 million in free cash flow for the second quarter [3][4]. - The company may offer a 6% dividend yield if management increases payouts in response to rising gold prices [3]. Capital Expenditure and Growth Initiatives - High capital expenditures are attributed to growth initiatives, including the Obuasi ramp-up and a scoping study at North Bullfrog, which are anticipated to be highlighted in the upcoming half-year results [4]. Financial Health and Valuation Potential - AngloGold's low leverage profile and strong cash generation position it well for further re-rating, with an estimated 60-70% upside to fair value if gold prices exceed $4,000 per ounce [5]. Competitive Landscape - While Fresnillo has also performed well with a 158% increase year-to-date, its valuation may limit further upside potential [6]. - Other competitors like Hochschild Mining and Gold Fields have also seen gains, but the current focus remains on AngloGold as it is perceived to be ahead in capitalizing on the gold market [6].

Core Insights - AngloGold Ashanti PLC (AU) stock has appreciated 104% year to date, significantly outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's 53% rise, the Basic Materials sector's 13.7%, and the S&P 500's 5.9% in the same timeframe [1][4][6]. Performance Overview - The AU stock closed at $47.11, which is 8.5% below its 52-week high of $51.11 reached on June 13, 2025 [4]. - AU has outperformed other gold mining stocks such as Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM), Newmont Corporation (NEM), and Barrick Mining Corporation (B), which have seen stock increases of 53.3%, 61.6%, and 36.9% respectively [4][6]. Financial and Operational Highlights - The company reported a 529% year-over-year increase in earnings per share for Q1 2025, reaching 88 cents, driven by higher gold production and disciplined cost control [14]. - Gold production increased by 22% year-over-year to 720,000 ounces, marking the strongest first-quarter performance since 2020 [15]. - Total cash costs per ounce rose by 4% to $1,223, while all-in sustaining costs increased by 1% to $1,640 due to higher sustaining capital expenditure [16]. Strategic Growth Initiatives - AngloGold Ashanti is focused on organic and inorganic growth, having acquired Egyptian gold producer Centamin, which adds a significant Tier 1 asset to its portfolio [20]. - The company aims for gold production growth of 9-21% in 2025, projecting production levels of 2.9-3.225 million ounces [19]. - Efforts are underway to improve mining volumes and operational efficiency at key sites like Siguiri and Obuasi [21][22]. Debt and Liquidity Position - Free cash flow surged to $403 million in Q1 from $57 million a year ago, with adjusted net debt reduced to $525 million from $1.322 billion [18]. - The company ended Q1 2025 with $3 billion in liquidity, including $1.5 billion in cash and cash equivalents [19]. Valuation Metrics - AU is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 9.51X, which is below the industry average of 12.62X, indicating an attractive valuation [29]. - The average price target for AU suggests a 1.72% upside from its last closing price, with the highest target indicating a potential growth of 23% [34]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales is $8.85 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 52.8%, with earnings expected to rise by 125.8% to $4.99 per share [25]. - For 2026, sales are projected to grow by 2.3%, while earnings are expected to decline by 1.3% [26].

Core Insights - AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU) is effectively managing inflationary pressures in the industry while maintaining resilient cost performance through its Full Asset Potential (FAP) program and increased cost vigilance at the site level [1] Cost Performance - Group total cash costs increased by 4% year-over-year to $1,223 per ounce in Q1 2025, driven by a 5% rise in inflation and a 5% increase in royalty costs due to higher gold prices, resulting in a 7% overall increase in market-driven costs [2][11] - Managed operations experienced a 2% year-over-year decline in total cash costs per ounce, aided by the inclusion of Sukari and steady performance at Siguiri, although operational challenges and a temporary plant stoppage at Iduapriem partially offset these gains [3] - Non-managed joint ventures faced significant cost pressures, with total cash costs soaring 59% year-over-year to $1,325 per ounce, attributed to lower gold production, higher royalties, and increased operating costs at Kibali [4] All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) - AISC for the group rose 1% year-over-year to $1,640 per ounce, while managed operations saw a 2% decrease in AISC per ounce due to Sukari's inclusion; in contrast, AISC at non-managed joint ventures increased by 37% due to weaker performance at Kibali [5] Future Projections - For 2025, AngloGold projects group total cash costs to be between $1,125 and $1,225 per ounce, and AISC to range from $1,580 to $1,705 per ounce, indicating a 2% increase at the midpoint compared to the previous year [6][11] - The company aims to improve its cost position by leveraging the FAP program to enhance operational efficiency and productivity, mitigating inflationary impacts [6] Market Performance - AngloGold Ashanti's stock has surged 104% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry, which grew by 53% during the same period [10] - The company is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 9.51X, which is below the industry average of 12.62X, and holds a Value Score of B [12] Sales and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AngloGold Ashanti's 2025 sales is projected at $8.85 billion, reflecting a 52.8% year-over-year growth, with earnings estimated at $4.99 per share, indicating a 125.8% increase year-over-year [13] - For 2026, sales are expected to grow by 2.3% year-over-year, while earnings are projected to decline by 1.3% [13]

Core Insights - AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU) is focusing on streamlining operations and prioritizing core assets, particularly in the United States, with a recent sale of its interest in the Mineração Serra Grande mine in Brazil for $76 million [1][11] - The Mineração Serra Grande mine is the smallest operation by production for AngloGold Ashanti but is one of its higher-cost assets, and divesting it allows for better resource allocation towards more productive operations [2][11] - The company has also sold interests in two gold projects in Côte d'Ivoire to Resolute Mining Limited, indicating a strategic shift towards higher-priority development assets [3][4] Financial Position - AngloGold Ashanti's financial position has significantly improved, with the adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio decreasing to 0.15X in Q1 2025 from 0.86X in Q1 2024, and the company ended the quarter with $3 billion in liquidity [5][11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AU's 2025 sales is projected at $8.85 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 52.8%, while earnings are expected to be $4.99 per share, indicating a 125.8% increase year-over-year [13] Production and Strategy - The company aims to implement the underhand drift and fil UHDF mining method at Obuasi, targeting an annual production of around 400,000 ounces at competitive costs by 2028 [6] - Portfolio optimization remains a key priority for AngloGold Ashanti, as evidenced by its recent divestitures and focus on enhancing operational efficiency [5][11] Market Performance - AngloGold Ashanti's stock has appreciated by 44.5% year to date, outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry growth of 23.6% [10] - The company is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 9.68X, which is below the industry average of 12.87X, indicating potential value [12]

Group 1 - AngloGold Ashanti's stock closed at $46.40, down 3.93% from the previous trading session, underperforming the S&P 500, which gained 1.11% [1] - The stock has increased by 9.67% over the past month, outperforming the Basic Materials sector's gain of 2.17% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.92% [1] Group 2 - The upcoming earnings disclosure for AngloGold Ashanti is anticipated, with projected earnings per share (EPS) of $1.29, reflecting a 115% increase year-over-year, and revenue expected to be $2.29 billion, a 66% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are predicted to be $4.91 per share and revenue at $8.75 billion, indicating increases of 122.17% and 51.09% respectively from the previous year [3] Group 3 - Recent analyst estimate revisions for AngloGold Ashanti suggest confidence in the company's business performance and profit potential [3] - The Zacks Rank system, which evaluates estimate changes, currently ranks AngloGold Ashanti as 1 (Strong Buy), with a historical average annual return of +25% for 1 stocks since 1988 [5] Group 4 - AngloGold Ashanti's Forward P/E ratio is 9.84, which is lower than the industry average Forward P/E of 13.02, indicating a potential valuation discount [6] - The Mining - Gold industry, part of the Basic Materials sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 53, placing it in the top 22% of over 250 industries [6][7]

Key Takeaways Gold prices have been on the rise over the past several months, which has given a boost to stocks linked to gold mining. Rising geopolitical tensions, especially the ongoing tensions in the Middle East between Iran and Israel, with the United States now having joined the conflict, have been helping gold prices. Given the current situation, investing in gold mining stocks such as Royal Gold, Inc. (RGLD) , Franco- Nevada Corporation (FNV) , Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (HMY) and AngloGold ...